“Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” Ray questioned, approaching Marie as she stood on the archery range. None of the team were with her; they were busy eating lunch. That was her time to herself. She never had meals with them. Marie looked in a daze, just staring down range at the targets. It wasn't until Ray was directly behind her and touched her on the shoulder that she reacted to his presence.
“You know it is a bad habit to sneak up on someone who can kill you.” Marie turned and faced Ray.
“I'm sorry. I just wanted to say I am sorry for being so harsh with you in the beginning. It is not my nature to be so harsh and unruly.”
Marie laughed, walking away and sitting down under a tall tree that shaded the shooting area of the range. “I would treat me the same way; don't apologize.”
“No, it is not something I am proud of. I lost control more than once, and that is not acceptable.”
“Please, I lose control regularly; sometimes, it is what you need.”
Ray approached Marie and sat down across from her. “I didn't think you cared that this is some sick game, and you are playing these kids. You have helped them all. Not one of them has ever looked more confident.”
Marie rested her head back on the tree. “They are mine to protect. You know that. I won't let that monster do to them what he did to me. They deserve better. Stanley always meant for me to protect them.”
Ray was intrigued. She didn't talk about Stanley much. “You mean Dr. Stanley? The one who gave you your abilities?”
Marie smiled lightly. “He made them for me. He was smarter than anyone ever gave him credit. They wanted a self-healing solider; he wanted better human beings. He used that program to get what he wanted. They ignored everything about those kids when they born, because they couldn't self-repair. He knew they were so narrow-minded they wouldn't look beyond that. He hid their files and sent them to me.”
“I thought Dr. Stanley died a long time ago.”
“He did. He left me a code in his last message before his death. At the time, I thought it was just a sweet story book for James, but it had coordinates in the back cover. After what happened, I didn't want to go to them. I didn't want to know why he was sending me to them. It wasn't until after my unsuccessful attempt to kill myself that I decided it was time to see where Stanley was wanting me to go.”
“Where did they lead you?”
Marie looked to Ray “Here. The files were in the bunker. It looked like he was planning to join me, at one time, but it wasn't meant to be.”
“You are fulfilling his wishes. He wanted you to work with them.”
Marie nodded. “He hated the company and everything the Tuemessian Fox organization stood for. He took the job to sabotage them. He would build them a soldier, but he knew I would never follow them. I was too strong-willed. He wanted us to take them down together- me, him, and the children. We will finish what he started; we will make everything right again.”
Ray was in awe. He never saw her as this deep of a person.
Marie could tell she was making Ray uneasy with her clear mind. “Relax, I will still cut you if you piss me off.”
Ray laughed. “Ok that sounds more like the Marie I know.”
“Honey, you will never know me or understand me. Hell, half my life I didn't understand why I did what I did. It was rage. I had no control. I guess a bullet to the head helped clear up some stuff for me.” Marie ran her fingers through her hair and over the large scar on her head.
Suddenly, the sound of an incoming plane got both of them to their feet.
“Is that a transport plane?” Ray questioned, watching the plane come closer to landing on the field.
“What the fuck!” Marie exclaimed as she and Ray moved away from where it looked like the plane was trying to land in the field and towards the wooded area. Marie got her bearings and ran back to the nearest bow on the range and grabbed a container of arrows. Ray followed her as she found cover under an old tree that had fallen over. Marie steadied an arrow on the bow as the plane touched down in the field. Both watched cautiously as the plane turned and came to a stop.
“Who knows about this place?” Ray questioned quietly.
“I know of one person,” Marie replied, annoyed.
Ray looked over the tree to get a better look at the plane. “That's Air-Force markings.”
“That fucker! He knows he was supposed to make contact before sending a ride.” It dawned on Ray that Warren had sent the plane. Apparently, Marie was still keeping secrets.
“Where are we going?” Ray inquired, but his question was ignored as Marie got up and approached the plane, still holding the bow and arrow.
“She's going to kill an Air Force pilot, shit!” Ray said aloud, rushing after her. The back hatch slowly opened, and two Air Force pilots walked down the ramp.
Marie approached them, arrow drawn in the bow. “State your business!” she barked.
Both men instantly threw their hands up. “Don't shoot. We are here to transport your team to Hawaii.”
Marie held her position. “Who sent you?”
“Our orders are directly from the President. He said we were to land at these coordinates and pick up a CIA team and transport them to the Naval base in Hawaii. He said to tell you 'Scott sends his love.'”
Marie laughed, lowering her bow. “Well boys, we are not ready to leave, so you will just have to stay the night. We will leave in the morning.”
“The President…”
Marie wouldn't let him finish. “I don't care what he said. We leave when I say we leave. Is that clear?”
Ray caught up with Marie and was standing by her. The pilot started to respond, but
Ray interrupted, “Look, just don't argue with her. You can stay one night. We will leave first thing in the morning.”
“Ok. We will wait here,” the pilot replied, lowering his arms.
“Fine with me,” Marie replied, turned, and moved towards the bunker door. Ray watched her walk away then turned back to the pilot. “You said the President told you to tell her, 'Scott sends his love.' What does that mean?”
