Chapter 8

Descending into the desert was a small fleet of helicopters. Gazing at the hills of sand it appeared to be crystallized and shimmered under the moonlight. When they landed Mika began examining their surroundings with her phone.

When it ran across the remnants of a fallen flock the lens began blinking as a red light appeared. The red laser shining through the lens rapidly spread apart and swept the area. As it faded Mika's phone did a quick analysis.

"You need to see this," Mika announced.

After handing over the phone Murphy went on comms, and the base began mobilizing. While the soldiers prepared the runway Murphy, and his agents approached the barracks. He entered with Mika, and another agent while the rest stood guard at the entries.

The current entrance was meant for level five personnel only. One of the veteran agents turned back surprised to see two youths with access. They approached the end of the bunks as Murphy tapped his cane, and the brick began to shift.

'We need to find the source before it's too late.'

The agents stepped forward onto a platform, and rapidly descended as the wall regained its former shape. Agents guarding the barracks faded into the crowd to use the main entrance. Meanwhile, Murphy's group reached the base floor and began walking past bio scanners with armed guards.

"Welcome back sir."

Everyone stood at attention in Murphy's presence before continuing their duties. A few envious glares were directed at the younger agents working at his side. Waiting at the end of the hall was a woman in a lab coat with a clear clipboard.

"They've been waiting for you." The woman handed over the board.

"Never forget who we serve," Murphy replied.

They were quickly escorted to the control room where they crowded around a command center. With a few modifications input from Mika's phone, a satellite image rapidly zoomed out. It displayed all the areas affected by the unusual storm and deduced the epicenter.

"But that's outside the grid," Mika stated.

"It wouldn't be the first time one stuck around."

Standing behind them was agent Murphy's former partner and the current head of S4. Kurt has black hair slicked back that was greying upon the sides. Murphy shook his hand as the two analyzed the data.

"How could a breacher get this far without causing an alert?" Murphy investigated.

"If it slipped past our sensors it cant be a breacher. You know we keep a tight ship around here." Kurt replied.

"You're both missing the point. Nothing in the index could accomplish this." Mika stated.

"Don't go interrupting the bo.."

Kurt glanced in his agent's direction as he went silent, and began sweating.

"I was wondering how he got along without me, but it seems he's in good hands." Kurt smiled politely at Mika.

"I've already accounted for that, but glad to know you've been paying attention. You keep this up you'll be running the quadrant in no time." Murphy praised while tapping his cane.

"We already have a team on the way, and your van is ready."

Hearing this Murphy turned hobbling away while waving at the others to catch up. Mika smiled as she trailed behind them. They were making their way to the elevator as jets on the runway above began taking off.

They spread out through the skies sweeping a net across the affected states. In areas with stronger reading, they had choppers work a search grid. They swirled outwards repeating the process at different altitudes. Murphy was barely accessing the garage when reports began coming in.

"Sectors 51 to 39 clear."

Every pilot radioed back clear skies, but they were still a few holdouts. Murphy entered the van with his agents and waited at the exit for approval. The light on the gate went green as they drove out of a boulder appearing on a dirt road. They began putting the base in their rearview as Murphy assessed the situation.

'If it's not a visitor, or a breacher then what is it? Maybe the weapon wasn't the only new equipment.'

"Contact the other directors, and have them sweep their areas. They could be choosing its next target." Murphy relayed to Kurt.

"If you find yourself needing assistance feel free to reach out," Kurt replied.

---

The others just barely fell asleep as Cameron discreetly left the apartment. He left notes in a place that could easily be seen when his companions awoke. Leaving them wasn't easy, but it was the only way to ensure their safety.

Cameron quietly closed the door and approached his car. He retrieved his keys from his pocket while looking at his home one last time. It wasn't the best place, but compared to the system it was paradise.

'I wanted to move, but not like this.'

Cameron entered the car and put it into neutral to roll down the driveway. He found it relatively easy to push, and it wasn't long till they were out of earshot of the duplex. Cameron entered the car quickly to start the engine, and put some distance between them.

'Doesn't seem to be getting any better.' Cameron examined his surroundings.

They were outside Las Vegas, but there were several feet of snow and no end in sight. Thankfully Cameron was used to roads like this from his childhood. Last night he preemptively put chains on their tires under the guise of tomorrow's trip.

Everyone else appeared to be driving slowly to avoid crashing, and most citizens wouldn't leave the warmth of the home. Being a desert the nights were harsh, and it would be difficult to endure. Glancing around Cameron noticed the vehicles on the road were city vehicles struggling to battle the conditions.

Due to the time of the year, there was little salt for the roads, and their solar panels haven't been upgraded in a few years. They were unprepared for the negative temperatures of last night's storm. It was a struggle to find sufficient gas to power the old equipment in such a short time span.

'If I started this maybe I could stop it.'

Cameron focused on getting out of town, and he only stopped in an attempt to draw money. No matter where he went the machines were empty. Having a full tank he jumped on the highway to try his luck elsewhere.

'People always panic in the city.'

After driving around for an hour he found an isolated motel with the lights still on. They had an ATM in the lobby and a vacancy making it the ideal spot. Once he set his bag in the room he went outside to smoke, and admire the snowy terrain.