The Cradle Will Fall
Prologue "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, Part I "Je prendrai crusant et vert un th'e." Without looking up from her menu, the thin, blond women absently ordered her breakfast. She distractedly spoke to the small boy bouncing excitedly in the chair across the table from her. "Que aimez-vous, le petit?" Disheveled blond hair flowing wildly about his face, he begged; "Pouvons-nous aller r' l'ambassade aujourd' hui, Mummy?" His sparkling blue eyes gazed longingly across the street. They sat at one of the many tables beneath a canopy outside a small cafe. Across the street, the French Taelon Embassy sparkled in the morning sunlight. The large structure stood in the center of a magnificent garden. Trees and shrubs created a labyrinth of paths. Intermittently spread throughout; fountains, benches, and flowers of all colors and varieties; completed the overall beauty. An occasional bird or butterfly took flight, only to land elsewhere amidst the greenery. Not a single cloud marred the cerulean sky. "Pas ajourd' hui, chcre," the women stated patently. "vous cannaissez ..." A sudden popping sound accompanied by the whooshing of air, interrupted her. The noise was much like a distant thunderclap. Nearly thirty feet above the park, a vortex of glistening blue appeared. A small cylindrical object, about two feet long, burst forth from ID space. Glowing ominously, the missile shot across the garden. A tortured, screeching permeated the silence as it slammed into the Embassy's shielding. Mere seconds became an eternity. Ripples flowed across the luminous surface. Shuddering violently, the shimmering bioslurry exploded. All consuming, a brilliant tide of blinding white light burst outward. A tremendous sonic boom shattered the windows for miles around. Boiling orange flames swept across the landscape. The very air burned as waves of fire rushed by. Blistering heat vaporized the park, searing everything in its path. Flash-burned onto the concrete walls of the cafe, the shadows of its patrons were left as testimony. Part II Nearly fifty miles from ground zero, the distant rumbling rolled through the mountains. White ash, brought by the warm breeze, settled on leaves, rocks, and flesh. Two figures watched as a mushroom cloud slowly bloomed above Paris, France. "The Interdementional Core in the missile worked better than expected. The overload was an ingenious plan." A short, balding gentleman in gaudy clothing, gloated. He carefully placed his global on the hood of the rental jeep. He lifted the compact, dark green LAW and examined in closely. "I think that was a sufficient demonstration of TUWL's power." Smiling coldly, a tall dark skinned women laughed. "The Taelon's cannot ignore us now."
Chapter I "A gasp of breath, Part I Agent Ronald Sandoval patiently delivered his report on the bombing of the French Taelon Embassy. Shoulders thrust back, spine straight, he refused to allow his exhaustion to show. His hands, white knuckled, were clenched firmly behind his back. He had been on duty for over twenty-eight hours. "The crater is nearly a mile wide. Nothing within a radius of ten miles survived." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Beyond that, over twenty miles of progressively less hostile territory ..." His monotone voice droned onward. It wasn't easy to remain emotionless in the face of such horror. While gathering information for his report, he'd witnessed the devastation first hand. Hundreds of bodies; men, women, children; were dragged from the debris. The lucky ones; those already dead; were removed for identification. Burned by flames, poisoned by radiation; the living were little more than walking corpses. Their bodies betrayal and the lose of everything dear, left them mere phantasms. Their vacant, haunted eyes stared blindly forward. When Sandoval left for the Mothership, the rescue teams were still working on the edge of the blast. Liam had remained, coordinating the Volunteer efforts. Because of Siobhan's memories, the Major spoke fluent French. He was obviously the more qualified to handle the authorities. " ... An estimated quarter of a million died in the initial blast." Sandoval briefly closed his eyes. "There are more than one million people injured or missing." "The Embassy's shields are impervious to 'human' weapons." Zo'or's scorn toward humans was quit obvious. Ignoring the casualties, he demanded; "How did this happen, Agent Sandoval?" "Major Kincaid found trace elements of Taelon energy corresponding with an ID core rupture. However, radiation levels would suggest the use of Plutonium." His stare firmly locked on the view behind Zo'or, he finished. "We think a small thermonuclear missile with an ID drive hit the Embassy." Da'an visibly flinched. Glaring in cold fury, Zo'or abruptly stood. He silently marched across the bridge. Stopping before the virtual glass, he stared at the sphere beyond. Da'an cocked his head to one side, absently brushing the air with his hands. He lazily closed his eyes. "Where is the Major?" he asked thoughtfully. "Organizing the Volunteer's in the rescue effort." Sandoval silently thanked the Taelon for changing the subject. "There isn't any physical evidence at the blast zone. At this point, all I can do is look for anyone with the means to create such technology." "That is unacceptable." Zo'or announced. "There are several companies on the planet quite capable of this feet. However, it is obvious the Resistance is at fault." He smirked smugly. "This isn't their style." The Agent relished the opportunity to topple Zo'or from his pedestal. "They have never resorted to such violence and would never endanger human life." "Then they have changed there tactics." Zo'or snapped. "Perhaps the lose of their mentor, Mr. Doors, drove them to greater measures. I want you to find them Agent Sandoval." The Companion turned away in contempt. "You are dismissed." Bowing his head slightly in response to the dismissal, Sandoval quickly strode off the bridge. A smirk touched his thin lips. He had no intention of apprehending any members of the Resistance. He new full well they weren't responsible. Because of the difficulty in acquiring and handling Plutonium, he doubted he'd find anything by searching Taelon/Human enterprises. That left his contact inside the CIA. Perhaps her surveillance of Agent Burt Simms would turn something up. Part II Major Liam Kincaid gratefully sunk into the welcome warmth of his living room sofa. Every muscle in his body burned. For the first time since he'd been released from the hospital; a month previously; Liam wished he weren't on active duty. Over seventy-two hours of grueling, backbreaking labor exhausted his reserves. Closing his eyes, Liam slowly rolled his head to the right and back. He brought his head over his left shoulder and dropped his chin to his chest. Linking his fingers behind him, the young man leaned forward. He straightened his arms and arched his back. His shoulder popped ominously. Since Dr. Park had insisted he discontinue his early morning Tai-Chi workout, he'd resorted to Yoga. He decided the slower pace would allow his healing body time to adjust. The positions were not hard to master and it enabled him to stay fit without injuring himself. The meditation aspect of the discipline had encouraged quit a few naps. He simply couldn't sit still and think about nothing. It was akin to breathing without oxygen. Liam toed off his shoes. Allowing his body to slump to the side, he curled his legs onto the couch. Carefully pulling the quilt off the back of the sofa, he wrapped it around himself. He snuggled into its warmth. Within seconds he was fast asleep. Gally leaped from the floor onto the cushion. Cuddling against Liam's body, the kitten burrowed into the blanket. It's entire body rumbled as it purred contentedly.
