“Ha. Never! I would have considered working with you if you hadn’t stabbed me in the back, twice. This isn’t a game; you’re on a side that I won’t allow to win. However, if you return my database to me, I may be able to forgive you.”
“We’ve gone down that road already, there’s no turning back. When things are launched here, you’ll change your tune.”
“I’ll never see things how you once did. I hoped you had changed. You’ll have to restart your research and find a new machinist because I am reclaiming Marty from you.”
Ms. Likvold erupted into laughter. “Why would you think he would consort with you at all? He’ll never help you, or your pathetic cause.”
“Marty will help me or die. I won’t have him giving away company R & D. It’s simply not acceptable.”
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ve beat you to the punch. As we speak Fox Three is reeling Mr. Naublock back in to me. You’re too late dear.”
“You’re an idiot. Your feared Butcher was so easily defeated it was pathetic. You’re much too far away with your research to be an effective force to be reckoned with. You’re desperate, and Leo hasn’t even cracked anything in Finite Resources for us.”
Silence filled the line, and for a moment Ms. Likvold considered taunting him with the knowledge of Leonard’s Mimetite breakthrough.
“There is no us, and I have more resources than you think. Good luck to you, dear. We did make an effective team, if only for a short time.” She moved her hand to push the end call button, then changed her mind and decided to listen.
“I am leaps and bounds above your piddly creations. I will have Leonard’s support. His mind and body are worth thousands of your Butchers. Don’t forget, those who don’t heed history’s lessons are doomed to repeat its mistakes. Just as before, you will lie dying. Instead of mercy, I will bring a spear. I will watch as life fades from your eyes and delight in your demise. Your kind are merely a war machine. There is more to life than death.”
CHAPTER 5
T he air was crisp and clean, Leo took a deep breath as he disembarked the plane. Sarafina followed behind him, still embarrassed at Leo’s outburst. It was just a dream, but he couldn’t tell her what this one was all about.
His thoughts seemed to be invading his dreams in strange ways.
Everyone on the plane headed to the baggage claim area, everyone except them. Their hasty departure had them traveling with only the clothes they had on. The thought of an airport meal didn’t appeal at all to either of them, so they quickly made their way outside and waited for a bus departing to the closest car rental location.
Leo glanced at his watch, then realized it wasn’t anywhere near Pennsylvania time. Sarafina looked in his direction trying to make sense of an airport sign. He looked past her to a digital clock with the local time. Eight forty-five a.m.
Ugh! The day is just starting here. At least the air was clean and the view beautiful. He was lost in his surroundings for a minute, then stood staring at Sarafina while she concentrated on directions.
Her long beautiful hair was frazzled, out of place, and she had wiped off most of her makeup during the long flight. She looked amazing in the morning light.
He continued to watch her, as she looked at the signs in confusion, then her gaze shifted to Leo gawking at her. He casually looked away before he caught a smirk from her. Oh crap, she saw me.
“What ya starin’ at, cowboy? I look like a train wreck.”
“Yeah, I know, I was just ---.”
“Wow, gees Leo, thanks. I know I look a little haggard but give a lady her delusions.”
Blushing he said. “No, that came out wrong I actually think you look pretty. Your natural skin tone is so nice, I think I prefer you all na-tur-al.”
Sarafina smiled. “Nice recovery. Good to know I’m pretty even at my worst. Are you sure you don’t fancy me or something?” Silence held, till the loud whir of a closing engine was heard. “Saved by the bus,” she said with a wink.
They hopped on the bus and rode it to a car rental counter, grabbed the first small car they could get their hands on, and rushed to get a bite to eat. The cuisine was something both of them were unfamiliar with, and they struggled to find something resembling American food.
They settled on a pizza to go from a small restaurant, drove down the road to a beautiful spot, and parked to eat. The view was stunning, and the pizza amazing. They clinked their Pepsi bottles together and enjoyed the thick forest surrounding them.
