Resolution

by Douglas E Roff

  “You Immortals. Will I ever understand your ways?”

  “Nope. Never. At least I hope not anyway.”

  Adam knocked on his father’s door; it was answered right away. “Son, what brings you to my doorstep so late at night?”

  “Who do you know in Ireland? I need to journey to Dublin and am in urgent need of your help. May we come in?”

  Chapter 25

  Adam was working with his team going to Ireland reviewing details and procedures. His father had put him in contact with a decades old friend who owned an Estate, Heatherwood, just outside Dublin and which had both a helipad and a private runway. His Estate was massive and located not too far from where the bunker was located. Vehicles would be made available and specialized helicopters secured to move cargo to the Port of Dublin for quick loading and movement to the Mediterranean. Somewhere along the way, the palletized cargo would be offloaded and transported to Paraiso via a circuitous route known only to Adam.

  The stately gentleman friend of Edward’s, Connor Doyle, was fabulously wealthy from the day he was born; old family money dating back centuries. As a young man he became interested in antiquities; not just old pottery and clay figures, but rare pieces from ancient civilizations. His business was legal and above board and, as an expert, he was well respected. But the provenance of his private collection was not so well known or documented; few had ever seen it. He was politically and socially well connected, had never married, and was said to be guarded by a cadre of mercenaries that were both skilled and lethal.

  Edward had once saved his life in a little scrape with Egyptian authorities and thereafter had often collaborated on various projects, taking compensation in artifacts rather than money with the full blessing of governments with jurisdiction.

  Edward had never visited Connor’s Estate, nor had Connor ever visited Canada, much less Barrows Bay. Connor was a tough gentleman; he was endowed with all the social and cultural graces but was said to be a man who could be quick to temper and dangerous to encounter. Edward warned that Connor’s aid would not be solely largesse; something would be required in trade.

  Everything necessary for the mission would be in readiness by the next day, so Adam decided to contact an old friend he had never met, but who he suspected lived in Ireland somewhere. They had been friends since childhood geeking out about software, computers, and all things tech. Their friendship was more common interest than personal; Erin was very quiet about her personal life and Adam’s attempts to learn more about her were in vain. Still, he enjoyed his friend who often embedded little jokes and funny anecdotes into software she wrote for him.

  Adam decided it was time to meet his friend if she did indeed reside in the Emerald Isle. He had once traced her IP address to a small town outside Dublin, but nothing was on the web about her. He wasn’t even sure her name was Erin; he had no last name to go by.

  He texted.

  A: Erin, are you out there somewhere? Do you have time for an old friend? I need your help.

  Her reply came quickly.

  E: Adam St. James? I thought you forgot all about me. Haven’t had an email or text in a few years, except for the day you claim is my birthday. I appreciate the kind thought, but really did you think I was going to give you a clue to my real identity?

  A: One can only hope. Trickery is fair when the mystery of who you are is still unsolved. I have often wondered what the face, on the other end of my emails and phone calls, looked like. My imagination can be quite vivid sometimes and, now that we’re all grown up, I have more to fantasize about.

  E: Perv. But do continue. Is this going to be ‘text sex’?

  A: Depends on your willingness to play and share more than software with me. You might have to tell me a few more personal details. Or any personal details. You steadfastly avoid telling me anything. You might be a famous writer, or spy, or cat burglar, or international socialite or a mom with five kids. You gonna help me out?

  E: Maybe. But you, my friend, are always in the news these days and I know a lot about you. You’re not exactly a model citizen. Rich, famous, handsome, and scandalous. And wanted by the authorities in quite a few countries. Not to mention married to a beautiful woman who I’m sure would not approve of our flirtation.

  A: Busted. But you’re wrong. She is beautiful, smart, and deadly. But she mostly plays for the other team if you get my meaning. The only exception she makes, for the male of the species, is me. Otherwise, she enjoys the company of our small circle of family, all women and just me; not blood family, our family is a family of choice. Yes, it’s true that I am ‘on the run’, but not for crimes. For my tech. I won’t share and the governments who know about my secrets are willing to do anything to get it. I built and run the DataLab Project and am master of the DL Main. Not officially anymore, of course, but de facto. That’s how I avoid capture and detention in some unfriendly foreign country and residing in some dank cell. It’s not what I want for my family, or myself, but it is the life I lead. I don’t need money, I’ve hidden all my wealth right under the noses of the regulators, but it makes it hard on my friends and other family to be associated with me. I think that includes you.

  E: Is any of this really true? I mean, I believe you, but its’s so fantastic. I’m more than intrigued, and a little turned on. And believe me, that never happens! What would you like to know? I’ll try to be honest, but since you don’t really know me or what I’m like, I might not know what to say.

  A: Erin, let’s start with your name. Are you Erin or just a name you use to hide from me?

  E: I’m Erin.

  A: I’m coming to Ireland tomorrow, and I’d like to meet you. Let’s not hide behind emails and texts. I feel like your one of my oldest friends who I don’t know anything about. Will you meet me?

