The Third Ten

by Jacqueline Druga

The LEP growled, almost an angry shriek.

  Hal yelled, “Danny!”

  “Sorry, was getting the moment.”

  Frank didn’t flinch. He was trapped in a stare down.

  Then Chaka … spoke. The dialect was different, but the basis was English in a sense and the word determinable.

  “Pet.”

  “Pet?” Hal asked. “Did he say ‘pet’, or is that a word that sounds like pet.”

  Chaka repeated, only angrier. “Pet.”

  “What do you suppose it means?” Robbie asked.

  “I have an idea of what it means.” Frank then lowered his voice. “Get me Jenny Matoose.”

  <><><><>

  Jenny was applying ice to her neck, when Robbie whispered in her ear, she was needed by Frank about her ‘incident’ and to not say a word, only quietly walk with him.

  She felt important, part of a covert operation, especially since she couldn’t say anything to anyone.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Remember you said you’d be bait?” Robbie asked her as they drove.

  “Yes.” Jenny’s voice quivered.

  “Well, this is the moment and the safest one you can have.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You will.”

  “Where are we going? New Bowman, the fields.”

  “Nope. Right here in Beginnings.”

  Jenny tucked her hair behind her ears and nervously guided her hand across her stomach as they drove.

  Frank was waiting for the jeep, as was Danny and Hal.

  “Smile.” Danny said, holding up his phone. “I want to capture your heroine moment.”

  Jenny tilted her head and smiled.

  Flash.

  “Danny.” Hal scolded. “Will you stop?”

  “May I see?” Jenny peeked at the picture and giggled. “You brought back camera phones. You are the best.”

  “Frank.” Hal snapped, “Can you please control this.”

  “Yes.” Frank said. “Danny, you can’t let this get out. I have a plan. And it goes no further than us. Understand. Right now, this is as far as it goes.”

  Hal shifted his eyes. “What are you up to Frank? Why isn’t anyone to know you killed it?”

  Frank took Jenny’s arm and pulled her a few feet away from the jeep. “It’s here. It’s on the other side of the sector 32 fence. I think it wants you. I just need you to walk up there with me. You’ll be safe. Robbie is there, Hal, Danny. I promise you nothing will happen to you.”

  “I feel safe Frank. Your word is all I need.”

  “Good girl.” Frank winked with a nod. “Danny, no flash photography.”

  “How about music?”

  “Oh! Fucking perfect. Like a movie. When he sees her.”

  Danny, eyes to his phone, maneuvered his fingers. “This person had a playlist, let me see what I have.”

  “Cool.”

  “This is insane,” Hal griped. “Robbie? What do you think?”

  “I think Frank is more in tune with this thing than we realize.”

  After a shake of his head, Hal walked behind Frank. They stopped before the gated area.

  “Quiet,” Frank instructed. “He’s there.”

  There were four or five hard sniffs that rang out.

  Frank lifted his radio. “Mark. On my call, turn on the spotlights in sector 32.”

  “Roger that, Frank.”

  Frank looked at Jenny. “You ready?”

  “Yes.”

  Then he looked at Hal and Robbie. “Weapons, ready, gentlemen. Hal pull that sword.”

  Slowly, Hal did and indicated he was ready.

  “Mark. Now.”

  There was a hum and after a series of shifting, the entire area lit up as if it were daylight, exposing the future LEP.

  Jenny inched back. “Oh my God.”

  There wasn’t a sound.

  Then ….

  And I’m gonna keep on loving you …. Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do …

  “Jesus, Danny,” Hal commented.

  “What?” Danny asked clueless. “Frank said.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Frank grinned. “Fucking perfect. And I did say.”

  Robbie laughed.

  The Future LEP did not. He tossed back his head, arms to his side, and a huge rumbling grow came from his chest.

  “See what you want, huh?” Frank taunted.

  “Frank.” Hal warned. “He doesn’t look happy.”

  “Aw,” Frank stroked Jenny’s hair, “Pretty huh.”

