Benji attempts to put out fires at the Colberton Police Department. Captain Hallsey screams for him.
“Tanner, in my office!”
“Shit,” Benji mutters.
Benji exits his office and moves to Captain Hallsey. He notices that few people are currently in the station. It’s the problem that he’s desperately trying to resolve.
“Yes, sir?”
“Close the door and take a seat,” Hallsey says sternly.
Benji obeys.
“What the hell is going on out there?”
“We’re shorthanded.”
“I realize that. I want to know why.”
“We have a trust problem, sir. A lot of people said they don’t know who they’re working with and won’t come in. Whitmore and Smith, and even Carlos, have shaken their faith.”
“So, they’re all quitting?”
“Sir, I don’t have the answers.”
Hallsey rubs his face and sighs.
“How’s Claire?” Hallsey asks with a more sympathetic tone.
“She seemed alright when I left. I didn’t want to do it, but my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. She won’t kill herself. I know that much. The city needs me now.”
“I appreciate your commitment. I hope it all works out.”
“Me, too.”
“Well, get out there and work with what we’ve got. I know you can make it happen. At least I still have you on the team.”
“I appreciate it, Captain.”
Benji leaves the office. He’s intercepted by Reid before he can make it back to his own desk.
“Benji, hold up,” Reid says.
Benji stops in the middle of the station floor.
“I can’t take any more bad news, man.”
“I know, and I hate doing it to you, but I have to.”
Benji sighs and rubs his hands through his hair.
“You’re tougher than this, Reid. I need you here. I’m running out of friends. Karen’s dead. Carlos is locked up. Smith is MIA. Twileager, Kopp, Toby, Branan, Cheryl, Roberts, Bobby, and Crawford have all quit. The list goes on from there. The station can’t survive another resignation.”
Reid seems sympathetic, and his eyes make it clear that his heart is not fully in the decision.
“Rose saw the footage Claire shot. She’s terrified and said that she won’t live in this city anymore.”
“She’ll calm down,” Benji pleads.
Reid shakes his head. “No, she won’t. She isn’t a fan of auggies. Me getting shot was the last straw. She gave me an ultimatum. I can leave with her now, or I can stay here with an extra wedding ring.”
Benji rubs his eyes in frustration. “That’s rough, man. I understand. It won’t be the same around here without you.”
“It won’t be the same around here period.”
“I know.” Benji sighs.
“How’s Claire?”
“I don’t know. She’ll live, but beyond that, I don’t know.”
“You shouldn’t be here. You need to go home to her. Don’t let this be the reason you become a hermit.”
“Eloquent as always.”
“You need to go to her. I still expect to be invited to a wedding.”
Reid takes a difficult swallow and blinks rapidly. Benji fights back his own emotions.
“I’ll see you around,” Reid says and slaps Benji on the shoulder. Reid walks away. Benji turns to head to his office. Standing immediately in front of him is Maria.
“Shit, Pecos! Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
Maria’s eyes look hard and focused.
“I’ve got your back, Benji,” she says with fire.
Benji actually smiles and feels empowered by her confidence.
“Thanks, Maria. Are you okay running solo for the time being?”
“I do my best work solo,” Maria brags.
“Alright, get out there. I’ll probably grab a unit myself today.”
“It’ll be alright, Benji. Things always work out in the end.”
“I hope so.”
Maria runs off to patrol the streets, and Benji finally makes it back to his office. He plops onto his chair and looks at the picture of Claire on his desk. He then looks at his phone and quickly grabs it. He dials Claire’s number and waits for an answer. It never comes. In fact, he’s informed by a recording that the phone’s memory is full and can’t take any more messages. Benji doesn’t try any other numbers. He checks to make sure he has his truck keys and rushes out of his office.
Benji parks his truck in his driveway and rushes into his home with Claire.
“Claire!” he screams.
He doesn’t receive an answer. He frantically runs through every room, then does it a second time. He searches hiding places from his youth, under the bed, in the closet, behind the curtains, and numerous other absurd locations to find Claire. She isn’t home. Not even a note remains to explain what she’s done or plans to do. Benji flops onto his couch and allows himself the time to cry. His mind goes to dark places, but he forces those visions out. In the end, he simply walks outside and drives himself back to work.
Votary assembles all the Templars in The Lair’s conference room. He even brings in the additional clones, despite the redundancy.
“Where’s Seal Pup?” Votary asks.
The other Templars are silent. He senses they don’t want to inform on their friend.
“We can’t afford secrets right now. Where is he?”
Nobody answers.
Votary uses his helmet’s communicator to try and reach Seal Pup, but nobody responds.
“Listen,” Votary says softly. “I know I was unreliable the other day. I need Father more than I like to admit, but he’s gone. I must trust it’s for the right reason, and that he’ll come back. Right now, we must assume that the Malignant are about to attack. We need to put our plan into motion. Now, someone please tell me where Seal Pup is.”
“I sent him home,” Darsh says. “Well, actually Ajit did.”
