<Episode 25>

Rachel and Dusty thought he was out his mind, but he didn’t care. A Drakan woman he saved turned out to be the rebel leader, but he didn’t care. He was surrounded by a bunch of people who more than likely wanted him dead, but he didn’t care. He had stuff that smelled like crap painted on him, but he didn’t care. All he cared about at the moment was that he was finally going to get his hands on the monkey. No nightmares, no Rachel getting herself in danger, nothing to get in his way this time. Damn it, he could taste it.

The rebel leader was making a speech but he zoned her out. All but the part where she asked if they were ready. The monkey changed into his true form and a fresh wave of rage flowed through him. Jack immediately raised his left arm across his chest to make the belt appear around his waist. Just as fast he swung his left arm to the side and brought his right arm up to his face and waited. They stood there burning holes into each others with their eyes as they waited for Melissa to let them loose. It seemed like forever but she finally gave the word and brought her hand down. Wasting no time he slammed his right hand on top of the belt and shouted, “Henshin!”

Jack yelled in rage as he charged and the armor formed around him. The monkey did the same and they quickly got within arms reach of each other. He threw a wild right the monkey easily ducked under and backhanded him. Jack nearly fell from the blow but he kept his balance long enough to sink a knee into its’ gut as it tried to grab him. The monkey fell to its’ back and kicked him away giving itself enough space to get its’ breath back. It then leaped up catching Jack by surprise and brought him crashing down on the ground. The Drakan started pounding away at his head. Jack took the blows before he could plant his left fist into it’s rib cage. It stopped long enough for him to push the Drakan off.

The monkey backed up to regroup then charged again. Jack jumped and flipped over the attack, as he landed he spun around and smashed his armored forearm into it’s face. Behind the helmet he grinned as he thought he saw a tooth fly out. He grabbed him by the back of the neck and forced its’ head down as he brought his knee up hard. The monkey rocked back holding its’ face. His advantage was short lived as the monkey suddenly swept his legs out from under him.

***

How was that damn metal bug stronger than last time? That question entered his mind more than once so far. That wasn’t possible and once again he pushed that thought to the side. Thoughts like that would get him killed. A point proven when it got up and spun around, its right foot coming out of nowhere and connected with the left side of his face. The killer jumped at him, but he had enough of his senses intact to duck. He jumped on its’ back and tried to break the Killer’s neck. The metal bug was able to flip him over to the ground. It raised its’ right fist and aimed it at his head. Jason was barely able to roll out of the way.

Quickly seeing an opening he rushed in and got the bug off its’ feet. Putting as much into it as he could put into it Jason ran and rammed the Killer into the side of the pit. He allowed himself a small feeling of satisfaction as he heard its’ breath leave it’s body. Jason did everything in his power to keep his advantage and pounded the Killer into the wall. It some how was able to block one of his punches and grabbed his left arm. He panicked momentarily as he saw a shot aimed for his elbow and quickly freed his arm. It hit him too late that what the Killer wanted him to do as that same fist smashed him in the face. How did that damn metal bug get stronger than last time?

***

Despite her better judgment Rachel opened her eyes and watched what was going on. This entire mess was almost as savage as the last time Jack and the monkey got there hands on each other. Last time she convinced herself that she stayed because she was Jack’s mission operator. Now her concern for his well being made her stay this time. Deep down she realized that was the real reason she stayed that time too.

Jack ducked down and grabbed the monkeys legs to bring it down and started pounding away at its’ head. Besides here Dusty was screaming, “Come on Jack! Get that son of a bitch!”. She took her eyes away just long enough to see the other Drakan’s reaction to his out cry. If any of them were surprised that he was cheering for Jack they didn’t show it.

Still, housing them was bad enough. There was no point in adding fuel to the fire. “Dusty calm down. You were against this too.”

“I know darlin’, but if he’s responsible for Jack being turned into what he is than he got what he has coming.”

No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t come up with an argument against it. Almost silently she uttered, “Come on Jack.”

***

Melissa spent what little time she had before this to steady herself. The wave of hatred from their previous encounter was evident and she needed to brace herself for it this time. Still she was getting sick to her stomach from it. Davidson and Jason were down there trying to tear each other apart and neither of them seeming to care. What was making her sicker was the fact some in the crowd was actually enjoying the debacle. She tried to calm herself and felt a hand on her shoulder. Emily’s touch was able to calm her slightly, something she was grateful for at the moment.

Lance eyes never left the pit. “I never expected anything like this.” Davidson went flying over Jason’s head and landed with a thud. “I knew Davidson would be angry, but I didn’t think this level was possible.”

