 |
5
(2 votes)
| Rating | Rated by | | | 9 | Unknown | | | | 1 | AlexMoray | |
You must login to vote
|
|
|
*Warning:
This story contains extreme violence and offensive language. This story deals with the future as I view it, not to intentionally offend anyone. Other than that, enjoy...
Project
S.T.A.R.
(Special Tactics Agents of the Resistance)
Prologue
100 years in the future.....
The world has changed. World population has just crossed it's ten billion mark and overcrowding and poverty is at an all time high. Nature has lost it's battle as thousands of species have become extinct or destroyed for the benefit of man. Destructive waste products and pollution have literally wasted away the ozone layer. Scientists worked 25 years testing and preparing an immense, world wide, manmade biosphere that surrounds the whole earth 200 miles above the ground. Three times the size of Earth itself, the biosphere has two main purposes: Repel the dangerous rays of the ozone layer, and also to protect the earth from asteroids. 60 years ago an asteroid the size of Hawaii came rushing from outer space at a speed so fast that NASA didn't catch on to it until it was about 72 hours from impact. Nuclear weapons were prepared to launch but could not because the asteroid was already breaking into the atmosphere. In a matter of hours, it was en-route to crash into the Pacific Ocean. Evacuation was a very hard task that brought on widespread panic and hysteria. The entire west coast and most of the midwest was evacuated with the asteroid clocked in to crash in mere hours. Everyone didn't escape. When it did crash, all underwater life in a 600 mile radius was destroyed and a gigantic tidal wave bore down, obliterating everything until stopping at the Rocky Mountains.
The eastern United States was now as populated as ever. Cities were stiff with overcrowding. Small towns were now turning into big areas. But it still wasn't enough. Not for the U.S., not for anyone in the world experiencing overcrowding. But then, a solution came up. NATO notified every head of every country in the world for a meeting of distress. There they put all differences aside for the best decisions of the free world. At the meeting, they came up with the biosphere plan. They also created the idea of metropolination. A new word added to Webster's dictionary, metropolination means " to come together". The idea was to expand city areas with other cities (ex. New York and New Jersey. Using metropolination, these cities would combine by building more city areas and residential areas until the gap between them is filled. In other words, to become one.). The idea was a big hit. Poverty percentage dropped, millions of jobs were there for the people who needed them. For once, the world was working together. In about 20 years the boundaries between major cities was filled forever. Technology was getting better and better by the day it seemed. Everything was growing rapidly. But, so was CRIME.
By the end of the metropolination era, CRIME was bigger than it had ever been before. It was now the #1 killer of Americans. Not some disease like AIDS, which was cured years ago. Not road fatalities or drinking or cigarettes, but CRIME. From petty thievery to flawless plans, CRIME was killing innocents by the millions each year. It was an unstoppable force, the police seemed like a pushover to the geniuses of CRIME. This is the soul reason the Anthrax co. was created. The Anthrax corporation was a shady organization of unknown, yet brilliant scientists. The same who were over the famed Area 51 in Nevada. Anthrax had a solution to CRIME. Their plan to stop CRIME was downright evil, but it would prove effective.
About 11 years ago, Anthrax selected 100 human embryos for "scientific testing". These abandoned humans were from saved abortions, secret human clones, and frozen embryos. Then, Anthrax started growing them. When the humans were developed enough, Anthrax inserted a powerful microscopic chip in their brains, which was designed for many uses, which you will learn later. When they were "born" the addition of the microchip gave the kids an over the average IQ. They were geniuses. They were then put up for adoption soon after birth. They were adopted quickly, none were left. The Anthrax officials told their adoptive parents about the children's high IQ and that they were going to be making special Anthrax schools all over Antopolis for people with such a high IQ like the child or children they adopted. They won the parents over when they said the private schooling would be free of charge. They didn't say anything about the microchips. Schooling in the future was a bit different from the schooling of the past. When the students reached middle school, they had to live in the now advanced schools for 4 days and then have a three day weekend at home. Schools now had clean bunks and bathrooms for students. The special schools for the kids used state of the art technology that Anthrax created from its alien research at Area 51. Things like the brain stem lobe, which students put over their eyes and when they pressed a button, they learned their entire lessons in less than a second. It took regular students the whole day. During the rest of the time the experimental kids spent in their early years at the Anthrax schools, the Anthrax teachers taught them little by little of what the kid's purpose was and what they would have to do. This special brainwashing technique was preparing the children of when they would turn 11 and start their grisly tasks that the scientists had given them life for. By the time they were 10, the Anthrax children were intelligent, strong-willed, and strange. They had a seriousness that kids their age would never have. They were mature before their time. When the children would turn 11 years of age, their microchips would activate, taking over the children's lives and freedom. Before they were born though, Anthrax had pre-chosen one city to test their children on. One city was richer, bigger, and dangerous than any other. Anthrax chose the city of Antopolis, the biggest metropolination city in the world. Over 300 miles wide spanning from New York to Washington D.C. and a population of over 425 million, CRIME was a super factor here. The 100 children were spread out over this 300 mile radius. Twenty children each went to the five Anthrax schools in Antopolis. At age 11 they would start the planned destiny that Anthrax had given them.
These 100 children would be given a fate that would carry them for the rest of their lives. The Anthrax co. cared nothing about feelings, as long as the job got done. The kids would fight CRIME with the advanced alien technology that Anthrax had developed. They named it Project S.T.A.R. .The children would be forced to use this for the twisted and warped visions for the sake of mankind. They would have no life of their own at all, only mindless slaves used as pawns in a war against an unstoppable force, CRIME. This is the legacy of one of them who dreamed of freedom. This is his story...
Present Day...
I was drifting in air. All around me strange shapes and floating pink clouds twirled and danced in midair. I tried moving but all it did was make me stop floating. Then I was falling without felling the rush of adrenaline or the gravity snatching me to the ground. Fuzzy animals laughed and sang while they drunk liquor and- Suddenly the fuzzy clouds and the intoxicated animals disappeared to reveal my bedroom. Just a dream. Someone was shaking me. "Felix, Felix. Time to wakeup birthday boy." said my mother. My name is Felix Alvarado and today is my 11th birthday! I sat up groggily and yawned. "Mom, just a few minutes, pleeeeease???" She nodded sarcastically. "Nope sleepyhead. You know that your school wants all of you there early to start with the big all day party they are giving you guys. You wouldn't want to miss that, would you?" Who really cares? All they do is talk anyways. I thought as I climbed out of bed and struggled towards the bathroom.