Votary sighs. “Why?”
“He needed to see Mitch,” Kimmy answers. “You weren’t there. You didn’t experience Abel’s wrath. I’m sick just thinking about it, and I’m not sure I want to see him come back.”
“Don’t say that about Father!” Votary shouts.
“You’re losing it, man!” Darsh says. “I still believe in Abel, but we can’t pretend we don’t know what he did. That was overkill, even by our standards.”
“Everyone feels that way,” Akio says. “Just watch the news.”
“I’ve seen it,” Votary admits.
“So, you know that random people are being attacked because their neighbors are accusing them of being Templars? It’s not safe for most augments, but I’m more terrified about what happens when a mob targets one who can fight back,” Jake complains.
“That’s why you need to fix the public perception problem first,” Julie offers.
The Templars turn to the newest recruit with intrigue.
“Why?” Votary asks.
“It’s simple politics. They need someone to blame. You give them a gesture to prove you’re apologetic,” Julie answers.
“What do you recommend?” Port asks.
“You need to eliminate your decoys. Bring them back or, better yet, publicly destroy them.”
“That’s not going to happen. That’ll expose all of us,” Darsh says.
“Then bring them back. Then, go on the news and let the world know that you aren’t hiding in plain sight anymore.”
“That could be a problem,” Sahil says. “Claire Kennedy is our go-to reporter, and she’s no longer on the air.”
“Where is she?” Votary asks.
“Nobody knows. At least, that’s the impression that I get,” Sahil answers.
“Okay, one problem at a time. First, we need to get Seal Pup back here, and hopefully Father. Then, we put him on whatever show D2I will give us. We’ll let the world know that we’re no longer among them. That means you’ll have to spend more time here in The Lair. No more trips home. I understand this will be hard for us, but sacrifices must be made. We won’t win if we think of ourselves first.”
The Templars begrudgingly nod.
“Lottery, do you have a plan for the Ahika yet?” Votary asks.
“It’s nearly ready,” Saager answers. “I would prefer it if Bill was here to help me explain it.”
“More reason to find him. Lottery, how many can you teleport at a time?”
“One person, if I’m holding him,” Ajit answers. “But I have to know where the person is. Bill went looking for Mitch, so he had me drop him off at his place. He won’t be there anymore. We have to find him, then I can bring him back.”
“Understood. I’ll call him on his cell phone,” Votary says. “Someone get me his number.”
Smith parks his motorcycle in front of a quaint home in one of Yama’s suburbs. The home is picturesque with a flower box in front and a fresh coat of paint. Smith takes off his helmet and walks to the front door. He rings the doorbell and waits patiently.
“Just a moment!” Sally shouts from the other side.
She opens the door and takes a step back when she sees Smith standing there.
“Bill?”
She takes a second step back inside her home and partially closes the door.
“Sally, I just need to see him.”
Sally looks conflicted. She has sympathy for Smith, but it doesn’t seem to override her fear.
“I’m not going to hurt you. You know me.”
“Do I, Seal Pup?”
Smith looks down. “Please. Let me at least try. Something big will happen soon, and I won’t be able to forgive myself if I don’t try to make this right first.”
Sally steps aside to let Smith enter her home. “Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
“Out of curiosity, is Maria a Templar?”
“No. Well, maybe; I don’t know. Why?”
“She hasn’t shown up. I guess I know where I stack up compared to her career.”
“The police are hurting today. It was probably a hard decision for her to make.”
“Don’t make excuses for her. Just talk to Mitch. I’ll give you a moment.”
“Thanks,” Smith says.
He walks to the second bedroom in the small home and knocks lightly on the door.
“Go away,” Mitch says with a raspy voice.
“I can’t. I love you,” Smith answers.
Without permission, Smith opens the door and walks inside.
Mitch has the blankets over his face. His body is turned away from the door.
“I don’t know what to say right now. I came in, intending to make this sweeping gesture, and now I’m at a loss for words,” Smith says.
“I don’t know you. Please leave,” Mitch mumbles.
“You do know me, baby. I’ve always been one to protect others. You know that about me. Seal Pup is me.”
“I’m so happy for you. Seal Pup almost got me killed.”
“No, I didn’t, baby. It took everything not to rush Carlos, but he wasn’t the real threat, and I knew it.”
“Then how come Carlos is the one being punished? You could have stopped his arrest.”
“Maybe, but Carlos needs help, and my concern is for you. Carlos will be safe from himself in prison until we can get this all sorted out.”
“What exactly are you going to do?” Mitch shouts as he sits upright in his bed. “Are you gonna bring Karen back to life? Are you gonna take that awful image out of my mind? I wake up screaming, afraid my skeleton is trying to rip itself free. I don’t trust auggies, so I don’t trust you!”
Smith swallows and wipes his eyes. “I’m the same person.”
“The same one who’s been lying since I met him. Please just leave. We’re through. Just leave.”
“Fine, Mitch. If that’s what you want. Before I go, I love you.” Smith turns to leave and adds, “Just in case I don’t get the chance to say it again.”
