Ok... one year and four months late.

[PC_Glenton]

And yet another chapter in the story no one cares about. Oh well, that is what I get for waiting so long, eh?

The start of the climax begins, and secrets will be known. And a LOT of people will soon die.

Chapter 48: Bullet Ridden Bonds.

It started like a typical working day. I was in my pants and T-shirt, waking up from another sake-induced headache, stuck in a hazy limbo somewhere between stupor and sober. The familiar sensation of reality chipping away at my skull slowly sculpted itself into my bare and run-down apartment, with tears in the wall, and springs coming out of the bed.

Not what I would call a masterpiece, but it didn’t bother me. I wasn’t one to live in luxury. Hell, after bunking with faceless strangers, and surviving in the streets of Los Angeles, this was almost a paradise. But, such reminiscing quickly dispersed as the phone starting ringing. There was only one person who ever called me, my employer/partner, Mia.

I picked it up casually, and just grunted a greeting, expecting some biting comment about last night and the drink, but to my surprise, she was to the point and gruff. “PC, meet me at the docks, corner of Chipai, and Wai-ton. Its time to work on that personal contract.” And, after that, she hung up. No jokes, no criticism. Just a cold, to the point message. I just figured she was in the same boat I was, completely hung over. I should have suspected more.

I took a quick look at my watch as I got dressed… Two in the afternoon. Late in the day, but not unusual. Just typical for a guy who works nights. I put on my jacket, checking my guns and other gear, quickly put on my shades, and walked out the door, the black leather flowing behind me like a cape. It was time to get to work.

The street Mia designated was a good walk away, about two hours. Again, nothing unusual. We always discussed our work in quiet and preferred areas where no one would listen. The docks Mia was referring to was more then just a shipping yard, but also several abandoned buildings left in decay after the new government started strangling its economy, taking control of everything it could. Only thing it housed these days were China’s unwanted, souls overlooked by the policy of sharing and economic division, left to fend for themselves. I didn’t really pity them too much. Least they were in this nation legally and not a foreigner sneaking in its borders, preying on the choice meats the country provided.

I trekked along the slums of the city, along its dirty roads. I walked everywhere. Buying a car, even if I could get the money, required some form of ID, which I lacked, and really had no hope of getting. And transportation, be it public or private, would never come to this place willingly. This was Hell’s Kitchen for Hong Kong, but the natives called it something else: Demon Town. It was said that when men walked into this town, and if they managed to ever leave, they came back with black souls. They became devils.

I just dismissed that as local gossip. Every city had its bad side, its slum. And it was always treated like some hellish waste dump, where common morality was left behind, and only animals that looked and spoke like men where left. They were just urban fairy tales told to children so their kids so they would live a good life, and be motivated to stay far away from our world. Like we wanted those bastards.
I finally reached the location, but saw no Mia, and I was alone, not a soul in sight. Only me, in the middle of an abandoned street. No eyes, no ears. I found this suspiciously odd. We usually discussed business in private, a necessity with our work, but not to this degree of isolation. A bad feeling was building up, ballooning through my system, pushing me on the edge, telling me to forget everything and just get the hell out of dodge.

The zinging sound of a bullet hitting the pavement, just inches from the soles of my feet, before ricocheting to parts unknown, told me I was right. But, I had no time to admit it, as I followed blind instinct, and sought shelter in the closest structure I could find. In this case, an abandoned and rusty car, probably gutted out of everything making it move. But, the crackle of a hand-radio told me this was expected. And, it told me just how much shit I was in.

“You fucking bastard! You worthless, lying asshole! It was you all along! I’m going to kill you, you brainless, cowardly pile of shit!” I was stunned, but not by the swearing. No… what hit me like a jab out of nowhere was the voice. It was angrier, and pissed off, almost to the point of hysteria, but there was no denying it.

It was Mia’s.

The sound of a side-view mirror being shattered by another bullet broke me out of my shock. I could not Mia’s sudden spurt of violence catch me off guard, even though I knew she was just trying to make me sweat. I would be dead by now, if she wanted that. Mia was a pro with her rifle; I’ve seen her pull off shots that veteran snipers with 20 years on her would call impossible. No, she was planning on putting me through hell first.

But, I didn’t care. Mia may have been the closest thing I had to a friend, but I cared too damn much about my own survival to let feelings get in the way. I spent too much time and effort to let it all slide due to personal feelings. I had to live, even if it meant killing my partner.

First, I needed to get to safety. I had an idea of where the shots were coming from, but it was confirmed with a ricochet from the top of the bumper of the rust wagon I took shelter in, through the windshield. She was somewhere in that abandoned parking garage, placing her shots amongst one of ten stories.

