“What'cha listening to?” Erica asked.
Josh had removed himself from the group a bit. Sitting quietly on a catwalk of architectural genius which overlooked the crash site.
“Ah, just a little bit of everything. Glad I brought the pod along, though I'm not sure how much longer its charge will hold.”
Glancing over his shoulder, Erica seemed to find herself excited. Taking a seat with a man who obviously was in deep thought.
“Caught Up In You, huh?”
“Yea,” he replied. “It's a classic.”
“Yes it is,” Erica replied, to his surprise. “It also happens to be one of my favorites.”
“Huh?”
“Always loved 38 Special.”
“Get the fuck out of here?” Josh asked.
Quickly regretting his choice of wording, Josh quickly backtracked. Hoping for a mulligan of some sort.
“Um, I mean – no kidding?”
“Not kidding at all,” Erica replied. “I'm a total sucker for the classics and they certainly fit the bill. What else do you have-”
Her words were interrupted by a fellow scientist in need of translation. Several of them working on a device that would, in theory, be able to communicate with the world above. Something that was long overdue.
“I'm sorry, I have to go-”
“It's cool,” Josh replied with a smile. “The music will be here when you get finished.”
It's funny how a single smile between two people can change the world. Not in the literal sense, obviously, but the world of a man who has nothing else. His entire life stripped away, only to find hope through the warm smile of a woman he fancies.
As Josh put the headphones back on, the lyrics to Caught Up In You took on even more meaning. Possibly becoming the greatest song of all time, as he watched Erica help her fellow scientists – true loving beginning to grab hold.
The re-managing of command had not come without its hitches. Captain Bruce Ellis, Sargent Damian Duke, Private Charles Taylor, a botanist named Kim Adams and the crew's doctor, Brooks Turner, all choosing to remain with the original expedition. Loyal to Captain Ellis and the politicians back home.
A handful remained undecided, while Lieutenant Josh Pierce, his sidekick, Winston “Churchill” Stills, Corporal James “Flea” Patterson, Private Jessica Bethel, one small dog that chose to bark far too often and lead scientist, David Hopkins choosing to stay. The adventure that awaited them in the lost city of Atlantis was simply too much to pass up.
The Altarians had offered to help them as well. Their only priority at the moment – building a strong friendship with Lieutenant Pierce and the people who would remain behind. Something that did not sit well with many of those still loyal to Captain Ellis.
Or, at least, that is what they had wanted humanity to believe.
Princess Lauren had make the trip to Atlantis, along with several of her most trusted. Their greatest warrior, Darian and two of his finest had come along to escort their princess. A very small detail for such a mark of royalty, but there was plenty of history as to why. Princess Lauren had vowed to explain her side of things to Josh, when the time was right. Most importantly at the moment was making contact. Some type of contact with the surface as the wall of Atlantis still shook as if it were a wooden shack in the middle of the strongest thunderstorm on record.
“We've got it! I've got something!” Sam yelled out, alerting everyone. “I told you I could do it. Didn't I tell them I could do it?” he asked his science team.
“What? No mention of the translation work I did or the fact that the Altarians brought equipment that made it possible?” Erica asked.
“Let me see it.” Josh ordered.
Sam had indeed built the device, with plenty of help. One of Atlantis' own computer systems, wired through to an expedition team's laptop computer. Lots of shiny gadgets in between as well, though no one that wasn't a scientist knew, or cared to know, the purpose of each gadget. Placing a set of large silver headphones over his ears and adjusting them for a perfect fit, Josh listened closely to radio traffic within static.
“Where's the microphone?” Josh asked.
“What?” Sam asked in fury. “It's not a damn coffee shop at your local strip mall! You people act like it's as easy as putting together a twenty-piece Lego set! You're lucky we have anything at all, there's enough water on top of us to drown everyone a million times!”
“I wish it was whiskey.” Winston barked.
“Well it isn't, grizzly bear. I guess next I'll need to make a damn brewery down here.” Sam lashed back.
“Wait, you can do that?” Winston asked.
“Of course I can do that! What part of I'm the brightest scientist our world has to offer, don't you understand?”
“I believe I have misjudged you, my friend.”
“Great. Fine. But first I need to rewire this damn heap of brilliance to do what I can to get us two-way communication.” Sam replied.
“No need.” Josh said.
“What?” Sam asked. “I thought it was of the utmost importance here. I really wish everybody would make their minds up, am I building a brewery or some way to contact that surface? Or, if the time and resources are here, I could design a machine that does both.”
“That's what I'm talking about!” Winston cheered.
“I mean there's no need, because,” Josh said with reservation. “There's nobody left to communicate with. At least nobody who knows we are down here.”
“What?” Sam asked.
Everyone who had heard Josh's statement, wondered the same.
“They're all gone. The president, his line of succession, we're all the way down to the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, and he's just a fill-in. Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Miami, hell, everything. Gone.”
“Dear God.” David Hopkins replied.
“And from the sound of it, our acting president and his boys are getting the shit kicked out of them by a coalition of forces comprised of everything Russia, China and North Korea has to offer – which isn't much. At least England is backing us. At least what's left of it.”
“What are we supposed to do now?” Erica asked.
“Well, the first thing I need to do is go let our friends in lock-up know about everything. I know we're all not seeing eye to eye at the moment, but this news changes everything. I'll see if everyone can play along nicely, and, if so, we need to meet up and go from there. Including our newly-made friends.” Josh replied.
Princess Lauren nodded her appreciation, along with a smile. One that did not sit well with Erica – having seen the smile before. Understanding that the princess was falling for Lieutenant Josh Pierce.
“Wake up people, you got company.” Flea said.
Those being held against their will, did just that. Some of them woke from sleep, while others seemed to snap out of a daze. Curious as to what would come next.
As Josh entered the room, he could feel the tension growing.
“You have some nerve.” Bruce said.
“Yea,” Josh replied. “I also have some news, and you're going to hear it.”
“Do what you feel you need to.”
“Everyone's dead,” Josh said, taking the group by surprise. “Everyone up on the surface that knows were down here, they're all dead. The president. Ranking military officials and anyone that funded this project, all dead.”
“I don't believe it!” Bruce shouted.
