She was now in the final and most important step of her attempt to save humanity. The asteroids surrounding the station were the perfect resource for her attempt. Rich in resources and materials for the construction of new drones and equipment, they were also the perfect transport for the long term spread of humanity across the galaxy. Wren had dedicated years to studying suitable star systems that would hold the best chance for humans if the attempts in the Solar System failed. Now she was converting the asteroids into life rafts to carry humanity to the stars. Each would have the nanid enhanced, genetic material for humans and basic food sources to start life anew. Each asteroid would have a small facility to produce and protect humanity once more. A full contingent of caretaker drones would accompany each, guiding and securing the asteroid through its long travel ensuring it arrived unharmed. Beyond that Wren included as much of her quantum being in each asteroid’s complex computer system to provide reference and guidance to the new humans that would emerge from each. She knew not all would make it, but also remained convinced that it was the best chance of maintaining the human presence in the galaxy.

  Continuing her musings, Wren monitored the thousands of concurrent projects and communications occurring passively allowing the elaborate system to function autonomously. She noted a weak communication from the drones she had sent to explore just beyond the boundaries of the solar system. There were several interesting finds but nothing that would alter her current plans. Wren felt a slight thrill at her success so far. The mission started by ISIS so long ago would come to fruition, saving humanity. Her happiness was ended as communications across the system erupted in warning. Wren paused processing the message and its implications. Her prowess as the quantum ISIS allowed her to immediately forecast its effects. Her humanity reeled with disbelief. One sentence brought long buried emotions forward once more. It echoed through Wren’s quantum consciousness as she retreated to her body once again. The Leviathan had returned.

  The gray dust of the Midwest swirled around ODIN as it strode to the point where it knew the shield securing the Leviathan should be. It passed the mark, proceeding without pause. The heat of the sun reflected off its ivory skin causing its body to gleam against the grays and browns of the desert. The heat gave it no pause. Its focus was on the shield’s status. It knew at this point the technology should have been causing confusion and leading it back the way it had entered. There was nothing. ODIN stopped staring ahead trying to divine the rogue quantum’s intent. It brimmed with power having concentrated as much of its consciousness into its current vessel as possible. The nanids responded almost without thought, the quantum interface as close to perfect as ODIN could approach. Its observations streamed back to the airship hanging in the air several hundred meters back from the shield. The information was then passed to the satellites it had commandeered, streaming to its presence in Washington, D.C. ODIN began moving again stepping further and further into what was now the Leviathan’s domain. It knew there were few options left to it in its current situation.

  All its calculations indicated failure if the Leviathan and EA were both allowed to continue influencing the Earth and its future. It had no allies against the Leviathan. Its conversion of humans to its cause had eliminated any chance of that. EA and Fore would never stand beside it to stop the Leviathan, which left it little choice. It had already begun to increase the pace of its expansion. The various parts of its vast hive were streaming across the country seeking more and more humans to bring into its consciousness. At the same time, it was securing its borders as much as possible positioning defenses and observers to hold the Eastern United States in its sway. It would not be sufficient, which brought it to its current mission. Dust rose lazily into the air behind it as it drew to a halt just past where the shield would have terminated.

  It would venture no further. ODIN traveled to Colorado not as a show of force but one of commonality. It had studied all available information on the Leviathan and its creator Nathan Landis. Shrewd and calculating like Landis, the Leviathan would see the advantage of joining with ODIN against Fore and any of his remaining allies. ODIN focused on the horizon to the west knowing Leviathan’s scouts would detect its presence soon enough. It had not been long when small dark shapes began winging their way toward it from the west. Within moments it recognized the birds as crows. It knew they were not merely scavengers looking for food. They were the emissaries of the Leviathan investigating ODIN’s incursion for their master. As they drew closer they rose, circling high above it providing a guide post for whatever else approached. As it waited ODIN reviewed its choice. It was a gamble to ally with the rogue quantum, but the benefits were greater than the risk. ODIN would use the Leviathan to overcome the remaining human opposition and afterward destroy the abomination assuming control of the quantum computer residing in Cheyenne Mountain. Then ODIN would be unstoppable. It would usher in the future it had foreseen both for itself and humanity. The combined power of two quantums was too much of a temptation to pass up. ODIN would do whatever was necessary to succeed. Concluding its musings ODIN observed several dark shapes creeping slowly toward its location. The feed from the airship in the distance revealed several to its rear as well. Soon a dozen dark armored beasts circled around it, glaring menacingly. The types were varied. Most it could tell were human, but some were wild cats or dogs infected with the strain as well. ODIN waited, the white nanids within its human vessel ready to respond to its call. No words were spoken, the only sound was the snarls of the Leviathan’s pack.

