Sphere of Influence: Legion ---- by JayVitolo
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights. This is just for entertainment. (I wish I did.)
Author Notes: Thank you for the reviews so far. I apologize for not updating this story with the frequency of my others, and I appreciate everybody that has stayed with me. This story has taken on a mind of it's own and may, against my own desires, go for a while. This means I won't be able to "republish" and update Ouroboros Chronicles and Omega Web for a bit. Don't be surprised to see the title "Trinity Project" used as a chapter title.
Anyway, onto the story!!
Additional: Azrael is the Islam 'Angel of Death' if anybody was wondering. I have no idea when the next chapter will be written. The well has run dry, so-to-speak. Damn work.
This story is dedicated to the memory of Patty Gibson, my cousin that died of a heart attack while I wrote this chapter. R.I.P. I hope, in death, you have found life.
------
The elevator doors open at SL-13 so the occupants can leave. The first two out are Wilhelm and Viktor, followed by Miss Parker and Lyle. Broots and Viktor's lackey are the final two. The group starts to walk down a hallway before Lyle breaks the silence.
"I know a room where we can store these two for a bit." The sudden outburst causes the group to stop as Lyle speaks. "It's a room we've used to hold people before."
Viktor looks over his shoulder at Lyle as he responds. "What of this room?"
Marie's head hides Lyle's grin, but he speaks anyway. "It's the T-Board room. Fourth door on your left." Viktor turns back to the hallway and the group continues walking.
Viktor stops when he reaches a room with shatterproof glass. He looks through the window to see a white table in the shape of a "T". A smile passes over his face as he turns back to Lyle. "I like this place."
Lyle returns the smile. "It gets better. There's an actual holding cell in there. We can use the board for interrogations; find out the best way to get Jarod."
"Good idea Mr. Lyle." Viktor turns to Wilhelm before pulling a watch out of his pocket. "Put them in the cell." He looks at the watch before placing it back in his pocket. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have important business to attend with."
Wilhelm opens the door as Viktor walks away talking into a cell phone. Broots is the first person pushed taken into the room, his face is etched with panic. Lyle then forces Marie into the T-Board room and waits for the cell doors to be opened. Wilhelm walks over and depresses a red button to release the magnetic locks; the doors swing open in response. Broots is pushed in followed by Miss Parker.
As the doors closes, Marie rushes to it and reaches through the bars to grab Lyle's necktie. "This isn't finished between us."
Lyle pulls his tie from her hands and straightens it as he responds. "Contrary to how things work in your world, sis, it ends here." He smiles before finishing. "But if you want to finish something, try your sad excuse for a life."
Marie returns the smile as she responds, her voice drips with venom. "Rest assured, little brother, a life will end by the time we're done. Count on it."
Lyle stares at her while he walks backwards to the door. He turns to Wilhelm and the other man before leaving. Viktor's follower and Wilhelm follow Lyle but Wilhelm sticks his head through the crack between the door and the entrance. He looks at Marie and Broots with a smile. "Rest well."
------
Angelo pulls his face away from the air vent as a smile crosses his face. "Brother, bad." He looks back to the people occupying the room in front of his and listens carefully. He leans closer when he recognizes Lyle talking to another man.
"So, what are you plans Viktor?" Lyle stands before the other man with his hands held behind his back.
"Cleanse them." Viktor's face shows no emotion as he stares at the vent. "You ever have the feeling of being watched?"
"All the time. But, this IS the Centre and there are, as Jarod has said, 'eyes' everywhere." Lyle points to a camera beside them as a grin crosses his face.
"Not the cameras. I'm used to them." Viktor walks closer to the vent and passes his hand over it. "Air is still leaving the vent, but in sporadic patterns." Angelo slowly backs away as he sees Viktor approaching. Once Viktor grabs the vent, Angelo slides backwards down a passage to avoid being seen.
As Viktor pulls the grating off the wall, he peers inside. "Hmm. Nothing."
Lyle steps behind him. "I told you, it's the cameras."
Viktor slowly pulls his head out of the vent shaft and begins to walk away from Lyle. "Yes. The cameras. Silence Marie Parker and the jumpy one." Viktor stops and glances over his shoulder. "After you extract any information you desire."
------
"Now. What would be the best plan of attack?" The pretender wonders to himself as he stands in the stairwell. He is aware that being stationary for too long is dangerous, especially in a place like the Centre where the cameras are everywhere, but Jarod needs to collect his thoughts.
After looking around, absorbing his surroundings, Jarod finally tries to recall anything he did as part of the ATF. Then it hits. "Stealth, it's the only way. If the cameras can't see me, then I'm virtually invisible." Jarod turns to an air vent after clicking the gun's safety off. "I just have to worry about the people involved."
The pretender grabs the vent cover after putting the gun in a pocket and begins to pull. To his surprise, the grate becomes dislodged quicker than expected; the excess strength he used causes him to fall backwards. One he regains his footing; Jarod stands and sees an old friend.
The figure bends over and helps him stand. "Jarod. Trouble." Angelo looks over his shoulder while helping Jarod stand. "Angelo helps."
The look of surprise doesn't leave Jarod's face as he stands. He quickly grabs Angelo in an embrace before speaking. "Angelo! I thought you left this place. I mean." Jarod lets go and grabs Angelo by the arms. "When I didn't hear anything from you anymore, I thought you left."
Angelo smiles before he grabs Jarod in an embrace, his sponge-like mind absorbs all of the emotions Jarod is currently feeling. Angelo pulls away as he looks into Jarod's eyes. "Jarod puzzled." A sheepish grin appears on the empath's face. "Angelo knows cure." He reaches into a pocket and produces a box of Cracker Jack before thrusting it at Jarod.
