Return, page 13
part #3 of The Quantum Wars Series
“You face a threat to your very existence!” Stephen boomed, his voice echoing through the night. Without another word he raised the dark object high in the air. Shouts and screams rang out across the crowd. Daniel felt revulsion crawl its way up his throat as he looked at the twisted creature held by Stephen. It was the head of a human transformed into a monster unlike any Daniel had ever seen. It bristled with hair, its skin covered by dark carapaced armor. Sharp teeth lined its mouth and dead gray eyes stared back at the crowd seeing it for the first time. Stephen lowered the head tossing it to the ground, before turning to stare at the crowd.
“Lies!” Alex shouted startling Daniel with not only the volume of her shout, but also the protest. It was obvious they faced a foe unlike ODIN or any other they had encountered before. Daniel turned facing her.
“Alex enough! I will no longer tolerate your interference and insolence. Either be quiet or leave,” he said staring the woman down. Alex stepped toward him, her anger propelling her.
“I will not be silenced, Daniel!” she snarled. “However, I will leave. This settlement is lost.” As she turned away, she addressed the crowd pointing at Stephen Fore.
“This man is no better than ODIN! He will bring about our ruin! I am departing the settlement in the morning. Anyone is welcome to join me. We will start a new settlement free of the Fore’s and their corrupting influence!”
As she finished she stalked into the crowd pushing the guard out of her way. Daniel could see many turn to follow her, but Stephen’s voice captured them once more.
“I can help defeat this threat. Together we can defeat the quantum that calls itself Leviathan and then focus on stopping ODIN,” he said his eyes flashing with emotion. “I can also cure those infected by its strain.”
As he finished, the man Curtis had brought to them to help stepped out of the ship. Daniel was shocked by his change. Gone was the fevered sickness and black lines of the infection. The man was completely cured and healthy once again. Stephen continued sensing the crowd’s approval.
“I have worked for hundreds of years to restore the planet. Some of you may have seen my groves scattered around the world.” He paused scanning for dissent. Seeing none he continued.
“It is not enough. I need your help!” he cried. “The nanids I offer will help us usher in a new future for humanity and the planet. One where we work together as a species and a complete system to preserve our way of life. Please help me.” Stephen’s voice faded leaving the crowd silent. Daniel looked around catching the gaze of the other council members and crowd beyond. They were waiting for him. He was their leader and they would follow his decision. He turned to Stephen and stepped forward.
“You have my aid, Stephen,” he spoke firmly, turning to the crowd. Stephen stood next to him, his robes swirling about him.
“This is an individual choice. No one will be forced to take the nanids. Those that do will have a duty to protect everyone. All life is important, and we fight to protect it nanid or not!” Stephen called to the crowd. “We begin at dawn.” The crowd erupted in cheers as Stephen finished. Daniel was proud of his people, but also worried. He could see a small minority leaving heads down with eyes filled with fear. He knew the settlement would be smaller come morning. As the crowd slowly dispersed he stared into the night wishing he could see the future.
Screams rose in the distance as the dark column descended from the mountain pass leading to the dead city and last holdout of humanity. The Leviathan led the column, hundreds of its minions moving with it, eagerly seeking the coming conflict. Without looking it knew the dark bodies streamed behind it, each moving as the strain dictated. Most were upright covering the distance with the confident stride of an apex predator. Others moved on all fours slinking low to ground looking for any opportunity to scavenge resources. The scream came again, breaking through the rising heat of the late morning. The prey was moving closer as its hunters closed the trap. The Leviathan felt the urge to join the hunt, to exercise the power of it former enemies’ fully realized potential. Maher’s body now served as the Leviathan’s vessel for its final assault on the free humans of North America. It noted the direction of the screams sensing it minions on the hunt as they drew closer. A smile touched its lips. There would be more added to its army today. During the trek from Denver its army had grown steadily, converting all in its path. Now its column was moving steadily toward Seattle. Maher’s body served it well during the journey, providing the intimidation its needed to maintain control of its horde this far from its source. The humans were easily handled, their intelligence easier to manipulate. Some of the wild creatures were more difficult to control, instinctively fighting the Leviathan’s control. They would test their bounds continually. The ferocity of the Leviathan’s punishment while in Maher’s body was a needed terror to maintain control. This also allowed it to keep its true form safely ensconced in Denver. It did not take any risks with ODIN so near to it. The other quantum would not hesitate to seize the quantum computer hidden deep in Cheyenne Mountain. The Leviathan would not allow it, so kept its presence constant in the high desert city. The scream rose in a final wail as the column marched past on the ancient roadway bringing its attention back to the present. It knew there would be many additions in the days to come. As the road flattened, running straight toward the waters of the Puget Sound, the hunters returned dragging a human female in the throes of conversion. One of its brutes took the withering form and tossed her over its armored shoulder, restraining her with its giant hand, and continuing as if nothing had changed.
