Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Square characters involved in this story.
Author's Note: My apologies that updates for this story have been so infrequent lately; hopefully, with the start of a new semester, I should be able to resume weekly updates.
Ntrophi, I hope you like this chapter…
OUT OF THE ASHES
Chapter Eighteen
Rebel Uprisings
Jane wasted no time panicking; with one arm, she grabbed Neil, and fumbled at her belt for the capsule she knew was there. She hadn't loaded the landing gel capsule in her gun, since she hadn't thought she'd needed it, but she seemed to remember an instructor saying the things would explode on impact anyway… She hurled it downwards, towards the catwalk she could see fast approaching them. She yanked Neil's falling form closer to herself as she waited for the capsule to erupt.
Upon impact, the capsule blossomed into a semi-solid gel that almost immediately began to evaporate. Neil slammed into the cushion, and Jane landed heavily on top of him, rolling off as the gel around them faded completely.
Beside her, Neil didn't move. Jane scrambled to her knees, moving to his side and pulling off his helmet, exposing his pale face. Stupid, stupid, stupid! She'd completely lost control of her emotions and had nearly killed them.
"Neil?" she demanded, fumbling at his neck for his pulse. "C'mon, wake up." His pulse was rapid, but strong. He was alive… How could she have done this to them? Jane looked up, noticing how far the catwalk they'd fallen from really was. We must have fallen six stories!
"Wake up," she said, slapping Neil lightly on the face. She didn't know if he was hurt, and the pale, bloodless cast to his face frightened her. Neil… I'm so sorry… I don't know what got in to me… She tried to persuade her lips to form the words.
Neil suddenly groaned, and his pale eyes slowly opened. He spotted her, and a strange mixture of hope and fear crossed his face. "Jane?" he said weakly.
"Are you all right?" she asked, fighting to keep the relief from her voice. After all, she was angry with him. Wasn't she? It's not his fault he has to share his head with General Hein… And I lashed out at him for it…
"I think my dignity's a little bruised. But don't worry; my back broke my fall." He pushed himself into a sitting position, his gaze on his feet. Despite the humor of his words, they seemed empty of the emotion. He seemed more tense and… frightened? Of her? Well, who wouldn't be? She'd nearly killed him!
Should she apologize? She hadn't meant for this to happen. Jane had been on edge since he'd kissed her, something she'd never expected to feel again… And she knew she'd still push him away. That part of her life had ended years ago… But she shouldn't have reacted so violently.
"I'm sorry," Jane began, her voice nearly inaudible. "For everything," she tried to add.
"Jane? Neil?" an urgent voice came through the com link.
Jane sighed. I'll try again later… "Sarge?" she said.
"You're all right… Thank God," Ryan said, his relief evident. "How about Neil?"
"I'm a little winded," Neil said, getting to his feet and wincing when his injured leg nearly gave out under him. "I'm probably gonna be bruised, and my leg took a beating, but other than that, I'm physically fine."
But not mentally, Jane thought, noticing his unusual phrasing.
"Stay where you are; we're coming for you," Ryan said.
"I wouldn't suggest it, Sarge," Neil said before Jane could reply. "I don't see any ladders in our immediate vicinity. It could take awhile to reach us. I'm fine… how about if we both do recons and rendezvous at the Black Boa? We might find out more in groups, anyway."
Ryan was silent for a moment. "All right. We meet at 1300 hours. And keep your com links open so we can keep in contact," he said.
"Affirmative, Sarge," Jane said. "See you at 1300." The link fell silent until they needed it again. Jane turned to Neil, wondering if now was the time to apologize, but the moment was lost, she realized.
"Shall we go on?" Neil asked. "Or don't you trust me? I could have engineered this fall in a sneaky plot to get you alone and make you my consort for when I hostilely take over the planet while armed with a spork."
Jane blinked. Well, he certainly sounds like Neil at the moment… How could I ever think…? Then, she caught the odd gleam in Neil's frosty blue eyes, and she frowned. He may sound like Neil at the moment, but how much of him is Hein?
