Haunting Blackie Read online

  The human’s eyes widened for a split second when he squeezed the pilot’s throat. This time there was no hesitation. He tightened his fingers as he lifted his opponent, who tried to free his gun from its holster. One violent twist and bone snapped. He dropped the dead man at his feet, stepped over the corpse and limped to the vehicle.

  You know how to fly it. Trust your instincts if your mind is fuzzy. The woman’s words repeated inside his mind as if she whispered them into his ear.

  Familiarity tugged at his subconscious when he climbed inside, closed the door, and the dash automatically lit when it registered the presence of a pilot. His fingers moved before he gave it thought, flipping switches. It was sobering when he realized he knew what to do but had no memory of ever being inside a vehicle like the one he now commanded. The engines came to life and he flew high above the roof, his hands on the controls.

  Link to it and it will tell you where to go. You have active receptors that make it possible for your mind to talk to computers.

  He examined the rounded hub near the ceiling where he assumed the main access to the onboard computer would be, focused on it, and a strange tingling began at the back of his head.

  Command?

  It wasn’t audible but he heard the computerized voice inside his mind. Locate 895589. He thought it instead of speaking the words.

  Images flashed through his brain and he knew where to go. His hands controlled the shuttle as he sped higher into the sky and away from where he’d been held prisoner. The woman’s features lingered in his mind.

  * * * * *

  He knew he’d reached his location. The buildings were old and no sign of life could be seen from the windows as he landed the craft directly in front of the largest structure. Streetlights were on as he peered around but most of them had been damaged. It was dark, there were tons of places someone could hide, but he remained there with the engine running. He wasn’t sure what to do.

  Locate 895589, he commanded the computer.

  He is here, it responded. Shut down the engines and walk inside. He waits.

  Call signal 895589 was an individual. That surprised him. He’d thought it was a place. He followed instructions, shut down the engines, climbed out and approached the building cautiously.

  The door opened before he reached it and he paused, alert. He fisted his hands, ready to fight if need be. A tall man stepped out into the dim light and surprise reverberated through him. He stared at the male, glanced down at his arms, before looking back up.

  “That’s right,” the deep voice stated, “we’re both cyborgs.” He tilted his head. “You’re damaged. Come inside. They have air drones that fly over this area every hour.” The cyborg motioned with a hand. “Fleet, get rid of that transport before they realize it’s gone and begin tracking it. The scrambling program will only work for so long before they are able to lock on.”

  Another gray-skinned cyborg, wearing all black, stepped out of the darkness, barely spared him a glance, then jogged to the parked shuttle. The engine came on before he reached it.

  “I am called Freedom. It’s what I give. What are you called?”

  He paused, thinking. “I don’t know.”

  “You’re black and blue with bruising. For now we’ll call you Blackie. It fits with your injuries and your hair color. Come inside quickly. You are safe.”

  The name didn’t matter. “I thought you were 895589.”

  “It’s a code we put together for this mission. Come with me now.”

  He followed the other cyborg inside and the second the door closed the dark interior changed as lights began to snap on overhead. He stared at the dozens of other gray-skinned individuals. A few were female but mostly they were male. Cots were neatly placed along one wall where they obviously slept. They silently watched him.

  “This is one of many safe houses, or in this case it is an abandoned warehouse. These are others who have been rescued, as you were.” Freedom studied him. “We’ll get you clothes and medical attention. You’ll feel better when you’ve rested. We shouldn’t be here too long. We move often to avoid detection. The countdown ends in twenty-two days.”

  “What countdown?”

  “We are escaping Earth.”

  “Why?”

  A woman approached. “They did a number on you. I have the ability to download information. Prepare.”

  Images were thrust inside his mind. He staggered as they assaulted him. He saw cyborgs such as himself being killed by the dozens. They had been created by Earth Government for the military, to function as expendable soldiers and to work dangerous jobs. A female cyborg was surrounded by seven pale-skinned human men. They attacked her and tore at her clothes. She fought back, killing two before one of them drew a weapon. She died after being struck by explosive bullets, big holes tearing apart her chest.

  Someone grabbed him around his waist to hold him up.

  “Enough, Jazel. He’s weakened,” Freedom ordered. “You know better than to force a link. It’s a form of assault. Don’t do it again.”

  “I apologize. He asked why.” The horrible image of the dead cyborg female faded instantly as he opened his eyes to stare at the one who had put it there. “That is why we must leave Earth.” She blinked at him. “They plan to kill all of us.”

  “Damn it, Jazel.” Freedom shook his head. “You could have just told him that Earth Government has ordered our mass destruction and we have decided to live. Turn off your emotions until you learn better control.”

  The woman backed away, dropped her chin, before returning to the group. “He needs information, not coddling.”

  “I’m sorry,” Freedom rasped. “She’s angry. We all are. We have inside help from some humans who are freeing cyborgs when they are able. You will begin remembering more once you’re stronger. They auto-load us with information during our growth periods.”

  Blackie managed to regain his footing once he caught his breath. “The guards attacked the woman who helped me escape. We need to go back and rescue her.”

  “Hellfire is fine. They won’t kill her. You aren’t the first she’s led to safety and you won’t be the last.”

  “Hellfire?”

  “That’s her code name. She will plan her own escape before the countdown has ended. She will be fine and join us when we flee Earth.”

  “She’s not a cyborg.”

  Freedom chuckled. “She saved your life. That’s all you should be concerned about.” He released Blackie. “Have a seat on one of the bunks without bedding. We’ll get you tended to.”

  Chapter One

  The present

  Blackie sat up sharply in his bunk and smacked his head on metal. “Fuck!”

  The cot above his squeaked and Gene’s head appeared upside down to his left. “I bet you won’t do that again.”

  “Sometimes I dislike you,” he growled, rubbing the injured spot. “I forgot where I was.”

  “We’re on the Bridden. Bad dream? Your breathing increased 7.3 minutes ago.”

  He carefully maneuvered out of the sleeping berth and stood, watching his roommate turn onto his side to stare at him from the upper bunk with a concerned look. “I remember where we are. Now.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No.”

  “Were you contemplating the Markus Models? I’ve had a few bad dreams about them. They are creepy things.”

  “It wasn’t about the fleshy androids.” He turned and walked over to the mirror, checking to see if he’d have a bruise. He wasn’t bleeding at least.

  “Was it about Fleet? I know he’s recently been harsh with his assignments. He’s grooming you for leadership.”

  Blackie glanced at his friend, realizing he wouldn’t give up until he had an answer. “I was reliving part of our escape from Earth.”

  “That wasn’t a bad thing. It was the best day of my life.”

  It wasn’t his best day but he kept that to himself.

  “It was stressful. I was cert