Sarafina wiped her mouth, then spoke. “So, Leo, what’s your plan anyhow? Other than our escape from certain death, why come here?”
Leo was deep in thought. He enjoyed a few more bites in silence; then just when he could tell her imagination was in overdrive, he responded.
“Well, Sara, several reasons: one, being safety as you stated, the other two, leverage and understanding. Mrs. Sullivan has something that’s very important to her, a mineral. I decoded its primary source; its location is here.”
“You don’t stop, do you? And here I thought this was maybe a vacation,” she said sternly.
“I know, but it’s beyond me now. This has ties to my father, his disappearance, and its implications, whatever they are, seem catastrophic. I felt a presence I can’t quite describe when I was in that room at Halaby. I was about to leave when the camera tumbled off the nightstand. Like it wanted me to discover it. I found a note from my father in the memory card I grabbed from his camera. My father’s note gave me a new perspective on his disappearance. I’m now uncertain of his death.”
Leo continued to explain to Sarafina, a look of surprise growing on her face. “Whatever this Sullivan couple has it’s very advanced, and top secret. Somehow, it’s technologies are – not of this age. I’m hoping to leverage myself against them, kill time, and have answers when the dust settles. It’s not all business though, Sara. I mean, look at this view; it’s amazing!”
“The future, Leo?” said Sara, sounding skeptical. “Is that what I’m here for, to enjoy the view?”
“No, you’re here to help. Two heads are better than one, and I could use a roughneck cowgirl on my side.” Leo laughed. “Also, the view is better with you in it.” Leo fired up the car, surprised at his flirt and the feelings he was starting to have for her. “We should hit the road, I suppose.”
“Yeah, I suppose, before you get yourself in trouble,” she said with a wink. “By the way, when are we getting some clothes? I’m gonna be in a pickle come tomorrow.”
“Shopping, how did I know that was coming. Are you turning into a girly girl?”
“Hey now, take that back! Can’t a girl want to look good?”
They laughed and shared a moment of connection they hadn’t had before. When Leo sped away, he hadn’t noticed a black car behind him, one he recognized when he was near the airport. Am I being followed? That’s impossible, right? No one even knows I’m here.
CHAPTER 6
T he bustle of the high pressure, deadline-driven business left Marty in a stressful state. He was happy to be back in his shop. He had squeezed in a custom piece or two during Mr. Sullivan’s project, but even those had been rushed.
He fulfilled Sullivan’s orders, but had no enjoyment out of making them. That had all changed now. He loved being back in a truly artistic field and able to express himself. Marty was relieved he hadn’t heard back from Leonard about the prototype they had discussed working on.
He cherished the hours he was now able to share with his daughter Gretchen. They had lost her mother a few years back, and his absence due to his work with the Sullivan’s was difficult for her. Marty had just finished a large custom piece he was very proud of and wheeled it out to surprise her. She was minding the register after her last customer, and no one was currently in the shop. He quietly stood the piece up, then surprised her with a tap on the shoulder.
“Surprise Gretchen!”
Marty knew she was twenty-four, but the smile on her face was worth
it. He often wondered how she had grown up so fast. She’d always be his little girl in his heart.
“Oh wow, Dad, that’s amazing. I love it! What client is this for; I don’t remember such a unique request?”
“What? This isn’t for a client. Do you have amnesia? It’s the piece you always asked me for growing up.”
Smiles on both sides led to hugs and tear drops in the corner of their eyes. Instead of wood it was a metal grandfather clock, the entire piece carefully crafted and intricately sculpted. The shiny polished stainless steel glimmered on every surface, and she moved in for a closer look.
Running her hand along the surface, she traced the gilded work and admired it before a gleam of light reflected off its surface. The distinct bell ding brought her back into storekeeper mode, and she turned to attend the patron’s needs. Marty placed an arm across Gretchen’s chest, blocking her way, his face serious, sight pinned on the man entering the store.
