₦airaland Forum

Lol, anyone noticed ADA has started acting up like an offended gf

“Yea I know that is why I will be doing this. I will hack into the wave cut it off from the source then hook it up to your drone. Then bounced it from your drone to the trap. So your drone will be in the middle, no remote command from the source will reach the traps. Yet the radio frequency will still be on at both end, those who set the trap won’t notice anything amiss and the traps won't automatically go off. “
“Do it. “
“Already done boss, you can go ahead without fear. “


Marvel pulled out his NAX gauge hand gun and went through the entrance, followed by Jade and the Mole. The police officers guarding the place shook their heads in pity and a little worried about their safety.
After getting through the booby traps in entering the ground floor of the building, Marvel had asked them to split so they can cover more ground quickly. He gave them the directions where each of the targets were. He told the Mole to hang back his plasma rife. The rifle is an indiscriminate weapon and can endanger the hostages also. Marvel headed to the third floor where there were four of the targets holding down some hostages. Getting to a wide corridor, he slowed down because the holo display showed the heat signature of a target.


“Hardwire, hope you remembered these guys have on them suicide bomb vests? “
“Yes boss. It works on the same radio frequency wave like that used on the booby traps. Each of the bomb vests has a trigger with the wearer. But there appears to be a single signal trigger that is linked to all the bombs and can blow them all up at once. The one with that control is on the path you are headed. “
“We can’t take them out with that link still active. “
“ I can block the electronic signal that links the suicide vest bombs to each trigger and also the overall linkage. “
“Alright Hardwire go ahead. “
“One problem though boss, you have to be fast. Once I block the signal, and it's discovered they may have a way to manually set off the bombs. “


“Leave that to me. Just block the signal. “
“Done. “
Marvel jumped out of from hiding, his gun lifting. A man armed with a lazer rifle, with a clothing that looks awkwardly bulky was standing guard before a door. He started as he saw Marvel and quickly reached for his rifle but Marvel was faster. The NAX gauge shot one single energy bolt, which hit the gun man at the forehead, drilling through to pass out the back. No blood or tissue parts spilt out as the energy bolt cauterized the wound. Marvel ran ahead to catch the dead man so that his fall won’t create a noise.

Marvel was studying the holo display from his wrist comm, viewing the images his spy drone, which had gone ahead of them into the tunnel was sending. They stopped at the entrance of the tunnel though watching as the bounty hunter continued to study the images. The visual feed back from the drone showed a part of the duracrete made tunnel with scorch marks, bodies and body parts of people in police uniform strewn on the ground. Some of the bodies showed signs of explosive burns while others had holes on them that definitely came from impacts of high velocity projectiles. Some parts of the floor were broken apart. Marvel guessed that should have been the place the mine that exploded was planted. The spy drone picked up a lazer targeting ruby light searching it out. It was affixed to a mini gat gun on a tripod stand. The lazer light ran over the hovering metallic ball and passed it as the new drone was made with the camouflage material used on the Max Neo.


“Hardwire are you getting the readings? “ Marvel spoke into the comm unit.
“Yes boss. “
“Tell use what we have. “
“Both the mines and gun has the same control set up. “ was what Marvel heard on the audio pick up in his ear. “It is not an automatic programmed trap, but a remote controlled one that uses Electronic Radio Frequency short wave. It has an alarm system that when triggered, the person who set up the traps activates it remotely and they go active. “
“How do I get pass them? “
“You don’t. The person who set up the trap can activate it any time, so you really can’t. “


“Stop stalling Hardwire, we don’t have time for this. “ Marvel growled.
“Fret none boss, I got the solution. “ Hardwire tried to get off his cocky attitude. “I can effectively block the ERF wave, which will make the traps useless by remote control but they might have built a safe guard into them that can cause them to explode any time the radio frequency is cut off. “
“Hardwire that doesn’t sound like a solution. “

“Na, it’s all quiet over there. The plenary session has began. That place is heavily secured and locked up tight. A fifteen minutes total evacuation system is in place incase of sudden attacks. There’s an air restriction of five kilometers on all areas around the building. An orbital defense satellite is hovering over that spot to shoot down both air and space targets. Air tanks and gun boats are patrolling every area and for several city blocks in every direction from the building, uniform officers are patrolling on the ground, restricting movements and questioning everyone. They are backed up by armored and armed police air cars. So that place is sealed tight. “


“Alright. Still keep your eyes peeled over there. “ Marvel knew that report should have relaxed his mind but he still find that he was not satisfied. They might be missing something. “ I’m activating my spy drone now and I want you to be linked to it. Create a self contained program you can work with so that Earthwatch doesn’t compromise our security after we finished working with them. Ask ADA to do that. “
“Ah a slight problem with that boss. ADA refused to leave the Max Neo and come down to earth with us. “
“Why will she do that? “ Marvel was surprised, that was unlike ADA. “What did she say is the problem? “
“Nothing. She refused to say anything. Boss, if I’m to hazard a guess, I’d say she is sulking. “
“ ‘Sulking? ‘, ADA can’t sulk, she is a program. “
Hardwire chuckled. “Maybe she has learned a couple of human attitudes. “


Marvel know he doesn’t have time for this now. He will look into it properly when they return back to Nuterra. “Ok, Hardwire like I said link up with my spy drone we are about entering some booby traps. “
Before the entrance to the access tunnel, they were stopped by some global security police officers. They stepped back when Jade flashed her badge at them. A hovering armored air car that was coming closer to investigate the new comers, was called back.
“I’d have to warn you ma’am, that tunnel is booby trapped. “ One of them said to Jade. “ We lost some good men in there and we haven’t been able to get them out. “
“Don’t worry, we’ll be careful. “ was her response.

“A standard hostage situation. We have ten, I mean nine armed men with suicide vests on them. “ Captain Sawyer said his voice sounding strained. “With X-ray and heat sensor, we have seen that the attackers took over the control area of the building. Most of the hostages are locked in the various rooms they were when the attack started. And each of the attacker is in the midst of some of the hostages, so any attempt at rescue will force them to detonate the suicide vest and taking all the hostages with him. “


“I noticed you mentioned ten then nine attackers. Why is that so? “ Jade asked him.
“That. “ the metro police captain pointed with his jaw at the floor with the fire burning. “We attempted a rescue earlier, but one of the criminals blew himself up, took out a huge chuck of the building and several hostages too. That’s why we haven’t attempted any other thing yet. “
Jade touched her wrist comm pulling up a floor plan on the holo display from it, scrolling through it as Marvel and the Mole watched at it too from behind. Facing the captain again, Jade asked.


