<Episode 16>

When nobody heard anything from Christopher his inner circle sent somebody to check out the Arena. Word came an hour later, Christopher was dead. The news spread like wildfire soon after. People were weeping while others were cursing Anderson and the Drakan Killer. Some just wandered around with a blank look on there face or sat in stunned silence. He, on there other hand, didn’t know what to feel. On one hand he couldn’t stand the wanna be king. But the effect his death had wasn’t helpful to the cause. Jason stayed away from the others for that reason. He didn’t want to explain himself to the others, no good could come from the situation.

The old woman, Emily, walked by where he was standing and looked at him. Then she stopped and studied him a little more closely. After a moment she said, “I thought you would have been pleased at the way things turned out.”

“Don’t try your hocus pocus crap with me old woman. I know better than to think you can see into my soul.”

She actually chuckled at him. “Nobody needs a special gift to see how you felt about him. They can see it in your eyes how much you despised him.”

“He obviously didn’t know it, did he?”, he shot back.

“Oh Christopher knew Jason, he knew. In fact he told me he was glad you were around.” She smiled as he raised a questioning eyebrow. “He always felt that you and the ones like you kept him honest.” She turned to leave, “He always appreciated that, even if he despised the way you did things.”

“Then why did he send me on those missions then? If he despised them so much he should have found another way.”

“Because those missions needed your particular skills. And he knew he would have to live with the results. If there was a way for this rebellion to complete it goals without shedding a drop of blood he would have jumped on it in a heartbeat. But like any good student of history he knew that was rarely the case and steeled himself for it.”

“So as far as he was concerned I was a necessary evil then, is that what you’re saying?”

“If you wish to put it that way.”

“So how did he see me then?”

“As a poor soul he was condemning to hell.” She stopped and turned just enough to give him another look over. “But you were already on you way there, weren’t you?” With that she started walking away again. He was not going to let her talk down to him like that.

“If you two were so close why aren’t you weeping like the others?”

Without stopping she said, “We all grieve in our own way. I prefer to be there for those who need me while grieving in private.” She turned the corner and left him alone again. He kicked himself for letting her get in his head like that. Jason was going to need a clear head for the next couple of days. The old man informed him that a special council meeting was going to take place soon. Something about choosing a new figure head to rally the troops around or some crap like that. Knowing his luck it would probably be another green.

***

The next half hour was a blur, or at least that was how it seemed to her. Rachel was in such a daze she didn’t realize Jack stopped in front of their building until he got off the motorcycle. He looked at her and said, “Get to your apartment, grab what you need and meet me back here in fifteen minutes.” Actually it sounded more like an order but he went in the building before she could say anything. There wasn’t much she could say, they both knew this would be the first place they’d looked for them. The situation still didn’t seem real to her. Anderson was a Drakan, and he’d been sending Jack after his own kind. She tried to put it out of her mind as she shoved some essentials into a bag. Part of her was surprised the black and gray motorcycle was still parked out front as she reached the ground floor. Rachel wouldn’t have been surprised to see if it was gone. Jack came out a moment later with a backpack over his shoulder, looking around for any sign of trouble.

They were on the road in the next instant. She convinced him to head for this overpass in a run down part of the city. Jack wasn’t sure about it until she told him the cameras didn’t go that far yet. And as far as she knew it was till true. He shot her a disbelieving look back at her but he asked for directions. It was an hour ride before he parked the KR-1000 under the overpass. Jack got off, leaned against the closest pillar and slide to the ground. By the time she kneeled down next to him Jack was already out. She wasn’t sure what kind of injuries he had, he could have had a concussion for all she knew. Rachel opened an eyelid, the eye reacted to the light like it should. Where was Friedman when you needed him? Right now she was hoping it was just exhaustion, he must have been running on adrenaline for the past couple of hours.

Rachel looked around seeing a market that looked pretty close. She checked her pockets looking to see how much cash she had on her. No way was she trusting a credit card at this point. She looked at Jack and checked out the surrounding area, particularly the overpass. Hopefully there was enough metal in the area to hid them for a bit. She raced over to the market and bought some sandwiches that looked edible. She also picked up some small bags of chips and a couple of cans of soda. Rachel wasn’t sure how she was going to explain the aluminum foil without Jack blowing his top.