Now… how to get there. Mia would be able to snipe me if I just made a run for it, the cement area was not large, but would leave me open for way too long. I could not leave cover, despite her best measures to flush me out, even with that last shot that whizzed past my ear.

Damnit, she was getting close. I had to move fast. Letting instinct take over, even if it was from the dark reaches of my mind, I slammed my foot against the bottom of this dead automobile, knocking a wide hole into his rusty bottom, and quickly put it in neutral. I then played the part of a Flintstone, and moved this machine forward using my foot power. Thankfully, I was on a downward slant, so gravity quickly took over. I then made myself small, curling into a ball, and rolling off the seat into the crevice near the pedals. Not very comfortable, but I rather have a pedal in my back then a bullet in my head.

I heard bullets hit through the roof of my mobile shelter, hitting the seat I was in previously. But, any fears I may have had quickly vanished as I felt my ride hit the wall of Mia’s impressive perch. I peeked out, and saw the nearest window was only a few feet above me. I didn’t even think twice, but somehow managed to get into a crouching position, and sprang toward the window, the gravity of my pounce giving me the momentum I needed to catapult my body through the empty square. I landed in a roll, and quickly pulled out my two guns, safety off, and ready to blast. But, I was alone.

Mia was higher up, and I know she would be expecting me now. I had no clue why she turned on me, and right now, I did not care. It was a matter of survival.

I cocked my guns in a ready position, and sought cover behind a pillar, looking past a concrete edge. It was clear, but I walked carefully, starting this hunt amongst partners.

[GG_Crono]

Oho? What’s this? Plot? How did that get in there?

Sorry for not commenting more often…as I say, I tend not to say much when I have little to add, But rest assured that I’m still watching…now get busy and bring this thing to a close!

[PC_Glenton]

… Ok, so things slowed down a bit to build a relationship with Mia, and to get more background. But, things get hectic from here on.

After all, I got complaints about suspense from the first part. Thought you would like a break.

Chapter 49: And the Pieces Fall

I knew Mia was targeting me from a higher floor, and with that gun of hers, had the advantage of range. However, speed was on my side, with my lighter guns. If I did manage to find her, I would have to lure her out of hiding, and get her close. If I could even kill her… felt like something was holding me back. I shook it off. I had to focus on staying alive.

I approached a set of stairs, and walked up. Unsurprisingly, it was a complete duplicate of the first floor. Well, this was a parking garage. Creativity in design was not one of its notable features. At least I could count on shelter behind columns, provided she didn’t try any ricochets.

I quickly dived behind on, and paused for a few seconds, peeking around a corner, hesitating for a second. I could not rush out, just assuming it was safe. Mia was a trained sneak as well, and may also try the pillars, ambushing me as I crossed the elevated lot toward the second set of stairs. I took a few seconds to ponder: Why did Mia want to kill me? Why was she so ticked off, especially after our celebration yesterday? It sounded like something I did in the past… great, the first major clue to my original identity and it’s trying to kill me.

I cut my meditations short, and got back to the task on hand. I turned against the pillar, gun at the ready, finger against the trigger, ready to fire upon anything that even looked at me funny. But, there was only silence. I crept forward, walking toe-heel, behind the next pillar. But, there was no movement, no sounds, except my own footsteps. Ok, she must be higher. I made a quiet, but direct, line to the stairs, and approached the third level.

But, my caution proved unnecessary. Again, Mia was not to be found. Same for the fourth floor, and the fifth. I was starting to get nervous. Why hadn’t she tried to approach me? Since I was going uphill, she would have the jump on me, and be able to ambush me from above, the easiest location to ambush anyone. What was her plan?

It then hit me like a steel brick. She would want to finish this quickly. She knew her advantages, and how best to use them. She would want something wide open, allowing for maximum potential against her opponent, especially if he relied on cover like I did.

And, in a building supported by column after column, there was only one such location: the roof. Nowhere to hide, nothing to block her aim. As soon as I walked up, I would be falling down, dead. I needed another route.

I continued my trek upward, as I thought this. Still on guard, in case I was wrong, but not as wary. The walk continued, right up to the tenth and top floor. The lack of activity only proved my theory. She knew I was coming, and was waiting for me. And why shouldn’t she… I was on her turf, she had all the advantages. Mine were easily overwhelmed at this point. I needed to find a way to turn the tables.

I scanned this last floor, eyes searching for anything, my mind processing the surroundings, trying to picture possible avenues of approach… and then I found it: an AC duct, moving through the symmetrical system of columns, and curing upwards through the roof, like a metal, rusty chimney, on the other side of the stairs. It looked like I had my approach.

