The Phoenix Factor: Computer Legion, #4

By Jack Salva

Everyone abruptly disappears from a secret military base. Women are being kidnapped, the men with them left brutally slain. A long-abandoned research facility displays signs of activity.

These are just some of the pieces of the latest Gordian knot faced by the Computer Legion and their premier troubleshooting team Rogue Squadron.

Diverse investigations find common threads leading to a skein of deceit, global menace, and the possible end of the Legion. In the end, new allies and old enemies converge in a spectacular climax.

The Phoenix Factor is the fourth story of the Computer Legion. Crafted in the style of old movie serials with a comic book feel, this story written in the early 1990s is a light-hearted tongue-in-cheek action thriller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jack Salva
• Release date: Apr 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386290681

Jack Salva

Jack Salva has had a number of different jobs in a number of different cities in a number of different industries giving him a broad range of life experiences upon which to draw. He is an avid gamer so it is only natural that his characters are creative problem solvers with high degrees of adaptability and a panache for fun. Being an animal lover and advocate, it is no surprise that animal companions also feature prominently in his stories. When not working on his next novels he can be found spending time with his adorable wife, working for their animal sanctuary, or gaming.

Book preview

Episode 1: Serendipity Base

Aaron stumbled down the hall to collide into the far wall. He leaned against the wall; face dripping sweat, breath gusting out in ragged bursts. His left arm hung useless at his side below where his belt was tied in an improvised tourniquet; blood dripped from the tattered remains of flesh.

He moved off to the right; supporting himself with the wall. When he reached the communications room door he fumbled with the knob, reluctant to release his death grip on the blaster he held. Finally, he got the door open and fell inside.

He leaned his back against the door and surveyed the room. It was a shambles. The main console smoked. Most of the screens were smashed. A twisted pile of charred flesh marked where a technician had fallen. Pushing off the door, he moved to the control seat.

He grasped the back of the chair and swung it around. A startled scream escaped his lips.

Miranda, he whispered, tears filling his eyes.

What sat in the chair had once been a woman. Her head lay to one side, held on by a thin flap of skin. Her chest was a mass of blood. Most of her internal organs lay spilled in her lap, leaking from the ragged wound that used to be her stomach. Metal tines pinned her to the seat back.

Aaron turned away, retching.

Recovering, he turned his attention to the communications console. Setting the blaster down atop the panel, he began trying to piece together a channel.

Static blared from the speakers. He fumbled with the controls. Finally, he managed to establish a link, although the static threatened to drown him out at any moment.

Central this is Serendipity base. Do you read, over.

Static roared from the speakers.

Serendipity base this i* ****ral. We re** *ou, but onl* *arel*. Can you ******se gain?

Central, we need help. Most of the base personnel are dead. We are under attack by...

Aaron turned around as he heard the metallic thump. His eyes widened in fright. He snapped his head toward where the blaster lay on the console top, out of reach.

His frantic grab for the gun was cut off as he was lifted into the air. Futilely he grasped the metallic shaft that transfixed him like a butterfly on a pin. His body twitched. Blood began to trickle from his mouth and his struggles ceased.

The attacker dumped him on the floor. Silently, it turned and left the room. Behind it the communications console still sputtered.

Serendi**** *ome in. Serendipity, this is Cen****. Do y** *ead, over.

Throughout the base, the only sound was the plaintive call of the radio.

Episode 2: Outback

The Protector moved down the alley; senses alert, punisher in hand. Part way down they stopped to listen. A faint moan echoed from the alley's recesses. The Protector moved on. At the far end something moved.

The Protector advanced cautiously. Whatever was making the noise was partially hidden by trash. With a steadying breath, the Protector whirled to face the source of the noise.

The bum emitted a startled gasp. Clutching a bottle in one dirty hand, he tried to fade further back into his rat like den. The Protector let out a sigh of relief and holstered her punisher.

Unlimbering her comm unit, she reported in.

Station 12 this is Anderson. I've got a bum at the back of an alley off of Hartford. Send a unit.

