AN: Hey everyone. Just want to let you know that I'm feeling a little better so I decided to update. I will be updating a lot more when school is out. I do not own falling skies. I only own the characters I create.
My Answered Prayer
It's been two weeks since we came across this high school. It's been the best place we stayed since we broke out into different regiments. I actually am starting to get use to living here. The best part is that we have enough in the science lab for our hospital. We don't have to put our wounded in tents anymore. We also put barbed wired fences and built other kinds of defenses from cars, tires, anything you can think of. This is the safest place to be right now in this post-apocalyptic world.
The bad part is that Eldrige (my support gunner) went missing a couple days ago. Cole, Taylor and I tried to find him but couldn't. We don't think he was killed. We think he just got up and left. It's too bad because he was one hell of a fighter. I hope he's ok out there.
I was snapped out of my head when Captain Weaver called my name.
"Mike, find Tom. Tell him that Col. Porter is here in the Command Post and wants to see both you."
"Yes Sir." I reply.
I got my gear together and start looking for Tom. He should be getting back from his patrol pretty soon. I found Cole and Taylor walking down the hall laughing and holding hands.
"Hey have you seen Tom?" I ask.
"No. He's still on that patrol." Cole said.
"Okay thanks."
I walk away I heard they said. I went to walk around outside in the courtyard to kill sometime. I see Matt (Tom's youngest son) playing a game of soccer. I smiled and continued my stroll. It wasn't until then when I walked back inside, when I see Tom and his team back.
Before I can tell him about Porter, he got bombarded by several civilians.
"Excuse me. Did you see my daughter?" an Asian man asked.
"No I'm sorry. We didn't get that close" Tom said but was interrupted before he can finish his sentence.
"Our son—he's been missing since the second week. Maybe you saw him." The woman said giving her sons picture to Anthony.
"No sorry-" Tom was cut off again.
"Please." The woman said.
I felt for these parents. But they have to give Tom some space. So I stepped in.
"Come on break it up. Give them some space." I said.
"We have the right to ask." The woman said.
"No one is saying you don't, but we all have missing kids, including Tom here." I reply.
"And you." Tom said while running his hand through his beard.
"That's right my boy Rick." I say.
Tom then replied "Okay, look everybody I know what you're going through. We all just want our kids back. And I promise that were gonna do everything possible to make sure that happens."
Then I notice Anne behind Tom.
"Look there's a school-announcement board here. Why don't you guys take your photos and post your missing kids up here?" Anne said.
"Yeah good idea." Tom said while shaking his head.
Anthony then said, "Yeah write their name, hair color, weight, height…"
"The last time that you saw them," Tom added.
"Yeah anything that can help us identify them." Dai added.
"I promise that all the squads will check this board before each and every mission. Okay?" Tom replied.
The parents nodded there heads and started hanging up their photos and writing down valuable information to help us identify them. Tom, Anne and I begin walking.
"Thank you-both of you" Tom said.
"Porter's here." I reply.
Tom looked at me with a surprised look on his face.
"He's not due back for a couple weeks." Tom said surprised.
"You know that good news I told you about? He brought it." Anne replied.
"He's delivering a briefing in the Command Post." I say.
Anne said goodbye to Tom and I and went to the lab. We continued and went into the Command Post. All the squad leaders were here and Col. Porter and Captain Weaver were sitting on a desk in the front.
"Take a seat." Weaver ordered bluntly.
I took my seat in the while Tom made his way to the front.
Col. Porter began to say, "The picture in this is changing. One of the runners that we sent west ran into a contingent of resistance fighters, just outside of Chicago. But they've made contact with other groups in Texas, Oklahoma, even California.
We start whispering each other and cheering.
"What this means is… were not in this alone anymore. That's the good news. The bad news… is that alien structures like the one over Boston are going up in every city that we know about."
"Anybody figured out what there for?" Weaver asked.
"No Weaver." Porter said.
Porter continued, "So as of now… were in a full-court press to gather intelligence on the enemy. I want to know his plans. I want to know about his tactics. I want to know about his weapons and technology—everything. Now that you people have a secure operating base, I want you to start collecting war material. That means motorcycles. That means weapons, explosives, camo gear—anything and everything that could be used to support a growing insurgency. Weaver, put'em to work."
"All right start breaking your units down into search and requisition teams, of four to six fighters. I'll give your assignments tomorrow. Dismissed." Weaver ordered.
I got up to leave while Porter told Tom to wait for everyone to leave. While Tom was talking to Porter and Weaver I decide to walk around.
I ran into Tom. I asked him how everything went with Weaver and Porter.
"Porter said that his chief surgeon found the answer to the harness removal." Tom said.
I stopped in my tracks.
"Really?" I ask.
"Yes. But they need to test the theory. So they want to use my son. I'm ok with it but I need help. Would you and Cole and Taylor come with us to help me?" Tom asked.
"Yes." I say immediately. "Just let me get my weapon."