Out of curiosity, Jarod opens the box and notices a piece of paper sticking out. He carefully removes the paper and notices it is a birth certificate. The pretender carefully opens it and silently reads the name. His eyes return to the empathy. "Angelo. This, this is my birth certificate." Jarod looks back to the paper. "My name is Jarod Rovik." A tear starts to form in Jarod's eye as he continues to look at the paper. "Where did you get this Angelo?"
Angelo grabs Jarod's wrist and starts to pull him towards the vent. "Angelo's home." Angelo crawls into the vent and turns back to Jarod. "Jarod follows. Angelo must show more." The empathy smiles as the pretender begins to follow. Angelo pulls the grate back into place as he continues to speak. "Angelo knows where Jarod must go."
------
The cell's door creeps open to slowly reveal Mr. Lyle's grinning face and Wilhelm's rigid body. The sudden sight of these two causes Broots to overt his attention to the floor while Miss Parker gives them an 'Ice Queen' glare.
"Greetings my compatriots. I trust you had a truly wonderful night." Lyle turns his attention to Broots and sees the discomfort on the technician's face. The grin on Lyle's face broadens as he walks towards Broots. "You have something you want to say, tech-head?" Lyle places his gloved hand under Broots' chin and raises his face. "Perhaps something of importance?"
Broots' face is contorted into a look of discomfort as he tries not to look at Lyle. "A, a, ab, bout what?"
Lyle smiles as he sits on the ground next to the tech as he leans in close. Lyle's gloved hand leaves Broots' chin but wraps around his neck. "About Jarod. About life. About the Centre. About how my dry-cleaning bills keep getting more expensive." He turns his face to look at Broots directly. "But mostly about Little Debbie."
Broots' eyes light up as he turns to Lyle, staring into his eyes. "You so much as touch her."
"Save it Broots, I've heard it before." A sigh escapes Lyle as he stands. "You're like a Chihuahua with a broken leg, all bark but no sense of violence." He turns back to Broots with a smile. "It's not my idea to bring her into this. Viktor thinks she's a good pawn for our game." The smile grows bigger as he speaks. "Personally, I think she's just a means to an end."
Broots' eyes fall back to the floor causing Lyle to let out a laugh. "You answer our questions, Little Debbie isn't hurt. If you refuse, however, her means come to an end. Got it?"
A heavy sigh escapes the tech as he prepares to respond. "What do you want to know?"
"Simple. Why have you stopped looking for Jarod?" Lyle crosses his arms as he speaks.
Broots' eyes remain fixed on the floor as he responds. "He vanished. We tried for a couple of months after the Triumvirate struck, but we found no trace."
"So you just gave up." Wilhelm's deep voice echoes in the small room, catching Broots and Miss Parker off guard. "Why?"
Broots' eyes leave the floor as he looks at Wilhelm. "I've told you. He vanished." The tech's voice begins to shake as he continues. "You ever try looking for something that doesn't want to be found?"
Wilhelm steps forward and grabs the tech's throat, lifting him to his feet with little effort. He pulls Broots to his feet before pushing him against the back wall of the cell. "If you would have tried, he wouldn't have vanished." Wilhelm's voice betrays the anger he tried to hide. "Now, what happened to his trail?"
Broots tries to sound calm but fails; his voice is etched with fear as he responds. "It s, st, stopped."
Lyle steps forward and places a hand on Wilhelm's arm, causing the bigger man to loosen the grip on Broots. Once the grip is done, Broots slumps to the floor rubbing his neck. Lyle kneels before the tech and places his gloved hand on Broots' bald spot. "Why did it stop?"
Marie finally steps forward. "Because I ordered the hunt to end." She kicks Lyle's arm so his hand is removed from Broots' head before she continues. "This is between you and me, Lyle. Leave Broots and Debbie out of it."
A smile tugs at the corner of Lyle's face as he stands before his sister. "I should have known it was because of you. I always knew letting you go to Carthis, alone, to chase Jarod was a mistake." He steps forward and runs his gloved hand through her hair. "You've gone soft on me Parker."
She bats his hand away as she grits her teeth. "You've made many mistakes little brother." She grabs his tie and wraps it around her wrist. "Are you ready to pay for them all?"
The smile on Lyle's face broadens as he glances over his shoulder at Wilhelm. "Go tell Viktor that Mr. Broots was uncooperative." His gaze returns to Broots and then to his sister as Wilhelm turns and leaves. "I'm sure Viktor will find a good use for her."
"You harm one hair on that girl's head, Lyle, and you will live to regret it." Marie pulls her brother closer so he can understand her.
Lyle pulls away but the grin remains. "I'm already dead remember?" He begins to straighten his tie before he speaks again. "Besides, the Coalition has influence in places you could only dream of."
Parker crosses her arms as she glares at him. "So you have new bed fellows now Lyle? Wasn't the Triumvirate good enough to you?"
"Quite the contrary. I have leadership in the Triumvirate now and simply decided to diversify." Lyle backs towards the door as a sinister grin appears on his face. "The power has been magnified ten-fold. The Triumvirate now has a strong footing in seven countries, including the United States." Once Lyle reaches the door, he slowly pulls it open. "The Coalition has its fingers in every legislative body the world over." The door begins to shut as Lyle finishes. "I simply thought a name change was in order. You know, to keep up with current events."
The door slams shut as Broots looks up to Marie. "Do you think he's telling the truth?"
A sigh leaves Marie as she continues to stare at the door in front of her. "Lyle doesn't lie about power." She turns back to the bench she was sitting on and quietly sits again.
"In that case, we're in a lot of trouble." Broots' eyes find their way to the door as he sighs deeply.