He was still sleeping when she got back so she pulled up a crate and ate her sandwich. Rachel kept some kind of guard, who else was going to at the moment. Jack startled her by gasping loudly as he woke up. She quickly went to his side, “Talk to me.” He calmed down and waved her away. Jack just sat there, not really looking at anything. Like she thought his stomach started growling so she handed him the other sandwich. He grunted a thanks and quietly ate. After a few moments Jack crushed the can and threw it. The clang seemed louder than it should have been as it hit another pillar. Jack got to his feet and started pacing. “So what do we do now?”

“I don’t know,” he said as he ran his hands through his hair. Then he walked up to another pillar and kicked it. “He was a Drakan! The bastard was a freaking Drakan the entire time!” Then he turned to her, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I already told you I didn’t know.” He wasn’t listening.

“And I’m still not convinced you don’t turn into anything.”

“Well I don’t so get over it,” she snapped. Oh yeah that was helping things. “Look, we can argue about this later but we got to do something.”

“So what do you suggest then?”

“I don’t know, maybe the rebels…”

“Oh the rebels,” Jack said very sarcastically as he moved around in grand fashion, “Of course they’ll help us out, why didn’t I think of that? As soon as we explain that I was a pawn in all this they will surely take us in.” Then he raised up a finger like he realized something, “No, wait… they’re not.” He got in her face and yelled, “I killed the big cheese!”

“Don’t yell at me. I’m not the one who got us in this mess.”

“So you’re blaming me for this? So this is all my fault for not following orders like a good little bug?”

“No!”, she had to walk away. This was getting them no where. “We need to think this out why we still have the time.” She turned to see he was listening to her. He was staring at the motorcycle. “What is it?”

“Can they track the bike?”, he asked.

“Why?”, She wasn’t sure were this was going. He couldn’t be worried about losing his toy while being in this mess.

“It just hit me we’ll have better luck not getting caught if we split up. So can they track the bike?”

Oh for crying out loud. “I don’t think separating is such a good idea right now.”

“Can they track the bike?”, he repeated.

“Would you listen to me…”

“Yes or no,” he interrupted, “can they track the bike?”

She let out a heavy breath, “No, they can not track the bike.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard.” He got on the motorcycle and started the engine. She tried to get a word in but he revved the engine every time she opened her mouth. Jack looked at her and said, “Good luck,” as he put on the helmet. It was no time before she saw him disappear from sight.

To the air she said the thing she was trying to tell him, “Because the tracker isn’t in the bike.”

***

OK, we got her,” his man said. Mitchell looked through the offered binoculars. Jack just rode off and left her there. “What about Davidson?”

“Now that they’re separated we can get Jack later. Right now to get her before he hooks backs up with her.” He handed the binoculars back to the man and headed for the van. Mitchell pulled the device Anderson gave him out of his pocket. It looked like an oversized remote for a car alarm but it only had the one button. Anderson told him it worked on Jack earlier. He guessed he’d find out later to see if it did or not. Mitchell looked up and saw his reflection in the windshield, he’ll have to pay Jack back for that mark on his face later too.

***

The light on his intercom went on, his appointments had arrived. Anderson got up and walked around the desk to great them as the door opened. An older man in a dark gray suit came in with a stern looking, balding man in a general’s uniform. He held out a hand to both of them as he spoke, “Senator Henning, General Rhodes thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“This better be good Anderson,” Henning said a he took a chair. “I’m missing a… important meeting for this.” The General rolled his eyes as he sat. He has the same idea as Anderson about what this “meeting” actually was. Anderson took his chair, might as well get this over with.

“We had a slight problem with one of the projects you contacted my company to work on.”

“Which one,” Rhodes asked.

“Who cares,” Henning told him, “he didn’t need to drag us here for something he could have had someone call in to our offices. Which is what this is sounding like.” He got up to leave.

