Point of View: ZACK
*****************************************
As
I awoke in a hospital bed feeling a little weak I couldn't really remember what
had happened, and how I got here. I knew I wasn't at Manticore or I would be
tied down. I thought for a second wondering if Lydecker knew I was here. I had
to get out of here, but where would I go?? I started to remember bits and
pieces of what happened. I could hear Max and Logan so I knew I was save for
now. I decided to just rest and wait for Max.
Point of View: MAX
*****************************************
"What
about Tinga?" I ask. My sister is out there, and I'm not leaving until I
find her.
"Tinga
can take care of herself," Logan says, "Right now we need to
concentrate on the Informant Net. We have no idea how much has been
compromised."
He's
right. Which sucks, but what can I do about it?
First
things first, we need to get Zack outta here. Hopefully he's conscious by now.
While Logan collects medical supplies, Bling and I head for Zack's room.
"What
happened in that closet?" I ask.
"I'm
not sure," Bling responds, "But she's angry for a lot of reasons. I'm
just the one who took it on the chin."
We
reach Zack's room, only to find the bed empty. Zack is the second Manticore to
take off into the night. Something must've happened to make him run. I'm not so
sure I want to find out what.
"Logan.
Let's get him and go."
Bling
and I return to the closet where we left Logan. He's trying to figure out whether
we need two bottles of Tryptophan or three. He's so cute when he's puzzled.
Damn,
where'd that come from??? Back to the task at hand.
"Max,"
Logan says looking up, "Where's . . . "
"Zack's
gone. And we need to vanish as well."
Point of View: LOGAN
*****************************************
Zack's
gone? Damn. We still don't know how those gummies might have affected him, he
can't possibly be recovered from the coma and blood loss, and he's gone?
I
doubt he ran on his own. It's more likely someone else took him out of here.
But Max is willing to leave, and I'm not going to tell her anything that will
change her mind.
I
grab all three bottles of Tryptophan. Manticores seem to be popping up where I
least expect them. I also take a few assorted supplies, antibiotics, anything I
can fit in my bag. You never know.
Bling
is looking distracted.
"Bling."
He
doesn't answer.
"Bling,
stop thinking about Tinga and get the car, please?" We need to get the
computer files out of the penthouse, and get out to the cabin."
Bling
looks at me with a raised eyebrow and apparently decides not to comment. He
heads out to the car.
"Max,
let's go over what we need from the penthouse, so we can get in and out as fast
as possible."
Max
protests. "You give me a list and I'll get it. We don't know who's in
there and you are NOT coming in with me."
"Max,
I need to download some of those files myself."
Max
is not going to be budged. "Logan, face it, in this case you're a
liability. I don't know who's in there, or what's going to happen, and it's
hard enough to protect myself, let alone you or Bling. I'm sorry, but it's just
the way it is."
A
liability. Gee, thanks.
Point of View: TINGA
*****************************************
I
look around, still not thinking clearly. I have no idea where I am. Wow. Must
be dealing with some heavy-duty stuff to make me forget ALL my training, even
the stuff I never leave behind.
Was
it Zack's fault, or Logan and crew? //Be honest with yourself, girl,// I
silently told myself. //When you think 'Logan & Crew', you really only mean
one member of it.//
I
shake my head. This is getting me nowhere. And it's all about me, isn't it?
I
remain rooted to the spot. Well, isn't it?
After
an unmeasured time with no answers, I start to move again. One thing's for sure
- I need a plan. And so far, the "crew" hasn't had much of one. I wonder if
they always make it up as they go along, or if this is an exception.
Some
Gummy-crazed guy comes pounding up to me, probably sneaking up in his mind.
"Mandycor!" he screams as he lunges. Without even looking at him, I reach back
and snap his arm. He freezes, stunned for a moment, then lunges again.
"Lydecker!" Frustrated, I spin, drop, and slam him to the ground. He struggles
to get up, so I break his leg. The one opposite the arm. And then I walk on.
He's
given me an idea, though. Maybe I should call on dear old "dad". Been too long
since we had contact, anyway.
I
find a working pay phone in a relatively quiet zone, and dial the number. Been
a long time since I had to call on him, and a fair stretch since he's called on
my…services.
"Yeah.
Get a message through to Colonel Donald Lydecker. Tell him his lost child is
going to be at this number for 15 minutes, not one minute more." Pause for
idiot babble. "You want me to give you the number? What are you, new? You
should have had it before you picked up the phone." I hang up in disgust, and
look around for somewhere to wait.
Point of View: NORMAL
*****************************************
I
returned to Jam Pony and tied the dog to a nearby pipe. The dog gave me a sad
little look and I caved. I took the dog and placed it on my lap.
"Where
is everyone?" I yelled out to one of the incoming riders.
"Dunno.
It's like crazy out there Normal! I want hazard pay for this. Some guy tried to
grab me and check my neck screaming about getting to a rally point or
something. Here's the log. I'm gonna get changed and get outta here fore it
gets dark and more crazies show up man." said the rider heading over to
the lockers.
