“Well the new weapons they employed on the attack on Trans Terra tower, I’m ashamed to say was the logical conclusion to the cybernetic research project I was handling when I was still in the employ of the mega corporations. “


Pulling up some diagrams, half made figures and phonographs of mechanical parts, he continued . “My job was creating heavy duty mechanical covering to use for working in extreme conditions and hazardous surrounding. There are already huge mechanical constructs doing that but they are too big , slow and ungainly. Consume huge amounts of energy and can’t be as dexterous as humans. So smaller sized flexible and more maneuverable kinds were needed. The cybernetic concept was my invention but as at my last input there, we still have not solved the power supply issue. For Dr. Bryant here, his was successful because of the item we jointly call an ion crystal. It supplied the power and infused the cybernetic makeup with unexpected benefits and enhancements I am still studying.


“So the final act I did back then was a full cybernetic construct with no power source and not well working artificial intelligence programs to run it. But with the machines that attacked the tower, it showed they had perfected my designs, improved on it, solved the power problems and instead of using an artificial intelligence program have opted to put humans in it to drive it.
"But from the video clips I have seen, the machines were too well coordinated to just be piloted mechanically. The data here just proved the men who controlled the machines had on them helmets of cyber-neuronethic control which source I can’t say. I would believe the mega corporations have a brilliant neuro-cybernetic inventor. The data here didn’t state his or her name. “

“Alright general. “ Dr. Guthrie touched some control buttons on the consoles which made the 3D holo screen with the general’s face split into two, with one side replicating the same figures on the holo monitor of the console before him.


“The first item of real interest on the partially recovered data is human genetic modification and enhancement. We had a bit of evidence on that after the raid on AgroGen facility where six human sized pods were recovered with genetic materials that were in advanced stages of decay. The test results on the recovered samples showed they once belonged to humans. The degenerated stages of the tissue samples didn’t tell us much. But with what we have gotten now, it showed, the mega corporations, Trans Terra International, Iris System Securities and Syntech Industries were all involved in illegal genetic bioengineering experimentation. They aimed to create super human slaves or soldiers. “


After allowing the dramatic silence to have the desired effect, general Leyland asked. “So where are the test subjects? Any information on the level of their successes? “
“The full data on that was recently added. The six decayed corpses recovered from AgroGen showed they had some measures of failures.” Clicking on a the keyboard linked to the console, a new row of data appeared on the screen. “The partial reconstruction from what I have showed, that the other four test subjects all died too. The genetic bioengineering experimentation was a total failure. The reason I could get was that, the process worked in theory and single cell organisms but on more complex test subjects, the cellular bounding just couldn’t hold together. So it is safe to bet that the indicted mega corporations don’t have super soldiers hidden anywhere. “


“I for one I’m glad I don’t have to deal with super strong opponents. “ the Mole said in a manner uncharacteristic of him.
Leyland nodded his acknowledgement and faced the doctor. “Well that is still good news. So what else have you got for me? “

“So I heard you guys were able to retrieve some of the data downloaded into Hardwire’s console. “ Marvel said not actually directing his words to anyone in particular.
“Yes but we were waiting for you to get here before reporting our results. “ Dr. Guthrie said. “Moreover general Leyland asked us to fill him in once we get any result. “


“ OK, make the call and get the general online. “ Marvel said looking at ADA. “Screen the call and bounce off the trace even from the general. No one except us in here must know this place exist. “
The 3D screen came on showing multiple colors as the call was screened and the encryption codes working to secure the call. While waiting for the call to go through, Hardwire walked in with a shocked look on him as he saw Marvel in the room as if he wasn’t expecting to see him there. He quickly averted his gaze and threw a quick look at Dr. Guthrie which the doctor returned back acknowledging with a short nod that was barely perceptible. Marvel caught all these, then turned to the Mole to see if he was aware of what just happened. The Mole was just staring at the colored 3D screen, but the smile plastered on his face was odd.


Marvel was wondering what could be going on? There definitely is a joke being made behind him and he seem to be the butt of the joke. Before he could think further on it, the screen changed and the face of general Leyland appeared on the it.
“Glad you are fully recovered Marvel to join us, “ the general said after taking a while to view those who makes up his audience. “Dr. Guthrie, hope you have some good news for me now?”
“Won’t really call any of what I have to say good news, but yes we have had some success in data retrieval. “ the doctor replied his voice sounding like a lecturer in front of his students.
“That shouldn’t be a problem, just give me what you have. “

Walking out of the room, he heads to the lift which took him to the communications room two levels above. This place have six levels, and the communications room is among the compartments at the very top. Getting to the top level, the door to the room recognized his bio signatures as a green light played over him close to the entrance. The door opened.


The communications room was very wide that it looks almost empty as vast spaces in it was still not being used. Some of the bulgy equipment haven’t been brought in here yet. But the basic things needed are already installed and working at full capacity. There were modems connected with large data consoles. Several holo monitors were on before the data consoles, at one wall is a full roof to floor 3D screen but off.


He saw the cyborg standing with Dr. Guthrie putting on a simple syth-shirt under a long white lab coat. They were both looking at something showing on screen of a big fixed data console on which is connected the damaged portable console belonging to Hardwire. The room was brightly lit and clean with white ceramic tiled ceiling and floor coated with plas-screen. The Mole was conversing with the doctors, while the holographic image of ADA was standing close by.


“What’s up guys, hope it was worth it enough to wake me from a much needed sleep?” Marvel said as he got in.
“Well depending if you are interested on the result of the data recovery efforts. “ the Mole turned to him at the sound of his voice. “Hope you are well rested? “
“I am. “ He glanced casually at the screen that they were looking at as he got close enough. He saw different folders on a menu, with some showing in ghost image icons, then there are those showing errors. “Where’s Hardwire? “
“He is in the repair area, going over some new modifications, at least that is what he said. “ Dr. Guthrie said as he scratched his bearded thoughtfully, still looking at a second monitor intently studying the words and figures appearing on it.