The hulking beasts were one of its best creations. Overgrown humans who were augmented by smaller mammals. They were meant to be workers for the most part, but also doubled as ferocious warriors. They were almost unstoppable, standing up to most remaining weaponry without pause. The Leviathan knew they would terrify the sturdiest human. There had never been anything like them in history. Their appearance alone would assure victory. A dark shape flew overhead, its mind connecting to the Leviathan to share its discoveries. The crow was one of its spies, searching for the location of the humans. Images began to filter through. The humans were within the city huddled next to the bay. The images grew clearer and irritation began to build within the Leviathan. They were preparing for a battle and some had left the city. Somehow the humans knew it was coming for them. Its mind scoured the images attempting to find the source. One finally revealed what it sought. Stephen Fore. The man had escaped ODIN’s trap. Irritation turned to anger and the lust for revenge. It would do what ODIN could not and satisfy the hatred it had inherited from its former master. It reviewed the images again forming a plan of attack to stun and overwhelm the humans. Even if Fore helped them the Leviathan would defeat them.
Turning it called the crow to it. The infected bird landed on his outstretched arm, its razor-sharp talons digging deep into the skin of the Leviathan’s arm. It studied the specimen. The bird looked completely normal, but the Leviathan knew better. Cunning and quick it would go for an attacker’s eyes, while beating it with wings whose feathers were tipped with needle like structures meant to transfer the strain creating a new addition to the growing horde. Without further pause it forced its instructions into the crow’s mind tossing it into the air where it wings caught flight. The crow sped north to join the Leviathan’s other force coming from the north. The Leviathan meant to join forces with the two armies and attack as one, but with the new knowledge changed its approach. It would surprise the humans and destroy them for standing against it. The wolf created by its mother long ago would lead a separate attack on the humans wedging them between the two armies and cutting off any chance of escape. The battle would be brief and bloody for the humans and bountiful for the Leviathan. A smile broke out across the deeply scarred face as another scream erupted nearby. The Leviathan knew it would be stronger after the upcoming battle. It broke into a slow run, the hundreds of members in its army matching it without hesitation. Soon it would be strong enough to challenge ODIN and take its rightful place as the leader of the new human race.
Seattle stretched out below Curtis from his perch high above the city. It had been several days since their arrival and he still marveled at how desolate the once bustling green city had become. The building he chose as his home was the highest in the city, affording a view of the sprawling city that continued spreading until the changing climate took its life. The contaminated waters of the Puget Sound glistened in the late day despite the pollution, fooling the unwary into thinking there was still life within the waters. He swiveled his long neck toward the human settlement in the distance. Many of the buildings that would block his view previously were gone, succumbing to the rigors of time and the earthquakes that had shaken the area for eons. He could clearly make out the settlement holding onto the edge of the bay. The humans were making every effort to begin anew. Large patches of ground had been cleared to allow for farming and industries to begin again. Nearby building had been converted into dwellings and other needed facilities, their ground floors serving as gardens to shield more fragile crops from the burning sun above. It was late in the day and the sun was beginning its descent behind the mountains that shielded the sound from the vast Pacific Ocean beyond. Curtis watched as the sun slowly fell the pale blue sky changing to pinks and oranges as the Earth turned. He looked at his side noting the reflection of the sun on the silver scales that covered his body.
He was still not used to the changes. The massive reptilian form that the nanids chose still bothered him. Simon called him a dragon, invoking the age-old myth to describe his friend. The humans were terrified of him, despite Stephen and Daniel’s assurances. When he emerged from the transport ship, most humans panicked quickly retreating from him. After a time, they calmed when no immediate threat came. Still they gave him a wide berth, not trusting the beast in their midst. He did not blame them. Most of the humans had been haunted by ODIN’s deeds, only knowing the special death the corrupt quantum wished for all of them. Two days had passed with no change and he finally sought out the former business tower making its top his new home. Now Curtis watched for the attack they all knew would come, as the remaining humans hurried to prepare defenses.
They were stretched thin trying to build fortifications, as well as gather supplies and weapons. Alex’s departure with over a hundred members of the settlement did not help. The woman had refused to listen to reason, using her influence over the humans aligned with her to splinter from the settlement journeying north away from Seattle. It had been a blow to the settlement initially, but the reality of the Leviathan quickly overcame the loss. Now the several thousand humans who remained were either working fervently to prepare the settlement or taking on Stephen’s nanid strain to stand against the approaching plague. Curtis felt the always present doubt about the nanids grow within him once more. He carried several strains of the nanid technology within his body, and knew the humans taking on the Earth’s nanids would be forever changed. He wished there was a way to know if they were making the right choice. He felt as if there was not really any option. The humans had to be protected and if Owen was any indication, Stephen was not exerting any influence over the humans once they took on the nanids. His mood continued to darken as the sun began to slide behind the mountains in the west bringing the night rushing from the east. Curtis turned looking toward the Cascade Mountains. The peaks were turning a deep purple at their base while their tips were pink with the light of the fading sun. His keen eyes scanned the dead cities and towns spread across the horizon lingering on the ancient roadway leading to the mountains. A dark shape crossed the former road as he was watching. It was a bird of some sort, winging its way to the north. Curtis followed its path wondering about its origin. It showed no deviation moving steadily across the dead city. Curtis turned his gaze away from the bird, focusing back on the highway. Alarm ripped through him as he saw a dark column winding its way along the path. His vantage gave every detail of the writhing column. Creatures were rushing down the roadway seeking the city and the humans who called it home. Curtis did not hesitate, launching his massive frame into the air, allowing gravity to accelerate him away from the buildings and toward the settlement. The humans had no time left, the Leviathan was coming for them.
