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Warning: Language!
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters, they belong to NBC and MTM and I don’t make money of this...and so on!
Please note that this story was NOT corrected by a beta-reader! I am going to have one for my next fic but for this last time –please ignore my mistakes, considering I’m not native English!
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters, they belong to NBC and MTM and I don’t make money of this...and so on!
Please note that this story was NOT corrected by a beta-reader! I am going to have one for my next fic but for this last time –please ignore my mistakes, considering I’m not native English!
Under The Surface
Chapter 15
Unknown place
Friday -09.34 am
„Are you sure, Broots, that you’re feeling fine enough to…”
„Yes, Sydney!” Broots said as he slowly sat down on the couch. „Jarod has helped me more times and I think I don’t even have to mention Miss Parker!” Sydney nodded and watched as he opened the lap top in front of him.
„I knew I shouldn’t have left him behind!” Major Charles said, walking up and down.
„Miss Parker was right! It would be much worse if we had stayed.” Ethan said silently from his seat. His father just let out a sigh and nodded.
„How long will it take to enter the system?” Sydney asked.
„Well! I designed the whole security system so… it can’t be a problem.”
„Just be careful, Broots! They can’t find us.”
„I’m going to make sure they can’t trace us, Sydney.” Broots said as he started to type as fast as he could in that condition.
„Broots! I know you want to help them, we all want to but… stop if you don’t feel good enough. Your wounds still can be a problem.” Broots looked up at his old friend and nodded. He watched as he turned around and walked to the window again that had became his usual spot lately. He saw something strange, something unsettling in Sydney’s eyes and had a slight suspicion what it was.
The Centre
SL-27
Room 206
9.55 am
„I’m glad you could join us, Imamu!”
„So! Inform me about the results.” The African said sternly, not caring with Raines’ attempt of welcome.
„He has been back in the Centre for almost ten hours now but he still hasn’t revealed the whereabouts of the DSAs.” Lyle said.
„And why is that?” The man asked, staring at Jarod through the window.
„The effect of being outside for those years.” Raines breathed. „We just started to use the new drug on him it’s just a matter of time until it breaks him!”
„Careful, Mr. Raines! We need him alive!” Imamu said, turning his head to Raines. „You know that heads will roll if you kill him!” He said. Raines didn’t know which was more frightening; his staring or the way he said ’heads will roll’ but he knew he didn’t want to ’disappoint’ him.
„Of course, Sir!”
„I have to admit, Mr. Raines, that you people did quite a good job here.!” He said, glancing back at Jarod. „But…” Lyle raised his head uneasily. He knew there was going to be something that the African didn’t like. „… the Triumvirate still wants the boy back as well!”
„Of course, Sir.” Mr. Raines nodded. Lyle held his breath for a long moment. With his sister out of the hunt he was the one who had experiences and it endangered his brand new assignment that he hadn’t even started yet and what he had been waiting for so long.
„The Triumvirate has accepted the suggestion of the Council.” Imamu said.
„And what…”
„And it means that Mr. White will take over the search for Gemini!” Lyle closed his eyes for a second and let out the breath in relief.
„As you wish, Sir.” Raines said. „I’m going to inform him!”
„Jarod won’t interfere this time so I’m sure he will find him.” Lyle said.
„And you, Mr. Lyle!” The African said, ignoring his remark. He didn’t even look at him as he spoke. „I hope the Triumvirate can be sure you carry out your assignment.”
„Of course, Sir! You can count on me in...”
„We don’t count on you, Mr. Lyle!” He said in an even sharper tone this time. „We demand and order and you… obey!”
„Of course!”
„I’m going to stay here till’ the end of it to have everything under supervision.” Imamu said as he finally tore his gaze away from Jarod to finally look at Raines. The man with the oxygen-tank nodded at him as response.
„Now! Go and find out where the DSAs are.” The African ordered and Raines entered the room where Jarod was. As soon as he left, Imamu turned to Lyle. „And you! I want to have a look at your project as well.”
Unknown place
10.35 am
„Uhmm…” Broots moaned and leant back in his seat, gently touching his injured arm.
„Are you okay?” Sydney asked as he saw him.