Thankfully, I always carried my grappler with me, so it was only a matter of hooking myself up to the edge of the metal tunnel, and quickly ripping off the grating. Nothing like rust to make screws and nails brittle. Thankfully, it seemed solid enough to hold my weight. I only hoped I was quiet enough to avoid getting Mia suspicious.

I slithered through the metal prison like a snake, making sure I was slow and soft when moving, to avoid any loud bangs or bumps, doing what I could to not attract the deadly attention of my assailant. It was a strenuous process, and felt like hours, trapped in a tight metal coffin, constricted in a tight, steel prison.

But, I moved on, and was soon rewarded, for the upward curve of the duct gave me standing room, and allowed me, through a grate allowing easy access from the outside world, I saw the profile of Mia Koj, laying on her belly, her head looking through the scope, pointed at the stairs, waiting for her victim… me. This was my chance. I pointed my pistols, getting her in my sight, and preparing to end this.

Or, at least I tried. My fingers were a mere millimeter from firing the two shots needed to kill her, but couldn’t press down all the way. I was shaking, trying to force myself to do the deed, mentally coxing myself to fire.

“Come on, do it, you coward.” The voice… why was he here at this time? “She betrayed you, she attacked you… kill her.” Sweat was poring down my brow, like I was pushing an immovable stone uphill, trying to push myself to end this. But, in the end, the weight was too much. For some reason, be it unknown guilt or sub-conscious camaraderie, I couldn’t pull the trigger, for some reason, I had to let her live.

But, I couldn’t let her kill me, either. I turned my guns around, and brought them smashing down against the rusty, barred grate, forcing it open, before ducking into the duct, keeping out of site, and out of harm. I heard a gasp, as a sniper’s legendary concentration was broken, and the cautious footsteps of an uncertain huntress, as I backed down the duct, muscles tensing for the pounce. I almost leapt at the familiar sound of a silenced gun firing, firing through an old metal sheet, but kept my cool.

The footsteps continued, moving silently, like a wolf approaching a deer that may or may not be dead. I held my breath, trying to plan my next move, and seeing what Mia had in mind. The steps got louder and louder, approaching the newly made opening to the outside world, and then silence, and a shadow. She was there, wondering if I was dead or alive. She pointed the barrel of her gun in the hole, in case she needed to fire the finishing blow.

I never gave her the chance. I quickly flung my own hand out, punching at the barrel of the deadly weapon. It fired, but missed, hitting only more duct. I took the opportunity to come out of hiding, and, in what seemed like only a split second, jumped out of the duct, tackling my attacker in a flying leap, knocking both of us on the stony ground of the cracked cement roof, our hands moving to get the advantage of the other, grabbing, pushing, shoving, the flurry of our fight rolling us across our cracked and hard arena.

But, despite her experience with the rifle, and her own street smarts, Mia did not have the abilities in close-quarters combat. And, just a few feet from the slightly raised edge of the high-roof, I managed to get my knees on her stomach, and point both my weapons at her face, this time without a sniper rifle pointed at mine. We just started at each other, looking in each other’s eyes, wondering what to do. I could see the hate and rage in hers, and I took off my shades on gun still holding her at bay, to let her see the confusion in mine. I slowly got off her, letting her stand, as I placed a foot on her gun, making sure she could not grab it, she stood up as well, cautiously, but still looking as though she wanted to rip out my internal organs. We stood there, quietly, before I broke the silence with just one word that asked everything. “Why?”

She snarled, before spitting on the ground, and mockingly replied. “Shove it. Don’t pretend ignorance with me. You know why. Or did you really forget my face, bastard? Was that just a Tuesday for you, murderer? Another day in your part-time job, blowing people to bits?”

I just blinked… but, felt something stir in my mind, a dark laughter. What was she talking about? “Look in my face… my eyes. Do you see anything familiar? Or was that helmet blocking it?”

I just stared at her, for several minutes… what could I say? I really had no clue what she was talking about, but I also knew that I had very little to go on. I only had a few years worth of memory. I took a gamble, and just gave her the truth. “Mia, I can’t remember… I just woke up one day, and forgot everything. Hell, I only named myself after a computer store and a hotel when pressed for ID.”

