Chapter 7 A Hero's Welcome

April 8th, 2014
7:12 PM
Copacabana, Bolivia
Plaza 2 De Febrero

Five days after barely surviving the derailed train in the middle of the Mich'ini Desert, Bolivia was celebrating Chrysalis's victory for the war against El Eterno. With Alvarez declared killed in action and El Eterno surrendering, the streets of Copacabana were flooded with civilians and refugees lined up in a crowd waving Bolivian flags and watching a parade while confetti rains over their heads. Like watching an Independence Day parade in the U.S. The celebration was beautiful.

There were people with face paint, mask, and sombreros marching down the streets with drums beating and trumpets honking. Women in dresses and skirts dancing around with tap shoes like ballerinas. And floats moving down the streets between the performers. As well as fireworks exploding into colorful particles in the night sky. With jet harriers zooming airborne that were dropping sky messages instead of napalm.

Cayce and I were sitting down near a gazebo at the Plaza 2 De Febrero eating pizza with Nina as I promised we would a week ago before I left the markets in the city. The three of us with the rest of the team watching the parade. Cage, Mason, Newblood, Logos, Heard, Lynch, even Dr. Hendricks made it to the occasion as well. Nina was with her father Captain

Mendoza and her mother Theta Mendoza. The whole family was there to celebrate with us. Commander Rivera had been with us to celebrate also.
As every one of us was sitting down enjoying our pizza, Cage was still in debate of whether we should turn in the forge to the Chrysalis Ministry of Special Projects or not. It's what Crosby wanted and it wasn't Cage's call to make.

"Um-hmm," said Cage. "I got it. Private projects. Huh? Just hear me out for a second. I understand you're taking Crosby's orders and that's great. It really is. I am completely on board for that. But if we could just-"

"Don't ruin the moment," said Nina. Handing Cage a slice of pizza for him to eat.

Cayce and I chuckle. So does Mendoza and his wife. Cage accepts Nina's offer and takes the slice for himself to eat. Letting go of his trust concerns for Crosby for the moment being. Cage took a bite and sighed.

"Gracias, senorita," he said. "Muy apreciado."

"It's a fine thing you've done for our country, Agent Amber," said Mendoza.

"Bolivia will never forget what you did for our cause."

"With Hugo Alvarez dead and El Eterno surrendered," said Mason. "You've earned yourself a hero piece in Chrysalis."

"When we get home," said Newblood. "Drinks are on Amber."

"Adios to that," said Logos.

"It must feel great for a Blackwell moppet turned Chrysalis war hero to going home after this, doesn't it?" Heard wondered. "I'll drink to that."
We had a laugh. Then I turn to Cayce to commend him for our mission's success.

"Hey, Cayce," I said. "Thank you."

"For what?" He thought.

"For getting me through this. I couldn't have done it without you."
The two of us smile and endure the moment of triumph together. With the fireworks, harriers, music, and parade to give us the definitive commendation we deserved. And a hero's welcome at that.

April 10th, 2014
3:09 PM
Portland, Oregon
Chrysalis HQ

It was a long ride back to the states from Bolivia to Oregon. Cayce and I with the rest of Alpha Team took a private plane to return home and back to the Chrysalis HQ in Portland. We took off yesterday morning after the celebration and didn't land at the Portland Airport until sundown. As soon as we landed, I went back to my apartment to recover from the mission. Got undressed, had supper, relaxed and watched television, took a shower, and hit the hay.

Today, I returned to Chrysalis HQ for a quick appointment with Dr. Hendricks and Sorenson and to receive my discharge from Crosby. I sat down on a bed in the clinic while Hendricks did the routine checkup she has done on me before after running more test on my powers she's done before as well. Lucky for me, this would be the last test run and checkup she'll ever have to do on me in months with Chrysalis. I opened my eyes for Hendricks to point a light at them before finishing the routine and procedure.

"Looks like you're in healthy condition after a rough couple of days in Bolivia," said Hendricks. "I should admit, Ms. Amber, you're the bravest and strongest patient I've had in my years as a Chrysalis doctor. As well as the bravest and strongest patient I've resurrected."

