Rise of the Fallen: Ascensionis

by Danny R Negron

  After a brief moment of silence, the assassin tells Barbara, “Speaking of Tommy, Ken Miyazaki was not very pleased at him using Haruka as a shield. I would rather not be in his shoes right now.”

  “Tommy's a pig.”

  She then tilts her head slightly and asks out of curiosity, “Who are your clients?”

  He finishes his martini and replies, “If I were to tell you, Miss Echevarria, you would never be able to sleep at night.”

  Suddenly, a beeping sound is heard and the assassin gazes at his watch. He says to Barbara, “Well, now. This is where I get off.”

  “What? Now? But we haven't landed yet.”

  The assassin stands up and reaches above for his black bag. As he begins to walk down the aisle toward the emergency exit, he says, “You stay alive, Barbara. Great things are in store for you.”

  The mysterious man opens the hatch, and he is heard saying in a low voice, “Now, Indrid.” Barbara is perplexed at the fact that the interior of the plane is not being affected by decompression. She is blinded by a bright light and, in reaction to this, shields her eyes with her hands. When her vision returns, she sees that the emergency exit hatch has been closed. Barbara quickly turns her head away and wonders if what she experienced was real or the result of being heavily medicated. She slowly moves her eyes to see that the empty martini glass is still there on the tray. Barbara closes her eyes and whispers to herself, “Go to sleep, Barbara.”

  Chapter XII

  Returning to present day, Barbara reflects on the memory of her flight companion and whispers to herself, “Ludwig. It was you.”

  Haruka becomes puzzled and asks in Japanese, “Are you okay, Barbara?”

  Barbara nods confidently and replies, [J]”Judging by how things turned out, it seems like you didn't complete your assignment.”[J]

  Ryu Miyazaki and Haruka give each other a warm smile. Haruka explains, [J]”No, I did not. They wanted me to kill the one person that truly loved me...the person that is now my father. After I refused, they sent Agent Wong to assassinate him. As you can see, he did not succeed.”[J]

  Ryu adds in a somber tone, [J]”It was a vicious battle. I almost lost her that night.”[J]

  Barbara lowers her head and says humbly, [J]”It would seem that Haruka is rather gifted at saving lives, sir. I owe her mine as well.”[J]

  Haruka jokingly tells Barbara, [J]”And you owe me a Dolce and Gabanna evening gown!”[J]

  Barbara quickly looks up and notices both of them laughing. She says loudly, [J]“Hey! I didn't ask to wear it, you know.”[J]

  After Haruka finishes laughing, she says, [J]”Enough about me, Barbara-san. How can we help you?”[J]

  After taking a sip of her tea, she replies, [J]”I have a very bad man in my custody. I need to know what he knows...but he is not being cooperative.”[J]

  Haruka smiles deviously and, as she leans forward, says in a low voice, [J]”Well then....I think he needs to be given some motivation.”[J]

  Ryu nods in agreement and says, [J]”You will always be considered a dear friend of our family, Barbara-san. We will help you.”[J]

  He rises to his feet and tells Haruka while patting her shoulder, [J]”I will leave this to you, my dear. I bid the both of you a good night.”[J]

  Haruka bows her head and says, [J]”Good night, father.”[J] She looks at Barbara and asks in English, “So, where is he?”

  Barbara stands up and replies, “Let's go somewhere a bit more private.”

  Moments later, the young women arrive at a burned and abandoned store on Haruka's motorcycle. As they dismount, Haruka says, “You owe me a helmet, too.”

  Barbara looks up and closes her eyes to call Indrid with her thoughts. “Indrid. Bring him to us.”

  Indrid replies, “Who is that person with you?”

  Barbara looks at Haruka and thinks, “Her name is Haruka Miyazaki. You can trust her.”

  Haruka asks, “What are you doing?”

  Barbara grins and replies, “Haruka. I need you to have an open mind here.”

  Haruka does not know how to respond to this request. She's already seen her hand reattach itself to her wrist...what else can be as strange? The area becomes engulfed with a luminescent light and Haruka shields her eyes with her hand. When she takes her hand away, she sees a woman dressed in black with pale skin and silky, smooth long black hair. Next to her is a Hispanic-looking man restrained with what seems to be some kind of invisible rope. Haruka opens her mouth to speak but nothing comes out. Indrid opens here eyelids to reveal two black, shiny eyes. This frightens Haruka and she immediately draws out her katana while whispering, “Barbara...what the fuck....”

