Age of Redemption, page 10
part #2 of Titan Code Series
Tessa put an end to the turmoil at the gate, “I’ll take it from here.” Tessa recognized the relieved look on the guard’s face.
Stonewell smiled like he was happy to see her, causing her to want to knock the grin right off his face. “Tessa, I thought that was you on the radio. Melody told me about your new name, Joule. It’s clever.” He was attempting to be charming.
Tessa nodded to Melody, who waited behind Stonewell. She had a worried look on her face. At least she understood the gravity of this confrontation. “What makes you think you are welcome here?” Tessa drove straight to the point. She had no intention of engaging in pleasantries with Stonewell. She recognized the game he played.
“Now Tessa, I came here to offer an olive branch. Why so hostile?”
Tessa wasn’t sure she could get much angrier, but that comment almost sent her over the edge. As she opened her mouth to speak, Finn swept in and neutralized the situation, “Why don’t we take this conversation inside where we can hash all this out like adults?”
Tessa agreed, and Stonewell with his people were led to their board room. That gave her just enough time to calm her nerves and prepare herself for the discussion ahead. Finn walked with her so they could plan, “Let’s try to be rational about this. Stonewell has resources, and we could use that connection.”
Tessa tried to keep her voice down, “How can you trust him?”
“I don’t, but remember who’s in charge here. We are, and he has to play by our rules. We need to draw a firm line in the sand.”
Tessa didn’t want to admit it, but Finn was right. They needed allies, and Stonewell might be a powerful friend if she could keep him on a short leash. She hoped to keep a level head and negotiate this deal, so Stonewell had no power but still wanted to lend aid. At least Finn was at her side to help her through the process. Tessa kept telling herself the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but it didn’t make her feel any better about the current situation. Between the gangs and now Stonewell, it worried her that she might surround herself with more potential enemies than allies. She needed to keep the balance tipped toward people she trusted in her inner circle.
Finn began the conversation as Tessa wasn’t sure where to start, “First off, welcome. For what it’s worth, neither Tessa nor I are pleased you’re here, but you’re here for a reason, and we’re willing to listen.”
Stonewell, Melody, Professor Green, and his wife took their seats, and he began crafting his defense. “We’re on the same side here. You left my faction and started one of your own. You could have rejoined.”
He knew why Tessa didn’t return, but she clarified, “I’ve made it very clear I don’t trust you. I’ve seen you use people for personal gain, and we aren’t doing that here. Everyone may choose their path, and we, as leadership, respect their choices.”
“Still angry about the adrenaline I see.” Tessa couldn’t tell if he hoped she was over that transgression or if he was just full of shit. She was inclined to think he was full of shit.
“Yeah. You might say there’s some bad blood there. It still doesn’t explain why you are here. If you’re here to recruit us, the answer’s no. As you can see, we’re doing pretty well here.”
Stonewell sighed and revealed his motive, “I’m not here to recruit. I suspected that would never happen. I’m here to join forces. I have tech, weapons, food, and water. Not to mention plenty of Evo power.”
“Your Evo power isn’t just nameless, faceless kids to throw at H.I.V.E, and we will never operate as you do.” Finn addressed that concern before Tessa could open her mouth.
“I understand. You can speak with any of them and make sure they choose to fight.” Stonewell conceded to part of their terms.
“Still doesn’t explain why you would want to join forces. If you have so much, why do you need us?” Tessa wanted to understand the real motives behind his so-called truce.
“You’re an Alpha Evo Tessa, and you’re waging war against H.I.V.E. We’re on the same side whether you like it or not. I want to learn what information you have on this Project Genesis. I want for myself and my followers the same as you. A chance to survive.”
Tessa took a moment to ponder the possibilities. Maybe he wanted a fair shake and a chance to ride on her replicated arc. “If you join, then you have to concede your power. I can’t allow you to have any authority here. I can’t trust you to make the right decisions.”
“And how can I trust you?” Stonewell put the ball back in Tessa’s court.
