Dimensional Wars Chapter One

Dimensional Wars

Chapter One: Dark Beginnings

5 years ago…

Take cover! Ace yelled. The other two men jumped over the barricade. Ace threw a grenade in the direction of where the blast came from. Are you sure it’s here? He asked one of the other two men as he himself got over the barricade they had established just an hour earlier. Yeah I’m sure, said Aaron. They began digging while the third member took out his rifle and peered over the barricade, ready to shoot anyone in sight. There it is, exclaimed Aaron. Good, use the extrapolator. Aaron took out some sort of laser device and pointed it at the seemingly normal patch of dirt. He fired a laser shot, and a sort of watery tunnel appeared. Quickly, time it and then get in, said Ace. He stood up and got shot through the head. Devon, get in! shouted Aaron. Devon, the third member, hoisted Ace over his shoulder and jumped through. Aaron pointed the device again and fired a second shot, turning the tunnel purple. Without looking back he jumped in, the tunnel closing behind him.

Ten years ago…

Are you sure we’re ready, asked General Hike. He had recently been promoted to the dimensional travel research department, after an unfortunate incident which involved the death of his predecessor. I’m absolutely sure that the equipment is more then sufficient. Both the singularity reader and the pulse – gun have been optimised. There and back again shouldn’t prove a problem. The men are armed with the latest in laser – weaponry, and a state of the art translator. Everyone knows how to operate, repair, or build from scratch a device that would let them return in case of emergency. Really general, I see no reason for your pessimism, concluded professor Taban. That may be Taban, said Hike, but one of us has to place the question marks. What if they get stuck? They won’t, said Taban, all of our probes have returned, and the one man recon also went successful. I hope you’re right, snorted Hike back. If anything goes wrong, it won’t be due to equipment failure, said Taban. Covering your ass doctor, asked Hike. Don’t worry about it, he said, all of the equipment has been triple checked, you’re in the clear doc. Somehow he managed to sound genuine. While walking, they had come to the heart of the deep underground installation. Taban walked decisively to one of his technicians, check all of the equipment again, he said. What? Asked the technician, we just checked them one hour ago. Just do it, snapped Taban.

Scared Aaron, asked Ace teasingly. You’re projecting your own fear at me, aren’t you Ace, replied Aaron. What the fuck are you talking about, said Ace not understanding. He means you’re scared shitless Ace, said Devon, laughing. Laugh it up, said Ace, just remember who will be covering your asses when we engage in some mortal combat, he pretended to fire an imaginary rifle while making laser sounds with his mouth. Are those the sounds you make with your girl ace, cause I gotta tell you, if that’s all you got, I’m not surprised if she comes to me for some comfort, said Devon jokingly. Why you, said ace, and lunged for Devon. Aaron tried to get them apart. It’s always something with you three isn’t it? Asked Hike, suddenly standing behind them. All three looked up, and straightened themselves up. Look at the other six teams, they’re behaving like professionals, he bellowed. They’re checking their equipment, cleaning their rifles. And what is our star team doing? Fighting like little children! It’s not too late to be taken of the mission, no matter how well you scored at the practical and theoretical parts. Is that understood? Yes sir, they shouted in unison.

As the men assembled Hike started a speech about the importance of their mission and success for the people of this planet. What the hell is he going on about, asked Ace. Oh, he is telling us we have to give it our best, or he’ll get fired and lose out on his pension. Said Aaron. Right, said Ace, smiling, that’s all the motivation I need to die in battle. Aaron nudged Devon, wake up dude, he’s almost done. What, what, said Devon startled. And, good luck, Hike finished. Fire them up! On queue, several teams of scientists fired a pulse beam, and opened up various portals. This is it, said ace, as they stepped through.


