It Was 2052 (14 page)

The woman stopped and stood her ground, both hands on her pistol. Just as the guard raised his rifle, a hand grenade sailed past the horse and exploded into a wall of fire.  The horse reared up, dumped the man and galloped away. Rose stepped forward and fired her weapon, hitting the man square in the chest. She ran forward towards Jackson, she saw him moving with two other soldiers near the barn.  The barn door slid open and Son soldier sprang out.

By now, Driver had eased into the door of the living quarters. Eric moved in behind him. A small group of frightened slaves huddled in the corner of the dining area.  Driver held up his hand, “We're not going to hurt you.  Where are the pregnant women? Are they in this building?”

No one spoke. Eric moved in a little closer and said, “We mean you no harm, or the women. We just want to be sure that they are stay safe.”

After a moment, a young woman moved from the group, “They are down the hall, at the very end. But, they are guarded.”

Driver said to Eric, “Of course, the old demented doctor wouldn't want to lose any of his future super soldiers.”

“How many guards?” said Eric.

The young girl held up two fingers.

Driver looked at the dirty and obviously scared to death group of people, about ten men and women.  “When this is done, you're going to be free to go where you want. Stay here for now, it will be safer.”

The girl looked even more frightened, her eyes wide in her tear stained face, “Go where?”

Eric exchanged a look with Driver and said to the girl, “I promise, we'll help you. Just stay put for now.”

Driver was already moving toward the hallway and Eric followed.  He cautiously peered around the corner down the hall and spotted one man sitting on the floor in front of a door. His knees were bent, his rifle across his lap. Driver flattened himself back away from the open path that led right to the man. “Eric, go get the young girl.”

“What? why?”

“Just go and get her. We're going to have to have some type of diversion to get down to that door. The other guard must be inside,” said Driver.

Eric moved across the hall and returned with the young girl. “Do you know Dr. Pendelton?” Driver asked her.  She nodded
no.

“It's Pendleton---say that name for me.”

The girl repeated
Pen-del-ton
.

“I want you to go down the hall to the guard. Tell him that Dr. Pendelton said for him to come quick, right now. He needs him.”

She was obviously afraid but used to following orders, she moved nervously down the hall. When the guard had left the living quarters, Driver and Eric eased down the hall to the room at the end. They flanked the door. In a muted voice, he said to Eric, “I'm going to turn the knob and let the door open. Stay back from the doorway, the guard should step forward.  You take him down, don't shoot into the room, we don't know where the women are.”

The door slowly swung inward and a male voice said, “Hey, are you there---what is it?” he stepped forward and Eric hit the man as hard as he could with the butt of his gun. The guard swayed forward and he whacked him again on the back of the head.

Driver stepped into the room, six women in various stages of pregnancy sat on narrow beds with an ankle chained to the frame. “It's okay,” he said, “We're here to help you.”

***

In the barn, Son soldier had just arrived to relieve the other guard of Anissa. It was quiet through his shift of guarding the farm complex and he spent his time thinking of how he was going to make her scream, for certain this morning.  She was tied to a large post in the barn, her hands behind her and her ankles bound. He untied her hands and raised them above her head, tightly binding them to the post again. Just as he reached to jerk the gag from her mouth, all hell broke loose outside.

Rose had nearly reached Jackson when the two soldiers that were with him went down. Son soldier shot one and knocked the other out with one swipe. Jackson fired his rifle, hit the hulk in the shoulder and didn't slow him.  Son slammed Jackson to the ground and aimed his pistol at his head. Another shot rang out as Rose's shot shattered the super soldier's knee. He faltered but aimed again at Jackson. Jackson's hand reached his sidearm, his shot went straight up and entered under Son's chin burning into unknown regions of the massive head. The herculean figure stayed upright for a breath taking minute and finally pounded to the ground.  

Jackson stood and Rose grabbed him in a hug. As she looked over his shoulder, she caught the glimpse of something in the barn. She gripped her pistol and stepped forward a few paces, “Oh god, look.”

He went past her and found Anissa, barely conscious and tied to the post. She moaned as he released her limbs and the blood began to circulate through them. He eased her down on the hay and began to quickly check her out to see if she was injured.  “How did you get here?” he said as he stroked her cheek and kissed her forehead.  She explained how Son soldier had come to the Luciano and taken her the day before, left her son and father and brought her here.