* * *
Watching Neil and Jane tumble over the edge had been one of the most horrifying experiences of Aki's life. I've lost them again! she'd wanted to wail as she helplessly watched their fall. I've failed Gray! She'd almost sobbed in relief when Ryan had been able to contact them. I've lost too much already… I didn't want to lose them as well! Even if Neil's body did contain the detestable General Hein, Aki counted the tech as one of her few friends. She hadn't known Gray's squad for very long, but it was starting to feel as if she'd known them forever. They were her last link to Gray.
"Are you certain it's safe to leave them on their own?" Dr. Sid asked from behind her. "I know they're competent soldiers, but can they be trusted together? Jane seemed a little… displeased with Neil."
"You do have a gift for understatements," Ryan said dryly. "Jane just needs to sort out her emotions. She's never really been good at that sort of thing, and she's been under as much stress as the rest of us these past few days. And, despite what Jane said, I do trust Neil. He won't let Hein betray us."
"General Hein is very domineering," Aki said. "If he's determined to do something, he'll find a way to get it done. And he'll find a way to make Neil believe he's doing the right thing."
"Hein always did have a talent for manipulation," Dr. Sid agreed, "but from the sound of it, he kept out my rescue except to help, strange as it sounds."
Ryan sighed before replacing the helmet he held in his hands. "If there's trouble, Jane will let us know. But for now, our main concern is to slip into the city unnoticed, gather intelligence, then get out to meet Neil and Jane. Are you both ready?"
Aki stole a quick glance towards Dr. Sid to see how he was handling the stress, then nodded. "Let's go," she said.
They advanced slowly along the catwalks, wary of weak spots as well as watching for patrols. So far, so good…
"There… you see that cluster of buildings?" Ryan gestured towards a dim clump of buildings ahead of them. "A few of them are connected to the city above, and the catwalk passes close enough for us to enter through the windows."
Aki opened her mouth to respond when a sound made her stop. She froze as the scrape of metal on metal grew louder, and the catwalk beneath them vibrated. "A patrol!" Ryan hissed as a group of soldiers became visible on the catwalk ahead of them. "Back the way we came!"
The soldiers behind them began to move faster. "We've been spotted," Ryan said urgently. "Run!"
Aki took Dr. Sid's arm, and they ran along the catwalk as quickly as they could. Dr. Sid lagged behind, slowing their run. "You can do it, Sid," Aki encouraged.
They almost ran into Ryan when he suddenly stopped dead, this hands lifted into the air. Aki peered around his broad soldiers and felt her heart sink. Another patrol had approached unnoticed, blocking their path. They were surrounded.
* * *
So, you're awake. Neil carefully schooled his expression into one of neutrality; he didn't want to further upset Jane by revealing he was communicating with his unwelcome guest.
(Falling so many stories does tend to wake one up,) Hein's mental voice said dryly. (So can your constant bickering, for that matter. Can you trust her?)
Neil barely hid his scowl. Of course I can trust her. More than I trust you. Despite the fact that she had shoved him off the catwalk above – accidentally, he was certain – he didn't hold it against her. How could he? If she were the one with Hein in her head, he'd be a little wary around her, too.
But he'd never have pushed away her kiss.
(I did help you back at the base,) Hein pointed out. The tone in the general's voice made Neil pause. Once again, Hein was speaking without the heavy sarcasm Neil was accustomed to. In fact, there was a kind of sadness to his voice…
Why? Why help now, after you screwed up everything else? You killed all those people to have things your way; why change now? Excuse me if I'm skeptical of your motives. Neil tried to be angry, but he could feel Hein's emotions. The other had become better at hiding them from his host, but Neil could still feel the general's sorrow.
Hein didn't respond, and again Neil was struck by how strange the general had been acting throughout all this. Could it be that Hein wasn't really as heartless as he seemed?
Dammit, answer me! How do I know you aren't manipulating me to help Boyer?
(Major Boyer?) Hein repeated slowly. (Why do you think he's responsible?)
Jane saw him. He kidnapped her, remember? Neil said sharply. He glanced guiltily at Jane, suddenly aware he was literally talking about her behind her back, and she was totally unaware. In fact, she was ignoring him completely again, and had been since Neil had told her she could choose to go up wherever she wanted to in the city. She seemed intent on getting as far away from the area Neil had suggested as possible. We've seen him before when he worked under you, so we know who he is. He's a lot like you; no wonder you two got along so well.