Three months ago…

This is definitely it, thought Ewan as he was sitting in the brick, picked up for murder one. He was the star of the police team, never one single complaint, it almost went too smoothly. Then this, while celebrating his new promotion he had defended a friend of his in a bar fight resulting in the death of the other man. His career was now definitely shot, not to mention the jail which he was probably going to. Suddenly his door opened, there’s someone here to see you. Who is it, asked Ewan. Says he’s your best friend. Ewan groggily got up. His best friend was currently bruised up at home. Which of his other mates could it be. When he got to the visitors area, the guard said, no not that way, you’re getting a private conference room. You’ve got some friends in high places. Now Ewan was really confused, he didn’t have any friends very high up the ladder, none who could pull of a private conference room for a murder suspect. When he walked in a man in his early forties sat at the table. He stood up, nodding acknowledgement to Ewan. Those handcuffs will not be necessary officer, he said to the guard. The guard un – cuffed Ewan. As both Ewan and the man sat down the man looked up to the guard, yes he inquired. Is something wrong sir, the guard asked. Why are you still here, asked the man. My orders are not to leave him alone sir, answered the guard. Then I will give you new orders, said the man, leave us. Ehm, sir, my orders come from the DA directly. I outrank the DA. Said the man. Ewan looked at the man with renewed interest. My authority comes from the president himself, said the man calmly. He handed the guard a piece of paper. While reading it, the guard became very white in the face and started stammering apologies before leaving. So, alone at last, said the man. I’m John Ares. By the look on your face you hadn’t expected a visit from someone high placed, much less by someone with the name of the greek god of war. We will get back to the mythology and me later on in this conversation. First something about you. Quite an impressive record you have here, said Ares, while reaching for a binder which he opened. Top of your class, graduated with honours, exemplary police work, not to mention the little missions on the side. What missions are you talking about sir, Ewan asked. Oh don’t play stupid with me mister Haley, said Ares, I’m authorized to know everything, and I already know everything about your career. I know about the work you do for the secret service. Is that why you’re here, asked Ewan, because of the secret service? No, while this did have something to do with your qualifications, the secret service did not send me. Strange isn’t it? You’ve saved their asses plenty of times, but now yours is on the line, no strings are pulled. That politicians for you. I knew the risks and I know how it works, to them, I don’t exist, said Ewan. Yes but still, well let’s get on. All of your supervisors spoke highly of you, in both jobs, you are classified as a rogue, someone who does things his way, but can still follow orders, when he thinks they are correct. There are multiple occasions when you didn’t follow orders, and it turned out to be the best thing to do. I like that, you recognise authority, but you don’t shy away from disobeying orders when you think it’s the right thing to do. Enough about you, I presume you know about the dimensional outreach program? Ewan nodded. Good, said Ares, I’d like you to join it, I myself am in charge of the fleet. You will be head of the scouting department, your initial rank will be captain. I am curious about one thing, at the academy your instructors named you the best pilot in memory, why didn’t you go to the space police, they would’ve welcomed you wouldn’t they? Back then it seemed like a logical choice, more promotion opportunities, and a bigger pay check, said Ewan. Somehow you don’t seem like the kind of person who would choose money over pleasure in your work. I like the ground work, shot Ewan back. Very well, do you accept? The charges would be dropped? Asked Ewan. Consider it done, said Ares. Then I accept, said Ewan. Excellent, said Ares, smiling, we leave in 3 months time, in that time we’ll drill you on the use of the craft you’ll be flying, rules, procedures, and of course physical fitness. Fitness, asked Ewan. We have high demands of our entire crew, this will be a lot heavier than the police training.

Ten years ago…
As ace would say later, the rush you get while going through a dimensional portal is incomparable with any drug. As Ace, Devon and Aaron stepped through the portal, they were sucked through a tunnel which while during only a couple of seconds, seemed to stretch on forever. When they got out, ace was the only one who managed to remain balanced, the rest fell out, and it was several seconds before they managed to get up. They looked at each other and simultaneously said, head rush! Alright, said ace, mark the spot, close the door and let’s go. Aaron grabbed his backpack, and opened it. Ace grabbed his binoculars and scanned the horizon, nothing to see, he announced. Aaron grabbed a laser weapon from his backpack. It looked like a camera, one that’s used by the news, it was completely black. He clicked a button on the surface, a panel slid aside, revealing a set of buttons of different colours. Aaron clicked them in a specific sequence and then pulled a handle. The device emitted a green laser at the portal. The portal became smaller and closed after three seconds of this. Aaron stopped the beam. Remember when the beam transmitters were as big as that truck you have there Ace? Don’t you badmouth my truck, said Ace with a smile. I’m not, said Aaron. Good or else you aren’t getting in. Ace fired the truck up, let’s go he said. They got in, and Ace drove on for a while, while Aaron photographed and filmed their surroundings. After about three hours of driving finally they saw a settlement over the horizon. There we are, now let’s see if they’ve got any civilization in them, said Ace. Bull, said Devon, you just want to know if they have any beer and or pretty girls. To me, said Ace, that is civilization. At that they all laughed.