“You are awake sir. “ came a soft spoken cold female voice after which a holographic image of a female flashed on having a blue colored halo all round its frame.
“Yea ADA, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to get up just yet. “ Marvel addressed the life sized hologram as he sat up on the pull out bed in his quarters. The first thing he had requested while the reconstruction and modification of this place was going on, is that ADA’s program should be first integrated into all the security systems and put in such a way that the Artificial Defense Assistant should run everything. “So any pressing thing of importance that requires my urgent attention? “


“Yes sir. Dr. Guthrie and Dr. Bryant have obtained partial reconstruction of the data recovered from the vault. They have instructed me to let you know of their success the moment you are awake. “
“Alright ADA, that’s enough to kick my ass outta bed. What about Mole? “ He asked the hologram as he lazily stretched his hand beyond the bed to the side table on which he had dropped his fatigue t-shirt.


“He’s been up about two hours earlier, already with the doctors in the communication room. They all await your presence. “
“Damn that Mole, he had to make me look bad by recovering much earlier than I did. Sometimes I feel that man is more mechanical parts than human. “ Marvel grumble as he staggered up on unsteady feet, kinks causing his joints to pop with sounds.


“Sir will you want the Mole to be removed from this facility then? “ ADA asked.
“Hell no, you want the Mole to wipe his ass with a kerchief made from the skin ripped off my face. “ Marvel walked towards the door. “Tell them all I’m joining them now. “

Marvel had acquired the under water lab from a rich family who had also acquired it from another person, through a long line of purchases . The lab has been more than adequate for what Marvel needed. It was isolated and located deep beneath the waves of the lake, covered from all sides by the uneven layers of the lake bottom.


And with the cloaking tech added, this place will be almost impossible for anyone to locate except those that know it is there, where to look, how to look and the security codes to see it. It generates its own power by taping from a natural under ground thermal vent of hot steam which in a way is caused by a deep fault line of molten lever that runs deep below the lake bed and stem from the dormant volcanic mount Virtue several miles deep within the Imra forest.


The hot vent serves to hide the heat signatures generated by the lab using self propelled energy. Which gives the cloaking tech a more sure coverage. The lab was actually a lot bigger than the name suggests. Marvel has been able to carve out of it a small garage for his MAX 2 flyer and a newly ordered Nexon 3 air car that is yet to undergo the usual intensive modifications.


Since his last trusted armored Nexon 3 air car didn’t survive intact after his last job in Puerta del Cielo. Six sleeping quarters, a rec room, an armory, a training hall and a repair/building area, which took the greater bulk of the place. Communication and security space and a storage compartment. There are still empty places Marvel haven’t decided on what to use them foe yet.


He was alone at the moment having woken up from his medically induced sleep a while ago. The Mole might still be sleeping, recovering from the heavy battering the last job gave him. Guthrie was here with them going over Hardwire’s damaged portable data console with the cyborg, to see what can be salvaged from it.


Now Hardwire is the only one Marvel couldn’t really talk about. Since they got here, he has been acting kind of strange and secretive, taking only Dr. Guthrie and the cyborg into his confidence. He has been spending unusual amount of time in the repair room than with the cyborg and Dr. Guthrie in the communication area to help with the data retrieval.


Marvel has seen him several times lost in thoughts, scrolling through data on the holo projection from his wrist comm, then always going to Dr. Guthrie with questions on some advance mathematical equations and figures which he has been very guarded to say anything about and making sure Marvel gets to know nothing about. Marvel has been too tired to pay attention to him and demand for explanations because his treatment had taken most of his attention.

In a way Marvel has had a soft spot for the city of Imra where he had taken his residence for some years now. Despite the destruction of his house during the Mantis troops attack, he had still refused to totally uproot him self from the small city. Though that is a dangerous way to live for someone in his line of work. He had desired to get a base of operations in Imra, which has led to this.


The major natural features of this city is the massive lake Imra, from which the city has gotten its name. The lake has been termed an inland sea because of its size and depth. The city is located at the western shore of the lake, while towards the north are the tall dome silos of the corporations that had taken the advantage of the fertile lands around the lake to build huge agricultural facilities and factories.


These were surrounded by the dense forest covering about three quarters of the lands around the lake. At some time in the past a small corporation had wanted to build a biogentic kind of food, hoping to accelerate the process of growing food much faster than the mega corporations already on ground at that place. Their method is by bioculturing, using a certain genetically enhanced bacteria that acts like yeast, injected into certain seeds and crops causing a huge out put per harvest.


The corporation had built an under water lab, in the lake, to create and culture these unique food enhancement bacteria, as under the lake was seen as the ideal place to conduct the experiment. Had it worked, it would have driven the prices of food down and the other mega corporations would have had their strong monopoly over the prices of food challenged and forced to lower their prices.


Something happened though. The experiment failed, the corporation went bankrupt and was bought over by another corporation in New Haven. Though rumors had been flying that the more powerful mega corporations had sabotage the efforts of that company, by infiltrating it and setting up a spy to ruin the experiment. Because they were afraid to loose their fangled hold on food monopoly in Nuterra. Well there was never any proof of that, so the matter had died down and faded from most memories.

“Yes I’m aware of that and I will pay you handsomely for it. The earth government are sparing no expense to getting this done. “ Taking a quick swig of the soda with his lips curling disdainfully, he hissed . “Damn I hate this thing, tastes like cat urine. “ Turning to face the bounty hunter again, he concluded. “Help me clear up this Marvel and I’d triple the agreed amount. “
Marvel turned to look at the Mole who was slowly nodding his head in agreement and his teeth flashing a greedy smile. “Alright sir, we are in business. “ Marvel threw the watching general a perfect salute though he was still sitting.


✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴

Few days have passed and Marvel had taken the time to rest and treat his injuries. Scar tissues that have criss crossed his body are almost all but disappeared leaving just faint marks on his skin. The micro surgeries had worked their wonders and spending some time under the rejuvenating machine at the hospital has helped healed his strained muscles.


At the moment he is in his private quarters in the new place he had set up as a base of operations. Doctors Guthrie and Bryant, had really worked hard to bring this place up to his expectations. Security is top notch and the surveillance equipment were well done. The new addition to this place absent from the other places he had used in the past was a new kind of cloaking technology that both doctors have cooked up.

After James was taken out of the room, almost every one heaved a sigh of relief. Marvel laughed loudly despite himself and Hardwire was having a self satisfied smirk on his lips.
“Gotta admit general, I never saw this coming. “
“It’s been a long time coming, too long as a matter of fact . “ the general pulled out a stim soda can, popped the lid and poured himself a drink. He sipped a little then grimaced. “There is so much his political cover can over look. Right now the Senate and President are in panic mood, needing heads to roll over all these fiasco, I gave them his. “


“Well this more than make up for the bad day I was having previously. “
“So Marvel what are the chances of getting anything from the data we lost? “
“You will have to ask the cyborg about that. “
“Dr. Bryant? “ General Leyland asked facing the cyborg.


“A possibility exists. The data console has to be open and the storage compartment thoroughly looked over by deep scans. Traces of earlier stored data can be found. But I can’t do that here. “
“Alright, let me know about anything you need to get that done. The retrieval of that data takes priority. “


“No sir my payment takes priority. “ Marvel cut in. “I rescued the senator and his family as requested. But a whole lot got involved in that job that I believe our initial agreed amount of remuneration was not adequate to cover all of that. “
“Occupational hazard is what I termed that. You took the job, finished it and get paid the agreed fee. All other happenings weren’t part of the deal. “ The general said in jest.


“Seem I was too patriotic, offering all those information and debriefing for, how it now appears, free. “
“Well I would have been forced to come and arrest you myself son. “ Leyland laughed. “That would have been pretty interesting. Well you just showed us how loyal you are to your government. “
“I’m loyal to no one, patriotism never gets anyone fed. Sir you are owing me big time for this. “

neyohpee:
A Pollux,you have to tell us How marvel survive that explosion?

Lol, that's trade secret.

Actually, the car was already at thruster speed above that of the explosion but the difference been that the Nexon 3 air car propulsion kicked in a little later than the explosion. So the periphery of the fire ball was still able to get the car before it pulled out safely. The car's armored covering gave it some amount of protection. But it still got damaged. Marvel didn’t return with the car to Nuterra.

Jackossky:
You know, i was reading this story and I can't help but say that 'You are good'
Apollux, I'm beefing you; do you know why? How can you start the literal ingenious piece without giving me a mention?
And you know I am one of your ardent reader back then, who even had the pdf file you sent to me. How come it all changed?
Apollux, Sola is beefing you seriously.

Ohhhhh so sorry. You know concentrating on typing this story takes a lot of my attention. Pls forgive me. But I did notice that I haven't seen your comment on this story.
I just assumed most of Marvel fans will be able to see this story from the post I made about it on the part one and on MEMOIRS OF BLOOD AND STEEL, then join me here. Sorry if you missed that. Glad you are here though.
Please o, hope no more beef?

zelaws:
Apollux the great thanks for the wonderful updates.

This James obviously is a dummy in military clothings wondering how come he rose to such position? Could it be that he has been paid to act that way. Marvel and his super team, superheroes to the rescue.

If u noticed in part one, James rose up in the military ranks not because of his exploits or qualifications but because of the political connections of himself and his family. Gen. Leyland hands have been tied before now in dealing with him. But recent events have put the senate in panic mode, so Leyland had used that as an excuse to dangle James as the scapegoat since they are looking for someone to take the fall for recent events. The senators, in other to protect their lives and political carrers were more willing to over look James family's political influence. It's all politics and Leyland played it perfectly

“Will you shut the hell up. “ the loud command froze the colonel and others listening. For those who knew the general the most, they know it is rare he raises his voice. “ I was well aware of the failure our data teams were having that was why I had to personally convince command to allow me source for an independent agent who is more competent and has better expertise at handling things like that. Your putridly over bloated ego and misguided jealous vendetta against Marvel made all my efforts void. “


“Sir I will like to point out that… “
“One more word out of that shi.t spitting maw of yours and your tongue will decorate my next meal. “ Leyland said these words almost too low to hear. From then on each of his words were spoken singly and spaced apart. Any that knows the general will recognize the warning signals. When he starts speaking this way, that is the cue to get far away from him. At this state Leyland can kill any around him with his bare hands. James is fortunate to be far from him at this moment.


“As it stands now, colonel James you are relieved of your immediate duty. You are hereby demoted to the rank of an under captain. From hence you cease being in command of Earthwatch, I will temporarily hold command of that agency till we get someone else to fill that place. You are now directly under the command of over captain Oddway Dennis, who is under Major Finnis Blake Cumminus, of the 1st Land Marine Infantry Battalion. He is now your new commanding officer. “


“Sir I have to protest. Those two have been my underlings in the past and bear me personal grudges, so you just can’t assign me to them. “
A smile that seemed encased in ice formed around the lips of the general as he looks at James through the holo screen. “ it is already done. The order has already been written and sent to all concerned before this call came in. “


Turning to face one of the men in CSC uniform, the general ordered. “Captain Ethan, your are to relieve under captain Willey James of command, put him in protective custody, till you receive further instructions. “
“Yes sir. “ the one indicated came around James, his rifle raised at the frozen ex colonel. “Please you are to come with me under captain James. “


“Leyland this is impossible. You can’t do this to me, you don’t have the authority. “ James maintained his defiant stance.
“I do James, I’m your commanding officer. “ The general reclined back on the leather chair he was sitting in. “Do not think the political clout you and your family wield will save you this time. The Senate Arms Committee is fully behind me on this. They prefer their lives and political career than the influence of your family in the senate and earth’s presidency. I may be a career military officer, but I have learnt well how to play dirty politics. You family no longer holds monopoly on that. “


Turning to Ethan, Leyland sternly ordered. “Take him away, captain, if he resist, you are ordered to stun him and drag his ass to a lock up room. “
After James was taken out of the room, almost every one heaved a sigh of relief. Marvel laughed loudly despite himself and Hardwire was having a self satisfied smirk on his lips.