The pilot looked confused. “Sir, it was just what he said. He didn't explain it.”
Ray was intrigued. Who is Scott? he thought to himself. “Well, goodnight men. I will see you in the morning.” Ray was determined as he climbed down the bunker stairs. He was going to find out who Scott was. Ray made it just in time for Marie to inform the team. She had them all gathered on the training floor. “My dear children, the time has come to strike first. We are leaving in the morning, so I suggest you pack a bag, but before you do, I have one last gift for each of you. Please follow me.” Marie waved her arm for the group to follow.
Each of them eagerly got up and followed her. Marie made her way to the lab in the back of the bunker. They had been there before, only they got shocking news the last time and were almost afraid of what they would be told this time. Stepping through the door, James saw the cases, first. They had not been there the last time. Each of their names was on the top of a case. “Consider these your graduation gifts,” Marie said with a smile.
Jasmine was excited for a gift. They were not common, growing up in Ming's program. Jasmine rushed to her case and threw it open. Inside, she found an all-black combat outfit. She ran the fabric through her hands. It a had a feel like no other, not cotton, not silk, tough, but flexible. “I've never felt anything like it. What is it?” she inquired as the rest of the team was discovering their outfits.
“It doesn't have a name. It was a gift from the man who gave me all of this. I found the formula to make manipulate basic cotton material to turn it into a strong, yet flexible, fabric. It will help to keep you safe. Resistant to knives, but sadly, not to the speed and power of a bullet. So, avoid those.”
Ray followed the group, but had hung back in the doorway as they received their outfits. Marie noticed him lurking in the doorway, staring at her. She approached him and patted him on the cheek. “Don't worry
. I got you one, too.”
“Who is Scott?” Ray glared back.
“Now, that is a fun story.” Marie chuckled, turning back to the team. “Pack those, along with your weapons, and get some sleep. First thing in the morning, we are gone.” Marie turned back and puckered her lips towards Ray, motioning a kiss, then walked past him.
Ray turned angrily and followed her. “You didn't answer my question. Who is Scott?” he called after her.
“Are you jealous, sweetie? I didn't know we were exclusive,” Marie jested back, walking towards her room.
Ray caught up to her as she was opening the door. He grabbed it in his hand. “Answer me dammit! I know you are hiding something!”
Marie turned to face him. “Not all of the original subjects are dead. Three of us still live. Your president is one of us. He was part of my team, before I recruited any of you.”
Ray was angry. “When were you planning on telling me?”
“When it became relevant, but honestly, I never thought it would. To be perfectly honest, it still isn't.”
“How many times do I have to tell you that if you want my help, you have to tell me everything? You cannot keep me in the dark, and you cannot keep them in the dark, either. They have every right to know what is going on. They are willing to risk their lives to follow you. You owe that to them.”
“Knowing who President Warren really is will not change anything for them. They have gotten enough shocking and bizarre information in the past two weeks. Just let it go. Their safety is my first priority, or I would not have brought them here. I would have left them to their own devices and let them become Sergei's new pets. They are safe with me.” Marie felt taken back as those words came out of her mouth. She had said it several times, but it never really registered with her. They are safe with me. The words ran through her head as she moved into her room away from Ray. Nobody is safe with you, came over her thoughts and drown out her rational thinking. Nobody had ever been safe with her. People died around her everyday. Why are they any different?
Ray could see that Marie was shaken, but couldn't tell why. “Are you ok?” he questioned, following her into her room. Marie did not speak; she just stared at the wall before her. Visions of those she had lost were running through her head. Michael's face was filling her visions. “Marie?” Ray gently touched her shoulder. Ray's touch broke loose the tears. Marie began to sob uncontrollably. Her knees going week, she lost her ability to stand. Ray was there and caught her as she started to fall. Cradling her in his arms, Ray was unsure of what to do, so he just held on, hoping she would stop. As he held her, he felt her hands cling to his arms. She was conscious and physically holding on, so he figured it was safe to try to talk to her. “Marie, are you ok? What's wrong?” Marie, by this point, had realized she was in Ray's arms and that she was crying in front of him.
Marie pulled herself up straight. “I'm fine. I'm fine,” she asserted, trying to hold her composure.
Ray was concerned. “There is nothing wrong with being upset or scared about something. Do you want to talk?”
“There is nothing you can do. It comes and goes. I will be fine. I need to pack, and so do you. I will see you in the morning,” Marie replied unconvincingly.
Ray held his position. “You are not ok. You spaced out and broke into tears so hard you lost your footing. I am not leaving until I know you are actually ok.”
Marie shook her head. “You don't understand, and you can't, so please, just let me sleep it off.” “I don't think you are safe to be alone.” Marie had started rubbing her hands. A twitch was present in her left hand that she was desperately trying to mask.
“How long have you had that?”
“It's nothing,” Marie whispered. Marie began to chuckle. “All of our choices have consequences. A bullet to the head was not my best idea. The injuries have never been the problem. It is the scars left behind that have changed my life the most.” Marie's eyes were locked on Ray.
He saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes as she was fighting back tears again. Ray stepped over to her and took her left hand and started to rub it as he felt it twitch in his hands. “We all have our scars. It is how we overcome them that defines us. I am not proud of everything I have done, but I will be damned if I will let them dictate who I become. “
Marie nodded gently and rested her head on his chest. Ray held her close, as Marie melted into his arms. She was so gentle. He had seen her rational, but never vulnerable. Ray gently rubbed her back. “You need to rest. I will stay until you fall asleep.”
Marie pulled back, looking up at Ray. “I see why they trust you so much. Thank you for taking care of them.” She turned and walked to her bed and sat down. Resting her head in her hands, she just sat there, staring at the floor. The tremor was gone from her hand, but he still didn't think she would be alright.
“You're welcome,” he replied, sitting down at her desk. Marie looked up at him and saw he wasn't leaving, just like he said he wouldn't. She laid down on her bed and curled up in the fetal position, her eyes locked on Ray. Slowly, exhaustion came over her, and she slipped into sleep. Ray just sat there, staring at her. She was a mystery. So many emotions, so much pain, so much confidence, and so much confusion, all rolled into one.
Once he was sure she was in a deep sleep, he left the room. Ray made his way back to the lab, where the team was still admiring their new uniforms and talking about where they might be going. Ray entering the room caused a spark of excitement.
“Sir, do you know where we are going?” Liam questioned, excited. All eyes were on him. He needed to calm the energy in the room.
“I don't know our exact location, but we need to be ready to leave first thing in the morning as you were told. I need each of you to pack your things in one bag and get to bed.” Ray turned to leave, but forgot to mention one thing. “Don't forget to pack your weapons as well.” Ray wanted to get away from their questions. He knew that would not satisfy them, and he had no answers to give. As Ray left and as he anticipated, they were not satisfied, and the talking among them continued.
“So, he has no answers, either. Are we ever going to get a straight answer from any of the so-called adults?” Liam directed at James.
“Why are you looking at me? I don't know any more than you do. Last time I checked, you are an adult, so act like one. We have orders.” James folded his suit in his arms. He was done with the chitter chatter and wanted to go to bed.
“Back off, James. He has a right to ask questions, as do all of us.” Dovia stuck up for Liam.
“Just relax. Making predictions is not going to help. I am sure we will find out in the morning. I think it is best if we all get to sleep,” Greg added. He was always the peacemaker, and today was no exception.
Silent nods were the only response anyone had left. He was right. They would not figure it out tonight. James was the first to walk out, with Chessy and Jasmine following closely behind. “Goodnight everyone,” Greg called to the group as he left to join James.
James went straight to their room. They were told to pack, and he intended to follow orders. Jasmine and Chessy followed him in and watched him go straight to work, putting together a bag of clothing. James noticed them watching. “You two need to pack, as well.”
“Yes sir,” Jasmine replied sarcastically, climbing up to her top bunk.
“Can you please take this seriously, or do you not understand the seriousness of what is going on?” James snapped back.
“Hold up. I get it more than you ever will. I know what I am doing and what I am capable of. I'm sorry if you are so nervous about this that you have to play dictator with all of us to feel confident.” Jasmine's words rang true. She read the nervousness of all of them.
They had never been in real combat or in real danger, for that matter. James felt his shoulders go limp as the realization was finally ringing true.
“That was harsh, Jasmine,” Greg added, stepping into the room.
Jasmine put her ha
nds up. “Ok I am being mean, but he needs to realize this doesn't get easier by pushing people away. I have been on my own, and it was one of the scariest times of my life. We are a team, and we need to stay that way. Just as one, working together.”
James nodded. She was right. She was the only one with any real experience. “I'm sorry for my behavior. I'm scared, just like I think everyone is.”
“We stick together, and we fight together.” Jasmine leaned over the edge of her top bunk and reached out her arm for James to take. He did. “We are all family, now,” Jasmine said with a smile. “Ok now, let's drop the sweet stuff and get some sleep.”
Everyone laughed as what was left of the tension in the room left. Jasmine rolled over and pulled her blanket over her body. Greg patted James on the back as he made his way to his bed. Chessy walked over and hugged James. James was truly at ease. Jasmine was right. This was his family now, and they would do this together. Chessy didn't even motion to climb to her bunk; instead, she climbed into James' bottom bunk bed. James joined her. The bed was really too small for two people, but neither of them cared. They wrapped up in each other’s arms and slipped into sleep.
Chapter
16
The following morning, Greg was the first one awake. He readied his bag and surveyed the room. Jasmine was sleeping soundly, sprawled out in her bed. James and Chessy were nuzzled close. Greg chucked quietly then shook the bunk Jasmine was asleep on. “Hey, wake up,” he called to her.
“Five more minutes, just five more minutes,” she whined.
Greg couldn't hold back laughing out loud. “Lazy bum, get up.” He reached up and grabbed her arm, pulling her off the bunk and into his arms.
Jasmine (Teumessian Trilogy Book 3) Page 7