by KM Fortune
"It's one of the Patrols. A jeep I think. Probably seating two men, maybe a third," Gabriel said. Willow nodded. It sounded right to her. "I have an idea," Gabriel continued. "I think we should get them to stop and then commandeer the vehicle so we can drive the rest of the way to the city."
Willow raised her eyebrows. "You'd be willing to do that?" she asked.
"Only if we can do it without violence," he replied. Willow was a little confused. How else will we take it from them? she thought but waited for him to explain. "I will go flag them down. Hopefully seeing the uniform will make them pull over. Once they do, you can come out of hiding and get the drop on the two. We disarm them and take the jeep."
It all sounded reasonable, except for one thing. "And if one of them is the platoon leader?" she asked. Gabriel's face looked thoughtful in the dimming light.
"Let's cross that bridge when we get to it," he answered. "Let's go." The two of them raised up into a crouch and sprinted to the road. Willow ducked down behind a scrub tree while Gabriel walked to the center of the old and broken asphalt. He laid down his weapon and held up his hands. The jeep came closer. It was moving at a good clip and continued toward Gabriel so fast Willow began to wonder if they would see him in time. To make himself more visible, Gabriel waved his arms. It seemed to do the trick as the vehicle slowed. Willow was able to see two soldiers rode in it. No gold cross anywhere to be seen, she thought and felt both disappointment and relief. As much as she wanted to avoid complications, she also wished for a chance to kill her greatest enemy.
The jeep rolled to a stop ten feet from Gabriel and the soldier in the passenger seat stepped out, his handgun pointed at Gabriel. "Identify yourself," the soldier demanded. Gabriel lowered his hands.
"Your commanding officer, soldier. Lower your weapon," Gabriel said. The soldier hesitated. Willow guessed there were orders to find Gabriel and his captive, but the training to follow an officer’s command was hard for the soldier to resist. He started to waiver and the driver of the vehicle got out. He walked up beside the other soldier but did not hold a gun.
"Are you alone?" he asked. Willow saw this as an excellent time to make her presence known and stepped out into the open.
"No, he's not," she said. "Drop you weapons."
Raven shivered in the narrow crevice she had found between two boulders. They cut the wind, which blew relentlessly over the plains but provided little other comfort. With no supplies to make a fire, sleeping cold through the night was her only option. Not to mention no water and no food, she thought, realizing she had somehow circled back to the rudimentary existence she found herself in not long ago while first trying to find other humans on the high desert. Her mind wandered to Blaze, Kit, and Willow. She had no idea where any of them were or how they were faring at the moment. The whole situation was disheartening.
“I should find my way back to the city,” she said aloud. With no weapon to hunt with or protect her and no way to get warm, being alone out in the open was a mistake. When she ran from the firefight between the clone who captured her and The Duke’s men, she never considered what she would do next. There was no place to seek refuge. She sighed. Perhaps if I start walking now, I’ll be warmer and run across some men searching for me. Standing up, Raven began to go in the direction she hoped was toward Reno, or at least would intersect with a road of some kind.
After what felt like hours and with the moon now high in the sky, peeking through the clouds occasionally, Raven finally stumbled over a road. The broken asphalt was wide, and she guessed it was a major thoroughfare once. If she remembered the map she saw briefly in the penthouse, it would lead to Reno. Feeling some relief, she picked up her pace. The cold was relentless and even though facing The Duke again made her stomach ache with anxiety, it would be better than freezing to death. Or being caught by one of The Patrols, she thought. As soon as she imagined the outcome of such an encounter, she saw headlights coming toward her. They were still a long way off and Raven paused. Are they The Duke’s men? Or are they from Eden?
The answer could mean life or death for her and she knew it. Taking a long deep breath, Raven put her faith in the universe to keep her safe yet again and waited patiently on the side of the road.