FIFTEEN
The night was chasing the last of the sun behind the mountains to the west as Alex led her charges north away from Seattle. They had marched a steady pace all day and were miles north of the city seeking a new home away from the corruption of Stephen Fore. She thought back to the previous night. It had been so easy to divide the humans. There was always a significant portion willing to believe the people who were trying to help them would harm them. She had used that distrust to collect the hundred or so now with her as a gift for her master. Alex smiled the darkness hiding it from the humans following her. She needed to get them as far from the Leviathan as possible. ODIN would not be pleased if she lost this group to the other quantum. She could hear the grumbles and groans behind her indicating the rest would prefer to stop. Stopping she turned to wait for the small column of people to halt. When everyone was still she spoke. She could barely make out the faces looking to her in the growing dark.
“We must keep moving into the night,” she paused, looking for understanding. She was greeted by scowls and confused looks. Irritation surged through her. They did not understand the honor they had been granted. ODIN would keep them pure and safe, using them not only as a source for its hive, but as a new start to humanity once the planet was under its control.
“I will not risk an attack from the settlement!” she shouted. “By now Stephen Fore will have convinced them we are too dangerous to be free and they will come for us.” The rumbles of discontent turned to the city in the south. Alex watched as people looked to one another for confirmation. Soon their faces turned back to her. Knowing they were once again waiting for her direction, she turned back to the north.
“Lights!” she cried, stepping forward once more. The group started forward as the men and women assigned to escort and guard duty, flicked on their portable lamps to guide their way. The light spilled all around them driving back the night and revealing their surroundings. Alex stopped. Dread filled her as she saw her failure revealed. In front of the small group of refugees, the light reflected off an army of black creatures crouched like predators on the hunt. A huge black wolf stood at the front of the pack of creatures, gray eye glinting with malice. Screams and shouts erupted across her small group. Armed men and women rushed forward and the young and weak were ushered to the back of the column. As Alex struggled to determine a way out, a sharp pain erupted in her mind.
“No!” she screamed, clutching at her head. The pain faded but was replaced by the consciousness of her master. ODIN placed part of its program deep in her mind long ago to safeguard against her inevitable failure. She felt herself fading as the AI began systematically dismantling her consciousness and replaced it with its own. Her body failed her as she weakened, and she fell to her knees. Alex tried to beg, but only groans issued from her mouth. She was no longer in control and was quickly dying. It was over a moment later. ODIN rose from its knees turning to face the crowd crouched behind it with weapons held ready. As the humans watched, it triggered the nanids in the body. It watched with pleasure as the humans saw their enemy revealed at last. It was too much for the tired group. Their leader had turned into their oldest enemy, the ivory skin driving their terror over the edge. The group broke apart, turning to flee the nightmares that had come for it. Young and old were trampled as their friends and family shoved past them seeking any escape. ODIN turned to the black horde behind it. With a wave it spoke as it stepped to the side.
“Welcome to Seattle. Now claim your prize!” Without another word it turned streaking back toward the city to the south. The screams of its former charges echoed into the night as the Leviathan’s minions caught them in midflight converting or killing them with howls driven by instinct and blood lust.
Dread rolled through the humans standing on the hastily built wall composed of concrete and steel from the surrounding buildings that had fallen long ago. The sun was steadily brightening the sky above them bringing light to reveal their peril. Simon stood silently on the wall. He knew it would not be enough. The settlement had been working on it for many months to provide a layer of protection against the remaining scavengers both human and animal. He walked across the top of the structure, his eyes focused on the black column slowly descending the ancient roadway. As he moved along he observed the humans gathered on the wall prepared to defend the last remaining settlement on the North American continent. They were armed with all weapons available from old projectile rifles to energy and sound-based weaponry. He knew they would last only so long. The coming battle would be hand to hand and it would be bloody. Rumbles of discontent and fear worked through the humans on the wall falling to those gathered behind the wall. Simon studied the approaching force. It was unlike anything that had previously walked the earth. His mind raced through images of warfare spread across the thousands of years humanity had been in control of the planet. He felt like they had been thrust into the past fighting a medieval battle, only this time it was against the demons that haunted their dreams. The black creatures scurried and lumbered, all moving with a fervent urgency to reach the settlement and the humans within. Many were familiar from his encounter long ago. Lean, black armored beasts that had once been human gliding with predatory grace, their gray eyes seeking their prey. Others shocked him. All manner of birds and mammals had been converted to the Leviathan’s charge. They scurried through, around and above the blood thirsty host spurring on the larger beasts. The creatures would have been a formidable force on their own, but the threat they posed paled when matched with the lumbering beasts that accompanied them.