"That we are Broots." Marie leans against the wall behind her as she slowly closes her eyes. "That we are."
------
Angelo and Jarod continue to climb through the Centre's ventilation system, the empath leads the way. He suddenly stops and turns to Jarod with a smile on his face. "Angelo's home." Angelo spins on his feet with his arms outstretched, much in the same way Jarod reacted to his discovery of snow.
A smile crosses Jarod's face as he looks around the small room. Empty boxes of Cracker Jack are scattered among different colored files and folders. Pictures and drawings hang on the walls, including the one Jarod drew about the eyes watching him. Jarod turns back to his friend. "It's really nice Angelo."
A grin flashes over Angelo's face as he looks to the floor. Almost as quickly as the grin appeared, Angelo's face becomes serious. The grin has disappeared as he begins to mumble. "Jarod need help." The empath starts to move empty boxes and containers until a shoebox is uncovered. A slight grin tugs at Angelo's cheeks as he rips the top of the box off to reveal a collection of DSAs. He digs through the silver disks until he reaches a desired one and hands it to Jarod. "Jarod. Watch."
The DSA is placed in the pretender's palm as he stares at Angelo. "Angelo, what's so important about this disk?" Angelo continues to stare at Jarod as the pretender looks at the time stamp on the disk's surface. "Jarod. 9/18/1966." Jarod's gaze returns to Angelo as his hand closes around the silver disk. "Impossible. I have all of my DSAs. Angelo, where did?"
The pretender is cutoff as Angelo pushes a player towards him. "Jarod must watch."
Silently, the pretender obliges and inserts the DSA into the player's slot. The keyboard lights up as the machine hums. An image slowly appears as the clicking of heels can be heard. The picture focuses to reveal an office room as aggressive knocking can be heard on the room's wooden doors.
"Come in." A stern, male voice can be heard a few seconds before the doors part to reveal a fragile woman. Jarod instantly recognizes her as his mother causing him to strike the pause button.
He quickly turns to Angelo with a puzzled expression. "Angelo? What is this?"
"Jarod. Watch." Angelo reaches forward and pushes the play button without another word.
The video picks up where it left off as Margaret begins to speak. "Mr. Director, I want to see my Jarod now."
The man stands from behind the desk; his back is facing the camera effectively blocking any chance of identification. His voice remains stern as he responds. "I've already told you Mrs. Rovik, Jarod may not be disturbed while he studies. It only ruins his concentration."
Margaret leans forward as she places her palms on the wooden desk. "You also told me that this was a school for the gifted. A place where they could study freely without interference from people that aren't on their level." Her voice betrays her anger. "And you said I could visit my son at any time. You also told me that I could withdraw my son if I feel your school is no longer benefiting him."
"Yes I did." The man crosses his arms behind his back as he speaks. "I can only assume you feel this to be true?"
Margaret sighs as she continues. "Yes I do." She stands straight again. "I would like to have Jarod withdrawn so he may be placed in public schooling." She looks around the office room and notes the dark atmosphere. "I feel he needs to be with children of his own age, he needs to make friends."
"I see." The man leans forward and opens a desk drawer and begins to root through the files until he reaches Jarod's. Once he has the file, it is placed on the desk as papers begin to get shuffled. He slowly looks back to Margaret as he clears his throat. "It appears that you are late on the last two tuition payments." He looks back to the folder before continuing. "These payments must be rectified before Jarod may be withdrawn."
A looks of surprise crosses Margaret's face. "What? That can't be, I delivered the payments personally." She reaches for the folder as she continues. "Let me see that."
The man quickly closes the folder and pulls it towards him. "I am sorry ma'am, these documents are confidential." He stands after places the folder back in the desk drawer. "I will, however, have a copy of Jarod's tuition costs delivered to you." He leans closer to Margaret before continuing. "Remember, this outstanding balance must be rectified before Jarod may be withdrawn."
The man walks around the desk and grabs the door handle before motioning for Margaret to leave. She reluctantly obliges as the doors are parted. Once she is past the doors, the man slowly shuts them and turns to walk back to his desk. It is at this point, the man's face is revealed.
Only one word leaves Jarod's throat. "Raines."
------
Lyle is sitting in his office when a knock is heard on his door. With a sigh, he slowly stands before speaking. "Come in."
Wilhelm slowly parts the metal doors as he enters the dim room. He looks at the pictures on the walls before slowly gazing at Lyle. "Viktor would like a word."
"Tell him I'll be there after I finish some business." Lyle begins to sit in his chair and pulls the phone off its hook.
Wilhelm strides forward and grabs Lyle's tie. "I don't think you understand Mr. Lyle." Wilhelm begins to pull the smaller man up from his seat. "When Viktor requests an audience, you grant it."
A smug expression passes over Lyle's face as he grabs his tie from the other man. "You don't seem to understand the severity of the situation." Lyle slides a paper towards Wilhelm. "The Triumvirate is growing agitated. We have yet to find Jarod and they want answers."
Viktor steps through the doorway as he speaks. "Perfectly understandable Mr. Lyle." Viktor stands beside Wilhelm and crosses his arms. "I've already been made aware of the Triumvirate's displeasure." Viktor slowly glances at the watch on his left hand before looking back at Lyle. "In fact, their new liaison should be arriving in any moment."
"New liaison?" A look of confusion crosses Lyle's face as he continues. "Then what about me?"
Viktor draws a gun from his coat and points it at Lyle. "I'm afraid it's time to sort out the weeds so the lotus may grow." Lyle steps backwards against the wall as Viktor pulls the hammer back on his gun. A brief smile crosses Viktor as he turns to Wilhelm and unleashes a bullet. "I'm sorry brother, but you've lost the faith."