As expected, she didn’t buy it. To her credit, she gave it a full second before blowing up. “YOU FUCKED-UP PATHETIC ASSHOLE! CAN’T YOU THINK OF A BETTER LIE THEN THAT PIECE OF SHIT?!” He then gave me a quick jab to the stomach, which left me reeling, and raised her other hand to finish the combination, but stopped, quickly, like something struck her across the head, and caught her off guard. I recovered, rearming my guns, but then, to my surprise, saw they were no longer needed. For, in the middle of Mia’s stomach, was a long, thin, knife, piercing her all the way through her belly

My mouth opened slightly in surprise, my gaze focused on the weapon lodged in the stomach of my partner, slowly moving up to her face, as the anger melted away to reveal shock, mixed with sadness, as tears flowed from her eyes. For the first time, I saw Mia Koj cry. “Why… PC. Why like this… Daddy… sorry.” And then, she was silent, falling forward, onto my, where I caught her in my arms. And, while I held her there, her life ebbing out of her, I too, cried… the salty water leaking from my eyes. Why was I crying…? I can’t say. I’m not a creature of emotion, but I guess even ice has to melt a little.

“How touching, yet disappointing. I expected much more out of you then this, David.”

David? I followed the new voice, its familiar mocking tone breaking me out of my sadness, and instead of watering, my eyes now glared. He was dressed differently, a Japanese silk kimono instead of his white suit, but his hair and that all-knowing smile where still the same. I was surprised to see him, but at the same time, I was suspecting he would show up sooner or later.

My old teacher, Charlon. The bastard.

[PC_Glenton]

Heh… Chapter 50, at what is pretty much the final turning point. And, I start getting vaguer, and more surreal regarding the voice. But, lets see what you think about it… I can’t want to see how confused everyone gets.

Chapter 50: Revealing Shadows.

My old teacher and I just stared at each other, the skies darkening above, turning gray, as if bearing witness to the scene below, and changing with the mood. Then, when the swirl above shadowed everyone in the city, the older man spoke. “Well, this disaster has gone on long enough. Time to come back to us.”

Then, his hands disappearing into a haze of speed, barely giving me enough time to even move my guns an inch, and appeared in front of me, another projectile shooting forward, rocketing toward me with speed that could rival bullets. I couldn’t even try to dodge his throw, and found my gut impaled with a piercing… syringe?

I looked up to the assailant with confusion, excepting something more on the lethal side, when it was more then just his hands that got hazy, but everything I could see. I shook my head rapidly, trying to get some sense back into my world, but to no avail. Everything was becoming a blur, but I didn’t feel scared. It was almost comforting… like this was supposed to happen. I stopped moving, and just knelt, letting it take over, allowing the blur to become ink, to slowly fade to…

Blackness. I felt myself cringe. I’ve been here before. For some reason, this emptiness, this void… it’s familiar. This is were I met… him, the voice, in my dreams. But, this wasn’t a dream… no, it’s real. But, where is he? Why am I alone? I have been here before. Yes, I remembered. I was locked away, ignored. Everything I wanted, everything I needed, shoved here, neglected… along with me.

Seeing the Matrix… good movie… no, it wasn’t. Its freedom, what you want. No, loyalty. Fight for myself… fight for a cause. Purpose is what you want… purpose is what others want. Authority…good… evil. Myself… others…

“My name is…”

“I am…”

“… … … Mia… dead…”

“…”

“No, not this time.”

“You have no choice… you are not real, just some figment.”

“Bullshit! I am what you want, you refuse to acknowledge me!”

“Damn it shut up and stay quiet, in the darkness, where you belong.”

“FUCK YOU! “

He appears… the shadow, my tormentor. Only… he has more features. Fingers, he is wearing armor, not sure what kind, he is still encased in fog. But I recognize the eyes… my piercing eyes. He wants this, this is his chance, what he has been pushing me toward.
His chance to be rid of me.

I hate him… he is my jailer, preventing me from appearing, hiding me, pretending my desires, my existence, is only in his mind.

He hates me… I prod, I refuse to be quiet. I want to be free, out of this life. I want to exist, of my own accord, not under someone else…

My name is…

I punch him, and this time I connect to his cheek, with a resounding thud as it connections.

PC…

He counters with an uppercut to my stomach, knocking the air out of me leaving me reeling on the ground, struggling to catch my breath.

David…

I sprung up, and we lock hands, each of us struggling against the other, pushing with all our might, fighting to be in control, fighting for dominance, our freedom… our lives.

I am…

I want to be free. Free of laws, free of orders. Yes, I have helped others, but in the end, it was always to help myself. That… is what I want. To be free of everyone, to live for myself, and not worry about what others think. To only think of myself, release myself from the burdens of others.

It’s my turn…

My resolve grows, and my world burns, the shadows get eaten away by red flame, inside me, and out… both are the same. I get blinded by them, everything is burning… I feel it… it fuels me. I will do anything to be free… anything…

The fire consumes me, but I only feel ecstasy, feel the joy of the heat, laughing like a maniac as I get covered in them. There is no pain, only pure exhilaration.

