“Austin Major, armorer, logistics, combatives master, tactics master, and master of anything else you can contribute to killing someone.”
“Hyka Major, medic and combatives master.”
“Eric Earl. I also go by Duke. Battle staff and logistics.”
Valerie leaned to Jack and whispered, “There were eight shot glasses earlier when we were toasting. Where is the eighth person?”
“Mike. The eighth shot stayed on the bar. The glass was for your dad.”
She was sorry she had asked. Valerie knew from attending formal military affairs with Scott that the gesture was reminiscent of a ceremony reserved for fallen comrades called “The Missing Man Table.” Though this was not a formal military function, the tradition showed reverence to those unable to join them. In these circumstances, she did not know if her father was safe, or even still alive. The realization pulled at her heart and added a stronger awareness to her situation.
“Now we are all acquainted,” Max started, “I’m going to give an overview of intelligence and then I’ll pass the mic to the Duke of Earl to go over tomorrow’s activities and suggested packing list for the mission. After him, Major will map out the route and resupply points. Right now, the party stands as Mrs. Russell, Big Daddy Jack-Mac, Griff, Major, and Hyka. Now, Duke, if you please. My beer is missing me.” Max sat himself down and placed his unlit cigar back in his mouth.
Duke stood to address the group. He was not tall at all, just taller than Valerie, and stocky, but not fat. He was not as intimidating as he attempted to be with his posture. He seemed to do nothing but glare, even when he spoke to the group.
“All right, this is an extraction mission. I’m passing each of you a packing list consisting of what you’ll need for at least two days and a few items necessary for the group. Those items are not negotiable. Hyka, you’ll have to pack Mrs. Russell’s ruck. She will be busy with Max tomorrow.”
Valerie wrung her hands together at the thought of being alone with him. She looked at Jack for answers, but he did not seem alarmed by the announcement. She also hated the use of the word extraction. She considered the possibility of finding an escape from the group once they located her son.
Duke continued, “There are a couple of opportunities for resupply, but only one is guaranteed. Food will need to be rationed. Water is accessible, and each of you has a filtration device, so hydration shouldn’t be an issue. Hyka is carrying the medical supplies, but iodine pills will be split amongst the group for water purification if needed.”
“Question,” Griff interrupted, looking over the packing list. “Why is everyone carrying a headlamp if I’m the only person who can use one?”
“Great question,” Duke said, thick with sarcasm. “We are hoping when the time comes, Mrs. Russell will have figured something out.”
They all turned and looked at her. She narrowed her eyes at Duke, who had done nothing but give her orders from the moment he stood up. Her frustrated focus shifted to Max, resentment evident on her face. Valerie had no idea how she was going to fill such a tall order of giving power back to everyone. The two men were giving the group a false sense of her ability. She did not put much stock in herself where her capabilities were concerned.
“The next variable is going to be if Mr. Russell comes back with us. We will have to jump that hurdle once we get on site, but keep in mind an additional member to the party is a possibility.”
“If my husband is there, why would we leave? Why wouldn’t I stay home with my family?” Valerie was not a soldier. There were no orders she had to follow. She was reaching a boiling point of Duke telling her what she was going to do.
“Miss Lady,” Max began, “tomorrow we have a video conference scheduled with a CDC geneticist: someone with a long history in the matters of conductors and DiaZem and my main source of information, which is obviously more than you have in regards your condition. He’s been in contact with a DiaZem at the Denver facility and has insisted on talking with you. Our primary goal is to keep you safe. If your safety involves relocating you and your family, so be it. So, the answer is: No, you do not have to return, and you do not have to accept our help, but I encourage you to weigh your options and the consequences if you don’t.” He took a casual drink of his beer.
“I am hiding from the CDC but have a conference with them tomorrow?” Valerie looked around the room, but no one seemed to see where the issue lay. No one looked concerned with the glaring conflict of interest. “If they know where I am, why don’t they just come and get me?”
