Chapter 52
Four days later, seaQuest
"Damn!" Hudson swore under his breath. He'd been trying to call Kristin, but she wouldn't answer. Since Lucas' conversation with her, he'd found out she wasn't too happy with either of them. And, he didn't quite like the fact she wasn't answering at all. Frustrated, he lay down to try to sleep. But, it only resulted in tossing and turning.
He sat up and began pacing absently. As if on cue, there was a knock on his door. "Come in."
The door opened, and Lucas entered. "Cap, I can't get a hold of the doc," he informed him.
"Join the club," Hudson stated grimly.
Lucas sighed. "It's not like her though. I know she's a little angry with us, but for her not to answer…I'm not sure she'd do that."
"Maybe she's not home?" Hudson suggested. "What time is it in the Yucatan?"
"Eleven PM," Lucas stated. "Two hours behind us right now; and I've called her every night…and left messages. I really don't know if she'd ignore me like that."
Hudson thought for a moment. Lucas was right. Although he didn't know Kristin as well as Lucas did, he did know they were close. And, he didn't think Kristin would continue to ignore him either, upset or not. "How about we try just one more time?" Hudson suggested.
"And if she doesn't answer this time?" Lucas asked.
"I'm not sure," Hudson admitted. "But we'll think of something." He dialed the number as he and Lucas waited nervously. One ring; no answer. Two rings; no answer. Three rings; no answer. The suspense was painstaking. Four rings; the answering machine picked up. Hudson was about to cut the link when he finally saw Kristin appear on the screen.
"I can see you two won't get the hint," she said angrily.
"Kristin, we're sorry," Hudson replied apologetically. "But, we just wanted to make sure you were alright."
"I can't believe you'd ignore me like that," Lucas added, sounding hurt.
Kristin sighed, softening a bit. "I'm sorry, Lucas; I just didn't want another lecture." She turned her gaze back to Hudson and added, "From either of you. Had it been a true emergency, I would have answered."
"And how do you know it wasn't an emergency?" Hudson questioned.
"Because your messages said you were just worried about me," she answered. "I realize it was passive aggressive not to answer, but can you understand that you two are being a little too involved?"
"Doc, we just think something seems strange with this guy," Lucas explained.
"I know; you've both mentioned it several times over. Don't you two have enough to handle with the war? You need to add attacking innocent, defenseless, kind men to your list of duties as well? What would the secretary general say about that?"
Lucas and Captain Hudson exchanged a sheepish glance. "OK, you win," Hudson said. "Maybe we have been a little over-protective of you."
"And I appreciate that, like I said," Kristin replied.
"But, can you blame us?" Hudson countered. "Look, we'll lay off."
"We will?" Lucas asked. He didn't think that was such a good idea.
"Yes, we will," Hudson said again, giving Lucas a look, "as long as you don't go rushing into anything with him. Just don't go leaving the country or anything with him."
Kristin chuckled. "Excuse me? I think I'm a little too old for rules like that."
Hudson turned to Lucas. "Why don't you let the doctor and I speak privately for a moment?"
"Why?"
Hudson gave him a look.
"Alright, alright," Lucas muttered, giving Kristin one last look before leaving the room.
"Kristin, please…this is for you own good. It's just because we care about you."
"Oliver, is there something you're not telling me? Do you know something about Paul?" she asked.
Hudson shook his head. "No, there's nothing," he admitted. "It's just his actions seem suspicious to us, that's all."
"I suppose I can see how an outsider might get that impression, but it's really unwarranted," she assured him. "We're leaving on a trip with him…tomorrow, actually."
"Damn it, Kristin!" Hudson shouted. "I thought you were taking things slowly."
"We are; this is just an innocent weekend at Disney World. We're taking the children. Separate rooms; nothing sexual, if that's what you're worried about, not that it's any business of yours."
"I am not concerned about your sex life," Hudson replied. "But I am concerned about you three going away with him, innocent or not. Do you really think it's a good idea?"
"The children and I have obviously been through a lot, and I think it's something we need…to get away from things for a bit. As far as Paul, I trust him. Isn't that enough for you?" she countered.
Hudson sighed. "Just promise me you'll call me as soon as you get home."
She raised an eyebrow. "Why is it I feel like I'm a teenager again?"
"Sorry…just call me sometime on Monday, alright?" Hudson pleaded.
"Fine," she agreed.
"And you need to talk to Lucas too," Hudson added.
"I know, I know. As annoying as you two are, you're very sweet. Now, I need to get some sleep; we leave early tomorrow morning."
Hudson nodded. "I'm glad I got a chance to talk with you finally."
"And, I'm sorry for ignoring you," Kristin said. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Kristin. Have a safe trip."