  The future LEP’s shoulders rose and fell heavily.

  “Uh, Frank?” Robbie whispered. “At this moment, I concur with Hal.”

  “Mine.” Frank said. “Not yours. Beginnings. Mine.”

  “You’re taunting him?” Hal asked. “My God what’s wrong with you?”

  The future LEP cried out deep and long and then backed up.

  Frank cocked a smile. “Get ready. Jenny back up behind us.”

  Jenny did.

  The Chaka charged.

  “Frank?” Robbie question.

  “Oh my God,” Hal held up his sword, “That fence won’t hold.”

  Flash.

  Frank didn’t move. He didn’t flinch, he waited, hands on hips as the LEP raged forward at a high speed and rammed full force into the perimeter fence.

  The fence wobbled but instantaneously, sparks flew about with the surging sound of electricity.

  The future LEP stuck to the fence for a second and with a high squeal flew high in the air and ten feet back. He slammed to the ground with a deadened thump.

  “Yes!” Frank shot his hand outward in victory.

  “How …” Hal put his sword away. “How did you know that would happen? That’s just a fence.”

  “I didn’t.” Frank shrugged. “I was just ready for a fight.”

  “You were ready for a fight …” Hal swatted out at Frank. “What the hell is the matter with you?”

  Frank called into this radio. “Down Sector 32. Danny, play me some Journey, it soothes the Killer Babies.”

  “Got it.” Danny replied.

  He waited for the sound of the fence to be down and the familiar sound of don’t Stop Believing and Frank opened the gate. He walked to the Future LEP. First he nudged him with his foot, then bent down to him. Visually checking him out. He looked like a more human version of Marcus.

  Hal moved just to the fence as did Robbie and Danny. “Is he dead?” Hal asked.

  “Nope. Out. Still reeling in the charge though. Watch.” Frank reached down and the static charge got him.” Frank laughed.

  “Do you need help finishing the job?” Hal said. “Want the sword?”

  “No, I have a better idea.” Frank looked over his shoulder. “Robbie, get the jeep.”

  “Get the …” Hal walked in a little. “Why is our little brother getting the jeep? Kill it first.”

  “Nah. Trust me Hal, this is better. We have about two hours before he wakes. I know how they handle the charge.”

  “So we’re taking him inside?” Hal questioned. “Where?”

  “I have a plan.”

  “He has a plan.” Hal tossed up his hands. “Of course. Frank …”

  “Trust me, Hal. This will be fun.”

  “Sure. Fun. I’m game.” Hal said sarcastically. “What is dad gonna say?”

  “Nothing. Because he won’t know.”

  “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.”

  Frank stared down to the unconscious LEP. “Hey.” Frank nudged him again, causing another spark.

  “Got the jeep close, Frank,” Robbie said.

  “Robbie, help me lift him.” Frank said.

  “Will I get shocked?”

  “Probably.”

  “Cool.”

  After a heavy, sigh, Hal walked beyond the gate with Robbie. “Let me help, too.”

  “Oh, yeah, brother bonding,” Frank said. “After we get him in the jeep, I want to do a quick check of the region
. I bet he has stuff.”

  Hal stared seriously at Frank. “I see where you are going with this. More to learn if he lives. Can we contain him though?”

  “If he didn’t break that fence, we can contain him. Everyone grab hold. You’ll get shocked at first, like static on a carpet, but after the first one you’re fine. On three lift, he’s gonna be heavy.”

  The brothers took position.

  “Three.” Frank said.

  Hal asked. “What happened to one and two?”

  “Fucking lift, Hal.”

  They all did.

  Snap. Pop. Snap. Ow.

  But they all grasped a hold and hoisted the limp LEP.

  “Man, I expected him to smell.” Robbie said.

  “He civilized,” Hal said. “He cooks and seasons his food.”

  “And now we have him.” Frank smiled. “Welcome to Beginnings, big guy.”

  Flash.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “Check.” Elliott stated as he moved his chess piece.

  Ellen whined. “I suck at chess.”