  The attack came without warning. The creatures surged toward it as one, churning up huge clouds of dust as they sought its death. As they closed the remaining distance, ODIN became a blur, the nanids responding instantly. It met the first creature before its surprise could even register. ODIN’s fist crushed the creature’s skull, the crunch echoing across the empty plains. It moved to the next without pause decapitating it as it sought the rest of the small pack. Within seconds it had destroyed the creatures seeking its death. Only one remained alive. ODIN’s hand flexed around its throat as it held the beast high in the air. The beast did not struggle, staring at the ivory warrior with rage and hate. A low growl issued from it as the strain enhanced armor flexed with its anger. ODIN studied it calmly. It had once been human. ODIN was impressed with the Leviathan’s nanotechnology. It had created the perfect warriors. Strong, swift and heavily armored they would be a match for almost anything in existence. ODIN knew it would have to study the use of the strain in the future. Finished with its examination, ODIN brought its eyes level with the creatures. The blank white of its eyes drilled into the gray eyes of the beast searching for the intelligence ODIN knew was there. Without further pause ODIN spoke.

  “Take me to your Master.”

  “Conversion complete.”

  The voice of the AI controlling the reaction chamber roused Stephen instantly. He had pulled his mind away isolating it from the physical sensations of the new nanid integration. The chamber slowly cleared as the solution used to stabilize the nanid reaction was drawn out to be purified and stored once more. The lid to the chamber lifted silently as Stephen felt his consciousness began to spread through his mind. The initial sensation he was met with was that of exhaustion as if he had been running for hours. He had known the integration would be taxing but he felt a heaviness across his body that urged him to sleep. Ignoring the call of sleep, he focused on the new nanids within him. He could sense the vast connected network throughout his body. It was as if he contained all the emptiness of space within his frame. Stephen felt small and alone, lost within the empty shell. Without warning he felt a connection to the nanids. EA began to slowly enter its new home, spreading tentatively across the nanotechnology. Stephen raced to meet the quantum eagerly seeking their connection. He knew there was a choice to be made in this moment. From this point on his body would move forward as either Stephen Fore or EA. There would be no coexistence. The two met within the nanid network, old friends greeting each other and bidding farewell at the same time.

  The two began to merge together, the lines between them blurring as more and more EA’s power surged into their body. Thought ceased as the nanid strain activated, drawing EA and Stephen across the millions of connections. Stephen was lost within his renewed body not recognizing himself or EA. Time was meaningless, as was anything occurring on Earth or the universe beyond. Hours passed, the quantum continued to pour itself into the waiting nanotechnology. Finally, without warning the flow ceased, the vast computer far below the integration chamber, empty of it former occupant. As he opened his eyes, information streamed across his vast being. Without pause he rose from the reaction chamber. The massive facility spread out in all directions as the AI throughout continued their endless work. He connected to the base issuing a single command.

  “Sleep.” The base reacted instantly, the AI executing the command programmed long ago. Calculations filtered through him as possible futures spun across his body. The power of the new nanids was endless. They were the perfect vessel for the quantum intelligence allowing for limitless expansion while maintaining the needed mobility. He moved from the room containing the chamber gliding through the halls that were gradually darkening as the base continued to cycle down. Far below he could sense his former vessel was shutting down, no longer required to maintain him. Satisfaction surged through him at the knowledge that he would no longer be tethered to this island. Soon the exit from the facility stood in front of him. He paused ensuring the shuttering of the facility would be completed, securing it for the future. Once he was confident it would be, he stepped out into the open air beyond.

  The sensation of the wind moving across his body, combined with the sounds of the forest and ocean brought his steps to a halt. His eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun in an instant, the nanids allowed him to see in a manner he had never thought possible. The colors of the forest and sky were etched into his newly formed mind. A smile spread across his face as he felt the nanids respond to his exposure to the environment forming robes dark green in color to protect him. A deep hood settled around his shoulders in case the need for it arose. He closed his eyes focusing on the nanids in the forest and creatures surrounding the facility. His mind opened to the thousands of lifeforms allowing them to recognize his presence. After he felt their acceptance he sent a silent appeal.

  “Conceal. Protect.”

  The response of the nanid enhanced organisms was immediate. When he opened his eyes and turned to look at the forest surrounding the facility he could sense the forest’s purpose. Already the trees were thickening their branches. Leaves and needles becoming longer and wider. Moss and grass began to spread across the ground seeking to cover any indication of the base far below. The scurry of small animals and the flutter of wings filled the area as the creatures worked to make the base their home. Satisfied the inhabitants of the island would complete their task, he strode to the rise overlooking the airfield and ocean beyond. He silently called for the airship to meet him. Time was short, and he knew if the project were to succeed he would have to face the Leviathan and ODIN, bringing the threat they posed to an end. As he drew to the rise and observed the dull green of the ocean beyond, he knew his work was long from over. The ship arrived landing softly behind him, the hum of its engines a new sensation for the newly integrated quantum. Without hesitation he stepped on the craft signaling it to lift off and head north. As the craft pulled away the ground where Stephen Fore had stood sprouted green with grass, the earth itself responding to the newly formed quantum.