After I had washed up and cleaned myself I treated myself to a Vita-bar. A Vita-bar was a revolutionary food source. Once eaten, a person would not have to eat for the rest of the day. Today I felt different though. Not because of my 11th birthday, but because I felt that something very important was going to happen. My mom and dad were sitting down debating about moving to another section of Antopolis. They had been considering it for the longest. "The crime rate here is terrible! It can be a good neighborhood one day and a gang warfare zone another!" said my father. My mother disagreed. "This place we live in is considered safe when compared to the other places. If only the police did their job..." but she was cut off by my father. "The police are nothing but assholes who only work for money. They don't protect and serve anyone but themselves." So many things were running through my head about this day. SOMETHING big was going to happen. I could feel it. Without thinking, I blurted out, "Um...why was everyone at my school born on the same day?" They were suddenly quiet. They stared at me as if I had a bullseye painted on my forehead. "Well,....that is the reason you go to that school. Because you are gifted." stuttered my Pop. That still didn't answer any questions. "Mom, what time was I born?" I said for no apparent reason. She looked at my father hoping for an escape. "Why do you ask dear?" she said, shifting on the couch. "I just want to know. What time was I born on this day?" I said slowly. She finally answered, "You.....and all the other students who go to your school were born exactly 12noon. Why do I want to know this? I asked myself dumbfounded.
It was a Monday, so that meant that I would have to go to school for 4 days and then come home early Friday afternoon. As I packed and double-checked everything, my parents came into my room. "Be ready to have a big birthday bash as soon as you come home son." my mom said. "But, before you go, we'll let you open just one." she said. I grabbed one of the 8 presents and ripped it open like a savage. My eyes widened. "This is AWESOME! Mortal Kombat 20 for Playstation8! With more gore than ever! Thanks guys!". A smile of appreciation crossed their faces and we all had a group hug. That was the last time I would ever have a childhood. Also the last time I would have any innocence at all.
I got to the school at about 8am. There was a lot of noise coming from the inside, which was unusual because everyone was always quiet. After I put my things on my bunk, my good friend Alex ran inside and slammed right into me, making us both fall. We looked at each other and just laughed. "What's going on?" I asked. He smiled. "It's a free day because of our birthdays! The teachers bought some cool shit for us! Everyone is in the gym now playing dodgeball! Hurry up!" he yelled as he jumped up and ran out of the room. As I put my gym clothes on I felt a shudder. My brain was still doing summersaults because of this day. Nothing but one day. Just one stupid day, why am I worrying myself to death over this? I shook my head. But I couldn't get it out of my head. Something big is going to happen, TODAY.
I couldn't shake the awful feeling. All through the day I was on edge. I tried to cover it up by pretending to be like everyone else. No matter what I did or how much fun I had, I kept looking at the clock. 9am. 9:30. 10am. 10:30. This went on and on until about 11:54am. Six minutes from the time we were all born... I had to tell someone about this. I couldn't trust the teachers. How can you trust anyone that doesn't even tell you their real name? We just called the teachers, teachers. I had to tell one of my friends. I looked around and saw Taylor. Taylor was a girl who was also a good friend of mine. She would listen to me. I ran through the crowd of partying kids searching for her. There! She was next to the digital 3D video games. I ran up to her. "Taylor! I need to speak to you!" I said. "Not now Felix, I almost at level 12!" Taylor was a technological genius. She never lost any kind of simulated game. Ever. Her stuck-up friends were crowded around her. They sneered at me. "Why don't you just leave jackass?" one of them said. But I was too nervous to listen to them. 11:56am. "Taylor come on!" I yelled, grabbing at her sleeve. "Felix I have never said this but, FUCK off!" she said as the machine lurched and twisted to make the gaming experience more real. The girls laughed. I snatched the 3D virtual eyepieces from her eyes and yanked her from the damned machine. "FELIX! STOP!" she said. But I kept my hold on her arm as I pulled her to a secluded spot. 11:58am. "What is wrong with you?! You have never acted this way before!" she practically yelled while snatching her arm out of my grasp. "Something big is about to happen." she prepared to walk away. "LISTEN TO ME! At 12 o'clock something is going to happen and I don't think it is any good!" she stood still staring at me. 11:59am. "Have you ever stopped to think, why was everyone here born on the same day? At the same time?" I said questioningly. She narrowed her eyes, "Where are you getting at?" she asked. "Everyone here was born on the same day, same exact time. 12noon today. Isn't that a little bit weird to you?" I asked. 30 seconds. She threw her hands up. "Felix this is the dumbest thing you have ever tried. If you have a crush on me then you could have came up with something a little more smarter." she said acidly as she walked away. No! I don't have a crush on you! Well, maybe just a bit... I thought frantically. 20 seconds. I sat down as everything suddenly went in slow motion. 15 seconds. The kids running around chaotically, doing whatever they want, however they want. 10 seconds. The teachers, all 100 of them standing, watching, waiting with smiles on their faces. 5 seconds. Taylor walking away from me, thinking that I have a crush on her. The digital clock read 11:59:59. Then-
FLASH! Suddenly I was dazed and confused. I teetered on my feet, struggling for balance. FLASH! I felt it again! A sharp pain inside my head! FLASH! A third time! I felt as if my legs had been cut off and I fell to the floor. I looked around to see all of the students being affected by the sharp flashes in their heads. They fell, ran into each other, some even lied still like me. I knew it! I knew something was going to hap- FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! "AHHHHHHHHHH! AH, AH, AHHHHHH!" I screamed. But I wasn't the only one. Students everywhere were holding their heads in pain and twisting and turning on the floor. I tried to move but I couldn't! My arms wouldn't move, my legs wouldn't budge! I could only lie there watching my friends and schoolmates shake and scream! Taylor! She was on the ground clawing and slapping her head like a demon had flown into her skull. FLASHFLASHFLASHFLASHFLASHFLASH! My brain felt like it was going to explode! I started frothing at the mouth and blood seeped out of my ears and eyes. All the while I could not move anything. I could not even close my eyes to get away from all the carnage I was seeing. I couldn't think straight. I couldn't see straight. I'm going to die. Was my last thought before I was knocked unconscious by one last flash! FLASH!
Suddenly, I was awake. All around me kids were on the ground unconscious or maybe worse. I still could not move, but I could control my eyes and eyelids. My face was soaked with my own froth and blood. Wha....whAt tHE heLL haPpeneD? I thought slowly and painfully. All around me kids started to wake and stir. No one could move. Whirrrr! I could hear a faint whirring sound coming from deep in my head. ThiS shIt is VeRY sCAry. I thought with fear. Then.....I could move! First my arms, then my legs, then my whole body. So did everyone else. I stood up expecting pain, but I felt normal. No pain at all. Suddenly someone started screaming again. "Ahhhhhhhhh! What happened! Leave me alone! Get out of my head! Ahhhhhhhh!" Then the girl suddenly started shaking and she fell to the floor and was in a horrible body spasm. Then she stopped and just lay there. Everyone looked at her. "Everyone, stay calm." came a loud voice. We all turned in the direction of the voice. In front of us was all the teachers and about 30 soldiers. They were dressed in all black and they had fully equipped machine guns strapped around their shoulders. "No one move at all or you will feel some more shocks to the brain." Said a gruff, dangerous looking man. He was about 6'4" and was very built and lean. Evil was too good of a name for describing him. He had a sinister look in his eyes, like a killer. He eyed all of us. "My name.....is of no concern to you. You may call me "the Minister". I am here to tell you of you purpose in life. To tell your goddamn asses why you are even on this god forsaken shithole you call Earth. Just watch and learn." he said as he signaled the guard over by the light switches. The guard moved aside a hidden compartment and pressed a black button. The ground now started to lower. Like one big elevator on a warship, the gym floor started to sink into the darkness below, containing all the kids, teachers, soldiers, and "the Minister". We went deeper and deeper and deeper.....
