Annihilation
"We're outta here!"
The first words to break the stunned silence in the outpost shed following the Acid Hackers' retreat from the battle with Gamma were Jeremy's orders for a further retreat from everything else. Before anyone else could look up from their PETs, the eager AH leader was hauling their transmitting equipment back to the tank.
"Where do we go, Jeremy?" Matt inquired. " We've been living off Fate the whole time and now he's double-crossed us. Do you think it will even be safe at the warehouse?"
"It might be safe, but it might be kinda drafty with the big hole the tank left in the wall..." Jake reminded the group.
"With what Gamma's supposed to do, I don't know if anywhere will really be 'safe'..." Stuart grimly surmised.
Jeremy grumbled angrily at the lack of morale in his troops, though he couldn't very well blame them. "We'll figure something out, alright? We've prob'ly outstayed our welcome and the commies are gonna start swarming our hideout here any minute. Nij! Johnny! Get up and start helping carry things out to the tank already!"
Nijubu remained silent, hunched over in his chair, staring somberly at his dead PET. Johnny was hugging him, sobbing with a combination of sorrow and rage.
"It's...it's probably best we leave them alone for a while. They were...hit pretty hard in there." Vidal stated with some quiet regret.
Jeremy opened his mouth for an insensitive rant, but Matt clamped it shut and passed on his captain's intentions in a more tactful manner. "We're all hurt by what happened to Desertman, but letting them stay here in that state will only guarantee their capture, and likely ours too. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can be in the clear, and the sooner we can start figuring out how to get Desertman back."
This caught Nijubu's attention. He didn't leap to his feet in joy and renewed hope though, he remained in the same defeated position and only tilted his head slightly to respond to Matt in a flat, choked voice. "Can we bring him back? The way he was...decompiled...his backups raided...do you really think it's possible?"
Matt's reflective shades hid his shifting eyes. He was uncertain but for their sake he tried to sound confident. "Gamma's system is likely designed to convert data rather than destroy it. If we can figure out how Desertman was assimilated and what he was assimilated into, it would be possible to reverse the process. Also...Desertman himself is a navi of adaptation. He constantly assimilates terrain himself and shapeshifts...if any navi could adjust to that kind of...transition, it's him."
Nijubu smiled for a moment, and then resumed his dead stare. "So it's as simple as roping Gamma in then? I'm sorry guys, we already found out none of us have a chance against that power. I don't want you navis to end up suffering the same fate as Desertman."
Jeremy was getting antsy. "Could you save the loser-talk for later? Let's just blow this popsicle stand (and I mean that literally, it is @$#%ing cold here) and then when we're somewhere nice and warm we'll figure out how we're gonna make the comeback of the century on that bullhorned bastard and get good ol' sandbutt back!"
Nijubu shook his head. "You guys go. Without my navi I'm no good to the team anyway. The Officials might as well take me in. I promise I won't help them find you."
"Bullsh#&!" Jeremy exclaimed.
"No, I swear. They could torture me all they want, I would never-"
"I mean the bull about you being no good to the team! For starters, where you go, Johnny goes. That's just common sense."
Nijubu looked at Johnny, who was nodding furiously with tears in his eyes.
The catboy was hugging Nijubu tighter than ever at the moment.
Jeremy continued. "Furthermore, you're all...family...friendship...inspirational touching nonsense blah blah blah now get your asses up and into the getaway vehicle before-"
And the most inspirational and touching speech Jeremy had ever given was interrupted by a knock on the door of the outpost.
"...before THAT happens you...gragh! Grab your weapons people, we're going out fighting."
Samuel sighed. He stood outside of the outpost, waiting for the Hackers to open the door. He knocked again, this time with much more force.
Inside, the Hackers were ready for anything. They had guns loaded, crouching behind various pieces of furniture, ready for whatever was gonna pass through that door. Until they heard a voice from behind them.
"Hey losers, you gonna sit there like frightened little kids, or are you gonna have some dignity?"
They all turned around to see Samuel behind them.
A moment passed, than all hell broke lose.
RAT-A-TATATATATATATATATATATATATATATAT.
60 seconds later, the guns clicked, devoid of ammo.
"Holy hell" said Jeremy "How did he do that?"
"'Twas a hologram" said a voice from the direction of the door.
Again, the Hackers all turned around to see Samuel. And again, all hell broke loose.
click-click-click.
