“Were they violent?” Joe asked.
“Not to us. They fed us … well,” Robbie paused. “Then turned us into the LEPs and that’s when things happened.”
“We got your note, Dean,” Hal said.
“You wrote a note?” Joe questioned.
Dean nodded. “Yes. Telling them Johnny was back, Fort jumped time and that Robbie was in danger.”
“And we were ready to return,” Hal said. “Okay maybe not that second. But we made a pact to stay one more day then come back. And if anything happened, we were to get Robbie out of there right away. At first the civilized LEP arrived, they got Chaka. Frank, being Frank, went after him and that was when the Segavas arrived.”
Joe looked at him curiously. “Segavas?’
Hal held up two fingers. “Two species of LEP. Mild and wild and we were caught in the middle.”
“Hal was really cool,” Robbie said.
“Ah, thank you, Robbie.” Hal smiled.
“No, Hal you were.”
Hal tilted his head with a fake blushing look.
“Dad, they had me. They hit me with an arrow, bagged me with a net, were dragging me, when Hal rode up on a horse, jumped off, landed on me and pressed the pendant.”
Hal, acting humbled, glanced down and brushed the leg of his pants. “Well, it was fun and I’m sure our big brother was a bit envious.”
“He should be. Hell of a job, Hal...” Joe walked over and kissed Hal on the forehead. “Good job. Thank you.”
“Wait.” Dean held up his hand. “Hal saved Robbie. Where’s Frank?”
“Our brother runs fifty-five miles per hours, thank you very much, Dean,” Hal said. “He was running to divert them from us.”
“But is he okay?” Dean asked Hal.
“I’m positive he’s fine. Probably doing his Frank thing and sightseeing. He’ll be back very shortly, I certain. What could be wrong?” Hal said. “He’s Frank.”
TWENTY-SIX – POLW
The walls were solid concrete without a window, but the bars to the cell were sturdy and wide. At least it wasn’t a cage. There was room enough to pace, two beds, a table, even a toilet. It was a civilized version of captivity.
Frank’s hands barely fit around the bars. “Man, these are thick.” He looked back over his shoulder to Chaka. “They don’t even shake.:”
Chaka sat on the edge of a cot. “This is maximum risk. So even the most cunning and strong Hubra cannot escape.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Frank walked over and sat on the other cot. “I’ll tell you what. They took my blood. It was the coolest thing. I have to fucking get one for Dean. He’d love it. It’s like this gun they put to your arm. I didn’t even feel a pinch. Bam it was done.”
“They also have the ability to show the results, immediately.”
“We have to get one for Dean. A souvenir.” He stood again, then walked to the table where to trays of food sat. “You want some?”
Chaka shook his head.
“What’s a bounty? I mean, I know what a bounty is in my time, or was, isn’t any more since the plague. But what is a bounty Hubra.”
“It is an intelligent Hubra with no loyalty,” Chaka said. “He or she will work with the Segavas to get what they want. Infiltrate Hubra camps. They work deals for Primals.”
Frank nodded and tasted the food. ‘This meat is really good. What is it?”
“Ana Bata.”
“That’s not human, right?”
“No. It is an animal. Much fur, stands on two legs. As big as a Hubra.”
“Like a bear. I killed a bear once. Or Big Foot. I could be eating Big Foot. I fucking knew he existed.” He took another bite. “Wait. Why do they think you’re a bounty? Why are you even under arrest? I thought this was you time, your village.”
“It is my village. But it is about thirty years before my time. I found my father. I was so happy to see him. He looks well. I wanted to see my mother. In my mind they had died many moon cycles ago. When I told him who I was, he had me arrested. Seems, as a stranger knowing the name of his child made him feel as if I were there to cause harm.”
“He didn’t believe you were his son?” Frank asked.
“No. Because I, in this time, am merely a baby.”
“Oh fuck.”
“It doesn’t help that my father is the most powerful man in this village.”
“Wait. Wait.” Frank said. “Your father is Senator Wa?”
“Yes.”
“You’re Chaka Wa.”
