Sons of Abraham: Terminate (3 page)

              “And what exactly IS this project?” Keenan asked, looking to everyone one by one.

              “Right, the project,” Jana stammered.  “I believe you can appreciate when I say this, but what I am about to say must be kept confidential.  That means you won’t be calling assistants for information or talking to your families about this.  All research must be performed by yourselves, or through our own researchers, whom I will link to your data pads for quick reference.”

              Wilkes paused, her eyes focused on the quiet man, Jones, at the end of the table.  She’d barely left the President’s harrier when she got the message from the middleman, demanding to be on the task force.  Somehow, she knew that he’d been involved with the call to the President though she wasn’t expecting such an obvious show of his hand.

              “We are being tasked with finding Gabriel,” she stated.

              “Find Gabriel?” Kohl laughed his belly jiggling.  “Why would we waste our time on such a project?  Historians have been tracking his known movements for centuries, and no one has made any decent discovery in the last two hundred years.”

              “That’s true, you do seem worthless,” Jana snapped.  “However, no historian has ever gained access to the lab of the first Cybers, have they?”

              Kohl and Clarkston drew quiet, both leaning back in their chairs as they contemplated the weight of the VP’s words.  The first lab of the Cybers was as much as a mystery as Gabriel himself.  Though many pictures were available of the interior of the lab by use of the historical archives, no one had ever known the location. 

              Keenan Kohl wetted his lips, a bead of perspiration forming on his dark brow.  A broad smile formed as his mind stepped through the events that would transpire.  Dozens of historians had come before him, but he would be the first to break new ground. 

              “When do we start?” Vanessa asked, noting the improved atmosphere of the meeting room.  “Obviously, we will clear our schedules, but we need time to gather our research tools and personal items.”

              “You leave tomorrow,” Wilkes replied.  “I will have an itinerary sent to your pads, as well as a list of items you are permitted to bring.  There will, of course, be a non-disclosure agreement that you will all have to sign.  I assume that won’t be an issue?”

              Keenan and Vanessa both shook their heads, both still pondering the thought of entering the lab. 

              “Good,” she continued.  “Now, I’ll lay out a few ground rules for you.  You will receive a military escort wherever you go.  At no time will you attempt to leave your escort for any reason.  If they say you are to leave or to do anything, you will do so without hesitation.  The same goes for Mr. Jones.  If he has a question, a request, or gives an order, you will follow it down to the finest detail.  This, along with the agreement, is the rules laid out before you.  If you break any of these rules then the government will have little option but to remove you from the team.  Again, do you understand?”

              “Completely,” Keenan replied. 

              “Good.  If you’ll excuse me, I need a word in private with Mr. Jones.  Just follow the orders you receive on your pads tonight, and we’ll see you in the morning.”

              Keenan and Vanessa exchanged glances, as well as smiles, as they both stood from their chairs.  Kohl held the door for the former MA technician, allowing for her to leave the room first.  He turned, nodded to VP Wilkes and Jones, and then pulled the door closed behind him.

              “You could, at least, come up with a first name,” Wilkes muttered.  “They won’t respond well to you if you just maintain the mysterious Mr. Jones facade.”

              “Their comfort is the least of my concerns,” Jones replied, leaning back in his seat.  “I will say that I am intrigued by this team, though.  It’s small, but I believe their expertise will prove useful in finding Gabriel.  Wouldn’t you agree?”

              Jana swung her chair to one side, throwing her left leg over her right knee.  Her gray skirt slid back, revealing a fit thigh and calf.  She pulled out her datapad, checking to see what messages she’d ignored since leaving the President.  No doubt, he was up to his neck in something that would require her attention.

              “I can’t say that I CARE if they find that dead Cyber or not,” she snapped.  “As far as I’m concerned, you can all go to hell.”

              “Now, now.  Let’s not get nasty about this, Jana.”

              “Oh, I dare say we are WELL beyond nasty as this point.  That was a nice trick, though, hacking into the President’s feed.  You really got his attention.”

              “I saved lives.  My superiors wanted to drop a bomb on that festival.  I can’t imagine how many lives would have been lost had I not found a peaceful solution.”

              Jana frowned as a new thought crept into her mind.

              “You’re stuck in this mess too, aren’t you?” she asked.  “I just don’t get you.  One minute, you sound just like them.  The next, you sound like an unwilling pawn.  Which is it?”

              Jones pulled his own tablet from the inner pocket of his gray jacket.  The jacket was made of a nylon fiber, glistening in the overhead lights.  His brow furrowed as he looked at the screen before he put it in sleep mode and focused on his hostess.

              “I’m not at liberty to say,” he offered.  “Don’t mistake my compassion for weakness, though.  I will do as I must to achieve my boss’ targets.  For now, I have managed to remain peaceful in this endeavor.  Tomorrow, however, I will become violent if the situation calls for it.”

