Chaos Theory – Chapter 22

Uncharted Territory

2020, Post-Pulse Washington State – Secret Rendezvous Point

Donald Lydecker watched her from his hiding place. The woman had arrived almost half an hour before, alone. She stood silent, patient, though he could see the tense set of her shoulders. Deck waited; watching and listening for any signs that she’d been followed, their location compromised. This meeting was extremely risky; if anyone knew of his connection with her, their termination would be immediate.

Making one last check of the area, Deck stepped out of the shadows and approached the figure. Pulling a small scrambling device from his jacket pocket, he flicked a switch. As it began to hum, he faced the woman. 

“Hannah. Sorry to keep you waiting – I’m sure you understand,” he smiled slightly at her in greeting. 

She nodded. “Perfectly. I took all the necessary precautions.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she raised an eyebrow at him. “What was so important that you dragged me out of my bed in the middle of the night to meet you in this godforsaken place?”

“Elizabeth is set on getting blood work done on X5-452. We can’t stop her from carrying out the tests, but can keep her from getting her hands on the results.”

“Max?” Hannah breathed. “I’m surprised the Director waited this long to begin testing. What do you need me to do?”

Deck ran a hand through his spiky hair. “Swap Max’s results with those of X5-453. They have identical DNA as far as anyone is concerned and Elizabeth will leave her alone.” Hannah nodded silently. “But make sure I get the real deal on Max. We need to know if she’s the One. If she is…” he trailed off, not needing to elaborate on the thought. 

Hannah knew what that would mean. They would have to remove Max to a secure location. If Renfro got her hands on the One, it would be game over – and that was something they couldn’t allow to happen.

Deck eyed Hannah thoughtfully. “There’s another issue you should be aware of. I overheard a telephone conversation Elizabeth had with what I believe to be an elite member of the Conclave. Does the name Ames ring a bell?”

Her sharp intake of breath was confirmation enough. “Ames White? Sandeman’s son? The bastard,” she spat furiously. “We should have known she was reporting to him. This complicates things.”

“How so?” he asked worriedly. Deck knew that his and Hannah’s standings within the breeding cult hierarchy were a deeply kept secret. But he hadn’t been privy to all the information. His job, his calling, was to keep an eye on Sandeman’s special ones; his unit, Unit 5 – the ’09ers.

“Before that son-of-a-bitch murdered him, my father left specific instructions for the Society. Those were to keep the females from Unit 5 as far from the Conclave as possible. We failed him, Deck. Luckily for us the recaptured rogues didn’t have what we’ve all been looking for. With Renfro on the inside and Ames on the outside, it’s only a matter of time before they up the stakes. Their combined resources could prove disastrous. Somehow, we have to find out what they’re planning.”

Deck’s eyes lit up. “I do know that they have a gathering on Friday. I’ve called in a favor and requisitioned two X5s from Slavitz’s unit. I’ll keep you informed.”

He turned to leave, but Hannah put a hand on his arm to stop him. “Deck, wait. There’s something else.”

He waited, watching as she knitted her brow, drawing on the memory. “This afternoon, two of the resident doctors and a geneticist were transferred to another facility. When I asked about it, all they would tell me was that it’s need to know basis, and that I wasn’t cleared. Something strange is going on, Deck. Have there been any new technological developments I should know about? New experimental procedures that are being carried out?”

Deck shook his head. “Not that I know of. Who ordered the transfer?” he asked, his tone somewhat subdued, a distant look in his eyes.

“My guess would be the Director,” she replied matter-of-factly.

He stood silent for a while, then shrugged and looked at his watch. “I’ll look into it and let you know as soon as I’ve learned anything. It’s getting late and I have to get back to base. For now, let’s concentrate on keeping X5-452 out of the limelight. We’ll be in touch.”

“Will do, Deck. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

2020, Post-Pulse, Elsewhere, USA – Present Day

Zack veered dangerously onto the expressway, swerving madly to avoid traffic. Zane’s gaze shot to his brother’s face, seeing the impassive eyes and the hard set of his jaw. Zack was concentrating much like the way he did with everything, putting his full focus on his mission. He wisely refrained from antagonizing Zack and turned his attention back to his laptop.

