Chapter 5: The Snakes Tail
The power went out completely. Oakhaven Metro looked like a dead animal from where Logan was standing on the hills of the Upper District. The only light came from the emergency lights on the Black Watch vehicles. They were driving around on the streets below.
Logan walked out of the servant door at Vance Manor. He was not wearing his jacket anymore. He walked down the path in the backyard being very quiet in the dark.
"Commander we have a problem " Marcus's voice came through Logan's earpiece. "General Diana Vance just sent three groups of soldiers to your location. They are surrounding the area. She knows someone important was at Donald Vance's party."
"She always acts fast, " Logan said, still walking. He got to the edge of the lawn. Saw a big iron fence. On the side of the fence was a dense forest. "What is the status of the power grid?"
"We took down the three towers, " Marcus said. "The Aegis team got all the parts. Now the Sterling Groups defense systems are running on power. Silas is blind now." Marcus stopped for a moment typing on his keyboard. ". Silas is not in his safe place anymore. When the power went out his vehicle was near the airfield at Sector 7. He is trying to leave the city."
Logan jumped up. Grabbed the top of the iron fence. He swung his body over the spikes. Landed quietly in the forest.
"He will not make it to the airfield, " Logan said, adjusting his earpiece. "He has a lot of stuff to move around in the dark. Ghost, can you connect me to the Black Watch's radio channel? I want to hear what my aunt is saying."
There was some static, then a woman's voice came on the radio.
"...all units, stay where you are at Sector 7. Do not hurt any civilians. If the target known as Vanguard tries to use non-lethal force until I get there. I want him alive."
Logan smiled. It was not a happy smile. He started jogging through the trees heading to a meeting point where a motorcycle was waiting for him. He thought she wanted me alive because she wanted answers.. Answers will not help Silas with what he owes.
Suddenly Logan stopped. His instincts told him something was wrong. He quickly moved to the side. Did a rolling dive into a ravine. A bullet flew through the air where his head had been. The sound of the bullet was very loud. It hit a big oak tree.
Logan leaned against the wall of the ravine breathing slowly. He looked up at the trees trying to see who was shooting at him.
There was no flash from the gun. He could not see any heat. The shooter had equipment that made them hard to see. One group had that kind of equipment. The Black Watch Huntsmen.
"Missed the target " a cold computer-like voice said from the trees. "We are moving in to attack."
Four dark figures appeared from the darkness coming down the hill fast. Their armor was black. Their masks had a red glow. They had knives that could cut through strong steel.
Logan did not pull out a gun. He stood up slowly, his hands at his sides. His chest was open to attack.
"You call me a traitor, " Logan said, his voice flat. ". You are wearing the armor my team designed. You are using the tactics I taught."
The leader of the group did not say anything. He attacked Logan with his knife.
Logan was not surprised. He moved into the attack avoiding the knife. His hand grabbed the soldier's neck and his elbow hit the soldier's arm. The armor. The soldier's knife fell to the ground.
Logan caught the knife. Threw it at another soldier. The knife hit the soldier's chest and the special vibrations made the suit stop working.
The other two soldiers stopped for a moment surprised by how Logan had taken down their friends.
"He's a monster, " one of them whispered over the radio.
"No, " Logan said, walking towards them. "I am the Commander."
Before they could get into position Logan attacked them. He did not use a gun or a knife. He just used his body. It was very effective. He kicked one soldier's knee and the soldier's helmet got hit, making him pass out.
In less than twenty seconds the four soldiers were lying on the ground hurt.
Logan stood up breathing normally. He took the radio from one of the soldiers. Spoke into it.
"General Vance, " Logan said.
There was a pause then his aunt's voice came on the radio shaking with emotion. "Logan you're alive."
"For now " Logan said coldly. "Tell your soldiers to stop playing in the woods. Silas Sterling is using your division as a distraction while he takes his money from the bank. If you want to protect the state, General, look at who's controlling you."
Logan did not wait for an answer. He crushed the radio under his foot.
He climbed out of the ravine. Got on a motorcycle that was hidden under a net. The engine started, making a quiet sound.
"Commander!" Marcus's voice came through Logan's earpiece, very urgent. "You were right. Silas did not go to the airfield. He is at the Oakhaven Central Bank. He has Julian with him. They are taking money and gold from the bank. They have also taken hostages, including Director Evelyn Thorne. They are using them as shields!"
Logan held the handlebars tightly, his knuckles turning white. He was very angry.
"Ghost, " Logan said, his voice. Scary. "Get the Vanguard weapons ready. No more hiding. No more games. Tonight we will attack the door."
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