“You sicken me so much I feel a deep sense of disgust that I have to work under the people that deem it fit to put you in command of a top intelligence agency on earth. “ the general spoke, his voice rigid and stern causing a slight startle among most of the audience except Marvel and the Mole who seem to have an idea about what was coming.


“I have had a full record of all reports of your incompetence. Your short sightedness has cost us the loss of this investigation. I was dully informed of your action towards a government licensed external agent employed to help with safely retrieving the sensitive data in that vault. I learned of how your harassed him and stopped him after he successfully pulled down the security preventing us from accessing those data. You disobeyed my direct order after I have dully kept you apprised of all development. Your sheer stupidity and fool hardiness has cost us this case. Making the lose of lives during the attack meaningless. “


After taking a glaring sweep with his sights at all the data techies and officers standing around, eyes wide and accusing which one of them betrayed him by going behind him to report him to the general, he thought within himself, well , he will fish that one out and have him or her dealt with severely after this meeting.


“Sir let me state categorically that you may have been misinformed of how things went down here. “ James protested, standing at a rigid attention facing the holo image of his commanding officer. “Things weren’t that bad till Hardwire arrived. As a matter of fact, success was already achieved at breaking down the secured codes before he came in and things… “

“Not at the moment, Marvel. But pressure from the Earth Global Senate will force us to devote more resources to unraveling all these. “ with a look of sadness suddenly crossing his face, Leyland added. “If indication of what I’m getting now about the latest developments on grounds over there is anything to go by, we really don’t have anything with which to pursue this. “


“Excuse me sir, but everything was well in control over here, our data techies were hard at work and are almost about to crack the security code protecting the information here, when Marvel’s lackey came in. “ Colonel James quickly cut in. “Being suspicious of his coming, I already had him in custody before the attack started. I was justified in my suspicion then, as it seems probable that the one called Hardwire may have led them here. I also will like to state for the record that I was physically attacked by Marvel as soon as he arrived here without provocation. Sir. “

The largest holo display monitor came online and the stern image of general Leyland appeared on the screen. He was putting on a camouflage uniform. He looked around taking careful note of everyone in the room. His lips twitched slightly and pressed hard on themselves as his eyes fell on colonel James.


“Most of you here don’t have the security clearance to hear what I’m about to say, “ the general’s calm voice said as he watched the data techs who were gathered together. “Nevertheless, what I will be talking about is not secret anymore. But I’m sure all of your signed the top secret act before you were employed by either Earthwatch or Colonial Security and Control. So take note that everything you will hear now is on a need to know basis. Consider it as such and treat them like you would any top secret information. “


James finally dragged himself up from the floor when he noticed Marvel’s full attention was on the holo screen. He tried to gather as much dignity as he can from the embarrassing situation he had just suffered.
“I was quite impressed with your results and debrief and mostly I’m glad you survived that encounter. Same goes for you Jade. “ the Earthwatch spy nodded slightly as the general called her name. “If not for the reports sent to me not long ago about the attack on that tower, Marvel, what you had mentioned on your report would have sounded impossible or too far fetched to be believed. The security high command were skeptical at first until the report of Trans Terra tower attack came in. And believe me Marvel it was a cause of serious concern. The earth government’s greatest fear is been realized, military grade weapons with advanced tech under the control of the colonies. “


“Any idea how the mega corporations on Proxima Centauri system were building some thing of this nature under your noises without the Earthwatch spy network here sniffing it out? “

“Put down your guns fools, any harm comes to Marvel and a military court marshal will be the least of problems I’d have to face. “ Colonel James said as he touched his jaw gingerly, blood slowly dropping at the end of his lips. “General Leyland will be coming after me with vengeance in his heart and eyes burning with flames. This ego centric bounty hunter is his personal play thing. “ He winced painfully as his attempt at a smile for the slur he threw at Marvel made his smashed jaw ache afresh.


“You even try to get up and I’d pound you to an inch of staying alive. “ Marvel’s lips grind in anger as the colonel tried getting up. “How are you Hardwire? “
“I’m good Marvel, though less than ecstatic. “ He replied as his boss coming in gave him both relief and confidence. “I mean not like they hurt me or anything. But we have lost big boss. “


“Tell me about it, “ Marvel sat down heavily on one of the chairs available, exhaustion weighting down on him.
“Everything we have here is gone. There is nothing for us to use . “ Hardwire lifted up his damaged data console. “Though I was able to copy a substantial part of the data here…but it’s damaged now. Though Dr. Bryant is been optimistic about the possibility of data retrieval but I’m not so sure of that. “


“Cyborg how reliable is that? “ Marvel turned to the cybernetic organism.
“A minor scan of the destroyed console showed the memory unit was partially damaged, so some fractional reconstruction might be possible. “ the cyborg said. “But I can’t do that here, the equipment in this facility is no longer adequate. The attack rendered a lot of what is here no longer functioning at full capacity. “


“Ah sir, er excuse me sir, “ one of the male data technician said loudly alternating his attention between Marvel and colonel James, not sure who the one in charge now is.
“What’s it? “ Marvel asked irked at this distraction.
“Mr. Marvel sir, a high security call from earth is coming through. My guess is it maybe general Leyland on line. “
“Let the call through. “

For some seconds the room tensed as the CSC operatives raised their guns but with very little enthusiasm to use them, fear of the cyborg was almost paralyzing. With a slight shake of his head, colonel James signaled for his underlings to stand down.
“Where is he? “ an almost familiar voice sounded angrily from outside the door of the vault. “Where is that sh.it faced, pathetic incompetent fool? “


All eyes turned to the door, as Marvel, his face lined with rage, his clothing torn and stained black, the Mole, face cold, cradling a big plasma rifle on his hands walked behind him silently. James' face turned ashen with fear and panic seeing the state of Marvel’s visage as the bounty hunter turned the livid face to his direction.
“Hey Marvel, cool off ok.. Everything is under control now. “ James said with his palms raised up in a defensive posture.