About a minute or two later, we were about 300 feet underground. But the further we went down, all we saw were offices and cameras and science labs. Also hundreds of computers and vaults. What is this?! This is supposed to be a school for gifted students! I thought frantically but I couldn't take my eyes away from all of it. This place was a fortress! Then the elevator came to a crunching lurch as it landed on the steel platform below. "Get off and march to the warehouse straight ahead!" yelled "the Minister". This place was like some kind of technological underground town. It was huge. We entered the warehouse. There were three floors, but they were all blocked off by a blue haze. An old, but able man was sitting in front of a computer connected to a 10 feet tall database. "the Minister" walked in front of us and talked to the man for a few moments. I was scared. The kids around me were shaking, some even with tears in their eyes. The guards surrounded us, machine guns drawn. A loud STOMP surprised everyone. "Listen up! You all need to listen to this man. He will tell you all you need to know. Anyone tries to escape, you will be shot." said "the Minister" as he turned and walked out of the warehouse.
The old man seemed to look at each and every one of us. His piercing blue eyes felt like daggers in the heart. "My name is Dr. Kraken," he started as he paced back and forth. "11 years ago to the day, me and my colleagues started a research program titled Project S.T.A.R. CRIME is the #1 killer of Americans this day and age. We know how to stop it once and for all. Today 11 years ago, we grew 100 embryos at our head laboratories in Nevada. We grew these embryos, but not before installing microchips into their heads. The things you felt today inside your heads were the microchips, programmed to go off at 11 years of age. We made you for the sole purpose of getting rid of CRIME. No we are not the police. We will not attempt to stop small crimes. We are going for the big ones. Heists. Explosive threats. Hostage incidents. Espionage operations. We are going to crush the heart of CRIME starting at the top. You were born for the sole purpose of obeying our commands at Anthrax. There are twenty of you at this gifted school. There are twenty more at another, and another, and another, and another. You are the 100 embryos that we created. You are the first 100 of 1,000 advanced soldiers that we plan to create. The others are spread out over the entire 300 miles of the beautiful city of Antopolis. With our alien technology that we discovered at Area 51, you are going to be using the most advanced, superior, technological weapons and instruments that man is not going to discover for another 100 or even 200 years. You will be trained, you will be ready, and you WILL do it. If not, then your special microchip in your head will shock you at a Level 5 setting. This morning, when you microchips shocked you, that was only a Level 1 shocking. A Level 5 shocking will kill you and anyone else that is around in a diameter of 10 feet. So don't fuck with us." he said sternly.
"Unlock the force field!" Dr. Kraken yelled to one of the operators. The blue haze suddenly disappeared. Behind it was an awesome full body suit and helmet. The suit had metallic colored chest-plates and the helmet was made to cover the head and neck. It had a silver and black tone. The sleeves and legs of the suit were both jet-black. The boots and gloves were both metallic. "This is the suit and helmet that you will be using. This is not an ordinary suit though. It is like a walking super computer. If a human is inside the suit, their microchip is tapped into the helmet. Kind of like the Internet. The human's chip acts as a modem. The suit acts as a server. All you have to do is think of a command for the suit, and it does it. I need a volunteer." he said. No one moved. "You come here now!" he yelled while pointing into the crowd. One of the guards came over and shoved the boy over to Dr. Kraken. "Get you ass over there!" he said angrily. It was Alex! Dr. Kraken touched him softly on his head. "Now my boy, I am going to open the suit and I want you to climb inside. Ok?" he said gently.
Alex nodded fast because he was scared to death. What if this thing hurts Alex? I thought, afraid for my friend. Dr. Kraken pressed a button located under the breastplate of the suit and it opened with a hiiissssssssssss. Gas was released into the air and then the suit was fully opened. "Now my boy, get in!" said Dr. Kraken meanly. Alex shivered as he slipped inside the padded interior of the super suit. Dr. Kraken pressed the button and the suit closed in on Alex. "It's tooo big sirrr." said Alex with fear. "Not to worry. The suit will reconfigure to fit any one of any size." Sure enough, the suit started to shrink! It grew smaller until it was Alex's size and then stopped. Wow. "Can you move?" asked Dr. Kraken. Alex shook his head no. "That is where you put the helmet on. And I advise you, you will not be in control of your brain for about 10 seconds." Before Alex could reply, Dr. Kraken unhooked the helmet and latched it on Alex's head. Alex didn't move. After about 10 seconds, the suit shook and rattled. Then stopped. All of us gasped as the suit started walking. Alex was in full control of the suit. He moved his arms and legs. Dr. Kraken smiled. He had been waiting for this moment for 11 years. "Now, I want you to visualize yourself talking. Focus." said Dr. Kraken. Suddenly a soft "Hello?" echoed from our heads. Dr. Kraken smiled. "He is talking to you by using his microchip. Anyone with a microchip in their heads will be able to communicate this way if you are within a 5 mile radius of each other. Us here at Anthrax will always be able to hear what you say or pinpoint your exact location by using you microchip as a tracking device. Your microchips will be able to control anything we have created for you. Whether it's the suit or an advanced vehicle that we have created for you, your microchip will be able to control it. Now boy, I want you look at the lower chest of your suit. I want you to visualize the chest opening from the sides." ended Dr. Kraken. All eyes were on Alex. Then.....CLICK! Both sides of his suit opened to reveal two .45 caliber Magnums. I wasn't so scared now. This shit was cool! Dr. Kraken removed one of the guns. "These guns aren't just regular Magnums. They use bullets that are no bigger than the ball inside of a mouse on a computer. But they do double the damage. The can fly farther, faster, and their impact force is better than any other gun on the market. Once inside the body they ricochet through the victim. They can pierce almost anything." said Dr. Kraken. Suddenly he aimed the gun at Alex and fired! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! The noise was deafening as Alex lurched and fell to the ground. I was horrified. My best friend had been killed in front of my eyes! I felt like crying, screaming, and fighting at the same time. But then, Alex struggled to his feet. Huh? "They can pierce almost anything....but not this armor. He is well alive. He might be dizzy, but alive." said Dr. Kraken. What have they done to us? I thought with confusion. "We will train you. You will fight for us. Your parents will think you are in school, but you will be out in Antopolis, fighting 4 days out of the week. You life is mine." he said with a wicked laugh as he signaled to two guards dressed in black. The guards walked towards Alex, with silver, small pipes in their hands. The pipes were attached to a tank on both of the guards' back. "NOW!" cried Dr. Kraken. The guards took aim at Alex and fired. FWOOSH! Flamethrowers! The heat was intense! Even though we were about 30 feet away, the heat felt unbearable. After about 15 seconds of burning Alex to a crisp, he remained standing. "See children! The suit is indestructible!" Dr. Kraken replied with a laugh. We all stared in awe. We would be in those suits. We would kick major ass. This might not be so bad after all. I thought excitedly.
