Book 3 Chapter 10: Vaccine

Book 3 Chapter 10: Vaccine

It was two days before Julian was able to go through the data Mercy had given me hidden in the hollowed out book shed borrowed from Nico. Nico would have had no difficulty finding another copy of Pride and Prejudice, so that made perfect sense as her choice for smuggling information. I had been tempted to leave Pott's after Id retrieved the data, but something told me I should wait to see what was on it. Mercy herself had given no hint other than that she believed it was important. I spent my additional three days in Potts continuing the walks Id been going on, trading Patriot Points for a new 9mm and some ammo, and grinding my teeth.

The amount of Patriot Points Id been paid had led to me gaining another level in Marshal, but that level hadnt come with any additional abilities, only stat increases. The rest was mine to spend. I was hoping that Murphy was sitting on a number of things from my list, and was fairly certain that hed be more than happy to take the extra points off my hands.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

I was taking one of my anxious walks through Potts when a white robe approached me. She was panting heavily and after getting me to stop she took a moment to catch her breath. She looked up at me.

The Honored Dead request your immediate presence at the mausoleum.

I nodded, and she started to walk again, back toward the center of the city, but I put up my hand. You dont have to lead me, I know the way.

She nodded, grateful for the chance at a respite.

I made a beeline for the Mausoleum, its sleek black dome inviting me inside to nods from the undertakers and white robes who were either on their way into, or out of it. I pushed my way through the doors into the council room where I found Mama, Kit, Julian, Solomon and Jim, waiting for me. The air in the room felt heavy, and all of their faces looked hollow and exhausted, as if theyd been talking non stop through the night.

In spite of her obvious exhaustion, Mama managed to offer me a warm smile when she noticed me. Donovan. Im grateful you came so quickly.

I nodded at her, and let my eyes move across the rest of them. What do you need?

Julian picked up a data square from in front of it, and held it in the air. This information that you retrieved from Mercy. Do you know whats on it?

I shook my head. Im not certain she knew what was on it.

Solomon placed a hand on Jims shoulder, then looked at me. Hes right.

I released my grip on the table, surprised to find Solomon in my corner.

Julian nodded as well. Agreed. Its war. Its our only choice.

Kit shook her head. We have additional facts to consider. What about the deadmen who live in STAR territory? What about a diplomatic solution? Weve had this discussion before about the Rens and their lack of deadmen children. Are we to kill them as well?

Mama shook her head and looked her in the eye. They dont act with the intention of wiping us out, and their spread will be much slower. We have time to determine a solution to that. This vaccine though its on an entirely different level. I know youre anxious to have more information. You were always a cautious child, but surely you see what needs to be done here?

Kit gritted her teeth. Ill call on Nix to start pulling the undertakers in the STAR region back, unless we can give them orders for some kind of sabotage.

Ill have Nico reach out to our contacts in the Horde. Well keep it at a high level though. The Remnants cant know what were up to until were ready to strike. We certainly wont have enough of a force to end the threat of the Remnants on our own anyway, said Mama, nodding in approval at Kit.

Jim and I will work on determining who will volunteer to fight. Obviously we cant force people to, but Im guessing once they hear whats at stake, we wont have much trouble putting a force together, said Solomon.

Ill inform my people at the factory to increase production. Well need to be as armed and armored as possible I suppose we should produce a set of weapons that can be used in joint actions with the Horde without harming them with radiation Well have to move quickly, the vaccine is getting close to completion, and if they have the right equipment and facilities they could begin producing it very quickly.

I watched as they dove into logistics, armament, and diplomacy in figuring out their initial plan. All I could think of as I listened to them was blood. I could hear my heart, beating in my ears. I wanted to move right away. To cut a path all the way to the Remnants fort and bleed Masters and his cabinet over the battlements. I knew that wasnt possible though. Alone I could do serious damage, but I doubted theyd let me back into the fort so soon, and storming it alone would lead to my death with all the gun emplacements they had. I needed to be patient, I needed to work with the Honored Dead and determine exactly where Id be able to provide the most help or deal the most damage.

I listened to the rest of their initial discussions, watching white robes get summoned in, followed by groups of undertakers, as they answered questions, summoned additional information, and got information on the locations of various groups that could be at risk. At the end of it, they had a new energy, catching a second wind now that a decision as to the fate of Potts had finally been decided. Symbiosis and peace was no longer possible with STAR and the Remnants. It was time for war.