Rose was standing watch at the barn door.“Looks like things are settling a little,” she said. Jackson and Anissa came to stand beside her.  Dirt and smoke still whirled above the farm yard. Bodies of workers, network and alliance soldiers and two horses scattered the sandy ground. The body of the only other Dallas super soldier smoldered in the midst the gory scene, the smell joining in the gagging odor of death and blood.  Rose covered her mouth and nose, “Think I'm going to be sick.”

Then she heard her name being shouted, “Rose! Rose!”  Eric ran with a limp toward the barn. 

As he hugged her to him, he said, “Just a nick, nothing, I'm fine.”

“What about Uncle John?  Have you seen him?” Tears made streaks down her dirty cheeks.

Jackson stepped past them, shaded his eyes and said, “Look---isn't that John over there?”

A building burned across the farmyard. In front of it, John knelt down beside a soldier on the ground. The Colonel stood beside them.  The four ran to the figures.

Rose grabbed her uncle, “Thank god, you're okay.”

“Are you?” said John. 

Then they all noticed that the mangled body on the ground was Bud.

“S—t,” said Jackson as he rubbed his hand over his face. 

“At least, Pendelton's super soldiers won't be killing anyone else here in Dallas,” said the Colonel.  “Bud fought a good fight. He will be missed by the alliance.”

Driver had joined them, he looked at Eric. They both knew that not only more super soldiers still existed in the country but new ones were soon to be born to the mothers that they rescued.

“What about Pendelton?” Driver asked the Colonel.

Colonel Sharon looked toward the burning building, “We found him alright. He set his briefcase on fire on top of more papers, drank something nasty from a beaker and died in seconds. No information there.”

The five members of the alliance covert team stood with the Colonel and her driver and surveyed the ruins of a malicious threat. The war wasn't over but the battle of Dallas had been won.

Chapter Nine

Resolutions

Over the next year, numerous battles would be fought in major cities across the country. While the Network wasn't one hundred percent eliminated, they were decimated to a point of very little impact on the inhabitants of a land that was trying to rebuild.  The Battle of Dallas, the chopping off of the head of the snake had only left small snakelets and their followers. Luciano's intel was very instrumental in finding the other Network leaders and their headquarters.  He now resided in a cell in the underground military bunker south of Dallas.

All of the known super soldiers had been killed in battle.  The professor and his research was dead. There would be six babies born to the women housed at the farm. Time would tell what the strengths and personalities of these genetically engineered humans would be. Would they be useful and loyal to the U.S. alliance, perhaps. There was no accounting for how many versions of the doctor's creations still walked the streets of Dallas or other parts of the country. Just like the father of Anissa's child, their genes would become part the population of the future.

On the farm, the day following the bloody struggles in the yard,  Jackson stood with the Colonel and Driver beside the grave of Bud. Anissa, Eric, Rose and John solemnly flanked them. John's eye was n't quite as swollen but his face was colorful with bruises and cuts. “Mamie will be sad to hear about Bud,” John said.

Of the seven spies that joined in the alliance, all had survived except Bud. They were pretty beat up, no other major injuries. The Colonel stood at attention and saluted, “We sadly say goodbye to our friend and ally. He, like all of you, was invaluable in destroying the threat to America's restoration. We appreciate his service.”

There were some tears and they all stood quietly for a moment. To their surprise, the deep voice of Driver began the strains of Amazing Grace. They all joined in and then slowly walked away from the grave that rested behind the large barn. They had found a spot away from the stink of the littered yard and would be sure the grave was marked as soon as possible.  A crew would be left at the farm for clean-up and the others would return to the metro villages.

In the city, Jackson and Anissa moved quickly to check on her son and father. John went to the Medical Village to see Mamie and to check on the injured soldiers.  Eric and Rose went to the Brewer's Village to explain to Mayor Adams what had been going on. They would all meet with the Colonel and Driver in the living area beside Anissa's old office at 4:00 that afternoon.

***

Jackson stood in the doorway as Anissa hugged her little boy close to her. “It's done,” she said to her father, “we're free.  I don't know exactly what's going to happen now but no one is going to hurt us.”

Her father walked to Jackson and stuck his hand out to him, “Thank you, son.”

Jackson smiled at him. “We have a meeting this afternoon with the Colonel. We'll make a plan to go forward. The important thing is, you're safe here.  Anissa and I have some things to do before the meeting.  Do you need anything?”

Anissa gave him a puzzled look, “Things to do?”

