Return to Darkness
Disclaimer: Same as before…
The Pit, Officer's Quarters
Todd Tolanksy and Roadblock
27 February 2002, 1815
"Roadblock, I couldn't help it!" Todd pleaded as he sat on the sofa. "I heard what he said, and how he killed those mutants you told me about!"
Tears streamed down the boy's face, "And she he said that...that...that...word about Althea I just snapped! I just couldn't take it! I couldn't!"
"Calm down, boy!" Roadblock snapped. As Todd whimpered, Roadblock softened his tone, "Look, I couldn't tell you what happened because...well, I didn't want you to hate all humans. And it wasn't the army that killed them, it was Bragg's personal firing squad of mercenaries that did it."
"Why? Why did Hawk turn them over to him?" Todd sniffled.
"Hawk was ordered to turn them over to Bragg for medical treatment. He had no idea that Bragg's idea of medical treatment was euthanasia…" Roadblock began.
"There was a cover up, wasn't there?" Todd concluded.
"Hawk tried to bring him down," Roadblock sighed. "He's still trying. But Bragg's got too much influence around Washington D.C. Wouldn't surprise me if he was blackmailing some of them. Which is why you can't take risks like that! You were lucky that Flagg hates Bragg as much as Hawk does!"
"I got Hawk in trouble, didn't I?" Todd replied, glumly, eyes growing wide. "I didn't mean too!"
"Well, what's done is done," Roadblock sighed as he sat beside Todd on the sofa. "Look, for what it's worth, I understand why you did it. Hell, if I were in your position I would have done the same thing."
Roadblock paused for a moment before adding, "But you've got to be careful around other people. Especially non-Joes! Understand?"
"Are they gonna take me away?" Todd asked, shaking.
"No," Roadblock said, as he hugged him. "I'd never let them do that to you. I promise. Now, I'll find out what happened, but knowing Flagg it's likely that nothing will come of this. Why don't you do some homework, ok?"
"Okay," Todd said as he nodded feebly and went on to his room.
Somehow he managed to work through a couple algebra problems, even with Bragg's hurtful words ringing through his head. He didn't know that those same cruel words would trigger far more than a petty desire for revenge via a stomach turning prank...
The Pit, Headquarters Building
William Baer and Caitlin Todd
27 February 2002, 1815
"So how do you find working with Agent Hart?" Baer asked Kate as they stood outside the Headquarters building of the Pit.
"It's an interesting experience. If nothing else I'm learning more facts about the French Foreign Legion than I ever thought I'd learn," Kate replied.
"That wasn't what I was getting at, Agent Todd," Baer began, indicating Agents Phillips and Hart who were talking out of earshot of them near the flagpole.
"Then what were you getting at?" Kate asked, before it clicked, "You want to know if I assess Conrad as any sort of threat, right?"
"Right. After all he has training in explosives and demolition, combat experience, and served in the armed forces of another nation..." Baer began.
"Another nation that is fighting alongside us in Afghanistan," Kate replied.
"Point made, but I still would like your initial assessment on Hart," Baer insisted, "Given his background before he joined the Legion included being booted out of the San Diego State University NROTC program during his senior year. It was in his dossier."
With a sigh Kate replied, "I don't assess him as a threat. And honestly he really hasn't said anything about the past."
"That could be an indicator."
"I don't think that fact by itself indicates him as a threat, but I'll keep an eye on anything suspicious."
"Good," Baer replied, eyes scanning over and noticing that Flagg walked out of the building with General Hawk in tow as he went to speak with the others.
Meanwhile Conrad and Rachel were talking near the flagpole.
"How have you found working with Agent Todd?" Rachel asked.
"Not bad, I find her to be an observant, inquisitive sort of person," Conrad replied, eyes narrowing, "Why?"
"I'll be straight with you, Conrad. Baer requested your dossier, all of it," Rachel replied.
"Why?" Conrad asked.
"Well, think about it, Hart," Rachel replied, "To the Secret Service you're an enigma, an American who served eight years in the French Foreign Legion who joined up after some unpleasant circumstances after college. You have training in explosives and demolitions, combat experience, they would have to view you as a potential threat."
"Kate hasn't mentioned anything of that to me," Conrad countered.
"No reason she would, but I'd be careful about what you bring up around her."
"If it's in my file and it comes up, I'll answer truthfully. That's the best I can do."
"Alright, Conrad, that's good enough. Just be careful."