“Yes.”
Frank laughed. “Oh my God. Chaka Wa.”
“Yes.”
“Boom Chaka Wa-Wa.”
“No Boom. No Wa-Wa. Just Chaka Wa.”
Frank laughed.
“What is funny?”
“Nothing sorry.”
“Frank?” Vesna called out.
Frank spun around to see Dr. Vesna at the cell. “Oh, look whose here. Hey, Dr. Vesna. She’s wearing a translator”
“You seem in good spirits,” she said.
“I am. Dr. Vesna, do you know my friend Chaka... Wa.”
“Chaka Wa?” she asked. “That is the same name as Senator Wa’s son.”
“He is Senator Wa’s son,” Frank said. “He’s from the future.”
“You both are from the future?”
“He is. I’m from the past. Long story.”
“Frank, you escaped today. I understand that. Placing Senator Wa in a cage was degrading.”
“Yeah, I know. I felt that way when they put me in a cage.”
Chaka stood up. “You put my father in a cage?’
“Had I known he was your father, I wouldn’t have done it. Sorry.”
“They are convinced you are his pet,” Dr. Vesna said.
“They think we’re gay?”
“I don’t understand that term.”
“It means male Hubra and male Primal… mate?” Frank explained.
“Yes,” she replied.
“Fucking purple pants Ben from Fabric made,” Frank said in regards to Chaka’s outfit. “I’d think he was gay, too.”
“Frank, I am here because you and he are scheduled for public execution and museum placement. However, even though it was your doing to release the Primals you did save three Hubra. The Hubrata that was being ravaged came to your defense and begged counsel not to put you to death.”
“That was nice of her.”
“I, too, spoke to counsel. I told them you were different and from a different tribe, an unknown one.” she said. “Because of her testimony and my theory, they have agreed to let you and Chaka speak on your own behalf to convince them to spare your life and free you.”
Chaka moved toward the bars. “This is rare.”
“He is the first Primal who could speak on his own behalf. It will not be easy. They’re scared. Frank is super intelligent. They fear he will lead the Primals.”
Chaka nodded knowingly then glanced at Frank. “Sacred Scrolls prophesized a Primal will rise and lead an evil rebellion against God’s Hubra, hence beginning the end of the world...”
“Oh, wow, our bible, which is like your sacred scrolls tell of the same thing. The Anti-Christ,” Frank said.
“What is the Anti-Christ?” Vesna asked.
“Evil. Bad. Gets real popular because everyone thinks he’s good. But he’s not. He’s bad. Causes the end of the world.”
Dr. Vesna nodded. “Yes, it is the same thing.”
“So they think I’m the anti-Christ.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve been called a lot of things. Never that. When do we speak to this counsel?”
“Tomorrow, second sunrise.”
“And we speak, convince them and we’re free to go?”
“Yes.”
“Just like that. They’ll let us go and not follow us to kill us?” Frank asked.
“If counsel finds your innocent by ignorance, then yes.”
“Can you get me one of those bloo
d guns?”
“What is that?” Vesna asked.
“That contraption thingy you took my life fluids with. Can you get me one to take, I want to bring it home for my friend? He’d love it.”
“The ones we have here are outdated. There are far more advanced ones at the medical facility.”
“Either one will work. I’d appreciate it. Thanks.”
“Frank,” Chaka said. “Their minds are already made up. We are dead. This is a formality. Changing their minds will not be easy.”
Frank waved out his hand and scoffed. “Piece of cake.”
“How can you be so confident?” Chaka asked.
“Because, the story’s been done, written. It’s like we have a script already done. It’s fool proof. We got this.” Frank swatted Chaka’s arm. “I know exactly what to do.”
“How?”
“One word. And it is one word. Not two. One.” Frank held up two fingers. “The big guy.”
“Ah yes,” Chaka nodded. “God.”
“No. Chuck. And I don’t mean Chaka Wa. I mean Chuck. As in Heston. As in … this time tomorrow, we’ll be back in Beginnings.”
“And you’re sure?” Chaka asked.
