Heroic Measures (continued)

“Dark Matter forces have assembled at two keys areas in city: Archer Park and Kirk Avenue, near the university.”

Archer Park, Walter knew, was in the part of downtown that included the main Civic Center. It was far from City Hall, though, which he found odd.

“What we don’t know,” Harrison continued, “is how they assembled in those locations so quickly, and without being noticed until it was too late.”

Although Sen said nothing, Walter noticed the oriental man’s expression become grim.

“We’ll divide up into four teams,” Harrison said. “Combine Charlie and Delta teams from our original five.”

Nods of understanding passed around the table. Now that the action had started, Walter could see that there was little doubt that Harrison was in command. Things might have been had Raynes been present, or he might have deferred to Harrison for his military experience and expertise. There was no way of knowing since Raynes’ location was still unknown.

Did the enemy have him? Walter wondered.

“Alfa team to Archer Park,” Harrison instructed them, activating the holographic map display of the city. “Bravo to Kirk Avenue.” Two dots began blinking on the map. “Charlie/Delta, I want you on patrol. Recon the entire city. I want to make sure we aren’t missing something else. Echo Team remains here to oversee operations.”

Walter had to think for a moment to remember which team he had been assigned to. He had not given it a lot of attention, believing it to be one of Harrison’s paranoid preparations

Harrison paused to survey the faces around him. “Are those orders clear?”

There were universal nods of understanding from around the room.

Harrison nodded in return. “I want real-time status updates. Don’t wait, no matter how trivial you think it might be. Got it?”

Nods answered him from around the table.

“Move out.”

Harrison remained standing. A buzz of anxious conversation filled the room and then faded into silence as everyone filed out. Walter was one of the last to leave, trying to make his way through the throng to catch up with Red. Reaching the doorway, he paused. Turning back to look at Harrison, he saw the nearly blank expression on the large man’s face. He did not look scared, he appeared . . . Walter was not certain. Numb?

Walter could not imagine Harrison being frightened, much less be willing to admit or show it. He wondered, though, whether Harrison had ever really wanted to be in charge.

Well, whether he did or not, the crisis is here at hand.

As the door closed behind him, Walter said a silent prayer for Harrison . . . and for all of them.