She smiled and said, "Thank you." Then, the screen went blank.
Hudson sighed heavily. He was glad he'd resolved things with Kristin on his end. But, something still didn't sit right with him. He still had an uneasy feeling about the whole situation, but he hoped it was just his imagination. He went to find Lucas to tell him not to worry; then, he tried to get some sleep.
Yucatan Peninsula
Kristin woke early the next morning, making sure the children were ready, and double checking that everything that would be needed for a weekend away was packed. Suddenly, however, there was a knock at the door. Kristin hurried down the stairs, Charlie in her arms, and Michael close behind. She opened the door and saw Paul standing there.
"Sorry I'm early," he replied, "but I come bearing gifts." He held up two bags, delicious smells wafting into the house.
"You're always saying that," Michael noted. He helped take the bags out of Paul's hand and took them into the kitchen.
"I thought we'd all have breakfast together. I stopped and got something for all of us; I hope you don't mind," Paul explained.
"Of course not," Kristin answered. "That's actually a big help. I'm still making sure everything's packed."
Paul nodded. "Then, why don't you go finish what you need, and I'll set the food out?" He held out his hands. "I can take Charlie for you if you'd like," he offered.
Kristin gratefully handed her over. "Thank you. Can you feed her right away?"
"Sure thing," Paul said with a smile.
Kristin headed back upstairs. "Be down shortly," she promised.
Paul carried Charlie into the kitchen, put her into the high chair, and strapped her in. Being a doctor, Paul had access to every prescription drug available. He had decided the best and most humane way to execute his plan was to drug the three of them. Again, he didn't necessarily want to do it, but he was in so deep, it seemed he hadn't a choice. And if he didn't, he knew Bourne and Chankul would figure out some other way to get them there. But, he couldn't exactly drug the food with Michael watching. He thought quickly. "Why don't you take Max outside for a quick walk while I dish the food up?" he asked Michael.
Michael gave him a funny look. "Didn't Grandma tell you? She took Max to the dog hotel last night. He'll be staying there for the weekend."
Paul laughed, trying to hide his nervousness. "I forgot." So, he started dishing out the food. He began cutting up a piece of French toast for Charlie. As he did so, he thought of another way he could get Michael out of the room for a few minutes. "Can you go ask Grandma if she'd rather have French toast or pancakes? And bacon or sausage?"
Michael nodded. "OK." He ran out the room and up the stairs.
Paul worked fast, knowing he had just a few minutes.. He poured the syrup into a small pitcher and added the powder he'd brought with him. He stirred the syrup with a spoon until the powder dissolved, now undetected to the naked eye. It was just a simple sleeping medication, one that wouldn't harm them, but it was one that wouldn't wear off very quickly either. Then, he dished up a plate of his own food and poured syrup directly from the bottle onto it. Then, he poured some syrup from the pitcher onto Charlie's breakfast. Then, he finished setting the plates down on the table before Michael came back.
"All finished," Kristin announced, coming back in with Michael. "Oh, this is lovely," she noted, motioning to the table.
"Sit down," Paul urged, putting a forkful of food in Charlie's mouth. "Eat up."
Michael sat and began eating while Kristin sat next to Charlie, opposite of Paul. "I'll take over," she told him.
"Don't you want to eat first?" Paul asked.
"I'll eat in a minute. We have time," she answered.
Paul was reluctant, but he did handed Charlie's fork to her and began eating.
A few moments later, Charlie began rubbing her eyes and fussing a bit.
"What's the matter with her?" Paul asked innocently.
"I'm not sure; she's acting like she's tired. Maybe she didn't get enough sleep. I guess she'll sleep on the way there," Kristin answered. She put the half-eaten plate of food on the counter and took a damp cloth and began wiping Charlie's hands and face. Then, she took her out of the high chair and went to lie her down on the sofa so she could eat. "I'm sure she'll be bright-eyed after a little catnap," she assured, coming back into the room and sitting down.
"You're probably right," Paul answered. "Now eat up before it gets cold," he ordered gently.
She chuckled. "Yes, Sir." She poured some syrup on her French toast and took a bite. "This is delicious; thank you."
"You're very welcome. How you doing down there, Kiddo?" he asked Michael, who was nearly finished.
"Huh? Oh, f-fine," Michael replied.
"Michael, Honey, are you alright?" Kristin asked, every word laced with concern. She reached her hand out and placed it on his forehead. "You do feel a little warm."
"I'm just really tired all of a sudden," he answered.
Kristin looked at Paul. "Oh, no; I hope they haven't come down with anything." She ushered Michael out of the room and helped him lie down on the other end of the sofa. Charlie was already fast asleep.
"I'm sure they're just tired," Paul assured her. "They are up much earlier than normal. Just finish eating, and then, we'll check on them. Maybe they just need a little powernap."
