Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X.
Chapter 4 – Hope
They were cautious during the pick up and thankful that nothing happened. After they returned, they opened the file. What they read shocked and confused them. What could they actually believe? Adam's real relationship to the Creator was there for them to take or leave. This man outlined in detail how the Dominion focus and operations have changed over the last decade. He specifically named key co-conspirators as well as named members who were loyal to the original calling of the organization. He explained emergency procedure that had all members in individual hiding places not known to anyone but the leader.
"Now what?" Shalimar stepped back in aggravation.
"This leader is no doubt going to cause us trouble." Jesse stated the obvious.
"Not only us. If he's the only one who knows where the other members are, he's likely going to be after them as well." Brennan added.
"And he's the one who has Adam. We have to find a way to get to him." Lexa stood behind Jesse's chair.
"Well, our friend here said he had ways of getting information. We really don't have any leads or any prospects of getting one at this point." Jesse took her hands as he spoke. "We have to believe that the leader needs the Creator and that the Creator needs Adam. So for now, I think Adam's safe. We just have to wait for a lead. If the Dominion was really being mishandled, I think we have an opportunity to set things right at least by getting the ringleaders out of power."
"Well, for now there's nothing for us to do but try to get settled in and like the man said, lay low. We don't want them coming after us before we have a plan to get them." Brennan moved back to the sofa and picked up the remote. The old, original safe house was not much compared to Sanctuary but it had everything they needed to survive. Jesse made sure the back up files were sent there regularly and monthly made a trip to insure it's security. The active files recorded that the original safe house was vacated and disowned after Genomex broke in, so long ago. The building was listed as being sold to a historical society for its preservation. Adam hoped never to have to use it but kept it well supplied just in case. Jesse had enough equipment to keep the work going and the team alive. They were safe for the moment and they needed a break.
Jesse moved to the large recliner and sat down pulling Lexa down on his lap. She looked at him with some shock at first then smiled as he just looked calmly in her eyes.
Shalimar moved to sit next to Brennan. She looked at him and as if they silently conversed, they came to a mutual decision. She shifted as he moved and let him cradle her in front of him. She smiled as he leaned in and kissed her head.
"I knew there was something going on with you two," Jesse pointed.
"Well, I couldn't let you have all the fun." Brennan smirked as Shalimar playfully jabbed his side.
Natasha walked into the lab and spoke to the Creator. Adam watched as he smiled at some comment she made then nodded his agreement to whatever request she presented. She walked away and smiled at Adam as she passed him.
"Adam," the Creator called to him, "our good doctor will be making a personal trip into the city, tomorrow. You and I will be on our own. Should there be anything you need, to make your stay here more comfortable please do not hesitate to ask. She will be running a few errands for me as well."
Adam turned and saw her looking at him from her computer station. "Well, I don't think there is anything else I need. She's already provided me with all my essentials. What else could I want?"
When he returned to his room after a late dinner he was plagued again by what the leader had implied and by his dream of the night before. Even the parents whom he loved told him he wasn't human. So what was he? That was the question that tortured him until his eyes finally closed in exhaustion.
Again horrible visions assaulted his mind and disturbed his rest. He watched his team, his children, turn on him. They locked him behind a force field and mocked him. Brennan laughed as he said now that they knew what he was they wouldn't have to worry about who captured him or who wanted him dead. Shalimar turned her back to him and wouldn't even acknowledge his presence when he begged her to think about all they had been through. Jesse began to describe tests he was curious to run to see just how Adam was put together. Lexa just cried feeling most betrayed. She had known him the longest. She just kept repeating how he could have confided in her and that she would have understood.
Tortured and heartbroken he tossed and turned, yelling back how wrong they were and how much he loved them. That's how Tasha found him when she again used her key to open his door. She moved quickly to his side and placed her hands on his shoulders. Using strength now born out of experience she shook him until he opened his eyes and focused on her instead of the visions in his mind.
Adam was sweating and immediately got up and went to the bathroom. After drenching his head in cold water he reentered the room as he rubbed a towel over his damp hair. Using his fingers as a comb he somewhat fixed the mess of curls on his head and went to sit beside Tasha. "You should charge me for these wake-up calls. No other hotel would offer such services." He smiled as she chuckled.
"I'll have to start running you a tab." She smiled as she adjusted her position at his side. "Seriously, I wish there were something I could do to help take away these nightmares. Do you want to tell me about it?"
"It was my team. They were ... well," he stood abruptly and began to pace. "I have to find a way out of here. I have to find my team." He faced her with a sudden idea. "You've been in other areas of this building. Do you know the lay out?"
"Yes," she furrowed her brow at his sudden determination to escape...to leave. She looked away as she realized that meant he would leave her.
