The Sensorians: Trust

by Brigitte Morse-Starkenburg

  I flung round, shoved a knee in his stomach then flipped him over. I snatched the lead that dangled off his phone and yanked his arms behind his back. He started to fight back after the initial cry of surprise and we landed on the floor. I could only just hold him whilst binding his arms. He kicked me viciously in the crotch but I had him. I shoved a sock in his mouth. The room stank of adrenaline and his consternation. It wouldn't be long before the other Sensorians in the house would pick up the scent of distress or heard the noise. I had to control it. I looked around to see what I could use and grabbed the lamp off the table. I didn't hesitate for a second before smashing it over his head. He stopped resisting instantly and fell into a heap on the floor. Shit.

  I stood there. In shock. Looking at him lying lifeless on the ground. I quickly kneeled by his side and checked his pulse. I heard and felt a steady beat. Relief poured over me, and I put him in the recovery position. I had to cloak my own output quickly to make sure no one would pick up any suspicious vibes. I had to act rapidly, otherwise it would all have been for nothing. I searched for his phone. It had been flung somewhere during our struggle and I frantically searched the room. I spotted it behind the sofa leg and made a dash for it. My fingers trembled whilst tapping Zack's number on the screen. It buzzed twice before I heard him answer, calmly but urgency seeping through his voice too. Despite the situation we were in, my heart still did a little flutter on hearing Zack. I physically shook it off and tried to concentrate on getting all the information I'd found out across to him. I could hear his breath stop when I told him about Ned and Lois. I emphasised I was going to try and talk Daniel round not to let on to Rick, but that I rated my chances of that minimal. So we should probably assume my cover was blown.

  “You need to get out of there as soon as you think they realise what you're doing,” Zack warned urgently, his voice full of concern.

  “Don't worry about me. I'll sort something. Concentrate on getting Zaphy out of here,” I pleaded, still feeling guilty about capturing her.

  I could hear Zack taking a deep breath before telling me to remain calm, but that he had some bad news for me. When I heard about Zaphire's predicament, I could hardly breathe. How dare my father treat and threaten her like that. I was absolutely fuming. The bloody maniac! Zack urged me to focus. He told me their plans to let Rick come to the compound and use that time to hopefully free Zaphire so they could arrest him. I wanted to discuss the plans in more detail but I needed to hang up as I spotted movement from Daniel. He was regaining consciousness. I had my work cut out.

  Daniel groaned and blinked, quickly realising what had happened. Luckily he was still somewhat groggy, so he wasn't making too much noise or attempting to free himself. I gently sat him up, but I still hadn't removed the sock from his mouth.

  “Promise you won't shout and I'll remove the sock,” I spoke gently but firmly. He nodded and I kept my word. His eyes full of accusation and confusion. I put a finger on his lips when he tried to talk and held a glass to his mouth with some water, which he gratefully sipped from. In the mean time I texted Zack to send me some footage or photos of Zaphire's ordeal, if there was any. I anxiously waited for the message to arrive.

  “Daniel, I can explain,” I started. It was difficult to look him in the eyes. I felt guilty for hurting him.

  “What the f...,” he spluttered, but I interrupted.

  “Don't say anything yet. Please. Let me say my bit first,” I pleaded.

  The phone pinged. I didn't want to look, but I knew it was necessary. I opened it and watched. I wanted to puke. What had I done? Poor Zaphy. I had to succeed in persuading Daniel to back me. If I didn't raise Rick's suspicions, Zack and Markus would have a far better chance of liberating Zaphire. I didn't think Rick was going to bring Zaphire to the convention looking like that, so we had no choice but to go ahead with Zack's plan and free her whilst Rick was at our compound. I needed my cover to be able to find out where she was being held, which meant Rick couldn't know about me. I had to convince Daniel. I simply had to.

