Joshua stirred from his half conscious state as footsteps echoed closer. He painfully pulled his body to a half-sitting position. It was amazing just how many ways a person could hurt . . .
Moments later, Sandoval entered the room. He barely looked at Joshua, pretending he was merely an inanimate object. Joshua didn't recognize the other man by name that entered behind him, but his clothing told Joshua all he needed to . . . Sandoval had brought another "doctor" to "help" with the "project".
Joshua studied the new doctor through half-closed eyes. He wasn't going to passively let them hurt him again. Fighting back might make it worse, but getting some revenge meant more to him now than less pain ever could.
Sandoval finally looked at Joshua, with disgust, as if he were the lowest thing ever to cross Sandoval's path . . The new doctor studied him too and Joshua imagined that he actually saw some concern and compassion on the man's face.
"Dr. Boone," Sandoval addressed the new doctor, "You may set up and get started if you wish. I will return shortly, after I update Zo'or on the status of the tests."
The doctor nodded, "Thank you. I'm glad you allowed me to come here."
Sandoval nodded, "We can always use someone with your credentials in this line of work, Doctor. If you do a good job on this project, I'm sure we can arrange for you to do some further work for the Taelons."
"That would be excellent." The doctor moved around the room, setting up the machine Joshua had grown to hate as Sandoval exited, Volunteers in tow. The man ignored Joshua for several minutes, slowly setting up the equipment.
The man casually walked over to the entrance and looked out. He nodded to himself then turned to Joshua, "Come on, we've got to leave now."
Joshua just stared at him - what kind of cruel mind game was this?
He came over next to Joshua and Joshua dove at him, trying to hurt him in any way possible before he could call for the Volunteers, certain that this was a trick. Joshua was so weakened by the torture that the man had no trouble stopping his attack. What surprised Joshua was that he didn't call for the guards, nor did he inject him with anything. Instead he said, "I'm really here to help you. My name is Jarod."
At this unexpected turn of events, Joshua balked, backing away as fast as he was physically able. "If this is another one of Sandoval's tricks you can tell him I won't go along this time. I'm not stupid enough to believe that I'll ever leave this ship. I just hope that I'll be able to take a few of you with me when he does kill me."
Jarod remained sitting there, "I'm not lying to you. This isn't a trick. I'm here to get you out."
"Give me one reason to believe you." Joshua whispered, on the verge of collapse again . . . the burst of adrenaline was almost gone.
"A friend of mine contacted me . . told me what happened . . ." Jarod trailed off, "Besides, do you really have a choice?" Perhaps it was best to approach this bluntly, "They're going to kill you if you stay. There is a chance if you come with me. And yes, there is the possibility that I'm lying, but given what I've seen - how much more can they do to you before they kill you?"
Joshua gave a short laugh, "Well that is a reason, but I can imagine some pretty horrible fates if this is a trick . . . But I suppose I don't have much choice - on this or anything else for that matter."
Jarod could see that the man had given up hope but was now seeing a sliver of light in this mess, thirsting for a taste of freedom. Jarod stood and held out a hand, "Trust me." It was a simple phrase, a request and a plea.
Joshua's battered face studied Jarod's, then nodded seriously, "Okay," he whispered taking Jarod's hand. Jarod helped him stand, shakily - he wasn't going to be able to walk on his own.
After a few steps, Joshua began to regain some balance. They were able to slowly make their way along the mothership corridors, Joshua clinging to Jarod.
This part of the ship was fairly deserted, obviously a highly classified section. "We're heading to the shuttle bay . . ." Jarod said. "Then we'll get out of here." Joshua nodded silently. Suddenly they heard footsteps coming down the hall - footsteps that sounded like Sandoval's . . .
Jarod ducked into another hallway, Joshua following. And they both collided with someone else who was in the shadows.
"Liam!" Joshua exclaimed.
Before Liam could respond, they heard Sandoval call, "Who's there?" The footsteps drew closer.
Liam nodded to Joshua, eyeing Jarod suspiciously and then stepped out and spoke to Sandoval, to cover. He desperately hoped he was making the right choice, based on what appeared to be happening. The agent held a skrill aimed at him, "Whoa Sandoval, it's just me. Zo'or sent me down here to find you. He said he found something that he thinks you might find of interest."
Sandoval looked annoyed, "I'll be there shortly Major, I'm going to find the doctor . . ."
Liam looked smug, "Zo'or said it was urgent. He said for you to report immediately."
