Dark Inheritance

Chapter 16

Warning: Mature themes discussed

"I thought getting there was supposed to be half the fun."

The group walked through the underground tunnels toward their destination. The back entrance they'd been told about required going through some old maintenance tunnels. Unfortunately the masks they wore did nothing to block the smell.

"It's not too much farther, Chelsea." JC said. "We'll get there soon."

"I understand your concern Chelsea." Andre said. He wore a mask like the others, a dark green. "However, I can sense the rats rather enjoy it down here."

"Rats?" Kayslee said, looking around with concern.

"It is okay." Andre assured her. "They will not bother us. They are too amused with watching us stumble."

"Everyone," JC chimed in. "We're here."

Before them was a large door, looking like it was made of old wood weathered with age. Running his hands over, it felt too firm and solid. "Now to open it." He took out his phone and looked over the info Diana had given him. She was back at the manor waiting for their signal. Since the facility was likely too secure, they would have to patch into its communications before she could help them. They were in the dark until then. "According to this, there should be a hidden keypad." The group felt the bricks around the door. "Here." Andre said. "This one feels different." He pulled at it and it flipped open, revealing the keypad. JC read the passcode Miranda had provided. A small hiss preceded the door sliding open. A short hallway led to a freight elevator. The group stared at it for a moment. JC turned to the others.

"This is it." He said. "If anyone wants out, now's the time." Everyone was silent. "Okay, let's go." The piled in and pressed the up button. The elevator whirred towards their destination.

…

The elevator stopped at a small loading area. Several crates sat in piles around the area. The group took cover behind one to scope out the area. Chelsea looked at their group and noticed something about Kayslee. They had all bought cheap, disposable clothing for the mission, which was now slightly smudged from their trek through the tunnels. Kayslee's outfit, on the other hand, looked even better than when they got, not a speck of grime on it. "What's with the outfit?" she asked her.

"I talked with Alice about it." Kayslee answered. "People always tell me I look good in anything. Turns out Crimson Lords always look groomed. Dirt and grime tend to avoid me somehow."

"Useful for a stage performer." Chelsea remarked.

"Stay focused everyone." Andre cut in. "We are in enemy territory now."

"Agreed." JC said. "Can you sense any animals that could help us?"

Andre concentrated. "There are faint echoes but nothing really useful. It makes sense as this facility would need to remain sterile. We can't rely on them."

JC took out his phone. It had a map of the facility saved to it, courtesy of Miranda. "Looks like this is a storage and transport area. Outside is a bunch of corridors leading to the other rooms." He moved the map around a bit. "Looks like the other rooms are standard: Laboratory, cafeteria, a…" he paused a second. "…training area…communal lounge…dormitory." He stopped at the last one. Judith could be here he thought.

Chelsea seemed to pick up on his thoughts. "We need to get in touch with Diana first. Try to find some…I don't know…'communication hub' or whatever they call it."

JC knew she was right. He checked the map again. "Looks like there's a server room deeper in the facility. Diana said we can plug the device she gave us into it so she can access the network remotely. Getting in might be difficult though. Let's move."

…

The group carefully headed out and moved down the halls. Everything was laid out like Miranda's data said. Most of it looked fairly ordinary: Brick-lined halls with white linoleum floors. Most of it probably was formed out of the preexisting tunnels at this level. They couldn't help but notice some things: Lack of personnel and rather dim lighting. "This doesn't make sense." JC commented as they hid in a side room. "If someone like Judith is held here, wouldn't there be more security?"

"Miranda did say she pulled her people out." Kayslee said. "Maybe they made up the security here."

"It still doesn't add up." JC replied. "I don't like this."

"This place is not very elaborate." Andre said, looking at the map. "There's only one floor and most of the rooms are rather compact. A main facility for what they are doing would require far bigger accommodations."

"Let's get to the server room; it should have what we need." JC cut in. The group continued deeper. When they reached the server room, they were let down: A keypad with a card reader blocked access. And they hadn't seen anyone around. "Well, now what?" Chelsea said.

