Acidalia XXVI

By Amanda D.

Friday oct 9th

The Sisters compound 10:52amPDT:

“AAAAIIIEEEEEEEE…….”

Robi turned quickly in the direction of the sound as the unexpected scream pierced the ever-present noise of the infirmary.

“What the fuck was that?” Warren called from a couple rows away as he looked up from the patient he was attending.

“I think it was Carol’s room!” Robi replied as she hurried across the crowded hospital. Ahead of her by a few steps was Maria as she too frantically dashed towards her friend’s room.

A second scream tore from the formerly unconscious new girl’s lungs as Maria yanked the flimsy curtain that separated Carol form the rest of the clinic’s patients.

“Jesus Christ!” Maria cursed as she rushed to her bestie’s side. The young girl who’d been unconscious for days was suddenly sitting straight up in her hospital bed. “Carol! Are you ok? Talk to me bitch!”

Carol looked art Maria blankly, eyes blinking constantly. “Wha?”

“Is she ok?” Robi asked as she burst into the room.”

“She’s awake that’s for sure.” Maria told her stating the obvious.

“Let me in there.” Robi insisted. Maria stepped aside letting the doctor get next to Carol’s bed.

Carol? Honey? You’re ok.” Robi said, taking the shaking girl’s hand in hers.

“Wha? Wh…where?”

“You’re at our infirmary sweetie. You got hurt, badly and we had you brought here.” Robi told her calmly.

“Infirm….” Carol asked as she continued blinking rapidly trying to dispel the images burned into her mind.

“You’ve been unconscious for several days.” Robi added. She didn’t like the terrified look in the young girl’s eyes on bit.

“I…I was in a fight…I..I think.” Carol told them breathlessly. “Stuck….sh…she..had an ax…or..or something….I don’t know…. was going to cut my head off…”

“In a fight, what? With who?” Maria asked.

“I don’t know.” Robi replied to her. Then to Carol said, “Carol you’re safe. You’re here with us. No one has attacked you.”

“Robi?” Carol asked uncomprehendingly. “I..is that really you?”

“Yes hon. It’s me.” She reassured the girl.

She turned her head. “M…Maria?”

“Ya bitch. I’m here.” She said, smiling. “You’ve been asleep for a couple days.”

“Jesus.” What the hell? A dream?” Carol was still trying to process what was going on. “It…it seemed so real…”

“By the way you screamed I’d bet it did.” Robi said with a small chuckle.

“I…I was on the ground…run through with a sword. I.. I was stuck…couldn’t move.” She told them trying to sort the imagines in her mind out. “A…and there was this strange woman in some kind of…amour or something above me with an ax. Christ, it felt so real.” She shook her head. “Ni.. Nicole? I think it as her. She was there too…fighting someone over in the distance…”

“Nicole?” Robi asked as she looked back at the redhead’s room though the open door. She noticed the rather large crowd that had assembled at the door to Carol’s room.

“Ok everyone. Everything’s fine. We have a lot of others that need out attention. Let’s get back to work.” She told them. All except Warren left. He stood there with a reassuring hand on Robi’s shoulder. She turned her head and smiled at him.

“Anyway,” she said getting back to Carol’s story. “Nicole was with you?”

“Yeah..I..I think it was her anyhow. God, I swear I was there. I could hear the crickets chirping as I road in the wagon.”

“Well, your safe and sound now bitch. I got you. No one’s gonna hurt you long as I’m around.” Maria told her, taking her hand in hers.

“Sounds like an extraordinarily vivid dream.” Robi agreed.

“It hits far too close to home too. What the hell is going on?” she thought quietly as she remembered the story of the dream Nicole had told about them after she got her bearings yesterday. She’d mentioned something about seeing Thomas and Carol killed and now Carol wakes up after dreaming about dying. It could just be a coincidence, but when it comes to enhanced women there’s no telling what kind of hidden abilities they possess. Could Nicole have somehow projected her dream into Carols mind?

Having no idea what to make of it all, she decided to change the subject. “The others will be happy to hear you’re awake.” Robi told the young new woman as she checked her pulse.

“Others? Mike and Yvonne? Are they here too?”

“No, I don’t know who Mike and Yvonne are sorry.”

“They owned the place we were staying.” Maria told her.
Robi nodded.

“If they aren’t here, where am I then?” Carol asked. The confusion was starting to fade along with the dream.

“You got hurt when the others went to free Sam from the house you were staying in.” Robi told her.

“Sam?” The name sounded familiar but for a moment she couldn’t remember who it was. Then it struck her. “You mean Greyson?”
Robi and Maria nodded in unison.

“Oh fuck!” Carol exclaimed as the memories began to flood her mind. “I shot Nicole! I..is she dead?”

“No. She’s in another room across the way.” Robi pointed in the direction of the room the red head was recovering in. “She was out of it for a bit too but seems to be on the road to recovery.”

“Fuck. She’s going to be pissed.” Carol said, still trying to wrap her head around things.

Maria laughed. “I think you need to worry about you first bitch.”

“Me?” Carol asked uncomprehendingly.

“After you shot Nicole, Thomas kind of slammed you off the wall. You’ve got several cracked vertebrae in your lower back. To go along with a couple broken ribs and whiplash.” Robi explained.

“Thomas?” Carol asked.

“You’ll meet her eventually, I’m sure.” Robi said.

“Or she can meet me right now.” Thomas said from behind everyone. “Sorry to intrude. I heard the scream. I was hanging around outside in case you needed some help.”

“I think they heard the scream on the other side of the city.” Maria joked. “My bitch got a set of lungs on her.”

“She sure does.” Robi agreed with a laugh. “You scared the shit out of me by the way.” She put a hand on Carol’s slim shoulder as she listened to her heart.

“How is she doc?” Thomas asked.

“Her injuries are going to take time heal obviously but her being awake is a good sign.”

“That’s good to hear.” Thomas told her with great relief in her voice. Since injuring the young girl she’d been praying for there to be no permanent damage. Hearing those prayers were answered left her feeling immensely relieved.

Carol looked at the stranger confused. She looked vaguely familiar but at the same time not. She lay there playing place the face for a bit before it dawned on her where she’d seen that face before. “I have seen you before somewhere.”

“It was probably at the house before she smashed you off the hallway wall.” Maria said.

“No. It wasn’t recently. You were much older. So weird.” Carol said trying to figure things out. Then she added, “I could have sworn your name was Tabitha.”

Thomas looked at her in confusion. “Me?”

“Yeah.”

Thomas just looked at Robi. They’d both been there when Nicole recounted her dream to them and Carol’s was sounding uncannily close it.

One of the things that stuck with Thomas was Nicole calling her Tabitha, the name she’d used while visiting Yvonne in jail. “How could they possibly both know?” she wondered to herself. Thomas looked over at Robi and could read the same confusion she felt reflected in the doctor’s eyes.

“What?” Carol asked reading their eyes.

“Nothing important sweetie.” Robi reassure her. Then to Thomas she asked. “How Nicole doing?”

“She’s resting. The blood loss a lot out of her.”

The confusion in her head was starting to clear but the real word was becoming more so by the moment. “You still haven’t told me where we are.”

“You’re with us again, with the Sisters. This is our new facility, like the warehouse. Only far better.” Robi explained.

“Facility?” She looked over at Maria angrily. “You let them bring me back here? What the fuck?”

Maria looked confused for a moment then said, “I didn’t let anyone do anything. But it was either here or some military hospital god only knows where. So, yeah, I didn’t argue when they said they were going to bring you here.”

“Why? What the fuck!” Carol said getting angrier by the minute. “They fucking kicked me to the curb ! Why would you let them bring me back?”

“Because you were fuckin hurt bitch. I thought you were gonna die!” replied with equal anger.

“What’s all the shouting about?” Ellie asked walking in. She looked at the bed and saw Carol. “Oh Carol, your awake. How wonderful!”

“Jesus fuckin Christ!” Carol said venomously. “Now you too?”

Ellie took a step backwards, recoiling. “I’m sorry. I was just coming to check on you. I’ll go.” She turned to leave and told the young girl, “I’m glad you’re doing better Carol.”

Once outside, Ellie looked at the room full of beds unsure what to do next. She hadn’t wanted to cause a scene. She silently chastised herself for not thinking about what Carol would feel waking up among them again.

“Are you ok?” Mia asked.

Ellie turned to see Mia leaning over a nearby patient’s bed while looking at Ellie.

“Yes doctor. I’m fine.” The last thing she wanted was to get into another debate with Dr. Blue right now. She wasn’t sure the doctor would survive the experience. With an internal sigh, Ellie turned to leave.

“Don’t let the kid get to you.” Mia said nodding in the direction if Carol’s room. “Everything is so black and white at that age.”

“At 33?” Ellie asked sarcastically, turning back to look at the doctor.

“She may have once been that old, but she isn’t anymore. She’s starting puberty again but this time the hormones are a lot different than before. She may not think it, but she’s going to a lot more like a 13-year-old girl now than she’d probably like to admit. Which is exactly what she is, physically anyhow.”

“So, we just have to wait til she turns 16 or 17 before we can talk to her?” Ellie asked sarcastically.

Mia laughed. “Might be even longer than that.”

“Wonderful.” Ellie replied.

“Ain’t life grand?” she asked with a grin.

Ellie gave her a half smile. “Anyone ever tell you that you have a terrible bad side manor?”

“That’s why I’m a research scientist and not an MD my dear.” Mia retorted with a smirk.

“Are you ok?” Thomas asked Ellie as she approached the pair.

Ellie looked up at the dark-haired beauty. “Yes, I’m fine, thank you for asking.” Ellie glanced back over her shoulder and saw Robi exiting the room.

A moment later Dr. Going said. “I left Carol with Maria for now. Hopefully that will help calm her some.”

“Thank you, Dr. Goings.” Ellie said stiffly.

“We three need to talk. Something really odd is going on here and I don’t have the foggiest idea what to do about it.”

“What do you mean?” Ellie asked.

“It seems that Carol had a dream while she was unconscious too. It’s weirdly close to the one Nicole described having.”

“What? How is that possible?” Ellie asked confused.

Before Goings could say more Maria called out from back in the room “Doctor Robi!! Help!!”

Robi turned and ran back into the room with Thomas a step behind her. She got there just in time to see Carol trying to pull her IV line out.

“Carol! Wha the hell are you doing? Thomas, grab her arm! Don’t let her do that!” Robi shouted.

As Thomas stook a step toward the bed Carol shouted. “Stay away from me you, big galoot!”

Thomas stopped and looked over at Dr. Goings, confused as to what to do.

“Don’t listen to her!” Robi ordered. Thomas nodded and grabbed Carol’s free arm.

Carol tried to pull it way but there was no chance she would be able to slip out of Thomas’ grip. “Asshole! Let me go!” She screamed as she struggled to free herself from the enhanced woman’s grip.

“Carol! Calm down!” Robi told her sternly.