“From this building plan, there seems to be an access tunnel linked to a maintainance channel, air recycling vent and sewage system. Why haven’t you attempted that? “
“Oh we did but the place is heavily booby trapped with smart mini guns and mines. Had to pull my men back when the death toll was rising too fast. “ Captain Sawyer said a bit miffed as Jade’s questions tend to make them look incompetent . “ We didn’t come prepared with the right equipment to handle such. But I already called the tech division, they can take care of stuff like this and they are on their way. “


“Sir, I’d recommend you tell your men to back off to the perimeter you have created. “ Marvel said. “We will attempt infiltrating that place and we don’t want your boys interfering. “
“All yours Mr… “ the captain said with a mocked bow.
“Don’t worry about my name. “ Marvel replied heading back to their packed air car.
Spooks, I should have known. Captain Sawyer thought angrily. They always want to show off as high and mighty larger than life. Let’s see if they are bullets and explosive proof. He snickered finally.


As the trunk of the air car was lifted, Marvel pulled out his combat bag, brought out a new spherical spy drone, that was made after his other one was destroyed. He left the rifle in there as he closed the trunk again. Hand guns were what he felt will be better suited to handle this. Turning to Jade he asked her to lead them to the entrance of the access tunnel. As they headed there, Marvel activated his comm unit and was in instant communications with Hardwire. Hardwire had come down to earth with them but had gone with the general to Sydney, Earthwatch hq. He was to join those at the sensors and communications department.


“Hardwire are you setup and prepped for the mission? “
“Yes boss, I’m hooked up to as much resources as Earthwatch can allow me have access to on earth here. “ Hardwire replied.
“Hope you have eyes on our initial target? “
“Yop. Geneva has been real quiet after the attacks on the Global police Euro hq failed and was foiled. “
“Anything odd at all at the senate building? “

Marvel couldn’t come up with an answer for that, the thought of it filled his mind all the way to Switzerland. The sights through the air car canopy blurred as they zoomed through the air at dangerous speed with Jade piloting confidently. She was on constant comm link with the agents on ground at those trouble spots. At a time, Marvel saw the image of general Leyland come on the screen but he didn’t pay attention to what they were talking about, as his mind was occupied with thoughts.


Within minutes the icy peaks of the Alps mountains became visible. At the altitude they were flying, the air was thin and cold but the atmosphere control within the air car kept it warm. Soon as they crossed the mountain peaks, the car descended for the Canton of Zurich. There was an air traffic restriction around the city leading to their target. Air Traffic Patrol officers created an artificial barricade, screening incoming and outgoing vehicles. Jade’s air car pass through the barricades without much hindrance as their Earthwatch cover granted them easy passage. Marvel could see the all black uniforms of the Global Security police and the black on electron blue of the Metro police of Europe.


Getting to the heart of Zurich, they encountered more of police barricades and they were always stopped, questioned and allowed to go. Soon they came for a landing in a defense line of armored police air cars and vans, while still above them air vans and cars were flying round with ready sharpshooters. Jade got out of the car, leading Marvel and the Mole to a group of plain clothes officers that looked like the leaders here. The defense line of cars and vans were created some distance away from a tall building gleaming with glass and ferrocrete. As Marvel looked up at the height, a particular level was burning furiously with heavy smoke spewing out. Jade was talking to a man with a clean shaved mustache who the badge on the breast pocket shows a name that says Capt. Sawyer.
“What have we got captain? “ Jade asked after the initial introductions were over.

The Earthwatch agency has been on high alert since the Intel had gotten to them. Vigilant watch via satellites, spy drones and micro cams has been on with facial recognition programs running through them that when ever any of the person on the watch list is sighted, an alarm is raised. General Leyland had made available some of the space marine, to beef up the muscles of the agency and be available for call in an emergency.


“Tell me what you have. “ Jade said as she exchanged another worried look with Marvel.
“We had a magnorail station bombing and attack in Amsterdam. With some terrorist tactics suicidal shootings. Though local police force are engaging the about a dozen armed men who carried out the attack. Marine backups are en route to curb the violence.
“There is an air car attack at two different ultra Malls in Sydney but that had quickly been pull down. The marine are much closer to that one. Two of the seven targets has been accounted for. Both are deceased. “
“Ok copy that agent Daw. “


“That’s not all, presently we have a hostage situation in Zurich, Switzerland. On a sky rise office building. About five thousand civilians are in that building. Most of the security guards on duty has been killed and the building taken over by a group of ten men. All on suicide bomb vests. From a spy drone visual pick up, we were able to identify two of the targets among those holding the hostages.
“ Then in Geneva, there has been gun fire attacks at the European hq of the Global police with several casualties. The attacks had started as a gun fire with six armed men, led by two of out of the targets. They had used rifles and grenades to break through the entrance. But the other police officers on duties had stalled them by returning fire. Well when the attackers discovered they could go no further, they had activated the suicide bomb vests they had on. The explosion took out most of the ground floor of the buildings. Death toll so far on that is above a hundred.


“At the moment four out of the seven targets are confirmed dead. Two are leading the hostage situation in Switzerland and one is behind the magnorail bombing in Amsterdam. “
“We will be headed to Switzerland right away. “ Marvel spoke up before Jade could say anything.
“Alright sir, “ the agent said as he dropped the call.
“Why Switzerland Marvel? “ Jade asked.
“Because the main target our Intel indicated is in Switzerland. And an attack took place in Geneva. I’d like to really check that out personally. “
“Alright. “ Jade said as they head for their car, leaving the gang leader trembling. “So far the Intel has been good but far from being perfect. We had no idea there was another person involved. So the Intel may not be totally correct. What if it is wrong about what the main target is? “

“Where are the seven people that used to be in that place? “ Marvel asked him pointing in the direction of the blown door as Jade came closer.
“Oh, they weren’t seven people. “ was what the gang leader replied him.
“What do you mean they weren’t seven? “ Marvel asked afraid that their Intel might have been wrong.
“Well they were seven men plus the boss man. “
Something still didn’t line up with what he observed in that room. “That place doesn’t look like what eight people used. “


“Well about that, em, the boss man wanted me to get him some local boys for a job he had planned. “ The gang leader said, gaining a little confidence as the Mole was no longer interrogating him. “So I got some of the boys around here for him. “
“How many did you get for him? “
“About fifty of them. “
Fifty plus men scattered around the planet in hiding can do so much damage before they can be contained. Looking around, Marvel noticed he wasn’t the only one worried.