Kit watched. Her eyesight was sharp and even in the faint moonlight, she saw the two women slipping out from the edge of the tent city. It was easy to tell they were escaping. They each carried a bag and were constantly looking back to make sure no one was following. Kit wondered where they were going and decided to see. It seemed unlikely they would go to Reno, assuming it was from there they were forced to live at the pit. Perhaps they don’t have anywhere in mind, just not here, Kit thought and understood the line of thinking. From what she witnessed throughout the day, life in the pit was hell. Whatever they were digging up from the dirt made everyone sick and the squalor of their dwellings was no respite at the end of the day. Plus, Kit realized the only food available was coming in on the trucks like the one Kit stowed away on the night before. She watched as one arrived, the miserably small amount of food was handed out, and then the truck was repacked with the barrels found during the day. It was an efficient system, Kit had to admit, but not a good way to live.
Proving her point, Kit saw the two women start to run once they were clear of the perimeter of the tents. They followed a deer path and even though obviously trying to hurry, moved slowly in their wasted condition. Kit frowned. I wonder how long they will last out here, she thought. If she had to guess, it would be not very long. Neither appeared to carry any weapon and their clothes were worn and patched. The cold will get them if nothing else does. Just then, Kit saw a flicker of movement back toward the edge of the tents. Two men wearing cowboy hats and firearms came sauntering out. Kit recognized them as The Duke’s men. A few of them roamed the worksite and tent city. Kit assumed they were enforcers to ensure people did what they were told. Now it appeared they were going to hunt down two runaways. Curious as to how it would turn out, Kit slipped from where she was hiding on the ridge and made her way down so she could follow along unnoticed behind the two men following the two women. None of them had any idea she was there.
As the stronger, healthier cowboys closed the distance, it did not take long for the women to realize they were in trouble. Pushing themselves even harder, they tried to get away. Kit watched as the older of the two stumbled and went down in the snow. The other turned to help her. “No,” Kit heard the woman say. “Leave me. Run, Julia. Please.” The younger girl hesitated and one of the cowboys chuckled. It was not a pleasant sound.
“Aw, so touching,” he said as he drew his large revolver. “But do me a favor and hold still, Julia. Make this easier for me.” He started to cock the gun when something struck him in the back.
Surprised and in pain, he stumbled to his knees and dropped his weapon. Everyone turned to look and Kit smiled back at them. The second cowboy fumbled for his gun, but Kit leaped on him in a flash and stabbed him in the throat before he even had time to register what was happening. The two men lay dying within a minute of noticing they were being followed. Kit heard a gasp and looked to see the older woman was on her feet and being pulled along by the other.
“Don’t hurt us,” the older said. “We just want to go on our way.” Kit shrugged and reclaimed her knives, tucking them away. She quickly unbuckled the men’s holsters, picked up their guns, and then held them out for the women to take. They hesitated for less than a second before grabbing her offering. “Thank you,” Julia whispered. “Who are you?” Kit just shook her head. Not only could she not answer, now was not the time to strike up a conversation. From her reconnaissance earlier, she had a good idea the quickest way out of the area and waved for the women to follow. After looking at each other uncertainly, Kit was glad to see they were smart enough to follow her. Helping two strangers was the last thing she was in the mood for, but somehow, Kit hoped they could provide her with some answers.
CHAPTER 9
Hector put his
large paws on the handle of the door and took a deep breath. So much hinged on if the door would open and what might be behind it. The lettering over it read Armory, or so Helen had told them. Hector was never one to sit still for the classes his parents tried to make him attend. Learning to read seemed like a waste of time, and although he knew the basics, the word armory was not one he was familiar with, or at least in terms of reading it. He knew what it meant. Weapons. Exactly what he needed if he was going to take back his kingdom. "Well," Blaze snapped. "What are you waiting for? Do it." Nodding, Hector moved the handle. The metal door squealed in protest, but slowly opened. The room beyond was dark.
“Do you think it’s a trap?” Toby asked, glancing at the others. Hector looked at him. It was the third time on their trip through the facility he asked the question.
“He’s got a point,” Brody said seeing Hector’s face.