She did, she found out when Davidson saved her. In her head the Vulture had him pinned against the wall and said, “Come on Killer, you know we’re exactly alike, why should we fight?”

Right before he said, “I’m nothing like you!”, there was a brief spike of anger. Not as bad as when he spotted Jason in the crowd, but it was close. The vulture hit a nerve then, she realized that now. Her mind went back to the fight when Davidson caught Jason when he charge at him, spun around and planted him into the ground. A quick wave of satisfaction flowed though him. Some how Melissa doubted that she would get the feeling of regret that she got when Davidson killed the Vulture.

“I get the feeling there’s more to Mr. Davidson than we know Lance.”

***

The meter started flashing a couple of minutes ago. If he was smart he would have ended this then. But when the monkey went boom he wanted the explosion to be big. Now if only that damn Drakan would get back on its’ feet. Damn it, he wanted it standing for this. Jack backed away to let the monkey get to his feet, which it was doing slowly. “Come on you ugly son of a bitch!”, he yelled at the monkey. “You are not crapping out on me now!”

Anger flashed in its’ eyes as the monkey swung wildly at him. Jack ducked it and grabbed the right pod as it stumbled foreword. He twisted it down and the two mini turbines in the belt started spinning and redirected the energy that had built up. Jack waited as the charged went down his leg and the monkey turned around. He launched a kick, no jumping, no flipping, nothing fancy. Just a simple straight side kick aimed right at it’s head.

***

Jason turned around and saw the metal bug’s right foot coming at him. He tried to back up to avoid it but was stopped by the wall of the pit. Little arcs of electricity could be seen on the bottom of its’ foot. It was an eternity before he realized the foot wasn’t coming any closer. The metal bug stood there with it’s foot in the air. Jason looked at it in total confusion as it’s hand slowly became a fist. Suddenly the bug yelled, brought its’ foot down with a stomp and walked off. In moments the part of the floor it stomped on exploded out. Jason slumped to the floor staring at the bug, who had its’ hands on its’ head.

Then it looked at the ceiling and screamed. He barely registered the commotion of the Drakans around him. Jason was starting to get back to his feet when the bug turned back around, forced him against the wall and stared him in the eyes. After a moment it said, “We take down Anderson then we finish this. Agreed?” In a total state of shock Jason managed to barely nod his head in agreement. The Killer let him go and walked away. Jason slumped back down to the ground.

***

Rachel could not believe what she just saw. After all of that he was letting the monkey go. Jack powered the system down as he came toward them. Dusty offered a hand to help him out of the pit but he ignored it. “Son, I don’t get what just happened,” Dusty said.

“Not now,” was all he said. He wouldn’t even look at them, he just stood there shaking. The other Drakan backed away but he looked like he wasn’t exactly caring at the moment.

Rachel looked back at the monkey and the rest of the Drakan. He was still sitting on the ground. Some of the others around him were pointing and talking among themselves. Their leader, Melissa, was no where to be seen. “I’m not sure,” she said, “but I think you just humiliated him.”

Dusty said he wasn’t exactly sure if she was right or not. Jack grabbed his clothes and started walking away, but she did hear him say, “Good.”

***

Emily stood there as Melissa and Lance stared as Mr. Davidson walked out of the pit. Much like his encounter with Christopher the fates kept the outcome of this from her. But even she was surprised at this turn of events. “He just walking away?”, Lance said to no one in particular. “I saw Davidson twist that thing on his belt, just like you described. He had him dead to rights. Why is he letting him go?”

Melissa stared at Mr. Davidson intently. She kept her face neutral, but she knew the child well enough to see how conflicted she was. “Like I said, there’s more to him than we know.”

“But why? The way those two were going at it I was positive we were going to have to bury somebody.”

“Perhaps,” Emily spoke, “he realized things might go smoother for him if he let Jason live.”

Lance looked at her with a hint of amusement, “No offense Emily, but I highly doubt that. I don’t live in this habitat but I know of Jason’s reputation.” He gestured at the remaining crowd as they walked away, “I’d bet you anything there be a few here that would be glad if Jason bought it just now.”

“Perhaps young one,” she replied. Fate might have hidden the outcome from her but she knew one thing for certain. Letting Jason live would make things harder for Davidson. The Drakan living here were nervous enough with him among them. Jason could very well use that to his advantage if he played it right. She would have to make sure she counteracted any ill will Jason could cultivate in the habitat. To them she said, “Mind reading is not one of my gifts and Mr. Davidson’s thoughts are his and his alone.”