(Is that what you think?) Hein sounded genuinely surprised.
The Council had to separate you two because you made too formidable a team, Neil reminded him.
(The official story,) Hein said quietly.
Not the true story? Neil asked, intrigued. He couldn't believe Hein was talking so freely, and decided to press the general.
Hein stayed silent. How am I supposed to trust you if you don't tell me things? Neil challenged.
There was a flash of anger, and Neil wondered if he'd pushed Hein too far. Desperately, he wondered what he'd do if his unwanted guest used the powers he seemed to have. Then Hein's surge of anger faded. (The Council didn't "separate" us,) Hein said grimly. (That's what they were advised to say by my peers. Boyer doesn't work for me any more because… I killed him.)
* * *
This isn't right… Where are they taking us? Ryan was puzzled by their captors' behavior. After relieving the sergeant of his weapons and giving Dr. Sid and Aki a cursory search, they were being escorted downward – away from the city. Boyer keeps his men down here? Ryan highly doubted it. It had occurred to him they were being led off to be executed, but why bother to take them this far? They could have just killed Ryan and the others on the spot.
"Where are they taking us?" Aki murmured, more to herself than to him. "This can't be right."
"Silence," hissed the nearest guard, a man in a battered suit of armor. Ryan could barely make out the number 307 on the man's scorched shoulder plate. Why would Hein's men lead them away from the occupied city?
They walked for nearly an hour, occasionally descending to lower levels. The squad seemed confident of their path; they led the prisoners unerringly across solid walkways along zigzagging paths. Ryan had been trying to memorize the turnings, but gave up after the first twenty minutes.
He could tell when they neared their destination. The soldiers, who had been rigidly alert, seemed to relax as they approached an abandoned building several stories below the city itself. They passed another patrol, and the squad leader stopped to exchange a few words with Ryan's lead guard. They spoke in low tones, though Ryan heard the word "ash" spoken. He vaguely remembered Jane mentioning a "Project Ash," and wondered if it referred to New York.
"Come," their captor said, gesturing them forward. Ryan and the doctors had no choice but to follow. They were led to a large room, lit with scavenged equipment scattered over battered, dusty tables. Definitely not the military, Ryan realized as their captor gestured for them to be seated on a cracked bench.
Their guard removed his helmet, running a hand through his sweaty brown hair as he regarded them silently. Ryan recognized the man with a thrill of surprise. "Lieutenant Anderson! What are you doing here?"
"That's not for me to say, sergeant," Anderson said calmly. His fingers were resting on the butt of his holstered gun, but he seemed to be at ease. "You'll find out soon enough."
"What have you brought for me, lieutenant?" a gruff voice asked. Anderson moved aside as a cloaked figure eased past him and settled onto a chair facing across from Ryan and the others.
"We found them trying to sneak into the city. I don't think they're with Boyer," Anderson said.
"They're not. At least, I don't think that Dr. Sid and Dr. Ross would willing work for him," the other agreed.
"You're rebels," Ryan suddenly realized. "You're hiding from Major Boyer and his men."
"Indeed," the man said. "Though I prefer to think of us as 'gathering our strength,' instead of hiding."
"But why? The 307s are General Hein's, and if Boyer is one of his men – " Ryan began.
The other man stiffened. "This has nothing to do with General Hein." The man's rough voice managed to become even more harsh. "These are my men, and we're trying to save the city any way we can."
"That's what we want," Aki broke in. "Could we help each other, perhaps? If we could bring enough evidence of what Boyer's doing here to the Council, they may take action to assist you."
The rebel leader was silent for a moment. "We could use the help," he admitted, knotting his gloved fingers together. "Perhaps we could be mutually beneficial to each other."
"You'd trust them?" Anderson asked uncertainly. "Maybe they don't work with Boyer, but there's no reason to believe they'll do as they say. Maybe they're here because the Council wants us for themselves."
"And how do we know we can trust you?" Ryan countered. "I don't mean to sound doubtful, but I don't even know who you are."
"All right," the leader said. "That's understandable. But you won't like it." He pulled back the shabby edge of his hood, revealing a ravaged face – but not so grotesque as when he'd last seen the man. His face was scarred, but it had fleshed out, and the sockets of his eyes were no longer empty. "I'm like you – one who should have died, but is slowly healing," he said in that ruined voice that now sounded familiar.
