Part 2: Eighth Fire Looming
Taking the Angeles Forrest Hwy they were making good time. Dennis took the winding mountain road as fast as he dared while still keeping a watchful eye out for authorities. Sloan's hysteria had finally died down. She sat motionless in the back seat, staring out the window and hugging Tom's black coat tightly around her. David turned on the radio and tuned to a news channel.
... The is KNX1070 News Radio with a special report...
Explosions rocked several regions of the Los Angeles metropolitan area early this afternoon. Fire crews are on the scene battling blazes in at least twenty neighborhoods. Several key witnesses report seeing what can only be described as rockets just prior to some of the buildings going up in flames. Authorities are advising the public to stay out of these areas as emergency crews comb through the rubble searching for survivors.
The mayor has declared much of the city a disaster area and has requested emergency aid from the federal government. According to an unnamed source close to the investigation, two people were arrested in the area of one of the explosions and have been taken into custody. While proof is still not available, they are believed to be members of the Homo-Dominant faction. Law enforcement officials reserved comment until the results of DNA testing are available later today...
David and Dennis glanced at each other with grim faces but remained silent. Ed stirred uncomfortably in the back, now torn between his concern for Sloan and his growing fear that life as they knew it would never be the same.
x.x.x
The Excursion screamed up the drive at breakneck speed sending dirt and rocks flying. Slamming on the brakes, the back fishtailed as they came to an abrupt stop. Dennis and David jumped out of the SUV and raced toward the house. Having heard their arrival, Mark and Ray were already out the door with guns drawn.
"What the hell is going on?" Ray was the first to speak. "There are kids around here! You could have hit one of them!"
"We have got to get out of here NOW!" Dennis responded still catching his breath. "Los Angeles is a war zone, we barely made it out of there!"
Mark looked toward the truck to see Ed urging Sloan out of the back. "Where's Walter?" he asked looking back to the two dominants.
David's face was somber as he replied, "He's dead. He got caught in an explosion just as we were leaving Sloan's apartment."
"I take it Sloan saw the whole thing?" Ray asked grimly nodding in her direction.
"Yes. She hasn't said a thing since we left LA. I can sense her emotions, she's in shock." David replied looking toward her as well.
"Let's go inside." Mark stated turning toward the front door. "We've already started packing up. We need to finish quickly so we can get on the road. I want the whole story on what happened today. I also want to see the news before we head out."
"So that's it? We just pack up and leave?" Ray asked astonished. "No 'so sorry Walter's dead' or 'we're sorry for your loss', nothing? I understand that you people don't have feelings, but can't you be a little sensitive to what we humans are feeling?"
Mark stopped and looked at Ray, "What would you have us do? Stay here and risk capture? Walter wanted coexistence — he wanted us to work together toward peace. We can't do that if we're in a jail cell or dead now can we Ray?"
"And just for the record," Mark continued. "We have feelings. My people have very strong emotions, we've just learned to control them." With that, Mark turned and went into the house.
x.x.x
"I take it everything went well?" the man asked the smartly dressed woman sitting in front of his desk. He'd never really liked her but, she was the best at what she did. Her cold and calculating methods got results with razor sharp precision
"Everything is going perfectly according to plan." she replied smugly. "The wheels have been set in motion to escalate our response to the growing dominant threat. Those we have been able to detain have not been forthcoming but, it's just a matter of time."
"What about the ones being held at The Ranch?" he queried. "Have we gotten any useful information from them?"
"Not yet." she responded. "But we are planning on stepping up their treatment. They'll break eventually. We're going to begin testing to find out their status. We'll need that information to find out what went wrong and get the project back on track."
"You really think the dominants will respond by showing themselves once military forces are deployed?" the man questioned her further.
"I don't think they'll be able to resist." she replied, shifting in her chair. "Once we've forced them out into the open, we'll be able to eliminate the problem."
"Hmm... I hope you're right." he responded. "What about the President? Is he ready to respond in the manner we'd anticipated?"
"My man on the inside assures me that he is planning to deploy the National Guard and put the country in a state of Martial Law," she answered. "Once he's given the order, we'll be able to step in and take full control."
"Good." he said nodding his head in approval. "That's even better than I'd hoped."
x.x.x
The packing was completed and the SUVs loaded. Mark and the others turned on the evening news as they spread out maps in the floor.
... and now the President of the United States...
... My Fellow Americans. As many of you know, we are faced with a new terrorist threat by a species calling themselves Homo-Dominant. Today, in Los Angeles and other cities across the United States, the Homo-Dominants declared war. Businesses were destroyed and many families are tonight without homes. In view of this growing threat to our security, I hereby declare a state of national emergency. I have activated the National Guard in all 50 states for the duration of this crisis. Further, I am placing the country in a state martial law.
