The Revelation Chronicles: Evolution

by Eric Burney

  “Spectacular work, Nick. Now let us take it from here,” Captain Dillon said.

  “You’ll get no arguments from me,” Nick replied, folding his arms across his chest. “But it might go a long way towards that whole ‘shock and awe’ thing you military types love so much if you let my boy here open that door for you.”

  “Alright, I’ll bite. You two did get us here.”

  Michael stepped in front of the boxcar and let the pyrokinetic energy swell inside him. Bright blue flames trickled up his forearms and biceps. When he thrust his arms forward, the resulting burst of flame combined with extreme heat blew the metal door off its hinges. It struck an armed guard crouched along the opposite wall, rendering him unconscious. Steam rolled from the charred doorway and filled the boxcar, providing excellent cover for Captain Dillon and the Seals to operate.

  The breach was over in a matter of seconds. Two of the Seal operatives emerged from the boxcar with Vice President Palmer in tow. He was still alive, and apart from dehydration and a much-needed bath, he appeared to be OK.

  Michael turned to Nick, who grinned and held out his hand. The close friends bumped their fists together in celebration.

  “Now that’s how you do it!” Nick shouted with enthusiasm.

  “We’re all wrapped up here, Jasmine,” Michael said. “The Vice President is in the capable hands of the military now. How is Charlie doing? He found Kara yet?”

  “He’s finally safe. That’s wonderful news! I’ll pass that along. No word from Charlie yet, though. Robert and the support team are still fifteen minutes out.”

  “OK, thanks.”

  Captain Dillon stepped down from the boxcar with his weapon slung over his shoulder. The look on his face wasn’t what you’d expect from someone who’d just rescued the Veep. But, then again, he was Special Forces. They were used to doing the impossible on a daily basis.

  “You guys need to come see this.”

  Michael and Nick followed Captain Dillon back into the interior of the boxcar. Two Seals stood guard over a small group of Evolutionites. They were seated on the floor with their hands ziptied behind them.

  “Over here,” motioned Captain Dillon. He led them to an opening along the back wall. “It appears Evolution has been hiding out here for a while. This leads into the sewer system. I’ve already sent one of my men in to check it out. He’s reported back the discovery of a warehouse Evolution’s been using. It may be their base of operations. I figured you might want to tag along.”

  “Oh no… no thanks,” Nick said quickly, his face turning sour. “I think you Seals can handle this one without me. I’ll be back here… uh… checking the perimeter.”

  Michael rolled his eyes.

  “Let’s go, Captain.”

  The Navy Seals team leader led the way through the opening and into the sewer system below. Michael followed closely behind, wondering what they might come across in the warehouse. The sewer was wet, cramped, and dark. It also smelled god-awful.

  The murky water sloshed around at his feet. He tried not to think about what might possibly be in it. Thankfully, they didn’t have very far to go.

  Captain Dillon started to ascend the ladder in front of him. Michael followed him up. When his head finally cleared the opening, he looked around.

  The place was deserted. But whoever had been there had left in quite a hurry. Empty beer bottles and trash littered the floor. Graffiti covered the walls.

  “Looks like we missed one helluva party,” Michael said.

  The place is completely empty, sir,” Petty Officer Harrop reported. “We found the remains of a lab, but there was nothing in it. We did find this though.” He handed Captain Dillon a stack of crumpled and charred papers. “I think they were trying to cover their tracks.”

  Captain Dillon flipped through the stack of partially burned papers.

  “Whoa, whoa,” Michael said, alarmed, “let me see that one.”

  Captain Dillon offered the piece of paper to Michael, who quickly snatched it up and studied it closely.

  “What is it? Do you recognize the sketch?”

  Michael didn’t answer. He was too dumbfounded to reply. If the sketch was what he assumed it was, they were in big trouble.

  “Jasmine!” he yelled into his communicator. “You need to get in touch with Charlie right now! He’s headed straight for a trap. This was all a diversion. We’ve just found evidence Evolution was trying to build another Orion device. And, I think they may have succeeded.”