Two months ago…
One hundred and two, one hundred and three, one hundred and four, and one hundred and five. Ewan stopped his push-ups to take a small break. Ah Ares, I wondered when you’d show up, said Ewan. You’ve been coming in to see me every week. Yes, said Ares, this is the third week since I recruited you, your physical shape is becoming better every time we speak. According to your instructors so is your mental shape. How was your test flight yesterday, everything exactly as wanted I hope? Exactly, said Ewan. Glad to hear it, customizing a spacecraft is an expensive thing to do, it’s good to know I didn’t waste the money. You had it built just for me? Asked Ewan incredulously, but that must have taken months. Years, Mr. Haley, years, said Ares. Years? Asked Ewan, but how would you know that I’d join the mission? Call it a good guess Mr. Haley. Now where were we? Last time you were telling me about the importance of this mission, why we needed to make contact with these people and colonize uninhabited planets to counter our overpopulation. Ah yes, said Ares, I remember you calling it in to question last week. I stick with my statement, there are plenty of uncolonized planets in this galaxy, no use in ripping a hole in it to populate another, said Ewan. We are not ripping a hole in this galaxy, said Ares calmly. How would you know, you said yourself you people haven’t travelled to another galaxy yet. When did I say that Mr. Haley? On TV when you were being interviewed. Ah yes, said Ares, but when did everything that was said on TV became true? You mean you lie, asked Ewan incredulously. Yes I did, ten years back my, our “department” was already conducting dimensional experiments, and then ten teams of three were sent with to ten different galaxies. To explore and map, only scientific purposes I assure you. At least, that was what the lead scientist, professor Taban, thought. I myself have reason to believe that the administration of this planet back then, if not other planets as well, thought this a way to get new weaponry and dumping prisoners. Dumping prisoners? Asked Ewan. Precisely, a prison colony, said Ares. Just like a European country before the second millennium, I think it was Great Britain. A perfect prison, they can’t return or bother society with their crimes. Instead of building more prisons in this universe, we could build schools, or vast landscapes. Personally I feel we shouldn’t dump the convicts of this universe on another, and we should stick with the prison – planet system. But escaping is a lot more difficult if you’re in another universe. Of course gaining technology was also a big motive for travelling to other universes. Did they find other civilizations sir? Asked Ewan. I have reason to believe this was indeed the case, answered Ares. What do you mean, you have reason to believe this is the case, said Ewan, didn’t they tell you? None of the ten teams sent on reconnaissance missions came back, said Ares slowly. Did you go after them? The department didn’t, for reasons unknown to me, send a search party, said Ares. I didn’t join the department until 1 year later, when the project was revitalised by sponsors from the private sector, this was in 2493. I started as a supervisor for the company I represented back then. A couple of months later I quit my job and began working for the government at General Hike’s request. Ares was smiling as he recollected. Sadly, said Ares, three months after I entered into military service, I was a captain back then, Hike died. Great man, Hike, he had several successors, all managed to make monumental blunders trying to keep the project out of the public. I took control of the project in 2496. We had the spaceships, and I managed to convince the military council to fire the most incompetent Admiral Genji and assign the project to me. 2496 was the year when the project was revealed to the public wasn’t it, asked Ewan. That’s correct, my first action as commander of the project. We were going to launch 5 star cruisers and one capital ship, there is no way it could have been kept a secret. So I left out a few details, like the missing teams and I publicized it. This had two advantages. One, we were able to more easily launch our ships, two, my position in the project had now been secured. I am the only one who knows enough to be public liaison, plus party ratings had gone up since I made it public, so I am gaining votes. This means I have considerable pull to get more funds, or more recently, get a suspect out of prison. He nodded at Ewan. I began researching for reasons why the teams did not return. I quickly ruled out sabotage or equipment failure. As the equipment had been checked minutes before by Taban himself that could not have been the issue. So they have either died, or are otherwise unable to get to their equipment. So let me get this straight, said Ewan, this is actually a rescue mission. A part of this mission, the part that is top secret, is indeed a rescue mission. This is to discover what they found, find out why they died, or could not return. So much knowledge could be gained from a deeper understanding of the dimensions! And to think they were going to cancel the project. I thought you said they did, asked Ewan, you said the project was “revitalized” by the private sector. You do pay attention don’t you? Asked Ares. Yes, it was cancelled, but only officially. Unofficially they kept on working, with private funding. Where did they get the funding, asked Ewan. From the company you worked for? Yes, my employer saw the potential of the project. How did your employer learn of the project. He had his sources, replied Ares, and I think this concludes our little chat for today. While Ewan’s face could not hide his disappointment, he resigned himself that he would get no more information. Not to worry, said Ares after seeing Ewan’s face. You will hear more later. Sir, can I ask one more question, asked Ewan. You can, said Ares, but I’m not promising an answer. Sir, you said you ruled out sabotage because professor Taban checked the equipment, but why do you trust him so implicitly? Professor Taban is an excellent scientist, not prone to mistakes. You know what I mean sir, you just dismissed an option because Taban checked it. I trust Taban for a reason I can’t explain to you now, you wouldn’t understand. But you can, and should trust him with your life if it comes to it, just like he should trust you with his. One day I will explain, or someone better suited will. With that Ares exited the fitness room, and Ewan, filing away the information for later, returned to his exercises.