A curfew will be imposed in all cities from 10pm to 6am. Workplaces are asked to cooperate by adjusting their schedules to allow citizens to comply with this order. Anyone caught out after curfew will be taken into custody. Citizens are required to cooperate with the National Guard and local authorities. ...
"What time is it?" Mark asked to no one in particular.
"Five o'clock" Dennis responded.
"That only gives us five hours." Ray added.
"Right. I think in light of the news we just heard, we should stick to secondary roads." Mark stated. "I want to get clear of Edwards and China Lake today. I don't want to be anywhere near a military base tomorrow."
"Good idea." Ray replied. "It will take them time to get troop deployment into full swing. They'll probably focus on Los Angeles and larger cities first. If we stick to back roads, we should be able to put plenty of distance between us and them by morning. We can probably even get away with driving all night."
Dennis nodded. "It's taking a chance but this may be the only time we'll get the opportunity. By tomorrow night, they'll have martial law in full force and we'll be forced to camp during curfew.
"We can stay mostly to back roads until we get to Mojave." Mark said looking at the map. "We can pick up Route 14 there and take that to 395. We can always get off 395 if things start to look serious. I'd like to make it to Sonora Junction tonight if possible." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
"Now remember, stick to the speed limits. Don't draw any attention to yourselves." Mark continued. "We'll stay far enough apart that we can sense each other, but not appear to be together. Ray, I'll ride with you, that way if we get pulled over I can claim to be Grace's brother. Sloan and Ed will ride with Dennis and David. Sandra will be with John and Richard. I want at least one of us with you humans at all times so we can detect any danger."
"Alright, let's get the hell out of here." Dennis said grabbing the maps. "The longer we're here, the more nervous I get."
x.x.x
"I assume you've heard the latest news? Has the Assembly made their decision?"
"Yes."
"Are we going to proceed without Lewis?"
"It is unfortunate that Lewis is not available but we have his people. If it's war the humans want, it's war they'll get."
"Right then. I'll make the necessary arrangements."
"Good. They have no idea what they've started."
x.x.x
They made it to Sonora Junction by one o'clock in the morning. They'd been wise to take the risk, traffic had been exceptionally light. They took secondary roads off the highway, climbing into the mountains. Pavement turned to gravel then to dirt before they stopped. Satisfied they'd found a place isolated enough to hide, they setup camp.
Sloan shared a tent with Sandra and Mari. While the other two chatted quietly, she dug mechanically through Tom's bags for the first time. At the top, she found the black sweater he'd worn in Alaska. Taking off his coat, she removed the sweater from the bag and put it on. Beneath the clothing were the pistol he'd always carried and several other weapons. She found his binoculars as well as some cash. Buried at the bottom she found the photo of Tom as a boy with his mother. Staring at the picture, she traced the burnt edges with her finger as tears began to sting her eyes.
"You should write about it." Sandra said breaking into Sloan's thoughts. Sandra dug through her backpack and produced a spiral bound notebook. "Here ... use this." She said handing it to Sloan.
Sloan took the item and stared at it, looking back at Sandra as though she didn't understand.
"If you put your thoughts on paper," Sandra explained, "It will make it easier to sort them out ... and to come to terms with everything that's happening."
Sloan silently nodded her head, setting the notebook aside. She put Tom's coat back on and crawled into her sleeping bag. Closing her eyes, she thought of Tom ... and Walter ... and waited for sleep.
x.x.x
David woke early as usual. Crawling out of his tent, he went in search of coffee. Figuring he'd have to make it, he was surprised to find a fresh pot on the Coleman stove. Smiling inwardly, he grabbed two cups and walked toward the rocks up ahead.
He knew who he'd find here. Sloan sat with her back to him staring out over the hills. The site where they were camped was high enough to give a panoramic view of the surrounding area. David focused on Sloan, trying to sense her mood today. He found she was somewhat melancholy, but he didn't sense the despair she'd felt yesterday. Satisfied with her progress, he walked up to the rocks.
"Would you mind sharing some of that?" he asked nodding toward the sunrise and handing her a fresh cup of coffee.
She accepted the coffee with a small smile, "Sure, I think there's enough to go around."
David smiled back. They sat and silently watched the warm orange orb climb higher in the sky — the purple's and gold's giving way to blue as nature put on her morning show. A hawk soared in the distance adding its voice as accompaniment to the performance.
Finally turning to her, he noticed the notebook in her lap. "Are you starting a journal?"
Sloan looked at the book in her lap and nodded her head, "Yeah, I guess I am."
David felt a sudden surge of determination from her as she continued. "I want you to teach me to shoot."
David stared at her for a moment, "Ok. We were planning on that today. We want everyone to be able to defend themselves."
"No... you don't understand." Sloan shook her head and looked him in the eye. "I want to REALLY learn to shoot. I want to be able to pick up any weapon and use it. The way I see it, whether we like it or not, we're on the brink of a war. I'm not going to sit back on the sidelines and watch. I'll fight this with my last breath ... for Tom and for Walter."
