BACK AT THE SHU (Chapter 2)
Druitt and Helen laid in each others arms. Still high on the euphoria of love making. He stroked her arm as he held her. No words were spoken. None needed to be. For they knew each other so well. But as the time grew longer, Helen's mind was taking over. She began to get out of the bed. John reached for her to try to keep her in his arms.
"Helen" John said as he reached for her.
She looked at him. A part of her just wanted to remain there in his arms, but that part was now losing the battle. Helen Magus was realizing this might have been the worst mistake she had ever made.
She began to get dressed. John just looked at her. Other than a few scars here and they, she had still maintained her physique. Oh how he loved her so.
"It's just..it's been so long that I've held you in my arms" he said.
"I know" she replied. He knew that she missed it also. But he also knew that Helen Magnus never like to be out of control. And she was out of control long enough. Suddenly over the com, Henry's voice came through.
"Doc..Doc..can you hear me?" he said. Hoping there previous actions were done and over with.
"Henry..yes I'm here" she said. Happy that audio was now functional.
"Hey Doc…audio and video are now functional" He said. Hoping she wouldn't ask for how long they 'd been functional.
But he knew her to well.
"When did video come back up?" she asked.
Henry wanted to crawl in a hole. Since Will was in close proximity he heard her asking the question. He silently mouth to Henry "LIE".
"Ahh..just now Doc…along with audio" He said hoping she wouldn't read through his lie.
Magnus didn't contest it. She left it alone hoping he was telling the truth.
"what other controls do we have functioning" she said. Helen Magnus needed her Sanctuary back. Her mind was now in control, and her heart, was slowing tucking itself away to where she hid her deepest secrets, hurts and love.
She turned to look at John. He could see the turmoil in her face.
"John" she said. Tears building up in her eyes, but she fought them.
"This was wrong. We should of never done this" she said.
"Helen…please..please don't say that. Ok yes although the circumstances were not the best, you can't deny the love we have for each other" he said.
"I'm not denying it John. You know you will always have my heart..but…"
"Shhh…Helen….it's alright…" he said.
He stepped back allowing her distance. He knew that Helen needed to be in control. There were bigger matters at hand. And he had to let this go. He was glad that at least he was able to be with her one more time, for he never knew if it would be his last.
"Doc…Doc.." Henry chimed in.
"I'm here Henry..go ahead" she said.
"Doc? It's looking for something! It's scanning our chemical directory." Henry said confused at to what was happening.
"How could it actually access those compounds?" John said, starting to realize what might be taking place.
"Using the robotic assist mechanism, it is possible. What else could it be after?" Helens said her mind racing a mile a minute.
"Well, it could just be doing an inventory diagnostic. I don't know, I'm still scanning. I'm trying to find a way to break in." Henry stated.
"John, what's its agenda?" she asked.
"Chaos, death, suffering, sound familiar? Once it learns everything it can about its environment the violence will escalate."
"Got it" Henry shouts over the intercom.
As Henry said that the lights came on.
"I believe your people have risen to the occasion". John said, trying to lighten the mood.
She looked back at him and smiled. She never doubted her people would fail her. They were her family. The glue that was keeping her together.
"Hey, doc, it's Henry. We're back, so's most of everything else."
"Most?" Helen asked, wondering what else was off line.
"Yeah, I'm working on it. Doc, the toxins it was scanning? It's making something very bad, very fast. It's using the automated assist."
"Can you override it?" Helen asked getting more worried by the second.
"Yeah, that's the problem. I've reclaimed everything else but I'm still locked out of the main lab. I can't make it stop." Henry stated working frantically to regain full control of the systems.
"Mr. Foss, can you open the door?" John said.
"Uh, Doc?" Henry stated. He was never to trusting of John.
"It's all right, Henry". Helen reassured him.
"All right, hang on." Henry entered in the code and the doors opened. Helen and John ran out.
INT SANCTUARY HALLWAY OUTSIDE MAIN LAB
Henry was already waiting as John and Helen ran up. John leaned against the door as Helen talked to Henry.
"Sarin gas nerve agent. We've got about 90 seconds. It'll release the compound into the vents." Henry said.
"It won't end here. It will grow, consuming whatever it can and never stop killing." John said knowing his fate.
"Henry, we need more time." Helen was frantic hoping to find another way.
"We don't have it." John knew what he had to do.
"My entire body is geared to being its home." John was trying to make Helen see that there was no other choice.
"John" Helen looked at him. Her guard suddenly coming down. She almost reached for him, but knew they weren't alone.
"Let me go." John knew how difficult this was going to be for her. The anguish he felt, was overwhelming.
"John, you don't have to do this. We could find another way".. Helen was desperate.
"I love you. Remember that...Always". He said. He lifted his hand towards her face, and for a moment it was just her and him again. She turned and place a kiss in his hand.
"Mr. Foss, would you be so kind as to deactivate the EM shield?" John looked at Henry, knowing that Helen wouldn't give the approval at that moment. But he also knew that this was the only way.
"For all eternity, Helen…always." John said. He looked into her eyes. She knew the love she had for him, and his love for her was un-doubtable.
John immediately teleported into the lab.
As soon as John entered the lab, the creature re-entered him and he collapsed. The door opened and Helen ran to John.
"I need a med kit right away!" Helen yelled. But before anyone could react, John woke up and pushed her away knocking her down.
"Get away from me!" John yelled. He immediately stood up, and was defensive.
"Please, let me help you!" Helen tried to help him steady his ground.
"I don't need your help!" John shouted.
"It would have killed a lot more if it weren't for you. You kept it at bay."
Helen knew the cost he had just paid.
"I need to leave now". John said knowing he couldn't stay any longer without hurting someone.
"Where are you going?" Helen trying to buy more time.
"I have no destination in mind". John losing it more and more each minute that passed.
"John, wait." Helen said in desperation. She reached out to touch him one last time, but Johnteleported away.
Helens heart sank. She sat on the floor of the lab. It seemed as if her energy was sapped out of her.
"Magnus" Will shouted as he reached for her.
"I'm fine" she immediately said.
"Henry get us back online" she yelled as she stormed out of the lab.
Will wanted to run after her but knew she preferred to be alone. She retreated to her bedroom where she stayed. How this would affect her no one knew, but even Helen had a breaking point. Could this be it?