“He spoke of you often, you know. I suppose by now you’ve figured out that you were an assignment for him. His job was to recruit you to our cause, a cause that was yours for the first twelve years of your life as well. The Silent Heart Monastery was part of our organization as well. I spoke of you with the abbot and Brother Fidelis as well as Angus.
“I sense you knew all this already, and that it does not bother you as it might some. That is because you know with no doubt that each of these men loved you. Each of them wanted something from you, as indeed all the world wants something from you, but each of them loved you dearly and would give their lives for you.
“We here want you to play the part of the savior, the BGP wants your death, we all want something. You know then that you will never be able to stand in shadow and watch the world go by. Yours is a life of destiny. From before your birth you were destined to be a force in the world.
“Your birth was no accident but rather a planned event, as was your upbringing in the mountains. The plan went awry when the Hunters discovered the monastery and killed all but a few of the brothers.
Matt gasped in surprise.
“Yes, Matt a few survived, you’ll see some familiar faces soon.
“So here we are. You are faced with a choice. To follow the path that was ordained by others, who admittedly wanted you for what you could give them, and noble though that end is, it was not chosen by you; or to go your own way.
“What you must decide Matthew, is which is the better path. It matters not who placed your feet on a given path, only that the destination is worthwhile.
“I’ll leave you to think.”
With that Mary got up to leave, it was only then as the light from the opening door fell across her face that Matt noticed the empty eye sockets. She turned and faced him and Matt could feel the gaze of eyes that were no longer there.
“Remember that just because someone wants something from you does not mean that they do not love you, or have your best interests at heart.”
39
June 2, 2080
Christchurch, New Zealand
Fidelis wandered the halls of the underground military complex with no clear idea where he was going or even where he was. His mind was in turmoil. Matt was here. For the last five years he’d searched for Matt. Now here he was and suddenly Fidelis was unsure. He’d been a boy so full of promise, but Fidelis had heard disturbing reports since he’d finally re-established contact with the resistance six months ago. Matt was bent on revenge, Matt cared for no one other than Angus and himself, Matt was in love with a Hunter. Fidelis didn’t know what to believe.
He remembered a quiet, earnest young boy who always thought of others and was eager to learn, eager to please.
He had asked them to conceal his presence until after Matt had made a decision. He didn’t want the emotion of seeing him after all these years to influence Matt’s decision one way or the other. To be honest he was a little afraid of which way he might influence him. Would Matt be overjoyed to see his old teacher, or would he feel betrayed for having been left alone and literally naked to face a world that only desired his death?
Fidelis was so lost in thought that he never saw the stunningly beautiful young woman until she cleared her throat in an attempt to get his attention.
“Brother Fidelis?”
“No one calls me that anymore. To most I’m Phil, to those who knew me when there was still a monastery in which to be a brother, I am simply Fidelis.
“Who are you that you call me by a name known to only a very few? Had we met before, I’m quite certain I would remember. No, don’t tell me, I believe you must be Abigail. The young woman Matthew is in love with.”
“How did you know that?” asked an astonished Abbey. She’d known Fidelis was an astonishingly smart man, but she was justifiably proud of her skills, for all that she’d vowed to use them in a cause opposite to that for which they’d been learned. She knew nothing in her walk or mannerisms had betrayed her training, she’d only been here a few days and had stayed mostly to her room, or a small deserted gym nearby. She’d talked only to those who had come to interview, or more accurately, interrogate her. While she was fully aware that she was a strikingly beautiful woman, she’d seen several equally attractive people just during her short search for Fidelis, so that was not it. To most it would seem a small thing, to someone in Abbey’s position it was vitally important. She’d made a mistake somewhere, and needed to know where.
“It was several things really. First, there was the use of my former title and name. Even those who know my connection to the monastery have dropped the ‘Brother’ and simply call me Fidelis, so I knew you had not learned that name from someone familiar with me here.
“Second, you found me. I have been wandering aimlessly, lost in thought for several hours now and so you did not simply ask someone where I was likely to be. That took some skill. Skills that I gather you have.
“Third is motivation. I have to ask myself, who would be looking for me just now? The answer is someone who wishes to discuss the very thing that has me out wandering. Matthew.
“Finally, there is your youth. Despite all science has done to prolong our lives and help us retain the appearance of youth, there is still something about young people that those who merely appear young can never duplicate. I know you’ve had a trying life, and are by no means immature, but your face lacks the world-weariness that comes with the accumulation of years.
“So when I add up these factors I see a young woman, seeking me out, who found me when I didn’t know myself where I would be, and who obviously has reason to do so. Are any of my conclusions in error?”
“No, you pretty much nailed it.”
“So you see, there really is no reason for you to feel that you failed to show due diligence to your safety. I’m quite certain you could have done nothing more to hide your identity, yet contact me today.”