Max took a moment to light his cigar before answering, “I have promised Burton to keep you and your son safe. I have every intention to do so. But you are a liability, Mrs. Russell. You don’t know what you are capable of. Besides, your father set up this meeting.”
Breaths were held and looks were exchanged. This was news to the group. Valerie did not believe him. She was certain Max would say anything to get her to comply. There was something just under the surface of his hospitality: a hidden plan having to do with her being a DiaZem. She chewed her lip and decided not to ask any more questions during the briefing. She would pull Jack aside later.
Duke continued, “We have allotted four days there and four back. Your biggest obstacle, aside from not getting caught by the CDC, is the fluctuating elevation. We are at six thousand one hundred and thirty-five feet. Your first day of travel will be a constant uphill walk for seventeen miles. The journey is worse coming back. I’m not going to sugarcoat anything. Walking is going to suck, bad.
“I didn’t have time to print timelines so write this down: Beginning tomorrow morning, from 0600 to 0730, there will be mandatory physical training. We’ll be doing stretches. Hyka will need to know of any limitations or previous injuries which might cause you any issues on your trip. From 0730 to 0900 is personal hygiene and breakfast. Then from 0900 to 1500 we go over battle drills, including Mrs. Russell. Some of us need to brush up on a few skills, too. Mrs. Russell, your video conference will be in Max’s study at 1400.”
Valerie clenched her jaw, nodded and wrote down the time.
“At 1500, meals will be served and rations distributed. Prepackaged field rations will be the most practical. Max has spoiled us since we arrived, so a week of MREs isn’t bad. From 1600 to 2100 is personal time. I encourage resting, double checking your supplies and packing list, bathing. You get the point, personal time. You step off at 2100 hours. Major, you’re up.”
Duke took his seat. Hyka’s father walked to the head of the table with stiff arms held away from his body like they were too large to keep by his side. His hair was dark gray, cut into a high fade. He flipped a board revealing a large map, pulled a laser pointer out of his pocket and tested the device on the board with no results. Frustrated, he threw the small penlight into a trash can.
“All right.” He spoke with a thick Southern accent as he walked back to the other end of the table. “As Duke said, this mission is broken up into four days there and four back. At 2100, we leave from here and head north by way of Voyager Parkway. The route will be less watched, and less utilized by the CDC. From there we go east until we reach the railroad. The tracks are clear of the Air Force Academy, makes for safer cover and a pretty direct route. We continue the uphill walk all the way to Spruce Meadows Open Space. My in-laws have an RV parked out there, which should do us some good for getting some sleep during the day. Day one is a little under twenty miles. This location is also a food and ammo cache. We shouldn’t need to resupply so early in our trip, but this location is the only option we have. Also, this is the only substantial resupply on our route. A contingency plan is to send Griff to purchase supplies if needed. He’s the only one who should interact with anyone outside of our squad.
“Day two is uphill still, but I’d like to push to Lone Tree, even though we’ll be clocking thirty miles in one day. I want to start day three at the bottom of E-470. If we stay away from downtown Denver and the general population, we can finish up the two
days on E-470 with no problems. Three extra miles versus the trouble of going through downtown are manageable.
“Hotels are out of the question. We hold the risk of being turned in or trapped with limited escape routes, so those last two nights will be spent sleeping on the road. Weather is optimal, but the temperature will drop down at night. Even so, you should not require more than a thin sleeping bag. Max can touch on the threat of the general population.” Major took his seat beside his daughter.
Max rose.
“The CDC has created propaganda to strike fear into the hearts of our fellow man in a feeble attempt to continue to gather conductors and any remaining DiaZem. They estimate a quarter of the world’s population, two billion people, carry the conductive gene. This group is what they are considering conductors of electricity. Ten thousand in the world hold the DiaZem gene, which is a sort of royal lineage of conductors. The CDC wants to recover as many of both as possible. If DiaZem remain at large, the CDC cannot move on to part two of their mission. Don’t even ask me what part two is. They have yet to reveal anything else to even the most senior of command. The President doesn’t even know what part two of the mission is. As long as we can keep a DiaZem out of CDC hands, the longer the general population—Griff and me included—can gather information and plan.
