The Face of a Rogue

by L T Anderson

  The communications room and bar area were quiet and empty when Dion entered. The door to the outside was closed. No Jimbo. Taking a leak, maybe, he thought.

  The two-way crackled. “It’s Will, Jimbo. Do you copy? We’re 10-19, heading in from the medical center.”

  Dion glanced up at the electronic map on the wall. Three lighted dots representing the Three Amigos’ Lenco BearCats moved along the highway toward the Perimeter. He pressed a button on the control console. “Will, it’s Dion. I copied.”

  “10-4, Dion.”

  Dion walked slowly toward the Depot door to the compound. He opened the door, just a crack, and looked outside with one eye. The heavy air drifted inside, cooling the skin on one side of his face. The hair on his neck bristled. He glanced down and saw Jimbo’s 9mm handgun lying on the concrete walkway. Jimbo had his back to the door. Raymond had one arm around Jimbo’s neck. The other hand grasped a pistol, the business end pressed against Jimbo’s temple.

  Chapter 22

  The Xander Plan

  “I trust the quiche is to your liking, Ms. DeMone?” Levi said.

  Angelica dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “I’ve had better.” She folded the napkin and laid it vertically onto the empty plate in front of her. “But I’ll give you that it’s not bad for a Hyperloop transportation-type meal.”

  “I’ll speak to the head chef,” Levi said.

  Curtis smiled and looked at Levi. “My waffle and bacon were excellent.”

  Johnny glanced at Levi, leaned into Curtis and cupped a hand over his mouth. “Ix-nay, buddy. He didn’t ask you.”

  Levi smiled. “That’s quite all right, Logan. I’m happy to see Mr. Dyer feels comfortable enough to speak freely.”

  “Yes, Leader. I was just—”

  Levi held up a hand. “He is part of my inner circle, Logan. Just as you are. Mr. Dyer is a valuable addition to our staff.” He nodded at Johnny. “Kudos to you, of course, for bringing him to me.” He looked at Curtis, then back at Johnny. “But that’s as far as things go with you. Mr. Dyer is his own man. He may speak to me any time, any place.”

  “About anything?” Johnny asked.

  “About anything and…” Levi gestured around the table. “…about anyone.”

  “So you want us narking on each other?” Johnny asked.

  Xander had ordered wine for breakfast. He took a sip and placed the glass back onto the table. “Checks and balances, Logan.” He smiled at Johnny. “You have something to hide?”

  Johnny dropped his fork onto his plate without taking the last bite of his omelet. He sat back. “I got nothing to hide, Rasmus.” He pointed at Curtis. “It’s just that…I thought I was going to be his mentor. I thought I was going to supervise him.”

  “The doctor is correct, Logan,” Levi said. “We have checks and balances. We all keep each other honest.” He looked at Angelica. “Would you agree, Ms. DeMone?”

  Angelica nodded, feigning subservience. “Oh, yes, Levi. We all keep each other honest.” She put a hand on Xander’s forearm. “How’s that wine? I’m getting to the point where I feel the urge to have some myself.”

  “Splendid,” Xander said. He winked at her. “Takes the edge off meetings like this.”

  Levi raised his water glass to Xander. “I’m glad you reminded us we’re all in a meeting here. We’ll reserve pleasure for our trip back to the Underground. For now, why don’t you brief us all on your progress with the SOUL Chybrid project and what we should expect from our little excursion today.”

  Johnny swiveled his seat toward Curtis. He looked directly into Curtis’s eyes. “Don’t think you’re in, buddy. You keep your nose clean and talk to me first before you speak to our leader again.”

  “Are we interrupting something, boys?” Angelica asked, staring at Johnny and Curtis.

  Johnny sat up in his chair. “My apologies. Go right ahead.”

  “As I was saying,” Xander began. “We have conducted stringent testing of the SOUL Chybrid children within the city limits of Tremayne. We have deliberately programmed the SOUL children to the limits of compassion—having little to none. Of course, this is merely an experiment and the activities of these Chybrids have not been received to any degree of favor by the Bystanders. That is, the citizens of Tremayne.”

