X war infestation, p.6
X WAR: Infestation, page 6
Another man emptied his tumbler of whisky before lightly tapping on the white marbled table. "Our president appears on TV and assures us that everything is fine, but the public cannot notice what we're seeing."
General Ye Biao, the commanding officer of the Central Theatre Command, leaned forward and coughed to get everyone's attention. "I was in Ordos a few months ago. And I can tell you our premier has changed—he is not the same man I once knew."
"What do you mean?" Hua asked.
"He has dismissed many of his old assistants, and is surrounded by a strange group of men and women at all times. President Qiao is using one of the recently completed commercial buildings as both his home and working office. I don't think he has stepped foot in any of the government installations over there."
"Why do you think his behavior is like this now?" another general asked.
Biao merely shrugged his shoulders. "I'm... not sure. In my last meeting with him, he seemed to talk very slowly. Qiao paused many times whenever I asked him a question, as if he didn't know the answer. A young man always stood by his side and would whisper something in his ear. Our president would then reply, but it felt like he was being coached in front of me."
Hua rubbed his thumbs together. "Do you think he may be drugged or something?"
"It's possible. His eyes have a very glassy stare to them, as if his mind was crying out to me for help, but the rest of his body seemed calm, perhaps too calm."
"Have you identified who the young man is?"
"No," Biao said. "I've made inquiries, but there's been nothing. All I know is that the people he surrounds himself with all hail from Ordos."
Ruiquing held his palms up in resignation. "I too have tried to look into our personnel files at the CMC, but any information with regards to the president's staff and the military personnel in the Northern Theatre has been sealed."
"This is very troubling," Hua said. "I was once tasked to prepare a chosen group of special forces operatives for transfer to the multinational unit run by the Americans, but this order was cancelled soon after the National Congress in Ordos concluded."
"All I can tell you is that our beloved president is now somehow different. And this started when he went to Ordos for the congress," Biao said. "Something is happening in that city."
Hua glanced at each man in the group. "What do you all think it could be?"
"Off the top of my head, I don't know. If I were to guess, then perhaps the president has been blackmailed by some group operating in Ordos, and he is doing their bidding," Biao said.
Dezhi nodded. "I believe this as well. The answers lie somewhere in that accursed city."
"But for what reasons is he doing this?" Hua asked.
No one said anything.
For a few minutes all they could do was to stare at each other in silence. Hua was the unofficial leader of their group, but he felt useless. He had sworn an oath of loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, and President Qiao was the head of that organization. To do something was to risk not just his life and career, but his family's safety as well.
There was a knock on the door before it opened. Hua's wife poked her head in and smiled. "We have decided on a group portrait. Will our revered husbands please join us?"
The occupants in the small room instantly returned to their smiling demeanors as they all quickly stood up, shook hands with one another, and slowly made their way back towards the party.
12 Oregon
WAVING BACK AT SETH from across the stream, Austin kept up his smile until the older youth disappeared around a copse of pine trees. For the next fifteen minutes the boy continued to sit on a moderate sized boulder while toying with his fishing rod. Once he was sure that Seth wouldn't retrace his steps, Austin quickly reeled the line back in and disassembled the rod before placing it into his backpack.
Pushing himself up on his feet, the boy threw the pack over his shoulders and began to walk up the hill. He had steadily become familiar when it came to navigating these hills, and even drew himself a crude map which he kept hidden under his bed back at the cabin. Levi had been impressed with his rapid improvement, and declared that Austin was ready to hunt and fish on his own, though his mother still insisted that he stay close to Seth.
The shallow cave with the wounded Sasquatch was just over the next hill, and Austin made his way around the ferns and grass, occasionally pausing while looking around, making sure no one was observing him.
Hiking around in these hills was once painful and tiring, but his body gradually adjusted to the constant exercise, and he could feel his muscles gaining strength with each day he was out and about. The boots he wore used to give him blisters, but they had at last been broken in, and the footwear now felt like a part of his legs as he continued to trudge up the side of the hill.
Passing by a familiar tree where he had carved his own initials on its trunk, he began to wonder if the world would ever go back to normal again. Whenever they would listen to the radio, all everyone could talk about on the air were the aliens, and how the most important encounter in human history ended into a war that might kill them all.
Austin wasn't raised to be religious, even though his grandma did teach him a little bit about the bible. There's only supposed to be one god, right? But do the aliens worship him too?
He hadn't even thought about it at first, but now that he had a real live alien friend, maybe he ought to ask it all these questions. There were so many things the Bigfoot hadn't told him yet. All he knew so far was that there were good aliens and bad ones, and all the ape people seemed to be of the good kind.
Using his hands as leverage, Austin made his way up a particularly steep incline. He was close to the summit, and it would be downhill from here on. Almost there. I hope he hasn't gone away or something.
The bad aliens aren't just fighting against us, they're fighting the good aliens too, he thought. There must be more Sasquatches around here then. Maybe I'll go ask him about it.
This would be the third time he'd meet the alien, and he hoped to finally get some real answers. Maybe it could tell me if there's going to be any more attacks or something.