“Fuck you Robi! I’m not staying!” Then to Thomas she again loudly demanded. “LET ME GO!”

Robi turned to the table cart next to the bed and hurriedly grabbed an empty syringe. She held it up for Carol to see. “If you don’t calm down, I’m going to have to sedate you.” She told her trying to be calm. “Why don’t you stop with the hysterics and tell me what’s going on?”

Carol looked up at the doctor. “I’m not staying here! Now let me go!”

“You can’t leave.” Robi told her.

“Fuck you! You can’t make me stay!” she yelled at full volume. Once again, a large crowd gathered outside her room drawn by the commotion.

Robi could hear Ellie telling them to get back over the din. She said a quiet thank you to god for the help, then went back to dealing with the out-of-control child.

“Carol, stop it! You’re going to hurt yourself even worse if you don’t cut the shit!” she said a bit more forcefully this time. “Your god damn back is broken you idiot! Even if I was inclined to let you leave you can’t walk!”

That last line seemed to sink in past her anger. Carol stopped fighting and looked at the doctor wide eyed. “What?”

“I said you can’t walk.” Robi repeated.

“What do you mean I can’t walk?”

Robi yanked the bottom of the blanket that was covering the new girl’s feet up exposing them so she could see for herself. “Wiggle your toes.” She ordered.

“Wiggle?”

“Yes. Try to move them.” Robi said forcefully. She wasn’t as much angry as she was just tired of dealing with Carol’s temper tantrum. She understood the girl’s reasons for not wanting to be here but medically she wasn’t suited to be anywhere else. Now it was time to show her why.

Carol looked over the blanket at her feet, scowling hard as she tried to get her toes to do as she ordered, however they refused to obey her commands. She tried focusing harder but still to no avail. After a moment she looked back up at Robi with a helpless expression on her face.

“Your back is broken.” Robi told her in a calm, even professional voice.

“I…I can’t walk?” Carol asked stunned.

“No, not at the moment anyhow.”

“Not yet? So, it will get better?” Carol asked in a voice filled with fear. Maria tapped Thomas on the arm. She looked down and nodded, letting go of Carol’s arm and stepping back to Maria could hold her friend’s hand while Robi delivered the diagnosis.

“My hope is that the paralysis is being caused by the swelling around your injured vertebrae. I’m hopeful once it goes down you will get at least some feeling back in your lower extremities.” The doctor told her. “However, that said, we won’t know until you heal some.”

Carol looked at Maria. Her friend had tear streaks running down her cheek as she squeezed Carols hand. Truth be told Carols was pretty darn close to losing it too. She turned and looked up at Robi again with a hopeless expression on her face.

“You need to stay in bed and let your body heal hunny.” She told her. “I know being here isn’t ideal for you, but I’m afraid your stuck with us for a while.”

“Shit.” Carol replied without much emotion. The news left her stunned. She didn’t know how to react now.

“You need to be still too, much as you can. Moving around and pitching fits is only going to hurt your back worse and make recovery take longer.”

Carol nodded. Maria added, “Yeah bitch, you better do what she says too or I’m gonna beat your butt. Not that you feel it right now but believe me, the threat is real. She put on her meanest face and stuck her tongue out.

Carol gave a small smile at her bestie’s attempt at humor. She was still rolling the news around in her head and couldn’t really focus on anything else at the moment.

“So, are we done here now? No more temper tantrums? Robi asked.

“Yeah. We’re done.” Carol told her in a defeated voice. “I..I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok hun. Really.” Robi told her, smiling.

“I just can’t deal with Elli or Nicole right now.” Carol said.

“I understand and I’m sure they will too.” She said looking at Ellie just outside the door.

“I will respect your feelings, Carol and stay away.” Ellie said. “However, at some point we do need to speak.”

Carol nodded.

“Ok good.” Robi told them all. “Now, my dear, if you’ll excuse me, I have a room full of other patients that need my attention too.”

“Sorry Robi.” Carol repeated.

“No worries kiddo.” She replied with a smile as she turned to leave and added. “Keep an eye on her Maria.”

“You got my word on that Dr. Robi.” She called back.

*********************

A few moments later, Robi and Thomas walked across the infirmary floor to the opposite corner of the gigantic room where Nicole’s room was. The doctor pulled the curtain back to see Ellie already there and standing next to the bed while her best friend slept on, unaware. Dr. Goings tapped the leader of the Sisters on the shoulder and waved for her to come outside. Ellie leaned down and kissed Nicole’s forehead then followed them out.

As the three of them started to walk towards the back of the vast room Robi called out, “I’m grabbing a quick break, Warren you have the con.”

Warren laughed. “Yeah. I’m sure Dr. Blue will do exactly what I tell her too.”

“You know it, handsome.” Mia replied from the other side of the room with a laugh.

Once outside Robi stopped and turned to the others. “Something seriously messed up is going on here.” She told them without preamble.

“Yes, you said something about Carol having a dream like Nicoles?” Ellie asked.

“It crazy how the bit she’s shared sound so similar to parts of Nicole’s dream. At least the end of it, which is of course the part they each remember best.”

“How do you mean Doc?” Thomas asked. “I didn’t really hear much of her recount of it.”

“Both of them describe a fight with overwhelming forces.” Robi explained. “Nicole told us that she saw their opponents first run her though and then kill Carol.”

Thomas nodded.

“Carol’s most clear memory of her dream is the end where someone was about to cut her head off with an ax while she was pinned to the ground with a sword.”

“That certainly is most peculiar.” Ellie agreed. “Even if it’s true and the had the same or at least a very similar, dream, what do you think it all means?”

“I have no idea, but I can tell you things are strange enough these days without us having weird dreams now too.” Robi told them.

“While I agree it’s all very odd, but I don’t believe there is anything for us to do.” Ellie said. “I mean even if it was real what can we do?”

“I have no idea. Thomas, I know your sort of sensitive to other enhanced women, do you feel anything?” Robi inquired.

“Nothing that I noticed. Carols not enhanced though, so I’m not sure I’d pick anything up even if that’s how the ability worked. It’s more I can feel if you’re enhanced. I can’t tell what abilities a person would have or anything like that. Never mind weird metaphysical shit like this.”

Robi nodded. “Oh well it was a thought anyhow.”

“Doctor, I think this is more of a curiosity than an actual problem.” Ellie told her.

“Maybe.” Thomas agreed. “But what if it actually happened?”

“What do you mean?” Robi asked.

“What if they actually somehow moved through time?”

“And if they did? What then?” Ellie asked, obviously losing patience with the conversation.

“Nothing I guess, other than we can take what they remember and try to avoid some of the bad stuff Nicole claims happened. Or at least be on the lookout for signs that things are going in the wrong direction.” Thomas replied. “The easiest thing I can think of is keeping an eye on Russov and her little gaggle of soldiers. Nicole said in the dream she betrayed us at some point and tried to turn us all over to the government. Since none of us really trust her anyway, it should be fairly easy to keep those suspicions in mind when dealing with her moving forward.”

“Regardless of whether they actually went through something or not keeping a wary eye on Russov and her crew sounds like sage advice.” Ellie agreed.

“The only one of them I trust is Becket anyhow.” Thomas added. “She’s rock solid in my book. Seems like her hearts in the right place too, despite the pressure to be a good little soldier and follow orders.”

“And she helped save Nicole’s life.” Robi added. “I agree Becket seems to be one of the good guys here.”

“Someone talking about my girl?” Linda asked as she approached the small group.

“Nothing uncomplimentary.” Robi told her with a wink.

“Good to know.” Linda replied grinning.

The doctor looked at her watch then up at Linda. “And you look at you, right on time for your prenatal checkup.”

She looked at Robi quizzically. “I don’t have a checkup scheduled today.”

“Looks like you do now.” Thomas said with a small laugh.

Linda shot her a side glance. “I’ll arm wrestle you. Loser goes with Robi.” She smiled at Thomas.

The dark-haired new woman’s smile evaporated. “If only things had worked out that way. I’d gladly be in there right next to you.”

“Oh shit! Thomas, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” Linda said, suddenly feeling like a horse’s ass.

“It’s ok hun, really.” Thomas replied. The comment cut her deeply, but she knew the blonde-haired new woman didn’t mean any offence by it.

“OK now that that’s settled,” Robi said breaking the awkward silence. “Let’s go ma’am. You and Jr. there, are way overdue.”

“Yes Dr. Goings. We’re coming.” Linda said with great reluctance in her voice. She then patted her growing belly. “Hear that junior, we’re gonna go see the doc!”

The others laughed.

“Have fun you two.” Ellie said with a smile. Then to Thomas she added, “If you’ll excuse me hun I have to deal with Dr. Turner and her crews sleeping arrangements.” She sighed and smiled. “Never thought I’d grow up to be a hotel concierge.”

Thomas laughed. “What’s the issue?”

“One of the doctor’s is in a room next to Charles and Ashford’s and apparently is annoyed that they are up doing calisthenics at 4:30 in the morning every day. Especially on the days they work until four.”

“Oh Jeeze. I can’t understand why that would be an issue.” Thomas laughed.

“Such is life I guess.” Ellie replied with a grin. “Any way let me get going on this before they start staging protests outside my room.” She stepped towards Thomas and gave her a hug. “I’ll be down to check on Nicole in a while.”

“Ok, hun. I’ll see you then.” Thoamas replied smiling.

Thomas walked back into the infirmary. She took a moment to appreciate how much good the Sisters were doing for those poor souls suffering through their transitions. She thought back to her own experience when she first became infected. There was nothing like this available at the time. She’d been alone, isolated from everyone except a pair of virus proof suited nurses that looked better suited for the Apolo space program in a dull gray hospital room.

Here everyone was in a vast communal room, separated only by small partitions that allowed those lying on a bed a bit of privacy while permitting the doctors to see over the top and communicate with each other easily. In addition, there were non-medical volunteers everywhere assisting the doctors and their fellow infectee’s. The system they’d worked out made it so no one in need went unattended for long.

She walked along the outer edge of the floor, doing her best to stay out of everyone’s way, as she made her way to Nicole’s room in the far corner. They’d decided it was best to keep her lover and Carol as far from each other as possible when they’d both arrived. Thomas laughed at the idea that they would somehow do each other harm if they were to close considering, they were both unconscious when they were brough in.

She arrived at the curtained doorway and slid the flimsy barrier aside. She’d expected to see the red head still sleeping but much to her surprise she was sitting up in her bed.

“Hey there gorgeous. Did you have a good nap?” she asked.

Nicole looked over at her and smiled. “I guess. How long was I out for?”

Thomas looked at her watch. “A good four hours I’d say.”

“Wow. I guess I was pretty tired.”

“Seems liked. How are you feeling my love?” Thomas asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed and taking Nicole’s hand in hers.

Nicole thought about it for a moment before answering. “I feel pretty good actually. Even the spot where Robi took the bullet out feels ok today.” She pulled down her hospital gown and showed Thomas the ever-shrinking spot on her chest where the bullet had entered.