“You don't have to. I heard it for myself, then I let each of the crew members outside of this room listen in. The truth is, none of us will survive through the month without the help of everyone down here.” Josh replied.
“It's hard to help someone that holds you at gunpoint.” Brooks Turner, the expedition's doctor replied.
“I agree,” Josh said. “I don't trust Bruce and he doesn't trust me. That's not good for the group. So I've placed lead scientist David Hopkins in charge moving forward.”
“What? You did what?” Bruce demanded to know.
> “This isn't a military situation. It's about trying to survive on what we have. David is certainly the most qualified to lead, among civilians, and he's neutral when it comes to you and me. Just to show you there are no hard feelings,” Josh said, pulling a combat pistol from the holster on his vest. “Here's your side-arm back.”
“I should kill you right now, traitor.” Bruce stated firmly.
“And you could. But then everyone here would know it and any command you once had would be squashed forever. You'd literally die down here, as opposed to getting what you want.” Josh replied.
“Oh yea, and what's that?”
“If you folks would follow me, I'll be happy to answer that question for you.”
The group of survivors had gathered – their loyalties no longer important. Josh stood to the front of them, as did lead scientist David Hopkins.
“Some of us are choosing to remain here. Especially given the fact that have no idea what's left up there. Here, we're safe and that's something to build on. Others want to get back to the surface to check on family. Maybe they still have people up there waiting for them. I understand that as well, and we've figured out a way to give everyone what they want.” Josh said.
“Our president is dead,” David added. “Why he was coming, why we're here – none of that matters at the point. What's done is done. Now it's about surviving the best we possibly can. We have enough supplies to support a president, his family and staff, therefore, we have everything we need to support those who choose to remain behind. I want to assign folks to work where they're needed. Putting up portable greenhouses with artificial lighting, getting the most out of the computer systems here on Atlantis. We need to get some type of infrastructure in place for those who are choosing to remain here. Likewise, I want to put several of our people on a plan to construct a submarine from the wreckage of two. A lot smaller, no doubt, but plenty capable of getting folks back to the surface.”
“You can do that?” Bruce asked.
“We have the brightest minds in the world, right here on Atlantis. We have superior technology and a race of friends in the Altarians, who can help us maximize it. We have our wreckage and a wreckage that was hidden from plain sight. Again, why it's here is of no concern to me. My only concern at this point is giving some of us a livable system on Atlantis while constructing a way to the surface for those who wish to leave.” David replied.
“And the chain of command?” Bruce questioned.
“A very simple one. The soldiers who wish to return to the surface, answer to you. The soldiers who wish to remain with Atlantis, answer to Josh. You both answer to me. I'll make sure everything runs as smoothly and fairly as possible. Once we have an operational submarine, I'll leave you to it. No questions asked and no strings attached. And that goes for anyone who wishes to leave with you.”
“I see.” Bruce replied.
“So, does that work for everyone? Do we all have a deal?” Josh asked.
“Yea,” Bruce replied. “I suppose we do.”
“Good,” David said. “Captain Ellis, if you could please have your team assemble the greenhouses and portable water station, I would appreciate it. Lieutenant Pierce, please get your team moving to the second wreckage site and pull as much salvageable material as possible. The Altarians are your responsibility. As of right now, they are a part of our family, but, should they take any step into the wrong direction, I will have them detained. Is that understood?”
“Understood.” Josh replied.
“I wish we had a damn map of this place,” Josh said as he led the large group out to find a well-hidden crash site. “It all looks the same. Every damn stone seems like an identical copy.” he added.
“Lieutenant,” Princess Lauren said. “If you can hold up for a moment, I believe we have technology that could help you.”
“Absolutely.” he replied.
Josh stood there, alongside Winston, Flea and the Altarian warriors. Each of them looking to their princess for further instruction.
“Your highness?” Darian asked.
“It's OK, my champion. I trust this man.” Princess Lauren replied.
“As you wish.”
One of the two accompanying Altarian soldiers removed a square from the pocket on his pants. A tiny square, no larger than a few inches, which he began to slide with his fingers. Locking the square out into a certain pattern and causing it to grow several times over. Bringing it to the size of an average laptop screen.
“What is this?” Josh asked.
“A sketch box.” she replied, giving a go-ahead nod.
Pressing a single button, the box emitted a flash of blinding light. When Josh and his team had recovered from the unexpected blast of illumination, the box and its screen had graphed out several miles. Giving the exact layout of the city.
“You gotta be shitting me?” Winston asked.
“I don't understand?” Princess Lauren asked in return. Unfamiliar with Winston's slang of cursing.
“He means that it is very impressive technology.” Josh added, slinging a scowl into his friend's direction.
“My lady!” Darian shouted. “It has picked up a JAWS lifeline within the city!”
“This cannot be?” she questioned.
“A what?” Josh asked.
“Lieutenant, I have trusted you thus far. Now I need you to trust me.”
“I do.” Josh replied.
“I need you to come with us to the source of this lifeline. If there is in fact a JAWS inside of Atlantis, it will take all of us to put it down.”
“Lauren, I don't even know what this JAWS is? I need to know what I'm walking into here, before I endanger my team.” Josh said.
“Your entire expedition is already in danger, Josh. I need you to trust me.”
“Alright, I trust you. Lead the way.”
Not only was Princess Lauren growing more and more attracted to the human soldier by the minute, but Josh was growing warm to the idea that she paid attention to him. A lot more so than Erica, who had treated him nicely – as a friend.
“Lock and load you scrawny bastard,” Winston said to Flea. “Or better yet, just stay tucked in behind the big dog. I'll take care of it.” he added, using a single hand to motion his pump-action shotgun to the ready.
“I'm telling you David, trusting the man is a mistake.” Captain Ellis said, doing what he could to discredit Josh.
As the newly-branded expedition leader, David had already lost contact with Josh's team. Leaving him on the cusp of suspicion.
“Regardless of our situation now, I'm asking you to consider the huge risk involved here. Lieutenant Pierce is well-known for defying authority, we have an alien race wandering the city of Atlantis and now we have no idea where either of them are. Or what they're up to, for that matter.”