3 years later....
VROOOOM! VRRROOOOOOOOOM! This was bad. I gripped the handlebars of my specialized Anthrax super-cycle as I ripped in and out of traffic. The suspects were ahead, dangerously speeding through the busy streets of Antopolis in a white van. These psycho-paths had stolen about half a ton of C4 and stashed it in their van. During the arrest, the police were killed and the suspects escaped in a van. The bad thing is, they were taunting us with their C4 and now throwing it into the street! "Take this bitch!" one of the bastards yelled as he tossed a bar of C4 out of the van! Someone was about to get injured very seriously. I contacted the other members in my squad. "Guys we have a problem! The assholes are now throwing the C4 out in the street! I need someone to neutralize it before people get killed!" I screamed to my other 4 teammates thanks to my microchip. "Alex and Tim, hang back and neutralize as many C4 explosives as you can. Felix, Taylor, you two follow me." said our squad leader Ray. BEEP! BEEP! BEEEEEP! Whoa! I narrowly dodged a package of C4 and a car. Behind me Taylor and Ray picked up speed. We flew through traffic in dangerous single-file to avoid getting hit. "They're coming! Throw more out!" screamed someone from the van. HISSSSSSS, THUMP! HISSSSSSS, THUMP! HISSSSSSS THUMP! Too many explosives were being thrown out! Tim and Alex couldn't collect them all! Then.......BOOOOOOOOM! A patch of cars exploded into a building. BOOOOOOOOOM! A crowded restaurant was reduced to rubble. They were killing innocents! People were lying on the ground burning with their skin melting off! "We can't let them just do this! I'm going ahead to shoot out their tires." I said. Ray had other ideas. "Felix, we cannot try anything right now! We are almost out of our zone anyways. Remember the rules, do not cross anyone else's zone!" he yelled to me. I hated Ray. People were dieing and all he could think about was rules. "Do what you want, I am not going to just give up on this. More people will die!" I said in disobedience. Disobeying a squad leader was against the Anthrax law. Who cares? BOOOOOOOOM! They continued to throw C4 into the crowd, buildings, and shops. As they roared past Oak Ave. we couldn't go any further. The other squad would have to capture them. I was mad with anger. "Stop your vehicle right now Felix! You are breaking the law by crossing the other team's zone and disobeying me! THAT'S AN ORDER!" screamed Ray with unmistakable authority. "Fuck you." I said as I roared the super-cycle into the other zone.
I could hear Ray and Taylor try to command me to come back. But no. These terrorists were not going to get away. VROOOOOOOOOOOM! I accelerated to 120 mph and started to gain more ground on the van. I was all alone. No one else in my group or any of the agents had ever broken the sacred rules by going into another group's zone. They continued to throw C4 out and around me. HISSSSSSSS! BOOOOOOOOM! HISSSSSSSSS! BOOOOOOOOOOM! I dodged in and around them. CRUSH! A burnt SUV landed right in front of me! I couldn't slow down in time! The front of my super-cycle hit the car at about 90 mph. I flew through the air and landed roughly 50 feet away. A landing like that would have killed a human. But not an Anthrax agent. The villains yelled in triumph as the sped away towards Brooklyn bridge. I climbed to my feet in anger. They will not get away. I thought as I ran back to wreck. Burning debris flew all around me. I hoisted myself back on the super-cycle, which was still about 90% effective. Instead of trying to catch the criminals again, I drove over to a hill overlooking the bridge. I could see the van now, just entering the bridge. The Firebird squad was now on the other side of the bridge, waiting to intercept the criminals. They even had the bridge closed down. They were on the other side of the bridge, weapons drawn. But they would never catch the criminals. I wouldn't neither. I would kill them for all the killing that they had already done to who knows how many innocents. "Computer, open super-cycle defense mechanisms. Defenses open. Choose your weapon: (1)smart bombs (2) smoke bombs (3) missiles/ a. heat seeking b. regular c. nuclear (4) machine guns " I select 3a. heat seeking missiles." The sides of my super-cycle now opened to reveal two twin heat seeking missiles. Targeting on. And then a scope appeared on my face screen. I focused on the van, which was now in the middle of the bridge. "Fire!" I thought as the missiles propelled away from my super-cycle. SWOOOOOOOOSH! They followed the van. BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! The idiots tried shooting the missiles out of the sky, but too late. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The C4 in the van counteracted with the missiles as one HUGE explosion sent shock waves throughout Antopolis. I was thrown to the ground by the sheer force of the blast. When I looked up, there was no Brooklyn Bridge. All that remained was a smoldering inferno now falling into the Hudson River. I looked at my handiwork, thinking that I had done a great job. The Firebird squad didn't look so happy though.
Anthrax headquarters...
I had done a good deed. I had saved lives. The death toll from the C4 explosions downtown was a staggering 29. And to think Ray wanted me to pull back! That death toll would've been much higher if not for me. But when I got back to headquarters, or my "school", everyone acted like I had committed murder. There was no one there to congratulate me on bringing the enemy down myself. No one said, "Felix! Great job!" or "That is the most courageous thing I have ever heard of." All I heard was the intercom blaring: "Felix Alvarado, report to the conference room for trial-and-error at 3:30pm."
Oh, shit. Why the hell are they going to give me a trial for saving lives?! I don't know WHAT I did wrong! But I knew exactly what I did wrong. I disobeyed orders. I can't lie about it because the Anthrax operators are always monitoring our conversations through the microchips. We have no privacy at all once we were in the suits. It was about 3:15 as I sent my suit off to maintenance and dressed in my best. When I entered the room I shared with 4 other people, Alex was there, going through his drawer. "Hey man. I-" I started but he cut me off. "Don't you even try to talk to me. You're really fucked now, you know that? Don't try to get me on your good side." he said heatedly. I was stunned. Alex and I had never had a disagreement. Especially since these assholes started playing with our lives. "I guess you aren't going to congratulate me either." I said without looking at him. He stood up. "Taylor, Ray, Tim, and I are going to testify against you in the trial. We also have the Firebird squad here as witness' to you blowing up the van." he said plainly. I just stared at him, not believing my squad's betrayal. "This isn't a joke. The shits hit the fan now bro. I wish you luck." he said fakely as he walked out of the room.