And I yell, as I escape this prison, the flames still burning, but only inside, and everything returns to what it once was. Lightning crashes behind me, and I yell out, in rage and victory. I have conquered, I have won… and, as the thunder roars its own encouragement, I yell to everyone in hearing distance, as drops start to fall, and rain covers the city.

“MY NAME IS PC GLENTON!”

[PC_Glenton]

And, they keep coming. And, time for some answers. Lets see if you knew what was going on. Feel free to post what you thought. Actually… PLEASE post any comments whatsoever.

Chapter 51: Knowledge on a Platter

The delusion died down, but the fires it sparked raged on, fueling my anger, my desire to fight, melting the mental shackles the Voice… no, David… his name was David, had imposed on me. And, for the first time in my very short existence, I had complete control. The skills, experiences, which were once slowly being absorbed by me, had shifted completely, won in a battle of wills and determination.

All thanks to the man who had hoped to imprison me back in that mental cage, Charlon. Whatever that shot intended, it backfired. Either I was stronger then they thought, or just too pissed off to go down quietly. No matter. Nothing was holding me back. And, while there were still quite a few blank spots, namely everything that David knew and kept from me, or tried to. The good thing about being created from a sub-conscious is that you secretly learn everything the guy in charge knew.

Yes… I was his hidden desires, the dreams and goals he hid from everyone, even himself. Whatever happened that day in the tube, or was supposed to happen, I broke free and took over. I wasn’t exactly welcomed in his mind, so he blocked off most everything. But, as time went on, I built my own lessons, made my own life. I became a different person, no longer fed the scraps by the original. But now things were different.

I was in the driver’s seat now… and hell if anyone else was going to take over.

But, there were still a few questions left unanswered…

I stared at my stun assailant, enjoying the look of shock on his face, but not showing any emotion, keeping a poker face as I approached my former teacher, guns ready to draw. “You know, you should have done this earlier, back in America.”

The surprised expression went to a smirk in almost no time at all. “Well, had to keep you busy someway. That medicine took forever to make. And, it seems even our most secure prisons seemed unable to contain you.”

So Charlon was from Stalter. No surprise, actually. Who else would be able to make a medicine to drive me crazy, and throw me back into that dark hell? But, still… “Why even bother with Hong Kong, then? Rather quick of you to go from persecution to manipulation.”

“Ah… Arnie. Too much of a damn bureaucrat to even think creatively. He just wanted to kill you again and start over, storing your corpse in some cold-storage. Failed to see, even as you are, there could be some use. Good thing higher management stepped in.”

Ok, I wasn’t expecting that. “Wait… kill me again? What do you mean, again?” I was beginning to think Charlon might have lost a few marbles since I last saw him.

“With the right tools, anything can be repaired, including living flesh and blood. But, it seems something happened with you the last time. You changed, forgot simple things, and acted oddly, and technically forced yourself out of stasis. We thought it was just trauma-induced amnesia at first, but after some examination during your absence, noticed two different sets of thought patterns. Seems you have a roommate in there, must be driving you… crazy.” He laughed at that joke, in a matter that sent chill down my spines.

“But, why Hong Kong, why the Triad… why the Path raid? Why such an elaborate performance?” My mind was whirling with all this information… I died… everything happening to me was planned… a lie…

“Quiet simply, we were curious. Curious to see what devils were under David’s skin. So, while making the medicine, we re-trained you, observed you, and made notes, so to speak. Made you useful while you slept. I must say, even with unexpected twists like escaping the druggie thugs I was to rescue you from, or meeting that flabby quack we had to kill, you came together nicely. You were quite the skilled infiltrator, but nowhere near the original’s caliber.”

“So… this was all some sick test? Even her?” I pointed at Mia, getting hysterical. This was too rich… finding out my life was a joke, a play put for the eyes of others. The anger within was building up, and I was practically fuming.

“No, we did lie about the raid, true. We had the saber technology for a few years, now. The Path just managed to get their hands on a prototype, so we sent you to get it back, saying it was a test. As for her… lets just say she was something you overlooked, and we wanted out of the way. I was hoping to get you into a situation where you would be forced to kill her. But, it seems you found a way around that."

“You’re welcome, by the way.”

I was visibly shaking. I was losing my cool, wanting to rip this guy’s throat out of his neck and stuff it up his ass so deep that his lung would be fooled into thinking he breathed and talked out his rear. “You…little… I am so going to kill….”

