Carrion Virus (Book 2): The Athena Protocol (19 page)

“We’ll get the device to our labs, get it tested.”

“So what now?” Gemma leaned back in her seat. “Where’s Eric?”

“Eric is running an errand for me. Once he’s back we need to take stock of the situation.”

Williamson’s gazed altered. It made her uncomfortable. She looked away.

“I’m finding the number of people I can genuinely trust to be shrinking. Those I once thought to be most loyal have given me cause to think otherwise.”

“Me? I’ve gone out of my way to bring you evidence, clues. Anything I’ve thought of value I’ve documented and catalogued.”

Williamson tweaked his eyebrows.

“I didn’t have to be here. I could have gotten out of the city, celebrated Christmas with my family and pretended all this was just a bloody nightmare. But I came here, to help you.”

Williamson still watched her, but his expression softened. “Okay. Listen and listen well. Black Aquila isn’t just a security company. We have data experts and analysts, research and development facilities. Doctor Holden, you’ve heard me speak of him before, for his protection I moved him to a research station to continue his work on the Carrion Virus. Had he remained here, he would have been arrested for something he played no part in. I felt he was the most likely candidate to break the secrets of this outbreak. Elements of Black Aquila were not following orders. They introduced immoral research and kept the research teams locked up. Holden feared for his safety and that of the people in the facility. Eric was dispatched to bring him and a few others back. My initial report is that they have Holden and one other, but the facility suffered a catastrophic outbreak. We’ve dispatched a second team to bring the facility back to compliance. You’re probably asking yourself why I’m telling you all this, something that many of my inner circle may not know. The truth is you’re with us now, there’s no choice in that. You rise and you fall with us. Do you understand?”

Gemma nodded. “Our fates are linked. If parts of your company aren’t reporting to you, then who are they reporting to?”

Williamson looked out the window. “The Owls of Athena.”

“The what of what?”

He returned his gaze to Gemma. “The Owls of Athena. I suspect an unknown organisation has engineered this outbreak. I don’t know why, but we’re starting to understand how. They couldn’t do it without having assets in the government, in my company, and God knows where else.”

“How did you become aware of them?”

Williamson stood and moved slowly to the window, the one that faced out into the snow covered fields past the city limits. “That is a conversation for another time. Perhaps when Eric returns. Go back to your room. When Eric returns with Holden, I’ll have someone fetch you.”

Williamson fell to silence. She gave the device a final look before leaving the room, then paused a moment on the other side of the door. The situation opened up new terrifying dimensions. A shadow agency, who deliberately infected a city in the United Kingdom, with resources to keep their actions secret? Gemma felt a panic threaten to rise. She wished she could pass the burden to someone more capable than herself. But that was an impossibility. Whatever happened now, Gemma’s fate was interlinked with that of the Carrion Virus. It would either fling her to new heights in her career, or it would bury her. She never thought her career might be built on the foundations of so many dead.

Williamson is hiding something
. It did not make sense how he would know of the existence of The Owls of Athena yet say nothing. What if he was part of the conspiracy? What if he merely tested the waters to see who he could trust going forward?

Relax, girl, she thought. Wait and speak to Eric when he returns. He was someone who she could bounce thoughts off, without risk of betrayal. Where was Eric?

***

Chapter Seven

Time’s Winged Chariot

For the first time, Ryan was allowed to leave The Owls’ Nest. Not alone. Hector Crispin escorted him. Ryan chose from his new array of clothing, all gifted. A dark suit, a white shirt and a bright tie. His shoes were shined to perfection. Ryan had arrived at The Nest dressed not unlike a pauper, but now looked very similar to Hector. He pulled at the collar, the high button annoying his neck. A third man joined them. Hector introduced him as Mr. Rennie. Steven, if he remembered rightly. Not a tall man, but well-built, with a knowing look of danger.

Although allowed a measure of freedom, Tokyo was still a mystery to Ryan. Hector revealed little as to his motives, yet maintained the threat of tacit violence should Ryan not provide answers to his questions. Hector was amiable until presented with a piece of information that differed with his beliefs. Then the ranting tyrant appeared. Ryan decided he preferred the pleasant side of Hector Crispin and resolved to keep him as such.

“Are you excited to get out and about the city, Ryan?”

“Yes. It’ll be nice to be out for a while.” He wanted to ask where they were going but knew better.

“Regrettably my work keeps me indoors. Precious are the times I manage to schedule for myself. Shall we?”

Mr. Rennie stepped before Hector and opened the glass doors. Ryan followed after. No car waited.

“I find if you become over reliant on vehicles, you rob yourself of the ability to enjoy a simple walk.”

Hector lead on, walking through the large car park toward the gate. The entire building was ringed by a high wall, looking like a castle’s curtain wall. They stepped out into the street, and into the bustle of Tokyo. Hector set a steady pace. Rennie walked behind at a respectful distance, yet close enough to act if anything untoward threatened.