Anderson clipped the comm unit back onto her belt after acknowledging the station's reply. She prepared for an uneasy wait for the mobile unit.

The recent series of crimes had everyone on the force on edge. In the past three weeks fourteen women had disappeared with the first ones to go turning up dead two weeks after their disappearance. Eight men had been found at the sites of the various abductions, brutally beaten and mutilated.

The faint sound of a shoe scraping ground sent Anderson spinning around. She looked at the bum who had just wandered into the alley from behind her raised punisher. Her breath gusted out as she remonstrated herself for her own skittishness. She uncoiled from her crouch.

A powerful arm grabbed her from behind and lifted her from the ground. A smelly hand covered her face. Other hands grabbed her, pulling the punisher from her grasp. Her struggles were useless against her attackers.

Dark figures moved into her view. One pushed the second bum ahead of it. Clubs and knives appeared in the hands of three attackers where they stood in front of the two cowering bums. Anderson watched in helpless horror as the three beat the men to death and then mutilated the bodies.

Finished, the attackers moved off with their prize to the mouth of the alley. A dull blue van with mud on its sides pulled up. They moved to the back. The doors popped open.

Anderson saw two dark garbed figures rise from where they crouched around a third figure. The third was another captive; her mouth, hands, and feet taped. They bundled Anderson into the van and began trussing her up in a similar fashion.

The mobile unit arrived a minute after the van had departed. The Protectors found the remains of the two bums in the alley. By the time morning rolled around, three more names would be added to the list of missing women and one removed. The associated male body count would have risen to thirteen

Episode 3: Wakings

A ll right! I'm coming .

Anhock pulled a robe around him as he headed for the door to his private quarters. The door chimes rang again.

This had better be damn important, said Anhock as he yanked open the door.

It is commander, said the uniformed man on the other side. More important than you could realize.

THE COMM UNIT BEEPED insistently. A hand groped in the dark, fumbling its way to the console. The receive button was blindly stabbed.

Who's there, mumbled a sleepy voice, partly muffled by a pillow.

Corwin? You there?

No, answered Corwin rolling over closer to the comm unit. This is a programed recording. At the tone, leave your message and I'll be in touch.

This is Anhock. Meet me in my office in ten minutes.

What? asked Corwin, coming further awake. A glance at his clock showed it to be 0223.

Do you know what time it is?

Yes. Ten minutes. My office. The rest of Rogue Squadron will be there. Be on time or I'll send security to get you.

Before Corwin could reply the connection was cut. For a moment he lay staring at the ceiling in puzzlement. What was so important that it couldn't wait for morning?

Well, said Corwin to himself with a sigh. I won't find out sitting here.

Quietly, Corwin slipped from bed and began dressing. When he was dressed and ready to leave, a voice asked, Where're you going?

Corwin moved over to the bed and sat down on the side.

Anhock called. He needs to see me and the others now. Go back to sleep and I'll tell you about it later.

Okay, said the woman sleepily.

Corwin kissed her goodbye and headed off toward Anhock's office.

VLAJMAR DOESN'T ANSWER."

You reached the others?

All but him. Either he's out of his room or else just not answering.

Do we need him?

Look, said Anhock, a touch of irritation creeping into his voice. If your problem is anything like what I think it is, all the members of Rogue Squadron are needed.

Security, he snapped, opening a new line. Vlajmar is not answering his comm unit. Go to his room and get him and bring him here. If he's not there, find him. I want him here in ten minutes.

Episode 4: Briefing

The door to Anhock 's office opened. Vlajmar was escorted inside, a security guard on each side. They left him there and departed.

Vlajmar looked around the office. Anhock stood behind his desk, hands clasped behind his back. Corwin and Lavinia sat in two of the chairs facing the desk, looking bored and extremely put out. Off to one side stood a man in uniform.

About time, said Anhock. Sit down and we can get started.

What's this all about? asked Vlajmar as he took a seat.

What this is all about is a problem with national security, said the uniformed man.