Wilhelm looks at the bloodstain on his shirt and back at Viktor. He slumps forward to grab Viktor's pant leg while trying to speak. "Viktor." His voice is labored with gasps of air. "Why?"
Viktor raises the gun again before speaking. "You have lost the way. You betrayed me." He pulls the trigger again as he finishes. "And now it ends."
Wilhelm falls to his left side as blood flows from his neck. Lyle looks at the now lifeless body and back at Viktor. "What did he do?"
Viktor kneels before his fallen comrade and begins to mumble a prayer. Once done, he looks back at Lyle. "He denied me information about the Triumvirate's plans. I never sent for you." Viktor looks back at the body of his former compatriot. "He planned to kill you and then me. As per Triumvirate orders."
------
Marie Parker and Broots are sitting in the small cell as noises can be heard in the airshaft beside them. Without a second thought, Marie knows who it is. She quickly slides over towards the vent and begins to pry it off. As she expected, Angelo is on the other side staring at her with his defenseless eyes. She quickly grabs him in a hug. "Cousin It!"
The human sponge sheepishly smiles at her as he returns the hug. Once he is done, his eyes lock onto Miss Parker's. "Angelo has a present." He steps aside to reveal Jarod lurking in the shadows of the vent.
Parker's eyes light up as she quickly lets go of Angelo and grabs Jarod's left arm. "Jarod! I'm so glad to see you again."
The pretender steps out of the vent as Marie backs up, still holding his arm. "Something told me to believe you. So I came back to the one place I thought you would be." Jarod's eyes fall to the floor as he continues. "That's when I saw . . ." He looks back to Miss Parker. "What happened down there?"
Marie lets go of Jarod's arm as she speaks. "I was called by Lyle. He told me that a group of people would be coming after the Centre." She trails off as her eyes fall to the floor. She quickly jerks her head back up to stare at Jarod. "Jarod! What about Sydney?"
Jarod raises his hand to silence her and hopefully dull the emotion. "He's fine. The bullet grazed his skin. Last I heard he made it to the Infirmary." A smile crosses his lips as a new thought enters his mind. "I found out my last name."
For a moment, Marie's mind stops while it tries to tie the two subjects together. Actually, it grinds to a halt and abruptly ends all thought patterns. She quickly snaps out of the daze and smiles faintly. "What?" That's all she can get out, her brain is busy trying to reboot.
"I discovered my last name." The pretender repeats the sentence with as much emotion as the first time.
Marie's face brightens as the words finally sink in. "Really? That's great Jarod. What is it?"
Jarod breathes deeply before he responds. "Rovik." The smile on his face broadens as he continues. "My name I Jarod Rovik."
Broots' eyes dart from each of the two like he was watching a tennis match. With a sigh, he finally musters the courage to speak. "This is all well and good, but don' you think we should be leaving?"
Surprised, Jarod looks at the technician as the grin vanishes. "Yes." He turns back to Marie and then looks at Angelo. "We should."
Marie is the first to climb in the vent shaft; Broots gets ready to follow her through. Once Broots is in, Jarod and Angelo hear foots steps coming down the hallway. Panicked, Jarod turns to Angelo. "Hurry Angelo. We have to go."
Angelo turns to Jarod with a sad expression. "No." The empath shakes his head to emphasis this. "Angelo must stay." He pushes Jarod towards the vent.
The pretender looks at his friend as a slew of emotions pour over him, the most prevalent is a mix of sadness and guilt. "What?" Jarod can't believe this.
"Jarod goes. Angelo stays."
Jarod is about to dispute this 'fact' but Marie's voice grabs his attention. "Move it Lab Rat."
A tear forms in Angelo's eye as Jarod quickly hugs him. "Thank you Angelo." He quickly whispers in the empath's ear. "For the last name." Once Jarod pulls away, Angelo smiles a sheepish grin, as the footsteps get louder. Jarod crawls into the vent and begins to pull the grate over him. "I will come back for you."
And then, Angelo is alone.
The empath sighs deeply as he faces the now turning doorknob. "Thank you Angelo." He quietly speaks to himself, reaffirming he is alone.
When the door opens, nobody expects what is seen.
------
Viktor is sitting in an overstuffed chair with his feet on the desk when the phone rings. With a sigh of aggravation, he leans forward to answer it by pressing the speakerphone button. "Speak."
"Sir, it's Samson." A lackey responds to Viktor's demand, he seems to be out of breath.
Viktor rubs his temples before responding. "Business?" He can't help but wonder how he got half these idiots.
"Um." Samson trails off as he hopes the news won't be taken poorly. "The people in the T-Board holding cell have escaped."
"What!" Viktor's voice echoes off the room's walls giving him a more evil sound. He quickly grabs the phone receiver from the holder. "Repeat your last sentence."
'Damn. Now I'm dead.' Samson rubs his forehead as he responds. "The, um, captives have escaped."
Viktor is about to respond when a beep rings in his ear. "You don't move. I have a call on the other line. If I return to this line and hear dead air, you are dead. Got it?" He doesn't wait for a response before switching calls. "Speak."
"This is helicopter 609 Bravo requesting landing permission."
Viktor rubs his forehead as he responds. "Since when do you need permission?"
The helicopter pilot responds with as much sarcasm as possible. "Since I come from the Triumvirate."
"Land then." Viktor's voice is worried as he switches to the first call; he looks up to his office door as he speaks. "Forget about Parker and Broots. Find Lyle and send him to me." The phone is placed back in the holder as Viktor slumps into his seat, his eyes not leaving the door.
"Azrael has arrived."
