Premonition 2: The Battle for Earth

Chapter #6: Into Hell Itself

***Meanwhile, under the surface level of Mecha Station***

As Stryker walked down the tunnels of the underground sewage of Mecha Station, he smiled sinisterly to himself. Everything had gone off without a hitch. Keiji must not have much experience dealing with someone of his intellect, because he had fallen right for the trap. Considering his face before he left, there was still a small chance Keiji could mount a counter offense against him. However, Stryker knew that he himself, was well motivated enough to handle Keiji and whatever he threw at him. Keiji was a small fry in the grand scheme of things and would not stop him from his ultimate goals. Earth would burn before Keiji got a chance to stop him. He would make sure of that.

As Stryker arrived in the spacious underground cavern that Zeta society had taken control of, he noticed William. William waved at Stryker and quickly hustled to his leader.

“Hail Zeta Society,” William said as a greeting to Stryker.

“Hail Zeta Society,” Stryker said. “Good job on your end of things. You have furthered my belief in you that one day you will surpass me.”

“Thanks,” William said. The two then walked towards the middle of the cavern, sitting down at a makeshift table that was set up. A few other Zeta society members who were sitting down left and gave them space. Stryker was brought some beverages; William as well. The two sat in each other’s company and drank for a few minutes. Stryker then spoke up.

“How is the production of pure NX7 going?” Stryker said.

“Good, we have several batches ready for human testing. Taking the light levels building and the NX7 holding facility was the right move sir,” William said.

“Great. Test the first batch on the people who are living in the tunnels. We shall use them as our test subjects. We need to make sure the pure NX7 is good enough to use on our members. Make adjustments accordingly,” Stryker ordered.

“Sure thing sir,” William said without hesitation.

“And what of our guest? The president,” Stryker asked.

“He remains with his family, awaiting their fate,” William said.

“Good, keep him waiting until I instruct you otherwise. We shall be moving them onto another ship – just as soon as we get word from our members, that they have secured the docking area below us,” Stryker said. William nodded and took another swig of his beverage. He briefly looked away from Stryker and looked pensively into the distance.

“What’s wrong my friend?” Stryker said. William took a moment, then looked back a Stryker.

“I still remember your promise to me back on Zeta Station, the day we decided that we would go on this crazy escapade. You still abide by it?” William questioned Stryker, who’s demeanor all of sudden changed from friendly to serious. Stryker who was looking at William straight, did not flinch one bit.

“Of course, my friend. Everything I have promised our members, including you, I shall deliver on,” Stryker said. “You will see your family again, William.”

“I want that more than anything……and would do anything to get it,” William said.

“That’s why you are my second,” Stryker said. “For myself, all I want is for Earth to pay for sending us to space without due process. The United Earth’s government shall feel my wrath, and no one…not even Keiji will stop me.”

“You ever think….it was the right move on their part?” William asked. “Sending us convicts to space?”

“No,” Stryker vehemently said. “Despite some, if not all of us having been in prison for several years, I am sure we could have served out our sentences and been back with our families. However, the passing of the bylaw 42 stopped all that. It inevitably sealed our fates. It was not fair, and everyone knew it. Sending us all to space, for punishment of breaking the law made us more of the enemy than needed to be. That is why Earth’s government must pay, William.  I am coming back there, and setting it on fire,”

“All I want is to see my family again, if you can guarantee that, then I’ll follow you into hell itself,” William said.

“Very good William,” Stryker said. “For now, keep watch of our operations as you have been doing so. I need to contact our other forces stationed at the other sister stations. We must be ready to coordinate.”

“Anything for the mission, sir,” William said as he got up and went back to work.