Conference room; 3:30pm...
The conference room is like a very big hexagon. Imagine a basketball court. Now take that basketball court and imagine it as a hexagon. During trials, the defendant sits alone in the small section of the room. In the front of the room sits the plaintiffs. All the witnesses, officials, squads, and operators sit on receding chairs, one row above the other. The defendant defends themselves. This is impossible because of all the plaintiffs. So really, there is no way a defendant ever won an Anthrax trial. Right now I sat nervously as about 30 or so plaintiffs sat in front of me, reviewing their notes and occasionally pointing and looking at me like I was some kind of freak. I tried to get some kind of help from my squad-mates by staring into each of their eyes. Taylor turned away from my prying eyes. Tim was a friend but now an enemy as he flipped me off. I didn't even look at my ex-best friend Alex. Ray showed anger and disapproval in his smile. After all, he hated me. Suddenly the transparent door opened and "the Minister" and Dr. Kraken walked inside. There was no jury. "the Minister" and Dr. Kraken always carried out the sentences, which were always brutal. Without any haste and raise of his hand, Dr. Kraken signaled everyone to stand. This is it. I thought as I prepared to go before a cutthroat trial.
"Felix Alvarado, Agent #27, you are charged of disobeying a commanding officer, illegally entering another squad's zone without permission, the deaths of 5 terrorists with the use of a deadly weapon, and the destruction of a hundred-million dollar bridge." said "the Minister" without any remorse. "Do you understand the charges?" he said. I nodded. "Then how do you plead?" he asked. I looked at everyone in the crowd. This was like a public execution. "Guilty, sir." I said as I let out a deep breath. Everyone in the crowd started murmuring about me. Dr. Kraken looked at me, studying me. As he stood up, everyone suddenly got quiet. He stared at me, unblinking. "Felix, I have never heard of you. What is your position on you squad?" he asked. I looked at the ground and muttered, "I am a follower." Gasps were heard from the crowd. A follower was just a low-level soldier that had never been promoted. I was the only follower in my group, and it had been that way for the past 3 years. I knew what everyone was thinking. How could a follower do something on his own? "the Minister" tilted his head suspiciously. "Followers are required by Anthrax law to obey all superior officers. It shows here that you are the only follower in your group. You should have been listening to each and everyone in your group, which you did not. Do you agree?" he said loudly. I kinda shook my head. "I don't remember any of them telling me to pull back except Ray." "the Minister" looked unsatisfied. "Run the tape!" he screamed to the operators. A screen was projected from the hologram interface and our conversation started from earlier:
[starts tape]
Felix:
"We can't let them just do this! I'm going ahead to shoot out their tires."
Ray:
"Felix, we cannot try anything right now! We are almost out of our zone anyways. Remember the rules, do not cross anyone else's zone!"
Felix:
"Do what you want, I am not going to just give up on this. More people will die!"
Ray:
"Stop your vehicle right now Felix! You are breaking the law by crossing the other team's zone and disobeying me! THAT'S AN ORDER!"
Felix:
"Fuck you."
[stops tape]
I snickered a little bit on my last remark. "Do you find something funny agent #27?" asked an angered "Minister". What the hell, they're going to kill me anyways, why not be honest? I thought. "Well, to be entirely truthful sir, I have always wanted to say that to Ray." I finished. Laughter erupted from the crowd. Ray shifted in his seat and turned red with anger. Dr. Kraken showed not even the tiniest hint of a smile. Instead, he called on his next witnesses. "Squad # 4 a.k.a. the Firebird squad stand please." he asked. 5 other agents from another zone stood up. "May the squad leader step forward and explain the details that occurred earlier?" asked Dr. Kraken. A dark haired boy with tan skin stepped forward. "At about 2:47pm our squad was notified that a van filled with C4 was just about to enter our zone via the Brooklyn Bridge. We closed the bridge and waited on the other end for the van to show itself. Soon, the van careened through the bridge entrance and we got ready. Before the van was in the middle of the bridge though, two missiles hit the van, causing it and the C4 to explode. All that C4 blew off two-thirds of the Brooklyn Bridge. When we looked up, we noticed agent #27 at the top of a drop-off. He had just shot the missiles." ended the squad leader. "So, in other words, proof of the scam in progress." stated "the Minister". I started evaluating my sentences. They could give me a Level 3 shock, which would affect all my memory. When I woke up I wouldn't know who I was, what I was, where I was. I could be sprayed with a gas that would make all my bodily fluids seep through my pores, which was very fatal and painful so I've heard. I kept on thinking when suddenly, Dr. Kraken said, "Agent #27 it is time for your teammates to choose your fate."
My squad talked in secrecy for less than a minute. Wow, after 3 hard years of sacrifice, they cannot even give me at least 5 minutes before I am found guilty. I thought, now hating all of them. Ray stepped forward to give the final word. "Through non-extensive research, my squad have all voted unanimously that Felix be charged with being guilty of all charges. As you can see, he is a lowly follower, he does nothing! We work better as a team with four agents instead of five. We want your respect when we say that he deserves the most intense punishment you are liable of giving him. That is all." he said, the whole time looking at me smiling. Dr. Kraken's officials talked to him and each other. "the Minister" and Dr. Kraken looked at me and went over a review of what everyone had to say. After about 5 tense minutes, I noticed a pallet of paper being passed around the crowd. After 5 more minutes Dr. Kraken stood up. "Agent #27, there are 30 people in this room right now. Everyone except me has voted on whether you should be charged or not. And everyone has voted that you should be charged of all accounts. No one voted for you. But, the sentence will be passed by me and me only. Do you have anything to say before I give you your sentence?" he asked quickly and sternly. I breathed heavily. "All I can say is, I saw people dieing. I could hear their screams for someone to help them even though they were not going to live another minute. I saw sidewalks, filled with people, go up in flames. And I saw the terrorists. Laughing. Enjoying all of it. I had to stop them. I couldn't let anything like this go on. No matter what." I ended and sat down in grief, unable to look in Dr. Kraken's tricking eyes as he passed my sentence. "Felix Alvarado, agent #27, on five counts of murder, two counts of disobeying orders, two counts of use of a deadly weapon in a pedestrian zone, and one count of reckless destruction, I charge you.......