“What would you have me do?” David asked.
“We need to get our ride finished as soon as possible. Load up and go. Grab every single stitch of ancient technology we can, take it with us and go. Leaving enough explosives to blow the city when we leave and ensuring the city's technology will not be used against humanity in the future.” Captain Ellis replied.
“We don't know what the situation is? It could be a radio malfunction or distance between units.”
“He held a gun to my face, disobeying a direct order in the process. Under any other circumstances, Josh would have been executed on the spot. I'm trying to be as understanding as possible here, but my patience is beginning to wear thin.”
“I understand-” David replied.
“No you don't. We're in a military situation right now, I just can't seem to convince you of the fact. A brand new race is out there this very moment, and for all we know, they could be planning an assault right here. Right where we stand. As a soldier, I can't just sit on my hands and do nothing.”
“Yes, that's exactly what you'll do. I trust these people.” David said.
“Why?” Bruce questioned. “We know nothing about
them.”
“That's precisely why, captain,” David said. “I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. I also know what my own race is capable of. I'm here, miles under water, based on lies and deception – both of which you knew about. I'm not going to punish a race of people based on mistakes they've yet to make. Mistakes that my own race continues to make.”
“I hope you're right, for the sake of everyone.” Captain Ellis said.
“So do I,” David replied. “So do I.”
The screams had reached their ears long before the first hallway of level four opened up into a much larger chamber. Horrific mechanical screams. Every piercing cry comparable to a machine with the possession of a demon.
“When a man is carrying a kill stick like this and hesitates, it can't be good.” Winston said, holding his shotgun as snugly as possible.
“Please,” Flea said. “You're afraid of everything.”
Winston turned to stare at the soldier for a moment. Even gazing down to the military patch which signified him as a sniper. Letting him know, in crystal-clear fashion, that he certainly wasn't afraid of a flea.
“What exactly are we walking into?” Josh asked quietly.
“A product of our ancestors' technology.” Princess Lauren replied.
“My lady, you must remain here.” Darian said.
“But I-”
“My lady, I insist. It is not safe beyond this point.”
The princess reluctantly agreed with a nod.
“Leave one of your soldiers with the princess.” Darian said.
“Aren't you going to leave one of your own?” Josh asked.
“We will be needed if the JAWS is to fall.” the huge warrior replied.
“Just what in the fuck are we walking into here?” Winston asked. “Let's sit down and think this through for a minute, damn.”
“There is no time,” Darian replied. “I can tell by the altering of its screams. It knows we are here. Even now, it smells our flesh.”
His comment sent chills to the spine of Josh, Winston and Flea. Even if none of the men would admit to it.
“Leave the runt with our princess.” Darian said.
“Wait,” Winston pleaded. “Let me stay, I'm a lot bigger. I'll protect her with my life. Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“Really?” Josh asked.
“If we fail in slaying the beast, it will not matter. Our princess will be as good as dead at that point.” Darian replied.
“Yea,” Flea added. “I'm cool with staying behind.”
“Ain't this a fucking show now?” Winston asked. “Any other time you'd do what you could to whip a man's ass for speaking down on you. Now that death waits right up ahead, you've found inner-peace from such hurtful words.”
“I've learned to channel my anger through deep breathing.” Flea replied, poking fun at Winston's desperation.
“Bullshit,” Winston replied brashly. “It's just more convenient not to go off and get yourself killed.”
Isn't that always more convenient? Josh thought.
“Tell them I send my best.” Flea mocked as the group of soldiers headed off – pushing toward the damning screams.
“Tell 'em yourself, I'm not your damn messenger,” Winston replied with anger. “You little scrawny bastard.”
“Just keep your eyes open and your mouth shut, Winston. We have more important things to worry about. Let the sniper gone comedian have his laughs. Thousands of comedians out of work back on the surface and he's trying to be one.” Josh said.
As they continued to move forward slowly, their weapons at the ready and eyes skimming the layout of the area ahead, a door quickly made its way front and center. Thick block of seamless design surrounding it, the door was made of some type of shimmering metal. Unlike anything Josh or his human team had ever witnessed.
“Amalithite,” Darian said. “This looks like the place. It seems the ancients were holding a JAWS captive for some reason.”
“Should we try and put it down or just leave it be? It's been lock up for thousands of years without doing any harm? Josh asked.
Moments later, a horrific sight slammed into the thick unbreakable glass window of the door. The sight of it, along with a terrifying scream, prompted Josh to immediately open fire onto the door with reaction.
“Save your ammunition, lieutenant,” Darian said. “The ancients were wise in putting him behind a door of amalithite. Their own creation of genetically-strengthened material. My guess is these stone walls contain the same thickness of the steel within its core – just as a precaution.”
“Look at that son of a bitch!” Winston said, watching the cyborg of terror snap at them. Doing everything in its power to breach the thick steel of ancient design.
“Study it well,” Darian said. “Watch its tendencies.”
“Shouldn't we keep it alive for study?” Josh asked.
“There's no need. Every moment of its life in captivity has been recorded somewhere in the ancient database. The Julian Aspect Warrior will serve a much better purpose dead. It will allow your people to study its composition and ensure that it does not somehow escape into your backyard.” Darian replied, lying to the group.
“I'm with Josh. Fuck it,” Winston said. “That son of a bitch hasn't went anywhere for thousands of years, a few extra days shouldn't hurt anything.”
“The ancients designed the toughest of steels, no doubt,” Darian said as a cautionary reminder. “But the steel won't hold forever. Maybe another thousand years. Perhaps only a few more days.”
“Let's toast this son of a bitch.” Winston said, completely flipping his opinion on wrangling the mechanical murderer. Choosing to fire on it in group fashion, rather than be killed in his sleep.
“Lieutenant. You and your man will lay back strategically, weapons ready. You will be the fail-safe should we fall in battle.” Darian said.
“Our weapons will kill it?” Josh asked.
“I believe so, though it will take a significant amount of strikes. Should we all fall, including your own man, you are to fall back into the room directly behind you. It was put in place for scientists as a security measure in case the beast breached its holding cell. Once inside, slide the lock over and tell your people to prepare themselves by radio.” Darian replied.
