He grabbed Ian and they both sat in the bed of the truck. Nolan sat in the front with Mark. He seemed nervous. Nolan couldn’t find the reason but he felt adrenaline run through his body. Mark started the truck and they were off.
They drove through dirt roads and back roads. Nolan could see a faint glow from the sun on horizon but it didn’t add much light. Mark turned down one road and Nolan spotted a house that suddenly brought back memories. He remembered being a child and driving on this road. The way to Lee’s house started coming to mind. Mark turned down a driveway which was covered in trees and bushes. They drove past a house and towards a barn. Was the base under the barn? Mark stopped his truck behind the barn and got out.
“This is it,” Mark said.
Nolan left his rifle in the truck. He got out of the truck as Anthony and Ian hoped out of the back. Their hands were shaking. It was still cold which meant it was even colder in the bed of the truck.
Mark walked them towards a door in the back of the barn. He knocked twice before he opened it. Nolan was surprised to see the barn nearly full of people. Nolan guessed there must have been forty people in the barn. He could see boxes of rifles and boxes of bullets stacked on the ground. Nolan made eye contact with a woman who had the sides of her head shaved. The top of her hair was long and dark with streaks of pink in them. She was fit and Nolan thought she was very attractive.
“Mark, who are your friends,” The woman called out.
This seemed to silence the barn. Nolan figured they hadn’t noticed them enter. Mark cleared his throat before speaking. “I have here three members of the Democratic Insurgence,” Mark announced.
Suddenly Nolan and the others seemed to be surrounded. As if they were prey surrounded by a group of hungry predators. It seemed everyone in the barn had grabbed a gun and pointed it at Nolan and his squad.
Chapter 8
Learn to Trust
Sarah stood at the window in the front room. Captain Underwood had ordered her to stand and keep watch until Mr. Schweppes arrived. Though he didn’t say it Sarah could tell that Captain Underwood wasn't pleased that someone like that was going to come to them. Captain Underwood liked the idea of the squad going to him, so they could watch the area first. This, to the Captain, seemed to be one more reason that Ms. Hill had changed sides.
Sarah had a radio to Orson, who would alert her when they had any cars come into the complex. The radio was silent at the moment but she was waiting to hear from Orson. Captain Underwood asked what kind of car he would be driving. Though Ms. Hill told him, Captain Underwood mistrusted her nonetheless. Will came and stood next to Sarah who didn’t take her eyes from the window.
“You still trust her?” Captain Underwood asked.
“She hasn’t done anything to tell us otherwise?” Sarah responded coldly.
“I won’t do anything to jeopardize her, if what she said was true. I just don’t want to put my team in danger,” Captain Underwood said softly. Captain Underwood left the room when Sarah didn’t answer. Mary came in after and glared at him as he stormed past.
“What did you say to him?” Mary asked.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Oh, trust me that is worse,” Mary laughed.
“I don’t think we should be mistrusting her. We should be working towards getting this CEO to join us. Not making her distrust us. You saw her face when she came into the kitchen didn’t you?” Sarah looked away from the window to look at Mary in the face.
“I did and I think you might be right. She could be telling the truth. They could be on the run. However, Will, might be right.” Mary didn’t break eye contact with Sarah. “Either way we should be ready.”
Sarah knew she was right. Over the radio, Orson’s voice came.
“We have a vehicle entering the area.”
“Is it our guy?” Captain Underwood’s voice said over the radio
“It matches the description,” Orson replied.
Captain Underwood rushed into the front room. He had his handgun out. Sarah was shocked.
“What are you doing?” Mary asked.
She had taken the words right out of Sarah’s mouth.
“Put that away,” Mary started. “If you expect this person to join us he won’t do it at gunpoint.”