Adam stopped in front of her as he continued. "Have you seen the exits? Can you tell me about them and about the security?"
"Adam, it will do you no good to try and escape on your own. There are too many guards to overpower on the way out. Even if you got out, they would come after you. You would be on the run and hiding for the rest of your life."
Her reason broke through his zeal for escape as he sat dejectedly on the bed beside her. She turned and put a hand on his shoulder. "Adam, I know that you aren't happy here, but I'll do whatever I can to make you more comfortable. I'm going out tomorrow. I'll get whatever you want."
His head turned to her as another idea struck. "You're going out tomorrow. How many guards go with you?"
Tasha almost feared the look in his eye. She moved her hand back to her lap and answered slowly. "I'm going to visit my grandmother. Two guards will escort me and drop me off. When I'm ready for pick up they'll return and bring me back."
"They leave you unguarded?"
"I've been doing this every other month since I was a child. As I got older, I combined my visits with shopping trips because it seemed that my frequent need for transportation had begun to annoy some people. Since I was willing to give up some of my visit time, the Creator was insistent that I be allowed to have my day as I pleased. They know I'll always come back for him."
Adam stood up and silently walked across the room. He stood for a moment in thought; then turn back to her. As he approached he knelt in front of her and took her hands, resting his in her lap. "Tasha, listen to me. You know that the leader has taken over the Dominion for his own interests. He's just using the Creator. When he has no further use for him," Adam hesitated, "he won't keep him around." He watched as she just put her head down.
"I know," she whispered. "I've known for a long time now, but there's nothing I can do."
"No, you can't do anything alone, but if you had the right kind of help we could get out of here and shut them down."
She curiously looked back up. "Adam, what're you talking about?"
"My team can come in here and rescue all of us."
"But they want to kill your team. They won't rest until they're dead. It's too dangerous for them to show up here."
"Not if it's planned right and they have help on the inside. It can work. I know it can. But..."
"But, what?"
"Will you contact them tomorrow?" Adam squeezed her hands.
"Adam, how? They don't know me? They won't trust me. What do I tell them?"
"We can go over all of that. We just have to make the contact."
"I don't know. Can I do this and make it work?" she looked away.
Adam touched her face and made her look at him. "Tasha, I know you can do this. I've seen how strong you are. Just make the contact. I promise nothing will happen to you." Adam looked deeply into her eyes. "I would never let anything happen to you."
As Tasha looked back at this man, she saw in him more than she could explain, more than she could comprehend. Through all the questions and doubts and fears that floated through her mind she saw something else. Something she couldn't identify. It was there in his eyes, calling to her, begging her to trust him but more than that, to believe in him. Her face was calm as she made her decision. "I'll do whatever you want me to."
"That's my girl." Adam spent the next hour and a half telling her all she needed to know to contact them and convince them that he sent her. He made sure she understood all he wanted them to know about what was going on with the Dominion and the Creator.
"Now you need to get some sleep." Adam walked her to the door. He saw the uncertain look on her face. Instinctively, he folded his arms around her and pulled her close to him. "I know you're nervous but don't be. You'll love the guys and they'll love you." He felt her lift her head from his shoulder and he looked at her. When their eyes met, suddenly everything around them vanished. They were instantly lost in each others presence. Adam slowly lowered his face to hers and kissed her gently. He could feel her hands come to rest on his chest as he was relishing the satin feel of her lips.
Tasha was surprised by the unexpected kiss but felt that there was something pulling at her heart. She felt safe and protected in his arms. Somehow she just knew that no matter what, this man would do what he said. She shyly looked away when he removed his lips from hers. "Goodnight, Adam."
The next morning Tasha was up early getting ready to go. She wanted to really look good to meet Adam's friends. After a short check in with the Creator she went to see Adam. "I'll be leaving now," she said as she walked into the room.
Adam turned at the sound of her voice. He smiled when he saw her and walked to her. "You look beautiful," he whispered and smiled when she blushed. Her hair was playfully curled and fell over her shoulders. Her dress was a solid baby blue, A-line, fitted mini. Her matching heals and bag completed her outfit. Adam couldn't help putting his hand up and fingering her long curls.
She smiled at his show of appreciation. "I wanted to look nice for your friends. I hope they like me."
"I know they'll love you. Be careful. Remember to check if you're being watched. When you see them, tell them everything I told you. It'll be ok, you'll see."
"Ok, I guess I'll see you when I get back." She looked up nervously.
He smiled at her. "I'll be waiting for you." His voice was sincere and carried more than a little suggestion.
Tasha was dropped off at her grandmother's as was planned. She visited with her for the morning then explained that she was to do her customary errand run. Part of the reason that she agreed to shop on her visiting day was because it was convenient. Her grandmother lived only two blocks from a major mall. An arranged pick up time was always set for the main entrance so she wouldn't have to walk back with arms full of packages.
