Reditus

by Mary M Wallace

  Sawyer called him “Computer Brain”. Rowan didn’t appreciate the title and Declan would never call him that, but he had to admit that it was as accurate a description as any. Rowan couldn’t see the future, exactly. He wasn’t psychic, but he was close to it. He had the ability to see every possible outcome for any scenario and the probability of each. Strategically, it was invaluable when it came to planning missions. Rowan was in Operations during every mission, speaking into the ear of the team leader. Declan wondered how it was possible to lead a normal life when your brain was constantly scanning through every possible scenario and outcome. It sounded exhausting. Still, Rowan somehow managed to be the most normal person in the compound, at least in Declan’s opinion. He hadn’t even attempted to mimic Rowan’s ability. He was afraid of overwhelming his brain. What if he couldn’t figure out how to turn it off?

  In an effort to keep Bree from his thoughts, he’d taken to spending more time with Rowan. It hadn’t taken him long to realize that Rowan didn’t have any romantic feelings toward Bree. He was simply friendly to everyone. Declan liked him. He had an easygoing nature about him that put people at ease. He was funny and at times, sarcastic and self–deprecating. The two of them got along well.

  Rowan had shown him around the compound and taught him “the ropes” as he called it. He told him who to talk to in order to make sure his brand of beer made it inside the compound and where to go to pick it up. It wasn’t a secret, exactly. It just wasn’t advertised. Conrad wasn’t opposed to them drinking but belligerence wasn’t tolerated. As long as you didn’t make an ass of yourself and it didn’t interfere with missions, an occasional drink was permitted. Conrad just didn’t want to seem as though he promoted it, so he feigned ignorance. It was a system that worked, in its way.

  Tonight, Declan was making his way to the commissary where he hoped to find a beer or two. Anything to take his mind off his dream from the night before. His dreams were getting more intense as time wore on and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep ignoring them. He slept less and less each night and the exhaustion was beginning to take its toll. He yawned as he rode the elevator to Level 4.

  When the doors opened, he exited the elevator and started to walk past the doors that led to Medical. A medic rushed past him and pushed open the swinging doors. Declan’s gaze followed the man and he caught a glimpse of chaotic activity within. His curiosity got the better of him and he pushed through the doors to follow.

  “How long before they get here?” Declan heard someone say. There were several people walking quickly, gathering supplies. They wore gloves and paper gowns over their scrubs. Declan watched, wondering what was going on. Questions were being hurled back and forth across the room as the people inside rushed back and forth. They didn’t seem to notice Declan standing just inside the door.

  “Should be any minute.”

  “Will we need blood?”

  “Not sure. We don’t have any details yet. Anyone know his type?”

  “Let me pull up his profile.”

  “They’re on the elevator. Everyone be ready.”

  “Type A positive. Have some on standby.”

  Declan wondered who was injured and what had happened. His mind went back to the briefing he’d attended the day before, trying to remember which missions had been scheduled. He knew there were two teams currently in the field.

  His gaze went to the silver doors on the other side of the room as he heard the door behind him open. He glanced back briefly to see that Rowan and Corbin had entered the room. They stood on either side of him, their worried gazes trained on the elevator doors. The medical personnel stood on either side of the door, an empty stretcher waiting.

  “Who is it?” Declan asked.

  Rowan sighed. “Pax.” His voice was low and Declan could hear the worry there. He wanted to ask what had happened, but he didn’t think now was the time.

  Conrad entered the door behind them, Gwynn on his heels. “Where are they?” His normally calm voice was tinged with worry. His face didn't betray any emotion but Declan saw that his hands were clenched into tight fists at his sides. As he watched from the corner of his eye, he saw Gwynn reach over and take one of Conrad's fists into her hands, smoothing the fingers open. Conrad opened his hand and gave hers a brief squeeze before releasing it.