Captain Bronson here, said Anhock with a wave of his hand toward the officer, is here to request our help.

He couldn't wait for the morning? asked Corwin.

No. I couldn't, said Bronson. "What I have to tell you can't wait.

"The military is engaged in a very classified project out west. A holdover from before the riots. As a result, you can imagine what kind of security precautions we have.

"Despite all our security, we have had a breach. At first, we didn't think it was anything serious. There were some computer problems with records, small things that could easily be attributed to operator error. Things got worse.

"We first became concerned when some of the maintenance droids malfunctioned. While the malfunctions were quickly traced and the problems were not life threatening, they very well could have become so. Then the construction droids went bad. Several workers were injured. A full scale investigation of the problem turned up nothing.

"During the investigation there were no more problems. We figured that we had scared off whoever was doing these things. We were wrong. The next thing to go bad was one of our security drones. It killed a technician.

After that we closed down the entire operation. Everyone was reinvestigated. Every piece of hardware and software was gone over and anything that we had any doubt about was replaced. When operations resumed, we kept an eye out for anything. There was no sign of any kind of trouble until last week.

What happened last week? asked Lavinia.

The entire population of the complex was wiped out.

Silence filled the room.

That's why they need our help, said Anhock in a subdued voice. Whoever did this did it by computer and that puts it in our basket.

There is a transport standing by to take you to the base. If we leave now we can be there by tomorrow morning.

Why the rush? asked Vlajmar.

"Whatever caused the machines on the base to kill is still out there. If whoever did that can get by all our security and reprogram harmless machines into death dealing dreadnoughts, I'd rather not think about how easy it would be to do the same thing in a major city.

The sooner you find out how it was done, the sooner we can stop it from happening ever again.

Episode 5: Leaving

The drizzle battered lightly on the outside of the van. Water streaked the windows through which the dimly lit airfield could be seen. The van pulled to a stop by one of the main hangars dotting the field.

The doors slid back, disgorging the passengers into the night. They hustled through the chilling mist to the relative warmth of the hangar's inside. A modest crowd already occupied the inside. The latest arrivals moved over to join the group.

What's the delay? asked Corwin.

Nothing serious, answered Anhock moving toward the members of Rogue Squadron through the crowd. Captain Bronson is just moving the plane over from a different part of the field. When he gets here, we will begin boarding.

Why all the others? asked Vlajmar, waving to the assembled throng. I thought the captain wanted secrecy.

He does, but I want to make sure we're protected. I feel better relying on our personnel than on those supplied by the captain. I may have to cooperate with him, but that doesn't mean I have to trust him.

Getting paranoid in your old age? jibed Lavinia.

Just being cautious as usual, replied Anhock. Besides, he continued with a grin. I'm going to need someone around who's used to dealing with you delinquents and has a chance of at least curbing your malignant tendencies.

I do believe we have been insulted, said Corwin, trying his best to sound hurt.

Anhock snorted.

Just then, the roar of an airplane's engines could be heard approaching the hangar. The crowd drifted towards the hangar doors in anticipation of boarding.

Peering out through a rain splattered window, they watched the jet slowly emerge from the dark. It stopped a little away from them and a boarding ladder could be dimly seen being rolled to the plane.

Suddenly, the outside exploded in a blinding flash as the plane erupted into a fireball. The concussion of the blast shattered windows and knocked several people off their feet. Flaming wreckage fell from the sky to lay burning on the airfield near the roaring remains of the plane.

The wail of emergency vehicles could be heard coming in their direction, their flashing red lights pale next to the inferno that was once their transport.

I guess the flight will be delayed, murmured Vlajmar.

Not only that, said Anhock grimly. But someone knows that we're involved and doesn't like it.

Well, at least this assignment won't be boring, said Corwin.

Let's just hope we survive it, said Lavinia.

Episode 6: Arrival

The transport fell out of the sky. Its wheels squealed on the tarmac as the plane slowed and began to taxi over to one side of the small airfield. When it had pulled adjacent to a modest sized hangar, it stopped and killed its engines.