As she walked to the mall this time she began to get very nervous. She was as careful as she knew how to be and was sure she wasn't being followed. Her shopping list was intentionally small this time out. She did that shopping and then went to a pay phone and dialed the number Adam gave her.
In the safe house, the team was settling back after lunch and getting ready to watch a movie when Jesse's cell phone rang. Everyone froze and looked at Jesse. He furrowed his brow and looked at Brennan who said, "Put it on the speakers."
Jesse hastened to comply and in only a few seconds pushed the button. "Hello?"
"Hello, Jesse?" a very nervous female voice was heard.
"Yes, who's this?"
"My name is Natasha Stanos. Adam gave me your number and wants me to make contact with you."
"Really? Well, here I am? What do you have to tell me?" He tried to sound calm and trusting.
"I can't tell you over the phone. I'm supposed to ask you to pick me up. I'm at the 5 Points Mall at the rear entrance."
"Um, well, I'm sorry but I'm not in the habit of being a pick up service."
"Adam knew you would be cautious. To prove he sent me I'm supposed to tell you that years ago he told you that you had more to offer than Alicia could accept." She silently prayed this would work.
They were silent for a moment, looking at each other in wonder. "How do we know that he wasn't tortured into talking." Brennan stood up and walked closer to the speaker.
"You must be Brennan. Adam told me that when he asked you to join the team he told you that he never expected to have to work with an outlaw but needed you to show him the ropes. He's not being tortured. The Creator wouldn't stand for it. He told me all about you. He loves all of you very much."
"All right," Shalimar walked up. "We'll be there. But if you're lying, I'll tear you apart myself until you tell us where he is."
"Shalimar, right? Adam really cares for you. He told me he was by your side for 36 hours when you were infected with a virus he had trouble detecting. He thought he was going to lose you."
"Ok, that's enough. We're convinced." Jesse stated.
"Thank God. Please hurry. I have to be back by 5 for my pick up."
"It will take us about a half hour to get there. Stay put." Jesse ended the conversation and turned to the others. "Well, we wanted a lead. Let's go."
At the mall, Brennan dropped each member off at a different entrance then drove around to find a parking place out back. He entered through the rear doors and looked around. It was early afternoon and the mall was full of shopping women. As he scanned the crowd he spotted the rest of the team converging on his position from their different angles. They all stopped in separate locations. Shalimar looked at each and spoke into her ring. "I'll take it from here." They watched as she casually walked through the crowd. As she passed a lovely woman seated by a fountain she noticed all she needed. "I got her. This lady in blue is very nervous." They all looked around and it seemed safe enough. She saw Brennan nod to her and she moved in. "Miss Stanos?"
Tasha looked up and saw a beautiful blonde standing in front of her. She stood up and looked around carefully. "Yes?"
Shalimar sensed her heart rate jump and could smell her nervousness and fear. "It's ok. No one will hurt you." She looked around and made eye contact with the rest and they soon joined them.
Tasha got more nervous as she saw the strangers approach. Her voice betrayed her as she tried to remain calm. "I know. Adam told me I'd be safe with you."
"The car is just outside. Let's take a ride." Brennan put his arm around Shalimar and led the way out.
Tasha looked up and saw a man she assumed was Jesse smile at her and gesture for her to walk with him. "Let me get those for you." Jesse picked up her packages.
"Thank you. You must be Jesse and Lexa."
"Right on both counts," Lexa smiled as she walked beside her.
Once in the car Brennan drove to a nearby park and stopped the car. "Well, I think this is cozy. We can get to know each other, here. Why don't you tell us what this is all about?"
Tasha took a deep breath and looked at each new face as she began. "I'm Dr. Natasha Stanos, caregiver for the Creator." She stopped when she saw them look to each other in doubt.
"Please, go on," Jesse prompted her.
"When the Dominion headquarters blew up everyone made their escape. The leader had the Creator and Adam moved to his new location. He has his own agenda and has been distorting the Dominion principles for his own purposes for years."
"That much we know," Lexa offered. "Has Adam been hurt?"
"No. The leader is keeping them for as long as they are useful to his plans though he allows the Creator to believe he is still in control." Tasha looked down sadly. "He's so involved in his work that he's never really seen what's been going on. Adam isn't fooled, though. He knows that our days are numbered. When he found out I was coming out for my routine visit to my grandmother and errand run, he sent me to you so that you can plan a rescue." She looked at them with pleading in her eyes.
"We don't know how to find them. We risk being caught ourselves if we just follow you back." Lexa stated flatly.
