Most people probably thought shrapnel was invented sometime during the World Wars. Lykopis knew better. It had been designed by Lieutenant Henry Shrapnel of the Royal Artillery back in 1801. It had been used by the British against the Dutch. The only reason Lykopis even could remember the invention of shrapnel was because back in 1787, the Lieutenant demonstrated his firing device to General O'Hara. The general and Lykopis were spending 'quality time' at Gilbralter. O'Hara had been impressed but did not see any reason to take action.
Shrapnel eventually became a Lieutenant Colonel and was awards 1200 pounds a year for his services to the British government. Lykopis never did find out what happened to O'Hara, but after failing to endorse the new artillery, Lykopis found herself bored with the general. Shrapnel's invention would turn the tide of countless battles. Like Lykopis, Henry had been interested in how to kill more efficiently. Lykopis enjoyed his ambitous company.
"Can you talk yet?" asked Drake.
Lykopis coughed one last time. "Yes." Ants were collecting around the bits of flesh. Lykopis was use to battle scenes and seeing body parts fly off a man. It was different when the body parts were her own. "So Icarus was bitten? He is down?"
Adem nodded. "That's what it looks like."
Gaunt reappeared from the shadows. He spotted Drake answering his cell phone. "Icarus is with McGregor. Any updates?"
Drake nodded. "Hold on...yes...yes...right. I'll tell them." He hung up. "They said to be on alert. Paragon's going to try to activate his 'zapper'."
"I'm interesting in seeing how Paragon addressed the problem," said Adem. "How are you going to kill a bunch of small airborne targets at once?"
Ozzy shrugged. "Maybe it's full of shit."
"That is what they said about Shrapnel," said Lykopis.
Ozzy turned. "Huh?"
Lykopis opened her mouth for a lengthing explaination, but decided against it. "Nevermind." Ozzy offered his arm and pulled the Amazon up. "Ouch!"
"Yeah, you zapped me."
Adem noticed strands of Lykopis's hair were on end. He reached for a lamppost and felt a small shock. "What does Paragon have in mind..."
*** *** ***
Paragon shouted to the mechanics. "Are we ready yet?"
"Machinery's operation, sir!"
"Good." Paragon spoke into his headset. "Jym, you located the brood yet?"
{Spotted them. I have a lock on them. Should I warn the team about the countdown?}
"Yes, Jym. Give them a heads-up."