Captain Underwood sighed. He put his gun in the holster on his lower back. She was the only one who can talk to him like that. Sarah saw as the car turned into the street that led to their townhome. The car moved slow and parked on the street. Sarah found that odd. The driver door opened and a handsome man stepped out. He had a grey beard and dark hair curly hair. He was wearing a dress shirt and dress pants. As he slowly walked to the door, Sarah noted he didn’t look around. He walked with confidence. He reached the door and before he had the chance to knock Captain Underwood opened the door and pulled him in.
“Easy,” The man said. He had a soft soothing voice. “I don’t have any weapons.”
Captain Underwood searched him and went through his pockets. The only thing he had was key’s to the car and his wallet. Ms. Hill walked into the room followed by her guards. She didn’t look pleased when she saw Captain Underwood searching the man.
“Captain, what is going on here?” Ms. Hill said. She didn’t hide the displeasure in her voice. Sarah could tell she wasn’t happy.
“We don’t even know who he is,” Captain Underwood responded.
“This is Jonah Schweppes. Vice President of Domino Defense Corporation.” She said angrily.
“It is fine. They can search me. I would be surprised if they didn’t, honestly.” Mr. Schweppes said. “If they didn’t search me it might change my mind.” Mr. Schweppes had an accent that Sarah couldn’t seem to place. He sounded Canadian but it was mixed with something else.
“Is that right.” Captain Underwood said as he searched. Captain Underwood must have decided he was clean and stopped searching. He took a step back and looked out the window.
“I wasn’t followed,” Mr. Schweppes said. “I certainly didn’t bring anyone with. I don’t need bodyguards.”
“That so?” Captain Underwood asked.
“I served in His Majesties Royal Army. In the special forces,” Mr. Schweppes said.
Sarah finally knew where the accent came from.
“You were in the SAS?” Mary asked.
“That’s right. I don’t doubt all your skill but I am confident in mine.” Mr. Schweppes said.
He fixed his shirt stood at the door. He must have been waiting for one of them to speak first.
“We had to make sure you were clean.” Captain Underwood said.
“You said that. Shall we get to business?” He asked and walked to take a seat on the couch. “You Yanks don’t seem to have manners.”
“Forgive us.” Ms. Hill said. She took a seat across from him. “They traveled a long way to be here. Forgive them if they seem skeptical the United States Security Bureau has that effect on people.”
“So I have heard.”
“You wanted to join our cause?” Captain Underwood started.
Ms. Hill gave him a look as if to say ‘Don’t fuck this up’.
“I did. My mother was born in the States. My father was a part of the Royal Army and was protecting an ambassador when I was born. Naturally, I got dual citizenship. This was before the rule was changed by Mr. Marshal. My parents are both living in the states. I want them to have a better life. Things that are happening there aren’t right.”
“What do you want in return?” Captain Underwood asked.
“Who’s to say he wants anything?” Ms. Hill asked. Ms. Hill must have been just as shocked as Sarah was at Captain Underwood’s comment. It seemed to Sarah to be out of nowhere.
“I do actually want something.” Mr. Schweppes said. Sarah couldn’t believe what she heard. Mr. Schweppes continued. “When we win and we will win if we join. I want Domino Defense Corporation to get first grabs at the military contracts.”
Captain Underwood and
Ms. Hill were silent for a moment.
“I think that can be arranged.” Captain Underwood agreed. “What can you give us?”
“If we can get Reese to join us then we can give you weapons, machinery, and men. If the men decide to join.”
“Who is Reese?” Mary asked
“Maximillian Reese is the head CEO of Domino Defense Corporation,” Ms. Hill said. “He ultimately has to make the choice if the company will join the Insurgence.”
“This is true,” Mr. Schweppes started. “If he decides to join us there is a possibility that some of our employees will leave. We don’t force people to stay. They are free to leave at any time.”
“We understand,” Ms. Hill said. “When can we meet with him to discuss how to get him to pledge to our cause.”
“I can see if I can set a meeting. I wouldn’t recommend searching him however. I would not approve of that.”
“Noted. This meeting needs to be done soon. Quicker the better. If you can,” Captain Underwood said.