Sloan stood then and walked back to her tent, disappearing inside. David closed his eyes and sighed, sadness tugging at his heart. He knew Sloan died a little inside yesterday. He wondered to himself how many more would fall before this was over ... how many more friends would have to die.
x.x.x
After the morning routine, Tom watched as the guards came and got one of the other dominants. They removed him from his cage and tightened his chains, dragging him from the room. They'd never taken one of them from the area before. He wondered to himself what they were planning now.
Tom could sense Scott's fear as they took the man away. He tried to help him control it but he was just a boy. He hadn't been through the training Tom had or seen the things he'd seen.
"Turn it inward." Lewis suddenly said. "When you feel fear, turn it inward ... and let it burn. The fire will become anger which is a much better shield."
"Don't you mean hate Lewis?" Tom asked. He remembered hearing this speech many times himself.
"The two are synonymous as far as I'm concerned. When you feel either you can tolerate anything." Lewis stated.
"I wonder what they're up to?" Tom thought out loud.
"I think it's pretty obvious, the stakes just got higher." Lewis replied. "It won't be long now."
Tom had no idea what that last comment meant. With Lewis, there was no telling. Even though he'd taught them all to suppress, even deny their emotions ... he secretly thought Lewis rather enjoyed being an enigma.
They all sat lost in their thoughts until they sensed it. The one they'd taken earlier was terrified. They could feel his agony, white hot like fire coursing through his veins. Then ... nothing.
The boy looked at Tom for guidance, panic in his eyes.
"Turn it inward Scott." Lewis repeated softly, closing his eyes. " ... let it burn."
x.x.x
Ed was the last one up. He staggered out of his tent blindly seeking coffee. He smiled when his nose picked up the scent. Pouring himself a cup, he plopped down on a rock content with sipping till his eyes could focus.
"Well good morning beautiful!" Mari laughed coming over to sit next to Ed. "You look like you been rode hard and put away wet!"
Ed looked at her out of one good eye and grunted.
Mari just laughed harder. "Sweetie, did you know your hair is standing straight up?"
Ed tried to ignore her.
"It's a good look for you I think." she continued. Ray stood nearby and chuckled.
Ed finally spoke, "Are you this cheerful every morning?"
"Well honey, 'ah hate to be the one to have to tell ya'll this," Mari replied with southern drawl in full swing, "But it ain't mornin' no more, it's noon." Laughing again, she got up and walked away.
"Damn!" Ed whistled. "I can't believe I slept so late."
"Yeah, most of us slept in." Ray said coming over to join him. "We were all up pretty late."
"So where is everybody?" Ed finally asked looking around.
"They all went out for target practice." Ray replied. "Mark and the others are teaching the girls and the college boys to fire a weapon."
"I bet Sloan's hating that." Ed said. "She hates guns."
"Well from what I was told this morning, Sloan had already been at it about two hours before everyone else got started." Ray stated. "And you my friend are next on the list as soon as you get enough of that coffee in you to see straight."
Both men turned when they heard the others coming near. Sloan was ambling up the rear with Dennis and David. Mark was talking to Grace and actually had a smile on his face.
"Ray, you have nothing to worry about." Mark said as he walked up still smiling. "Grace is a natural."
"Well that's good to hear," Ray looked at his wife. "At least I know if something happens, you and Matt have a chance."
Looking back at Mark, Ray asked in a quiet voice. "So how'd Sloan do?"
Mark turned serious, "She did very well. She was scoring 99 out of 100 with the pistol and the assault rifle by the time she was done. We still have to train her on the use of the cross bow, but I think she'll pick it up quickly."
"Whoa!" Ed exclaimed. "We have to learn to use all those?"
"No." Mark replied. "We're teaching Sloan all of them because she asked us to. The rest of you will be trained on a pistol only."
Ed was stunned with the revelation. He looked at his friend who was talking quietly with Dennis and David. Sloan was changing rapidly and he had no idea how to handle it. He knew the events of the last couple months were taking their toll on her, but yesterday something had snapped. He didn't think she'd ever be the same and missed his old friend already.
x.x.x
Later that night Sloan was huddled in her sleeping bag thinking. Unable to sleep, she crawled out. Grabbing a lantern and her notepad, she put on Tom's coat and walked out of the tent.
Sitting on a nearby rock, she lit the lantern and opened the notepad. Taking pen in hand, she began to write.
... June 1, 1998
... My Dearest Tom,
I have no idea what I'm going to say. Sandra says it will help if I write so I'll try. We've joined up with the dominant peace faction and have gone into hiding. Although now I think the rules of the game have changed. It's now those that want peace against a government that's out of control, be it mine or yours.
Walter's dead. He was killed yesterday. God that hurt, watching that building go up in flames. Knowing he was trapped and there was nothing I could do. For all the mistakes he made, Walter turned out to be a good friend. He brought us all together in the end.