Ten years ago…
Did you find any signs of life, asked Ace. Nope, said Devon, this place is as dead as a graveyard, here comes Aaron. This place gives me the creeps, said Aaron. At that the other burst out laughing. What? In those horror movies, someone always says that right before he gets it, said Ace. That means you’re going to die first, said Devon, then he almost fell over laughing. Oh, you’re comedians suddenly are you, said Aaron sarcastically. Where’s Ace? Asked Devon suddenly, even though he saw him creeping up on Aaron. Suddenly Aaron’s face was serious, I don’t… aah! He almost screamed as Ace suddenly said boo in his ear. Both Ace and Devon almost fell on the ground laughing. Aaron, seeing it was Ace, said, oh very funny guys, very professional, very mature.


Now…
Ewan did not have any conversations with Ares since he asked about professor Taban about two months ago, he pushed all questions from his mind and stood up, looking out his window, he viewed the city, his city, as he still thought of it. The sprawling metropolis of New York, the yellow cabbies almost crashing the other hover cars. He smiled, at least he wouldn’t have to clean up the mess when they finally did, they always did. The only thing more dangerous then those damn cabbies where the hover – gangs, always fighting for territory and robbing transports. Luckily that wasn’t his problem. What was his problem that he was leaving tomorrow. While he hadn’t spoken with Ares, Ares did sent him a lot of reading material to spit through. The last couple of months had been one of the both physically as mentally challenging months he had ever had. The scary feeling that it would only get worse when he would leave in the morning was calming him very much. The physical part of his training he got through without too much trouble, while he was pushed to the brink of his capability every day, it wasn’t merely as exhausting as the studying. He was expected to know not only a huge part of the history of the dimensional technology, but also the theory, and of course, this was counting without the two hours a day, studying how to use the scouting spacecraft he was expected to fly. The craft was one unlike any he had ever flown before. Some basic controls still remained, but every thing else was new. All of this, he could cope with, but in some of Ares’s transmissions were elaborate descriptions of old mythology, of all pre-digital age civilizations. Ewan couldn’t understand for the life of him why it could possibly be relevant. He studied them anyway, along with the schematics for his spacecraft and dozens of other papers. Suddenly his mobile went of, it came with the apartment, courtesy of the American government. Yeah, yeah, I’m coming. He picked it up and said, yes, this is Ewan. Haley, said Ares. Sir, said Ewan. We won’t have any time to talk before or right after the launch, as you’ll be in command of the scouting party that will lead the fleet through the dimensional portal. So I’d like to talk to you when we’re through. At seventeen hundred hours US time, I will meet you in my office on the third level of the capital ship, I believe your craft lands on the battle cruiser Tracer? Yes sir, said Ewan. My private transport ship, the Interceptor will be waiting for you in hangar five at half past four. Don’t be late. No sir. Till then, after that Ares hung up.