“Holy crap, this stuff is amazing! And you must be Marty?” said the customer from afar.
Not taking his eyes off the man, Marty spoke to Gretchen. “Wait in the back for me.”
Gretchen turned her eyes to the man, wondering who would cause such alarm in her father.
“Go!” yelled Marty.
His sternness was out of concern, but it still irritated her; she left the showroom hoping this was only a business discussion. She knew better though. When she disappeared, Marty spoke.
“What the hell are you doing at my place of business? I’m enjoying time with my daughter. Go away!”
“I’m here because Mrs. Sullivan wishes, requests, no demands you come with me. Quickly, cooperatively, and quietly.”
“If she needed something, she would just call me herself; she has always given me time to free myself from my business. I do have a life you know.” Marty looked the man over. “I know of you, but I don’t know if you are following her wishes. I’m inclined to stay right here.”
“She thought you might say that, which is why she told me to relay a message to you. The prototypes are toast, she needs upgrades, and Mr. Sullivan is no longer a partner.”
Marty’s expression changed; this worried him. He still aggressively responded. “And what if I say no…that I’ll just take my chances with him?”
“I have something for that,” said Fox Three sarcastically, smiling as he pulled out his Glock 9mm.
“Don’t be stupid! You’re not going to harm me; she needs me for her work.”
“I’ll play nice if you do old man.”
“Let me just get my things.”
Marty walked to the register and gathered his things laying on the counter, and unbeknownst to Fox Three, a pistol. Holding the gun behind his things, he walked around the end of the counter and fired two rounds through his belongings. As the loud gunshots filled the shop with noise, Fox Three reacted quickly, taking one round to the center mass; the others absorbed into a large clock behind him. Gears, springs, and wood flung in all directions from the damaged clock, scattering across the floor.
Fox Three rolled to his feet and let out a coughing laugh as he said. “You are as crazy as you look sir. Now let’s do things my way.”
Stunned, Marty froze, surprised Fox Three was still standing. The soldier fired one round at Marty, his silencer spitting out the bullet quietly. Fox Three loosened the straps to his vest. Marty’s shot had knocked the air from him, but now he was able to breathe freely. He moved over to the staggering Marty, the round still sticking out of his chest.
“You son of a bitch,” said Marty. Losing his balance, he grabbed for something to stabilize himself, hoping to get off another round at the soldier. Marty stumbled and bumped into the clock he had made for Gretchen.
“No, the clock,” he said, panicked.
The clock began to tip backward; there was nothing he could do about it. Fox Three held the collapsing Marty and eased him to the floor, taking his gun away. The soldier had tensed, waiting to hear the crash from the clock. Instead he only heard silence.
Fox Three looked away from Marty, seeing a woman’s hand holding up the clock. Gretchen had come out after the gunshot and caught the clock just in time.
“Dad, no! You monster! What did you do?” said Gretchen.
“Gretchen, you saved it; get out of here. Run!” Marty yelled out, just before slipping into a semi-unconscious state.
“You bastard, you killed him!”
Instead of fleeing, her rage drove her to attack Fox Three, throwing a punch toward his face. Fox Three caught her fist before it made contact and simultaneously fired a round into her thigh. She stumbled in pain, limping on one leg.
“Damn Marty, she’s as feisty and crazy as you. You could have just come quietly. Now she’s involved. What am I supposed to do with her now?” said Fox Three to the barely conscious Marty, shaking his gun as he spoke. “You did this to her old man.”
The soldier raised his weapon, fired another round into Gretchen’s chest, and scooped her up before she crumbled to the floor.
Cradling her, Fox Three said, “Relax doll, I didn’t kill him yet; it’s a sleeping agent. Stop fighting and just sleep. I just gave you a dose strong enough to make you forget everything from today.”
. . . .
Upon initial inspection, Fox One and Mr. Sullivan appeared to be first on scene, but the locked shop door caused them pause. With a little force, Fox One gained entry to Marty’s shop. Mr. Sullivan observed the gears and springs scattered on the floor and knew he was too late.