Mr. Schweppes stood and shook Ms. Hill’s hand. He told her it was nice seeing her. He saluted Captain Underwood who returned it, a little unwillingly. He nodded to the rest of the people there and left the room. Sarah watched him walk to his car and radioed to Orson who was still in the hotel room to let him know the meeting was over.
“You need to start learning how to treat guest Captain.” Ms. Hill said. She walked to get into Captain Underwood’s face.
“I am sorry but you have been gone for months. This random person was invited here. Nothing about what has happened felt right.” Captain Underwood said.
“What are you trying to say?” Sergeant Miller asked.
Sarah had forgotten about the guards in the room. Captain Underwood didn’t judging by his reaction to Sergeant Miller. Sarah knew what Sergeant Miller was getting at. She wondered what Captain Underwood would say.
“I don’t trust you,” Captain Underwood started. “I am looking out for my team.”
“What do you think we have been doing this whole time, Captain?” Ms. Hill asked.
“Do you think we changed sides?” Sergeant Miller asked anger flaring in his voice.
“We have been hiding for months,” Agent Young added.
Agent Young stood next to the other guards who were now on their feet. It seemed as though everyone in the room was teaming up on Captain Underwood. Sarah wasn’t going to let that stand.
“Enough!” Sarah yelled. Everyone in the room looked at her. “He did what he thought was best with the information he had. Somebody who everyone thought was dead or captured turned up in Canada. You made contact after months of being gone. They send us. We are members Democratic Insurgence Intelligence Agency, we would be a great target for the USSB. We all thought this might be a trap. We are supposed to think like that. We followed Captain Underwood’s lead.”
“They are right.” Ms. Hill said. She rubbed her temples and paced the room. “This situation seemed strange.”
“I think this proves that we are all on the same side. Doesn’t it?” Sarah asked.
She looked at Captain Underwood. Everyone in the room was quiet. Sarah felt like they were in one of those movies where everyone had a gun to each other’s head.
“This does prove it,” Captain Underwood announced. The room’s tension eased. “I am sorry we were on edge.” This, he directed towards Ms. Hill.
“I know why President Powell sent you.” Ms. Hill said. “You are resourceful and smart. Captain, you are cautious and feel the need to keep your team safe. Sam, likes those qualities in a leader. It hasn’t been easy on us and we were looking forward to feeling safe again.” Ms. Hill sighed as she fell into a chair.
“Where have you all been staying?” Mary asked.
“We found a safe house just outside of the city. It is in one of the suburbs.” Sergeant Miller told them.
“When we get out of our meeting we will have to send you back there.” Captain Underwood said.
“Why?” Ms. Hill asked.
“You are a one of the last high ranking members of the Democratic Insurgence. You can’t be in harm’s way.”
“Oh, now you tell me.” Ms. Hill said sarcastically.
“Yeah, you all couldn’t have told us that months ago?” Agent Mason laughed.
Captain Underwood smiled. “Alright, I get how weird it sounds but we can’t put you in more danger. You are even more important than before,” He looked into Ms. Hill’s eyes when he spoke.
“I understand who I am, but as you said I am a high ranking member of the Democratic Insurgence. I have to be present for the negotiations. I also outrank you, Captain.” Ms. Hill said not breaking the eye contact.
Captain Underwood smirked. “As you wish Ma’am. I have conditions though.”
“Which are?”
“I am in charge of your protection. If for any reason I think the situation is too dangerous then we get you out. This is non-negotiable.”
“Is that right?” Ms. Hill said. She crossed her arms.
A memory of Sarah’s mother doing the same thing crept into her mind. She felt like she remembered her mom doing something similar when she was a child. It was one of those behaviors she did when arguing with her father or scolding her and her brother.
“Yes Ma’am,” Captain Underwood started in a serious voice. “If you decide to not listen to this rule. I will make contact with command and we will extract you.”