Charlon quietly laughed, before pulling out a metal bar. “Please… David was no match for me, and you… are even worse then he was. He flicked his wrist and a blue light, very similar to the Dragon Tooth’s, appeared, but only this slightly curved, like a katana, and much longer. “Looks like Arnie was right. We have to start all over, right from readying the body. Pity.”

I aimed my two weapons at my former teacher, and got ready to plug him. I learned a lot today, but that didn’t change the fact my survival was at stake, in more ways then one. Rain started to drizzle down while the two of us waited for the other to make the first move. Lightning blazed as we both got ready for battle, followed by the booming thunder cheering us on, in this fight forcing me back to my unwanted past.

[PC_Glenton]

And yet another chapter… but seriously guys, say anything if you want. I don’t bite, unless someone else pays me.

This might be considered my true birth, where I stop following, and actually get a damn personality.

Chapter 52: From Canvas to Stone.

I moved first, confident my ranged weapons would be more then enough to take down someone relying on a sword, no matter how high tech it was. But, I underestimated the wielder of the weapon, and was caught off guard by the blue blaze slicing through the air, accented with small orange flashes, ending the flight of my bullets.

“How dishonorable, playing with guns. Should do something more civilized, don’t you think?” Then, becoming a white blur, Charlon raced across the roof at a speed that no human, or anything living, should be able to reach naturally. And, before I could even think about getting a shot in, I felt both my hands get whacked, burned, like a hot iron bar served time in an oven before being slapped over my wrists. The damage was only superficial, but the pain forced me to drop my guns, and shake my hands to get them cool.

But, any thoughts of curing the pain were interrupted by the same blur tripping me off my feet so hard, I was horizontal and airborne for a few seconds, enough time for a skilled fighter to strike at me again, and flip me backside up, before landing on me, adding his own weight to the impact, and flattening me on the roof. Hard.

“Come on, David… fight like a real warrior. I know you still have it, the blade we called the Dragon Tooth. Use it…”

I got up, bruised, but not cut. I dusted myself off, trying to look like I wasn’t hurt, when, in reality, I felt myself ache all over, lucky not to have a broken rib, or three. Odd, considering I was attacked with a sword… which I saw Charlon held sideways, blade side out. He was trying to keep me alive, or in one piece. Curious… but, I pushed it from my mind. I didn’t care about his true motives. I had to defeat him.

I pulled out the decorated metal bar, hidden from human sight ever since I liberated it from the Hidden Path. I never really used it, for the same reason I couldn’t get fence or otherwise get rid of it. It was too damn hot, and swinging it around in public would only mark me for revenge, arrest, or assassination. Best case scenario, it would get stolen from me. And while I wouldn’t mind losing this dead weight, I didn’t have much faith in luck.

But, I had to make an exception in this case. Charlon effortlessly disarmed me, and then juggled me for a very elaborate and quick combination, and the bastard was only playing with me. I was not a swordsman, since I preferred modern styles of defense, and staying out of trouble. Hell, even my home-made brand of hand to hand combat was only obtained by mimicking old martial art movies. But, I could not lose this, not now, when I was this close to the truth. I flicked my wrist, and the blue blade appeared, though I couldn’t help notice how small it was compared to my opponents. And, since it was a laser, intensified light, he could wield it with one hand, like I could. Well, it’s not the size of the weapon that matters, but how you use it.

I got into a combat stance, copied from an old movie called Kill Bill, and prepared for the next exchange. Which first consisted of a laugh, followed by another lightning fast charge, giving me about one second to get my weapon in a position to stop him. But, it didn’t help. He managed to get under my weapon, and made an attack on my gut, making me gasp for breath as he deflated my stomach, before twirling around me, and doing the same to my ass, bending me over the other way, finishing with a quick stab at my back, like he was going for a killing blow. Instead, he sliced open my jacket, leaving a deep tear in the leather, between layers of my coat. “Humph… pathetic. I should of devoted time to showing you the basics of blade use. A small child could beat you.”

He pulled the blade out, and I tried a strike of my own, only to hear the fizzle of heat between our two weapons, and to see him quickly fall on his back, throwing me of balance, and right on to his raised feet, which he used to catapult me back into the air, take flight and land eight feet away, landing on my back again, and still very lucky to not have broken any bones, at least from my current observations.

But, I was sore, and knew I was outclassed. Charlon was beyond human limits, in terms of ability and physical prowess. Was it Stalters work? It was obvious from my experiences they worked on genetics. It would only make sense to have engineered employees. Still, I had to find some way to defeat him. I lost my weapon during that last flight, and knew I was no match with just my fists, considering I had trouble standing, and pain was giving gravity a hand in planting me on the ground. I could only lift my head to see Charlon stand over me, grinning like a serene lunatic. “Well… that was an interesting diversion, but its time to go home, David. Time to bring you back.”