"Now than, if you're all done with that we need to talk."
The Hackers all looked at each other. All of them were expecting the entire Sharo Military to come down on them like a hammer to a nail.
Yet all there was was one guy, and all he wanted was to talk.
"Alright" said Sam "I see that you're all confused, which is understandable. But you see, I come here with a business proposition for you all."
Finally, one of the Hackers answered.
"I got a question first" asked Johnny.
"What?"
"How'd you do that hologram thing?"
"Old trick I learned from a business acquaitance of mine. Anyway, the deal." Sam breathed in deeply, looking for just the right words. And also scanning the faces of the Hackers. All of them had one look: suprise.
"We all know what happened. Gamma has awakened."
The Hackers all nodded, still wary of Sam's intentions.
"Now I don't know if you guys know this, but unless Gamma is stopped, the entire net is dead."
"But what about systems not connected to-" Nijubu tried to interject, but Sam interupted the interuption.
"Nope, he can get there to. How you think Gamma got out of Sharo? Last I checked, he was heading toward Yumland. And if something isn't done, he'll spread everywhere else."
Understanding began crossing across the Hackers' faces.
"Which is where you all come in. The Guardians are...lacking the manpower to take down Gamma. But with your help, we can take it down. Whadda ya say?"
The Hackers stared for a moment, and said in perfect unison "No"
Sam merely chuckled "I thought you would say that. Which is why I offer the second part of my deal."
"Nothing you offer could make us help." snapped Johnny.
"I offer oppurtunity" said Sam, a smile forming upon his face.
There was silence for a few seconds
"Explain what you mean by oppurtunity" asked Jeremy.
"A gaurantee of zero jailtime, a comfortable position in an organization, and a possibility of enough money to keep you on the easy life for several lifetimes."
The offer was met with laughter.
"You really think the Officials would let us off free?"
"Man, you're full of it."
"HAHAHAH!!!"
Sam hmphed to himself and simply stated "Who said those little pansies were in on this?"
And that caught everyone's attention.
"You honestly think I care about them? They can rot for all I care. There's only one thing I care about. And that's me. For all it's worth, the only reason I care about Gamma is the fact it would have a negative effect on my plans. Hell, I don't even care for the Guardians that much. They were merely convenient at the time. And right now, it'd be convenient for all of you to help take down Gamma."
Again, silence. Until Matt interjected.
"Like we actually believe any of that. Honestly, you're just a law abiding wuss."
Murmurs of agreement came from the Hackers.
Sam only took off his bandana, reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a different bandana, and put it on. Unlike the chessboard pattern that adorned the other one, this one merely had a simple consisting of a Green V and a purple I.
Jake was the first recognize it. "Viral Infection....."
"Correct. I assume you've all heard of us, specifically the Genjibo incident."
They all nodded.
"So than you understand my credentials"
Again, nodding.
"So than you understand why I can gaurentee no jailtime, a position in an organization, and the possibility of enough money to keep you in the easy life for several lifetimes?"
More nodding.
"Good, than we are in agreement than. Any questions?"
Everyone's hand shot up.
"Any questions that can't wait till after Gamma blows up?"
All but Stuarts hand went down.
"Speak."
"Do the Guardians know about your criminal history?"
"Yes, they do. But they all think I've left it behind to be a do-gooder. Honestly, I don't even know why they trust me. Ah well, they'll learn their mistake soon enough.
* * * * *
Moscom Square: The central server for all Cyberworld networked areas with entry points in continental Sharo. This single massive area was the key point in the nation's internet. Nearly every aspect of Sharo's day-to-day administration of its electronic services was controlled through this complex. It was considered a matter of national security that so many systems be routed through a core hub, but naturally the failure of this hub meant an even greater security risk as a mere power outage in this server could put all electrical systems around the country out of commission or render them in utter chaos. None of Sharo's administrators considered this a problem however; as the area was defended by the top of the line in Cyberworld security. Ten independent backup generators kept the system online constantly. A dense net of anti-viral sentry programs kept the Square completely infection free. Twenty layers of unique firewalls surrounded the tower complex in the center of the area and defense batteries minded by Sharo's top military navi forces on the outer platforms kept the keep safe from any outside invading force.
That day, all of the excess security measures would be put to their greatest test.