“After much discussion, Griffin will be accompanying the mission not only because of his personal interest but because he is the only one of us without the conductor gene who is physically capable of walking the distance.
“Most people are scared. They will be afraid of conductors and turn you in as soon as they sense something is wrong. I’ve already seen them stand behind people in line at a store holding up their cell phones or watches. Having Griff with you is essential if you find the need to interact with anyone unaffected outside of your group. Also, he refuses to stay behind.
“So, on that note, are there any caveats? Questions? As discussed, fire watch begins in an hour. Two hours each beginning with Duke, then Jack, myself, and we will cycle back through with Duke and Jack at an hour and a half each. Mrs. Russell, is five-thirty a good wake-up time for you?”
The group dispersed, even though Valerie had not answered. She was confused as to what fire they were watching for. She displayed enough confusion to warrant clarification because Max continued.
“In case you have an episode, we’ll have someone on hand to stop you. There will be someone outside your door all night watching for signs of electrical power. The second a light flickers, we will wake you. Just a precaution. The walls would stop any power surge from being revealed to the outside, and the exterior lights are on a different and protected circuit of their own. I don’t want you burning my house down from the inside out.”
The words stung. She started to get a sense that he did not like her and, as far as she was concerned, the feeling was mutual. All of his pleasantries were a front, and the idea of him watching her sleep intensified her feeling of contempt for the man. She wished Jack or even the scary woman would stay with her, but they had to rest as much as everyone else. She was thankful Jack volunteered to help, at least. Duke and Max were not traveling with the rest of them, so it made sense for them to get the least amount of sleep.
Valerie realized she was left alone in the dining room with Max. A swell of panic balled in her throat, like he caught her in a trap. The walls were smothering and contained her energy. Without another word, she walked away in search of Jack. His door was still open. Empty. A single chair sat across from her door. She balled her fists and quickened her pace. They had better not expect her to keep the door open all night while she slept. She walked into her room, but before she could get far enough in to reach the door handle, someone grabbed her arm, yanked her into the room and shut the door. In the darkness, all she heard was the click of the lock.
“Everyone find a seat and listen up.” The thick Southern accent came from somewhere in the pitch black of the room. She heard others shuffle around her and waited for her eyes to adjust before following the instruction.
“Curse it, does anyone have a light?” Jack asked after a thud came from the back of the room. Someone produced a lighter. The flame was enough light for her to find the edge of the bed to sit.
“There’s a candle on the far end of the dresser,” Valerie offered, despite the rude yank into the room. Judging by where she stood, Hyka was the one to pull her in. She was as strong as she looked—and as rough, too. Griff passed the round candle to Major, who held the lighter. Once lit, he placed the orb back on the dresser in front of the mirror to better light the room. Valerie could see everyone. Hyka stood between her father and the door. Jack moved to the beige accent chair, and Griff was sitting behind her on the bed. Duke stood in the bathroom doorway with his arms crossed over his chest, the same glare on his face. She felt a little better without Max there, but the way Duke treated her like a subordinate was beyond irritating.
“Alright, Duke. You have the floor,” Major announced. In the candlelight, she could see how Eric Earl’s nickname suited him. His short stature was disproportionate to his muscle mass, reminding her of a mean little dictator with a complex. He did not belong there. He was not going with them—the only conductor to stay behind. Any comfort she felt before had retreated with his presence. He was the goon watching over her while she slept. She shuddered.
“So, a few more pieces of this puzzle are coming together. I think Max has been in on this thing for longer than he is letting on. What side he’s playing for is the real question. Mike might have put too much trust in our old friend. I think the biggest curveball is we all suspected Kevin Burton to be the one sitting here,” he said with a breath of annoyance. “Anyway, this scientist you are talking with tomorrow, he’s told Max they have another DiaZem in a facility underneath the Denver airport, where they are holding the conductors.”