“How do you know where to go, man? I haven’t even started tracing Eyes Only’s broadcast.”

“Most of the people Eyes Only has exposed have been based in Washington state. It makes sense he’d be close by,” came the flat reply. Zack was having a hard time keeping his focus on the road. His mind was in turmoil, thoughts and memories of his sisters running a mile a minute.

“Oooh! Great! A breaking EO hack. If we’re lucky, he’ll run overtime and I’ll be able to zone in on his location,” Zane exclaimed excitedly. One step closer to you, Maxie. I hope this guy is a friendly.

The two brothers sat in silence, the only sound in the car was the furious tapping of Zane’s fingers across the keyboard.

Zack glanced at the computer balanced on Zane’s lap. His brother was working his magic. It didn’t hurt that the infamous Eyes Only was being stupid. His hack had gone overtime, much to Zane’s delight, and they had already narrowed down the possibilities. The map on screen showed a flashing radar, searching the state, section by section, until finally, it beeped.

“What’s up, Zane?” he asked, his eyes back on the road. 

“The system locked point. Trace indicates he’s broadcasting out of Seattle. If that idiot keeps talking, we’ll pinpoint his location without having to wait for his next hack.”

Zack didn’t feel much better. Yeah, it was great that they were closing in on their target, but he was uneasy. How was this Eyes Only connected to Max? Was he a friend? Or was Eyes Only just on the hustle, same as everyone else? Maybe even working for Manticore? Anything was possible. Zack would leave nothing to chance.

“Got it!” Zane whooped loudly, startling Zack from his thoughts. “Sector 9, 6327 Hampton Avenue.”

“Good work. Wanna take a turn at the wheel?” he looked to Zane tiredly. The stress was wearing him thin and he desperately needed to rest.

Zane regarded his brother, noting the haggard face and deep circles under his eyes. “Sure, bro. Pull over. And while you’re at it, toss me that bag of cookies, will ya? I’m starving.”

2020, Post-Pulse Seattle, Washington

When they entered Seattle it was still dark. Zane drove through the empty streets, following the route map he had spread out on the dashboard. He’d let Zack sleep; he’d been thoroughly wiped out, not having slept more than a few hours over the past few days. X5s could go days on end without sleep but after a while it took its toll on the system. Zane knew the signs and Zack had been fatigued to the point that he wouldn’t function properly. And they needed to be alert and ready.

I wonder what we’re getting into? Will this be hostile or friendly territory? Who are you, Eyes? How do you know Maxie? What happened to our little sister? Alone with only his memories to keep him company, Zane had thought of nothing other than his siblings during his long drive.

All this time, always running, hiding, pretending. To what purpose? For all that we escaped to freedom, we’ve never truly been free. And living with Zack had only driven the point home. In his mind, his big brother still lived in Manticore; always acting the part of the C.O., the protector, he’d urged them to keep moving, never settle down in one place. They’d run for eight years, but eventually even Zack had to admit defeat. And finally they’d stayed put. That was two years ago; two years of relative normalcy in one place with Zack, Jondy, Krit and Syl.

Zane sighed, wondering if Krit and Syl had gotten Charlie and Case back to their apartment safely. He assumed everything went smoothly as he hadn’t heard differently. And they still hadn’t heard from Jondy. It worried him; she was his mate, his family. And he knew that Zack was taking it all pretty hard, too. He felt responsible for them all, more so than just as a brother. He was the C.O., the protector. Not knowing what happened to his unit was a real blow. Tinga missing, Max in trouble and now Jondy. It was Zack’s worst nightmare come true.

He glanced over his shoulder briefly, in time to see Zack stirring. His big brother opened his eyes and sat up.

“Why didn’t you wake me? I would have taken over for you,” he grunted, knowing full well why Zane had let him sleep. He knew I was exhausted. Zack scowled. He hated showing weakness, hated when his siblings saw him when he was less than 100% in control. And though he knew that a soldier had to sleep, eat and stay fit, it didn’t make it any easier knowing Zane had taken care of him. In fact, it pissed him off.

