Read Skies Over Tomorrow: Constellation for Free Online

line with sprouted, forward-swept wings. Once they were airborne, Simone darted across the expressway. Though a light smoke trail was left after a swift departure, it was still possible for the missiles to be traced back to the launch site. Simone was quick to settle down along the opposite side of the six-lane freeway and have Attila make a quick sweep of the area. No enemy activity. For a few minutes, everything was silent. Then thunderous explosions roared from the distance.
    â€œThe APV and escorts three and four have been destroyed,” Attila said. “Remaining targets have increased speed to 160 kilometers per hour. Actual contact in seven minutes.”
    Thoughts of her brother and her country surfaced again. Surely there was more to the retribution she was to deliver than revenge. More to her purpose than killing. More. Is it really for a better future? The future. Nature kills to ensure life. Could it be that the purpose of war—the real truth behind the evolution of humanity—is a destructive behavior that only serves the greater purpose of keeping populations of people in check, just to assure the advancement of humanity’s best attributes and qualities?
    â€œActual contact in five minutes,” said Attila.
    Simone was quiet.
    â€œActual contact in three…”
    â€œArm LGMs.”
    â€œLaser-guided missiles armed.”
    Simone inhaled and released a deep breath.
    â€œActual contact in two minutes.”
    A red dot rested on the asphalt’s horizon. It marked the end of a kilometer-long stretch where the missiles were to meet their targets as they rolled up. The left rack, which held the three laser-guided munitions, swiveled up and rotated, and orientated the payload parallel to the ground. And Simone waited.
    The lead Hummer and the Lexus, followed by the second Hummer, streamed around the bend and up and over the horizon. A single projectile dashed from the woods. The first Hummer swerved to avoid the missile, but to no avail, and met it head on. The Lexus barreled through the horrid explosion of its lead escort, further scattering its flaming debris. Simone was quick to take hold of her Rapture, switch it to auto, and bellow a tune of uranium-tipped rounds from the forest’s edge. The rapid, continuous volley of slugs blew out the tires and perforated the armored front end of the limo. She then took in that tracer shots compromised her position, as the second escort targeted her locale and returned fire. Bullets pelted and ricocheted off her Hard Shell. “Attila, take it out,” she said, relentless in machine-gunning the diplomatic sedan.
    Another projectile darted off and hit its mark. The escort exploded into a fireball and careened into the rear of the Lexus, at which point Simone ceased fire. The limousine swayed back and forth before crossing the divide. The driver managed to steer the car toward the wooded spot from which the assault came, and as it leaped from the short embankment, Simone ran and tumbled clear, as the Lexus smashed into the trunk of a tree.
    Hazy, gray smoke drifted about when the vehicle came to rest, and Simone stood.
    â€œAre they dead?” she said. “The baby. What about the baby?”
    â€œThe fetus—”
    Small arms fire crackled; glass of the Lexus shattered. In the second nine-millimeter rounds struck the Army Predator, one round bursting a spotlight eye lens, Simone responded with a short spread. The overpowering force of ten rounds riddled the passenger area of the limo, causing the door to fall off and expose the dead occupants within.
    â€œStatus, Attila.”
    â€œThe Hard—”
    â€œThe baby, Attila, what about the baby?”
    â€œYou killed it.”
    Simone lowered her weapon and stood in place for a moment. She looked, as the bodyguards lay sprawled over the minister, who died in a sitting position with his head tilted back against the headrest of his seat. The wife lay slouched against