“Give me the light,” Hector said, holding out a paw. “I’ll risk it.” Helen touched his arm.
“Be careful,” she said. “It really could be this time.”
Hector considered what she said, but the moment the corridor doors parted after Helen spoke the password, things seemed on the up and up. Uneventful even. There was even signage with arrows leading to different parts of the compound. It was like whoever set up security to the place figured the minefield and the password protection were sufficient. Now is not the time to get paranoid, he thought and gave her a grin. Leaning over, he kissed her for a moment before turning back to take the light from Toby.
“I got this,” Hector said and pushed into the room. The motion of his entry triggered an illumination source and suddenly the space was filled with light. Hector’s eyes widened. Before him was every kind of weapon. Rifles, grenade launchers, handguns, plus ammo and combat armor. Suddenly his mind spun with excitement. How am I going to carry this all out of here?
MATTHEW, SIMON, AND Kaleb stood among shelf after shelf of storage containers. In each of the white plastic boxes was a media diskette. Unfortunately, they were not labeled with titles, but instead long numeric codes. There must be thousands, Matthew thought, his hopes falling. It was entirely possible somewhere amongst the information were details, perhaps even a cure, to the plague. Finding it though could take forever. “Well,” Kaleb said. “What now?” Matthew sighed. He had no idea. Simon stepped past them and went to a case on the shelf and picked up one of the boxes. Opening it, he carefully held up the shiny disk.
“It would appear to me the first impediment, mammoth amounts of data notwithstanding, is a means in which to read the contents of these,” Simon said. “I am of the assumption a mechanical device will be required, however, even in my worldly experience, I don’t know I have encountered such a thing.”
“It’s called a computer,” Matthew explained. “There are some in the research laboratory where I lived. I’d guess more of them are in some room around here.”
“You lived in a research laboratory?” Kaleb asked.
“It’s complicated. I’ll explain another time,” Matthew said and Kaleb nodded.
“But you could show us what to do?” he asked.
“Possibly,” Matthew answered. “Assuming the computers still work and I can access their systems.”
Simon smiled. “Well then let us not waste another minute,” he said. “Our quest continues. Where do you—" Simon was interrupted by a loud chiming sound. The three men looked around, but Matthew did not see the source. Suddenly a voice spoke. It sounded like the same one as before in the corridor.
“Alert,” it said. “Reserve power sources will be depleted in thirty minutes. Please save data.” Matthew frowned, not liking the sound of the news.
“Most inconvenient,” Simon remarked. Matthew sighed, feeling his hopes of reading the disks and finding out what they contained slipping away. To be so close to the information I need, but to have no way to read it, he thought sadly. It was unfair.
“I think we should grab as many boxes as we can possibly carry and go find the others,” Kaleb said.
“What is the point of taking any of them?” Matthew asked. “There is no way to open them.”
“But you just said you had computers in a research laboratory,” Kaleb said. Oh, if only it were that simple, Matthew thought and shook his head. There was no way he would ever be allowed back into Eden, not even if he possibly had the details of a cure for the plague.
“Well, I say acquire whatever we can regardless,” Simon said. “This could be our only opportunity.” Taking a deep breath, Matthew stared down the rows. But which ones to pick? he wondered. He wished Raven were with them. Somehow, he knew she would select the right one. I will need to think like she would. I need to believe the universe is with me. Not saying another word, Matthew walked forward and without thinking of anything else, let his hand fall on a box.
“That one looks good to me,” Kaleb said and stepped forward to take it from Matthew. Matthew nodded and started selecting others one-by-one.
“RESERVE POWER SOURCES will be depleted in twenty minutes. Please save data,” Blaze heard the voice say.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Hector muttered. The cat mutant was loaded down with dozens of rifles slung over his shoulders. He wore the largest of the new helmets and a chest plate. Blaze was similarly outfitted, as were the others, including Helen. Duffle bags, which they also intended to carry out, were filled with ammunition, handguns, and grenades. We are ready for a small war, Blaze thought strapping on a third belt with combat gear attached around his waist.