The passengers disembarked, blinking in the bright sunlight. They headed for the shelter of the hangar. A man moved out to greet them.

Glad to see you could make it sir.

Everyone else arrive okay?

Yes. You're the last group.

Excellent.

They entered the hangar. Inside was a buzz of activity. Several military transports were being loaded with equipment. Personal belongings were being stowed aboard a troop carrier.

We almost have everything loaded and ready to go, said Metlan. I've had all our stuff double checked and our own people are doing all the loading. We'll be ready to move out in about another hour or two.

Good, replied Anhock as he and Rogue Squadron moved through the hangar to the opposite end from which they had entered. Any word from the base?

Only that they are expecting us, answered Metlan, stopping to sign a lading form. I told them that we should reach them some time tonight. They've set up quarters for us.

Vlajmar stopped and peered into the back of one of the troop carriers.

We have to ride in one of these? he asked, incredulous.

Ordinarily, yes, said Anhock. But they want us out there as soon as possible. Therefore, you will have to forgo the scenic five hour ground tour and make do with the alternate transportation they have provided for us.

Anhock headed out the back door, followed by Rogue Squadron. They stopped just outside the door and looked at their alternate transport.

A large helicopter sat in the circle of a helipad. It appeared compact, efficient and very deadly. Missiles were racked underneath. Gun pods were affixed to each side as well as front and rear. The rugged copter looked as if it were ready to fight a war.

A figure emerged from the far side of the copter.

That's your pilot, said Metlan. "They sent the leader of their air defenses for the base. She's supposed to be their best pilot as well as the only one with combat experience.

Well, I'll leave you in her hands. I have to get back inside.

Metlan left them as the pilot moved their way. She was dressed in black coveralls with an impressive sidearm blatantly apparent.

Commander Anhock? I'm Madilwich. I'm here to take you out to Serendipity base.

Episode 7: Decision

Medlaskiv rolled over . Absently he reached out. His hand encountered nothing. Groggily, he raised himself and peered sleepily around the room. A figure stood silhouetted near the window in a pool of pale light. He got up.

What's wrong? he asked, placing his hand on Llwedanoskivor's shoulder.

Nothing, really, she answered with a smile. She turned to him and encircled him with her arms. I was just thinking.

About? he gently prompted her.

He's out there again, she answered softly. He just stands there and stares out into space. He's been like this for two weeks. Ever since...

Medlaskiv cut her off by placing a fingertip lightly on her lips.

You know as well as I do how he is. Something is bothering him and its more than just the loss of an agent. Whatever it is, he'll let us know when and if he wants. In the meantime, all we can do is wait and hope he finds something to occupy his mind.

They moved away from the window and headed back to the bed.

I know I shouldn't worry, But you'll have to admit he's acting strange even for him.

He's a very strange person.

I know. I also think you're underestimating the impact on him of 'losing an agent'. He hates to lose any of us, but when one of us dies, I think it hits him harder than we think. And when the one to die is as close to him as...

Llwedanoskivor stopped talking and turned with Medlaskiv to face the door. A figure stood framed in the doorway.

We leave tomorrow afternoon. Be ready by 1500. I'll let the others know.

Al-Jihads turned and left the room before either Llwedanoskivor or Medlaskiv could say anything. He moved down the hall towards his own quarters. On the way he stopped at the rooms of the others present in the complex and informed them of the impending departure in the same brisk manner.

:ARE YOU CERTAIN THAT THIS IS WISE?:

I never am, responded Al-Jihads without emotion. But I can't ignore the problem and it may take my mind off of other things.

:LIKE THE DEATH OF ...:

I told you I didn't want to talk about it, snapped Al-Jihads. Ever.

:IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT:

It's not a question of fault. It's a question of many other things. Too many.

Al-Jihads slowly paced about his room, lost in brooding thought. Outside the sky began to brighten with the first faint rays of the rising sun.