I struggled, hands flaying, trying to get away, as my opponent raised his weapon for the killing blow, when I touched something long and hollow with my fingertips. Acting on pure survival instinct, I grabbed it and flung it with all the force my adrenaline filled body could muster. And, to the surprise of us both, my opponent got walloped not by a pipe, but the trigger end of a rifle. Mia’s sniper rifle. Maybe I should put more faith in luck.

Charlon was knocked back, staggering from the surprise. I forgot about my pain, and sprung to my feet, taking my opportunity to win to the fullest, turning the gun quickly, throwing it midair, before grabbing it and firing off a shot, pegging the bastard before he could recover. And, I quickly pulled back the hammer and fired off another, thankful Mia customized her gun to include clips. I loaded and shot, going off like a semi-automatic, making that jackass dance a bloody, lead-filled tango, shaking with every bullet until he reached the edge, bloody and breathing heavily, somehow still alive, even though he was pierced with bullet holes.

He stared at me, puzzlement and confusion in his eyes, as I got closer, my own face grim, and my injuries forgotten as I approached him. He didn’t even try to defend himself. Rather odd, considering he was super human earlier. But, I didn’t dwell on it too much. Just made it easier for me. I was just a few feet away, the gun held tightly in my sweaty palms, slowly closing the distance, just to make sure he didn’t do anything surprising.
He did, but it was made in words, not actions. “Remember… death is no… longer permanent… PC.”

I, however decided to speak louder then his words, and made a hell of an action. Like a slugger determined to bat the ball out of the park, I raised the gun, hands tight on the barrel, and swung it, putting every muscle I could into it, aiming for his heads, determined to mess up that ever smug face. The force of the blow was enough to knock his already weak form off the edge, free falling ten stories, onto the abandoned streets below.

I peered over, enjoying the large red stain surrounding a shrouded form on the sidewalk below, the rain increasing its flow, the drizzle turning into a downpour washing away the blood below. I kept watching, my gaze locked on his corpse, for a reason I could not comprehend. It was almost like I had to get proof he was dead; know for certain I wasn’t being fooled.

But, my reverie was interrupted by a hacking cough behind me. I turned, and then ran toward Mia, her face covered with the blood leaking from her mouth, her black top now stained with red all over the mid-torso. She was alive… but how? I kneeled down, looking down at her, not caring that she tried to kill me a few minutes ago. The girl kept coughing up the red plasma, and despite the downpour soaking us. I could see she was crying.

“Daddy… Daddy… I’m… sorry.” Each word struggled to get out, amidst a fountain of blood, like they were desperate to stay in, refusing to abandon this beautiful ship. She then turned to me, and her tears kept falling.

“PC… same… yet different. Wanted… revenge… Daddy.” She didn’t have much time. I tried to make her comfortable, raising her head, giving her the best support I could, but when I went to remove the dagger, she shook her head, and continued, each word separated by a cough sounding worse then the last… “Doesn’t matter… please… my home… pocket… video. Daddy…”

And, for what was probably the only time in my life, however short it was, or will be, my eyes got moist, threatening to betray my stone cold face. “Mia… I… I’m…”

She interrupted me by placing her finger on my lips, and shook her head. “Please… Anya. Call me… Anya.” And, with that, it ended. Mia… Anya collapsed, whatever kept her holding on vanished, and her body went limp, the same second lightning flashed across the sky, announcing her death to the city, mourning over the death of a killer, just like the man cradling her, who just now realized he was in love with a woman, but was unable to realize until it was too late.

But, I did realize one thing… I was done with all this hiding and running. Ever since I came to this damn country, it was all I did. Sneak and hide like a worthless rat. I wasted my time after the Triads, just trying to survive, thinking I was safe from obstacles, forgetting that they couldn’t be ignored.

No, it was time to stop being the prey, and hunt. I was afraid of Stalter, of being captured. But now, it was their turn to fear. I was no longer their prisoner, but their executioner. They would pay in spilt blood.

A new man was born that day. A man freed, a man injured, a man enraged. All three emotions melded together, creating a new shell, rock hard, allowing nothing to exit, showing nothing, caring about nothing, except about what was needed to survive.

I picked up my lost weapons as the rain continued to poor, kicking Charlon’s out of my sight with disgust. As for Mia’s gun, I folded it up, and slid it into the rip made earlier. I might have use for it later. At least, that is what I told myself.

[GG_Crono]

As I’ve said a number of times before, clean it up a bit when you’re done and you have a very passable scifi novella. Your prose could use a bit of a cleanup in a number of places but you seriously have a knack for drama and plot twists.