“Understood.” Josh said.
“Wait, no,” Winston added. “Not understood. You're saying Josh waits for me to fall in battle before running into a safe room? I don't want to fall in battle.” Winston said.
“Nor do I. But it is the code of a warrior, is it not? To do his part in restoring the balance of peace while protecting his superiors.” Darian replied.
“I like that. It has a ring to it. Kind of poetic, even.” Josh said with a grin.
“No, not poetic. Bullshit.”
“Places everyone.” Darian said, preparing his own two soldiers.
“Have you ever killed a JAWS before?” Winston asked.
“Yes. Many of them. I did not become the champion of my people by speaking poetically.” Darian replied.
“Yea, ain't that the damn truth.”
He continued to grumble about the situation, but Winston knew well-enough to check his shotgun a final time. An Armsel Striker, at least that was its textbook name. Winston just called it an ass-kicker because of its punch and ability to hold several shells in a rotating magazine below its barrel. Similar to a revolver.
“Now.” Darian said.
Triggering several of the locks in place on the door, Darian eased away. Giving the soldiers a good look at what was to come.
Silence.
“Well, where in the fuck is-”
As Winston's words fell unsuspectingly, the door nearly burst from its hinges. A cybernetic assassin leaping from his holding cell and beginning to maul one of the Altarian soldiers. Its hands outfitted with a long blades of reaping.
“Kill it!” the soldier cried out. Doing what he could to fend off the attack that was unlike anything human
eyes had seen before. Bloodletting without remorse – as if a mechanical snake had committed to the act of striking its prey.
Having absorbed nearly twenty shots from human weaponry and several strikes from the Altarian technology, the JAWS had successfully put down two Altarian soldiers, grabbing hold of Darian.
A powerful foe, Darian was anything but the weaker Altarian the JAWS soldier had been programmed to hunt. As the large warrior pushed the mechanical monster's skull back a bit, placing their bodies nearly a foot apart, Winston decided it was time to make his move. Quickly swooping in close with his shotgun firing at will.
“Suck on it, you scrap heap son of a bitch!”
Several hits directly to the back of the beast triggered a scream of fury. The Julian dropping its fight with Darian to turn and defend itself. Swinging its powerful arm across its body, the gleaming blade attached to its arm cut cleanly as it made contact with Winston's abdomen. Laying him to the ground with a thud.
Reaching into the gaping hole Winston's weapon had put into the monster's back, Darian began to clinch and jerk – complete batches of circuitry pulled out. It wanted to fight on. It was programmed to. But, a computer is only as good as its circuitry, no matter how extensive its programming is.
The JAWS soldier dropped like a stone. Clanging to the floor loudly and giving proof that they truly had no soul.
“Victory.” Darian said.
“Your friends are dead and mine is in serious jeopardy of it. I'd call this anything BUT victory!” Josh yelled, doing the best he could to stop Winston's bleeding.
“My soldiers were dead before the battle began. Yours as well. If even one or two of us live to speak of this battle, indeed it was victory.”
Darian's words cut into Josh, who found himself regretting the battle. Hoping Winston would pull through.
“David! This is Lieutenant Pierce. I need any medical-trained people you have to meet us halfway. Somewhere near the huge room with red lighting. Winston is down and it looks bad. I need to get him to help as soon as possible, but there is no way that I can make it all of the way back to base camp in time. Come back.”
“Lieutenant Pierce, where have you been?” David asked through a loud crackling on Josh's radio.
“Sir, I can explain everything when we get there. Winston is cut open pretty bad and losing blood. I'm going to need someone who can stitch him up. I would do it but I don't have any of the needed-”
“Copy that, lieutenant. Doc Turner is on his way to the meeting spot, escorted by Private Bethel. I hope Winston pulls through. Either way, you and I will sort this out when you arrive back.”
“Asshole,” Josh said, ignoring the traffic coming from his com unit. “You would think a man's life would be more important right now?”
“No shit.” Winston managed to reply.
“Is the monster down?” Princess Lauren asked.
“Ask your brute back there, I don't have time for it,” Josh replied, jogging by the woman with his injured friend across his shoulders. “Flea, you're on me.”
“But the princess?”
“Dammit Flea, move!”
“Yes, sir.” the sniper replied. Beginning a sprint of his own.
“Lieutenant Pierce, have a seat. I doubt you'll enjoy what's about to follow.” David Hopkins warned.
“Alright.” Josh replied.
“Killing this Julius unit was the worst possible thing you could have done.” David said, glancing to Josh sternly.
“Huh? I thought we'd be able to bring it back and-”
“We can't study it, lieutenant. The Julian Aspect contain a fail-safe. Once they come to an end, a program inside of their exterior initiates. Some acidic material that eats away everything inside.”
“What?”
“We can't study it now, lieutenant,” David said. “The scientists that lived here thousands of years ago, housed the Julian so that we could study it. Everything we needed to run tests was down below. Right there in the fucking room across the hall. There was absolutely no way the creature could have escaped, and, not only did you just kill our research in downing the Julian Aspect, you nearly cost Winston his life in the process.”
“I'm sorry, I didn't know.”
“I realize that lieutenant. Still, you should be making smarter choices out there or leaving the choices to us.” David replied.
“Now hold on a damn minute,” Josh responded. “Part of my job is to assess and react out in the field. Now you may not agree with my reaction in this case, and it may have been the wrong one. I don't disagree with that. But you aren't in any position to tell me how to do my damn job. Otherwise, you can start going out there and risking your own neck, while I sit back here and tinker with computer systems.”
“I haven't been tinkering, lieutenant,” David replied. “I've been speaking directly with the ancient computer systems.”
“Huh?”
“Don't take my word for it. Just pay attention.”
As David stood onto the pressure-triggered platform, the hologram of a beautiful woman draped in ancient clothing appeared.
“Tell us of the Altarians.” David said.
“Of course. Anything for you, David.”
“After you left out and we lost contact, I remembered something she said about our newly-made friends.” David commented.
Josh felt disbelief as he watched the exchange. A computer program portrayed by a lovely young woman and, even stranger, a scientist falling for her.