  “Look at the board and concentrate.”

  “I am.”

  “No, you keep looking at your phone.”

  “That’s because I got a text message.” She lifted the phone. “I thought they didn’t get texts in 1995.”

  “That phone is not from 1995, and even if it was, I believe the screen still handled messages.”

  “I wonder who sent it. It just said ‘test’.”

  “What did they say when you texted back?”

  “Get this. Lol.”

  “And you didn’t recognize the number?”

  “No, not at all. I called it back and it went directly to voicemail. It’s odd. I’m baffled... Just like I am now about this game.”

  “Concentrate, Ellen.” Elliott smiled.

  “Thank you for hanging out with me tonight.”

  “Not a problem. Did you have a good time at the party?”

  “Oh,” Ellen gushed. “It was so much fun. The kids had a blast. Obviously, when do you know them all to be asleep? And the band sounded so good.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m not keeping you from anything, am I?” Ellen asked.

  “No, just waiting on the captain and for you to make your move.”

  “I’m thinking, I’m thinking.” She placed her hand over a piece, paused and retracted. “Frank is a genius at this game. Wonder what he’s doing?”

  “What did he say he was doing?”

  “Well, when I asked why he was going to be late, he said he was doing stuff. Stuff. That’s code for hanging out with his brothers.”

  “Why wouldn’t he tell you that?” Elliott asked.

  “Because I’d say hang out here. Since Frank became president, even though he officially isn’t, I don’t see him anymore. He’s always busy with something. I go to bed before him and he’s gone by the time I wake up. I guess you can say we have become complacent.” She reached for a piece and stopped. “Damn it.”

  At that moment the door opened and Hal walked in.

  It was obvious, Elliott took a double take look at him, which made Ellen look again.

  Hal looked worse for wear.

  “Captain?”

  Hal held up his hand. “Don’t ask.”

  “Where’s Frank.” Ellen questioned.

  “Doing um …" Hal paused.

  “Stuff?” Ellen finished his sentence.

  “Yes, stuff. I need a drink.”

  Ellen pointed back toward the kitchen.

  Before he went into the kitchen, Hal paused to kiss Ellen on the cheek.

  Snap.

  “Ow!” Ellen jumped. “You shocked me.”

  Hal facially cringed. “Damn it, sorry. I’m gonna get that drink.” He went into the kitchen and returned with a glass. He touched Ellen’s shoulder.

  Snap.

  “Ow. Hal. What the fuck?”

  Elliott snickered.

  “You think it’s funny?” Hal reached out and touched him.

  Snap.

  “Shit.”

  “Ha!” Hal grinned.

  “Why, Captain are you shocking everyone you touch.”

  “I know.” Ellen nodded. “Would this stuff you and Frank were doing have anything to do with the shorted invisible suits?”

  “Why would you ask?”

  “Because I know,” Ellen said. “Because ever since Frank got zapped by that suit and zapped everything he touched, him and Robbie play this sadist game of who can take it the longest. Now they lured you into their sick Slagel masochistic ritual.”

  Hal lifted his hands. “Busted.”

  “Bet Frank is walking about barefoot in the grass trying to get rid of the current before he gets home.”

  “Something like that.”

  “It’ll stop in an hour.” Ellen stood. “Just don’t touch anything flammable. I’m gonna go check on the kids. Take my turn.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Don’t let me lose.” Ellen pointed and walked out.

  Hal waited a second, took her seat and looked at the board. “How did she not get out of this one?”

  “Why are you lying to her?” Elliott asked.

  “I beg your pardon. Lying to her?”

  “Yes. Lying about tonight.”

  “Sgt. Ryder, I am aghast. I’m not lying.”

  “I can tell.”

  Hal reached across the table and touched him.

  Zap.

  “Stop that.” Elliott shook his hand. “Seriously, Captain. What’s going on?”

