Alien Collective (45 page)

R
EADER SIGHED.
“I’ll bite. What bizarre and foolhardy thing do you want to do?”

“Oh, not me. Jeff and Christopher, but not me.”

“As if that’s any better?”

Jeff gave me a long look. “This is going to be just like in Florida, isn’t it? Where you have us doing something incredibly dangerous?”

“Yep. We need to get those missiles somewhere they can’t be sent into targets. They’re heavy, but you’re both superstrong and superfast.”

“You made wrangling alligators sound reasonable, too,” Jeff said. “It wasn’t.”

“But it worked.”

He sighed. “It did. You seem remarkably willing to let me risk blowing myself up.”

“I’m not. I just know you two know how to handle a bomb. I figure if Malcolm sees bombs disappearing he’ll realize we’re here, or at least that some A-Cs are here. And we’ll get the bombs out of here.”

“I actually don’t think Kitty’s idea is that bad,” Christopher said. “Because I agree we need to get those bombs away from the gate. But where are we going to put them?”

“Stephanie blew up one option and Kitty burned down the other,” Jeff said.

“We could send them to the Science Center.”

Reader shook his head. “Then we’re stealing them, and I guarantee that will blow up in our faces, pun intended.”

“If we could get them to Luke, or any other nearby Air Force Base, that wouldn’t be stealing so much as rearranging,” Chuckie said. It was nice to see everyone getting in on my plan.

“We’d need the gate for that,” Christopher said. “I could do it, but I’ll be wiped out, going back and forth, and I’m sure we’ll need my speed. Plus, this gate calibrates slowly due to the mass of things normally going through it.”

“And these missiles would be a great example of mass,” Jeff said.

“What about using the Poofs?” Christopher asked.

“Oh, good idea. Let’s ask if they can handle things of this size.”

“Wait, baby.” Jeff shook his head. “Even if they could do it, we’d still have to go, and I think it’ll be harder to explain to the base commander at Luke what the hell we’re doing with all these weapons if they’re busy thinking they’re being attacked by alien animals.”

“I hate to say it, but Jeff’s right,” Reader said. “I don’t think it’s wise to use the Poofs for this, because they’d have to be seen in Attack Mode and they don’t say ‘coming to help’ to someone who’s never seen that before.”

“The missiles are on a truck,” Tim pointed out. “And that’s a mobile missile launcher. Calibrate the gate for Luke, drive them through, leave them there, use a gate at Luke to get back.”

“I like Tim’s plan,” Reader said. “The problem is that Jeff and Christopher can’t drive, and that means you and I will have those honors.”

“We have to go,” Jeff said. “Because if something’s wrong over at Luke, too, we have to be able to get the two of you out.”

“No argument from me, Jeff,” Reader said. “The more the merrier. But that means we’re going to be seen. Which sort of blows the whole element of surprise thing.”

“Not if there’s a distraction.”

They all looked at me. “And let me guess who you’re going to suggest for the distraction,” Jeff said, sarcasm knob heading toward eleven.

“Well, there are only three of us with hyperspeed and I can’t calibrate this gate, nor do I trust myself to drive a missile launcher. I mean, I could drive the truck, since I’m still a great driver, nifty A-C skills or no. So, if you want me driving the bombs through the gate, just say the word.”

“No,” Jeff and Reader said in unison.

“I’ll keep her safe, Jeff,” Chuckie said.

“See? I have Chuckie’s big gun and badge on my side. We’ll be fine here.”

“I hate your plans. I know I say this all the time, but they just get progressively more terrifying every time.” Jeff ran his hand through his hair. “However, I don’t see any other options. We can’t get the proper authorities here in time to see what’s going on, and who’d believe it anyway? This is a military base. So there are missiles and a launcher here, so what?”

“Then we’re agreed. I’ll be sure to make the distraction really spectacular.” Trotted over, hugged Jeff and gave him a kiss. “I promise we’ll be fine and this will work.”