"Can you believe this? Another freakin' jack out order from the Officials." A young navi waiting in line at the Square's Chip Shop complained to his friend upon receiving the e-mail forwarded to everyone in the area.
"Yeesh, what is it this time? Maintenance again?" The friend wondered allowed, not even bothering to read the message beyond the subject line. "Some hot spot this server is. It's so bloated they have to kick everyone out for hours at a time every day just to keep it running."
"Heh, no hurries though. Check it out." The first navi took note of the more attentive navis jacking out across the square, including several of the navis in the sizeable line-up. "Suckers! Guess we don't have to worry about not getting one of those Final Gun chips any more. Guess you could say these guys are 'jumping the gun' on the evacuation order, huh?" the navi laughed at his own lame pun.
The other navi was less pleased and more nervous. "Still, kinda weird that this many line-campers would give up a chance at a limited edition chip like this...maybe the message was serious this time."
"Whatever it is, there's no way it's more important than me getting what I've waited in line all day for...guess we should read the stupid message anyway just to see what all the commotion is about."
"...Did it get darker all of a sudden?"
Other navis still inhabiting the Square reacted much the same way. They wouldn't notice it until it was too late, but there was a much bigger security threat than the regular downtime they were all used to. A dark red hue began to overtake the area. A particularly dark shadow appeared in the east. Gamma had invaded Moscom Square. Every being present in the system looked on in awe, not knowing what to make of the angular monstrosity that seemed to appear from the system horizon itself. Only the security forces were briefed on what was coming their way. The soldiers knew this was going to be a serious threat, and were fully expecting an assimilation protocol to begin at any moment.
However, Gamma was not visiting the square to absorb it, it was there to destroy it.
Fate appeared again on Gamma's shoulder, gazing at the stronghold to the west with contempt. The layered tower complex in the center, surrounded by rings of glittering walkways and tiny floating islands. The shimmering air around the structure revealed the presence of the many force fields and stood in defiance of any offensive force.
This Square represented the Pride of Sharo in more ways than one. Dr.Sudba once represented that pride as well. A young man that believed so strongly in his nation's technological and economic superiority, that he continued to advocate it despite all evidence to the contrary. An ambitious and patriotic young scientist that refused to surrender the Cyberspace Race even after it was already over twice. He loved Sharo more than Sharo loved itself. He cared for Sharo more than Sharo cared for him. In the end, the country he loved so much turned on him, cast him aside. When his own people rejected his national pride, they chose their Fate. He was now here to deliver it.
As he did with his puppets shortly before, he wanted to savour the moment with Moscom Square, which involved taking the brunt of its security system. There were no warning shots, only an unending swarm of gunfire from the cannon turrets mounted on the isolated island on the outskirts of the area. The bullets mainly bounced off the heavily fortified exterior of Gamma, but Fate took note of the visible dents and scratches beginning to form in the otherwise smooth steel finish of Gamma's armour. He was slightly impressed that the damage could add up so quickly, but hardly worried. After all, the armour was no more than transmuted cyber-dimensional ooze, and in afew minutes when this was all over, the plates could be re-liquified and refreshed into their original brilliant lustre almost instantaneously.
Gamma moved towards the Square unheeded by the Cannon attacks on its body. The defense batteries at the farthest outreach were plowed right through as the giant creature floated straight for the center. Guard navis oprerating the batteries dove for safety as the ground beneath their feet crumbled in collision with the unstoppable beast. Civilian navis watching from the promenade watched on in horror and awe. Some tried to get closer for a better look. Other tried to find cover or run farther away. Actual jacking out ended minutes ago when the security system initiated full-lockdown, no data in or out. They wanted to stop Gamma's spreading there and then, not knowing it was a useless endevour.
Gamma was already satisfied with what it had eaten of the continent of Sharo. As its first drones spread into Yumland, Fate knew it was time to finish off his old homeland. He reflected emotionally on that once great digital power, corrupted by the technology and ideals of its enemies to the east and west. Surely, he was putting them out of their misery. This is what they deserved, this was their Fate.
Heavier artillery began to bombard Gamma's form. The sky darkened further as the Square diverted its resources to the reinforcement of the force fields. The shimmering of the air began to grow more translucent as a blue sphere of Barrier energy encapsulated the tower.