Ares put his mobile back in his pocket. He walked towards Taban’s office. When he came in, Taban was packing his suitcase. Good evening professor. Ah, hello John, just the person I wanted to see, said Taban. How’s that, asked Ares. I just got this mail, saying I’m not coming along with the fleet. That’s right, said Ares. What, you gave the order, said Taban indignantly. Yes I did, I do not want to endanger you, and we’re bringing enough scientists along should any problems occur. And even if they do not suffice, I believe we will cope without you. There are more important projects for you here in this universe. More important, Taban almost shouted. I’m reaching fifty, this is most likely my last great project before I die. Die, said Ares, don’t you think you’re over exaggerating a bit too much? Unfortunately not, said Taban, according to my doctors, my genes have a strange mutation which is causing my cellular structure to break down. I won’t reach past fifty-five. I’ve got five years left, I want to spend them seeing what’s beyond the portal I have created. You have studied the readouts of your disease yourself, asked Ares. Yes I did, said Taban, the doctor was right. Does this run in your family, asked Ares. I don’t think so, my parents died 10 years ago, they were well past sixty. No other relatives. Hmm, a mutation then. Do you think any of you equipment could have caused this. Absolutely not, said Taban, none of my machinery have any radiation danger. I’m sorry Taban, but I still can’t allow you on board. I firmly believe that in six years, when I return, the doctors will have you alive and feeling better then ever. Don’t kid yourself professor, this will not be the biggest project you will ever do, with your brains you’ll have another brilliant idea in no time. Don’t do this to me John, Taban almost begged. Don’t beg professor, doesn’t fit in your character, you need to be tougher. It’s just that I’ve been looking forward to this since… I know professor, I know. We’re still friends, asked Ares. Of course, said Taban. I’m sorry for this Taban, but this mission is going to be bloody, and I don’t want you in the crossfire. You really think you’ll be fighting, asked Taban. Unfortunately I’m certain of it. I have to go now, I’ll see you tomorrow at the launch. Ares turned around and walked towards the door. John? Said Taban. Yes professor, said Ares, turning around. Bring my ships back in one piece will you. Ares smiled, of course professor he said, then he left.

After leaving the building, Ares chose a secluded spot, and dialled a number on his cell phone. Yes, said a voice. It’s me, said Ares. How long until detection, asked the voice. We’ll make the deadline. Are you sure, because I cannot leave here yet, Haruko is not ready yet. I’m positive, as long as the 5,00 miles radius is respected there is no harm done until 8 PM tomorrow. When do you leave according to your schedule, asked the voice. Tomorrow three PM so there is no problem. All right, then there shouldn’t be a problem. Any additional info, any problems, asked the voice. Taban’s molecular structure is breaking down, apparently his genes have developed a fault. Already, asked the voice incredulously. Already. What does he remember, asked the voice. The implant is holding, said Ares. How are the others, have they developed any faults? I’ll have Ewan checked, said Ares. The others I don’t know, but I think I’d have heard. I’ll check them myself. What if Ewan suddenly crashes during the mission, dimension travel is demanding enough without your body crumbling to bits because of… Stop right there, the voice interrupted him. I’ll prepare an antidote which should give him at least 5 years extra, you’ll be able to modify it should a second shot be required. If you handle it personally the time schedule might move up a couple of hours, said Ares. We’ll have to take that risk. I’ll contact Taban myself, how intelligent is he, asked the voice. If you’re asking if he would understand why you took certain actions, I doubt it. If you want to know if he has a high IQ then definitely, he designed the whole dimensional portal himself, he did the theory himself as well. Even you wouldn’t have managed that. Hey, just because I don’t have government funding to pursue every idea. No need to be offended, said Ares. I’m not offended, said the voice, I’ll speak to you later, did you install the dimensional communicator in your quarters so we can communicate without the Alliance knowing? Yes I did, said Ares. Good, said the voice. Ares heard a hung up tone, he turned of his phone and walked towards his flat in the dark.