Episode 8: Investigation

The alley was crowded with people. Protectors were everywhere. One was off to the side at the alley mouth questioning the couple that had found the body. Others swarmed about the alley; photographing, measuring, taking samples. In the center of all the activity lay the body; oblivious to all under its sheet.

The car stopped by the curb. The red light on the dashboard died with the engine. The door opened and the occupant got out and headed toward the activity. A flashed badge gained them access to the scene.

Two men dressed in the black of the forensic division wheeled the body out on a stretcher. The new arrival, dressed in the dark blue of homicide with captain's braids, stopped the man who followed the stretcher out.

The victim?

The man stopped and blinked. Beady eyes, deep set behind thick glasses, regarded his questioner. He fumbled with a worn notebook.

Victim was female, caucasian, late twenties. Blond hair, blue eyes. About five nine, one twenty. Had a birthmark on the inside of her left thigh. No apparent cause of death.

ID?

Body was found by that couple, continued the man, pointing vaguely in the direction of the people being questioned a short distance away. No identification. We'll check dental records and try to track down the birthmark. Also, we found what looked like special prescription contacts. We'll let you know about that after we run some tests.

Any connection with the missing women?

I have no idea captain.

Get me the report as soon as you can.

No problem, said the man, replacing the notebook in his coat pocket and moving off.

The activity in the alley was winding down. The Protectors were moving off to study their gathered data. The couple was let go with a reminder to come down to the station and answer further questions the following day.

The captain moved back to the car and got in. Fingers quickly brought a small screen to life. Information scrolled past. Quickly typed questions garnered an answer. The body just found matched roughly one of the women that had disappeared two weeks ago that night. A quick inquiry yielded the information about the other woman to disappear that night.

The radio beeped. Turning off the screen, the captain answered.

Clenteco. What you got?

Another stiff was just found over on Decker, behind the Quik-Mart. Lady. Might be one of yours.

Thanks. I'm on it.

Episode 9: Inquisition

She woke slowly.

As awareness returned, Anderson found herself in what she referred to as the examination room. Once more she was laid out on a table; metal clamps holding her firmly in place by wrist and ankle. An arc lamp glared down on her.

Every day since her capture, she had awakened in this room. Each day she was poked and prodded, had samples taken, endured seemingly meaningless tests only to be taken back to her cell for the remainder of the day.

The purpose of all the tests eluded her. Many seemed redundant. Trying to talk with her captors had proven futile. If she only knew what they were looking for she might stand a chance.

Today the tests will be different.

Anderson started. The voice boomed at her from seemingly everywhere in the room. It was mechanical, leached of any emotion. It was also the first voice she had heard since her captivity had begun.

Who are you? What do you want? she addressed the room.

You will confine yourself to answering the questions only, responded the voice dispassionately.

But if you...

Her reply was cut off by a howl of pain. Every nerve of her body was afire. Searing agony bathed her entire being. She arched painfully, her body taut in the clamps grip, straining to break free. After an eternity, the pain ended.

She collapsed back to the table. She was covered in sweat. Her breath seared her throat as she gasped for air. Her heart threatened to burst from her chest.

Are you prepared to cooperate or must you be punished again? inquired the voice tonelessly.

Anderson tried to collect her scattered thoughts. She licked dry lips and tried to swallow in a still constricted throat. She hesitated, considering her reply.

The pain consumed her once more.

When it had passed, the voice said, Silence is an unacceptable answer and will be punished. Are you ready to cooperate?

Yes, breathed Anderson in reply.

You will answer the questions truthfully and to the fullest extent of your ability. Any attempt on your part to deceive will be punished.

With that the voice began to bombard Anderson with questions. At first she tried to follow the questions, but there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the questions. Sometimes the voice was dissatisfied with her response and she would be punished. Other times she was too slow in answering and sometimes she thought she was punished just for the sake of the punishment itself. After the first couple of hours she slipped into a state where she was shouting answers to the questions no matter how ridiculous they were.

When the questions stopped, she found herself bracing for a shock. Slowly, she relaxed. Two of her captors moved into the room and began to free her for transfer to her cell.

"We shall