Everything seemed to go in slow motion. I could see everything. I could see my squad's impatience, waiting for Dr. Kraken to say the simple words "guilty" so they can celebrate. I could see all the officials, staring, watching. I could see it all, without even looking at their faces. ".....NOT guilty of all charges." he ended. People opened their mouths in awe. Faces lost their color as they watched with their own eyes, a murderer, a disobeyer, a mere follower escaped the great Anthrax law. "WHAT THE FUCK?!" replied an angered Ray. He stood up in anger. So did all my teammates. I smiled and stood up in triumph. "YES!" I screamed. I didn't care if anyone disliked me anymore. I was free to go. "But wait agent #27. I am not finished." said Dr. Kraken. I stood still in confusion. "Felix, you showed exceptional bravery and courage in a time of need. People were dieing and you felt touched by the criminals' ruthlessness. And you brought them down, hard. That is why I am willing to overlook your charges." he said. I blew out a deep breath. "But Felix, I am not done. I have never seen a follower with your kind of perpetual audacity. That is why I am demoting your squad leader Ray Kimble and promoting you to squad leader of your squad #5 a. k. a. the Green Daggers." I opened my mouth wide, unable to process what had just happened. Ray sat down hard in shock. I was squad leader. I was prime commander of my group. Everyone in my group now hated me but they had to listen to me. "Felix, I am doing this because I think you are special. You may be just the person we need to crack the heart of CRIME. I want you to do wonderful things Felix, or I am reversing the sentence. Court's adjourn." ended Dr. Kraken.
As I walked back to my room I was still in shock. I walked over to the big computer screen that listed all the agents and their squads. I typed in [Squad #5] and listings popped up instantly. In the front after "squad leader" listed Felix Alvarado agent #27. Yes! It was really true! "ALRIGHT!" I screamed a little too loudly. Fellow students stared at me. All of them seemed very angry of the news that I was convicted not guilty. They should. After all, I was the first person to be convicted not guilty in Anthrax law. I entered my room in high spirits, only to have my happy mood come crashing to rock bottom. Someone had trashed my bunk. My dresser drawer was lying on the floor with all my stuff scattered or stolen. I silently prayed to myself in hopes that my clothes in the closet wasn't touched at all. When I opened the closet, I found all my clothes slashed and torn apart. "DAMN!" I yelled to no one. I had 4 other people sleeping in this room. None of their bunks were tampered with. None of their clothes were ripped. Their stuff was perfect, same as before. Someone intentionally did this to me! I thought angrily. But I couldn't come up with a suspect because now, everyone hated me.
It was Thursday, that meant that I could go home! A three day weekend after four whole days at "school" working my ass off. I hurried so I could catch the Tram. The Tram was a revolutionary way of travel. It was like a subway but much cleaner and no worries about anyone robbing you. It was also faster. My home was about 30 miles away. On the Tram, I could get there in 10 minutes. As I sat in silence, I thought about my life and Anthrax. Would I ever have a normal life? In the beginning I should've been angered at the fact that I was born only to fight mankind's battles. But I was blinded by that because of the awesome suit. Now I wanted an escape. I can remember what we went through like yesterday....
3 years earlier....
They were going to be training us. Getting us ready physically and mentally. Some kids were scared. Some were excited. I felt a mix of everything. I was disturbed by what they told us but, I was anxious for the power. We trained for a full 6 months. Target practice, hand-to-hand combat, technology preparing, endurance exercises. It was hell. It was no better with "the Minister" and his officials always hitting us, punching us, beating us if we got out of line. Those that acted foolishly or tried to escape received a deadly shock to the brain by the microchip. We received vehicle training in specially-made Anthrax vehicles. Mind-link and all kinds of other shit you have never heard of before and never will. There were only twenty of us at that one Anthrax station. There were twenty more at another. And another. And another. In all there was five Anthrax schools with twenty pupils each. We all were getting our fill of it. Then came the moment of truth. One day we were all called to the conference room. There we were explained of what was to happen to us. Everyone was to be in squads of five. Throughout our 18 hour days we would control our respective zones. Sixty miles to patrol for each group. Whenever there was trouble, Anthrax operators would alert us through our microchips. No one was to cross into another squads' zone. Ever. My squad consisted of me, my best friend Alex, Taylor, Tim, and Ray. I got along with everyone fine except Ray. We always had beef with each other. I hated him. In a squad, you could be promoted by exceptional things you have done while on duty. The first rank was the follower, which everyone started off as. The second rank was the weapon specialist. Third was the Tactical officer. Fourth was the technological warfare consultant, who was also 2nd in command. Fifth was the highest honor. Only one person could have a fifth rank and that was the squad leader. I am not going to be a follower for long. I thought with envy as Ray was promoted to squad leader. Everyone was getting nicknames for their squads. We dubbed the nickname "the Green Daggers" squad. Our motto was to stab CRIME in every possible way. This was hard because Anthrax selected "The Wall Street Centre" for our zone. The Wall Street Centre was a 60 mile zone that was very rich and prestigious. It was almost always peaceful. Just small-time crime which we were not allowed to handle. We were bored most of the time when others just like us were fighting and destroying evil. Everyone excelled in their ranks but I remained a lowly follower. No matter what I said or what suggestions I gave, they where not paid attention to because of my rank. Once I lead the way through a successful mission and Ray took full credit for it. The squad leaders and squads were arranged in the computers. Every time a squad completed a mission, they were given 5 points. If something went wrong, 5 points were taken away. The best squads had the highest points. We were at #6 with 225 points. It was all possibly because of my ideas and still I wasn't promoted. Fuck this, I want a real life. I thought angrily.....
Present date; 5 min. later...
TSEEEEEEEEEEEER! The Tram slowed to a stop at the Western Antopolis Station. Every Thursday when I came home, I went through the same routine. As usual, I walked to the same bench and sat down, awaiting my parents. As usual, I studied people as they walked by. Antopolis has the biggest criminal population in the whole world, estimated at about 90 million. So there had to be warped people walking by me. But I was distracted by the 50 ft. tall viewing screen that showed news and stock picks throughout the day. A reporter named Kent Wilkerson was standing on the screen speaking in a very serious tone. "Today it seems that the mysterious group of armored rouges have done their worst damage to Antopolis. After capturing some terrorists with half a ton of explosives, five of the six terrorists escaped with the rest of the explosives. Then the renegades showed up and a high speed chase ignited. The speed of the renegades was too intense for local police. Terrorists threw explosives into the streets of Antopolis and 29 people lost their lives. A lot more would have died if not for the renegade soldiers. They neutralized 13 explosives during the chase. A helicopter crew videotaped the tremendous chase as one remaining rogue chased after the criminals alone." Then the screen starting the tape of my daring capture of the killers. Everyone around me watched and was startled as I tumbled over the car. The camera darted over to the van now crossing the bridge. Then, BOOM! The van was no more. "A tremendous explosion destroyed Brooklyn Bridge completely. Behind me you can now see the terrible traffic, which is backed up four miles now with people trying to commute home." Then the screen cut to the Mayor of Antopolis, Gregory Smiles. He looked dumbfounded. "These people who think they can take the law in their own hands are foolishly putting themselves in harms way. I speak for all of Antopolis when I say, We don't need your help!" he ended. Back to Kent now. "The vigilantes have been fighting extreme cases of CRIME all over Antopolis for about 3 years. The FBI, CIA, MIB, or any other covert government organization has been unable to locate any information about them." The station was packed with people and all eyes were on the screen. I played along also but inside, I was smiling. Then, "Felix!", came a voice. I turned in time to see my mom calling me to the car.
