Deadly Upgrades part 2

Ryan Bennings studied the lump of metal under a series of lenses and sensors in the ship’s lab. As the mass absorbed anything it came into contact with, it was held aloft in a small forcefield where it couldn’t touch anything solid. Astra Machina stood nearby for further analysis.

“Whatever it is, it attaches itself to solid matter and transfers it into… well, itself,” Ryan pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, “Got any ideas?”

Astra formed a small blinking sensor from her fingertip, then turned her hand over, dropping the sensor into the strange lump in front of her. The sensor was quickly absorbed and added to the metallic mass but enough data had been transferred before the amalgamation. Astra peered closer as she spoke to Ryan, “It spreads out and breaks things down like nano-technology but according to my readings, it’s partially-organic. It’s… a disease. The way it works is a lot like cancer.”

“If it’s left alone?”

“In theory, it’s gonna consume the whole planet.”

“The Second Phase is not above releasing bio-attacks but I’ve not seen them do anything like this.”

“I don’t think the Second Phase created this. If I have it read correctly, this is unlike anything on Earth.”

“It likely came from the U’ntari,” Shujai entered the lab, “We have the ability to create this sort of virus. Typically, it would be a part of our third phase of invasion where we destroy natural resources.”

Ryan contemplated this new information and addressed Shujai, “Presumably, this stuff was onboard the ship Alysa and the Upstarts took down. How would the Second Phase know about it and more importantly, know how to release it?”

“It’s unlikely we shared any information with them,” he crossed his arms in concetration, “But it’s possible they took this information themselves… perhaps after a battle of some sort?”

“The Second Phase fought the U’ntari?”

“I was not aware they were a target but it’s possible the Silencers were sent for that particular mission. They were more clandestine.”

“You guys targeted metahuman threats and these guys are basically a weird cyborg cult so it checks out. Unlike, say, the IMD, the Second Phase has one or more hidden bases around the globe so sending a group of assassins to track them down and wipe them out makes more sense than just sending a standard platoon who aren’t equipped to be sneaky-petes.”

“Sneaky-petes?”

“It’s an expression,” Astra told him helpfully.

“At any rate,” Shujai continued, “This terrorist group could have killed the Silencers and stolen data from their vessel.”

“I killed their satellite,” Astra said sadly, “The U’ntari probably didn’t have good protection against computer hacking by then.”

“You did what you had to do,” Ryan assured her and then turned to Shujai, “Do you know how to stop something like this?”

“It is not my expertise but it’s clear something like this can spread across the planet and wipe out all life. If the Second Phase released it, they likely had no idea how dangerous the weapon was.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Ryan said with an air of concern.

The Second Phase operative known as Gate provided an escape portal for the team assigned to DC. Once they entered the base in the Ural Mountains, Rampart was taken to the medical facility where Doc Serenity studied him. Once he was lain on an examining table, the scientist examined his skin which was now metallic with small flecks of light reflecting off it.

“How do you feel?,” Doc Serenity’s cybernetic eyes blinked as he switched between a variety of views to examine his patient.

“Shit was painful at first,” Rampart admitted, “But now I’m not feeling much of anything. In fact, I feel a little stronger… not a fan of the chrome job, though,” he appeared concerned, “So you people got this shit from the aliens…”

“It’s from their ship,” Doc Serenity checked vital signs on a monitor, “The U’ntari sent a group of assassins to infiltrate our base but we killed them instead. We excavated their vessel and managed to crack their encrypted codes to gain access to their database in search of anything useful. The virus was housed in a ship that had been hovering over Washington DC and luckily for us, it was still mostly intact and grounded.”

A holographic screen appeared, displaying the High Command. Binary code flashed across their smooth, metallic faces and Serenity responded, “The techno-virus can sustain human life, as you surmised, provided a human host has had sufficient cybernetic implants. The virus only partially affects cybernetics as it mistakes the implants for its own biotech and stops spreading.” Another flash of binary code appeared across the leaders’ faces. “It will be done,” Serenity and the other operatives raised their fists and shouted, “Abandon the flesh! Enter the Second Phase!”

Meanwhile, Intrepid addressed the team in the briefing room, “The Second Phase believes the next stage of human evolution is in technology, not biology. Because of this, they have tried to find ways to force humanity into an inorganic society. Spreading a techno-virus to eradicate biological life is something they would be interested in.”