"Right."
Rachel glanced over, noticing Baer and the three generals starting to head for the car to the airport.
"I've got to get going," Rachel said, "Keep me appraised at what's going on."
Conrad nodded, and as the generals departed with Rachel and Baer in tow, he headed back over to Kate.
"So, should we chance the mess hall for dinner or break into the food supply?" Conrad asked.
"I'd say avoid the mess hall," Kate replied, "I caught a glimpse the main menu item. It's BA's Fourteen Alarm Chili."
"I'd say that's grounds for it," Conrad replied as they headed back to the apartment.
The Pit, Officer's Quarters
Conrad Hart and Kate Todd
27 February 2002, 1915
Kate put her own plate onto the table shortly after Conrad had done so. The former Legionnaire seemed deep in thought to her, as she noticed his eyebrows scrunched together. Maybe a softer line of questioning might work in this case.
"So where did you go to college?" Kate asked.
"San Diego State University," Conrad replied, looking up, "Why do you ask?"
He's no idiot, of course he would pick up on a soft line of questioning. I can't believe Baer would be so suspicious of Hart. But I do have to exercise my due diligence. Kate thought to herself as Conrad regarded her for a few moments.
With a sigh Kate replied, "I'm not going to lie to you, Conrad. My boss, Agent Baer, has a few misgivings about you."
With a slight and mirthless laugh Conrad replied, "No doubt due to my service in the French Foreign Legion, training in demolitions and mining from the Legion, and my past history at San Diego State."
"Well attending San Diego State and being kicked out of its NROTC unit are both in your file."
"This is true, mademoiselle, but let it be known that I am no threat. I did pay the price for the hot headed indiscretion of earlier years," Conrad replied, and tapped the scars near his left ear as emphasis.
"But..." Kate began. Conrad raise his left hand.
"If you'll allow me to finish, I am no threat. I have no further way other than my own word to tell you so."
"No offense, Conrad, but while I believe you, my superiors in the Secret Service probably might have a few reservations about taking you at your word."
"I have no grievances as my misfortune all those years ago was entirely of my making. And I paid the price for it."
"Alright. I'll make sure my reports to Baer indicate as much."
"Thank you," Conrad replied.
Shortly after they'd finished eating Conrad headed over to the refrigerator and withdrew a bottle of Courvoisier.
"Care for a drink? I do believe it's been that sort of day," Conrad replied.
"You developed a taste for cognac in the French Foreign Legion?" Kate asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"From one of my old mates, Count Holck," Conrad replied.
"You had members of European nobility in the Legion?" Kate asked, incredulous.
"Throughout its history a few such folks have joined our ranks, usually fleeing some kind of conflict," Conrad began, "In Holck's case that was a nickname we had for him. He was a former officer in the East German Army and when that country ceased to exist the new German Army had no place for him. So naturally the Legion was a refuge."
"How did he wind up with the nickname of Count Holck?" Kate asked.
"Because he was an officer in another country's army, our NCOs gave him that nickname out of sarcasm."
"Was he an actual Count?"
"Funny story behind that: one of the guys researched his last name and it turned out he is a descendant of former Prussian nobility," Conrad replied.
"Let me guess, he finished his contract or deserted and went back to his estate in Germany and is now drinking cognac in a smoking jacket?"
"Nope, his part of Germany, East Prussia, was annexed by the Soviets after World War II. It doesn't exist any more. So as far as I can tell he's still in the Legion, having been promoted to sergent."
"Wow, you know some really interesting people."
"Back on the subject, care for a drink?" Conrad asked.
"It's been that kind of day."
Conrad headed over and poured a couple glasses, handing one to Kate before he capped the bottle and tucked it away in the freezer. Carrying his own glass he joined Kate at the sofa in the small living room.
"To Count Holck," Conrad said, raising his glass.
"To Count Holck," Kate replied with a slight smile, "And to the fact that you know some very interesting people."
"Touche, mademoiselle."
It had been some hours later, after finishing their respective drinks and unwinding from the day that they heard a scream.
Conrad and Kate briefly looked at one another before Conrad added, "Another nightmare for Todd."
"I get the feeling tomorrow is going to be an interesting day."
The Pit, Officer's Quarters
Roadblock and Todd
27 February 2002, 2245
With a scream Todd had awakened. Crying and sniffling he cast off the blankets and made his way out of his bedroom, down the hallway, and towards Roadblock's room. Trembling, he opened the door to find Roadblock sound asleep.
