Again I wish to express my thanks to Jen23,GoldAngel2, Whiteswan, and Rottridge for all of their encouragement and support. I don't believe there would have been a Chapter 3 if it hadn't been for you guys. I've taken more liberties with the characters of "BoTP" and decided to change the rating for the use of language and subject matter but nothing outrageous. Thanks to all of you who read this story so far, over 200 hits! As usual, the characters don't belong to me!
CHAPTER 3
The prostitute hurriedly threw her belongings into a small suitcase. Deciding to take only what she needed; she knew she wouldn't have time to give her small efficiency apartment a final once-over right before she left Sector 9 of Bay City for good. Her thoughts were erratic. "If I hurry I just might make the shuttle flight headed for planet Riga," she thought. She was considering the possibilities. Perspiration beaded upon her brow, desperation eating away at her nerves like acid.
"How could I have been so stupid?" Valeria thought to herself. "To confide in Garrett; I can't believe I could have been so incredibly foolish! I never should have told him I slept with that IFPP agent and literally handed him over to that brunette!"
The front door of Valeria's apartment shattered into splinters. The force of the blast rocketed the young woman into the nearest wall, her screams drowning in the violent chaos while the other residents on the same floor fled the building. Valeria landed in a heap, clinging to a now dislocated shoulder.
Two towering male figures stepped over the threshold, each gripping an arsenal that had destroyed the front door and caused damage to her physically. Recognizing the small Spectran insignia on the lapels of their dark coats, Valeria cowered in fear. The horrific pain she felt radiating from her shoulder couldn't compare to the monumental terror of watching Zoltar, leader of planet Spectra, step slowly and deliberately towards her. Well over six feet, he was wearing a black suit; his sinister figure cloaked in a crimson cape. His face was now exposed, revealing a translucent hue, something the alien rarely allowed anyone to see. Zoltar's eyes were a prism of colors, due in part to his shape shifting abilities. He had the power to change into any being he chose at will, be it male or female. His hair was a platinum mane showering past his shoulder blades. Zoltar looked almost regal, with his aristocratic nose hovering above a set of thin blood red lips.
The Spectran leader motioned for his cohorts to pick up the terrified young woman off of the floor to stand before him, mindless of the pain she was suffering from her upper extremity. Zoltar looked around the room and noticed the small suitcase at the foot of the bed. He licked his lips before speaking, almost as if though he were going to devour the frightened woman. Valeria knew Zoltar's reputation was that of predator and she was now his prey.
"Were you going somewhere Valeria?" Zoltar spoke in a demonic alto tone. His long gloved hand captured the prostitute's chin forcing her to look at him, his eyes narrowing.
Valeria choked, "Lord Zoltar I beg you to let me…let me explain!" Her now swollen lips were quivering.
"No explanations are necessary Valeria," the alien interrupted. "You just aren't a very good whore!" Zoltar's grasp on her chin was cutting, the discomfort overwhelming. "You bitch! All you had to do was lie flat on your back, enjoy the ride, and get the information I requested! I thought you informed me this man you came into contact with was the son of Cronus and that you had succeeded in killing him!" Zoltar's breath was like sulfur burning into Valeria's skin. "Imagine my surprise when I'm informed that Cronus' bastard still lives! Had it not been for Cronus, Spectra's plans using the X-3 Doomsday weapon might have been carried out! Cronus' death did please me but I am convinced his son is not only an IFPP agent but the leader of G-Force as well!"
"After having sex with him I …I couldn't get him to divulge any information to me…even under the influence of the drugs I gave him! He paid me to assist in his suicide! I gave him a large dose of the derivative but…but we were interrupted! A brunette rushed in! She knew the agent and…and threatened to kill me! I had no choice but to comply!" Valeria cried.
Zoltar abruptly released the injured prostitute then turned on his heels, waving his hand for his henchman to release her. Valeria crumbled to the floor.
Zoltar registered this while stroking his chin. "Undoubtedly this woman was an agent as well. Luckily for me I have someone seeking her whereabouts." The wicked being then turned back to the battered figure beneath him.
Valeria stuttered, "Please…please forgive me Lord Zoltar! I beg you!" She was crying uncontrollably.
"Valeria," Zoltar announced, "You've wasted my time." He then turned to his henchman and commanded, "See to it she doesn't waste anyone else's." A sweep of gunfire riddled Valeria's body; death was unforgiving.
A troubled Chief William Anderson now sat behind his desk at the IFPP (Intergalactic Federation of Peaceful Planets) building, looking over Commander Mark Beckham's file.
Remembering Mark as a child and now as the evasive young man he had become since discovering his father's identity, only to witness his death, had occupied his every thought. Anderson pulled at the side drawer of his desk and removed an old photo of the team from several years before, right at the start of the G-Force project. A small smile came to his face while he fingered the picture of his younger wards. Dressed in their numbered T-shirts, the kids had formed a pyramid. Keye was on top of Princess and Mark's backs, the couple on top of Jason and Tiny. Anderson laughed remembering Jason's remark, "Do we really have to dress like quintuplets? I mean it is the new millennium already!" The others agreed and Anderson caved in to their request. The team's ability to transmute into BirdStyle was programmed solely through the use of their cerebonic implants and wrist communicators. Mark's communicator had been revoked right before his disappearance. Its place was in Chief Anderson's drawer.
