Chapter 17: Revelation and Revelator
"So what do we do now?" Jess asked.
Kyle had been driving north along the west side of the Henbene region. Past experience had told him to head back to Dutch's place. Granted, he hadn't been there in some time but that was what he had done in the past. It was late afternoon and soon, they'd need a place to stay for the night. The problem was that bringing Faith to Dutch's place might cause an issue. Maybe.
"I'm up for suggestions." He finally replied. "Need to decide soon though. Sun will be setting in a bit."
Jess went silent, trying to think of ideas. Kyle glanced at the mirror to check on Faith who was gazing out the window. He wondered what her feelings were on returning to her old territory. Kyle's thoughts were soon interrupted by static coming over the radio.
"Kyle, are you there? Please respond!" It was Mary May's voice and it sounded urgent. Had John gone on the attacked again? Her voice had also caused Jess to look up as Kyle went to answer.
"I'm here Mary. What's going on?"
"You need to get yourself over to Fall's End and pronto!" Kyle noticed that the tone was more of a demand than a request.
"What happened?"
He heard a sigh over the radio. "John Seed just broadcasted over the television. Its serious."
"What did he say?"
"Just get over here and we'll discuss it." She ended the conversation.
Kyle put down the radio and prepared to turn around to head back to Fall's End. He noticed that Jess was gritting her teeth and Faith had perked up upon hearing John's name being mentioned.
"That bitch. Who does she think she is, demanding you to come over there? We've been running around messing up the cult while they've just sat there and done nothing. She should have a little more respect for the people who saved her ass."
As much as Kyle wanted to make excuses, he agreed with Jess on this one. Mary was being unusually demanding considering all that Kyle and Jess had done for them. Perhaps they had done too much. Regardless, John was still a threat. If you could be taken down, then Mary and Fall's End would have no more worries and make no more demands.
But there was the issue of Faith. Kyle couldn't just bring her to the meeting. There were still only a select few people who know that she had left the cult and was with him. He would need to drop her off at Jerome's. But at this time of the day, there would definitely be people in the church. It would be almost impossible to sneak her in. Kyle pondered his option as another voice came over the radio.
"Hey kid, you there? Its Dutch."
"What's up Dutch?"
"John just broadcasted over the tv. Its pretty serious."
"Yeah, Mary May told us as much. She wanted us to come over to Falls End asap.
"Its more serious than you think kid. I want you to be completely honest with me. Is Faith Seed there with you?"
Kyle's mind panicked as he realized the implications of what happened. He pulled over to the side of the road behind some trees so he could think while not having to worry about driving. He could feel Jess and Faith's gaze upon him. They were waiting for him to make a response. But Kyle was in such a state of panic that he didn't know what to say.
"Kid. Is she there?" Kyle looked to Jess for an answer. Her face betrayed no expression. She only nodded to indicate what Kyle's response should be. He then looked at Faith who was trying to keep her cool. Her eyes betrayed a sense of fear though and Kyle could understand. The cat might be out of the bag.
"Yeah, she's here with me Dutch."
There were a few moments of silence before Kyle heard a sigh over the radio. "John has made the demand that you hand her over by 6am tomorrow. He says failure to comply will mean that he will unleash the revelator on Holland Valley."
Kyle saw Faith's face go into shock. She had to have known that sooner or later, the Seed brothers would find out what she had done. Perhaps she had expected to be smuggled away before that could happen. But if the Seeds knew that Faith was with him and John had broadcasted that demand, that meant that Holland Valley knew about it too. It would explain why Mary's tone was so demanding. They had just found out that their savior was hiding one of their mortal enemies from them.
"Kid, I don't know what you're thinking. You need to come back here. We need to figure out a solution to this mess."
Solutions, it seemed like there were just more problems popping up with no clear solutions. Now Kyle was torn between going to Falls End and going to Dutch's bunker. On one hand, Dutch was someone he could trust. He might be able to explain the situation to him as long as Jess cooperated. He figured she would but there was always that very small chance. On the other hand, Mary might not be a person who wanted to be kept waiting. If she knew that Kyle was harboring Faith, she most likely told everyone in town about it too. For all Kyle, she could be waiting at her bar with a mob to take Faith away or even kill her to placate John. Thus the decision soon became an easy one.
"We'll be there soon Dutch."