------
TBC . . . Please Read and Rate . . .
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights. This is just for entertainment. (I wish I did.)
Author Notes: Thank you for the reviews so far. I apologize for not updating this story with the frequency of my others, and I appreciate everybody that has stayed with me. This story has taken on a mind of it's own and may, against my own desires, go for a while. This means I won't be able to "republish" and update Ouroboros Chronicles and Omega Web for a bit. Don't be surprised to see the title "Trinity Project" used as a chapter title.
Anyway, onto the story!!
Additional: Azrael is the Islam 'Angel of Death' if anybody was wondering. I have no idea when the next chapter will be written. The well has run dry, so-to-speak. Damn work.
This story is dedicated to the memory of Patty Gibson, my cousin that died of a heart attack while I wrote this chapter. R.I.P. I hope, in death, you have found life.
------
The elevator doors open at SL-13 so the occupants can leave. The first two out are Wilhelm and Viktor, followed by Miss Parker and Lyle. Broots and Viktor's lackey are the final two. The group starts to walk down a hallway before Lyle breaks the silence.
"I know a room where we can store these two for a bit." The sudden outburst causes the group to stop as Lyle speaks. "It's a room we've used to hold people before."
Viktor looks over his shoulder at Lyle as he responds. "What of this room?"
Marie's head hides Lyle's grin, but he speaks anyway. "It's the T-Board room. Fourth door on your left." Viktor turns back to the hallway and the group continues walking.
Viktor stops when he reaches a room with shatterproof glass. He looks through the window to see a white table in the shape of a "T". A smile passes over his face as he turns back to Lyle. "I like this place."
Lyle returns the smile. "It gets better. There's an actual holding cell in there. We can use the board for interrogations; find out the best way to get Jarod."
"Good idea Mr. Lyle." Viktor turns to Wilhelm before pulling a watch out of his pocket. "Put them in the cell." He looks at the watch before placing it back in his pocket. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have important business to attend with."
Wilhelm opens the door as Viktor walks away talking into a cell phone. Broots is the first person pushed taken into the room, his face is etched with panic. Lyle then forces Marie into the T-Board room and waits for the cell doors to be opened. Wilhelm walks over and depresses a red button to release the magnetic locks; the doors swing open in response. Broots is pushed in followed by Miss Parker.
As the doors closes, Marie rushes to it and reaches through the bars to grab Lyle's necktie. "This isn't finished between us."
Lyle pulls his tie from her hands and straightens it as he responds. "Contrary to how things work in your world, sis, it ends here." He smiles before finishing. "But if you want to finish something, try your sad excuse for a life."
Marie returns the smile as she responds, her voice drips with venom. "Rest assured, little brother, a life will end by the time we're done. Count on it."
Lyle stares at her while he walks backwards to the door. He turns to Wilhelm and the other man before leaving. Viktor's follower and Wilhelm follow Lyle but Wilhelm sticks his head through the crack between the door and the entrance. He looks at Marie and Broots with a smile. "Rest well."
------
Angelo pulls his face away from the air vent as a smile crosses his face. "Brother, bad." He looks back to the people occupying the room in front of his and listens carefully. He leans closer when he recognizes Lyle talking to another man.
"So, what are you plans Viktor?" Lyle stands before the other man with his hands held behind his back.
"Cleanse them." Viktor's face shows no emotion as he stares at the vent. "You ever have the feeling of being watched?"
"All the time. But, this IS the Centre and there are, as Jarod has said, 'eyes' everywhere." Lyle points to a camera beside them as a grin crosses his face.
"Not the cameras. I'm used to them." Viktor walks closer to the vent and passes his hand over it. "Air is still leaving the vent, but in sporadic patterns." Angelo slowly backs away as he sees Viktor approaching. Once Viktor grabs the vent, Angelo slides backwards down a passage to avoid being seen.
As Viktor pulls the grating off the wall, he peers inside. "Hmm. Nothing."
Lyle steps behind him. "I told you, it's the cameras."
Viktor slowly pulls his head out of the vent shaft and begins to walk away from Lyle. "Yes. The cameras. Silence Marie Parker and the jumpy one." Viktor stops and glances over his shoulder. "After you extract any information you desire."
------
"Now. What would be the best plan of attack?" The pretender wonders to himself as he stands in the stairwell. He is aware that being stationary for too long is dangerous, especially in a place like the Centre where the cameras are everywhere, but Jarod needs to collect his thoughts.
After looking around, absorbing his surroundings, Jarod finally tries to recall anything he did as part of the ATF. Then it hits. "Stealth, it's the only way. If the cameras can't see me, then I'm virtually invisible." Jarod turns to an air vent after clicking the gun's safety off. "I just have to worry about the people involved."
The pretender grabs the vent cover after putting the gun in a pocket and begins to pull. To his surprise, the grate becomes dislodged quicker than expected; the excess strength he used causes him to fall backwards. One he regains his footing; Jarod stands and sees an old friend.
The figure bends over and helps him stand. "Jarod. Trouble." Angelo looks over his shoulder while helping Jarod stand. "Angelo helps."
The look of surprise doesn't leave Jarod's face as he stands. He quickly grabs Angelo in an embrace before speaking. "Angelo! I thought you left this place. I mean." Jarod lets go and grabs Angelo by the arms. "When I didn't hear anything from you anymore, I thought you left."
Angelo smiles before he grabs Jarod in an embrace, his sponge-like mind absorbs all of the emotions Jarod is currently feeling. Angelo pulls away as he looks into Jarod's eyes. "Jarod puzzled." A sheepish grin appears on the empath's face. "Angelo knows cure." He reaches into a pocket and produces a box of Cracker Jack before thrusting it at Jarod.
