The Daemon Conflict
By: LadyBard
Chapter 16 - A Glitch in the Plan
It was an opportunity
that could not be missed.
When SiRCe came to her
about the supposed trouble at the West Keytool Tower, AndrAIa jumped at the
chance to go with her. Since it was daylight, the two donned hooded cloaks and
made their way through the back alleys of the city. SiRCe led AndrAIa to the
back of a dilapidated building and they made their way up to the roof. From
their vantage point, they could see four armored transports before the tower.
Cooper Black sat atop a rocket cycle apparently shouting orders at the twenty
or so soldiers gathered.
A barrage of cannon fire
began, slamming against the smooth wall. AndrAIa asked, "Why aren't they
trying to knock down the door?"
"There is
none."
"No door?"
"Wall all away
around," SiRCe said, "Only Katiyana knows how to get in. There's some
sort of secret way."
"How long have they
been at it?"
"Since early this
morning," SiRCe said, "Something happened, I don't know what. Zif is
down there. He's going to try and find out for us."
"He's very brave,"
AndrAIa whispered.
"Yes," SiRCe
looked at her for a moment, "He's in love with you."
AndrAIa gaped at her,
"What?"
"Surely you knew
that."
"Well yes, but -
well what am I supposed to do? He knows I love Matrix and I certainly can't
confront Zif about it without embarrassing him."
"I know. I thought
it was important you realize it."
"Well I do."
Both went back to their
observation.
It was late in the
evening when they returned to the underground. The Guardians were no closer to
getting into the keytool tower than they were when they had started. The whole
place was abuzz with excitement, which increased when Zif arrived bursting with
news.
"Apparently,"
Zif began without preamble, "it's suspected that Mistress Katiyana is
within the West Tower."
AndrAIa sat on a crate
next to SiRCe and continued to listen intently.
"We have been given
an immense opportunity," Zif said, "And I say we use it. Apparently,
two important incidents have occurred that caused them to take such drastic
action. First, all Guardian keytools are no longer functioning."
A wave of surprised
exclamations flowed through the crowd.
"Zif, you're
certain? None of the Guardian's keytools are working?"
"Ask Cooper the next
time you see him, but that's what I was told. The keytools no longer obey their
Guardians. It's as though they are all dormant - asleep."
"It had to be
Mistress Katiyana," AndrAIa said, "Zif you said two incidents. What
was the second?"
"You'll be
especially interested in this, AndrAIa," Zif smiled. "Apparently, a
very special keytool disappeared. One they had under lock and key. It belonged
to your Guardian friend."
"Glitch? Bob's
keytool? Well - it's not a keytool anymore at least not in the normal
sense."
"I can understand
why Daemon is livid." Zif said. "This is monumental. AndrAIa, I'd
like to try and contact the resistance again. See if they got in touch with
Mainframe yet."
"Do you think you
could get me out this time?"
"Maybe I can,"
SiRCe said. "But I think Zif should go ahead and scout things out, then we
can follow."
"You should stay
here, SiRCe," AndrAIa said, "The Underlings will need you. Let Zif
and I go, and we'll contact you."
"All right,"
SiRCe reluctantly agreed. "Be careful you two. We can only hope help is on
the way."
* * *
"Dot, they're
ready."
Clad in her newly
designed battle armor, Dot stood on the grounds of the Principal Office and
surveyed their gathered troops.
"Mouse," Dot
turned to her friend, "This armor is upgrade level."
"I think the sleeves
are a nice touch," Mouse graced her with her cocky grin.
"You just had to add
sleeves didn't you?"
"Couldn't stand it
for another nano."
For a time the two
friends stood in companionable silence.
"Dot?"
"Yes?"
"There's something I
been meaning to ask you - about - well what happened to you - with Ashar I mean
--,"
"No Mouse."
"All right
then," Mouse said. "You okay, honey?"
"That remains to be
seen."
"You know you can
talk to me if you want to."
"I know Mouse,
" Dot hastened to change the subject, "Let's go inside."
Phong, Ray and Enzo had a
3-D map up when the two women entered the War Room.
"Ah, Dot,
Mouse," Phong said, "Our illustrious Web Surfer has plotted the
speediest course to the Super Computer."
"We go at top speed
with no breaks and we'll get there in a few seconds." Ray smiled. "I
wish we could just portal there."
"We've been through
that, Ray honey."
"I know, I
know," Ray smiled, "And speaking of that where are our two Chaos
Virals?"
"That's what I'd
like to know," Dot still wasn't sure how she felt about the two virals
being inside the P.O.
"They're at Hex's
Lair," Enzo's eyes never left the map. "Want me to call them?"
"Yes," Dot
said. "We'll leave as soon as all ships are ready."
"And Hex will
teleport us afterward," Mouse examined the map now. "I'm gonna have a
few surprises for ya."
"Did you say a
surprise?"
"Hex!" Dot
cried as the sudden appearance of the virus, "Don't do that!"
"Sorry," Hex
didn't seem the least bit penitent.
