Rebel (The Alliance Chronicles Book 4)

by SF Benson

  My head bobs up and down. I’m not completely buying Niang’s explanation. If Asher had come clean with me, I would have helped him. He didn’t have to stoop to thievery to accomplish his goal.

  I exhale loudly. “Where’s Tru?”

  “With her sister-in-law. The plan is to bring Tru here.” Niang points a finger toward the house. “Go on. Lieutenant Carter should be inside. He’ll have details for you. I will return with your girlfriend as soon as possible. I have to meet Leader Venter.”

  My hand is on the door handle when I remember the conversation with my father. “What about Asher? Where is he?”

  “I suspect he’s in interrogation. I can check on him if you like. But do not worry. Captain Jones has one more assignment. His being on the island is not by coincidence.” Niang cranks the Jeep’s motor.

  I’m not comfortable with his explanation. I shrug my shoulders and step into the starry night.

  “Oh, and Zared?”

  I pause. “Yeah.”

  “I am aware of your continued conflict with Lieutenant Carter. For your sake and your girlfriend’s, listen to him. Don’t jump to conclusions. You will need him to free yourselves from this place.”

  I slam the door behind me and watch Niang drive off.

  Me, listen to Carter? The day that happens people in Hell will get an ice storm.

  “None of us know what these clones are capable of. What is known, however, is that your child will be exterminated. This isn’t some innocuous plan confined to our shores. No. The New Order plans to infiltrate other countries with their Perfected Clones.”

  —from Tru Shepard’s Address to the American Republic

  Zared

  I open the front door and step into the icy hall. Overly bright lights from a lavish crystal chandelier burn my eyes. It takes a minute for me to adjust my gaze against the glare. When it does, I see Carter crouching in front of the marble fireplace. The fool is attempting to start a fire without kindling.

  He’s so focused on his fruitless task. A sneak attack would be easy. I could make my move, snap his neck, and put him out of his misery. Carter and I have no love for each other. My palms itch just thinking about the possibility of what I could do.

  “Ain’t gonna happen, Aoki,” Carter cautions without turning around. “I guarantee you won’t see the birth of your kid if you try anything stupid.” He gives up on the fire and faces me. I get a good look at the gun holstered at his side.

  So, it’s like that, is it?

  I ignore the threat. Not the first nor the last one I’ll ever get. Instead, I trudge across the hardwood floor and plop down on the sofa. Dust, drifting up from the cushions, wrinkles my nose. I guess nobody’s used this place since Katsuo’s death.

  He didn’t just die. You killed him.

  This isn’t the time for an assault from my conscience. Brooding over my choices in life won’t change things. Katsuo will still be dead, and I’ll still be guilty. The last person I want to talk to, however, is the nonconforming prick in this room.

  “Niang said you had things to tell me,” I grumble.

  Carter leans back against the wall. A deep, almost gratifying sigh sifts between his lips. He smiles, but a hint of arrogance flashes in his eyes. “This is damned priceless. For once, your superior ass has to listen to me.”

  I push my hands on my thighs and stand. “You know, I’ll take my chances. I won’t be indebted to you for shit.”

  He shakes his head. “Zared Aoki, why you got to always be a jerk? Think about your girl and your kid. Trust me, I have better things to do than hang out with you.”

  I stew over Carter’s words for a moment. Maybe I can put the past where it belongs and hear him out. The room is large. I’m closest to the door. If he tries anything, I’ll lay his ass out and make a run for it. I shake my head unable to believe I’m putting up with Carter and his warped ways tonight.

  “Fine. Talk.” I sit back down. “But if you try anything…”

  Carter shrugs half-heartedly and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Man, you don’t let shit go. Trust me, I’m no longer interested.” He lifts his foot and props it up behind him. “Ash wanted me to do this. It’s not my call.”

  I would have liked to be in on that discussion. I’m sure Asher had to practically twist Carter’s arm to make him agree. “Okay. Why did he steal the card from me?”

  Carter pulls a face before speaking. “Keeping the card put you at risk. Ash’s mission has been to keep you and Sweetheart safe.”