“I think I’m tapped out,” Toby said. Blaze looked at him and the man bulged under multiple Kevlar vests.
“Can’t lift another thing,” Brody chimed in. Blaze agreed. If they were going to drag everything back to the entrance in time, they needed to get started.
“One more bag,” Hector said. Blaze saw Helen shake her head.
“No, Hector,” she said. “This is more than sufficient to arm the royal guards who are willing to rally with you. You forget, the cat mutants with Prince Edward only have spears and leather armor.” Hector nodded.
“Good point,” Hector agreed. “Got a little excited at all the goodies. Let’s hit the road.” As the group started back out of the armory with all their new supplies, Blaze was glad to hear Helen’s comment about weapons. Although he was not thrilled with the idea of taking a side trip to help Hector with his problems, especially when he had no idea what was happening with Raven back at the city, at least they would have the firepower to get the job done.
“How long is your little mission going to take anyway?” Blaze asked, already feeling the strain of carrying so many weapons and so much gear. Hector looked back at him.
“Hopefully not long,” he answered. “Especially now that we have all of this.” The cat mutant grinned. “Should be a really quick conversation.”
“And then we will be equipped to help you rescue Raven,” Helen added. “I give you my word.” Blaze felt a little more relieved. Even though he did not like Hector much, his girlfriend was another story. The idea Hector was some kind of prince and would soon be a king almost made Blaze laugh, but seeing Helen as a queen was easy. There was something regal about her. I'd follow her if she were my leader, he thought.
"Reserve power sources will be depleted in fifteen minutes. Please save data," said the voice.
"Let's move it, people," Hector said. "Pick up the pace." The group started into a trot and as they turned another corner, they nearly ran headlong into Matthew and the others. Blaze was surprised to see them carrying stacks of boxes.
"Whoa, what you got there?" Hector asked.
"Data," Kaleb replied.
"The cure?" Helen asked sounding excited. Blaze saw Matthew shake his head.
"I don't know and I'm not sure how we will find out," he said. "I need a computer, but we don't have time here."
"Reserve power sources will be depleted in ten minutes. Please save data," said the voice.
"How
about we have this chat outside?" Blaze snapped.
"Right," Hector said and turned to lead the group to the exit corridor. Blaze was thankful to see all the doors were open. The last thing they needed was the power to go out and shut them in for eternity. The group ran through just as the lights in the tunnel started to flicker. They were barely clear of the exit when the doors began to close. Blaze turned to watch as the passage closed and wondered if it was forever.
CHAPTER 10
Gabriel watched the dark-haired stranger over the morning's fire. He closed his eyes and then opened them slowly half expecting the woman would be gone. Incredible, he thought. After all this time, and so much trouble because of her, here he sat with the infamous Raven, the woman from the ice. Catching his look, she smiled and Gabriel found he wanted to smile back. She was beautiful. Green eyes stood out against her fair skin, all framed by her short black hair, tucked under the hood of the jacket she wore against the cold. Yet, there was more to it. She seemed to have a glow about her. A peaceful calm even in the midst of all which was happening around them. It is no wonder Matthew gave up everything for her.
When he and Willow saw the figure standing along the side of the road, they had slowed down and discussed what to do about it. Since Gabriel was driving, Willow rose up in her seat and leveled her rifle over the windshield to be ready. Moving closer, Gabriel was less and less concerned. The person was alone and did not appear to be armed. Someone lost from the forbidden city? he wondered. It clearly was not a soldier from his Patrols. As they drew near, the stranger turned away from the road. "It's the black and gray marking on the jeep," Willow explained. "I'm not surprised. I would—" She suddenly stopped talking. Concerned, Gabriel glanced up and saw Willow was staring hard into the night illuminated by the headlights. "It can't be ..." she muttered. Before Gabriel could ask what she was talking about, she waved for him to stop the vehicle. He complied but was completely confused.