by Peter Hoole
Casey and Murphy followed his lead, and lowered their weapons.
“Well, that’ll have to do then.”
Jace’s accent was broad, and left no doubt about his country of origin.
As he scanned the room, Jace’s attention was drawn to the bodies of Jane and William.
“For fuck sake, Mike. I’ve already put my dick on the line for you.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry Jace.”
“Don’t be sorry, mate. You just need to tell me what the fuck is going on.” Jace said, his voice raised.
“Just calm down. I’ll tell you everything.”
Caleb grew concerned. He was unsure if they could completely trust the man that had just come in the room.
“Are you sure, Mike?” Caleb asked, needing further reassurance regarding Jace.
Dunleavy looked at Caleb, then Jace, and turned back to Caleb.
“Look, Jackson,” we need all the help we can get. You just fucking said it yourself.”
Caleb couldn’t help but agree. He knew they had few options.
“Fine… but just keep to the important parts for now.”
Jace looked annoyed, “Oi. I’m risking my fucking job being here!” he said.
“Your job???” Darcy exclaimed, joining the conversation, “This is much more than your job. We’ve been fighting for our lives!”
It was clear Darcy was not in the mood for discussing trivial matters.
“Sorry, love.” replied Jace, “But I’m flying pretty blind here.”
“Just tell him, Mike.” said Darcy.
After a slight nod, Dunleavy told the story of the past few days.
“Jace, you’re gonna need to sit down for this.”
Dunleavy then described the detail of what had happened to them. He spoke about the tracking device on Darcy’s computer, the meeting in Phoenix, their plane trip and jump in Seattle. Dunleavy also spoke of the television broadcasts – the ones that named him as the head of New Light.
While telling the story, Jace tried to interrupt on a few occasions.
“It’s best of you wait to the end.” Dunleavy had replied.
Dunleavy continued, discussing the flight to Australia, the conversation with Isaac and the events at Haven. He mentioned the name of the Colonials leader.
It was at this point that Jace stood up.
“For fuck sake, Mike.” Jace said angrily, “I’ll but the plane trip. And I’ll buy that you were set up. But come on, mate. You can’t expect me to believe that James bloody Cook is behind it all. The guys been dead for two hundred years!”
“I know it’s a stretch. Part of me still can’t reconcile it in my head. But I guarantee you, it’s the truth.”
“Sorry Mike,” Jace said, “I just can’t cop that mate. I mean, its sounds bloody ridiculous.”
Caleb joined the conversation, “I know it does, pal. But it’s the truth. Me… I was dead earlier, and now here I am.”
Jace shook his head. It was clear he was having trouble believing the story they were telling.
“It seriously doesn’t even sound like fiction… it’s more like science-fiction. C’mon, if you want me to believe this then I’m gonna need something.”
Caleb looked around the room. There was nothing apparent that he could see that could provide the proof Jace seemed to be looking for.
Then Murphy caught his eye. She was holding her tablet, and showing it covertly to Caleb. Caleb was unsure if he wanted Jace to have that much information this soon.
Darcy also saw what Murphy was referring to, and with an almost psychic connection, she could sense what Caleb was thinking.
“Babe… it’s the only way.”
Caleb knew she was right, so he motioned for Murphy to hand the tablet over.
Murphy handed her tablet to Dunleavy. As Dunleavy took the tablet, Jace spoke up, “What’s this?” he asked with scepticism.
“It has all the information we have. It’s owned by the Colonials.”
“And how did you get it?” asked Jace.
“This one was in one of the SUV’s we borrowed – they call them ‘Bats.”
“I remember you saying... as in Wombats. If that isn’t just the most stupid fucking name for a combat vehicle they could come up with.”
“Exactly,” Dunleavy said, “Why would we come up with a name that stupid?”
Jace opened the tablet, and scrolled through the information.
After several minutes, he spoke, “If this is all true, then we may have something to go with.”
“If?” asked Darcy.
“No offense Miss...” Jace began, “Sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
“It’s Darcy.”
“And why are you here? Those three,” Jace replied pointing towards the soldiers, “Those three I get. They’re soldiers. And Dunleavy, well I know his background. You though.”
“She’s with me.” Caleb interrupted before Darcy could respond, “And that’s all you need to know for now.”
Jace seemed to accept the response, though it was apparent he was not all that happy about it.
“Fine then... Darcy. You asked why I said ‘if’, right?”
Darcy nodded her response.
“If this information’s true, then we have something. Not a lot, but something. But the reason I said ‘if’... I mean... this isn’t really evidence is it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean... how do I know you guys didn’t just create this? How do I know it belongs to these Colonials? After all, I’ve seen some pretty sophisticated apps, and some more advanced video games...”
Caleb knew Jace was right. Without something... anything... to back up what was on the tablet, there was no chance they could pass any real scrutiny.
“That’s why we’re going back.”
“Back where?” asked Jace.
“Darcy and me. We’re going back to Haven. See what else we can come up with. Something more concrete.”
“And what about the rest of you? What are you doing next?”
Dunleavy was about to respond, when he was cut off by Caleb, “Don’t answer that Mike.”
