Hero

Prologue

The incessant chirping was loud and irritating in the ears of the crewman onboard the main bridge of the Leviathan. He heaved an annoyed sigh and let his eyes wander over his screens, scanning them for any inconsistencies. What had gone wrong now? The crew had been having problems ever since they’d sailed into the ruins of Area 6 a week ago. They were currently preforming salvage operations, albeit very discreet ones, across the sector. God alone, (and probably Satan), knew what they were doing in Area 6. The war was over, everyone knew that. It was only a matter of time before his Lord High Andross was killed.

The crewman continued scanning the instrument panel, squinting in honest focus now. What was wrong, anyway? Everything appeared green across the board. So what the hell was that chirping sound? The crewman finally saw something small and tiny blinking at the bottom of the screen. He activated it and a message popped up that encompassed the entire screen. There were four words in capitalized, bold, crimson, flashing letters.

DEAD MAN SWITCH: ACTIVATED

“The hell...” the crewman murmured. Dead Man Switch? What the hell was that? he wondered. It sounded ominous and important. Another crewman was leaning over his shoulder.

“Better get the General, looks important.” he advised. The first crewman nodded and removed his earphones, setting them down in his chair. He turned and left.

In his office, General Jericho sat behind his large, metallic desk and studied his grinning reflection in the porthole window. He grinned wider, the big, fat cigar stuck between his teeth burned up precious oxygen. Behind him, Admiral Zokofski scowled and seethed inwardly.

“We shouldn’t be sitting here like this. We’re sitting ducks!” he cried, pounding his fist on the desk for emphasis and hurting his hand in the process. As the Admiral put his hands behind his back, rubbing his right one in secret, General Jericho just grinned and swivelled around to face his counterpart.

“Relax, Admiral.” he said. It was all he had to say, really. When Andross put them in charge of Operation Obsidian, he knew who was really in charge; even if they were both technically equal. Zokofski might be a great Admiral, but his temper and emotions often got the best of him. Jericho was know to be cool even under the most dire of circumstances. It was why the men respected him more. And Admiral Zokofski knew it.

“Lord Andross put us out here for a reason, Dimitri. He has faith in us. Not much faith in all the other men, perhaps not even himself...but he has faith in us. And that is what is important. That is why we will win. That is why-” There was a knock at the door. The two men hesitated, staring at the closed hatchway.

“Who is it?” Zokofski barked.

“Crewman Baker, sirs.” came the tentative reply. The two men sighed, probably just another malfunction with the systems. What was it this time? The navigation? The engines? The weapons core?

“Come in.” Jericho called. The hatchway opened with a soft whoosh and the young man stepped in apprehensively. He hesitated.

“Well, what is it boy?!” Zokofski demanded. Baker about jumped out of his skin, but managed to calm himself.

“Sir,” Baker said, focusing on Jericho, “Something popped up on my screen. All it said was Dead Man Switch: Activated.” There was dead silence in the room. The Admiral and General swivelled their heads to lock eyes immediately.

“It’s been activated.” Zokofski whispered.

“That means he’s dead.” Jericho replied softly. Baker stared from one man to another, confused. Jericho suddenly turned to Baker.

“Tell the crew, we’re upping the salvage operations. Double shifts, no breaks. I want this ship in perfect working order within a week. Also, very discreetly, contact our bases on Titania. I want to talk with them.” Jericho’s tones were strict and businesslike. His entire demeanor had changed. Baker nodded jerkily.

“Yes sir.” he replied sharply, and disappeared out the door. The two men stared at each other for a long time.

“It begins.” Jericho whispered.