The Genesis Code 1: Lambda (20 page)

Lambda found Zack’s troubled look unsettling. She didn’t know what the proper action was. She wasn’t equipped with the full understanding of the concept, “reassurance”.

Zack slammed his fist on the chair. “How can I make this work?!” he yelled, frustrated.

Lambda opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She seemed distressed as Zack sat struggling angrily to find a solution that could work.

Zack looked up to Lambda. “Anything in that computer brain of yours that can help?” he said, seeming very irritated.

Lambda broke eye contact with him as she found his stern stare hard to look at.

Zack let out a sigh as he got up from his chair. He needed to relax and calm himself. He wasn’t going to get anything done if he allowed himself to become riled.

“No use trying to figure it out here. At the least, we can relocate to Cecilia’s agency headquarters. Perhaps if I explain the situation to them, I can find out where they are keeping her. We can work out the details from there.”

Lambda seemed to relax, noticing that the dark aura around Zack had died down a little. She didn’t quite understand the sensation she had experienced before. Regardless, she knew that reaching Zack’s sister was their number one priority. Aiding in that, she knew she could manage.

Lambda straightened, having found new resolve. “Lambda just needs the address to this establishment before-” Lambda’s head rocketed to the left and stared blankly at Zack’s wall. Her eyes glowed red with bloodlust. The act almost gave Zack a heart attack.

“What’s wrong?”
he asked reluctantly.

Lambda spoke robotically. “Biological detected. 245 pounds, height six feet and three inches. No visible weapon. Threat level-”

The roof above suddenly crashed down upon them. Zack didn’t have a moment to think as Lambda yanked him and herself with overwhelming speed in the effort to dodge the crumbling ceiling above. The force by Lambda nearly felt like Zack’s arm was about to be torn off as they crashed through his window and came slamming into the ground. When Zack managed to open his eyes, wincing from the pain in his arm, he noted how Lambda held him tightly to her chest to prevent any external injuries. The embrace didn’t last long though.

“Enemy hostile confirmed. Advanced Cyber-suit detected; activating defensive parameters,” Lambda echoed in a empty voice as she quickly took to standing.

Zack rose slowly just in time to see their assailant leap from the wreckage that was Zack’s house. The cloudless night allowed the pure moonlight to reflect off the silver armor of the imposing figure before them.
      

Zack’s blood turned to ice as the figure stepped out of the shadows to reveal an orange lightning bolt symbol on his silver mask. His words were stern, and boiled like an enraged bull.

“Zackary Allan Knight, you are to come with me.”

*
      
*
      
*

[January 6th - Undisclosed Location - Night]

Laura’s eyes strained when faced with light. Her vision was blurred and a ringing noise was splintering her eardrums. She tried to shake it off, but the pain wouldn’t subside. It was like every muscle of her body was being paralyzed by this constant vibration. She couldn’t move her body, only breathe and stare at a blurred image slowly taking form.

What is this?

A large mansion focused into view. Gorgeous, white pillars supported the roof of the entryway leading to the front door of the vibrant home. Lush greenery populated its surroundings as it weaved to a rotary right in front of the home with a gushing fountain. Within the fountain was the statue of a four winged angel, her arms open and welcoming.

Laura’s eyes grew wide. She knew this place. Apprehension started to grip her.

The image of the home radiated in the vibrant sunshine cast above. Above, not a single cloud could be seen. It was an Eden lost in the mind of Laura; an Eden she had once called home.

Her vision focused on the house once more. The door to the home opened, drawing Laura to its entrance. She couldn’t stop herself from moving closer.

No . . . stop . . . don’t go in!

The warm sunlight vanished as she entered the humble domain of the giant white mansion. What awaited her on the inside was far less pleasant. In the middle of the grand hall, leading to a staircase, the outlines of two people could be seen. They oddly swayed from left to right within the deep darkness.

Laura’s pupils shrank as fear grasped hold of her, a dead hand around her throat. It was so cold, merciless, and terrifying. The two outlines took form within the dark shadows of the home to reveal the source of the odd swaying.

Stop! Don’t look!