“We can trade places now, if you like,” Zane replied, clearing the map from the dashboard and slowing to a halt. They were a few buildings away from their destination. Zack got out of the car and moved to the driver’s seat as Zane scooted over to the passenger side. 

“We need to find out which apartment he’s in,” Zack commented, eyes scouring the surrounding area for any trace of threat. He wouldn’t put it past Manticore to have someone in place, keeping watch in case the ’09ers came after Eyes Only. It’s what he would do. But then again, it was already over a week since the messages had been sent in the EO broadcasts. 

“Already on it, bro,” Zane mumbled. He was currently hacking into the Electric Company’s mainframe to check unit measurements for the area. If Eyes Only was really here, the units consumed would be outrageous, not to mention the bills.

The grid loaded and Zane scrutinized the information flooding the screen. For a residential area, there was a lot of power used. But that shouldn’t surprise him. It seemed to be a wealthy area and rich people had a tendency to buy and use all sorts of electrical equipment. 

“Gotcha!,” he chuckled in satisfaction. “Fogle Towers, 6327 Hampton Avenue, uses more electricity than a square city block in any of the business sectors. Now where are you hiding, Mr. Cyber Hack? Show Zane where to find you…”

A blue outline began flashing around a small square section of the grid and Zack peered over his brother’s shoulder for a better view.

“Well, what do you know,” his brother said smirking. “Looks like Eyes Only lives in the penthouse. What is he, some rich dude with too much money and time on his hands, sitting around playing hero?”

Zack shrugged. “We’ll have to find out, won’t we?” he replied, giving Zane a sharp look. “I’m gonna get a better look at the area from over there,” he said, pointing to the tall building opposite Fogle Towers. “You scout the street and check all entrances and exits to the building. We’ll regroup here in thirty minutes.” Without waiting for a reply, Zack exited the car and blurred into a dark alley.

Zack sat perched on the roof opposite Fogle Towers. He had a clear view into what looked like the living room. He could see a woman stretched out on the couch, seemingly asleep, if the even rise and fall of her chest and closed eyes were any indication. 

A man sat next to her in an armchair, head supported by one hand, the other holding a half empty glass. There were empty bottles littering the table and the floor. The man looked tired and lost. It was that look that made Zack feel almost sorry for him. So you’re the great Eyes Only? A rich, sorry-ass drunk.

Zack wondered how Zane was faring below and whether or not he had encountered any difficulties when looking for the best way into the building. They would have to use a back entrance or basement access and as a last resort, they could always enter through the skylight on the roof. In fact, that might be the best idea, he thought, glancing at the street below. The sun would be up soon and people would be going about their business. The rooftop was safer.

Zack flicked his cell phone open and dialed Zane’s number.

“What’s the score, bro?” Zane got out before Zack had a chance to say a word. 

“Nothing suspicious from up here. What’ve you got for me?”

“Basement access is guarded – I counted 4 security guards. Back entrance is an option, but we’d have to go through the security system and some heavily locked doors. Front door is the best option, just waltz inside like a regular Joe. Explain to me again why that’s not a good idea?” Zane wasn’t sure what the problem was.

“Security cameras on the front door feed to the apartments inside. Its standard for high-rise apartment buildings; especially in expensive areas. We want the element of surprise so the front door is out. I suggest we go in from the skylight on the roof.”

Zane didn’t hesitate a moment. “You’re on. I’ll grab the gear and meet you in a few minutes. Damn, it’s been a while since I’ve done any urban bungee jumping!” he added excitedly. 

Zack muttered under his breath. “Leave it to you to treat this like an adventure.”

“Fuck you, Zack. I won’t apologize for enjoying life. Loosen up a little, it won’t hurt you to live a bit,” Zane ground out before hanging up the phone.

A few minutes later he joined Zack on the roof, handing him the necessary equipment. The two brothers stared at each other for a long while, neither giving in. Finally Zack sighed and threw his hands up in defeat. 