  Chapter 69

  I looked down over the city as I flew towards the location Jasmine had given me. The nighttime aerial view was breathtaking.

  She was right about the suit: it felt great. I could feel a difference immediately. The material was form-fitting and flexible, similar to spandex. So far, I loved everything about it. Hopefully, it would make a difference in the outcome of the inevitable showdown with Cain. I was still having a hard time calling him that, even in my head. It just didn’t feel right.

  I banked hard to the right and flew faster, gaining speed along the outskirts of the city. Fewer lights and hardly any traffic dotted the open landscape below. I didn’t bother worrying whether anyone could see me. The bio-suit blended perfectly with the darkness and shadows around me. Cloud cover was thick, and it appeared rain would pour at any moment.

  With both hands pinned at the sides like a skydiver, I really turned it on, blowing back the branches of the tallest trees as I flew over them. It was exhilarating being in the air again, but I couldn’t think about that at the moment. I had to stay focused on the mission.

  According to Jasmine, Kara’s signal was emanating from what used to be a functioning missile base until it was decommissioned in the late ‘80s. The former military base was a vast twenty acres in the middle of nowhere, consisting of the flattest landscape imaginable. Cain had found the perfect place to hide out. It was a fortress on the surface, and a maze of corridors underground.

  Even I had to admit I was impressed by the selection. They would be able to see anyone coming for miles. That is, anyone except me. They wouldn’t see me coming until it was too late.

  “The base should be coming up soon,” Jasmine said through my suit communicator. “The topside is heavily fortified and crawling with Evolution henchmen. I know you want to get in and save Kara, but why… don… y… wait—”

  The transmission cut out.

  “Jasmine,” I called out. “Jasmine!”

  No response. That wasn’t good. She was my virtual eyes and ears. Losing communication with her only made my job that much more difficult. But it was too late to turn back. I wouldn’t have anyway. This thing with Cain was going to end tonight. One way or the other.

  I noticed a cluster of olive drab buildings in the distance. I was almost there. I decided to do a fly-by to see the layout of the base first. I noted the chain link fencing with razor-sharp concertina wire around the entire perimeter. Guard towers were manned with snipers along the east and west boundaries.

  But, what I couldn’t see was where the real treat would come from. It was obvious they were waiting on me. This trap had been set specifically for me. I had to be extra careful not to take the bait. I had to think like Cain. He was smart and calculated, so that was just what I needed to be.

  I circled overhead like a majestic bald eagle, hugging the cloud cover. Then I descended, heading for the heart of the base. That was the likeliest place for Cain to be. The underground entrance was located there. If I were him, that was where I would be.

  All of a sudden, I heard a high-pitched whistle and looked over my shoulder to determine the source. A heat-seeking missile was headed straight for me!

  I dove, flying low and fast. Several armed sentries popped out seemingly from nowhere and opened fire. So now, not only did I have a missile closing in on my tail, I had to watch out for the enemy below.

  I twisted and performed a barrel roll maneuver, but the missile hung steady with my every move. I had to think of s
omething quick. I felt the impact from a few of the rounds fired at me, but luckily, they bounced off harmlessly due to the new suit. At least I had that working in my favor. I needed to find some way to get the missile off my back, or it was going to be the shortest rescue attempt ever.

  I continued to fly in a deviating pattern, hoping to throw the missile off my scent, but it kept coming, inching closer by the second.

  I had an idea. It was risky, but it was worth a shot. I banked left and headed back towards the front entrance to the base, dodging gunfire from two enemies on my left. I pulled up and slowed just a little. Not much… only enough to close the gap for what I had in mind.

  The heat-seeking missile was right on top of me now and I veered to my right, heading straight for the western guard tower. The sentry must have known what I was planning, because he bailed over the side when he saw me coming.