"Major Elliot," Ryan said quietly.
* * *
"Here," Jane announced, halting near one of the dilapidated buildings. "We'll head up through – " She stopped when she realized Neil was no longer following. He was standing several feet behind her, a blank expression on his face. He didn't seem to notice his surroundings at all, his attention was focused entirely inward.
"Neil," Jane called sharply. Blue eyes slowly blinked, and the glazed look vanished from Neil's eyes. "He's active, isn't he?" she said, dismayed. She didn't want to deal with Neil's other personality.
"Are you sure it was Major Boyer?" Neil asked suddenly. Now his attention was fixed on her, and Jane shivered at the intense look on Neil's face.
"Of course I'm sure," she said bitterly. "I've seen him before, and there aren't that many majors who look like a faded Hein wannabe."
Neil's lips quirked at her description. "The general insists that he's dead," he said.
Jane frowned. Could she have been mistaken? No… she hadn't had much contact with Boyer before all this, but she remembered him, and the striking contrast he'd been to Hein. Sun and shadow, they'd been jokingly called. "It was him. I spoke to him and even called him by name. I'm not mistaken." She waited for Neil to contest this, but instead, a smug I-told-you-so look had crossed his face. So he's arguing with General Hein. That's a good sign, I think. Jane wished she could hear what was going on; and for a brief moment, she almost pitied Hein for being stuck with Neil Fleming, and a grin crept across her features.
Then she remembered Neil's desperate attempt to kiss her… and her own callous reaction. A wave of guilt washed over her. Why didn't I let him down more gently? She shook her head and turned back to Neil. "We're entering the city through here," she tried again. "Any protests?"
"No," Neil said. He almost looked relieved to be getting down to action. Jane wasn't surprised; she wanted to forget her thoughts in battle, and she imagined Neil must be even worse off than she was.
"Just a quick recon," she said. "In and out."
"In and out," Neil echoed. "Right."
Putting aside thoughts of rogue generals and their dead majors, Jane and Neil prepared to enter the city.
* * *
Aki didn't want to trust him. She remembered Major Elliot as Hein's shadow, speaking only to side with his general. He'd never done anything on his own initiative that she recalled. He was the perfect "yes man," unimaginative and obedient, agreeing with the most insane of Hein's ideas. She couldn't imagine him leading a rebellion against his predecessor.
"I know it's a shock," Elliot said. "But someone has to lead them. And the soldiers… respect me." He sounded a little uncertain, as if he were aware of his shortcomings. "When the USMF arrived, they began to take prisoners of us. They didn't want the Undeads or the Duos; only those with abilities."
Elliot paused, clearing his throat with a wet rasp that made Aki wince. "They knew exactly what they were doing, too. They had modified Nocturnes and ovo-packs that shielded them. Within a day, they had altered the barrier. It's painful for us to approach. And Phantoms haunt the lower city, making escape through the way you came in difficult. Not that we'd have anywhere to go once we left the city anyway."
"So they had knowledge of the green spirits even before New York," Aki said.
"Yes," Dr. Sid answered. "The spirits I examined pre-dated New York, but I have no idea by how much. But they must have had these samples for awhile if they were able to learn so much so quickly!"
"How did you and the others escape, sir?" Ryan asked the major.
"Like I said, they had no use for us Undeads or the Duos." Aki almost smiled; Neil's nicknames had even been adapted by the major before he'd left. "They just imprisoned us, though I'm sure they would have taken care of us eventually. But there wasn't much they could do with us at the time; most of us were too ruined to walk, or even to think. Then… we started to heal. And our own abilities began to develop."
"Were they different from those the USMF were after?" Dr. Sid leaned forward eagerly, hoping to have one of his theories confirmed.
"Our ma- powers are more defensive than the others," Major Elliot confirmed. "Except…" he hesitated. "Anyway, we escaped, with the help of Lieutenant Anderson and his men, who had at first chosen to work for Boyer."
"I thought he was here to help," the lieutenant explained. "When it became clear he had something else in mind, I had to free as many people as I could."
"And we were under very light guard," Elliot's voice grated. "That, and my own abilities proved… distracting."