With a swift swing of his hand, Marvel’s right fist struck the colonel’s jaw, connecting solidly and lifting him off his feet to go crash among some of the CSC operatives standing behind him. They all fell on the ground in a tangled tumble. Those still standing lifted their rifles, turned toward Marvel armed and ready to fire. But a steady low sounding cold voice froze them in mid action.
“Anyone of you even think to twitch a finger, I will turn him to a hot crisp barbecue. “ the Mole said, the huge muzzle of his plasma gun pointed at the operatives. “And I always love my barbecue extra crispy. “

His heart sank into his stomach as pinpricks of cold shiver spread over all his skin as the contingent of CSC operatives came in with colonel James at their head. He quickly turned his eyes pleadingly at the cyborg who was standing impassively at his side.
The aggressive posture taken by them visibly relaxed as they saw the cyborg standing in the vault with Hardwire at his side. Coming in behind the armed men were the data tech people, in their white coats, going immediately to check the several consoles within the place.


Their disappointments and anger were not as suppressed as Hardwire’s as cries and curses filled the air from their lips.
The head of the technicians came to Hardwire with a burning look in her eyes soften a bit with something like apology. “This is bad, Hardwire, we just lost everything. “


“What is the state of the data kept here? “ colonel James asked loudly before Hardwire could over come his fear and form a reply.
“Nothing sir, all data in this place have been wiped. No even a trace was left behind. The attackers really knew how to hit this place. “ one of the younger male data tech said as he pulled his face off from the holo screen monitor. He turned to face the cyborg. “It was a good thing Dr. Bryant was here to rescue us on time from the explosion that would have resulted from the power tubes melt down. “


“Yes, we thank you for you assistance, doctor. “ James said casually as he looked at the cyborg but his face twisted to a dark grimace as he saw Hardwire by him. “ I thought I ordered this man to be put in custody?”
Some CSC officers who were about to move in to arrest Hardwire stopped as a loud whirring filled the air. All eyes turned to the source which was the cyborg, as his arms have morphed into two four barreled lazer blasters.
“No one takes Hardwire into custody. “ the cold voice of the cyborg grated the ears of everyone in the vault.

Though the entrance to the Trans Terra was been cleared, the carcasses of both people and vehicles, still filled the whole place making it look like the aftermath of a war. But this time the number of visible security personnel have tripled after the incidence. More guards on CSC uniforms were patrolling the perimeters of the tower, all in peers with at least a single plain cloth Earthwatch agent going along with them, armed for immediate engagement with rifles, side arms and mini detonators and frag grenades.


The security screen has been raised again but it was still not steady, as it was going off and on. Now both light and heavy hover tanks patrol the air ways around the tower, same with armored air cars challenging vehicles that moved too close to the restricted air space.


Less than an hour after the cyborg disable the threatening explosion of the power tubes, armed CSC operatives and Mantis troops rushed into the vault led by non other than colonel James. Hardwire was just going through the data system of the of the vault, it was all empty. All the storage spaces of every consoles and mainframes within the place have been wiped clean.


The attackers were very thorough. He was sad and angry at the same time. If not for the foolish and uninformed decisions of the Earthwatch commander, at least the data on his personal data console would have survived. Now after taking several look over his console he was not able to get anything. Though the cyborg have assured him that he might be able to pick up tiny resonance of some of the data the console may have copied but Hardwire was not really hopeful. It’s just so annoying that with just one misguided action, high and mighty James has practically given an easy victory to the mega corporations.

Chapter Ten


Hours have passed after the raiding of the Trans Terra tower, emergency services and air ambulances were flying in on their clean white color with bright red cross stamped on their middle. Wounded were been attended to on site, for those whose medical needs were not that serious to be taken to the hospital, while the critical ones where being air lifted on the numerous air ambulances hovering around.


The wounded were not that much as the dead were more in numbers. Already insurance and repair crews were on site, accessing the level of damages and the amount of repairs that will be needed to carry out. The press people were not left out. So many of them are already doing live transmissions to all sat net subscribers giving out what they feel are objective on site news to millions around the star system Nuterra is orbiting.


The news of the attack on Trans Terra tower have spread with light speed and for the first time in centuries, it was becoming clear that there are those who will openly oppose the earth government and go free. The stability that have seem to keep and maintain the balanced relationship between earth, the solar system and the colonies appeared to be threatened and the illusion of peace and security shattered.


Lots of activities were paralyzed in most areas of Nuterra as lots of people sat before their holo feed screen watching and listening to the regular news been broadcasted about any new development. While the head of Iris System Securities was unavailable to offer a speech, someone in the organization has spoken on his behalf. The speaker as usual with the corporate PR agent, has down played what has happened assuring the citizens that nothing too threatening happened and that those involved have been arrested and being interrogated.


While the one who was supposed to be the spokesman for both the Earthwatch and Colonial Security and Control, was unavailable to offer any comment but the only person authorized to say anything, only said everything is under control.