  CHAPTER 42

  Zack

  The relief I felt when the phone rang was immeasurable. Eliza had not let me down. She gave us locations, dates and names. We couldn't believe Ned and Lois were on the invite list. We had to find out what was going on there and their motivations.

  “Could it be that Rick is specifically targeting some of us, who he has identified as potential sympathisers? Ned hasn't had the easiest time here, and so could be perceived as malleable,” I offered as an explanation. I couldn't believe Ned would turn his back on us. Michael nodded.

  “Maybe you're right. I think we need to keep an open mind. I'll deal with Lois but you'll have a better chance with Ned. They might only just have received the invitation and haven't had the chance to report it,” Michael agreed.

  Markus got agitated, but soon recovered. Clearly determined not to lose his composure again. I could tell he wasn't happy with something though.

  “No. we need to act strongly and swiftly. I need them to be apprehended immediately, Michael. I don't want them to get wind of anything and disappear. We'll talk to them once we have got them safe in a cell,” he ordered.

  Michael didn't object and promised to locate Lois straight away. I wasn't so sure it was the best idea. If Rick found out, he might get suspicious. I didn't want to do anything that could endanger Eliza's cover, just in case she managed to preserve it. I nudged Michael.

  “Make sure it's done as discretely as possible,” I added quickly. Michael understood where I was coming from, but it earned me another searing glare from Markus. I was not helping my case.

  “I doubt Zaphire will be at the convention tomorrow and there is every chance Eliza's cover is blown. So how are we going to find out where Zaph is?” Markus questioned,

  He still wasn't completely convinced with the whole idea. We had five minutes before Rick would contact us again.

  “Sir, we have so many more leads now. We're in a far better position now than we were before. We'll still check out the convention. We just have to take the gamble. Let him come to our compound, Sir. It will feel like a win to him, and he may even take his eyes off the ball,” I offered, surprised he even let me talk. I fucking hoped I convinced him though.

  “It feels like wishful thinking Zack. But, I think it is the best chance we have,” Markus conceded eventually. Just in time. The chime of the video call pierced our ears.

  “Get out of shot, Zack. I don't want him to see your face. No need for him to suspect discord between us.”

  Markus ushered me out of the way. It had come out quite swollen and the bruising was starting to show, despite the doctor's attentions.

  This time it was Rick's rather smug face staring at us. Laura and Frank had already joined. Brody managed to muscle his way into the room again too. Markus hadn't objected as he was there when Rick contacted us earlier, and he was probably too preoccupied anyway.

  “Where's Zack,” Rick barked.

  “I'm here,” I shouted from the back of the room.

  “I need to see everyone's faces when you give me your decision. I need to be able to read you all,” he insisted.

  I checked with Markus and he gave me the tiniest of nods. I moved into shot and waited for Rick's reaction. He suppressed a little smirk. I wanted to fucking punch him.

  “It's not what you think,” I sighed. “Brody did it. He blamed me for not looking after my sister. He's got a bit of a thing for her.” I threw an accusing look at Brodes in an attempt to misdirect Rick. Something else to apologise about later. Rick seemed to accept it though and whilst he directed his stare at Markus, Brody punched my side, but he understood. There was no real sting in it.

  “So Markus, what's your decision?” Rick didn't beat around the bush. He wanted an answer.

  Our leader sighed.

  “It was a difficult decision as I don't like to be blackmailed into making stupid choices. However, we decided to give you access as we trust our fellow Sensorians
to listen to your bullshit and value it as just that. We have nothing to fear from your ramblings, so you are welcome to visit us,” Markus answered with a huge portion of contempt.

  “Good. You'll have Zaphire back with you after we have left your compound safely and made sure you don't take any actions against us. I will be coming the day after tomorrow. I'll confirm a time by email,” Rick tried to take the lead but Markus wasn't having that.

  “I'll give you two hours to return Zaphire to us afterwards. If we don't have her I will unleash a full scale hunt for you and your followers, and there will be no leniency. And I will send you a mail with the time we will be expecting you.”