              “I understand.  I should thank you, though.  I don’t know what part you’re playing in this mess, but the fact that you saved lives shouldn’t go unnoticed.  Whatever mess you’re in with these people, whatever they’re holding over your head, try to remember what’s truly important.  We can’t risk thousands, if not millions of lives to save a few.”

              Jones laughed.

              “Like you haven’t risked lives every time they dangle your daughter in front of your face?”

              Jana scowled.

              “Go to hell Jones.  If you were a parent, you’d understand.  I swore an oath to this government, but Emilia is ALL I hold dear now.”

              “Is that why you’re removing her from the equation?”

              Jana’s jaw dropped open though words escaped her for several seconds.  Her eyes narrowed as she attempted to play out the conversation before she lived it. 

              “I do what I must,” she hissed.  “What do you know of it?”

              “I’m sorry, quid pro quo.  I’ll tell you, but you have to tell me something in return.”

              She paused, pondering as to whether or not she wanted to play the tall man’s game.  Trusting a middleman could either make or break you, depending upon whom you were placing your trust.  At this point, she had little left to lose.

              “Alright.  What do you want to know?”

              Jones leaned forward in his seat, placing his covered elbows on the glass table.  The skin pulled taunt over his chiseled features as a faint smile formed on his face.

              “I want to know where you think Emilia will be safe,” he started.  “You haven’t a clue whom you’re dealing with.  Even if you did, you couldn’t comprehend how deep their hands are digging into the galaxy.  They’ll find her, and when they do, I can’t imagine they’ll be too happy with you.”

              Jana dropped the tablet on the table, frustration brewing in her mind.  She contemplated calling for security but knew it would do little good.  Somehow, she needed to get more out of the mysterious man. 

              “Why don’t you just tell me who we’re dealing with?” she asked, opting for the direct approach.

              “Because they’d kill me.  I’m sure you appreciate my desire to continue breathing.  However, I am failing to meet my end of the agreement.  I know of your plans to move Emilia because I have a great deal of contacts throughout the systems.  I know you’ve formulated a plan and you’ve shared it with someone important on Eden.  How you know this man, and more importantly, how he owes you a favor, is something that is eluding me, though.  I’ve told you not to move her, but you’ve chosen to ignore my advice.  So I’ll just say that wherever you take her, bury her deep.  The more remote, the better.”

              “If you actually gave a damn,” she snapped.  “You’d tell me who I’m dealing with so I know who to hide her from.  How can I guess which location is remote enough if I don’t know who to avoid?”

              “You can’t know, so dig deep.  As I said, they’d kill me for telling you.  Emilia, however, is an innocent pawn in all of this.  That is why I’m helping you at all.”

              “If you know that she is innocent, then you know I’m innocent.  Why aren’t you helping me like you’re pretending to help my daughter?”

              Jones stood from his chair and slowly stalked to the seated woman.  His tall frame hunched down, his long nose only inches from Jana’s face.

              “What makes you think you’re innocent?”

2 CHAPTER TWO

              Nathan Calloway killed the engine to his Carris, as the space ship shuddered and vented its exhaust.  He swiveled the pilot’s seat, noting a new tear in the leather of the cushion.  Everywhere he looked, the Carris was falling apart in one way or another.  The oxygen line was leaking, causing his gages to constantly glow red.  Twice he’d asked for maintenance to fix the leak, but they always said they’d get around to it eventually.  Somehow, he imagined the ship would actually have to explode before anyone would think to look at it.

              The seal on the back hatch of the Carris released as the ramp slowly descended to the ground.  Like many other planets, Eden kept tight protocols for where spacecraft were to be landed.  Unlike other planets, the landing pad was clean, surrounded by circular walls that reached well beyond his line of sight.  He counted, at least, a dozen such ports as he brought the Carris to the ground, noting the various size difference between each one.  He couldn’t imagine attempting to land a ship big enough to require the larger ports.

              “Greetings Agent Calloway,” a female voice called out.

              Nathan turned to the greeting as he pulled his tablet from his gray jacket.  It was a habit for him to close the hatch of the Carris remotely though he doubted anyone would dare break a law on Eden.  Especially when it came to stealing from a visitor’s ship.

              “Hello,” he offered, his eyes opening wide to the pleasant sight.

              The woman was tall, slender, wearing a white gown that hugged the curves of her body.  A gold colored wrap circled her narrow waist, loosely tied to both of her wrists.  The slack in the tie allowed for her to reach out her hands, taking Nathan’s in a greeting.  Her facial features were pleasant, well-tanned skin matching her dark eyes and hair.  Her smile shone bright white in the port, practically reflecting the overhead sun.

              “My name is Tana,” the woman started.  “I’m here to escort you to the Commander.”