“Well... you’re gonna have to give me something. All I’ve got right now is a wonderful story that may or may not be make believe... and this device, which may or may not be bullshit.”
Again, Caleb could see the Australian’s point. He realised Jace was no fool. Again, Caleb tried to think of a way to convince Jace.
“Guys... I know Mike. I trust him... but I’m gonna need more if I’m going to help you. It’s a hard story to buy.”
The room fell silent, as if in unified agreement that they needed more.
And then it struck Caleb.
“Murphy...” he said, turning to his lieutenant.
“Yes sir.” Murphy replied.
“Those devices... they have the Source right?”
Murphy nodded.
“Good.”
Caleb grabbed one of the devices, and before anyone could move, he stepped hastily towards Jace and Dunleavy.
Before the rest of the room knew what was happening, Caleb jammed the device into Dunleavy’s neck.
“What the fuck are you doing?” asked Jace.
“Yeah, Jackson, what the fuck...” Dunleavy began, but his voice trailed off as the liquid in the device took over.
Dunleavy staggered back, obviously affected by the Source. He lurched over the couch, and spun so he was lying down across the cushions.
“I hope this works, Caleb.” said Darcy, realising what he was trying to accomplish.
“Me too babe,” came the reply.
Chapter TWENTY
The effect was almost immediate. Where the sixty year old man once lay, a much younger person now occupied. Dunleavy had changed, and the Source had done it.
Dunleavy stood, almost leaping to his feet. His previously balding head was now a lush dark brown. The wrinkles that once featured were now no more.
Caleb could even
swear he was an inch or two taller than he had been.
His physique had also improved. No longer was Dunleavy burdened with the aging muscle structure of a sexagenarian. His was now visibly leaner and stronger.
“Holy shit.” Jace exclaimed to no one in particular, though the exclamation resonated throughout the others.
“Are you ok, Mike?” asked Darcy.
Dunleavy took a while to answer, “What’s happened to me?”
“It’s the Source, Mike. Go look in a mirror.”
Dunleavy did not need to be asked twice. He bounded through the room, and headed down the hallway to the bathroom.
After a few seconds, Dunleavy’s elated exclamation emanated from the room, “Holy Shit.”
He came back into the front room, bouncing around like a teenager.
Caleb turned to Jace, “Is that enough for you?”
Jace could only nod, apparently lost for words.
“Damn it, Jace...” Dunleavy said, with some levity in his voice, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“How? What happened?” Jace asked.
“Like we’ve been telling you – it’s the Source – the stuff that the Colonials found all those years ago.” Darcy replied, “It’s what they are killing people to protect.”
Jace sat down on the couch, clearly overawed by the revelation.
“Jace,” Caleb said, trying to breed familiarity, “We need your help.”
“I’m gonna need a sec here, mate. It’s not something you see every day.”
Caleb tried to be patient, but the timing of what was happening did not necessitate such luxuries.
“I’m afraid we don’t have much time,” said Caleb, “With the plane in Seattle, and what happened in Rome. It looks like its escalating.”
Jace turned to the Captain, “Aw shit...” he said, coming to a realisation, “You guys haven’t heard then?”
“Heard what?” asked Darcy, “has there been another attack?”
“You could say that. Soccer stadium in London... blown up.”
“Jesus Christ!” Dunleavy exclaimed - his levity now diminished.
“How many people?” asked Darcy, a tear in her eye.
“Dunno.” replied Jace, “They reckon more than thirty thousand.
Darcy let out an audible gasp.
Caleb shook his head in disbelief.
But he knew that it was only the beginning.
“That’s why we need your help.” said Caleb, “As you can see, it’s getting worse. And I don’t think they’re gonna stop... not until...”
Caleb had Jace’s attention, “Not until what?”
“That’s something else we need to tell you.”
Caleb paused. The information they had received regarding Ascension had come from Murphy. He didn’t want to give her secret away to anyone that didn’t need to know.
“See those two...” Caleb began his lie, “They told us the next part of their plan.”
“Plan?”
“Yeah... the plan was broken up into Phases... the first was planning, then the next phase was the... well... it was the making sure they were all given a serum.”
“Yeah... Mike mentioned that,” Jace began, seeming to regain his composure, “What’s the Serum?”
“It’s kind of a refined version of the Source.”
“Ha... you’re saying that shit isn’t strong enough,” said Jace, referring to the effect it had on Dunleavy.
“Not for what they want to do...” Darcy began, taking over form Caleb, “The Source, from what we know, is just stop-gap. It had to be taken regularly for the Colonials to live forever. The Serum... well that is permanent.”
“So you’re saying there’s hundreds of thousands of immortal people out there?” asked Jace.
“Pretty much.” Caleb said, “But there’s another purpose to the Serum...”
“Why do I get the feeling you’re about to dump even more shit on me, Jackson?” said Jace, remembering the name Dunleavy had referred to Caleb.
“You can call me Caleb, and I’m afraid I am. You see... from what we know, these attacks are just the start. They plan to wipe us all out.”
“All of us? You mean you guys?”