“During our civil war of people, the scientists aboard Atlantis developed the Julian Aspect. Though not for the purpose of killing. Our scientists developed the cyborg as a multi-purpose machine. They could tend to fallen soldiers on the battlefield with much greater success than a human hand. Their eyes could see and their internal drives record the sights, brining accurate information to those leading our war effort. They would also become our pilots and engineers, so that we could free up more men for battle.
The Altarians began to capture the Julian Aspect units and militarize them. Turn them into the killing machines they currently are.”
“So the Altarians are our enemies?” Josh asked.
“Yes,” the holographic woman replied. “They attempted to overthrow our king and, as a result, ignited a civil war between our people.”
“And Atlantis?” Josh asked.
He'd become mesmerized by the woman as well. Though his attention was drawn to her information, while David had been pulled to her beauty.
“Atlantis is the last great city of our people, the Atlanteans. Our sister city, Kolob, fell to the rule of the Altarians. For thousands of years, they have survived on their own planet while our descendants thrived above these waters on this planet. Many other planets, perhaps even thousands, are home to descendants of our people. Some of them loyal to the Altarians, others loyal to Atlanteans. Many remain neutral or unaware of the great war.”
“Why would the Altarians destroy one of their own soldiers?” Josh asked.
“I'll answer this, Amelia,” David said. The eye contact between scientist and computer system chilled Josh a bit. “The Atlanteans left a single Julian Aspect here for us to study. Likewise, I believe the Altarians had you destroy it so we could not. Believing we'd eventually figure out a way to easily destroy it, and, in turn, give us the upper-hand in a war that we'd soon discover the truth of. You were played, lieutenant.”
“Son of a bitch.” Josh said.
“Lieutenant, I believe you've been purposely misled by our enemies. Trust nothing they say.” Amelia added. Her voice sounding as real as any true person's would.
“David, if you'll excuse me? I'd very much like to go take care of a few things.” Josh asked politely.
“Of course,” David replied. “And lieutenant, this one goes away. But from now on, before you act on impulse, you speak with me directly. OK?”
“Understood.”
As Josh left scientist David Hopkins to his unusual love affair, he walked throu
gh a long hallway with purpose.
“Josh.” Erica said.
“Not now.”
It was the first time he'd ever blown off the woman his eyes fancied so heavily. Taking her by complete surprise in the process.
“You lied to me.” Josh said, approaching Princess Lauren.
“Excuse me?” she asked.
“I said, you lied to me.” Josh firmly stated once more.
“You would be well served not to speak to my-” Darian began to say.
His words stopped short as Josh placed a side arm directly into his face. The cold touch of steel less than an inch from Darian's skin.
“And you would be well served to stop speaking. You nearly cost me a team member back there, which still isn't sitting well with me.”
“Lieutenant?” Princess Lauren asked.
“Your people and our people have been at war for thousands of years. Now tell me I'm wrong?” Josh asked.
“No. You are not wrong,” Lauren replied. “But if you do a little bit of homework, you'll discover that our people are one in the same.”
“And you had me place my team, MY TEAM, in harm's way to destroy a weapon in order to help your own agenda.” Josh said.
“Yes.” Lauren replied.
“I trusted you!” Josh said loudly.
“And I trusted you,” she replied. “I trusted that, with time, you would see our people for what they are. Masterful and brilliant. I had hoped you would join us on Altaria. I was growing fond of you.” Princess Lauren replied.
“I do see your people for what they are,” Josh said. “And I don't like what I see. I'm sorry, but I want no part in your cause. I came down here on the stupidest of reasons, but I'm glad I did. Now I know that I'm Atlantean, just like everyone back home. And I promise you, I'll dedicate the rest of my life to carrying the Atlantean torch.”
“That's unfortunate, lieutenant.” Princess Lauren replied.
“Flea, Private Bethel,” Josh said. “I need you two to escort the princess and her thug to the dome room. Punch in something random and get them off of Atlantis.”
“You cannot be serious? Random coordinates will certainly doom us!” Darian blasted loudly throughout the room.
“And Private Taylor,” Josh said. “Double-time it down to the science level. Drag the two dead back and put them in chairs with the fair princess and her thug. The room won't operate without four bodies.”
“This is unheard of!” Darian yelled.
“Relax, my warrior. We will make it back home in due time. Let the Atlanteans have their day of victory. Because, I promise you, the war has just begun.” Princess Lauren replied.
“How are we supposed to dial from the outside of the doom room, sir?” Flea asked. A good question indeed.
“Here,” Erica replied. “While everyone else has been off chasing monsters, I was able to design a remote device. I only have a few dozen addresses programmed at the moment, so you'll have to choose one of those.”
“And it works anywhere in the city?” Sam asked.
“Yes. At least it should.” Erica replied.
“Good. I know a man with stitches, a cigar and glass of whiskey that's damn keen on dialing up random places.”
“You will regret this.” Darian warned.
“You heard the lieutenant,” Captain Ellis said. “He gave you a direct order. Either carry your asses, or we'll be loading four dead bodies into the dome.”
“You should hope to never cross paths with me again,” Darian said to Josh. “Because you will learn of the sweet ballad of my blade.”
“That's a God damn United States soldier you're talking to, son,” Captain Ellis replied. “And I've read enough of his service jacket to know he'd hold his own against you.”
“We'll see.” Darian growled.
Slowly and very reluctantly, Princess Lauren and Darian were led away at gunpoint. On their way to the dome, to be delivered to some random planet.
“Thank you.” Josh said to Captain Ellis.
“No need,” he replied. “You and I may not see eye to eye on everything. But at the end of the day, we're both soldiers for the greatest damn army there is. I always have your back and trust that you have mine.”
“Yes sir.” Josh replied.
“Well then. We need to hump a couple of sentry guns down to the dome. At least until we figure out a better way of doing things. I don't like the idea of people just randomly showing up in our city.”
“Neither do I.” Josh replied.
“May I have a quick word with the lieutenant?” Erica asked.
“Ma'am?”
“It's related to science, Captain.”
“OK then ma'am, just make it quick.” Captain Ellis replied.
As Erica walked into a side room, followed by Josh's heavy footsteps, she turned to the lieutenant.
