by Gareth Otton
“Don’t call me that,” he said. “I’m not a brother of yours, Jacob. You ruined my life and the lives of so many other people, and I will regret the day you ever got inside my head and started poisoning my thoughts.”
Jacob opened his mouth to argue, but Brad spoke right over him, done listening to this man.
“The only man I’d call brother, if he’d ever let me again, just left. He came here looking for a friend, and I hope he left knowing he had at least one if he ever needs it.”
For maybe the first time since Brad met Jacob, he got the last words in their conversation. The simple pleasure of that alone put a smile on Brad’s face as he walked away.
39
Saturday, 31st December 2016
22:19
Tony Suen was a lot of things, but patient wasn’t one of them.
He had wandered the halls of the new HQ a thousand times over the last six hours. First, he checked to make sure things were in place for when they were given the all clear to get going. Then he was double checking, and people got frustrated with him. By the third rotation, they were kicking him out angrily and sending him off to bother someone else. After that, it was just a case of Tony going from group to group and staying until they couldn’t tolerate him any more before moving off to annoy someone else.
In his defence, he was trying to be useful, but the endless preparations and the wait was giving him anxiety. After Tad kicked him out of the room where he secured the transferred dreamwalker prisoners who accompanied Brad to help tonight, he wound his way back to the main office where what remained of the Dream Team were hard at work. One glance at Stella told him not to bother her, Miles still had his head buried in code, and even Hawk gave him an evil glare when he looked in Jen’s direction. However, then he spotted the most patient person in the room, the one person who was always glad to see him for some reason, and he headed in her direction.
Amber sat alone in the corner, watching what was going on but not seeing much. She was so lost in thought she didn’t notice Tony approach and jumped when he said her name. For the first time all day, the surprise on her face brought a genuine smile to his.
“You arsehole. You shouldn’t sneak up on people,” Amber scolded, smacking his arm to punctuate her point.
“Hardly sneaking,” Tony disagreed. “I walked right up to you out in the open. You were just lost somewhere else. What’s wrong? Thinking of the twins?”
“Amongst other things,” she admitted. Then she patted the pad of the chair next to her, telling him to sit. As soon as he did as asked, she surprised him by wheeling her own chair close and resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m scared, Tony. The closer we get to this, the more I worry about what’s going to happen tonight.”
“It’ll be fine,” Tony said, trying to sound confident despite his own misgivings. “Stella knows what she’s doing, Tad’s a walking talking nuclear weapon, and we’ve got the backing of half the army tonight, not to mention my ghosts who are going to be running support for us all. Trust me, we’ve got this one in the bag.”
“I know, but…” Her words faded into a sigh. “I still worry. I have no experience with this sort of thing and it’s a lot to handle.”
“Then you shouldn’t be here,” Tony argued, and not for the first time. “Go back to mum and dad’s, or better yet, go see your family. Surely if there’s any reason to make peace, it’s this.”
When she didn’t answer he continued, hoping she was considering his words.
“Enough time has passed since the accident that they are bound to have forgiven you by now. Besides, providing this war goes well, this world is changing in a big way. If Jen can one day heal her own back, maybe there’s a chance she might be able to heal your brother. And if the war doesn’t go so good… well… Isn’t that all the more reason to go see them now while you still can?”
“Maybe,” Amber reluctantly replied, and Tony grinned where she couldn’t see it, happy with his victory. However, something more than his grin must have given his feelings away, because Amber turned to glare at him. “But if I do, it will be tomorrow. Tonight I’m staying here so I can keep an eye on you. You’re not getting rid of me that easy.”
Her words sounded firm, but she wore a cheeky smile that dimpled her cheeks, a smile that had been absent for far too long, and a smile that Tony had grown fond of over the last couple of months.
Grinning right back, he raised his hands in surrender and said, “That was the furthest thing from my mind, I promise.”
Amber huffed, but something in his tone conveyed how serious he was, so she didn’t press the issue. Of course he wanted her out of danger right now, but she hadn’t just been talking about tonight. He was done running from her and had been for a while. The nervous terror that accompanied the thought of finally taking a girl on a date had faded, and now all that remained was excitement to not only do something he had been missing out on his entire life, but to share that experience with Amber of all people.
Suddenly six months was too long to wait and Tony took his own advice about taking opportunities while they were still available. Though he tried to be brave for her, he had no idea how tonight would work out. Motivated by that thought, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.
Always in the past it had been Amber who kissed him and it was he who froze in surprise. That changed this time, and Tony enjoyed turning the tables for once. When he leaned back, he found her staring at him with wide eyes and her cheeks were rosy.
“Forget waiting. What are you doing tomorrow?” Tony asked.
“Tomorrow… What?… You mean…” He didn’t think it was possible, but her eyes widened further as she struggled for words. “You mean we should go on a date tomorrow. You don’t want to wait six months any more?”
“I’ve waited all my life,” Tony said. “I think that’s long enough, don’t you?”
The surprise faded from her expression and a radiant smile took its place as she nodded in answer.
