ARMS Jebwa Atrocity Read online

  Two hours later, the Bangor was settling on a tarmac beside the great dome.

  Two med-techs were waiting for Harris as the hatch opened. “We were told someone was suffering from cat-scratch fever?”

  Harris looked up at Tawn as she stood in the doorway. “That beat-down is coming. You can count on it.”

  “I’ll take that as a challenge then. Pistols at dawn?”

  “What?”

  Tawn shook her head. “We have to get you back so you can read up on some of our history. It used to be the chivalrous thing at one time to have a duel to defend one’s honor. They would do this at dawn for whatever reason, with crude pistols.”

  Harris winced as the med-techs assisted him in stepping down from the hatch. “Pistols at dawn it is, then.”

  The colonel came out to greet them. “I have a surprise for you regulars. Inside the dome we have a gravity field running. You’ll find it runs about 2 percent over standard gravity in there. Should be comfortable for you.”

  Trish stepped down. “I could actually live in something like that. This is oppressive though.”

  The group moved inside as Harris was escorted away for medical care.

  A stump corporal joined the group. “Jess Montigue. I’ll be giving you a tour this morning.”

  The colonel nodded. “Show them everything. I have work to tend to. We can all talk later.”

  As the colonel moved away, the corporal gestured toward a hallway. “We can start down here.”

  Trish said, “You look younger than the others.”

  Jess smiled. “I was the last series to come out of the lab before it was destroyed. I’m eight years younger than Miss Freely. Also have a couple extra genetic tweaks.”

  Trish nodded. “You look about twenty-five kilos lighter.”

  “Thanks for pointing that out,” said Tawn.

  Jess replied, “On average we were about twelve kilograms lighter than the first Biomarines. It has just as many drawbacks as it has advantages.”

  Jess stopped and pointed. “As you can see, the dome is completely open on the inside. This set of buildings to our left is housing. Housing covers a third of our floor space in here. This dome can house up to twenty-eight hundred Bios in its current configuration. And other than food it’s completely sustainable.

  “Waste products are recycled and reused or sold off for trade. Three fusion reactors provide energy. Any one of those can power this place by itself, at a reduced rate of course. Our water supply is from a well that sits atop a vast aquifer, and which is located right here inside the dome itself. We also have a much smaller backup well should anything happen to the main.

  Jess continued to walk as he talked. “This section is all of the utilities I was just referring to. Power, water, recycling… they are all done here. And this next section is hydroponics and fish farms. We can grow enough to keep about a quarter of us fed for a year. I realize that leaves a lot to be desired, but we’re working on improvements.

  “Next we have our fabrication shops. We can manufacture just about everything we need right here. That’s mechanical items by the way. All electronics, power systems, and items like the gravity generators have to come from Domicile. We’re setting up supply warehouses to hold as many spares as we can.”

  Gandy said, “Sounds like you’re preparing for war.”

  Jess stopped. “We have no doubt the Earthers will again wage war once they have their fleet replenished. We’re just trying to prepare as best we can for that eventuality. This system is remote. Could be one of the first attacked once they’ve rolled through the truce worlds.”

  “So you really think the war is coming?”

  “We’re planning for it. If it doesn’t happen, we’ll still be prepared for normal living. Up here on the left we have our medical facilities. If you follow me we might even be able to see Mr. Gruberg. Lesser operations such as his are available for viewing.”

  After moving through a door in a white, sterilized-looking hall, the group was led to a viewing room. A dozen slugs and stumps were standing in front of a glass wall, swigging from beverages they had brought from the cafeteria.

  “Hey! They’re bringing him in!” a slug stated as she banged on the transparent wall with her fist. “Cat-man-do! Hahaha!”

  Gandy shook his head as he whispered. “You Bios are brutal. He’s in real pain in there.”

  Tawn chuckled. “That’s not pain. He’s been through pain before. This is an annoyance. Kind of like an itchy bug bite.”

  Harris was placed on a table and the wound area cleaned. A polymer spray was applied and heated to dry. A scalpel was run gently around the edge of the wound.

  Trish winced. “They didn’t give him any painkillers?”

  Jess replied, “That would have happened when he first came in the door. The few minutes we’ve been walking has them in effect. I doubt he’s feeling much of anything right now.”

  The edge of the cutout was grabbed with tweezers and the patch of infected skin pulled back.

  Sharvie looked away as a stream of bodily fluids and pus ran down onto the small of his back. The surgeon brought over an irrigation and suction device. The wound area was thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed, followed by the use of a pressure injection system to push antibiotics into the entirety of the area. After looking over the wound to inspect his work, the doctor pulled a patch of synthetic skin from a tray, laid it atop the wound, and bonded it with an ultraviolet light.

  Jess turned. “That’s all. If you’ll follow me we’ll have a look at the cafeteria, followed by the entertainment area. We can grab a few beverages there if you like.”

  Trish said, “That’s it? He’s done?”

  Jess nodded as he pulled up his shirt, pointing to several patches of his own. “The synth-skin works like a charm if the wound is cleaned properly. See these three discolored patches on my left rib cage? That’s what it will look like in about five years. These used to be much larger. The natural skin will eventually grow in to replace it.”

