"It's confirmed," Gen. Beck reported to Brendan. "Dr. Honeydew detected the same virus in that mosquito that Sgt. Major Romero has. We've had several other casualties from the same virus."

Brendan sighed. "Have the findings sent to NetForce. See what they can do with it."

"Yes, sir. Is there anything else?"

"What's the word from Bosnia?"

"The 1st Mosquito Combat Group left its stopover in Frankfurt this morning. They should arrive by 1800 hours tonight."

"Make sure they're put to work as soon as possible when they arrive. Dismissed."

Brendan faced a large group of company-level commanders and first sergeants for a personnel briefing. "You already know of the new threat that AOL has unleashed on us. I remind you of the obvious: make sure that your people are taking precautions -- wearing repellant, keeping sleeves down, and all that happy horseshit. But I mainly called this briefing to spread the word of what we are doing about this. First of all, the 1st Mosquito Combat Group, based in Bosnia, is deploying here. This unit was created under my own guidance when I was in the US Army stationed in Bosnia, and ever since then, they have been fighting
these same mosquitoes we face now. Made up of the finest mosquito squishers the former NATO could offer, they are the most experienced people for the job. Unfortunately, they cannot completely eliminate the threat, which is why I have sent information on the virus to OCB NetForce. Since we are dealing with a biological version of a computer virus, Brent's people
may find a way to neutralize its effects.

"Remember that these are Bosnian mosquitoes, nothing like those most of you have ever faced. They're very small, but they attack in large numbers. They're vengeful little bastards, too; you skoosh one, and then two or three will go for you at once. Without the virus, they're bad enough; when I was in Bosnia, I spent most of the summer with more skin covered with bites than without. Be extremely careful. That is all."

A few facts on Oligarchy troops in Bosnia:

Under NATO, troops from the United States and other countries deployed to Bosnia as part of SFOR, or the Peace Stabilization Force. Their job was basically to babysit the country and keep them from killing each other. When the Oligarchy took power, such a mission was no longer necessary, but some troops remained in Bosnia on border observation posts near Dogbert's New Ruling Class, the only area of the world independent from the Oligarchy. (The DNRC includes Croatia, just
north of Bosnia.) Since all militaries of the world are consolidated under the Oligarchy, Bosnian troops have gradually replaced those from the former NATO. About 50% of DNRC border troops are Bosnian, the rest American and others.

American troops used to deploy to Bosnia. This is the first time Bosnian troops have deployed to America.

Lt. Col. Majlinda Abraski, commander of 1st MosCom Group, met with Brendan upon arrival.

"Welcome to Virginia, Colonel," Brendan greeted her as she entered.

"Thank you, sir," Abraski replied in fair English. "I'm honored to be working with a Co-Ruler of the World, and the original founder of my unit."

"Certainly you understand the importance of this mission. These mosquitoes are carriers of a biological computer virus. Every dead mosquito is one less Oligarchy casualty."

"Of course. My people are professionals; they will not let you down."

At OCB NetForce headquarters in Research Triangle Park, NC, Dr. Elliott Graham was hard at work. Graham was an employee of Glaxo-Wellcome Pharmaceuticals, also based in RTP, and had been borrowed by NetForce to decode the RNA patterns sent by the Army.

The process was simple: map the RNA sequence onto a computer, then run it through a Parallel Effect Decoder program (whatever the hell that means). The results were analyzed by his partner, NetForce programmer Nora Carlton.

"This is just an uprated version of the 'Arrgh!' virus," Carlton said. "We've had antivirus software for this for a long time." She loaded up the software. "Run this through and convert it to RNA. We have a vaccine now."

All the soldiers involved in the AOL War were immunized against the 'Arrgh!' virus, and 1st MosCom cleaned up the mess. Just when Brendan thought this was over, an adjutant woke him to give him some news.

"Sir, AOL has launched a nuclear missile at an Army base. Fort Hood, Texas, has been destroyed."

Brendan cursed. "Well, it's no major loss. I never really cared for Ft. Hood, especially the 1st Cavalry Division, they really suck. But if they can wipe out Hood, they can wipe out Raleigh." He picked up his radio. "All stations, this is Sandwich One. Begin combat preparations. Operation Kick Ass is a go."