"Alright kid, see you soon."
As Kyle put down the radio, he saw that Jess wanted to say something, but he spoke up first.
"It is what it is. I trust your uncle. We'll tell Mary that we'll be by later. If that doesn't work for her then tough shit."
Jess gave a small grin as Kyle picked up the radio to get ahold of Mary. He held is breath as he told her that they would be coming by later and not at this moment. There was some silence as she dragged the decision out but finally, she said that as long as they were there by the end of the day that was fine. Kyle sighed in relief as the call ended. He started up the car and started heading in the direction of Dutch's bunker.
"No matter what, I'm not handing you over." Kyle spoke to Faith without looking at her. She didn't answer back. He glanced at the rearview mirror and saw that she was back to looking out the window. They soon arrived at Dutch's bunker as the sun was beginning to set. Jess led the way to the door while Faith followed close behind Kyle.
"We're here Dutch." Jess announced through the intercom.
Without a response, the doors open for them. Again, Jess led the way with Kyle and Faith right behind. As usual, they found Dutch in the command room waiting for them. He had his arms crossed but Kyle didn't see a weapon on him. He looked at Faith who was standing beside Kyle and then looked back. His expression betrayed no emotion.
"Not in a million years would I have expected this to happen." He said finally. "I heard about what you did by overhearing some peggie chatter. Not only that, no one could miss seeing that statue falling like it did." He shifted his eyes to Faith. "Were you with them when all this happened?"
"I was. I told them where to go and where everything was in regards to the statue."
Dutch scratched his chin. "Its still so mind boggling. That statue was built in your territory. Joseph had it there for you to guard. He put a lot a trust in you. You were his perfect little angel, err siren. Then just one day, you join the other side and now you're traveling along and helping the cult's biggest enemy right now."
"Much as changed in the last few days." Faith said quietly but loud enough for Dutch to hear. Kyle had noticed that Jess has moved to the side, so could hear everything and see everyone.
"Could you please tell me what convinced you to switch sides? You were in charge of the angels, of the bliss production. The cougars were restricted to the jail in your region. You seemed like you were really helping the cult maintain its edge. Was it guilt, the shit you did? Turning innocents into angels, forcing people out of their businesses, subjecting the rest to the peggies' reign of terror?"
Kyle could hear the venom in Dutch's voice and he was about to step in to defend Faith. But when he turned to look at Faith, she was standing her ground, looking right back at Dutch. He could see some defiance in her face. So he held back for the time being.
"At the time, what was done was seen as necessary. Shops needed to be acquired, bliss needed to be produced, and resistance need to be subdued. The Father's will was absolute. Everything then was simple, black and white. We were trying to save people, and prepare ourselves for the great collapse. Our enemies were those who opposed us, who wanted to destroy us, see us fail. They were sinners who only thought of their self-interests and were part of humanity's problem."
She sighed. "I believed that until Kyle showed up." She glanced back at him then turned her attention back to Dutch. "He showed me that not everything is what it seemed, that the world was not black and white like we were told."
"What did he say to you?"
"What he said is not important. What is important is that he opened my eyes and allowed me to truly decide how I went through with my life. I have chosen by my own will to come with him, I have chosen to help him and his friends. I have no intention of going back. I've decided who I want to be with and it is him."
The whole room was silent for a time. Kyle and Jess kept looking between Faith and Dutch, waiting for a response. Faith kept her eyes on Dutch while he shifted his eyes from her to Kyle then back. Everyone was waiting for something to happen. Dutch was the one who broke everything when he finally showed a small smile.
"Well, it seems like you're pretty sure of your decision. I can't say that I forgive you now for all you've done in the past. But the fact that you've decided to try and change things around is something I can respect seeing where you were then and now. Kyle's a good kid. If he believes in you, then I can't really argue with him with all he's done."
Kyle now found his moment to step in. "I do believe in her Dutch. She did choose to leave by her own will. She actually was the one who helped me escape from John's clutches. She's already helped us a lot. I have full trust in her."
Kyle saw Faith look towards him and smile as Dutch turned his attention to Kyle. "Then that settles it then. Its going to take some getting used to but I'll have to adapt. Welcome aboard Faith."
Kyle looked at Jess to see if she had a reaction, but her face was still neutral. Whatever she was feeling, she was doing a good job of hiding it. Dutch continued.