“What?” Jack interrupted. “You mean the conspiracy theory about there being a hidden city under the airport is true? You have got to be kidding me. Is this the New World Order mumbo jumbo? It’s real?”
“The whole thing goes way beyond a conspiracy, Jack. There are five thousand cities across the world being used for containment areas for conductors. We can assume one of two things could come of this segregation: they will eradicate us conductors or complete a mass genocide of the general population. Regardless, Mrs. Russell cannot be taken by the CDC. Not if we hold a moral bone in our bodies. We are dealing with the real Center for Disease Control. They have taken over all government assets, including all military branches of service, to follow through with this plan. The word is FEMA has even set up in places with high fatalities to mask the processes of collecting conductors. Shit’s bad out there. Really bad.”
“I’m sorry, but I still have no idea what is going on,” Valerie interjected. “Why am I being hunted by the CDC? How do they already know I am a DiaZem when I just found out a couple of hours ago? What do I have to do with genocide?” She felt far too out of touch with the situation. They all spoke like she knew everything there was to know about her new status.
“We think your dad might have had ties to the CDC,” Duke answered. “Likely going back before any of us knew him. He was so adamant about protecting you and your brother if this ever happened. It was news to us, but there is a possibility Mike did, in fact, arrange your meeting tomorrow. As far as your identity as a DiaZem, the episode causing Mike’s capture is what tipped them, and us, off.”
“So, are we leaving now?” Griff asked. He still looked tired, but anxious to move.
“No. We stick out the timeline,” Hyka spoke up. “We couldn’t leave even if we wanted to unless Max let us. I’ve done a recon on this entire house. The place is a glorified prison. He can hear everything we are saying right now. It’s disgusting. I mean, not much we can do in the ways of privacy. He might as well be standing in this room right now. I can’t imagine what his reasoning for surveillance was before we all got here.” Hyka was direct. Despite her expression
of disgust, she still carried little inflection in her voice.
“Val, you’ll continue with this meeting you have tomorrow,” Major said.
“Ask questions and find out as much as you can from this geneticist,” Hyka added. “Even go as far as to comply with every request, even your firstborn child. Whatever you do, don’t give them the impression you won’t cooperate. You will make things far more difficult for all of us if they think they have to force you.”
“Okay,” Valerie agreed. She was good at playing with a poker face. She was satisfied to have received a few answers and was on the verge of more. Soon she could leave this prison and get back to her family.
“Griff?” Valerie called over her shoulder.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Could you try calling my husband for me?” Griff looked up at Major for approval.
Major nodded.
“I’ll grab my phone once we finish here.”
Valerie let a tear fall, hoping the darkness would conceal her emotion.
“What else you got, Duke?” Major was pushing at something specific Duke was reluctant to say.
“Mike and Kevin were taken to Denver. They are alive and okay. We don’t have solid contact, but Max has been keeping tabs on them. Valerie, if they need to, the CDC will use them as leverage over you. They made a pass at collecting Caleb, but they couldn’t locate him. I’m hoping Gia is as bright as Griff said and left you a great clue as to where to find him.”
Valerie felt the color leave her face and her chest tighten. Though Griff had told her Caleb was safe, the fact that the CDC was being so aggressive in finding him unraveled her core. They had been in her home. Her safe place. The ceiling fan spun and the lights came on in the room, blinding everyone. The bulbs began to grow brighter. Visible energy currents pulled from each person to Valerie. A large bolt shot from her hands and bounced around the room, looking for an escape, creating small fires on the walls. She panicked and could not control herself or stop what was happening. Hyka took two steps toward her, and with one left hook, ended the episode. Valerie’s vision went black.
Apparent Power: DiaZem Trilogy Book One Page 8