Kissing him with the kind of passion that could change worlds. Her hands softly brushing against his cheeks while lips felt one another out with exploration.
“I thought you said this was scientific?” Josh asked with a laugh.
“Well, it's chemistry,” Erica replied with a warm smile. “Because I haven't felt this way about someone in a very long time.”
“Just to be upfront about everything,” Josh said. “There's a box of cigars riding on you. On a moment just like this.”
“Are you kidding me with this?” she replied.
Josh could feel the entire moment shifting directions. Regretting having even brought the small bet up.
“Winston, not me. I don't even smoke. Hell, I'll donate the cigars to charity.” Josh said with a pleading voice.
“Impossible!” Erica said, turning to leave the room with anger.
Slowly, however, she eased back in with a smile. Letting Josh know she'd only pulled his leg a bit.
“Impossibly cute.”
“You are kidding me? My heart literally hit the fl-”
A second kiss brought his statement to a halt. This time, their embrace was a bit less nervous and a lot more passionate. Souls longing to be together.
“I really have to go.” Josh said.
“I know,” Erica replied. “And I hate it.”
“I'll be back.”
Josh quietly hoped that nothing would change while he was away. Having to leave such a perfect moment in order to restore calm – a soldier's way.
“By the way,” Josh said. “I think it's amazing that you were able to remotely wire into the dome room.”
“Thank you.” Erica replied.
“Lieutenant Pierce,” Ellis yelled from some distance away. “Carry your ass, soldier!”
“Yes sir.” Josh replied with a smile.
Two lovers enjoying a silent moment of life together.
“I've got Sam working on some type of fail safe for the dome. Somehow, we need to figure out how to block incoming visitors. I'm sure the Atlanteans had a way, it's just a matter of finding it. Until then, these two bad boys should do the trick.” Captain Ellis said.
He and Josh had spent several minutes setting up the laser-guided sentry guns. Each capable of slamming out lead at alarming rates – triggered by motion. They would serve as the fail safe until another could be found.
“Enough ammunition for these things?” Josh asked.
“About ten-thousand rounds each. We came expecting the unexpected. Let's just say we packed heavy.” Captain Ellis replied.
“I wish you would have told me everything up front. That's all.” Josh said.
“Look kid,” Ellis replied, laying down a hand wrench and preparing to answer Josh's statement. “I couldn't. As a soldier, I had a job to do.”
“It would have helped to know. I could have helped you instead of butting heads with you.” Josh replied.
“I know,” Ellis said. “But I need you to understand that, as a soldier, I couldn't. Regardless of what I may think or feel personally, a good soldier does what he's told.”
“I guess.”
“Loo
k,” Captain Ellis said, approaching Josh. “You're a damn good soldier. I've read your file. I've seen the way you handle things down here. You just need to be a little more complaint to orders and a little less human. And I realize that sounds bad, I do. But following orders minimizes damage while going with your heart, sometimes it leads to people dying in the field of duty.”
He was right and Josh knew it. Winston had nearly fallen to his death during a mission that was never authorized.
“Whoever is in charge up there, well, it's safe to assume they're not coming. At least nowhere in the near future. What we have down here is it. A city full of technology that we don't quite understand yet, the supplies we brought with us and each other. Maybe we make it back to land one day, maybe we don't. Either way, until then, we need to work as a team. It's the only way we're making it out of this shit alive.”
“I agree,” Josh replied. “And I'm sorry.”
Extending a hand to his fellow soldier, Lieutenant Josh Pierce and Captain Bruce Ellis solidified a bond of brotherhood. Men who wore the uniform.
“Good. So am I. Now that it's all behind us, let's finish getting these babies ready to rock and head back to check on things.”
“Yes sir.” Josh said.
“I would like to know more about how Atlanteans travelled.” David asked.
Amelia's figure, nothing more than a hologram, had started to become a part of David's every waking thought. Even his dreams. Back on the surface, when asking a computer system for information, you'd receive a laundry list of tidbits.
Atlantis' computer system was different. Amelia had been designed as an interface, willing to answer any and all direct questioning. She was, literally, a data bank filled with answers to questions that mankind had been asking for centuries. She understood every detail of the magnificent city and the history of many planets around us.
That said, Amelia had been programmed not to offer any information that wasn't directly asked for. The Atlanteans' way of ensuring that such information didn't fall into the hands of less-capable people.
Atlantis team leader David Hopkins was one of the world's brightest scientists. He knew the questions to ask, and, more importantly, his mind hungered to know more. His meeting with Amelia had become an obsession. No different than any other person working around the clock with a computer, except for the fact that David had grown fond of Amelia's appearance. He would never confess to the word love, but his everyday life now depended upon seeing Amelia's face. No matter how synthetic she was, to him, she was more authentic than most women he'd had the displeasure of meeting.
“Atlantis is tied into a grid of worlds. Each of them equipped with our own technology, dimension therapy.”
“I don't understand.” David admitted.
“Then perhaps you ask the wrong questions,” Amelia replied. Her holographic smile toying with the doctor a bit. “Think, David.”
“How does dimension therapy work, specifically?”
“Our scientists designed a room that is perfectly-circular-”
“The dome?” David asked.
“I suppose. Our people had called it the outer ring as it's to the outside of Atlantis.” Amelia replied.
“Continue.” David said.
“We learned that through the perfect positioning of chairs within the room, we could, in effect, place the four people anywhere within the gird.”
“But only four?” David asked.
“Yes.”
“Why only four?”
“Our scientists attempted more than four. The technology simply will not work as it throws the neutron count out of line. The technology works, based on a perfect count throughout the room – hence the chairs seated in perfect proximity to one another. Down to fractions much smaller than any device Atlanteans had developed for the use of measurement.”
“And less than four will not work either?”
“No.”
“Amelia, some of us are trying to once again reach the surface above ocean. Our transport was damaged beyond repair. Is there any way to-”
“Yes.”
“How can we reach the surface?” David questioned.
“Some of our own people had the same desire. To breathe open air while brushing their hand across the serenity of green grass. They developed a series of stones on the surface. Perfectly-rounded, the stones became Apollo's Circle to my people.”
Stonehenge?