  Trish frowned. “Those white patches are synth?”

  Jess chuckled. “Most of us had at least one or two applied during the Great War. Some cover the facial grafts with makeup. Most don’t care.”

  Jess poked at several of hers. “Works great. No pain. And very durable.”

  The group proceeded to the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to the entertainment area.

  Jess pointed: “We have a wide variety of beverages at the bar. Snacks are available over here. We have electronic, board, and card games over here. The far wall has a number of fully immersive simulators. And this section has a variety of video stations along with a very up-to-date and full library. For physical games we also have a gymnasium.”

  “There’s hardly anyone in here,” said Gandy.

  Jess nodded. “Bios aren’t normally big on entertainment during the normal daytime hours. The bar will fill up after hours. We’re busy trying to build this place out. Once goals are met and this colony secured, you’ll see this place come alive.”

  Tawn asked, “The layout of the other domes gonna be the same?”

  “Mostly. One difference between here and dome two is the gymnasium will be swapped out for a combat training range.”

  Gandy tilted his head. “You can safely do that indoors?”

  “Sure. You just dial the plasma output of your weapons down to a minimum and you can fight all day.”

  “No damage?”

  “No damage, but don’t mistake that for no pain. You take a hit and you definitely feel it. It’s mostly set up for close quarters training, where we’re clearing the deck of a ship or the street in a colony town. Suggestions have already been made to make it reconfigurable so we can practice an endless number of scenarios. Currently the options for that are limited.”

  “You have a control center for this place?” Sharvie asked.

  Jess turned and nodded. “Follow me. That’s back in the utilities section.”

  Tawn looked
around as they walked. “You must have some areas dedicated to defense. I haven’t seen any of those.”

  Jess stopped at the entrance to the utility area. “I’m apprehensive to show those to the regulars you have here with you. Please don’t be offended. It’s just that there are Earther spies who are regulars. There are no Earther spies who are Bios, that we know of.”

  Trish replied, “You don’t have to worry about offending us. We’ve been around Miss Freely and Mr. Gruberg enough to know to ignore it.”

  Jess returned a half smile. “Good to know we can at times be tolerated. Now if you’ll follow me up these steps… and out here onto the catwalk… looking down you can see our operations center. Virtually everything is controlled from here. As a redundancy we have another control room, although somewhat smaller, on the opposite side of the dome. If this center fails or is being overrun, we can still monitor and control everything from there.”

  A walk across the catwalk, down another set of stairs, and past two armed guards, had the group standing in the military command center. “As you can see, this area is still under construction. Over here will be your monitors for every type of sensor we have available.

  “This section will be flight control and coordination should we have any aerial battles to be taken care of. This section will be for ground defense. This central area is for planning and ongoing operations. And over here communications.”

  Tawn said, “Looks like a well-thought-out center.”

  Jess nodded. “We have had some experience in these areas. Our officers had a lot to do with the final design and layout.”

  Jess pointed toward the door. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve been instructed to leave you at the entertainment complex while you wait for Mr. Gruberg. He should be joining you within the hour.”

  Gandy pulled his head back. “He just had that procedure done.”

  Jess smiled as he walked. “The synth skin was a game changer when it was first introduced. Oh, and it only works on Bios. You regulars, your immune system has a high rejection rate. Has something to do with the synthetic DNA of the material nearly matching our own. He’ll be tender in that spot for the duration of the normal underlying-tissue healing time, but he’ll be ready to fight within the hour.”

  The four guests took a seat at the forty-meter-long bar. After perusing a drink menu for several minutes, beverage orders were placed.

  “What’d each of you get?” asked Tawn.

  Gandy said, “I’m trying the orange shrimp ale.”

  Sharvie returned a distorted face. “That sounds disgusting.”

  “Well, what are you having?”

  “Frolic in the Park. It’s one-third Mindian wine, which I like.”

  Trish said, “I thought for sure you’d get the Neuron Temple.”

  “That’s non-alcoholic. Had it before. It’s good. It’s been a while though, so I thought I could use a little nip. How about you.”

  “Head Banger.”

  “Aren’t those kind of strong?”

  Trish nodded. “That way I only need one. Miss Freely?”

  “Wretched Injection.”

  Trish laughed. “You planning to start a brawl? Didn’t you say that was what you and your slug friends were doing before going to the brig that time?”

  “We were. Don’t think it will be an issue this time though. You three aren’t as bad an influence as my friends were. Here’s to new friends.” A beverage was held up.

  It was almost to the hour when Harris walked into the bar and the minor festivities came to an abrupt end.

  “Colonel has feedback from the snipers. He sent in another team without telling us. I’m heading over to talk to him now.”

  Chapter 8

  _______________________

  “Colonel? Did we do something wrong?”

  “Not at all. You were unavailable and a decision was made before you came out here. You have the ability to contact us, but we can’t contact you.”

  “What’s happened?”

  “I sent in a second team. We had the vehicles and personnel available. I wanted feedback. When they arrived, contact was made. After evaluating the situation, our snipers changed plans. Instead of targeting machine drivers, they took aim at the machines themselves. Their reasoning was that people could be quickly replaced. The machines require a run to New Earth for parts.”