"So what did you learn this week?" she asked. What can I lie about now? I thought. In the "school" we had the brain-stem helmets. We could learn all our schooling in just seconds. Only Anthrax had this technology. "We learned how to do the right things no matter what." I said. She looked at me funny. "That's better than some of the stuff they taught us." She said. I remained silent as we continued home. Throughout the past three years, I had found it very hard to even communicate with my parents. I wished that I could tell them everything. But I didn't want to risk getting them killed by Anthrax.
"Round 4, FIGHT!" the electronic machine pronounced. "I'll win this round Felix! With one punch yo' ass is dead!" screamed my neighborhood friend Virgil. We were playing Virtual Reality Boxing at the arcade near the Antopolis mall. I had Mike Tyson Jr. and he had the legendary Muhammed Ali. He swung and swung but I dodged repeatedly. I waited to the right time then...boom, boom, BOOM! A swift uppercut sent him sprawling. He tried to get back up but Ali was too weak. Ding, ding! Winner by T. K. O., Mike Tyson Jr.! We took off the V-R helmets and laughed. "How about a soda? Your treat." I asked him. He was about to respond when someone pushed me from behind. I toppled over someone who was carrying a serving dish of drinks. SLOSH! I didn't care who I had made fall, but I cared about who pushed me. When I looked up, there was Ray and Alex. Virgil helped me up. "Hey man, what the hell is your problem?!" I said angrily as I brushed myself off. Ray stepped closer to my face. "I can't stand they way you just prance around school thinking you're the big man on campus. Just because you got a lucky break today doesn't mean it changes things." he said. "Well it does. It means that I don't have to put up with your ass anymore. It's the other way around." I said through clenched teeth. "And I know you two trashed my stuff today. Why don't you admit it? Alex, I thought you were my friend. You suck up to Ray so much I could swear that you was his bitch or something." I yelled in Alex's face. He looked shocked and lunged for me. We were on the ground, twirling and wrestling. I pinned Alex by the hands and punched him in the nose. Bap! Blood seeped from his nose. Ray grabbed me by the collar and threw me off of Alex. Bam! My back hit the side of an arcade machine. People were now crowding by us and yelling, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" Ray jacked me up by my feet and raised his fist to punch me. Then, Wham! Boom! Virgil dived into Ray, knocking over a machine. Alex was standing back up now. I ran over to him and knocked his feet out from under him. Bap! Bap! Bap! That was the sound of me hitting Alex over and over again. He lay on the floor curled into a protective ball. I turned around just in time to see Ray shove Virgil over a table. I grabbed a glass salt and pepper shaker as I ran over to challenge Ray. I ran onto a chair and jumped Ray. Crash! We both hit the floor. Ray struggled to get up but I was ready. I raised both glass shakers and slammed them as hard as I could on the temples of Ray's head. Brash! I was about to beat him more as Virgil pulled me off of him. "Felix we got to go, the mall cops are here!" he said. I took the hint and we pushed our way through the crowd, trying to get to the back exit.
We ran like hell towards the Tram, right down the street. We bought our tickets and leaped on it in record time. We sat down in a mix of exhaustion and fear. We were felling pretty cocky now that we had kicked some ass and we weren't going to get in any trouble for it! Home was another 10 miles away, which meant that we had about 30 more seconds to sit on the Tram. "So what was all that about?" Virgil asked. I shook my head. "Those two are always on my case at school. We don't really get along." I said. Virgil shook his head in confusion. "Sometimes you genius kids really don't make any sense. You'd think that you guys would be a tad more smarter than to pick fights." he said. You don't even know the half of it my friend. I thought as we neared our station.
"Mom! Can I still go to Universal Studios this weekend with my friends??? Huh? Can I!?!" I yelled from upstairs. It was Friday night and me, Virgil, and some more of my non-Anthrax friends were planning to go to Universal Studios, Antopolis on Saturday. I heard no answer from her. I jumped downstairs to see both my mother and father watching the t. v. with their undivided attention. "Hello? Can I still go-" but I was interrupted by my dad. "Shish! Be quiet, this is important!" he said. I looked at the television. It showed footage from the Brooklyn Bridge. "The super soldiers have affected many lives in Antopolis, but after the destruction on Thursday, more people and damage was done ever since the soldiers appeared in Antopolis." Said the reporter. It wasn't that bad! Is no one concerned about the fact that we save lives!? This is a fucked up world to be fighting for. I thought angrily. "This just in. We have a live feed from our mayor, Gregory Smiles." The screen cut to Gregory. He looked pissed off once again. "After many hours of debate and discussion with head officials from the FBI and CIA, my board and I have came up with an ultimatum for the so called "soldiers" who take justice in their own hands. If there is another escapade from the vigilantes, they will be treated like criminals themselves. With the assistance of the Armed Forces and Special Operations teams, the city of Anthrax has upped their defenses. If the super soldiers appear again, then they will be shot and persecuted. We are prepared for the war on CRIME and we DO NOT need any assistance from locals who take the law in their own hands." Ended an angered mayor Smiles. Well the shit really hit the fan now. I wonder what Dr. Kraken has in plan for this. "About time." Said my dad. "Those people have caused too much danger and violence to this city." He said. I tried to reason without giving away myself. "But has anyone forgotten that these people have did what the police of this city can't? They have helped innocents." I said, still looking at the t. v. My father stood up, obviously uncomfortable. "Son, people like those aren't to be trusted. They are just like all the other thugs out there trying to scam someone. Killers. All of them are. I hope they just kill them and don't waste anytime." He said. Ring! Ring! The phone sounded from the other room. As my father left to get the phone, I had mixed feelings about what he had said. Are Anthrax really doing this for good? I shook my head. "Mom, can I still go to Universal Studios tomorrow?" I asked expecting a yes. She shocked me when she said no. "What? But you promised that I could go!" I said shrilly. "I know honey but now it is getting so violent. There's bound to be some trouble and I don't want anything to happen to you so the answer's no." She said as she left me standing there. I can't have any fun because of the stupid Anthrax bastards! How many more times is this going to happen?! I screamed in my head as I ran back upstairs frustrated.
Monday; 8:00am...