You've been gone almost 2 months now. I miss you so much it feels like my heart will explode. I can't get the picture out of my mind ... watching you shoved into that van ... powerless to do anything about it. I wear your sweater ... it smells like you. Maybe it's silly but it makes you feel closer.
I've decided I'm not going to be helpless anymore ... I've had enough of that. I learned to shoot a gun today, you'd have been proud of me. The others ... your kind ... said I did really well.
They are like you. They feel things ... emotions. You'd like them all I think.
I will not think of you in the past tense. I refuse! You are out there somewhere; I can feel it. I'll find you I promise.
I love you Tom. I hope you can feel that wherever you are. Know you are always in my heart and in my thoughts.
Sloan...
x.x.x
For a moment, Tom didn't realize where he was when he woke. He'd been dreaming of Sloan.
He could hear her talking softly to him, telling him she loved him. He felt the familiar dull ache in his chest and tried to think of something else.
Hearing the doors open, he looked up as the guards were dragging in the man they'd taken the day before. They'd tortured him ... or worse. He was catatonic and bathed in sweat. His eyes were black and swollen shut, deep purple bruises on his face. There were deep, angry red welts across his back and curious pock marks on his arms. Without a backward glance, the guards threw him in his cage, locked the door and left.
Tom looked toward Lewis who was sitting perfectly still, eyes closed. He understood what Lewis was doing — he was, after all, the master. The student settled back, closing his eyes, he reached out to that to that place Lewis had taught him. It was only a matter of time till the guards came for him, he needed to be ready to face the demon.
x.x.x
They'd been camped about two weeks when John and Dennis came rushing up early one afternoon. The two had been out exploring the surrounding area, looking for resources and dangers. They'd found a cabin, apparently abandoned. The two along with Mark, Ray and David went back to check it out. Returning a few hours later, the men reported it appeared safe. The group decided sleeping indoors and hot shower would be welcome. They broke camp and headed for the shelter.
The going was slow to get there by auto, even with the four-wheel drive. The cabin was remote, the road leading to it nothing more than a trail. It was nestled high in the hills overlooking a river, surrounded by pine and fir trees.
The cabin itself was built out of logs — roomy with three bedrooms, bath, kitchen and living room. The furnishings were simple and rustic, typical of mountain cabins. A huge stone fireplace stood at the end of the living room, covering the entire wall. They found two large propane tanks in the back to power a generator for electricity and hot water. A check of both confirmed they were full of fuel.
Pleased with their discovery, they unloaded their belongings, apart from the camping gear. Sleeping arrangements were decided, with each family getting a room. It was agreed that since Sloan, David, Mari and Dennis were the early risers, they'd bunk in the living room leaving the remaining bedroom to the rest.
They found fishing gear in a closet, along with hunting rifles and ammo. John, Richard and Ray went down to the river to catch dinner while the rest went to work clearing the thick layer of dust that covered everything in the cabin. They'd found a good stock of canned goods in a pantry in the kitchen. When the men returned, they cooked their first decent hot meal in a two weeks.
That night after the kids were all in bed, the adults sat around the living room enjoying the roaring fire they'd built in the massive fireplace. They hadn't dared build a fire were they'd been camped for fear of discovery by rangers. It felt good to be warm for once.
There was a working radio on a table in a corner. Someone finally got up and turned it on, they were all anxious for news. In their haste to get out of the LA area, the one thing they'd forgotten to grab was a portable radio.
... rioting has intensified in cities across America as the National Guard has moved in and established a presence. Suspected Homo-Dominants as well as human sympathizers are being detained and moved to internment camps for interrogation and testing. Random DNA testing has been expanded to include all local businesses and schools. Local curfews have been adjusted from 6pm to 6am in an effort to curb the violence. In cooperation with local authorities, FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has stepped in to assist. Freedom of speech watchdog groups and the ACLU have waged protests saying citizen's rights are being violated with the increasing crackdown ...
Ed got up and turned off the radio. "This just gets scarier by the minute. Now they are arresting human sympathizers too?"
Mark nodded his head, "I have a feeling this is just the beginning. It's going to get a lot worse."
"How long do you think it will be before the militant members of your species retaliate?" Ray asked.
"I'm surprised they haven't already." Dennis replied. "I have no doubt they're gearing up to strike back using every Chameleon they have."
"From what Tom told me, I thought Chameleons were assassins ... not soldiers." Sloan stated
"Think of them like the Special Ops of your military." Mark answered. "They are numerous and deadly."
"Won't it be a hindrance to them having Lewis out of the picture?" Sloan asked
Mark shook his head, "No. Just like your military, they are trained to function independent of Lewis. He may be the Commander but there are Captains to fill in his place."
Everyone fell into silence. Each contemplating the war looming on the horizon.
x.x.x
It was the dead of night. The streets had long been cleared due to the mandatory curfew. Three men dressed in black cammies slid up behind a rooftop air conditioner. Each carried an M60 on their shoulder and a pack containing explosives. The leader of the group pulled his binoculars from his pack and surveyed the street below.