Fidelis smiled, “You seem surprised that I recognized the cause of your consternation. I was Matthew’s primary teacher when he was young. One cannot teach someone how to hide from a Hunter without learning at a very deep level what it means to be a Hunter.
“I know your training in detail. I myself have gone through as much of it as was not morally reprehensible. Understand I am not faulting you in any way for having survived an environment that kills more than it allows to live. The miracle, and miracle it truly is; is that you’ve survived with a conscience intact.”
“How do you know I’m not merely infiltrating the resistance for the BGP?”
“Abigail, how much do you know about DNA?” Fidelis’ change of subject surprised her.
“It’s the blueprint for everything we are…? How much detail do you want?”
“That’s enough. Let me tell you a few things you may not know. In the year 2000, scientists declared they had mapped the entire human genome. Well, they admitted that what that really meant was that they had mapped 97% and that the remaining 3% was unsequenceable and irrelevant.
“What amazing arrogance! To assume that we understood God’s plan for us. That He would add 3% filler. That 3% is the key to everything. That 3% gives mankind amazing gifts in some cases, in all cases it is the most important part of who we are. It has nothing to do with what we look like, or what diseases we might be susceptible to. Nothing to do with how tall, or how fat, the color of our eyes. That last 3% is the map of the human soul.
“When man started tinkering with the other 97% then the remainder becomes even more important. It is what will not allow the human race to remain subjugated to a tyrannical authority. It is what gives a mother the strength to lift a bus off of her trapped child. It is our will, our greatest strength, and our salvation.
“What does any of this have to do with your being here under false pretenses, you ask. Sometimes we are granted special gifts. Matthew has a danger sense that warns him of impending physical danger moments before it strikes. It makes him very difficult to kill. As you
witnessed in Japan it is not infallible, still he had fought a Hunter to a standstill and had you not inadvertently distracted him at a crucial moment he may well have defeated Malone.
“There is one here who when threatened disappears from her opponents senses for approximately two seconds. Another who, while he doesn’t know it, is actually faster than any test says is possible for a human to be. He appears to be extremely fast, but humanly so. He’s actually quite a bit faster than that.
“Yet another can sense powerful emotions in others.
“There are precognitives, telepaths, and all manner of gifts.
“My gift is to know when someone is lying. Given a few moments to become familiar with someone I can tell unequivocally whether or not that person is lying, prevaricating, shading the truths, or simply holding back.
“I know you are sincere in your desire to help the cause, but answer me this, which is more important to you; the cause, or Matthew?”
“I just don’t know. I really care for Matt but I don’t love him. I don’t think I’m actually capable of love. How can I place that above the world? I know which should be more important, and I told Matt I’d stay even if he left, but I…I think I would follow him straight into BGP headquarters if he asked. I just don’t think that is love. I know that’s terrible, but you asked for the truth.”
“Good. You are precisely what he needs. From here forward there will be many who, while they will feel the pull of Matthew’s second gift, his gift of inspiring others, will still see him only as a means to an end. You and I, along with a few others will always be true to Matthew. He may never believe that I love him more than life. After all, I raised him for twelve years for a purpose. He may always see that between us, but I will always work first for him and only after for the resistance. He shall need all the help we can provide to remain true to himself through what lies ahead.
“Before he can remain true to himself, however, we must return him to himself. The years between our separation and Angus’ coming into his life have had a profound effect on his psyche. There are some scars there that Angus could not heal, that I cannot heal, only you, the woman he loves but fears to trust, can help him to become what he will need to be, if he is to survive.
“The leaders of the resistance rightly care about more than any individual, and will use Matthew as he is if he can accomplish their goals. That would entail Matthew acting from his pent up rage. We cannot allow that to be his motivation. He must act from love or he is lost to us.
“Many would think my plan insane, who would send a Hunter to teach a confused and hate-filled young man about love? I have glimpsed your soul and while I see you have your own issues with trust, I am certain you are the only one who can reach Matthew. It will mean you to must grow and learn to trust in love, for it is the strongest force there is. When you say you do not love him you are lying. It is a lie you believe, but a lie nonetheless.”
“We’ve eliminated the idea of separate navies, armies, and air forces, and in fact have only one military command structure. To be sure, we still retain all the capabilities of the old set up, it’s just that this way we eliminate some of the inter-service rivalry and can focus on getting the job done. Actually we use the rank structure of the old American Marine Corps,” Colonel Thibideaux briefed Matt.
“When New Zealand first closed itself off and managed to retain its independence it became a Mecca for freedom fighters from around the world. Many among the American military, who had never surrendered to the UN forces, managed to get to the opposite side of the world with a surprising assortment of equipment. Among them was Lt. General Nielsen, then Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. He’d been ordered here by the Commandant himself, who died in his office only after killing 17 enemies. He’d been armed only with a Berretta 9mm. After his 15 rounds were expended he continued to fight and kill his enemies bare-handed, until they finally shot him to rags.”