  Everyone in the room came to attention at the sound of the approaching elevator. Declan knew he shouldn't be there. He should leave. Still, he didn't move. It was as though his feet were glued to the spot and his eyes were riveted to the elevator doors as they began to open.

  Everything became a blur of movement as three men carried Pax from the elevator. He wasn't conscious and Declan wondered if he was still alive. The faces of the other three were grave. They were all filthy and there was a good deal of blood on their hands and clothes.

  Cole was one of the men helping to carry Pax. Declan didn't know the names of the other two men, but he’d seen them in the training arena, practicing with Cole and Pax. They moved quickly and lifted the man onto the empty stretcher. Declan could see Pax's face now. His eyes were closed and his face was pale. He had a line of blood trickling from his hairline on one side of his forehead.

  After they laid him down, the other three moved back to let the medical team work. Cole's eyes stayed on his injured teammate, his brows drawn low in worry. As the team began looking Pax over, they rattled off questions at the other members of the team while simultaneously barking orders and rattling off vital signs.

  “What happened?”

  “He fell off a roof.”

  “How high?”

  “Maybe 15 feet. I’m not sure.”

  “Was he awake at all afterward?”

  “He just passed out in the elevator. Said his stomach hurt and something about his ribs. He had a hard time breathing deep.”

  “Let's move.”

  Pax was wheeled away from the room and a sudden silence settled over the area. Conrad walked over to the where Cole was standing, staring at the door leading to the trauma room Pax was now in. The older man put a hand on Cole’s shoulder and leaned to look him directly in the eye.

  “Cole,” he said, his voice commanding attention while also sounding somehow gentler than usual. “Are you hurt?”

  Cole seemed to snap out of his trance and notice Conrad standing before him. “Oh,” he said. “No, sir. No other injuries. Just Pax.” Declan could see the muscles in his throat working as he swallowed hard. He cleared his throat and pulled himself up straighter. “We were ambushed, sir,” he said. “I don’t know what happened. One minute we were alone and the next, we were surrounded. I saw Pax fly through the air past me. It was like he was a rag doll. I’ve never seen anything like it. I didn’t see anyone touch him. One second he was standing there and the next second he was flying off the roof.” Cole’s eyes took on a haunted look as though he were replaying the scene in his mind. Declan didn’t know what to make of the story. An ability, maybe? He wasn’t sure, but it didn’t sound like someone he’d want to encounter.

  Cole spoke again. “It’s weird,” he said. “I’d swear they were expecting us. At first, it seemed like they didn’t want to hurt us. They used non–lethal rounds. Like they wanted to capture instead of kill.” Cole’s face took on a look of confusion as he finished speaking.

  Conrad said, “It’s okay, Cole. Why don’t you all get cleaned up and then we’ll have a proper debrief. Let the med team work on Pax. He’s tough. They’ll take good care of him.” He patted Cole on the shoulder in a fatherly manner. It struck Declan then that Conrad felt a genuine responsibility for the people here. It was clear that he was worried about Pax and wanted to reassure Cole as well.

  Once the team left Medical, Conrad seemed to notice the other three men standing near the door. He gave a sigh but didn’t scold them for being there. “I’ll let you know as soon as I know something,” he said to Corbin. “Don’t you all have a free day tomorrow? I’d think you’d want to make the most of the nig
ht?” They recognized the gentle dismissal for what it was.

  Declan didn’t know the extent of Pax’s injuries but he hoped that the other man would pull through. He might not particularly like him, but he was a good guy and a great asset to the compound. He was also Bree’s friend and as much as that fact irked him, he didn’t want to cause her any pain. He was glad she hadn’t been here to see him this way. She would have worried even more at the sight of him injured.

  Rowan tapped Declan’s shoulder and tilted his head toward the door where Corbin was waiting. “You coming?” he asked him.

  Declan raised his eyebrows in question. Rowan said, “Beer. Or 5. You in?” Declan’s mouth curved upward in a smile, despite their current surroundings. A beer sounded great just then.

