The Last Revolution by R.T. Carpenter Page A

foolish enough to attack Council soldiers? Was it the lunar terrorists? Had something gone wrong with the Three Nations Treaty? These were the only family members he’d ever known, he wouldn’t let any more of them die. Moments later, he burst out of the jungle and the vehicle soared through the air. It landed with a thud on the outskirts of the school. Alden slammed on the brakes and came to a swerved stop.
    Grabbing the pistol, he jumped out and sprinted towards the center of campus. There were 96 Angele Dei at the school, some of the best fighters in the world. But every one of them was gone, except for him and Gabriel. There were 35 security guards and a couple dozen soldiers stationed around the base. They were running on a skeleton crew.
    He had to be dispassionate. What was the most important thing to do right now? Secure the fusion reactor. If ever there was a time to hit them, this was it. They had been betrayed from the inside and it was going to cost them dearly. In the distance, another explosion went off and flames ripped through one of the auxiliary buildings.
    Alden tucked close to the wall and peered around the corner of the first building. A soldier in black combat pants, vest, and a tactical assault helmet was a holding a fully automatic assault rifle and working his way towards one of the other buildings. He definitely wasn’t from the Island. Alden felt all the pressure in the world pushing on his trigger finger. One little twitch was all it would take. But no, he had a new assignment. He had to find out where the leak had come from and who was responsible.
    He eased up behind the soldier and then wrapped his arm around the neck. Pulling tight and twisting his face to the right, he cut off the blood flow to the brain and the soldier’s body went limp. He’d need as many suspects to question as possible when this night was over.
    Alden dragged the body behind the building and grabbed his assault rifle, slinging it over his shoulder. Alden crouched. The man’s glowing wrist deck showed a map of the campus, guard rotations, and three-dimensional views of the interior facilities, including a long elevator shaft down to the fusion reactor. Switching screens, Alden was able to make out a list. The Island was at the top and the second was a private jet en route from the Island to the mainland. They’re going after the Polemarch!
    Alden pressed the release button to get a better view of the deck, but as it released from the incapacitated man’s wrist the screen went blank. A puff of black smoke fizzled out from beneath the screen. Damn! He should have assumed there would be a security protocol in place. That was stupid. Alden put the deck in his pocket for safekeeping and then continued forward.
    Suddenly two soldiers clad in black gear raced around the corner. As they raised their guns to fire, Alden gave two quick little squeezes of the trigger and dropped both of them simultaneously. He didn’t need to question everyone.
    Pressing his back against the wall, Alden made his way to the edge of the building and peeked around the corner. All hell had broken loose. It was growing darker by the moment. The chaotic flames lapping out of several of the buildings cast everything in an evil glow. Everywhere he looked Island guards were locked in heated firefights with the black clad soldiers. They were ruthless and efficient to an almost scientific fault.
    The top side of the reactor building had been blown in half, the flames were quickly consuming everything. Gabriel—had he made it out okay? They were the only ones capable of matching the skill of the invading force. Gabriel was as tough as they came. If he had taken out half the force already, Alden would never hear the end of it.
    He emerged from cover and sprinted towards a group of the attacking soldiers. Lifting his rifle Alden took aim and gave his trigger several little squeezes, dropping the entire group in rapid succession. He passed an alleyway