“Yeah, I'll tell you in a bit,” he said.

The friend, Shelly said, “If it's safe out there, I'm going to get some of my things and see if I can find some of the other girls.”

Anissa looked to Jackson and then to her father, “Dad, why don't you and Lee clean up a little and then go down to the pizza cafe and see if you can find something to eat. The employees all left, but you can see what's in the refrigerator, cook something up. I will see you later this evening.”

“Yip-pee, Pizza!” said Lee. The boy loved the cheesy gooey concoction and his mother didn't let him have it a lot.

“Oh yeah, don't go on the second floor, just go downstairs to the cafe,” said Anissa as Jackson pulled her out of the door.  They hurried along the hall to the stairs, “What's the big hurry?”

He just held tight to her hand and steered her down the stairs, across the building and out the back door of the Luciano Village.  The little hut that had been their secret meeting place was stuffy now with the summer heat. Anissa stood quietly as Jackson scurried around the small space. He pulled some of the covering off the window and raised it just a crack, put a chair against the old wooden door, leaving it open a slit. A slight swish of breeze pulled through the hut.  He reached for her hand and pulled her down on the cot with blankets piled on it.

Soft laughter filled the air as the impatient young man kissed her face and neck and other pleasant locations. They wouldn't have to meet here in secret any longer but Jackson wanted to be with her right now, one last time here. The laughter soon faded into much more serious murmurs of love that was finally out of the dark.

Anissa jumped up from the cot and started pulling back on clothing. “We need to get out of here, the meeting will be soon.”

Jackson just laid back, his hands behind his head and lazily watched her. “No hurry, we have time.”

She leaned down, kissed a quick peck to his forehead and then snapped her fingers,  “Come on, hurry. Get your clothes on.  Let's get out of here.”

Jackson gave an exaggerated scowl, “My mother is going to love you.”

***

John sat beside the bed in the Downtown Medical Village room, he held Mamie's hand. She used the arm that wasn't bandaged and bound to wipe her cheeks.  “I'm so sorry about Bud. He was a good man.” Her voice was a little broken, “I'm glad you're here, John. You look a little better, not quite as monstrous.”

“Well, I'm afraid this handsome face is going to have quite a scar. You know, kinda that pirate look. The nurse said no point in stitches now.”

Mamie's smoky curls tangled around her head and her moist eyes held his, “That face looks damn good to me right now, Sweetie. We've been very lucky. Rose and Eric, Jackson, Anissa, I'm so relieved that they are all okay.”

She sat up straighter in the bed, “Get me my clothes, I'm going to the meeting.”

“I don't know. Are you sure you're up to that?” said John.

Her legs already over the side of the bed, she moved toward some hooks with her camo clothing   hanging there. In her short journey, she gave John a tantalizing rear view in the gap of the hospital gown. “Oh, god-d, this shirt is a mess.”  The top was ripped and stained from the shot she received.

“Never mind, I'll just have to wear this ugly top.” She started pulling up the camo pants with her good arm, moaning a bit as she bent over.

“Um-m, Mamie---it's kind of---well, it's not very much.”

“Oh quit stuttering around, you ninny. Just see if you can find some big safety pins. You'll have to help me with my boots,” she snapped.

He couldn't help but laugh,
that's my gal. 

A few minutes later, the couple that looked every bit like they had been in the war, walked across the waiting room and out into the filtered summer sun. She in her camo pants and combat boots with the pale hospital top tied up at her waist and safety pinned down the back. The injured arm straight at her side, her full figure bounced along beneath the thin material. She had her good arm through John's, his battered face wore a pair of sunglasses with one side repaired with white first aid tape. They got plenty of second looks from the metro citizens that now filled the streets. Not bothered they continued on, arm in arm toward the Luciano Village and the meeting.

***

Rose and Eric sat in front of Mayor Adam's desk. He stood up, paced and cursed, “Well, I'll be a son-of-a-gun!  How could I not know all of this stuff that has been happening.”

The couple told the owner of Brewer's Village the whole story about the Network, the months of spying and planning, the Alliance and the battle, about the connections of the Sheriff.

“I've been trying to find out for two days, what the hell happened in the city. I got all kinds of crazy stories, none of them really made sense. Of course, I knew that old Luciano was a pretty low sort, into lots of unsavory activity. But, my god---taking over the country, super soldiers?  And Pendelton, he always seemed like a sneaky character to me,” said the mayor. “Oh damn, does Mrs. Pendelton know?”