“It’s almost gone now huh?”

“Yeah. Not even going to know it happened in a few more days.” Nicole agreed. “Sorry baby.”

Thomas looked at her, confused. “Sorry? What for?”

“I know all you hot chicks love scars.” She replied sticking her tongue out at her love.

Thomas laughed. “That’s ok. The rate we’re going you’ll have plenty of time to accumulate more.”

Nicole laughed and squeezed Thomas’ hand. She smiled as she thought about how deeply her love for Thomas ran. They’d only been together for a few weeks but there was an undeniable connection between them.

In a strange way the dream had only served to reinforce that love. Even if it was all in her head the idea that they were still together and still in love all those years in the future made her heart sing. Now all she had to do was make sure that aspect of it came true.

“Carol’s awake.”

“Is she? That’s great. You must be relieved.” The red head said with a smile.

“I am. I was very worried I’d done her some permanent damage.” She looked at Nicole for a moment trying to decide how much to tell her.
Nicole caught the look. “What?”

“What, what?” Thomas replied feigning innocence.

“I can see you have more to say baby. Its written all over you face. Might as well just spill it.”

“I’m not sure how to say it.” Thomas said.

“Just saying it usually works best for me.” Nicole encouraged while giving Thomas’ had a gentle squeeze.

“It…it seems like she may have had at least a dream very similar to what you had.”

“She what?” Nicole asked stunned.

“She woke up screaming, terrified. She said she dreamed she was pinned to the ground with someone looming above her with an ax.”

“No way! For real?”

“Yes, for real. I was in the room when she recounted what she could remember to Robi.”

“That’s messed up.” Nicole said in a distracted voice.

“It is, very messed up. It has Robi in quite the tizzy too.” Thomas told her.

“Robi’s not the only one mind blown at the moment. I need to talk to Carol.” Nicole started trying to climb out of her bed.

Thomas stood up and out a hand on each of her shoulders. “Hey, hey, now. You’re not supposed to be getting out of bed. Besides, she’s got a gaggle of doctors looking her over at the moment so you’re going to have to wait a bit.”

Nicole sighed and settled back down. “Fine. But soon as she’s free, I’m going to speak to her.”

“And I will gladly wheel you over there soon as one of the doc’s say it’s ok for you to be up.” Thomas told her.

“I can certainly walk across the room on my own.” Nicole replied sulkily.

“I’m sure you can but you almost died on me. So, until the doc say you can for sure you’re going to go with a wheelchair.” Logan told her sternly. “Any more arguments?”

Nicole sighed. She hated being treated like an invalid. “Yes baby. I understand.”

“Good. Cause if you try that again I’m gonna sit on you.” She stuck her tongue out.

“Mmm. Don’t be showing that off unless you intend to use it.”

“I’ll put it to good use once your fully healed. Have no worries there.” The tall brunette raised her eyes brows and winked.

“Tease.”

“Moi? Nevaaa.” She laughed.

Nicole sighed again. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I have no idea but I’m sure you’ll come up with something.” Logan winked again.

“Yes. I’m sure I will.” The red head replied. “Eventually anyhow.”

“Oh burn!” Thomas laughed. She leaned in and kissed Nicole on the lips. “I’m glad you’re still with me Red.”

Nicole pulled away and blinked.

“What’s wrong?”

“N..nothing. Just caught me off guard. In the dream that was my nickname. Kind of freaked me out for a second hearing you say it is all.”

Thomas nodded. She stood up and put her left hand over her heart then raised the right into the air. “I hereby promise to only refer to you as my love from here on in then.”

Nicole rolled her eyes. “You’re such a goof ball.”

“Maybe. But I’m your goof ball.”

“Lucky me.” She replied with a small laugh.

“You are lucky. I don’t act like this for just anyone.” The tall brunette said with a laugh.

“Well now I feel totally special.”

“You should.” Thomas told her. “Because you are.” She leaned in and gave her another kiss.

“Only special cause I have you baby.” Nicole replied.

“Well, that’s probably true.” Thomas joked sticking her tongue out again.

“Burned.”

“The lord giveth and taketh away.” She replied with a wide grin.

*****************

1pm:

She spotted Sam behind one of the benches in the research lab. Dr. Greyson appeared to be hard at work mixing some kind of concoction. Mia smiled as she pushed her way through the door.

Greyson looked up. “Hey mom.”

“Hello dear. How are you?” Mia asked, leaning over and kissing Sam on the cheek as the doctor did the same.

“I’m ok. Working on distilling the virus’ DNA, again.”

“Still being a pain in the ass?”

“Completely. I just don’t understand. It should work but nothing I’ve tried does. Very frustrating.” Sam told her.

“I see. Well maybe I can distract you for a few minutes.”

Sam looked at her cockeyed.

“Not like that!” Mia laughed. “Jesus your my daughter!”

“Hey, you’re the one that said it not me.” Sam replied putting her hands up in surrender.

“I see I will have to choose my words more carefully in the future.”

Sam laughed. “What can I do for you mother dear?”

“I met up with one of the people working out of Greyson yesterday. A woman named Sheila Cochran.”

“You met up with her? How? Where?” Sam asked.

“It’s a long story. I’ll give you all the details later. Right now, however, I think I have her convinced to share information with us.”

“Think?”

“She wasn’t ready to commit but I’m meeting with her again tomorrow to get her answer.”

“Ok?” Sam wasn’t sure where this conversation was going but dealing with anyone affiliated with her old lab couldn’t be good news.

“In case she agrees to the idea, I need you to set her up with credentials for your proxy server.” Mia explained

“The what? The server? Please tell me you didn’t tell her about it.”

“I didn’t tell her much. I just explained to her what it did and said we could use it so no one at Greyson would know we were exchanging information.” She explained.

“Mia, that’s supposed to be a secret. Only for use by us and the few other research groups we’ve made contact with.” Sam told her in a voice filled with exasperation. “Plus, they have expert hackers working for the military you know. If they know it exists, they will find it eventually and then where will be?”

“I know that’s why I only gave her the smallest of explanations about it.” Sam still didn’t look convinced. “It was the only safe way to do the exchange I could think of.” She said trying to justify her behavior.

Sam nodded. She felt a sudden headache coming on. “Ok. So let me get this straight, you want me to give someone you met once and none of the rest of us have ever met access to a server that in the wrong hands could be easily traced back to our location? Is that what you’re asking me to do?”

“Sam, the government funds us. Do you think they don’t know where we live?” Mia asked.

“There’s a lot of information on there that they would love to get their hands on mom. Stuff like my research with Warren’s blood for instance. Is it worth risking his safety?”

“No of course not but I didn’t know that was on there too. Shit!” Mia sighed. “Well, it sounded like a good idea in the moment.”

Sam nodded. “Moreover, how do you know she didn’t run right back there and tell them everything you discussed?”

“I don’t. She seemed very sincere in her desire to help the men that have held captive there. She wanted us to go rescue them at first….”

“Rescue who?” Sargent Russov asked as she crutched over to where ethe two doctors wee standing.

Mia rolled her eyes. “This is private conversation between me and my daughter Sargent.”

“Well, you should have been quieter about it. I could hear you two arguing all the way down the hall. Now that I’m here now and rescuing is the
kind of thing my team does, I’ll ask again, rescue who?” the Sargent took a seat on one of the lab stools and wiggled around til her leg felt comfortable enough to be endured.

Mia looked at Sam. “Don’t look at me mother. This is your story. You tell her.”

Dr. Blue sighed deeply. “Fine. I met with one of the head scientists at Greyson yesterday.”

“You what?!” Russov asked rising up off the stool.

“They contacted me.” Mia replied defensively. “I got a text from Jackson Ryan’s phone asked me to meet up with him.”

“And you just went without saying anything?” Russov asked in an exasperated voice.

“Well, yes. I didn’t think…”

“Well that fairly obvious.” Russov interrupted. She shook her head in disbelief. She hated working with civilians more and more every day.

“What is the rule about going out without one of my people for escort?”

“Don’t go anywhere without one of you.” Mia told her with an edge of anger in her voice. She wasn’t a fan of Russov and her talking to her like she was a three-year-old wasn’t helping.

“And why do we have that rule?” She asked sarcastically. “No, no. Don’t answer. I’ll tell you why. We have it because your daughter went out and got herself kidnapped and nearly killed, just last week. Are you trying to join the club or something? Can’t stand her being the center of attention so you have to go and do something even dumber?”

“Hey!” Sam exclaimed.

Russov put her hand out and shook her head. “Don’t!”

“Don’t? I’m not one of your underlings Sargent.” Sam told her indignantly.

“No, you’re not but I am in charge of security. I can’t keep you people safe if you keep going off on your own and not telling me!” Russov bellowed.

“Ok fine. You’re right. I shouldn’t have run off on my own like that. Happy?” Mia said angrily.

“Not by a long shot.” Russov said somewhat more calmly.

“Well, I’m supposed to meet with her again tomorrow so you can send one of your goons with me then if you’re so set on it.” Mia was very angry now. Though whether it was at Russov or at herself she wasn’t sure.

“Tomorrow?” Russov asked. Where? When?”

“At the same place I met her yesterday. A little coffee shop off the Pacific Coast Highway just outside Santa Cruiz.”

Russov grabbed her by the upper arm and using only one crutch started dragging her out towards the back entrance to the lab.

“Hey!” Mia protested, flinching. The Sargent wasn’t paying attention to how much pressure she was putting on the doctor’s arm. To Mia it felt like it was about to break.

“I need you to come with me right now doctor and show me on a map where your supposed to meet this person. After that, I’m going to need to send one of my people there and reconnoiter the area. Then I need a detailed report from you on everything you said to this person. On top of all that, I need to figure out what is the best way to keep you safe. Those people at Greyson are not to be trusted, they got their own plans over there and none of them would work out well for any of you.” Russov explained as she continued to try to drag the doctor across the lab.

“Fine!” Mia said, “But you need to let me go right now! I can walk myself thank you very much!”

Russov stopped and let the doctor’s arm go. She let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m sorry doctor. You’re right. I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that. It’s just you haven’t left me a lot of time to plan out your security. Would you please come with me to my office so we can go over the location and time of your meeting tomorrow?”

Mia nodded.

“Thank you doctor.” Russov said as sincerely as she could manage. “After you.”

***********************

4:15pm:

Russov sat at her desk looking over a map of northern California. The location where Mia’s meeting was supposed to take place was circled in red. An hour ago, she’d dispatched Charles to do some reconnaissance and out to get a firsthand look at the location, but the Corporal hadn’t reported in yet. From the arial photos she had the place looked fairly out in the open with the highway overlooking a steep cliff on the west side of the building and a large parking lot covering the other three of the points on the map with a small strip of woods and an elevated neighborhood further up the hill beyond that.