“Damn her,” Sullivan said. “Search the back for anything useful. I want to make sure we’re not missing anything.”
Mr. Sullivan knew he must find Evelyn now, Marty was an important piece for her work. Without him her replication would be troublesome, complicated, and much too lengthy. Marty would be able to make more of her models; while imperfect it would be destructive to her enemies.
She would seek to improve her new models, and he feared this Mimetite Leo had decoded was of importance to her. He had to admit he knew little about it; he’d have to study its uses.
“Look what I found,” Fox One said, coming out from the back. He held a woman in his arms, and she appeared dead.
“Who’s that?”
“Hell if I know. Check her ID.”
Mr. Sullivan dug through the purse on the counter and grinned when he read the name.
“A Ms. Naublock, twenty-four years old. The daughter I presume. Bring her, she will be a perfect tool to find her father. I’m surprised they didn’t just kill her. Oh well, that’s a bonus for us.
“If we leverage her to get Marty, I’m not doing anything violent sir,” said the phantom.
“What do you take me for Fox One? That stings. I would never ask you to do that, you’ve been around Evelyn too long Phantom.”
The shop was left empty, only the tick-tocks and bongs from Marty’s creations. His newest standing at attention, ready, saved by the recently abducted Gretchen.
CHAPTER 7
A year ago, Ms. Likvold had this secondary plantation lab built, and even a third far away, in anticipation that things might not work out with Mr. Sullivan. Her plantation lab was new to her and would take some getting used to, but the facility was state of the art, its location courtesy of an unlikely friend. He was more of an acquaintance than anything; they both knew they were simply using each other.
With Marty securely in her custody, she anticipated fifty units in the next three weeks. As long as Marty didn’t drag his feet, she would be on schedule to implement Leo’s findings when he returned.
She was confident Marty would be cooperative after settling down. When he was first brought in he was bouncing off the walls, but when she informed him this situation was temporary, and that his daughter was ok, he calmed down.
She told him his daughter was safe and she wouldn’t remember the exchange that took place. All lies to keep him calm and cooperative.
Marty was the least of her worries for no
w. She didn’t know how, but Mr. Sullivan would eventually interfere. It was only a matter of time. Her plans would start with the data they had been able to extract.
The military data from the Pentagon that had been part of a test run ten years ago was just the sort of data she was looking for. For Mr. Sullivan this information was an insurance policy, for her a green light ahead. This data had been loaded onto the Leighland cloud servers and had disappeared with the mystery data.
She would use this secret information to start phase two. Marty had gone straight to work after she calmed him down, and the butcher’s new body came out of production in just 48 hours. Ms. Likvold would use her Butcher to complete next step, the National Guard data on enlistees, his target.
Instead of elimination of the guardsmen, she sought replacement. A task that would have been easier with Cromwell’s help if he hadn’t gotten himself killed. The top floor of the large home was where Ms. Likvold spent most of her time awaiting good news from her minions. Word of her butler’s rebirth brought her down to the subbasement lab, smiling, giddy, guardsman list in hand.
“Hello Marty, I’m so proud of you! I know you just want to complete your task and go home; I understand that. I promise you will be rewarded when it’s all done.”
“It’ll never be all done, but yes, as you said Mrs. Sullivan, I delivered him ahead of schedule. I would appreciate a gesture of good faith.”
“Why of course, thirty minutes of closed end communication. I trust you won’t be foolish enough to warn or notify your daughter?”
“I don’t even know where I am, but to answer your question, no.”
“Very well, permission granted Mr. Naublock, and next time call me Ms. Likvold. Mrs. Sullivan doesn’t exist.” Ms. Likvold reached out her hand to squeeze his shoulder. Marty side stepped it and continued walking.
Before Marty disappeared, she asked him. “Did you load his last memories yet?”
The Second Rising Page 3