Chapter 2 "Though we are not that strength Part I As she walked across the pier, Special Agent Morgan Wolf scanned her surroundings. Her eyes never still, she closely scrutinized every individual. She searched for any sign of conspicuous behavior. Her cover couldn't very well get blown this early in the game. Leaning against a railing, her contact carelessly tossed bread-crumbs to the birds. His faithful, pristine suit had been replaced by a white T-shirt, sports blazer, and blue jeans. Whereas his normally slicked back hair, was left to play freely about his face. If she hadn't worked with him in situations like this for years, Morgan never would have recognized him. "You're late." Companion Protector Ronald Sandoval growled impatiently. Placing her elbows on the cold metal railing, the small women rested her chin on her palms. The baggy black drawstring slacks and navy blue long-sleeved tunic swayed against her muscular body. The cool night breeze ruffled her short raven locks. Her crystalline blue eyes sparkled as she flashed the man a cold glare. "I couldn't very well leave in the middle of dinner." A smirk danced across her full lips. "As it was, you made me miss desert." The Agent shot her a dirty look. "Do you have anything?" He snapped. Staring at the water below, she spoke softly. "He had contact with Urick several times since our last meet. The signals been bounced off every satellite around the globe." She sighed. "I've almost finished the track, one more call should do it." "And their conversations..." Sandoval asked calmly. Slipping her right hand inside her purse, she palmed a global. Suddenly, she burst into delighted laughter. She spun toward the Agent, circling his hips with her left arm. Morgan hugged Sandoval tightly. Cautiously, she slid the global in his coat pocket. "Coded," she whispered in his ear. "I think their connected to the bombing." Sandoval's back stiffened slightly. Pulling away, she took a step back and leaned against the railing. Her arm remained around his waste. "Anything else?" The mans face had paled considerably. "Yeah, when can I get out of there?" She questioned softly. She would never freely admit to being afraid of anything. But these people were capable of untold horrors. What would taking one more life be to them? "It shouldn't be much longer." His usual harsh voice was almost gently. Nodding in acceptance, she released her hold on the Agent. She smiled politely. "I've got an early morning, as I'm sure you do as well. Until next time." She pushed her lithe frame from the railing. Catlike, she steeled across the wooden planks of the pier. Her heavy, steel toed synthetic leather boots, creaked softly with each step. Within moments, she disappeared amidst the shadows. Part II Liam ran a hand through his short, light brown hair. As he slowly made his way to his desk, he yawned widely. He couldn't understand how his father managed to pull of the 'perfect implant persona' at 5:30 A.M. Liam barely managed to drag himself out of bed. As he'd done his warm-up exercises, he downed four cups of scolding Black Pekoe tea. It hardly kept him conscious through the boring routine. There weren't many things more tedious than turning yourself into a human pretzel every morning. "Major." Da'an's soft voice interrupted Liam's musings. Liam had hoped today would be relatively simple. After the last several horrendous days in France, he could have use a break. Sighing in resignation, he glanced across the room. As usual, Da'an was perched upon his pedestal. He glared coldly at Liam. Waving one hand before him, he brought up a datastream. Images of the bombing appeared. "Did you authorize this?" Da'an demanded. Shocked, Liam staggered back a step. He was instantly grateful he'd made it to his desk, as his legs buckled. Eyes widened, he fell heavily into the chair behind him. "What?" Liam whispered. "You are the leader of the Resistance." The Taelon pointed out. "You are not above killing to achieve your goals." Liam gasped softly. "Do you honestly think I'm capable of 'that'?" He raised a shaking hand, motioning toward the images. "Perhaps you have changed your strategy," Da'an waved the datastream away. "since you weren't getting results before." "How dare you!" Liam growled. "I have always done everything possible to preserve life, no matter what the species. I'm not the one razing the galaxy in a genetic war. I'm not the one slaughtering every species in my path. Just because you're willing to compromise," Liam laughed coldly. "hell, abandon your morals for some twisted delusion of superiority, doesn't mean I am." Da'an turned away. "You don't know what you're talking about." "Bullshit!" Liam yelled. Tapping his left temple, he reminded; "I know exactly what you're capable of. I live the destruction of my fathers entire world, every night. I have the memories of your betrayal of the Kimera stored in my memory. "Your quest to save your species is so damned important, You've forgotten everything else. Once you've achieved your goal, what then? You've left a swath of death and destruction behind you. You've managed to destroy everything you ever were." He closed his eyes. Shaking his head, he whispered.; "You've become the very thing you despise the most, the monster you've so desperately tried to escape." He sneered at his mentor. "You were so afraid of the Kimeran influence over your precious Commonality, yet it's you who will destroy it in the end. The Taelon's are already drawing apart and this time, there's no one left to save you." Liam turned away. He could no longer stand being in the Companions presence. Walking toward the exit, he glanced over his shoulder as he spoke softly. "I've finally realized the difference between your present state and that of the Atvas. The Atvas never tried to justify it's savagery."