  E: I’m not what you think, Adam. I’m not a normal person like you. You’re handsome and desirable; women want you. Even women who only know your reputation. I’m nothing like that.

  A: Friends share secrets and their deepest inner desires and fears. There is nothing you can say that would change how I feel about you. You must trust that I would never hurt you; never betray anything you tell me. But I’m coming to Ireland, and don’t even know if you are there. If you are, I need to see you. More than need, I want to see you. You’re my friend. What can I do to convince you that nothing bad can ever happen between us?

  E: I’m not anything like the women in your life. I’m small and unattractive, disfigured from a childhood accident. I’m wheelchair bound and can move about only with great pain and difficulty. Even the people of my town wish not to have anything to do with me. I am an outcast. Staying indoors and never revealing myself to anyone has been my way of coping. People who have seen me are horrified; they cringe at my sight. I have few ‘friends’ to converse with, and you are one of those few. I would rather not chance losing our friendship too.

  A: There is no chance of that. I know who you are inside; what is outside is no impediment to our friendship and a more fulsome relationship. This journey cannot begin until we both are ready to take a chance. You must trust me that only who you are inside is what matters to me. Besides, I may have a pleasing look on the outside, but I can assure you that on the inside I am a jumble of good, bad, and worse. I can share all that with you in the most amazing way if you let me.

  E: What about ‘text sex’? I’m still fully operational in that department. But, I’m still a virgin and know nothing about how to please you, in person or by text. I’m afraid I would disappoint. I’m … scared.

  A: If I promise you that I can please you, that I can pleasure you, would you let me come to you?

  E: Touch is difficult. I’m not sure it’s possible.

  A: It is. Please let me try. Please trust me.

  E: Can we be … alone? Will your wife be comfortable with this idea?

  A: I can bring her with me, and you can ask her yourself. But I warn you that she may have her own erotic designs on you too. She is difficult
to satisfy and adores only the female gender. I have no idea why she chose to marry me, but she did. We only have congress among our small family of adults, which include only me and the women who have chosen to share my life of adventure and danger. She will adore you as do I. Please say yes.

  E: I will try this experiment, though I remain fearful that things may go terribly wrong. But, I trust you, so come. I live in Galway, and when you arrive, I will provide directions. I live outside of town in a small cottage near the sea, overlooking the River Corrib. Call me; I am anxious but cannot wait to meet you and your wife. Take care with my heart; it breaks easily.

  A: Tomorrow then. We land in Dublin and will take a helicopter to your home. Is there space to land?

  E: I live on one hundred acres of green grass and beautiful gardens of wild flowers and exotic plants. I will send you GPS coordinates when you arrive in Dublin.

  ***

  The team arrived at the Estate of Connor Doyle early the next morning and made plans immediately to divide up. One team would explore the bunker, twenty miles away while Adam, Misti and Fionna would head to Donegal to meet Erin. Adam texted Erin that he was in Dublin and was ready to meet as fast as his helicopter could fly to her home. Erin replied with GPS coordinates and said she had lost all fear of her encounter.

  Connor provided topo maps for the team heading to the bunker, along with 4 x4’s to cross country fields and gravel roads. The exact location was remote, the bunker centered in a field and surrounded by forest. If there was a road in or out, it was not readily apparent from satellite imagery. Still, the team headed by Octavio and his men pressed on, along with Niona, Kendra and Francois. They arrived hours later, and immediately set a perimeter, then entered the outer building ready to explore the bunker and remove the crates secreted within. Derek had explained that there was a shaft with a pneumatic “dumb waiter” that could bring crates to the surface to be palletized and moved by cargo moving helicopters to a ship in Dublin Harbor. Connor would send helicopters when directed by Octavio who would be in charge of moving crates.

  ***

  In Galway, the helicopter landed at the coordinates provided by Erin. Her home and grounds were beautiful and rustic; Adam hoped she could move around the gardens and enjoy the natural beauty. He approached the front door of the cottage and knocked.

  “Adam? Is that you?”

  “It is. You perv in shining armor, along with my wife and a very special friend. May we come in?”

  “I think it would be rude at this point to say no, so please come in. The door is unlocked. You’ll have to forgive my Pugs and my cats who terrify them. The only danger is they may try to lick you to death.”

  Adam opened the door. Seated in a wheel chair, in the center of the living room, was a smallish woman, dressed in loose robes and which covered her face. She was somewhat twisted; burn scars were evident on her hands and feet, the only parts of her body that were uncovered.

  Adam said, “Finally I meet Erin with no last name.”

  “O’Connor. I am Erin O’Connor. I am happy to meet you Adam Stephen St. James. And Welcome Misti Alarcon St. James. I have heard only a little about you, but I wish to know you more. Please come in and have a seat. Who may I ask is this other beautiful and dreadfully serious looking woman?”

  “A friend and a pussycat. She only looks menacing for effect. She heard your story and wished to meet you. I could not refuse. She is skilled and dangerous, just the kind of woman I love. But her skills lie in arcane arts we wish to discuss with you.”

  “Not software?”