  The two men stared at each other, neither of them flinching or backing down. The seconds felt like minutes. Our faces were dead pan, not giving anything away apart from determination, as Rick scanned over all of us. Finally he spoke.

  “Four hours. That's my final offer. Otherwise I will pass this opportunity over and you can say goodbye to your precious Zaphire.”

  My heart rate sped up, but I noticed I wasn't the only one. Tiny sweat beads appeared on Michael's face and Brody was a total open book, anxiety spilling out all over the place. Laura was white as a ghost and bursting to yell at Markus to accept it.

  Markus took his time though. He must have been cloaking to the max, because there wasn't a hint of sensory output on his part. I literally could not tell what he was inclined to answer. So we waited. I trusted he would make the right decision, whatever that might be, but I hoped it would be to accept.

  “Deal,” he simply stated, causing the room to be filled with a collective sigh of relief. A choice was made.

  CHAPTER 43

  Eliza

  I watched Daniel closely when I showed him the footage of Zaphire. You could hear the conversation between Rick and Markus in the background whilst looking at Zaphire's terrified and bruised face. It was horrific to see her so powerless and vulnerable; a mere pawn in the men's power play. I could barely contain my anger, but I had to stay cool, attempt not to look like some wild banshee in front of Daniel.

  The video had the desired effect on Daniel's state of mind. He was mortified, yet I could still sense huge loyalty towards the man who revenged his sister. I had to play this carefully. Not completely vilify the man he clearly worshipped.

  “All I want to do is get Zaphire out of there, Daniel. And to do that, I need your help. I don't want my father caught, but he has overstepped the mark here. You understand that, yes?”

  Daniel wasn't convinced.

  “He must have had his reasons, just like you had. You knocked me out, Eliza.”

  The accusation still heavy in his voice. He wasn't going to forgive me for this easily, if ever.

  “I didn't plan that. I just ran out of options. Rick did this deliberately. It's different. And he won't hesitate to carry out his threat either. I fully expect Zaphy to disappear if somehow Markus breaks his promise.”

  He took his time, deliberating my answer carefully.

  “The deal sounds solid. If they agree to Rick's demands, Zaphire gets to go home. No need to do anything else,” Daniel decided.

  “But therein lies the crux. Will Markus agree? And if he does, will he actually stick to it? I'm afraid they might try something and that will anger Rick. You don't know them. Their motto is 'Mission before Everything', and they mean it. It's a very rigid community they live in and they all abide by it. That's why I had to leave, remember. I don't work like that.”

  I laid it on as thick as I could. I had to sew a seed of doubt in Daniel's mind about Zaphire's safety. He was a good guy, his conscience would nag him. I could see my strategy starting to work. His demeanour changed slightly. I didn't tell him I just got another text to confirm Markus took Rick's deal. Zack clearly gambling I still had access to the phone.

  “How would I be able to help though? I don't know anything about this,” he sighed, still quite reluctant.

  I took his hand in mine and caressed his face gently.

  “Just keep quiet on what I did, just for a few days. Until she's safe? I'm so sorry I hurt you and you have every right to refuse, but I am begging you; please let me help Zaphire.”

  His anguish was painful. I had to shield to keep from physically shrinking away from him. I hated myself for putting Daniel in this position and I was in no doubt about Daniel's anger towards me at the moment. He struggled to come to a decision and it was hard to make out what he was thinking as he kept changing his mind.

  “Daniel?” I whispered softly so as to not antagonise him after a good ten minutes.

  “I need time to think. That's the least you can do,” he bit back, glaring at me.

  Training under Zack with his impossibly prickly and demanding attitude paid off here. It had definitely taught me that at this point it was best not to push and be submissive, at least on the surface. So I cast my eyes down and moved away a little to give Daniel some space and time to think more. It's all about the signals we emit. We sat quietly next to each other for ages. The clock's ticking sounded like a nodding donkey and the fly buzzing around the room like a helicopter, but I didn't want to tune down my senses. I needed to be alert for any signs and changes in Daniel's mood. Then I detected the tiniest of intake of breath by Daniel. He was about to tell me his decision. But I already knew what he was going to say.