“Fine. You win – I’m sorry. Happy now?” he practically growled.

Zane shook his head and scoffed. “You’re sorry? What for, Zack? For acting like a prick all the time? You aren’t the only one who’s worried about Tinga, Max and Jondy, bro. Yeah, you’re the big brother. You were our C.O. and you’ve done a damn good job looking out for us all. But you act like you’re still at Manticore. It’s like we never left – your head is so far up your ass that you can’t see straight.” Zane’s reply shocked Zack into silence. When the expected response never came, Zane sighed, harnessed himself and shrugged his exasperation. “Whatever, bro. See ya on the other side.”

Zane took a running leap off the building and spread his arms wide. He soared across the divide, landing hard and scrambling to regain his footing, quickly releasing himself from the rope. He turned to face the other building and watched as Zack hauled the rope back up to him and prepared to follow suit.

When his brother landed beside him, he sighed inwardly. The tense set of Zack’s shoulders and jaw told him plenty. Zack wasn’t going to forgive his outburst any time soon and Zane refused to apologize. You can be so damn infuriating at times! he thought, furrowing his brow in frustration. Making his way silently to the skylight, he dropped to a crouch and peered into the window.

Zack watched as Zane lowered himself through the skylight and dropped silently to the floor. Rich moron doesn’t have a security system? For an underground cyber-journalist geek, he’s pretty stupid. What does he think – that his place is impenetrable?  

Zane gave him the all-clear and he entered the apartment as stealthily as his brother. Zack signaled to Zane, relaying what he’d seen from the other building. Two people inside that they knew of and at last sighting, in the living room off to their left. Zane acknowledged the information and signed back that he could only see one form in the other room. A woman, asleep on the couch.

‘I’ll incapacitate her. You go find the man of the hour,’ Zane mouthed to him. Zack nodded and silently made his way through the apartment. He stopped at a door when sounds of movement from within reached his ears. Pulling his gun out of his pants, he released the safety and aimed it straight ahead.

He stood waiting. Minutes later, Zane signed to him from down the hall. ‘The rest of the apartment is empty. Lady love is out cold, bound and gagged. Awaiting your signal.’ Zack nodded to him and focused his eyes on the door in front of him.

As if on cue, the door opened and a disheveled looking man, with spiky, sandy colored hair and tired, blue eyes gaped at him in shock.

“Who the hell are you?” Logan finally managed to squeak at the tall, broad and obviously capable X5 who was pointing his gun at the space between his eyes.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to be asking questions,” Zack growled in reply. He nodded towards the living room. “I think you should sit your ass down. You’re going to answer some questions and if I’m not satisfied by your answers you’re going to regret fucking with me.”

Logan swallowed audibly and started moving, the hand on his back propelling him none-to-gently forward. Upon entering the living room he noted with a gasp that Asha was bound and gagged, lying on her side next to the window. Another man was standing watch over her, gun trained on her chest.

“So you’re the infamous Eyes Only?” he smirked, taking in the cowering figure Zack pushed into the couch cushions. “I was right. Another rich dude, bored out of his mind and playing at saving the world. What would the people think if they could see you now?”

Zack shook his head almost imperceptibly at Zane who got the message. Stage is yours, bro, he acceded. The C.O.’s in charge again.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Mr. Cale,” Zack began, noting the flicker of fear in the older man’s eyes.

“How do you -” Logan started. 

“Know your name? That was the easy part. You’re not too good at covering your tracks, are you?” Zack continued smoothly. “Who are you working for, Cale? And what do you know of X5-452?”

Manticore, Logan thought worriedly, the implications of what that might mean spinning his head wildly. Did Max get away? Are they hoping I’ll lead them to her? I won’t give them anything!

“You’re wasting your time if you think I’ll tell you anything about her,” he replied defiantly.

“Oh that’s where you’re wrong, Cale. You’ll tell me everything I want to know,” he glared at Logan before adding, “even if I have to beat it out of you.”

Logan gulped but just stared back at Zack, forcing his fear back down his throat. “Then I guess you’ll have to beat me,” he replied in what he hoped was a cool and collected tone.

