The Last Bastion of the Living (The Last Bastion #1)(113)

She clutched the empty rifle harness attached to his chest armor and wrapped her legs around his waist to secure herself. Yanking the knife out of his neck, she hacked at it as he twisted around, yowling in rage. Concentrating on killing him, Maria couldn’t allow herself to think of the man he used to be.

Denman tackled both of them to the ground. Stillson landed on his side, pinning Maria partially under him. His huge hand closed on Denman’s throat as the med-specialist rammed his small bolt gun into the side of Stillson’s throat. Bucking wildly, Stillson dislodged Denman. Maria yanked the knife out of Stillson’s flesh and pounded it into his skull over and over again. She didn’t even note when he stopped moving.

“He’s dead,” Denman gasped, pushing the heavy man off Maria. He gripped her blood-slicked hand and dragged her to her feet.

Breathing heavily, but not feeling truly winded, Maria’s eyes scrutinized the battle scene around them. Most of the Aberrations were dead. Only a few remained fighting. Some of the Boon were also dead. A few Aberrations were crouched over one fallen Boon, tearing at his face. Omondi dispatched them with mighty blows from his bolt weapon.

Maria could hear the swelling cries of the Scourge as they rushed toward the station. Gripping Denman’s hand, she gazed at him with frightened eyes.

“You’re not human,” Denman said with certainty.

The last of the Aberrations finally fell and the remainder of the squad stood in the blood drenched entrance of the building. Holm was badly wounded and leaned against McKinney. Cruz was barely standing. Omondi stood covered in blood and gore, a somber expression upon his face.

The howls of the Scourge grew louder.

“We should get in the carrier and get out of here,” Maria finally said.

“No need.” Omondi pointed toward The Bastion.

Maria turned to see tiltrotors rising above the city walls.

“They’re coming to get us,” Omondi said, relief in his voice. “This is nearly over.”



*



As soon as Commandant Pierce and her entourage arrived at the Constabulary, she dispatched most of the staff to the Constabulary Command Center.

“We need Special Sergeant Rooney,” Dwayne said, motioning for Lindsey to stay. He knew Lindsey would be able to find out the status of the Inferi Boon soldiers. He kept assuring himself that Maria could handle herself out on the field and that she was fine. But he wanted confirmation.

“Very well,” the commandant answered, then directed her focus to Dr. Curran. “You and I need to speak.”

Dr. Curran’s mouth twisted into a sour shape, her eyes staring at her pad intently.

“Dr. Curran, are you listening to me?”

“Yes, I am, Commandant Pierce. But I don’t know how I can help you. I am SWD.” She added as an afterthought, “At least I think I still am.”

“Don’t be so sure,” the commandant said.

Turning, she briskly led Dwayne, Caitlyn, Lindsey and Dr. Curran into the heart of the Constabulary. Dwayne was surprised when they arrived at his office. Petra looked up from her desk as they passed and he motioned for her to follow. She quickly fell into step. Once inside the room, Commandant Pierce motioned for him to lock it.

“Room lockdown. No transmissions in or out until I specify,” she said.

Dwayne lifted his eyebrows at the commandant.

“My office is bugged,” she answered with a shrug.

Lindsey put a finger to her lips, tugged out a pad that appeared to have been modified, and swept the room. Petra watched Lindsey thoughtfully while Caitlyn nervously took her father’s hand. Dr. Curran merely sighed and sat down heavily in a chair.

Commandant Pierce looked at Dwayne curiously, then slowly grinned as she fit the pieces together. “You’re one step ahead source, huh?” She pointed to Lindsey.

Dwayne shrugged.

Petra arched an eyebrow, looking slightly insulted.

“I am a man of many resources,” Dwayne admitted.

That mollified Petra and amused the commandant.

Lindsey climbed onto a chair and laid her pad against the wall. She swiftly tapped away on it before jumping back down.

“We’re clear now.”

“We need to find out what is going on out there,” Dwayne started.

“It can wait. We have other matters to deal with,” Commandant Pierce said, holding up a hand. “Have faith that our people can defend themselves.”

Dwayne started to protest, when Dr. Curran started to get to her feet.

“I don’t know why I’m here,” Dr. Curran said.

Commandant Pierce shoved the doctor into the chair. “Stay right here, Dr. Curran. Trust me. Be glad we made it back to the Constabulary.”

“What are you talking about?” Dwayne asked.

“We’re in the middle of a coup d’état,” Commandant Pierce answered simply.

“What?” Dwayne felt the blood rushing out of his head and he felt a little faint for a second.

“She’s not lying, Dad. I was there,” Caitlyn said somberly.

“Admiral Kirkpatrick is about to seize control of the entire city. The president was informed today that he should be prepared to resign for the greater good of the people. Admiral Kirkpatrick made it very clear to the president and the council that the SWD is not to be reckoned with. They’re going to clear the valley with what remains of our armament, then take full credit. Therefore, in a few weeks, when President Cabot announces that despite the victory over the Inferi Scourge there is still a dire food shortage and that he is declaring martial law until the crises is over, he is going to take the brunt of the blame. He will later resign and Admiral Kirkpatrick will officially take over.”