„Oh yeah I’m fine but it’s… much tougher than I thought.”
„What do you mean?”
„To enter the system. They have put on another wall. I gotta get through that first.” Major Charles just silently listened to them, his worry growing second by second. Sydney nodded as response, anxiety bothering him as well.
The Centre
Next day –Saturday
13.55 pm
SL-27
Room 206
„Give it up, Jarod!” Raines said angrily as he watched Jarod’s eyes closed, his jaw tightening from the pain. He tried to break free but he was securely tied to the table.
„Never…” The pretender breathed, barely able to speak.
„Just tell where the DSAs are and the pain will go away!”
„You… can… kill me Raines… I won’t… tell you!” He said.
„Don’t tempt me Jarod!” Raines breathed. „Just get over it! Tell it and you won’t even remember any of these…”
„As long as… ah… I don’t tell it… you can’t erase my memory! That… that’s what you want… don’t you… Raines? But… I won’t give you… this privilege to… simply… clean my head.” Jarod cut him off, having difficulties with talking.
Raines angrily nodded at one of the doctors who stepped up to the operation table and injected something into his arm. After several seconds Jarod relaxed and then lost consciousness. Raines then turned around and walked out of the room. Willie closed the door as he entered the other, smaller room, where Imamu stood, watching the events through the window.
„It’s more difficult than I thought.” Imamu said angrily.
„Don’t worry, Sir. I’ll get it out of him!”
„Don’t forget your limits, Mr. Raines! Don’t forget your limits!” He said sternly as he turned to Raines. „I’m going to inform the Triumvirate.” He said and with that he left.
Unknown place
Sunday
15.45 pm
„I can’t wait here any longer! God only knows what they are doing to my son!” Major Charles said angrily as he jumped up from his seat. Ethan quickly stepped up to his father.
„Be patient! Mr. Broots is doing his best here.”
„That’s the point! *Here*! I have to go to the Centre and I’m going to get Jarod out even if it costs my life.”
„I’m not sure Jarod would share your opinion.” Sydney said, his arms folded in front of him.
„What would you know about it?!” He bit back, not trying to regain his anger anymore. „Oh I forgot… you do know it! After all you raised *my* son!”
„I understand you are angry, Major! But first we have to find out where they are holding your son or else they will get you and they will use you against him. You do know what the Centre is capable of and I’m aware of it too. And it means we both know that they will want to brainwash him to get him under their control again. But they want back the DSAs that your son stole when he escaped and as long as he doesn’t reveal where they are, they won’t erase his memory.” Sydney started calmly but it surprised even Broots that he got pretty angry at the end of the sentence.
„But it won’t stop them from torturing him!”
„And you think it would help if they got you and tortured you too?” Ethan asked. Major Charles didn’t reply, he knew his son had a point. Letting out a sigh, he sank back into the couch.
„Only the thought that he’s back in that place again. I would give my life just to get him out!”
„Dad!’’ Emily said from her seat on the couch, next to her father. Turning there, the Major noticed his daughter’s worried expression.
„I’m sorry, honey.” He said and put an arm around her to pull her into a hug.
The other three people all turned away, everyone having a reason for not being able to watch this gentle scene. For Ethan it was hard to see. It reminded him of his murdered step-parents and the loss of his real mother. He had a connection to her in death and it simply brought him back wondering what would have happened if his mother hadn’t been murdered. And now when he finally found two people that he trusted, they were gone.
Broots glanced back to the lap top screen, trying to focus on the work. He missed his daughter so much and however she was in the room next to him, first he wanted to help Miss Parker and Jarod. He owed this to Jarod because he not only admired him in some ways but the pretender had helped him more times. And Miss Parker… other than Debbie, he felt closer to her than to anyone. Glancing a quick look at Sydney, his gaze remained locked at him because he saw that distant look on his face again. He had grown fond of him and considered him as a good friend. Next to Miss Parker he was the only person he knew he really could trust. But this time something bothered Broots. He knew Miss Parker wasn’t an easy case but Sydney knew her even better than him and he still didn’t understand why he didn’t even mention her. He was aware of the fact that he didn’t show his emotions often either but after all –as it came out- Miss Parker was his daughter. He often saw that caring look on his face when he looked at her over the years but in the last two days he didn’t talk about her. In fact, the only one who mentioned her was Ethan and he seemed to take this new situation bad. After all he had two siblings in that place and even the thought of it made a shiver ran down his spine. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the lap top again, trying to find something as soon as possible.