  “Sounds like a better plan.”

  “It is. And it’s being applied to all targets. Vehicles, mechanicals, basically anything that can be destroyed with a plasma round from a rifle is now on the priority list. They report it’s a target-rich environment. Scans by the Earthers have yet to reveal their location. When the second team arrived, because of that feedback I gave the command for them to deploy. They had an accident though and are returning. We have two additional teams heading out tomorrow.”

  Harris said, “I’d like Tawn and me to be one of those teams.”

  “What are we supposed to do in the meantime?” asked Trish.

  Harris shrugged. “Hang out at the bunker. See if you can advance.”

  “We could park there as a backup. You get spotted, we swoop in for a rescue.”

  Tawn shook her head. “We get spotted and there won’t be a rescue. We have the gear to keep us from sight. It will be on us to use it correctly.”

  Gandy said, “That’s means you’ll be leaving Farker with us.”

  The stump looked down at his mechanical pet. “I guess it does. Hadn’t considered that. But he’ll be in good hands.”

  Harris turned back to face the colonel. “We’ll be back here tomorrow at this time. Think you can hold the freighter until we get here?”

  “If you’re dead-set on doing this, it can be held.”

  Harris glanced at Tawn and received a nod. “We’ll be here.”

  A return flight was made to Midelon. Seven hours after reentering the bunker complex, Harris emerged. The others were seated in the supply hut.

  Tawn said, “Was wondering if you were gonna come out.”

  “That’s some fascinating stuff. Looks like our people were warring with each other long before we came out here. So much for enlightenment.”

  “How far have you come on the timeline?”

  “Through the Egyptian pharaohs. Just starting the Zhou Dynasty. Interesting. Who here is the farthest along?

  Sharvie raised her hand. “I guess that would be me. I’m hitting the timeline at about 400 A.D. The Roman Empire is getting weak in the west and the Jin Dynasty was coming to an end in the east. I find it strange how history continues to repeat itself. It’s almost like each new generation forgets the mistakes of the old.”

  Harris nodded. “I think that’s what we’re seeing here. We were winning the Great War, but the people were tired of fighting. Instead of pushing ahead and bringing it to an end, we pulled back, which puts us right where we are now.”

  Tawn chuckled. “Just shows that you have to finish the job if you want it to actually be done. And speaking of finishing… now that you’re here we can eat.”

  “You waited for me? I kind of feel special now.”

  Tawn pointed. “Good. Get your special self over there and hand us some meals. After this, you and I need some serious rest before heading out to Eden. I plan on sleeping and lazying about all the way up until you’re ready to leave.”

  Trish cleared her throat as she raised a hand. “Excuse me, but don’t you think you need to give us some instructions as to what we should be doing when you’re gone?”

  Harris replied, “I thought we went over this. Just keep yourselves busy with going through Earth’s history. Maybe you’ll find something in there we can make use of.”

  “And if you don’t come back?”

  “Then head back and check with the colonel. If he’s got nothing for you, then I suggest you go and try to live your lives as best you can. You have the credits to do so.”

  The following morning, Tawn and Harris were ready for the trip to Eden.


  Harris said, “Farker is staying here with you. If you travel away, don’t leave him anywhere or let anyone else take him. Are we clear on that?”

  Trish nodded. “We won’t let him out of our sight.”

  “Good. So here’s the plan: twice a day you open a comm to the colonel to check in. Every three days you’ll make a jump to Eden space. You’ll come in just close enough to open a comm to our planet base. If we’re available, we’ll respond back through the ground relay system we have in place. If not, just leave a recording of any pertinent information. We’ll do the same.”

  “No supplies?” said Trish. “No bringing anything down to you?”

  Harris shook his head. “No contact except by comm. We have supplies for a couple months. Just keep yourselves safe and unseen.”

  The Bangor jumped to the Retreat before following the freighter to Eden. Again a trip was made to the planet’s surface. A flight just above the ground had two new APCs and teams delivered to the forward base.

  The freighter quickly departed after unloading its cargo. The Bangor settled into a ravine a half kilometer away. The active skin was switched to resemble the surroundings. After securing all systems, Tawn and Harris made their way to the APCs.

  The other sniper team, also a slug and a spotter-stump, were waiting by their assigned vehicle.

  Harris said, “We’ll try to stay about two kilometers behind you on the way in. When we reach point Delta we’ll be branching off. None of us knows where the others are posted. Just follow the instructions as given by the colonel and begin your mission.”

  “I worked with you once before, Mr. Gruberg. I believe it was on Landau II. You don’t have to worry about us. We’ll keep tight with the rules.”

  Harris looked intently at the slug. “Gennis?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Glad to be back in the same outfit with you. Take care out there, and good hunting.”

  Tawn sat in the driver’s seat of the APC. “Never did get behind the wheel of ours at Fireburg. It’s been about six years since I drove one of these.”

  Harris smirked. “Eighteen hundred kilometers. You’re gonna be sick of driving by the time we get there.”