Chapter 3 "Too lonely to lead, Part I Liam pulled his coat tighter about his lean frame. The cool night air possessed the first stirrings of autumn. A sharp, chill seemed to creep into every bone. Silently, he stood before a small, still lake. A lite mist floated inches above its dark surface. Massive old oak trees and tall pines surrounded the pool of water. A gentle breeze ruffled his short locks. "Liam." Sandoval's smooth monotone started Liam from his taciturn revere. Turning his head, he watched his father step off the trail. The older man walked briskly through the freshly cut grass. He stopped a few feet away. "Father." Liam acknowledged before facing away once more. "I've been looking for you for hours." Sandoval informed. "Da'an seems worried." "I'll bet." Liam barked a short, humorless laugh. "Anxious, is more like it. Afraid I'll skip town before he gets a chance to gift rap me for Zo'or." Sandoval's brows furrowed briefly. "What happened?" "Not much." Liam shrugged. "He accused me of the bombing in France and I basically called him a hypocritical, condescending monster. I'm surprised there's not an arrest warrant out on me yet." Liam glanced at his father, one brow arched in question. "That's not why you're here, is it?" "No." Sandoval shook his head. He grimaced, running a hand behind his neck, he massaged the muscles. "He's become more unpredictable lately. I don't know what he'll do." Liam sighed. Dropping to his haunches, he stared out across the peaceful expanse of water. He had known a confrontation with Da'an was inevitable. The seeds of mistrust and betrayal had been planted long before Liam's birth. In his naivety, he had believed he could change that. He'd insisted peaceful coexistence was achievable. However, it had become quit obvious that no matter what he did, neither side could trust the other. If he were honest with himself, he was just amazed it had taken so long. Perhaps this was his chance to get out. If he stopped playing both sides, maybe he could, at the very least, keep the Resistance alive. He'd never really been a leader. More or less a poster boy, he sat on the side and occasionally gathered information. Perhaps the morning events had been the incentive he'd needed to become the leader he should have been. The leader his Mother had made him promise to be. The mere thought of his Mother, was enough to virtually double him over in agony. He had often contemplated joining her. Sometimes the thought of endless, peaceful, sleep seemed so welcome. "Liam?" Sandoval asked softly. "Have you ever thought that life was just someone's dream?" Liam whispered. His arms crossed over his chest, he remained facing the lake. "That everything you do, everything you are, is meaningless? That no matter how hard you try, you'll never make a difference? That everything and everyone are pawns in some great chess game? "Have you ever thought that our whole existence, is simply the equivalent of one nights sleep? And that someday, the dreamer will wake? And everything will disappear. "Sniffing, Liam raised a hand and roughly scraped his palm against his eyes. "Have you ever wished that this were the dream. That the honking horns, blearing music, and roaring engines were the fairy tale. That reality is the flying horses, the castle in the clouds, and the happily ever after. Virtues, morality, and honor were more than mere words on a page." He closed his eyes and continued. "Maybe it's better there. Maybe Mom and Lili are still alive. Maybe I'm a kid with a real family and my own memories. Maybe people except difference rather than conformity. Maybe ... maybe it doesn't hurt so much to get up in the morning when everything's still the same." Quickly covering the distance between them, Sandoval slid an arm across Liam's shoulders. The young mans lithe body shuddered briefly. Gently, the Agent brushed his son's soft hair back. "I know how hard it is to continue, even when everything in you wants to stop. You have to find things worth going on for; a piece of music capable of making you feel like you can fly, a perfect rainstorm, or a book that takes you to another world. There's still magic in this fairy tale, you just have to find it." "I think it's about time I start searching." Liam's whispered words escaped his lips in a puff of vapor. "I'm tired." Drawing the boy closer, Sandoval turned. "I'll walk you home." Father and son slowly traipsed through the parks quiet expanse. Part II "They've ignored our demands," growled a deep voice. Agent Simms sighed. Rubbing his forehead, he asked tiredly; "Did you really expect anything else? They practically think they're gods." "Then we'll just have to give them a reason to question that theory." The voice on the other end of the global call reasoned hostilely. "Hope you're not planning a vacation in N'Djamena, Chad anytime soon." The sharp buzz of the dial tone followed the final statement. Agent Wolf discontinued the tap on Simms' global. She carefully viewed the information on her screen. Rostok was a retched hive of rogues and outlaws. Her tap only narrowed the location of Urick's base, by a small margin. In the Kolyma Range between Bektap and Kameshki, Siberia, it could take weeks to search that mountain range. She would have to contact Sandoval.