Getting through the door, he saw Hardwire sagged into a chair in a display of total helplessness. Looking around, scanning for anything that might appear like an anomaly or possible hidden explosive. What he noticed might have scared him totally was he still fully human.
“Cyborg, Dr. Bryant I’m glad you are here. “ Hardwire said with relief when he saw him come in. “I really hope you can help. You can’t believe what is… “


“I know what the threat is all about. I have done a complete analysis and know that the explosion will be a considerable one. “
“Ok, ok. But can you do anything to stop it? “ Hardwire’s fear almost making him to sound incoherent. “Those people came to steal the information stored here and decided to rig an explosion probably to help them escape, or revenge or for whatever sh.it reason their mind came up with. We have less than fifteen minutes before those power tubes blow up. “


Without a reply to the panic stricken young man, the cyborg looked around at all the data consoles, terminals and mainframes in the room, taking his sight up at the power tubes with their crimson pulsating lights then headed for the central console. He raised both arms as delicate looking tentacles slithered from them, them hooked up to ports and access points all over the central console.


Hardwire watched amazed at the display before him but his fear drown out any form of relief he must be feeling. As soon as the tentacles plugged into the ports and terminals, the count down numbers starting running at a faster speed.
“Oh shi.t, oh no. “ Hardwire wailed his hand unconsciously running to cover his mouth. His eyes opened wide. “Cyborg see, the count down is running down faster. “


Silently the cyborg continued with his work ignoring the rants thrown at him. Just then the count down got to a minutes, then seconds. Just beyond ten seconds mark all the screens went black, same with the lights in the room. The red lights from the power tube went off too. Just then a constant electronic ping sound started then stopped as the lights in the room and the screens came back on. The lights of the power tube returned back to their steady color.
“The danger is averted. “ the cyborg said quietly.
Hardwire collapsed back on the chair again this time a loud sigh of relief escaping his lips. He just didn’t believe he was still alive, his face surrounded by several layers of sweat.

✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴

The call from Hardwire sounded very important and his analysis of the young man’s voice pattern stress shows he was really afraid. His fear might be justified, so going to meet him might logically be better than standing here to take out the remaining ADMECs. Another one has fallen to his energy blast, so the possibility of taken them all out exists but Hardwire has mentioned something about being vaporized, so he will have to abandon the fight here and go in.


He activated his antigravity thrusters, went up into the air, as gun fires and rockets exploded where he was erstwhile standing, then he flew down in a fast speed heading for the entrance to the tower. The ADMECs still standing, though shooting at him, moved out of his way quickly. Entering the foyer of the building, he noticed that the devastation wreaked here was similar to those outside as regarding the number of dead bodies scattered on the ground.


He can detect where the signal of Hardwire was coming from but sort for a direct way to get to him. His signal was coming from several level below him but tones of thick layers of rocks separated them. Looking around with his x-ray scanner, he saw a place with a shaft that runs down directly to the floor Hardwire signal was coming from. Heading that way, he notice there was an office and a door to the shaft.


Smashing apart the door with his fist, he saw the shaft was actually a lift route leading down but the lift was out of order. He jumped into the shaft, letting his antigravity thrusters glide him down gently. Soon he got to the damaged lift down at the bottom of the shaft. It was covering the exist from the shaft. With blows from his hands, the cyborg rip apart the softer metal body of the lift and walked out.


He saw a heavy dense door, ajar. His scanning name the area before him as the vault. This should be the place Hardwire had told him of much earlier when he had visited him and Dr. Guthrie, about getting classified data from heavily encrypted and secured corporate system, though he didn’t mention the name them.

Damibiz:
So this Cyborg can with stand this heavy gun fire..weldon My bosz

At this time yes. But when he fought with Marvel in part 1 he wasn't yet. As time goes by he has been under going modification and upgrades from his colleague Dr. Guthrie. He is also evolving through the impact of the ion crystal that powers him.
Also in this case he was hit with a pure energy weapon that the ion crystal can easily dissipate through the energy shield. But solid projectiles are more difficult to overcome.

Something he saw both heartened and scared him at the same time. The destroyed remains of the mechanical figure that had accompanied the attackers. It had suffered severe damages from what he could see and torn apart at the waist area. Taking a few minutes, he turned his wrist comm to record mode, taking the visual of every single part of that machine he could see.


Well the data might turn out useful for later. As he moved on, he got to a place that must have been a secret door way which when locked might have looked like part of the wall, but appeared forced open. He felt this must have been the area the defenders took to come open the attackers without being seen initially. The door was broken down now.


Something that looked familiar struck him as he passed the door, the whole place looked like the entrance to the vault. His suspicion was confirmed as he saw the door to the vault. Damn so the access lift wasn’t the only place to the vault, their was another entrance. So he was correct to have surmised that their target was the vault, only they took another way, a secret entrance.


How the hell did they know about a secret entrance, Hardwire mused. That means they would probably have succeeded in obtaining the data in those mainframes. That thought caused a sudden panic that forced him to rush at the vault door, the surprise that the door was ajar didn’t even register on his mind.


His jaw dropped with surprise and shock as he saw all the holo screens of the data consoles on black background showing only red numbers in a count down. His mind was working fast to determine what was going on and almost stopped dead when he saw all three power tubes blazing on and off with red lights.
“Cyborg, cyborg… Dr. Bryant, can you hear me? “ he spoke in rushed panic as he activated his wrist comm for call.
“I can hear you. Are you in need of assistance? “ the cold voice of the cyborg asked.
“You have to get here fast, “ he spoke with his heart panting and racing in full panic. “If you don’t, in less than… “ he stopped to check the count down before continuing, “… in less than thirty minutes, we will all be vaporized. “
“Alright, on my way. “


Hardwire collapsed into a chair looking at everything but for the first time in his life, he was standing before data consoles and was at a loss what to do. He wished with all his heart that the cyborg can help, else he will be dying the most horrendous how be it, the quickest kind of death ever at a very young age.

Opening the door and peeping out, he saw way down the path some group of people in Mantis and CSC uniforms, one of the person he saw was recognizable even from that distance. It was colonel James looking wide eyed scared and disheveled. Hardwire quickly turned back and hid in the office he just came out of.