“And I promise you that I think it’s going to be terrifying before it’s over.” He hugged me tightly. “Be careful, baby. And if you get in trouble and can’t get back to Chuck safely, get to Buchanan.”

“I will.” Pulled out my iPod and portable speakers. Spun the dial. “Feed the Gods” by White Zombie would do the trick. And I was revved up, and due to all that had happened today, it was easy to tap into rage, because I really hadn’t stopped being angry for a while now. All I had to do was think about the fact that these people probably planned to blow up the Science Center or the Embassy while they were hitting other targets and, bam, enraged.

Nodded to Christopher, who was manning the door. “Go as soon as they’re paying attention to me.” He nodded back, opened the door, and I zipped out.

He and I had spent a lot of time working on my control over the past year, and I was confident in my hyperspeeding abilities now. I set up my iPod and speakers near to where everyone was, but on the side opposite the gate, and hidden so they wouldn’t be easily found. Turned the volume up to eleven, hit random play, and raced away, still on the side away from where Team Missiles would be.

The music started, and it was loud and jarring. Everyone jumped and, to a person, spun toward the sound, which was my cue. I appeared to be coming in from the far door. They saw me and I “froze.”

“Get her!” Cleary yelled. But the person who responded wasn’t one of the airmen, or Stephanie. It was Maurer.

He barreled toward me, and I recognized the way he was moving, and how fast. He was an android for sure. And that meant he was faster than a human.

This was going to be hard, because in order to maintain the distraction, I had to stay within the building and not get caught. However, I couldn’t use hyperspeed, because then no one would see me.

Waited until Maurer was close, then I took off, toward Cleary. Once again, being a sprinter and hurdler all through high school and college was paying off in my current career as bait. Swerved away from Cleary before I was close enough to grab, Maurer hot on my heels.

Fortunately, this setup had a lot of open spaces between clumps of desks or equipment. Ran around as many airmen as I could. Some tried to catch me, and a couple would have succeeded if I hadn’t had increased strength and if Christopher hadn’t drilled me on how to use bursts of hyperspeed.

The positive on all of this was that it was working—pretty much everyone was paying attention to what was going on. It’s not every day you see a vice presidential candidate chasing an ambassador around in a gigantic air base administration hangar. Even the airmen who weren’t trying to catch me were paying attention.

The negative was, of course, that Maurer was right on my heels.

The music changed to “Alpha Dog” from Fall Out Boy. Fitting, since the lyrics were about megalomaniacs. As I hurdled over a lone desk in my way I risked a glance toward the gate. The truck was starting to go through. Good.

Distraction, even for an instant, is rarely a good thing, and even though I landed well and was able to keep on running, Maurer merely slammed the desk into me. I went down, thankful that I’d also gotten the faster A-C healing from Jamie. Sadly, faster healing didn’t mean no pain, but it did mean the massive bruises I was sure a desk hitting me with great impact would cause would be gone quickly.

Maurer picked me up by the back of my neck, feet off the floor. Yep, this was an android move. What a pity that the two people who could actually fight an android physically were getting a truck loaded with missiles and the corresponding launcher through the gate. On the plus side, they were almost through.

Maurer carried me like this back over to Cleary. “What now?” he asked.

“Did they do it to you willingly?” I asked through gritted teeth. Being held like this wasn’t comfortable.

“Do what to me?” Cleary asked.

“I’m talking to Cameron. Or what’s left of Cameron in there. Did they make you into an android willingly, or did they force it onto you?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Maurer said.

“Yeah? Think about it. How could you have done what you just did, and how could you be holding me the way you are, if you were still a human being? You’re not The Rock.” I’d have given a lot to have The Rock show up right about now. He was a hero, he’d save the day, right?

Heard a gun cock. “Put her down,” Chuckie said. “Or I’ll blow you away.”

O
H, RIGHT.
I had Chuckie backing me up. Booyah.