“More than ever …” Frank smiled. “I am.”
TWENTY-SEVEN – BEGINNINGS
Robbie laughed. He laughed so hard he started to cough. “Oh my God, this is so great,” he said as Hank walked in the room to say ‘Hello’ then left with Hal.
“I’m glad you can find enjoyment out of this.” Joe grumbled.
“Dad, this is awesome. Promise me you won’t show Frank that guy if I’m not in the room. I have to see his reaction.”
“I’m sure it will be entertaining.” Robbie turned his head toward the door when he saw Ellen. “Hey.”
“Hey, you. How are you …” She walked in holding his chart. She leaned over and kissed him. “Doing, are you feeling okay?” she asked.
“Um, El, I’m in a hospital. Totally enjoyed meeting that Hank guy...”
“Yeah, he’s pretty cool. Nice, too.” Ellen reached in her pocket and pulled out a thermometer. “Open.”
Robbie did. “He looks like …”
“Shh.” Ellen took his pulse until the thermometer beeped. She read it. “Your temperature is elevated.”
“Is that problem” Joe asked.
“A little.” Ellen checked the IV bag. “But Dean expected it. He said the arrow was really dirty. Nothing we can’t beat. So, Robbie you were saying.”
“I was saying Hank looks like Frank way before the plague. Except he has the same scars.”
Ellen smiled proudly. “Me and Dean did that.”
“Excuse me?” Joe snapped. “You and Dean gave him the scars? I thought I just missed them.”
“Um … did I say we gave them to him? No. Gees. Joe that would involve cutting him and burning him. Never.” Ellen winked at Robbie, then looked down, as her fingers palpitated his neck. “Something wrong with your other leg?”
“No, my hand is itchy.”
“Must be getting money,” Ellen said and grabbed the chart. “Where’s Hal?”
“He stepped out. He’ll be back,” Joe answered and slowly stood walking to the bed. “Ellen is his face swollen? He looks like he’s swelling up.”
“Everything okay?” Dean asked as he walked in. He slowed down. “Robbie, you feeling alright?”
“Why does everyone keep asking me. I did have surgery.”
“His temperature is elevated, pulse is up, respiratory as well. And he looks like he’s retaining fluids.” Ellen said.
“Did you check his ankles?” Dean asked and walked to the end of the bed.
“Dean, honestly, I just noticed the swelling,” Ellen replied.
“Me, too,” Joe said. “It seemed to come on rather quickly.”
Dean lifted the blankets and felt Robbie’s ankles. “You have fluid.” He exhaled.
“Is it an infection?” Joe asked.
“Kind of soon to be showing like this,” Dean said. “I mean it’s only been a couple hours. Still can’t rule it out or an allergic reaction. I’m going to change his antibiotic and …” he paused when Robbie coughed. Dean whipped out his stethoscope and placed it on Robbie. “Deep breath.”
“Dean, I’m fine.”
“Deep breath” Dean listened to his chest, then when he made Robbie sit up, he noticed that he winced. After listening to breath sounds through his back, Dean hung his scope around his neck, made Robbie lay back down and he lifted his gown.
“Dean, are you trying to molest me.”
“Funny.” Dean lifted the gown enough to expose Robbie’s abdomen. He raised his eyes to Ellen. “Who’s in the back?”
“Patrick,” she answered.
“Good. He does a good job.”
“What’s going on?” Joe asked. “What’s wrong?”
There was a double knock on the archway of Robbie’s door and Roy poked his head in. “Dean, can I see you for a moment.”
“In a second,” Dean replied then faced Joe. ‘His abdomen is distended.”
“Dean,” Roy called him. “It’s important.”
“Isn’t this really fast?” Joe asked. “I mean, it seems fast.”
“It is,” Dean answered.
“I haven’t gone to the bathroom,” Robbie said. “Could that be it.”
“Let’s hope.”
“Dean.” Roy called him again. “Please.”
Dean nodded, then looked at Ellen. “Get him to Patrick, I want a full scan. When he gets back let’s change the infection meds.”