"Anyways kid, this threat from John seems serious. Whatever this "revelator' is, John is saying it has the power to destroy us all. If I learned anything about John Seed is that he talks a lot, but when he makes threats, he usually backs them up. I have the feeling that as good as you are, you are not going to be able to handle this on your own. You're going to need all your friends for this one. I heard they're all gathered at Mary's place but…."
"I know Dutch. We're going to need to go over there. I'm going to have to face the music. They're not going to be as easy to convince. Some of them have been fighting the cult for years. But even if they're not totally convinced, they need to realize that we all stick together if we're going to be able to deal with this new threat."
Dutch nodded with a frown on his face. "You're absolutely right kid. You'd better get going. I'm sure they're all impatiently waiting for you and the longer you take, the more suspicious they will become."
Kyle agreed with him. "We'll talk soon Dutch. Take care."
The trio then filed out of the room heading back to the car. Jess was still as quiet as a mouse. Kyle wondered what she could be thinking. He had talked with her before about Faith but that was because Jess has forced the issue. It was more of a talk to placate her then to convince her of Faith's sincerity. Kyle couldn't help but wonder if Jess would join the chorus that would advocate for Faith to be handed over to at least buy time. As they got in the car and started driving, Faith spoke up snapping Kyle out of his thoughts.
"Dutch is right about John. When he makes threats, he means it. If he really is planning to unleash the revelator, we might not have many options."
Kyle raised an eyebrow as he looked at her from the rearview mirror. "What do you know about it?"
"John was always one with a chip on his shoulder. He was envious of me being in charge of bliss production and Jacob being the trainer of the chosen. So he set upon developing something to impress The Father. It took years but he finally finished it. He dubbed it 'The Revelator', the machine of judgement. It its as close as you can get to a tank without being a tank."
"Well it has to have some weakness doesn't it?"
Faith shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't know of any. John made sure that thing had as many weapons as it could carry. It has two 360-degree turrets, one for the front and one for the back. Its also got firing slits on both sides of the truck that people inside to fire from relative safety. In-between the turrets, it has a missile battery that has homing missiles for use against any aircraft. Finally, its armored enough to withstand any explosion. John even tested it being hit with multiple rockets and the armor was able to withstand it."
"Really sounds like a tank." Kyle noted
"It is and that's what scares me. There's no known weakness for this thing. Even though I've seen you overcome the odds many times in the past, this might be too much. The best strategy would be to hand me over to at least buy you some time. Even if John doesn't uphold his end of the bargain, while he's dealing with me, you guys can sneak in and take them out or something."
Kyle looked back at Faith with a grim expression on his face. "We're not handing you over."
"Kyle, I don't think you understand the magnitude of this threat. This is a hulking vehicle, impervious to all weapons, with the firepower of a tank. This is not something you have faced before! Don't be stubborn!"
"I don't care how powerful it is. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. If not, then at least we went down fighting."
"You can't be serious!" Faith protested.
"I'm very serious Faith. I surrendered myself in the past because John had a hostage. Now he's asking for one. Instead, we're going to give him an ass whooping." Kyle thought he saw a faint smile briefly on Jess' lips.
Faith sighed. "There's no arguing with you is there. Do what you want then. But I think my idea is the best course of action." She went back to looking out the window.
Kyle left her alone. She did have a point. Faith surrendering herself would distract the cult long enough for Kyle to make a strike. But he made a promise to himself that there would be no more sacrifices. He had made the last one and he intended to keep it that way.
They soon arrived at Fall's End. The sun was just about to vanish below the horizon. Kyle had noticed that widowmaker was back beside Mary's bar but otherwise the streets were clear. He figured that everyone was already waiting inside, waiting on them. He stopped the car right out in front.
"Alright we're here. Should we all just go in and face the music together or….?"
"You go inside and see how they're feeling. See if you can calm them down and explain things to them like you did with Dutch. We'll stay out here. If shit hits the fan, you run out here and we'll take off. Got it?"
Kyle looked at her like she was from Mars. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yeah I'm sure! It's my idea! Now get in there. We'll be fine out here, don't worry."