Without hesitation he shot under the covers like a small child and lay next to Roadblock. I feel like such a little kid. Todd thought. But it's the only way to make these nightmares stop! I haven't felt this safe around an adult since Mom died…
Roadblock's stirring jerked Todd out of that line of thinking. The powerfully built Joe turned, eyes still shut, "Kid, are you in my bed again?"
Todd whimpered a tiny 'yes' to answer and then Roadblock replied, "Another nightmare?"
After Todd whimpered again, Roadblock sighed. "Okay, you know you're way to old for this. But I guess you can't help it. First thing in the morning we are going to have a little talk with Psyche-Out and find a way to stop these nightmares once and for all. Got it?"
Todd made a third whimper.
"Fine," Roadblock sighed, "You can stay this last time, now go to sleep."
Todd instinctively snuggled next to him, making contented whimpers of calming down. He laid his head on Roadblock's chest, listening to his heartbeat, and fell asleep near instantly afterward.
With another sigh Roadblock groaned while absently stroking Todd's hair, "I must be crazy. That's it, stress, sleep deprivation...I'm starting to believe I'm this kid's mom. I need a vacation!"
He opened his eyes and looked down at Todd's sleeping form.
"Kinda cute when he's asleep. More than can be said when he's awake at times. He's not that bad a kid though. I can't believe I just said that! I'm even used to the smell!"
Todd made a contented sound. Then Roadblock felt Todd's long tongue lick his cheek, like a baby animal showing affection for its parent.
"I must be going crackers," Roadblock groaned as he felt the slime dribble down his cheek. "I'm even used to that!"
The Pit, Medical Center
Psyche-Out, Roadblock, Kate, and Conrad
28 February 2002, 0955
"Psyche-Out, you gotta help me!" Roadblock pleaded while sitting in the small break room. Todd was currently undergoing his chemistry lesson with Airtight in the science lab across the street.
Psyche-Out listened carefully as Roadblock drank half his fifth cup of coffee. He was about to reply when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Psyche-Out said, and nodded in acknowledgment as Conrad and Kate walked into the room.
"After you, mademoiselle," Conrad said, letting Kate walk in through the open door before him.
As the two agents sat at the table with Roadblock and Psyche-Out, Kate began, "I thought we'd find you here."
"I gather Todd had another nightmare?" Conrad asked.
"Yes," Roadblock said with a sigh.
"Anyway, Roadblock, you were saying?" Psyche-Out said.
Roadblock drained his cup of coffee and then went over to the coffee pot for yet another cup, "The kid drives me crazy enough during the day! At night he's impossible! I can't even get mad at the kid for this! With these nightmares he's like a little lost tadpole! Comes into my room and looks at me with those big baby froggy eyes and I just don't have the strength to kick him out."
"Well it's not totally unheard of," Psyche-Out replied.
"What's not entirely unheard of?" Conrad asked.
"Cases of regression sometimes happen in children after a traumatic experience," Psyche-Out replied.
"Or experiences," Kate replied, "From the pictures I saw there were at least a couple scars that were months old."
"You say Todd climbs into bed with you? Every night?" Psyche-Out asked, after nodding in acknowledgement.
"For the past two weeks," Roadblock affirmed, "When he first came I had to sit up with the kid in his own room. I thought it would pass. But it keeps getting worse. Now he just sneaks into my room and snuggles next to me like I'm some kind of oversized teddy bear…"
"Well, Psyche-Out did just say that regression happens to children after trauma," Conrad replied.
Roadblock glared at Conrad briefly before adding, "...and he even licks my face while he sleeps. like a puppy."
"Okay...that's a little strange," Kate began.
"Well it could be worse, he could be doing other things in your bed, Roadblock," Psyche-Out interjected.
"Trust me, none of you have ever had a tongue bath from this kid. Not much else is worse."
"Well," Kate replied, "As Psyche-Out said earlier child regression does happen after severe trauma and what Magneto did to Todd definitely qualifies."
"In a way, this behavior is a positive sign?" Psyche-Out added.
"How is this so? He's fifteen and his behavior is reminiscent of a toddler or small child?" Conrad asked.
"Could you not be so blunt?" Kate commented, "This isn't the Legion."
"Before get any more distracted," Roadblock replied, "How is that positive?"