"Hex that was
--," Melissa began, "Um - Enzo, what's that word you use?"
"Alphanumeric?"
"Yes, that's
it," Melissa smiled.
"Can't you teleport,
Melissa?"
"No," Melissa
said. "At least not yet. It may happen when I'm older. I don't mind."
"I'll have plenty of
time to teach you my love," Hex smiled, "Your brother and I had such
marvelous battles. We're going to wreak such havoc you and I!"
"Hex."
"Oh I'm only
playing, Dot," Hex smiled at Melissa, "Wasn't I, my love?"
"Oh yes,"
Melissa's smile equaled Hex's own. "Playing."
There was an
uncomfortable silence until Hex spoke, "Enzo darling I haven't yet thanked
you for looking after Melissa."
"It's okay,
Hex," Enzo smiled. "I'm glad you two are together - um - everything's
all right, isn't it?"
"You mean about the
trying to delete me thing?" Hex grinned, "Oh yes. She'll do better
next time. With the proper training, she and I will have battles that will
rival the ones with Megabyte."
All the while, Melissa
smiled proudly. Dot groaned. Would things ever return to normal? "Hex,
you're certain you'll be strong enough to teleport our remaining people?"
"It should be, with
no trouble." Hex smiled, then to everyone's surprise, she sobered,
"It's important that we both be there."
Melissa nodded,
"It's been too long."
A vid-window broke the
silence the silence that time, "Dot?"
"Dr. Chancery,
everything all right?"
"Oh yes, well - a
young woman was just brought in, she's asking for you. Ronnie Lore?"
"Ronnie? Dr.
Chancery she's not --?"
"She's going to have
her baby, she specifically asked for you, could you come?"
"I'm on my
way."
* * *
Ronnie was well into the
final stages of labor when Dot arrived. Her friend managed a weak smile when
Dot was escorted into the room. Ronnie grasped Dot's hand painfully and
wouldn't let go, which was fine with Dot. The Command.com's whole attention was
focused on the wondrous event.
When the time finally
arrived, Dr. Chancery announced as proud of if he were the father, that Ronnie
had a girl. Dot found herself as dazed and pleased as Ronnie. As the delicate
infant was laid in Ronnie's arms tears welled in Dot's eyes. For a moment, she
imagined the smooth face was blue, the dark hair silver curls and her eyes deep
violet.
"Dot," Ronnie
said quietly.
"Yes?"
Ronnie giggled slightly,
"No, that's going to be her name. Dot."
"Ronnie, are you
sure?" The tears began to stream down Dot's cheeks.
Ronnie took Dot's hand
again, "I'm sorry I had you dragged down here. You're the only friend I
have now and I wanted you to be here. I wanted you to see this baby."
"It was no trouble
at all. You didn't have to drag me. I wanted to be here. And I'm honored that
you'd give your baby my name. Thank you."
"Thank you,"
Ronnie said. "Because of you, my child has a safe place to live. I know
you'll succeed Dot."
Dot tried her best to
give Ronnie a reassuring smile, despite the apprehension that ate away at her.
Mainframe's newest citizen had given Dot even more reason to defeat Daemon.
There was no way in the web she'd fail.
* * *
It was Dom who met Zif
this time outside of the factory. The two friends embraced warmly.
"I was worried about
you," Dom said as the two entered the factory. The four resistance
fighters that had accompanied Dom went their separate ways. "When we
didn't hear --,"
"It's pretty hot
within the city right now. Where can we talk?"
"Has to be the
control room. If we don't, well you know Desdemona."
Zif did not relish seeing
the resistance leader again. She quite frankly scared the chips out of him.
Desdemona awaited them
when they entered. "Welcome back," she seemed almost amiable, which
made Zif even more nervous.
"We've been in
contact with Mainframe," Dom announced. "Their forces are on the move
and should arrive here in four seconds."
"They must be really
moving." Zif said. He was anxious now as well as nervous. "Did they
defeat the armada?"
"Listen for
yourself." Dom smiled. "Play the message please."
After a few nanos of
static the garbled message came through:
".... Mainframe....
Dot Matrix.... armada defeated.... have coordinates.... confirm.... on our
way.... remaining forces.... inform AndrAIa.... good luck...."
"Pixelacious,"
Zif smiled. "We have a chance. We finally have a chance!"
"Do we?"
Desdemona smiled. "You sound awfully confident."
That smile nearly undid
Zif completely; "I have news from the city." Zif told them of the
Guardian keytools no longer functioning.
"Incredible!"
Dom whispered. "It had to be Mistress Katiyana! Only she has that power.
She's still processing. You say they haven't broken into the tower yet?"
"Not since I left."
Zif said. "When I come back, I'll bring AndrAIa with me. She can remain,
and I'll be the go-between."
"Zif, you need a
weapon. You shouldn't go out alone without one."
"No," Zif said,
"If I'm caught with a weapon it will definitely go very badly for me. As
long as the Guardian who sends me out needs me, I'll be fine."
