Metal Deep: Infinite - Metal Wing: Episode 5 by GX Knight Read Free Book Online Page B

AGENT
    How did life get so sideways so fast?

    Spyral backed me into the door. “Comply or be terminated,” She ordered again when I was out of retreating room. The jet and I faced off almost nose to nose. Her guns spun ready to spray me with plasma burning bullet shells until I was a nothing but a puddle of chum to be mopped from the floor. My hands fell to each of the pistols I carried. A lot had been said about them. I wondered if I could believe the hype. It felt like a lifetime had passed since my arena days, but the comfort I enjoyed as I yanked the pistols from their holsters was like coming back home to an old friend’s house. With my best speed I aimed at the spinning guns and fired two blue plasma energy bolts.

    Spyral actually laughed as the plasma splashed harmlessly into superheated clouds that evaporated into smoke, “As a precaution I have been molecularly shielded to counter the effects of your weapons. Did you believe they would give you a weapon they could not defend against? Why do you think your ship was given an Artificial Intelligence? They could not risk you going rogue, and it looks as if their fear has been confirmed. Albeit, much sooner than expected. I’m sorry to do this Captain, but you did fire first.”

    I did a quick mental search over what little I knew about my warsuit, but I stood no chance at point blank range of her guns. Spyral was a warplane designed to track and shoot vehicles traveling faster than sound. There was no hope that even with my new NX-8 enhanced reflexes that I could escape that kind of weapons shower. I was stuck, and I was going to die.

    I lifted my chin, holstered my pistols, and braced to die. I asked myself how I could have been so stupid. I didn’t get a chance to answer. I shook and then fell to the floor as two gigantic balls of ear splitting lightning crashed into Spyral with a thunderous smack. All her lights turned off, her engines and weapons powered down, and even the hydraulics in her landing gear sagged, giving her an off-tilt, passed-out demeanor.

    Cautiously I rose, my stomach was in knots. I reached a hand out and tapped the smoking hull. Nothing. My feet stayed locked in place, but I had to see what I happened. I leaned over with dumbstruck curiosity to peer around Spyral’s wing. I didn’t know what to do or say as I realized the pearl-colored jet had moved beside us and fired those shots.

    Was it another A.I.? “Thanks,” I said in way that almost sounded questioning.
     
    I guess I should have expected a response since I was almost killed by one computer, but for some reason I was taken aback when the other jet responded, “You’re welcome, Rayce.” Her voice was soft and kind. Yesterday I had no idea there was such a thing as a cognitive computer. Now, I’ve stumbled upon cognitive computers with different personalities. Can’t wait until that tech goes public and guys start falling in love with their frakkin toasters.

    I didn’t know what else to say. The jet just sat there, silent. It was definitely a little awkward. “Is she dead?” I eventually asked.

    “That EMP blast won’t keep her out for long. I’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of sharing a hangar with Spyral for some time. When she wakes she will be of an ill temperament. I believe the statement I’m looking for is: Come with me if you want to live .”

    Considering my options, I couldn’t argue. She introduced herself as Sabra. She was more of an interceptor designed for speed as opposed to Spyral’s intent for war. She wasn’t totally finished, but she was flightworthy. Thankfully her EMP launchers and a single chain-cannon were functional. Sabra talked me through how to button her up enough to get us off the ground, and then I wasted no time climbing into the cockpit so we could jet .

    We taxied to a large door that led to a wide underground launch tunnel. Sabra’s voice remained smooth, “Spyral tried to sound an alarm, but I was able to block the