“No one asking you to read his mind Emily,” Melissa said, but she expected the child wished she could at the moment. “Hopefully those who would have wanted Jason dead are a very small minority and Davidson gained a point or two with the others.”

“Wouldn’t be much if he did kid,” Lance told her.

“I know, but a girl in charge can hope right? Anything that would make the job a little easier.” She attempted a smile but both of them knew she didn’t feel it. “If you two will excuse me, I need to go over the sleeping quarters arrangement again. After what we just witness I think it might be a good idea if Davidson and Jason were as far a part as possible.”

“Good idea, you don’t want the two of them to go at it after passing each other in a hallway.” Lance followed Melissa away from the hallway leading to the pit. Emily waited a few moments before leaving her own way. She heard Lance speak out loud, “But what kind of person lets the man he hates more than anything live?”

Emily smiled to herself and softly said, “A champion.”

***

It took Rachel a couple of minutes to find Jack again. He was in some kind of storage hallway. From the look of things he was trying to get whatever they painted on him off and kicking any crate that was nearby. Jack finally saw her standing there after a few minutes. “I had him,” he said, “I freaking had him! And I let him go!” Jack kicked another crate in anger, “Gah!”

Rachel sat on a crate that looked like it hasn’t been abused yet, “Which begs the question, why?”

“I don’t know,” he said turning away from her. “Something in my head said it be better if I let him live.” He pounded the wall before leaning against it, “Why did I have to listen right then?”

“I wish I could tell you.”

“So do I because he’s the reason why Richie is dead and I was turned into a freak.”

“Jack you are not a freak,” she told him. “In fact you’re the most normal person I know.”

Jack snorted and turned to look at her. “Now there’s a laugh and a half. Normal people aren’t covered in scars. Normal people don’t turn into blue metal dragonflies with red eyes. Normal people don’t kick or punch something and have it blow up. Me and normal parted ways a long time ago.”

She just sat there and looked at him, “Do you feel any better now that you got that little rant out of your system?”

“No,” he answered as he grabbed his shirt and put it on. “Thanks for listening anyway.”

“What are friends for,” she smiled at him. Rachel handed him his jacket as he smiled back. “But I have to admit, you do have a way to keep people guessing.”

“Blame my upbringing.”

“I’m telling you he’s a real life Kamen Rider,” a young sounding voice said. They looked down the hallway and saw a group of teenagers walk by.

“Is that part of that Power Ranger crap you keep watching?”, one of the other asked.

The source of the first voice turned around and said, “For the last time it’s not Power Ran… ,” he trailed off when he noticed them standing there. The other turned around and stared at them with eyes wide open. Several awkward moments later the boys started running away in different direction. The one who called Jack a Kamen Rider stayed put the longest.

Rachel found the whole thing kind of amusing. Jack, on the other hand, stood there with a strange look on his face, “My God, they’re every where.”

“Jack we’re surrounded by Drakan, they’re going to be all over the place.”

“That’s not what I was talking about.”

“Then what?”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” Jack ran his fingers through his hair before putting on his jacket. “Come on, let’s see if anybody brought our bags down yet.”

“Dusty said he was going to get them, after he took care of something first,” she told him. Rachel looked around and tried not to sigh out loud, “At least we got another roof over our head, for a little while at least.”

***

“Both of them are staying?”, Melissa asked. She wasn’t sure how more surprises she could be today. The plan was for Davidson to stay here and work with them. That woman that came with them, Rachel that what Dusty said her name was, wasn’t suppose to be part of it. Hell, Melisa didn’t even know she was part of the equation.

“They’re kinda a package deal little lady,” Dusty told her. She would like to know exactly when he became Davidson’s personal spokes man. “You get one you get the other. They’ve been through a lot together. Personally speaking, I wouldn’t dream about splitting them up.”

“That going to but us in a bit of a bind Dusty.”

“Maybe,” he said, “but I keep hearing how you keep getting new members to the cause. They don’t seem to be hurting you too much.” His tone change to something more light hearted, “Besides Rachel can be a bit of a buffer at times. Jack can take a bit of getting used too. I got a long with him just fine of course, but for somebody not as easy going as me he might be a bit much at first.”

Melissa crossed her arms over her chest and smiled, “Why do I get the feeling I was just insulted.”

“This old country doctor just makin’ an observation, that’s all,” he snickered. Then he got all serious again, “But I’m trusting you to keep the two of them safe. I would really hate it if anything ever happened to them, particularly if somebody under your watch ended up doing it.”