“I will tell her,” said Rose. “I doubt she has a clue what all has gone on.”

Eric said, “You need to know that Bud was killed in the battle at the farm.”

The man sat down in his chair, “I'm truly sorry to hear that. Bud was a good man. That's really a shame. What in the world is going to happen around her next?  We don't have a sheriff, any law. Luciano Village was a big operation, people will be hurt from it's loss.” He rubbed his hand across his face and opened a drawer, took out a small bottle of Brewers Bourbon and poured himself a shot.

“We're having a meeting with the Colonel this afternoon,” said Eric. We'll report back to you what is decided. I think that there will be a plan going forward to solve some of these problems.”They stood, shook his hand and left the mayor in a somewhat surprised and worried state.

Mrs. Pendelton was in the market, folding linens when Rose and Eric found her. Her eyes looked puffy but she appeared calm. Rose said, “Mrs. Pendelton, can I speak with you?”

The older lady took off her glasses, cleaned them with one of the linens and looked into the sad face of Rose. “It's not necessary, dear. I've heard enough to know that the doctor is dead.”

“Are you okay? Do you want to know what happened?” said Rose.

There was a big sigh, “Not at this time. Maybe later, I'll let you tell me the story. I have a feeling that you know the truth about a lot of things. For now, I just don't want to think about it.” She looked the young couple up and down. “You are both okay?

“Yes, we're fine.”

“And John, Mamie?  What about the young man, Jackson?”

“They are all fine, mam. Mamie was shot in the arm, John pretty beat up. A bad thing, Bud was killed,” said Rose in a muted voice.

“I'm so sorry,” said the woman in an even voice. She seemed to be in a numb condition.

“If you need to talk to me, need anything, please let me know,” said Rose.

Before the couple could turn to go, two arms grabbed Rose from behind and two voices were talking at the same time, “Oh my---oh, Rose, Eric---you're okay. Where is Jackson?  He's not hurt is he?!” All of this spilled out from Jason and Larry, the couple from the fourth floor.

They both looked stricken and Larry literally trembled beside his partner. “Oh lordy, girl. It's been pure-d-hell around here.  Do you know what's been going on?”

Eric pulled Rose from the couple's captive attention, “Jackson is fine, guys. We'll sit down with you as soon as we can and tell you the story. Right now, we've got some place we have to be.” He gave them a smile and moved Rose toward the door.  As they exited, they heard the two chattering away to Mrs. Pendelton.

***

The living area that was formerly the lounge of Anissa's girl's customers was pretty much in shambles. The fight between Jackson and his adversary smashed lamps and rearranged furniture. Anissa and Jackson straightened out the room as best they could, circled some seating around a large coffee table and cleared away broken items and glass.  In her office Anissa opened the safe and took out the funds there, mostly silver coins and some vouchers for items of trade.  The earnings of the girls did not belong to her, she actually wanted none of it. She would surrender the ill gotten funds to the Colonel.

A tray with a bottle of Brewers and glasses sat on the low table. When everyone was gathered, the members of the alliance poured themselves a drink and the Colonel lifted her glass, “To victory,” she said.

“Here, Here,” echoed across the room.

“Now, we have many things to discuss and problems to be addressed. First, I will say that you've all served your country well. If any of you wish to be excluded from future operations, you're free to pursue whatever you wish,” said the Colonel.

A drink or two more was poured, the six surviving alliance members exchanged looks. Jackson said, “I think we all want to continue to be a part of the plans for recovery, Sharon.” Some nods and affirmatives followed.

Driver, who sat beside the Colonel and actually had his arm around her shoulder, clapped his hands together, “Okay team, let's get to the business at hand.” Colonel Sharon patted the hand on her shoulder and smiled up at him.

Three months later, the Colonel and Driver once again sat in the old green car, looked out at the sparkling lake. It was already getting too cool for sticking your feet in the water. Sharon sat up next to Driver and shared a few puffs of his cigarette.  “There's still quite a battle going on for Los Angeles,” she said. “We've cleared out many of the other Network holdings, we're making progress for sure. I wouldn't say that it's over yet.”

“Things are going pretty well in the Villages,” said Driver.  With the constant injection of destructive elements lessened, the metro was beginning to prosper. The pall of fear had somewhat lifted and there was much more of an optimistic attitude on the streets, among the citizens. He gave her tight muscled leg a squeeze, “The kids are all doing good, huh?”