After a while he heard several footsteps passing outside the office door he was hiding in, then colonel James voice ordering those with him to take the other way and cut off the attackers. Hardwire waited another five minutes before slowly opening the door, first to peep both end of the corridor, when he was sure no one was moving, he came out and took slow careful steps. Just some paces later he came to the place of the confrontation and what he saw shook him badly that his stomach protested violently causing him to throw up every delicious thing he has swallowed that day into a messy poodle on the floor.


Every where within the enclosed space shows the signs of battle. Huge scorch marks on the walls and floor, signs of been hit by lazer and energy weapons, holes from bullets and shrapnel from explosives. Then bodies, chopped up in pieces, burnt, ripped apart, with blood and entrails strewn every where. Same with discarded weapons. Most of the bodies are those of Mantis troops and few CSC. But the attackers also suffered heavy casualties from what he could see.

✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴
Trailing the attackers to know where they are headed was a difficult and dangerous affair as Hardwire had come close to being seen or shot at several times but his concealment and far distance has kept him safe. He was forced to hide when he noticed the group he was shadowing seem to be engaged in a serious firefight. He looked for a place to hide.


A side door which when he pushed was open, showed a lightly furnished office with cartons and metal boxes arranged in a file with glowing identifying labeling on them. He got in, lay prone on the floor opened the door a crack and tried to look down the way he was heading. He couldn’t see much except hearing the heavy sounds of explosions and gun fires. Just then his wrist comm vibrated as if a call was coming in.


He was shocked at first not expecting any kind of call as this whole place was under a communication black out. He crawled back deeper into the room after he closed the door firmly but he stayed back on the ground. Accepting the call showed him the face of the cyborg on the tiny holo display over the wrist comm.


“Cyborg..er I mean Dr. Bryant. “ Hardwire voiced out suddenly with a bit of surprise but too afraid to hope.
“Hardwire, glad you are still alive. “ the voice of Dr. Bryant came from the floating image. “Seeing the level of attack here and the huge casualties, I was afraid the worst might have happened. “
“I’m alive, thanks for asking though still somewhat trapped in the tower. “
“Do you require assistance to get out of there, hardware? “
“Guess I might at that. “ Hardwire looked up as all the noise coming from outside suddenly went quiet after a loud shaking. “But there’s something I’m following up on at the moment. “


“Alright then, just be… “ the image of the cyborg shook a bit and the holo fizzled then came back on.” I’m busy at the moment confronting the attackers. “
“Oh ok, will get back to you later then. “ Hardwire said as he broke off the connection. Damn it never occurred to him there might be other attackers outside that the cyborg may be engaging. Well since it seem everything is quiet now, he might as well take a peek.

Servomotors whined in long protest as he got himself up to face the ADMECs as they advanced on him thinking he may have suffered critical damages. Well two can play at that game, Dr. Bryant thought in a way the cyborg logical program protested against. He tried smiling with the frozen unmoving lips of his death face. I may all be machine now but, I’m still human enough to throw out a very dry joke now and again .


The cyborg programming reminded him that the joke serves no purpose at all in solving any of the challenges now faced. Well you ain’t human and won’t understand, he thought to the logic machine program. Getting his mind ready, he lifted his two hands and joined them together. The four muzzle shaped guns on both hands change shapes as their parts pulled out, twisted then realigning to form a single huge muzzle from the combination.


Electric lightning spew out from the giant muzzle as it glowed from amber energy color to yellow then bright white with bluish tints at the edges. A beam of the bright white light with the blue tint shot from the muzzle and hit the large ADMEC. The ADMEC seem to absorb the intense light from the cyborg as it stopped its movement, body jerking slightly. Suddenly it flashed and exploded, its joints and bodily parts got scattered. Where it once stood was a round blackened hole that was burning with thick smoke bellowing.


That explosion was like a wake up call to the remaining ADMECs as they moved aside spacing themselves in other not to present a concentrated target for the cyborg’s huge cannon. Dr. Bryant disentangle his hands as they morphed back to fingers then changed forms again to single muzzle energy gun on each arm. Bullets, lazer fire and rockets continued to rain down on the cyborg from several points as the ADMEC maneuvered around him with quick movement. The cyborg responded with fire of his own which were easily dodged and side stepped by the more agile and smaller sized ADMECs.


While the fight has been going on, the cyborg was been running a passive scan on the background to locate any thing throwing off a strong signal interference, which is causing the blockage of communication link between here and outside. He was expecting it to be coming from inside the tower but nothing like that came up.


A quick scan around the surrounding gave him a hit, a heavy duty air truck that was hovering away from the tower and has refused to leave despite the shootings going on was generating a strong electromagnetic dampening field all around the tower creating a virtual communication black out. The equipment doing that was kept in the storage compartment of the trailer it was carrying.


One of his arm pointed upward, the fore part already a gun. He temporarily ignored the fire thrown at him, he shot and an energy beam hit the truck then it blew up scattering its pieces in a metal rain of burning debris. Another scan showed the electronic dampener was off. Now he has to try and reach Hardwire, hopefully he may still be alive in all these.

Dr. Bryant came for a landing just in time as the ADMECs have recovered from the initial attacks and were shooting at him as he flew through the air. His landing waved through a maneuver that dodged most of the shots. As he landed, the ADMEC guns turned on him as hundreds of concentrated lazer bolts were sent at him most of which hit his body but his generated energy shield deflected them.


His metallic arms reformed into four muzzle lazer guns and started spitting out bolts of compressed pulse heat beams at the ADMECs. They hit their targets but left scorch marks and little dents on the frames of those machines. He took the tactical readouts that his scanners were showing him willing the weapons and attack grade on him to go higher.


As the internal mechanics of his cyborg frame started to work on the upgrades, the six remaining ADMECs opened their rocket ports and unleashed several of them at him. He was struck multiple times and around him were the constant explosions of rocket fire. He staggered as each rocket hit him, though his shield protected him from any serious damage.


