Track 025: Grudge

  Firewall

  An endless bounty greets us as we enter the Junkyard. Everything before me makes my stomach fill with butterflies like the anticipation of first loves. I know there’s something wonderful in there just waiting for us to uncover. Like loot from a far-off past. To others, it might look like rusted out cars, tractors, industrial equipment; to me, it’s everything I could ask for to build my first junker of a mech.

  The APC backs up the chain-link fence with a large padlock on it. I hop out of the carrier as fast as I can, jumping out. Milo comes from the driver’s side and looks over the lock. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a thermal cutter knife. Before he can even advance on the obstacle, I grab it and pull it down, hard. For a moment it protests, making a groaning sound before it gives up the ghost and pops out. I remove the shackle and the chains fall away.

  “Oh, wow. Don’t let me get on your bad side,” He says, looking at the remnant of the destruction.”Is that how it is to be awakened? Super strength and super speed and things?”

  “It’s not like that.” I say. Tapping my lips, contemplating how to explain. “Dream is a bit like electricity. It’s always existing in the world around us now. We’re just able to direct it into places. For me, I channel it into my body or into my tech. While Mix is using Dream to channel through the atmosphere conjure effects.”

  “That’s fascinating.”

  “Yeah, it’s really cool.”

  “Have you thought about working on a scanner or a Dream reader?”

  “No,” I bite my lip. “I really hadn’t thought of that.”

  “If we really want to understand it scientifically, we should figure out a way to observe it.”

  “You’re not wrong. I don’t know why I didn’t think about it. It could make a lot of things easier. It might even be necessary to see its flow before it becomes chromatized.”

  “Chromatized?”

  “It’s what I’m thinking to call the colored light it gives off when it’s being used or right before an effect happens. Everyone has a color or a collection of colors.”

  “I wonder what mine would be.” It’s almost too quiet and for a moment I’m not sure if I should answer or not.

  “Green.”

  “What?” He looks taken aback. Like that wasn’t for me, like it’s not my place. But I’m already here so…

  “I think you’d be green.” I point to the top of his head. His dyed green hair sticks up in a few fluffs. He looks back at me with a shy smile. And I think I’ll take that as a win.

  “So, what are we looking for?” Milo says, as we clamber through mounds. I’ve begun sorting things into piles.

  “We’ll know it when we see it.” I knpw what we are looking for but I want the universe to . First things we’re looking for are sizeable pieces of scrap metal that could easily be forged into armor or weapons. I need raw to test things out on. So maybe this is the worst way to do things, but I’ve got no other choice. I’ve got to get a full suit of armor if I’m going to be taking the hits for the team. William Tell had figured out how to create fortifications and even weapons in four months. I don’t have the same time frame. I could turn the next corner and Andeseo would be there to fulfill the vendetta. And when that happens, I’d be fucked.

  “Okay, that really narrows things down.” Milo says his voice betraying a hind of frustration. That’s not great of me; I can’t keep everything close to the chest like this. Got to be honest about what I’m doing.

  “Mostly, I’m looking for scrap.” I say, sighing. “I want to be prepared for the next group of aliens that Aquilan sends our way. We need raw materials.”

  “Aquilan is The Dominance woman who runs the factory out of ECU, right?”

  “Yeah, and she’s a piece of work. Already sent some crazy reptile spider things after us.” I shudder. “Those things were creepy as hell.”

  “Fascinating. If you have any recordings of it, could you send it my way?”

  “Sure, just hope you don’t see the real thing.”

  “Holy shit, this is what we’re looking for!” I exclaim. Uncovering it after two and half hours knee deep in tetanus soup. I wasn’t sure when I saw the first corner but, the moment I started digging around it. My worn in gloves thankfully protecting me from the serrated edge of some roughly bent sheet metal. After digging around it. I saw the REP564 serial number, and I had to scream.

  “What, what?!” Milo rushes over, almost tripping over the surrounding piles until my hand flies out to steady him. “Thanks. What did you find, Gabrielle? Put me out of my misery.”

  “It’s an industrial replicator.” Replicators are like 3D printer on ‘roids. They can handle the manufacturing of vehicle parts, utensils, and even building parts. It can recycle plastics, paper, and, more germane to our uses, metal. All you need is a blueprint and to override the software that recognizes weapons or bombs.

  Some guy in Florida tried building a bomb to blow up some girl who rejected him, lame. He got the blueprint off the dark web and apparently he didn’t read the disclaimer about using an

  Air-Gapped system. Popped it in his job’s replicator and even before the first layer queued up; he had every initial agency down on his head lost his job. Couldn’t have happened to a better guy.

  “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Finally freed from the clutches of the filth. I can see the full picture of her. A gunmetal gray cube that’s 5 by 5 by 4. It’s not the biggest, but it’s more than big enough for my uses. Dented and scored, she’s gonna need a lot of tender love and care to be looking her best.

  “You’re not kidding… I can’t wait to build so many golems with it.”