On the upside, there wouldn’t be much of any place close to the actual building for anyone looking to take Mia to hide. On the down, there wasn’t any place close by for her to station backup without them being seen too without having to go into the wooded area. Whoever she sent with the doctor was going to be on their own for a few minutes if the shit hit the fan, so she was going to need the one that could handle whatever situation that might arise there.

The problem was the one best suited for the job wasn’t the best soldier in the group. She was, however, the one the others trusted the most. Despite both arguments for sending Becket, Russov wasn’t convinced it was the best idea. She twirled a pencil between her fingers as she contemplated the situation.

She continued to mull over the best way to handle the doctor’s security as she got up and clumsily hobbled over to check the hallway outside. She glanced in both directions verifying it was deserted before closing the door to her room.

It slowly swung back at her stopping slightly ajar. She sighed at it and sat back down, reaching into the top drawer of her desk she extracted an olive-green cell phone. It was the latest special military issued tech that scrambled the signal so that only those at either end of the conversation could understand what was being said. It was just too damn easy to intercept cell calls these days to take a chance on using the commercial versions when discussing sensitive subjects.

She flipped it open with her thumb and dialed the number from memory. No numbers were allowed to be stored on these phones.
On the third ring it was answered, “Zoe here.”

Colonel, this is Russov.” She replied.

“Yes Sargent, I recognized your voice. What can I do for you?” he asked impatiently.

“I’m sorry to bother you sir, but I was wondering if you were aware of a meeting that took place yesterday between one of your doctors are Greyson and Mia Blue.”

“I am aware Sargent. I’ve just finished filing my report on the incident. Was that all?”

“No, sir. They are scheduled to meet again tomorrow according to Dr. Blue.”

“Yes, Sargent I know.”

“Are there any orders regarding the meeting? I’ve had the place scouted out and am prepared to implement a security plan for the doctor; however, I thought it best to check in with you first.”

“Yes. Not contacting you and putting you into the loop was my mistake, please forgive me.” He told her, as he mentally chastised himself. “We will only have a minimal presence at the meeting site. I’ve been ordered to allow the exchange of information to take place. Those up the chain of command want access to Greyson’s server and any information on their research we can get our hands on.” He told her.

“Understood. I need to send one of my people there to keep up with the illusion of a security escort. Will that present a problem for your side?”

“No Sargent. Unless an unforeseen party tries to interfere in some way, my people that will be there have orders to simply observe and keep Dr. Cochran safe. I will make sure they are made aware that your people will be on scene to prevent any misunderstandings. Any other questions?” Zoe sounded anxious to get off the phone.

“No Colonel.”

“Excellent. Have a good night, Sargent. I will be in touch after the meeting tomorrow to discuss next steps.”

“Yes sir. I will speak to you then.” She replied but Zoe had already hung up.

She shook her head and closed the phone. “Men!” she thought to herself and laughed. It wasn’t so long ago she was one of them that she forgot what it was like. Still, she didn’t appreciate being talked down to like some kind of incompetent. Despite the virus’s relentless path of destruction though that gender, it seemed like it was still a man’s world, and she wasn’t part of the club any longer.

She slipped the phone into her desk drawer. Getting back up she reopened the door then returned to her seat. She picked up the phone resting on it and called Beckets room.

**********************

Outside Maria quietly crept down the hallway trying not to make a sound. She hadn’t meant to eaves drop on the Sargent, at least that was the story she planned to tell anyone who asked. The question now was who was the best one to tell what she’d heard. She hurried down the stairs passing Linda. She waved and smiled as they passed then hurried off in the direction of Ellie’s office.

******************

4:37 pm:

Linda knocked on the locked door for what felt like the hundredth time, inside she could hear the phone ringing. She was slowly moving from being worried at first when Katie no showed their planned workout session in the gym to being nearly frantic at this point. The gym was the one place they could be together without raising the suspicions of the other members of her squad so they both made a point of working out together early afternoon daily.

She knocked again and asked in a loud voice, “Katie?” The only reply she received was the slight echo of her own voice.

She turned and looked over the railing to the floor below hoping to see on of Katies teammates. However, there was no one to be seen. The only noise in the place, besides her knocking at the moment, had been coming from the infirmary and the phone in Beckets room.
She turned back to the door trying to decide what to do. There was the possibility Katie was just dead asleep. The poor thing had constantly complained about being tired since returning for the rescue mission. That coupled with her relative weakness the other day had Linda only two steps away from completely freaking out.

She stepped over to the door again and knocked as hard as she could, then pressed her ear to the door. Still no signs of life that she could detect, even the phone had stopped ringing.

From down the hall she heard someone yell out “For fucks sake! Quit all the banging.”

A moment later Corporal Charles appeared in the half looking half asleep. “What’s the problem out here? You make any more noise and your gonna start waking the dead for Christ’s sake.”

“I’m sorry for waking you Corporal. Becket was supposed to meet me in the gym and missed out.” Linda explained.

“Maybe she’s taking a nap?” Charles told her.

“As you well know I’ve been out here banging on the door for a bit trying to get her to answer, but so far no go.”
Charles looked unconvinced.

“Look, I knocked loud enough to wake you but so far she hasn’t so much as moaned in there. Only sound was the phone ringing.”

Kara looked at the door for a moment. She noticed small knuckle sized dents in it, and began to become concerned, If Linda had bene hitting it hard enough to leave impressions and Becket still hadn’t responded that was definitely a red flag.

She stepped over and tried the knob.

“It’s locked. I’ve tried it six times already.” Linda informed her.

Charles nodded.

From further down the hall she heard Russov call out, “What the problem?”

Charles turned and saw the Sargent, crutches and all, coming their way dressed in a long army tee shirt and shorts. Behind her were several more of the facilities residents with heads poked out their doorways trying to figure out what all the commotion was about.

“Private Becket isn’t answering her door Ma’am.” Charles informed her.

“I was just trying to call her too. She didn’t answer.” Russov told them.

“Well, I was loud enough that you heard me but she hasn’t answered. I think there might be something wrong. Not that I’m the expert you are.” Linda told her sarcastically.

Russov shot her a dirty look thinking, “Fucking civilians.” As she tried the door for herself, she called out “Becket! It’s Russov! Open the fucking door private!” Still, there was no response. “Corporal, clear that door.” She ordered.

Sighing to herself Charles reared back and gave the door a mighty kick. The force knocked it off its hinges and sent it flying into the room beyond.

“Glad she wasn’t standing behind that thing.” Linda said staring daggers at Russov as she pushed her way by the two military women and into the room.

To her left was Becket hanging half out of the bed. “Katie!” she exclaimed as she rushed to her side.

From behind she heard Russov bellow, “Someone get one of the doc’s up here proto!”

Linda leaned over Becket and placed hand on her chest. It was still rising and falling and she felt a heartbeat. “She’s alive.” She told the rest of them in the ever more crowded room. She shook the unresponsive private and called her name but received only a mumbled moan in reply.

It was hard to tell much more about her condition with the only light in the room coming from out in the hallway. Linda asked one of those standing to turn the light on, which received no response, then slipped down and sat next to Becket. She took the privates hand in hers, patting it softly as they waited for one of the doctors to arrive. She knew it could possibly raise suspicions with Russov, but at the moment the Sargent was the last thing she was concerned with.

Time seemed to be moving so slowly that she thought it might actually have stopped as she sat in the gloominess. From out in the hallway, she the onlookers speaking the other but not the words they were saying. Her entire being was focused on the unconscious woman next to her.

The pregnant woman quietly whispered a prayer that Katie would be alright while at the same time cursing the rest for their nosiness.

Finally, she heard a louder voice outside in the hallway urging the others to move out of the way. A moment later a silhouetted Dr. Turner entered the room. She was panting and out of breath from sprinting up the stairs.

“What’s her status?” she asked as she stepped over Linda’s outstretched feet.

“She’s alive. That’s all I can really tell at this point.”

“Can we get some light in here?” Turner asked no one in particular and a moment later the overheads came on. Linda was forced to blink until her eyes adjusted as she rolled to her side and started cambering to her feet.

“No, no. You stay right there and keep holding her hand. Physical contact can help people in her condition stay grounded in reality.” Turner told her as she reached into her medical bag for something.

“Ok.”

Turner put a stethoscope against Beckets chest and listened for a moment. She then grabbed the private wrist and counted as she looked at her watch. “Fuck.” She muttered under her breath.

“What’s wrong?” Russov asked.

“Her pulse and heart rate are extremely low. We need to get her to the infirmary right now. She may need life support before long if we don’t get things turned around.” Turner told them with great urgency in her voice.

“I’ll carry her.” Linda told them.

Turner looked at her. “You will most certainly not. Not in your condition. There are plenty of others just as strong as you are that aren’t pregnant.” Turner chastised.

Linda felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up to see Charles standing next to her. “Hop on up hun. I’ll take care of it.”

Linda nodded and got to her feet as Kara bent and gathered the unconscious solder in her arms. As she did Russov hollered, “Everyone out of the way!” back down the hallway. Linda could see her swinging one of her crutches side to side outside the room.
The onlookers pealed to the wall side as the doctor led Charles and Linda hurriedly down the hallway.

Moments later they burst into the infirmary. Turner scanned the room for an open bed for a second before spotting one. “Over in the corner, put her there.” She ordered. “Dr. Going’s, you’re help please?”

Robi turned around to see the three of the hurrying across the floor with Becket. Not far behind the came Russov crutching along, her cast encased leg sticking out in front of her as she made her way along.

“What’s happened?” she asked a she rushed across the floor.

“The patient is breathing but unresponsive due to, I assume very low heart rate. I’ve had her brought in incase we need to use life support equipment.” Turner shouted until Robi was close enough to her a more normal volume.

“Shit. How long has she been like this?” Robi asked.

“We don’t know. No one has seen her all day until we found her.” Russov reported.

“What time was it the last time any of you saw her?” Turner asked.

“I saw her last night.” Ashford responded.

What time was that?”

“About 9ish I think. Not too long before lights out.”

“So, it could have been as long as seventeen hours, wonderful.” Robi said as she confirmed Dr. Turner’s diagnosis by timing Becket’s pulse. “I knew I shouldn’t have let her go back to full duty, god damn it.”

“You knew she was sick?” Turner asked.

“She came to me a couple days ago complaining of weakness. I told her she needed at the very least bed rest, but she insisted she would be fine with restricted duty.” Robi explained a trifle guiltily.

“So much for that huh?” Russov said sarcastically.

Robi turned and scowled at the Sargent. “I don’t know Sargent, who do you think pushes her harder, me or you? Do you somehow think it was me she was afraid to tell she wasn’t up to snuff?”

Russov scowled. “I treat her like she’s a member of the military, which she is by the way.”

Robi shook her head. She didn’t have time for this. “Ok. You.” She said pointing at her. “Out! The rest of you too. We need room to work. Sargent if you have an issue with my prior diagnosis take it up with Ellie but for now get the fuck out of my way!”

Russov looked like she was about to say something but thought better of it. Instead, she told Charles and Ashford, “Let’s give the medic’s space to work. We can discuss Beckets previous health concerns afterwards doctor.”