  “Yeah. I could use one,” he said and followed the other two men through the door. “Thanks,” he said.

  Chapter 15

  “It's been too long since we've had a chance to hang out, kiddo,” Jon said as he walked with Bree. Gwynn had given them the following day off from training and Bree had asked Jon to take a walk with her. After dinner, the team had all gone separate ways. This was the first time Bree had seen her dad without Rylee by his side since they’d arrived. She wondered at her mother’s absence but Jon hadn’t seemed concerned so she didn’t question him about it.

  Bree smiled and looped her arm through her father's. “I know,” she said. “We see each other every day but I feel like we never hang out.”

  Jon chuckled. “I know what you mean,” he said. “Training time isn't the same as free time.” He turned her way as they walked down the empty corridor. “How are you doing, anyway?”

  Bree shrugged. “I'm okay,” she said. “I mean, I know this wasn't my life plan. I'd planned to finish college, not to leave in the middle of the night to avoid a murderous army. But otherwise, things are good.” She smiled at him.

  Jon smiled briefly before his face took on a more serious expression. He said, “I really wish you'd never had to know about all this.” He sighed. “We just wanted you to have a normal life.”

  Bree let out an annoyed groan. “Dad,” she said. “Listen carefully. None of this is your fault. Or Mom's. Stop feeling guilty. And what's normal, anyway?”

  Jon nodded as if she'd made a good point.

  “Besides,” she said. “I think this is important. Stopping this war will save lives. If I can help end it, I want to.”

  Jon felt a mixture of pride and fear well up inside him as he looked at his daughter. She was barely older than he'd been when he left this place with Rylee all those years ago. She hadn't grown up here, had known nothing about this life but she was ready to fight to save the lives of people she barely knew. He was so proud of her. He also was terrified of losing her. He didn’t say any of this to her as he let her lead him along, turning down various hallways as they chatted.

  “How are things with you and Mom?” Bree asked. Jon couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

  “Things are good,” he said. “It’s strange being back here, but having her by my side makes it all okay.” He looked over at Bree and added, “This was never the plan, but I can’t say I’d take it back. That sounds selfish, I know.”

  Bree shook her head. “No,” she said. “I know what you mean.” She looked down at her feet as they walked, trying to consider how to word what she wanted to say. “I know this is dangerous and people are dying, but with everything I’ve learned and meeting Declan…I don’t know. I wouldn’t go back and change it.”

  Jon studied her for a moment. “Declan’s a good guy,” he said. “For a seemingly intelligent man, he’s a little dense when it comes to relationships, huh?” Bree laughed even as she felt her face go hot with embarrassment.

  “Dad!” she said. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”

  Jon nodded. “Ah,” he said. His brow furrowed and he seemed to be deep in thought for a moment before he spoke again. “Listen Bree,” he said. “From someone who spent a lot of years waiting for the person he loved, life is short. You never know what can happen. Don’t wait forever. Tell him how you feel and see what happens. He might surprise you.”

  Bree was struck by his words. She thought about Declan and imagined telling him how she felt. “I’m not sure I could handle the rejection,” she said quietly and leaned her head on her father’s shoulder. Jon sighed and put his arm around Bree’s shoulders.

  “Ah, kiddo,” he said. “If he’s that much of an idiot, he doesn’t deserve you.”

  Bree smiled. “Thanks, Dad,” she said.

  Jon suddenly looked around at their location, feeling a spark of familiarity at his surroundings. As he studied the hallway ahead and behind them, recognition dawned. He smiled as Bree led him down a narrow hallway, memories flooding through him.

  “Sawyer showed me this place when we first got here,” Bree told him. “She said she used to come here to be alone.” She turned to face him as she reached for the handle of the door. “I asked her if I could come here sometime. I don’t think she’d mind me showing you.”

  Jon’s smile widened. “Actually,” he said as he followed her into the room. “I’ve been here before.”