“It’s the Fusion project,” Anderson said calmly. Rhodes put a hand on the Senator shoulder to force him to sit back down.

“What happened with the project?”

“What is this project about exactly?”, Henning cut in. Rhodes looked rightfully dumbfounded.

“You don’t know what it is?”, the General asked.

“Do you have any idea how many projects cross my desk? I can’t keep track of them all.”

“Quite,” This was why he hated working with this particular government official. You could actually look at his record and see where he stopped caring. Why did he keep helping him get re-elected? Keeping his attention on Rhodes he continued, “To put it frankly, our test subject walked out with it.”

“You just don’t walk out with a military prototype, “Henning argued. Anderson just ignored him.

“You could with this one and nobody would know it,” Rhodes informed him. “Is the test subject stable?”

“Physically yes, mentally… that’s another story. He apparently became mentally unstable in the past couple of weeks. Seeing monster and thinking we were out to get him, things like that. Unfortunately nobody realized at the time that the person we assigned to watch him was feeding his dementia. They forced their way out of the building this afternoon.”

“This could hurt us, couldn’t it?”, Henning asked, finally seeming to get the big picture.

“They both know it’s a military prototype. That alone could lead to question that none of us want asked.”

“So what do you want us to do?”

“Well General, because of the nature of the project we have our own specially trained security force. They are after them as we speak. But, I’m afraid the project worked a little too well. In case they fail I thought you might be able to assist in the capture.”

“Don’t you have something like the project to help you take it out?”, the Senator asked. He couldn’t be serious? “There has to be something here to help you take it out. Enough of the black op budget gets funneled into here.” Ah, he saw it now, the Senator didn’t want anything to get attached to him.

“It’s not that simple Senator,” Rhodes said. “There are other factors involved in this project.” Henning opened his mouth to say something but Anderson spoke first.

“At the moment we’re putting the project on hold until we discovered what caused this. While I firmly believe the problem is solely within the test subject, some of our scientists think it could have been a glitch in the system.”

“That’s one hell of a glitch,” Rhodes joked.

“Yeah well, you better catch this person or there’s going to be Hell to pay.” Henning got up and left. Rhodes looked relieved he was gone, a feeling he shared. The mood of the room changed dramatically as Rhodes relaxed.

“I got word Christopher was taken care of, so I’m assuming the project wasn’t a total loss.”

“At least Davidson did the job he was made for before this happened. To be honest I should have seen this coming. He always seemed to be suspicious of everything, but I thought I could handle it.”

“Well we all make mistakes,” Rhodes added, “sir. So what do you want me to do in case Mitchell loses him?”

Anderson picked up a file and handed it to him. “Plan B as they say. The basic information about Haily and Davidson is in there. I’m sure you know who to hand this to in case you have to?”

“I know the perfect person and I already have a cover story. It’s a little run of the mill but it’ll work.”

“Good, I’ll leave it in your hands then.”

***

He kept riding until he got tired again. How long was he on the road? He should have took that clock. Jack saw a diner across the way, must be his lucky day. He parked the bike, entered and put the helmet on the counter as he took a stool. He glanced around the place, it looked normal enough. A waitress walked over and handed him a worn menu. She started going over the special when she looked at him. “No offense honey, but you look like hell. Wait, let me guess, I should see the other guy right? If I had a dime every time I saw that.”

“Lady I’m the other guy they keep talking about.” She smiled sadly and poured him a cup of coffee.

“We’re out of decaf, but it looks like you could use the buzz right now. I’ll be back in a few so you can make up you mind.” The coffee tasted like mud but he survived worse, so far.

God, what a mess he was in. He doubted even his Uncle could talk his way out of a hole this deep. There was no place in the city where he could hide for long. There were so many cameras in this city a fly couldn’t fart without them knowing about it. So how do the rebels hide out for so long? What was the name of the guy his Uncle said could help you get out of town? Nick, that was it. He put his face in his hands, his mom was going to kill him for even considering this. Hell, she would kill him for getting into this mess to begin with.