"You're powerful, sir. Don't put yourself down," Anderson said firmly. Aki noticed he sounded respectful towards his superior. What's changed Elliot? she wondered.
Elliot waved the comment aside. "So we ended up here," he concluded. "We could leave, but we have no way to go anywhere beyond the city without stealing several transports, and I don't want to just leave the people still trapped here."
"We'll bring help as soon as we can, sir," Ryan promised softly.
"We'd be grateful," Elliot said. "Few of us are actually military; most of the rebels are civilians. While some can fight, many of them are Duos. And… things are getting worse. When Boyer finally arrived, he brought something with him, a man he calls 'Project Ash.'"
Aki saw Major Elliot shudder, and Anderson had gone pale. "What is Project Ash? We've heard him mentioned before."
Elliot shrugged. "He's one of those with magic… with powers," he faltered. "Sorry. We've come to think of it as magic." Mages, Neil had called them. Maybe it was magic after all. "Anyway, while those with magic seem to have one specific ability, Ash has all of them. I've witnessed him using fire, ice, poison… He can do all of the offensive magics."
"The pure green spirits," Aki heard Dr. Sid murmur.
"At first, it was easy to keep ahead of Ash. He was vicious – I've seen him kill his own men – but stupid. He was like an attack dog. But last time… last time I barely escaped him during an assassination attempt. He's getting smarter, and Boyer's control over him is slipping. When that happens…" Elliot couldn't complete the thought.
"What is he?" Aki wondered. What vile creature had been created from Gaia's resurrection of the dead? She swallowed, remembering Jane's deadly accuracy with her ice. A man who could wield all powers would be a deadly weapon in the wrong hands.
"No one's gotten close enough to see, especially since he wreaths himself in flames when he's on the hunt. And we don't stop to look when we're running like hell," Elliot concluded dryly.
"Major Boyer brought him here," Aki mused. "And he has knowledge of magics that no one else should. There's more going on here than we first thought. Major, do you know who his boss is? Maybe that could provide a clue."
Elliot shook his head. "I've never seen a superior officer around him. And the lieutenant never heard him mention anyone above him. He must be working on his own."
"We need to get all this information to the Council," Ryan said grimly. "Major, would you consider sending someone with us? Someone who's seen all this?"
"If it will help, then yes, I will. I know how slow the Council can be to reach a decision." Elliot almost sounded like Hein in his derision.
Can we trust him? Aki wondered. We have to. Major Elliot could be our only chance against Major Boyer.
* * *
Neil winced as a sickening crunch echoed in the silent alley. He couldn't see Jane's face behind her blank helmet, and he wondered if she were as cool and impassive as her demeanor implied.
"I didn't mean for that to happen," she said softly, answering Neil's unspoken question.
They had come up in the city ten minutes before, in an area as vacant and desolate as they'd hoped for. They had quickly begun to make their way to the city's heart, where the Deep Eyes had predicted the previous night was where Boyer and his men were.
Neil stood over the body of the soldier who'd surprised them, a single guard left to patrol a dead area. Jane had reacted automatically, and a spear of ice now protruded from the man's left eye socket. Neil fought the urge to vomit.
(Haven't you seen death before, Corporal?) Hein's voice sneered. After his confession about Boyer, he'd become his usual surly self, and Neil almost found himself wishing Jane would nail him with a bolt of ice.
I was in New York, remember? Neil countered. "Do you think there are more?" Neil asked Jane, ignoring any response Hein might have made.
"Probably," Jane said. "We'll have to be more careful from now on."
They traveled as quietly as they could, keeping to the shadows and using debris as cover. It was slow going, but they made their way to the central square of New York unobserved.
"Look at all of the soldiers," Jane whispered. They had climbed to the top floor of an abandoned business building, one high enough to give them an excellent view of the city. The building was currently empty, though they had seen signs that soldiers had used the building more than once.
"Hmm…" Neil said. "They seem to be concentrated there," he pointed to one building where a squad of soldiers was exiting, "and there." Another building was surrounded by guards several blocks away.
"The people must be imprisoned in them. But, there must be so few if they're kept in two buildings... Any sign of HQ?" Jane asked.