  Bree turned back to watch Jon’s reaction as they entered the room. She wasn’t disappointed. His eyes immediately went to the spreading branches of the tree in the center of the cavernous room. His gaze travelled up the twisting trunk to the leafy branches above. His expression was one of wonder and delight at finding a fully–grown tree in this subterranean place. Bree chuckled.

  “I know this wasn’t here the last time you came,” she said.

  Jon looked back to her with a puzzled expression. He walked forward and put his hand on the rough bark as though making sure it was real.

  “It’s real,” came a voice from the other side of the room. Bree and Jon both turned to look in that direction. They hadn’t realized someone else was here when they’d entered.

  Rylee walked toward them from the opposite side of the massive room. She wore an easy smile that made Bree happy to see. So often, her mother wore a mask of indifference. Bree knew it was a result of her masking her emotions as well as hiding from the emotions of others. Still, it was nice to see her not hiding. She was happy and it was written all over her face.

  Jon smiled as he looked at her. “Hey, you,” he said. Bree watched as he walked to Rylee and planted a quick kiss on her lips before wrapping an arm around her waist. They both turned to face the tree.

  Bree wanted to tell them they were gross or scarring her for life, but she couldn’t. They were just so happy. She smiled at the two of them and turned her own attention back to the tree.

  “Where did it come from?” Jon asked.

  Bree was staring up at the canopy of feathery green leaves above her, enjoying the way the light filtered down through them to throw shadows on the floor below. “Rowan planted it for Sawyer when they were kids. He wanted her to have something of her own, I think. After her parents died, I mean.”

  Jon nodded as he and Rylee stood and looked at the tree for a moment in silence. Bree looked over as her mother’s face broke into a large smile. She looked up at Jon for a moment before he noticed. He turned to meet her gaze. “What?” he asked her.

  She shook her head and leaned up to kiss him. “I just know what you’re thinking, that’s all.”

  Jon raised his brows at her. “Oh really?” he said. “How is that?’

  Rylee shrugged. “Because I was thinking it too,” she said simply.

  Now Bree did roll her eyes. She couldn’t help it. “Okay, you two,” she said. “I don’t need to see all this. You’re going to fry my eyeballs or something.”

  Jon laughed and pulled Rylee closer to his side. “If you don’t want to see it, I suggest you look away,” he said as winked at Rylee. He leaned down and whispered something into her ear, too low for Bree to hear. She was grateful for small favors. Her mother smiled again, but this smile was different from the
others. It held a kind of happiness tinged with sadness. Bree couldn’t explain the look on her mother’s face but she wondered at it.

  “Mom,” she said. When Rylee and Jon looked her way, she went on. “How are you doing? Being back here, I mean. It’s got to be difficult…weird.” She trailed off, unsure what to say next.

  Rylee didn’t immediately answer. She seemed to be thinking about the question or how to phrase her reply. Finally, she said, “It’s a lot to take in. I keep having to remember that it’s been 20 years and most of the people we knew are gone. Moved on, or…dead.” The last was said in a voice so low as to almost be a whisper. “It’s the same place we grew up in, but it’s not.” She looked up to meet Bree’s gaze. “It’s strange, mostly. When we left here, I was a different person. I was so young. A widow, not yet a mother. I was still a child in a lot of ways. I can see things from a different perspective now. I’m not that girl anymore. She was so lost. She didn’t know where she belonged or what her purpose was.” She reached out to grasp Bree’s hand in hers and smiled. “I know exactly where I belong now.”

  “I keep seeing all the places where we ran wild as kids,” Jon said with a smile. “After Jacobi died, I couldn’t walk by those places without feeling like half of me was missing.” His brow drew down low. “I still miss him. Sometimes I still feel like half of me died when he did. But being back here now, it’s different. Not easier, just different. Not as painful, I guess. I can look at those places and remember the crazy things we did and it doesn’t hurt as much. Time heals and all that, I guess.” He shrugged and Rylee leaned her head on his shoulder, offering comfort as well as taking it.