Looked around. Chuckie and his gun were up against at least a hundred airmen, Cleary, Stephanie, and the Maurer Android. Booyah denied—Chuckie and I were going to be toast.

Wondered where the heck Buchanan and Siler were, as well as if the Dingo and Surly Vic were around. And if they were around, why weren’t they shooting at someone? Well, someone other than me or Chuckie.

“You have no authority here,” Cleary said to Chuckie.

“I have a hell of a lot more than you do. Put her down.” Chuckie had his gun aimed at Cleary. “Or I’ll put you down.”

“I’m not the one holding her, why are you pointing your gun at me? Unless this is an assassination attempt.”

“No, assassins rarely stop to tell you to put someone down. They just shoot you.” Though I had a much better track record with assassins than most. Didn’t think now was the time to share that, though.

“Can he just kill her?” Stephanie asked. “Please?”

“I have authority right here,” Reader said, Commander Voice on Full, as he and Tim appeared, escorting a guy in uniform who I was fairly sure was a lieutenant colonel, and therefore probably the second in command of the base, over to us. Booyah reinstated. “It’s me and the man with me. And I’m telling all of you men to take the governor, the congressman, and the young lady with them into custody. Now.”

The man with them nodded. “You heard Commander Reader. Stand down, all of you, and that includes you, sir,” he said to Maurer. He was a little taller than Tito, but had the same build—slim but muscular—and I guessed him to be of Hispanic heritage too. Also like Tito, he was pretty cute. That he seemed to be on our side in no way colored my opinion of his looks, either.

“Who are you?” Cleary asked him.

“Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Gonzalez, second in command. In the absence of Colonel Butler, I’m
in
command. I just came on shift and was informed of the chaos that’s been going on around here for the past couple of hours. I want that woman’s feet on the floor immediately or I’ll have you all under military arrest, is that clear?” Decided I liked him.

“Do it,” Cleary said softly. Maurer let me go. Dropped to the floor but landed well, so I didn’t fall or turn an ankle. Trotted over to Chuckie and his big gun. The music changed to Nine Inch Nails’ “The Hand That Feeds”. “Thanks,” I said to Gonzalez.

“Yes, ma’am. Explain yourself, sir,” he said to Cleary.

“What’s going on here?” Cleary asked. Sadly, he knew my dad’s trick of answering a question by asking another question. “We came for a tour and we’re being attacked.”

“I wouldn’t call
you
chasing
me
to somehow equal your being attacked.”

“Where is Colonel Butler?” Cleary asked. “I’d like him to take charge of this.”

“I’ll bet you would. He was taken ill. He’s in a medical facility.” Looked at Maurer. “You could use one, too.”

Maurer expression showed no belligerence, only confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Maybe you don’t. Seriously, think about what just happened and ask yourself what’s wrong with that picture.”

“What have you done with my mother?”

“She’s being protected. At her request. From you.”

“I’d never hurt her.”

“She no longer believes that. Have to be honest, particularly after the past fifteen minutes, I don’t believe that, either.”

“We didn’t realize the woman running around here was the Ambassador,” Cleary said to Gonzalez. “Honestly, she was acting crazy, and we feared for our safety.” U2’s “Love and Peace or Else” came on. “And can someone shut that horrible music off?”

“Well, now that I’m on the ground and not being attacked, sure.” Trotted over and got my stuff, turned my iPod off, and noted that Cleary not liking my music was just another mark against him.

“So, you’re trying to tell us you were afraid of one woman?” Tim asked. “While you happened to be in a base full of soldiers? You’re not really confident in your ability to handle a low-risk situation, are you?”

Cleary sniffed. “We know what . . . you people . . . are capable of.” He gave Chuckie a dirty look as I sidled back next to him and his nice cocked and aimed gun. “Oh, put your gun away. You’re just an alien’s lapdog.”