“When did they leave? “ Marvel asked again.
“Dunno, maybe during the night. “
“And who is this boss man that was the eight person ?”
“Hey man, I don’t know and I didn’t ask, ok. “ he replied Marvel raising his hands defensively. “He looks dangerous enough, even with my crew, all armed and covering me, I was still scared shitless of him. I’ve learnt, it’s more healthy for you if you don’t ask too much questions. “


Turning to Jade and the Mole Marvel said, “This is getting us no where, except letting us know the threat has increased. I’m particularly worried about that eight man, the leader that our Intel didn’t point out. Who might he be? “
Jade was about to reply when her wrist comm unit buzzed. As she flicked it on, a man’s face with the Earthwatch uniform spoke up. “Agent Jade, we are getting multiple targets. “

“Any of you as much as blinks, your leader’s head will be served to you on a platter for your breakfast. “ Jade already has her handle katana out with the blade pressed light on the neck of the gang leader. His face was still squeezed as Jade’s other hand still held his wrist.
Some of those who tried disobeying got blown away by the combined fires from the Mole and Marvel. Those still living threw down their guns and ran into hiding.



“Come now pretty boy, my friend has some things to ask you. “ Marvel came after holstering his guns, grabbing Oxmer by his throat and dragging him further into the subway pointing at the Mole that was coming behind him. Marvel knows that the Mole is much more better than he is at interrogation.
While the Mole was doing his business, Marvel moved to the newly fixed door taking a little time to scan it carefully. “This door is booby trapped to explode upon opening. “ He said quickly to Jade who was coming to join him. He slapped an adhesive at the door and fixed a thermite grenade on it before he walked quickly away.


He was just far enough away when the grenade flashed brightly and the lock holding the door in place melted. As the door swung open, the hidden explosive on the door exploded, blowing out the door and any one who would have been standing there. Marvel and those with him were safely far away from the explosion area. As the smoke and fire from it cleared, Marvel walked down to the door, his NAX gauge in his hand. Getting to the open entrance, stepping over the dying fires and hot debris, he looked in. What he noticed is that the place was hastily set up as a room to be used for a short time. He noticed a makeshift rest room. But his interest was on the benches and several discarded weapon crates, all empty. The number of crates he is seeing contains weapons for a lot more than seven people can use. Quickly Marvel jumped out of the room heading to where the Mole was still interrogating their prisoner. The gang leader had the look of fear in his eyes as the Mole was close to him speaking in low tones with the vibroblade in his hand humming quietly.

In a move too quick for the victim to notice, Jade’s arm shot out, her palm striking the offensive hand and grabbing it at the wrist. Jade know well her nerve points attack methods. She moved her fingers deftly with combination of repeated pinches until she located the nerve point she was looking for , pressing it back inside, she squeeze the wrist again, pressing the two pointed wrist bones to trapp the nerves between them. Oxmer opened his mouth wide, eyes squeezed shut in utmost agony but he couldn’t scream.


“The is what I called the wrist choke hold, wouldn’t bother to give you the proper technical term which will be above your head anyway. “ Jade spoke conversationally as she stared into the pain wrinkled face. “What I just did is hold on to one of the pain receptor nerve endings on your wrist, use the bones there to clamp on it which will give you the highest kind of pain your wrist can produce. More painful than when your wrist is chopped off. Oh and incase you are wondering why you can’t shout, the specific nerve is connected to the muscles of the vocal cords in you throat. So my holding it kind of paralyzes them and render them inoperable. So no matter how you want to, you won’t be able to scream. “


It took a while for those surrounding them to notice that something was amiss. They swung into action though as soon as they became aware, removing safeties from their weapons and preparing to fire. But the Mole’s gun responded first. Three blast from the plasma rifle hit three of the attackers and they were burnt to crisp while still standing and their charcoaled bodies dropped to the ground. Those that were close to them got second degree plasma burns which made them to drop their weapons and scramble for safety. As the others tried to go for hiding in other to shoot from covers.

Lol.... He is around somewhere. The setting is just too hot for him.
Updates coming soon. We are coming to the end of part 2.

“We are members of the Earthwatch agency on an investigation. “ Jade produced her badge which the man didn’t pay attention to. “ We are hoping you can help us with our inquiries, which will be greatly appreciated. “
“ Hey little man, you think you know how to handle that thing? “ the fat man turned his face away from Jade to the Mole who was holding his plasma rifle at an ease stance.


“Pretty much the way you handle the weak girls I’m sure are tied up for you to ride each day. “ as Mole replied swallowing his anger he know if this was in Nuterra, that bumbling fool won’t live past seconds after that insult.
The man’s face turned red with anger but the sight of the plasma gun held him in place. All he did was raised his hand waving it. In response about a dozen people stepped out of the inner crevices all armed with guns. Some of the weapons were old and antiques , some as far back as the AK 2120. The new comers were all on old clothes, having rents on them with old boots. With this, the man built up new confidence. He faced Jade again, bending, he brought his face close to the agent’s face, his mouth just inches from hers. His mouth reeked of spoilt stim beer.


“ Call me Oxmer, so once again what do you want here? “ he asked .
“We want to know about the recent tenants in this place and a new air van that was brought in here some hours ago.” Jade replied unflinching.
Oxmer laughed loudly, his bulging stomach flipping up and down as the sound ringed round the enclose subtunnel. “You think you can flash that badge here and we will all be scared and do what you want? Not even earth police or metropol of New London comes here that much. “



With his index finger he poked at the shoulder of Jade punctuating each word. “You have no authority here. No business of yours exist here and asking about any one who comes and goes here is none of your concern. So coming here just made you cross you boundaries and you won’t be going back. “

It was when the car landed that Marvel realized that the street that actually looked deserted had people hanging on the shadows of the crumbling buildings. Jade landed the car at a T junction of cracked road with a tunnel entrance that leads to something that looked like the entrance to an old subways magnorail system. Just them people began to walk slowly into the road from holes of old buildings and alleys. Almost all of them were below twenty, just few of them looked like above twenties. They are all armed with assorted weapons ranging from knives, lead pipes, makeshift spear with old wood having a rusted blade tied to the top.


The more elderly ones carried guns but they were the old outdated type. They didn’t come closer to the trio who just stepped out of the air car, only just looked at them with the haunted looks of hungry people who have been stoned almost insane by electronic drugs and VR plugs-in holes were seen on most skulls. Since they didn’t take threatening steps, Jade led them to the entrance to the old subway system for magnorail.


“From the vid recordings we got, the air van was brought in through this entrance. “ She said as they got into the darken entrance.
As they passed the entrance, their steps sounded like echoes in the tunnel. Though the subway tunnel looks old and crumbled. With twisted magnorails and train thrown off tracks but something looks odd. A new lighting seems to have been fixed. And a door that looks newly fixed made Jade’s hand to reach for her hand gun.