Chapter 4 "To see a world in a grain of sand, Part I "That's the last of it," announced a burly man as he set a box on the concrete floor. Crouching beside the box, Augur began sorting through the equipment inside. He had been at this tedious job for over thirteen hours. The box before him held the final components for his newly built computer system. Augur had been shocked when Liam informed him HQ was moving. The fact that Resistance Headquarters had been compromised, made little difference to him. The underground lair was his only home. Liam had discovered a blocked tunnel system in the catacombs beneath Washington, DC. The maps of the city's underground passageways did not reveal the hidden crypt. Based on it's appearence, it had not been used in centuries. With some renovation and cleaning, the network was capable of housing a large number of people. This also gave the Resistance easy access to most of DC. Augur's computer had been stored in multiple boxes for easy transportation. The entire move had been accomplished in one night. He had commandeered an area for personal use. The small alcove had been wired earlier in the day. He'd been assured, nothing short of a nuclear war, could disturb his system. Even then, they had back-up generators. Augur looked up as Liam entered the room. "How'd it go?" Augur asked as the young man began studying the new setup. "How do you think? The women who's been running all Doors' little projects for years, doling out bits and pieces of information when she pleased, has just been informed she isn't God anymore." Liam laughed softly, his green eyes sparkling in amusement. "Rather well, actually. She stared at me like I'd grown horn and a tail, then told me to, and I quote, 'Go to Hell.' I think she was hoping I'd resign." Smirking, Augur tossed Liam one end of an extension cord. "I wish you'd taken a camera with you. I can just imagine the look on her face." A wide grin stretched across Liam's gaunt face. He glanced over his shoulder and whispered conspiratorially; "Next time." Chuckling softly, Augur began plugging electrical cords into the surge-protector. "What took you so long?" "I met Sandoval for lunch." Sighing, the former Companion Protector ran a hand through his unruly hair. "He's been ordered to bring me in. Their trying to keep it quit, since Zo'or needs me to access Ma'el's records." "Liam, are you sure you ..." Augur's question was interrupted as Liam violently shook his head. "I trust him." Liam confirmed. Laughing hollowly, he whispered; "A hell of a lot more than I'll ever trust Renee." "That's not saying much." Augur reminded. "Speak of the devil." Turning away to hide his smile, Liam crouched near the wall. He plugged the cord into the socket before slowly standing. "Who's bright idea was it to move HQ down here?" Renee growled angrily as she limped into the room. Her stockings were ripped in several places and one heel was missing. She had several filaments of silky cobweb tangled in her dyed hair. "I slipped off the latter and broke a heel. I very nearly got lost in the dark. I saw a rat ..." Liam dropped his head forward, his chin resting against his chest. His jaw clenched tightly, he barely refrained from laughing out loud. Augur, on the other hand, was not so inclined. Throwing his head back, the small tech burst out laughing. As Renee took a threatening step toward the computer wizard, Liam quickly moved to intervene. Holding his hands up in supplication, he started; "Renee look, I decided this was the most ..." "'You decided!' Renee yelled. "Just like you decided to invite Da'an to our last HQ? Just like you decided we could only kill in self defense, even when the basterds are slaughtering us. Just like you ..." "You're damn right I decide. Where were you when Doors quit and no one else would take the responsibility? You hide behind your little projects, making as much money on Taelon ventures as you possibly can." Liam's voice roared over Renee's tirade. "Did you ever stop to think what your ventures are costing humanity? You're selling the entire Human species for technology." "DI's projects ..." Renee began. "Hey, I'm sure you can take this argument up again later." Augur yelled. "We have work to do." Shaking his head, Liam sighed softly. The young man stepped up beside Augur. He nodded his head toward the hacker, requesting he begin the debriefing they'd scheduled. "Based on the data you downloaded, I calculated the size and destructive capacity of one of these things." Augur typed a quick sequence of numbers on the keyboard. A map of Washington, DC appeared on the overhead screen. "The bomb used in France was a Plutonium based 300 kiloton nuclear warhead with an ID Core enhancement, set to overload on impact. The combination tripled it's otherwise minuscule ability." Augur pressed a single key, causing a dark red spot to cover the Embassy and surrounding buildings. "The initial blast will form a crater with a half mile radius. Everything within this area will be disintegrated." Another key and a large orange spot surrounded the first. "As the result of a tremendous fireball and shock pulse, most buildings will collapse. Those that don't, will be completely gutted. This area has a five mile radius." A massive yellow dot circled the orange with a gentle tap of the keyboard. "The pulse has dissipated enough by this point, that the only damage it will cause is flashblindness and burns. The fireball, however is still sufficiently capable of igniting hundreds of structures. The diameter of this ring, is perhaps twenty miles." The image changed once more as what looked like a comet appeared on the screen. It's two-toned tail stretched far beyond the three colored rings. "The radiation tails direction and size depends on the breeze. I accounted for a strong easterly wind, thus it's incredible length and slightness. The center of the nimbus contains the most severe amount of radiation. This zone means instant death. The lighter area surrounding that, has lower levels. Only those on the very edge have any chance of survival." Augur sighed. Rubbing a hand over the top of his shaved head, he whispered; "If the next hits the American Embassy, they could take out the whole government." Liam whistled. Dropping onto Augur's red sofa, the ex-Protector closed his eyes. "Taelon shielding has no effect on it, so we haven't any chance of containing it. If we tried to destroy it while in ID space a rupture could form. Possibly, large enough to swallow the planet this time." Augur smiled sheepishly. The subject of one of his past project was not something he liked to remember. "Is there anyway we can disarm it in ID space." Renee mused quietly. Liam laughed humorlessly. "If we could track it, which means we'd have to know the moment it's fired, we'd have to contain it in a stable ID field, lets say a shuttle. Now you have to get the bomb in the shuttle without dropping either field. Then, both core and detonator would have to be defused, before the bomb arrived at its location, otherwise it could tear the shuttle apart attempting reentry." Shaking his head, Liam stretched catlike. "Did I forget to mention shutting down the ID core would automatically rip the bomb from ID space, thus destroying a huge amount of the population?" "So," Renee tapped the heel of one shoe against the floor. "what about another detention?" "Certainly an idea." Augur affirmed sarcastically. "It's not our Earth. It's not like anyone important will die." His mocking voice growled dangerously. He glared at Renee coldly. Running a manicured, pale hand through her dyed blond hair, she snapped; "Well, what would you suggest?" "We stop it at it's source," Liam stated boldly. Part II "I do not wish to hear what you 'think', Agent Sandoval. I want ..." Zo'or suddenly stopped talking. Rocking back on his heals, his facade shifted. Sharp blue lines coursed across his form. Tilting his head to one side, he closed his eyes. The sudden loss in the Commonality was palpable. It left a blazing hole, where a consciousness should have been. "I apologize for the interruption." A Volunteer remarked as he quickly entered the bridge. "The Embassy in Chad was destroyed moments ago. Like the first, a message was delivered to the US Embassy." His bland, monotone voice stated matter-of-factly. Walking toward the Synod Leader, the Volunteer handed him a global. "The first?" Sandoval demanded acidly. "The responsible party left demands." Zo'or absently affirmed as he read the newest message. "There was no need for you to know." "You know who's responsible?" He accused. "I should have been informed, since this is my investigation." "The subject of the message could do you little good." Glaring in cold fury at his insubordinate Protector, Zo'or snapped; "You have duties to attend to. Dismissed." Turning, Sandoval stalked off the bridge. Zo'or slowly paced the length of the bridge. Pausing before the virtual glass, he stared at the blue-green planet bellow. He would not give in to these inferior creatures. If they no longer had a target, perhaps they would stop. "Recall every Taelon on the planet." Zo'or ordered quietly.