"That's admirable of you, Doc," I said. "I'm more flattered by your actions than your words making me live longer. Crosby would approve."

"I believe you've earned yourself an honorable discharge today, Ms. Amber," said Sorenson. "In case this will be the last you've seen of us, you've been a worthy advocate to us here at Chrysalis."

"I know," I said.

"Well, I better not keep you here for long," said Hendricks. "I believe we're done here. Crosby's expecting you in his office. Can't keep him waiting."

"Likewise, Hendricks," I said. "I have a lot to discuss with him before my leave."

"Off you go then, Miss. And Rachel."

"What?"

"Stay safe out there. I hope everything can be resolved in Arcadia Bay. Sorenson and I will miss having you here."

"Thank you."

I leave the clinic, march to the elevator, and take it to Crosby's office on the higher floors. Once I enter the CEO's office again, I see another individual in a Chrysalis military coat and cap standing next to Crosby at his desk. The man in the coat appeared to be a middle-aged man a few years older than Cage and was bald headed. Must be a major or admiral from Chrysalis's military division.

"And there she is," said Crosby as I approached him and the man in the white coat. "Agent Rachel Dawn Amber, Admiral. My protégé I've trained over the months since her revival."

"So, you must be the special agent Crosby sent to volunteer in Bolivia," said the Admiral. "Honored to meet you, Operative Amber."

"Ms. Amber, this is Admiral Gavin Penske of the Chrysalis First Fleet and commanding officer of the USCC Oregon."

I walk closer to the Admiral named Penske and shake his. I know I've heard his name before back in Bolivia when chasing Alvarez's train.

"The honor is mine, Admiral," I said. "I believe I've heard your name a week ago during my mission. You're the one who shot an aerial missile to a bridge."

"Penske and I have been discussing your relations with Chrysalis and he's impressed," said Crosby. "Not only have you aided our South American Branch into taking down the El Eterno insurgency, but you're the youngest operative to achieve such a goal. Your reputation here proceeds you as it had in Blackwell."

"At least I'm not the only Blackwell attendee to join your cause," I said. "I know Cayce graduated there once."

"You're dismissed Admiral," said Crosby. "Its time I spoke to Ms. Amber alone."

"As you were, Derrick," said Penske. "Ms. Amber."

Once Penske left the office to ourselves, Crosby and I began discussing the end of our deal.

"As you know, Rachel," said Crosby. "You have withheld your end of the bargain and as promised, I will withhold mine."
Crosby reached for an envelope with my rewards. Confidential to my name.

"As far as Chrysalis is concerned," he said handing the envelope over.

"You are relieved of duty. Honorable discharge with administrative leave. Signed and approved by me and every corporate, judicial, and martial authority alike. You're going home, Ms. Amber. Now you know that I'm a man of my word."

I read the papers in the envelope and their words are the same as Crosby's. I see a signature and stamped print on every paper I skim through confirming everyone's approval. Makes me want to put my smile on seeing my discharge papers. Arcadia Bay, here I come.

"For the record," I said. "I should apologize for doubting you before. Thank you. This means a lot."

"Before you go, Ms. Amber," said Crosby. "I have yet another confession that must be made that I regret not confessing a long time ago. But have awaited the right time to tell you since. And now is a great time as any."

"What is it?"

"I'm sure you recall your biological parent Sera Gearhardt if I'm right. Here's what must be said. About twenty years ago and beyond, this company started as a private institution made for people with strange and supernatural abilities such as the ones you have. And like today, it was our job to explain why and how people carried those abilities. At the time, the institute was named "Supernormal" and was partnered with the Prescott Foundation like Chrysalis is presently. The title "Chrysalis" wasn't founded until 1999. I was a professor with a degree in parapsychology during my days in Supernormal. And at one time as a professor, I meant someone just like you."

Crosby pulled out an old picture out of the drawers of his desk to present to me some recognizable face of mine of their younger selves. Featuring Crosby's younger counterpart as a professor as well. One that reads: Patient 22 – 1994.