Felix Alvarado is not just some lowly follower anymore! Time to be respected. I thought greedily as I walked into the front doors of the Anthrax school. This was the first day back and MY first day being squad leader. People still eyed me stupidly but I didn't care. All I cared about was showing everyone in my group that I could lead. And boss the hell out of them. As I entered my room, Alex and Tim sat on their own bunks talking. They stopped once I entered the room. "And good morning to you too guys." I said sarcastically as I threw my bag on my own bunk. Alex scoffed. "Just because you are our squad leader, that doesn't mean you have to go around and brag about it." He said. "Technically I do. Everyone in my group betrayed me by voting me guilty. And here I am! I escaped certain death and made squad leader at the same time. To me, that is a lot to brag about. How's your nose?" I asked. Alex started to say something back but Tim cut him off. "Well not me. Obviously we will see if you are fit enough to handle the pressure." Said an angry Tim. I stared him down. "Don't hate me because you didn't make squad leader. Isn't that what you have been bitching about for the past 3 years?" I said acidly. Tim jumped from his bunk and tried to attack me. Alex grabbed him and held him back. "SAVE IT for today. Remember?" He asked Tim. Tim then nodded and stopped struggling. As they were preparing to leave, I called Alex back. "Alex, what are you talking about?" I asked. He grinned. "You'll see. It's big." He said as he walked out of the room.
"Green Dagger squad, please report to the briefing room ASAP!" blared the intercom. I took the elevator from the gym to the conference room. Once there I found all my other squad-mates sitting. "What's up?" I said fakely. I loved abusing my power already. "the Minister" walked into the room along with Dr. Kraken. "Green Dagger group, today you will be asserting your attention to the Scientific Laboratory of Antopolis. A week ago Prof. Simon Rancor was released from prison on bail of $100,000. He was arrested for destructive uses of dangerous material. He released toxins on a colleague, making him lose control over his nervous system. Today, Simon is being allowed to go back to work at the Scientific Laboratory of Antopolis. Why? Because he owns it. We have suspected that Simon is making illegal substances of some kind in the building. So we want you to stake out, spy, and possibly collect some evidence of Simon doing illegal acts. Beware Simon is a genius when it comes to diseases, toxins, and other biological warfare. If it gets bad, shoot first and ask questions later. Dismissed." He said with a wave of his hand. Simple, spy on an old coot all day. Couldn't be easier. I thought. But then I didn't know how bad things would go and how challenging this "squad leader" thing really was.
Anthrax has some fantastic vehicles. In order for us to stake out Simon, we were going to have to use something covert, able to hide us. Therefore, we chose the Dark Storm. The Dark Storm is an all black vehicle that is able to fly, drive, and maneuver underwater. To make it even better, the Dark Storm had hologram technology. It could project a hologram around itself that would match all it's surroundings. Very useful if you want to spy on a hot chick taking a shower. After our briefing, we all suited up and met at the Anthrax underground Tram station. The Anthrax Tram would take us to the mountains, some 20 miles away where we could launch without anyone spying or watching us. As we rode underground, my other team mates talked among themselves. They did not invite me to butt in their conversation. They were talking about an episode of Jerry Springer Jr. that had aired last night. Something about transvestites that cheated on their homosexual mates. Tim and Alex pretended to be the queers and Ray was Jerry. Taylor laughed as the two had a mock fight, and all of them fell to their seats laughing. I felt so alone. I'll show them. Who needs friends anyways? I don't need them. They'll see. I proved to myself as the Tram slowed to a stop in the mountain base.
Once we were in the secret Anthrax mountain base, we loaded our equipment and got positioned in the Black Storm. Tim, who was a master in aerodynamics, piloted the thing. Taylor, who was our technological genius, monitored the screens. Alex was at the weapons helm and I sat positioned on the passenger seat next to Tim. And where was Ray? I looked behind me to see Ray sitting in my old seat, the damned follower's seat. Good, let him see what it feels like to be ignored. I smiled. Then Tim activated the engines and we took off from the base to the open air. The Dark Storm flew silently and fast. Anthrax scientists created it with alien technology; making it the most efficient all around vehicle the world has never seen. I looked out of the window as we flew over the thousands of skyscrapers that was the Wall Street Centre. This was my first time seeing such a sight. It was hard to concentrate on anything else. "Felix, we are nearing the laboratory. What do you think will an accurate landing space?" said Tim. I noticed that when he said my name, it was filled with hate and malice. I ignored him and looked around the laboratory building. Hmmm.... Where can we land that will be good enough? "How about right there on top of the building to the right." I said. Once we landed, everyone stared at me. Why are they looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong? I thought to myself. They just....stared. "Felix we need to come up with a plan! If I were still leader, I would set up a surveillance around the whole building from the outside." Said an irritated Ray. Everyone else nodded and agreed with Ray. Not me. "Nope, too difficult and it would take forever to find Simon." I said in my best leader voice. This was too fun. "Do you have anything better in mind then, genius?" scoffed Ray. "In fact I do. Watch and learn." I said. "Taylor, hack into the mainframe of the building and give us all the total number of floors and their names." I said. After a few seconds, Taylor spoke up. "I got it! There are 174 floors in the building. There are 5 main lab rooms in there. Toxins, Disease archives, hazardous material, non-Earth organisms, and Cloning." She ended. "Do we still have those infiltration bugs?" I asked to no one in particular. Infiltration bugs were small computers in the shape of insects. They had an equipped camera, radio, and remote control ability. "Yeah, we have about 10." Said Tim. "Well, let's send two bugs in each floor to look out for Simon." I said to all. This was a great plan.
After about two hours of searching, we still had no sign of Simon at all. Tim tired of the idea and made his bug come back. So did Alex and Taylor. Ray never even tried. I didn't try to make them. I kept on flying my gnat around the Disease archives over and over and over. "Felix, this idea is not working. I suggest we try a different approach, like Ray's idea." Seethed Alex. "People this is a stake out! It is supposed to take long. Doesn't anyone watch COPS?" I said trying to get a laugh. I didn't. I was getting pretty bored myself when...."There! I think I found him!" I screamed. Everyone crowded around me. Alex held up Simon's mugshot. The man that I saw looked like a split image. It was him. "Getting closer." I said as I flew the gnat closer to Simon and landed on his shoulder. A man was walking close to him. Their conversation went like this:
Man:
Do you have a plan?
Simon:
Yes. The people of this filthy city shall feel the pain and suffering which I have felt.
Man:
So, when are you going to do it?
Simon:
About a quarter past noon. It will be something that will go down in the record books my friend.
Man:
Sir, not to intrude you but, may I ask, what are you going to do?
Simon:
Are you mad?! We shall talk in my office. [Enter office. Simon locks door.]
Simon:
Today will be a grave day for Antopolis. Many innocents will die. And I won't mourn for any of them. Not even all the children who will suffer. At a quarter past noon, I will make my way to the Antopolis Water Plant. The Water Plant connects to over 200 million residents of Antopolis. People get their bath water, drink water, washing water from there. But I have a more sinister plan. You see this? [Simon holds up vial filled with greenish-gray liquid]
Man:
Yes.
Simon:
This vial
|
Related Items
|
|
|
|
Project S.T.A.R. [Part 4]