  Barbara raises her hand slightly and says, “Easy, Haruka. I know this is a lot to take in. This is my friend. Indrid Cold.”

  After a minute passes, Haruka puts the katana away and asks Indrid, “Are you...an alien?”

  Indrid grins and replies in Japanese, “I'm actually part alien.”

  Haruka slowly walks up to Indrid with the fascination of a small child. She then caresses Indrid's face with her fingers and smiles. She says in a low voice, “Oh, my God. It's all true.”

  Barbara is noticing that Haruka is close to losing her mind and, while gently pulling her hand away from Indrid's face, tells her, “Keep it together. Come on.”

  Haruka takes a deep breath and asks while looking at the assassin, “That's him?”

  Barbara nods and replies, “Yeah. I want to know everything. Who he is, who he works for and what they're up to.”

  The man murmurs, “Fuck you. I ain't saying shit.”

  Haruka's blade immediately appears just below his chin. She says in a cold manner, “Such a mouth. I should start by removing that tongue.”

  He gives her a grin and says, “Go ahead. Do your worst.”

  Barbara walks up to him and says frigidly, “I'm willing to bet that you enjoy watching people beg for their lives and never figured that it would ever happen to you. I mean, the hunter never gets hunted. Now, you'll suffer and beg. And no one will feel sorry for you.”

  Barbara becomes agitated at his lack of attention and forcefully pulls on his hair making him yell, “Ow! You fucking bitch!”

  She whispers into his ear, “I love karma, you piece of shit.”

  Barbara lets go of him and informs Haruka, “Oh, I almost forgot to mention that he heals just like me.”

  Haruka replies, “Really?” as she gradually lowers her sword until it touches his crotch. She gives the assassin a maniacal stare and says, “I can cut his penis off. Over and over.”

  His smugness quickly dissipates and he looks up at Barbara as if demanding some kind of rescue. She kneels down in front of him and says, “I'll just leave you to her tender loving care.”

  As she walks away, she says to Indrid, “Let's go.”

  Indrid approaches Haruka and tells her, “I will remove the restraints in two hours.”

  Haruka nods and says, “Sure. I'll have him nice and broken for you in no time at all.” Barbara and Indrid get consumed by the bright light and disappear from sight.

  On the ship, Dr. Frankenstein waits for them to materialize completely. He then says firmly, “Welcome back. I'm assuming that everything went according to your plan, Barbara?”

  “So far, yeah. Mr. Hawkins.”

  He folds his arms and laughingly says, “It looks like the trip has jogged your memory! Good!”

  “I don't find it funny. Have you guys been keeping tabs on me?”

  Dr. Frankenstein's watch suddenly beeps indicating an incoming message. He reads it quickly and gives Barbara a solemn gaze while saying, “I'll explain everything later, my dear. Diana Garrison has replied to my email in which I requested a meeting with her. And she accepted.”

  Barbara takes a step forward and asks the doctor, “Are you sure about this?”

  “I understand your concern, Barbara. It's the part of you still dedicated to law and order. I have already instructed Indrid on what to do in
the event anything should happen to me.”

  Barbara decides not to engage in a debate and reluctantly nods her head. He looks over at Indrid and says, “Let's return to Area 51. Miss Garrison will be cutting her vacation short in order to speak with me in person. Before that, however, I must inform Joshua of his grandfather's condition.”

  Meanwhile, Alexandria is standing in front of Joshua's bedroom mirror while gently brushing her long hair. He appears suddenly from behind and wraps his arms around her waist. This startles her at first but then she grins at him and caresses his arm with her hand. He says softly into her ear, “My mom just called me. She's coming back earlier than planned.”

  “Really? Want me to meet her?”

  “Uhhh....well. Sure. I gotta warn you, though. She gets kinda grumpy after a long flight.”

  Alexandria turns around and kisses his lips very softly. She whispers, “It can wait, then.”