  “Uh, that’s not before I forge some armor pieces.”

  “We can share it!”

  “Sure, but you’ve got to help me get it in the car. And we’re not using to make more useless guns for The Resistance.” We both squat down lift the behemoth. I can tell I’m doing most of the work cause I can hear the whine of the motors going on right in my ears. He’s mostly leading me in the right direction as we go. Still, we have to set it down a few times to catch our breath. Cursing Mix’ name and their ability to teleport. They could probably set this into the car without trouble. I hope that training kicks their ass and they end up sore as hell like I’m about to.

  After finally getting it into the car, I sat back, resting against the armored hull of the APC, catching my breath Milo has collapsed, laying face up in the grass. Both of us sipping on juice pouches while we avoid the sun rays. Relaxing and taking a moment to breathe in the outdoors rather than the processed air of the mall or the stale air of The Resistance headquarters. The breeze feels nice on my face. It’s so peaceful.

  “Imagine my surprise when I find you here enjoying the day.” A deep voice from my nightmare makes it to my ear, and I can feel every part of my body shut down from fear. “I guess I didn’t do my job well enough.” I swing my head from side to side, not knowing where he is. I do my best to get my feet under me, but my legs rattle in the harness. “Don’t get up on my account.”

  Andeseo glitches into existence down the road. His harsh, uncaring voice still comes in clear, as if he’s speaking in my ear. His unhurried gait shows me there’s no part of him even worried about me escaping or harming him.

  Seven feet tall with pallid gray skin, a long. scarlet kilt drapes over his lower extremities. A bare, emaciated chest reveals bones in configurations not found in the human skeletons. On each shoulder are boney protrusions.

  Vendetta Activated

  You have been sought out by Andeseo who holds a vendetta against you.

  Duel activated

  Rules: To the death

  “Aquilan says fear is the best weapon against disruptors… still, I prefer blades.” The taunting left my stomach in my throat and there’s nothing I could see or think about, but him.

  Phobia Activated

  All attacks made against you deal full damage.

  I can’t leave. All attacks will do their highest amount of damage, so I have to make sure my defense is infallible. That’s where his confidence comes from. He knew this would happen; that I couldn’t get away from him. He won’t leave me alone. My abuela told me very clearly what to do with a guy who just can’t get a message. So I’m going to have to hurt him, badly.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  “Whatever happens. Don’t get involved.” I tell Milo, taking a deep breath, trying not to let on how completely screwed I am, “He will kill you. He has no morals or conscience. He’s like a machine. If I die take the replicator to the mall, I want Mix to have it. You guys work together and end this.” I breathe in and out, trying to keep from crying or freaking out. He jets into the carrier and, knowing that 5 inches of reinforced armor might keep him safe, gives me a modicum of relief. It makes the most sense it’s rational, but the other part of me desperately wants him to come back, so I don’t have to face Andeseo alone.safe,

  Pink light floods my body and my shield as I activate my Guard. Tacking on Instinct to break his stride and force his eyes on me. He can’t help himself, teleporting inside my guard, except I was waiting for him. The moment I saw the air adjacent starts flickering, I knew where he was going to be. I pivot and hunker down, ready for his sword strike, a slash going across my body.

  His sword blade slams into me. I grit my teeth. Parrying the blow and leaving him off balance, I press my advantage. My omni tool spear thrusts at his midsections. Desperately trying to hit something vital.

  The alien swordsman blade slashes down, forcing my spear off track and into the dirt. He slashes deep furrow into shield turning its nice round shape into a U. Delivering a hammering side kick into my chest. Steals the breath from my lungs as I tumble back ass over the teakettle.

  The dazedI hear his boots crunch the gravel as he gets closer. I panic, forcing my head through the wall to work string my thoughts together, breaking the dazed condition. Pushing myself off the ground. It’s a struggle to get back on my feet. The lingering dizziness making my head swim. Double vision forces me to squint to make sense of the creature. He stands over me, his jagged features and pinprick pupils hold no humanity. Lifeless orbs. Whatever is behind those eyes died long before I met him. He’s all swords and death now. And he will kill me if I let him.

  “I thought you would bring more. You had time to become strong, and this is what you’ve done with it?” He says, disgust filling his voice. “No matter, you have lived long enough and if you won’t fight for your right to live, then you will die!” Like The Sword of Damocles, he raises over my head. Frozen in fear, time feels like it slows, as if the air turns to syrup.

  I can feel myself letting the others down. They all wanted me to keep them all safe. This thing with Mix, I want to explore it more. They make the end of the world a lot easier. Mix is outgoing and charming. I would hate to make them sad. We really bonded that first night. Kohl gave me the power to be whatever I desired to be. I haven’t done that yet. The Free, I want to give those little guys new life in this world. One step closer to building an askari for myself. I need to survive. I can’t give up.

  Your desire for life has pushed you to your breaking point.