Kyle was hesitating and Faith wanted to say something to prevent him from leaving. She was nervous about Jess. What if she tried to kill her? That would immediately settle the issue as there would be nothing left to sacrifice; thus everyone would just have to fight. Jess was close to Kyle's level in terms of combat skill. But she didn't have Kyle's restraint. Jess could easily try torturing Faith for more information about John's revelator before killing her. Despite all these misgivings, Faith didn't say anything when Kyle finally left and walked into the bar.
Faith watched Jess closely, waiting for her to make a move. She suspected that Jess would lock the car doors to prevent Faith from escaping, but she just sat there, staring at where Kyle had gone in. Faith wondered if she'd do anything when she finally spoke up.
"He was really proud of you, you know."
Faith thought that was an odd thing to say. "What do you mean? Who's proud of me?"
"Don't give me that. He was going to defend you from Dutch, but you stepped up. You spoke up on your own and didn't need to say anything."
"You mean Kyle? He wouldn't have needed to. I felt it was proper for me to explain myself. The issue would eventually be brought up and I was lucky that I started with one person instead of several.
"You do realize how protective he is of you right? Usually, people ask him for help with their problems but with you, he goes out of his way to solve yours. Your safety is his number one priority."
Faith tried to detect to see if there was any jealous in that statement. "I know what he's been doing. Its not that I'm ungrateful, quite the opposite, its just that I didn't expect him to do all this. Then again, I really didn't plan for any of this. When he brought to me, I had a mission to convince him to join the cult. Within a very short time, he managed to persuade me to join him right then and there. I had never planned on leaving. Now things are progressing faster than I could have imagined."
Jess shifted in her seat to get more comfortable. "Kyle has a big heart. That's one of the first things I learned about him. Without any hesitation, he volunteered to help me out with my issues. He's always had my back ever since we met. If he likes you, Kyle will go to the ends of the earth to support you. He's a strange one for sure. I've never heard of a hired gun with such a sense of loyalty."
Faith pondered what Jess had said. Kyle seemed like he was always going out of his way to help people, but not because he was being paid. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do. But then Faith shifted her thoughts over to the present. "So why are you telling me all this?"
"I just wanted you to know how much he cares. Sure, like I said he helps those in need. But for a select few is where is loyalty lies. You're one of them. He cares much more than you think."
Faith felt a blush and was glad that Jess wasn't looking back at her. Was she implying that Kyle had feelings for her? It made Faith think because her feelings for him were growing. But being as cautious as she was, she didn't know if she should express them or not. She put that thought off to the side and created a distraction.
"So what about you then?"
Jess waited a few moments before responding. "I'm fighting to get rid of the peggies of course. But I'm also fighting because as Kyle has had my back, I have his. He's…one of the few people I can trust. Kyle is like….." She stopped and was silent for a bit. "He's like family to me."
Faith had always wondered about the dynamic between Kyle and Jess. It was also another reason why she kept her feelings inside. She didn't exactly know how they felt about each other. Did they have feelings for each other? Jess seemed like she was conflicted and she wouldn't have any reason to tell Faith anyways. But then why tell Faith about how much Kyle cared about her? Jess would seem like a natural rival and Faith had no doubts that she had most of the advantages. The issue confused Faith and she almost didn't notice Kyle coming back and opening the driver side door.
"It looks like they're willing to listen to what we have to say for the time being."
"I would hope fucking so." Faith noticed that Jess had gone back to how she usually was. "With all the shit you've done for them, they should at least hear you out."
Kyle shrugged his shoulders. "Well, they're all in there. They seem to be more worried about John's threat more than anything so if we come up with a solution for that, I think they'll be fully on-board."
Kyle then started making his way back to the door, stopping to wait for Jess and Faith to join him. When they went inside, all of Kyle's comrades were arrayed in a semi-circle. Faith recognized most of them. There was Nick Rye who brought his pregnant wife Kim. There was Adelaide, Hurk and Boneshaw, clustered together chatting among themselves. There was army veteran Grace who's steely looking reminded Faith of Jess. Then finally in the center of them all was Mary May ironically flanked by the only other two people who knew about Faith, Pastor Jerome and Deputy Hudson.
"Hmmm there she is." Mary started first. "I honestly thought John was bullshitting us but it looks like he was actually right. I would never have thought this would come to pass."
Kyle decided to stop in the center of the circle like he was presenting himself for judgement. "So I'm just making sure we've agreed on this. You hold back your judgement of Faith and we'll find a way to stop whatever it is John is planning. Right?"
