Chapter Twenty Nine
Barely able to turn towards the noise, Addison went from being beside his desk to suddenly finding himself outside in the middle of nowhere. The landscape now around him reminded him of the type found in an old western; though he couldn't be sure if he was even still in North America. "What the hell?" He spun around to see Gwen behind him, not two feet away, sitting on a rust-red boulder. "Oh, hey now, Gwen. I don't blame you for wanting revenge, but let's think about this for a moment." Addison's suddenly cold hands rose as if to defend himself and he took a step back.
Gwen blinked, looking confused for a moment; then broke out in a grin. "Not why you're here, Greg." She chuckled and bound off the boulder. "I just wanted to talk without any surveillance. "You, I don't have any ill will towards. Still… Will would not approve of me being here… But I needed to come… Besides, you treated me decent, considering."
"Considering you and your gang of misfits broke into a secure facility, stole research and equipment, freed suspected terrorists, and destroyed said facility?" Greg asked in a severe tone.
"Hmm." Gwen paced a few steps and used her finger to accentuate her next words. "That first and last one, I will admit to. The other two, well, those weren't yours. I was getting them back where they belonged." She paused to look him straight in the eyes. "And refugees are not terrorists." She said, in a much more severe tone than his. After a moment, Gwen cleared her throat. "Whether we like it or not, Addison, war is coming. Humans are slowly learning, and accepting, that there are more sentient species of human and beast than they believed and were previously told. This will either herald a new level of equality and acceptance that the human race has ever seen. …or pave the way for bigotry and hate that will destroy nations." She turned to the landscape for a moment before looking back at Addison. "Given the homo sapiens track record… I unfortunately see the latter happening."
With a sigh, Greg had to agree. With Magnus "outing" abnormal's with the camp debacle, there had been more instances of humanoid abnormal's showing themselves openly, as well as more sightings of the bestial variety. Fortunately with SCIU and the Sanctuary, harmful incidents have been kept to a minimum. He ran a hand absently through his hair. "I take it you have a plan?" He was surprised when she became all most like stone… sad stone.
She nodded. "Already, there is an abnormal movement here on the surface. It's the peaceful kind, so I have given it my support. Their motto is… 'We Are All Terran'. I rather like it. They are primarily online based. Upworlder and Downworlder's working together to create informative podcasts, websites and even twitter campaigns. Quite ingenious. No physical appearances… they fear it would bring out those who would see them destroyed rather than accept and listen to their message." Gwen shrugged. "A bit more passive than I'd like, but if it catches, it can cause quite the wild fire if they're not careful." She paced again and looked at Addison. "It's time we shed those archaic ideas of boundaries and national separation. The governments need to change… they have turned into something a kin to evil. It has been misused for power and greed. This movement has the potential to shed light on those things and can incite ordinary people into seeking change. All over the world."
"You are talking about rebellion."
Gwen nodded. "In the states, is it not constitutional to change the government when it no longer works for the people? Isn't that a constitutional responsibility?" She cocked her head to one side. "Or did I read that part wrong?"
"Treason is still treason." Addison heard himself say, though with little actual conviction.
"The founders of the United States were traitors. Everyone seems to conveniently forget that." Gwen rebuked. She took a deep breath. "People need to realize that they should stand up for the rights and privileges for the entire world. Not just within the country. Just because something isn't human, doesn't mean it doesn't have the right to live. Or the responsibility of living its own life. Humans, abnormals, animals, plants and insects… We are all Terran. We are all a part of the natural wheel of life on this planet." She paused. "What is a mere nation… to the unity of an entire world?" She held out her hand to him. "Are you a countryman? Or a Terran?" When Addison just stared at her blankly, she let her hand drop with a sigh. "Do you know who you're working for, Addison? Hmm? Or perhaps, more precisely, with?"
Addison pushed his hands into his pockets. "Beaurocrat's mostly. …and the military."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "Such a simplistic answer." She paused to regard him for a moment. "Do you know about Cabalis Nocternum?" She then asked.
That seemed to get his attention. "They were a private organization devoted to researching and containing abnormals. They were founded in the dark ages if I remember my information right."