Her eyes narrowed a bit, “Are you threatening me Dusty?”. She sensed no malice coming from him, but still. She couldn’t remember a time were Dusty made anything even close to a threat, why now? And more importantly what would he threaten to do?

“Now, I know what you’re thinking little lady and I would never do that. I’m a doctor and wouldn’t turn away anybody in need of treatment. Hell, if Anderson was at my door near death I’d do everything I could to nurse him back to health. Might not make any new friends around here if I did, but that wouldn’t stop me.”

Al right, know she had to now, “Why are you fighting for them Dusty?”

“I consider them family to me,” he said seriously.

She nodded, now she understood why he was doing this, “Then you have my word that I’ll make sure none of my people will harm them. However, I can’t make the same promise for my cousin.”

“I wasn’t expecting you too darlin’.” For some reason he looked undecided on something. After a little prodding he ended up saying, “I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but… Jack is going through some things.”

“What kind of things?”, now she knew she couldn’t take any more surprises today.

“It’s not my place to say, but you’ll more than likely find out soon enough. He wouldn’t tell me about it, and I’m not sure how much he told Rachel but I don’t think it’s much. So I was kinda hoping Emily might be able get a word or two out of him.”

“You know Emily doesn’t work that way Dusty. Davidson is going to have to open himself up to her before she does anything.” She suddenly remembered a part of the vision Emily had, particularly the part where she described Davidson. “But I’m sure Emily will be around if he needs somebody to listen.” He seemed satisfied with that and left. Melissa sat back down in her chair, if only that vision Emily had let her in on what exactly was suppose to be haunting Davidson.

***

Jack and Rachel stood around the main area of the underground city, well calling it a city seemed a tad overkill, waiting for the person that was suppose to them to their rooms. He kept an eye on the Drakan around them. A few of them were doing their best to look like they weren’t staring at them. He understood the logic behind having him here. If they were going to work together it’d be best if they were in the same place, and time could be wasted if he had to travel from Dusty place to here. Not to mention it increase the chances of World Inc. finding him if he did that. Now if he could get rid of the feeling that he just put his head on the chopping block.

“Judging by the bags I’m guessing you’re the ones in need of a guide.” They looked around until they saw a guy with blue dreadlocks coming toward them. Wow, how in the hell did they miss him. He looked right at Jack for a bit, “You know, I always pictured you’d be taller.” He was so sick of hearing that. “Any way, think of me as the official welcoming committee. Just call me Sparky.”

“Sparky?”, Jack wondered out loud as he took the offered hand. He felt a painful jolt through the glove, “OW!” He took his hand away trying to shake away the pain.

Sparky was grinning ear to ear, “Want to guess what I am?”

“I got a pretty good idea,” he said dryly. Sparky held out a hand to Rachel who politely declined.

“Hey, I never do the same trick twice in a row, and never to any one as lovely as you.” Rachel blushed slightly while Jack narrowed his eyes at the Drakan. Sparky saw that and backed off. “Well, I guess you too are kind of tired, so if you will be so kind as to follow me.” He led them down one of the hallways leading away from the main area. After a few yards Sparky started sniffing the air. From an upcoming corner a guy walked into view and came toward them. Jack tensed up just in case. “Hey new guy,” Sparky greeted him, “how you doing? Remind me to give you the tour later.” Jack and the “new guy” stared at each other as they passed. Sparky smelt him coming.

“Somebody you know?”, Rachel asked.

“Never seen him before today,” Sparky replied.

Jack stopped and looked back at the guy then back to Sparky a couple of times, “And he smelt like Drakan blood?” Sparky nodded and kept walking. Jack quickened his pace so he could catch up. “Wait a minute. You don’t have a sudden urge to kick the crap out of him?”

“No, why should I?”, Sparky asked.

“What the hell? Every time I come across a Drakan they usually want to tear me a new one.”

“No offense man, but have you ever smelled yourself.”

Jack straighten up a little, “Sorry, I haven’t had a chance to grab a shower yet.”

Their guide laughed, “That’s not what I meant. Humans have a very unique smell to them. And you mix that scent with Drakan blood and it’s kind of an insult to some of us.”

“Do you have a problem with that mix of smells?”, Rachel asked him, starting to get between them.

“Nah, I realize this is a war, death is gonna happen no matter what. Besides, I wasn’t the one killed so I’m cool with the two of you. Even if I was killed it be a little late to have a problem with ya. Life’s too short you know.”

“Interesting way of looking at things,” she said as her and Jack looked at each other confused. Sparky just talked away, telling them when breakfast, lunch and dinner usually were around here. Then they stopped in front of a door that he opened.

