1-06-2
The Rio Grande maintained a low orbit over the north pole. Lucy stifled a yawn and checked her board again, making sure their emissions were not visible to Earth-based scanners. That left the naked eye, requiring her to ensure their course kept them out of the vision range of local satellites.
There was movement behind her joined by a yawn. "How did the night go?", Angel asked.
"Quiet and boring."
"You could use the auto-pilot," Angel reminded her.
"No, i don't feel right doing that. Too much that could go wrong." Lucy yawned. "Any idea what the plan is?"
"Jarod wanted to sleep on it." Angel appeared at her side, a cup of coffee in her hand. "Here."
Lucy accepted it and took a quick swig. A fiercely bitter taste attacked her taste buds, forcing her to swallow the coffee swiftly. "Eww?! What is this?!"
"Raktajino," Angel replied. "Klingon coffee."
"Oh of course. I should have known someone like you would go for this stuff." Lucy's face curled into a disgusted look. "The DS9 staff forced this stuff on me when we were there."
"It woke you up, didn't it?", Angel retorted.
From behind them Jarod called out, "Good morning." They turned in their chairs to see him step up into the cockpit and take a seat at a station on the starboard side. He began running a scan. "Angel, are you up for some field work?"
"I figured that was why I was here," she remarked.
"I need someone to approach Sydney with a message from me," he said. "They'll have his home watched and his phones bugged."
"And so I get to be the errand girl." Angel crossed her arms.
"You are supposed to watch my back," Jarod teased. "I'll need you there when Sydney makes contact."
"Alright, fine. I'll do it. Just how do you want me to...?"
Angel stepped up to the door of Sydney's home and knocked, ignoring everything else around her. "Still nobody suspicious on sensors," Lucy reported.
"Thanks," she murmured back just before the door opened.
She'd never seen Sydney before. The older man directed his brown eyes at her face, carefully examining her. "May I help you?", he asked.
Jarod had told her not to say anything, just to hand him the note. She did so. Sydney looked it over. "Down the street, take the third right, you can't miss it," Sydney said loudly, following the instructions in the note. Angel nodded and left. She walked a distance down the road before Jarod pulled up in a blue sedan they had rented using replicated money. "Okay, what next?'
"We wait," Jarod replied. He was behind a disguise that made him look like a thinner and older man, actually making Angel think of Clint Eastwood of all things. He tapped the holo-emitter on his belt. "How well is it working?"
"Well enough," she answered.
He nodded and put the car into motion. They drove the same route Sydney had, passing the store his directions had been for and pulling up to a diner. They went in and Jarod took a seat at a corner table away from the windows while Angel sat nearby at the diner's counter, ordering a milkshake and light breakfast to not seem too out of place.
After about half an hour, during which both finished their breakfast meals, Sydney walked in. He pulled off ihs coat and held it in his arm as he walked up to the booth. He stared at Jarod intently. "I had anticipated a friend being at this seat."
"Hello Sydney," Jarod answered. "It's me." His voice went through unfiltered.
"Jarod?", Sydney asked, incredulous. "How do you look so..."
"Holographic disguise." Jarod glanced around and, seeing nobody was looking his way, briefly turned off the holo-emitter. After Sydney had a chance to see it was really him he turned it back on. "So, let's talk."
"Jarod, I...." Sydney seemed to be struggling for words. "How did you get something like that? Where have you been?"
"I told you, I found somewhere new to go, far beyond the Centre's reach," Jarod answered. "I finally had the time to come back."
"For me," Sydney answered for him. "You came back for me."
"For everyone. Nicholas, Angelo, Broots and his daughter." Jarod smiled. "Even Miss Parker, if she'll come."
"Things have changed since you left, Jarod." Sydney's voice was hoarse. "Raines is losing control. The Triumvirate is threatening to purge our entire office. They're convinced we have a traitor who's keeping you off the radar."
"Then it's a good thing I came back, we can get you all out."
"Jarod, I can't," Sydney pleaded. "They've got Nicholas, Jarod."
That prompted Jarod to go quiet. "What?"
"Nicholas and Broots' daughter Debbie are being held in safehouses by Centre field operatives," Sydney explained. "THey think we need the incentive to find you. We're already running out of time and if they find out you've come back..."
Jarod digested the news quietly. "So we need to do something about that. Do you know where they're held?"
"No," Sydney answered. "They won't tell us. We only get to speak over phone or online video link. They're very careful in hiding the locations from us."
"I see. It looks like we've got some work..."
"Jarod, look."
Angel's hissed warning made Jarod look behind Sydney toward the door. Two men entered. They were very plain-looking men with heavy coats who just looked like they were getting breakfast for the morning. But their eyes were moving a little too quickly for that, and when those coats didn't come off despite the heating in the restaurant it was clear they had something hidden beneath.
"Damn. I thought we'd have more time," Jarod muttered. "Sydney, go back to the office. We'll get Nicholas out, I promise. Tell Broots we'll get his daughter."
"Jarod, don't..."
"Sydney, trust me on this. I've got resources you can't imagine." Jarod nodded and slipped out of his chair. "Go around and out the door while we distract them."
Sydney nodded even as the distraction began. Angel walked up to the men and "accidentally" brushed against one enough to pull his coat far back enough to reveal his gun. "That man has a gun!", Jarod shouted, his voice now modulated through the holo-field so it couldn't be recognized.
People across the restaurant looked on at the agents while Jarod walked up, his finger pointed in accusation. "What is this, the Wild West?", he demanded. "Why are you carrying a weapon in a diner, man?!"
"Hey, it's none of your business," the man retorted.
"None of my business? It's my business when armed thugs come into a place like this looking like Gestapo! What are you, DEA? FBI? CIA?! Out scaring normal Americans?!"
While Jarod kept up the act, Sydney took the long way around through the dining area and went to the front door. Angel took advantage in her own way, reached up her sleeve and activated her own multidevice's scanning mode. She moved it over the two men from behind, letting the device scan their cell phones and copy the call logs and other bits of information.
"Get out of our way," the second man demanded. "You're just a paranoid loon."
"Fascist!", Jarod spat before storming between them. Angel was already at the door as he went by. Once they were outside Jarod quickly looked over to see Sydney's car pulling out. "Okay, let's park and head back up to the Rio Grande," he said to Angel. "We have some planning to do."
Robert had little idea of what was going on besides what Julia had mentioned; Meridina was bringing one of her Order's leaders aboard for a tour and to stay a day or two. Given the rank of the visitor protocol insisted he be present for the arrival on board, particularly since the ship's current status was so quiet and he had no excuses to avoid it. Julia stood beside him, hands together in front of her. "Signal from Commander Meridina," the transporter operator, a young Russian woman, said. "They're ready."