“If you insist,” Zack smiled darkly. With that, he pistol whipped Logan across the face, cracking his jaw and breaking his nose. Blood flowed freely down his face, soaking his shirt. Zack regarded the other man with reluctant admiration. He had to give credit to the Ordinary for his stubbornness. 

“I’ll ask you again. Who do you work for and what do you know of X5-452?” he placed the barrel of his gun at Logan’s temple and wrapped his free hand around the man’s throat, applying gentle pressure. The threat didn’t go unnoticed.

Logan refused to give in. If he could save Max…If my dying keeps her safe…he threw a quick glance at Asha who had woken up and was eyeing the scene with intense fear. He tried to convey his apologies in that look, before facing his captor once more.

“I have nothing to tell you,” he ground out.

Zack was getting impatient. He pistol whipped Logan yet again, drawing a jagged cut from just under the man’s eye and down his cheek, knocking Logan out. Zack cursed under his breath.

“Zane, get me some water. I’m not through with this asshole yet,” his request was more a command, but one Zane knew not to refuse. Personally, he couldn’t see the need for such violence just yet, but Zack always did have a temper, and when it came to his siblings he could lose it in a split second.

Zane brought a large bowl of water from the kitchen, and handed it to Zack. His brother doused the unconscious cyber-hacker who sputtered wildly and opened his eyes, blinking furiously, trying to focus.

“I’m getting impatient. You don’t want to make me any angrier than I already am, Cale; trust me. HOW DO YOU KNOW X5-452? Why have you been sending hidden messages in your broadcasts? How are you connected to her?”

Logan sat tight-lipped and refused to answer. His face was swelling and his head hurt, but he’d be damned if he was going to give Manticore any information on Max.

“Fuck you,” he spat at Zack.

Zane saw his brother raise his hand to strike the man again and called out to stop him. “Hold up, bro. Lemme hack his system. Maybe I can find something useful to help Maxie.”

Logan looked between the two men, realization dawning on him. Manticore wouldn’t use names, only designations. Are they…? Damn! They have to be!

Looking at the handsome X5 who had suspended his hand mid-air, he said took a deep breath and asked quietly, “Is one of you Zack?”

Zack looked at the older man sharply, keeping a schooled expression on his face. “Who’s Zack?” he asked tightly. 

Logan glanced at the other X5, catching a flicker of recognition in his eyes. He faced Zack again and laughed shortly.

“You are, aren’t you? You’re Zack. I’ll be damned,” he said, wincing at the pain from his split lip and broken jaw. It was so intense he wanted to pass out, but he had to prove he wasn’t the enemy here. 

Zack’s eyes lit up momentarily before he shut his face down, affecting a blank mask as he eyed Logan.

“So I’m Zack. How the hell do you know Max?”

“Max lived here – lives here,” Logan corrected himself quickly. “You can check her bedroom; it’s the third door down, next to the bathroom.”

Zane looked to Zack for permission. Zack nodded and Zane made his way down the hall. He opened the door and entered the room. It was softly feminine, but not overly so. The room was littered with clothing that contrasted greatly with the room’s decor. Dark colors, leather, fingerless gloves, clunky boots, a motorcycle helmet…

He made his way to the dresser, eyeing the items scattered about. Photographs stuck out from the frame of the mirror above the chest of drawers. A beautiful girl with wavy brown hair, large brown eyes and full pouty lips smiled up at him from one of the snapshots. He frowned, concentrating on the photo, unable to tell if it was his sister or not. He hadn’t seen her in years. In fact, the last time he’d laid eyes on her she had a military style buzz-cut, a split lip and scratches on her face and neck. The girl in the picture could be anyone.

Zane took the photograph and made his way back to the living room. 

“I dunno, bro. I can’t be certain.” Zane shrugged apologetically. He handed the photograph to his brother.

Zack stared at the picture in his hand and a soft smile slowly lit up his face. 

He looks almost…nice, Logan thought. He should smile more.

Zack whispered almost reverently. “It’s Maxie, alright. I’d know those eyes anywhere…”