"I wish you could
get a message to Mistress Katiyana."
"Maybe we can,"
Zif said with a smile.
* * *
The
stench of garbage almost made AndrAIa gag. For the nth time she wished there
had been another way to get her beyond the frontier. She could tell just by
looking at Zif that he was having a rough time of it. He and AndrAIa pushed the
immense metal carts and loaded them into a specialized transport.
"The recycling plant
is under guard but it isn't as heavy, I mean, who would want to steal
trash?" Zif said. "Once we're there, I can create a diversion and you
can sneak away according to the plan."
"Are you sure you'll
be all right?"
He grinned confidently at
her, "I'll be fine."
"Be careful,
Zif," AndrAIa smiled.
"You too."
Zif had special clearance
to pilot the transport beyond the frontier. Once past the checkpoint, AndrAIa
began to breath easier. The plant wasn't as large as AndrAIa thought it would
be. Zif piloted the transport to the rear of the facility.
The garbage was poured
directly into immense square chambers to be recycled and reused. When the right
time came it was into one of those chambers that Zif discreetly dropped a
flare. The resulting fire and black smoke gave AndrAIa the cover she needed to
slip into the shadows.
AndrAIa made her way into
the city streets using the instructions Zif had given her. She found herself an
alley and once hidden there, she removed a small square box from her belt and
squeezed it to activate it per Zif's instructions. The refresh command removed
her disguise. Armed with only her trident, the game sprite began her journey.
* * *
"You take care of
yourself, sugah," Mouse hugged Dot. "We'll be there as soon as we
can."
"We'll be
waiting," Dot moved away to let Mouse make her goodbyes to Ray.
"Enzo, you behave and do what Phong says all right?"
"I will Dot,"
Enzo said. "Mouse says I can help her with salvaging the Ravage."
"Good," she had
wanted Enzo to keep busy, "Take care Sector Warden Matrix."
"You too, Commander
Matrix."
Dot turned and started to
walk into the interior of Covar's ship the Mercurius. Then she turned back and
waved. Thinking of her brother and Little Dot made her more than determined to
succeed.
When she arrived on the
bridge, Captain Covar and his crew stood and began to applaud.
"Welcome, Ms.
Matrix," Max smiled at her. "You honor my ship with your
presence."
"Captain
Covar," Dot shook his hand. "Please accept my condolences on the loss
of your commander."
Max's eyes downcast for a
moment. "I don't know what I'm going to do without him."
Dot placed a comforting
hand on his shoulder, "He'd want you to go on. He seemed like that kind of
man."
"He was," Max
managed a smile, "Until I appoint a new commander Ms. Matrix, I will take
any advice you have to offer."
"I'll do my best to
help," Dot said. "Shall we?"
Max took his seat in the
captain's chair and Dot opened her organizer to contact Phong. "We're
ready to take off," she told him.
"Good luck to you my
child," Phong said, "User protect you."
"We'll return old
friend," Dot smiled at him.
All around her, there was
a flurry of activity. Orders were given and obeyed as the ship was prepared for
launch. Captain Covar offered her the commander's chair, and the Command.com of
Mainframe sat proudly beside the young Fleet Captain.
"Onward,"
Captain Covar gave the command.
With their companion lead
ship beside them and the remainder of their forces behind them, the net portal
opened in a brilliant flash of gold light and the ships plunged ahead.
* * *
AndrAIa moved
surreptitiously through the wooded area. She sensed the many eyes on her and
her fingers tingled in anticipation of drawing her trident. She resisted the
urge.
When the lights came on, blinding
her she raised her arm to shield her eyes and waited.
"Identify
yourself!" A voice called.
"You first,"
AndrAIa replied.
There was silence, then a
diminutive figure moved forward, "AndrAIa?"
"Dom?"
The sprite moved quickly
towards her, "It's good to see you again."
They shook hands,
"Likewise."
AndrAIa found herself
being led to the factory that Zif had told her of. She felt the eyes watching
her from the windows. Once they were inside, Dom turned to her.
"We thought you were
lost," Dom said. "After what happened --,"
"I know about the
sabotage," AndrAIa said, darkly.
"Yes," Dom
said, "I won't make excuses for what she did. It was wrong, pure and
simple."
"What about the
--,"
"No," Dom said.
"We'll talk later. Desdemona is waiting for us."
Steeling herself for the
unavoidable confrontation, AndrAIa followed him into the control room.
Desdemona straightened
from her workstation when they entered. Her face contorted immediately.
"Desdemona,"
AndrAIa hissed out the name.
The tension was data
storm thick. Everyone found other things to do. The two women faced each other.
"So the traitor
returns," Desdemona spoke first.
"Des --," Dom
warned.
"Me?" AndrAIa
felt her newly grown claws extend, "You betrayed us! Because of you, Bob,
Matrix, and possibly Katiyana are in Daemon's hands."
"You should of
thought of earning her displeasure before you agreed to be a spy for her."
A tenuous thread held
AndrAIa's temper, "If it weren't for the fact that we have more important
things to consider, I would hammer you into the floor."