"Transport," Robert said.
Meridina appeared on the transporter platform beside an older man. He looked at them with the air of someone who knew his rank and considered it a burden more than anything. "I am Mastrash Karesl," he said. "I thank you for your acceptance of my request."
"Mastrash, welcome to the Aurora," Robert said. "Permission to come aboard is granted."
"Ah yes. Your Human protocols for such, I imagine." Karesl stepped down from the platform with Meridina ever at his side. He extended his hand. "I believe the joining of hands at this level is another greeting?"
"A handshake, yes." Robert accepted the hand. While they shook hands he had the uncomfortable feeling that he was being scrutinized.
Karesl nodded. "An interesting custom. The same to your First Officer, yes?"
"Usually."
Karesl accepted Julia's handshake as well. His expression shifted ever so slightly. "A pleasure, Commander. Can you show me to my quartering on your ship? I'll only stay a single night, I promise. I just wish to see your vessel in operation given its status."
Robert noticed a perceptible frown on Meridina's face.
"That status is?", Julia asked.
"The standard-bearer of the Allied Systems, of course," Karesl answered. "The ship with the most mixed crew, racially and nationally, of the entire fleet, with every single member of its command crew, save Meridina, being from a non-founding state? A most interesting case. I wish to see how your vessel operates."
"I see. Well, I hope we don't disappoint you then."
Julia led him out. Robert looked over to Meridina as she stepped forward to follow. "What's going on here, Meridina? This isn't just a curiosity visit, is it?"
"It is... private, Captain," Meridina answered. "That is all I can say."
"Is that why he focused on me like that? I felt like..."
"Yes," she quickly answered, leaving right afterward.
Lucy was taking the time to rest, leaving Jarod and Angel alone in the control area of the Rio Grande. Jarod was busying himself with work using the Rio Grande's systems, leaving Angel to do some quick monitoring of the runabout. She finished a check of the weapons systems for the tenth time and finally turned to face her older friend. "Did you expect something like this?"
Jarod paused for a moment. "I considered it," he answered. "I can't believe they're that desperate though. The Centre is such a big organization that I can't imagine why they'd be so desperate to recapture me."
"Guess you were more important to them than you realized."
"Well, they don't take defeat well either." Jarod noticed a light on his board and checked what had caused it. He'd received a message that he had been waiting for. "Are youup for some field work?"
"What kind?"
"Your favorite. You'll sneak in, beat up anyone who gets in your way, and get out with a friend of mine. His name is Angelo."
Angel turned and faced him. "And he is?"
"He's... like me," Jarod replied. "But he's not functional enough to be a Pretender like I am. They did things to him when he was a child. They used chemicals to make him a Pretender. But there were side effects and it left him mentally and emotionally damaged."
Angel frowned. "These people are real bastards," she sighed. "I'm up for it. Let me know when to go down."
"It'll be soon. The timing has to be right." Jarod stood up and moved toward the replicator. "And now I need to send a message to Sydney."
He replicated a slip of paper with text on it and laid it on the transporter pad. Angel watched him send it down, after which they waited quietly. Jarod's eyes focused on the transporter's control board and his hands began to move. Moments later the transporter activated and Sydney appeared on the transporter pad in a burst of light.
"Hello Sydney," Jarod said. "Welcome aboard the Rio Grande."
Sydney blinked. "Jarod? Where... I don't understand."
"Matter transportation by subspace tunneling," Jarod explained. "It tingles a bit." He had a mischievous smile on his face. "I would have eased you into it if I could."
Sydney stepped up and fell into one of the port side station chairs. "This is... this is a spaceship, Jarod?"
"We prefer to use 'starship'," Jarod answered. "The Rio is called a runabout. She's a small ship we designed for multiple uses."
"'We' designed."
"Yes." Jarod smirked. "It didn't take me too long to get a handle on this advanced science. Although this is really Lucy's ship."
"Huh? What about my ship?" Lucy's voice was a little groggy as she stepped out from the rear cabin. By habit she was in her uniform, causing Sydney to look a little disconcerted. "Wait, who's..."
"Lucy, this is Sydney. Sydney, Lucy Lucero." Feeling the weight of time, Jarod returned his attention to Sydney while the older man, ever the gentleman, exchanged a handshake with Lucy. "Sydney, did you make those calls?"
"Yes, I've been promised a chance to talk to Nicholas in a few hours."
"Well, I need to get started then."
"Started on what?", Angel asked.
"Tying Sydney's phone into the Rio Grande's comms," Jarod answered. "That way we can get a fix on their safehouse and get Nicholas out."
"I don't know if Debbie is being held there as well," Sydney pointed out. "We need to be careful."
"We will be. I won't do anything if she's not there as well. We'll switch to a Plan B."
"So we may as well plan for Plan C then," Angel remarked.
"Sydney, I'll send you back down for now," Jarod said. "But before we begin this I want to bring you back to the Rio Grande, for your own safety."
"Yes. It's best if I'm not clearly out without using my car." Sydney stood up. "So I am going to be... transported the same way?"
"Yes. It'll be better this time," Jarod promised. "It's always easier when you get used to it."
When Clara returned to Zack he had nodded off on his old bed. She walked up to him and woke him up with a touch to the shoulder. "He's sleeping," she murmured. "He needs the rest."
"Yeah." Zack blinked sleep out of his eyes and sat up. "Has he been drinking, Clara?"
"He's not supposed to," Clara said. "And we try to keep the house cleared of it. But we've found him with beer sometimes..."
"Yeah. Asking Dad to give up alcohol is like asking someone to stop breathing." Zack rubbed at his eyes. Clara found the chair he'd cleared off and sat in it, directly across from him. She reached over to the bed and picked up a picture. "Your family?"
"Shortly after we moved here." Zack smiled softly. His Dad's hair was brown back then while his mother had more of a chestnut color to her's. "Mom's first job was secretarial work for Allen Dale's family farm. It's how we got to know them."
"Your Dad didn't like the Dales?"
"They..." Zack's smile turned into a bit of a smirk. "...they were that near-perfect American farming family and he became one of the county's best-known drunks. They looked down on him a bit. He didn't like that." Zack put his hands together and rested his chin on them. "And he hated me for hanging out with Robert and the others afterward."
"I knew you two didn't get along very well, but I never imagined..." Clara drew in a breath. "He really ruined your baseball career?"
"Yep. If I'd played, then I'd either have to throw games for his bookie or have Dad beaten. Couldn't do either. So I quit." Zack lowered his eyes. "I quit at a lot of things, it seems. Maybe he's right. I just follow the others around."