“Hi pretty, what brings you to my lustrous dwelling? “ A voice said in a cultured form.
The speaker was a huge man almost six feet three, with fat filled muscles giving him a rounded shoulders with a huge bulging tommy all covered in heavy curly dark hairs. His hair was twisted in three long braids fallen below his shoulders. His body was bare except for a leather shorts on his waist with two huge belts crossing his chest on which hung two huge machetes attached to sheath hanging on his back. His eyes were small circles of gray covered by huge busy brows and heavy full beard reaching half way to his stomach. His legs were fat but enclosed in an ankle length nylon snickers. His shoulders and arms were covered in tattoos made of black neon holo ink. He walked to stand in front of Jade.

“We just got in to Old London. “ Jade told him from across the seat.
As he was on the passenger side and the Mole had all the back seat to himself. His plasma rifle, though illegal for civilian use, was cuddled by him since his Earthwatch badge clears him to carry it. Marvel already has his usual. His full body inner armor was on, covered by regular clothing of gray t-shirt with a leather over coat covering both his shoulder holster carrying his M2000 and the waist rig for his Nax Gauge 4. He was wearing a neo denim jeans which length covers the top of the soft combat boot he was wearing. His FTL penetrator with his TEC 5 RPG are in the trunk of the air car with all his spare magazines.


He may not have the AA suit with him and the back up of the cyborg nearby, two things he really regrets, but he is still as formidable as ever. With just his handguns, he can do considerable damages. His not to long ago entanglement with the Gecko Brothers came to his mind as he smiled. Jade threw him a quizzical look which he ignored and pretended not to notice. The air car started to descend. With the early morning light, Marvel could see the ruins of the Old city of London, crumbling buildings with lengthening shadows as the sun began to rise. Broken down poles for lights and holo traffic signs, derelict vehicles decorating roads with portholes.


“I’m heading to the area where the rented air van by one of these people flagged was last seen to have landed. “ Jade told them both as she started to bring the air car down for a landing. “Please note that this place is ever hardly patrolled by earth police. It is almost all controlled by street gangs. So they might not welcome us lightly. “
“If you have ever been to the Pit, in Nuterra, you won’t bother telling us this. “ The Mole snickered from behind.


“I have been to the Pit, Mr. Mole, I did an under cover job there once. “ Jade replied with an expression that was difficult to decipher.
“I knew when you came in. I was the ones that warned the attack dogs in the Pit to let you be to do your job and get out of there. I don’t like having an earth government agent lurking in my turf. I know the kind of heat harming a secret agent of earth government can bring. “
“Oh really? “ Jade pout her lips. “No wonder that job felt a little too easy for me. “
“Nothing happens in the Pit without me knowing. “ The Mole chuckled.

bqlekan:
Interesting as always. Unrivalled descriptive prowess..
Apollux pls, are you done with 'the ghemmaria canticles'? Will you be publishing it? How can i get it?

Hiiiii, it's been a while. Hope you are good.
I have a lot of projects already in my head. My hands is just too slow to catch up with all the stories flowing in my brain. Wish I was in a future world where all my imaginations can be converted to written words.
I really can't give an answer about the Ghemmaria Canticle for now. A lot of things are keeping me busy. But I will keep u informed of my progress. Thanks for your patience.

Hours later but what seem to Marvel like a month ago, after they had cleared the rigorous checks and double checks of both orbital and planetary securities, they were allowed to move. Marvel and the Mole were both given Earthwatch agency security badge that gave them the ranks of superior agents, which makes them in their cover, outranking Jade. This was made so because on their team, Jade will be the one handling the leg work of the investigations while Marvel and the Mole are just there as added muscles.


At the moment, three of them are in a fast agency vehicle, with Jade driving. They had left general Leyland behind who had also come down with them on planet side, along with some members of the marine special task force who were with him on this trip. He will debrief them, sought for some other military help to handle this impending crisis. He will also meet the president to keep him apprise of their progress and as well monitor the whole investigation from Earthwatch hq in Sydney.


The air car was moving too fast for Marvel to see any of the landmarks on earth he still remembers. Earth, the mother planet that has spawn all of homo sapiens that exists anywhere in this galaxy. A planet that has been the first home humanity had. Time there was when it was the only home, but now that was in the centuries past. Earth has always felt claustrophobic to him. Overpopulation threatening to tip its delicate balance. If worlds out there in the stars weren’t discovered and humans moving from here to populate other parts of the heavens, this planet might not have survived the pressure put on it by the rapidly growing number of people on it.

.
These days there are hardly any part on earth that is not occupied. From the frozen tundra of the north and south poles temperate regions to the harshest of the hot sandy deserts of the equatorial regions. From the depths of the oceans to the heights of the tallest mountains, humans have built homes on every parts and environments on earth. The ocean dwellers of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans to the mountain tops inhabitants of the towering rocky spires. From the cloud palaces, air hotels and floating malls in the sky to densely populated mega city centers, every where on earth is occupied.


He has never liked earth. Though his hatred for the mother world streams from something deeper in him than the disadvantages the planet presently has. He was glad when the air car seem to slow down. Though their speed violated several safety traffic regulations, traffic patrol troopers will not stop them because of the executive security screen on the vehicle.

“Damn general, you might as well tie my hands and legs, then throw me into a pit with rabid mongrels and expect me to come out unharmed. “ Marvel growled loudly. “We might be facing stiff resistance over there as we have no Intel on what the enemy has on ground. “
“I’m sorry son, didn’t make the rules. “ the general shared a sad look with the silent admiral who hasn’t joined in the conversation since they got here. “I’ve bent the rules as much as I can to get us every possible advantage. “


Marvel knew that he won’t really miss the AA suit that much, as exhilarating as it has been the first time he used it. He had been doing well for years as a bounty hunter without using an enhancement exoskeletal suit. He was forced to admit though that he hadn’t faced anything as challenging as this.
“Sir, we are getting a priority security call from earth, “ the female before the sensor holo screen said. “It’s from Earthwatch and they want to speak with general Leyland and agent Jade. “


“Let the call through, I can take it from here. “ Leyland answered after the admiral looked at him silently inquiring if those in the bridge have the security clearance to hear what ever will be said.
“General Leyland sir, “ said someone on a holo screen. He was a youth that appears to be in his early twenties, with a curly tattoo blending with his long goatee that is parted three ways below the chin. He had striking curly dark hair with what the ancient people will call a Hispanic look.