Smith leaves, and Mitch lies back down on his bed. Sally passes Smith as he heads out and closes the door to Mitch’s bedroom. Soft crying spills into the hallway.
“Captain Jillarni, Mother has been informed of Father’s location. She is bringing the fleet here. She should arrive within six orbits,” Flaimeson informs his superior officer.
“Optimal. Commander Guntho,” Jillarni says.
Guntho approaches. “Yes, sir?”
“Do you have the priority Malignant citizens to apprehend?” Jillarni asks.
Guntho turns her attention to Flaimeson.
“I have it right here, sir,” Flaimeson informs.
Flaimeson transfers the data to the screen in front of Jillarni. He scrolls through a list of twelve people, presumably augments. Among them is an image of Votary.
“Was Agent Cooerloo able to identify this one before his celebration?” Jillarni asks.
“Negative,” Flaimeson answers. “He calls himself Votary, but it would appear that only Father knows who he or she actually is.”
“Unfortunate,” Jillarni says. “Select someone else to take his place. I am certain that Votary will come to us.”
“Most likely, sir,” Guntho says.
“Why the concern, sir?” Flaimeson asks.
“Because I requested Mother bring a boreship. If the fleet is coming, we may not have as much time as we prefer to rescue our citizens trapped among the ISH.”
“Is it that desperate?” Guntho asks.
“It is.” Jillarni sighs. “How long until the recovery pods can be dropped?”
“They can go out today,” Flaimeson answers. “They will strike simultaneously.”
“Delay this one,” Jillarni says as he displays the image of Gallery.
“Why, sir?” Guntho asks.
“Agent Cooerloo reported that he was sent to recruit her. I instructed him to fail in that attempt. Father may try again. If he does, he may send his star pupil. We may have a chance to capture this Votary after all.”
“What do you recommend, sir?” Guntho asks.
“Make the liberations visible. Take them in daylight with witnesses. Their informers will alert the planet of our actions. This will make it back to Father. If she is important, they will send for her. Have a full squad of marines for her. If Votary shows up, we can take him. If not, she will still benefit the Empire.”
“Optimal, sir,” Flaimeson says.
“It will happen today, sir,” Guntho informs.
Jillarni looks at the images of Gallery and Votary. He smiles.
Votary holds a cell phone in front of his helmet. He has the speaker on, but the image makes more than one Templar laugh.
“You sure you don’t want to just find a vacant room?” Akio asks.
“I’m fine,” Votary answers.
“Whatever. Sahil found another augment that we could use. You want me to go and get him?”
The phone still rings.
“No, I need you working the new guys hard since Seal Pup is gone. Send one of the rookies to approach.”
“You sure?”
“They’ve all proven themselves. We have to take the training wheels off.”
“Okay, I’ll tell Jake. You want to go back to Miss Ery’s and make sure that Jayden didn’t leave any other surprises?”
Votary nods and finally hears Smith’s voice on the other side. Akio leaves to pass along Votary’s instructions.
“What’s up, DJ?” Smith says.
“It’s Votary.”
“You know how
to dial a phone?”
“Not the time for sarcasm.”
“It’s not the time for your shit either. I just lost my boyfriend.”
“We all have to make sacrifices.”
“That’s the shit that I don’t need. Remember?”
“Seal Pup, we need you here. We have to hit the Malignant yesterday. You and Lottery were putting together the layout of their ship. That means you have to enlighten the rest of us.”
“You don’t have to convince me. I’m coming back.”
“That easy?”
“You really don’t know me.”
“I know you, Bill. Thank you. Where are you?”
“I’ll text you the address.”
“Got it. Lottery’s coming to get you.”
“Give me ten minutes. I’m waiting for my order.”
“Alright, ten minutes. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Number twelve. A chicken wrap and large iced tea,” someone says from Smith’s location.
“Right here,” Smith says. “Bye.”
The phone goes dead.
Abel slowly walks through the halls of the Colberton Police Department. None of the officers, few as there are, see him. He walks through anyone who crosses his path and any furniture. His hands hang low as he examines the belongings on Karen’s desk. He looks at the smiling face of Carlos, who made her so happy. He also finds a magazine with modern bridal fashions and rings tucked away within faded folders.
A pair of police officers walk in with a box and begin packing her belongings into it. The sight affects Abel, but he doesn’t interfere.
“I’m sick of doing this,” the first officer says. “We lose too many people in this precinct. I’m thinking of putting in for a transfer.”
“You won’t get it,” the other says. “Your options are work three times as hard to cover for everyone who’s left or quit.”
“What are we supposed to do with this shit anyway? She wasn’t married. She didn’t have any kids. Who’s her next of kin?”
“I don’t know. I’d say Carlos, but he’s down the hall in his cell.”
“Poor guy. Those auggies did this to him. He wouldn’t have killed Karen. It kind of makes you not want to help the people getting jumped these days.”
Sleepers and Scouts Page 22
