The Metal World Trilogy: The Last Battle

By James Gaughran

Questions are answered and the world is changing once again but at what cost?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 11, 2017
• ISBN: 9780244054601

Book preview

The Metal World Trilogy: The Last Battle

The Metal World Trilogy:

The Last Battle

Prologue

In a large white room, sat looking at a full length mirror was a man. He sat alone in a barely lit room, his breathing was heavy and laboured. His body was deformed, it looked as though he had suffered an accident which had meant much of his body was scarred. His hair was part dark part grey.

The man was the World Leader and he was taking in his appearance in disgust, it had been many a year since he had moved from behind his desk. He felt deep down some kind of remorse but if it was a true emotion he could not tell, he was far older than his mangled appearance revealed and had been cold and heartless for so much of his life he was not sure what emotion was any longer, he could also not conceive the horrific acts he had committed during his life were horrific, he had meticulously justified every decision he had ever made, every cruel act he had inflicted on others had been for a purpose and was necessary in his mind. This was why he could not understand what he felt.

He turned away from the mirror and using an electronic mobility chair he returned to his desk. In silence he sat looking at a small tablet screen that flashed updates, war was breaking out below. Rebellion against the World Council needed to be controlled.

I’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much for this to happen now, He snarled to himself, his voice croaking as he spoke.

The World Leader was oblivious to what was really happening, what life was really like outside these few walls that surrounded him. He managed his armies fighting extraterrestrials and now civilians below from his desk like playing a game, this was an apt description of his grasp on reality as it was anyway.

The hours past and there he remained seated, barely moving, watching always in silence, unawares a net was closing around him, his time was short.

Chapter One

When change comes it comes in two ways, silently and with complete acceptance slipping in unnoticed like a thief in the night or it comes with a bang that causes ripples in all corners of life and existence itself. It divides opinion and so like a spoilt child screams and shouts until it gets its own way irrespective of if the change it wants is right or wrong.

Change was now well and truly coming and it was coming with a bang. The world below was screaming and it tried hard to force through the changes it needed and so like the calm before a storm the people of the world waited with baited breath.

Those that were driving the change were under enormous pressures, they knew that the change was right and was needed but they also knew war was not a game. The people involved in the fight would be real people, they would be driven by the decisions of those in charge and would be putting their lives in their hands.

Blake knew this and thought almost daily of it, so far he had managed to get everyone from The Ground safely and put them into a city unknown to any of them without much distress his biggest concern now was he was asking many of them to fight for him.

He knew they were all designed for this very purpose and that he had assigned them all military style positions of guards already but now he was taking it forward, he was not asking them to defend people if they came under attack, he was asking to attack the people holding them back.

War meant death, the price of death was a heavy burden, even now he was beginning to feel the weight of this burden though he would not allow himself to concede to it just yet. Alanandrew and Dynasty had not returned, there had been no sign of them and he feared the worst deep down. People noticed this and began to seem a bit down trodden, the night of celebrations was over and now the long hard task was ahead of them.

Blake was now sat in the Town Hall, in a large ornately decorated room. Faces of other Mayors hung in a row and stared down at the large, round, oak table which was surrounded by Blake, Dutchie, Force and the man from the Tribe, a representative of Francis known as Marcus and Hunter McGivin.

Blake’s thoughts of Alanandrew and Dynasty were interrupted as he realised Dutchie was trying to speak with him.

Sorry, I was miles away, Blake chuckled.

No problem, do you know how quickly we will be ready to mobilize? Dutchie asked him. We need a few people to visit the villages dotted around, we will need to recruit from everywhere.

But if they’re not involved either way is there truly a need to drag them into this? Blake replied. If we can keep it to just the cities I’m sure the towns will look after themselves.

Are you willing to take that risk though? Hunter asked. I mean if we don’t at least approach these people someone else might. I think we need to at least send one or two people out to get them to see things our way.

You see, I don’t think we will need to make them see anything. I’m sure pretty much everyone feels the same, if we go getting them involved in too much it might cause entire cultures to be lost, Blake responded. My first port of call would be to go to Dector and look at what’s there.

Dector? Marcus asked. What would you need to go there for?

We will definitely need to go there at some point before we do anything, Dutchie intervened. But as the first thing we do, I do not see a need for that.

Well I think personally the best course of action is to split up, multiple information gathering, Force suggested. We could send a small team to each of the villages and another larger team to Dector. This second team could then also head to Emprovosa to request their assistance.