"Zack, please..."
"No, it's fine. I actually enjoy where I am now. Mostly." He drew in a breath. "Do you?"
"Well, yes."
"Ever think about coming out into space with us?" Zack smiled. "Leo can always use an extra nurse. Or, hell, we could use one on the Koenig when we're out."
Clara smiled and sighed. "Was that... I mean... was that a... proposition, Zack?"
"For you to join us? Sure."
Zack cursed himself a moment later for not realizing she was talking about something more... private.
"And us?"
"What about us? We're friends."
"We almost weren't", Clara reminded him.
Zack swallowed. "Yeah. But, Clara, come on, that was a different life time."
"Yeah." She lowered her head. "I always wondered why you let that story spread about what happened. It was so embarrassing. To you, mostly."
"Seemed the right thing. I... well, Clara, I didn't want people making fun of you over it. High school could be pretty rough. I had a reputation. If it came out that we hadn't stuck together people would've been laughing at you the rest of the year."
"So... you were protecting me?", Clara asked, a fake smile on her face. "You were actually worried about what kids thought of simple old Clara, the ugliest girl in school?" She couldn't quite hide the tear on her face. "It wasn't just that I wasn't good enough for you?"
"Hey. No, that's not it." He shook his head. "You were plenty good enough for me. Honestly..." Zack took her hands. "You were more than I deserved, Clara. You're meant for a better guy. Someone who can give you a family, make a home with you. I'm not him. I wasn't that guy in school and, well, look at me. I'm a spaceship officer now, I'm not that guy now."
"Yeah." There was a hint of disappointment in Clara's voice. But the tears weren't showing anymore. That was the important part. "So, want some dinner? We can order takeout from town."
"And Dad?"
"I'll get him something from his approved menu," she promised. "We can have dinner together. And this time, no fussing?"
"Yeah, no fussing. I'll be the better man," Zack promised.
Jarod was in the living area of the Rio Grande when Sydney entered. "Nicholas is upset, but he's not hurt," Sydney said. He looked at Jarod with an expression of... intrigue, Jarod guessed. Jarod had switched into his action uniform, as it was known, as a just-in-case for the mission to come.
"That's good. And I got the trace from the call to lock on to their location." Jarod noticed the look Sydney was giving him. "Is something on your mind, Sydney?"
Sydney nodded and found a seat at the central table. "I simply find it interesting. At the Centre you were kept in a controlled environment, and you ran away from it. And now here you are, back in a controlled environment."
"It's not the same thing," Jarod answered, making sure the rank insignia were placed right.
"Really?"
"I had a choice. I chose to do this, Sydney, I didn't get forced into it as a child." Jarod gave Sydney his full attention.
"And it's not just a Pretend this time. You're not playacting an occupation but holding it." Sydney leaned forward. "This is really what you want?"
"Yes. I've found a place with these people. My place. It's not something I'm just doing for a few days to make money or deal with someone who did something wrong."
That prompted a nod from the older man. "I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear that. I've been worried for a long time about the mental effect of Pretending so much and so often. It wasn't good for you mentally."
"I know." Jarod took a seat across the table from Sydney. "I felt like I had a hundred people inside my head. Now... there's only one. Jarod."
"And that's it? Just 'Jarod' for the rest of your life?"
"Until I find my family. I haven't given up on that."
"There may be Centre records that will help you find them," Sydney said.
"I know. But one thing at a time. We need to get Nick and Debbie out. And then we need to give Broots his daughter back."
"And Miss Parker?"
Jarod remained still for a moment. "If she'll come. I'm hoping she will. I don't think the Centre's going to be too happy when we finish this."
"Agreed." Sydney leaned forward in his seat. "So, while we have the time, may I ask you for more on how your life has gone since you left us?"
"Alright." Jarod sat down on the opposite end of the table. "To start out with, you haven't heard cursing until you've heard Tom Barnes..."
"Goddammit piece of...!"
The agonized ranting of Tom Barnes went ignored on the main deck of Main Engineering, much to Robert's comfort. Karesl stood quietly beside Meridina and Robert while Scotty continued his technical explanation in response to a question from Karesl. "...an' over here we have th' secondary naqia reactors..."
Karesl remained quiet as the explanation continued. When it was over he smiled and nodded. "A most beneficial explanation, Commander Scott. I thank you. I won't take any more of your time." He bowed politely and Scotty gave a polite nod.
"I believe our next stop would be one of the nacelles," Robert said.
"I think, Captain, that the tour has lasted long enough for the day," Karesl answered. "I will retire to my guest quarters."
"Certainly, Mastrash. The turbolifts are this way..."
They walked toward the port exit. "Commander, a wee moment of yer time?", Scotty called out.
They all looked back. Meridina nodded and turned to Karesl and Robert. "I shall join you when this is done."
"Alright." Robert nodded and headed on.
Meridina walked up to Scotty. "Yes, Commander Scott?"
"Ah told ye, lass, ye dinnae have tae be formal with me," Scotty protested lightly. "We've had a few issues with th' computers, Commander." He showed a log on a nearby display. "There have been several security breaches on th' computers linked tae our engines over th' past three weeks."
"I have not heard of this," Meridina said. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"We cannae be sure if it's actual breaches or attempts or just some bloody kid hittin' the wrong keys when runnin' system checks," Scotty answered. "Ah told Lieutenant Draynal about 'em when they happened."
Meridina nodded slowly. "I see. He has not mentioned that." She pressed the comm key on her multidevice. "Meridina to Lieutenant Draynal. Please respond."
After a couple of moments she received a reply. "Draynal here."
"Lieutenant, I've been informed by Commander Scott about computer security issues that he spoke to you of?"
"Ah yes. I have investigated personally with Ensign Liton. We believe it to be a recurring user error from one of the maintenance engineers. A report was sent to Lieutenant Barnes and Lieutenant Etps."
"Keep an eye on it, Lieutenant. And next time I wish to be informed immediately."
"Yes sir. Draynal out."
Meridina drew in a breath and looked to Scotty. "Mister Scott, I request your cooperation on something... delicate."
"Aye?"
"I want you to add at least three extra security layers to all systems relating to our drives," Meridina asked.
Scotty drew in a sigh. "Aye, it can be done. But may Ah ask why?"
"I... have a concern, Mister Scott. It maybe be nothing. But it's best to be prepared."
"Have ye informed th' Captain or Commander Andreys?"
"Not yet. I don't wish to alarm them if it's nothing. But I want precautions in place."
"Aye, very well. Ah'll get started on it."
Robert remained at the opening to the guest quarters when Karesl entered. "I hope they are to your liking, sir."