Another half an hour and he could already see the jumble of rocks near the tree line. The boy's heart began to pick up. I hope I did a good job sewing up its wound the last time.
Austin kept his head low as he made his way towards the mouth of the hollow. "Hey, it's me again. Are you there?"
Hearing a soft grunt made the boy smile. Sure enough, the apelike creature was still lying inside, huddled within the semi-darkness of the slight cavity. The Sasquatch seemed to nod in recognition of him as Austin got on his knees and slid beneath the rock overhang.
The boy pointed towards the creature's side. "How is it?"
Shifting sideways, the Bigfoot obliged his curiosity. Austin used his flashlight to examine the stitching. He had used fishing line for the sutures since the thread he had brought along snapped due to the alien's thick skin. The Sasquatch had helped him out by bending one of the fishing hooks until it became something close to a needle.
Although the wound was swollen, it looked okay. The boy nodded as he put his penlight back inside his coat. "I'm really sorry. I tried to get some antibiotics, but Levi locked them away. He might have found out about the stolen medical stuff I took, but I don't think he knows it was me."
When the creature locked eyes with him, Austin was surprised at the cascade of new visual images that seemed to materialize in his thoughts. It seemed that the Sasquatch was much healthier now than in their previous meetings, and its telepathic abilities had greatly improved.
The boy blinked in astonishment as his mind tried to sort through the onslaught of information that he had just absorbed. "So... you don't need antibiotics because your body is built differently?"
Nodding slightly, the creature continued to telepathically connect its mind with Austin’s.
With its injuries healing, Austin quickly understood what else it needed. Placing the backpack in front of him, the boy opened up the sack and pulled out an olive green packet that contained an MRE military ration before offering it to the creature.
The Sasquatch took the packet and tore its top open with its teeth. Tilting the container above its head, the creature squeezed the contents down its throat as bits of beef taco filling dribbled over the side of its thick lips.
Austin couldn't help but chuckle. "My mom would get angry if I ate food like that."
The creature smacked its lips in obvious satisfaction before making eye contact with the boy once more.
"You're welcome," Austin said. "I can see your thoughts inside my head much more clearly this time. Are you gonna be okay?"
The Sasquatch nodded.
"I've got a few more packs of this stuff, but I think I'm gonna get into trouble if I take any more from the storage. Hazel takes inventory once a week, and if she finds out a big number is missing she's going to ask around."
The creature shook its head.
"So you don't need any more?"
The creature continued to shake its head.
Austin let out a deep breath. "Okay, so I guess this means you're well now, and you'll get going soon. You know what? I don't even know your name."
The Sasquatch stared into the boy's eyes once again.
Austin could hear a loud bellow in his mind. "I don't think I can pronounce that. Can I just call you... like, Bruce or something?"
Bruce nodded slowly.
"I had a dog named Bruce once, that's why. Not that I think you're a dog or anything."
Bruce showed its teeth, indicating that it was smiling.
"I'm glad you're not offended. So, what are you going to do now? Are you going to leave soon?"
Bruce held up its hairy digits and began gesticulating with them.
Austin pursed his lips as he tried to make sense of what it was trying to communicate. "You're saying you need help contacting your friends?"
Bruce nodded.
"How do I do that? How do I help you?"
Bruce picked up a small rock and held it in his thick palm.
"Crystals? You need some sort of crystals to contact your friends? But how do I get those?"
Bruce gave him a sad look.
"I gotta steal it? From where?"
The creature pointed towards the north.
"There's a place in Portland where they would have it?"
Bruce nodded once again.
Austin bit his lip. "That's gonna be tough. I mean, I'm stuck up here with my parents and all, so—"
The creature reached out and tugged at the boy's jacket collar.
"So I can tell my parents?"
Bruce wagged its finger once more.
"You mean just my dad? Okay. I guess he might believe me if I tell him about you. My mom... I don't know what she would do. Anyway, give me a few days, okay?"
Bruce nodded slowly as it gathered the MRE packets on its lap.
The boy started laughing again. "You're the best friend I could have up here!"
13 London
EVEN THOUGH ITS MAIN store was fronted along fashionable Savile Row, Taylor & Sons also had a second, less well-known shop a few blocks away, at Curzon Street. This particular branch specialized in custom designed clothing for costume balls and the entertainment industry, and its proprietor boasted that he could create anything that the client could dream up in the shortest amount of time possible.
Thorne sipped at a cup of tea he held in his hands while sitting cross-legged on a woolen armchair inside one of the inner rooms. He had arrived just fifteen minutes before the scheduled appointment that afternoon, and was quickly ushered into a private area by one of the assistants the moment he strode in through the back door. When asked how he liked his tea, Thorne replied that he preferred it with a dollop of milk and a twist of lemon, and they gave him exactly what he wished for.
He had just about finished the cup when the old proprietor, Arthur Marston, burst into the room carrying a large box in both hands. "I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. Thorne. You see, we've had a rush of orders to provide costumes for the new Les Misérables play that will be premiering at the West End next week, so when my assistant took your order, he forgot to factor in the time crunch."
