by Auri Blest
“Where are we going?” asked Voight, while holding his nose and trying to keep up with Cain.
“There is a secret bunker below this building,” Cain yelled behind him.
They took the stairs down to the basement and looked around. “It has to be here. I know it’s here.”
“You must have been mistaken. It’s probably in a different building,” Voight complained.
In the back of the furthest room they found an elevator that took them down to the bunker. Cain punched in a code, and the doors slid open revealing ten soldiers standing at attention.
23
The young soldier followed behind Dawn. He wasn’t sure how many blocks they had walked, but every inch of his body felt like he had just fought in a brawl. Just as they stopped in front of stairs leading down to the subway, the street lights came on.
“Finally,” he sighed.
Dawn paid no notice as she descended the subway stairs.
“Come on.”
“I’m not going down there.”
Dawn kept going as if she didn’t hear him. The young soldier hurried to follow her. He knew that he was better off with her than without her. There were no lights below. Dawn grabbed his arm, and he gasped. Holding him, she jumped down onto the tracks and directed him through the tunnel of the inactive subway.
“So, you don’t talk much do you?”
“Shh…” Dawn replied.
They turned and went through an entrance to another area of the tunnel.
“Are you a mutant?”
“Wow, an X-Men reference. How original.”
“Oh, you’ve been asked that before.” He was silent for a while.
“Did the government experiment on you?”
“No.”
“Were you born this way?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“No. I died.”
Dawn banged hard on a metal door. It looked more like an entrance to a crypt. The door creaked open.
“Hello David,” Dawn said as they embraced.
“Welcome back,” he smiled. “I’ll get him for you.” David nodded towards another man who left the room in haste.
The young soldier looked around at the stone walls of the chamber they were standing in. Where the heck are we?
David was a clean-cut young man, in his early thirties, with an athletic build. He didn’t acknowledge or ask about the soldier, but his eyes never left him. Now ashamed of his IMO uniform, the soldier raised his hand over his left breast pocket to hide the insignia.
“Dawn!” a man in a long robe exclaimed as he entered the room. He grabbed her arms and kissed her on the cheek.
“Hello, Bishop. It’s good to see you.”
“Is this your Sensei?” the young soldier whispered. Dawn ignored him.
“It’s been much too long. You need to visit more often.”
“Did you get the alert about the city going black?”
“Yes, thank you for that.”
“Were you prepared?”
“Yes, we were.”
“Good.”
“Who is this?”
She pulled the young soldier forward. “This is a new friend.”
Bishop gave her a knowing look.
She called me a friend after what I’ve done, the soldier thought.
“His name is Soldier.”
She knows my name? They had all been referring to him as “the soldier.” Most people found it all too amusing that Soldier was also his actual name.
“Soldier Adams, sir.”
“Soldier?”
“Yes, sir. I come from a long line of military men. I am named after my great-grandfather. I think they were trying to make sure that I followed in his footsteps.”
Dawn continued, “He needs to learn our ways, who we are, what we believe, etc.”
“Son, you look like you’ve been put through the wringer. David this is Soldier. Please show him to a room so that he may rest.” Bishop eyed at Soldier’s uniform. “He will need clothes. He’s going to be with us for a while.”
Soldier looked at Dawn. She nodded.
“It’s okay. You are protected here,” she said.
He turned and followed David. She watched him and then ran down the hall and grabbed his arm.
“Soldier, you are not alone. We are your family now. Trust the process.”
Soldier’s eyes watered. How did she know what I was thinking? He nodded and followed David.
Dawn followed Bishop up a flight of stairs. “So, what are we dealing with here,” he asked.
“They tried to get to me through him. He needs the tools to fight. It’s been a long time, but you actually have an irreligionist on your hands.”
“Does he have any knowledge of the prophecy?”
“None whatsoever.”
Bishop looked surprised. “Well, this is what I do best. He’s in good hands.”
“The best,” she smiled at him.
“You need rest. Your old room is still—”
“No, I have to get back to the others.”
“But you will rest?”
“You know I don’t sleep.”
“But, you can still lay down and allow your body to rest.”
“Okay, I promise,” Dawn responded. She never tried to win an argument with Bishop.
Dawn walked into the main conference room of the Global Network Operations Center. Although they should have been asleep at that hour, anyone that had been a part of any of the events that transpired over the past twenty-four hours attended this meeting. Dawn leaned against the doorway and scanned the room. They didn’t notice that she was there. Jade sat at the back of the room, listening to Raymond’s instruction.
He introduced them to the campus and how things would run, now that they were so great in number.
“The people in this room will make up the Ascendancy unit, along with a few that were here before you.”
Crystal nodded in agreement as Ray suggested that she not only supervise the children but mentor the women.
“Don’t be surprised by who you may meet. Everyone here is a former something: supermodels, senators, actors, athletes, you name it.”
“Grammy award winners,” someone yelled out.
Everyone laughed. Raymond threw up his hands, “Okay, okay. You know who I am. Yes, I am a former something also, but who I used to be is not as important as who I have become.”