A man looking like he was in his early forties, pitch black hair, a face which looked like it had seen combat, not very common in an age where plastic surgery was commonplace, put down the phone and stood up from his chair. He looked as if the call he had just completed had added several extra years and grey hairs. He had a simple office, the glass doors said Smythe and Sons, Real Estate/Broker. The walls were lined with schematics of spaceships and dimensional portals. Photographs of Ewan, Taban and three other men were also visible on the wall, all with text beside them. A young man entered, the spitting image of the other man, only twenty years younger and with asian features. Is there a problem father, the young man asked. Perhaps a slight complication, it appears that the gene structure of the…, the man struggled to find a word suited for a word, subjects, for lack of a better word. Don’t worry Harry, said the father, as his sons eyes were drawn to one of the pictures on the wall, his. You were the first, there are no faults in a direct transfer. As always father, I put my faith in you, but must you use that name when you address me? Ah Haruko, fathers always like to keep their children small. Forgive me for being nostalgic. But I’m thankful for your trust, so I’d like to trust you with this assignment. Let me guess, said Haruko, you’d like me to visit four people and take DNA samples for your research to find a cure if a fault should present itself. You read my mind, I’ll need both your and your brothers help in the lab, please send him up before you leave. At the mention of his brother Haruko’s eyes were drawn tighter. My brother isn’t here father, he is in the city probably competing in one of those illegal motorbike races. He should have known better, the day before the launch. I’ll speak with him then, said the father. I’ll see you after you complete your task, the DNA samples must be fresh. I’ll take care of it, said Haruko, he walked out the door and descended out of his fathers view. His father picked up the phone and dialled a number.

Hey Spot! Shouted one of the contestants on his motorcycle. What, said a young man, black hair like his father and older brother, but more wild. He was in his late teens, a rogue expression on his face, there were no asian features visible on his face, which might lead to speculation on his fathers past. This was the face of a person who treated the whole of life as a rollercoaster ride, fun and fast. This was probably the reason why he was in the lower city elements competing in an illegal motor race. You’re gonna lose big time hot shot, shouted the contestant. He had a big flamed motor jacket which he probably thought was cool. Spot wore a complete black leather outfit with a black helm, which earned him his nickname. Spot just smiled and started his engine. Go! Was shouted by the current referee, who had just the one leg, this was the reason he was shouting go instead of competing himself. Spot had a bad start, but soon made up for it, winning just nearly, behind him the man with the flamed motor jacket, hit a wall and was flung against it. As Spot crossed the finish line he looked back and thought, should’ve worn a helmet eh? Just then his cell went off. He picked it up, this is Spot, he said. Chi, is that you? Asked his father. Yeah it’s me, said Chi. What’s up dad, he asked. Is a little more respect that much to ask for, asked his father, just because we live in a country where it is non-existent, I still expect my children to show it. My apologies father, what is it you require, said Chi with a face that said he would kill anyone who would bring this up later on. Your brother is on a assignment and I need you in the lab when he gets back. What kind of assignment is he on, asked Chi. The lethal kind, answered his father. I’ll be there. Chi hang up and looked at his fellow racers. I have to go, duty calls, he said smiling. He got on his motor, put on his helmet and rode off.