“Actually he’s not,” Jeff said, as he and Christopher stepped out of the regular gates, along with a goodly number of Security Forces Specialists, which were the Air Force’s Military Police. “This base is under military review, based on certain events and information being passed along to the proper authorities.” He smiled at Gonzalez. “Nice to see you, Sergio. Didn’t realize they’d moved you over here.”

Gonzalez smiled in return. “A couple months ago, Jeff. Haven’t seen you in at least, what, five years? But you look like political life is agreeing with you.”

“Six, I think, but who’s counting? You haven’t aged a day. And it’s being married that agrees with me.” Jeff turned to Cleary. “Speaking of which, I’m willing to pretend to believe that you didn’t recognize my wife. But if either of you touch her again, I’ll ensure we both press assault charges. If you’re lucky.”

“Is that a threat, Congressman?” Cleary asked.

“No, a promise.”

Gonzalez pointed to four of the Security Forces guys. “Please escort the governor, the congressman, and their assistant back to their vehicle.”

“We used a gate,” Cleary said stiffly.

“Oh, so you used our technology to come here and attack us? Good to know you’re the usual hypocrite.”

“Supposedly you have that technology for all of us to use as appropriate,” Cleary snarled. “Not just your friends.”

“Stephanie, you should come with us,” Jeff said, before Cleary and I could continue to snarl at each other.

She sneered. Literally. Figured she’d practiced it in the mirror, potentially for hours. “Never. You’re not my family anymore.” She put her arm through Cleary’s.

Jeff looked upset. “This isn’t you. You’re going to break your mother’s heart.”

“As if you care about that? You murdered my father. You think that didn’t break her heart?”

“Your father was a traitor,” Christopher said. “And self defense isn’t murder. In any state in the union.”

“My father was a patriot. He understood where we fit here. And it wasn’t under your rule.” Her eyes narrowed. “And to think I used to love and look up to the two of you. You’ll never fool me again, so stop trying. You’re not my family anymore. I have people I
belong
with. And we support the man who’s going to save our country.” She looked up at Cleary with a total “my hero” expression.

He gave her a fond smile in return. “I understand that Stephanie had to leave the employ of the F.B.I. due to discrimination. I’m taking her on as my personal secretary.”

Repressed the shudder this gave me. I didn’t trust the majority of politicians with anyone under thirty, be they male or female. Precedent was too much in favor of the young person being used and many times discarded, usually as a dead body. “Does your wife know?”

Cleary gave me a long look. “Yes. She approves. I plan nothing untoward with our Miss Valentino. But she needs a job, and protection, and we’re pleased to be able to provide both.”

Managed not to say that I didn’t believe him, but it took effort.

“And I’m pleased to finally be with decent, right-minded people,” Stephanie declared. She shot a snide look at me and Chuckie. “And you’re really one to talk. Everyone knows about the two of you.”

“Oh, I’m sure they do.” Ensured I sounded bored. “Just remember—it’s really hard to cross over a bridge you’ve burned.”

“Some bridges need to be burned,” she hissed. “Besides, I never want to come back to any of you.”

Jeff stared at her for a few long seconds, then he shrugged. “Okay. You win. You’re not family anymore. And you’re an adult. So, do what you think is right, not what you’re told is right. That’s what we all have to do—what we think, what we know, is right.”

With that he turned and walked away.

Christopher shook his head. “One day, Stephanie, you’re going to realize what you’ve done, and that day is going to be the worst of your life.” He did the same as Jeff.

“I know you’re happy,” I said to her. “So, enjoy the bed you’re happily lying in. Don’t make the mistake of thinking we’ll ever give you the benefit of the doubt now, and also don’t expect special consideration due to relationships or age. You’re made your choice, and you may end up very sorry we’re going to abide by it.”

“That’s fine,” she snapped. “I’m willing to take the so-called risk.”

“Then that works out for everyone, doesn’t it?”