“What have you got for me agent Sergio? “ Leyland came before the holo visual pick up of the screen with Jade a step behind him.
“We got a hit on one of the seven fugitives that escaped us. “
“Good. Where and when was that? “ Jade asked quickly.
“In London. Just about thirty seconds ago. “ Agent Sergio said putting up a dashing smile he must have believed is a charmer all which was wasted on his desired audience though.
“Which of the London, boy? “ Leyland words cut through his intended flirtation like a lazer fire.


“Oh sorry sir, it’s in New London. “ the caller stumbled as he spoke. “The one we had the hit on came to rent an air van. He was careful to avoid all street security holo cams planted along the roads, street lights, holo billboards and monorail bridges and sidewalks. But an unscheduled pass by a sec drone picked up his image. We have everything on the van and the place it is presently. “
“ Where exactly?” Leyland asked as he turned to watch Marvel who had also stopped to listen in before going out.
“At this moment, the van is on the air head in the general direction of the ruins of Old London. “ Sergio answered.
“Alright, stay on top of it. But keep your distance. Surveillance only, we don’t want to spook them or let them know we are on to them. We will handle this personally. “
“Alright general will do just that and keep you apprised. “ Sergio gave a wrong military kind of salute as he went off.
“Well seems we have been graciously provided with a place to start. “

Marvel digested that silently, none of this was good. He exchanged worried looks with the Mole who was close enough to have heard the whole exchange. Jade standing behind him said nothing, her action so far hadn’t betrayed what ever happened between them. Of this Marvel was at least glad. Hardwire was busy looking at a scanner holo monitor with another female naval officer. She quickly looked up her eyes focused on the admiral and general as she spoke.


“Sir we just got this from Earthwatch security from the planet. A pharmaceutical facility was just broken into and a newly delivered item was stolen. “
“What was the item that was stolen? “ the admiral asked.
“The reports are not comprehensive yet sir. “ she replied turning her face back to the holo monitor before her as she continued. “This was flagged by the security search program we gave to the Earthwatch office on earth to upload into the global satellite net web on earth. The preliminary reports are that the item was a magnetic canister containing experimental inert hydrogen cells. “


As if on cue they all turned to look at each other but Leyland spoke first. “That seem to be our target. “
“Alright sir, clear us a part to get planet side. “ Marvel said.
“Already done. “ The general turned to face the Mole. “Getting your friend through security might be another matter. The replaced injured parts of his body may flag him out. But I can appeal against that with the argument that those parts are prosthetics not enhancements. Though I will also provide a cover for him that he is coming to earth on medical check up. The secured ID and cover documents are already prepared. “
“Oh and before I forget, “ the general called out to Marvel who was already about to leave the bridge. “You can’t use your ahem…AA suit anywhere on earth or the solar system. It is not a recognized nor authorized weapons. You will be arrested on sight and the suit taken away from you. Good thing is you can still wear your full body armor. “

Marvel had seen reasons and agreed to let him go. Besides the cyborg had reinforced his conviction when he said he isn’t feeling that well. That there are things happening in his system that Dr. Guthrie had to check out immediately. Sadly, the cyborg had returned back to Nuterra and Marvel had since hoped they can accomplish the mission before it’s too late without cyborg’s help.


The general started speaking as soon as Marvel got close enough to hear him. “We’ve got a bit of a mixture of good and not too good news. While you were sleeping, Earthwatch agents, using the data we sent to them, were able to apprehend twenty out of the twenty seven targets as they were trying to get passes into the planet. As for the ones that escaped, it is believed they might have already been on the planet before Earthwatch got the information. “


“That was fast, “
“Yes Marvel, Earthwatch agents usually are. “
With a thoughtful look, Marvel asked. “I’m sure they would have been interrogated. Any information on how they plan to hit their target? “
“Nothing. “ the general shook his head with concern, the admiral’s look identical to his. “Normal interrogation techniques were used without results. The Earthwatch master interrogators used the illegal methods that is only used in extreme emergency cases, because most times the victims don’t survive the process alive. Those that do survive are left in a permanent state of catatonia or extreme brain damage.
This process pulls information directly from the brain cells by electroshock methods. That was done on all twenty of them. The results were discouraging. None of them had Intel on how they were going to achieve their objectives. They didn’t even know what the target is. “

Looking around the multitude of naval personnel working at various task on the bridge, he could see that the Mole was already here before him, he gave Marvel a silent nod. The bounty hunter felt bad though as he couldn’t see the cyborg around. Well they had to make a short hyperspace stop so the cyborg can head back to Nuterra being taken their on one of the carrier crafts. Marvel could still recall the strong argument Leyland had used to convince him that cyborg had to return to Nuterra.


“Marvel, I’m going to shot straight with you, like I always do. “ The general have spoken gravely mixed with a bit of sadness. “Cyborg can’t come with us to earth. The moment cyborg steps into the solar system, he will arrested or confiscated, depending on the interpretation they will prefer to use . The cyborg will be seen as a dangerous, unknown weapon without control. Earth government won’t allow anything they can’t control to exist within their sphere of influence. “
He wasn’t surprised by what the general had said then, he had expected something like that but was hoping that with the presidential executive cover they carry, it might extend to the cyborg too. He knows that with the help of cyborg, it will greatly enhance their chances of success.


“See, you know if not for anything, I know the value of Dr. Bryant to quickly wrapping up this problem, “ the general had continued, without a change to his facial expression. “But we can’t afford to let him fall into the hands of earth government. They won’t treat him like a human, but like an equipment or weapon at best. He will be dissected, pulled apart bit by bit, every inch researched, tested and experimented upon. I know he is a valued colleague of yours. Just send him back to Nuterra, I’m sure you wouldn’t want him to be subjected to what might happen to him in the hands of the earth government. “

lool... You guys should leave Marvel alone o. He is still a virgin o. Nothing happened between them.

BTW did you guys noticed that someone else might be jealous? Someone watching from the shadows...

“Jade, that’s bulls.hit. I wasn’t bored, I was asleep. And I intend to go back to that the next five seconds if you don’t start telling me why you are here. “
“The truth is I have always wondered, from the first time I knew about you and studied all about your profile on a file on you. “ Jade ran her hand slowly over her dark hair, stopped at the back pulling out a pin clip that held the hair in place as a bum. Taking a look at the pin clip for a while, threw it at the table and the item landed on it precisely.