  “Okay,” he sighed.

  I could let my relief out that I'd felt seconds before his answer.

  “You won't tell anyone? You promise?”

  He nodded in answer to my question. I had to ask to test his response for anything that would give away a lie. There was nothing. He smelled clean, he looked clean and his voice sounded sincere.

  “Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means to me.”

  “I have one condition,” he added gravely.

  “Of course. What is it?”

  “As soon as Zaphire is safe, you tell Rick what you have done. I cannot let you deceive him any longer. Were you ever even in our camp?”

  His indignation and hurt showed through once more.

  “I will tell him. But it's far more complicated than you think. I just wanted to have a chance to get to know my father better. It was never just about what side I'm on.”

  That, at least, was partly true. I knew I had to make the most of the next few days as our days were numbered now. When Rick finds out, he won't ever speak to me again, even if he does manage to escape after the meeting. Daniel didn't know about Markus' intentions of course. I would have my dad's company at our convention, our last dance so to speak, and that's what I had to focus on, besides the fact I had to urgently find out where Zaphire was held. Zack was relying on me. I quickly texted I had a few days grace from Daniel and that I would do everything I could to try and locate Zaphire.

  A groan interrupted my conversations with Zack. It was so wonderful to be able to freely use the phone, I sort of got lost in it.

  “Can you untie me, please? And I need some painkillers. My head is killing me.”

  “Oh my God, yes of course!” I exclaimed, a little embarrassed. I scanned all his sensory output once more, before I released him, but I could not sense anything suspicious. His intentions were pure. Just like he'd promised.

  CHAPTER 44

  Zack

  “Really! You twats arrested me for that! Why did no one just fucking ask me without going so bloody heavy handed! What a load of bollocks. Sir.”

  Ned nearly spat the last words at me.

  To say that he was not best pleased would be an understatement. I knew he would react like this. Earlier, I did have a little ‘eyes to the sky’ moment with Ned over Markus' order to arrest him, to show some understanding. But even though I had my doubts over the rather brusque approach, I could see where Markus was coming from.

  “It was just a precaution. You know what it's like. There is a lot of tension and stress at the moment, so please bear that in mind.” I explained. “And mind your language. Callin
g me Sir does not make it okay to fucking swear at me.”

  I had to remind him that though I was his friend, I was also his superior.

  Ned relaxed a little, so I decided it was time to push him on some answers, as he hadn't offered an explanation as yet.

  “So, did you receive an invitation to attend Rick's convention?”

  My radar was out to spot any sensory output that would indicate Ned was telling the truth. He looked at me indignantly but answered affirmatively.

  “Why did you not report it instantly?” I asked matter of factly, trying not to be too confrontational.

  Ned hesitated, making me tense. His sensory output was minimal, but his body highly strung. I suspected he was cloaking, but it was hard to tell. I changed my posture slightly, leaning into him more and looking directly into his eyes.

  “Just tell me the fucking truth, Ned. There is no other option.”

  I kept my voice quiet, but he knew there was no messing with me. After a few intense minutes Ned let out a deep sigh, losing his defensive demeanour.

  “I didn't want to draw attention to it. I was embarrassed. Why would Rick send me an invite? Did he think I was likely to turn my back on our community? I thought if I said anything it would somehow put seeds of doubt in people's mind. That, somehow, I would be blamed for having been invited. I don't know,” he sighed.

  He rubbed his hands warily through his hair and he suddenly looked defeated and exhausted. He let his guard down completely, making it easy for me to read him.

  “I worked so hard to be trusted again, Sir. I didn't want to jeopardise all that. I thought if I just deleted it, no one would ever know. Once again, I made the wrong decision. Maybe I should be punished for that.”