Revenant Syndrome: 03. Infection Vector

By Robert E. Taylor

After his previous mission fails to go to plan, Lucas Wright finds himself once again being promoted for no reason. Suspecting things are far from on the level, he begins his own private investigation into the group for whom he is working.
His findings will lead him to a neighbouring city, where people are disappearing under suspicious circumstances, and where the people charged with investigating the disappearances seem intent on covering them up.
Finally, he is forced to mount a rescue mission into the uncharted wilderness areas of his world. A mission that will, at last, hint at the source of the so-called Cultist menace. A menace which he already knows is far more sinister than any mere cult.
Given his own uncertainty about the security of his group there is one question that concerns him most.
Do they know he's coming?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert E. Taylor
• Release date: Apr 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311596697

Robert E. Taylor

Robert Taylor lives with his long-term partner just outside London, England. He has travelled widely, visiting most of Europe, much of North Africa and parts of the Middle-East. His jobs have included many diverse careers such as Bank Courier, Cinema Projectionist and even Scuba Diving Instructor. In his off time, he enjoys travel, reading, computer gaming and watching movies.

Book preview

REVENANT SYNDROME

03: Infection Vector

By

Robert E. Taylor

PUBLISHED BY

Robert Taylor

*****

SMASHWORDS EDITION

*****

Copyright © 2014 Robert Taylor

*****

All rights reserved

*****

ISBN: 9781311596697

*****

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities are entirely coincidental.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The idea for this series of novellas came about whilst I was in the process of considering new ideas for books and series in general.

The initial novella represented an introduction to the setting, threw out a few mysteries, introduced a few characters and generally set the scene, as it were.

Originally, I had intended that first novella to be followed by a series of full-length novels. However, I found I liked the shorter format so much, and it fit so well with the story at hand, that I decided to continue it.

On the one hand, writing to a target size presents some issues, but it also allows me to focus on the more important story elements and not veer off into multi-page descriptions of trivial events. In short, it focuses me on the story, not the minutiae.

It is also quicker to write a shorter story and fits in between my larger projects without delaying those unduly.

This third novella continues the tale of Lucas Wright and his struggle to understand what the Revenant Syndrome is and where it comes from.

I hope you enjoy it!

Robert Taylor, March 2014

CHAPTER ONE

The man in the black suit reached forwards and turned off the small recorder that sat on the desk in front of him, and then leaned back.

Would you like to explain that exchange? The man, who had introduced himself as Agent Harrison, asked.

Lucas sighed. It’s what it sounds like. I was questioning orders.

Quite strongly, it seemed. The second man in black noted. He was dressed identically to Harrison, though he was called Agent Dickinson.

Lucas shrugged. I say it like I see it.

The recording had been from Lucas’ first, and last, mission, for the Special Operations Group, Operation Patient Zero.

Questioning the orders of a superior is generally frowned upon, Operative. Harrison said.

That’s a shame. Lucas told him. Because I’ve often found that those who give orders are very often the least capable of doing it well.

Dickinson’s face quirked into a smile. Indeed? And who would be better qualified? You?

Lucas shook his head. I’m no leader.

Do you know why we are here, Operative? Harrison asked.

Lucas had been wondering that himself. After his beachfront call to SOG HQ that night after the droids had dropped him in the ocean, he’d faced round after round of debriefings and interviews. An endless parade of them. He still hadn’t been returned to active duty.

I’m guessing, after my second run in with the machines, that you’re wondering whether I’m some sort of plant for them. Some double agent perhaps.

Are you? Dickinson raised his eyebrows.

Of course not! Lucas snorted. If I was, then I’m just about the worst double agent there ever was. Screwing up my first mission and being detained indefinitely isn’t exactly evidence of my skill at that particular career, I’d say.

We don’t think you screwed up your mission. Harrison said. In fact, quite the opposite. You made the best of a bad situation. You came out alive and with more intel than when you went in. All in all, I’d call that a good result. Not ideal. But good.

Lucas narrowed his eyes. So why am I still being held? Why haven’t I been returned to active duty?

Dickinson stood up and paced to the back of the room, clasping his hands behind his back. We aren’t the military, despite what some in this organization might believe. We’re a covert organization, designed to do the things the military cannot do. Flexible things. Rigid thinking and lack of adaptability aren’t traits that will get you very far with us.

You, Mr. Wright. Harrison continued. Have demonstrated an ability to be both flexible and adaptable. Exceptionally so, in fact. You also have an intense curiosity to get to the truth and that, especially, marks you out as different from the rest.

You see. Dickinson returned to the table. There are those, like Agent Kirk on your last mission, who are rigid. They are good at certain tasks, particularly those with a more military nature, but they aren’t good at reacting to unforeseen circumstances. They can’t think on their feet.