Floods of people walked in every direction, so much so that Ryan troubled to avoid colliding with pedestrians, until he found an eye for momentum and dodging. Cars clogged the streets. Ryan knew the scene, much like back home in Seattle, but the buildings were different, tinged with an Eastern flair. Bright billboards with overly smiley females selling products that Ryan could not make out covered much of the cityscape.

“What do you think of our building, Ryan? Black and reaching to the sky. Modern and sleek. It certainly stands out from the surrounding architecture, don’t you think?”

Ryan skipped to bring him in sync next to Hector. “It’s a fine building, Mr. Crispin.”

“It was the prototype, the first. Your father had a hand in its design. Not an architect by trade, but he could turn his hand to many things and forge success.”

He was? He could?
Ryan’s father had been brought up in conversation frequently. Ryan was bursting with the need to ask so many questions. What could the man who remained much of a mystery have gotten himself involved in? Was he a part of the foundations of this group? Or was his academic brilliance key to ushering in the Carrion Virus? But asking questions was not appreciated.

“There are now many buildings like it. Our energy requirements are mostly met through clean resources. It’s years before its time.”

“You’re lucky to live there, Mr. Crispin.”

“Luck had nothing to do with it, Ryan. Planning and strategy breed success. I suppose you’re curious as to where we are going. We’ll, it’s a small eatery which I like to frequent. Very expensive, popular with those who work in the financial sector. Mr. Rennie back there, doesn’t think I should be walking the streets like this. If he had his way, I’d be wrapped in blankets, kept under lock and key. Ah, here we are.”

The windows of the small restaurant were blacked out. Rennie moved ahead and pushed the door, holding it open for Hector and Ryan. His face was so serious, so bleak. A bell jingled and an immaculately dressed man, his hair well-oiled and slicked back appeared as if from nowhere. He conversed with Hector in hurried Japanese before showing the two to a rear room. The restaurant smelt of delicious spices and oils.

Hector indicated that Ryan should sit.

“We have water, Ryan, or would you prefer something else? Diet Coke? I would not suggest the latter.”

“I don’t like Diet Coke. Water will be fine.”

He poured water from a jug for the both of them. Ryan sipped. Rennie remained outside the door.

“Do you know why I chose here, Ryan? It’s because I have an understanding with the owner. He ensures that this room remains free from unwanted attention and surveillance, and I enjoy some of the best oriental food in the city as well as making a sizable donation to Mr. Goto. It’s a useful arrangement and suits my purpose.”

“It’s nice. Really nice.”

Hector held up a finger. “This is about what I want and can have, rather than what is necessity. I afford myself luxury. I’ve ordered for you. The food shall arrive shortly. What did you notice as we walked here, Ryan?”

“Mr. Crispin?”

“It’s a simple question, Ryan,” he said, hands spread. “What did you notice?”

What had he noticed? He had focused on Hector. The press of people, felt like a current trying to flush them back. “The streets were busy, very busy.”

“Good. Good, Ryan. Yes. The people. What do you believe they were thinking as they went about their business? I’ll tell you, Ryan. Each and every one, consumed by the pettiness of their lives. Sheep herded along by government. They sicken me, content to float along in life so long as they can achieve low level goals. Sickening really.”

Ryan put his glass down.

“Your father, Ryan, he was one of the founding members of The Owls of Athena. What I’m telling you now, is a result of the foundation of trust we’ve built. Partly due to the link you have through your father, partly due to the work you’ve done. I will reveal to you what few know, the aims that we have.”

No please, I don’t want to be involved in this anymore. I want to go back to my old life, knowing nothing and just existing on the fringe of society.
“Certainly, Mr. Crispin.”

“Not too long ago, the world balanced on a knife edge, a moment of sheer cataclysmic potential, so much so we may all have woken to nuclear war.”

“You’re talking about the Cold War?” Ryan assumed, venturing that one question harmless.

Hector nodded, tilting his glass. “I am indeed. On one side the USSR, on the other NATO. The world held its breath. The Owls of Athena trace their origins back in the annals of history. We’re not quite sure of our original founding member but this is not important. Our goal has always been to safeguard this world, to watch for the moment the nations of the world become so dangerous, so unpredictable that intervention must be staged to pull the world back from the brink.”

“The Carrion Virus? That’s the start?” Ryan shifted in his seat. Too many questions.

Hector smiled, placing his glass on the table. “Indeed. Would you like to know how we acquired the virus?”

Ryan nodded. He wanted to know, but didn’t want to hear.

