Chapter 3: The Game of Wits
Chapter 3: The Game of Wits
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The Central Calculation Bureau buzzed with a tense, almost electric energy. The momentary victory over The Digitus had given everyone a small but desperately needed dose of confidence. But as the initial euphoria began to wane, the reality of their situation settled back in. The Digitus was still out there, lurking, waiting for his next opportunity to strike.
Calman stood in front of a large monitor displaying complex network diagrams and streams of code. He felt the weight of the entire city’s expectations pressing down on him. Lisa Ramirez, now visibly exhausted but no less determined, joined him with a steaming cup of coffee.
“You look like you could use another one,” she said, handing him the cup.
Calman accepted it gratefully. “Thanks, Lisa. Any new signs of activity?”
Lisa shook her head. “Nothing concrete, but I have a feeling The Digitus is just biding his time. He’s not one to give up so
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The War of the Americas - Chapter VI
Dom opened his eyes and for a moment he thought he was in his own bed. He rolled over expecting to see his wife Sylvia lying next to him. Instead he saw a man in dress uniform looking down at him. Suddenly his memories rushed back and he recalled the dizzying events of the the past day. The US bombing of Mexico, the arrest order for all US citizens living in Mexico, Sylvia's calling her new employers for help, the arrival of the SEAL team, the death of his two beloved dogs, his wife's decision to stay behind, and his own decision to lie to the SEALs and say she had been killed. He winced as he recalled the gruesome death of the young Mexican soldier only inches from his own face. His mind replayed the moment when his head broke into pieces from the impact of a SEAL sniper round. He put his hand to his own face expecting the blood and bone chips to still be there, but they had all been wiped away and he was clean, though he desperately needed a shave. It had been a long while since he had any time to even think about grooming. His long, wavy black hair must look like a bees nest he thought before chastising himself for worrying about his appearance at a time like this. The last thing he remembered was the sands of the beach exploding all around as he and the SEAL team boarded the small RIB and raced north as quickly as they were able. He managed to prop himself up onto one elbow just as the man standing next to his bed spoke "Dr. Platt, How are you feeling? My name is Lieutenant Tim Stephens, medical officer aboard the USS Jack H. Lucas, but everyone calls her the Luke or Cool Hand Luke for short. On behalf of the Navy I would like to officially welcome you aboard and express my sincerest sympathies at the death of your wife. We are now officially at war with Mexico and sadly she will not be the last American to die I'm afraid." He paused there. Dom had heard the genuine sadness in the young Lieutenants voice, and it was reflected in his dark brown eyes. He was grateful for the expression of sympathy, even if it was misplaced. His wife was not dead. His dogs however, were, and his emotional reaction to that terrible news once again played to his advantage as tears came to his eyes almost immediately as he thought of them. Lieutenant Stephens of course thought they were for his wife and continued to stand silently over him waiting patiently for Dom to get his emotions under control some until saying anything more. Before he could speak again there was a banging at the door of the small medical room where Dom had been brought to rest and recover. It swung open and two men in suits and wearing dark sunglasses strode into the room. One of them spoke "Lieutenant Stephens you are dismissed, we need to speak with Dr. Platt, now." It was strange to see two men who appeared to be civilians summarily dismiss a Navy officer and Dom fully expected some protest from the Lieutenant, but instead he simply nodded his head and quickly moved out of the room, shutting the door behind him as he went.
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They say heroes are made in the worst of times, and I suppose they are correct. For the vast majority of my life, I've been a common man. I have a wife and three children. I have always been a God-fearing man, and I've attended church every Sunday since I was nine years old.
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