"They are much like SCIU in most aspects. They, too, wanted to use abnormals as tools. Especially for military operations. Otherwise, they would imprison their subjects. Treating the abnormals as possessions."
Greg smirked. "Whereas the Sanctuary provides a place for these same creatures to stay, and are cared for like pets."
Raising a finger, Gwen smirked back. "Tisk tisk. Dangerous abnormals are still contained in our facilities. We just believe in co-existing if the option is available." She sighed. "And one way or another, co-existing will happen. And… I am hoping that with your cooperation, we can keep collateral damage to a minimum." She admitted.
"What? You want me to join you?" Addison asked, taking a moment to wipe a wrist over the dome of his skull; it was starting to get a bit hot for his comfort.
Gwen shrugged. "More like keep SCIU honest." She took a step towards him. "There are still many Cabal agents in play. They may even be influencing the high ups in SCIU. They want SCIU as the new Cabal. When they succeed… they will continue their campaign against abnormals; they plan to start a war between humans and abnormal humanoids. I need you and whatever powerbase you have –and will have, to curtail that plan. SCIU has potential, Addison, but trust me when I say, you do NOT want the Cabal calling the shots. If you are with me… please watch for those agents. If you have proof that someone is Cabal, contact myself or Helen, but don't engage. I need you at SCIU."
Greg sighed and turned to pace a few steps before coming back. "My superiors have hired known Cabal agents for their expertise. Those identities are not secret. Though perhaps there is a cabal member in our higher levels who have influenced those decisions." He paused and gave her a sidelong glance. "In fact I'm sure Devonport is one. May explain a few things."
There was a visible response to the name in Gwen. Her whole body tightened and her hands clenched into fists. She took a slow diaphragmatic breath and closed her eyes for a moment. When her eyes opened again, she was able to speak. "I thought as much myself." She replied tightly. Gwen focused back on the man before her. "Does this mean you're in?"
Hesitating for a moment, Greg nodded his head. He held out his hand and they shook on their arrangement. "Should be fun."
~ ~. ~
Henry was doing a few upgrades to the security system when Gwen came in. He and Nikola had been working on it since Nikola had recovered from her rescue. They had planned on doing it after the raid on SCIU, when they retrieved the vampire's research and gizmos, but her capture had delayed things. So Gwen was somewhat concerned that she was going to get a retro-scold from the HAP when he asked her to come up to his lab. "Hey Henry. What do you need?"
He swiveled the chair he was sitting on around to face her, giving her a wide smile. "Gwen! How are you feeling?" Henry asked, catching himself before he began. Between her charity work in the third world countries, working with abnormal campaigns and psychological sessions with Will, he had hardly seen her around.
Smiling back, Gwen shrugged. "Between Nikola's support and Dr. Zimmerman's ears I'm well taken care of." She said lightly, but she could tell he wasn't entirely convinced. More than once Gwen had jerked in response to the sound of electrical current that happened regularly when the techies worked their craft. They also caught her rubbing her wrists more than once, even though they had long since healed. Her personal space had also increased, so her usual affection habits had altered. It had gotten better with therapy and getting back to life as one of the Six, but she had a way to go yet. "What is it you wanted?" she asked again.
"Okay…" he thrummed a tattoo on the desk, obviously nervous and excited. "I have a favor to ask you, if you're willing."
"Of course."
Henry grinned again. "As you know, Erica is nearing her due date, but she is all the way in the good old United Kingdom with her relatives. She's too pregnant to be moved here, and I have too much work here to spend the time it takes for me to get there."
"By conventional means, anyway." Gwen interjected.
Nodding, Henry continued. "Which is where I hope you will come in. Erica says she will let me know when she goes into labor. What I'm wondering…" He paused, giving her a half hopeful, half pleading look. "If you'll take me there when it's time."
Gwen grinned. "I would be happy to, Henri. It would be an honor."
He let out a breath of relief. "I would ask John, but I figured that eventually, you'll need a reason to get away for even just a moment." He blushed slightly. "I know how Will can be."
Taken aback by his thoughtfulness, Gwen took both his hands in hers and squeezed them gently. "I really appreciate the thought, Henry. I swear, no matter what I'm doing, or what's going on, I will get you to Erica's side so you can be there for the birth of your child."