“You got it.”
“I’ll be back,” Dean said. “It’ll be okay. I promise.” He turned and walked out of the room and joined Roy in the hall. “What’s up?”
“Come with me. It’s important.” Roy didn’t wait for a response, in a quick pace he headed down the hall and to the lab. Once both were inside he closed the door.
“What is going on?” Dean asked.
“I checked and double checked Robbie’s blood.”
“He’s has an infection,” Dean said. “I know.”
“No, you don’t.” Roy turned on the monitor. When he did, a spiky cone shape image appeared.
“What the hell?”
“I managed to isolate the bacterium. It’s strong. It’s all through his blood and his defense system doesn’t have a chance. It is devouring it. This, Dean … is new.” Roy pointed. “it’s like nothing I have ever seen.”
“Where did it come from?” Dean asked. As soon as he said that he realized the answer and he exhaled heavily, dropping his head. “The future.”
<><><><>
It was all part of the plan so no one would question where Frank was. It seemed silly to Hal. Especially since he and Robbie had returned. Simply tell anyone who questioned Frank’s whereabouts that he was in Bowman. To try to pass the clone off as Frank and post on Frank’s social media was absurd. Yet, he went along with it. Walking with Hank who dressed in Frank clothing. Across town as a spectacle for people to see, only to take him to Containment for hiding until Ellen and Dean could get him later.
Like Henry, Hal suggested they take him to Creedville or Jordan. It was something they would do once Frank returned. It was the best place to hide him forever so no one knew about Dean’s unethical replication of Beginnings citizens.
Hank looked like Frank, but was no Frank. A fifteen second conversation with the man would tell anyone that. He was simple and plain, void of flare and emotions. Conversation was tedious and boring.
Hal was more than happy when they arrived at Containment until he realized he had to deal with Richie, Ellen’s brother. His tried to barter his silence. Hal didn’t care. Let it out that Hank was a clone. That was Hal’s attitude. He was just doing what he was asked.
He didn’t feel like socializing. Hal was tired and sore and just wanted to get back to the clinic to watch Robbie. Even though the surgery was deemed success, his little brother looked pale and worn down.<
br />
Finally after talking to Richie, handing Hank and dealing with resident, Hal left Containment. He was nearly floored when he saw Elliott walking his way.
He knew Elliott had woken and was back in Bowman. He expected his friend to be recovering. He did not expect Elliott to look as fit as the day he was nearly killed.
“Elliott.” Hal rushed his way and embraced him. “Good God, you look fantastic.”
“Thank you, Captain. I wish I could say the same for you. You look … a little rough.”
“You’ll have that when dragged by savage LEP in the future.”
“Is that what happened?”
“Long story. I heard you woke and that you were in Bowman. I figured you were resting.”
“Me? No. Captain I feel fine. As if nothing ever happened.”
“I assure you, my friend, you were near death. I thought we would lose you. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are well.”
“I believe the male Dr. Hayes and his mad scientist trials had something to do with it.”
“No doubt. What brings you into Beginnings?”
“I was on my way in to pick up some blank reports and heard you returned. I wanted to check in.”
“I’m glad. Walk with me to the clinic.”
“Only to the clinic, I have to get back. Have you met … Hank?”
“I have. I just escorted him to Containment. Part of the ‘now you see Frank, now you don’t’ game my father insists on playing.”
“Where is Frank?”
“No doubt a thousand years in the future with his smart phone taking pictures and selfies with anyone and anything that he can. He’s fine. He’ll be back.”
“How was it?”
“Interesting.”
“And Robbie?”
Hal exhaled. “Robbie was hit with an arrow and dragged about a hundred yards. He’s doing well, he looks worse for wear.”
Elliott stopped at the steps of the clinic. “I have every faith he will make a full recover.”
“I as well.”
“I have to head back. Perhaps tonight you can come to Bowman and we can talk about your trip?’
“I would love that. I was so worried about you. Thank you for holding down the fort in my absence.”
Escape the Planet of the LEPS: Beginnings Series Book 28 Page 13