Robi looked back up at her, but the soldiers were headed away so she let it go for now. “You too Linda, scoot. We’ll update you on her condition as soon as we know something.”

“Ok Robi. Dr. Turner, please help her. I can’t lose her this soon.” She replied with her eyes welling up.

“We will do whatever we can for her.” Turner told her. “Have faith. She’s in good hands.”
Linda gave them a wan smile then walked off.

****************

An hour later Turner emerged from the makeshift hospital and walked outside to get a breath of fresh air. This place was nothing like she thought it would be. So many patients, so many people with differing ideas and personalities, and the army to boot. Thus far she’d done all she could to avoid the soldiers. With a warrant for her arrest hanging over her head it seemed the prudent thing to do. Now, however, she needed to be front and center with their leader and tell them what little they found with her charge.

She was nervous about meeting with Russov, so nervous she couldn’t stop her hand from shaking. She tried holding one in the other trying to control the nervous twitch but that only made her teeth chatter. She had to laugh and roll her eyes at herself.

Turner remembered back to when the virus had first hit. She’d been fearless in the face of the government goons that tried to muscle their way into her hospital and tell her staff how to treat their patients. However, that all changed once the sic’d Brady on her and she found how far the military was really willing to go to keep people like herself in line.

Just thinking of the Major was enough to make her shiver and glance timidly over her shoulder. He had taken her beyond the limits of even her professional knowledge and experience. It wasn’t just the physical torture either, it was the threats of what he was going to do to her once she was done with her transformation. She hugged herself as she thought back to her last day at City Hospital, the day of her only life, before she learned she was infected.

Swallowing hard Turner did her best to push the memories away. What she had to do on this day wouldn’t end with the same results as that one, she hoped. Sargent Russov, as menacing as she looked, was no Brady. Plus, Ellie had guaranteed her safety and that of her fellow new arrivals.

That made her think of Hillary. Maybe she should bring her with her to the meeting. While she was simple and childlike she was also fiercely loyal and would never allow any harm to come to the doctor. As comforting as that thought was, she knew there was no way she could actually put the youngster in that complicated a position. It would be too much for her young brain to process.

That aside, it had been hours since she looked in on her. Perhaps a few minutes with her before she went to see the Sargent was just the tonic her nerves needed. The thought of playing cars with her, to quote what she felt was the corniest line ever, was just what she needed to turn her frown upside down.

She went back inside and immediately ran into the pregnant woman, Linda.

“Oh, there you are doctor.” She said surprised.

“Yes. Sorry needed little air.” Turner replied.

“How’s Katie making out?” Linda asked acting as if she hadn’t heard a word Turner said.

“She is stable as far as we can tell. Her vital signs haven’t changed which is a positive sign.”

“Good to hear. But what’s happening to her?” Linda asked impatiently.

“We don’t know. She’s in a coma of some kind but the physical cause of her malady is anyone’s guess. We’ve found nothing in our examinations that would explain it. At the moment we are awaiting some test results. Hopefully they will give us some indication.”

“Could it have anything to do with what she and Thomas did for Nicole?”

Since I don’t know what they did for whoever this Nicole is, that’s a very hard question to answer. Mind elaborating?”

“Robi didn’t say anything to you?”

“No. I’m afraid not.” Turner replied wondering what she was getting on about.

“Hmm. Then I’d better go talk to her.” Linda said as she hurried off. “Thanks for the update.” She called over her shoulder before disappearing behind the infirmary door.

Turner sighed as she watched the door close. She shook her head and went off to find Harriot.

****************

Inside the infirmary again Linda stopped and looked around for Robi. She spotted her talking to Thomas outside Nicoles room. Quickly she walked over and without preamble asked, “How’s she doing?”

“Oh, Linda good. I was just about to come find you.” Robi told her.”

“I ran into Dr, Turner outside.”

Robi nodded. “I was just discussing something odd with Thomas here.”

“Why didn’t you tell her about what the two of them did for Nicole?” Linda blurted out unable to stand the niceties any longer.

Thoamas turned and asked, “Two of who?”

“Don’t give me that shit Thomas. Becket told me what happened at the house after she was shot.”

“Lovely.” Thomas said with tremendous annoyance. She turned to Dr. Goings. “You know too?”

Robi nodded. “Becket told me when she came to see me the other day.”

Thomas rolled her eyes. “Does the whole place know now?”

“No, of course not.” Robi replied. “Becket was having some rather serious weakness issues and she came to me.”

“I made her go.” Linda chimed in.

“During the exam she told me what had happened. She was afraid it was part of what was wrong with her.” Robi continued to explain. “Which leads us right into where we are now.”

She looked at Thomas. “Do you want to tell her or should I?

“You the doctor.” Thomas said, stepping back.

Robi rolled her eyes. “As you well know Thomas is sensitive to other enhanced women. She can sense them.”

“Yes. I’m aware.” Linda said, growing angry.

“Well, it seems she can no longer sense Katie.” Robi explained.

“What do you mean, can’t sense her”

“I mean she doesn’t stand out to me any more than any of the unenhanced new women do.” Thomas told her, cutting to the chase.

“How…how is that possible?” Linda asked dumbfounded. Of all the things she thought she’d hear that was the absolute last thing on her list.

“I have no idea.” Thomas told her. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before. Usually once I catch a whiff of an enhanced person, I can sense them no matter where they are, but Becket is a total blank to me all of a sudden. It’s almost like she’s not even there.”

Linda shook her head. “Do you at least know why she’s unconscious?”

Robi sighed. “Unfortunately, no. However, her vitals haven’t changed so I consider that to be a positive sign. Whatever is wrong with her, for the moment at least, isn’t getting any worse.”

“This is comma week around here it feels like.” Thomas said to no one in particular. “First Nicole and Carol and now Becket. Kind of crazy.”

They both nodded in agreement.

“If she wakes up telling us she had a dream about the future, I’m done. All I’m saying.” Robi joked trying to lighten the tension up some.

Thomas rolled her eyes. Linda just looked at her uncomprehendingly.

“With no obvious causes to look at we’ll just have to wait until Sam or Mia complete the tests I ordered.” Robi told them. “All we can really do is wait and hope until then.”

Linda sighed and looked down at her belly. “Well junior, looks like we’re camping out.” She looked back up at Robi. “I’ll wait with her.”

“I’ll have someone bring you a chair. And try not to get to stressed out over it all. It’s not good for the baby.”

“I’ll do my best.” Linda told them as she picked up Beckets limp hand and held it in hers.

**************************

6:45pm 3Russov’s office:

Russov leaned back in her chair stretching out her cramped hip. The cast she wore was becoming a bigger hassle to work around by the day. She hated feeling so useless. Being injured like this and not being able to fulfill all of her duties already had Col. Zoe questioning her ability to lead her team. That assessment was unacceptable in her mind. In all her time in the military no one ever had reason to question her ability to lead, until now.

She understood a good deal of the issue was centered around her new gender. As a former upstanding member of the old boys’ club, she understood, if not condoned now that she was on the receiving end, the attitude most men had when it came to women in the military. As one of those women now, she held it n even greater distain than she did when she had the option to participate or not.
A knock on her door interrupted her bitter mental ramblings.

“Entre vous.” She said loudly enough to be heard though the closed door.

Much to her surprise Ellie stepped in. Behind her was the Maria looking like she’d rather be anywhere else.

“What can I do for you Ms. Wolfe and friend?” she asked in greeting.

“I want to know what kind of game you’re playing here Sargent!” Ellie said angrily.

Russov looked at her blankly trying to figure out what “game" she was referring too. “You have me at a disadvantage here Ellie. I’m not aware of playing any games at the moment. Mind telling what your referring to?”

“I heard you on the phone talking about what to do with Dr. Mia, bitch. Don’t even try to lie cause your totally busted!” Maria said aggressively.
Russov gave her a look of distain and shook her head. “First off, who are you?”

“This is Carol’s friend Maria, not that her identity should matter right now.” Ellie interjected. “I’d like an answer to my question Sargent.” She folded her arms.

“Well Maria why don’t you tell me what you heard exactly so I know what it is I’m being accused of.” Russov suggested placatingly while ignoring Ellie for the moment.

“You asked whoever you were on the phone with if the planned to bring Dr. Mia “in” and how heavy your security detail needed to be.” Maria told her.

“Fucking eaves dropping little bitch.” Russov though to herself. Then to the two of them she asked, “Is that all?”

“No, I was right outside in the hallway the whole time. I heard the whole conversation.” Maria told her fearlessly. “And, by the way, just cause I’m a teenager doesn’t mean you can just dismiss me either, bitch!”

Russov smiled. The kid has spunk, had to give her that even though at the moment she was being a tremendous pain in the ass. “Well, I’m not sure what you think you heard but I will tell you I was on the phone with my superior, Lt. Col, Zoe over at Greyson Lab’s. He’s in charge of all military personnel here in northern Cali.” She explained skirting the truth as much as she dared. “As my superior, I’m obligated to keep him apprised of duties I assign to my people. We did discuss the meeting Dr. Blue had with one of the personnel at Greyson two days ago and what security measures I needed to put in place to assure her safety. And yes, you are correct, I did ask what his plans for her were, how else would I know how to proceed?”

“And if his intent had been nefarious?” Ellie asked, looking like she was anything but convinced Russov was telling the truth.

“I would have warned the doctor off of course.” Russov assured them. “Believe it or not Ellie I am on your side.”

“Are you Sargent?” She asked.

“Yes.”

“It seems to me there is always some kind of hidden agenda when it comes to you. You’ve never been one hundred percent honest with any of us. Every time we’ve ever spoken it’s constantly felt as if there is some kind of thinly veiled ulterior motive behind your words.” Elie told her trying to be as honest as she could with the soldier. “It’s a shame too, because we could really use you to be legitimately on our side.”

“I’m sorry you feel that was Miss Wolf. My only goal, as my orders explicitly say, has been to keep you and your people safe.” Russov made a mental note to be far more careful in front of Ellie in the future. While the post-election plans for the Sisters were far from set in stone, she needed their trust in the meantime. The last thing she wanted was for Zoe to order the whole place to be black bagged and taken to Ft.
Rawlings. If it came to that it would undoubtedly be seen as a failure on her part.

“I am too. I’m going to send Thomas as security for Mia. Your people can stay here with you and do whatever it is you’re really here for.” Ellie took Maria’s hand and started to leave.

“It’s not your place to….” Russov began to say.

“Not my place?” Ellie said whipping back around and facing the Sargent.

Maria quickly realized that Russov had crossed a line with the leader of the Sisters. She quietly wished she had a box of popcorn and a nice big cushy chair to sit back in to watch what was coming up next.

“Not my place?” She repeated, with growing fury. “The people who inhabit this facility are my responsibility, Sargent. I am the leader here, not you! Whatever I decide to do is the final word on it! If you don’t like that then I suggest you pack your things of and head back to North Dakota or whatever hole they dug, you up out of!” Ellie told her angrily. “The choice is yours. Do whatever you want but do not presume to to tell me what is and isn’t my business here!”