"I have no idea." They couldn't determine where the command center would be. It would be highly convenient, Neil though, if Major Boyer would choose to walk into one right about now. Naturally, there was no sign of the man. "Most of these buildings seem to be quarters of some type for the soldiers." What about you? What do you think? Neil demanded.
Hein was quiet for a moment. (I'd set up somewhere convenient, probably in the middle of the encampment. Maximum protection that way, and I'd be able to keep an eye on everything going on.)
"It could be any of these," Neil sighed.
"It doesn't matter," Jane said. "We're here to check out the prisoners, anyway."
"Do you think the others are around?" Neil wondered.
"Try contacting them on your radio and find out," Jane said sarcastically. "Bring all of Boyer's men running. We're doing this on our own, Neil, as if they didn't make it."
Neil shuddered at the thought. "So, what do we do?"
"I say we check out the prisons. It's hard to say how many troops are in the city with patrols everywhere, and I don't want to risk myself peeking inside the buildings to count. We'll investigate the prisons, then get out of here. The people are what matter most."
Neil could hear the strained tone of her voice. She must be remembering her own capture… No wonder she thinks the prisoners are more important. He desperately hoped that they weren't getting the same treatment as Jane had, but feared otherwise.
"Which one do we check first?" he asked.
Jane checked her watch. "We don't have much time before we're supposed to meet the others," she said. "We can't check both… unless we split up."
"That's not a good idea with just the two of us," Neil began.
"We aren't normal people," Jane pointed out. "I have my ice, and you… well, you seem to be able to do something defensive when you're in danger."
Can I? Neil wondered. Sure, he had been saved on three separate occasions by something, but he had no idea how. Shouldn't he have felt something if he had been the one to shield the others, or catch himself in falling? And Hein had seemed as baffled as he when asked.
"In and out," Neil said numbly. Could he do this?
"Don't take more than twenty minutes. Just make certain there are prisoners there, and see what kind of guard they have." Jane hefted her helmet, meeting Neil's eyes before pulling it back over her head. "Good luck," she said quietly.
"You too," he said.
The parted outside the building, and Neil immediately began to creep towards the first of the guarded skyscrapers. By taking a long route, he was able to safely approach the back. Only about three guards here, but the back door looks sealed anyway. He debated slowly circling the building using an indirect route weaving around the other buildings, when a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Hold it," a voice said in his ear.
Neil froze, then slowly straightened, hands in the air. A soldier stood behind him, gun pointing at the base of Neil's neck. Another soldier came up, taking his weapons, including the shoulder knife, and then removed his helmet.
"Come with us," the first soldier said coldly.
Neil was led away, out of the main area. His captors marched him towards a building apart from the city center. Neil was roughly pushed along the cleaned halls to a brightly lit office room, where he was forced into a seat.
He examined his surroundings, noting how the office's normal décor had been hastily shoved into the corner, to make room for the files the room now held. A large synth-wood desk dominated the area below a small, shuttered window, and the occupied seat was turned away from him.
If it weren't for the lights, I'd think this gloomy little place was your office, Neil said to Hein. The general didn't deign to respond.
The chair turned, and Neil nearly yelped out loud. General Ryder sat in the seat, his face surprised. "Corporal Fleming! I'm surprised to see you here."
"General!" Neil blurted happily, forgetting military protocol for the moment. "I'm glad to see you! Did the Council decide to send your men to secure the city after all?"
Ryder smiled. "Yes, the city is under my protection now," he said calmly.
"That's good, sir," Neil began. He was about to tell the general what he and the others had planned when suddenly his mouth refused to move. What the hell? What are you doing? Neil demanded. Hein had seized control of him! He hadn't known that was possible.
(Don't tell him anything!) Hein's voice was nearly frantic, bringing Neil up short. Something had terrified the general. A feeling of unease came over Neil as Hein relinquished control to him. He regarded General Ryder uncertainly, wondering what he'd missed.
The door opened behind him, but Neil didn't turn to look until General Ryder said, "It seems you were right about them, Will. They did make it into the city after all."
Neil turned slowly, and felt his blood run cold. Major Boyer had just entered the office. "I told you, sir, that they'd be difficult to get rid of. Now we just have to find the rest of them."
"Set Ash on them," Ryder said mildly. "I can't have them getting in my way."
To Be Continued…