"Oh, they are more than sufficient, Captain," Karesl answered. "I have a point of curiosity."
"Yes?"
"How do you feel about Meridina?", Karesl asked. "I know you first met her at Djamar Trading Station and saw her use her gifts."
"She's a valued member of the crew," Robert answered. "And I'm starting to consider her a friend."
"Has she told you much about the ways of swevyra'se?"
Robert was curious as to what was going on, but for the moment he didn't say anything beyond his simple reply of, "Just the basics. She explained them after Djamar."
"I sense there is more," Karesl asked plainly. "Please, do not feel alarmed of sharing anything with me, I'm simply curious. Has she tried to talk to you about using swevyra yourself?"
"Not at all," Robert answered. "She did..." He stopped, but too late.
"She did what, Captain?", Karesl asked.
"It's... well, sir, it's something private..."
"I must know, Captain," Karesl insisted, his voice taking on an edge. "You do her no harm by explaining. Hiding it, on the other hand, begs questions of why you would hide anything. Questions that may not be kind or accurate to the truth."
Robert had the bad feeling he was being maneuvered, but he didn't want Meridina to get into trouble. "During our mission into the DMZ back in February, Meridina was troubled. She sensed two people being interrogated by the Cardassians. It was having an effect upon her, so I offered to share the sensation with her. She tried to talk me out of it but I insisted. And when we linked... it was powerful, more than she thought it'd be. I could feel the prisoners being tortured like it was being done to me. It wasn't a pleasant thing."
Karesl listened quietly. When Robert was done he let out a breath and nodded. "You were very kind to Meridina that day, Captain," he said quietly. "The burden of feeling others' pain is a heavy one on many of our Order. I am... honored to meet a man who would help one of our's share it."
"Thank you, sir. Can I help you any more?"
"No. No, I think that will be all. I'll see you later for more touring."
Robert nodded and stepped out of the door.
Karesl barely had time to get settled before the door chimed. He could sense who it was even before calling out, "Enter!" He looked up. "Ah, child. I see you've caught up."
Meridina stepped in and let the door close. "Are you enjoying the tour, Mastrash?"
"Eminently. The command crew makes up for lack of experience with passion. At least those I have met. Your Science Officer is especially passionate in her work." Karesl smiled wistfully. "She reminds me of Gamaya."
Meridina nodded. "Yes. How is Gami?"
"She is well. Schooling agrees with her. Her... lack of swevyra potential will not hold her back." Karesl put his hands together. "So, which one is Dale?"
"Hrm?"
"Is he the Leader? The Forger? The Commander?" Karesl's smile turned to one of amusement. "I suppose you believe Mister Scott to be the Builder's Teacher."
Meridina remained very still. "I... have been waiting for further signs before making judgements."
"Truly? Oh, my dear, i wish I could believe you. But I've known for a long time that you, like Ledosh, are convinced that these are the Bearers."
"Their ship is named for the dawn. They have brought a new age to us. The Alliance is the wall, the shield of Light. It fits, Mastrash."
"And how much of that is because you want it to, Meridina?" Karesl put his hands together in front of him. "You are so eager to see the prophecy come about."
"I want to see the new world of Light," Meridina answered. "Don't you?"
"Meridina..." Karesl shook his head. "You trust too much in what you read. I wish I could make you understand that having the Prophecy come true may not be what you truly want."
"I do not understand your opposition to this!", Meridina shouted, finally giving in to her temptation. "Why, father?! Are you jealous of Ledosh in some way? Do you not trust the Alliance?! Father, please, why do you fight us?"
Karesl remained silent at his daughter's outburst. "My dear, you will know one day. And as much as you need to learn... I truly dread that day. I don't wish to see you so broken." He sighed. "I am tired, Knight. I wish for rest."
"Very well, Mastrash. I am at your disposal." Meridina nodded and turned away to leave. She heard nothing else from her father as she stepped out. Stupid, so stupid of me, she thought as she walked away from the door.
Angel finished getting into her field uniform and double-checked the pulse pistol in the holsteron her hip. She stepped into the central living room of the runabout and found Jarod had already put the briefing material up. Sydney was at the table beside him and Lucy had found a side chair, wearing her own field uniform. "We don't have much time," Sydney warned everyone. "The Centre will realize I'm not home very quickly."
"Then let's get started. Lucy?"
At Jarod's question, she stood up and went over to the flatscreen monitor and the briefing material, showing an isolated house in a semi-rural area. "Our scans confirm that there are a half dozen people in the house we traced Sydney's call to."
"So we just beam them up," Angel suggested. "We can screen out firearms easily."
"Too risky," Jarod said, shaking his head. "If they have Debbie somewhere else and we snatch Nicholas out, they might hurt her."
"So we need to verify who's there. I'm guessing you'll be doing that while I sneak into their HQ?"
"That's exactly what I have in mind."
"It won't be easy at all, young lady," Sydney said to Angel. "Their security is very tight, the moment you're spotted..."
Angel reached down to her waist and briefly triggered her personal cloak. She shimmered out of view. A second later she turned it off. "I'm not worried about that," she remarked.
"So I see." Sydney put his hands together. "What do you need me to do, Jarod?"
"I need you to be at home," Jarod replied. "Get Miss Parker and Broots over so you're all in one place."
"I'm still not certain Miss Parker will leave her father behind."
Jarod nodded. "Yeah, but I don't think she'll have a choice, Sydney." He turned to Lucy. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Then let's get this started."
Jarod beamed into the house's upstairs bathroom, the beaming noise being distant enough there that nobody would notice it. He turned on the cloak immediately and pulled out his pulse pistol. He walked out of the bathroom into the adjoining bedroom. It was an occupied bedrom, with male clothing lying about here and there. Nicholas was his thought on the room's owner.
Leaving the bedroom took him out to the second floor hall. He went to the stairs and moved down them as quietly as he could, hoping nobody tried to go upstairs given the lack of room. When he made it to the bottom without a problem he turned one way and found a den with a television on. It was a child's show, he could see, and that just about confirmed for him the good news. A moment's movement made it even clearer; Debbie was here with Nicholas. Sydney's son was in fact holding her in his lap as she watched the show.
We've got them, Jarod thought. He keyed his comm and whispered very hoarsely into it. "They're both here. Give me a moment and I can relay..."
Four men stormed into the room from the other end. One grabbed the remote from the chair leg and turned the TV off. "Get that crap off," he grumbled.
"What's going on?", Nicholas asked. Debbie cried out as she was yanked from his lap. He said nothing as another man grabbed his arm and forced him to his feet.
"You've been compromised," one of them said. "Your Dad's made a big mistake, and you're going to pay for it."