“Ellie..” Russov started to argue.

“No! I’m not going to listen to whatever lie you have prepared to placate me. Thomas goes, end of conversation.” Ellie told her simply.
“Whatever objections you have, tell them to your superiors. They can feel free t call me directly and I will tell them to stuff it up their asses personally!”

The Sargent held her hands up as a sign of surrender. “You’re right, I’ve overstepped my bounds. My apologies. I will do better to remember my place moving forward.”

“Fine.” Ellie said dismissively. She’d had quiet enough of Russov’s bull shit for one day and was ready to leave.

“Can I at least send one of my people with Thomas and Mia?” Russov asked, trying to sound contrite all the while, seething at having to sit and being told what’s what by a civilian. When the day came and she finally had Ellie under her thumb she’d remember this episode and be sure Miss Wolf paid dearly for it.

“Yes, fine, do whatever, Sargent.” Ellie told her, turning back toward the door. “Come on Maria, we’re leaving.” She’d had enough of Russov’s placations.

She understood that the day for their so-called protectors to leave was fast approaching. Ellie quietly wondered how fierce the fight would be when that day finally came. Looking at Russov she knew there was little chance they’d go easily.

As Ellie stormed off dragging Maria behind her, Russov made a mental note to keep an eye on the kid moving forward. And to keep her door closed and locked while on the phone.

*******************

3am EDT Boston:

Harkin pulled up to the curb in front of the building that housed the Edwards campaign headquarters and put the rental car into park. The chocolate-colored stone-faced exterior made the place look even more foreboding at night than during the day. To his delight the lower floors of the building, which housed the senators’ offices, looked to be deserted. That wasn’t exactly a surprise considering the time of the night, but it was the perfect situation for what he needed to take care of.

He got out of the dark colored Hyundai Sonata the rental company had given him. It wasn’t up to his usual snuff when it came to vehicle size, Harkin preferred trucks or SUVs, but the car was prefect for the city’s small streets and confusing traffic patterns. In addition, it offered a lower profile than something larger. Blending in was key to tonight’s mission.

He popped the trunk and wrestled the two-by-two wooden box free. It was heavier and more unwieldy than he’d have liked, but manageable—particularly at this early hour, when no one was around to notice him struggling. He took a quick glance over his shoulder back down the street to make sure the coast was still clear, then scurried best he could down the alley way between the pair of tall buildings. He was glad they were both strictly used for business, if they’d contained apartments, he’d have had to find a more easily manageable insurance policy than the one he now carried awkwardly.

The light from the street faded after only a few feet between the buildings, making it difficult to navigate his way through the trash and debris scattered about the alley way. More than once he nearly tripped over some piece of random junk or another. The darkness thickened until it was pure luck that he made it through without losing his footing or far worse, his cargo.

After another minute he was at the back corner of the senator’s office building. He’d been told specifically to place the box as close as possible to the rear of the place where Edward’s actual office lay. He found a suitable spot only a couple feet away from the back corner and carefully set the box down.

With his cargo safely in place, Harkin stood up straight for a moment stretching his aching back. “I need to get to the gym more often.” He thought sarcastically as he caught his breath.

After the stretch he knelt down next to the box and flipped opened the hinged top. He pulled a small flashlight out of his jacket pocket. Harkin took another cautious look back at the entrance to the alley way reassuring himself he was unobserved then aimed the beam at the interior of the box exposing the contents. Laying on top of the metal casing was a remote, like one for a television set. He reached in and pulled it out and gave it a once over with the flashlight.

There was foot long wire hanging off the bottom of the remote with a funky looking three-pronged plug dangling off the end. He scrutinized the end for a moment then began to examine at the devise inside the box, quickly spotting the connection port. Plugging it into the provided port, he thought back to the instructions he’d been given by the devise’s maker. He clicked a pair of buttons at the top of the remote three times in rapid succession and the gizmo inside blinked to life with a series of multicolored lights that began flashing.

He smiled and clicked a third button and the lights became steady. He nodded and tapped the small screen on the contraption inside. The LED showed two words, read and paired. Satisfied, he tapped the screen again turning it off and closed the box. If things went sideways with the Senator’s people, this afternoon he would just wait until Edwards showed up and take down the entire building.

Now all that was left was to make contact with his patsy, a man who went by the name of John Rawlings. Rawlings had been on the NSA watch list for several months after posting several thinly veiled threats against Senator Edwards and several other members of Congress who opposed then President Fuller. While so far nothing had ever come from his threats, when this was over it will be very easy to show a pattern of hatred towards the Senator.

With his current mission completed, Harkin glanced at his watch, 3am. His internal clock was still on California time and despite what his eyes told him, his body was saying that it was only midnight. He wasn’t supposed to meet up with Rawlings until 9 and the Senators people not until noon.

Harkins stomach rumbled as he wondered if there were any all-night breakfast places around. His stomach seemingly had decided that food was his next priority. He started back up the alley searching on his phone for restaurants that would be open at this ungodly hour. As he stepped out complete from between the buildings, Harkin all but ran into a Boston Police officer who was standing next to his rental. He looked up from the screen just in time to avoid the collision.

“Evening officer.” He said in a surprised tone. Realizing he still had it in his hand, Harkin quickly slipped the remote into his jacket pocket.

“Careful there, buddy. You need to look where you’re going.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Was trying to find a place to grab a bite.” Harkin replied awkwardly.

The cop nodded. “What were you doing down there?”

Harkin rolled his eyes and put on his best fake embarrassed smile. “Had to take care of some business and it just wouldn’t wait any longer.”

“So, you decided to just stop in front of the senator’s office at random and what? Piss on the wall?”

“Senator?” Harkin asked, trying to sound as clueless as he could.

“Yeah. Senator Edwards’ campaign works out of that building.” The cop pointed at the enormous sigh that covered most of the left side windows of the building’s main floor.

“It, err, he does?” Harkin turned and looked back at the building then said, “Son of a bitch. I didn’t even notice when I pulled over. How cool is that?”

“Yes, very cool.” The cop said with a dubious air to his voice. “The Governor is worried that after the impeachment that someone might try something to something funny to the Senator, so the departments had the building under 24/7 surveillance. Secret Service too.”

“Understandable.” Harkin replied. “Everyone’s watching huh?”

“I’m going to need to see some ID mister…?”

“Wallace. Paul Wallace” Harkin told him as he fished his wallet out of his back pocket. This was exactly what he hoped to avoid. Even though he knew the ID was clean, the cop had still seen his face. He handed the officer Wallace’s license as he contemplated what to do next. Killing a cop was always a dicey business, you never knew who they were but buddies within the department and who would go to whatever lengths to bring their murder to justice, thus, it was an option he was reluctant to take up.

Harkin silently cursed himself for dilly dallying in the alley way. He glanced over at the cop who had wandered over to and was now sitting in his cruiser as he ran the license. He had not seen the officer on his radio, which was a plus, but there was no way to be sure he hadn’t call in to report yet.

A minute later the policeman pooped up out of his car and walked back over to where Harkin stood leaned against the back of the Hyundai smoking a cigarette.

“You’re ID came back clean Mr. Walter.” He told him. “No warrants, no violations whatsoever actually, which is unusual.”

Harkin raised an eyebrow at the obvious attempt to trap him. “Wallace. Thank you, officer”

“Yes. Mr. Wallace. My apologies, it’s been a long night.” He said with a fake smile.

“Not a problem officer, I completely understand.” Harkin reassured. “Am I free to go?”

“Yes, you are. Next time you have to piss though, pick a better spot. Have a good night.” The cop said. He started back to his car but the stopped and turned back. “By the way, three blocks down take a right. At the end of the block is Rosie’s Café. Best all-night eatery in the city.”

“Excellent, thank you.” Harkin replied even though he wasn’t hungry anymore.

He climbed back into the car and made a show of putting stuff away inside the vehicle, hoping the officer would drive off but he sat in his cruiser and patiently waited for Harkin to put it in drive and pull away. Harkin sighed as he drove off while the cruiser followed behind by a couple car lengths. Despite Harkin’s best acting job it was plainly apparent the officer remained unconvinced.

“Well, fuck.” He silently cursed as he took the right turn as indicated. The cruiser continued on straight down Mass Ave.

At this late, or early, depending on your point of view, hour, the city’s tight car lined streets offered just enough room to maneuver. Harkin whipped the car into a U-turn, headed back the way he’d come and took the next right.

Up ahead by a couple blocks he spotted the police car as it made its way along the mostly deserted avenue. He sped up a bit trying to inconspicuously close the distance between the two vehicles without being obvious. With so few cars on the road there was little in the way of traffic for cover, so he proceeded cautiously.

After a few minutes, he’d gained enough to be within a couple of car lengths when the cruiser took a sudden left onto a side street. Attempting to avoid suspicion, Harkin drove past the road and took a quick glance down the side street, watching as the police car pulled over, parked in front of what looked like an apartment building. He shook his head wondering if he’d been spotted as he continued on searching for a place to turn off in.

About a quarter mile ahead and off to the right was Boston harbor. He noticed as the road began to sweep off to the left away from the water, there was a large well-lit parking lot with what looked like a bunch of boats docked in the water on its far side. Harking drove until he spotted the lot’s entrance and pulled the car over. He glanced up at the rearview feeling reassured as he saw there weren’t any other cars moving on the street.

After taking a few minutes to think his plan through, Harkin spun the Accent around and headed back up Mass. Ave, taking a right turn onto the side street the cop had pulled down. Much to his delight the cruiser was still parked in the same spot. He drove past and looked over to see the back of the officer’s head as he working on something on his laptop computer.

Harkin smiled and pulled over a couple spaces ahead. He took a couple deep, calming breaths to settled any nervousness he might be feeling as he screwed a silencer onto the end of his gun. He took one more glance into the mirror to make sure his target was still parked in the same spot, then he hopped out.

He cut across the street and climbed the opposite sidewalk, yanking his hood down until it shrouded his face in darkness. He crept along at a slow and measured pace, until he drew even with the cop car. The officer inside had his back to Harkin as he worked diligently on his computer. Harkin reached int his jacket and pulled his NSA badge out, flipping open the leather wallet it sat in.

Hurrying back across the road, he walked up and boldly knocked on the cop’s window. He remained standing straight up so the officer could only see his belly and chest though the window and put the badge against the bulletproof glass. It had the effect he was hoping for as the cop lowered the window. Before he could utter a word Harkin brought the gun up and pulled the trigger three times, which was the limit of the guns baffle.

All three shots hit home, and the cop’s body fell over towards the passenger’s side of the car. Without wasting a second, he reached in and opened the driver’s door. Ducking down he pushed the body all the way across the seat. He turned the car over and drove quickly to the lot.