  Their passionate embrace feels extraordinarily intoxicating and they cannot resist the urge to remove their shirts. Suddenly, Alexandria's phone is heard ringing from inside of her pocket. Just as she reaches for it, Joshua whispers, “Ignore it.”

  “I can't, Josh. It might be important news from my dad.” She places her cell phone next to her ear and asks, “Dad? What is it?”

  As Alexandria listens attentively to her father, Joshua notices how the expression on her face becomes more and more saddened. Something bad has happened. He asks, “Alex?”

  She slowly lowers the phone and gives him a very preoccupied stare. Joshua is now becoming worried and, once again, asks, “Alex?”

  Moments later, a bright light illuminates the interior of Indrid's ship. Shortly afterward, Alexandria and Joshua materialize while Dr. Frankenstein observes in a morose manner. He watches the young man's eyes frantically dart back and forth. Dr. Frankenstein approaches him and says in a soothing tone of voice, “Easy, Joshua. He's doing fine. Just follow me, please.”

  Frank Garrison looks up from his bed to see Joshua rushing toward him while shouting, “Grandpa!”

  He takes his grandson's hand and calms him down by saying, “Don't panic, kid. I'll be just fine.” He glances over at Dr. Frankenstein and continues by saying, “I'm in good hands.”

  Joshua notices his grandfather's bandaged hand and his eyes widen as he realizes that there are fingers missing from it. Frank turns his head to look at his injury and tells him, “Oh, this? It's nothing. There's two left so it's not a complete nub.”

  Dr. Frankenstein arrives beside Joshua and says in a serious tone, “I gave you something to help you sleep, Mr. Garrison. You need to rest now.”

  Frank feels himself gradually becoming numb and sleepy. As his vision becomes blurry, he remembers that he needs to provide the doctor with the important information concerning the viral outbreak. He slurs, “Doctor...wait...I need to tell you someth....”

  Joshua leans closer and places his ear close to Frank's mouth in an attempt to hear what he wants to confess. The medication takes effect rather quickly, though, and his grandfather falls into a deep sleep. Joshua stands up straight and says, “He was going to tell you something, Dr. Frankenstein.”

  “I'll be sure to speak with him as soon as finishes resting, Joshua. For now, we need to return to Area 51. Would you like to accompany us or shall we return you back to your home?”

  Joshua takes a quick glance at Alexandria and then looks back down at his grandfather. He finally replies, “I want to be here for him. I'll go with you.”

  Dr. Frankenstein taps his shoulder several times with his hand as a comforting gesture and nods at Indrid while saying, “To Area 51, Indrid.”

  Barbara hears Indrid in her mind saying, “My vision has not changed, Barbara.” She thinks in response “I had a feeling that it hasn't.”

  Henry notices her uneasiness and asks, “Have something on your mind?”

  Barbara shakes her head and replies, “I'm just tired. Not much sleep, y'know?”

  Indrid sits down on the pilots chair and grabs hold of the controls. She takes a brief moment to contemplate what has transpired thus far. Hopefully, her bleak vision of the future will change soon. The ship illuminates brightly inside of the cloud bank and its engines begin to hum. It then rapidly disappears into the distance.

  Several hours later, at the military installation, Rikki Hillman is being accompanied by Adam to the medical area of the secretive thirteenth floor. He insisted on seeing Melanie one last time before they are both taken away to live with new families. They arrive at the entrance of a room and she tells him, “Melanie's in here, Adam. I must warn you, though. She's just finished undergoing reconstructive surgery right now so it's highly probable that she's under sedation. You may not like what you're about to see.”

  Adam pauses for a moment and says, “Yeah.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Yes, ma'am. I'm sure.”

  Rikki opens the door and Adam finds himself petrified with an overwhelming sensation of dread. He will soon experience the same exact thing as Melanie. His face will become transformed and, once he has completely recovered, will have what many in life wish for. A clean slate. Should he be grateful or worried? What if his new parents are worse than his biological parents?

  Adam gathers up his emotional strength and proceeds to cautiously make his way inside. He has always despised hospitals. The smell of medication accompanied by the freezing cold air is just too much for him to handle after a certain amount of time. It's depressing to be surrounded by sickness with death lurking nearby preparing to claim souls when the moment arrives.