"Well this shows how strong his attachment to you has become. He obviously sees you as a father figure. He wouldn't keep coming into your room if there wasn't a bond there," Psyche-Out replied, before calmly sipping on his coffee.
"Wonderful," Roadblock groaned. "He likes me. Now what?"
"You're not fooling anyone Roadblock," Kate replied, as she made a couple notes on her PDA, "I can see how much you care for the kid."
"That's only a good thing," Conrad added, "My reports back to ACME have been saying as much."
"We have to get to the root of his nightmares," Psyche-Out replied, "I strongly believe they're at least partially rooted in an abandonment complex."
At Conrad's quizzical look Kate added, "Mostly fears of rejection, or being cast out of a group. Like what Magneto did to him."
Conrad nodded, "And the kid did tell us about other abuses he endured beforehand as well."
"I suggest that today we start with some intense psychotherapy," Psyche-Out began, "Perhaps by delving into the past we can find some answers over the next few weeks..."
"Few weeks!?" Roadblock yelped, "I don't think I can last another few days!"
With a sigh, Psyche-Out set his coffee mug down, "Then I suppose we'd best get started. Right away."
The Pit, Medical Center
Todd, Roadblock, Psyche-Out, Kate, and Conrad
28 February 2002, 1330
Todd's eyes flickered from the overhead lights, glowing with long halogen glass rods, to the white painted walls, to the black and white checker pattern floor to the faces of the four adults in the room.
As he sat in the cloth upholstered chair his eyes flickered from Conrad to Kate to Roadblock and then to Psyche-Out alternately. Noticing their expressions. They're trying to look calm, they're trying not to make me nervous.
His eyes flicked to Psyche-Out, and that made him even more nervous. I mean the man explained what was gonna go on, and what was going to happen and…
"Todd," Kate said, gently, "What's wrong?"
"Are you sure this isn't going to hurt me?" Todd said as he looked over to Psyche-Out.
Psyche-Out shook his head. "You won't feel a thing. Now just relax and listen to the sound of my voice."
As Todd did so, he relaxed against the chair, unconscious. Roadblock, Kate and Conrad watched him fall under Psyche-Out's control and then Psyche-Out motioned Roadblock to Todd's side.
"Listen to me," Psyche-Out said, "Take Roadblock's hand."
Todd complied, as Conrad turned to Kate with a quizzical look. Kate turned to Conrad and said, "I've heard of hypnotherapy before, but I've never seen it in action till today. It's still in its experimental stages."
"Now when you feel scared or uneasy about what you see just give his hand a squeeze and there will be no pain. You will still see everything but the pain will be gone. You will be safe. It will be like you are describing what is happening to someone else. Do you understand?" Psyche-Out asked Todd.
"Yes," Todd replied softly.
"I want you to go to the point just before the bad people start hurting you." Psyche-Out said, "Tell me where you are and how old you are."
"I...I'm nine years old," Todd replied, voice very small, "I'm being sent to another orphanage. They keep moving me from place to place because nobody wants me there. Especially the adults. They keep saying an ugly child like me ruins the atmosphere."
"How did you get to the orphanage?" Psyche-Out asked.
"After my dad...he hurt my mommy very badly. He hit her hard, she fell down, and she didn't get up again. They took me away from him," Todd whimpered as he squeezed Roadblock's hand, pausing for a while with a sob punctuated by a small hiccup.
Kate blinked slightly. That's the worst thing about law enforcement. Cases that involve kids, especially abuse cases.
Kate took a glance over at Conrad. Knowing that he viewed violence against children to be especially distasteful.
"Batard," Conrad muttered as he heard about how Todd's mother had been killed by the abusive Mr. Tolansky.
"I was only seven when she died. Since then I was stuck in a lot of places where nobody wanted me. Then when I was nine...I think there was a fire in one place and I ran away and wound up living on the streets. I think this was the place, the next place I wound up in. Yes, I know it is, but I was only there a few months..."
Kate turned to Conrad, as she noticed the cold expression on the ex-Legionnaire's face, "I thought you should know that I looked up the case Todd described. Apparently Mr. Tolansky was murdered in prison."
"The prick got what he deserved," Conrad replied evenly.
"As much as I find your somewhat brutal sense of justice questionable, I agree with you for once," Kate replied softly.
"Tell me about this last orphanage. What was it like?" Psyche-Out asked.