Marvel waited patiently for the next words to come out of the lips of the Earthwatch spy. His flesh stiffened and muscles tightened as she sat on the bed’s edge.
“I have always wondered… “ here her voice broke turning into a sinuous drawl. “… always wondered how it will feel just having you in me. “
“What the hell… “ was all Marvel could say as he watched stupefied as if in a slow acting dream as Jade touched a metal patch on the left breast of the jumpsuit she was putting on. The clothing just slowly pulled off her body. Underneath she was totally ne.cked.


“Shhhhhh…” she whispered her one finger placed gently on Marvel’s lips as it opened as if to protest.” Don’t worry about anything, I will take care of it all. “
She pulled off the bed sheet Marvel’s body was covered with and her eyes lit up in admiration. And slowly she lay down. Marvel was worried about this development. He had always wanted to avoid this from the moment this spy came across him. He has never liked her, trusting her was almost impossible as she is a spy. Well he do at times admire her guts and efficiency in handling her assignment. Still this is not what he wants. Oh well, what the hell, it’s been a long time anyway. Marvel’s none responding lips had refuse to give in to the kiss but now surrendered as Jade’s lips continued to probe his. His rigid muscles slowly relaxed and gave himself to Jade’s ministrations thinking sadly, I know I may later regret this.


Somewhere in the darkened part of the small room, ADA’s hologram flickered to life unseen, she had reduced the bluish glow of her form to the dimmest which made her reappearance unnoticed. She watched the couples on the bed as they engaged in their antics little realizing they are being watched. Staring for a while, ADA looked on with an expression that was something between disappointment, sorrow and sadness. Just as unnoticed as she came in, her form blurred then vanished.


An hour later Marvel was back at the bridge of the flagship, as ADA had come back to inform him, rather briskly, that the task force has approached the orbital defense around earth and that general Leyland was requesting for his presence. Marvel had arrived there in the company of Jade. He felt awkward as Hardwire who was bending over at a female space naval officer who was sitting and facing a monitor, turned over to look at him as he came in giving him a knowing smile that appeared to be pregnant with sarcasm. A cold look from Marvel quickly took that away from him as he turned back to the officer and continued with what he was doing. Leyland looked up at him, interrupting his low chat with admiral Makushiba, to slowly nod at him, indicating he gets closer. Marvel couldn’t read any disapproval from the general’s look though but still he felt too self conscious, as if everybody had seen what he just did.

ADA’s words didn’t really bother him only just getting his mind to puzzle who could be visiting him and not wanting him to know in advance. Someone with enough high security clearance to override the basic security programing of ADA. Well the Max Neo is secured in the flagship so he is not expecting any trouble. So who could that be? The only person he could think of that will want to see him urgently may be general Leyland. But why hide his identity from his security assistant? Well maybe something serious is up and he wants to inform Marvel about it without spilling it to others.


“Sir by your order, I can upgrade my security status and prevent the intrusion. “ ADA said.
“No ADA, let the visitor in and give us some privacy. “
Marvel almost jumped out of his bed when he saw the visitor coming in was Jade in a gray colored tight fitting jump suit.
“Hi Marvel, I guess you should be well rested by now. “ she said walking past the door which slid shut, her eyes glancing at the holographic image of ADA. “Nice artificial personal assistant. “
“Miss Jade, my designation is ADA acronym for Artificial Defense Assistant – I do so much more than an ordinary virtual assistant. “ the hologram said her voice having a tiny bit of irritation.


“Like I said ‘artificial ‘, though with a little more emotional ties than a machine program should have for its owner. “ Jade gave a smile that was both condescending and suspicious.
“I do not understand your line of reasoning, miss Jade. “
“Don’t worry ADA, I will handle this. Just allow me some privacy. “ Marvel scratched his hair and trying not to let his line of reasoning to get jumbled. He was still trying to get over the shock Jade’s sudden appearance had created.
“What do you want Jade and why are you here? “ Marvel asked as soon as the holographic image of ADA vanished from the room.
“Nothing much really, “ Jade came more into the room, turned her eyes to the empty chair and ignored it. Instead she came to the bed and ran her slender fingers slowly over it. “Was just passing and wanted to keep you company and kill your boredom. We will be leaving hyperspace soon as soon as we arrive on earth’s orbit. “

✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴
Marvel was woken up from a deep restful sleep by the insistent of ADA as the holographic female figure with the constant bluish hues she is made off gave the semi dark place a low glow. The bounty hunter rubbed his eyelids with the heel of his palm exhibiting the picture of extreme tiredness which he isn’t really feeling. After the destruction of Omiron 09, the Max Neo had been carried in the bowel of the flagship MMS-Defiant. He had spent some time within the rejuvenation cube which has really strengthen his stressed and tired muscles, then created a calming effect on his mind.


The AA suit is really great and exhilarating when using it. But after you pulled it from you, then the fatigue hits like a rushing wind. The neuro-cybernetic interface puts lots of stress on the brain. So the rejuvenation cube had really sucked out his tiredness and after that he could now sleep. Despite the effective work of the rejuvenation on his body and mind, it can’t take the place of proper sleep and rest. Though he had asked ADA to wake him up when the task force gets to earth’s orbit, so maybe that’s what ADA is doing just now.


“What’s it ADA? “ he asked allowing his voice to slur a bit to reinforced his tired demeanor.
“I’m sorry to wake you up before arriving at the destination you wanted to be woken up at. But this is an emergency issue you have to attend to at once. “
“Alright ADA spill, what’s the issue? “ Marvel sat up on the tiny bunk bed he was on, the heavy bed sheet covering his nec.ked body from toe to his chest.
This is his personal room in the mini cruiser, Max Neo, a small one that just barely accommodated his bed, his table and a single chair. Since the Max Neo was now big enough for long distance hyperspace travel, then the need for personal sleeping rooms became necessary.
“You have a visitor who insist on seeing you despite my strong stance that you are sleeping and instructed me that you shouldn’t be disturbed till we get to our destination. “ ADA’s voice mimicked a disappointing whine.
“Who is the person?”
“The visitor has screened its appearance from me, so it is impossible for me to tell you who it is at this moment only that the visitor has full security clearance that over rides the regular security upgrade I’m on right now. Without an increase of my security mode, I can’t refuse. If I don’t allow the visitor in, it will eventually open the door. “

The sudden appearance of Cedric and his spotter on uniform made them confused a bit. Before they could react, Cedric and his spotter mow them down with blistering fire. Cedric didn’t wait for them to fully drop on the ground as they ran away carrying the canister with them. Cedric was in a haste to beat the twenty five minutes time he was given before the auto security will become active.