Seth sat near the entrance. Noticing a shadow, he looked toward the doorway. “Dawn!” he yelled with excitement.
All heads turned to face her. The room erupted in cheers and clapping as everyone stood to approach her. Seth jumped up, grabbed Dawn, spun her around in the air and without thinking, kissed her on the lips.
The room fell silent. Everyone was shocked. Jade was the first to speak, “Did he just-?”
Embarrassed, Seth stepped back, away from Dawn. “I’m sorry. I got a little carried away.”
Dawn patted him on the arm as she stepped past him. “It’s okay. I understand. You’re overjoyed that I’m alive. You didn’t know what happened to me after I jumped out of that helicopter. I don’t think you would have even slept until you found that I was safe.” She helped him save face. “I would expect nothing less from a true leader. Please, Raymond, continue.”
Ray explained that no matter where they had all been stationed, Dawn made sure that they were all following the same program with the same lessons. They would all fall right into place.
While discussing their roles and what they would need to accomplish before winter, Dawn excused herself. Crystal followed her out.
“Are you okay? Today- “
“Was not what it seemed. Yes, I’m fine. I promised Bishop that I would rest.”
“I’m glad you’re listening to him.”
“Hannah?”
“She’s doing well. We need to discuss some things concerning her,” said Crystal.
“We’ll talk later,” Dawn said as she walked aw
ay.
Crystal looked back into the conference room. “Pssst… Seth!”
Seth walked out into the hallway.
“What was that?” asked Crystal.
“What was what?”
Crystal gave him a knowing look.
“It was a mistake,” he replied.
“Seth, I know you.”
“Well know me from behind,” he said, as he walked back into the conference room.
“Oh, no you didn’t!”
Darryl watched as Seth made his way through the seats and sat down next to him. He laughed and leaned over to Seth whispering, “I saw that. You almost got socked in the jaw—again.”
24
Dawn’s quarters were set apart from everyone else’s. It was a separate area, the size of a studio loft apartment, built on top of one of the buildings. It kept her isolated, which was necessary. She valued her time alone. It was her time to reboot and receive instruction.
On the way to her suite, she stopped at the children’s quarters. Beds lined both sides of the rectangular room. Hannah occupied the very last bed at the far end. Dawn knelt over it and watched her. She could see Hannah’s pupils moving under her eyelids. She was sweating and began to pant. Another nightmare, Dawn thought as she placed her hand on Hannah’s head. Her breathing immediately began to calm. “Mommy,” she whispered.
As Dawn quietly walked away, Hannah opened her eyes and watched her. She smiled but didn’t say anything. She had already been assured earlier that day that Dawn was okay. Still, she was happy to see her. She was especially pleased that Dawn made a point to check on her. She reached under her pillow for Dawn’s earbuds, put them in her ears and listened to the soft music playing.
Dawn showered and dressed. Her closet was full of her signature, black uniforms. They weren’t all the same, but they looked so much alike that no one noticed the difference.
She laid back on her futon, closed her eyes and pictured her hand holding a fountain pen. This time she did something different. She began by doodling. She drew their symbol attached to a necklace. She then began writing:
Seven is the number of completeness and perfection. Hannah will be seven soon. Her abilities will begin to show. It may be hard to keep her identity a secret after that. I wish I could have been a part of more of her life, but the chosen one had to remain hidden.
I’m giving her a key for her birthday. I wear one half around my neck, and she will wear the other. She will think it is a charm. When she matures, I will explain that at the foretold time, when put together, they unlock the prophecy.
Hannah doesn’t let on that she misses her mother, but I caught her trying to escape to find her. Since we are no longer in the city, there’s really nowhere for her to run. Unless… I wonder if she has the ability to travel as I do.
There is a connection between Legion X and the Emperor that I haven’t figured out yet. Something is coming, and there is going to be much that will be asked of me. I am here to do His will. You cannot thwart the plan of God, so I know that whatever happens, heaven will be victorious.
Dawn opened her eyes. She lifted her forefinger and swirled it around. Sparks lifted from her finger and swirled in a circle. That’s new, she thought. She closed her eyes again.
The power within me is growing. I almost feel like I could explode and burst out of my human form. I suppose this is happening for a purpose. I’m storing up energy for what’s coming.
Seth kissed me. I don’t know what to think about that. I don’t think he meant to do it. Did he? Of course not. He and I are becoming good friends. He is a good man but he focuses on his faults too much.
Am in denial?
Enough for now. I must quiet myself so that I may receive instruction.
Dawn hummed to herself and then fell silent. Ten minutes later, her body relaxed as a perfect peace swept over her. The room became iluminated as waves of white light floated above her and gently descended like feathers onto her forehead. Her face glowed as information was being encoded in her.
She spoke, “I can’t ask that of them.”
Soldier awoke to find David standing over him holding clothing.