Six U.S. Marines were standing watch around a barricade at the entrance ramp to the freeway, their Humvee off to the side. All freeways in the cities had been closed down, declared off limits except to military personnel. The soldiers didn't hear the lone Chameleon slide under their vehicle and place the phosphorus explosives. They didn't notice as he returned to the shadows behind the embankment.
The leader on the rooftop pulled a radio from his pack. "Bravo leader, this is Team One. We are in position."
"Roger Team One. Standby." The voice crackled through radio.
The communication continued as hundreds of teams reported in, the action repeated in all the major cities.
"This is Bravo Leader. All teams ... we are a go, repeat, we are a go." The radio crackled again.
Suddenly explosions lit up the night as hundreds of carefully placed bombs went off. Gunfire rained on unsuspecting troops from rooftops and black helicopters that had appeared out of nowhere. Screams rang out as soldiers fell, blood running through the streets in rivers. The air hung heavy with the smell of gunpowder and smoke and death.
As the chaos ensued, another scene played out at several military bases across the country — all homes to F-117 stealth fighters. The living hell in the cities served as a diversion for Chameleons, trained as pilots, as they quietly snuck onto flightlines. Soldiers guarding the planes were silently killed, necks broken or throats slit. The intruders jumped into the fighters and fired up the engines. The planes roared down the runways and lifted into the air, heading for locations unknown.
x.x.x
The guards came in to get another of their group that morning. This time however they didn't settle for just anyone, they took Lewis. They roughly pulled him from his cage and jerked his chains tight. Lewis looked at Tom as they drug him from the room, he face a stone mask. Tom felt a dread creep up from his gut. He knew something new had happened, he just didn't know what.
Lewis was brought to a room containing only a table and a chair in the shadows. He was hung from steel beams in the ceiling, arms spread wide. His feet were secured to anchors in the floor. He braced himself as he watched the guard walk in with the whip, knowing what was coming next. The whip cracked as it was brought down on his back, the sound of it reverberating through the air. His body jerked from the force as he felt the fire from the strike. His back burned as they beat him mercilessly, welts rupturing into bloody lesions. He'd lost count of the number of lashes when he finally passed out.
The woman had been watching via a remote camera feed. Rising from her chair, she entered the room. She stared at the man hanging from the ceiling in contempt. Directing a guard to wake him up, she leaned against the table. The guard turned on a pressure hose and Lewis was hit with cold water at full force. He sputtered and shook his head, sending water spraying out around him. Looking up at the woman standing in the shadows, he fixed her with a deadly stare.
"Well Lewis, it's good to see you again.," she said with a malicious grin on her face. "I need information and you are going to give it to me."
"It seems your people attacked our soldiers last night and stole quite a number of our stealth fighters." she continued. "I need to know were those planes were taken."
Lewis remained silent. He fantasized to himself how good it would feel to kill her.
"So, you're going to be stubborn huh?" she asked obviously not pleased. "Well ... that suits me fine. I have all the time in the world."
Removing a shaker of salt from her pocket, she removed the top and poured the contents into her hand. She walked up to the dominant and glanced at him briefly as she walked around behind him. Smiling, she raised her hand and ground the salt into the open gashes on his back. Lewis cried out in agony but didn't speak.
Walking back around to face him, she smirked, "Still got nothing to say?" She looked up into those cold blue eyes but got no response. "Fine."
She strode toward the exit looking at the guard, "Take him to the lab." Opening the door, she left the room.
x.x.x
David and Dennis had taken Sloan out in the woods early for target practice. This morning they were teaching her to use the cross bow. They'd hiked about ten miles before settling on a location. Sloan's aim was dead on as she repeatedly hit the targets they set up for her.
Suddenly David and Dennis froze. They sensed someone nearby ... humans. Sloan saw their reaction and stayed silent. They scurried up an embankment and looked down at the pass below. There were three soldiers in full battle gear coming up through the woods. Sloan stayed where she was while the guys climbed higher to get a better look. She heard a twig snap and looked over to see a soldier coming out of the trees. He'd already seen her friends and was pulling his rifle over his shoulder to take aim.
Sloan didn't think as she flattened herself against the embankment. She didn't blink as she brought the cross bow up to her shoulder and readied the arrow. She didn't feel as instinct took over ... she took careful aim and let the projectile fly. Her aim was true as the arrow found its mark, sinking deep into the man's chest. The soldier's final look was one of surprise as he dropped to his knees and fell face forward.
David and Dennis had heard the whisper of the arrow when she'd fired the cross bow and the thud as the man fell dead. They quickly shimmied back to Sloan's position and climbed off the embankment to hide the body. They allowed themselves a brief moment to study Sloan who hadn't moved from where she lay. David focused on her but picked up nothing, she was dazed. While Dennis went off to take care of the other soldiers, David crawled back to her and gently touched her arm.