Jarod's jaw clenched. Somehow the Centre had been tipped off about them. He just wasn't sure how.
There was movement behind her joined by a yawn. "How did the night go?", Angel asked.
"Quiet and boring."
"You could use the auto-pilot," Angel reminded her.
"No, i don't feel right doing that. Too much that could go wrong." Lucy yawned. "Any idea what the plan is?"
"Jarod wanted to sleep on it." Angel appeared at her side, a cup of coffee in her hand. "Here."
Lucy accepted it and took a quick swig. A fiercely bitter taste attacked her taste buds, forcing her to swallow the coffee swiftly. "Eww?! What is this?!"
"Raktajino," Angel replied. "Klingon coffee."
"Oh of course. I should have known someone like you would go for this stuff." Lucy's face curled into a disgusted look. "The DS9 staff forced this stuff on me when we were there."
"It woke you up, didn't it?", Angel retorted.
From behind them Jarod called out, "Good morning." They turned in their chairs to see him step up into the cockpit and take a seat at a station on the starboard side. He began running a scan. "Angel, are you up for some field work?"
"I figured that was why I was here," she remarked.
"I need someone to approach Sydney with a message from me," he said. "They'll have his home watched and his phones bugged."
"And so I get to be the errand girl." Angel crossed her arms.
"You are supposed to watch my back," Jarod teased. "I'll need you there when Sydney makes contact."
"Alright, fine. I'll do it. Just how do you want me to...?"
Angel stepped up to the door of Sydney's home and knocked, ignoring everything else around her. "Still nobody suspicious on sensors," Lucy reported.
"Thanks," she murmured back just before the door opened.
She'd never seen Sydney before. The older man directed his brown eyes at her face, carefully examining her. "May I help you?", he asked.
Jarod had told her not to say anything, just to hand him the note. She did so. Sydney looked it over. "Down the street, take the third right, you can't miss it," Sydney said loudly, following the instructions in the note. Angel nodded and left. She walked a distance down the road before Jarod pulled up in a blue sedan they had rented using replicated money. "Okay, what next?'
"We wait," Jarod replied. He was behind a disguise that made him look like a thinner and older man, actually making Angel think of Clint Eastwood of all things. He tapped the holo-emitter on his belt. "How well is it working?"
"Well enough," she answered.
He nodded and put the car into motion. They drove the same route Sydney had, passing the store his directions had been for and pulling up to a diner. They went in and Jarod took a seat at a corner table away from the windows while Angel sat nearby at the diner's counter, ordering a milkshake and light breakfast to not seem too out of place.
After about half an hour, during which both finished their breakfast meals, Sydney walked in. He pulled off ihs coat and held it in his arm as he walked up to the booth. He stared at Jarod intently. "I had anticipated a friend being at this seat."
"Hello Sydney," Jarod answered. "It's me." His voice went through unfiltered.
"Jarod?", Sydney asked, incredulous. "How do you look so..."
"Holographic disguise." Jarod glanced around and, seeing nobody was looking his way, briefly turned off the holo-emitter. After Sydney had a chance to see it was really him he turned it back on. "So, let's talk."
"Jarod, I...." Sydney seemed to be struggling for words. "How did you get something like that? Where have you been?"
"I told you, I found somewhere new to go, far beyond the Centre's reach," Jarod answered. "I finally had the time to come back."
"For me," Sydney answered for him. "You came back for me."
"For everyone. Nicholas, Angelo, Broots and his daughter." Jarod smiled. "Even Miss Parker, if she'll come."
"Things have changed since you left, Jarod." Sydney's voice was hoarse. "Raines is losing control. The Triumvirate is threatening to purge our entire office. They're convinced we have a traitor who's keeping you off the radar."
"Then it's a good thing I came back, we can get you all out."
"Jarod, I can't," Sydney pleaded. "They've got Nicholas, Jarod."
That prompted Jarod to go quiet. "What?"
"Nicholas and Broots' daughter Debbie are being held in safehouses by Centre field operatives," Sydney explained. "THey think we need the incentive to find you. We're already running out of time and if they find out you've come back..."
Jarod digested the news quietly. "So we need to do something about that. Do you know where they're held?"
"No," Sydney answered. "They won't tell us. We only get to speak over phone or online video link. They're very careful in hiding the locations from us."
"I see. It looks like we've got some work..."
"Jarod, look."
Angel's hissed warning made Jarod look behind Sydney toward the door. Two men entered. They were very plain-looking men with heavy coats who just looked like they were getting breakfast for the morning. But their eyes were moving a little too quickly for that, and when those coats didn't come off despite the heating in the restaurant it was clear they had something hidden beneath.
"Damn. I thought we'd have more time," Jarod muttered. "Sydney, go back to the office. We'll get Nicholas out, I promise. Tell Broots we'll get his daughter."
"Jarod, don't..."
"Sydney, trust me on this. I've got resources you can't imagine." Jarod nodded and slipped out of his chair. "Go around and out the door while we distract them."
Sydney nodded even as the distraction began. Angel walked up to the men and "accidentally" brushed against one enough to pull his coat far back enough to reveal his gun. "That man has a gun!", Jarod shouted, his voice now modulated through the holo-field so it couldn't be recognized.
People across the restaurant looked on at the agents while Jarod walked up, his finger pointed in accusation. "What is this, the Wild West?", he demanded. "Why are you carrying a weapon in a diner, man?!"
"Hey, it's none of your business," the man retorted.
"None of my business? It's my business when armed thugs come into a place like this looking like Gestapo! What are you, DEA? FBI? CIA?! Out scaring normal Americans?!"
While Jarod kept up the act, Sydney took the long way around through the dining area and went to the front door. Angel took advantage in her own way, reached up her sleeve and activated her own multidevice's scanning mode. She moved it over the two men from behind, letting the device scan their cell phones and copy the call logs and other bits of information.
"Get out of our way," the second man demanded. "You're just a paranoid loon."
"Fascist!", Jarod spat before storming between them. Angel was already at the door as he went by. Once they were outside Jarod quickly looked over to see Sydney's car pulling out. "Okay, let's park and head back up to the Rio Grande," he said to Angel. "We have some planning to do."
Robert had little idea of what was going on besides what Julia had mentioned; Meridina was bringing one of her Order's leaders aboard for a tour and to stay a day or two. Given the rank of the visitor protocol insisted he be present for the arrival on board, particularly since the ship's current status was so quiet and he had no excuses to avoid it. Julia stood beside him, hands together in front of her. "Signal from Commander Meridina," the transporter operator, a young Russian woman, said. "They're ready."
"Transport," Robert said.