Jack heard a sniffing noise and a cold spot started growing in his stomach. No not here, not now. He glanced over to a guy a couple of stools over, a trucker who looked like he hadn’t seen the inside of a shower for a while. A big sucker too. The trucker kept sniffing the air turning his head in Jack’s direction. Jack put a hand up to cover his face and hoped he wasn’t noticed. The man clapped once and made a joyous sound. Taking a chance Jack looked over at him, he was smelling his food. Jack let out the breath he was holding. He forgot about that after what happened. This whole smelling like death crap was going to make hiding that much harder. He smacked his forehead as he remembered something else, “Damn it.”

By the time the waitress returned and asked, “So did you figure out what you wanted yet?”, he had put some money on the counter and was half way out the door.

***

Rachel walked for who knows how long. The entire time she was calling Jack every name in the book in any language she could think of. Out of all the things she did for him. Out of all the battles she fought for him in the boardrooms. He had the nerve to go off and leave her alone. She expected it but she didn’t think he’d actually do it. She hoped he choked on his idea. There were no crooks in her family, how was she supposed to know what to do in this situation. A few more choice words came to mind.

She kicked a can that was in her path, then she saw the van. One similar to the ones she saw at the cave. Rachel turned around and headed the other way. Going back to World Inc. didn’t seem like an option. Because she thought Anderson wasn’t going to find her all that trustworthy after what happened. She went a few feet before another van pulled up a few yards in front of her. “Oh no,” she went into a side alley and went right into a construction yard. And there was another van that blocked the only exit she could see. Mitchell was leaning against the hood.

“Hey Rachel,” he said with a wave. “You know Mr. Anderson is really disappointed in you. Gather round boys.” His men can out from behind the van. None of them were carrying any guns. The only good thing in this situation. “The man just wanted to talk.”

“That’s a laugh, a man. Anderson not a man he’s one of them.”

Mitchell talked to his men. “See, I told you she would say Anderson was a Drakan. She tried the same thing with me earlier. I didn’t believe it then and you shouldn’t believe it now.”

“You son of a…”

“Mr. Anderson was hoping you would come back under you own free will. I told him you wouldn’t. Take her into custody boys, do try to be gentle. You know how he hates it what a prisoner gets roughed up.” A few men walked toward to her. “It didn’t have to be this way Rachel,” he said sadly.

“Go to Hell.” Another quickly growing sound could be heard in the background, another engine. How many men did they need to take her in? Then she saw what was making the noise. Jack came around the van drove right down the middle of them and right at her. Mitchell’s team had to jump out of the way to avoid getting run over. He kicked one close to her as he skidded to a stop. Jack ripped off the helmet as he jumped off the KR-1000 and smashed the helmet into the head of another one. Then he dropped the helmet and raised his left arm across his chest.

***

“Henshin!” Jack said as he slammed his right hand on top of the belt. It scanned his body and the black body suit and the blue insect like armor formed around him. He survived the situation quickly. Ten men, well nine if you didn’t count the one still on the ground, in black uniforms plus Mitchell surrounded him, waiting for somebody to make the first move. He was really sick of being outnumbered today. “All right listen up. I’m tired, I’m irritable and I’m ticked off. Not really a good combination for you guys. So why don’t guys just go away and we’ll do this some other day.”

Mitchell walked foreword, “Not going to happen Jack. Do it just like I told you guys.” What an idiot. Mitchell and his troops each pulled out a nightstick.

“That’s the best you got?” Jack brought up his hands and wiggled his fingers, “Look at me I’m scared.” Then they turned something on the stick and each one extended an inch and a spark flew out. “OK, that could be a problem.” He took a step backwards toward the bike. Two of them came at him as he reached back and grabbed the staff. He swung and snapped one end to extend it to clock one guy in the side if the head. He repeated it to nail the other. Two down, he looked at the others, “Next.”