Sandoval nodded, "Very well. Now, you might want to get back to your own duties, Major."
Joshua felt a sense of renewed hope when they entered the shuttle bay. Maybe this man, Jarod, was telling the truth. Maybe he would be able to get out of here and live . . . Life wouldn't be normal, it never could be for him. But at least he'd be free . . .
Jarod helped him get settled into the seat of the shuttle and then jumped into the driver's seat. "So exactly how many times have you done this?" Joshua asked.
"Flying a shuttle? Actually, never." Jarod paused a moment, "I learned to drive on this video game I found . . . It was actually quite fun." Jarod grinned
"Now I'm sorry I asked . . ." Joshua moaned. "Who ARE you?"
"Just someone who's trying to help." Jarod expertly piloted the shuttle out of the bay and almost immediately went into interdimensional space.
"Where are we going?" Joshua asked.
"We've got to lay low for a few days, then a friend of yours will meet us and take you to safety."
When Jarod landed the shuttle, he found that Joshua had fallen asleep in the seat. /Probably shouldn't have told him exactly how I learned to pilot the shuttle. He really has been through enough . . ./
Jarod gently landed the shuttle in small isolated forest in South Carolina. This wasn't where they were staying but there were no portals near where they were going, plus a shuttle or a portal could be tracked. They would have to use more conventional means to get there. He gently shook Joshua awake, and Joshua muttered "Please don't . . . please don't" over and over again.
"Come on Joshua, wake up. We have to get out of here." Jarod inserted more urgency into his voice than fit the situation, hoping that it would counter whatever Joshua was dreaming about.
Joshua finally broke out of the nightmare, groaning as he sat up. "Where are we? Jarod?"
"We're in Nowhere, South Carolina. We need to get out of here before Sandoval and friends arrive . . .
"I'm safe?" his voice was low and small.
"You're safe." confirmed Jarod. "But we need to move."
Joshua nodded and undid the seat restraints, fumbling a bit. "Where are we going? Are we going to use a portal to get there? They can track portals."
"No, and there are no portals near the place we're going. We're getting there by car. It's going to be okay. Just trust me."
Joshua nodded as Jarod helped him out of the shuttle and into the old vehicle Jarod had left nearby.
"Nice car." joked Joshua.
"Thanks, but it's not mine." Jarod responded as he started the engine and began the road trip to their destination.
Joshua relaxed as they drove through the countryside. Neither man spoke until they found a policeman coming up behind them, lights flashing.
"Jarod?"
Jarod had already seen it, and muttered something under his breath. "Let me do the talking here. I can handle this. And if he asks your name, just ignore him. I'll take care of it."
Jarod slowed and pulled over to the side of the road. The police car pulled behind them and the policeman jumped out and strolled up beside the car on the driver's side. "Hello boys. You going to a fire? I was just noticing that you were driving a tad on the fast side there. You know, that could be rather dangerous." The man said all this rather condescendingly.
"There's a fire somewhere? I wasn't aware that there was one as I forgot to bring my police scanner today." Jarod said innocently. "Has anybody been hurt?"
"Are you trying to be cute, boy?" The policeman stared through the car at Joshua, who sat there nervously.
"No sir." Jarod said, "We just have to be somewhere really soon and . . ."
"Whoa son. I don't want to hear excuses. Now, if you'll both step out of the car . . . nice and slow."
Jarod nodded at Joshua and both complied. The sheriff studied Joshua's face again, "You look familiar to me. I bet the two of you are on the run aren't you?" He pulled out a pair of handcuffs, "I'm afraid you two are going to have to come with me . . ."
Jarod interrupted, "Sheriff, you're making a mistake. I work with the government. I'm going to reach into my pocket for my ID." The sheriff gave a nod, not wanting to upset anyone from the federal government. That's how he'd gotten this rotten assignment. Jarod slowly pulled out an ID card and handed it to the man.
The man's eyebrows shot way up, "The CIA? What are you doing out here?"
"Classified." Jarod said. Joshua eyes bugged in surprise and he could tell that Jarod was enjoying this. Jarod continued, pointing at Joshua, "I'm supposed to be escorting this prisoner to a top secret meeting place. It's highly classified and extremely important. If anyone comes looking for us, anyone at all, then tell them nothing about seeing us. There are several corrupt government employees who would love to get their hands on the information we're protecting."