“I wish I did. No... I mean everyone. They’ve created a virus... something they call Nightfall. And they are the only ones resistant to it.”
“What is it... this Nightfall?”
“All we know is it’s a virus... and from what we know, it’s a pretty powerful one. So much so that they need the Serum. It’s the only thing that can stop the virus from killing them too.”
Jace stood, and paced the room.
“Ok then... what do you need?”
Caleb smiled; glad Jace had decided to help.
“We’re gonna need to stay here for a few hours. We’ve been living on fumes for a while and need some rest...”
“Speak for yourself, Jackson.” said Dunleavy.
Jace nodded, “That’s no problem. Only I know that you’re here. Thought it best to keep this situation on the hush hush until I could figure it out.”
“Good. We’re also gonna need some transport.”
“That’ll take some time... and I’ll need to call in a favour or twenty...” Jace replied, “Where do you want to go?”
“Like I said, Darcy and I are going back to Haven. We’ll take the ‘Bat outside. Hopefully we can dig up some more Intel that you can use.”
“Good idea.” Jace replied, “I’m not sure you’ve got enough of those thingy’s for a demo in front of everyone.”
“Indeed. But we’ll need some transport for the others. They need to get back stateside?”
“The U.S.? Why?”
Caleb hesitated. While he was beginning to truly trust Jace, he was unsure of how much information to give him. After all, he was still reeling from his experience with Matthew in particular.
But, as time was running out, Caleb figured Jace would need more information if he was going to help.
“We know about Haven, and we know there are more than a dozen other Colonies. The only other one we know the exact location in in the States – North Dakota to be exact. Dunleavy, Murphy and Casey need to get back there. Dunleavy can try and make contact with his sources there, while Casey and Murphy can round up the team and try get close to the colony.”
Jace again paced the room before turning to Caleb.
“Bit flimsy mate...” he said, referring to Caleb’s plan.
“I know, but it’s all we’ve got.”
Jace again paused. He looked around at the people in the room. It was as though he was making his mind up about something.
“Alright...” he said, “I’ll help you.”
Caleb breathed a sigh of relief.
“But you’re gonna need a hell of a lot more than a plane...”
Chapter Twenty-One
The hallway was short, and it led towards two doors.
“Your choice, babe,” Caleb said to Darcy.
After speaking with the group, Jace had made some phone calls. It turns out he was a person of some influence within ASIO.
After he got off the phone, he told the group that he had organised a plane to take Dunleavy, Murphy and Casey back to the states. The only catch was that it would not be ready for several hours.
That suited them all just fine – it gave them all a chance to rest and recuperate. A lot had happened in the past few days, and Caleb realised he had not yet had a real opportunity to catch up with Darcy – to find out how she was coping.
In fact, apart from the six or so hours they had slept in the plane from Seattle, they had not spent any time alone in days.
As such, Caleb made the call that, for the next few hours, they should all get some rest.
Dunleavy was stuck out on the couch. Not that it seemed to bother him. Such was his apparent joy at being young again; Caleb guessed sleep was the last thing on his mind.
Plus, Dunleavy could keep an eye on Jace while the others re
sted.
So there they were, standing in the hall.
Darcy opened the door on the left, for no apparent reason.
From the brief glimpse Caleb got of the rooms when he did his initial clearing of the house, he noticed the rooms were similar – both with double beds and a nightstand. There was nothing fancy, but the house had enough to be acceptable as a safe house.
As they walked into the room, Caleb closed the door behind him.
No sooner had he closed the door when Darcy grabbed him. She pulled him close, and wrapped her arms around him tighter than she had in a long time. While it had been less than twenty four hours since their last embrace, it had felt like a lifetime ago. And in some ways, it was... After all, it had been only a few hours since Caleb had died.
As they kissed, Caleb remembered some of the thoughts he had had when he was shot. The last fleeting moments before he passed out, the one image that he had was of Darcy – the light in his dark.
As she kissed him, Caleb remembered his thoughts, of how much loss he had felt. With his emotions taking over, Caleb pulled Darcy towards the bed, not allowing her to break his grasp.
As they edged closer, Darcy broke away. With some quick movements, she pulled Caleb’s shirt over his head. After she had thrown his shirt on the ground, Darcy pulled her shirt off, and unclasped her bra.
Their passion could wait no longer, and Caleb pulled a half-naked Darcy toward him, their bare chests pushing together as they felt the naked touch of each other’s flesh. Though not the first time, Caleb could feel a stronger sense of passion, and stronger sense of love.
After he was shot, the thought he would never see Darcy again was the lowest point in his life. And now, all he wanted to do was show her how much she meant to him.
Caleb ran his hands through Darcy’s short brown hair, and moved his hands down her back, gently stroking and massaging her as they moved.
When his hands were in position, Caleb arched his lover backwards onto the bed...
***
“I hate to say it, John, but there’s not a lot left.”
Zach had arrived at Haven. As he had expected, he was unable to land in the colony itself. Fortunately, the airfield they had used previously had remained untouched, and the Colonial staff were still on site. Once landed, Zach had seconded one of the ‘Bats, and made the short journey from the airfield to Haven.