“Not one at a time you idiots!”, Mitchell yelled at them. The others rushed him. Jack swung the staff and they stopped in their tracks. They looked at each other and came in again. He kicked one in the chest as he came close enough. As that one went flying back another snuck in and jammed the nightstick into his side. He felt the electric charge go through his body. Screaming he grabbed him guy the wrist and pulled the stick away. Grabbing another one he swung them together. They fell to the ground as Jack jumped over them and rammed the staff into a group of them.

A couple of them jumped on top of him jamming their sticks into him. His anger got the best of him and he forced them off of him. He threw the staff at Rachel who had to duck to avoid getting hit. “Watch it.”

“Guard yourself.” Someone he recognized from the party ran at him. Jack kneeled down and hooked one arm around a leg while grabbing a handful of uniform with the other. He picked him up and slammed him to the ground. He elbowed another and felt something give. Seeing another stick come at him swatted it away and clothesline him down. Jack turned to see Mitchell right in front of him with a device in his hand. He recognized it, Anderson had the same thing to make the armor go away. “Ah hell.”

“Let’s see how tough you are now,” he said as he pressed the button. It made the same sound as before. Jack looked at himself, the armor wasn’t reacting this time. “What’s with this piece of crap?”, Mitchell looked at him with desperation in his eyes.

“Well,” he said sounding very relieved, “ain’t that a kick in the nuts? Actually,” he lifted his foot right between the other guys legs, “that not a bad idea.” Mitchell went down crying in agony, Jack reached down and picked him up. “You know, I’m surprised you had any.” He took the device from his hand and crushed it. Looking at him Jack brought him in quickly so his head would slam against the helmet. Then he ran toward the van and tossed him. Mitchell hit the top of the van at a corner. His back bent at an awkward angle as there was a crack as he screamed and fell to the ground face first. Jack walked over and used his foot to turn him over. He stared down at the man and glanced at the meter. It wasn’t close to flashing, so there wasn’t any temptation there. Still, it would be so easy to end it right here and now. Jack raised up his right hand and made a fist. Fear danced in Mitchell’s eyes. Then he reared back and yelled. Mitchell closed his eyes as Rachel cried out for him stop. He let the fist fly as it crashed into the side of the van near the engine. He felt around until he got a handful of wires and tubing and pulled them out. Throwing it to the ground he looked at the others and held his arms wide, “Who else wants some?” Those who could didn’t think twice about running, good he was still feeling the fight he had with the rebels. He powered down and got down on one knee so he could look Mitchell right in the eyes. “You wanna know the biggest difference between you in me? I don’t enjoy this in any way.” He got up walked to the bike and Rachel. She already collapsed the staff and was putting it back. She walked up to him as he said, “We’re getting out of here.”

“Why did you come back?” He grabbed her jacket and pushed her toward the bike, “Hey!”

“Less talking and more moving.” They got on the bike and he took a moment to look at Mitchell. “Next time I don’t hold back,” he muttered and drove off.

***

It was hours before he received word. Taylor was telling him the basic of the reports. Most of the team he sent out was in the medical wing. Mitchell was paralyzed for the most part. But he wasn’t paying attention, he was watching the television station on the wall monitor, waiting for it. Then the news came on and Rhodes was soon pictured. He put up a hand to silence Taylor as he raised the volume. Rhodes was speaking, “We are looking for these two in a case of espionage. They took some sensitive material and they might sell it to some unfriendly faction. Any help the public can provide will be greatly appreciated.” Yes that was old but it would be effective.

An anchor appeared next with a picture of Haily and Davidson next to his head, “Authorities say Rachel Haily is five nine with blond hair and green eyes with no identifying marks. Jack Davidson is six two with brown hair and eyes. Most of Davidson body is covered in scars from an accident in the mountains. Davidson is to be considered armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached. A reward is available for those who provide information leading to their capture.”

Anderson lowered the volume and smiled. Yes it was true that the hunt was more exciting when your prey had the advantage. But even a hunter had to look past the excitement for the most efficient means of getting the job done. Granted this method would cause more problems and questions that were necessary. But with most of the city looking for them, they had no place to hide. It was only a matter of time before Haily and Davidson were caught and brought back here.