Out of curiosity, Jarod opens the box and notices a piece of paper sticking out. He carefully removes the paper and notices it is a birth certificate. The pretender carefully opens it and silently reads the name. His eyes return to the empathy. "Angelo. This, this is my birth certificate." Jarod looks back to the paper. "My name is Jarod Rovik." A tear starts to form in Jarod's eye as he continues to look at the paper. "Where did you get this Angelo?"
Angelo grabs Jarod's wrist and starts to pull him towards the vent. "Angelo's home." Angelo crawls into the vent and turns back to Jarod. "Jarod follows. Angelo must show more." The empathy smiles as the pretender begins to follow. Angelo pulls the grate back into place as he continues to speak. "Angelo knows where Jarod must go."
------
The cell's door creeps open to slowly reveal Mr. Lyle's grinning face and Wilhelm's rigid body. The sudden sight of these two causes Broots to overt his attention to the floor while Miss Parker gives them an 'Ice Queen' glare.
"Greetings my compatriots. I trust you had a truly wonderful night." Lyle turns his attention to Broots and sees the discomfort on the technician's face. The grin on Lyle's face broadens as he walks towards Broots. "You have something you want to say, tech-head?" Lyle places his gloved hand under Broots' chin and raises his face. "Perhaps something of importance?"
Broots' face is contorted into a look of discomfort as he tries not to look at Lyle. "A, a, ab, bout what?"
Lyle smiles as he sits on the ground next to the tech as he leans in close. Lyle's gloved hand leaves Broots' chin but wraps around his neck. "About Jarod. About life. About the Centre. About how my dry-cleaning bills keep getting more expensive." He turns his face to look at Broots directly. "But mostly about Little Debbie."
Broots' eyes light up as he turns to Lyle, staring into his eyes. "You so much as touch her."
"Save it Broots, I've heard it before." A sigh escapes Lyle as he stands. "You're like a Chihuahua with a broken leg, all bark but no sense of violence." He turns back to Broots with a smile. "It's not my idea to bring her into this. Viktor thinks she's a good pawn for our game." The smile grows bigger as he speaks. "Personally, I think she's just a means to an end."
Broots' eyes fall back to the floor causing Lyle to let out a laugh. "You answer our questions, Little Debbie isn't hurt. If you refuse, however, her means come to an end. Got it?"
A heavy sigh escapes the tech as he prepares to respond. "What do you want to know?"
"Simple. Why have you stopped looking for Jarod?" Lyle crosses his arms as he speaks.
Broots' eyes remain fixed on the floor as he responds. "He vanished. We tried for a couple of months after the Triumvirate struck, but we found no trace."
"So you just gave up." Wilhelm's deep voice echoes in the small room, catching Broots and Miss Parker off guard. "Why?"
Broots' eyes leave the floor as he looks at Wilhelm. "I've told you. He vanished." The tech's voice begins to shake as he continues. "You ever try looking for something that doesn't want to be found?"
Wilhelm steps forward and grabs the tech's throat, lifting him to his feet with little effort. He pulls Broots to his feet before pushing him against the back wall of the cell. "If you would have tried, he wouldn't have vanished." Wilhelm's voice betrays the anger he tried to hide. "Now, what happened to his trail?"
Broots tries to sound calm but fails; his voice is etched with fear as he responds. "It s, st, stopped."
Lyle steps forward and places a hand on Wilhelm's arm, causing the bigger man to loosen the grip on Broots. Once the grip is done, Broots slumps to the floor rubbing his neck. Lyle kneels before the tech and places his gloved hand on Broots' bald spot. "Why did it stop?"
Marie finally steps forward. "Because I ordered the hunt to end." She kicks Lyle's arm so his hand is removed from Broots' head before she continues. "This is between you and me, Lyle. Leave Broots and Debbie out of it."
A smile tugs at the corner of Lyle's face as he stands before his sister. "I should have known it was because of you. I always knew letting you go to Carthis, alone, to chase Jarod was a mistake." He steps forward and runs his gloved hand through her hair. "You've gone soft on me Parker."
She bats his hand away as she grits her teeth. "You've made many mistakes little brother." She grabs his tie and wraps it around her wrist. "Are you ready to pay for them all?"
The smile on Lyle's face broadens as he glances over his shoulder at Wilhelm. "Go tell Viktor that Mr. Broots was uncooperative." His gaze returns to Broots and then to his sister as Wilhelm turns and leaves. "I'm sure Viktor will find a good use for her."
"You harm one hair on that girl's head, Lyle, and you will live to regret it." Marie pulls her brother closer so he can understand her.
Lyle pulls away but the grin remains. "I'm already dead remember?" He begins to straighten his tie before he speaks again. "Besides, the Coalition has influence in places you could only dream of."
Parker crosses her arms as she glares at him. "So you have new bed fellows now Lyle? Wasn't the Triumvirate good enough to you?"
"Quite the contrary. I have leadership in the Triumvirate now and simply decided to diversify." Lyle backs towards the door as a sinister grin appears on his face. "The power has been magnified ten-fold. The Triumvirate now has a strong footing in seven countries, including the United States." Once Lyle reaches the door, he slowly pulls it open. "The Coalition has its fingers in every legislative body the world over." The door begins to shut as Lyle finishes. "I simply thought a name change was in order. You know, to keep up with current events."
The door slams shut as Broots looks up to Marie. "Do you think he's telling the truth?"
A sigh leaves Marie as she continues to stare at the door in front of her. "Lyle doesn't lie about power." She turns back to the bench she was sitting on and quietly sits again.
"In that case, we're in a lot of trouble." Broots' eyes find their way to the door as he sighs deeply.