“So what happens when someone touches the stuff?,” Alysa Saraki pointed to Shujai, “He knocked that dude right into it. The virus could be spreading now.”

“It was an accident,” Shujai explained, “I thought the tower was being guarded. It’s what my troops would have done.”

“Yeah, well, we ain’t from your planet.”

“We’re not gonna go through this again,” Cavalier rose to his feet, “Here’s what we know: there’s a techno-virus spreading out of DC with one man infected that we know of. We need to find a way to reverse it, or at least stop its spread. The Second Phase is likely going to continue guarding the area as well so that’s also an issue. Does anyone have any ideas?”

“Astra might be able to halt it,” Ryan turned to her, “Do you think it’s possible to use your nanotech to absorb it? Break it down?”

“First, I would need to absorb a lot of mass to do anything to something so big. Second, from what I know, if it came down to my nanobots vs the virus, there’s only a 50% chance of success.”

“Have a little faith,” Alysa said encouragingly, “I know a few good luck charms. Like, literal good luck charms.”

“What if we created an anti-virus?,” Cavalier asked, “I mean that’s what it is, right? It’s a virus. Could there be a… cure for lack of a better word?”

“That is very possible,” Shujai answered, “When we develop such weapons, we ensure there is a way to stop it in case it’s used against us.”

Ryan pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, “If a cure can be found, we would probably need a living specimen.”

“What about Rampart?,” Intrepid asked, “He may still be alive.”

Ryan nodded in approval, “Now, that could work. We just need to find him.”

“That shouldn’t he hard,” Cavalier explained, “They want what’s on that ship so they’ll be coming back. We just have to keep an eye out.”

In DC, a Second Phase aircraft landed in the city, far enough away from the Potomac River to avoid military retaliation but still close enough that multiple metal spires were visible in the distance. The craft blocked off traffic in a major intersection with Rampart standing outside and Doc Serenity addressing the crowd, his voice digitally projected by the device dangling around his neck

“We are not here for a fight,” he announced to the crowd. “We simply offer security. At this point, most of you are aware of the techno-organic mass currently eating through this city,” Doc Serenity began, “In approximately one day, roughly 75% of the city will be devoured. By my estimation, it will take a year to convert the entire planet. This is a gift from the Second Phase and yes, we do say gift. It is not an attack, it’s a revolution. Our world is besieged by war, pollution and corruption. A technocracy is the only way in which we can ensure the survival of our consciousness while abandoning desires that come from the faults within our DNA. Those who wish to accept the next stage of evolution are encouraged to join us. This virus will not harm you if proper care is given,” he motioned toward Rampart, “Our cybernetic enhancements guarantee that.” Some nervous pedestrians began to approach cautiously. “This world cannot protect you from societal collapse or environmental calamity. The Resurgence showed that its heroes cannot protect you, either. It’s nothing but false promises from them but you can expect transparency from us.”

“Street preaching?,” Ryan Bennings emerged from the crowd, “I’m a little surprised. For a group that’s anti-religion, you sure do act like one.”

“You!,” Serenity sneered and a holographic canon formed around his arm, sending a bolt of light-based energy. Ryan had already activated the force field on his belt before getting their attention so once the blast flew across the street, it was deflected. “You’re not still hung up on the time I shot you in the balls, are you?,” Ryan asked mockingly. “Where are the others?,” Rampart began searching the street.

“Here,” Intrepid hovered overhead with an energy rifle against her shoulder; she fired several volleys that bounced off his metallic chest, eliciting a smile. “Gotta do better than that,” he gloated, “Even before my upgrades, that wouldn’t have done much.” Because his attention was drawn to Intrepid, he failed to notice another figure dropping out of the air. Shujai landed on top of him from a multi-story drop a split-second before they both disappeared in a cloud of debris. As the dust cleared, Shujai stood over his foe, expecting him to be unconscious. Instead, he saw Rampart slowly rise. “Now that…,” he began, “… That would’ve stopped me dead in my tracks up until this morning.” Shujai was kicked through the wall of an office building’s upper floor. Once Rampart pulled himself out of the crater, Intrepid swooped down, armed with a syringe-like weapon with a laser tip. She landed on his back with one arm around his throat and both feet wrapped around his waist, then attempted to plunge the weapon against his neck to take a blood sample; she soon found his hide was far too thick to penetrate, however. “Cut it out,” he reached back and snatched her by the arm then hurled her through the air. Shujai flew in and caught her with one hand while releasing a bio-energy blast that washed over Rampart and tore up more of the street. “I hope you people are having as much fun as I am,” he said as he raised his hands in a beckoning gesture.