Thorne placed the porcelain teacup on the side table. "Oh dear. Does this mean it isn't ready?"
The balding proprietor shook his head vigorously as he held the box out in front of him. "Oh, it is somewhat ready, but you see, we were supposed to have a few more fittings because I wasn't sure of the exact cut. I know we have your measurements on record, but I must always insist on at least two fittings before I can offer it to you."
Thorne stood up and opened the lid. Inside lay what looked to be a black woolen felt bowler hat, the kind of headgear old British gentlemen used to wear before it became unfashionable.
Picking up the derby with both hands, Thorne began examining it. As expected, it was much heavier than any hat he had previously ordered.
Marston continued to look on anxiously, fearing that one of his best customers would come away unsatisfied. "While it certainly looks decent enough on the outside, the extra bits you requested may lessen the comfort whenever you wear it."
Running his fingers along the inner lining, Thorne continued to feel his way until the tips of his digits finally touched something hard. Yes, the lead thickness ought to be near twenty-five millimeters, otherwise it won't work.
"Would... would you like to try it on?" Marston asked meekly.
Facing the full-length mirror at the side of the room, Thorne held the derby above his head before placing it on. The fit was somewhat tighter than he normally experienced, but he quickly dismissed that little quibble due to the necessary protection it would be providing.
"How is it?"
"A bit tight around the edges, but that is to be expected on such short notice."
Marston looked down. "I knew it! I told my assistant that he needed to loosen the tolerances a bit more. If you'll give me till tomorrow, I'm sure we'll get you the proper fit by first thing in the morning."
"I'm afraid not. I need it by this evening."
"That is unfortunate. In that case, I will not charge you for the hat."
"Oh, come now. I'm sure this cost a lot of time and effort for your team. The tightness around the crown of my head is only slight, and I hardly even notice it."
Marston placed the box by a side table. "I pride in providing a hundred percent satisfaction, Mr. Thorne. If there is even one tiny thing wrong with it, then I have failed in my profession. It is yours without charge."
Thorne reached into his pockets and pulled out a wad of bills. "I insist on paying for it."
"But, Mr. Throne—"
Thorne grabbed the other man's hand and placed the money on Marston's palm. "Your assistant gave me an estimate when I rang, and so here it is—paid in full."
Marston was shocked as he counted the money. "This... is quite substantial, Mr. Thorne. You've practically given me double the total cost of this item. I cannot accept this."
"You can and you will. Otherwise I shall tell all my friends about what a cad you are."
"Mr. Thorne!"
"Accept it. I have included a bit of a bonus there so that you can make sure none of your assistants mentions my comings and goings into your shop."
Marston stood at attention. "You have my utmost pledge that none of my staff will ever divulge the details of this transaction, nor will they tell anyone that you came into this branch either. The store records will be destroyed by me personally."
"Top man."
"If I could ask, Mr. Thorne—just to indulge my personal curiosity—but why do you need a bowler hat that's lined with lead? I ask this so that I can instruct my assistants on what to say in the unfortunate event that they would have to be questioned."
"A friend of mine has invented a new type of battery that fits in people's heads, and I'm to be the guinea pig for it."
He gave the shocked proprietor an amused nod before turning around and walking out the door. I'm practically giving away all my cash nowadays, but since money won't matter in the long run, I consider this a good investment.
14 Utah
MITCHELL STRUNK MET Jane Cornell just as the latter entered the high security wing of Granite Peak Base. He gestured towards the open elevator while matching her quick strides so they could talk side by side. "Tom couldn't make it?"
Jane shook her head as she flashed her ID badge at the fully armed MP soldier standing by the elevator door. "Things are pretty hectic up in the capital too, Mitch—everyone is going nuts over the Chinese. Perry is working closely with our intel teams to figure out a proper response."
Mitchell shook his head while placing the front of his ID card over the elevator's optical scanner. "Things go quiet for a few months, and then it all explodes and we end up scrambling again. Why can't stuff like this just happen one at a time so we could deal with it in turn?"
"It's war, and things never go as planned. The side that makes the least amount of mistakes and quickly makes the right adjustments usually wins."
"You would be totally right about that if this was a war being fought against other humans, but it's aliens we're dealing with here."
Jane remained calm. "There's definitely a huge unknown element we're going up against, but if we can somehow glean as much information as we can, then our fog of war will become clearer, so to speak."
In less than thirty seconds, the elevator doors opened again, this time revealing a newly built corridor that seemed largely deserted. Even though one needed a high level security clearance just to enter Granite Peak Base, the secure wing was only open to a select group of administrators and researchers, and this section's existence was known to only a chosen few at the highest echelons of the American government.
The passageway had a number of surveillance cameras installed, and remote motion sensors recorded each step they took as the pair proceeded on down the main tunnel. The final checkpoint had a team of four MPs, none of them lower in rank than a buck sergeant. Only after their IDs were checked again and a clearance was relayed from the main security room were they allowed to continue onwards.