Gazing through the window at the world outside, Sydney tried to collect his thoughts. He could understand the anger of the Major. He had also done several stupid things when Nicholas was kidnapped. Jarod meant a lot more to him than Major Charles thought. He wasn’t his experiment, he wasn’t his life-work but Major Charles didn’t understand it –not that he wanted to explain it to him. He had a respect for that man, he never gave up on finding his family and the almost thirty years search was worth it. But he wasn’t the one who explained his actions to others or talked about his feelings. He suppressed a chuckle. Another similarity to Miss Parker. And she too meant a lot to him. He tried to avoid every mention of her through the last days. He knew if time came, they will get her out as well, it wasn’t even a question. But he didn’t want to appear different toward and about her because of this mere fact that she was his. She was his daughter. He didn’t want to show his emotions because *he* knew how he felt for her and he was sure as hell won’t ruin their relationship with trying to care more than she wanted. It was up to her how she wanted their relationship to change and he won’t make the mistake to rush and god help push her away.
The Centre
Monday
21.03 pm
SL-27
Room 206
Raines stepped into the room, pulling his oxygen-tank after him. Willie closed the door behind them and remained there, watching. Raines made his way to Jarod, who was sitting on the bed. Jarod raised his head enough to look at the oxygen-tank. He pulled his knees up, turning his head away.
”Hello, Jarod.” The Pretender didn’t reply, he just stared at the ground. „I see you’re still not very talkative!” He said.
„Go to hell!” He said, though his voice was barely a whisper from weariness.
„Oh I’m there. With you!” He said. Raines nodded and Willie walked in to stop next to his boss. „You don’t want to know why I’m here?” He breathed.
„I know what you want. But you won’t get it!” He said in a weak but defiant tone.
„Would you say the same if I told you that Gemini is more co-operative?” He said as he took a step closer. Jarod’s head snapped up. „However Major Charles is the same stubborn as you! But we don’t need him as much as you!” Jarod saw the satisfaction in his eyes.
He jumped up from his seat but Willie grabbed him and slammed him against the wall before he could reach Raines. Jarod let out a cry of pain, he was weak he could barely stand and the pressure that Willie was applying on him made the pain worse.
„Now. You may want to reconsider your answer!” Raines raised his head proudly, waiting for him to reply. But instead of response, his eyes widened furiously as he saw Jarod laughing half in pain, half in amusement.
„Do you really think I believe you? They could get away, you bastard.”
„Are you sure?”
„Who are you kidding, Raines! I’m the genius or isn’t it the reason why you want me so much?”
„Yes you are but you’re not the one to have the ability to know what happens when you’re not there.” Jarod stopped laughing and slowly raised his head to look into his eyes. He knew who he was talking about.
„How does it feel to lose your experiments? You could destroy Kyle but you couldn’t destroy Ethan!” He said, knowing how much it annoyed Raines that Ethan was still alive.
„But I have a new one!” He said and Jarod’s eyes darkened.
„I don’t believe you. If you really have them, I want to see them!” Raines shook his head.
„No way. You tell where the DSAs are and then you can see them!” Raines saw as Jarod’s lips formed into a smile again.
„Gotcha!” He said as he suppressed a moan from the pain that Willie’s tightening grasp caused. „If you really had them, you would rub my face with them to make sure I tell where the DSAs are!” Raines let out a frustrated sigh. Jarod saw that there was something that he wanted to say, that would have given him a great satisfaction but he figured that he had controlled himself not to tell it and it bothered Jarod what it was.
„If that’s the way you want it.” Raines nodded and Willie punched him at the stomach. Jarod fell to the floor, screaming from the pain that it caused. „The drug that you had been given makes your senses highly-strung, including the sense of pain. Your brain comprehends the smallest pain as if a truck hit you.” Raines leant forward. „Brilliant, isn’t it? It’s my new development, made especially for you.”