Chapter 5 "Now winter is my memory, Part I "... I don't like it, he's always trusted you before." Liam's soft voice held a note of unease. "Is there any possible way he could know your MI isn't functioning?" "He knows it's not in perfect order." Sandoval admitted. Running a hand across his face, he sighed. "I wouldn't have been able to pull off the attempt on T'than's life otherwise." The shrill beeping of Sandoval's global interrupted the conversation. Withdrawing the small device from his coat, he snapped it open. He quickly read the message after pressing receive. "Shit!" Sandoval growled angrily. He violently wrenched his global closed and shoved it into his coat pocket. "Dad," Liam's large, anxious eyes had become stormy gray. "is everything all right?" "My contacts in trouble." The older man absently explained. "And I've got a meeting with Da'an, so I can't make it to the emergency rendezvous point." Sandoval glowered down at the soft grass. "Damn it, I need that information." Sighing a relieved breath, Liam shrugged his shoulders. "I can have one of my people meet him." Sandoval's head jerked up. His brows furrowed, he shook his head negatively. "I don't ..." "I'll do it myself, if you want?" Liam interrupted. He nonchalantly waved a hand; "If he's got information that ..." "She." Sandoval corrected. Carefully observing Liam from the corner of his eye, the Agent continued; "Morgan has been tracking CIA Director Burt Simms for the past three weeks." For several moments, Liam silently stared across Rock Creek Park. He neither saw the gently swaying trees nor heard the birds chirping, however. His one-third Kimeran brain busily searched for information. Soon, it revealed every memory associated with the familiar name. He shuddered as images, sounds, and smells of his kidnapping flashed through his mind. So fresh, he almost felt the agony flaming through his limbs once more. Clenching his right hand into a tight fist, Liam took a deep, trembling breath. "If they catch her, they will make her talk." He demanded firmly. His cold, sharp glare, belayed the calm, quiet quality of his voice. "If you don't trust me, then cancel your meeting with Da'an. But send someone." Sandoval glanced up at his sons pale face. Swallowing his resignation, the Protector nodded in confirmation. "There's a movie theater on Independence Av. called Encarta. Buy a ticket for the latest 'James Bond' film tonight. Get two medium drinks and one pack of Kit Kat's. Sit in the left corner of the final row." Sandoval studied Liam's thin face. "You might want to do something to disguise your very recognizable appearance." Part II "Bond," Perice Brosnon's smooth British accent drawled the familiar phrase. "James Bond." His debonair, Tuxedo clad form leaned casually against a mahogany bar. In his right hand, he held a glass of clear liquid. A pale green olive floated within. His gray hair did little to extract from his uniquely attractive profile. Most avid fans claimed he put Sean Connery to shame. However, after probing his parents memories, Liam realized that no one could ever truly replace Connery. He made every action appear simple and graceful. He had an air of awe inspiring eloquence. He simply 'was' James Bond. Keeping one eye on the film, Liam let the other wonder across the large room. A few people came in late; most hurrying to their seats, desperate not to miss any more of the show. A young couple slowly walked in from the right passage. Carefully gazing through every isle, they finally took two seats in the first row. Ascending the stairs from the left passage, a small, raven haired women quickly climbed toward the top row. A few more patrons wandered in, however Liam paid them little attention. The women heading toward him was no more than five feet, five inches tall. She wore a sky blue suit. The outdated, Chinese, style looked marvelous on her lithe frame. Silver rope frogs, clasped the long-sleeved jacked closed. She plopped into the seat beside Liam, crossing her silk clad legs. Leaning toward him, she gently pecked his right cheek. "Six rows down, two seats in; the gentleman in the baseball cap." She whispered. Somehow, her voice sounded oddly familiar. Liam's long-sleeved, charcoal gray sweater rustled as he gently clasped the young women's hand. A smile that never reached his very blue eyes, stretched across the ex-Protectors face. The mid-thigh length pullover brushed softly against his black slacks. Gently, he brought the contacts hand to his face. He slowly brushed her cold knuckles with his dry lips. Eyes playing over the theaters occupants, he used her hand to block his words. "First row, far right; young couple on the end." Liam murmured. Sighing, the women withdrew her hand from his. She scrutinized the room as she lifted one of the cups to her lips. Absently swallowing the cold liquid, she fingered the hem of her long coat. She set the drink aside. Laying her head on Liam's should, she slid her left hand toward her purse. "In a couple of minutes, get up, like you're just using the restroom. Then leave the theater. All the information ..." Liam placed his right