She looked up at him with huge eyes, "I had to. He was going to kill you."
"I know." he whispered nodding his head. "We have to leave."
She nodded her head and followed him down from their perch. Dennis returned carrying the other soldier's weapons. Walking up to Sloan, he handed her a combat knife still in its sheath.
"Take it.," he said with new found respect in his eyes. "You earned it." Turning to David he added, "I hid their bodies in a gully and covered it with brush. No one will find them. As long as they didn't radio in their position, we should still be safe." Holding up a handheld radio, " Just in case, I grabbed this."
As the group made their way back, Sloan replayed the events in her mind. She tried to analyze her feelings and was surprised to find she felt no regrets ... no remorse. She was confident she'd done what she had to do. "He was going to kill them." she thought to herself.
When they returned to the cabin, David and Dennis pulled Mark aside to relay what had gone down. Ray noticed the concern on their faces and walked over to join the conversation. All turned and looked at Sloan when they got to the part she'd played.
Ray looked at the others, "I'll go check on her." Mark nodded his head but remained behind.
Ray walked up to the porch where Sloan sat stone like. He surveyed her carefully, then sat down beside her.
"How you holding up?" he asked her, concern in his voice.
"I killed a man." she responded woodenly without looking at him.
"From what I just heard, you saved their lives." Ray stated.
She nodded looking at Ray for the first time. "Yes. But shouldn't I feel something? Shouldn't I feel bad for what I've done, even if it was necessary?"
"In ordinary times, I'd say yes." Ray replied. "But these are not ordinary times Sloan... Did I ever tell you I was in the military?"
Sloan shook her head and he continued. "I did a tour in Vietnam. I still remember the first man I killed. We were out on patrol and walked into an ambush. There I stood, eye to eye with a VC. I knew he was going to kill me if I didn't get him first."
Ray sighed as he stared ahead unseeing. "I was numb at first, with what I'd done. But I wanted to live. I knew it was him or me and I was damned determined it wasn't gonna be me."
"Survival?" Sloan asked.
Ray looked at her pointedly. "That's right Sloan. Survival."
x.x.x
That night Sloan couldn't sleep. She sat writing by firelight, still wearing Tom's sweater. Ed had stopped questioning her about why she wouldn't take it off. He'd figured out it didn't have to make sense, it just was.
... June 17, 1998
... My Dearest Tom,
We found a cabin where we are now staying. It beautiful here. I wish it were just me and you and I could hide from all of this. ... I just want it to all go away. I want to be somewhere safe with you where no one can find us. Is that such a terrible thing to ask for? God! Will things ever be normal again?
I killed a man today. There. I said it. I have no idea how you will feel about it. I'm not sure I know how I feel about it ... I'm still numb. Ray says what I feel right now is normal and will go away with time. It was a soldier from the military. We were out in the woods and he was going to kill David and Dennis. I just reacted. Before I knew what happened he was dead and I'm the one that did it.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm losing my mind. I keep telling myself I have to hang in there. This will all be over eventually and I have to be strong.
Tom, I wish I knew where you were. I want to put my arms around you and never let go. Please be safe. I love you.
Sloan.
x.x.x
They'd decided to stay put for the time being — monitoring the military radio they'd recovered. It had been five days since they'd encountered the soldiers in the forest. They determined they had been acting alone since they heard no mention of a search.
Sloan continued to practice her weapon skills. She now wore the knife she'd 'earned' on her belt. Ed was growing more concerned about his friend as she became more remote. He sat on the porch this late afternoon watching Sloan go through her paces. Mari startled him when she came up and sat down beside him.
"Hey." Ed said to her still watching Sloan.
Mari stared hard at him for a few moments before she finally spoke, "Have you ever considered talking to her about it?"
"Do you have to just read my mind like that?" Ed said. "That really unnerves a person you know."
Mari chuckled, "Well I wasn't exactly 'reading your mind', but if that's what it takes to get you to talk, then yeah ... I'll read you. Not that figuring out what's bugging you takes much. Hell, a human could figure it out without much trouble."
"Mari, I have no idea what I'd even say." Ed sighed. "She's changed so much. She's not Sloan anymore. She wears Tom's clothes constantly ... and that damn knife. The only thing she seems interested in is practicing with that cross bow. She hardly has two words to say to anyone except maybe David or Dennis."
"Ed. Look at what she's gone through. You can't expect her to have not changed after all that." Mari replied. "Grief and anger does funny things to people."
"I'm angry about everything that's happened but you don't see me doing what she's doing." Ed stated.
"No." Mari said nudging him hard in the side. "I see you sitting around sulking about your friend and your lost lifestyle. No offense intended Ed, but truth is truth. Sloan felt helpless about what was going on around her. But instead of brooding about it, she decided to do whatever she felt was in her power. Now maybe you don't agree with her choices, but ya damn sure got to admire her tenacity."