Seeing that he won’t reply, Raines turned around and nodded at Willie to follow him. Laying on the ground, Jarod watched with half-open eyelids as they left the room. He was worried about Parker. He knew they had her too but he knew he couldn’t risk asking it. He couldn’t let them know he did a lot more than care for her however he had a feeling they had known it all along. But where the hell was she then if they didn’t use her against him. He could only hope that she was okay.
Dover, Delaware
Tuesday
13.55 pm
Opening his lap top, Broots started to type again. They had arrived to Dover half an hour ago. He, Sydney, the Major and Ethan left the others behind, knowing that it was safer to them to separate. It had been four days and they still couldn’t find out anything. The second security system was tough but it was just a matter of time until he broke it up. Sydney and the Major didn’t really talk after their disagreement but the air wasn’t really tense between them. After all they were adults, they knew it wasn’t time to discuss their problems. Since he had seen Ethan the first time, he was quiet and sometimes appeared shy and it didn’t change in the last four days either. He felt himself getting better, he could finally use his fingers and it made his work a lot faster however he often had to have small breaks. Suddenly the screen started to flash, grabbing him out of his thoughts.
„I’m finally in!” He said and all three men was at his side immediately.
„Broots! Try to find out where they are holding them.” He said and Broots noted with some kind of relief that he wasn’t talking only about Jarod anymore. The tech started to type again but after several minutes he had to admit that he couldn’t find anything.
„Nothing! It seems nothing changed.”
„Mhm.” Sydney said, his brows furrowed. „Then try to access the security line that the SIS receives. We have to get through all of them, they must be under close watch.”
„Sydney! They have 27 sub levels. It would take days to check every camera!”
„Broots! Which is the most obvious place for them to be?”
„SL-27!” Sydney nodded. „Okay. I’m on it!” He said. Sydney straightened up and walked back to his seat. The Major followed suit and sat down on the chair next to the small table. They were staying in a very small motel because they wanted to get the smallest attention so they rented only one room. Sydney paid for the room, telling the clerk he was staying alone so it wasn’t suspicious.
„I just hope we aren’t late.” The Major said.
„Don’t worry! They want your son alive.” Sydney replied and it was impossible not to notice the worry in his voice this time.
„She’s alive!” Ethan spoke for the first time since they arrival. Sydney turned his head to look at him. After a long silence he nodded as ’thank-you’.
„Uh oh! We have a problem.” Broots said, breaking the awkward silence.
„What happened?” The Major asked, alarmed, his head snapping up.
„They have a new, detached system installed on that level.”
„What?” Sydney asked, surprised. „Since when?” Broots looked back at the screen.
„Since four days.”
„Can you break it up?” Major Charles asked.
„I don’t know. Depends on who designed the system. If it was Jarod, I’m not sure.” The tech shrugged and typed again.
„He wouldn’t work for them.” The Major said.
„Yes but they could use an old sim, couldn’t they?” Broots asked and glanced as Sydney.
„He did design one but only one! That was what the Centre was using for years. But after his escape they changed it and they used yours.” Sydney replied. „Can you find out who made this new one?”
„I’ll try!” After a short while they watched as Broots eyes widened a bit as he stared at the screen. „Oh man! You won’t believe this!”
„Who was it?”
„Miss Parker!”
„Miss Parker?” The Major asked.
„She must have designed it when she was the head of security.” Sydney said.
„They had Jarod’s, then Broots’ so they didn’t use it until now!” Jarod’s father said and Sydney nodded.
The Centre
Wednesday
21.03 pm
SL-27
Room 206
Gazing through the window, Imamu watched Jarod struggling against the ties that were binding him to the operation table. He was wild and he was screaming, desperately trying to break free. He let out a sigh and turned to Raines who had been standing next to him.
„What the hell have you given him?”
„It’s just my new convincing drug. To convince him to talk!”
„He doesn’t look good, Mr. Raines!” The African said sternly.
„Don’t worry, Sir. I know the limits. But until then he has to suffer to learn that he has to do as we say!”