“You would be the guy that showed me to my room last night, or was that this morning?” He yawned, “It’s all a blur.” Soldier closed his eyes again. After a couple of minutes, he opened his right eye.
“You’re not going to go away, huh? I guess it’s time to get up.”
Every inch of his body felt sore. He groaned in resistance as he stood.
“You have to make your bed.”
“I have to what?”
“Make your bed.”
Soldier looked down, “It’s a cot.”
“Well, the cot was made when you came in, wasn’t it?”
“Okay, okay.”
Soldier made the bed—military style. He was fast, and there wasn’t a wrinkle to be found.
David smiled to himself, Nice job. “This way to the shower.” Which you are in desperate need of, David thought.
Unlike other areas of the city, they still had running water due to their proximity to an IMO patrol station. The water was cold, but Soldier figured it was good for his bruise-covered body. David stood outside the shower and shook his head as Soldier began to sing, “Won’t settle for less, gotta find the best, and you passed the test, Oh, Oh, since I met you…”
“Hey!”
“It’s David.”
“Oh yeah, David. I need a towel.”
“Look to the right of the shower.”
“Oh, thanks,” he said.
Soldier got out of the shower and dressed in the undergarments and clothing that he had been given. This is, uh, different, he thought. He had never worn linen before. David noticed his expression.
“You’ll get used to it. It can get pretty hot underground, especially during the summer.” He held his hand up directing Soldier down the hall. “This way.”
The place was like a maze. Soldier tried to retrace his steps in his mind so that he would be able to get back to his room when the time came. David opened a door, which opened to a room with a long wooden table. Soldier wondered how they were able to get it below ground. David seemed to know what he was thinking.
“It’s been down here for a hundred years, we believe.”
David handed him a bowl of what looked like oatmeal. Soldier scarfed it down, hardly chewing. David stared at him.
“Sorry, in the military you learn to eat like that,” said Soldier.
“Was it good?” David asked, knowing that it wasn’t.
“I have no idea.”
David smiled and shook his head. He handed him a cup and jug filled with water. Soldier drank just as hurried as he had eaten.
“What now?”
“You are going to meet with Bishop.”
Soldier followed David up several flights of stairs that appeared to be carved out of the ground. At the top, a door opened to a hallway. They were now above ground. The sun’s rays poured through the windows at the top of the wall. Feeling the sun of the new day on his face made him feel like everything that had happened to him the previous day had all been a dream. They turned left and came to a door. David opened it and allowed Soldier to walk in first. He didn’t follow. Soldier took a couple of steps forward, and his mouth dropped open. He looked up at the ceiling in awe, taking in the intricate detail of the architecture and design.
“I know, it’s amazing isn’t it?” asked Bishop. “I never tire of admiring it.”
Soldier stood, eyes darting around the building. He had no idea that they had been under some form of a cathedral.
Bishop motioned for him to sit next to him. “Come and sit down. Tell me about yesterday.”
“Didn’t Dawn-”
“Yes, but I would like to hear about it in your words.”
In detail, Soldier told him everything -from his troops being killed to Dawn bringing him there. Bishop listened to his story without interruption.
“I kn
ow that this may seem ‘easier said than done’ but the first thing that you need to do is stop worrying.” He tapped the center of Soldier’s forehead with his index finger. “You have to learn to control your thoughts. You are defeated in your mind before you even face the battle. Where you set your gaze will determine your level of peace.”
Wow, that was deep, Soldier thought to himself. “Are you guys monks?”
The Director opened her eyes and stared straight up at the cement ceiling above her. “How long have I been unconscious?” she whispered.
General Cain sat at her side. “Not long.”
“How long have we been down here? Are they still out there? We have to get out of here.” She tried to sit up but got dizzy upon rising. Cain pushed her back down.
“Be still. You may have internal injuries. You’re going to need a CT scan.”
Cain motioned to one of the soldiers. “What’s your name soldier?”
“Lieutenant Williams, General.”
“What are our options here? Have you been successful in getting a signal out yet?”
“Yes, sir. A plane is in route from headquarters.”
“What’s the ETA?”
“Thirty-five minutes, General.”
The Director pulled on the sleeve of Cain’s jumpsuit. He knelt next to her as she whispered to him. Dr. Voight watched them from across the room. As Cain listened, he kept his eyes fixed on Dr. Voight. Cain stood up and faced the wall trying to make sense of what she had just told him. He ran his hand over his hair. Voight is a spy for the Emperor? Cain turned to face Voight, but he was no longer in the room. Cain had an uneasy feeling.
The bunker alarm went off. “We’ve been breached!” Cain yelled. They all grabbed their side arms and Cain assigned two soldiers to stay behind with the Director. Cain and six of the soldiers ran for the bunker entrance. The door was open. Voight was nowhere in sight. He had fled the bunker.
They burst through the main entrance of the administrative building and were blinded by the sun. As their eyes adjusted, they were taken aback by the state of the base. It had been leveled. Where buildings once stood, there was nothing but rubble. Dr. Voight ran across the field in front of them.