"Don't threaten me,
game sprite," Desdemona spat.
AndrAIa moved forward but
Dom stepped in her path, "Stop it you two! AndrAIa's right, we have more
important considerations."
"Very well,"
Desdemona smiled, "The Mainframers are on their way."
"Thank the
User," AndrAIa said, "Once they arrive we can combine our forces. The
people I allied with have at least two thousand in their ranks."
"So we've been
informed," Desdemona said. "I understand that the Guardian keytools
no longer function?"
"Yes," AndrAIa
said, "We need to figure out how to use that to our advantage."
"Of course,"
Desdemona said. "You have an idea, I assume?"
AndrAIa smiled
secretively, "I do, but it will take our combined forces." And
Dot's powers of diplomacy, AndrAIa thought to herself.
* * *
Dot watched amazed as Ray
skimmed ahead of them, expertly weaving around the net portals to other
systems. Often Ray would report back to them on the systems they passed. Dot
took notes of everything she saw and heard.
When they finally came
upon the net address of the Super Computer, Dot could only stare in wonder.
Seeing the spires and super highways for the first time, Dot somehow felt less
than important and somewhat lost, but she shook those feelings off immediately.
She was here to not only do a job but to rescue her beloved and her brother.
She would not leave this place without them.
Ray was silhouetted
against the portal as he used his power to open the way.
"Silent
running," Covar said. "All hands remain at battle stations."
The portal lit up the sky
for an uncomfortable moment. Then they were cruising over a wooded expanse of
land.
"How peaceful it
looks," Dot whispered.
"Hopefully, we're
out of their sensor range. If not, we'll know within a few microseconds."
Covar remarked.
"Captain," the
navigator spoke, "We're approaching the landing coordinates."
"Take her down slow,
ensign."
Dot closed her eyes as
the Mercurius touched down.
"Open a channel to
Mr. Tracer."
When Ray's face appeared
in the vid-window he said, "I'm going to scout around a bit, make certain
we have no unexpected guests."
"We'll begin
preparations here. Take care, Mr. Tracer."
Ray saluted and flew
away. Dot could only watch him with apprehension and pray.
* * *
Ray flew low over the
trees, his night sight serving him well as always. The only thing he
encountered was a sleeping flock of birds that he disturbed. Ray smiled at
them, as they were shadowed against the moonlight for a nano, then disappeared.
If the coordinates they
had given were correct he should come upon the factory in a few micros.
The shot barely missed
him and had him almost halting in mid-air. Ray took a precious moment to scan
for a break in the trees. He steered Baud for it and leapt from the board just
as the second shot cut through the air where he had been standing. He felt Baud
weaving through the trees and moments before Ray hit the ground, Baud slid
neatly underneath him.
"Still got it,"
Ray said. He surveyed the trees surrounding him and picked out several figures
moving on the ground and in the branches.
"Okay, hope they're
friendly." He couldn't do much flying where he was and he was a moving
target if he took to the air again. As carefully as possible he navigated
around the trees at a pitifully slow speed. The trees were beginning to
mercifully thin. Just as he believed he might escape his pursuers blazing light
transformed night into day.
Ray cried out as the
light sent agony through his sensitive eyes. When he regained his composure, he
shrugged in resignation and hopped to the ground. He kicked Baud with his foot
into an upright position.
"Stand and be
recognized!" A voice called.
"Ray Tracer,"
Ray figured if this were the enemy, lying about who he was would be futile.
"Who in the ruddy net are you?"
A figure moved in front
of the light. A woman by her supple form, Ray could tell. He was just thinking
there was something familiar about her when she spoke.
"Now Ray,"
AndrAIa's voice was the sweetest thing he heard since leaving Mainframe,
"Is that any way to talk to an old friend?"
* * *
The transports were
almost loaded. Despite the fact that only the barest of light was utilized, the
troops worked quickly and efficiently. Dot wondered if any of them would be willing
to remain in Mainframe once this was over and felt a pang of guilt. They were
loyal to their own systems, but Dot was determined to rebuild their forces
again. Never would she allow Mainframe to be inadequately prepared for
confrontation.
The Command.com of
Mainframe found herself in charge of the supply transports. Not that she minded
the task. It gave her a chance to put her skills to work while not stepping on
anyone's toes.
It was the commotion at
the outer perimeter of the landing field that drew her attention away from her
work. Several people were running in towards the lead ship and Dot hastened to
follow.
A group had gathered
before the Mercurius. Covar was speaking to someone that Dot couldn't
see. Someone lit a light stick as Dot pushed her way rather unceremoniously
through the crowd.
It was Ray that Covar was
speaking to and beside him was --,
"AndrAIa!"
Dot caught herself too
late. She hadn't meant to cry out like that but she couldn't help it and she
wasn't quite as embarrassed when AndrAIa cried, "Dot!" Just as
loudly.
The two female sprites
rushed for each other and embraced warmly. They laughed one minute and began to
cry the next, then embraced again. More people came from the woods. The
resistance had arrived.