Meridina appeared on the transporter platform beside an older man. He looked at them with the air of someone who knew his rank and considered it a burden more than anything. "I am Mastrash Karesl," he said. "I thank you for your acceptance of my request."
"Mastrash, welcome to the Aurora," Robert said. "Permission to come aboard is granted."
"Ah yes. Your Human protocols for such, I imagine." Karesl stepped down from the platform with Meridina ever at his side. He extended his hand. "I believe the joining of hands at this level is another greeting?"
"A handshake, yes." Robert accepted the hand. While they shook hands he had the uncomfortable feeling that he was being scrutinized.
Karesl nodded. "An interesting custom. The same to your First Officer, yes?"
"Usually."
Karesl accepted Julia's handshake as well. His expression shifted ever so slightly. "A pleasure, Commander. Can you show me to my quartering on your ship? I'll only stay a single night, I promise. I just wish to see your vessel in operation given its status."
Robert noticed a perceptible frown on Meridina's face.
"That status is?", Julia asked.
"The standard-bearer of the Allied Systems, of course," Karesl answered. "The ship with the most mixed crew, racially and nationally, of the entire fleet, with every single member of its command crew, save Meridina, being from a non-founding state? A most interesting case. I wish to see how your vessel operates."
"I see. Well, I hope we don't disappoint you then."
Julia led him out. Robert looked over to Meridina as she stepped forward to follow. "What's going on here, Meridina? This isn't just a curiosity visit, is it?"
"It is... private, Captain," Meridina answered. "That is all I can say."
"Is that why he focused on me like that? I felt like..."
"Yes," she quickly answered, leaving right afterward.
Lucy was taking the time to rest, leaving Jarod and Angel alone in the control area of the Rio Grande. Jarod was busying himself with work using the Rio Grande's systems, leaving Angel to do some quick monitoring of the runabout. She finished a check of the weapons systems for the tenth time and finally turned to face her older friend. "Did you expect something like this?"
Jarod paused for a moment. "I considered it," he answered. "I can't believe they're that desperate though. The Centre is such a big organization that I can't imagine why they'd be so desperate to recapture me."
"Guess you were more important to them than you realized."
"Well, they don't take defeat well either." Jarod noticed a light on his board and checked what had caused it. He'd received a message that he had been waiting for. "Are youup for some field work?"
"What kind?"
"Your favorite. You'll sneak in, beat up anyone who gets in your way, and get out with a friend of mine. His name is Angelo."
Angel turned and faced him. "And he is?"
"He's... like me," Jarod replied. "But he's not functional enough to be a Pretender like I am. They did things to him when he was a child. They used chemicals to make him a Pretender. But there were side effects and it left him mentally and emotionally damaged."
Angel frowned. "These people are real bastards," she sighed. "I'm up for it. Let me know when to go down."
"It'll be soon. The timing has to be right." Jarod stood up and moved toward the replicator. "And now I need to send a message to Sydney."
He replicated a slip of paper with text on it and laid it on the transporter pad. Angel watched him send it down, after which they waited quietly. Jarod's eyes focused on the transporter's control board and his hands began to move. Moments later the transporter activated and Sydney appeared on the transporter pad in a burst of light.
"Hello Sydney," Jarod said. "Welcome aboard the Rio Grande."
Sydney blinked. "Jarod? Where... I don't understand."
"Matter transportation by subspace tunneling," Jarod explained. "It tingles a bit." He had a mischievous smile on his face. "I would have eased you into it if I could."
Sydney stepped up and fell into one of the port side station chairs. "This is... this is a spaceship, Jarod?"
"We prefer to use 'starship'," Jarod answered. "The Rio is called a runabout. She's a small ship we designed for multiple uses."
"'We' designed."
"Yes." Jarod smirked. "It didn't take me too long to get a handle on this advanced science. Although this is really Lucy's ship."
"Huh? What about my ship?" Lucy's voice was a little groggy as she stepped out from the rear cabin. By habit she was in her uniform, causing Sydney to look a little disconcerted. "Wait, who's..."
"Lucy, this is Sydney. Sydney, Lucy Lucero." Feeling the weight of time, Jarod returned his attention to Sydney while the older man, ever the gentleman, exchanged a handshake with Lucy. "Sydney, did you make those calls?"
"Yes, I've been promised a chance to talk to Nicholas in a few hours."
"Well, I need to get started then."
"Started on what?", Angel asked.
"Tying Sydney's phone into the Rio Grande's comms," Jarod answered. "That way we can get a fix on their safehouse and get Nicholas out."
"I don't know if Debbie is being held there as well," Sydney pointed out. "We need to be careful."
"We will be. I won't do anything if she's not there as well. We'll switch to a Plan B."
"So we may as well plan for Plan C then," Angel remarked.
"Sydney, I'll send you back down for now," Jarod said. "But before we begin this I want to bring you back to the Rio Grande, for your own safety."
"Yes. It's best if I'm not clearly out without using my car." Sydney stood up. "So I am going to be... transported the same way?"
"Yes. It'll be better this time," Jarod promised. "It's always easier when you get used to it."
When Clara returned to Zack he had nodded off on his old bed. She walked up to him and woke him up with a touch to the shoulder. "He's sleeping," she murmured. "He needs the rest."
"Yeah." Zack blinked sleep out of his eyes and sat up. "Has he been drinking, Clara?"
"He's not supposed to," Clara said. "And we try to keep the house cleared of it. But we've found him with beer sometimes..."
"Yeah. Asking Dad to give up alcohol is like asking someone to stop breathing." Zack rubbed at his eyes. Clara found the chair he'd cleared off and sat in it, directly across from him. She reached over to the bed and picked up a picture. "Your family?"
"Shortly after we moved here." Zack smiled softly. His Dad's hair was brown back then while his mother had more of a chestnut color to her's. "Mom's first job was secretarial work for Allen Dale's family farm. It's how we got to know them."
"Your Dad didn't like the Dales?"
"They..." Zack's smile turned into a bit of a smirk. "...they were that near-perfect American farming family and he became one of the county's best-known drunks. They looked down on him a bit. He didn't like that." Zack put his hands together and rested his chin on them. "And he hated me for hanging out with Robert and the others afterward."
"I knew you two didn't get along very well, but I never imagined..." Clara drew in a breath. "He really ruined your baseball career?"
"Yep. If I'd played, then I'd either have to throw games for his bookie or have Dad beaten. Couldn't do either. So I quit." Zack lowered his eyes. "I quit at a lot of things, it seems. Maybe he's right. I just follow the others around."
"Zack, please..."
"No, it's fine. I actually enjoy where I am now. Mostly." He drew in a breath. "Do you?"