Kayslee checked the map. "It's a long shot, but if anyone's here, they might be in the lounge. They would likely have access."

"What are we supposed to do? Going and ask nicely if we can borrow their cards? And willingly give up their access codes?" Chelsea retorted.

JC did not like the idea, but their options were limited. "Let's head towards there and come up with a plan. Be ready for a fight though."

…

The lounge was near the northern part of the facility. The group stayed back, carefully looking in through the doorway. They could see people sitting around, chatting nonchalantly among themselves, some watching a wide-screen television. None of them acted the least bit focused or concerned about what was happening. The group moved back to another room.

"Okay, this is really odd." Chelsea said. "Why are they just sitting around? There are no patrols, no lab work…what are we missing?"

Kayslee thought for a moment. "Let me try something." She took out the tiara that she'd shown the others when they'd saved her and slipped it on. JC noticed it fit easily to some notches carved into her mask. The jewel in front fit snuggly in a space on her forehead. "When was that done?" he asked.

"Jasper helped me." Kayslee answered. That man can do anything JC thought. Kayslee finished setting the headwear and started rubbing her temples. She concentrated for about a moment. "Okay, time to wait." She said. As the group stood quietly, footsteps were heard walking past their room down the hall. "Wait until they get to the restroom we passed earlier." She said to JC quietly. Carefully, he peeked out and saw one of the people, a man in a lab coat, head towards the men's room. "When he's in, get him and check for a card." Kayslee instructed. The man entered and JC followed behind him quietly. As he headed for a stall, JC took out his stun baton and hit him in the small of his back. The man seized up and fell unconscious. The others quickly joined him.

"How did you know?" JC asked Kayslee.

"My powers." She answered. "I 'suggested' to his mind that he needed to use the restroom."

"That's…scary." Chelsea said. "You controlled his mind."

"I can only suggest." Kayslee insisted. "I didn't hurt him."

"Anyways." JC cut in, as he searched the man. Around his neck was in fact a white keycard. Scrawled on it were a series of numbers in black marker. "Let's see if this works."

…

Returning to the server room, JC was about to swipe the card when he remembered the keypad. "It's probably set up so the code and the card need to match." He said.

"What about the numbers written on it?" Chelsea asked. "He likely wrote his code on it so he'd remember it."

JC hesitated. If she was wrong it could set off an alarm, and then they'd have a fight on their hands. He sighed. "I guess we'll find out." He swiped the card and punched in the numbers into the keypad. After a tense few seconds the reader chimed and the lock released with a click. "Let's hurry and get this done." He said, entering the room.

The room was rather large, filled with servers that ran the network for the facility. Soft hums and blinking lights emanated from each of them. JC took out the plug Diana had given him and looked for a port. "She said each server should have one, best to place it in a central location." After selecting one, Kayslee carefully removed the front panel and JC stuck the device into the port. After replacing the panel he checked his phone. "Diana should be uploading her program to give her access. If it works she'll contact us." They waited for a moment. Silence. The group started to get nervous.

"Guys, you read me?" Diana's voice over their coms startled them.

"Yeah," JC said, catching his breath. "How's it look?"

"I'm accessing the network and downloading what info I can." Diana said. "There are a lot of files, so that part may take time. I can leave it running while you guys look for Judith."

"Does it say where she is?" JC envisioned a cell or medical lab with a shudder.

Diana checked. "There's some info that someone named Judith was here but…"

"But what?"

"The data mark on the info is old, no updates." Diana said. "In fact, there's not much data on other residents. A group like this should have taken meticulous notes about them."

"That makes no sense." JC said. "Miranda said this was the main facility."

"Could she have been mistaken?" Andre asked. "It might have just been the one her troops were patrolling."

"We need to follow up." JC finally said, his hopes beginning to fade. "Let's go."