I hurried as fast as I can. Once I got my gear together, I start running the halls a lightning speed to find Cole and Taylor. I finally pushed open a classroom door and them making out. They pulled away from each other. They were beat red and blushing furiously. I would've laughed if it was a different circumstance.
"Sorry to ruin your guys' moment, but Tom needs us for a mission. Were gonna get his son back." I said rapidly.
After that, I just sprinted all the way to Gym where we will meet and go to where the Skitters having the child slave labor at. I waited patiently while Tom was talking to Matt. During that time Hal, Dai, Anthony, Cole, Taylor, and Karen all arrived. The only person were waiting is Tom.
I looked Karen. I don't what it is but for some reason, I had this bad feeling about her. This feeling I felt was that she can't be trusted at all. I was going to say something but when I was about to open my mouth, Tom came out. He just nodded his head then we all got up.
Before we left, we all stopped at the board. I wish I had a picture of my son. When I look at this board, I always think about the time I took him fishing every weekend before he got really sick.
"Alright let's go." Tom said quietly.
Dai and I took one last look at the board and left with the rest of the team. We all got in the truck and left for the warehouse.
We got here before the Mechs and Skitters brought the kids from the hospital (Tom informed about how he found the hospital filled with harnessed kids while his team was on patrol). I put the explosives that I made inside of a silver car. I ran back behind the debris where Tom and I are hiding at. The plan was that once we find Ben, we set off the explosives. After that, Hal, Karen, Cole, and Taylor will come out and provide suppressing fire. While simultaneously, Dai will come out of the alleyway and then we throw Ben in and we all get in the back and high tail it out of here.
Not too long after that, we heard the screeching noise of Mechs and the noises of Skitters approaching the warehouse with the harnessed kids. After awhile Tom looked at me while I had back pressed up the debris.
"They didn't see the explosives in the car. That's good." Tom said.
"What's going on" I ask. I turn to my side and look at Tom.
"The first crew is here." Tom replied.
"Is Ben with them?"
"I don't see him."
I finally turn so I'm lying on my stomach and pulled out my own binoculars to see what's happening. That's when I saw another group coming.
"There's another crew coming." I whisper.
I looked to my right and I thought I see him.
"I think I see him." I whispered.
"No, that's not him." Tom whispered back.
Then when I looked to the center, I stopped breathing. I only breathed when I said what I've been waiting for.
"It's Rick." I say awes trucked.
"What?" Tom asked.
"It's my boy." I said.
"Where?" Tom asked
"Right by the building." I reply
I wasn't thinking this time. I just acted on impulse.
"RICKY!" I yelled
Tom tried to stop me but I kept going.
"Cover me." I whisper.
Tom still tried to stop but I broke out of his grip. No one could stop me getting to my son. My son was the only thing that has been keeping me going. Now that I have finally found my son, I'm not stopping for anything that gets in my way. I am going to get my son back. I kept running until I ran in front of him and grabbed him by his shoulders.
"Ricky. Rick. Rick. It's Dad. Dad." I say over and over again.
I start to look and I see the harnessed kids starting to surround me and my son.
"Come on." I say to Rick even though he can't respond.
He just stared out into space. Then a Mech appeared in front of us. I saw the blue lights on me. When they turned orange, I thought I was going to die.
"At least I'll be with my son." I said to myself.
But before the Mech fired, the explosives in the car went off and took out the Mech. After that, Tom came over to me and started helping me load Rick in into the deck of the truck. I climbed in after Rick.
"I'm going after Ben." Tom said.
But before run thirty feet, a Mech appeared on the rooftop. It fired its grenade launcher and sent Tom flying back making him hit his head on debris. He was out cold. Then I see Cole, Taylor, Hal, and Karen shooting at the Mech to distract it. But when Dai put Tom in the front seat, the Mech came at us again. We had no choice but to leave.
After we left, I felt terrible. I screwed up Tom getting his kid. Then it was my fault that we left the others behind. I felt incompetent. Even though I got my prayer answered, it came with a price.
After a couple hours of driving, we had to ditch the truck. After we ditch the truck, we took shelter in the basement of some building. While we were waiting for Tom to wake up, I couldn't but think that this was my entire fault. Finally Tom woke up.
"Where's Hal? Karen? Cole? Taylor?" Tom asked weakly.
Dai was one knee leaning on a pillar.
"We couldn't get them." Dai said.
"We were running for the truck." Tom replied.
"You got hit by debris from the explosion. Tom we got you this far."
"WHERE'S COLE, TAYLOR, HAL, AND KAREN!" Tom yelled frustratingly.
"There was a Mech on our tail. We couldn't wait." Dai tried to reason.
"How far to the school?" Tom asked tiredly.
"A quarter-mile, maybe less." Dai replied.
"You two go on."
"I'm going after them."
"At least come with us for weapons and reinforcements." Dai tried to reason.
"No there's no time."
Tom then turned to me. I started crying a little.
"What were you thinking Mike?"
"I'm so sorry Tom. He's the only family I got left."
There was a pause.
"Where are the rest of the weapons?" Tom asked while looking around.