The Sheriff's expression had gone from one of irritation and condescension to one of wonder. This had never happened on his watch before - never anything this exciting. And he was being trusted to keep a big secret. What he didn't know. Maybe he should keep more of a presence on these roads . . . catch a few corrupt government employees that came this way . . . According to this guy, anyone who came through looking for them was probably a corrupted government employee, so he could arrest them and maybe even get a promotion out of this backwater town.
Jarod smiled to himself as he and Joshua got back into their car and drove away, leaving a very confused sheriff behind. Jarod could see the unasked questions on Joshua's face.
"Who ARE you Jarod? How did you have a CIA badge?"
"I've done some work for the CIA on occasion. I'm not really an agent, more like a temporary consultant but I do have the clearance."
Joshua looked impressed and to Jarod's relief he accepted the explanation, though Jarod sensed that he still held a little skepticism about the situation.
A look of irritation crossed Sandoval's face as he entered Joshua's cell to find it empty. All the doctors just didn't understand rules . . . they felt like that since they were doctors they had special privileges to conduct experiments how they wanted to, move subjects where they wanted. Well, he would explain it to this doctor, just as he had the last few. Their experiment was to remain in his cell. Joshua Doors would die there, and Sandoval almost felt sorry for the young billionaire turned experiment. He had endured much over the last few months, but Zo'or would soon tire of dragging out the torture and order his execution.
That would occur, of course, after they had retrieved certain . . . information. But Joshua would never set foot on Earth again. The world already believed he had been killed in a freak accident at the Doors cold fusion plant. Only Kincaid and Palmer knew the truth and if either told anyone and it hit the media . . . it would be proof enough to arrest them as traitors. Actually, Sandoval hoped they would.
Sandoval methodically made his way around the other rooms that the doctors were allowed to use and became more irritated, the longer it took with no results. Finally he went to a computer panel and his eyes went wide. Dr. Boone had left the ship on a shuttle a few hours beforehand, with a mystery guest along for the ride. And there was little dispute as to the identity of the guest.
Zo'or was going to have a fit.
Sandoval entered the bridge area, hesitant to approach Zo'or and for good reason. Zo'or had taken great pleasure in ordering, and even watching the torture that Joshua had been put through. When it came to the core energy, Zo'or was a crazed maniac.
"Agent Sandoval, please explain your presence on the bridge."
"Zo'or, I'm afraid I have some rather disturbing news."
Zo'or's voice was an icy warning, "What is it, Agent Sandoval?"
Sandoval's voice returned to its monotone, hoping that would help control the inevitable explosion, "I'm afraid that somehow Joshua Doors has escaped. I have reason to believe that the doctor you chose to participate in the research, Jarod Boone, aided him."
"What?" Zo'or's eyes narrowed, "You have good reason to be afraid, Agent Sandoval. You allowed a prisoner, with information about the Taelons to escape. He is one whom the world will take seriously. Did I not make myself clear that you were to directly supervise all procedures involving him to insure that this very circumstance would not occur?"
"Zo'or, I did not think that . . ."
"That is correct, Agent Sandoval, you did not think. How can you be so incompetent?"
The Taelon paused a moment, long enough for Sandoval to notice that all bridge activities had stopped and all eyes were on him.
"Perhaps, Agent Sandoval, other motivations need to be found for you to follow my orders. I suggest that you find Mr. Doors quickly, before he discredits the Taelons publicly, otherwise, I'm inclined to allow you to take his place."
Sandoval didn't think Zo'or was truly serious about that threat, but he could never quite be sure about the Taelon. And Zo'or's mood swings had become more extreme. Sandoval absolutely hated the Taelon, and this threat only fueled that hatred more.
Joshua looked surprised as they stopped at a cabin, tucked away from the main roads. Jarod had been driving most of the day and into the night. He had found himself dozing off several times, his body trying to heal itself.
"Where is this?"
"This is a friend's cabin. We'll be safe here for a while. How are you holding up?" Jarod asked as they entered the cabin.
"I'm just thankful to be here. To be alive - on Earth. I really believed that I was going to die up there. Sometimes I hurt so much I wished that they'd go ahead and do it." Joshua stopped talking and looked slightly embarrassed.
Jarod didn't notice or at least he pretended not to.
"Jarod, there's one thing I don't understand."
"What is it?"
"Why did you rescue me? You don't even know me and just for trying to help they'll kill you."
"Let's just say that I know how you feel and I've been where you are." Jarod paused, "I couldn't let anyone go through the same experience if I can possibly help them."