The teens head carefully towards what Diana had found was the living area. "It was under lockdown earlier, but I've managed to override it. There don't appear to be any countermeasures." JC didn't like that. Nothing added up. They arrived at the entrance: A large set of double doors, looking like the entrance to a hospital wing. They pushed against the door; as Diana said, it was unlocked. Before them stretched a wide hallway that branched off in different directions. Each hall was lined with doors leading to rooms. "Those must be the living quarters." JC said. "Let's split up and search them."

Each teen took a different branch. Room after room was checked out. The amenities were minimum; a bed and dresser were the most any of them had. JC started to get frantic. Why isn't she here? This is the main facility. They couldn't have… A horrible thought crossed JC's mind. Am I too late? Did they move her? After all this time… His thoughts were interrupted by Diana over his comm. "Guys, I'm starting to pick up activity. I think someone knows you're there. Find her and get out." JC joined the others.

"Any luck?" he asked desperately.

"Sorry." Chelsea said sadly.

"Nothing either." said Kayslee.

"It appears we came up short." stated Andre.

"We must be missing something." JC said.

"How about clearance to be here." a voice said. The group looked towards the entrance and several people stood inside the door. Some were in lab coats; others dressed like guards. None looked happy. "You must be the ones that attacked our colleague and stole his card."

JC stepped forward. "We're just looking for a friend of ours. Maybe you can help us?"

"Oh we'll help." one of the scientists said. "In fact, we'll help you tell us how you got in here." They gestured towards the guards. "Restrain them."

The ones in the guard uniforms pulled out batons and started towards the kids. JC looked at the others and shared a nod of acknowledgement. As he stepped forward, the others covered their ears as he loudly clapped his hands together. A loud, concussive shockwave exploded from between his hands. The lab coats and guards were knocked back as the sound blasted their ears and rattled them to the core. Once they were all stunned, the teens ran forward and pressed the advantage. Chelsea's hands radiated power as she punched a guard to the ground. Kayslee let out her own sonic blast that slammed her targets into the wall. Andre pounced upon his foes and knocked them to the floor. The scientists saw this and stayed down. With most of the guards subdued, JC grabbed one of the male scientists and pressed him back against the wall.

"As I said, we're looking for a friend of ours. You're going to tell us what happened to them."

The scientist was reeling from the attack but maintained his composure. "You…you won't get away with this."

JC took out a picture of Judith. "We're looking for her. Was she here?"

The man looked at the photo. "I've never seen her."

JC looked over at Kayslee who was rubbing her temples again. She looked at him and shook her head. "You're lying." he told the man. "I'll ask again: Was she here?"

"That's not your concern, kid." the man said smugly.

JC took out his lighter and flicked it on in front of the man's face. "I'll only ask one more time: Was. She. Here!"

The man snorted derisively. "Like you'd ever…"

JC pulled up the man's shirt and jammed the lit lighter against his abdomen. The man yelled in pain and surprise and the other scientists gasped in shock.

"Last chance…" JC said threateningly.

"She was here." one of the female scientists said. "She was here more than a month ago."

"Where is she now?" Chelsea demanded.

"We don't know." One of the others said.

"Liars!" JC screamed.

"We don't!" the others said. "She was taken to the main facility with the others."

"We thought this was the main facility." Andre chimed in.

"Not exactly." Another scientist said. "It was a temporary place until the main one was set up."

Now it was making sense. The lack of occupants, the low security; this place wasn't really in use anymore. He'd missed his sister by over a month.

"Where's the main facility?" he demanded.

"We don't know."

"Don't you dare - "

"We don't know!" one of them said desperately. "We were never told! We swear!"

"What's it to you, anyways?" said the scientist JC held. "What's your stake in…" a look of recognition spread across his face. "Oh my god…it's you!"

The other scientists realized what he meant. Mixed feelings of shock and dread spread through them. "You…you kids are them?"

"Guys," Diana chimed in. "You need to leave. Looks like reinforcements are on the way. I've got most of the files. Make tracks!" The kids released their prisoners and headed away.

"Why are you doing this?" one of the other lady scientists said, almost pleadingly. "This isn't what's supposed to happen."