The others all nodded in agreement.

Do you have a list of those enrolled yet? Hunter asked Dutchie.

We’re starting to form some order, I think those with the most fighting background, so the firms or Blake’s men will be best to begin the army, Dutchie replied.

Ok, let’s get that sorted, Hunter said. If we can get a team assembled for the morning then we can make a start.

Everyone nodded, satisfied a suitable conclusion had been reached the table then turned its attention to the man from the Tribe. He had been sat quietly listening to everyone, he had not spoken or even moved, he seemed quite apprehensive.

Now we’ve kept you here because we are not foolish enough to think the Tribe will play no part in events about to unfold, Dutchie began. You asked for me directly and you referred to the Silo which has captured my curiosity. I know from past experiences Morse is the leader of the Tribe so I assume it is he who has sent you but why? Who are you?

Morse is dead, The man stated. He was killed during an Ackneckshoba at Emprovosa, we are now under the command of Luke and it is his wish that we come here and offer our services to you and to protect the people of the Silo.

You met Luke? Blake asked eagerly. Where did you see him?

Briefly, as he left Emprovosa, The man told Blake.

What’s Emprovosa? Blake asked curiously.

It’s a city, if Luke is in charge of the Tribe after an Ackneckshoba then Morse must have challenged Luke to it. Why did he challenge Luke to Ackneckshoba? Dutchie asked, trying hard to keep concern from entering his voice so as not to worry Blake, unfortunately the fact Dutchie was pressing the matter was concern enough for Blake.

What’s Ackneckshoba? Blake asked pronouncing it slowly as though looking for clues in the letters.

It’s a battle to the death, Morse challenged Luke to it after he stole Morse’s newest woman on their wedding day. Morse had took possession of Blend fairly from this city, I myself came and collected her, The man explained calmly. Blake heard what he said and as the man’s words sunk in he suddenly realised what he was being told, his anger boiled.

You collected her! He snapped. Morse possessed her! This is not acceptable how dare you!

Blake flung his chair from behind him causing it to topple and crash loudly, he then pounced over the table at the man but Dutchie managed to grab him as he did. He pulled him down and tried to restrain him though Blake proved to be stronger than him.

Blake calm down, Dutchie tried to sooth him. I know it looks bad but this is the world we live in. The main thing to take from the story is they are safe, if Luke has managed to retrieve her it means they’re now all together. When they left the city they said they were going to find her so just take relief in the fact that they have.

Blake was not as easily relieved as Dutchie hoped, he was still quite visibly annoyed but he did turn and sit back down in his chair fixing the man with an icy glare.

They headed in the direction of The City of Sin, I believe they may have been heading to the Bullet train, Tockensite but it seemed almost as if they themselves did not know where they were going, The man continued. Anyway I was told to offer my services and the services of all Luke’s Tribe.

Blake chuckled slightly at how absurd it seemed that these people now followed Luke despite not knowing anything about him. The man looked confused at Blake’s response but Blake did not care as his thoughts were interrupted by Dutchie.

The City of Sin? He gasped. Blake, perhaps you are right, perhaps now is the time to head to Dector. We need to ensure they’ve not ended up there.

Why not there? I thought you said it was heavily guarded, enough to prevent them entering?

The problem is, they don’t just turn you around, they don’t even take you into the city. If you get caught near Dector, you’re dead, Dutchie told Blake, his face now pale with concern.

It had not occurred to Dutchie they may pass so close to the city and now he feared they may be in grave danger. Blake’s concern was voicing itself loudly as Blake shouted and barked orders at no one in particular but Dutchie heard none of it, it was only as then a very average almost unnoticeable he was that plain man walked into the room. He approached Dutchie, leant into him and whispered in his ear. Dutchie automatically shot Blake a glance as his own face dropped, the man was whispering news that Dutchie knew he and Blake could do without.

Blake watched the man and knew immediately something was wrong as Dutchie looked up at him with grave concern on his face. Dutchie replied to the man who swiftly left the room before he walked over to Blake. Dutchie then dismissed everyone from the room and told Force to return the man of the Tribe and keep watch over them, he told the man himself to wait for further orders.

What’s up? Blake asked apprehensively knowing the news would no doubt be bad.

I don’t know how to tell you this, I knew you were concerned about Alanandrew so I sent a small team along to investigate, see if they could see where he was. They reached the silo to find the explosion has forced it shut, I don’t believe he made it, Dutchie told Blake solemnly.