“The Carrion Virus was created at a time when billions of dollars were being pumped into non-conventional methods of warfare. The United States conducted research into biological warfare. The result was the creation of the virus. Now, here is where events become murky and the exact details are lost. The virus was created, tested and deemed too dangerous to ever become viable. It was stockpiled to be destroyed. Some of our number, high ranking military members, secured the stockpile for our use. As far as the United States military knows, the virus was destroyed, the evidence classified above top secret and forgotten. Nations may control an awesome arsenal of nuclear weapons but imagine a weapon that turns a nation’s strength, its own people against that country. Eaten from the inside. The Owls of Athena have carried the heavy burden of this responsibility for several decades. Until now.” Hector leaned back in his seat, the padded wood creaking with the movement. “And I’m sure you’re asking, why now?”

“Yes, Hector.” He tugged at his tight collar.

“The world is slipping into an abyss. People don’t realise this simple yet undeniable fact. State-run media propagates the idea that everything is okay. All the bad things in the world are happening elsewhere. The truth is much worse. Governments are no longer accountable to the people. Tyrants, hidden in the shadows rule corrupted bureaucracy. People are reverting to an almost medieval level of barbarism. We are losing ourselves to the point that it is necessary to act. Your father when he was alive voted for action. He understood the importance of what we are about to achieve.”

Ryan’s mouth flapped open and closed.

“You look surprised. The outbreak you orchestrated in Aberdeen was the first step. We’re in preparation to unleash the virus globally within the next few years. You see, in order to safeguard the survival of this world, we need to tear down the established and corrupt governments. The Carrion Virus is a perfect weapon. We can cripple or destroy a population and yet keep damage to infrastructure to a minimum. When the time is right, we can emerge and retake the remnants and shape what’s left to a more structured ideology. You see, Ryan, what we’re doing is changing the world. Not just changing it but ensuring our continued survival and flourishing. In time, of course.”

The old man seemed to be enjoying their conversation. How could he sit there spewing such horror from his mouth, without needing to adjust his top button? What scared Ryan most was the absolute conviction he detected. The Owls had the means to escalate the outbreak, and intended to do just that.

“Well, shall we eat?”

Hector pressed a small buzzer at the side of the table. A hidden door, undetectable in the wall, opened and staff entered carrying steaming platters of food. The world had turned to a place Ryan did not understand, a place of dark potential and horror. He yanked at his collar again, and hoed into the food.

***

“You’re not thinking clearly, Eugene! You can’t just throw your hands in the air and walk away from this!”

“I’ve given more than most when it comes to combating this outbreak! What more can I give, Ben? What more?”

Both men shouted, Holden from sorrow and frustration more than anything else.

“When the allegations were made against me you promised to keep me safe. There was nothing safe about that place. And to escape, we nearly died. Jane is being treated for hypothermia. I, only for good luck, am here before you.” The truth brought more pain than those revelations. While the doctor was wrongly accused of the first outbreak, he could be rightly accused of the second. It was never supposed to end like that.
Stupid! I am so stupid!
The guilt weighed heavily, a noose of metal around his neck. “Good, innocent folk died back there. Good folk, wanting to fight the outbreak. It’s too much.”

“It’s not your fault, Eugene.” Williamson’s face softened. He turned to Eric who stood in the corner, leaning against the wall. “What of the facility?”

“We never pushed on to the facility. We secured the doctor and Jane and retreated. We eliminated those trying to stop us.”

“Losses?”

“None. None of ours.”

“And we don’t know who
they
were?”

“Nothing to identify them, but well-armed and well-funded.”

Williamson crossed to Holden. “You’re tired, Doctor. You’ve endured a traumatic experience. More than one. Don’t make any rash decisions on the strength of recent events.”

The words were hollow and meaningless. Holden suffered a crushing fatigue that would not leave him.

“Yes, I’m tired, Ben. You have no idea how tired. There will be no more research from me.”

“Eugene, you are the eminent researcher in this field. Think about that.”

“I believe I’ve made my feelings painfully clear.”

“And what will you do without my protection?”

“I won’t be threatened into submission.”

Eric stepped forward. “Perhaps what we need is to have a break, and talk about things tomorrow. It’s late. Many things have happened.”

Williamson stormed to the window, his back to the two men.

“Get him out of here, Eric.”

Holden stood, a great effort, his weary bones almost betraying him. They left the room and walked down the long corridor.

“Don’t judge him too harshly, Doc. He’s in a tough position. We all are.”

“I’ve been a commodity to be used. I’ve had enough. I’ve seen enough. Too much death and sorrow. Too much for one man to take.”

Eric made a sound of understanding. “Williamson is a military man at heart, he sees us all as strategic pieces. He’s a realist, he knows that you’re important, probably our best chance of beating this thing.”

“He’ll have to look elsewhere. My endurance has dissipated.”

“Does the phrase The Owls of Athena mean anything to you?”

“No, and I have no interest in any owl, or wherever the thing is from. No interest in anything related to this place from here on in. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“The girl, Jane. Do I know her? She seemed familiar.”

Holden smiled. “She should seem familiar, you rescued her from the hospital in Aberdeen. You helped evacuate some of the medical staff and patients.”