“He’s only gotten stronger,” Doc Serenity bellowed as he fired blasts at Ryan Bennings, “Soon, we all will!” Ryan ignited his boot jets, which carried him away from his foe and once he was relatively safe, he contacted his other teammates. As Cavalier predicted, the Second Phase returned to DC but not at the Potomac. Because of this, he felt it was nessecary to split up with one half of the team confronting Rampart while the others remained by the ship just in case. Through his earpiece, Ryan radioed Cavalier’s half of the team, “Alright B-Squad, I think it’s time for Astra to perform the hail-mary. I’m pretty sure you’re about to have company.” At Potomac Park, Astra, Alysa and the Cavalier stood facing the U’ntari Commander Class ship which was now almost completely covered by metallic spires.

“Things must not be going well,” Cavalier said, then turned to Astra, “Are you sure about this?”

“No, but I’m ready to take the chance.”

“50% chance of success, right?,” Alysa took Astra’s hand and began drawing an Iseda symbol with the tip of her finger, briefly leaving a luminescent trail as she did so, “May the odds forever be in your favor.”

“I know those movies,” Astra said excitedly.

“Oh, you saw Hunger Games?”

“No, but I know them.”

Just then, a rectangular portal emerged on the ground a few yards away and the team watched as Pulse, Casket, and the Sisters stepped out. “Bennings was right. We got company,” Alysa shouted. Cavalier motioned toward the ship entrance, “Everyone inside.” Immediately, they rushed to the opened hatch on the ship.

On a damaged city street, Shujai swooped down and sent Rampart into a traffic-light pole. As the light fell, Rampart caught it and hurled it at his enemy who quickly destroyed it with a blast. Once distracted, Rampart leapt forward with a flying knee to Shujai’s chin that sent him rolling along the pavement.

Not far away, Intrepid flew in behind Doc Serenity and delivered a chop to the base of his neck, rendering him unconscious. “Thanks for the assist,” Ryan told her, “How are things on your end?”

“Shujai has been keeping Rampart at bay,” she explained, “That device you gave me didn’t make a dent so how are we gonna get a DNA sample?”

“I have an idea,” Ryan reached into his pack and produced a small drone, “Get `im to open wide.”

Shujai charged a fist with bio-energy and slammed it against Rampart which smashed him through a nearby wall. “You’re not even from this planet,” the mercenary picked himself off the floor in the debris-scattered lobby, “What do you even care if those psychos take over?”

“That’s my business,” Shujai flew toward him, “You don’t seem to believe in their ideals so I can ask you a similar question about allying yourself with the Second Phase.”

“That’s an easy answer,” Rampart punched him back through the hole in the wall and onto the street, “It’s all about the Benjam-”

With Ryan’s small drone firmly in her hand, Intrepid had been waiting for just the right time to fly in. With Rampart’s size, the drone fit perfectly between his jaws as he monologued. A second later, he choked and spat the saliva-covered device out. “What the shit?,” he watched in confusion as the little drone glided through the air back to Ryan who waited patiently down the street. “You serious right now?,” he stopped fighting momentarily to express his disgust and confusion. “Let’s hope that’s enough,” Ryan activated the controls on his watch and above, Hyperion’s Light decloaked and the Tractor Beam shot down. Rampart, still utterly confused, watched as the three heroes flew into the beam before disappearing. “Hey, I didn’t hear no bell,” he roared but the ship was already flying back toward the metal towers in the distance.

Ryan raced back to the ship’s lab with the drone hovering swiftly behind. Meanwhile, Shujai was steering the ship to the Potomac River with Intrepid in the co-pilot seat. As they made their way over the buildings, they noticed the towers shrinking down past the rooftops.

“What’s happening?,” Intrepid asked, “Was Astra successful?”

“I feel we are about to learn the answer to that question,” Shujai responded.

As they approached the river, they began to see a gargantuan figure rise above the city. Astra Machina was now several stories tall and while that was alarming enough, she was covered by the techno-virus, her smooth features now hidden behind jagged spikes and twisted metal. Moreover, Astra seemed to be in a great deal of pain and as her back arched and her massive limbs reached out, a loud mechanical alarm echoed over the skyline which nearly sounded like a scream.

Continued…