“I can’t give you a seat on our council.” Tessa paused, “But I will allow someone from your team a seat. Someone I trust.”
Stonewell nominated his chose, “Professor Green then.”
“No, Melody.” Tessa trusted Melody.
Stonewell paused in contemplation, “Deal.” He stood to shake Tessa’s hand.
Stonewell and his crew left the board room leaving Tessa and Finn alone. Tessa continued to sit in her seat deep in contemplation. “Did I just make a mistake?”
Finn shrugged his shoulders, “I have no idea, and I expect we won’t know until it’s too late.”
“I’m worried we might get in over our heads here. We have three gang factions; which we aren’t sure we can trust. Now we add Stonewell’s faction. We’re gaining resources, but we’re also gaining people we don’t trust.”
“With all due respect. We don’t know any of those people walking through that gate. We don’t know if we can trust any of them either.”
“I’m worried this all might be a recipe for disaster.” The weight of being a leader was pressing on Tessa’s conscious. She was glad that at least she trusted Finn, Arica, and Sam.
After the intense reunion with old acquaintances, Tessa and Finn returned to planning their raid, and Stonewell’s team volunteered. Tessa allowed them to join. Their team was experienced in H.I.V.E raids, but Stonewell had to stay behind. He made poor choices when it came to combat ops, and she would not allow him to make stupid decisions again. Tessa wanted him to realize she was in charge here.
Tessa was glad to have Melody in charge of Stonewell’s rebel team. She had a solid head on her shoulders and understood how Tessa operated. The rebels would be perfect additions to their raid teams. They already had the experience to combat H.I.V.E.
As Tessa prepared for their raid, the questions and uncertainties of her allies’ trust continued to fester in her mind. She needed insight and knew where she might find it. The only problem was she wasn’t sure she trusted the source, but something compelled her to seek guidance.
Tessa combed the airport city to find Cyclone’s gang and headed toward the section housing their gang members. She knew she wouldn’t find Cyclone in their midst; he was off with Shadow on the raid. Sam sent him ahead in the ARV, but she wasn’t looking for him. It relieved her he was absent. Tessa was looking for his wife, Natalie.
Norine sensed Natalie had a gift to sense peoples’ emotions. Tessa figured Natalie was an empath. She might be blind, but Natalie saw things that were more than skin deep.
Tessa approached Natalie, but she already sensed who was there. “Tessa, Cyclone is off on a mission.”
“I wasn’t looking for Cyclone. I was looking for you.” Tessa found herself nervous to have a conversation with someone who could sense all her insecurities.
“I know. Have a seat. What can I help you with?”
Tessa breathed deep to calm her mind, “You sense things about people, right?”
Natalie grinned, “Then I was right. Norine is a mind reader. Careful keeping that company.”
Tessa agreed with her warning, “I do my best to keep a distance. We might be a family, but there are some trust issues there.”
“So, what is it you need my gift for?” She seemed calm and willing to offer her services.
“I’m concerned about whom to trust. I thought you might perceive who in my group has ulterior motives.”
Natalie leaned back in her chair, “You confuse me, Tessa. You are so strong on the outside, but inside you are nervous and scared. You recognize you need to lead but are afraid of what being a leader means. Your self-doubt will destroy you if you’re not careful.”
It was disturbing for someone to identify so much about her inner turmoil. It was something Finn learned of but not the depth or magnitude. “I would be more confident if I knew the surrounding people had the same goals.”
“Tessa, no one has the same goals. We are all individuals and have different motivations. We are all here because we have a common enemy. It is the thread that binds us together.”
“What happens when H.I.V.E is gone?” Tessa interrupted.
“I’m an empath. I sense emotions; not the future.”
“But motives can indicate future paths.”
“Sometimes. For now, feel at ease that everyone here seems happy and grateful to be on their current path. My husband is fighting H.I.V.E, which is what he loves. I sense Shadow is after revenge. H.I.V.E has hurt him. Sam and Arica would follow you to the end of the earth. Those two are loyal. And Finn is in love with you.”