“Anyway, General Nielsen, as the senior military commander, and the man who brought the most in the way of troops and hardware, organized us. One of his first moves was to change the rules regarding officers’ ranks. Only those who have served in combat as an enlisted man are given the opportunity to test for a commission. There are exceptions made for those who have seen action outside our military, but no one commands troops in battle who has himself not seen battle before.
“That of course brings us to you. You may know, or you may not, but Angus kept us apprised of your actions. Also, the young Hunter we brought in with you tells us that you had fought Malone to a standstill. That, in fact, you more than likely would have defeated him had she not distracted you when she did. We have very good sources within the BGP. They inform us that Malone is quite possibly the single most dangerous man on the planet.
“We consider you ready for command and would like to offer you a commission as a captain in the New Zealand Marine Corps. What do you say?”
Matt considered the information and the offer that Colonel Thibodaux had just presented. The colonel, who commanded all the Special Forces, had been Angus’ commanding officer. He wanted Matt to take command of some special commando team. A team, if Matt believed what they told him, that he had literally been conceived and born to lead. The other members of the team had equally been planned for and trained from birth.
The team in question consisted of four others besides Matt. He’d been given files on each and had read them, but as of yet had not met any of them.
There was a giant of a man, with jet-black skin and a shaven head, named Dexter, or Dex. He was stronger than any man alive as far as anyone could tell, including some genetically engineered strictly for strength. Dex was, according to his file, empathic, able to sense emotions in others. He was also amazingly graceful for a big man. The files included film of the team working out together. Dex was good, very good. Easily one of the ten best Matt had ever seen.
So were the other three. There was Calvin Wong; small, compact and oh so very fast. He was so fast that at times even the cameras could not stop his hands in motion. According to the file it was something like Dexter Maxwell’s empathy. A quirk in the DNA that allowed speed beyond what was possible for most.
Hank Posterelli had no genetic gift that anyone was aware of. He was big, almost as big as Dex. He was mean. He just didn’t care if he hurt people. He didn’t go out of his way to do it, but if you were in his way he was going right over you, or through you, he stepped aside for no man. He also seemed immune to pain. The doctors said his nerves worked, and he claimed he felt pain like others, he just seemed incapable of acknowledging it. Years before, in a sparring match, Dex had tried a submission hold on him and even after his arm had been dislocated he refused to yield. Like the other two, he seemed to flow from one place to another instead of walking.
Kitara was far and away the most deadly of the four. Matt didn’t know if he could take her or not, so of course, he was eager to try. In fact, he was eager to try them all. Kitara had an uncanny ability to not be where she was supposed to be when a blow landed, or rather failed to land. Somehow she managed to disappear from her opponent’s senses at the crucial moment.
Of course, Matt had the ability to sense danger the moment before it materialized. It seemed his gift would cancel out hers.
He knew if he joined this team that there would exist nowhere on the planet five more deadly people together in one place.
“What about Abbey?” Matt asked.
“Abbey is an intelligence goldmine, and will be even more valuable as a symbol to others. She is the first Hunter to openly declare for our side. We have a few others who are double agents, but with them there is always the danger that they are not truly ours. We have among us a man who can tell without fail if a person is telling the truth. We will know after he spends some time with her if she is ours or not. Still, she will remain here on the island. She is too big a catch to risk.”
“And if she feels differently? She was a Hunter, we could us
e her on the team.”
“Matt, I’m afraid that won’t be possible. We simply feel she’ll be more valuable here than in the field. If she insists I’m afraid we’ll have no choice but to keep her here against her will. I think, however, that she wants to help us in any way she can.”
Matt decided to see just how much clout he had.
“What if I said the only way I would join your team was if Abbey goes too?”
“I really hope you won’t do that, but you know how important you are to us. I have to admit that you are in a position to make that kind of demand. If you insist, she goes.”
“What I insist is that she be given the option. Think how valuable her firsthand BGP knowledge would be to us in the field.”
40
June 4, 2080
Christchurch, New Zealand
“I said, we’re getting out of here for a few days. Gonna go see some of the countryside, forget about all this…all the bad stuff.
“Look Matt, I know you’ve been under a lot of stress. You need a break. I need a break. Let’s just get away from all this for a while. Away from all the colonels, all the intrigue. It’ll all be here in a week. Let’s just go, please.”
Matt didn’t hesitate. He was mildly surprised it would be allowed, but he wanted the time alone too. He was pretty sure they’d be tracked but that was okay. He had things he wanted to talk about with Abbey, and time alone away from people who demanded so much from him would make that possible in a way he never could with the pressures found here.
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