Suspended ten feet above the ground, the two bodies hung from their necks by a grand chandelier of gold. Their eyes were sunken and dead as they swayed endlessly above.

Laura awoke suddenly. Her body shot up with the speed of a mousetrap. Gasping for air, she heaved in and out, sweat dripping all over her body as she sat upright in bed. Fresh tears of sorrow and rage ran down her face. They burned with a hatred few knew or shared. She clenched her fists tightly as she tried to suppress the nightmare she had just witnessed.

Why again? Why now?

Laura wasn’t given much time to sort out her thoughts as the door to her left swung open to reveal a tall man with a heavy build. His forearms were the size of Laura’s head and his waist was wider than two of her put together. The man was very well built and carried himself powerfully as he strode into the dimly lit room. Upon the figure entering the light, Laura let out a small sigh and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Don’t startle me like that, Peter.” She pushed the sheets off her and set her bare feet on the metal floor. The sensation brought life to her dulled nerves.

“Forgive me, Laura, I simply wished to see if you had awakened.” Peter’s tone was kind, completely contradicting his massive and intimidating stature. His expression turned to concern as he noted the redness in Laura’s eyes.

“Laura . . . did you have another-”

“It’s nothing,” she stated firmly.

Peter wasn’t convinced. “Have you told Corson?”

She shook her head. “He doesn’t need to know about this.”

Peter’s concerned look softened lightly. “I worry for you like any other comrade, Laura. I only ask because I care.”

Laura let a small smile slip on her lips. “You worry too much.” Her brief smile vanished seconds later as she took to standing. “Where is Corson?”

Peter’s kind tone faltered. “He is waiting in his chambers. He wishes to speak to you immediately. You two have been in a coma for over an hour since Corson crashed the server you two were in.”

Laura had completely forgotten about her nightmare at this point; or, rather, tried her best to forget it for the sake of the mission.

“What about everyone in the squad? Were they able to get out safely?” Laura asked Peter without any waver in her tone.

Peter nodded his head. “The squad was intact. They are awaiting further orders. I instructed them to remain on sight until you and Corson awoke.”

Laura grabbed her boots and threw them on quickly. “Very well. Does Corson wish for your presence as well?”

Peter chuckled. “Corson will summon me when he needs me. My services are needed with the troops at the moment. Someone has to show a
face
to the men and women that fight for us.”

Laura didn’t like the subtle jab from Peter. “If you were any other person, I would tell you to watch your tone, “ she said firmly.

Peter turned slowly to Laura. His looming stare was strong. He was a man of nearly fifty, but carried himself in a way that showed he had considerable youth in his stride. Peter was a decorated war veteran and wore his valor proudly like a humble giant. However, at times he needed to show why he was one of the few left in charge when Corson wasn’t around.

“I will let that slide since Corson has given you an inflated sense of where you stand in the ranks. If the way I speak bothers you, I suggest you take it up with our Leader.” His tone was harsh. Laura could see the power in his eyes as he stared down at her.

Laura averted her stare. “I meant no disrespect.”

Peter looked down with unwavering eyes. “A word of caution,” Peter began. “There is only so much our followers can and will do with being left in the dark. All the squads have been showing doubts since Corson put his plan into motion. Doubt is a poison that corrupts the mind and a soldier’s resolve.”

Laura clicked her teeth. “They ought to be more grateful.”

Peter laughed lightly. “Perhaps, but I wouldn’t take their concern lightly.” His tone grew deep. “Most of our squads are young.” His stare turned grim. “And youth has a tendency to be easily corrupted.”

Laura heeded Peter’s words. “I’m sure Corson knows the severity of the tension that has been building these past months. He will make progress, I’m sure of it.” Her unflinching resolve was admirable.

Peter chuckled. “Love is a mysterious thing that binds people. It must be great to be young.”

Laura’s face flushed a shade of red. “Be silent! I follow Corson because I believe in him and trust him. T-the rest of Stigma ought to do the same!”

Peter stifled a laugh. “If only the squads saw this side of you. They might like you more then, especially the women.”