Blake was speechless. He sat gawping at Dutchie for a few moments unsure what to say.

Did you find Dynasty? He asked.

There was no one, Dutchie said. I have ordered them to force their way into the Silo though, there’s still a chance they might be alive. I just wanted to let you know as if the force of the blast has done that much damage it may be best to prepare for the worst.

Blake nodded, he knew this wouldn’t be the last time he would have to receive such bad news and have to continue, he had already been put through it with Enzo. He instead forced himself to save his grieving until everything was over, he would commemorate every fallen person and there was still the glimmer of hope they were both ok.

Let’s get ready to move to Dector then, Blake said, changing the subject there were too many painful and horrible thoughts he could do without and they still had a difficult task at hand.

Dutchie nodded. He remembered facing his first loss in command of the family, he had been involved in battles before but never responsible. Knowing it was due to him someone on his team was dead had caused him a greater amount of guilt then pulling the trigger and taking the life of someone himself. People he killed were people he didn’t care about, people that were killed for him were people he loved and respected.

Chapter Two

Orion stood at the entrance to the building of the World Council, he looked out at the camp before him. His decisions had been made and it was now just a question of timing.

Within every city below was at least one Drone, Droid and Soldier, their job was to remain inconspicuous and monitor everything that happened. If the world council required something done within a selected city it was these people that were contacted. It was usually arranged so they held a position of power within the city and so were able to influence decisions.

Orion had received several reports from these contact points, he’d had the Droid assassinate a target in Parensigh already with the authorisation of the World Leader, he’d also arranged counter arguments in Emprovosa against the uprising which had resulted in enough chaos in the city to halt any revolutionary actions.

Orion now however decided that Parensigh needed more attention. It was clear they were beginning to organise themselves as they’d managed to defeat the Unit sent to them. He’d had a final report a few days ago from the Soldier in the ground but had since lost contact.

He wanted the Soldier to begin to counter the uprising in Parensigh as had happened in Emprovosa. Orion was curios however as the Droid and the Soldier had been submitting conflicting information about the state of Parensigh, Orion had followed the Soldiers reports as he was aware the Droid had a lack of emotion and people judgement that the Soldier would have.

Orion decided however he would this time send his orders through the Droid, as news of betrayals within the K16 Experiment began to become a repeated pattern within the data that was stored on the world network. Orion had grown concerned with the Soldier in Parensighs reliability. It had recently been brought to Orion’s attention that the Soldier within Parensigh was K16 Experiment and so the Droid would need to ensure the Soldiers loyalty first.

Sir, A voice spoke to announce its speakers presence. Orion turned his head to face the man standing at the foot of the stairs that led up t the door. We have secured the prisoners in the outer chamber, we are awaiting commands from the World Council.

Good, Orion spoke, his voice sounding raspy as his sound box had decayed slowly over time. I am awaiting my maintenance, orders will not be issued until tomorrow. Until this time, ensure the prisoners are watched closely, it appears we have created a too advanced experiment with K16.

The Soldier nodded and turned back around once more, the sun hung low in the sky casting far reaching shadows through the barracks. High buildings rose all around, not beautiful ornate buildings like the World Council but tower like blocks. They stood tall, grey and unappealing in contrast to the golden sunlight.

From one of these grey buildings came two large Drones, they were not designed to have any kind of human appearance and instead were clearly more machine, they hovered above the ground and moved across the large expanse at great speed. This was Orion’s service, he’d arranged it himself as he now would need mobility amongst other things for his plan to work.

Chapter Three

Groggily and with immense difficulty Alanandrew sat up, he felt as though he had been hit by a train. His head ached and as he put his hand gently to it he felt dried blood, he sat up and opened his eyes only to be confronted by a darkness so complete he may well have kept his eyes closed.

Hello? He called out. Number One? Dynasty?

Silence, not even the sound of movement confronted him. He got clumsily to his feet and put out his hands to try and help him as he moved. He could feel nothing in front of him and shuffled cautiously trying not to trip as he felt objects on the ground.

He feared for Number One and Dynasty as he had not seen them pass through the door, he saw they had reached extremely close before the fireball that illuminated everything blinded him. It had forced him back and he had no idea what had happened since.