  Hal exhaled heavily. “You don’t even want to know.” He moved Ellen’s chess piece into a safe position. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”

  <><><><>

  Was it really after Midnight? The Mardi Gras started to finally wind down and Dean was bummed because most of the party time was spent in the clinic. He could hear the last of the party goers. The drunken talk and laughter carrying on outside, he knew as soon as he went to sleep, the cleanup fairies would hit the street. Although this was the first party that Joe really didn’t have a hand in organizing. Dean was certain, Danny had that part under control.

  Danny had everything under control … always.

  Including prizes and a ‘big’ announcement that left everyone guessing.

  Dean was guessing as well. The only hint Danny gave to Dean was that Dean would love it probably more than anyone.

  What Dean would love was not only to get out of the clinic, but to get Robbie and the Starters to record the music they play. Granted they played once a week in Beginnings, but when they played it was themed. They did some really good songs for Mardi Gras; one was a reboot of a tune Dean loved. The Starters were an unbelievable band. Elliott Ryder joining them was the best thing they did. Of course they used to be the only band, but now, there were others. Each province, with the exception of Bowman, had a band. They all took turns playing in the different provinces.

  “Dean,” it was supposed to be a whisper, then again, it was Frank.

  Dean looked up from his paperwork. “What’s up?”

  “Hey.”

  Dean shook his head with a laugh.

  “Were you singing?” Frank asked.

  “I was humming. The band sounded really good tonight.” Finally, he set down his paperwork and turned around. Frank stood arms across his body. Not moving. “You ok?”

  “Yeah, I feel great. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, for starters you’re here at the clinic at this hour. You were shot.”

  Frank tossed out his hand. “Flesh wound. Why are you still here?”

  “Seven. Seven neck injuries tonight after the Whip my Hair contest.”

  “I won.”

  Dean laughed. “I know. I told you not to dance.”

  “You said not to wave my arms. I whipped my hair.”

  “You don’t have hair.”

  Frank gasped. “Why does everyone keep saying that?” Frank rubbed his head. “I
have hair. It’s just short.”

  “It’s shorter than it’s ever been because you’re gray now.”

  “I am not.”

  “Frank.

  “What?’

  “Why are you here?”

  Frank grinned

  “Oh, no.”

  “What?”

  “There it is.”

  “There what is?’

  “That wide ass, arrogant Slagel grin. All of you get it when you’re up to something.”

  “My ass is not wide.”

  “Ha, ha, ha.” What’s up?”

  Another grin and Frank nodded. “I have a surprise for you.”

  Dean looked at his watch. “At this hour. A surprise.”

  “It’s big.” Frank held out his hands. “You are gonna love it. You are gonna tell me, Frank, you’re the fucking man.”

  “I doubt that.”

  “No, Dean, you will. Bet me.”

  “Bet you I’ll say you’re the fucking man?” Dean asked.

  “Yep.”

  “You’re on.” Dean reached out to Frank.

  Zap.

  “Ow. Shit.” Dean retracted his hand after the hard shock.

  “Sorry. Should have warned you. I was trying to lose it, but it’s still there, better than it was.”

  “Better than what was.”

  “Huh?”

  “You said it’s better. You mean the shock?”

  “Of?”

  “Frank!”

  “What!”

  “You shocked me.”

  “I know!” Frank yelled back. “I can’t help it. At least I didn’t short you out like I did the cryo lab keypad.”

  Dean shrieked. “You shorted my keypad.”

  “Yeah, but Danny fixed it right away.”

  “Why were you in the cryo lab?”

  “Uh, Dean, your surprise.”

  “Of course.” Dean exhaled. “Ok, I’m game and curious. Let me shut down. I’d ask you to help, but I don’t want any of this fried. And …” Slowly he looked at Frank again, “Why are you shocking people.”

  “Because I’m an amazing human being who can perform feats that no other man can.”

  “Aside from that. Why the electric shocking.”

  “Oh, I absorbed a lot.”

  “What!” Dean shrieked.

  “Dean, please, it’s not like I don’t absorb electric shock all the time. Me and Robbie still play with the suits.”

  “Well, stop. Okay?”

  “Why.”

  “It’s dangerous.”