  “Watch your choice of words,” I warn.

  “No harm meant.” Carter holds a palm up. “Just code, that’s all.”

  I’ll allow that one. If I had stayed in the Corps, I would have a field name, too. Carter, unfortunately, likes to refer to people only by code.

  Except for Asher.

  “So Asher would risk his own life for ours?” I lean forward and place my elbows on my thighs. “Not buying it, Carter. You’re going to have to do better than that.”

  “Believe whatever the fuck you want, but it’s the truth.” He clears his throat. “You also had a mission to finish. You failed. Miserably. It was up to us to complete it.”

  Once again, someone’s reminding me of my failure. News flash… It’s not needed. I know what I didn’t do. But I kept people alive. I kept Tru alive. That matters more to me than anything else. “Let’s say I believe you. Care to explain why you leaked the info to the DarkNet?”

  Carter’s eyes slowly slide up and down my body.

  I squirm as my hands clench. I swear, being in a room alone with Mark Carter takes me back to my days on the streets, constantly fighting off deviants. I’ve told this asshole more than once—I don’t roll that way. Period. I’m not judging him. He can do whatever he likes. Just don’t include me.

  He laughs as he speaks, “Oh hell, this is entertaining. Doesn’t take much to get you riled up.”

  “Answer my fucking question!” I snap.

  “Shit, calm down.” Carter pushes himself off the wall and goes to the window. He pulls back the fancy drapes, looks out, and then turns back to me. “That was my call. Holding onto the SIM was dangerous for everybody. I figured it was best to get rid of the card without destroying it.”

  “And what’s been the fallout from your decision?” Everything in life has consequences. When it comes to the New Order, the aftermath can be deadly.

  Carter rakes a hand through his dark hair. “We gave copies to the media.” He smiles, almost to himself. “Right now, citizens are learning about the New Order’s conspiracies and plans for the future of the AR. They’re also reading Sweetheart’s little speech.”

  My eyes narrow. “What speech?”

  “During your recovery, she wrote a speech to be delivered at some time in the future. We didn’t know how to release it but she wanted citizens to know about all the government’s lies.”

  He reaches into his back pocket, pulls out a wrinkled piece of paper, and hands it to me.

  I carefully unfold it and scan the words. “Tru wrote this?”

  “Yeah. Your girl has a way with language. I think she forgot I had that, but people needed to know how she felt.”

  “So this is over?” I hold my breath in anticipation.

  “Not hardly.” Carter sits on a chair across from me. “Spokespeople for the leaders are scrambling. They’re releasing propaganda messages as we speak. We need to deliver proof to the people.”

  I exhale. Of course it couldn’t end easily. “What type of proof?”

  “Rumor has it there’s a journal.” He leans forward. “It contains details about the Helix program. Hear of it?”

  “I’ve heard the word.” My father mentioned placing Tru in it.

  Mark tries again. “Ever hear of eugenics?”

  “Yeah. My… Katsuo did research in it. Why?”

  “In a nutshell, the New Order is doing experiments with eugenics. They’ve found a way to extract DNA from specific individuals. The DNA is used to rep
licate Perfected Clones.”

  My mouth drops open. Katsuo did research under the heading Operation Restore. He was exploring the possibility of breeding perfection in humans. I read bits and pieces of the data Katsuo left behind. I thought the notes on genetic engineering and clones was nothing but apocryphal garbage since the United Nation’s Genetic Advisory Board banned the notion.

  “Before you wear out your big brain,” Carter smirks, “the Helix program isn’t an experiment. It’s a reality. We find the Helix members, and we’ve got something to show people. Hell, the world will finally see what shit the leaders have been up to.” He clasps his hands behind his head and reclines in the chair. “I suspect Sweetheart might know a thing or two about the notebook.”

  Tru hasn’t mentioned the item in quite a while. I’m not even sure if she has it anymore. “She might, but then again...”