  Curtis sat staring at Xander as his eyes glazed over. The doctor’s words faded to background noise as Curtis’s mind drifted to Krystal. He imagined the day they would be reunited. His eyelids closed as he felt her hand on his face, his lips touching hers, their bodies pressed together. He felt her arms around him, the skin of their cheeks touching. She’ll be so happy we’re both Changers now, he thought.

  “And we expect the SOUL Chybrid children to become citizens themselves, students in public schools and active members of society among the Bystanders,” Levi said.

  “That’s correct,” Dr. Rasmus confirmed. “Our plan is to migrate the SOUL Chybrids into Bystander territories as full families. We will push the population of the SOUL Chybrids into North America at a limit just below that which the Bystanders’ social services can support, without being a complete burden to their system.”

  “Excellent.” Levi clapped his hands together once.

  Curtis’s eyes shot open.

  “Once the SOUL Chybrids have become integrated into society, they will be used to influence the youth of the Bystanders. We will program the Chybrid children at all levels of intelligence and personalities. The Bystander children will naturally be inclined to side with our SOUL Chybrids, thus—”

  “Thus making them oblivious to the fact we intend to absorb them to maintain our own lives,” Angelica said.

  Xander leaned back in his seat and looked down his nose at Angelica. “Well, that’s putting it bluntly. But, yes.”

  Sounds fucked up, Curtis thought. The Punks won’t stand a chance to get anyone onto their side. Not without the youth. Hmm, I’m a Changer now. So is Krystal. I’m not sure I care.

  “Yes!” Levi said. “As you have so eloquently stated, Doctor, when we capture the minds of the children, we will rule the world!”

  “Precisely,” Xander agreed. He turned to Angelica. “But let me address your point about absorbing the lives of the Bystanders. We have developed the SOUL Chybrids to a new level. This level will lessen the need for direct absorption of the human Bystander by a regular Changer. As you will soon see, the SOULs will absorb the Bystanders on our behalf and become container vessels of our life-extending enzyme.”

  Levi smiled.

  The white-suited attendant brought Angelica’s wine and set it on the table.

  She picked up the glass and lightly sniffed the edge of it. “Do tell, Doctor.”

  Xander didn’t hide that he was enjoying his time in the spotlight. He looked at Curtis. “Mr. Dyer. You have not yet had the need to absorb your first life, am I correct?”

  Curtis nodded. “Yes, that’s correct.”

  “Since you have been trained in the absorption of human life to extend your own, you know the details. Sadly, when we absorb a life, we leave the remnant of the body behind.” His mouth curled into a snarl. “You know, that shriveled pile of skin and bones that’s leftover for our ‘collection team’ to clean up—”

  “The collection team is used for mass absorption operations only, Xander,” Angelica clarified.

  Xander took a deep breath to hide his irritation at the interruption. “Yes. And when you absorb a life in a single event…” He glanced at Angelica. “You must dispose of the remains yourself, or leave it for someone to discover.” He frowned. “Can get messy, you know.”

  “Yes, sir,” Curtis said.

  Xander held up a finger. “But.” He looked around the table. “But our new adult SOUL Chybrids have the ability to absorb a human and store the life-extending enzymes of the human body within specially built capsules. The capsules are protected within the Chybrid housing for delivery back to the Underground.
”

  “So what about the carcass, the dead human body?” Johnny asked.

  Xander sat back in his seat. “That’s something we’re still working on.”

  Johnny snorted. “So the dead body just stays where it is, to be discovered by anyone?”

  “Yeah, okay, Logan. The point is, we Changers don’t have to deal with it. The SOUL Chybrid will absorb the human and walk away. There’s no emotion there. No sense of responsibility or remorse.”

  “Ha!” Johnny sat forward. “I never felt remorse after absorption.” He glanced back at Curtis. “I mean, it’s the human or me, right? Changers are worth more than any Punk or Bystander.” His eyes widened. “Hey, Doc. You s’pose we’ll get to see a Chybrid absorb a Bystander when we get to Tremayne?”

  Dr. Rasmus finished off his wine and set his glass on the table. He sat back and smiled, resting both hands on the arms of his chair. “One can always hope.”