“You would be hard-pressed to find the coordinates, I'm afraid. As the computer systems were written in two languages. One to be discovered and built upon by humanity, the second a language of Atlantian dialect. It remains here, but beyond the comprehension of your science team, I assure you.”
“We're capable enough, I assure you,” David said with a smile. “It gives us hope where, only minutes ago, we had none. Thank you, Amelia.”
“I will look forward to seeing you again soon, David. I have grown very fond of our meetings.”
“As have I.” David replied.
“I told you, there's a method to my madness,” Winston said. “I took the symbols on the clicker here, turned them into numbers and started dialing. 8-6-7-5-3-0-9. I wonder if those cocksuckers found Jenny?”
“First of all, it's not a clicker. It's a very prominent piece of technological equipment. It's called the Neutron Placement Cube,” Sam huffed. “And second,” he added with a grin. “I'd love to see their faces right now.”
“No, I'm with Winston on this one. I like clicker, the name just sticks.” Josh added.
“Don't it though?” Winston asked with a grin.
“I can't believe you sent them to a planet based on the address of an 80s song,” Erica said with a laugh. “Pretty amazing.”
“Hey. I'm a sucker for the classics.”
“What's important now, though, is how to keep them away from the fort.” Josh warned.
“You really think they will come back?” Sam asked.
“I know I would.” Josh said.
“Well we have the sentry guns in place.” Erica added.
“Yea, that'll work for now. But it's a temporary fix. Those won't hold the Altarians off forever, and when I think about what else might be out there,” Josh said with deep thought. “I just want to figure out something a little more stable. The sooner, the better.”
“Agreed, brother.” Winston said.
“Well, I need to get to work then.” Sam replied.
“Well I guess you do then.” Winston said with a demanding grin.
“I'll be back to see you later, buddy, you take it easy.” Sam replied, leaning in to softly pat Winston. Of course, he did so across the bandage covering Winston's injury.
“You little bastard,” Winston blasted, sitting up quickly and falling to his back just as quickly. “I'll rip your damn head off!”
“You know. You and Sam are starting to become really close friends. It's kind of scary.” Josh mocked.
“Bullshit. He's half my size and think he knows everything there is to know. Exactly the guy I wouldn't want to be drinking with.”
“Well, I do have a bit of news for you.” Josh said.
“What?” Winston asked.
Leaning into each other, Josh and Erica began to kiss for a moment. Each of them looking back to Winston.
“Ah shit.”
“And you can keep the box of cigars.” Erica said.
“You told her about that?” Winston asked with surprise. “What happened to bros before hoes?”
“What?” Erica asked.
“Wait, what? I never called you a hoe. Seriously, I wouldn't do that.” Josh added.
“No, he's too good for something like that. It's a creed, brother. That little side bet was supposed to stay between you and me. Well, and Flea.”
“Flea too?” Erica asked. “My God.”
“Flea?” Josh asked.
“Yea. I told that little bag of bones about our bet and he said you guys would end up together. I owe him a box too, now.” Win
ston replied.
“Wow.” Erica said, turning and leaving abruptly.
“Aren't you going to go after her?” Winston said.
“I'm waiting,” Josh replied. “Sometimes she does this thing where she-” he added, waiting for Erica to return with a smile. When she didn't he understood it was serious.
“Well buddy, gotta run.” Josh said, leaning into softly pat Winston's injured torso.
“Man y'all some fucking comedians today!” Winston shouted, jumping back into an upright position with pain.
“Hold up.” Josh said, jogging to catch up to Erica.
“What?” she asked.
“Look, I'm sorry. I didn't know anything about that back there. Hell, I wasn't even on board with a bet to begin with. It's something stupid that Winston threw out there, I know, shocking, right? He threw it out there and volunteered me for it.”
“Sure.” Erica said, continuing her walk.
“Erica, please. I don't know what I'm supposed to say here. All I know is I can't breathe around you. It's like I get close and words just get crossed up or something. I don't know. I didn't even feel this about that witch of a girlfriend who left me for dead back on the surface,” Josh admitted. “We're in the lost city of Atlantis with virtually no hope of ever making it home. We'll likely run out of food or be killed off by an alien race in a week's time, and I would still do it all over again. Because it led me to you. I'd rather have one more week with you than an entire lifetime without you.”
She did her best to hold it in, but finally the laughter had to come out. Belting laughter bursting from deep inside her lungs. Having once again strung him along for the worse.
“Are you serious right now?” Josh asked.
“I'm sorry,” Erica said, continuing to laugh hard. “You're just SO easy to get over on. So adorably gullible.”
“Oh my God, I just laid my entire heart out to you and it was a joke? I feel like such an idiot right now!”
“Don't,” Erica said. Her laughter continued a bit, though her mood began changing to one of seriousness. “I appreciate everything you just spilled out. Honestly I do. I even feel guilty about kidding around with you now.”
“As you should,” Josh said, grinning a bit himself. “You're impossible. Overwhelming beautiful, yes, but impossible.”
Moments later, a young, attractive archaeologist and her soldier man kissed passionately. A seamless hallway of Atlantean design serving as the only boundaries of their love. The lighting from tiles above them shimmering across her lavish red hair.
“OK people, here is the deal,” Sam announced. Having gathered up the group of survivors. “I have some good news and some bad news.”
“He's kind of cute, isn't he?” Private Bethel asked Erica.
Her statement about Sam brought a curious look from Josh, who pretended not to listen, while hanging on every bit of information he could get. There was a double-date at stake, when it came down to it.
“The good news is I have found something huge in the Atlantean database. Their civilization called it the cloud, and I believe once activated, it will form a protective barrier keeping anyone and anything out of Atlantis by way of the ocean.
So that's what the cloud means. Josh thought with sarcasm. He'd seen countless soccer moms on television talking about it and now it finally made sense.
“And the bad news?” Flea asked.
“Well,” Sam replied. “I'm absolutely sure that once we activate it, there's no going back. It means we would be safe from any possible radiation above, but there would be no way we could ever leave. We'd be safe here, but we'd be completely cut off from life above.”
His statement brought a lot of loud chatter. Not all of it positive.
Reaching over a bit, Sam turned the communication station on. Upping the volume to its maximum.
