Previous Story: 101. The Raid of Comstock Tower - The Hack

“Is that it?” asked Buck, sounding disappointed.

Pai had just hit the last key, sending the tight beam signal.

“What did you expect?” she countered. “Fireworks?”

Gadget was beside her, studying the display. He smiled. “It’s gone. We did it.”

He and Pai exchanged a high five.

As it had been quiet outside for a while, Buck had returned to the third level and Thug had taken up position by the window. He was dismayed to see several random CyMS emerging from the trees on the slopes below, heading for the tower.

“Er, any reason why a load of CyMS might be coming our way?”

Buck and Gadget joined him at the window. The new arrivals seemed to have come from nowhere.

“They are sensitive to EM noise,” observed Gadget. “And we just blasted out a ton of it.”

“We need to get down to the door before they do,” said Buck, already on his way out.

—————

They were a few seconds too late. Thug was descending down the steps so quickly – Rusty in one hand – that he almost lost his balance. He reached the ground floor right behind Buck, only to find half a dozen CyMS already inside. More had congregated in the doorway and were now stuck there, which at least stemmed the flow.

Buck’s first shock-blast struck three CyMS, energy crackling across their bodies as they fell. Before he could fire again, a tall man wearing an air force uniform made a grab for his gun. Keen to get into the action, Thug swung Rusty into the man’s chest, propelling him backwards into another CyMS and leaving them both in a crumpled heap.

Pai and Gadget now joined the fray, with Gadget using the butt of his rifle as a club.

“Let’s not kill them if we don’t have to,” he said.

“Agreed,” said Pai before kicking a young man in the stomach, then pistol-whipping him.

“More coming,” said Buck, peering over the crowd. “We need to clear a space while we still can.”

“Allow me,” said Pai. “This is perfect for my firewall.”

She tapped a few commands on her arm computer and a shimmering force field appeared. She advanced, using the field to push the remaining CyMS through the doorway. As the others exited the tower out behind her, Pai held the CyMS off.

“Nicely done,” said Thug. 

“Thanks.” Pai deactivated the field and followed Buck and Gadget as they headed back down the slope.  

Yet again slowed by carrying Rusty, Thug whispered to himself, “Maybe it’s time I got a lighter weapon.”

—————

Jane had planned to find something tasty for Bob but he had come across another apple tree and seemed happy enough – until the CyMS started appearing.

Athena of course saw them first and she and Jane were now blocking Bob’s way once again.

Let me through, growled Bob. I’ll rip through every last one of them. 

Bob, listen, said Athena, something has happened with that tower.

All three animals turned, their keen senses alerting them to sudden movement nearby. They watched as four of the humans they’d seen earlier ran down the slope. They were in such a hurry that they didn’t even notice the animals under the apple tree.

These ones aren’t like the strange humans, added Jane. Walter always wants to know what’s going on and we should too.

I know they’re different, said Bob, now lowering his head as he calmed down. I know that.

We should follow them, said Athena.

All right, said Bob, already heading down the slope. I’ve had enough to eat anyway.

—————

That evening, at the police station, Pai and Gadget reflected on the day’s events.

“Good bit of teamwork,” said Pai.

“Better if it actually works,” replied Gadget.

They were sitting in the station cafeteria with Artemis and Flash, having just finished a snack of tinned ham and crackers.

“Either way, you did a fine job in difficult circumstances,” said Flash.

“And saw a grizzly bear too,” added Artemis. “Really wish I’d been there.”

“I just hope the signal reached Ashland,” said Pai. “And that someone there is listening.”