The only single larger insect shaped ADMEC turned the energy cannon on its back to him and fired. The beam from that cannon hit him dead center, then concussion from that impact kicked the cyborg off his feet lifting him around twenty feet in the air and several feet back to go crashed on the ground with such force, the ground shock. His energy shield sorted out, then went off as the energy blast over loaded it. It rebooted though and came back on.

The six ADMEC machines didn’t rest long to savor the heavy loses they have inflicted on the attacking hover tanks when energy beams started to scatter around them, some of them taking several hits that leaves more than scorch marks on their chassis. The ADMECs turned their view around with augmented scanning. Just them something that looked like a human but all made of metal appeared.


Their preprogrammed recognition screen identified the new comer as the cyborg and termed it extremely dangerous. They have been forewarned about the cyborg and told to avoid confrontation with it at all cost. Its capabilities are not known, except that it is very dangerous.


Dr. Bryant’s mind within the cyborg’s frame already took stock of all that was going on. The human part of him that still feels human empathy was weighed down with something that resembles what his mind remembers as sorrow at the number of dead bodies and body parts scattered on the ground around those machines.


His enhanced scanner had looked them over and got an identification name, they are tagged as ADMEC. From the recent events he just witnessed, it shows the hover tanks are way beyond their leagues in confronting them, the pilots in them will just be throwing their lives away. He had logged on to their personal inter comm, had advised them to stay back and allow him to deal with them. Also the event also showed that those ADMEC can be destroyed too if hit with sufficient force.


His initial salvos were not intended to do real damage, only to draw away their attention from the fleeing hover tanks and collect data on initial threat assessment. Well he couldn’t save the escaping hover tanks but at least those hanging back will not be tempted to re-engage the ADMECs . Though those tank pilots might not know who he really is, his demeanor of warning them off and going ahead to confront their attackers may have given them the idea he is one of them. Anyway before getting here, he had sent a distress call to the CSC command post at the space port, so like he told the hover tanks’ pilots, reinforcements are on their way.

“Greene, you, Mitch and Brad come close to me and power up your mini cannons. “ captain Ellis spoke through the inter comm. “Lock in your target acquisition to the one I’m going to tag, them release everything on it. ‘


After the names he called acknowledged, he advised the remaining three to stay behind. He choose one of the bigger machines having the energy cannon, locked target on it and dropped down from the air in his leading hover tank and the others followed him. He took a descent pattern that will blindside his target, so his maneuver won’t be seen before its too late. Then before the target will respond to the lock on alarm, it would have been shot.


When he got within target area he ordered all the tanks with him to fire. Four mini cannons light up with bright yellow colored beams. They struck one of the big machines their captain had tagged. Ellis watched with satisfaction as the area of the machine hit by the beams glowed red with intense heat, the ceramic heat protection layer melted, as the dense metal beneath that too followed. Then the beams touched the delicate innards. The ADMEC blew up in a brilliant display of bright explosion, its parts scattered in small torn pieces.


“Pull away and regroup ahead. “ Ellis called into the inter comm, happy that they have taken out one of the major serious opposition.
Just then the other ADMECs, seeing the results of that excellent maneuver, turned their guns upward at the fleeing hover tanks, each ADMEC picking a target then firing.


The captain was still flying the hover tank when several rockets hit his tank. The tank shuddered as each rocket exploded on it, tearing out chunks of armored plate coverings. The flight pattern of the tank became erratic as thick black smoke started pouring out from damaged areas. Just then an energy beam struck it and it blew up spectacularly. Same with the other three tanks fleeing with their captain. They all went down amidst showers of burning wreckages.

The hover tanks have the insignia of the Colonial Security and Control, armed with heavy MAC 50 multi-barreled gun, a mini cannon and rocket port. They were light tanks built more for speed than for heavy resistance, still they are armed enough to face off the seven ADMEC machines surrounding the tower.


They had been scrambled when the alarm in the tower went off and calls made to the tower couldn’t go through. They were a quick response team and the captain heading the light armored hover tank division wasn’t really briefed on the level of resistance to expect at the tower. They came light, almost too light for this encounter.


At the moment the captain watched in dismay as another of his hover tank took a sustained blast from an energy cannon and it blew up. At the moment the captain has witnessed five of his light assault hover tanks blown to bits. The armored air cars, he has lost count, those were just dropping from the skies like every second. He had ordered the leader of the armored car wing to pull back and allow the hover tanks face the opposition alone.


The captain’s mind churned with the weight of failure staring at his face. They came ill-prepared. He can’t really tell what kind of weapons those machines are but what ever they are, they are military grade weapons. Colonies are not supposed to heavy military grade weapons, his mind continued to scream in disbelief. Yet before his very eyes, he is bearing witnesses to members of his company being decimated by military grade weapons in the hands of likely colony citizens.


Now seems his over confidence and poor Intel will cost him dearly. They were just scrambled from the cargo ship still parked at the space station. The assaults ships they had come in from earth to take over Trans Terra for investigations have all returned back to earth for other duties. So the cargo ship is almost like both their command center and base on Nuterra till their investigations are over. So no stiff oppositions were expected, that was way the assault ships returned back and just two companies of light armored tank and one company of heavy armored hover tanks were left here.


It was even argued that the three hover tank companies were an over kill to take over things here. Well that is proving to be a huge oversight. Captain Ellis, who leads the company was doubly frustrated as he noticed that he can’t send any kind of communication outside the security zone of the tower. But it seems the inter comm between him and his company works just fine. One good thing about this is that the tower is an air restricted place, so unauthorized or civilian air vehicles aren’t allowed to fly close by or over it. If not lots of civilian air vehicles would have been caught in the fire exchange.


Also, gladly most of the civilians within the tower has either escaped or are dead, because captain Ellis was just in time to see the rush of people running out of the place, either escaping or dying while in the attempt. The open ground around the tower was littered with metal parts of destroyed air cars and hover tanks, the avenue trees were burning furiously and some have broken down under the impact of falling vehicles. And of course there were dead bodies dotting the litters.