What remained of the United States was reduced to a small faction under heavy siege and holding out in the Pacific Northwest of the country. The remainder of what used to be, now lay in ruins. Nothing but a hotbed of radiation and death.
In fact, a majority of the world had been reduced to the same. A portion of China, Russia and England the last remaining remnants of a civilization that was. A world of seven billion souls now stumped down to only a few hundred-thousand. Bringing the great likelihood that everyone the Atlantis team members knew or had ever cared about, were all dead.
“I'm sorry to be the one to deliver such news,” Sam said as the gathered dealt with the reality of their situation. “But we need to focus on what's in front of us. It's possible that radiation never reaches this depth. On the other hand, it's possible that such large quantities of warheads will begin to permeate the ocean, even at this level. Atlantis has some type of bubble around it, but the magnetic structure isn't going to keep radiation, or possibly even other submarines, out of this city.”
“And the cloud can?” Josh asked.
“Yes,” Sam replied. “At both ends of this city are towers reaching higher than the buildings around them. Each tower houses an antenna that, when activated, forms the cloud. I'm still trying to pick through their language, but from what I can tell, it is in place because of their own fears of the impending armies of their own time period. It looks plenty strong enough to withstand even a direct nuclear strike.”
“Its power source?” Erica asked.
“The core of our planet. We would have guaranteed safety from anything above and it would be powered for thousands of years beyond our own lifetime. The downfall, again, is that it was a last resort for the Atlanteans. Even the scientists who developed this technology couldn't find a way to effectively shut it down once activated. It's a one shot deal with no turning back. We'd never see home again.”
“Not exactly true, Sam.” David said, standing to his feet.
David looked as though he hadn't slept in weeks. Being away from Amelia burdening him every painful second.
“Sir?”
“The Atlanteans left information behind that I believe could dial us from the dome room to the surface above.”
“What?” Sam asked with shock.
“I believe their scientists did not give you a shut-off switch for the cloud, because they designed a way to dial themselves to the surface. Stonehenge, I believe. But there's no way to truly be sure. If the code is here, it's buried deep within the computer systems inside of a language we'll likely never understand.” David replied.
“Point me into the direction and give me a few days. I'll show you some magic.” Sam replied with confidence.
“Sam, their computer system plainly stated that the information wasn't left for us because we couldn't comprehend it.” David replied.
“No offense, sir, but I'm the man for the job. I may not be the best with words or have any sort of a social life to speak of. But you put me in front of a computer with information we need, and I promise you, not even the brightest Atlantean scientists of a thousand years ago can keep up. I just need a few days.”
“We don't have it.” David replied.
“What?” Sam asked, mirroring everyone else's response.
The Atlanteans' computer is by far the most fanciful thing I've ever been privileged enough to grab hold of. They understood that we'd find Atlantis one day. They purposely withheld, even secured information that they felt we could never understand. There is a huge data bank for us to study and a second data bank a thousand times its size that we were never meant to tinker with. Amelia already knows about the radiation above. We're buried beneath water that is right in the middle of hell above. We have two days, maybe less. Then we're all dead. Their computer system told me this directly.”
“Then we have to activate the cloud.” Josh said.
“Yes,” David said. “Otherwise we're dead within two days.”
“Everyone agree?” Josh asked.
“Lieutenant, a word.” Captain Ellis said, motioning the soldier over.
“Yes sir.”
“If we do this, we'r
e completely cutting off everything above. The potential for resupply, reinforcements or the opportunity to help our fellow soldiers above.”
“I agree, sir,” Josh said. “But we'll be no help to anyone dead. There's a chance we can figure out how to dial to the surface.”
“I want you to take a good hard look over there,” Captain Ellis said, staring into the group's direction. “The smartest man in the world, possibly, and he's the equivalent of us fucking an oversized mayonnaise jar at the moment. We have little idea what we're doing, absolutely no direction and holding on for dear life.”
“I agree.”
“As a soldier, you're taught to think in the field. Assess the pros and cons, then make an educated choice based on what you know. You do that, soldier, and I'll back your decision. No matter what. But I want to hear it from you, not a scientist. And honestly, the rest of the group needs to hear it from you. As an order, not a choice.”
“Understood, sir.” Josh replied.
Walking back over to the group, Josh took a place right beside Sam. Prepared to finally stand and deliver as a soldier should.
“It's not up for debate,” Josh said. “If we activate the cloud, we may die down here on Atlantis. Starvation, war, who's to say. If we don't activate the cloud, we'll be dead within two days. So Sam, activate the cloud. Every scientist we have should be working on digging through the pile of computers and information within this city. The military-trained should be working on shoring up our city and its one and only entry point. The dome room. The time for wondering about what could have been is over. Now it's time to realize exactly what we have. It's time to move forward. The science team will answer to David Hopkins, so get with him and find out where he needs you. The military-trained will answer to Captain Bruce Ellis.”
“On me!” Captain Ellis replied.
What? Josh thought.
“Sentry guns chewing off like crazy down near the dome room!” Captain Ellis yelled, warning the others.
Within that moment, everything else became secondary. Survival was the only thing that mattered to the souls who remained.
“Keep pushing through!” Darian yelled. “You will hear gunfire before you see it. Push forward. Many of you will fall, some will survive. We WILL take the city of Atlantis!” he added. “Lieutenant Josh Pierce will be left for me to deal with. Should any of you lay a hand on him, you will answer to me. Is that understood?”
“YES SIR!”
Nearly a hundred soldiers, each of them draped in the cloth of war with a rifle in hand, awaited their turn. Forced to travel to Atlantis four at a time. Princess Lauren and her champion knew that the survivors on Atlantis were weak, but the city itself was strong. In time, they would learn of many Atlantean secrets, making them powerful enough to fight back.
Now was the time to strike, while the humans were weak. The war of thousands of years before – coming once more.
From the Author
I hope you've enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. In the end, reading should be fun. Too many authors forget about that, but I strive to create stories that help readers escape the real world for a short time. If you enjoyed it, please take the time to review this story on the website in which you purchased it. That helps other readers find it. Thanks! If you'd like more free stories, I have an entire section over on my website.
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