hand over her left, stopping her from removing the global. "No." Her body stiffened. Turning her hand in his, she drove her nails into his flesh. "We don't have time for ..." Growling low in his throat, Liam clenched his long fingers around her thin ones. His eyes never left their careful scrutiny of the theater. Laying one unshaved cheek against her head, he whispered; "Don't be a fool, these people don't play by any rules." He released some of the pressure from her fingers. "If you get caught, you'll be real lucky if all they do is kill you." "It's my job to get the information out." She snapped vehemently. "I've been interrogated before. I'm perfectly capable of handling ..." "Rape?" Liam growled harshly. His hoarse voice was tight with barely controlled fury. "Because it's something men like that, wouldn't even blink before stooping to." She swallowed painfully. Shifting in her seat, the contact whispered; "Then what do you suggest?" "A diversion." A soft smile touched the corners of his pale lips. Carefully removing his own global from the folds of his synthetic leather jacket, Liam quickly placed a call to Augur. The hackers dark face appeared on the small screen. "Ah, if it isn't Spidy." Augur smirked. Grinning madly, the tech dropped into the chair before his computer. "How'd your meeting with Dad go?" "Augur, I need a diversion. NOW!" Liam whispered urgently. "I'm in the Encarta theater on Independence Av." "Buddy, I don't even want to know." Shaking his head, Augur busily tapped at his keyboard. "I'll give you five minutes before I turn on the fire alarms and sprinklers. I'll leave the emergency lights on for you." Looking directly at the screen, the tech joked before shutting his global; "Have fun." Shoving his global in his pocket, Liam threw his black jacket over the contacts shoulders. "Let your hair down." Liam whispered. His breath gently caressed her ear. She released her raven locks from it's tight bun, allowing it to flow over her thin shoulders. Grabbing her hand, Liam pulled her from her seat."We've gotta be in the lobby when the diversion starts." Virtually dragging her down the stairs, he propelled her around the railing. Glancing over his shoulder, he watched as the young couple in the first row and the man in the baseball cap, stood. They carefully inched their way toward the left isle. Liam followed the contact, keeping a firm grip on the women's arm. Once in the lobby, they made their way through the crowds. The pair were within five feet of the main doors, when the fire alarms began blaring. Seconds afterwards, the lights went out just as the sprinklers went on. The screams of frightened patrons joined the ear-shattering screech of the alarms. Liam pulled his fellow conspirator away from the main doors. He wrenched her near the wall. Using the dim emergency lights to guide him, Laim moved toward the rear of the theater. They would have a better chance of escape if their watchers thought they used the main doors. Finally, he found the recessed alcove of the emergency exit. Pulling the contact with him, he launched himself through the door. The cool night breeze ruffled Liam's dyed, dark brown hair, sending random locks across his face. He'd allowed his hair to grow while he was recovering from the kidnapping. Now, the two to three inches worth, strayed wildly in soft curls about his head. With a couple days worth of facial whiskers, he looked very little like his Protector persona. "This way." He quickly looped down the ally. Looking much like a hunting wolf, his lithe frame swayed forward with gentle grace. He left the contact to choose her own path. Jogging to catch up with Liam's long legged strides, She demanded sharply; "What the hells going on? Who are you?" Liam threw the women a quick, decisive glance. He wasn't sure how far he could trust her. It all depended on who's spy she was; the Taelon's or Sandoval's. Perhaps ... He dismissed the thought before it was fully formed. As his eyes tracked over her small frame, the feeling of familiarity returned. She looked a great deal like someone he had once known. It couldn't simply be coincidence; the shape of her face, the lilt of her voice. But that was impossible ... she was dead. He nearly choked suppressing a sudden burst of laugher. He; of all people; new how transparent the impossible truly was. If she were a Taelon operative, there was a strong possibility she had not died. After all, Lili had not really died, or so Sandoval claimed. Things were never as simple as they seemed when it concerned the Taelon's. Stopping suddenly, Liam faced the women directly. She very nearly tipped over in her haste to stop as well. She glared coldly, silently demanding answers. Liam watched her every move. He scrutinized even the slightest nuance. In the end, the eyes gave her away. Though the color was no longer the amazing bright green that reminded him of his Mother's home, they still contained the quality that first sparked his interest. "You looked better with auburn hair, Morgan." Liam's soft voice caught on the wind, nearly whipping the words away. "Or should I say, Hannah Klein."