  “Come on, man. She had the card. My money’s on her having the notebook, too.” He locks eyes with mine. “Your mission, if you don’t fuck it up, is to get the journal. Think you can do that?”

  “Do I have a choice?” I ask with a trace of spite in my tone.

  “No, you don’t,” he affirms and props an ankle over a knee. “Moving on to the next topic. Let’s go over your escape.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “First off, we’re going to have to separate you and Sweetheart for a little while.” He holds up a hand to cut me off. “I know you don’t like it, but it’s the only way shit’s gonna work. Something else you won’t like—we’re faking your girl’s death.”

  He’s right. I don’t like it one bit. “How?”

  Carter purses his lips and looks into the distance for a moment. “Here’s the thing, and you can’t tell Sweetheart. We found her clone’s body. It’s on ice.”

  “Why?”

  “I guess scientists want to study the damn thing,” he quips. “How the hell should I know? Look, that’s not important. What matters is we’re putting the corpse on a helicopter. Then we’ll shoot the sucker down.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “We who?”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Carter taps his fingers against the chair arm. “Can I finish?”

  I extend my hand. “Go ahead.”

  “When authorities search the wreckage, they’ll find the clone’s body. In the meantime, Sweetheart will be on a transport to the New Mexican territory.”

  “What’s out there?”

  Carter’s face turns red. Is he pissed I keep interrupting, or is there something else going on? Shit just got interesting.

  “Ash has family out there,” Carter spits the words out like he’s tasted something foul. “You and your girl will be provided for.”

  Man, I’d give anything to know why he’s pissed off about Asher’s family. This is more than maybe not liking Asher’s grandparents. It might have something to do with the chain Asher keeps tucked in his shirt. I’ve caught him toying with it when he thought no one was watching.

  “How do I get out of here?” If the plan doesn’t include me, we need a new one.

  “We’re planning a second accident for Venter’s transport. There’s another operative within Riza. Name’s Fletcher. He’s a big Egyptian-looking fucker. Anyway, he’ll insist you ride in another vehicle, not with Venter. Stick with Fletch.” Carter stares at me for a moment. “How do you feel about your father?”

  I grimace and shrug. How am I supposed to feel about a man who stopped acknowledging me? He said authorities assumed I was dead. As far as I’m concerned, he’s still dead to me.

  “I have no feelings for him whatsoever,” I deadpan. “He authorized experiments on people. I’ve no love for the man.”

  Carter scrubs a hand over his face and exhales. “Hate to be the one to tell you, but I got word Venter killed Taa. I’m sorry.”

  My blood freezes and chills me to my core. No matter what my mother’s done, it didn’t justify killing her. My muscles tighten as I grit my teeth together. “Like I said, no love for the fucker.”

  Carter’s head bobs up and down. “Good, good. Here’s your chance to get even with him.”

  I’m intrigued. “What do I have to do?”

  “You get to keep your hands clean. I’m gonna make a call, give the order. Your father’s vehicle will never reach its destination.”

  Somebody call the media. For the first time ever, I like how Mark thinks.

  If you are confident in your knowledge of yourself and the enemy, you won’t fear the outcome of battle.

  —from “An Introspective on Combative Strategies” by Dawa Zhu

  Tru

  My stomach twists as the stench of death fills the room. I keep my eyes and feet planted on the floor. One look at Taa’s body and I’ll puke my guts up. The overhead lights aren’t so bright as my vision blurs. Shaky hands wipe away the tears cascading down my cheeks. Why am I crying over this woman? She wouldn’t have shed a tear for me.

  Just proves you’re not like Eden.

  I clutch my stomach and bend over. How will I tell Zared about his mother? Despite her methods, I want to believe she loved her son. Maybe, like my mother, Taa didn’t know how to be a better parent. It’s not like an instruction manual comes with kids. If it does, I need one.

  “Miss Shepard, are you going to be all right?” the French-accented voice asks.

  I lift my eyes. A dark-skinned soldier stands in front of me. His nameplate on the uniform reads Pvt. Niang. I sniff and clear my throat. “Yes. Can you take me out of here?”