  With a skillful maneuver that would make an Air Force fighter pilot jealous, I flew fast and skirted the left side of the tower as close as possible. The instant I cleared the wall, I banked hard to the right. I knew the gamble had paid off when I heard the missile explode into the brick and mortar behind me.

  Now it was time to address the opposition on the ground. I circled back, flying low and searching for anything that moved. I was on top of one guard before he even knew what hit him. I scooped the man up off the ground like an owl toying with a field mouse. His eyes grew big as saucers. He was terrified. He had every reason to be. I used his body as a wrecking ball, barreling over several other hapless guards close by.

  Dropping the man’s body, I landed with the grace of a gymnast. I decided to approach on foot this time. So far, I hadn’t encountered anyone with abilities. Only misguided humans sympathetic to Evolution’s cause. This was by design, I reasoned. They were pawns being sacrificed in the ultimate game of chess.

  I continued on, walking carefully and keeping my eyes sharp. I stayed to the right side of the street, in between two rows of buildings that looked exactly the same, save for the faded numbers painted out front. The dark suit helped to keep me enshrouded in the dark.

  The base had been a thriving community back during the Cold War. But, after the fall of Russia, nuclear missile bases like these were no longer needed. Some, the government destroyed. Others, they sold to the highest bidder. The buyer was usually some doomsdayer, planning for the eventual collapse of the world, be it by nuclear disaster, zombie apocalypse or alien invasion. Come to think of it, maybe they were right on the money with that one.

  A klaxon alarm blared and blinding spotlights suddenly beamed down all around me. I was exposed. I saw a figure a few yards in front of me with a body draped over his shoulder. It was Kara and her hands were tied behind her. The one with her slung over his shoulder like a dirty gym towel was also a familiar foe. The one I had dubbed Jigsaw.

  Chapter 70

  Caught off-guard by my concern for Kara, I didn't notice the entrapment wire netting until it was dropped on me from above. Trapped, I began to panic, like a seagull in a fisherman’s net. The more I struggled to get free, the tighter the net cinched.

  I focused on slowing my breathing. That was the only way I was going to escape. By calming down and trusting in myself.

  I kicked off with my legs as hard as I could. Getting off the ground was a bit tricky, but I was finally able to manage it. I continued to push upwards and fought to gain altitude. Once eye-level with the rooftops, men on either side came into view, pulling and struggling to keep me contained. Captain Ahab’s crew in the timeless classic came to mind, fighting hard to corral the great white whale. But, like the fabled Moby Dick, I refused to be captured or defeated. They were in for the experience of a lifetime.

  With an invigorating surge of energy, I propelled myself into the air, climbing higher and higher. Either the four men holding the corners of the net didn't have the good sense to let go, or they simply couldn't. I kept elevating until we were well off the ground. Then I stopped on a dime, and the men still clinging on for dear life shot past. Freed of the net, I reached up and grasped a handful of the metallic, web-like material, descending below at a dizzying rate of speed. As the ground raced up to greet me, I pitched the net over my shoulder and let go, sending my would-be captors flying. I spun around and faced Jigsaw, hovering above him.

  “That was pretty impressive. I knew the net wouldn't hold you. But, of course, we had to try.”

  “What did you do to her?” I demanded.

  “Your poor girlfriend? Oh, she's just sleeping—I think. I’m told she'll be fine. But hey, I'm no doctor.”

  He placed Kara gently on the ground.

  “I'm no extremist, like just about everyone else you'll find here. I personally believe we should be collaborating. Think about it. Why don't you join our cause? Swear allegiance to Cain and we can move past this—get on to the real order of business.”

  “Which is?”

  He was different from the others, I noticed. But I still didn't trust him. Plus, there was also the small matter of putting his hands on my soulmate. That was no bueno in my book. Something I just couldn't—wouldn't move past.

  “What makes you think I would ever join Evolution? And swear allegiance to Cain? Not a chance in hell. I'm here to put a stop to all of this, and anyone that stands with Cain will answer for what they've done. Starting with you.”