Ewan got up from his bed, he walked towards his kitchen to fix himself a drink. Suddenly he heard someone enter his flat. Ewan quickly stood in the shadows. He analyzed the situation. The security on his flat hadn’t given any warning. So this person was smart enough to get past a government security system of a few million dollars, this ruled out a common thief. Assassin perhaps? He heard the intruder come in, and slowly edge his way through the darkness in the living room. Ewan went around the other side, he saw the intruder slowly making his way to the kitchen were the light was on. Ewan jumped the intruder from behind. The intruder turned around to swing his fist about, he hit Ewan squarely in the face. Ewan staggered backwards. I don’t want to hurt you, said the intruder. Strange way of doing that, hitting me in the face. The intruder pulled out a gun and pointed it at Ewan. May I be forgiven, said the intruder. I just need a sample of your DNA. And how were you planning to get it, asked Ewan. Look, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, the intruder said. We’ll have to try the hard way then, said Ewan. Fine by me, said the intruder and fired a tranquilizer I in Ewan’s neck. Ewan passed into unconsciousness. The intruder took a blood sample. One to go, he said. He lifted Ewan to his bed, turned off the lights, cleared up any evidence of a struggle and any evidence of his being there. He healed the tiny puncture wounds the needle made when he took the blood sample and locked the door behind him, for any forensic investigation, he had never been there.

Outside of the building, the intruder took a bus to the downtown centre. Someone sat next to him. Good evening Harry, said Chi. Good evening Spot, said Haruko. How’d it go, asked Chi. it went great, how was your race, asked Haruko. I won, said Chi. Where’s your bike, asked Haruko. At home, father told me to look for you, you’re late. I had a problem at Ewan’s. Really, asked Chi, you, a problem? Yes, he somehow heard me come in, this was unexpected. For him to hear you, or be alert at this time of night, asked Chi, trying desperately not to laugh, and failing. Both, answered Haruko. Where to now, asked Chi. The Babylonian District. Isn’t that where all of the gang wars take place, the poorest part of town, asked Chi. It is indeed, answered Haruko. Why is he there, asked Chi. You’d expect him to be someone important. Perhaps he is, or will be, who knows, said Haruko. It is not up to us to judge.

Warrick Kimball had been in the gang life for almost as long as he could remember. He had long brown hair in a ponytail at the back. He was a fighter, one of the best. He had several long scars on his chest, sword slashes, a couple of knife scars on his face. The people nicknaming him scarface where he could he hear it didn’t have a long life expectancy. He was currently the leader of one of the lower gangs. People said with him as leader the gang could become one of the most important gangs, maybe even join the Syndicate. Warrick wasn’t interested in any of those things, he just wanted to survive and make a better living for him and his. Naturally this didn’t set to well with those in his gang who wanted power and money. Warrick was too soft in their opinion. They wanted to do more then just steal from other gangs. While he was in a gang, Warrick had principles. This meant he did not attack the weak, he didn’t rob from the poor and so on. Gang members called him the black Robin Hood. Right now he was about to fight someone who had challenged his leadership. His opponent lunged at him, Warrick smiled to himself. Wrong move, he thought and shifted his weight. He easily caught his opponent as he came, bringing him to the ground. As his opponent lay there, Warrick set his foot on him. Any more challengers, he asked. Suddenly he heard clapping. He stepped of his opponent and turned around. Nice moves, said Chi. Warrick walked towards Chi and Haruko. Who are you and what are you doing in my neighbourhood? As he had his back turned to his opponent the man got up and ran at Warrick from behind. In less then two seconds Chi had drawn a gun and fired. I dislike cheaters, said Chi. Warrick turned around and looked at the dead body. You just shot him. Good thing you noticed Sherlock, said Chi, putting his gun back in his coat. Sherlock, asked Warrick. It’s an expression, said Chi. Don’t mind my brother, said Haruko. If you cooperate, we’ll be leaving soon. And if I do not, asked Warrick. Then we’ll have to take this the hard way, this is in your benefit. Look, said Warrick, I’ve already made myself clear to The Syndicate, I’m not joining in. We’re not here on behalf of The Syndicate. On whose behalf are you here then, asked Warrick. On behalf of a certain gentleman who regrets not being here himself. We need a sample of your DNA to check your health. Check my health, asked Warrick. I’m fine, said Warrick, now leave. Just a small drop of blood, said Haruko, that’s all, don’t tell me a big warrior like yourself is scared of that. Haruko pulled out a syringe. This is the easy way, we’ll be gone immediately afterwards. You don’t want in The Syndicate, we can give you other things. Just name it, weapons, technology, it’s yours. I thought you said you weren’t here on behalf of the Syndicate. We’re not, but our employer has some pull in this city. I want cash, said Warrick. Haruko made a face, money, that’s it, he asked disdainfully. Yes, money, said Warrick, to buy this neighbourhood, I need twenty thousand in cash. And medical care for some of my people who have the tryata disease. Haruko smiled, it appears I have underestimated you, very well, Chi, count out the money for Warrick. And here, he pulled out a vial, is enough antidote for twenty men for any of the diseases rampant in the lower city. Now your arm. Very well, said Warrick.