A small cough interrupted the chief's train of thought and he then looked up to find his friend and colleague, Dr. Sam Baxter, eyeing him with concern.
"Are you alright Bill? I was just on my way out for the evening and noticed your office door was opened." The doctor was carrying a light coat and briefcase.
"Just thinking about the kids Sam," Anderson remarked. "I keep asking myself how in the hell did we get here?" He replaced the dated photo back in the side drawer of his desk. Anderson then removed his glasses and rubbed tired eyes with a thumb and index finger.
"I know, I know. And Mark of all people," the doctor answered. "Ken should be here for that son of his."
Chief Anderson winced at the reference to Mark's father and purposely changed the subject. "Any news on the drug Mark ingested and its effects?" Anderson asked as he replaced his glasses over the bridge of his nose.
"You know what I know Bill. Spectra has manufactured a synthetic derivative with a potency higher than that of heroin. We're trying to pinpoint the substances main chemical make-up. Thank God Princess managed to get Mark to us in time. I'm hoping our technology, along with his cerebonic enhancements, was able to rid him of the toxins he digested."
"Hoping?" the chief noted, his brows rising.
"Bill, Mark could still go into withdrawal," Dr. Baxter responded quietly. "I explained the possibility of this happening to you before."
Chief Anderson frowned, "How is Princess supposed to deal with that? I knew I never should've allowed him to stay with her!"
"Princess is trained to handle this Bill. I'm certain if she feels Mark's symptoms are life threatening, she'll contact us. We agreed we couldn't keep him at Center Neptune given his behavior. He'd only fight us. He's also wearing the sensor to his ankle should he try to flee. I'm hoping, should Mark go through withdrawal, it might be enough for that young man to make a complete turn around. We'll give him day or two to adjust to his new surroundings and then he'll return here for his sessions with Dr. Benjamin, the psychologist I referred. She should be able to help him."
"Why are you throwing those two together Sam? You and I both know fraternization within the unit is prohibited." Anderson rebuked.
"They're young and human Bill, not robots. Cutting off human contact can be just as damaging as cutting off a limb. I praise you for how you've raised them. They've been highly trained as Earth's best defense team. But they are also young adults. Let them exercise that right and see what becomes of them, Mark and Princess particularly."
Dr. Baxter eyed his younger colleague thoughtfully once more. "It's a stupid policy anyway. Haven't you ever allowed yourself to fall for someone before?"
Suddenly, Chief Anderson, his eyes downcast, reminisced about a young dark haired beauty with powder blue eyes from his past as a student at the International Science Organization (ISO) Academy. Maria York was so beautiful, intelligent, and full of life. Anderson remembered loving her so much. But Maria fell for a young and flashy fighter pilot in the academy's defense division. The pilot was his best friend, Ken Beckham, Mark's father. Just as quickly as the remembrance of Maria came to mind, Anderson dispelled it. He responded to Dr. Baxter simply, "That was a long time ago."
Sitting in the front passenger seat of Jason's car, Princess noticed Jason constantly peering into his rearview mirror catching glimpses of Mark in the back seat. Both young men were wearing sunglasses but she was almost certain they were staring at each other. The perceptive young woman felt as if though something was silently being communicated between Mark and Jason and she couldn't quite put her fingers on it.
They arrived at a split level beach house, brick colored with beige trim, right off of the coastal highway. Princess' motorcycle and small SUV were parked within the house's garage. Mark was on full alert once again and spoke to Princess accusingly. "I thought we were going to your place."
Jason placed the car into park. Princess then turned to Mark before answering him, her dark hair lifting slightly from the ocean's breeze. She didn't seem annoyed by his amibivalence.
"Mark," she began, "I'm staying here until the renovations at Jill's Diner are complete. This is her place. She agreed to let me use it." And with that proceeded to get out of the car.
The young men followed Princess up the low staircase leading towards the house's main entrance. Mark, carrying his duffle bag, again became aware of the electronic sensor his ankle was encased in as he walked. Though the device was light weight, it felt like an anchor on his being. Silently, he cursed both Chief Anderson and Dr. Baxter.
The trio walked in after gaining entrance inside. The house consisted of a living room, a den, and a nice sized kitchen which led out to a deck. Though not extremely spacious the place was airy and comfortable enough for two people to live in.
"There are two bedrooms in the back," Princess said. "Yours is off to the left Mark." Placing a hand on Mark's arm she spoke to him directly. "Let me get your room ready." She then left both Jason and Mark alone.
A long pause followed.
They turned towards each other, the face off beginning. Mark removed his sunglasses. Jason mimicked the act, removing his own sunglasses.
Mark spoke first. "Out with it Jason. You've been chomping at the bit since we left the hospital." He folded his arms in front of his broad chest, sighing as if though he were bored.
Jason frowned at this act of nonchalance. "Alright shithead, where should I start? With you trying to kill yourself or your accepting Prin's invitation to recuperate here?" he asked angrily.