  Jigsaw sighed.

  “I honestly hoped it wouldn't come to this. I thought you of all people would see reason, but it’s clear to me now; you are just as blinded by revenge as he is. Very well. It's a shame, really. You would've had so much potential with Evolution.”

  Jigsaw raised his palm and openly dared me to advance. He displayed an arrogant, albeit polite sense of confidence.

  “I have my own team,” I said with resolve. “And we don't make it common practice to oppress others just because we're more powerful than they are. This planet is our home now, and we will protect it from any and all threats. Right now, that's you.”

  “I'll keep that in mind when I'm standing over your broken corpse.”

  I lunged at him, moving incredibly fast and grunted, throwing my full weight behind the force of the blow. But my hungry fist met nothing but air as Jigsaw gave a repeat performance of our earlier encounter, separating into countless pieces. The objects mirrored dozens of tiny marbles suspended in the air. Taking advantage of my miscue, the objects reassembled, forming a giant fist that slugged me square in the chest. Air escaped my lungs and I fell over backwards. This was going to be tougher than I thought.

  I regrouped and came at Jigsaw with everything I had. Punch after punch missed the mark as he was able to alter his body around the blows. Frustration set in while I contemplated how to stop the seemingly unstoppable. He landed another perfect counter, morphing into what could only be described as a large sledgehammer, this time propelling me through the door of an adjacent building. The wood splintered like brittle corkwood. Even some of the weak, decades-old mortar separated from the frame and crumbled to the ground. Dazed, I stumbled to my feet. The new bio-suit was holding up amazingly well considering the brutal punishment I was taking.

  Through the destroyed doorframe, I could see Jigsaw standing there with the same superior smile I was growing to hate. I just needed one good shot to wipe it off his face permanently.

  Like a high-powered rifle, I exploded out of the opening in the building and powered at Jigsaw with unrestrained speed. I resembled a human drill, twisting through the air. Just before I reached him and threw another punch, I did the unexpected. I pulled up and shot around him, at the precise moment his body began to separate. Faster and faster, I circled around him, creating a destructive vortex of violent wind. The winds grew stronger and more unstable with each revolution. Dust and debris whipped about and Jigsaw threw his deformed hands up to cover his face. Out of desperation, he flailed about madly, trying desperately to locate me, but the effort was in vain. The torrent grew steadily to form a funnel around him. And unab
le to return to their previous state, the marble-like pieces were swept up and tossed around in the funnel like blueberries in a blender. I flew upwards in a circular motion, raising the funnel until satisfied it was high enough. With one final revolution, I halted mid-flight. The pieces of Jigsaw scattered in every direction.

  I didn't know if it would be enough to stop him for good. I didn't much care either. He was out of the way for now. Checking on Kara was now my top priority.

  Chapter 71

  Floating to her side, I touched down and lifted her into my arms.

  “Kara, can you hear me?”

  I looked down at her deathly still features. There was nothing I could do. I felt so helpless. With all my abilities, I couldn’t bring her back to me. Taking her hand in mine, I closed my eyes.

  That was when the most amazing thing happened. Raw emotion, the likes of which I’d never felt, flowed from me into her. An electrical jolt suddenly shot from my body into hers. I opened my eyes, astonished by what was happening. Another jolt transferred between us, this one much stronger and intense than the first.

  Kara’s body went rigid and she sat straight up, eyes stretched wide with panic. She took a huge breath, followed by another and another. Her shoulders heaved up and down with each inhale.

  “Easy, easy,” I said soothingly, stroking her cheek.

  “Wh…What happened? Where am I?”

  “We’re inside Cain’s compound. I’m not sure what they did to you, but you're fine now. I thought I'd lost you there for a second.”

  I smiled softly, attempting to mask my disbelief. I had no idea how to explain what had just transpired or how she was back, so I decided to skirt the issue for now.

  “How do you feel?”

  She placed a hand to her temple.

  “I've been better, that’s for sure. Help me up.”