  Chapter 23

  Talking Down

  Silver stared at a row of seven urinals on one wall of the black-tiled restroom. On the opposite wall were seven regular toilets inside stalls with privacy doors. She glanced back at the urinals. What the heck are urinals doing in the ladies’ restroom? And what’s that low one for, midgets? Oh, wait. I get it. Coed restroom. She rolled her eyes. Whatever, she thought as she chose a stall on one end and entered, fastening the door latch behind her.

  She pulled her cell from a back pocket of her pants and sat down on the closed toilet lid. What the hell, Yaz. She speed-dialed Felix.

  The call buzzed twenty times in her ear before going dead. She looked down at the cell. CALL ENDED. You little shit. She speed-dialed the doctor again.

  Eight rings later, Felix answered. “Silver. Hello.”

  “Felix,” Silver whispered into the cell. “What have you gotten me into? I don’t know if I’m up for this. Have you ever tried to hang out with these savages? And Peterson. She really thinks she’s the cat’s meow. Acts like she’s the boss. This is dumb, Felix. What am I even doing here—”

  “Silver, you must calm down.”

  She cupped her hand over the cell and raised her voice to a loud whisper. “How can I be calm when I don’t even know why I’m here. I mean, you just pushed me through your little transport wall-thingy and expect me to wing it?”

  “I told you, you would be part of a very special team. You—”

  “I’m not too far from timing out, you know. I need to absorb someone soon. How’s that going to look? Bet you didn’t think about that.”

  “I’ve checked your stats. You have six months left, give or take a day. Now, tell me what’s happening right now. I don’t have a monitor in the Punks’ dining facility at this time.”

  Silver took a deep breath and surveyed the inside of the stall. “They’re having this breakfast meeting. I think they like getting up early, which for me, you know it’s a stretch. So far, everyone seems nice enough. And their leader, Dion. He’s better-looking in person than I remember from the images I’ve seen on our monitors in the Underground. There’s one person, Winter. She’s a little scary. But nothing I can’t handle—”

  “Silver. The meeting. What is it about?”

  “Right. So you said there was going to be this team of four. You know, me and Peterson, plus Garrison and Dennis. But this guy, Ryker, and this Winter character are both in on it. They’re talking about going to Tremayne to get a firsthand look at what we—I mean the Changers—are up to. They’re convinced the Chybrid attack isn’t the end of pressure from the Changers.”

  “And you know from experience that their assumptions are correct. You know the Changers will not stop until they have eliminated all opposition to their agenda.”

  Silver’s shoulders slumped. “I know. And somehow you’ve stuck me on the losing side. I’m accustomed to winning, Felix.”

  “Do you even realize what an elite team of professionals you are a part of? Look at the history here. Look at the experience.”

  “I suppose I haven’t analyzed their individual abilities and talents.”

  “Yes, do that. Analyze them. Then realize the sum of their parts is exponentially greater than they are as individuals. And remember that team includes me. And yourself. I am in contact with Peterson, as well as Garrison and Dennis. I will send instructions to you as well.”

  Silver sat for a few moments to absorb what Felix had said.

  Felix waited patiently on the other end of the connection.

  “Okay, Felix. Thanks for talking me down.” She looked down at her lap. “By the way, what’s this little metal case with the combination lock you sent me here with?”

  “In time, dear. I assure you, you will know before you need it. Just remember to guard it with your life.”

  “Yeah. Got it,” she said before ending the call.

  Ryker glanced at the door leading to the communications room. He slid his chair back from the table and dropped his napkin on his plate. “I’ll be right back, everyone. I’m gonna see what’s keeping Dion.”

  Winter looked up at Ryker. “Was thinking the same. Need a hand?”

  Ryker waved her off. “Nah, I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll let you know.”

  When he entered the communications room, he saw Dion standing at the door leading to the compound.

  Dion glanced back and held a finger over his mouth, then motioned for Ryker to join him.

  “What’s up, bro?” Ryker whispered.

  Dion whispered over his shoulder. “Ray’s out there holding a nine to Jim’s head. I don’t know what his problem is.”