„It will be much easier after he told where the DSAs are. The Triumvirate is impatient, Mr. Raines. As soon as you found them, I want you to brainwash him. He can’t remember anything!”
”Sure!”
„Anything!” He snapped angrily. „Understood?”
„Of course, Sir!”
To be continued..
Chapter 15
Unknown place
Friday -09.34 am
„Are you sure, Broots, that you’re feeling fine enough to…”
„Yes, Sydney!” Broots said as he slowly sat down on the couch. „Jarod has helped me more times and I think I don’t even have to mention Miss Parker!” Sydney nodded and watched as he opened the lap top in front of him.
„I knew I shouldn’t have left him behind!” Major Charles said, walking up and down.
„Miss Parker was right! It would be much worse if we had stayed.” Ethan said silently from his seat. His father just let out a sigh and nodded.
„How long will it take to enter the system?” Sydney asked.
„Well! I designed the whole security system so… it can’t be a problem.”
„Just be careful, Broots! They can’t find us.”
„I’m going to make sure they can’t trace us, Sydney.” Broots said as he started to type as fast as he could in that condition.
„Broots! I know you want to help them, we all want to but… stop if you don’t feel good enough. Your wounds still can be a problem.” Broots looked up at his old friend and nodded. He watched as he turned around and walked to the window again that had became his usual spot lately. He saw something strange, something unsettling in Sydney’s eyes and had a slight suspicion what it was.
The Centre
SL-27
Room 206
9.55 am
„I’m glad you could join us, Imamu!”
„So! Inform me about the results.” The African said sternly, not caring with Raines’ attempt of welcome.
„He has been back in the Centre for almost ten hours now but he still hasn’t revealed the whereabouts of the DSAs.” Lyle said.
„And why is that?” The man asked, staring at Jarod through the window.
„The effect of being outside for those years.” Raines breathed. „We just started to use the new drug on him it’s just a matter of time until it breaks him!”
„Careful, Mr. Raines! We need him alive!” Imamu said, turning his head to Raines. „You know that heads will roll if you kill him!” He said. Raines didn’t know which was more frightening; his staring or the way he said ’heads will roll’ but he knew he didn’t want to ’disappoint’ him.
„Of course, Sir!”
„I have to admit, Mr. Raines, that you people did quite a good job here.!” He said, glancing back at Jarod. „But…” Lyle raised his head uneasily. He knew there was going to be something that the African didn’t like. „… the Triumvirate still wants the boy back as well!”
„Of course, Sir.” Mr. Raines nodded. Lyle held his breath for a long moment. With his sister out of the hunt he was the one who had experiences and it endangered his brand new assignment that he hadn’t even started yet and what he had been waiting for so long.
„The Triumvirate has accepted the suggestion of the Council.” Imamu said.
„And what…”
„And it means that Mr. White will take over the search for Gemini!” Lyle closed his eyes for a second and let out the breath in relief.
„As you wish, Sir.” Raines said. „I’m going to inform him!”
„Jarod won’t interfere this time so I’m sure he will find him.” Lyle said.
„And you, Mr. Lyle!” The African said, ignoring his remark. He didn’t even look at him as he spoke. „I hope the Triumvirate can be sure you carry out your assignment.”
„Of course, Sir! You can count on me in...”
„We don’t count on you, Mr. Lyle!” He said in an even sharper tone this time. „We demand and order and you… obey!”
„Of course!”
„I’m going to stay here till’ the end of it to have everything under supervision.” Imamu said as he finally tore his gaze away from Jarod to finally look at Raines. The man with the oxygen-tank nodded at him as response.
„Now! Go and find out where the DSAs are.” The African ordered and Raines entered the room where Jarod was. As soon as he left, Imamu turned to Lyle. „And you! I want to have a look at your project as well.”
Unknown place
10.35 am
„Uhmm…” Broots moaned and leant back in his seat, gently touching his injured arm.
„Are you okay?” Sydney asked as he saw him.
„Oh yeah I’m fine but it’s… much tougher than I thought.”
„What do you mean?”
„To enter the system. They have put on another wall. I gotta get through that first.” Major Charles just silently listened to them, his worry growing second by second. Sydney nodded as response, anxiety bothering him as well.