Even though there was
much confusion, Dot took a moment to ask her game sprite friend, "Bob?
Matrix? Any word?"
Even in the darkness, Dot
saw the look of distress on AndrAIa's face, "Nothing yet. I'm hoping our
go between contacts us soon. But now that you're here, well would you believe I
have a plan?"
"Yes," Dot
said, "Nice to know I'm not the only one who has plans."
"Well
actually," AndrAIa said, "I need you for the plan to work."
Dot embraced her again,
"I knew there was a catch."
When she stepped back,
Dot said, "I'm so glad to see you."
"And I you,"
AndrAIa said, "Dot we have to succeed. Bob and Matrix don't have much
time."
"Then lets get
started."
* * *
Dot had always prided
herself on keeping her temper. But with everything that had happened her temper
was always one click from erupting. And after twenty straight micros of arguing
with Desdemona she was losing her battle to keep calm.
"I'm not questioning
your leadership abilities," Dot said for the nth time. "I'm saying
that AndrAIa's plan had merit. What harm could it do making a second attempt to
unite all the resistance factions?"
"Fine!"
Desdemona snarled, "Do what you want to do. I obviously have no more power
here."
Desdemona stormed out
like a five hour old child. Dot sighed into the ensuing silence that blanketed
the command center.
"Dot," Dom said
at last, "It will take some time to arrange the meetings. Some of the
leaders of the other factions have been captured or killed. Since we're so much
out of the way geographically now, we haven't been able to get any updated
information."
"Then it will mean
going back into the city," AndrAIa said. "SiRCe's people may have the
information you need. I can get a message to them as well as letting them know
of our current situation."
"You can't go
alone," Dom said.
"She won't,
mate," Ray smiled, "I can get us there a lot faster."
"All right,"
Dom said. "I hope this works."
"And if it doesn't,
we'll be no worse off," Dot sighed.
* * *
As always her nerves were
almost shot whenever she was faced with such a monumental task. Dot hoped for
enough energy to get through this. Although there was a flurry of activity
around her in the command center, she let the sounds and movement fade into the
background as she worked.
With her trusty organizer
open and several vid-windows floating before her, Dot Matrix once again
assessed the situation.
AndrAIa and Ray had
returned from their successful mission after two worry-filled seconds.
Apparently, security within the city had been increased and they had had to
hide out for a time. Messages had been successfully passed through a shopkeeper
to SiRCe and the resistance leader (Dot disliked the term Underlings and
started calling them the Underground) was preparing her people for whatever
assaults their resistance forces planned.
Which at that point was
nothing.
Four more seconds passed
where the resistance investigated any information, however out of date, of any
additional forces. They had been in contact with a few minor factions that
Desdemona was willing to dismiss as 'useless' until Dot had pressed and
Desdemona had grudgingly relented. After milliseconds of talking, pleading, and
cajoling, Dot had convinced their leaders of the benefits of joining them. It
increased their number by almost one hundred troops.
They were still waiting
to hear from others and whatever information they obtained Dot saved in her
organizer.
Members of the
Underground risked much to supply the resistance with detailed 3D maps of the
Hall and the surrounding area. Zif and Dom were hard at work, along with a team
of their own, using AndrAIa's schematics to create more efficient weapons. What
was troubling Dot at that point was there seemed to be no way to get through
the frontier without some upgrade level weaponry, which they simply didn't
have.
At that moment Dot was
comparing power levels between the weaponry of the Mercurius and Captain
Irina's ship Libertas, and the frontier, in hopes that the guns of their ships
could penetrate the barrier. Right then it wasn't looking too hopeful.
Dot removed her glasses
and rubbed her tired eyes. One of the windows showed the schematics of the
device Mistress Katiyana had supposedly used to create the small hole in the
barrier that had been their mode of entrance. Zif and Dom had assured her they
could recreate the device but on a scale grand enough to take down a larger
area of the frontier? Doubtful they had told her. Still they had agreed to try.
It all came down to
getting through the barrier. Their people inside were at the ready and had
promised to give them ample backup for when they 'stormed the fortress'.
Dot was so deep into her
researching and musing that she didn't notice Dom had entered the control
center until he patted her on the shoulder.
"Oh, hi," Dot
smiled at him.
"Hi yourself,"
he returned the grin, "You were really into that, weren't you?"
Dot felt her cheeks
flush, "Guess so."
"I have some news,
come on."
Dot saved all of her
info, closed her organizer and followed Dom to stand beside him at the hub on
the control center. Desdemona glanced up at him.
"This better be
important."
Dom's smile faded,
"Ray and AndrAIa have brought in some refugees."
"They did
what?" Now Dom had her full attention.
"The last time they
were out, one of the Underground pointed them to some families living in the
sewers. The Underground thought they would be better off with us. I told
AndrAIa and Ray to get them situated and report back here."
Desdemona rubbed the
bridge of her nose, "How many?"