The smell of burning filled his nostrils but he could not see any flames or fire. He continued his shuffle forwards and finally reached the doors to The Ground. They’d been forced shut and so Alanandrew was suddenly filled with relief, if the door had been shut Dynasty and Number One must have made it.

He pulled open the doors and the room filled with light, fires burned all over. He could now see the room clearly, the glass shattered and scattered everywhere. Pipes bent and damaged and debris all over, the once depressed Droid that hung limp in the corner was now blown to pieces but what Alanandrew was looking for the most he could not find.

He scanned the room in search of Dynasty and Number One but could not see them anywhere. Fear gripped him mixed with guilt, he could not remember what had happened before he was rendered unconscious but what if it was he, Alanandrew who had shut the doors, trapping Dynasty and Number One and so sending them to their deaths. No one could have survived in there.

Hello, He called again. Can anybody hear me?

He walked into the Ground. Smoke filled his nose and fires burned all around but he heard no response and could see no one. As he scanned his surrounding area he spotted something unusual, the blast must have forced open another chamber completely disguised as just a wall but now clearly visible. He decided to head towards this in the hope they may be in here.

The ground beneath his feet was charred and hardened, as he walked to the door he kept an eye out for Dynasty and Number One but as he passed through into the once concealed chamber he’d still not managed to see them.

Dynasty? Number One? He called out as he entered.

The chamber was bare, there was nothing at all other than lights illuminating the way. The chamber walls were sleek and smooth, he looked back and saw he could see into the chamber, the one that led between The Ground and outside to Parensigh.

He looked into the chamber just tucked away where all the Clones had been kept. The cages were now all damaged or just opened and as such were all empty. Behind the door that had been forced open was a single handle used to open it and these were the only things in the entire part of this chamber.

Alanandrew decided to follow it round as the other way disappeared around the gentle curve of the Silo. He thought perhaps it would be unlikely that Dynasty and Number One would have walked so far down here without Alanandrew unless they had seen him unconscious and believed him to be dead. With the doors outside of the chamber jammed shut they would have needed to find another way out and this would have seemed a likely route.

As he walked the darkness was lit up by lights overhead, they must have been motioned sensory, the lights behind him went off and left only darkness. The passageway seemed to go on forever and Alanandrew began to worry that it would just go full circle. He continued along and then, just ahead of him a flight of stairs rose as he’d already begun this way he thought it would make sense to continue.

Still there was nothing, smooth walls, smooth steps. It appeared as though this entire passage way was perfectly indistinguishable. There was no side rail with the steps and it seemed to Alanandrew like there were hundreds of them. They rose higher and higher and after a few minutes he reached the top.

As he stepped onto the level ground he saw instantly that this part was completely different. It was not just another passageway but appeared to be a secondary chamber. Although it was only as wide as the passageway there were computers and monitoring equipment everywhere. There was a small desk in the centre with a series of chairs surrounding it and paper strewn all around.

On the wall that would be facing outwards to Parensigh was a series of shelves which contained strange vials and jars with embryos or organs or body parts. Alanandrew turned away from these in horror and was confronted with an enormous window that looked out over The Ground.

He could see he had walked all the way to the edge of the city, it would have been to the right of the Cargo Elevator if he was stood with his back to it and he was a third of the way up. He knew the window must have been somehow disguised behind the metal wall like a two way mirror.

From the state of the chamber it looked as though people had left in a hurry, there was a mug of coffee left, the milk had now long curdled and the rim was stained black in layered rings. Computers were still running and the paper on the desk was clearly what had been looked at, a pen rested on top with notes scribbled all around.

Alanandrew looked out the window and scanned the city, he could see in the distance the door which he had entered through and so scanned his gaze back to the edge of the city, hoping to see Dynasty or Number One lay on the ground somewhere. Once again he was left disappointed.

At the other end of the chamber was another door and so he continued through this instead. He was rapidly losing hope but he did not know how long he had been unconscious for, they could have made it through this entire passageway with him lay out cold.

Once again there was a smooth indifference, no indications of any life at all within the passageway. If he’d not just passed through the second chamber he would not have known he had moved anywhere at all, everything was so identical he may well have been walking on a conveyor belt not moving forwards at all.

He came once more after a few moments to another area that was clearly different from the rest, on his right was a door. He opened this door just to look in and saw what was undoubtedly the quarters of whoever was working here. There were four beds in this room and several chests of drawers and wardrobes but nothing much else, there was another door in the room, leading back the way he’d just come from. This was ajar and