“And here is your humble abode.” They stepped in and found a small brick walled room with hardly anything inside it. Just a single box spring and mattress and a dresser.”

“Ok, where’s my room?”, Jack asked.

“This is your room,” Sparky told him.

“Uh-oh,” Rachel muttered, he was getting that same feeling.

“Then where’s her room?”

“You’re looking at it. We weren’t expecting two of you and space is down here is at a premium.”

Both of them stared at the bed in the corner. Jack raised a hand saying, “Can I get a cot or something?”

“I think I can arrange that. It should be here in a few minutes. Now you two behave yourself while you in here,” he teased.

“We’re just friends,” they said at he same time. They looked at each other in surprise that the other one said it. Sparky grinned and left them alone. Oh this was going to be awkward.

***

Normally she wouldn’t have done this with newcomers, but considering Davidson history it felt like a good idea to check on them. Granted she was still having some misgiving about letting the Drakan Killer in here. But as much as she hated to admit Emily visions were never wrong. Still, she’d be lucky if the whole thing didn’t blow up in her face. She turned the corner leading to their room and quickly went back behind it. Davidson was leaning on the wall next to the door. What was he doing out in the hallway? Was he standing guard or something?

Then she heard it, “Come on he has to be asleep by now. We’ll make him pay for all those Drakan he killed.”

“What if he isn’t in there?”, a second voice asked.

“Then that girl probably is in there. She smells like death too, that makes her just as responsible in my book.” The two of them came into this hallway and saw Davidson there.

He faced them saying, “You really might want to think twice about this.” For a brief second she saw the man who saved her from the vulture in the alley. The two of them looked like they were ready to jump him.

She stepped out from hiding demanding, “What’s going on here?” The two Drakan froze in place. Davidson turned his head just enough to look at her then back at them.

“Nothing going on,” he lied to her. “These two were here to tell me when I can expect that cot I asked for.”

She raised an eyebrow, “From my understanding it was already delivered.”

“Really,” he acted surprised as he opened the door. “What do you know there it is, already made up too. You guys are good.” he gave them a thumbs up. “Well I guess this goodnight then,” he entered and closed the door behind him. The other two were about to speak but she quickly cut them off.

“Not one word. I heard what you two were planning. I told all of you that there wasn’t going to be any payback against him. If you don’t like it that transfer to Lance’s cell is still open. Right now I suggest the two of you get as far away from here as possible.” They said nothing as they walked off. Melissa held her head and groaned, this wouldn’t have happened if her brother was still alive.

***

Dusty told him last night that he’d be back this morning with his bike. When he asked if there was any place he could store it he was directed to a large garage looking area with various vans and cars parked inside it. There they told him if could clear out a space he could claim it for the bike. He found a spot and started clearing crates. Rachel found him after a bit and starting helping him. In no time they had a spot cleared out and were waiting. As they waited he sat next to her and said, “Rachel, I’ve been thinking. Maybe you should go back with Dusty when he leaves.”

She looked at him suspiciously, “You trying to get rid of me again?”

“No, it just might be safer for you if you were with Dusty than with me.”

“Jack, since I’ve been with you I’ve sprung my wrist, found out my boss was secretly a Drakan, became homeless and wanted by the US government. If that’s the worse things that going to happen to me I’m doing pretty good. Besides I heard about what almost happened last night. Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself. I think I proved that to you a couple of times already.” She put a hand on his shoulder, “We started this together and we’re going to finish this together.” He nodded, at least he wasn’t alone in all of this crap.

Dusty pulled up a few minutes later. He and Jack were able to get his bike off of Bessie in no time. “Well,” he said, “I hate to drop this ride of your off and run, but I got a guy looking at an old Ford engine in an hour or so.”

“Thanks Dusty,” she said while she hugged him around the neck. “I know we were a bother to you.”

“Now listen here little lady, you two were no such thing. Hell, this old man was grateful for the company. And you haven’t seen the last of me by a long shot. I’m going to be dropping by from time to time to make sure they’re treating y’all right.” He got that humorous glint in his eyes again and spoke a little louder, “And they better too or I’ll start charging ’em through the nose.”

“Then I guess we’ll be seeing you later,” Jack said as he shook his hand.

“You know it son.” Dusty pulled him in close, “Now you take care of yourself, and the little lady too. Ya hear me?”

“I hear you Dusty.” He said his goodbyes, got back into Bessie and drove off with a wave. Jack looked over to Rachel after a bit, “I wonder when life is going to throw us that next curve ball?”