"Too
late. I think the crazies are already here! Don't give me your excuses or I'll
fire you. Now come back here and take this package over to the south end. The
address is on the box." I ordered him.
The
rider turned and glared at me. I glared right back. You can't let these animals
see fear or you'll lose control I told myself. The rider gave up and took the
package mumbling something underneath his breath.
"Well.
The same to you!" I mumbled back.
The
dog began to squirm. It seemed uncomfortable with the new surroundings. Who can
blame it. With all these vermin laying about I would be uncomfortable too. At
least the tremors had stopped.
"Hello
Jam Pony messenger service. How may I help you?" I said picking up the
phone
"Yes,
yes...I see....you have a package to deliver to Fogle Towers? Sure we can do
that. I'll send someone as soon as I can. We aim to please." I said to the
caller.
"Where
the fire truck is Max? I need her to pick something up." I asked looking
around.
Point of View: TREAD
*****************************************
MPD/DID.
It stands for multiple personality disorder/disassociative identity disorder.
According to the files I have on my creation, on one January morning in 1969,
when they were reasonably sure that I was going to live, they handed me over to
the Spoilsport psychological conditioning unit. They in turn started that day,
over 51 years ago, to begin engineered psychological trauma events designed to
split my mind. I was six months old.
Every
curse has a benefit, just like every benefit carries a curse.
The
benefit of having MPD/DID is sometimes one of the alters in the back of my mind
sees things through my eyes that I, the host personality don't notice. Kind of
like going to the movies, but instead of watching the stars, you decide to
watch background. Well, that's what my alter does.
The
curse is after I pass by a Black Durango driving down the street I start
getting visions of it and the guy in the car. He checks out my Harley. Not
unusual. Harley Davidson went out of business for a while in 2016. They were
struggling financially and they never fully recovered from the Pulse. A Korean
company bought the rights, and started making clones. Then a bunch of former
employees seized control of the original plant and started making "REAL"
Harleys, without the rights to the name. It's all very confusing now. Real
Harleys are Black Market, and Genuine Harleys are crappy Korean toys. So having
a working 1997 Harley is a still pretty big deal.
But
it's the face that was checking out my Harley. That's why I'm making a U turn
at 60mph, it was familiar and I don't like it. Unfortunately I haven't told
myself who it is yet.
Point of View: JONDIE
*****************************************
Zack
pulled my arm quickly....buildings, trees, everything was going by as one big
blur...we were running and all I could think of was that I was tired,
weak...and the miracle healing that was supposed to be happening wasn't...I
sighed inwardly...it had started several years ago...cuts, bruises, they just
didn't disappear as quickly as they used to. I had just accepted it, however in
the back of my mind it haunted me, as though this new setback meant my
inevitable demise...I had often remembered Zack's description of what happened
to Brinn...I wondered if something worse was happening to me..only slower..
I
didn't really know where we were going..just that Zack was with me now...strong
as usual and that meant I was safe. He pulled me along behind him
furiously...he was frustrated at my lack of effort..He didn't understand...I
wanted to stop...I was just tired of running.. from everything.
Bits
and pieces of the last few minutes played over in my head...we were just laying
there..in our separate beds...he had turned over and looked at me...there was a
serenity in his eyes. I must confess it was one of the few times I had actually
seen that characteristic in Zack. But then, suddenly fire...he jumped out of
the bed, well...if I was honest, it was more like a lunge, followed by a
stumble, and then another lunge. "Jondie?" His voice was a mix of
surprise/frustration/excitement. He didn't scold me...not until he first found
out that I was ok. Then came the questions..."What are you doing
here.." typical Zack interrogations. But he was interrupted by something...I
never saw it, but something, someone made him stop short..in the next moments
he had picked up my embarrassingly feeble body in his arms..minutes later we
were just running. In that instant I stumbled and fell..."Zack.."
Point of View: MAX
*****************************************
Zack's
gone. Great. Another Manticore on the loose in Seattle. Just as the craziness
rises to an all time high.
There's
nothing more we can do at the hospital really, so after destroying Zack's
records, Logan, Bling, and I headed out with what ever supplies we could
gather.
Bling
was driving back towards Logan's where, depending upon who was in there sending
that call, we'd have to decide what to do about the informant net. Bling was
distracted, his mind on Tinga. I know he felt that it was his fault she bolted.
"Max,
I'm going in there," Logan says, continuing our argument, "I have to
deal with the damage that may be done to the informant net."
"No
way mister. We have no way of knowing who's in there. *If* it's safe, then I'll
let you in."
I
can see him wanting to swear, but he doesn't dare. He knows there's no point, I
won't back down. He can't deal with the fact that I'm protecting him.
