Draper reached the roof of the facility. He had several antennae or what appeared to be antennae hidden there. After performing a cursory inspection, he quickly realized that there was nothing wrong with them. It was getting very dark and Draper also noticed that the dome did not appear to be operational. He was able to see the stars. "That shouldn't be," he thought. Suddenly, he heard what sounded like helicopters approaching his location. Draper hid amongst the foliage. Sure enough, two helicopters – black helicopters were fast approaching. "Oh no!" he exclaimed.
Adam was cautiously climbing the stairway, following Draper's trail. He was nearly bowled over when Draper ran into him going back down. Both men were startled at the presence of the other. Adam tried to run but Draper stopped him with his mind. "I don't think so, Adam."
"Draper, let me go," Adam responded trying to move his legs. Draper had him adhered to the floor as if he were glued there.
"No, Adam, I don't think so." Draper allowed Adam to move but one step at a time in a very controlled fashion. Draper filled Adam in as they went. "You see, Adam, I need you. I get the distinct feeling that we are about to have a bit of company and I am going to need you to act as a decoy. I also need you to help me with Brennan when I bring him back here."
Adam was curious at the mention of Brennan's name. "Why?" he asked.
"Well, it appears that freak of yours stole my power from the storm."
"Shut up, Draper. You know Brennan can't absorb energy or have your experiments finally fired your brain?"
"That's where you are wrong, Adam. You see, I think Brennan can cycle energy – quite well, in fact. However, if you would look around, you would notice that the facility is experiencing a little brown out."
"Didn't pay your bill?" Adam quipped.
Draper sneered at him. "No. You see, I power the facility, Adam – with my power. I harness the storms and store the energy in me and then in capacitors. I had a bit of an issue with the last storm. Your Brennan caused some sort of interference and now, Genomex is landing outside because my perimeter security has been compromised."
"Genomex is here?" Adam asked. Draper had led them into the powerhouse and locked the door behind him.
"Yes, they are," Draper responded. "But they will never be able to leave. I need to power up the shield and the facility and continue with the experiment. And for that, I need Brennan."
"Even if he could, Brennan will never help you, Draper. Besides, he can't – you've injured him to the point where it is a struggle for him to breathe. Power up the facility yourself."
"I can only attract, channel and store energy, Adam, and discharge what I have stored. Unfortunately, I can't generate it. Brennan can."
Draper was readying his equipment, apparently modifying it for Brennan.
"He will never help you!" Adam yelled trying to get Draper to leave Brennan in peace.
Draper looked at Adam. "Adam, how did you get down here? Was it of your own volition?" Adam just looked at him. Then, he realized what Draper was saying.
"You're going to kill him," Adam said very matter-of-fact.
"Of course I am," Draper responded coldly, "but not until I have used him to refurbish the shield and the facility. After that, he becomes a detriment. I have decided to let the beasts have him."
XXXXX
Shalimar and Emma reached the ledge where Jesse and Brennan were hiding. Jesse met them and helped them up and over. He hugged both of them as if he hadn't seen them in years. Shalimar instantly placed her hand on Jesse's head wound. Jesse backed his head away from her hand. "It's alright," he said.
"I'll be the judge of that," Emma responded, "once we get back to the cave where you are hiding Brennan."
XXXXX
Brennan wondered how long it would be before Jesse got back with the girls. He had left the cave to get Shalimar and Emma at least 10 minutes ago – maybe more. He wasn't keeping that great of track of time. He was too tired. Brennan had begun to doze when he thought he heard something in the woods. "Jesse?" Brennan whispered. Only, it wasn't Jesse. From out of nowhere, the minions were upon him. He tried to scream, but couldn't. He tried to fight, but couldn't. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was a feral eye.
XXXXX
When Emma, Shal, and Jesse got back to the cave. Shalimar ran inside to check on Brennan. She stopped instantly when she was overpowered by the smell. Burned flesh, blood, and yes – beasts. Jesse and Emma were right behind her. "Where is he?" Shal and Emma asked in unison. Jesse was shocked. He walked over to where he had left Brennan. "Oh my God, he was right here," Jesse said – his tone hopeless. He collapsed to the floor of the cave. "He was tight here!" he screamed as he cupped his head in his hands and cried.