September

Issue 36

    Michael Carson looked at the neatly cut lawn, a stark contrast to the rotting garbage that littered the streets, and the collapsed garden wall. The one-story house was identical to a thousand others. This was Suburbia. Why was a burb truanting, anyway? He opened his pad, accessing the target's file—Peter Stillworth. There was no mistake. He secured his helmet, activated his Vi-screen, and then signaled to his partner, Richard.

    They approached from the blind side of the house, hugging the wall. Michael would allow no easy shots taken while he was in charge, and the refuse piles gave good cover for a sniper. He was not afraid of the child. To most children, truancy was just a game, but there were those who would take advantage of the agents' exposure. The department had already lost two agents this month to sniper fire from the Divine Militants. Luthor would have Michael's skin if he took any unnecessary chances.

    They halted on either side of the door. Michael readied a flash grenade, while Richard placed the openbug on the door. Within seconds, the electronic scramblers had decoded the lock and the door slid open.