"Your mother, Sera Gearhardt," continued Crosby. Showing the picture.

"And your father, James Amber."

If the resemblances were uncanny, I was awed. It was unquestionably Sera and my Dad in the photo with Crosby.

"When Sera was pregnant with you," said Crosby. "Her and your father came to us saying that she had the same capabilities you have now. And she had them long before her pregnancy. Since high school they said. They only came to us then because Sera had pregnant with her powers and the two had concerns of miscarries, stillbirth, or risk of death giving birth because of her powers. Luckily, you were born successfully with no harm done. Thanks to the doctors at Supernormal."

Sera had powers like me? Why did she never tell me? Why didn't Dad tell me? In Sera's letter, I read years ago, she said something about a deeper indictment that caused Dad to act out against her with Damon but couldn't say so doubting my beliefs. Is this what she meant? Was this deeper conflict kept from me by Dad as well?

"Even after your exemplar birth," continued Crosby. "Sera's problems with her powers were far from done. I understand how it ended for her. I know that she nearly took her own life just to escape her burden and father took you away from her for that. It was her powers your father tried to protect you from, Rachel. He believed you'd be a heavier burden on Sera because of that. But even so, we suspected you'd be born with Sera's gift and the powers we've seen from you have confirmed those suspicions. I understand you and James had a confliction some years back. Regarding the debacle between him and Sera. I even funded the money he had been sending to her to keep her away from her. I'm only telling you this now so that I may earn your trust from me after the secrets I've kept."

All this time with Chrysalis and Crosby actually knew my parents for a time. Of all the secrets he's withheld from me, this was the one I needed unveiled the most. That's if this deeper revelation about my true mother actually justifies my father's deception against her. Somehow, I believe my Dad may have known I had powers all along. Or so he may have suspected. Either way, I don't know if could forgive him more or resent him less than all those years our feud began, but now I know plenty. Plentier than I knew the night Dad first told me his version of the truth about the woman under the tree I saw with him.

"And all this time since the day I woke up in that lab," I said. "You knew my mother. You knew my father. You knew my mother's powers that are now mine. You kept that from me longer than you've kept everything else. And you think you've earned my trust?"

"The answer is up to you, Ms. Amber," said Crosby. "Not me. You had the right to know no matter what."

"I could've been killed again in Bolivian and I would've died unaware this truth. But you know what, I don't think my trust for you matters much to me anymore. I go home scot-free and nothing else matters to me. Except knowing what you've told me. Good day, Crosby. Thanks for the discharge."

"Before you leave, Rachel, you'll need this."

Crosby reached for a pair of keys and tossed them to me. I caught them in my hands with great reflexes and timing. They seemed to be keys to a motor vehicle and a house of some sort. My ride home perhaps?

"There's a motorbike waiting for you in the parking lot under the facility. You'll have clearance to get inside and you can take the bike to a lodge we rented for you near Kettle Lake ten miles from Arcadia Bay. If you like to say your goodbyes to your team, Corporal Foley is waiting for you in the lobby downstairs in the atrium. Don't forget your papers before leaving here too."

Note: Two more chapters to go! Gonna be going back to college in less than a week now and they'll be other things I want to do in life as well during the middle of writing the last few chapters. I've just beaten Red Dead Redemption II, started Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, beat Mass Effect 3 for the billionth time, and finished binging the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. Which will have a new season starting next week after my first day back. Also, might play the first two episodes again of The Walking Dead: The Final Season before episode 3 releases.

Now about this chapter, Crosby confesses to Rachel that Sera had powers just like her. Being the deeper stakes of James's corruption against Sera in Before the Storm. I've always theorized James could've been protecting Rachel from more than just what he specifically told her about Sera. At least this theory of Sera having powers would've made the arcs of both James and Sera a bit more interesting than what was already executed in the episode "Hell Is Empty". Perhaps it would've deemed James's actions more justified and made Sera's wishes to keep them from Rachel justifiable as well.

Until next time, stay tuned and golden!