Sarah knew that if Captain Underwood said who he was with to command they would want to take her out either way. This way Captain Underwood was in control. Sarah admired his logic. Ms. Hill wasn’t amused. She had a look on her face that showed she couldn’t get around this.
“Even if I order you not to do that?” Ms. Hill asked.
“Even then. Ask my team, I can disobey orders when it benefits the D.I above us.”
Ms. Hill thought for a moment before she agreed. Captain Underwood briefed the guards on how he wanted things done. Will instructed Mary to take the three guards and show them how he wants lookouts posted. They were to have a rotation of people in the hotel room who would keep a lookout. They would also occupy one of the buildings on the far side so they can keep an eye on all sides. The far side would only be occupied at night. During the day a foot patrol would go every half hour. Sarah and Steven had the first patrol and they would be the ones to inform Orson on what the plan was. Sarah and Steven walked outside to make their way around the townhome complex. They were to start on the far side and work their way towards Orson’s position.
“These houses are nice,” Steven started. “I think I would want to live in something like this someday.”
“What are you going to do after the war?” Sarah asked.
“I don’t know. So far the only thing I have ever done is this. What about you? You ever give it any thought?”
“I wouldn’t mind opening my mom’s store again. I have done that my whole life. I think she would like the idea of me continuing with it.”
“That is what your mom wants but what about what you want?” Steven asked.
“I have never thought about what I wanna do,” Her father wanted to make Kathleen’s work, so her and Nolan worked it and did their best. She had never even had a moment to think about what she wanted.
“Something tells me you will have some time to think about it,” Steven said.
Steven smiled at her. Sarah’s stomach turned, she blushed and looked away. She had a brief thought of seeing her and Steven in a house. She hadn’t realized it, but they already were making their way across the street to the motel.
“Do you think we are being too cautious?” Sarah asked.
“How so?’
“I mean we are going to be walking around the complex a complex which is supposed to be empty and suddenly there are people walking around. It might be suspicious.”
Steven ran his hand through his hair. Sarah thought that what she said might have triggered something in his mind.
> “That isn’t a bad thought,” Steven said. He looked deep in thought.
They made it to the door of their room. Steven knocked twice before opening the door. Orson was sitting next to the spotting scope. He smiled when he saw Steven and Sarah walk in.
“You two decided to go for a walk before coming to visit?” Orson asked with a laugh.
“Well that is now a part of the plan,” Steven said. He then explained what happened with Mr. Schweppes and their meeting. Steven glossed over the details about Captain Underwood distrusting Ms. Hill. Orson did guess though.
“They find out how much Will doesn’t trust them?” He asked after Steven finished.
“They did. He kind of confessed though,” Sarah said.
“I thought they would find out eventually. I don’t think it is a good idea to patrol. This area is busy it won’t be long before people notice us. It wouldn’t surprise me if someone calls the police.”
“I am not sure they are as suspicious up here as they are in the States,” Steven said.
“You would be surprised,” Orson replied and looked out the window as if he just jinxed them.
“The Secretary does have a safe house,” Sarah added. She thought this might be easier to protect.
“Not a bad idea. It’s been working for months now which means it must be safe.” Steven said. “I’ll bring it up to Will, when we get back. Orson, we stopped by to fill you in.”
“Thanks for that. Things have been quiet. Radio me if plans change.” Orson said.
Steven and Sarah left the room and made their way back to the complex. Sarah looked up and down the block before they reentered the complex. She tried to spot anything out of the ordinary but so far everything seemed to be normal. She worried that being with the intelligence had started making her paranoid. Or was she just being cautious? Steven and Sarah headed towards the front door and opened it. Sergeant Miller and Captain Underwood were sitting at the table discussing plans of escape from the area and the best way to protect the complex.
“Captain, may we have a word?” Steven asked.
“Of course. What’s going?” Captain Underwood asked as he excused himself to meet Steven and Sarah at the door.
Resistance Rising Page 9