Morning dawned, Ewan woke up, not sure of last nights events, but not deeply suspicious. He yawned and got out of bed. He did his morning exercises, and got dressed quickly. He put on his official uniform, looking at himself in the mirror. If this doesn’t attract the girls, I don’t know what will, he joked to himself. He put the remainder of his things in his suitcase and left his apartment, he took one last look and closed the door. He visited his landlord, to give his key back and left the building. A chauffeur called out to him. Sir, I’m your driver to the launch. Ewan nodded and got in. Ewan didn’t say a word during the trip, his mind trying to make sense of a blur in his memory concerning last night. When they arrived, Ewan thanked the driver and walked towards the entrance. Good morning captain Haley, said the guard. Good morning Fred, said Ewan. He walked through the corridors and into the elevator. Hold the lift, hold the lift, shouted a running man, Ewan held the doors open until the man was there. Much obliged, said the man, the name’s Eddie. Hi Eddie, I’m Ewan. Ah, the scouting captain. How’d you know that, asked Ewan. Ares told me, said Eddie, grinning. He got out at the next level. As the elevator descended even further, Ewan got out at the fourth level underground. Ewan, shouted one of the pilots. Hey Joey, said Ewan, all systems go? You bet, said Joey. Good, said Ewan, let’s fly. He walked towards his craft.
Mister Smythe, your visit is unexpected, said Taban. I thought you would not be attending the party. I am not, said Jack Smythe, I am merely here to seek your honest opinion. I have here, four samples of blood, all with gene deterioration. All of different persons as well, Jack added, seeing the look on Taban’s face. Is there an epidemic or something, asked Taban. Not as such, said Jack, you see, the individuals concerned don’t have much or any contact with each other. Come, professor, we must have a little chat about your past and, yes mine too. Jack led Taban out of the room.

John Ares sat in his chair on the bridge. It was comfortable, it would have to be. Sir, asked his second in command, Admiral Hedges. Ares groaned inwardly, Hedges had not been his choice. He was too smart for Ares’s taste, he was persistent, obeyed the president, and probably had an extra set of orders that Ares would have to deal with later, when he would “officially” show his true alliance. That Ares already knew his extra objectives, knew who he reported to, was probably not an inventive scheme on Hedges’s part. It was the sheer stupidity of the man in certain area’s. Unfortunately for Ares he more then made up for this in other area’s, such as hacking Ares’s personal computer. A few more moments and the man would have gotten everything. Ares winced at the thought of it. But out loud he said, yes? We are ready for launch sir, said Hedges. Oh well, put ground control on the main screen. Ares, you are clear for launch in 5 minutes, said the President himself. Yes sir, said Ares. God look at that man, he thought to himself. He thinks he runs this show, thinks he has a man on the inside who will report to him. Out loud he said, standing by.

This is it, said Ewan in his headset. Come in everybody. As everybody checked in, he checked them of on his list on his on board computer. Marcus checking in sir, came the last one. Alright then, fire up those engines, said Ewan, gold group first, with me in the lead, and then red, followed by green and black. Copy, came the answer. Go, Ewan shouted. He took of, his mind devoid of anything else, as always when in the air. He saw a massive turret come out from the ground, pointing at the air. The fleet was already positioned in space. The turret shot a purple beam, creating a watery looking wormhole. He took a deep breath and went in, the other scouts followed, and then the rest of the fleet. The wormhole closing neatly behind them.


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