Dai answered. "I had to leave them in the truck. Just got this."
Dai took the sawed off shotgun from his back and handed it to Tom.
"Let me have that rope too, and your flashlight." Tom ordered quietly but firmly.
"Be careful." Dai said.
After that, I picked up Rick in my arms and carried him, with his head in my chest. Dai and I made the long trip back.
We got back to the school; I immediately took Rick to the lab. I then told Anthony to go report that I brought my son back instead of Tom's. When I set him on the bed, Anne and another man pulled me out into the hall, while Lourdes watched over Rick.
"My name is DR. Michael Harris. I'm about to start the harness removal surgery. All I want you to do is stay out here and stay the hell out of my way. Ok, good. Dr. Glass, take it from here." The man said.
"He is an asshole." I said
"I know but I need to ask you a question. Does Rick have any health problems?" Anne asks.
"He has cystic fibrosis." I said.
"Ok thanks. I'll come back out when you can see him." Anne replies.
She walked back and started to help with the procedure. I went and sat down on the floor. To help past the time I start to sing.
Day after day I'm more confused. Yet I look for through the pouring rain. You know that's that I hate to lose. And I'm feelin' the strain. Aint it a shame. Oh Give me the beat boys and free my soul. I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away. Oh give me the beat boys and free my soul. I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away.
"Wow. You're really good." A voice said.
I turned around and saw a woman. She had brunette hair, with brown eyes. She's Asian of some sorts. She sat down next to me. It was then that I realize I didn't answer her.
"Sorry. Thanks. I use to sing the blues on the weekends and that was one of my favorite songs." I say.
"Me too. I love Dobie Gray."
"And I thought I was the only who has heard of him."
"No he's one of my favorite artists." She said.
"He's one of my favorites too." I said.
"I'm sorry, but is your name Mike Thompson?" The woman asks.
"Yes?" I say
"You probably don't remember me. Do you remember that when you were walking down streets in your blue dress uniform, there was a woman that wasn't paying attention and walked right in front of a bus? When the woman heard the bus honk the horn, she froze. The man than ran behind her and grabbed her waist and flung her over back by the curb. The man then went over to help her up. He asked if she was alright. She didn't say anything. The man then told her that his name is Mike Thompson. He went to pick up his hat, and then told her that everything will be fine and have a good day."
My eyes widen. I remember that day. She was the woman I saved.
"I just want to say that I was the woman who you saved. I was so shocked I didn't answer. The cops saw what happened to me and they were able to knock me out of my shock. After that I prayed to God everyday and prayed that I will find you and be able to give a proper thank you." She said.
"I always wondered what happened to you. And your welcome." I said.
"My name is Jae." She said, holding out her hand.
"Mike." I said shaking her hand.
After that we spent a couple hours talking. Turned out we have a lot in common. We both like baseball and the Boston Red Sox. We like the same kind of music. I listened to blues and rock, while listens to mostly pop and country. We both like sushi and Canadian bacon pizza. We shared jokes and funny stories.
"Mike you can come in now." Anne said.
"Well it was nice talking to you Mike. See you at Breakfast tomorrow?" Jae asked.
"Wouldn't miss it." I said with a smile.
"Okay. See you later." She said.
"See you later." I said still smiling.
She got up and left. Before she turned left she looked at Mike one more time. When I saw her look at me, she looked away quickly and took off in a hurry.
"Alright I'm ready." I said to Anne.
She walked in. I stayed back a little. Dr. Harris than began to explain.
"Once the needles penetrate the spine, they soften and grow roots. They became part of the host's nervous system." Harris said.
"How is that possible?" Anne asked.
"Oh you know, some sort of nano-engineering or something. I mean they look like needles, but they behave more like living tissue. It's fascinating, actually." Harris stated.
"And that means if they wear the harness long enough…" Anne said.
"The kid in the harness become one." Harris stated.
Than Rick gagging, coughing and choking.
"DOCTOR!" Anne yelled.
"I got it I got it." Harris said as it was like no big deal.
"COME ON DO SOMETHING!" I yelled.
"Get him out of here will you." Harris said irritated by me.
"Come on Mike." Dai said.
He finally forced me out. I kept walking back and forth in front of the lab doors. Finally, Harris the asshole left and Anne told me I can come back in. I grabbed a chair and started to fall asleep.
I start to wake up. I then hear two voices.
"How is he?"
"He's stable."
"So it works."
"It seems to. Are you ok?"
"Yeah."
I realize its Tom and Anne. I open my eyes and sit up.
"Hey Tom." I said.
"Looks like he's gonna be ok."
"I'm praying. Keep an eye on him while I step out?" I ask.
"Of course." Anne said.
She starts to talk to Tom but I don't pick up on what they're discussing. I walk back to my sleep quarters.
"Lord, thank you for helping me find my son. And please let Hal, Karen, Cole, and Taylor be aright. And thank you lord, for letting me know who I saved long ago. And thank you for answering my prayer. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen."
I then pull back the covers and sleep with a smile on my face for the first time in six months.