"As for Tom's clothes," she continued. "I can't believe you are that dense. She loves the man, she misses him ... and she's worried about him. If wearing his clothes brings her some comfort, don't begrudge her that."
Mari got up and left Ed to think about everything she'd just said. After careful consideration, Ed decided Mari was right. He had been sulking and he'd been selfish about not looking at Sloan's choices as her own ... and her feelings. He decided he was going to tell her that too, first chance he got.
x.x.x
That night they ate deer meat and canned vegetables. The guys had gone hunting after everyone complained they were getting tired of fish. After dinner they turned on the news.
... the landscape in cities across the country today can only be described as a war zone. Security has been tightened further in response to the attacks last week by the Homo-Dominant faction. Evacuations are underway in many areas as the military braces for a new round of attacks. There is no news yet out from the White House as people across America wait to hear what is being done to put an end to the growing nightmare. ...
... According to a source who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity, roughly fifty F-117 stealth fighters were stolen by Homo-Dominants on the night of the attacks. When asked for details on this rumor, the National Security Advisor, John Maxwell, had nothing to say...
... In other news, thousands of US soldiers were laid to rest today in national cemeteries across the nation, killed in explosions set by the Homo-Dominants. ...
No one in the room said a word as Sloan quietly got up and went outside. Ed mustered up some courage and followed her out the door. He found her sitting on some rocks next to the ridge overlooking the river. The moon light cast an eerie glow on the dense trees and water below. He silently sat down next to her. Putting both arms around her, he gave her a big hug. They sat like that for a long time listening to the chirp of crickets.
"Is there anything I can do?" he asked her softly. Finally settling back keeping an arm draped across her shoulder.
"Ed." she looked up at him with large wounded eyes. "I don't think there's anything anyone can do. Not anymore."
x.x.x
... June 23, 1998
... Dear Tom,
They say on the news that the Dominants attacked US troops. Cities are being evacuated. The whole world has gone insane.
I can't write anymore today.
Sloan...
x.x.x
The President sat behind his desk and looked at his advisors gathered around the large conference table.
"Are we ready to respond?" he demanded of the group.
"Sir, we are still assessing the intel we received. We are trying to determine their exact locations, but as of yet have been unable to." John Maxwell answered.
"Well we can't just sit here and do nothing!" the President bellowed. "I want action. Our sitting on our duffs does not look good in the eyes of the American people!"
Looking at the Joint Chiefs, the President stood, "I want a plan drawn up and ready in the next five days." He walked toward the exit calling over his shoulder, "We'll go with whatever intel we have, but I want a response ready yesterday gentlemen."
x.x.x
Lewis had been gone two weeks when they finally drug his battered body back to his cage. His breathing came in short labored gasps. His back and face a bloody mass of welts and open sores. His arms and legs were missing patches of skin that had obviously been surgically removed.
Tom looked at him and focused. Lewis was suffering terribly, the pain rolled off him in waves.
Lewis opened his eyes and looked at Tom, "They're going to attack." he said in a raspy voice.
"Lewis, save your strength." Tom said softly.
"No ... no time." Lewis was starting to cough as he struggled to sit up. "We ... we stole ...their planes. They're going to ... going to attack.
"They're ... testing." Lewis coughed harder spitting up blood. "Get them out Tom ... you have to ... have to get them out. "
Lewis was panting now, unable to get enough air in his lungs. He laid back down, continuing to stare intently at Tom. "The answers ... the questions ... it's all here."
Tom was straining against the front of his cage — holding onto the bars, his knuckles white. He watched as the life slowly drained from his mentor's blue eyes. Tom gripped the bars harder, throwing his head back he let out an anguished howl.
x.x.x
Sloan and David were watching the sunrise as was their norm. They chatted quietly as they sipped their coffee. The morning chill was gone. Spring was giving way to summer.
"David, I'm curious about something." Sloan stated turning to look at him. "Do you know anything about your species history? Tom had his memories erased as a child. He didn't know anything about your people."
"Well, to tell you the truth Sloan, I'm afraid there's not much I can tell you either." he replied. Anticipating her next question with a smile, "No, I didn't have my childhood memories erased like Tom. It's just that we didn't talk about it much when I was a kid."
"Really?" Sloan was surprised. "How come? I would have thought your history and culture would be important to your people. That information would have been handed down."
David chuckled, "There's something about me that you don't know. My mother was human. I was raised in a human environment. My father wanted to stay as far away from the society as possible."
"Are you serious?" Sloan exclaimed, a huge smile lighting up her face. "You are from mixed parents?"
David studied her reaction for a moment. "You seem pretty happy to hear that, almost relieved I think. Mind telling me why that is?"
"Well, we'd found a boy not too long before Tom was taken." Sloan shuddered with the memory. "His mother was human and his father dominant. He was a monster. He could control your mind."