Laura scowled. “Utter a word of this to anyone and I will be sure that it will be the last thing you ever do.”

Peter waved his hands in a taunting manner. “I’m terrified.”

“You are such a-”

Laura’s wrist began to blink and ring loudly. She let Peter off the hook and answered the call.

“This is-”

“I expected you ten minutes ago. Where are you?”

It was Corson. He sounded impatient.

Laura’s back straightened. “My apologies, I’m on my way now.” She promptly canceled the call and headed off toward Corson’s chambers, leaving Peter to watch from afar.

Peter’s expression turned somber as he watched Laura rush to Corson’s side.

“Corson . . . it must be nice having people who care about you and love you. Don’t ever lose sight of that.”

Peter marched in the opposite direction. Each of his steps echoed through the metal chambers as he headed to his own destination.

Laura, on the other hand, was much lighter on her feet, and quickly made it to Corson’s chambers in record time. She tried her best to mask her breathing when she entered the den scattered with weapons. The lush white room from before had remained in its metallic form and no longer had the peaceful atmosphere that once brought her a brief moment of relaxation.

The door behind her shut quickly after she entered. She noticed that Corson had his hands behind his back, gazing at the giant monitor above him. She quickly sprung to his side without another word.

“The Reaper interference set us back, but Krieg came through in the end. We have the girl’s location,” stated Corson rather proudly. “

Laura stared at the monitor. “Exalted Records? Is this the company that the girl is with?”

“Indeed. I had feared that the company would be using a facility that was much farther away, but, as it would turn out, it is quite close. However, breaking through their security will be quite difficult, even for Nerine,” Corson added gratingly.

“Do we have any operatives in that area?” Laura asked openly.

Corson’s eyes shimmered. “Nerine is working on generating a employee list at the moment. It is turning out to be quite hard to just get that off their servers. I was right to push to take advantage of the concert.” His eyes now squinted. “Still, I’m not pleased with the continued hindrances.” Corson cursed under his breath. “If I wasn’t forced to crash the server, their security wouldn’t be on such high alert,” he growled.

Laura seemed concerned. “What of the boy? Surely he will have the same idea.”

Corson continued to stare intently. “The boy is smart, but I doubt he will be able to just walk up and get in given the state of things,” Corson added with a dark chuckle.

Laura seemed unsure. “For the time being, couldn’t we send some men to-”

“Hold the applause, my fans! Your diamond genius has done it again!” came the energetic words of Nerine as a screen blinked to life to their right. Her dynamic smile made Laura dizzy with disgust.

“Did you get the employee roster of Exalted Records, Nerine?” Corson said austerely, not even making eye contact.

Nerine wasn’t fazed by Corson’s attitude. “Yup! Pulling it up for you now.”

Corson and Laura watched as another screen sprang in front of them. The hovering window displayed a massive list of employees ranging from the CEO of the company down to the custodians.

Corson scanned the list carefully. “Any luck breaking their server firewalls?”

Nerine winced. “Sorry. Private servers of Fortune 500 companies are hard even for me. If I’m lucky, I should have something in the next hour. . . I think,” she added with a whisper.

Corson glared at her screen. “Make it happen, Nerine,” he shot darkly. His eyes returned to the list before him as he continued to speak. “I don’t think I need to remind you how important it is in getting this boy under our control.”

Nerine heard the intensity coming from Corson. Her perky aura quickly faded, as she lost a lot of her spunk from his dark words.

“Of course, Leader. I will report back the moment I have results,” she said weakly.

Her screen vanished, leaving Laura and Corson alone to scan over the window hovering before them.

Laura moved to speak. “Do you think it is-”

“Stop!” Corson yelled.

Laura nearly jumped out of her skin as she noticed Corson was talking to the computer to cease its scrolling.

“Computer, highlight employee number A546B223.” His voice almost was shaking.

The computer highlighted the designated employee Corson listed. For a long moment, neither Laura nor Corson spoke.

“C-Corson . . . what did you find?” Laura asked cautiously.

Corson ignored Laura, tapping his Com-Linker with intense purpose. He couldn’t help but laugh lightly as he made a call.