The Centre
Next day –Saturday
13.55 pm
SL-27
Room 206
„Give it up, Jarod!” Raines said angrily as he watched Jarod’s eyes closed, his jaw tightening from the pain. He tried to break free but he was securely tied to the table.
„Never…” The pretender breathed, barely able to speak.
„Just tell where the DSAs are and the pain will go away!”
„You… can… kill me Raines… I won’t… tell you!” He said.
„Don’t tempt me Jarod!” Raines breathed. „Just get over it! Tell it and you won’t even remember any of these…”
„As long as… ah… I don’t tell it… you can’t erase my memory! That… that’s what you want… don’t you… Raines? But… I won’t give you… this privilege to… simply… clean my head.” Jarod cut him off, having difficulties with talking.
Raines angrily nodded at one of the doctors who stepped up to the operation table and injected something into his arm. After several seconds Jarod relaxed and then lost consciousness. Raines then turned around and walked out of the room. Willie closed the door as he entered the other, smaller room, where Imamu stood, watching the events through the window.
„It’s more difficult than I thought.” Imamu said angrily.
„Don’t worry, Sir. I’ll get it out of him!”
„Don’t forget your limits, Mr. Raines! Don’t forget your limits!” He said sternly as he turned to Raines. „I’m going to inform the Triumvirate.” He said and with that he left.
Unknown place
Sunday
15.45 pm
„I can’t wait here any longer! God only knows what they are doing to my son!” Major Charles said angrily as he jumped up from his seat. Ethan quickly stepped up to his father.
„Be patient! Mr. Broots is doing his best here.”
„That’s the point! *Here*! I have to go to the Centre and I’m going to get Jarod out even if it costs my life.”
„I’m not sure Jarod would share your opinion.” Sydney said, his arms folded in front of him.
„What would you know about it?!” He bit back, not trying to regain his anger anymore. „Oh I forgot… you do know it! After all you raised *my* son!”
„I understand you are angry, Major! But first we have to find out where they are holding your son or else they will get you and they will use you against him. You do know what the Centre is capable of and I’m aware of it too. And it means we both know that they will want to brainwash him to get him under their control again. But they want back the DSAs that your son stole when he escaped and as long as he doesn’t reveal where they are, they won’t erase his memory.” Sydney started calmly but it surprised even Broots that he got pretty angry at the end of the sentence.
„But it won’t stop them from torturing him!”
„And you think it would help if they got you and tortured you too?” Ethan asked. Major Charles didn’t reply, he knew his son had a point. Letting out a sigh, he sank back into the couch.
„Only the thought that he’s back in that place again. I would give my life just to get him out!”
„Dad!’’ Emily said from her seat on the couch, next to her father. Turning there, the Major noticed his daughter’s worried expression.
„I’m sorry, honey.” He said and put an arm around her to pull her into a hug.
The other three people all turned away, everyone having a reason for not being able to watch this gentle scene. For Ethan it was hard to see. It reminded him of his murdered step-parents and the loss of his real mother. He had a connection to her in death and it simply brought him back wondering what would have happened if his mother hadn’t been murdered. And now when he finally found two people that he trusted, they were gone.
Broots glanced back to the lap top screen, trying to focus on the work. He missed his daughter so much and however she was in the room next to him, first he wanted to help Miss Parker and Jarod. He owed this to Jarod because he not only admired him in some ways but the pretender had helped him more times. And Miss Parker… other than Debbie, he felt closer to her than to anyone. Glancing a quick look at Sydney, his gaze remained locked at him because he saw that distant look on his face again. He had grown fond of him and considered him as a good friend. Next to Miss Parker he was the only person he knew he really could trust. But this time something bothered Broots. He knew Miss Parker wasn’t an easy case but Sydney knew her even better than him and he still didn’t understand why he didn’t even mention her. He was aware of the fact that he didn’t show his emotions often either but after all –as it came out- Miss Parker was his daughter. He often saw that caring look on his face when he looked at her over the years but in the last two days he didn’t talk about her. In fact, the only one who mentioned her was Ethan and he seemed to take this new situation bad. After all he had two siblings in that place and even the thought of it made a shiver ran down his spine. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the lap top again, trying to find something as soon as possible.