  I look past the notification as it lights up my HUD. I defiantly stare back at him. Power builds in me and throughout my body. Like it was getting ready to spill out. I call them forth in my mind. 3 d4 appear in my left hand. Three powerful pyramids glint even in the noon daylight.The prosthetic glowing bright with my light. As I put each of my legs under me, rising to my feet. Did my legs still shake? Yes, but I still made it to my feet.

  “Oh, you gained a backb-” He taunts.

  “Shut the fuck up, punk!” I deck him, crushing the Dream Dice in my hand at the same time.. His head doesn’t move, but it makes me feel better. “Don’t worry, you’re not getting off that easy.”

  You’ve pushed past this fear.

  Go further, Gabrielle.

  I read the notification finally, and I smile. I know The Enlightened and The Free are with me. He doesn’t stand a chance.

  The Deck in my pops open and I’m like lightning on the keys. Queing up an ability I haven’t used yet. But I haven’t really had the reason to use it until now.

  Overheat

  Ability Type: Technic/ DOT

  Dream Cost: 3

  Level 1: Hack into the circuitry of a robotic unit. And start an electrical fire inside. This attack does sustained damage over time. Damage = 1d6 + Talent. Damage over time = 1d6 for 30s.

  Requirements: Hacking

  I almost think it didn’t work. I’ve tried to use this ability once or twice and when it doesn’t work, nothing happens. The Dream I’ve expended just flows through my fingers like water. This time though, I feel the hook snag on him. The ability finds its purchase and I feel vindicated for choosing it. I knew this would happen eventually, even if I didn’t

  She didn’t know why it made sense, but it was something about Andeseo that made sense why this code specifically made the most sense to use on him. His powers, they feel so much like ours. The way he fought only to kill. It was so easy to counter him because every slice was to deliver a finishing blow. The way he never seemed to enjoy it. His hollow eyes, I still see when I blink. Like the swordsman carved his visage into my retinas.

  Steam rolls off his head in plumes. He drops his sword and claws at his head like he’s he can get at the thing overheating.here’s emotion in his eyes. Fear. Pain. His silver irises are now bloodshot, with pink veins running through them. He collapses to his knees.

  “How does it feel to be in the same position?” I stand over him and he looks up at me. Reigning over him actually twisted my stomach. It doesn’t feel good to watch someone writhe in pain. I’m not him, but I can savor this.

  “When this ends, you will be at my mercy yet again.” He speaks between gritted pinprick teeth. Quickly, he grabs a knob on his shoulder, unsheathing a femur sized bone. Dust and fragments fall off, revealing a razor sharp dagger. It all happens so quickly that I can’t even react. The blade is in my stomach before I even put together what happened.

  Breath out. Pain in. I feel my vision blurs as tears fill my eyes. The breath in is jagged as it saws through me. Darkness slowly takes the corners of the world away. Each inhalation drawing me closer into the warm blackness. I don’t even have time for fear. I just grit my teeth and hold on. Force my mind to work for just a few heartbeats longer. I grab at my carabineer. My hand misses the few vials there filled with a healing brew. Finally, grabbing one, I unhook and pop the cork with trembling fingers. The bottle drops from my hand. Smashing to the ground. I follow it, dropping to my knees.

  Eye to eye. We stare each other down, waiting for the other to die. I will hold on for as long as I need to; his brain was literally on fire. How is he even still alive?

  “You won’t die, will you?” His harsh voice is raw, as if he’d been walking through the desert for the past month.

  “I could ask you the same.” My voice hitches every time I breathe. “Fuck… What could she have possibly done to you, to make you survive a fire in your brain?”

  “I have given up every bit of my mortality to be her warrior.” He says after a long pause. “You won’t be the weapon that defeats me.”

  “And I’ll be the loose end you couldn’t cut.” I smile, tasting the blood in my mouth. And I know it’s painted scarlet.

  “Last time I left you alive, you became a problem. And this time I will have to pay for the same foolishness. She will put me back together before punishing me again.”

  “She’s not worth it.” My vision swims, becoming completely unfocused. Even blinking can’t reset. Fuck.

  “You have no idea what you’re saying. This isn’t about her, it’s about survival.” The air around him begin’s to artifact. Fuck, he’s going to get away. I lunge toward him. Not thinking, just knowing that if I don’t finish him now, I’ll worry about coming back when I least expect it. This time he vanishes from the bottom, so my hand goes through the spot he used to be. I roll to my side so as not to drive the dagger deeper into my stomach. “It’s time to go, Firewall. Next time it’s going to be to the death.” He looks down at me as his head disappears. And this time, there is emotion behind his eyes. I can’t name it completely but, there’s something warmer than the icy hatred. The finally black rushes in and I know nothing but the notification that appears in my vision.

  Congratulations, Firewall!

  You’ve fought your fear and made a much stronger foe retreat.

  The vendetta still stands. However, you have shown your bravery this day and fought through your phobia.

  10 XP

  +

  10 XP (Phobia bonus)

  Live well!

  Fight on!