  Raymond spoke to Jimbo through gritted teeth. “Remember the day your little pet, Krystal Peterson, came home? You shoulda’ been on my side, bro.”

  Jimbo stood firm. “I’m on the Punks’ side, Ray. It’s where you should be.”

  “The Punks are whacked out, man,” Raymond said. “Three months ago, they shoulda’ killed her ass. Now that fuckin’ bitch is back in our ranks. And you voted against me.”

  Jimbo’s muscles flexed against the pressure from Raymond’s grip. “I voted her out, Ray. You heard me. But majority ruled here. I accepted the decision of the organization.”

  “Every one of you that allowed her back in is dead. That’s my goal.” Raymond pressed the pistol harder against Jimbo’s temple.

  “Dude, you can’t get any closer with that nine than you are. Let’s go inside. Get some breakfast and talk this out.”

  The sound of vehicles in the distance caught the Punks’ attention. Jimbo strained to look sideways against the gun at his head. Fog lights on the approaching trucks did little to cut through the blanket of murk that had settled into the compound.

  “Company’s coming, Ray. Let’s tone this situation down.”

  “Fuck that, Jim. It’s probably those three little pukes that never should have had a vote.” Raymond wrestled Jimbo around to face the vehicles. “First you, bro. Then, they’re dead.”

  “The Amigos are rolling in,” Dion whispered to Ryker. “Ray’s got his back to us now. Let’s move.”

  Light from inside the Depot reflected off the fog in front of the two Punks outside when Dion flung the door open. Raymond glanced back and squeezed the trigger a split second after Jimbo dropped to the ground.

  Dion lunged at Raymond’s knees as Ryker dove over Dion, both fists flying. A hard right cross from Ryker’s fist connected with Raymond’s temple. The disgruntled Punk crumpled to the ground as Ryker’s boot slammed into Raymond’s ribs.

  Jimbo scrambled to his feet. “Hold up, Ryk! He’s out!”

  Dion released his grip on Raymond’s legs and stood up. He glanced at the prone Punk’s right hand, still clutching his pistol. “Grab the nine, Jim. Ryk, get the zip ties.”

  Jimbo peered into the mist toward the glow of headlights. “The Cats are idling, guys. I can’t make out anyone.”

  “Looks like you guys got everything under control.” It was Will.
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  Dion started. “Will! What the hell, sneaking up like that!”

  Adam and Joey followed Will into the light cast from inside the Depot.

  “Had to sneak up, bro,” Adam said. “Till we could find out what was happening.”

  Ryker returned from inside with a hefty pair of zip ties and straddled Raymond. “Good job, guys.” He gathered Raymond’s limp arms and secured them behind the unconscious Punk’s back.

  Joey stared wide-eyed at the back of the leather-clad Punk on the ground. “Is that Ray?” He looked up at Ryker. “What was happening?”

  “Can’t say yet.” Ryker looked at Jimbo. “Guess you can fill us in.”

  Jimbo brushed the dirt from the front of his leather vest. “I honestly think he intended to take me out.” He looked at the Three Amigos. “You dudes were next on his list.”

  “You mean, are next on his list,” Will said. “He’s not dead, right?”

  Dion shook his head. “He’ll be fine. But he’ll have to make his way without us. He’s out of the organization.”

  “Wow,” Will said. “Just like that, huh? No meeting or voting?”

  Dion looked Will in the eyes. “You heard what Jim said. Ray was going to kill him, then you three. There’s no place for that in the Punks. We have disagreements. But we’re family. Family doesn’t do what he wanted to do. It’s my decision. He’s out.”

  “I’ll get security to dump him outside,” Jimbo said as he stepped back into the Depot.

  Dion turned to Jimbo. “He takes nothing with him. Put him out through the Wall—same gate we sent Krystal out.”

  “You got it. Any message for him?”

  Dion’s eyes narrowed. “Nothing worth wasting my breath on. He wouldn’t listen anyway.”

  Krystal pushed her chair back from the table in the Depot’s dining room. “So the teams are set for today. Winter, you’re with Silver. Fred’s with Thomas and Ryker’s with me.”