You, on the other hand. Harrison told Lucas. Are good at that. Very good. Hiding yourself amongst the zombies was a stroke of genius. We need more people like you and less like Kirk.

Lucas looked suspiciously between the two men. I think I’ve been here before. Is this the part where you offer me a new position?

Dickinson and Harrison exchanged glances and smiled at one another.

Absolutely! Harrison said. When you were initially recruited, we thought there was potential in you. Those two agents noted it clearly in their reports. But we had to put you into the field to see for ourselves.

Between your last mission for the FES military and your first for the SOG, we’ve formed an opinion on your suitability. Dickinson said. A very favourable opinion, I might add.

Suitability? Lucas frowned. For what?

There are those who lead, Mr Wright. Harrison said. And those who follow.

Both of those do well in the militant arm of the SOG. Dickinson continued. But there are also those, like yourself, who do not wish to lead, nor do they do a good job of following.

To accommodate those individuals, a more flexible position was created within the SOG. Harrison explained. A position that allows the agent a greater degree of both authority and autonomy. You are still part of the SOG, and subject to its rules and discipline, if needed, but you are expected to follow your own path to any stated goal.

In effect, you are independent. Dickinson said.

And this is the position you want to offer me? Lucas asked.

Both men nodded.

You have already shown your willingness to ignore inconvenient things like chain of command. Harrison said. In such cases there are only two choices for us. Promotion or…

…or? Lucas prompted.

I believe you were made aware of the lack of an ‘out’ clause at your induction. Dickinson pointed out.

Ah! Lucas nodded. I got the idea it was a rather permanent solution.

So? What is it to be? Harrison raised his eyebrows questioningly.

Lucas considered a moment. He really had no choice, much like at his induction. As then, he suspected the offer wasn’t motivated entirely altruistically. Sure, they had stroked his ego somewhat and made it look like they approved of his actions, but that was manipulation, he was sure of it. Just like the last time.

On the other hand, he’d learn nothing if he turned them down. A dead man turning up in an alley someplace, apparently victim of a mugging that got out of hand, would arouse little suspicion. Problem solved for them. Not for the first time he wondered just how far they’d go to maintain their secrecy.

When you say ‘autonomy’, He asked. Exactly what level of independence are we talking about?

Harrison nodded. You’ll still be expected to report in regularly, but we won’t lose any sleep if you are late with your reports. So long as you keep us apprised of your progress and let us know what you are up to, you are free to pursue your goals in any way you see fit.

What access to manpower, equipment, and information would I have? Lucas wondered.

No access to manpower. Dickinson replied. Unless whatever you find warrants a military mission. Then you liaise with control. In some instances you might be expected to go along on such missions in a specialist capacity.

Access to equipment is relatively unrestricted. Harrison added. Weapons, equipment, vehicles. Whatever you find necessary can be provided. Frivolous use will be frowned upon, however, and an accounting of asset losses will be kept.

Information will be freely available if it is unclassified. Classified intel is also available so long as you can provide a reason for its disclosure. Dickinson said.

But I can follow my leads as I see fit?

Yes, but again, misuse of your power will be looked upon unfavourably. Dickinson warned.

As will your face on the nightly news. Harrison said. You operate outside of FES law, but you should still pay lip-service to those laws. Anything that draws attention to the SOG will count against you.

However, Dickinson added. We also believe in the maxim ‘The end justifies the means’. So long as you can put your actions in context to your goals, we will have little problem with them.

Pick my battles. Lucas nodded. I hear you. So where do I sign up?

Harrison smiled. We’ve already taken care of that for you.

Dickinson produced an envelope and passed it across the table to Lucas. More is explained in here, along with new documents and such.

Just like that? Lucas frowned. No more training? No more missions? Just… see what you can do with this?

Harrison nodded. We already know what you are interested in. You have all the skills you need and, if not, you can undergo any further training you feel you require. Investigate freely and set your own pace.

Who do I report to? You guys?

No. Not us. Harrison said. The information, and contact details for your handler are all in the envelope. Not even we know who it is.

Just follow what’s in the envelope and you’ll be fine. Dickinson added.

The two men rose and straightened their jackets.

Will I have to wear a fancy suit like yours? Lucas grinned.

The two agents exchanged glances and sighed. As he walked past to the door, Harrison muttered. Don’t make us regret this decision, Mr Wright.

Then they were gone, and Lucas was left holding the envelope. After a few seconds of speculation and introspection, he tore it open.

Inside was a shiny new SOG card. The name on it proclaimed him as Special Operative Thomas Ward. The title was a