Chapter 62

THE SKYSCRAPER SHOWDOWN

Oceanwide Plaza Tower 1, Downtown Los Angeles, California, United States

Adrenaline carried Gen all the way to the top of the skyscraper. She had considered having Emperor fly her up there, but for one, she didn’t want his presence highlighted. He was her secret weapon. And also, she wanted to make her intentions known, which she thought about and settled upon on the climb up to the top.

Gen wanted to stop Charlie Sloane—that was clear. But now that she was so close to him, she realized that she didn’t want to kill him. Having his blood on her hands would only create more trust problems for her and the city she was trying to protect. Instead, she thought it was best that she put the Commissioner behind bars. With Bellumferrum tightly pressed into her right hand, Gen sealed this intention into her heart.

Although she didn’t know what to expect when she reached the top floor of the Oceanwide Plaza, she was somewhat underwhelmed with what she found. Upon arriving at the fifty-third level, Gen discovered another unfinished floor, open to the winds of the city. The views were breathtaking, unencumbered by walls or windows. But what stole her attention was the control station located in the corner of the large floor.

Charlie Sloane’s attention was on a set of screens located around the space. He typed furiously, an urgency in his attention. Even as Gen strode over to him, he didn’t look up, like he was too focused on his work to realize that he was being interrupted.

“It’s over,” Gen said, Bellumferrum firmly in her hands. She’d told the Weapon of War to defend her. To help her based on her intentions. And Gen had faith in her heart that when she needed it most, that it would spring into a form that would aid her.

As if he hadn’t heard her or he couldn’t be bothered by her, Charlie Sloane continued to type on the keyboard in front of him. He sat at a large workstation with several monitors and computers all gathered around him, their wires snaking every which way. Finally, with a definitive tap of one key, he glanced up, his unattractive freckled face pinched.

Then he smiled, but that did little to make his close-set eyes or large nose look any better. “Yes, it is over. I’ve now completed the sequence to broadcast my signals throughout Los Angeles.”

Gen’s chest thumped with anxiety.

He’s lying, Emperor urged in her head. He’s started the sequence but it will take at least several minutes. You have time to stop it. I’ll keep an eye on it and let you know if you’re running out of time to intervene.

Gen nodded, standing tall, trying to figure out her options. But there was something that called to her attention first.

“What are you doing this all for?” Gen asked, needing to know who the enemy was. She needed to understand him. She had to know why bad people did bad things. “What is this signal and why do you want to control the people of Los Angeles?”

He stood, giving her a look of arrogance. “So you are the thorn in my side who has been thwarting my efforts for riches and power. You are as my associate said and not at all impressive.”

“Your associate will meet his downfall next,” Gen stated. “Maybe the two of you can share a jail cell.”

Charlie Sloan laughed, shaking his head. “Do you really think you can put me behind bars? You have no idea how well I am connected.”

“I have evidence linking you to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Federal Reserve Bank heists,” she argued, her eyes flickering to the monitors.

You have time, Emperor stated, reassuring her.

She smiled inwardly. “I have caught you here. You are done.”

He shook his head. “I’ve turned the city against you. And the signal that I’m broadcasting will ensure that whatever I tell the citizens of Los Angeles, they will accept. If I tell them I’m innocent, they’ll believe it. If I tell them you’re a criminal, they will convict you. And even still, without the signal, I’m so well connected that I will walk free no matter what. I simply know too many people. But you wouldn’t understand that, would you, since you’re alone. Is that why you won’t stop interfering?”

“I won’t stop because I see evil and it’s glowing around you,” Gen stated. “But why? What are you hoping to do?”

“I hate people,” he said through clenched teeth. “I hate them clogging up streets and walking around me and breathing my air. But I need them. I need their money and commerce. I need them to follow me. But I don’t want them around me.”

“So what? Are you going to turn them into zombies?” Gen asked.

“Something like that,” Charlie stated. “I’m supposed to protect this city, so I will. I’ll ensure that people simply exist. No crimes. No loudness. No abuse. No cutting me off in traffic. No interference. And just peace. I’ll have the safest city in the world and best of all, I’ll be happy, without annoying, horrid people causing me headaches.”

Gen right then saw Charlie Sloane for who he was—a lonely, sad man. He couldn’t find love, so he hated everyone. He needed people but only wanted them to serve him. He wanted to erase the humanity in humans. He was so empty that he was going to make everyone exactly like him.

She felt Bellumferrum warm in her hand. It was about to transform. She didn’t know what it would become, but believed it would stop her enemy. Hopefully knock him out or tie him up so that she could cart him away.

“Well, it’s over now,” Gen said with confidence. “I’ve taken down your transmitters, your virtual reality and I have evidence indicting you. Also, I have you surrounded, so surrender or otherwise you’re going to get hurt.”

“Actually, you’re who it’s over for.” In a flash, Charlie Sloane pulled a gun from the desk in front of him, hidden behind a monitor. He lifted it into the air and pointed it straight at Gen, seconds away from firing it at her and she was defenseless to stop the attack.