JC stopped. "What do you mean?"

"The Nephilim were the heroes of legend. They're meant to lead mankind to the future. That's what our goal is all about. Why are you trying to stop us? You're supposed to be on our side."

"Doing what?" Kayslee asked.

"Helping us shape the world." one of the others said. "With your powers and our guidance you can do so much. We only want to guide you properly. Isn't that what you want?"

JC walked over to the woman and pulled her close. "What I 'want' is my sister back. Tell Marcus this isn't over." He shoved her to the ground before turning and leaving with the others.

"Guys, there's another elevator on the other side." Diana said. "Use that to get out. It should take you up near the street." The group hurried through the facility. No one else tried to stop them. The elevator was small but they managed to fit inside. With a hum it traveled upwards.

"JC, about what happened back there…" Kayslee said.

"What?"

"That scientist…was that necessary?"

"I needed the info. He was holding out."

"I know but…they were civilians."

"They also helped keep people like my sister locked up. They're using them for their own purposes." He sighed. "I'm…sorry. I got a little intense."

"It is alright." Andre said. "Just don't forget the reason you're doing this."

The elevator stopped at a vacated lobby. They exited out into the street, jogged a ways away before removing their masks and walking normally, like nothing was wrong. In the distance the screeching of tires could be heard. The four got back to their car – a loan form Jasper – and drove calmly way into the night. Chelsea drove, Andre sat shotgun, Kayslee and JC in back.

"Well, that was something." Chelsea.

JC was silent. It hadn't been what he'd hoped. I'm sorry, sis. I was too late.

"At least we got some info." Kayslee said. "That's a start."

JC needed the distraction. "Diana, anything stand out with those files?"

"It's mostly progress reports." she said. "Looks like they were cataloging the people they brought there. There are some emails about their operations. Some are very old."

"How old?" he asked.

"Like a few years old. This one says…" she trailed off.

"What is it?" JC asked.

"JC, it looks like it might be about you. From four years ago."

When I was twelve? "What does it say?"

"Well…" Diana was hesitant.

"What?" JC didn't like this.

Diana paused for a bit. "I'll send it to your phone." His phone pinged with the email. He looked through the inbox and saw there were a few of them. They were from names he didn't recognize and referenced the 'development of the male and female Reinhardt subjects'. That alone made JC's skin crawl. He looked at one of them more closely.

"The development of the twins is proceeding normally. Both subjects display excellent physical and mental traits for their age group. Further analysis will continue into their teens."

I was being evaluated way back then? This wasn't improving his mood. He scrolled down further and a larger email caught his eye. His blood ran cold.

"Psychological analysis of both subjects shows the female as being focused, determined, and overall energetic to her potential nature. However, she has also displayed a strong consideration and attachment to her brother. The brother, for his part, while strong-willed and determined as the sister, also displays a stubborn, uncompromising attitude, primarily in regards to the sister. Will most likely not show interest in furthering the project.

Separation of the two subjects may be necessary for further progress. Containment or even possible termination of the male is recommended to prevent any issues."

Just like the others, the email was dated four years ago.

JC was at a loss for words. He'd already realized he'd been manipulated since before this whole thing began. But this? Proof that not only was he under scrutiny, they'd written him off like he was nothing. Not only is my sister still missing, but I was nearly 'dumped' when I was twelve. This night keeps getting better and better. He'd laugh if he wasn't so rattled.

"What is it?" Kayslee asked, concerned at how quiet he now was. JC showed her the email. They told the others about it. A cold silence filled the car.

"JC…" Kayslee began.

"Forget it." JC said. "Nothing should surprise me anymore. If they didn't follow through on their own 'recommendation' that's their problem." He stared out the window silently for a while.

"Hey." Kayslee said, trying to break the tension. "I have an idea. Diana, can you meet us somewhere?"

"Sure." Diana said, not sure what Kayslee was suggesting. "Why?"

