The Gathering Pt.2

“And the members of Deathwatch, what can you tell us about them?”

A blonde hair man questioned, grabbing hold of Daphane’s hand as the two sat next to each Other.

“Hold on Gabriel, I’m getting to that, I’ve placed markers on all but one of their passports. The only one I didn’t tap was the low-level Organization member Lorenzo Ortega. Their movements and actives on their passports are being monitored and cataloged by command. The real threats of the group are Keyon and Shima, very skilled in combat and infiltration tactics. The duo is something fierce together but separated they can be taken out. As you all are aware Roland is as described, volatile and highly unpredictable, the list goes on.”

Seth handed over a tablet containing photos and his notes on deathwatch. Onyx scrolled through the various photos on display and glancing over Seth’s detailed findings. He stopped when he scrolled over a photo of Keyon. His burgundy eyes spoke to him, but he couldn’t figure out why. He was staring a little too long, still listening to Seth in the background.

“A hundred man and woman managed to sneak into Busaya undocumented. How is that possible, all this security and for what?”

The final man in the squad spoke out flabbergasted by New Aurora’s incompetency. He leaned back in his seat stroking his long greying beard.

“Makes me sick.”

Seth looked over toward Duval, even from where he was sitting the stench of his wolves took over his senses.

“It has to do with the new tech they are pushing out from the outer continent. It’s amazing how it can fool even New Aurora’s security protocols, that is no easy feat Duval. “

Onyx took in the information and what Seth was saying was lining up with what Obsidian had been harping on since their arrival in Busaya. The ghost tech, his best friend still alive, it couldn’t be possible he died in his arms. The more he focused on the thought the harder he focused on the picture of Keyon and the more his burgundy eyes burned a hole in his soul. He couldn’t reason why, but they did, and he didn’t like it.

“Prep work had already been made for the counter operation.”

“Parade routes have been changed and the city blocks surrounding the reserve have been restricted to local foot traffic to reduce civilian casualties and keep them to a minimum. Local armed units have already begun mobilization and secured snipers nests surrounding the meet up point. As well general Taurus has requested additional units from stonewall and an assortment of drones and mechs to assist with the operation.”

everyone in the transport was silents, as Onyx put down the tablet and briefed the team, so they were all in the know.

“The four of us are on presidential detail, nothing I can do about that direct orders from the founder. As for you Seth, there is no way New Aurora can repay you for the sacrifices you have already made. But I need one last thing from you before you go home. I need you to continue undercover and attend the gathering, be my guy on the inside. No wires no nothing just a signal that’s all we need.”

Onyx asked of Seth looking him in his eyes, he knew it was a tall ask, having spent a significant time undercover.

But Seth was the only one that could do it. There was a long moment of silence between everyone in attendance, Seth didn’t break eye contact with Onyx. He wasn’t happy, and it showed.

“You can let me out here, I can walk to my safehouse from here.”

 Seth announced, giving Onyx his answer and returning to his deep cover as a member of Deathwatch. His family would have to wait a little longer, His nation needed him. The transport slowed down and pulled over to the side of the street. Allowing Seth to exit the vehicle and walk off into the night streets of Busaya. Duval closed the door behind him and the vehicle took off. Back on course to the embassy and the next stage of preparations.

***

The streets of central Orchard started to come alive with activity as the sun went down. People from all over were taking part in the pre-festival events being held within the district and beyond. Obsidian and Sandra walked down the bustling sidewalk holding hands enjoying the night.

He squeezed her hand ever so slightly to get her attention, she turned to face him, curious as to what he wanted.

“I’ve always wondered why you only hold my mechanical hand and never my real one, what’s up with that?”

She was reading his lips, getting the gest of what he was saying. She grinned, letting go of his hand so she could sign to him.

“ It’s simple, I like it better then your real one it’s like plus ten to your cool stat.”

She teased, grabbing hold of his hand again and leaning into his shoulder. He chuckled and shook his head; she was something else, this lady of his.

 “Very funny, but seriously why I’m genuinely curious.”

She was silent for a moment, she had her reasons, but they were personal, and she didn’t know how he would interpret her answer. But she wouldn’t hide it from him, if he wanted to know she was willing to share it with him.

“It may sound silly, but I hold that hand because it’s the part of you that hurts the most.”

Obsidian was surprised by her answer, one he wasn’t expecting but it made him appreciate her that much more. He was about to reciprocate when his cellphone started to ring. A special ringtone assigned to Onyx, something was up, he had to answer. Sandra looked on in confusion as Obsidian answered the phone and listened to what his brother had to say.

The night of the founder’s festival

Thirty minutes before the gathering

The loud banging of drums and fireworks bursting into the night sky filled the energetic streets. Giant floats loomed over the parade procession as it marched. Companies of dancers seduced bystanders as they passed in a display of pure elegance.

Children adorning festive garbs and masks, walked alongside the floats ringing bells and tambourines in rhythm. Two masked children watched as the parade passed by them as they stood along the route. One of the children rubbed at her bruised neck, while the other lifted his mask for a moment so he could enjoy a piece of his beef stick.