              The woman wrapped one arm around Nathan’s, gently pulling him towards one of the many exits of the port.  Her free hand fell loosely over his arm, her fingers draping over his hand as the two exited.  Her white dress pulled tight with every long stride, forcing Nathan to make a conscious effort to keep his eyes pointed upwards.

              A vast chamber opened up before them, the walls a chiseled beige, orange, and cream stone that led to all of the other ports.  Rows of people hurried by, some heading to arriving ships, others exiting upon reaching their destination.  Nathan tried to keep an eye out for familiar faces, such as known Cybers, but the charm of his companion stole away from his senses, leaving a goofy smile permanently etched on his lips.

              “I understand this is your first visit to Eden,” she started in a soft, soothing voice.  “How is it that such a traveled man can go so long without ever setting foot on such a wonderful planet?”

              “Because you never called,” he offered, feeling slightly embarrassed for his flattering tone.  “Which reminds me.  Why exactly did the Commander call for assistance?  I don’t think that’s ever happened before.”

              Tana continued to smile, leaving Nathan to wonder if the look was just burned into her facial muscles.  She lowered her head, thinking for several seconds as they exited the chamber.  The outside of the port was immaculate, with stone steps, twenty feet wide, gently scaling to the ground below.  It took two paces to reach the edge of each step, with a drop of only five or six inches to the next.  Nathan continued to keep his eyes at a respectable level as Tana clenched onto his arm for support. 

              “The Commander is a mysterious man,” Tana offered.  “It is not my place to question what deems, and does not deem, necessary.  I will say that he has a strong mind, and perhaps a stronger will.  I believe they refer to his methods as ‘stubborn,’ where you come from.”

              Nathan looked at the scene before him, barely hearing the soft words his escort spoke.  The streets were alive with pedestrians, yet no vehicles were visible.  Some of the women wore clothing similar to Tana’s beautiful gown, while others wore more traditional clothing, reminding Nathan of ancient books he’d read as a child. 

              A faint aroma filled his nostrils, a fruity scent that he simply could not place.  His eyes wandered, searching for the source of the delightful smell.  Rows of wooden kiosk lined the streets, each with a busy attendant shuffling their goods to the people as they passed.  Some were engaged in conversation, perhaps bargaining over the price of their products. 

              “It’s white peach,” Tana told him.

              “Excuse me?”

              “White peace.  That’s what you smell.  I love how your nostrils flare while you try to find the source that delights your senses.  I promise it tastes far better than it smells.”

              Nathan’s rule about sampling exotic foods from other worlds grew distant, making him ponder why he’d ever adopted such a limiting rule in the first place.  The smell grew stronger, drowning out the scent of fresh bread, meats, and cheeses. 

              Cheeses.  The Achilles heel of the Agent.  His body reacted horribly to the dairy product, but his mouth was unable to resist the temptation.  Given that he had no wish to pass gas around the dignitaries of the upscale city, he elected to find this white peach that tempted his senses.

              Tana sensed his desires, pulling gently on his arm and leading him to the largest of the kiosks.  There were four large boxes, angled for passers to see what was being offered.  Each box was divided into four, filled with an array of appealing fruits.  In one of the center boxes, a white fruit filled two dividers, with the other two empty.  He assumed the product was popular, given that half the woman’s stock was already taken before lunch.

              “Hello Mildred,” Tana started.  “I would like a white peach for our guest.  This is his first time on Eden and I want it to be memorable.”

              Calloway skimmed the streets, doubting that he could ever forget the capital city of Eden.  Pinnacle was proving to be more than advertised, with great wonders at every turn.  A group of children passed by, taking notice of the Agent’s strange attire.  The tallest girl in the group stopped, looking the strange man from head to toe.

              “Good day, Sir,” she exclaimed before skipping to catch up with her friends.

              Nathan smiled as he felt something press against the black t-shirt under his gray jacket.  He looked down to see the white peach held before him.  His free hand wrapped around the fruit, his fingers gently running against the exterior of the soft skin. 

              “How much?” he asked, unsure if he should wash it or simply bite into it.

              “I’ll have no talk of it,” Mildred replied.  “My compliments to you, Sir.”

              Nathan focused on the merchant.  She wore a strange bonnet, with faint wrinkles lining her tanned skin.  Her smile was pleasant, but her eyes and hands were the cornerstones of a hard life.  The image of her snapping large trees in half to reach the pick of the day crossed his mind, forcing a smile on his cheeks.

              “Thank you,” he managed.  “You’re too kind.”

              He bit into the fruit as Tana led him along the cobblestone street.  Her words rang true as the tender flesh of the fruit filled his mouth.  His tongue tingled as he chewed, the fruit’s juices dripping down his chin and throat.  Somehow, he knew he would develop a craving for the fruit, probably when his days of traveling the galaxy were long behind him.