"I think we need to unwind a bit after tonight. I'll fill you in later."

All the others agreed. JC, for his part, kept silent. Chelsea didn't like the silence so she turned on the radio. Bobby Fuller's "I Fought the Law" was playing. "I'm robbing people with six guns," she sang along.

"I fought the law," Andre sang.

"And the law can kiss my ass!" JC sang forcefully. The others laughed and continued to sing together.

"I fought the law and the…law lost!"

…

The hotel room door opened, illuminating the dark room. Five figures lay sprawled out in the main room. A figure in professional garb stood silhouetted against the doorframe. He raised his hands and clapped them together.

"Time to wake up, young masters."

The five young people woke up with a groan. Jasper turned on the lights for the room and surveyed the damage: Empty pizza boxes, burger and taco wrappers, bottles of soda, and other assorted remnants of junk food.

"What time is it?" Diana asked.

"Kayslee checked her watch. "It's 9 AM."

"I trust you all had a good time?" Jasper said cheerfully.

"Yes." said Andre groggily. "I've always wanted to celebrate American style."

"Please don't say it like that." Chelsea groaned, brushing crumbs and wrappers off her.

JC sat up from his place on the floor. "Is Alice mad at us?"

"Lady Alice does wish to speak to you and Diana upon your return." Jasper said, helping to gather up the refuse as best he could. "She's asked that I drive the rest of you home first. Master Andre, if you have somewhere to be…"

"I will go with them." he said, indicating JC and Diana. "I owe her an explanation as well."

"Very good. Oh, and the hotel will be sending you a bill for this little excursion, Miss Simmons."

"There goes my allowance this month." Kayslee said dejectedly.

The group followed Jasper out of the room. They groaned as the harsh hall light hit their eyes.

"What's that smell?" Chelsea asked.

"That's us." JC replied.

…

Judith pulled the outfit down over her, clasping the belt at her waist. She looked in the mirror at her garb: A white tunic / dress held up with shoulder straps secured with a gold-colored belt. A golden sunburst adorned the front of her dress. Gold wristbands and sandals completed the ensemble. For safety she'd tucked her pendant under her shirt, out of view. Looks pretty good she thought. If I were cosplaying a comic book character in ancient Greece. She tugged at the bottom of her skirt, the worst part. It barely reached halfway down her thighs.

She shook her head. This was getting too ridiculous. Once again she was leading a ceremony, this one in the style of Greek myth. A few of the girl inheritors had performed well in their practices and training, and were being honored. As a Nephilim, Judith was expected to make the acknowledgement. The company insisted it would mean more if she did it. Judith figured it was more to see her as 'in charge' than the company, making them more comfortable with the living arrangements. She never felt good about it. Let's get this show on the road.

Judith entered the chamber. The room was well-lit, with stands along the back seating several people, mostly other inheritors. Several company employees, dressed in similar garb, stood along the room's edges. Three girls around Judith's age stood in the center before a short column with a bright yellow orb at chest level. They were dressed like her but with no symbols upon their outfits. Judith walked across the white marble floor over to the three. Each one had a proud, self-important look about them. They were proud to be here, unlike her. Judith swallowed her pride and started.

"Esteemed guests," she started, "we gather to acknowledge the accomplishments of these individuals. They have demonstrated exceptional skill and talent in each of their studies. May they continue to be examples for all those here."

Judith placed her hands upon the orb between them. Channeling her power, her fingertips glowed with beams of light, suffusing the orb with energy. The three others placed their hands upon it. Judith chanted a brief spell, calling forth wisps of energy that encircled the other three. It was only a small Blessing Spell, but the symbolism was enough. As the light faded, the onlookers applauded politely. Judith bowed politely and walked off as the others dispersed.

As she headed back toward the changing room she wiped the sweat from her brow. It was so embarrassing to be involved in these acts. There were merits to the rituals; she'd learned about them from the old texts the company had gathered. But the main goal was to make the others feel important and special, like they were being done a favor. And it was wearing her out. Between her studies, power training, spell practice, and ritual holding, she was wiped. She needed a hot shower and long nap.