Chapter 6 "In three words Part I "Liam?" Agent Wolf murmured. The man standing before her certainly didn't look like the Companion Protector she'd seen a month before. Sandoval had shown her the video feed of Liam's rescue. The Agent's intent was clearly based on the fact that he wanted Wolf to understand what she was walking into. Liam's usual fluid grace had been replaced by trembling limbs and gasping breaths. His handsome visage had been marred to such an extent, he'd no longer been recognizable. The thin body covered in blood and bruises, resembled a Concentration Camp victim. She had been horrified to see the man she'd befriended months previously, reduced to such a state. "In the flesh." Liam confirmed. Stepping forward, he placed a thin, long fingered hand beneath the Agent's elbow. With gentle pressure, he nudged her ahead. They quickly traversed the many passages of the labyrinth-like alleys of DC. His complete lack of apparent injury, truly amazed her. Lit only by the half-moons pale cast, Liam's angular features looked eerily cadaverous. Baggy clothing sheathed his lithe frame. However, they did little to conceal the well defined muscles housed beneath. She was forced to jog to keep up with his long legged pace. "What are you doing here?" She growled. Although she tried to sound intimidating, her demand ended up as little more than puffs of air. Having faked 'Hannah Klien's' death, Sandoval certainly wouldn't reveal the truth to a man he didn't trust. Considering one of her previous assignments had been to reveal Liam's connection to the Resistance; if any existed; she was positive Sandoval didn't trust Kincaid. Yet, said man was dragging Wolf bodily through smarmy back alleys. "Doing a favor for a friend." His soft answer did little to satisfy her curiosity. Her small frame slammed into Liam as he suddenly came to a stop. Kincaid's bright green eyes held an unearthly quality as he glanced back at her. Wolf quickly retreated and surveyed her surroundings. They stood on the sidewalk bordering E. Capitol St. The street lamps and headlights created a soft, luminous glow amidst the fog. A dull yellow cab slowly pulled over. Silently motioning her forward, Liam held the car door open. Wolf climbed in without complaint. Sliding in beside her, Kincaid told the driver to take them to Dupont Circle. Wolf stared out the window as the cab slowly maneuvered through traffic. The long drive up Massachusetts Av. gave her ample time to think. She'd never expected to see Liam again. Wolf had hoped she would never be confronted. Never be asked to explain. Trapped in the vortex between ID portals, she had been willing to bare her very soul rather than see the look of betrayal in Liam's eyes. If only she could have remained 'Hannah Klien' in his mind, instead of one more betrayal. She was jolted from her thoughts as the cab came to a stop. Passing the necessary bills over the seat, Liam pushed the door open. He climbed out and waited patently for Wolf to exit. Once the cab pulled away, Kincaid hailed another. Liam requested they be taken to Rock Creek park. The drive up Connecticut Av. wasn't nearly as long. Part II Sandoval stepped through the sliding door and stopped. "You wished to see me Da'an?" Standing before the virtual glass in the Mothership's observation dome, Da'an's back faced the entrance. In a uniquely human gesture, his hands were clasped behind his back. "Agent Sandoval, it has come to the attention of the Synod, that several implants may have dysfunctional CVI's." Da'an's voice sounded oddly detached, as though he simply didn't care whether the Volunteers were loyal or not anymore. "Dr. Belman will begin testing all Volunteers beginning tomorrow morning. Please ensure everyone is accounted for." "Of course, Da'an." Sandoval replied. His shoulders thrust back, he stood stiffly at attention. He desperately held his mask of indifference in place. He could not allow the panic he felt welling within him to surface. "You are dismissed, Agent." Da'an coldly stated. Bowing his head slightly, Sandoval turned on his heel and strode from the room. The entire Taelon/Human partnership was slowly falling apart. They were no longer omnipotent in the eyes of humanity. Thus they became easy prey. Sandoval was unsure how much longer his platform would remain stable. He might not escape the next termination order. However, he would sooner die than betray his son. Part III They slowly followed one of the many paths, seemingly at random. The dusky park was lit by the occasional lamp poll. As the cool autumn breeze ruffled her hair, Wolf pulled Liam's coat closer about her shoulders. "What should I call you?" Liam asked absently as he trudged along the path. "What's your real name?" Startled, Wolf's head jerked around. She'd been gazing around the park when the unexpected question had been asked. She hadn't used her real name in years. In fact, Sandoval didn't even call her by her real name. He simply used whatever personas she happened to be holding at the time. Glancing back toward the distant trees, she stated coldly; "Morgan is fine." "Your cover's been blown. You're not Morgan Wolf anymore." Liam stated matter-of-factly. A lazy smile crossed his lips. He drawled; "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. One deep cover agent to another" Wolf turned toward her companion in surprise. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked down at her. He was like a child waiting to reveal his next chess move. But this 'child' couldn't understand the full extent of the game. "Liam, please, don't do this," Wolf begged. "Why?" Liam demanded. "What could possibly be worse that finding out you betrayed me?" "Why can't you just forget you ever met me?" she cried. "Just leave me alone." "I can't." Grabbing her arm, Liam pulled her back. "Why are you doing this to me?" She screamed. "Doing what?" Liam pleaded softly. "You died in my arms, yet here you are. I thought ..." "WHAT? What did you think? That we'd become lovers?" She goaded hatefully. "Is that all you want, Major? Because if you'll leave me alone afterward, then lets get it over with." Shaking his head in disappointment, Liam sighed. He released his hold on Wolf's arm and turned away. He dropped his lithe frame onto a nearby bench. "I thought I could trust you. And to be honest, I had stopped trusting everyone." Closing his eyes, Liam whispered; "The look in your eyes; the loneliness, the sorrow; it was so familiar. You made me forget how much I missed Lili and Mum. I thought for once, in a hell of a long time, I wouldn't have to pretend. That you would listen and accept me no matter what. Because you yearned for the same understanding." Wolf turned away, tears pooling in her eyes. Taking shallow, gasping breaths, she whispered harshly; "I hate you." Liam head jerked up in shock. "WHAT?" Spinning, she glared at him. "You make me think I could be something else," she yelled. "You make me FEEL something for the first time in my life, besides cold determination." Sobbing, her shoulders trembled violently as she collapsed. She hugged her muscular arms about her thin frame. Kneeling in the wet grass, she rocked herself back and forth. A warm hand gently cupped her right cheek. Lightly, Liam's long fingers caressed her smooth skin. "Those emotions are all that set us apart from the Taelon's." He gently brushed back a lock of raven dyed hair. "Don't let them destroy you. You still have a heart, don't let them take it away." Drawing a shuddering breath, she whispered; "It's all I've ever done. I don't even exist." "Neither do I." Liam confided softly. "We'll find a way. It's about time we both had someone to rely on."