"I didn't ask to come here. You guys weren't even supposed to find me," Mark said defensively.
"Well let's thank Princess for that! If she hadn't found you you'd be 6 feet under right now!" Jason spat. He paced the living room, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Why didn't you come to me if things got to be too much for you?" Jason's gray eyes reflected a mixture of betrayal and anger at his best friend. "Was taking a permanent vacation the only way you could deal with the loss of your father?"
"Don't go there alright?" Mark raised his voice threateningly. "You don't even know the half of it!" He raised his hand pointing his index finger in Jason's direction. Another pause ensued.
"What about Princess?" Jason asked knowing she was Mark's Achilles' heel. "Did you give any thought on how your death would affect her?"
Mark's brow furrowed after hearing that. "I've thought about her," he answered in a low tone, "but so have you."
Jason straightened at this. "What the hell does that mean?"
It was Mark's turn to pace, this time circling Jason while he spoke. "Why so evasive Jase? You don't think I haven't seen the way you look at her?" Mark went on nastily speaking over Jason's shoulder. "Maybe my being out of the way would make it easier for you both!" He ended by nudging Jason's shoulder.
Jason knew he was being baited but at this point he couldn't stop the words from coming even if he tried. "You're out of line Mark! Prin and I have always been tight but not in the way you believe!"
They then stood face to face, only a few feet away from each other.
"And just how much tighter would you like for it to be between you?" Mark asked hatefully. The Eagle and the Condor's eyes met and held, a clash between indigo blue and silver gray orbs flashing perilously.
After another long pause, Jason lowered his head and then began to laugh roguishly. It was then he looked up directly into Mark's cold stare. "Well, well, well. The Eagle is finally jealous of me. I must say I'm flattered. Especially since I've been existing in your shadow all of this time."
Mark was stunned. He didn't expect this response and his look of surprise only persuaded Jason to continue. "Surprise Anderson's golden boy? I love you like the brother you've become to me. But you're wrong about Prin and me. I'll be honest with you though. If Princess were to ever come to me and wanted me to be with her, I wouldn't give you a second thought. I would feel sorry for you, but I would have no regrets. Especially since you were the one who sought solace in the bed of some prostitute!"
Jason's words hit Mark with the effectiveness of a Bird Missile. Mark's fists were clinched at his sides, ready to impede the first blow. Mark swung aiming for Jason's jaw, but he deflected the jab catching Mark's fist with his hand. The Condor's gray eyes had become slate, as he held Mark's wrist in a vice-like grip.
"If you hurt Princess in any way or somehow drag her into this dismal abyss you've created for yourself, I'll personally see to it that your ass returns to that hospital bed at Center Neptune," he warned Mark threateningly. He abruptly released Mark, then replaced his sunglasses over his wolf-gray eyes. Feeling Mark's anger searing a hole into his back as he walked away, Jason left the house. Once outside, Jason felt a wave of defeat and sorrow overtake him. Nothing had been accomplished and worse yet, his words may have cost him his best friend not to mention the friendship of the young woman he was also developing strong feelings for.
A few hours had passed and evening was approaching. Even during dinner, Princess couldn't get Mark to tell her what happened between him and Jason. She attempted to reach Jason through use of her wrist communicator but her efforts were useless. Jason wasn't responding.
Princess noticed Mark was rubbing his head during their simple meal of canned soup and sandwiches. She apologized to him and promised she'd make it up to him tomorrow. Mark responded by saying he needed to lie down, a headache was starting to take effect. Not giving Prin a chance to say anything, the young man retreated to his room.
Another hour had passed with the night's arrival and Mark hadn't emerged from the bedroom. Princess had already showered and changed into a form fitting tank top and jersey shorts. She decided to end the silence even if it meant Mark shouting his disapproval of her interference.
She knocked on his bedroom door. "Mark? Mark are you alright?" Prin continued speaking while knocking on the door. "I think we should talk. It's important that you know what's to be expected of you while you're staying with me." Still no answer and the young woman frowned at this.
Princess tried the doorknob. It clicked and she took a deep breath before entering. Once inside the room she noted the window on the opposite side of the dark room was open, allowing the breeze off of the ocean to filter in. The moon's light was dancing off of the pale curtains lifting them silently. Princess turned her head and noticed the bed hadn't been slept in. She started to panic, thinking Mark had left the house. Frantic her green eyes scanned the darkness until they fell upon the trembling figure adjacent to the bed on the side nearest the closet door.
Princess approached slowly extending her hand. "Mark? Mark what's going on?" she asked while getting on bended knee before him. Mark was sitting with his arms enfolding his knees, rocking himself. Princess noted his pupils were dilated in the blue depths of his eyes. Mark's skin was pale and damp, perspiration pouring out from his pores. She touched her cool hands to his forehead and felt the heat emanating from within. Mark flinched.
"Don't…don't…touch me!" he wailed and turned his head away. Princess then placed both hands on either side of his face and discovered Mark's tear stained cheeks. He closed his eyes tightly as muscle spasms began to gnaw at his flesh. Princess' eyes misted at his suffering; she was witnessing Mark in the throes of withdrawal.
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