Mary frowned and crossed her arms. "We'll keep our opinions to ourselves for the time being if that's what you mean. But John's threat is the more pressing matter at hand. If you're not going to hand Faith over Kyle, you better have a damn good plan."
Grace stepped up next. "John mentioned something called a Revelator. Sounds like some type of vehicle, either a tank or a plane. Other than that, we don't know much about it."
Faith decided to be brave. "The Revelator is a hulking armored truck that John had been working on over the last few years. It was originally designed as a transport vehicle that could be used after the collapse."
Faith felt the weight of the world on her as all eyes turned to her. She was so distracted that she had not noticed that Kyle and stepped away and was now standing beside her."
"An armored truck? So something like the widowmaker?" Mary asked
Luckily Faith had caught a glimpse of what she was referring to. " The widowmaker is very similar to the base of the vehicle but its fitted with much more armor. It's a semi-truck with the armor of a tank.
Surprisingly, it was Hurk who spoke next. "Ha, I bet with all that armor, that thing is mighty slow. Would probably be easy to hit with a rocket to the side."
"I'm afraid not. They used the same material that they used to build the bunkers. Its been tested and the armor has been show to be able to withstand explosions."
"Well what if we attacked it from the air then?" Nick questioned. "Its got to have some thinner armor on top. I'm sure a well-placed bomb would do the trick.
"The truck has a missile battery installed in the middle. Its solely for anti-air purposes but I heard that the lock-on was such that none of the chosen would be able to avoid it."
"What about the tires or the windshield? Are those armored too?" Grace asked.
"They are. The windshield is bulletproof, and the tires are covered so they wouldn't be able shoot them from the outside."
"Do you know where the keep the vehicle?" Hudson spoke up this time. "What if we launch a raid and disable it somehow before they bring it out?"
Unfortunately, I don't know its exact location. I heard it was somewhere near John's ranch but it would be really hard to undertake such a raid in the middle of the night. I wouldn't even know how you could disable it. The door has a number pad and I don't know the combination."
"So it seems like we're royally screwed then?" Mary concluded
"Maybe not." Kyle offered.
Everyone turned to look at him. Faith was relieved that the eyes were finally off of her, but she was also curious about what Kyle had to say.
"If the truck can't be attacked from the outside, then we'll attack underneath."
"How would we do that? Faith just told us that it would be really hard to find and I'm guessing it would be difficult to put explosives under it." Grace was also curious about what Kyle was thinking.
"No need to do that. We just have to lure it. Say, that long bridge in the northern part of Holland Valley. We have it chase us on to the bridge and then blow the bridge up. It collapses and the truck falls into the river and hopefully blows up."
"That's insane! You wanna blow up a bridge? How are going to keep yourself from falling with the bridge? Its suicide!" Mary complained.
"I don't see you having any better ideas…." Jess growled.
"Look, I know it seems dangerous, but it's the only chance we have. We're going to have to use the rest of the c-4 we have around here." Kyle turned to Nick. "Nick, I know its going to be dangerous, but I need you to be up in the air in case we need you to hit the bridge. The grating might be able to buy you some cover from that missile battery." He then turned to Hurk and Sharky. "Hurk, I need you on standby with a rocket launcher for the same reason as Nick. Sharky, I can't believe I'm saying this but you're going to be in charge of the detonator. I'm going to have my hands falls driving so I'm going to trust you with it."
Hurk and Sharky had faces like children being told they were going to visit a toy shop. "You can count on us amigo." Hurk enthusiastically shouted.
Kyle turned to the rest of the group. "As for you all, I'm going to need each and every one of you. We all got to work together and rig that c-4 on the bridge before the deadline. I'll make my way towards John's ranch and keep an eye out for the revelator."
"This is a big risk Kyle" Jerome warned. "There's the chance that John may catch you before you get to the bridge. If you go down, I'm afraid we're all doomed."
Kyle smiled confidently. "It's a risk, but I think we can pull it off working together. So are you guys in?"
One by one each of them made a sign that they were on board with the plan. Mary was the last one and she was still hesitant. "What are you going to lure the revelator with?"
"I'm going to need to borrow the widowmaker again if that's alright with you Mary."