The last part made her blush, “There is a new faction, and I need to know he is here to help and not sabotage my operation.”
“Tell me who and I will see what lies in his heart.”
“His name is Stonewell, and he is the leader of the original rebel force.”
Natalie’s forehead furled, “I sense this man has hurt you.”
“He has, which is why I can’t trust him.”
“I will watch this man for you.” Natalie seemed concerned for Tessa.
She left the airport feeling better than before. Tessa might glean some insight into Stonewell’s nature and reveal if he plans to derail her plans or use her again. She found her confidence strengthened by Natalie’s words and needed to follow her instincts and stop second-guessing herself. Tessa needed to be the leader she knew she could be.
15
The strike team completed the detailed plans for the H.I.V.E raid. Finn double and triple checked electronics, comms, and helicopter mechanics. Sam reviewed weapons and other essential combat equipment. Tessa worked on welding a laser rail gun to the bed of the chopper.
Finn teased her about the welding mask and bulky leather gloves. “Aren’t you an Alpha Evo? Couldn’t you weld that gun on with your mind?”
Tessa lifted the mask, “Where’s the fun in that. Believe it or not, but I enjoy working with my hands, technomancer.”
“Hey, I still use my hands.” He smirked at her and she blushed a little, hoping no one else noticed.
Tessa shook her head and fired up her torch, “Watch it. You’re playing with fire.” She pulled the mask back down to finish the job. The rest of the afternoon, she spent checking over her powered armor suit and weapons. With her powers, she had little use for weapons anymore but still felt better about having them just in case. Plus, it felt more natural for her to carry them, a reminder of how she was before her Evo transformation.
After dinner, the tact team suited up and packed everything into the chopper. They would mount their attack under cover of darkness. Shadow and Cyclone left days ago in the ARV to prep their ambush site. They selected a secluded section of the highway to prevent H.I.V.E reinforcements from easily coming to the caravan’s aid.
The team headed out before nightfall. There was little conversation over the commute. Stealing from H.I.V.E was an assignment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. On the totem pole of power, H.I.V.E stood at the very top. H.I.V.E had all the firepower and robbing one of their convoys rarely ended well. Even Evos with decent abilities failed to raid H.I.V.E envoys. H.I.V.E studied Evos, so they had protections in place to neutralize powered attacks. Tessa hoped having Finn on the team would help them in that arena. Most Evo safeguards involved some manner of tech, which she counted on Finn being capable of disabling.
Professor Green piloted the chopper with Finn in the copilot’s seat. Finn came on comms to notify the crew when they were on approach. The strike team started prepping for contact. Tessa and Finn would orchestrate the charge with help from the Professor’s wife Vanessa Green and GaleForce. The newest team members were Animal, the shape-shifting beastly leader of the Wildlings gang.
Tessa and GaleForce held back as the others prepared to use jet packs to exit the chopper. Their targets were coming into view on night vision scopes. Shadow and Cyclone joined comms to update the team. They laid spike strips across the main road in case the convoy attempted the run through them. They parked the ARV in the center of the main road with floodlights fully lit. They wanted H.I.V.E to see them there and positioned the vehicle to force the convoy off the main road and onto a narrower side road.
Once they were off the main road, it would be easier to assault, and it would take H.I.V.E much longer to respond to a distress call. As soon as the convoy ran into the road blockade, they would radio H.I.V.E. Finn intercepted the message and scrambled their comms to buy them even more time. Eventually, H.I.V.E would get the distress signal, or the lack of comms between the convoy and headquarters would alert them to a potential problem, and they would send a team to assess the situation.
Once the caravan redirected off their original course, the ARV pulled in behind, and the chopper approached from the front. The caravan positioned an armored assault vehicle in the front and rear of their group. Vanessa Green prepped to jump, and she would enable the front vehicle. On cue, she jumped and switched on her pack. As she slowly descended, she tapped into her ability while hovering above her target. A swarm of massive vines exploded through the pavement to entangle the lead assault vehicle. The vines grew fast and robust, pinning the vehicle in place and squeezed the sides to prevent the occupants from escaping.