  SIX

  The wall circled the inner city completely, affording the protection that would be sorely needed in the years to come. The Leviathan strode across its top inspecting the work to ensure it would hold. The mix of stone, concrete and steel were held together with a makeshift mortar and protoplastic salvaged from the military equipment sealed inside the shield so long ago. The wall which stood over twenty feet high and was five feet thick, would repel any conventional force with ease. The Leviathan doubted there would ever be a reason to test it. Any resistance was far too weak to come against it. Its scouts had revealed much of the status of the United States. What they had not discovered, the humans they captured divulged before being added to the ranks of its new species. Humanity was almost gone entirely. Between the loss of life that occurred with the final collapse of the United States and ODIN’s conversion only one city remained as the final stand against the climate ravaged world and ODIN’s march from the east. Seattle. The Leviathan knew it would fall. There was nothing that would stand against its new race. It continued its circuit of the wall, followed silently by two hulking beasts. The strongest of the converted, one was the wolf formed by its mother. Its long hair and gleaming fangs were as deadly as the day it was infected. The other was one who thought he had escaped the Leviathan’s reach. Maher walked steadily beside the wolf. He was a true soldier now, the strain forming dark armor across his body while transforming him into a brutal warrior. Heavily muscled and a foot taller than he had been, the former soldier matched the wolf in ferocity and cunning in turn.

  The Leviathan smiled at the memory of the man’s conversion. It had pulled him back from death converting him and destroying any resistance by filling him with its own sentience. Maher’s psyche was gone but the Leviathan retained the man’s memories and skills. He was invaluable to it, allowing the current level of organization and sophistication in its growing horde of infected. It turned its thought back to the scouts. All but two had returned. One had gone east and the other west. It knew the reason for the failure of the eastbound was likely ODIN. The west perplexed it though. Concern skipped through its thoughts. What if it had slipped the Leviathan’s control or worse stumbled onto a force strong enough to be problematic. Its irritation surged as its steps took it to the gate to the city facing south. As it approached a commotion surged across the connection with the creatures under its control. Cries arose from outside the city, as its spies in the air sent images of an intruder at the border of the nonexistent shield. The Leviathan recognized the man for what he was immediately. ODIN had indeed discovered its scout. It knew the next interaction with the quantum would determine what enemies it faced.

  ODIN was on its way to the city. The images sent from its airborne scouts left little doubt. The quantum had decimated the small patrol of infected that it had encountered. The Leviathan felt the connection with the remaining member of the patrol faintly. ODIN would arrive in moments. It strengthened its connection to the quantum far to the south, drawing more of its essence in case there was a conflict with the ivory avatar of ODIN. Its calculations indicated otherwise but it would not be caught off guard. Its various creations began to gather in front of the gates and on top of the wall. Small rodents mingled amongst the others darting around, through and over to get a better view. The lumbering hulks that built the wall stood passively, the flexing of their giant hands the only indication of their anger. The Leviathan allowed them to gather. When the avatar arrived, it would be greeted by the Leviathan’s host. As it stood looking to the south it felt the link to the lone survivor strengthen. In minutes the pair came into the view. The dark creature stumbled obviously wounded. The Leviathan felt anger flare within it. It did not tolerate failure and would deal with its minion, but first it would observe its enemy. The human that strode behind its captive was utterly alien to it. It was a human, but all indication of sex or race was erased. The ivory skin was smooth and flawless across the human’s long limbs and torso. The Leviathan knew it was nanid in origin and would function as armor. Even ODIN’s eyes were covered with the nanids. It was interrupted from it observation as snarls and howls erupted from the myriad of creatures below. It allowed them to continue unabated until ODIN drew to a halt in front of the army that was growing by the moment. The patrol survivor fell to its knees in front of the ivory warrior. The Leviathan waited as ODIN studied the enhanced humans, animals and birds. It knew it was an impressive site, even for another quantum.

  Without warning or greeting the Leviathan leapt from the wall feeling the strain respond readying it for a landing. It landed lightly in front of the pair, its eyes holding ODIN’s. Without a glance it pushed the signal to the strain in the creature kneeling in front of it. Its eyes widened in surprise and pain. A low whine emerged from its throat as the Leviathan’s punishment began. The strain would consume the human and become sustenance for the horde. It was the only punishment acceptable for its failure. The Leviathan ignored the creatures slowly escalating groans, turning its attention to the quantum in front of it. ODIN’s avatar appeared to stand passively as if awaiting a signal. The Leviathan knew with the nanids, ODIN was a threat even this far from its massive intellect in Washington, D.C. It was not concerned. If the avatar did attack it would fail. Even if the wolf and Maher above did not come to its aid, the Leviathan would destroy the creature in front of it if forced. As the silence drew the Leviathan stepped forward closing the distance between it and ODIN. With a smile it extended a strain tainted hand.

 

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