"Scary," Todd whimpered and squeezed Roadblock's hand again, feeling his guardian return the clasp.
"They took away my clothes and made me wear this hospital uniform. They locked me in my room. They tried to take Hopper from me but I cried and cried so they left him alone."
"Who's Hopper?" Psyche-Out asked.
"My stuffed frog. My mommy gave me him so I would always feel safe and warm."
"Is this the place where the bad things happened to you?"
"Yes," Todd replied, sniffling.
Kate felt the lump rise in her throat as she heard Todd's confirmation. It hurts to hear all this, but we need to hear this so we can put a stop to this.
"Do you remember seeing any other children there?" Psyche-Out asked.
"One or two. They were usually in wheelchairs and they didn't talk much. They looked sick. Then again I was always locked in my room."
"Tell me what happened," Psyche-Out softly asked.
Kate noticed both Roadblock and Conrad visibly brace themselves, as if against physical blows. From what little either of them have told me about Moreauseau those memories are at least as intense as a punch to the gut.
Todd squeezed Roadblock's hand tightly before he went on, "I'm in this strange room. It looks like a doctor's office. There are people in white lab coats examining me. I'm afraid. They keep touching and poking me with cold and sometimes sharp metal implements."
"For the love of God..." Conrad whispered.
Kate fixed him with a quizzical expression.
Conrad replied, "I saw the end credits of experiments like these when we raided Cobra labs. But this kid was there from the previews all the way to the bonus material."
"This one doctor...she's very scary. She straps me down to this table, even holding my head in place so I can't move. The she puts some kind of cover over the rest of my body. Then the next thing I know some kind of green water is all over me, except for my head. My body is in the tube with the water and my head is sticking out. It's very uncomfortable."
Kate felt the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end, and with an audible gulp she whispered to Conrad, "I don't want to hear any more of this, but I know we have to listen to the whole thing."
"It sounds like something right out of a horror movie," Conrad agreed, "But we need to know what happened to the kid."
Todd began to shake and started to cry, "It hurts! It feels like someone is burning me and punching me all over at the same time! I'm crying and telling them to stop. But the doctor lady tells them to ignore me! It hurts more and more and I'm crying and pleading for them to stop! But they don't! Why don't they stop hurting me? I'm just a little kid!"
"Todd, listen to me!" Psyche-Out said, "You can't feel them hurting you anymore. The bad things they're doing to you are over. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Todd sniffled, "But they leave me in that thing for a long time and talk about stuff I don't understand. It sounds like they're putting stuff in my body. They did a lot of other bad stuff to me too."
"Like what?"
"They keep sticking me with needles and attach wires to my head. They do this to me once a day. Every day. I keep asking why they're doing this. The mean doctor lady tells me to shut up and that this is all for my own good. But it hurts. Why is she so mean?" Todd said.
"Do you remember what the bad people look like? Can you describe them?"
"The mean doctor lady was blonde...no, wait...I'm lying down and she's talking to someone. I can't see her face but her voice has changed and she looks different too. But I'm so tired and weak. I can't tell what's going on."
"Todd, I want you to take a closer look at the lady's face," Psyche-Out said.
Todd sniffled again, squeezing Roadblock's hand. Roadblock squeezed Todd's hand, "It's ok, Todd, I'm here for you..."
"You can do this," Psyche-Out added, "Describe to me what you see."
Todd looked closer. Remembering.
He could see the doctor's face now. Recognizing that it had changed in the hallway. Before he had thought he imagined it. But now he could see it wasn't true. He could see the face clearly now. And it was one he knew well.
"N-No," Todd trembled, "NO!"
"Todd, what is it? What do you see?" Psyche-Out asked.
Todd didn't answer and he shot up and out of his chair. Psyche-Out barely managed to get out of the way.
Todd started trashing the room, kicking holes in the wall and overturning furniture. Kate barely managed to dodge a kick that punched a hole into the wall. She turned to help Roadblock, Conrad, and Psyche-Out try and restrain Todd.
"Todd, what's the matter? What is it?" Psyche-Out asked.
"SHE LIED TO ME! SHE SAID SHE WOULD HELP ME, BUT SHE'S THE ONE WHO HURT ME!" Todd howled.
"Todd, who lied to you?" Psyche-Out said, managing to get a hold of the struggling teen, "Who was it? Who did you see?"
"MYSTIQUE!" Todd screamed before collapsing on the floor, sobbing.
To Be Continued...