"Sandoval will never give up on capturing you. And what exactly am I supposed to do? Hide for the rest of my life? I have to do something to help stop what they're doing! I wasn't the only prisoner up there, Jarod. I didn't really get to talk with others, but I know I wasn't."
"You'll find a way to help. Just follow your heart."
"I don't know how to repay you for what you've done . . ."
Jarod shook his head, "You don't need to . . ."
Joshua continued, despite the interruption, "but if there is ever anything I can do to help you, or to help you help other people, let me know."
Jarod grinned and nodded, "Okay. Fair enough." He pointed down a hallway, "Now why don't you go back there and crash. A good night's sleep always helps. Trust me, I know.
Sandoval rubbed his eyes as he walked into his office on board the mothership. "What have you got, Tate?"
Tate called up a file on his global link and gave it to Sandoval. "That's everything I could find on the alleged Volunteer Doctor Jarod Boone. The guy has a file on him as long as my arm and the aliases filed for him-- well take a look for yourself."
Sandoval took the global from Tate and after one last skeptical look he played the file on 5 times the normal speed. What had taken Tate hours to compile, he read in a few minutes flat. This man had an extremely distinguished career -- FBI, CIA, CID, NSA, not to mention school teacher, race car driver, and doctor . . . among other things . . . After the file was finished, he snapped the global shut, giving it back to Tate.
"Who the heck is this guy?" Tate said.
"That's a very good question, Tate. Whoever he is, he breached Taelon security. I want him found but not by Taelon resources," Sandoval replied.
Tate laughed. "You're kidding right? Not use Taelon resources?" Sandoval gave him a glare. "Come on, boss, they've got the most extensive resource base on the planet. How do you expect me to find this guy who's obviously a flippin chameleon without making use of them?"
"You're an FBI agent, Tate. Use their resources," Sandoval ordered.
Tate watched him storm out of the room before he shaking his head. It was time to call in some favors at the Bureau, maybe all the ones he'd accumulated over the years he'd spent as an FBI agent. He hoped it was worth it because he had serious doubts that he wouldn't be able to find this guy unless he wanted to be found.
Joshua sat up in his bed. He panicked. /Where am I? Am I back on the mothership? What happened to me?/ Memories flooded through his mind about meeting that new doctor, Jarod, and Liam and his rescue. But that stuff couldn't be real. It couldn't have happened. It was impossible. And he didn't deserve that . . . why would anyone help him?
Then, slowly, he opened his eyes and a wave of uncertainty, followed by relief washed over him. He was no longer on the mothership . . then he remembered, Jarod had brought him to a friend's cabin . . . He sighed again, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This was the first time in months he had awoken as a free man. Naturally, he still felt sore from what he had undergone, but a good night's sleep and freedom had made a start at healing some of the scars. And he was really grateful to Jarod for what he had done - risking his life to save someone he had not even known.
Joshua stood and stumbled into the living room. Jarod had warned him that the drugs that had been injected into his system would remain for another week at most and things might seem off till then. Joshua curiously ran a hand over the silver suitcase he had seen Jarod carrying and jumped when he heard someone in the room beyond.
"Hey Jarod . . ." he called, entering the next room. And stopped dead in his tracks when he saw an older man standing there. Stark terror crossed Joshua's face. /I will NOT go back. I will NOT go back/.
"I'm not going back. You'll have to kill me." Joshua backed away, hands searching for something to defend himself with, "What did you do to Jarod?"
The man stretched out a hand, as if to calm him. "I'm afraid Jarod had to leave, but he left you this." The stranger held out an envelope, addressed to him. "I'm not here to take you back."
"Who are you?" Joshua still wasn't sure about this man. His months spent at Sandoval's hands were vividly playing through his mind.
"You don't need to be afraid of me." The man sat, "My name is Dr. Sydney Green. I was a friend of your father's when we were younger."
Joshua froze. Though the man's face was totally unfamiliar, the name actually meant something to Joshua. And the voice fit into his memory as well. It was . . . familiar, now that the name was connected with it . . . Comprehension flickered across Joshua's face, "You arranged my rescue?"
"I had a hand in it, yes."
"Thank you," Joshua said sincerely.
"It's the least I could do." A pause, "I heard about your father's death and I'm sorry. I would have tried to get to you sooner, but I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been paying much attention to current events. I know your stay could not have been a pleasant one."