 “Landy, you fat ass stop eating and put your mask down, you don’t want the robos to see your face.”

“Shut up Shisa and keep an eye out for anything out of place. I get hungry when I push my sensory abilities, you know that.”

 he took one more bite, then put his mask down and continued to use his abilities to try and find Shima. All around the city members of the sect, including Salamance and the others took up positions within the city. Monitoring key New Aurora figureheads in attendance. But their primary mission was observation and gauging the severity of the aftermath to determine the fate of the Den.

Soon at various bars and establishments groups of five stood up in unison. Taking their last shots, taking one last bite before walking out into the festive streets of Busaya. Groups of five converged and gathered on train platforms and street corners. Sharing looks of confirmation and looks of respect. Once scattered groups, they consolidated and descended on the nature reserve.

New Aurora transport vehicles screamed down alleyways surrounding the perimeter of city blocks around the reserve. Snipers patiently waited behind curtained windows and darkened bedrooms. Obsidian watched over the analysis team as they coordinated with the ground forces. Absorbing the intel as it came in live, he broke away and made his way toward the armory. Holstering his sidearm and grabbing his rifle, Obsidian went through his checklist making sure he had everything ready for the operation. Onyx called his number on his vacation to put the cherry on top all this. His objective was to assist with the ambush and make sure the extraction of Seth went smoothly and to be Onyx’s eyes and ears while he dealt with his own problems.

***

“The southern Nature reserve, the mechs are friendlies. That’s all it says.”

 Roland explained as he smoked on his cigar standing alongside Seth as the two watched Keyon retrieve the duffle bag of goods from the day prior. He tossed the bag on the ground between him and the rest of Deathwatch.

 “Everything from communication interceptors, jammers and code breakers. As well I as able to get my hands on some rifles and pistols. Take whatever you guys fancy, I already have what I need.”

Keyon explained, placing his hand on the hilts of his two swords. He watched as Roland and Seth took what they wanted and concealed them in the fabric of their clothes. Once the group was armed, they descended from the rooftops and into the streets of Busaya making their way toward the nature reserve. Shima gave Keyon a quick look, he was focused, and, on the inside, he was calm.

Everything he had been striving for was moments away, they had their plan, she just had to play her part, and he would handle the rest. He looked in Shima’s direction, catching her gaze. Keyon placed his hand on her shoulder reassuring her, attempting to ease her tension.

“I can see the garden in Rosa now.”

Keyon turned away from Shima and looked forward to the back of Roland and Seth that walked ahead of them.

“Yeah, me too.”

Shima agreed, with a hint of uncertainty appreciating the uncommon gesture from the otherwise cold brute.

 “We can hop the train here and walk from central Orchard.”

Seth Guided the group up toward the train platform just as the train was pulling into the station.

***

Stepping out of the train as its doors opened Haiden took the lead of the group. Locke was next with ki close behind, Autumn and Atif exited the train together. Everyone was collectively thrown off by the few citizens in the station. The confusion grew more once the party emerged from the station and walked out onto the streets of Busaya’s southern district. It looked to them like another normal night, not a night of a big festival. Haiden looked around the surrounding area with keen eyes. As did the others.

“Come on, lets keep moving no point in standing in the open.”

Haiden marched forward walking into the streets and making her way toward the reserve with her companions right behind.

“What does your intel say Haiden?”

Locke questioned.

“ Southern nature reserve mechs are friendlies that’s it.”

“Must be a code of some sort, nevertheless, we must press forward.”

 “Yeah, time to accomplish what we came here for right guys.”

Ever excited, Atif was pumped to link up with Haiden’s people. Autumn was reserved, remaining calm, thinking of everything that has taken her to this point.

“Temper your excitement Atif please, this is a serious situation. As for when we get there, let me do the talking, I have some explaining to do.”

Haiden’s demeanor was that of someone way beyond her years. She modeled the temperament of soldier and the resolve of someone who knew their life purpose. Ki couldn’t help but admire that about the young warrior, as the party turned down the street and laid eyes on the reserve just on the other end of it.

“There it is.”

“yeah, there it is.”

It didn’t take them long to traverse the distance from the station to the reserve. The whole walk there, not a word was spoken between the five of them. Haiden slowed down her pace as she caught sight of the mechs patrolling just outside the walls of the reserve.

“ the mechs are friendlies.”

Ki reverberated, placing his hand on Haiden’s shoulder.

“Lead the way captain.”

 She looked up to Ki and nodded, reinforcing her courage and stepped forward leading the party into the darkness of the reserve. As they walked down the path shaded from the moon and the lights of the fireworks, they came across a man sitting under a tree enjoying a beer.

 “When a warrior falls, who tells the legacy?”

“ The sword.”

 “State your cell.”

“ Baron’s fortune, Haiden field medic I have an important message from Lazard, I must speak to Rexlacon.”

“I’ll take you to him, but the rest of your cell has to move toward the central garden with the others, you can join them later.”

the man set his stipulations, and the party agreed, Haiden and the man went one way, while Autumn and the others went another toward the central garden. The closer the party ventured to the garden the more people started to appear marching toward the garden, coming from all paths that lead toward the destination of the gathering.