Parking the car in the lot as near to the entrance to docks as he could, Harkin began typing on the car’s computer. He used his special access code to connect to the NSA main frame in Washington DC. From there here accessed the city’s network of street post cameras. He did a quick time slot search and found the stored footage of his approach to the car from three different camera angles and deleted the footage.

Backing out of city’s network he moved over to a different window on the NSA network. After a few keystrokes he instructed the computer to delete all accessible private network cameras footage for the same time span. Knowing this would take the computer several hours to search and carry out the command, he signed out of the NSA network and pulled the cruiser’s computer out of its holder.

He walked over to the dock and out to its furthest point and pitched the computer into Boston harbor. He turned his collar up to ward off the chill of the wind coming off the water and lit a cigarette. He stood there looking out of the black ocean water as he smoked, contemplating what he wanted to do with the cop’s body.

Tossing it into the water seemed like the most efficient way, especially with the camera scrub program running. However, the cop was fat and heavy, and he wasn’t sure he could get him into the water without being seen. Being seen would just mean more bodies to dispose of and the last thing he wanted as to spend the entire night cleaning up a stream of never-ending messes. So that idea was probably out.

The wind was winning the battle of wills as it blew cold air against his face relentlessly. He turned back and began to walk back to the car when the idea hit him. “Just leave him there and let them find him. Call the agency and have a story planted about him being a dirty cop and le the morning news have a field day.” He thought gleefully.

His smile remained as he walked all the way back to where he parked his car and drove away dialing.

*****************

9:15am EDT Beach st, Roslindale:

Harkin sat uncomfortably on the shabby chair with torn upholstery and what felt like springs poking through the cushions in the living room of John Rawlings. The man himself busied himself in the kitchen making them both cups of coffee. The television on the other side of the small living room droned on with the morning news. Harkin wasn’t paying it a lot of attention; his focus was on his continued annoyance with Rawlings and the just disgusting mess his apartment was.

Suddenly the scene on the TV changed to a video of a police car by the waterfront. Harkin reached for the remote and turned the volume up. “WCVB reporter Shelly Stot is on the scene.” The anchor woman told the audience. “Shelly?”

“Thank you, Rondella. We are here this morning at the South street parking lot and marina entrance which was the site of a grizzly scene. Early this morning a Boston police officer, Harrold Reynolds, was found dead in his vehicle the apparent victim of foul play. According to a BPD spokesperson, department dispatch lost contact with officer Reynolds sometime after 3:30 this morning. After not reporting in for the end of his shift at 6am, they used the newly installed GPS system in all BPD vehicles to track down his location. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered officer Reynolds dead of three gunshot wounds in the front seat of his police cruiser.”

“As you can see from all the activity behind me, the investigation to find the responsible party is just getting underway, with the BPD forensics team scouring the area around the patrol car for evidence. The department has also had officers knocking the doors of nearby residents asking them if they have any security camera footage of the incident.”

“A spoke woman for the police has also asked that anyone having knowledge of what might have happened last night to please come forward. In the meanwhile, all we really know is that an officer is dead and the investigation into why has just begun. We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they arrive. This is Shelly Stot live at the waterfront. Back to you Rondella.”

Back in the studio the anchor woman replied, “Thank you for that report, Shelly.” She then turned and faced the camera. “Channel 5 news has received an unconfirmed report for a souse outside the Boston police department that officer Reynolds has been at the center of a federal investigation of corruption and the distribution of illegal drugs within the department. The source went on to suggest that perhaps it may have been a drug deal gone bad that led to the death of Officer Reynolds.”

“When asked, officials within the department declined to comment on a possible connection between the officer’s death and the distribution of illegal drugs.”

Harkin grinned like a Cheshire cat. Hagerty, the genius he was, had come through for him with flying colors. After the story spread around to the rest of the networks, there was no way the public would believe anything except that Reynolds was a dirty cop now. Mission accomplished and ass officially covered.

Harkin looked up and found his patsy was still in the kitchen. He sighed to himself. “Hey! How long does it take to make a fucking cup of coffee for Christ sakes?” he hollered indignantly.

Rawlings poked his head around the corner. “I..I was hungry. Thought you might be too, so I was whipping up some eggs for us.” He replied nervously.

“What the fuck, John! This isn’t a fucking social visit. We have important shit to discuss here for fucks sake, and I have other people to see this morning.”

“S..sorry Mr. Harkin. I..I won’t be but another minute I..I promise.” The tall, overweight, 50ish balding man told him.

“Hurry the fuck up!” Harkin told his overly anxious host as he shook his head in disgust. He wondered how a guy that was this much of a wreck was ever going to handle working with Senator Edwards people. Harkin stewed as he waited, mentally going over the list of alternates he might be able to use in case this meeting continued to go south on him.

Several minutes later Rawlings finally entered the living room carrying a pair of plates piled high with scrambled eggs and what smelled like bacon. He put them down and scurried back into the kitchen, only to reappear a second later with two mugs of steaming coffee. Harkin’s mouth started watering as he looked at the plate full of food. He hadn’t realize how hungry he was until it was laid out in front of him.

The two of them sat there for several silent minutes and partook in the meal. The man may have been a slob but his skills as a chef were undeniable. Harkin caught himself grunting with satisfaction more than once as he ate.

“I…I wanted to thank you Mr. Harkin.” Rawlings told him as they began to finish up.

“For what?” Harkin asked. “Mind if I smoke?”

“Let me fetch you an ashtray. One sec.” Rawling told him getting up.

Coming back, he placed the ashtray in front of Harkin’s chair then sat back down himself. “I appreciate you and your people for letting me be a part of this thing. Ever since that asshole Edwards and his cronies in Washington had the plant I was working at closed down for whatever environmental bullshit they dreamed up, I’ve been dying for a little pay back, I tell ya.”

Harkin nodded. The last thing he cared about was this guy’s motivation. “Well now you’ll have your chance as long as you’re still up to it.”

“Oh, I am for sure.” Rawlings told him earnestly. His hands seem to fidget endlessly, always winding and unwinding together or reaching to move some small object or another on the table. Several times Harkin watched him pick up one thing or another, move it a couple of inches only to pick it back up a minute later and put it back where it was originally positioned. He wasn’t sure what diagnosis a psychologist would give about the man’s mental state, but it didn’t seem very encouraging.

“I have to be honest with you, Rawlings. Watching you here this morning I’m starting to have grave reservations about your ability to carry out your end of the bargain. We’ve already paid you a substantial deposit for your services. You need to be honest with me here, if you can’t carry out your end of things, now is the time to fess up.”

“I know. I just get fidgety when I’m nervous or excited but trust me when the time comes, I’ll be cool as cucumber.” He reassured.
Harkin gave him a dubious nod.

“I promise. It will go slick as shit through a goose.”

“It better, there’s a lot riding in this. You don’t want to know what will happen to you if you fuck this up.” Harkin gave him a stern look.
John swallowed hard and Harkin gave him a small nod acknowledging that Rawlings got the message.

“Speaking of rides. Where will the car that’s taking me to the airport be parked?” Rawlings asked trying to change the subject to something to other than his demise.

“It will be where we agreed. In front of the Newberry Comics store on Beacon St. Look for a black Cadillac SUV, just like you asked for.”

“Good, good. That’ only a couple minutes’ walk from his office. And the rest of my money?”

“It will be in a briefcase in the cargo area waiting for you.”

“Awesome.” Rawlings said with a smile. “Take care of this problem for you then I’m off to spend the rest of my life in a tropical paradise with no extradition.”

Harkin smiled back as he snuffed out his cigarette. “We’re good here?” He asked standing up.

“I think so. You’ll call me once he lands and I will head to his office and wait.” Rawlings said reinterring the jist of the plan.”

“Very good my man. Thank you for the breakfast. It was delicious.” Harkin told him being gracious. “Stick by your phone. I’ll be in touch.”

“I have it right here.” Rawlings told him holding the cell phone he was given up.

“Good. Keep is safe.” Harkin told him as he exited the apartment.

**************

Noon EDT:

Harkin pulled up to the building he was parked in front of nine hours earlier and let out a long sigh. Running on so little sleep was beginning to take its toll. Dealing with the cop had taken much longer than he’d have preferred, but at least his ass was now covered.

He blinked his eyes several times trying to clear the grittiness out of them. Thinking back, he realized the last bit of shut eye he’d gotten was on the plane and he wouldn’t really call that sleeping. The chilly gray, misty day it had turned out to be wasn’t helping things ether.

He hated the east coast with a passion, especially the northeast once the calendar turned past September. It got to damn cold way too fast for his taste up here. He was a west coast guy all the way. Sunshine and warm weather were what he loved most, as well as the correct time of day.

He looked at his watch with consternation. His exhausted body told him it was still only midmorning even though the time piece said it was high noon. Traveling east always left him a bit discombobulated, and this trip was certainly no exception. He didn’t really understand why Carlyle had been in such a rush to get him here. The chances of Edwards heading back home so soon after the President’s resignation seemed unlikely. However, the very soon to be new president was the boss and paid him well to take care of business and keep his opinions to himself.

He hopped out of the car and pulled his collar up against the cold and trotted across the street. The office was a beehive of activity today as it would be every day from here until the election. If Edwards won it would continue to be for the next few months until he was sworn in, in January. Not that Edwards winning was very likely at this point, but he’d learned to never to count your chickens the hard way.

He walked up to a small desk with a gorgeous black woman with almond shaped chestnut brown eyes. He stood there for a moment so transfixed by her dazzling beauty he didn’t realize she was speaking to him.

“I said can I help you?” she asked apparently for a second time and sounding very irritated for having to repeat herself.

“Oh, sorry.” He laughed with embarrassment as he wondered if maybe he was more tired than he thought. “My mind wandered a sec there.”
She gave him a wan smile and nodded. “What can I do for you mister..?”

“Harkin. I’m here to see Amelia Faulkner.” He informed her as the word BUSTED flashed through his mind in capital letters.

“Do you have an appointment?"

“Um, no. But I’m sure if you get on the phone there and tell her I’m here she will make the time to see me.” He reached into his pocket and pulled his badge out and showed her.

The woman looked at it then back up at him. It was obvious she was something less than impressed but picked up the phone anyway. A moment later he heard her saying “Yes Ms. Faulkner. I know you’re busy. I’m sorry to disturb you but there is a mister Harkin here to see you. Apparently, he’s with the NSA.”

The person on the other end spoke for several seconds before she nodded at him and said, “Take a seat. She will be with you in a moment.”

“Thank you….?”

“Veronica.”

“Thank you, Veronica.” He said with a smile as he walked over to the small wooden bench and took seat. He stole a quick glance at her left hand.

“No ring. Maybe I’ll ask her out for drink later before I leave.” He thought to himself as he took a seat.

As he waited Harkin continue to steal furtive glances at the receptionist much to her displeasure. Every time she would look up and catch him, she would frown deeply. Finally, after the 5th or 6th time she got up and walked towards the back of the room and disappeared behind a shiny black painted door.