“Let’s escort the governor and his retinue back and ensure their gate is calibrated correctly,” Gonzalez said.

An airman ran up to us. “Sir, the President just called and asked that we fly the governor and congressman back to Washington.”

Cleary chuckled. “Fine. The delay will be helpful. It’ll give us time to get press assembled.”

“Ah, as to that, sir,” the airman said, “I believe you’re flying to Andrews. And will be in an immediate closed doors meeting. Just the two of you, sir. The young lady and any others are not to be on the aircraft or in the meeting. This is a presidential order, Governor, not really a request.”

Cleary seemed nonplussed for a moment. Then he recovered. “As the President requests.” He patted Stephanie’s hand. “I assume you’ll actually ensure the young lady is sent safely to our campaign headquarters?”

“We’ll ensure she goes wherever she wants, within reason,” Gonzalez replied.

“I’d like to walk the governor to his flight,” Stephanie said haughtily.

Cleary nodded. “Most appreciated. I’ll advise you when we’re done with the President. But contact me immediately if they don’t send you where you want to go.” He smirked at me. “Round one to you, Ambassador.”

“Really? You think this is round one? Dude, you’ve joined a game in progress.”

Cleary laughed. “Think of it how you like.” Then he turned to follow the airman who’d come with the news of their meeting, Stephanie trotting along with him like an eager puppy. The really pretty kind, like an Afghan hound. But still, a puppy who had no idea her new master was a bad person, and probably wouldn’t care as long as the master was good to her.

Put my hand onto Maurer’s arm as he started to follow them. He turned, but didn’t attack. “What?”

“Seriously, think about this event. Think about it like Cameron Maurer, not like whatever they’ve turned you into. Your running mate used you like a trained animal. Since when are you an attack dog?”

“I . . . you were dangerous.” He sounded unsure.

“I was standing there. He told you to get me, and you ran after me, with serious intent to harm. Why? I don’t believe you’d have done that before they turned you into what you are now. I just want you to think, about this, about all the things that are wrong. And if you want help, you know where we are.”

He blinked slowly. “Is my mother safe?”

“Yes. She’d like her son back. Her
real
son.”

Maurer twitched. “I . . . don’t know what you’re talking . . . about.”

“You do. Cameron Maurer knows. If you’re strong enough, you can fight it. It would be good—for you, for your mother, for your children, and for your country—if you fight it. If you can become Cameron Maurer again, not Gideon Cleary’s trained and very well-controlled attack dog.”

Maurer stared at me. Then he turned and followed Cleary and Stephanie.

“Good try,” Reader said quietly. “But I don’t know if he can fight it. He’s a newer model, you know.”

“Yeah. But a girl can dream, right?”

“Yeah.” Reader put his arm around my shoulders and hugged me. “You’ve done all you can, and more than you should have here. Go comfort your husband and cousin. They’re trying to hide it, but I’m sure they’re not handling it well.”

Leaned my head against his shoulder, but not for long. We weren’t in a place where this was a good idea. “I will. Lieutenant Colonel, I just want to thank you for your timely arrival.”

Gonzalez grinned. “I was at Luke when a truck filled with missiles showed up, followed by a missile launcher. Considering who was in the truck and launcher, I didn’t question that there was a problem here. Commander Reader called for a floater gate and he and Commander Crawford returned with me to help me get my base under control.” He winked at Reader and Tim. “Oh, and please call me Sergio, Ambassador.”

“And I’m Kitty.”

“I’ve heard you were informal. It’s a nice trait in any politician.”

“I want a full rundown on why you weren’t advised about anything that went on here today,” Reader said, Commander Voice on Full.

“Assume this base is severely compromised,” Chuckie said. “Nothing that’s happened here the last couple of days has been following any form of proper military protocol.”

“True enough,” Gonzalez said. “No one advised me of anything. I’d have been at Luke all day if you hadn’t had your men bring in such a big surprise, Ambassador.”