  “But of course.” He offers me a small grin. “It is why I’m here.”

  My head flinches back. Who is this man?

  Minutes later, Niang helps me into an SUV. I secure my seat belt and stare into the night sky. My heart is heavy with thoughts of Taa. I need to see Zared. News of his mother’s death should come from me. I seriously doubt Venter will break the news gently to his son.

  When I notice the rusty, giant slide—something I enjoyed on numerous occasions as a child—I realize something’s off. Venter said I was to be transported back to North Woods. This is not the way to the bridge.

  I grip the door handle and my eyes dart around the vehicle. My heart slams into my chest. Am I going to have to fight off yet another person? “Where are you taking me?”

  “Relax, Miss Shepard. There isn’t any need for panic.” Niang’s voice is oddly comforting. “I am taking you to meet Zared.”

  I exhale a wobbly breath. “Thank you.”

  “There are things you should know before we get there.” Niang side-glances at me.

  “Like?”

  “Let’s start with Ko Castaneda. She is not your friend,” he states flatly.

  No shit.

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Her loyalty is easily bought. I was in surveillance when she was questioned.”

  “Wait. You were in surveillance? Is that normal for a private?”

  “Not really. But I am not simply a private.” Niang lowers his voice. “Observations were performed by the Alliance. I work for them.”

  Now that explains things.

  “Shall I continue?” he asks.

  “Please.” I’m eager to hear what he has to say.

  “Castaneda received a new rank in exchange for information. The girl divulged everything she knew. She even revealed some things for us.”

  Well, now I know how Ko became a lieutenant. I never really thought she’d sell out for a damned title though. “Didn’t Ko work for the Alliance, too?”

  “She did. The Alliance split into two sects over the years. Those who believed in justice for all citizens followed a different agenda. Ko sided with those who wanted power to shift from the New Order to a rebel faction.”

  That sounds about right. Ko would align herself with those who wanted control. “What else do I need to know?”

  “Captain Jones is not the man you think he is.”

  “I think he’s a traitor and a thief.” I fold my arms across my chest. “What
’s your opinion?”

  Niang pulls the Jeep into a driveway. The White House looms up ahead.

  “You are being rescued because of Captain Jones. Do not judge his actions. He did what had to be done.” Niang kills the motor. “Lieutenant Carter is inside with Zared. You will get your explanation. I ask you to listen and not pass judgment.”

  Yeah, right. Viewpoint formed and cemented.

  I release the belt, open the door, and slide out.

  Niang knocks twice on the weathered, wooden door of the Victorian-style cottage. It swings open, and Mark stands in the entrance.

  “It’s about time you got here.” He looks past us before moving aside. “Hurry up.”

  I step into the all-white living room. The ornate chandelier sparkles. Logs are stacked in the marble fireplace, but no fire burns. The heavy, cream silk drapes are pulled close. Zared, the only person holding my interest, stands near the overstuffed linen-covered sofa.

  Our eyes meet, and I run to him. He draws me into his arms, and I hold on for dear life, relishing in the moment. To be honest, I didn’t know if or when we’d see each other again.

  “We need to talk, Z,” I whisper.

  His warm breath fans across my cheek. “I know. You need to hear Mark out first.”

  I lean back, my eyes narrowing. “Are you serious?”

  “I am, babe.”

  “You know this little reunion is touching as hell, but we gotta hurry it along,” Mark snaps.

  My gaze flicks over to him and I raise my voice. “What do you have to say?”

  “Temper, temper. I swear you’re high strung.”

  I lurch toward him but Zared’s hand wraps around my elbow and keeps me in place.

  Niang holds up his palms. “We do not have time for this. Please, everyone, sit.”

  Zared takes a seat on the sofa and drags me with him. Niang gestures to Mark.

  “All right,” Mark begins. “Here’s whatcha need to know. You three are leaving here tonight.”

  The word three has Niang raising an eyebrow. He doesn’t know.

  A brief laugh breaks from Mark. “Sorry, man. Obviously, no one told you. Tru’s pregnant.”