Fate smirked and directed his hands about his sides, signalling Gamma to spread his own arms out to destroy the remaining defense batteries in the immediate vicinity. The giant claws swept through the miniature islands, smashing the platforms along with their weapons and personnel, and scattering the pieces around the aerial environment like a highly fragmented asteroid field.
Once the opposing gunfire had slowed down, Fate gave Gamma the signal to stop and draw its arms back to its side. Grinning insanely and lifting his finger into the air to point directly at the center of the nearly opaque blue barrier, he softly spoke the two words that would trigger his creation's most destructive attack.
"Gamma Rays."
The familiar sound of a charging buster filled the air, which quickly grew to something far more intense. A low hum rose in pitch and volume to become a deafening shriek. Much of the data Gamma had absorbed since its awakening was sacrificed and fed to its weapons. The conincal ends of its shoulders opened and a row of guns folded out. The guns on each shoulder as well as the eye in the center of its head glowed brighter and brighter as they focused their destuctive forces into one intense burst.
The eye and each of the eight shoulder cannons simultaneously fired an intense red laser at the barrier. To the relief of the Square's defenders and trapped inhabitants, the lasers did not penetrate the shields. It seemed their defenses were enough to hold out against the assault after all.
But the beams kept digging into the barrier. The points of contact flared with energy focusing on each point to cancel the lasers out. The beams began to wander around the surface of the barrier, spreading the damage out as the power relentlessly drilled into the wall.
Eventually, the outer barrier reached its limit and shattered. The beams continued through and slammed into the second barrier, drawing more red lines across the blue surface. The navis within could only hope their shield's power supply could outlast Gamma's. The lasers continued to cut through the second barrier, now vaporizing walkways and platforms in their chaotic path. The scattering of the beams moved faster and faster until they seemed to multiply. Barrier after barrier fell, entire sections of the Square behind the barriers were sliced to pieces and burned to cinders. Navis ran in panic as the Gamma Rays razed the Square and its defenses with no signs of stopping. Everyone ran as fast as they could to the opposite end of the area, hoping it could be enough.
Three barriers remaining, fire rains from the sky. Two barriers left, the air glows red hot with raw power. One barrier remaining. One more intensified flash and ear splitting shriek of electrical feedback and then silence.
The final barrier remains standing, barely clinging to existence with the remnants of the system's power supply. Gamma floats in the east surrounded by charred, floating debris, its eye and shoulder guns burned out. It appears to be over.
The inhabitants of the Square gaze in terrified silence at the red steel monster hovering quiently in the distance. It begins to lean backwards. Its arms mimicking the motion. Gamma continues to tilt onto its back, as if completely drained of its life force, dead and helpless. The navis realize that the seemingly unstoppable giant was so foolishly bent on their destruction, it gave every last drop of energy into a failed attack. Their perfect defenses prevailed. Cheers swept over the remains of the Square as the survivors rejoice in their victory.
Sadly, they were dead wrong.
Gamma tilted fully onto its back and stopped. The claws on its underside and arms were pointed directly at the tower. Then the horrible charging sound began again. This time, the circular holes between the three claws on each of the three "arms" glowed with the intensely bright scarlet light that preceded the previous laser assault. The beams from the eyes and shoulders were only the first stage of the Gamma Rays onslaught. Gamma still had another set of cannons to fire before it was truly spent. And this time, there was nothing to stop them.
The arms fired in a trio of explosive red beams that instantaneously destroyed the final barrier and continued to crash through and obliterate the tower. The wake of the blasts spread over the remains of the system, disintegrating everything and everyone in the blink of an eye. The server tremored in its death throes. Once the blinding red light of the attack faded, blackness overcame the entire area. Gamma had deleted the center of Sharo's Cyberworld. In moments, the entire country would be offline, without power. Every human being would be left cold, confused, and helpless. Fate thought of this and laughed insanely.
First Sharo, then Yumland, the Electopia and Netopia, then the rest of the world. By tomorrow, the only Cyberworld left on earth would be Gamma, existing on an entirely separate plane of existence, the purity and oneness of Fate's dream. It was coming true, and nothing could stop it now.
Gamma's chest doors opened and Fate flew inside as they closed behind him. Then Gamma itself faded through the walls of the dying system through its own hidden network. Seconds later the online location known as Moscom Square ceased to exist. Like dominoes, every other system connected to the Square fell one-by-one spreading outward across the world's largest continent.
One down...
To be continued...