Tasha turned to Jesse. "Adam said that I was to tell you to implant a sub dermal tracker behind my ear. He said you would be able use me to locate the new headquarters when you had a plan. He also said that if you modified it with the communication circuitry like in your rings that he'd be able to talk to you and I'd be able to hear you."
Everyone looked at Jesse as he seemed deep in thought. "Well, that all sounds right. It should work."
"Wouldn't the Dominion be able to detect and trace it?" Brennan asked.
"No, actually," Jesse began to explain. "The sub dermal tracker has no energy source to be detected. Adam created it to work with a body's natural electrical impulses."
"Adam told me that he designed it to be used one day in place of your com rings." Tasha added then she smiled and looked at Brennan. "The only problem he had was you. He said that each time he even held one close to you it would short out. As he put it, you're just too, impulsive." She began to become more relaxed around them as they all laughed.
"She's right. This could be the beginning of a plan. We have to get her back to the safe house."
She sat up straighter as she added, "Adam was explicit as to my not knowing where you're staying. He said he knew but didn't want me to, in case something goes wrong and they find out that I contacted you. He mentioned something about an optical disc."
"Right here," Lexa pulled her hand from her pocket and displayed the device. "It won't hurt. Don't be afraid."
"Thank you." She put her hand up and stopped Lexa for a moment. "Thank you all, for believing me. Adam is very lucky to have a family like you." She put her hand down and let Lexa blind her.
Once back at their new home, Jesse led Tasha in by the hand. "Just a little farther and we'll take that thing off... There. Is that better?"
"Yes, thank you." She looked around and was impressed by what she saw.
"The implant won't take long. I'll have to locally numb the area. The incision will only have to be about a half an inch long. Let me show you what the tracker looks like." He moved to a cabinet and pulled out a large metal case. Inside were various items from Sanctuary. He had been periodically storing samples of different things for just such cases. When he returned to her, he held up a small vial filled with a sterile liquid. As he shook it a small, thin device began to waft through the fluid.
Tasha looked at it and was amazed. "His dad was right. He really is a genius." She caught herself whispering out loud, then turned and saw Jesse's questioning look. "I'm sorry. When I was younger I met Michael Kane. He used to like to tell us stories about the things Adam could do. He was very proud of his son."
"You knew Adam before?" Shalimar asked.
"No, not Adam, only his parents. When they would come to visit the Creator, Adam was in school. The time I happened to be there, I was on spring break from school but Adam had just finished his internship. I really only met them once. They were wonderful people and I could tell that they loved Adam very much."
"But the Creator said that Adam was ..." Lexa stopped, not sure if she should continue.
"A clone? I know. I've seen the file. How he got here doesn't' matter, does it? He's an amazing man."
Brennan and Shalimar looked at each other and shared a suspicious smile.
"After I implant this, we'll have to teach you how to activate and deactivate the com mechanism or we'll be hearing conversations you have with everyone." He laughed when he saw Tasha's frightened look. "Don't worry. It won't be hard to learn."
When the procedure was over and the learning was done, Brennan went into another room and they tested the com signal. Jesse moved to the computer and tested the tracker. Satisfied that it was all working properly they moved on to other matters.
"What should be our plan?" Lexa asked.
"We can't just go rushing in. The four of us won't stand a chance against a base full of power-proof guards." Shalimar stood behind Brennan's chair and rested her arms over his shoulders.
"Maybe once Dr. Stanos is back and we contact Adam, we'll have something to work with." Jesse threw out.
"Please, Adam calls me Tasha. I'd like it if all of you would, too." She smiled when she saw them all nod in agreement.
They spoke for a while trying to get to know each other and found it was easy to like this girl. She told them her background and how she came to be the Creator's caregiver. "We have to get you back now. You said 5, right?" Brennan asked.
"Yes. Two guards will be sent to take me back to the base. Adam said he'd be waiting for me. The leader knows that Adam doesn't trust him. He's already threatened Adam once. I hope today was quiet for him." The sadness in her voice was enough to make them sure they had to work fast.
As they got to the mall, Jesse turned and took Tasha's hand. "Tasha, listen. Adam will be communicating with us, I'm sure, but if any thing happens or you get scared, I want you to feel free to talk to us, too." His warm smile reassured her.
"Thank you. I'm not afraid for myself. I'm worried about the Creator. He's so frail. Please try to get us out of there as soon as possible."
"We will. I promise. Now, go back inside and we'll watch from the other side of the parking lot. As soon as it's safe and you're alone with Adam, let him contact us." Jesse kissed her cheek and then helped her from the car. He took her packages from the trunk and watched her go inside.
As she waited for her ride, she couldn't help but wonder at the amazing people she'd met. She was happy that Adam had them in his life and for the first time in as long as she could remember she felt...jealous.
TBC