"Well, yes."
"Ever think about coming out into space with us?" Zack smiled. "Leo can always use an extra nurse. Or, hell, we could use one on the Koenig when we're out."
Clara smiled and sighed. "Was that... I mean... was that a... proposition, Zack?"
"For you to join us? Sure."
Zack cursed himself a moment later for not realizing she was talking about something more... private.
"And us?"
"What about us? We're friends."
"We almost weren't", Clara reminded him.
Zack swallowed. "Yeah. But, Clara, come on, that was a different life time."
"Yeah." She lowered her head. "I always wondered why you let that story spread about what happened. It was so embarrassing. To you, mostly."
"Seemed the right thing. I... well, Clara, I didn't want people making fun of you over it. High school could be pretty rough. I had a reputation. If it came out that we hadn't stuck together people would've been laughing at you the rest of the year."
"So... you were protecting me?", Clara asked, a fake smile on her face. "You were actually worried about what kids thought of simple old Clara, the ugliest girl in school?" She couldn't quite hide the tear on her face. "It wasn't just that I wasn't good enough for you?"
"Hey. No, that's not it." He shook his head. "You were plenty good enough for me. Honestly..." Zack took her hands. "You were more than I deserved, Clara. You're meant for a better guy. Someone who can give you a family, make a home with you. I'm not him. I wasn't that guy in school and, well, look at me. I'm a spaceship officer now, I'm not that guy now."
"Yeah." There was a hint of disappointment in Clara's voice. But the tears weren't showing anymore. That was the important part. "So, want some dinner? We can order takeout from town."
"And Dad?"
"I'll get him something from his approved menu," she promised. "We can have dinner together. And this time, no fussing?"
"Yeah, no fussing. I'll be the better man," Zack promised.
Jarod was in the living area of the Rio Grande when Sydney entered. "Nicholas is upset, but he's not hurt," Sydney said. He looked at Jarod with an expression of... intrigue, Jarod guessed. Jarod had switched into his action uniform, as it was known, as a just-in-case for the mission to come.
"That's good. And I got the trace from the call to lock on to their location." Jarod noticed the look Sydney was giving him. "Is something on your mind, Sydney?"
Sydney nodded and found a seat at the central table. "I simply find it interesting. At the Centre you were kept in a controlled environment, and you ran away from it. And now here you are, back in a controlled environment."
"It's not the same thing," Jarod answered, making sure the rank insignia were placed right.
"Really?"
"I had a choice. I chose to do this, Sydney, I didn't get forced into it as a child." Jarod gave Sydney his full attention.
"And it's not just a Pretend this time. You're not playacting an occupation but holding it." Sydney leaned forward. "This is really what you want?"
"Yes. I've found a place with these people. My place. It's not something I'm just doing for a few days to make money or deal with someone who did something wrong."
That prompted a nod from the older man. "I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear that. I've been worried for a long time about the mental effect of Pretending so much and so often. It wasn't good for you mentally."
"I know." Jarod took a seat across the table from Sydney. "I felt like I had a hundred people inside my head. Now... there's only one. Jarod."
"And that's it? Just 'Jarod' for the rest of your life?"
"Until I find my family. I haven't given up on that."
"There may be Centre records that will help you find them," Sydney said.
"I know. But one thing at a time. We need to get Nick and Debbie out. And then we need to give Broots his daughter back."
"And Miss Parker?"
Jarod remained still for a moment. "If she'll come. I'm hoping she will. I don't think the Centre's going to be too happy when we finish this."
"Agreed." Sydney leaned forward in his seat. "So, while we have the time, may I ask you for more on how your life has gone since you left us?"
"Alright." Jarod sat down on the opposite end of the table. "To start out with, you haven't heard cursing until you've heard Tom Barnes..."
"Goddammit piece of...!"
The agonized ranting of Tom Barnes went ignored on the main deck of Main Engineering, much to Robert's comfort. Karesl stood quietly beside Meridina and Robert while Scotty continued his technical explanation in response to a question from Karesl. "...an' over here we have th' secondary naqia reactors..."
Karesl remained quiet as the explanation continued. When it was over he smiled and nodded. "A most beneficial explanation, Commander Scott. I thank you. I won't take any more of your time." He bowed politely and Scotty gave a polite nod.
"I believe our next stop would be one of the nacelles," Robert said.
"I think, Captain, that the tour has lasted long enough for the day," Karesl answered. "I will retire to my guest quarters."
"Certainly, Mastrash. The turbolifts are this way..."
They walked toward the port exit. "Commander, a wee moment of yer time?", Scotty called out.
They all looked back. Meridina nodded and turned to Karesl and Robert. "I shall join you when this is done."
"Alright." Robert nodded and headed on.
Meridina walked up to Scotty. "Yes, Commander Scott?"
"Ah told ye, lass, ye dinnae have tae be formal with me," Scotty protested lightly. "We've had a few issues with th' computers, Commander." He showed a log on a nearby display. "There have been several security breaches on th' computers linked tae our engines over th' past three weeks."
"I have not heard of this," Meridina said. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"We cannae be sure if it's actual breaches or attempts or just some bloody kid hittin' the wrong keys when runnin' system checks," Scotty answered. "Ah told Lieutenant Draynal about 'em when they happened."
Meridina nodded slowly. "I see. He has not mentioned that." She pressed the comm key on her multidevice. "Meridina to Lieutenant Draynal. Please respond."
After a couple of moments she received a reply. "Draynal here."
"Lieutenant, I've been informed by Commander Scott about computer security issues that he spoke to you of?"
"Ah yes. I have investigated personally with Ensign Liton. We believe it to be a recurring user error from one of the maintenance engineers. A report was sent to Lieutenant Barnes and Lieutenant Etps."
"Keep an eye on it, Lieutenant. And next time I wish to be informed immediately."
"Yes sir. Draynal out."
Meridina drew in a breath and looked to Scotty. "Mister Scott, I request your cooperation on something... delicate."
"Aye?"
"I want you to add at least three extra security layers to all systems relating to our drives," Meridina asked.
Scotty drew in a sigh. "Aye, it can be done. But may Ah ask why?"
"I... have a concern, Mister Scott. It maybe be nothing. But it's best to be prepared."
"Have ye informed th' Captain or Commander Andreys?"
"Not yet. I don't wish to alarm them if it's nothing. But I want precautions in place."
"Aye, very well. Ah'll get started on it."
Robert remained at the opening to the guest quarters when Karesl entered. "I hope they are to your liking, sir."
"Oh, they are more than sufficient, Captain," Karesl answered. "I have a point of curiosity."
"Yes?"
