Doomseeds by Tam Linsey

Author:Tam Linsey [Linsey, Tam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-9859013-5-6
Publisher: Twin Leaf Press

Haldanian Protectorate

The Com Ops building sat on a dome of earth at the northern edge of the city, its unobscured view of the Burn infused with the orange light of the setting sun. Rael stood with his back to the communication specialist and gazed at the radiant clouds to the northwest, savoring the hint of fresh rain brought in on the air circulation system. The storm had disrupted several feeds, including the GPS implants on the reversions.

“I still can’t get a lock on the third transmitter,” said the specialist. His computers made soft pipping noises as he adjusted the tracking systems. “They probably took shelter during the storm. If they’re in a cave, the signal may be blocked.”

Rael turned to watch the multicolored lights from the monitors dance across the tech’s features. The nanotransmitters they’d installed in the three reversions were kinetically powered, fueled by the flow of blood. Once blood flow stopped, they could transmit for about twenty-four hours on power reserves. But extreme heat—like cooking—would completely disable all systems. “Or he could be in a cannibal’s stomach.”

The specialist nodded, tapping a finger against his lips as he scanned the screens. “Impossible to tell, since the storm scrambled the signals. Once they start moving in the morning, we’ll have a better guess.”

Rael paced to the eastern view, watching the first stars materialize on the horizon. If the group had reached its destination and the cannibals were killing and eating the reversions rather than taking them to the Fosselites, his plan would have been for nothing. The Fosselites needed the reversions alive. “I want to send an all-frequency alert.”

“Sir, all Burn Ops teams have reported back to base for the night. There’s no one in the Reaches.” The specialist furrowed his brow, his eyes leaving his screens for the first time all night.

“Just do it.” The emergency com system was intended to reach all dusters on duty to warn of incoming blow-outs or to alert them to escaped reversions. It was how the Protectorate had made first contact with the Fosselites. With night coming on, the Fosselites might be tempted to leave their mountain, given the right bait.

The specialist input some commands and handed Rael a mike. “You want it live?”

Rael nodded. He held the unit up and waited for the specialist to nod before speaking. “All units, emergency Romeo Echo Victor One. Three convicted reversions located at following coordinates.” He twitched his fingers at the specialist to code in the data. “Lethal force authorized. Proceed with base camp procedures and move at first light. Priority one.”

He set the mike down. “Set that on repeat for the next hour. And send hourly updates on the transmitter locations to my personal gamma pad.”

The specialist scratched his head. “Yes, sir. You do realize the Fosselites are the only ones likely to pick up on our signal?”

Rael didn’t turn around as he passed through the door. “I’m counting on it.”

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