  “No, that’s me. I am here to seduce your brain, then with your cooperation, you.”

  “And Misti, you approve?”

  “Only if I get to watch. I’m a hopeless voyeur and exhibitionist. Perhaps before the day is out, we can experience both. But you shall have to uncover your face and allow us to see you and touch you. Will you allow us to become intimate with you now?”

  Erin began to move her hands to her head slowly and obviously in discomfort, but Adam came to her side immediately.

  “Please, allow me. There is nothing to fear. You are among friends.”

  Adam removed her veil and beheld a vision of great disfigurement; her face was scarred and contorted. It was apparent that pain was a constant companion.

  “There,” said Adam. That wasn’t so hard was it.”

  “That is a question better suited to you. But I see only smiles; you do not recoil from my sight.”

  “Why would we?”

  “Perhaps your vision fails you? You are all blind? Or perhaps my appearance does not matter.”

  Adam asked, “May I touch you. Gently on both temples. I wish to show you something.”

  “Erotica?”

  “Yes, soon. But you must be prepared for what will follow, and I must give you something before we begin. I promise you will treasure this gift.”

  Adam touched Erin, finding immediately that she had the gene, and could be brought into the family of those who could receive knowledge.

  “There. What do you feel?”

  “Enlightenment; a new world hidden from view. Your love and compassion. And what you think you can do for me. I see your mind trick with countless women; and if you are a perv, I wish to experience your perversion with the permission of your wife. And Fionna, you are an Immortal?”

  “I am, though currently indentured to Adam as a mortal for my arrogance and lack of humility. I am a healer, and there is much I wish to do for you today. If you will allow me.”

  “I am honored and grateful; please begin whenever you are prepared. But may I ask one favor first?”

  “Yes?”

  “May I ask Adam to, you know …”

  “Mind trick? Of course. Would you like privacy?”

  “No, this time I’d like and audience; those who can witness this miracle.”

  Adam approached Erin again, kissed her gently on the lips, then touched her temples and began. When she had achieved her first experience with physical ecstasy, she screamed in satisfaction, then relaxed.

  “You have no idea how long I have waited for the touch of a man. I thank your wife for allowing you to guide me. And, to you, my handsome perv, how may I repay you?”

  “Remain my friend and help me with my project. I need your mind urgently. And I can only trust a few. You are among them.”

  “My life, and mind, are yours to command.”

  “Then I ask you to do two things. First, I will teach you how to use your new gifts, and to revisit this experience, or participate with others in your mind. When you are finished, I ask you to do one more thing.”

  “Which is?”

  “Allow Fionna to remain with you here today and apply her healing arts. I believe she can restore you to your former self, free you from pain, and set you on a new course.”

  Erin began to cry.

  “Is this a dream, or is this possible? I will do anything you ask. Name it.”

  “When we are done with my other task today, you will journey with Fionna to our new homeland, Paraiso, and our capital, the City of Light. I ask that you remain with us as we carry out the will of the Immortals who have tasked us with saving the planet. You can help in amazing ways; ways even you do not yet understand. I invite you to live with my family and learn all that has transpired and become our honored guest. This is what I ask of you.”

  “I can bring my pets?”

  “They will become our mascots and symbols of your alliance with us. We will honor them too.”

  “They are fussy.”

  “So am I. My children will delight in them. As will I. We must leave soon. Can we sit and talk now?”

  “May I have one more experience before you leave. I’m afraid I am now your greedy wench; I can understand why a woman might wish to keep you all to herself.”

  “Fortunately, I have none who feel that way. Life in our family is not quiet, not free from conflict, yet is filled with love. You will fit in well and I cannot
wait to have you safe and happy in our home. We have children with whom we walk every night through the streets of the City as a family, sharing our happiness with our fellow neighbors who only seek friendship and counsel. You too will be much in demand. Now, I wish to leave you with a much longer experience which you can revisit as often as you like. May I carry you to your bedroom? I shall put you in a dream state, and when we are done, Misti and I must leave, but Fionna will stay. She will bring you to your new home.”

  Fionna said, “While you and Misti are in union with Erin, I will enter her mind and body to begin her healing. When you are done, I will move Erin to our residence in the City. I must admit I am unsettled with your new friend Connor Doyle, and fear treachery is in the air. Niona will feel the same if I am not mistaken. I do not know whether it is him, or someone close to him; I hope I am wrong. I think he is hours away from starting something; something that involves the Collective. I sense the massing of Gens for an assault, not directed by Doyle but with his complicity. We have time, but I fear that many Gens will lie dead on the grounds of the Nobilus bunker before this is over. If Doyle is involved, I cannot be sure whether he has further undermined our labors today. What I can assure you is that if treachery is his, he will pay with his life. Let us begin.”

  “Well that took the hats and horns out of the party,” said Adam.

  “Not for me,” said Erin. “I have seen in my mind the bravery and strength of all your companions. I do not doubt your ability to prevail without harm. And I would love much to see you in Gens form as the Red Gens Manti.”

  Adam transformed.

  Erin said, “Now to bed. I cannot wait to feel you again.”