"Maybe about twenty
or so. We have the room for them. Besides, one of them is a doctor."
"Really? That is
good news," Dot commented which earned her a glare from Desdemona.
"It was the doctor
who got them organized," Dom went on, "Her name's Norton."
"Norton?" Dot
said. "Dr. Norton?"
"Yes," Dom
said, "You know her?"
"I know of
him," Dot said. "A doctor in Mainframe mentioned him, but I know he
said Dr. Norton was a man, if this is the same, an antivirologist."
"It'd be monumental
if she were," Dom said. "We can go meet her if you like."
"Excuse me,"
Desdemona said, "How did they get them here? Are they sure they weren't
followed? What if one of them is a spy?"
Dom sighed, "There
are five families and the doctor. Unless the doctor is a spy - and I doubt Daemon
would want an A.V. anywhere near her - I'm doubtful the rest of them are."
"You take too many
chances with our safety, Dom," Desdemona muttered.
Dot noticed the noise
level in the room had decreased.
"What else was I
supposed to do?" Dom said equally quiet.
"Are you even going
to question them?"
"Yes."
"When I'm done here,
we'll go to them."
Dot wanted to be there
too.
* * *
The factory sported many
conveniences for their employees and one of the best was the employee day care
center. It was there that the families had been housed. Miraculously, some toys
and games had survived the vandalism and Dot couldn't help but smile at AndrAIa
and Ray as they entertained the small group of youngsters varying in ages from
four to nine.
They're both going to
make good parents some day, Dot thought. If either one of them can get their significant
others to cooperate. Dot then saw the pretty young woman who was holding
the youngest girl in her lap, slowly rocking back and forth and singing a
lullaby. The woman was no older than Dot. She wore her dark brown hair in a
ponytail and her face was tan and pleasant. Her smile reached all the way to
her amber colored eyes.
"Dr. Norton?"
Dom spoke to her first.
She smiled up at him,
"Hello again Dom." She looked questioningly at Dot and Desdemona.
"This is my
companion, Desdemona, and our associate, Dot Matrix," Dom introduced them
in turn.
"Pleased to meet you
both."
"Excuse me,
doctor," Dot said, "You're not the antivirologist, are you?"
Her face fell, "I am
one, but you're probably thinking of my father. He was deleted in the first
assault."
"Oh I'm so
sorry," Dot sat down beside her.
"There were so many
injured and infected people in the hospital that second. When it was discovered
there were two antivirologists on the premises, well it didn't go well for
anyone. Before he died, he told me to take as many patients as I could and
escape. Then he was gone. I made a promise to myself and him that I would do
whatever I could to stop Daemon."
She smiled, "But I
do go on. I want to do everything I can to help you."
"We can use your
help," Dom said. "We plan an assault on --,"
"Dom!"
Desdemona interrupted. "I want to know where you've been since the first
assault, who you've been with, and what have you been doing." Desdemona
shot the question at Dr. Norton.
"What have I been
doing? Surviving, that's what I've been doing, and taking care of these
families," she motioned towards the group, who were now observing them.
"Whom have you been
associating with?"
"Associating? We've
been living in the sewers for User's sake!" Dr. Norton's gaze fell on each
of them before returning to Desdemona, "Dom did tell you that, didn't
he?"
"He mentioned
it," Desdemona said. "Realize doctor, that we have to assure our
safety. We can't take the chance of you or any of these other people being in
Daemon's service."
Dr. Norton's eyes locked
on Desdemona. She lowered the child to the floor and gave her a swift gentle
pat on her bottom, "Go play with the others, Arial."
Then Dr. Norton stood,
"My father is dead because of Daemon. Do you really think she'd want to
make friends with someone who can possibly make things uncomfortable for her?
It's up to you whether you want to believe me or not, but this is too important
to waste time with paranoid delusions."
"Paranoid --!"
Desdemona sputtered to a halt. Then without another word she stalked away.
Then Dr. Norton was
glaring at Dot and Dom, "And what do you two believe?"
"You're fine with
me," Dom said.
"Copy that,"
Dot smiled.
"Thank you Dom, Ms. Matrix."
"Please, call me
Dot."
"If that is the case
then you can call me Rose."
Dot smiled at her newest
friend, "Your presence here gives me new hope."
"I'm glad,"
Rose smiled. "My father's deletion won't be in vain. As I said, I'll do
whatever I can to help you."
"Could you create an
antiviral serum powerful enough to at least weaken Daemon?" Dom asked.
"I'm not certain.
I'd need a sampling of her code. And the facilities for testing."
"Dot, do you think
one of our ship's labs would have adequate resources?" Dom asked her.
"I can ask,"
Dot opened her organizer. She had a brief conversation with Captain Covar, who
directed her to Captain Irina.
"It looks like the Libertas
may have the facilities you need. I'll arrange to have a transport pick you
up."
"Thank you."
Rose said.
"Dom!" The
voice tore them away from the conversation. A binome guard was rushing towards
them. "We've got big trouble! Desdemona requests your presence in the
control room at once."