We
arrive at Logan's. Bling parks the car out front. The penthouse is dark, but I
can see something moving. And then there's a flashlight beam visible. In the
computer room.
|
Point of View: LOGAN
***************************************** Max
heads upstairs, alone. I'm left in the car with Bling. I'm
feeling fairly useless at this moment, but then so is he. We have nothing to
say to each other. I don't think either of us wants to discuss our personal
situations. At least, I don't, and for once he's not jumping in with some
helpful comment. Max
left with instructions to call me from the penthouse phone on my cel, as soon
as she checks the place out. Of course, I told her to bail and leave the
equipment if there's anyone there she can't handle. And of course, she won't.
So
we wait. The streets around here are quiet at the moment. Bling clears his
throat. He looks like he's about to say something, but he changes his mind. We
wait. I consider picking a topic of conversation, any topic, but at the
moment nothing occurs to me. The silence lengthens. We
wait. I'm getting more scared than I have any right to be, and kicking myself
mentally for giving a damn about those computer files in the first place. We
wait. And then we both jump when the phone rings. |
|
|
Point of View: SKETCHY
*****************************************
Tearing
down the stairs like a dog with a bad itch I made the trip down to the lobby in
less than 3 minutes flat. Running out the lobby door I looked in the direction
I had let my bike go.......it was gone. "Fire truck"!!!!, what the
hell did I just say!? boy I think I've been hanging round Normal to long.
Feeling very in need of a few glasses of 'Zombie Soul Power'(6 shots Jack
Daniel's 1 shot dry red wine, the drink of the late Godfather of soul James
Brown, well.... so my father told me anyway)
I turned and headed back for the lobby.
Damn , I thought to myself I cant wait till I see the clown who stole my bike,
just thinking about what I was going to do to him got me even more amped I
started shadow boxing imagining that the punk who stole my bike was in front of
me ,boy was he gonna get it POW ,POW,CrAcK.Man am I good or what?!
Walking
in to the lobby lost in my in my anger, I punched the door........Oh "Fire
truck, that hurt"!! Fire truck!!!??? damn that Normal, brainwashing me
with his kooky saying's.
"Excuse
me son" I looked up to see the old man from the first floor, holding my bike.
"
Are you look'n for this"? he said.
"Yeah,
I was old timer" I replied with a tone of relief.
"
My names Richard boyo, I saw you jump off your bike ,neat trick by the way, you
looked like you were in a hurry so I went out and got your bike before it got
stolen. I figured that you might come back look'n for it."
"ohh
man thanks for doing that, I was too worried about my girlfriend up on the
tenth ."
"That's
ok Sketchy, I see you nearly every morning riding your bike down the stairwell
on your way to work, I know your one of those cycle couriers so I thought that
your bike was important to you."
"How
did you know my name and that I was a cycle courier??"
"
it say on your bag, 'Jam Pony cycle couriers, Sketchy' I just guessed that
Sketchy was your name"
"
oh yeah." Sketchy you dumb a$$ I thought to myself.
Passing
my bike to me Richard told me that he was going to get the power on cos he was
retired power board worker and he knew a few tricks to get the buildings power
back on.
I shook Richard's hand and told him that we should go and have a few drinks
later and thanked him again for what he had done.
leaving
it at that I headed up the stairs again, this time with my bike.
Point of View: ZACK *****************************************
I
got out of bed and left the hospital. At the time it was the best idea. As I
ran down the street I saw Jondie. I
grabbed her arm and ran with her. I thought why was she here? As I kept running
with her she got weak. I picked her up and ran with her, but then she fell.
"why
are you here??"
"
you could have gotten yourself caught"
Looking
at Jondie I realized this could wait. As I helped her to her feet we kept
moving quickly. I knew Logan and the others would probably go some where
remote, the cabin I thought.
"
Jondie we are going to meet up with max, can you make it?"
Point of View: LYDECKER
*****************************************
I
grin manically as I watch two of my three favorite X5s run down the street.
They have no idea! I sneer. My mind races, they could be fun to mess with. just
for the hellofit I pull my gun and aim at Jondie's retreating feet, I fire a
shot and watch her fall. "Strike one" I whisper softly as I watch
Jondie grasp her foot, the bullet had imbedded itself deep in her heel. Perfect
I thought, that should keep her off her feet for awhile. Zack is looking around
madly and is unable to see me. Mind games were way to much fun. I tilt my gun
so that the sunlight glints off it and into his eyes, and when I see him catch
the sign, I sink into the brush. Hopping into the "Durango" that was
hidden a block away, I turn and tell the soldier to "drive". we
disappear.
Point of View: TINGA
*****************************************
Lydecker's
15 minutes are up. I can't believe this. Rejected even by him.
Of
course, I realize it's probably due to the very stupid person I contacted. In
which case, Lydecker - dear ol' Dad - will exact his own revenge. I feel a
smile creep irresistibly over my face at the thought. Oh well, the day's not a
//total// bust if that happens. Just wish I could watch...it's always nice to
watch a master at work.
But
now I have nothing. No plans, nobody to turn to...no stuff!
Damn.
What I have isn't much, but it is treasured.
Fine.
It's mine, it belongs to me...now, anyway, so I should be able to get it. I set
off, resolutely heading toward Logan's.
