<P>How could a child be a better target than a giant killing machine?
<P>
<P>As he stood transfixed, a chilling metallic voice interrupted his thoughts.
<P>
<P>"Running search pattern," it said. Tiberius nearly jumped out of his skin. He looked in the direction of the voice and found himself face-to-face with something out of a nightmare. What looked to be a man, outfitted in all black, heavy-duty armor, and with two giant weapons mounted on his arms. They looked like somewhat smaller versions of the autocannon and rocket launcher from the bot's weapon mount. His face was entirely concealed by a black helmet that had installed in it some sort of optical unit, like a pair of binoculars. It looked at Tiberius with an entire lack of emotion.
<P>
<P>"Who are you?" Tiberius asked. He was breathing heavily, trying hard to remain calm.
<P>
<P>"Clean-up squad, overseer status." The microphone that the armor's owner was speaking into failed to convey anything at all human. "You're the special agent assigned here. This area must be evacuated of all living people, including you."
<P>
<P>"I was just on my way. Can I ask you a few questions first?"
<P>
<P>Carson cut in quickly. "Whoa, Agent. Be careful. That's an MJ12 Commando. You may be augmented, but I doubt you'd stand up to a rocket. It's very possible that he took down that military bot himself."
<P>
<P>"Make it quick," said the commando.
<P>
<P>"Why were the soldiers here firing on civilians?"
<P>
<P>"Martial law was in effect. Civilians violating curfew in a dangerous area walk the streets at their own risk."
<P>
<P>"Were you on the scene when this massacre happened?"
<P>
<P>"I do not recall. Genoan citizens have been confrontational lately. You must go now."