"What's the
problem?" Dom was already running, with Dot close behind him.
"It's your friend
Zif. He just returned. He's been injured."
"User, no," Dom
rushed ahead and Dot was hard pressed to keep up.
Zif had gone on one of
his many scouting missions to the city last a second ago. Normally, he didn't
go alone, but the resistance had learned of another out of the way faction and
Zif knew the area well enough. Since AndrAIa and Ray had not returned, they had
reluctantly agreed to let Zif go alone.
When they entered the
control room, they found Zif being attended to by a binome who was serving as a
medic. Apparently, they had come in on the tail end of one of Desdemona's
tirades.
"Why did you come
back here?" Desdemona was saying. "How can you be sure you weren't
followed?"
"I'm not sure all
right!" Zif cringed against the pain. The medic was wrapping the young
sprite's torso in bandages. "There I said it, are you satisfied?"
"Zif, are you all
right? What happened?" Dom stepped forward.
"Dom," Zif's
head lolled back. His body would have spilled from the chair, had not Dom
rushed forward and caught him.
"Take him to one of
the lounges," Dom said, "he can lay down there."
"No," Zif
struggled to raise his head, "The faction was attacked just after I
arrived. It was a horrible coincidence. They thought I led the enemy to
them."
"They did that to
you?" Dot asked.
"Can't blame
them," Zif managed a weak grin. "Many managed to escape, some were
captured. I was pursued, but I think I lost them."
"You think?"
Desdemona hissed, "I've already alerted the outer perimeter guards. We're
going to blackout conditions and radio silence just to be safe. I sent scouts
out to make certain we don't have to prepare for battle."
"Then there's
nothing more we can do," Dom hissed between clenched teeth, "We can
only --,"
"Desdemona! A
communication from our perimeter guard!"
"What is it?"
"Five enemy
transports are headed in this direction! Looks like there may be some ground
troops too. Awaiting visual confirmation."
Desdemona swore.
"How far away are they?"
"Two sectors and
closing."
"Notify all that we
are now in blackout stage. I mean every User-loving light in this complex. And
not a peep out of the comm, understand! Have all personnel take battle
positions."
"What about our
ships?" Dot said.
"Contact them now,
but basically, they're on their own."
Dot opened her organizer
and contacted Captain Covar, telling him to prepare five fighters to engage the
enemy if necessary. Even as she spoke, the lights began to go out until only
emergency power was in use. The room was bathed in the eerie red glow and the
equally disturbing silence. Dot called AndrAIa and appraised her and Ray of the
situation.
"Half sector and
closing."
Dot moved next to Dom and
watched as sonar tracked the five approaching ships.
"Can we get a
visual?" Desdemona whispered, as though the outside would hear her voice.
A vid-window opened. The
transports were jet black, making them almost impossible to see with the naked
eye. Dot found herself digging her nails into her palms the closer they came.
Everyone held a collective breath as the ships hovered near the factory gate.
Clusters of metallic
stars were released from the ship's underside. They fell like tiny meteorites
and smashed against the ground in shower of sparks.
"Oh no," Dot
breathed, "Not that."
"What?"
Desdemona shot at her.
The organizer was in her
hands before Desdemona could protest further, "Emergency! Max, we need you
to dispatch those fighters now!"
"What in the net are
you doing?" Desdemona screamed. "Do you realize what you've
done?"
Dot ignored her,
"Take out those enemy shuttles, STAT!"
"Dot!" Dom's
voice was filled with anger and frustration, "Why?"
Five nanos later, all web
broke loose.
"That's why,"
Dot pointed to the vid-window.
Then Dot was running as
the screaming began. She was barely aware of Dom behind her until he yelled,
"Dot wait! What's happening?"
"Those globes are
eggs. They spawn poisonous bugs. They'll force the people into the open and
they'll be taken prisoner!"
"Emergency
alert!" Dom was screaming, "To your battle stations!"
Dot shoved her way
through panic-stricken sprites and binomes. The bugs were thick everywhere. Dot
felt then scuttling along her arms and legs and paused to wipe them away. She
couldn't tell if she were bitten and right then didn't care.
"Dot!"
AndrAIa and Ray were
running towards her.
"We have to get
everyone to safety now! Fighters are on the way."
Ray flew ahead through a
set of double doors. AndrAIa drew her trident and blasted the doors away. She and
Dot took up position against the walls.
Dot drew her laser and
assessed the situation.
Outside, total chaos
ensued. The transports hovered over the open space that had once served as a
parking area in better times. Night was now mock day as they filled the sky
with lights. People ran screaming in every direction, while searchlights swept
the area. The transports fired on them in an attempt to herd them to the center
of the complex, which design was effectively boxing them in on three sides with
the gate as the forth.
"AndrAIa, take out
those lights!"
Dot drew and fired, but
her tiny laser didn't have the range or the power to do much damage. The blast
from AndrAIa's trident however succeeded in smashing one of the searchlights.
Meanwhile Ray mastered the sky, dodging the cannon fire and returning shots of
his own.