Soon they were out of the gate running towards their packed air car. The car was already lifting into the air when the alarm shrieked as the auto defense came on. But by then the air car was already moving out of there in fast speed. That was when Cedric’s mind relaxed a bit as the air car they used was screened from being seen by the security set up for the facility. They can safely get to their hideout now with all their tracks already covered. Anyone tracing the path of this consignment will get confused at this stage.


The trail they would have been pursuing will be cold then. The head of H.E.L.P will of course report the break-in to the authorities showing them the proof of it in that way no suspicion will come on them despite them being secret sympathizers of the mega corporations’ cause . Cedric has made sure he left enough evidence for that laying around. The Earthwatch agency might not be called in at first to investigate something as trivial as a burglary into a small corporate facility like H.E.L.P is until he would have finished his work. But with the renewed heightened security on earth now coupled with the discovery that the agency is now directly after them having arrested twenty of them, this may just be the kind of news they will swoop down on.


Well this won’t do them much good because it will give them no idea what Cedric’s target is and how he intends to achieve his goals. He had intended to use the twenty seven of them to hit multiple targets at the same time so the attention of Earthwatch will be focused on that while he alone goes for the real target. Now, they are just seven, not enough to achieve his initial objectives. Well he can always hire local helps. Earth maybe locked up tight security wise, but a planet now housing almost twenty five billion humans will have lots of criminals hiding among them. So getting short time help wouldn’t be a problem. He smiled as he remembered a contact in Old London that can get him as many help as he will need within just twelve hours.

The plan was that he was supposed to drop the merchandise at this place so there will be records available to show the product was given to the owner and H.E.L.P collected it. So if investigation is started, the trace will stop at the point where he delivered the hydrogen cells to them. With prearranged plan, he was to come back that night, breaking into the facility and stealing it back. He was supposed to leave as much signs as possible of a break in. He was supplied with a security code to break down the auto defenses of this place making them none responsive for about twenty five minutes.


So he has already uploaded the code and it is working already. So he has less than twenty five minutes to get the hydrogen cells out. Getting into the main cylinder with the green cross sign, though the door was locked he punched in the number given to him and the entrance to the building opened. His gun was already up as three armed security guards looked up with surprised as their was no alarm that sounded. The NOVA MK-90 came up with the muzzle chattering. High impact solid bullets hit the three of them, jerking sporadically they collapsed on the ground.


Fortunately for Cedric, these guards don’t have kinetic shields on them. From the Intel Cedric was given, only the ones at the gate has the kinetic shield on. Running past them, he heads for a lift followed by his spotter that stopped a bit to check the fallen security men that were down. With a single shot from the rifle with him, he killed one of them that was badly injured but not dead. The lift led them to a storage room with security guards uniforms. Cedric and his spotter dressed them selves up in it and took another lift that took them to the subbasement levels of the building.


On the way they met other human securities which saluted them and gave way as the uniforms they were on was a high ranked one. The codes Cedric was given gave him high level security clearance. With that, he got to the static storage area where the magnetic field canister housing the hydrogen cells was kept . As soon as they got in, they saw those working in the lab that linked to the static storage. The lab technicians looked up surprised seeing security guards in a highly restricted secured area like this. How were they even able to have cleared access through the door.


As one of the lab technicians on white lab coats who appears to be their head came to challenge Cedric and his spotter. Cedric responded lifting up his gun and with a short burp, bullets from the NOVA MK-90 struck the head lab tech who collapsed in a shower of red blood. The others looked in shock at the sudden change of events just as Cedric and his spotter turned their guns on them and pulled the triggers. Bodies lay scattered on the ground where they had fallen. Going past them, Cedric went to the store, thankfully the hydrogen cell canister was still in the antigravity trolley he brought it with before. Before going out of the place, Cedric reloaded his gun. Running swiftly out the door, the security guards were coming to the door attracted by the sounds of gun fire.

As the dropping light rain continued, visibility plummeted quickly, which is exactly what he wants. Looking through the scope again, the displayed cleared the haze that has descended because of the rain. He watched the gate, noted the security booth after it. He watched the armed men patrolling the energy grid fence, that appeared slightly purple on the scope. At the lower edge of the scope, numbers were running and changing quickly. The spotter gave new figures to Cedric which he acknowledged and adjusted the barrel of his weapon.


In a quick move, his index finger squeeze the trigger gently. With each squeeze, energy bolts hit the target. One by one the security guards dropped. Before the two floating drones could detect what just happened, two more shots came out hitting them and they blew up.


Jumping up quickly, Cedric left the sniper rifle and grabbed an auto handgun, a NOVA MK-90, built in the shape of the ancient earth Uzi submachine gun. Though a handgun, it has the firing prowess of an assault rifle and very effective at close quarters fighting. Holding a back pack, he ran down swiftly, controlling the movement of his feet as the poodle on the ground made the grasses slippery, the rain dropping on his exposed head and hands, the only places that his all black combat suit did not cover.


His spotter had discarded his mini handheld data console then picked up a rifle and followed him. Getting to the gate, the humming sound of the lazer energy fence over shadowing the other noises . Cedric dug into the backpack he was carrying, pulling out a small electronic gadget. Attaching some wires from it to the control of the gate, with swift clicking of buttons, the gate opened admitting them into the compound. Quickly, going through the gate into the compound, he moved fast ignoring the dead bodies on the ground and the small burning wreckages of the destroyed drones. He has just twenty five minutes to finish what he came for.

When he had come in earlier to deliver the consignment, he had noticed that the security guards at the gate, though were wearing full body armor uniforms, they had limited kinetic shield around them. He knew this when he saw the mini shield generator discs attached to their belts. H.E.L.P must be an extremely wealthy corporation if they can afford to give their securities kinetic shield discs or maybe they are just unduly cautious when it comes to security. Well that was the need for an energy based sniper rifle.


No amount of bullets can penetrate a kinetic shield no matter how fast or strong the bullets are, they will just bounced off the kinetic shield wall. Even lazer bolts are deflected by the kinetic shield but the KPR-70 rifle is different, though it fires energy bolts too but at impact with a kinetic shield, the energy bolts absorb the kinetic force the impact on the shield would have generated, pass through the shield because now they are slow enough then hit the target after passing through the shield with the initial energy /force they started with.


Looking through the scope, the image shown were in a field of white and gray. The facility lit up with security lights. Silhouette behind the facility, is the dark outlines of the tall spiraling buildings of New London city. Behind him, his spotter scrolled through the data showing on a holo screen projected by a handheld data console.