"Ok." David nodded his head in understanding. "I get it now. You thought you and Tom wouldn't be able to have kids together."
Sloan nodded her head. "Yeah. We figured it wouldn't be safe. Seems kinda trivial now when you think about it; worrying about having kids that is. I'm more worried whether I'll ever see him alive again."
The morning calm was interrupted by the sound of jet engines high overhead. They both jumped up and ran to a position where they could see more clearly — meeting Mari and Dennis in the process. All craned their necks looking into the blue cloudless sky. They could see the wispy trails the engines left behind, but not the planes themselves.
Suddenly they heard explosions in the distance and a pattering sound ... like gunfire far away. They headed inside the cabin and rushed to turn on the radio.
...this is a Special Report...
... this morning the US armed forces responded to the Homo-Dominant attacks on June 16th by launching a military offensive aimed at secret Homo-Dominant installations. The locations of these installations were the result of intelligence reports obtained in the last week. The air strikes were launched in several cities across the country. While details of the attacks are still not known, we will bring you updates as they become available. ...
The others had come down stairs after hearing the commotion. All were looking to see what the excitement was about when they'd heard the broadcast. Each member of their group was frozen in place, staring at the radio as if it were a bomb.
"I can't believe we are using military force on our own soil." Ray stated shaking his head, his shock evident.
"We should plan an escape route just in case we need it." Mark said looking at the others. "They may decide to start raiding the hills. From here on out, we'll have to be ready to move at a moments notice."
x.x.x
The pilot of the F-16 had his target. He lined up the large warehouse on the edge of Sacramento in his sights. "I can't believe I'm doing this." He thought to himself as he waited for the tone to tell him he was locked on. Once he heard the signal, he pressed the trigger and the missile rushed toward its destination. It exploded on impact sending flames shooting high into the sky. He soared on to his next objective without a backward glance knowing the cameras attached to the plane's underbelly got the whole show.
The scenario played out across the country. The rain of rapid gunfire and missiles from the fighters causing mass destruction as buildings erupted in violent explosions. Glass and mortar and debris flying out in all directions with such force, it wiped out anything in its path. Large warehouses in rural areas were destroyed as well. Anything that was big enough to be suspected as a dominant installation was a target.
The carrier group Nimitz stood thirty miles off the coast of Los Angeles. The full complement had been deployed; two cruisers, two destroyers and a frigate. The enormous aircraft carrier stood ready as its F-18 Hornets were catapulted down the flightdeck at 180 miles per hour. The battle cruiser Princeton prepared its attack. The targets had been programmed in and the gunners readied the launchers. The cruise missiles met their mark, all except for one. It missed by several miles, landing instead on Los Alamos ... home of the National Laboratory.
The facility was destroyed, there were no survivors. It was what the government termed acceptable losses. The lab had been working on a project for the military. That effort would have to be moved to another location unfortunately. They had been developing a new biological agent that could be used against the dominants. They had almost been ready for testing but that would be delayed. It was a setback but they'd manage.
x.x.x
... June 30, 1998
... My Dearest Tom,
The military attacked cities today. I fear there'll be nothing left standing worth going back to.
This is no longer about dominants vs humans. It's gone way beyond that now. It's those of us that want peace against those that would choose war.
We are planning an escape route. I have a feeling we'll be leaving soon. We're heading to Nevada. There are some caves there on a reservation where we can hide.
I found out today that David's mother was human. It made me happy to know we have a chance, although that all seems so far away now.
I hate to leave this place, it's so beautiful here. I wish you could have seen it. Maybe when this is all over and we find each other, we can come back up here for awhile. Just the two of us.
We will find each other. I have to keep believing that or I'll go crazy. I love you Tom.
Sloan...
x.x.x
They'd been keeping close tabs on the news, waiting for signs it was time to leave. Their route was planned. They kept the SUVs packed for a faster getaway. Once they came out of the hills, they'd gas up at Sonora Junction. From there, they'd take Highway 395 into Nevada. When they crossed the Nevada border, they'd get off on back roads into the hills of the reservation. They figured the reservation would be a safe haven from ground troops at least, since it was protected land.
Just as they were finishing up breakfast, someone turned on the news. All attention was riveted to the radio.
... while air attacks on facilities last week did not yield the results the military was hoping for, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said today in a news conference that the armed forces are gearing up for the next step in their plan. He stated that intelligence reports indicate that large numbers of Homo-Dominants, along with human sympathizers, are suspected to be hiding in mountain areas of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. While he would not go into detail on plans, sighting issues of National Security, he did say that ground troops are being prepared to root out the enemy dissidents...
Everyone scrambled at once, grabbing the few belongings scattered around the cabin. Instructions were shouted and car doors slammed as they jumped into their assigned vehicles. Dust flew as tires fought for traction. The SUVs raced down the mountain trail toward Nevada.
x.x.x