“Definitely,” she agreed.
“Then it’s a date. We’ll do something tomorrow, providing the world doesn’t end tonight.”
He knew they were the wrong words as soon as he said them. Amber’s smile faded as the reality of their situation hit them both.
“Let me come with you,” she pleaded again. “Jen doesn’t need me tonight and can look after herself.”
“No,” Tony disagreed. “You’ve seen inside Jen’s head and know what she’s like. She does stupid things when there’s no one to keep her on the right path. I need you to do that for me.”
“But someone needs to be there watching your back,” Amber protested. “You’re even worse than she is.”
“I’ve got Tad watching my back, and all the ghosts, and what’s left of the Dream Team, and the army. Trust me, I’m not the one you need to be worried about.”
“But—”
“Amber, please do this for me,” Tony said. “I love Jen like a sister and if anything happened to her… You’re the only person I trust to watch her for me. Please.”
“You bullshit artist,” Amber accused. “But fine, I’ll watch her.”
“Hey Tony, they’re ready for us.”
Both Amber and Tony jumped, having forgotten that they weren’t alone.
“Thanks Rodney, I’ll be right there,” Tony said, struggling to hide his embarrassment at the thought of the people in the room witnessing him kissing Amber. He didn’t have long to worry about that before she was kissing him again, then hugging him in a way that said she didn’t want to let go.
“Be careful,” she whispered, and Tony didn’t need to see her tears to know they were there.
“I will. You too,” he said, forcing himself to ignore the lump in his throat and his rising fear of what they were about to do. He made sure that when he stepped away he was grinning. “I better go. The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can figure out somewhere awesome to take you tomorrow.”
Amber smiled even
as she wiped away a tear with the back of her hand.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Tony’s grin was a little more real as he waved goodbye and stepped away. His happy thoughts faded fast as he joined the people rushing to their posts and recognised their serious faces. Soon he was outside where there were large groups of people waiting to be dreamwalked to the King Dream Gate. Seeing the nervous ghosts from the Phoenix amongst them, Tony pushed all thoughts of Amber and tomorrow from his mind. He needed to concentrate on now.
He rushed over to help get them ready for what they were about to face.
◆◆◆
Tony stepped out of Dream with his fellow ghosts and looked around. In some ways, the Dream Gate hadn’t changed since the last time he was here. The remains of the enormous tower took the form of a pile of rubble that was ringed by a large metal fence and lit by floodlights.
However, one major change was that the fence was now covered with dreamcatchers. Some were enormous and fabricated out of steel to stop Dream crossing the barrier as it had for the DTHQ and Downing Street. The other dreamcatchers were made with much flimsier materials and were hasty additions. Tony suspected this was what Mitena had spent her day doing.
He wondered what they were for, but then his eyes focused on one type and he shivered in understanding. Mitena was covering their bases. Not only could Dream not cross those barriers, but neither could nightmares and ghosts. Mitena had created a fortress out of this large open space, at least to magical attacks. However, they had learnt the hard way that magical attacks weren’t the only thing to be worried about.
Tony looked around nervously, scanning the shadows of nearby warehouses to make sure there were no enemies hiding in the darkness. Unable to see into those shadows, his panic grew until he noticed he wasn’t the only ghost feeling such panic.
They’re relying on you to set an example.
He hated seeing the fear on these ghosts’ faces. They were taking an enormous risk coming here to help him, and the least he could do was try to settle their nerves.
“Everyone, gather round,” he shouted, making those closest jump but earning the attention of all the ghosts. “Quickly now, we need to discuss what’s going to happen.”
There were forty-two ghosts, and soon Tony had the attention of each and every one. It was a little unnerving, but he forced that aside.
“Right guys, I want you all to remember that tonight we’re here for them,” he said, pointing at the soldiers who moved around the site like ants on a picnic. “Our job isn’t to attack the enemy, it’s not to risk our lives, or anything like that. Our job is to save as many of them as we can because that’s what we’re best suited for. We don’t need to worry about bullets or attacks because we’re ghosts and we can heal from anything. Now that Tad knows how to use animancy, we can take even more risks because if you ever feel the madness rising because of the damage you’re taking, just go to Tad and he’ll sort you out. You got that?”
The chorus of answers were louder than expected, and Tony jumped, but it made him smile as well.
“Good. Tonight is our night to shine, guys. Lizzie has been here with her people to set up Miles’ fancy cameras all over this place, because what happens tonight is something the world needs to see. That means it’s an opportunity to show the world what they need to know about ghosts. They need to know we’re not the enemy, but we’re here to help. That they don’t need to fear us, because working with us achieves far better results than working against us.
“Tonight they will see us helping injured people, saving lives in ways a living person can’t, and this will go a long way towards creating a better future for all ghosts. But at the same time, I don’t want any of you to be reckless. You’re too important to take stupid risks. We don’t think the enemy has dreamcatchers that could destroy us, but we need to be ready, regardless. I don’t want to lose any ghosts tonight, and if you’re in a position where you face moving on or being destroyed, then for the love of God, move on. Don’t hesitate, please. It’s not worth it.