Dot saw movement from the
corner of her eye and a barrage of fire started from above and around her. The
Resistance soldiers, more seasoned fighters had joined the battle.
"Dot," Dom was
beside her suddenly. "This may work a little better."
Dom handed her a
pulsating wrist cannon. Dot smiled evilly and cocked the weapon. She managed to
hit another light, then cringed when she saw some innocents fall. "We have
to get those people to safety! We're useless standing here!"
"And we would be
sitting ducks out there," AndrAIa said.
Then a shot knocked Ray
out of the sky.
"No!" Dot
screamed.
Baud swooped down and
caught him and there was a flash as board and Search Engine merged. They
careened out of the sky and crashed into the side of a dumpster.
The transport aimed its
guns at the doorway that sheltered Dot and AndrAIa.
And in the next nano said
transport was blown out of the sky.
"What the --,"
Dot cried as the sky was ablaze with yellow light. Then she realized, "The
fighters!"
Undaunted, the transports
continued to fire, engaging the newly arrived reinforcements.
Then movement by the gate
caught Dot's attention.
"Ground
troops!" Dot screamed. She aimed her cannon and picked off anything that
moved, then fire was returned. Dot was pinned against the wall.
And over and above the
noise and confusion, there came a familiar high-pitched screech.
One by one, a glittering
ball of red-hot energy obliterated the transports. Flaming debris rained from
the sky and at the same time, dozens of Mainframe soldiers came flying on zip
boards from the night sky, led by a flame-haired mercenary.
"Mouse!" Her
friend didn't hear her as she shouted orders to her fighters, then went for
where Ray had crashed.
"Come on!" AndrAIa
caught her attention as the game sprite dashed into the open. The next several
micros were a hectic and surreal picture. The Resistance exchanged fire with
the enemy troops. Dot found herself prone on the ground, firing with deadly
precision. When guns ran out of ammo, the soliders met in hand-to-hand combat.
Dot fought with a fierce intensity, surprising much of the enemy who at first
underestimated her skill, until they found themselves sorely injured.
Dot knew her strength
would give out soon but she continued on, pushing herself until she saw the
enemy turn and flee and their soldiers chasing them. It was then that the
Command.com of Mainframe collapsed to her knees.
"Dot! Dot honey? Are
you okay?"
"I -I'm okay --
Mouse?"
"Didn't expect ta
see me so soon, did you, sugah?"
The two women hugged.
"AndrAIa!"
Mouse embraced the game sprite. "Sugah, you don't know how good it is ta
see ya!"
"Is Ray --?"
Dot asked.
"He's fine, inside
Baud. I had them take him to a place where he could rest."
Their soliders were
returning shoving captured sprites and binomes before them. A ragged cheer went
up.
Dom approached, he was
bruised and bloodied, but seemed to be processing, "We've got some
semblance of calm but dozens of people were bitten."
"We got plenty of
antidote for that," Mouse stuck out her hand, "Mouse at your service,
and you are?"
"Dom Markup."
Dom smiled at her. "So you're Ray's girlfriend."
"Did he tell you
that? I'll have to talk to him about that."
"Sir!" One of
the soldiers approached Dom; "We have some injuries but no casualties on
our side. We gave them a good fight. We've captured several of their
soldiers."
"Find a place for
them," Dom said, "We've got to care for our wounded. Gather all the
soldiers and have them lead the people to the infirmary. Have Dr. Norton meet
us there."
He turned to Mouse.
"We have the fortune of having an antivirologist here, so we'll need that
antidote."
"Um - really,
sugah?" Dot was surprised at Mouse's obvious discomfort.
"Those fighters have
some upgrade level firepower," Dom went on, "but I've never seen a
weapon like that. They obliterated the transports."
It was then that Dot
remembered the balls of fire and the familiar screech. "Um Dom, I don't
think the fighters did that."
"They didn't."
An ivory mask and Hex
appeared. "Ooh! What lovely destruction I've caused!"
"My User!" Dom
screamed, and raised his pistol.
"No!" Dot
stepped in front of him, "She's one of us."
"What do you mean
one of us?" Dom cried.
"I'm one of the good
guys now," Hex smiled. "I did just help you."
"Dom, I've told you
about Hexadecimal and Melissa," Dot remembered Dom's less than favorable
reaction. They had agreed, however, to delay telling Desdemona.
"I know," Dom
turned to Dot. "I just never thought she'd actually be here - and now -
what about Desdemona?"
"Dom can we sort
this out later," Dot said. "We have wounded to attend to."
"What?" Dom
seemed to waken from a daze, "Oh yes, of course."
Dom turned to issue the
orders and froze. It was then that the gathered group saw Desdemona
approaching. The Resistance leader halted, her mouth fell open in horror.
"My User, what have
you done?" Desdemona screamed. "A virus! You've allowed a virus into
our camp!"
Before anyone could
react, Desdemona drew the hand cannon at her hip, aimed at Hexadecimal, and
fired.