He called out some figures to Cedric, which he confirmed after taking a look at the sniper scope. Just then tiny drops of water began to fall. Just in time like the weather satellite Channel predicted. Cedric needed the rain to fall to serve as a little cover for him. He noticed two floating security droids as well before. There are other auto defenses he is not aware of but those can easily be dealt with. The ones that are the problems are the human securities and the isolated sec droids patrolling the place.

An hour and some minutes later, Cedric was back at the H.E.L.P facility but some yards far away from the entrance. The part of New London where it is located is surrounded by low hills with gentle slops and low grasses and few scattered trees. It is a full moon night, with tiny bits of wispy clouds scattered over the heavens and the full moon glared harshly on the earth.


Twinkling stars seem like they are shy when compared with the lunar brightness though they filled the whole of the dark sky. Cedric already have the info from a weather satellite channel that it will be a clear night with a hint of drizzling that night. Knowing the tiny drops of water will start in a few minutes, Cedric took the time to wait and prepare himself. Hiding on one of the low hill around that will give him unobstructed view to the gate of the facility, he pulled out his weapon.


It is a KPR-70 (Kinetic Pulse Energy Rifle model 70) rife. It is an ugly looking weapon that lacked the sleekness and functional look of most sniper rifle. It has a long barrel, made ungainly large by the attached power adapter added below it. Its stock is heavy and unevenly shaped. Though having a tripod stand to give it balance during shooting, it didn’t really serve any purpose as the KPR-70 has zero recoil since it is an energy base weapon. It is among the very few energy sniper rifle in existence.


Most sniper rifle are made to fire solid projectiles as this is assumed to be the means of getting very accurate shots on long distant range targets. So energy rifles are seen as very poor sniper weapons. Added to that is the energy cell that is very heavy and adding extra bulk and weight to the gun. Cedric was aware of all the weaknesses of this particular weapon but has opted for it because it is the only way he can be successful against the assault tonight.

Three of them came out of the air car, as the driver locked it then produced a key which he used to open the door. They entered a wide room with scarce furniture of real wooden benches, weapon creates and black combat clothes. The room was actually converted from an old maintenance duct system blocked and turned to a manageable space. The place was really made to accommodate a lot of people. Getting in Cedric was surprised to meet only just five other people. One of them was on a monitor and one was sitting before a table filled with dismantled parts of various weapons checking some of them out and the others were lying down on bunks which they stood up from as Cedric came in.


The feeling of surprise was evident on Cedric’s face. He was supposed to meet with twenty seven people here, who all have been prepared for what is ahead. Though they had just a general idea what the mission was but lacks the specifics. Each of the twenty seven of them was supposed to travel differently, taking different routes to avoid detection and they were to meet here. But now just seven are what he has seen so far.
“What happened to the rest of you? “ Cedric’s voice though quietly spoken was loud enough to make it look like it vibrated the room.


The one studying the monitor was the one who replied as others stared at themselves uncomprehending. “Twenty of us were picked up at the different security check ups around the planet. Seems Earthwatch agents were on our trails. So it is possible they have an idea about what we intend to do. “
Anger burned deeply within Cedric. This might suggest that Marvel must have succeeded despite the massive resources gathered against him. Time after time, Marvel seems to appear larger than life, always escaping and surviving every attempt on him. Cedric really wished he can get to meet Marvel in this mission. He alone knows what it takes to kill Marvel.


“How do we proceed sir? “ the other one who came with him on the air car asked. “Seems we have been compromised. Can we still continue with the mission? “
Cedric could detect that the speaker must have had military training sometime in the past. “No we go ahead on schedule though with some modifications in the plans. “
Going forward, he looked at one of the weapons been checked and cleaned. It was a sniper rifle. The NOVA SR-557 series with a drum clip of twelve. 50 cal super armor piercing bullets of flintsteel. Appreciating it as he took the gun to look through it and loading it with a full clip, he held the gun up, taking a look through the smart sniper scope. He was satisfied and kept the gun back on the table after pulling out the loaded clip.
Addressing the one that asked him the question. “Hope you are not tired yet. I have a job to take care of this night and I will need a spotter for it. “

Hi guys.
One of the most difficult part of writing this futuristic story is the creating of a possible future events that are both believable and feasible, like I did with the account of Old London and New London here. Also how the one world government was slowly achieved. The merger of the US, Canada Mexico and Brazil to be the American Continent Federation and the introduction of interdollar. Also the cause of the UK Civil War and its outcome.
So I want some of my more astute, well informed readers and those with a little knowledge of History or anyone that feels like to critique this account. Tell me the holes, weaknesses and the rediculous part of my future history of Old London and New London. I want to learn and improve on my history creation. I'm particularly going to need that in part three.

But no nation can fight against the move of global progress. There was a bitter war between the conservatives, who held on to the old ways and the monarchy and the liberals that favored the new reforms and global integration because at this time the move that led to the one earth government was still at its infancy. The war was short and bitter. London became the prize sought by both sides. In the end, most of the city was destroyed and the conservatives lost the war. The liberals refused to rebuild London as the city had stood as the icon of the British conservatism and unchanging ways. A new city was built outside it called New London and the old city became a symbol of the failure of the old ways.


Though structures survived over the few centuries after, but they were badly maintained and cared for. The air car passed these structures encountering occasional air traffic as a beam of flight lights will just flash at them and be gone the next second. Cedric could see the silhouette of the old structure of big Ben. The clock face on the tower now have the holographic display of the classic analog clock having been replaced shortly before the Civil War. The hands of the clock were pointed at the Roman numeral of seven and eight.


Though the parliament Westminster building had survived the war almost intact, it is now crumbling due to the centuries of neglect. Becoming a safe haven for the homeless and misfits. Gangs have a fragile alliance among themselves that had come out of several skirmishes which weeded out the weak and unstable groups leaving the strongest and more stable ones. The gangs had a quasi kind of orderliness so there are very few gang related violence.


The air car headed for the central of the city then turned west to the part call West End in the past. From the air, looking southward, the glassy mirror image of the river Thames could be seen. The car came in for a landing amidst the crumbled ruins of most of the elegant structures that once decorated this place. Buildings broken down, air cars, trucks and the broken down tracks of magnetic monorail and the carriage were what was left of this beautiful and an attractive part of the old city. The car moved on the old roads with potholes floating about just a meter above the surface.


It turned and headed to an opening which led to an old subway tunnel. Getting into it, the air car lights flashed brightly illuminating some broken and crashed subway supersonic trains, twisted electromagno rails and plasters peeled off from the upper sections. The car whisked on slowly till it finally landed at a door that looks newly fixed considering the age of this place. This was a territory of one of the bigger gangs that is secretly being financed by the mega corporation Cedric works for.