"You're welcome. And thank you." Henry replied. When she released his hands, he went back to his computer screen. "Speaking of being somewhere, when are you and Tesla going on your big date?"
Smiling at the reminder, Gwen settled on a chair beside him. "Tomorrow. Nikola actually seemed to be excited about the whole thing. I wasn't sure he would be. It's not like we exactly dated, or even courted, each other through our whole relationship."
"So, what are you two doing?" Henry asked; ever the multitasker.
"We're going to Toronto and dinning on that big spire building. You know the one. Then we are seeing a play." She sighed with a whimsical look. "It should be a good night." Then she giggled. "It's technically our first real date."
Bumping her with an elbow, Henry smiled at the sound of her laugh. "Just make sure you have fun. That's the whole point." Then he gave her a serious look. "That guy would move heaven and earth for you. I've never seen him like that in the years I've known him. I thought I had that guy figured… then I saw him with you. Even when he was mad at you, he was always aware of you when you were in the room. And when SCIU had you… he was single minded. Didn't even go to Kate's wedding, though he was invited."
Leaning on her hand, Gwen traced invisible lines on the metal table. "What are you trying to tell me?"
"That you two go together." He said simply. "How do you feel about him?"
Taking the question seriously, Gwen took a moment to think. She looked the young Henry in the eyes. "He makes me feel absolutely safe."
~ ~. ~
Gwen knelt on the floor, her legs and arms spread eagle. Her knees were bound and held spread apart while her wrists were likewise bound and held above her head; Gwen was also blindfolded and naked. Except for several lengths of knotted cord strategically wrapped around her body, with the knots in deliberate places. There was a sheen of sweat making her skin glow and she was desperately trying not to move; she moves, the knots move.
Nikola was standing behind her, letting her recuperate before he began again. He twirled the riding crop in his hand while keeping himself reigned in. One buttock was already red and the other was tempting him. After a moment he approached her once more and gently trialed the end of the crop over the skin on her back. Her reaction was subtle but no less erotic. He ran a hand through her hair and as he took a bunch into his fist, the crop lifted away and smacked down onto her vulnerable skin. Gwen arched and gasped, then gasped again as the knot between her nether lips stroked back and forth.
The crop landed again and again while Gwen clutched at her bindings and felt the exquisite pain blend into pleasure; tingling right down to her toes. She had given him full control tonight to do whatever he desired to her. Gwen wanted to show him just how much trust she had for him and was reaping the delights for that decision. They had indulged in BDSM before but Nikola had always held back; this time they would put some of their boundaries to the test.
She sensed him move in front of her, still keeping a grip on her wealth of hair, while trailing the crop over her back, across her shoulder blade and over her collarbone and over a breast to casually slap the nipple. The end of the crop then slid to her side and down to her thigh. Before the crop landed a harder strike, his hand at her head tightened; his only tell. After a few strikes, he stopped. He released her hair and his hand caressed down her neck and stroked her jaw. His thumb touched her lips and pushed for entry; Gwen knew what he wanted and took his thumb into her mouth and suckled. When his thumb left her mouth, she was ready when his hardened penis pressed for entry. As she took him in her mouth, his hand went back to her head of hair, taking control of the thrusting motions. Gwen heard him groan just before the crop slapped her thigh once more; she jerked in surprise and heard him hiss. The crop came down again, adding to the mounting arousal.
Then Nikola pulled abruptly away by sheer willpower; he was not ready for his own release just yet. When he regained his equilibrium, he stalked around her again to the table to replace his crop with a soft leather cat-o-nine. Turning back to her, and still breathing hard, he lifted his arm and brought the scourge down on her back. There was no piercing of the skin, only blushing red marks. The lashes fell until she spent herself and her limbs felt more like jelly then tissue. Putting the tails away and retrieving another item, Nikola came up behind Gwen and unbound both wrists. "Don't take off your blindfold." He ordered as she fell forward onto the carpet. He knelt behind her and stroked her back with the implement with one hand, while the other went between her legs. His fingers slid within the slick folds of her sex, finding the knot that rubbed deliciously against her clitoris. It too was moist and warm. With her encouraging movements and sounds, he entered her with two fingers. When she contracted around his fingers, Nikola groaned. He trailed the toy along her spine and over her buttock to dip it into her wet passage before bringing it up to tease the puckered opening of her ass. He felt her contract again as the plug slid into her. Nikola heard her gasp his name and removed his fingers. They were quickly replaced by a hard thrust of his hips as he pushed inside her. They both groaned as their bodies joined and as Nikola began to piston her from behind.