She signed but then cracked a small grin. "I suppose you can. Its probably the only thing that'll withstand John's revelator for this crazy plan of yours. Just stay safe alright?"
"No promises."
"Well I guess that as good as I'm going to get. Okay, I'm in."
Kyle surveyed the group. "Alright. Everyone but Nick head for the bridge and rig the explosives. We don't have much time but do what you can. Also grab radios so we can all stay in contact."
Everyone started heading out while Kyle approached Nick. "Nick, you're our ace in the hole, if things go bad. If those explosives don't do it, I need you to hit the bridge to make sure it falls."
"You got it partner. We're gonna take that son-of-a-bitch down."
Kim had a worried look on her face. "You two be careful alright?"
Nick put an arm around his wife and pulled her close. "We'll be alright. Me and Kyle live for danger but we'll be alright."
Kim squeezed his hand and they left together to go back to their home. Jess then approached Kyle.
"Where do you want me?"
"I need you to come with us. In the case that everything goes wrong I….."
"Its'll work…" She reassured him. "and I'll have a front row seat to it."
He nodded. "Can you get our stuff to the widowmaker?"
"Sure." Jess glanced back at Faith then headed over to the car.
"And what is my role?" Failed asked Kyle when he turned to her.
He frowned. "I'm afraid you're going to have to be the bait with me. With you, John will keep pursuing, he won't think to stop. That relentless pursuit is what we're counting on to use against him."
Faith smiled. "I think Jess is right. Its going to work."
The two then went outside to help Jess join Jess at the widowmaker. Kyle drove, Jess was on the right side and Faith was in the middle. They drove to John's ranch in the middle of the night. Kyle was tired but there was no time for rest. He had to be awake to ensure that everything went according to plan. He hoped that his allies had been given enough time to be able to plant the charges. They arrived at the intersection of the main road and the driveway that led to John's ranch. Kyle could only make out some of the lights that illuminated the ranch. He squinted to see if maybe he could get a glimpse of the revelator but he saw nothing of the sort. He had parked the truck in the middle of the road facing the ranch, ready to go in any direction. He figured that there would be no cars on the road at this time of night.
When they had gotten into position, Kyle kept glancing at the clock to check what time it was. Sometimes it seemed like time moved at a snail's pace and other times it seemed to fly by. Jess kept a lookout to make sure nothing snuck up them. It was more of an excuse to not be cooped up in the truck and get some fresh air. Faith had fallen asleep on Kyle's shoulder. He looked at her and saw that her sleep was peaceful. She didn't seem to have any worries about what was coming now despite her earlier warnings. She trusted Kyle to protect her. He vowed that he would.
At five minutes to 6am, Kyle checked on his team. "How's the charges going Sharky?"
"Still working on it boss. We're trying to make sure all sections of the bridge are covered."
"Its almost six. You're only going to have a bit more time before we're heading there. If anything, let me know if we need to abort."
"Roger."
Kyle decided now was the time to wake Faith up. "Hey, its almost time."
She opened her eyes groggily. "Time for what?"
Soon the clock his six and more light lit up around John's ranch. Then a voice came over the radio. "Kyle! So nice of you to come to my humble abode. I'm assuming you have Faith with you?"
It looked like the Seeds finally figured out what radio frequency to use. "She's here John. Why don't you come out to greet her?"
There was a chuckle. "All in due time. But I have to say, I'm very proud of you Kyle. Despite all the damage you've done, all the misery you've caused, you've still taken my words to heart. You've learned to say 'Yes'. 'Yes', I will sacrifice myself. 'Yes', I will bring Faith to you. It almost brings a tear to my eye. The Father thinks you are dangerous, but I know that you can be coercing into giving me what I want. All it takes is a few simple threats and you become very obedient."
"So, my obedient little mercenary, how do you want to hand Faith over? Deliver her to me personally? Or leave her tied for me to grab? Either way is fine with me but I would rather enjoy if you handed her to me yourself."
"No."
"What?"
"Didn't you hear me John? I said no."
"I heard what you said!" he snapped. "I'm just making sure you know the consequences of your actions. The price of your defiance. I see you with your little truck over there. It won't be enough. Nothing will prepare you for what is to come. So I'll ask you one more time, are you going to hand Faith over to me?"
"No and…." Faith then suddenly grabbed the radio out of his hands.
"You can go to hell John Seed!"