"That we are Broots." Marie leans against the wall behind her as she slowly closes her eyes. "That we are."
------
Angelo and Jarod continue to climb through the Centre's ventilation system, the empath leads the way. He suddenly stops and turns to Jarod with a smile on his face. "Angelo's home." Angelo spins on his feet with his arms outstretched, much in the same way Jarod reacted to his discovery of snow.
A smile crosses Jarod's face as he looks around the small room. Empty boxes of Cracker Jack are scattered among different colored files and folders. Pictures and drawings hang on the walls, including the one Jarod drew about the eyes watching him. Jarod turns back to his friend. "It's really nice Angelo."
A grin flashes over Angelo's face as he looks to the floor. Almost as quickly as the grin appeared, Angelo's face becomes serious. The grin has disappeared as he begins to mumble. "Jarod need help." The empath starts to move empty boxes and containers until a shoebox is uncovered. A slight grin tugs at Angelo's cheeks as he rips the top of the box off to reveal a collection of DSAs. He digs through the silver disks until he reaches a desired one and hands it to Jarod. "Jarod. Watch."
The DSA is placed in the pretender's palm as he stares at Angelo. "Angelo, what's so important about this disk?" Angelo continues to stare at Jarod as the pretender looks at the time stamp on the disk's surface. "Jarod. 9/18/1966." Jarod's gaze returns to Angelo as his hand closes around the silver disk. "Impossible. I have all of my DSAs. Angelo, where did?"
The pretender is cutoff as Angelo pushes a player towards him. "Jarod must watch."
Silently, the pretender obliges and inserts the DSA into the player's slot. The keyboard lights up as the machine hums. An image slowly appears as the clicking of heels can be heard. The picture focuses to reveal an office room as aggressive knocking can be heard on the room's wooden doors.
"Come in." A stern, male voice can be heard a few seconds before the doors part to reveal a fragile woman. Jarod instantly recognizes her as his mother causing him to strike the pause button.
He quickly turns to Angelo with a puzzled expression. "Angelo? What is this?"
"Jarod. Watch." Angelo reaches forward and pushes the play button without another word.
The video picks up where it left off as Margaret begins to speak. "Mr. Director, I want to see my Jarod now."
The man stands from behind the desk; his back is facing the camera effectively blocking any chance of identification. His voice remains stern as he responds. "I've already told you Mrs. Rovik, Jarod may not be disturbed while he studies. It only ruins his concentration."
Margaret leans forward as she places her palms on the wooden desk. "You also told me that this was a school for the gifted. A place where they could study freely without interference from people that aren't on their level." Her voice betrays her anger. "And you said I could visit my son at any time. You also told me that I could withdraw my son if I feel your school is no longer benefiting him."
"Yes I did." The man crosses his arms behind his back as he speaks. "I can only assume you feel this to be true?"
Margaret sighs as she continues. "Yes I do." She stands straight again. "I would like to have Jarod withdrawn so he may be placed in public schooling." She looks around the office room and notes the dark atmosphere. "I feel he needs to be with children of his own age, he needs to make friends."
"I see." The man leans forward and opens a desk drawer and begins to root through the files until he reaches Jarod's. Once he has the file, it is placed on the desk as papers begin to get shuffled. He slowly looks back to Margaret as he clears his throat. "It appears that you are late on the last two tuition payments." He looks back to the folder before continuing. "These payments must be rectified before Jarod may be withdrawn."
A looks of surprise crosses Margaret's face. "What? That can't be, I delivered the payments personally." She reaches for the folder as she continues. "Let me see that."
The man quickly closes the folder and pulls it towards him. "I am sorry ma'am, these documents are confidential." He stands after places the folder back in the desk drawer. "I will, however, have a copy of Jarod's tuition costs delivered to you." He leans closer to Margaret before continuing. "Remember, this outstanding balance must be rectified before Jarod may be withdrawn."
The man walks around the desk and grabs the door handle before motioning for Margaret to leave. She reluctantly obliges as the doors are parted. Once she is past the doors, the man slowly shuts them and turns to walk back to his desk. It is at this point, the man's face is revealed.
Only one word leaves Jarod's throat. "Raines."
------
Lyle is sitting in his office when a knock is heard on his door. With a sigh, he slowly stands before speaking. "Come in."
Wilhelm slowly parts the metal doors as he enters the dim room. He looks at the pictures on the walls before slowly gazing at Lyle. "Viktor would like a word."
"Tell him I'll be there after I finish some business." Lyle begins to sit in his chair and pulls the phone off its hook.
Wilhelm strides forward and grabs Lyle's tie. "I don't think you understand Mr. Lyle." Wilhelm begins to pull the smaller man up from his seat. "When Viktor requests an audience, you grant it."
A smug expression passes over Lyle's face as he grabs his tie from the other man. "You don't seem to understand the severity of the situation." Lyle slides a paper towards Wilhelm. "The Triumvirate is growing agitated. We have yet to find Jarod and they want answers."
Viktor steps through the doorway as he speaks. "Perfectly understandable Mr. Lyle." Viktor stands beside Wilhelm and crosses his arms. "I've already been made aware of the Triumvirate's displeasure." Viktor slowly glances at the watch on his left hand before looking back at Lyle. "In fact, their new liaison should be arriving in any moment."
"New liaison?" A look of confusion crosses Lyle's face as he continues. "Then what about me?"
Viktor draws a gun from his coat and points it at Lyle. "I'm afraid it's time to sort out the weeds so the lotus may grow." Lyle steps backwards against the wall as Viktor pulls the hammer back on his gun. A brief smile crosses Viktor as he turns to Wilhelm and unleashes a bullet. "I'm sorry brother, but you've lost the faith."