              The turn of the corner offered more of the tall, stone structures.  Each had oval shaped windows, their glass an array of various colors and images.  As passed, he noted that the same people were in each image, though in varying positions and settings.  The first two were of a man with solid black eyes and long hair, performing various tasks.  When he reached the third, a woman joined him in the display, with sharp features and a dress that made Tana’s look like rags. 

              “What am I seeing in these windows?” he asked, pointing to the next window they came upon.

              “They are the history of our world,” she answered.  “The man you see is the first Cyber son, Adam, Eden’s first King.  The woman is his wife, Elaine.  Together, they brought peace and prosperity to our ancestors, leading to the very Capital in which we walk.”

              Nathan’s eyes searched the buildings from the opposite side of the cobblestone street, noting horrific images in some, and much simpler displays in others.  He realized that he was behind on his history lessons, especially those of other planets.  Eden had been deemed the pinnacle of modern society, leading him to understand why they named their capital so.

              “This way, Agent Calloway.”

              His arm was pulled to the right, leading them down another street.  Unlike the others, there were no markets or kiosks, though several strips of stone lie overhead.  The street led to a taller building than the rest, with windows that stretched nearly twenty feet in height.  Two, in particular, caught his eye, the ones that lined the double-doored entrance to the building.  To the left, a golden shield was displayed, fine etchings lining the edges though he could not make out what they were.  The window to the right showed a golden helmet, resembling an old Trojan style covering with a long tail of hair protruding from the top.

              “And what are those?” he asked, pointing to each window.

              “Those represent the Overseers,” she replied, the smile still beaming on her flawless face.  “They represent the armor of our Commander, thus, the golden colors that you see.  His Lieutenants were the armor of light blue with black trim, and new recruits wear plain gray.  The Commander represents the grandest champion for all the citizens though the children and young women seem to the ones most taken.”

              “He seems popular,” he replied.  “Should I be concerned?”

              Tana laughed, her voice ringing out in song.  His eyes caught the cleavage of her bosom, forcing blood to his cheeks as he looked back to the windows.

              “The Commander IS revered,” she started.  “But we are thankful that the praise and admiration have yet to reach his head.  As I told you earlier, he is of strong mind and body.  He can be a little rough at times, but you will find him to be most professional.  I dare say you’ll like him, Agent Calloway.”

              The couple scaled the steps, making for the wooden doors.  As they drew near, he saw that the doors were lined in gold, with each strip carved in a leafy design.  Unlike Parasus, the doors did not open upon his approach.  He stepped forward, grasping the heavy handle and pushing the massive door open. 

              Cool air slammed against his face as several men in gray armor turned their direction.  Many reached for holsters on their hips before seeing Tana slide out from behind the taller stranger.  Their hands dropped as the soldiers stepped clear of their path, their helmets lowering in a short bow.  Nathan was uncertain if he should return the gesture, turning to Tana for aid.

              “Remain firm,” she informed him.  “The Commander’s office is just ahead.”

              Nathan could hear the footsteps on the floor behind him as they passed the last of the gray suited soldiers though he was surprised that he could not hear the clanging of the armor upon itself.  His mind raced, trying to picture how the armor could be designed to remain so quiet, especially in such a vast room as the entryway.  They passed the first set of doors before Nathan noticed the holes built into the dark, stone walls.  Each was protected in clear glass, with an artifact held inside of each.  A small beam of light shone down upon each item.  One was a shield, though far less glorious than the one in the window out front.  The second was a simple box with a black cable protruding from the end. 

              “What are those?” he whispered though his voice still echoed off the walls.

              “Those are the armor and shield of the first Commander,” she replied, mimicking his hushed tone.  “The box there is the device that powers the Commander’s shield.  I’d pretend to know how it works, but I’m afraid such things are lost on me.”

              Stories came to mind of Eden Commanders.  He knew that the shield was more than just a piece of metal to keep bullets from reaching the body.  The device was a gravity shield, able to stop bullets in mid-air by establishing a gravitational field before the instrument. 

              He was about to ask more questions when they reached the end of the hallway, another set of double-doors blocking their path.  He watched as Tana released his arm and stretched for a panel, barely noticeable amongst the light stones of the wall.  A blue circle lit up on the small, black screen.

              “Commander,” she started.  “Agent Calloway is here to see you.”

              The door unlocked and cracked open four inches.  Jenna grasped the handle and pulled the door open, motioning with a long, slender hand for Nathan to enter before her.  The room had similar walls to the hall, down to glassed recesses that held small treasures.  The first spotlight showed an old book, its leather binding faded from age.  He tried to read the cover, but could not distinguish the language in which it was printed.  The second display was slightly disturbing, a child’s doll, simple in structure, soiled in mud and blood.  Calloway froze in place, attempting to understand why anyone would display such an item.