Previous Story: 64. The Purge Script - Part 4 (13th Street Camp)

Buck was back in the conference room along with the rest of the Peacemakers. This time every one of the Survivalists and Creators were also on the call. For the sake of clarity, it had been decided that only Buck, Lucky and Cyborg would speak.

Buck was summing up. "I’m sure we can all agree that Artemis and her team did brilliantly considering the circumstances. But unfortunately, there’s even more bad news. Flyboy’s drone also scanned some of the CyMS and detected a software program that Cynfo are calling Great Wall. Judging by today, it ain’t all that great."

"Far from it," remarked Cyborg. "I thought I could trust Ryder Arcadia. Apparently not."

Buck continued: "And with what my team saw, there’s little doubt that the Red Dragons have somehow found a way to control large groups of CyMS. Frankly, I’m not sure which of these two developments worries me more."

"We’re working on a counter-hack," added Cyborg. "And we’ve got plenty of big brains on our side too. Let’s hope we can regain the initiative."  

"At least there’s some good news," added Lucky. "The purge-script operation is well under way at 8th Street. They’re crowded with the new arrivals from 13th but we can return soon to check on progress."

"You’re right," said Buck. "And between us we saved quite a few lives today. I just hope we get the chance to save some more."

_________

Lady Rose liked controlling a number of properties; and there were certain advantages to having a nightclub. She, H3x, Rhino. Little Jenny, Gudu and Fei sat at the biggest table, each holding their favorite drink.

Rose held up hers. "To H3x – for coming up with something that could change everything. The Red Dragons already control part of San Lazaro. Now we have our own little army – and the chance to control it all."

___________

Ryder Arcadia settled down to sleep. He was glad that Winner and the others had made it back but the kid was getting carried away. Ryder knew it was impossible that Great Wall had been compromised. It was a force for good. He could save them all!

Later, he was again woken by a sudden urge to visit the lab, convinced that Winner and the CyMS should be working together. Quietly rising from his bed, he made his way to where the captive was kept. He found the key and unlocked the chains holding the CyMS to the gurney. He watched as the big man stood then gestured to the door. Surely, he and Winner could make an even better Great Wall! Then they could save everyone. Ryder smiled.

___________

Winner returned to his terminal in the lab, having just visited the restroom. His wounded cheek ached and he was exhausted but he knew he had to fix the damage that his program had caused. There was clearly something very wrong with Ryder Arcadia: he didn’t seem to even think there was a problem!

Winner was so engrossed in his work that he only heard the footsteps when it was too late. He turned to find the big man right behind him. The CyMS grabbed him by the neck and began to squeeze. Winner flailed around, trying to break his grip but he was totally overpowered. He slipped to the floor and the CyMS sat on his chest, still squeezing.

Winner could feel the life draining out of him, his vision edged by black. The last thing he saw was over his killer’s shoulder.

Ryder Arcadia. Watching. Smiling.

Next Story: 67. The Evacuation