"Judith!"

Judith turned and saw Gail, Marcus's secretary, quickly coming toward her. Judith was never comfortable around her. "Yes?" she said politely.

"I need you to come with me. It's important."

"Miss Smith, I really don't…"

"It's about your brother."

Judith's heart froze. "What happened?"

"Please come. Quickly."

Judith followed her down another hall. What could have happened? Did they catch him? Or…no, please no… Judith's mind reeled with unpleasant possibilities.

Gail brought her to a small conference room. Seated at the table were Marcus, William, and her parents, James and Sarah. Normally Judith didn't care to see any of them, but she was too worried to care. "What's going on?"

"Please sit, honey." Sarah said.

Judith sat, aware she was still in her ritual costume.

William spoke up. "Judith, my dear, we have some upsetting news about your brother."

"That's what she said. Get to the point."

Marcus produced a folder and placed it in front of her. Opening it, Judith saw several photos of what appeared to be crime scenes. One showed a broken piece of equipment, another showed a wrecked laboratory room, others showed some people injured. Others showed images of what Alan had shown her several days ago: Her brother, in his disguise, along with the others he'd teamed up with. All were apparently leaving the scenes of several of the incidents.

"Your brother, JC, has been causing problems lately." Marcus said. "He's attacked and destroyed some of our facilities, stolen our property, even assaulted some of our people." Marcus pointed out the others with JC. "What's worse, he's gotten others like him involved in his attacks."

"It's what we've feared the most." William said. "Without proper guidance, JC's let his power go to his head. He's lashing out at us, thinking nothing of the consequences of his actions. And corrupting others like him"

"This is why he needs us." Marcus continued. "He needs to be educated and trained in the proper use of his abilities. Who knows what damage he'll do?"

Judith looked at her parents. Both remained silent. Gail gently placed her hand on Judith's arm.

"Honey, I know this must be upsetting for you. It can't be easy seeing what kind of person your brother is. He's trying to destroy what we've built. Seeing him act in such a reckless, irresponsible manner…it must be devastating."

They all looked at Judith with sympathy in their eyes. Judith stared at them for a moment. Then her shocked look turned into an amused smile as she started laughing at them.

"Seriously? You're surprised at this? Wow. You really don't know him – or me – very well, do you?"

The others looked confused. Judith continued.

"You think this is news to me? I'm his sister. I grew up with him. I know exactly what kind of person he is. This…" she indicated the photos, "…is not news to me."

"But it's completely out of character for what he…" William started.

"No it isn't." Judith interrupted. "He was always like this. Sure, he was nice and polite, never really tried to cause problems. But once you tried corralling him, or controlling him in any way, he came at you like an armored division." She smiled. The shocked looks on their faces were priceless.

"Judith, this is why you need to convince him to…" Marcus cut in.

"I can't." Judith cut him off. "It's too late. You're on his radar. You've provoked him. He loves me and I love him, but there's no stopping him at this point. He's a runaway freight train. Beyond reason. Your best option is to get out of his way and stop what you're doing before he gets to you. Otherwise…" she playfully shrugged. The others were at a loss for words. Judith, satisfied, stood up from the table. "Thank you for the update on my beloved sibling. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get cleaned up. This…" she fingered her outfit. "…is really uncomfortable." As she left the room and headed away, she did her best to suppress a smile. She was feeling better already.

Marcus, William, Gail, and her parents sat silent for a moment. Finally, Gail spoke up. "I wasn't expecting that reaction, sir."

"Indeed." Marcus concurred. "Most surprising."

"She's not wrong." Sarah said. "Everything she said is 100% accurate about our son. Nice and polite, but hard to control once provoked."

"Then why were you trying to help catch him when this began?" William asked.

James shrugged. "Worth a shot, I suppose."

The group began to discuss this new development. Nearby, someone overheard them, interested in this latest development.

"Maybe it's time he and I met."

~To be continued