John chuckled. "My, the siren had some venom I see. Tell me, are you lying to them? Are you manipulating them for your own ends? Joseph saw potential in you and you threw that all away selfishly to join these sinners."
"I found out the truth! Joseph was only using me. He never thought I was special! I was just a pawn to him. If I didn't do exactly what he said, he would just dispose of me!"
"Oh no, you found out." John said sarcastically. "You were such a good little pawn. You did what you were told and you even did it with enthusiasm. Do you know how hard it was to get someone like you? Do you know the amount of effort of effort he put into that plan of his? I told him he didn't need to do it but he had to be so elaborate, so crafty."
Kyle stepped in. "Those who had a hand it are dead John, both of them. Next is you, Jacob, and Joseph."
"Hmph, I don't think so Kyle. We Seeds are very hard to kill. We have overcome all the adversity in our lives. This is no exception. We will destroy you, that traitorous bitch, and everything you hold dear."
"You're wrong John. Kyle is the one that Joseph was right to fear! He is the one to destroy you all!"
"We shall see. Prepare for your judgement." The line went dead.
Suddenly Jess got back into the truck." Something is coming!"
Kyle looked forward and saw it. It was like something he saw in a movie. A big hulking monstrosity was headed right for them. It looked to be as well armored as Faith had described. Even so, Kyle hit the button and fired the mounted machine guns. The bullets clanged off the revelator without making it slow down at all. When the distance got too close, Kyle stopped firing and sped north with the revelator turning and following him. Bullets started to hit the back of the widowmaker.
"Where's you fucking bravado now huh?" John taunted from the radio.
Kyle ignored him and instead check on his team at the bridge. "Sharky! Status!"
"Almost done! Just a few more charges to be planted."
"Hurry we're on the way!" Kyle didn't wait for a response and instead shifted to contact Nick. "Nick, we're on our way. Get read to take off. Try to stay out of sight for the time being until we get there."
"Got it partner."
Bullet continued to hit the back of the truck. Kyle was worried that they would start penetrating but they seemed to be fine for now. Jess scanned the window's looking for any support that John may have brought with him.
"Is that machine gun all they have to fire at us?" He asked Faith.
"No, just that. The truck was designed for defense than offense seeing as it was supposed to be used after the collapse. But it does have vast amount of fuel reserves. We won't be able to run from it forever."
That was the least of Kyle's concerns. If the bridge didn't blow then they were all dead. But for now, he was confident that the widowmaker would survive until they got there. The bullets were non-stop, continuing to ping off the truck. Kyle was glad that Mary's father had made this truck resistant to bullets. He continued driving, eventually turning north to head toward the farms and the bridge. In his side mirrors, the driver made a perfect turn even with such a large vehicle. He was no amateur.
"There's nowhere for you to run Kyle! I will keep coming! Even if you continue to stay ahead of me, you'll have to go into the other regions. Jacob will help me! You are only delaying the inevitable!"
Kyle could see the bridge come into view when a voice besides John's came over the radio. "Charges are all set boss!"
"Good we're almost there!"
"Nick, start you attack. Just go and bomb the bridge. We need to take out John no matter what!"
There was a small moment of silence. "I got it partner."
Faith looked at him with worry, but Kyle just gave an assuring nod. She nodded back and resumed staring straight ahead at the upcoming bridge.
"Jess! How close is he to us?"
"He's about three car lengths behind us!"
"Let's do this."
Kyle floored the gas as hard as he could and the truck roared in response. He slowly got away from the revelator as he started crossing the bridge. He could see Nick's plane on the side, coming toward them. Kyle held his breath; this was the make-or-break moment.
"Nothing can save you! Your judgement is coming!"
"Do it now Sharky!"
Kyle had just crossed the bridge when he heard multiple explosions behind him. He turned to his left and saw Nick's plane passing by. He then heard a loud noise and turned the truck around to watch. John had not made it in time. The bridge had started falling apart when it was hit by the planted charges and Nick's bomb. Nick had aimed toward the support beat which made the bridge collapse faster than it would have before. It tumbled down towards the river with the revelator on top of it. As soon as it hit the water, the revelator exploded in a great ball of fire. The inquisitor had been purged.
Author's Note: Look up the dreadnaut in the first Death Race movie for what I based the revelator on.