Harkin smiled to himself and shrugged. “Guess I won’t be asking her out after all.” He thought with a quiet laugh.

Not long afterward a tall well-built bald black man in a dark blue business suit came to collect him. Tall as Harkin was, the guy towered over him. “They must be hiring lots of extra muscle these days.” He thought as he was escorted across the crowded main room.

They entered a smallish, glass walled office towards the back of the room. It sat in the opposite corner from a much larger office he assumed Senator Edwards used when he was in town. “Tiny”, as Harkin had come to think of his escort, opened the door and ushered him in.

Behind a small utilitarian schoolteacher’s desk sat Amelia Faulkner. She looked to be in her early fifties with neck-length graying hair and librarian glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. Her immaculate, expensive looking, off-white color blouse and matching pants completed the busy executive look she seemed to be trying to project.

In contrast to her pristine look, the top of her desk was a chaotic mess of several stacks of piled manila folders, most of which had papers sticking out of them at odd angles. There were also several phones that were seemingly placed wherever they would fit amongst the clutter. In the center of it, was small computer screen and keyboard. Behind that, the woman herself.

“Thank you, Timothy.” She told his escort dismissing him. “I’ll take it from here.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” Timothy told her as he cast a serious looking stare Harkin’s way.

Harkin smiled back as he tried to keep from bursting out laughing at “Tiny’s” real name being Timothy. It was just too perfect.

After the door closed, she said to him “Take a seat.”

“Thanks, but I’m ok.”

“I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.” She told him with obvious distain as she cast her eyes back at the computer screen and frowned. She typed a few things on the key board before looking back up at Harkin.

“What can I tell you. My boss is an impatient man and now that the field is cleared wants to make sure, we are all still on the same page.” Harkin said, changing his mind and sitting down.

“Same page?” she asked.

“Don’t play stupid with me Ms. Faulkner. You know very well what I’m talking about.” He told her getting annoyed. “Remember who it was the paid off your kids gambling debts.”

“I..I remember.” She said sullenly. “I just wasn’t expecting things to get rolling so quickly.”

“Again, my boss is an impatient man.”

“I see. Well, the Senator isn’t here at the moment. I..I’m not sure when he’s expected to be back in town to be honest.”

He tilted his head down and shot her a disbelieving look. “Cut the shit Amelia. You have his schedule right there on your computer I bet.”

With a sullen look, she nodded, wishing she’d never landed herself in this mess. When she was first approached it all seemed so far away and improbable. The chances of her boss making it this far without becoming infected himself seemed remote. She’d gambled on this never having to come to pass when she accepted their blood money.

At the time she had been so incredibly desperate to help the boy. The stupid fool had gotten himself in way over his head with illegal sports gambling. He owed hundreds of thousands of dollars to several Rhode Island bookies, that none of them had. The men that were after
Brandon were not ones to be trifled with either. They’d been seen coming around her house, once even brazenly parking there for two full hours. She shuddered to think of what might have happened if the Senator hadn’t sent the secret service to chase them off.

When the people Harkin worked for came in and offered to bail him out of his debts, she jumped at the chance to save her boy. Now however..
Harkin could see the inner conflict in her face. “Look, your part is easy. All you need to do is make the call, as we discussed. After he’s confirmed on his way back, you’re all done. You can go home to your little family with all accounts satisfied.”

“I..I know.” She told him. “When?”

“You need to get him back here soon. Very soon, like sometime today would be best I’d think.” He told her, with an inner sigh. She’d seemed tougher than this when they’d spoken before. “Looks like I have someone else to visit once this is done.” He thought to himself.

“Ok. He’s in a security committee meeting right now. I’ll call as soon as he gets out.”

“Very good.” Harkin told her as he stood up. “You have my number. Once his flights confirmed I expect to hear from you.”

“I..I’ll call.”

“You better. There are far worse things that can happen to young Brandon then what those guys from Providence threatened to do.”
She gulped. “You…you wouldn’t..”

“Not unless you make me, Amelia. Not unless you make me.” He gave her a threatening look. “I look forward to hearing from you this afternoon.”

**********************

KLTR 6pm News:

“Good evening, San Francisco. I’m Jennine Grey and this the KLTR 6 0clock news.” The anchor woman began.

“Our top story tonight is today’s inauguration of Davis Carlyle as the 44th President of the United States earlier this afternoon in the Capitol rotunda. The ceremony which was attended by most congressional members of the new president’s party as well as all nine justices of the supreme court lasted only fifteen minutes. While outside members of the opposition party protested through boycott, what they called the “rushed inauguration”.

After being sworn in President Carlyle spoke for several minutes on the objectives of his new administration. The goals he set forward to be completed before election day included potential major changes to the quarantine system as well as several new measures to protect American citizens from the virus, which included a stepped-up weekly testing policy for those in the medical field and regular citizens who live in high-risk area’s.”

“The new President also announced plans to work with the department of Homeland Security to “keep voters safe” at the poles come November. The details of the plan were not disclosed at this time, but he assured the American people a solid plan would be in place by the first of November.”

“Additionally, he announced that the members of President Fullers cabinet would all be retained to prevent further upheaval and confusion until at least after the election next month. Carlyle also stated that he had no plans to nominate a new Vice President between now and election day. He was quoted as saying, “We’ve had discussions with members of the Senate and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and all are in agreement that if anything should happen to me where I become unable to fulfill my duties as President between now and election day, the Speaker of the House would ascend to the presidency.”

“In a related story, members of the Federal Elections Commission will be holding an emergency meeting tomorrow at 2pm with representatives from all fifty states. At stake is the fate of next month’s Presidential election. With most states having not only printed their ballots but mailed out a great any to those who choose to vote by mail, a decision must be made on whether or not to move the election date to enable new ballots to be printed and distributed. Another option that has been floated is to potentially count any vote for former President Fuller as a vote for
President Carlyle.”

“Representatives for the Republican party have vehemently opposed leaving Fullers name on any state ballots as they feel it will lead voters who might otherwise support their policies to vote for the opposition. Top Democrats in across the country have condemned the Republican’s insistence on pushing back the election date as a way to hang on to power despite their party’s current unprecedented lack of popularity. Stay tuned for more on this story as it continues to unfold.”

“Turning to international news, the war in Europe continues to expand as England has finally agreed to join the rest of NATO in the fight to blunt Russia’s attempt to require territories that once belonged to the old Soviet Union. Russian President Sasha Kovach has maintained that any assault on advancing Russian forces who only seek to reclaim land stolen from Mother Russia could very easily provoke an escalation in the war. On several recent occasions Kovach has openly issued thinly veiled threats to use more of Russia’s vast nuclear arsenal against those who would oppose his plans for expansion of his nations territory. With the Russian military having already use a pair of nuclear weapons in the initial stages of the conflict, many NATO countries have reportedly been beefing up their missile defense systems. Israel has offered several counties access to its “iron dome’ technology, supplied to it by the United States, in exchange for mutual defense agreements. Thus far only Germany and Greece have opened up talks with the Israeli government.”

“When asked about the potential sale of American owned defense systems to third parties, an anonymous source in the defense department said, “We have willingly supplied the state of Israel advanced weaponry for its defense against hostile neighbors that seek only to eliminate the Jewish homelands very existence. The very idea an ally of that stature would then offer to sell those weapons to a third party would be a hugely detrimental to our relationship with that country and would certainly give us pause when considering further armament shipments to them.”

“Official sources within the defense department have said that they have no intention of limiting arms shipments to Israel unless directed to do
so by Congress or the President.”

***********

Harkin:

Ring…ring…ring

“Mmm….” He mumbled sleepily.

Ring…ring ..ring..

“Wuz zat?” He reached over to slap the alarm clock but missed, knocking it to the floor.

Ring…ring…ring…

Harkin cracked opened one eye trying to focus through the dark on the nightstand next to the hotel room bed. A faint light from below glowed as the ringing continued to interrupt his sleep.

“For fucks sake!” he thought angrily. It had only been a couple of hours since he rented the room, he now resided under yet another false name. He stretched his left hand out to the floor fumbling around trying to find the offending devise. He leaned further over and after several failed attempts finally managed to wrap his fingers around it. With tremendous annoyance he tapped the answer button and grumbled, “Hello?” into it.

“Mr. Harkin?” a vaguely familiar woman’s voice asked.

“Yep. Who’s this?” he asked trying to shake the sleepiness out of his system.

“It’s Amelia Falkner.”

“Yes.” He replied coming awake faster now.

“I spoke to the Senator.” She told him.

Harkin waited for her to continue. When after several heart beats she hadn’t he found himself forced to say, “And?”

“He has something to finish up with in Washington and then a campaign stop in New York, then he will be heading home after the weekend.” She replied, a bit reluctantly.

“I see. So, when is he flying in then? Monday?” Harkin asked, getting a bit annoyed with the game she was playing.

“Y…yes. Mon….Monday afternoon.”

“Into Boston?” he asked impatiently.

“Y…yes. He’ll be on American Airlines flight 730. It’s scheduled to arrive at Logan at 4:30pm.”

“What’s the security arrangement?”

“One guard on the plan with him and two more meeting at the airport.”

Harkin nodded as he dug through the nightstand looking for a piece of paper and a pen to write it all down on. Finding one he began to scribble the flight info down. “What’s his itinerary?” He asked uncapping a pen with his mouth.

“He’s going straight home from the airport and is supposed to come by campaign headquarters on Tuesday, in the morning. I.. I don’t have an exact arrival time yet, I’m sorry.” She told him nervously.

“I assume when he’s on his way a call of some kind will be made yes?”

“Yes, they should call when they are on the way.”

“Good. Then you call me on Tuesday morning when they are on the way with his ETA. Easy peasy no?” he instructed her. He smiled as he
imagined her squirming under the pressure, he was putting on her.

“O…ok.” She replied, sounding unsure.

“Amelia” he said sternly. “Don’t fuck this up. You and your boy are nearly home free.”

“I…I won’t.”

“Good. I will talk to you on Tuesday then.” He told her as he hung up not waiting for her to reply. Harkin smiled to himself. It wasn’t often that Carlyle let him off the leash like this and he was enjoying torturing the poor woman though intimidation.

He dialed again as he savored her terror. Two rings later it was answered.

“Harkin?” President Carlyle said answering the private phone.

“Looks like Tuesday is the day Edwards will back in the city.”

“Excellent. I take it everything will be in place by then?” the president asked.

“It will go slick as shit through a goose Mr. President.” He assured then rolled his eyes for using the same phrase Rawlings had. “I so need a
vacation.” He thought with a laugh

“Be sure that it does. It will be your ass if there any, complications. Understand me?”

“Yes, sir, Mr. President.”

“Good. Get it done so we can get moving here!” Carlyle told him, hanging up before he could reply.

*********************

Confirmed Cases: 136,121,343

Actual Cases: 185,682,554

End part 27

Thank you for taking the time to read my little dystopian transgender tale. As always please leave a comment.
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Amanda