“Other than that, stay active and stay vigilant. Help where you can and keep an eye on each other. If you think one of us is starting to slip into madness, get that ghost to Tad. The last thing we need is a mad ghost trapped in here with us.
“Most importantly, keep yourself open to Tad at all times. At some point tonight, he’s going to connect with you for power, and trust me, if he does, it’ll be because he desperately needs that power. Don’t fight him. It might be the difference between life and death for a lot of people.”
Seeing that he was making them even more nervous rather than calming their nerves, Tony decided this wasn’t working and stopped there.
“Alright, that’s enough. We’ve been over what needs to be done, so lets get to it. Go out, be safe, and let’s save some lives.”
Having spent the vast majority of his afterlife seeking ways to entertain himself, he had seen far more movies than was healthy. Therefore, he was a little disappointed when he didn’t get some kind of cheering response from his people like they might in a movie. Instead, they just nodded and dispersed to go do what had been asked of them.
“You’re doing a good thing with them, Tony.”
Tony let out an unmanly yelp as he spun to see who was talking, then frowned at the smile on Tad’s face.
“Don’t sneak up on people in a war zone, Tad.”
Tad held up his hands in surrender.
“Sorry. I mean it though. It’s a good thing that you’re doing with them. Between you and Lizzie, I think you’re finally starting to turn people’s opinions.”
“I’m not sure,” Tony disagreed. “It hasn’t been long enough to make a difference.”
“No?” Tad asked, nodding his head toward where the ghosts had gone. Tony looked back to see what he was talking about and saw his ghosts walking amongst the soldiers, none of whom so much as flinched at their presence. In a lot of cases, they were even talking with the ghosts.
“You’ve done enough to convince them at least,” Tad said. “It won’t be long before other people come to their senses. Them helping people tonight will go a long way towards convincing the world that ghosts have as much right to be here as anyone else, and that they can be a net positive to the world rather than something to be feared.”
Uncomfortable with Tad’s praise, Tony changed the topic a little.
“Maybe, but don’t forget why they’re here. Think of them as walking talking batteries, and when the time comes, you can’t hesitate to use them. They’re all waiting for you.”
It was Tad’s turn to look uncomfortable, but Tony wasn’t having any of that.
“I mean it, Tad. I hate to do this to you, mate, but the reason everyone is even here today is to give you a shot at doing what needs to be done. Sure, Stella and Leon have had big boosts, Mitena has given the soldiers a fighting chance, and those dreamwalkers who saw enough sense to come and help us will make a big difference. But none of that would matter if you weren’t here. We’re doing this to give you a shot at ending this as soon as possible, and you can’t let us down when the time comes.”
Tad continued to squirm, and Tony hated having to say this. He had been inside Tad’s head and knew how this pressure was eating away at him. But he also knew that Tad worked best when he focused on what was on the line. Given the right reason to act, Tad had proved he could rise to any occasion.
“People are relying on you. We don’t do our best to stop this tonight, then what kind of future will Jen have?”
Tad had been uncomfortable before, but the mention of Jen made him flinch like Tony was attacking him. He felt guilty using Tad’s personal kryptonite to win this argument, but sometimes a nuclear option was the right play. Thankfully, he didn’t have to say anything else and Tad didn’t have chance to think of a response as suddenly Stella was there, and it was clear by the look on her face that she wasn’t happy.
“What’s wrong?” Tad asked, his discomfort va
nishing.
“The chaos from Norman’s death has settled and some orders have trickled out. It’s exactly what we feared.”
“They’re removing you from your position?” Tad asked.
“It looks that way. They’re also trying to stop all military action until further notice, but they haven’t been specific enough as they don’t know about this yet. For now, we still have our back up, but I don’t know for how long. Ideally, we need Kuruk to take the bait as soon as possible.” She glanced at her watch and swore. “We’re cutting it close.”
“He’ll be here,” a new voice spoke up, and Tony turned to see Mitena approaching. Like the rest of them, she looked tired as she had been working non-stop all day, but she also looked determined. “Kuruk thinks that whatever you’re planning needs to happen today, so he will be here before midnight. He won’t risk waiting any longer. I’m surprised he’s not here already.”
“In that case, are we set up for this?” Tad asked, nervous.
“We’re as ready as we can be,” Stella answered. “We’ve got most of the soldiers secured within the safety of Mitena’s dreamcatchers. We’ve got every building cleared for half a mile in every direction, we’ve got men waiting in the buildings around us and perimeter guards set up to stop mundane traffic from coming close. On top of that, we have men with dreamwalkers on standby at all the bases still friendly to us to ship in backup at a moment’s notice. I don’t think there’s anything else we can do.”
“Then it’s time for you to go,” Tad said to Mitena. “I’ll take you back now before—”
“No,” Mitena disagreed. “I can help here. Maybe they have new dreamcatchers that I can counter if necessary. Also, I have some—”