"How do you feel about Meridina?", Karesl asked. "I know you first met her at Djamar Trading Station and saw her use her gifts."
"She's a valued member of the crew," Robert answered. "And I'm starting to consider her a friend."
"Has she told you much about the ways of swevyra'se?"
Robert was curious as to what was going on, but for the moment he didn't say anything beyond his simple reply of, "Just the basics. She explained them after Djamar."
"I sense there is more," Karesl asked plainly. "Please, do not feel alarmed of sharing anything with me, I'm simply curious. Has she tried to talk to you about using swevyra yourself?"
"Not at all," Robert answered. "She did..." He stopped, but too late.
"She did what, Captain?", Karesl asked.
"It's... well, sir, it's something private..."
"I must know, Captain," Karesl insisted, his voice taking on an edge. "You do her no harm by explaining. Hiding it, on the other hand, begs questions of why you would hide anything. Questions that may not be kind or accurate to the truth."
Robert had the bad feeling he was being maneuvered, but he didn't want Meridina to get into trouble. "During our mission into the DMZ back in February, Meridina was troubled. She sensed two people being interrogated by the Cardassians. It was having an effect upon her, so I offered to share the sensation with her. She tried to talk me out of it but I insisted. And when we linked... it was powerful, more than she thought it'd be. I could feel the prisoners being tortured like it was being done to me. It wasn't a pleasant thing."
Karesl listened quietly. When Robert was done he let out a breath and nodded. "You were very kind to Meridina that day, Captain," he said quietly. "The burden of feeling others' pain is a heavy one on many of our Order. I am... honored to meet a man who would help one of our's share it."
"Thank you, sir. Can I help you any more?"
"No. No, I think that will be all. I'll see you later for more touring."
Robert nodded and stepped out of the door.
Karesl barely had time to get settled before the door chimed. He could sense who it was even before calling out, "Enter!" He looked up. "Ah, child. I see you've caught up."
Meridina stepped in and let the door close. "Are you enjoying the tour, Mastrash?"
"Eminently. The command crew makes up for lack of experience with passion. At least those I have met. Your Science Officer is especially passionate in her work." Karesl smiled wistfully. "She reminds me of Gamaya."
Meridina nodded. "Yes. How is Gami?"
"She is well. Schooling agrees with her. Her... lack of swevyra potential will not hold her back." Karesl put his hands together. "So, which one is Dale?"
"Hrm?"
"Is he the Leader? The Forger? The Commander?" Karesl's smile turned to one of amusement. "I suppose you believe Mister Scott to be the Builder's Teacher."
Meridina remained very still. "I... have been waiting for further signs before making judgements."
"Truly? Oh, my dear, i wish I could believe you. But I've known for a long time that you, like Ledosh, are convinced that these are the Bearers."
"Their ship is named for the dawn. They have brought a new age to us. The Alliance is the wall, the shield of Light. It fits, Mastrash."
"And how much of that is because you want it to, Meridina?" Karesl put his hands together in front of him. "You are so eager to see the prophecy come about."
"I want to see the new world of Light," Meridina answered. "Don't you?"
"Meridina..." Karesl shook his head. "You trust too much in what you read. I wish I could make you understand that having the Prophecy come true may not be what you truly want."
"I do not understand your opposition to this!", Meridina shouted, finally giving in to her temptation. "Why, father?! Are you jealous of Ledosh in some way? Do you not trust the Alliance?! Father, please, why do you fight us?"
Karesl remained silent at his daughter's outburst. "My dear, you will know one day. And as much as you need to learn... I truly dread that day. I don't wish to see you so broken." He sighed. "I am tired, Knight. I wish for rest."
"Very well, Mastrash. I am at your disposal." Meridina nodded and turned away to leave. She heard nothing else from her father as she stepped out. Stupid, so stupid of me, she thought as she walked away from the door.
Angel finished getting into her field uniform and double-checked the pulse pistol in the holsteron her hip. She stepped into the central living room of the runabout and found Jarod had already put the briefing material up. Sydney was at the table beside him and Lucy had found a side chair, wearing her own field uniform. "We don't have much time," Sydney warned everyone. "The Centre will realize I'm not home very quickly."
"Then let's get started. Lucy?"
At Jarod's question, she stood up and went over to the flatscreen monitor and the briefing material, showing an isolated house in a semi-rural area. "Our scans confirm that there are a half dozen people in the house we traced Sydney's call to."
"So we just beam them up," Angel suggested. "We can screen out firearms easily."
"Too risky," Jarod said, shaking his head. "If they have Debbie somewhere else and we snatch Nicholas out, they might hurt her."
"So we need to verify who's there. I'm guessing you'll be doing that while I sneak into their HQ?"
"That's exactly what I have in mind."
"It won't be easy at all, young lady," Sydney said to Angel. "Their security is very tight, the moment you're spotted..."
Angel reached down to her waist and briefly triggered her personal cloak. She shimmered out of view. A second later she turned it off. "I'm not worried about that," she remarked.
"So I see." Sydney put his hands together. "What do you need me to do, Jarod?"
"I need you to be at home," Jarod replied. "Get Miss Parker and Broots over so you're all in one place."
"I'm still not certain Miss Parker will leave her father behind."
Jarod nodded. "Yeah, but I don't think she'll have a choice, Sydney." He turned to Lucy. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Then let's get this started."
Jarod beamed into the house's upstairs bathroom, the beaming noise being distant enough there that nobody would notice it. He turned on the cloak immediately and pulled out his pulse pistol. He walked out of the bathroom into the adjoining bedroom. It was an occupied bedrom, with male clothing lying about here and there. Nicholas was his thought on the room's owner.
Leaving the bedroom took him out to the second floor hall. He went to the stairs and moved down them as quietly as he could, hoping nobody tried to go upstairs given the lack of room. When he made it to the bottom without a problem he turned one way and found a den with a television on. It was a child's show, he could see, and that just about confirmed for him the good news. A moment's movement made it even clearer; Debbie was here with Nicholas. Sydney's son was in fact holding her in his lap as she watched the show.
We've got them, Jarod thought. He keyed his comm and whispered very hoarsely into it. "They're both here. Give me a moment and I can relay..."
Four men stormed into the room from the other end. One grabbed the remote from the chair leg and turned the TV off. "Get that crap off," he grumbled.
"What's going on?", Nicholas asked. Debbie cried out as she was yanked from his lap. He said nothing as another man grabbed his arm and forced him to his feet.
"You've been compromised," one of them said. "Your Dad's made a big mistake, and you're going to pay for it."
Jarod's jaw clenched. Somehow the Centre had been tipped off about them. He just wasn't sure how.