Gazing through the window at the world outside, Sydney tried to collect his thoughts. He could understand the anger of the Major. He had also done several stupid things when Nicholas was kidnapped. Jarod meant a lot more to him than Major Charles thought. He wasn’t his experiment, he wasn’t his life-work but Major Charles didn’t understand it –not that he wanted to explain it to him. He had a respect for that man, he never gave up on finding his family and the almost thirty years search was worth it. But he wasn’t the one who explained his actions to others or talked about his feelings. He suppressed a chuckle. Another similarity to Miss Parker. And she too meant a lot to him. He tried to avoid every mention of her through the last days. He knew if time came, they will get her out as well, it wasn’t even a question. But he didn’t want to appear different toward and about her because of this mere fact that she was his. She was his daughter. He didn’t want to show his emotions because *he* knew how he felt for her and he was sure as hell won’t ruin their relationship with trying to care more than she wanted. It was up to her how she wanted their relationship to change and he won’t make the mistake to rush and god help push her away.
The Centre
Monday
21.03 pm
SL-27
Room 206
Raines stepped into the room, pulling his oxygen-tank after him. Willie closed the door behind them and remained there, watching. Raines made his way to Jarod, who was sitting on the bed. Jarod raised his head enough to look at the oxygen-tank. He pulled his knees up, turning his head away.
”Hello, Jarod.” The Pretender didn’t reply, he just stared at the ground. „I see you’re still not very talkative!” He said.
„Go to hell!” He said, though his voice was barely a whisper from weariness.
„Oh I’m there. With you!” He said. Raines nodded and Willie walked in to stop next to his boss. „You don’t want to know why I’m here?” He breathed.
„I know what you want. But you won’t get it!” He said in a weak but defiant tone.
„Would you say the same if I told you that Gemini is more co-operative?” He said as he took a step closer. Jarod’s head snapped up. „However Major Charles is the same stubborn as you! But we don’t need him as much as you!” Jarod saw the satisfaction in his eyes.
He jumped up from his seat but Willie grabbed him and slammed him against the wall before he could reach Raines. Jarod let out a cry of pain, he was weak he could barely stand and the pressure that Willie was applying on him made the pain worse.
„Now. You may want to reconsider your answer!” Raines raised his head proudly, waiting for him to reply. But instead of response, his eyes widened furiously as he saw Jarod laughing half in pain, half in amusement.
„Do you really think I believe you? They could get away, you bastard.”
„Are you sure?”
„Who are you kidding, Raines! I’m the genius or isn’t it the reason why you want me so much?”
„Yes you are but you’re not the one to have the ability to know what happens when you’re not there.” Jarod stopped laughing and slowly raised his head to look into his eyes. He knew who he was talking about.
„How does it feel to lose your experiments? You could destroy Kyle but you couldn’t destroy Ethan!” He said, knowing how much it annoyed Raines that Ethan was still alive.
„But I have a new one!” He said and Jarod’s eyes darkened.
„I don’t believe you. If you really have them, I want to see them!” Raines shook his head.
„No way. You tell where the DSAs are and then you can see them!” Raines saw as Jarod’s lips formed into a smile again.
„Gotcha!” He said as he suppressed a moan from the pain that Willie’s tightening grasp caused. „If you really had them, you would rub my face with them to make sure I tell where the DSAs are!” Raines let out a frustrated sigh. Jarod saw that there was something that he wanted to say, that would have given him a great satisfaction but he figured that he had controlled himself not to tell it and it bothered Jarod what it was.
„If that’s the way you want it.” Raines nodded and Willie punched him at the stomach. Jarod fell to the floor, screaming from the pain that it caused. „The drug that you had been given makes your senses highly-strung, including the sense of pain. Your brain comprehends the smallest pain as if a truck hit you.” Raines leant forward. „Brilliant, isn’t it? It’s my new development, made especially for you.”