Wilhelm looks at the bloodstain on his shirt and back at Viktor. He slumps forward to grab Viktor's pant leg while trying to speak. "Viktor." His voice is labored with gasps of air. "Why?"
Viktor raises the gun again before speaking. "You have lost the way. You betrayed me." He pulls the trigger again as he finishes. "And now it ends."
Wilhelm falls to his left side as blood flows from his neck. Lyle looks at the now lifeless body and back at Viktor. "What did he do?"
Viktor kneels before his fallen comrade and begins to mumble a prayer. Once done, he looks back at Lyle. "He denied me information about the Triumvirate's plans. I never sent for you." Viktor looks back at the body of his former compatriot. "He planned to kill you and then me. As per Triumvirate orders."
------
Marie Parker and Broots are sitting in the small cell as noises can be heard in the airshaft beside them. Without a second thought, Marie knows who it is. She quickly slides over towards the vent and begins to pry it off. As she expected, Angelo is on the other side staring at her with his defenseless eyes. She quickly grabs him in a hug. "Cousin It!"
The human sponge sheepishly smiles at her as he returns the hug. Once he is done, his eyes lock onto Miss Parker's. "Angelo has a present." He steps aside to reveal Jarod lurking in the shadows of the vent.
Parker's eyes light up as she quickly lets go of Angelo and grabs Jarod's left arm. "Jarod! I'm so glad to see you again."
The pretender steps out of the vent as Marie backs up, still holding his arm. "Something told me to believe you. So I came back to the one place I thought you would be." Jarod's eyes fall to the floor as he continues. "That's when I saw . . ." He looks back to Miss Parker. "What happened down there?"
Marie lets go of Jarod's arm as she speaks. "I was called by Lyle. He told me that a group of people would be coming after the Centre." She trails off as her eyes fall to the floor. She quickly jerks her head back up to stare at Jarod. "Jarod! What about Sydney?"
Jarod raises his hand to silence her and hopefully dull the emotion. "He's fine. The bullet grazed his skin. Last I heard he made it to the Infirmary." A smile crosses his lips as a new thought enters his mind. "I found out my last name."
For a moment, Marie's mind stops while it tries to tie the two subjects together. Actually, it grinds to a halt and abruptly ends all thought patterns. She quickly snaps out of the daze and smiles faintly. "What?" That's all she can get out, her brain is busy trying to reboot.
"I discovered my last name." The pretender repeats the sentence with as much emotion as the first time.
Marie's face brightens as the words finally sink in. "Really? That's great Jarod. What is it?"
Jarod breathes deeply before he responds. "Rovik." The smile on his face broadens as he continues. "My name I Jarod Rovik."
Broots' eyes dart from each of the two like he was watching a tennis match. With a sigh, he finally musters the courage to speak. "This is all well and good, but don' you think we should be leaving?"
Surprised, Jarod looks at the technician as the grin vanishes. "Yes." He turns back to Marie and then looks at Angelo. "We should."
Marie is the first to climb in the vent shaft; Broots gets ready to follow her through. Once Broots is in, Jarod and Angelo hear foots steps coming down the hallway. Panicked, Jarod turns to Angelo. "Hurry Angelo. We have to go."
Angelo turns to Jarod with a sad expression. "No." The empath shakes his head to emphasis this. "Angelo must stay." He pushes Jarod towards the vent.
The pretender looks at his friend as a slew of emotions pour over him, the most prevalent is a mix of sadness and guilt. "What?" Jarod can't believe this.
"Jarod goes. Angelo stays."
Jarod is about to dispute this 'fact' but Marie's voice grabs his attention. "Move it Lab Rat."
A tear forms in Angelo's eye as Jarod quickly hugs him. "Thank you Angelo." He quickly whispers in the empath's ear. "For the last name." Once Jarod pulls away, Angelo smiles a sheepish grin, as the footsteps get louder. Jarod crawls into the vent and begins to pull the grate over him. "I will come back for you."
And then, Angelo is alone.
The empath sighs deeply as he faces the now turning doorknob. "Thank you Angelo." He quietly speaks to himself, reaffirming he is alone.
When the door opens, nobody expects what is seen.
------
Viktor is sitting in an overstuffed chair with his feet on the desk when the phone rings. With a sigh of aggravation, he leans forward to answer it by pressing the speakerphone button. "Speak."
"Sir, it's Samson." A lackey responds to Viktor's demand, he seems to be out of breath.
Viktor rubs his temples before responding. "Business?" He can't help but wonder how he got half these idiots.
"Um." Samson trails off as he hopes the news won't be taken poorly. "The people in the T-Board holding cell have escaped."
"What!" Viktor's voice echoes off the room's walls giving him a more evil sound. He quickly grabs the phone receiver from the holder. "Repeat your last sentence."
'Damn. Now I'm dead.' Samson rubs his forehead as he responds. "The, um, captives have escaped."
Viktor is about to respond when a beep rings in his ear. "You don't move. I have a call on the other line. If I return to this line and hear dead air, you are dead. Got it?" He doesn't wait for a response before switching calls. "Speak."
"This is helicopter 609 Bravo requesting landing permission."
Viktor rubs his forehead as he responds. "Since when do you need permission?"
The helicopter pilot responds with as much sarcasm as possible. "Since I come from the Triumvirate."
"Land then." Viktor's voice is worried as he switches to the first call; he looks up to his office door as he speaks. "Forget about Parker and Broots. Find Lyle and send him to me." The phone is placed back in the holder as Viktor slumps into his seat, his eyes not leaving the door.
"Azrael has arrived."
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TBC . . . Please Read and Rate . . .