She nodded. "Maybe you're right." She sat down and continued eating. But, it wasn't long before she started feeling strange as well. And, suddenly, she felt like everything around her was going in slow motion, like a bad movie.
"Kristin, are you alright?" Paul asked, noticing the look on her face. His voice sounded very low and far away, Kristin thought.
"I…I don't think I feel…very well." It took a tremendous amount of effort to speak, seeing as how she suddenly couldn't keep her thoughts straight. She tried to stand, but felt her knees buckle beneath her. Paul immediately was at her side. He helped support her while they walked the few feet to the living room. He helped her sit in one of the chairs.
"Just sit here and relax," she heard him say, his voice sounding like an echo as everything suddenly went dark.
Macronesian refugee camp
Indeed, Robert was right about the refugee camps. It took a few days for them to find one, but they did finally come up on a small camp hidden in the wilderness. Katie noticed a group of small children and, not thinking, approached them.
She smiled and said, "Hello, there; can I ask who is in charge here?"
Instantly, the children became frightened and ran. Katie looked at Robert.
"Did you forget what you're wearing?" Robert asked.
Katie looked down at her uniform. "I didn't mean…I'm sorry."
Before Robert could answer, the children returned, hiding behind a young woman. "We don't want any trouble," she said bravely. "Please, just leave us alone."
Robert turned to her. "You don't understand. We're not here to hurt you."
The woman gave them a suspicious look. She looked at Katie.
"He's telling the truth," Katie piped up. "We work for the UEO; we're on your side."
The woman moved closer to them. "You work with the UEO? Really?"
Robert nodded. "Our outposts and all our affiliates in Macronesia were destroyed just a few days ago. We've searched every one, looking for survivors. We haven't found any. We have no way to contact our headquarters, no way to get back home either. We really just need a place to stay, a place to think of a plan of where to go from here. We were hoping we could stay here for a bit…please?"
The woman turned and whispered something to the children. The children cast a final glance at Katie and Robert before turning and leaving. Then, the woman turned back to Katie and Robert. "I'm going to need some proof."
"Proof?" Robert questioned. "We just told you, everything we had was destroyed."
The woman shook her head. "And I'm sorry to hear that if it's true. But, I need to be sure this isn't some sort of military ploy, some trick to kill us all. I've been protecting them," she said, motioning toward the small shelters, "almost since the war began. I have to be sure." She turned and looked at Katie. "If you're really UEO, there must be something you can tell me only someone with the UEO would know."
But, as Katie looked at her, really looked at her, she suddenly recognized her. "Cynthia?"
"H-how would you-" Cynthia began, finally taking a good look at Katie. "Katie? I thought…"
"It's a long story," Katie finally said, seeing the look on Cynthia's face.
"Well, I haven't spoken with my mother for quite a while," Cynthia admitted. Then, she nodded. "OK, I believe you; you can stay here. Come on, I'll show you where you can stay."
Presidential Palace, Macronesia, some hours later
The Goliath was nearly finished. Much to the delight of Bourne, Nathan did as he was told, working around the clock like everyone else. But, there was one thing he was refusing to do, and it was very frustrating.
"You're telling me you built the seaQuest, and you have no idea how to disarm her arsenal?" Bourne questioned suspiciously, certainly not believing this lie.
"You seem to forget, I'm retired," Nathan stressed. "I'm sure all the passcodes would have been changed. It's protocol."
"But even after your retirement, you had full access to the submarine and all of its resources," Bourne challenged.
Chankul listened in disgust. He was content to let Bourne try to handle Bridger for the time being, but his patience was wearing thin. Their surprise guests had arrived earlier, but his agent had drugged them. That meant they would have to try to wear Bridger down themselves first. He was getting angry. "If you won't tell us, we'll make you," he threatened.
"You can't make me tell you something I don't know," Nathan yelled.
At that moment, a soldier entered the room and whispered something to Chankul, causing him to smile. "Very well; bring her in." He turned back to Nathan. "Oh, really; I beg to differ with you."
It wasn't long before a very confused Kristin stood before them, now in the hands of a Macronesian guard.
"Kristin!" Nathan cried.
"N-nathan?" She had not fully realized where she was or what was going on.
Chankul grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her away from the guard, causing her to cry out. Holding her tightly, he turned back to Nathan. "Now, Bridger, do as we say, or you'll watch her suffer."
A/N: OK, so I know I'm mean for leaving it there, but I always do like writing cliffhangers when I can. And, I bet you were wondering when I'd bring Cynthia in again, weren't you? I feel bad for leaving her out for so long. Also, there will be no update tomorrow as I have real life matters to attend to, but I will return on Thursday. Thank you.