Seeing that he won’t reply, Raines turned around and nodded at Willie to follow him. Laying on the ground, Jarod watched with half-open eyelids as they left the room. He was worried about Parker. He knew they had her too but he knew he couldn’t risk asking it. He couldn’t let them know he did a lot more than care for her however he had a feeling they had known it all along. But where the hell was she then if they didn’t use her against him. He could only hope that she was okay.
Dover, Delaware
Tuesday
13.55 pm
Opening his lap top, Broots started to type again. They had arrived to Dover half an hour ago. He, Sydney, the Major and Ethan left the others behind, knowing that it was safer to them to separate. It had been four days and they still couldn’t find out anything. The second security system was tough but it was just a matter of time until he broke it up. Sydney and the Major didn’t really talk after their disagreement but the air wasn’t really tense between them. After all they were adults, they knew it wasn’t time to discuss their problems. Since he had seen Ethan the first time, he was quiet and sometimes appeared shy and it didn’t change in the last four days either. He felt himself getting better, he could finally use his fingers and it made his work a lot faster however he often had to have small breaks. Suddenly the screen started to flash, grabbing him out of his thoughts.
„I’m finally in!” He said and all three men was at his side immediately.
„Broots! Try to find out where they are holding them.” He said and Broots noted with some kind of relief that he wasn’t talking only about Jarod anymore. The tech started to type again but after several minutes he had to admit that he couldn’t find anything.
„Nothing! It seems nothing changed.”
„Mhm.” Sydney said, his brows furrowed. „Then try to access the security line that the SIS receives. We have to get through all of them, they must be under close watch.”
„Sydney! They have 27 sub levels. It would take days to check every camera!”
„Broots! Which is the most obvious place for them to be?”
„SL-27!” Sydney nodded. „Okay. I’m on it!” He said. Sydney straightened up and walked back to his seat. The Major followed suit and sat down on the chair next to the small table. They were staying in a very small motel because they wanted to get the smallest attention so they rented only one room. Sydney paid for the room, telling the clerk he was staying alone so it wasn’t suspicious.
„I just hope we aren’t late.” The Major said.
„Don’t worry! They want your son alive.” Sydney replied and it was impossible not to notice the worry in his voice this time.
„She’s alive!” Ethan spoke for the first time since they arrival. Sydney turned his head to look at him. After a long silence he nodded as ’thank-you’.
„Uh oh! We have a problem.” Broots said, breaking the awkward silence.
„What happened?” The Major asked, alarmed, his head snapping up.
„They have a new, detached system installed on that level.”
„What?” Sydney asked, surprised. „Since when?” Broots looked back at the screen.
„Since four days.”
„Can you break it up?” Major Charles asked.
„I don’t know. Depends on who designed the system. If it was Jarod, I’m not sure.” The tech shrugged and typed again.
„He wouldn’t work for them.” The Major said.
„Yes but they could use an old sim, couldn’t they?” Broots asked and glanced as Sydney.
„He did design one but only one! That was what the Centre was using for years. But after his escape they changed it and they used yours.” Sydney replied. „Can you find out who made this new one?”
„I’ll try!” After a short while they watched as Broots eyes widened a bit as he stared at the screen. „Oh man! You won’t believe this!”
„Who was it?”
„Miss Parker!”
„Miss Parker?” The Major asked.
„She must have designed it when she was the head of security.” Sydney said.
„They had Jarod’s, then Broots’ so they didn’t use it until now!” Jarod’s father said and Sydney nodded.
The Centre
Wednesday
21.03 pm
SL-27
Room 206
Gazing through the window, Imamu watched Jarod struggling against the ties that were binding him to the operation table. He was wild and he was screaming, desperately trying to break free. He let out a sigh and turned to Raines who had been standing next to him.
„What the hell have you given him?”
„It’s just my new convincing drug. To convince him to talk!”
„He doesn’t look good, Mr. Raines!” The African said sternly.
„Don’t worry, Sir. I know the limits. But until then he has to suffer to learn that he has to do as we say!”
„It will be much easier after he told where the DSAs are. The Triumvirate is impatient, Mr. Raines. As soon as you found them, I want you to brainwash him. He can’t remember anything!”
”Sure!”
„Anything!” He snapped angrily. „Understood?”
„Of course, Sir!”
To be continued..