Chapter 7 "One of the oldest human needs Part I A towel draped over his shoulders, Liam pulled back the curtain covering the doorway of the newly built bathroom. He finished buttoning his dark blue cotton shirt as he crossed the room. His bare feet slapping against the concrete, he tucked the material into his jeans. It had taken three washes to remove the black dye from his hair. The sandy blond locks were slicked back from his clean shaven face. His eyes were gritty and bloodshot from the blue contacts. Using one corner of the damp towel, he dried his hair. Liam pulled the cloth from around his neck. Tossing it in a hamper in the corner of the room, he glanced around the small, dark chamber. His belonging had been arranged within one of the many blind alleys of the catacombs. From the orderly layout of his possessions, he guessed Augur had his hand in the setup. The clothing, books, and knickknacks, were neatly boxed against one wall. His brown couch was positioned against another wall, with the coffee table two feet in front of it. The bed and bookshelves covered the remaining walls. Wearing a pair of Liam's pajamas, Hannah was curled up on the sofa. The cuffs of the baggy gray flannel pants and top were rolled up. Liam could barely make out her toes and fingers peaking from beneath the material. Galley was laying beside her, resting in the hollow between her knees and head. Crouching before a box marked linens, Liam rifled through the contents. He finally pulled out an old, frayed quilt. The blanket was a Beckett family heirloom. For six generations, a new square had been sown on for every family member. His mother's patch was made of her Christening gown and baby blanket. Across the white silk dress, her full name and birth date were embroidered: Siobhan Erin Beckett He had acquired it from his mother's loft before her possessions had been removed. Siobhan had no living family, thus no one would miss such a simple object. The quilt and her runes, were all Liam had left of his mother. Standing, he padded across the room. Liam draped the quilt over Hannah's lithe frame. Careful not to wake either of them, he folded it around the gray kitten. Kneeling on the floor beside the couch, he gently brushed strands of auburn hair from her forehead. Hannah, which he called her for lack of a real name, had showered and changed as soon as they'd arrived. With the black dye washed away and the contacts removed, she looked exactly like he remembered her. A slight smile curved his thin lips as he leaned foreword. His lips grazed her high, left cheekbone before he stood once more. Pulling a pair of deck shoes from another box, Liam quickly stuffed his feet into them. He left the small room in search of Augur's cubicle. The halls were lit by small halogen bulbs spaced ten feet apart along the ceiling. The extension cords draped between each fixture, were held against the concrete with 3" staples. All in all, it created an eire, shadowy effect. When he entered Augur's small room, the hacker was busily typing on the computer keyboard. "Hey." Liam stated softly as he sank into the cushions of the red sofa. "So, what was that emergency all about? " Spinning, Augur smirked. "Needed an excuse to get rid of a lame date?" Sighing, the hybrid dropped his head against the back of the couch. He gratefully closed his eyes. "Dad couldn't make a meeting, so I offered to help. She had a tail we needed removed." Augur whistled sharply. "Maybe I was wrong about him, " Shaking his head, he demanded. "What'd you do with her?" Lifting his head, he looked directly at Augur. "She's asleep on my sofa." The outburst he'd expected came immediately as Augur flew out of his chair. "What?" "Remember Hannah Klein?" Liam asked. "What's some women pretending to be an artist have to do with ..." Eyes widening in realization, Augur trailed off. "Sandoval's spy. But I thought you said she died." Liam smirked. "Obviously death isn't all it's cracked up to be." Shrugging his shoulders, he continued; "I don't have all the facts yet. But her latest project was CIA Director, Agent Burt Simms. He's working with Hubble Urick." "You mean the guy that ..." Augur whispered. "Yeah." Liam replayed hoarsely as he glanced away. "He's also in on the bombings." "Shit!" The hacker murmured. "When are you taking her to meet Sandy?" "I'm not. I left an encrypted message on his global telling him he could find Hannah's global on the far left beneath the third pew in Washington National Cathedral." Liam reasoned quickly; "It's not safe with the Taelon's and with all that's going on, it's the perfect time for her to get out." "Liam, she's not a stray cat like Gally." Augur gently reprimanded. "You can't just adopt her." Jerking forward, the former Protector growled; "I'm not. She died once, I just don't want to see it happen again." "This is about your Mom, Lili, Haley, and Amanda." The computer wizard stated. "You're not going to bring them back by saving some women you don't even know." Standing abruptly, Liam began pacing the small room. "You don't understand, Augur." Plopping back into his seat, Augur asked; "Then explain it to me." "Have you ever met someone and it was like you'd known them your whole life? No matter what you said or did, they'd understand." Liam glanced at the hacker. "That's what she is. She reminds me of all of them. Forced by her world to be a soldier, but her heart is still pure. I wont let them destroy her too." Part II On the huge screen on the front of the NBC Broadcasting station in New York City, the regularly scheduled program was suddenly interrupted. As technicians scurried about, desperately trying to discover the cause of the static, every TV station throughout the world began experiencing the same problem. As abruptly as it began, the gray fuzz disappeared. In it's place stood a distinguished looking gentleman in his late fifties. From Tokyo to LA, people stopped in their daily routines to glance at the nearest television. "My fellow Humans, I speak to you today as a representative of The United World Liberation. For years we have requested the Taelon's share their knowledge with us." His deep voice boomed. "Instead, they have deceived us, used us for experiment, and sent our children to war on distant planets." He accused hatefully. "Is this the way you wish to live the remainder of your lives? As pawns in an endless war we know nothing about? "Today is the day we demand an end to this deception. TUWL demands the Taelon's hand over the contents of their entire database, or we will continue destroying Taelon property." He glared coldly at the screen. "The next move is theirs." As the static covered the screens once more, Hubble Urick's stony visage disappeared.
Unfinished
and the pessimist fears this is true."
- James Branch Cabell
a sudden death;
The tale began."
- The Book of Counted Sorrows
which in old days moved earth and heaven
that which we are, we are;
one equal temper of heroic hearts,
made weak by time and fate,
but strong in will..."
- Alfred Lord Tennyson
too weary to breath;
Too small to be
what they want me to be."
- Amanda Witt 'Enough'
And a Heaven in a wild flower;
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour."
- William Blake
now autumn, now summer light;
Now every spring from now will be,
another season into night."
- Michael Williams 'Mourning Song'
I can sum up everything I've learned about life;
It goes on."
- Robert Frost
is having someone to wonder where you are
when you don't come home at night."
- Margaret Mead
March 24, 1979
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