A chain reaction led to the trailing semi-trucks to stomp the breaks and the caravan to come to a screeching halt. From the ARV, Cyclone drove up on the rearguard vehicle close enough for Shadow to smoke from the ARV to the H.I.V.E vehicles’ passenger seat. From inside, Shadow took out the driver and hijacked the armored car.
With the protection detail neutralized, the rest of the team sprang into action. By this time, the semi-trucks were attempting to drive around the now disabled lead security vehicle. There was little room on the narrow two-lane highway for the trucks to maneuver around, but it wasn’t impossible. The obstacle slowed the trucks enough that the team could seize them before they got too far.
Animal was up next to jump, and his target was the last truck in convoy. Animal’s approach involved less finesse than Vanessa’s. His decent was a maddening rush to land atop the trailer. After landing, he transformed into a grizzly bear and rampaged to the front of the trailer. He leaped from the trailer to the hood crashing through the cab windshield. He ripped the driver from the cab out the windshield and tossed him to the side of the road. Animal then shifted back to normal human shape and climbed into the truck to regain control.
Finn approached the chopper door, but before he jumped, he had a surprise for Tessa. He loaded some music to play in the comms background. Finn knew how much Tessa loved music. Especially rock-and-roll. Finn cued up Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. He puckered his lips and gave her an in-air smooch before dropping out.
Melody gave Tessa a side-eye glance. She recognized the chemistry between her and Finn. Tessa would need to have a conversation with both of them later. Finn needed to be more careful, and Melody needed to keep her mouth shut.
Finn used his mechanical knowledge and tech abilities to dismantle essential parts of the semi engine halting it immediately.
Vanessa Green came on comms, “I stopped one truck, but two broke through.”
Tessa looked down to see a wall of thorns blocking one truck, but the two lead trucks got around the blockade before Green stopped them and they were hauling ass to escape. Tessa and Melody were both flyers with no need for jetpacks. Tessa pulled down her goggles and cranked up her music as the two girls dropped out of the chopper and head for their renegade supply trucks.
GaleForce dressed in her purple suit with matching mohawked hair, took the second caravan truck. She conjured a wall of hurricane-force wind to prevent the truck from advancing. When the truck struggled to move forward against the wind, the tires squealed and spun in place, and the back wheels of the trailer fishtailed. Melody called on the electricity in the air and struck the cab with a bolt of lightning, frying the electrical systems and killing the engine. A huge puff of black smoke billowed from the truck, and Tessa knew Melody succeeded.
Tessa advanced on the first truck who had made it quite a distance. Her body illuminated with the pinkish-purple signature glow of her power. She sensed the earth’s electrical field surrounding her; raw and untapped. She manipulated the current, channeling it to allow her to levitate more than fly.
Tessa landed in front of the truck, stretching her arms toward the racing vehicle. She seized control of the energy in the engine and cut off power to kill the engine, and the vehicle slowed to a halt nearly at her feet. She wasn’t concerned with the truck striking her because she was in control of the inertia the whole time. She could start and stop the moving vehicle at any moment.
While standing in front, she used her telekinesis to open the cab door and remove the driver. She held him paralyzed with her power and moved him to the side of the road. Tessa secured him in cuffs and rejoined their group for a status report. They had successfully gained full control, and now Finn would check over the vehicles for a damage report and quick repairs. Then they could caravan back to base and deliver their new supplies. The mission was a success.
16
In whole, the spoils in the hijacked trucks yielded food, water, medicine, tech, and weapons. A massive score for Tessa’s group and a successful first raid. A victory they needed. On the journey back to base, Tessa believed the supplies might last them a while, but upon returning, she noticed the base doubled in size throughout her few day absence. The word was spreading, and people sought to join a new cause.