  He stands next to Melanie's bed and witnesses in utter terror at her heavily bandaged head. Only her lips can be seen. Rikki approaches from behind and tells him soothingly, “The operation was a complete success, Adam. You see? She's doing just fine. It's almost time for yours so we should....”

  Without looking at her, he replies, “Can you adopt me, Agent Hillman?”

  The unexpected question makes Rikki take a step backward and doubt her own sense of hearing. Did he just ask her what she thinks he asked her? This will not be possible given the secretive and delicate nature of her job. She turns around to avoid eye contact and tells him, “Um...I'm sorry, Adam. I don't think that's possible. Besides, I think your new family will be a definite improvement. We're very selective when it comes....”

  “I won't be able to trust them like I trust you.”

  “What? Listen. I know you're scared, Adam. I would be, too. They simply won't allow it.”

  Adam's silence makes her lower her head in shame. She feels as though she has lost the ability to show compassion long ago. Ever since accepting her current position in the CIA and leaving behind the only person that she's truly loved. She suddenly feels Adam's hand touch her back and swiftly turns around to look at him directly in the eyes. He pleads to her, “Please, Agent Hillman. Can you at least try?”

  The desperation in his eyes makes Rikki feel somewhat flattered and can't help but give him a small grin. She takes him by the hand and nods while saying assertively, “Okay, Adam. I'll try. For now, we need to get going. It's your turn.”

  As they both exit the room, Adam turns his head to give Melanie one final glance and whispers to himself, “I'll keep my promise.” Rikki also looks at her for a brief second and then slowly closes the door shut.

  In one of the rooms at the medical facility of Area 51, Joshua and Alexandria are both sitting down while keeping a watchful eye on Frank Garrison as he sleeps. Joshua notices that Alexandria is fighting to stay awake. Before he even has a chance to tell her to go to her bedroom, Phoebe shows up unexpectedly and presents to both of them a tray with two cups of coffee placed on it. Her hair turns yellow and she says happily, “Luwig said that you should drink this to wake up!”

  Alexandria takes the cup, smiles at Phoebe and pats her head while saying, “That's so nice of you, Phoebe. Thanks.”

  After Joshua takes his cup, Phoebe hides the tray behind
her back and replies, “You're welcome!”

  Alexandria feels Phoebe's artificial eyes fixated on her as she takes a sip of her coffee. She dismisses it as just being curiosity since the android cannot consume neither food nor liquids. Phoebe's hair changes to green as she touches her own lips. She then asks, “Hey....how does that taste? Is it good?”

  Alexandria grins and nods her head while handing the cup to Joshua. She raises both of her hands and replies, “It tastes very good. Just like.....”

  Alexandria lunges at her and begins tickling her while saying, “Getting tickled!”

  Phoebe's hair turns yellow again and she reacts to the tickling by squirming and laughing hysterically. Alexandria ceases and Phoebe says while smiling, “Then, you should laugh every time you drink it!”

  Joshua chuckles and tells her, “We try hard not to. Can you imagine if it spilled on our clothes?”

  Phoebe sticks out her tongue at him and runs out of the room closely followed by Fluffy. Alexandria shakes her head while giggling and takes her cup from Joshua's hand. She takes a sip of the coffee and says, “She's amazing, right?”

  He replies rather unenthusiastically while gazing sullenly at his grandfather, “Yeah.”

  Alexandria gently places her hand on his back and tells him soothingly, “Hey. He'll be fine, okay?”

  “I know, Alex. I'm just wondering who would do this to him and why? I remember your father mentioning something about an outbreak....can all this be connected somehow?”

  Alexandria is at a loss for words at this point. All she can do is ponder the same exact thing while caressing his back with her hand. America's past is rife with dark secrets and atrocious activities which are perpetrated in the name of “national security”.

  Barbara arrives at the doorway and looks down at the young couple. She asks them, “Are you two gonna be okay here by yourselves?”

  Alexandria looks up at her and nods while still comforting Joshua. Joshua's grandfather may indeed be able to provide the clue to solving this mystery. Only time will tell, however. Barbara says, “Okay, then. Good night.” She leaves them alone and decides to retire to her bedroom for a well-deserved sleep. Tomorrow is going to be another long day.