"Don't . . . you don't have to apologize. You saved me, you and Jarod. If it weren't for you, Sandoval would still be . . ." Joshua trailed off, "hurting me."
Sydney looked at him sympathetically.
Joshua ran a hand through his hair, visibly upset, and slowly sank to sit on the couch. He opened the note Jarod left. Sydney noted that after reading it, Joshua seemed to relax even further.
"Sydney? Tell me more about my father. Please?"
"Your father and I became friends during college. We were best friends. But after that we pretty much lost touch. We still sent Christmas cards and an occasional phone call, but we were both engrossed in our work. We always had different goals. Ironically, while I thought mine more noble, Jonathan's seemed to have turned out better."
Sydney then began to tell Joshua stories about their friendship, his father as a college student. Some of the stories made Joshua laugh. His father had not always been Jonathan Doors: Great Visionary.
Several hours later they were still talking, but eventually, the conversation dwindled to a halt.
"Thank you for telling me this Sydney. Dad and I weren't really close until right before his death."
"I'm glad I could help you. And even though Jonathan and I lost contact with each other, I know he loved you and your mother very much. He wasn't the type to show his emotions."
Joshua nodded and the two sat in silence for the first time in a while. Joshua stared at the floor. Sydney stared at Joshua, silently analyzing his emotions.
"What do you do Sydney?" Joshua asked, startling Sydney from his thoughts.
Sydney seemed to think a moment, as if unsure what to say, "I work as a psychiatrist for a corporation." he finally said slowly.
"What corporation?" Joshua was somewhat puzzled by the man's reluctance, "And how do you know Jarod? Is he your son?" Joshua saw that Sydney became more uncomfortable with each question.
"Jarod is not my son, but I did raise him, because his parents were unable to."
"Does Jarod work for the same corporation?"
"Let me tell you this the best way I can. The people I work for are very dangerous. They are more dangerous than even Agent Sandoval." Joshua shuddered at that thought. "I do not want to lie to you about what I do, but the less you know the better. I'd daresay that you're already in some jeopardy. So please, do not ask too many questions."
Joshua nodded. He wasn't very eager to get back into more trouble, especially not with people reputed to be worse than his former captor. "What's going to happen to me now?"
"I know that Jarod is to have you meet an old friend who will take you underground. From there, I don't know. I imagine that the only logical thing for you to do would be to join the Resistance . . . Let me warn you about something, Joshua. The place I work for knows things about many people and organizations. They are people no one should tangle with. Your father was wise enough to not get involved with them. I wasn't. Once they get you, they have you - for life. Don't even think about trying to get involved with them, especially to help us. That would only be a death sentence for all of us."
"How will I know who they are if they do approach me? You've been so vague . . ."
"You will know. I will warn you. Just be careful."
Joshua nodded, sensing the importance of this even though the consequences were not obvious. He jumped as he heard the front door open.
"Relax, it's just me." Jarod said, knowing even before he got to the living room that Joshua was jumpy. He walked in and Sydney laughed.
"What happened to you?"
Jarod's face wasn't visible but several bags full of stuff were, "After I met with my contact, I decided to get some groceries . . ."
"Jarod I know the boy scout motto is 'Be Prepared' but really . . ." Sydney started, "I don't think any disasters will be hitting this area any time soon. Besides, how long are you planning to stay anyway? And what exactly did you buy?"
Jarod pulled out a small candy dispenser. "I was running low on these."
"PEZ candy?" Joshua's voice was astonished. "You bought PEZ candy? Tell me you bought some real food too."
"Yes, I bought some 'real food'. Haven't you ever had PEZ candy before?" Jarod was suddenly very interested in this conversation.
"Um yeah, when I was a kid." Joshua said.
Jarod tossed him a dispenser with Yoda's head on top. "Try some. My favorite is the strawberry and it's the hardest to find, incidently." Joshua stared at him in amusement, "Oh also, that movie is very good. Have you ever seen Star Wars?"
Joshua stared at him a minute, "Everyone has seen Star Wars. What planet are you from?"
Sydney sat back, staying silent and looking a bit amused and regretful at the same time.
"I actually recently discovered Star Wars. I enjoyed it very much. My favorite character was Luke. What about you?" Jarod didn't wait for an answer, "You know, I think they're showing it tonight . . ." He picked up the remote and began flipping.
Joshua looked amused and somewhat confused, but said lightly, "It's a good movie. I wouldn't mind seeing it again."