Gwen was down on her elbows, so Nikola had a magnificent view of her behind and easy access. Both hands came down on her sensitive flesh more than once, rousing them both to newer heights. His thrusts were hard and fast with no sign of letting up; not that either of them wanted him to.
Moments later they exploded in ecstasy together. Nikola let her relish the after effects for only a few moments before he withdrew himself and the plug from her person. He untied the rope and relieved her of those pesky knots before releasing her knees. Nikola scooped her up and removed the blindfold as he took them to the bed and laid her gently on the covered and laid beside her, all wrapped up around her. They shared a kiss that nearly had him up again, if he hadn't felt so spent. "Are you alright, love?"
"More than alright." She answered quietly; her hands were tracing the lines of his face as if trying to memorize his features by touch, while her eyes never left his. "Thank you." Gwen said earnestly.
Nikola smiled and brushed a lock of hair away. "Anytime." He said without a trace of innuendo in his tone. "I love you."
Gwen grinned. "Love you too." She replied, bringing him close for another heart quickening kiss.
After a few minutes Nikola broke the kiss. "Time to kiss everything better." This time the innuendo was there. He began kissing her cheeks, her neck and continued down to give almost every inch of skin an affectionate kiss. There was more than one place he lingered, but Gwen enjoyed every feeling of his lips, and hands, on her body.
Just like the last time, Nikola took his time; they had all night.
~ ~. ~
They lay snuggled within the warmth of the bed and blankets; skin against skin. Gwen was letting her mind wander when she remembered something Helen once told her. "Nikola…" she asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had descended after their last bout of exercise. She got an answering hum from him and felt his arms tighten around her in response. "What did you do to the Cabal that made them chase you?"
There was a pause. "Excuse me?" he asked, obviously not on the same train of thought.
Gwen smiled. "In Rome when you wanted Helen to help with your vampire automatons… she realized the Cabal was chasing you, not her. Helen didn't tell me why they saw you as a threat."
Nikola chuckled at that; his mind going back. He had been obsessed and a bit bloodthirsty about his goals. "I made the mistake of being over confident and arrogant when it came to the Cabal. They had information about my ancestors that I wanted. Transcripts and translations from other historical vampire sights other than the hidden city catacombs. I unleashed a small horde of my creations into one of their facilities so that I could gain those files."
This time Gwen chuckled. "Did it at least work?"
"Oh yes." Nikola answered, feeling slightly pleased with himself while reminiscing. "Most of my projects were killed… but they were nothing but fodder anyways. I also left a Trojan horse that allowed me to keep tabs on them; and ultimately disable their networks after the events with the Lazarus virus and Ashley…" He trailed off, remembering now the resulting blood bath. While he had done the computer hacking of the Cabal, it didn't mean he didn't spill their blood as well. That wasn't a time he was fond of remembering; of a time where he had gotten too close to his more sanguine nature.
Gwen ran her hand up and down his arm to soothe him. "They underestimated you in any case, Nikola."
He made a noise of agreement. "Why do you ask?"
Shrugging, Gwen shifted onto an elbow to look down at him. "I'm not sure… curious I guess."
"Well… considering that you like knowing everything, that's to be expected I guess." He teased, pushing her onto her back again and positioning himself over her. "Your powers have made you quite spoiled, you know that don't you?"
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Gwen smiled up at him. She wound her legs around his and wiggled underneath him. "It's a good thing your around, then. To teach me a lesson." She teased back.
Nikola shut his eyes to enjoy the feel of her. His body responded automatically, so quickly it was almost painful. "Yes, but why do I get the feeling that it's usually the other way around?"
Gwen ran her hands along his jaw. She was looking at him with reigned in hunger. "Only you can figure that out, Nikki." She said softly; pulling up to kiss him deeply. There wasn't much more to say after that.