They took their spot amongst the mass of bodies as they pooled into the extravagant arrangement of flowers. Each different from the other, illuminated in the various lights of the fireworks. The same fireworks that bath all in attendance in various colors.

“There is she.”

Locke nudged Ki and pointed across the garden, toward Shima who was accompanied by Seth and Roland. Autumn looked in the direction Locke was pointing and saw Shima for herself.

“Who are you guys talking about?”

Atif was confused at to what Locke and Ki were pointing at, trying to make out anything from the massive crowd in front of them.

“Shisa and Landy’s sister, Kezonto’s partner in crime.”

Autumn clued Atif in on what the brothers were talking about. Just at that moment, Haiden had returned to the group after completing her mission.

 “Hey guys, I’m back did you find your brother?”

she asked looking at Locke and Ki as they stared intensely cross the crowd at Shima and Deathwatch with Keyon nowhere in sight.

***

“Where the hell did, he go? He was here one minute and gone the next.”

Roland commented, as he looked around at the gathering of rebel cells hoping to get a glimpse of Keyon.

“He was with us once we entered the park, I know that much. I didn’t even see him slip off.”

Shima played stupid, knowing this was all part of the plan.

 “He sure picked the perfect time to get cold feet.”

“Never mind that Roland, Rexlacon is taking center stage.”

A group of three rebels slowly positioned themselves behind Roland, Seth and Shima. As Rexlacon, the Spearhead of the rebellion and commander of the largest Rebel cell stepped up the granite stairs of the central pavilion. He took off his glasses, wiping them clean with a cloth he took from his pocket. Placing the glasses back on the bridge of his nose he looked out over the gathering before him. For a moment he said nothing, listening to the chatter of the crowd dying down till there was nothing but silence.

“For years, you heard rumors, a better phrase for it is horror stories. Stories about loved ones setting out to make their fortune in the mega cities, only to never hear from them again. Or worse yet how about the stories of entire villages, colonies disappearing overnight. But I’m here to tell you these are not stories, and they are for sure not rumors.”

 He paused for a moment, looking out at the gathering, he paced around the pavilion taking a good look at everyone, making sure they not only heard his words but saw his face.Just outside the reserve units of mechs and drones closed in taking up positions and creating a frontline. Soon human units started infiltrating the reserve. Their orders were strict not to make a move until Seth gave the signal. Obsidian exited his transport vehicle with two soldiers at his side. Quickly they got into their position behind a squad of drones and waited.

“Sir, one of the Members of Deathwatch is unaccounted for.”

“What is their location?”

“Coral Park, Bayview district target is stationary."

“Send a drone unit to scout the park and have a squad of mechs on standby to intercept.”

Obsidian command, his focused still trained on the reserve in front of him. The phantom pains in his arm and leg nagging at him.

Haiden was hanging on every word of Rexlacon’s grand speech and Autumn and Atif listened in silence. While Locke and ki had their attention focused on Shima and the absence of Keyon. Shima finally looked across the crowd in Locke and Ki’s direction, aware of their presents. Her focused shifted back to Rexlacon as he continued.

“For years, New Aurora has lied to the people of the outside world, with promises of safety within their domes, a cure to E.V. the prosperous life we all Invision for our children.”

“Only to brainwash anyone foolish enough to accept their lies as truths. Processing… It’s called processing, they rewrite your entire life history. the people who gave you birth, your sibling bonds, your rivalries, past, present and future. All scripted to fit a narrative, then they stuff you in these domes and feed you more lies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is fact, not rumor.”

The gathering was silent, Rexlacon was giving knowledge to the masses, removing the wool from their eyes.

“Here is another fact, there are currently three thousand seven-hundred human lives in this dome as we speak. Ninety-eight percent of the number are processed humans. The other two percent are all visitors from outside the dome and us, the people to your left and the right. Thousands of people being held hostage, forced to live a falsehood. But tonight, tonight that changes. The leaders amongst you know the objective, you know the signal.”

Seth was getting anxious, he needed more information. What was the objective, the leaders knew the plans?

Did Roland know the details of the operation and were keeping them secret till now. Seth looked in his direction, and he had the same face he once had while in that basement back in coastal garden, A look of pure shock.

“Once the rats amongst us are exterminated, the operation will begin.”

“The rats Amongst us? He couldn’t possibly.”

Seth’s train of thought was broken up when a rebel from behind Roland cover his mouth and quickly dragged his knife across his throat, killing him. He had no time to react before he himself was impaled from behind with a machete. He coughed up blood, and his vision began to blur as he watched Roland’s lifeless body tumble down the different tiers of flower beds surrounding the Pavilion. He grabbed hold of the blade penetrating his abdomen and looked to his side toward Shima. Who had avoided the assassination attempt on her and started fighting her way out of the reserve. All hell broke loose as rebel scattered in every direction their mission given outside the ears of the spy. With his last ounce of strength Seth managed to send the signal to Obsidian and the units on standby. The last thing he felt was the boot of the rebel against his back as he removed his machete and sent Seth down the flower tiers, following his captain to the grave.