[PC_Glenton]

That took a while. I admit, this is not my best work, though I thought the brothel idea was pretty entertaining. I almost wanted to see if Wilfredo Martinez would make an appearance, as a preferred customer. Nah, I am too nice.

Anyway, hope its not too bad.

Chapter 53: The Heart of my Friend

The storm outside was slowing down, but the own inside me was still raging. I had learned a lot, but I still had a few questions, all revolving around one entity: Stalter. I knew I was important to them, and that they brought me to life before, after I was shot. Why I was shot was not important. As far as I was concerned, it was past history. But, why I was brought back again, that begged answers. It did hint at the power behind my foe, and just how much they had at their finger tips. But, why be secretive, then… immortality was a gift that would given even the most backward nation the power to bargain with God.

God… were they playing God? They obviously had a lot of clout, and the ability to play games behind the scene, if what Charlon told me about the Path was true. Would also explain how DNA Doug was able to get such a machine from a Triad. It was probably one of Charlon’s manipulations. Hell, considering how conniving the bastard turned out to be, I am surprised he was so forthcoming with information. Was he that confident? I only won that fight by a very random chance.

I shook it from my head. I had to think about the now, the present. And what I was going to do next. Thankfully, Mia gave me a clue when she died. Unfortunately, it was again the ONLY clue I had, and after that talk with Charlon, it made me nervous. One way paths, it seems, were Stalter’s strength. Giving no choice, no alternative, but to follow the trail they chose for you. And David, the one before me, accepted that?

“There was power in loyalty, and success. I chose to have strength, and influence.” Oh great. HE was still there?

“Thought I killed you off, finally. What the hell are you still doing in my mind? I doubt a tumor is this painful.”

“MY mind. I don’t care what you think, I am the original, I am the one they wanted. You have no right to steal-“

“Hold it right there. Don’t tell me you forgot already. I’m a THIEF! I steal what I want, laws and property right be damned. Don’t tell me what I can or can’t do, for I will tell you right now I won’t, nor ever, give a shit.”

“I will, PC! You can’t remain in control forever!” And, with that, I felt him leave. Good riddance. Though, it was nice playing with my new found control, and getting the upper hand on Schrizo in there.

But, that brought up another question… I knew very little about him, except he had a past with Stalter as well, one the bastards wished to hide like everything else, even on paper and in computers.

Well, it was time to see if Mia’s clue had anything to offer. I knew it was probably another forced path, another single choice, but the only other option right now was to do nothing. Something I would not do, ever again. So, I played their game with their rules, but kept my eyes open for chances to play a hand my way. I followed the address on Mia’s keys, wondering why she felt so open about advertising her location like this. I arrived at one of the older buildings in the dock area, made of stone so it wouldn’t warp, but still look rather run-down and ancient, shadowed by a red Chinese lamp hanging outside the door. I went up to knock, but never had the chance. For the door opened before I could even get a single rap off, and I was pulled in by a very eager, very old, hand.

“Welcome sir! Welcome! We make comfort, yes? You enjoy night, yes?” I just stood there, stunned, at the bowing, excited matron, bobbing up and down enthuastically. I then heard the ruffle of eager feet from the hallway to my right, and then saw the corridor filled with several young Asian ladies, all scantily clad, heavily made up, and standing seductively, winking and mouthing kisses in my direction. Now I was really surprised. Mia lived in a brothel?

“Choose girl, sir? Be happy, sir?” Ok… I was not suspecting this. But, I supposed I could turn this in my direction. Though, it would be tough to play THIS one cool. “Y-yes, actually. Do you have a English/Chinese girl called Mia?” I wondered if she really was a worker here.

The sudden change in the madam’s attitude told me no. “No! Mia not rent! Choose another!” Ok… probably some other living arrangements. This building was large, and obviously had other floors. Guess I had to play John for a while.

“Oh… um… are all the girls on this floor? I saw other stories as well…” Ugh, I hated sounding this pathetic.

The elderly woman was getting even more frustrated. “No! Only first floor! You no go up!” Well, that was interesting. At least it told me where to go. Now, the tricky part was to get out of her without attracting attention.

But, it seems the prostitutes were kind enough to give me that. “Hey, why go up, honey? The real party is down here!” She then pointed down between her legs, to the laughter of her co-workers. I used this opportunity to play the wimp, and run out, stuttering.

But, once I was outside and back in the shadows, I shook my head to clear my thoughts, and proceeded to scan the building, looking for a new way to the higher floors. Thankfully, the foreboding stone structure was current with fire safety regulations, and contained a fire escape. The ladder was currently up and normally out of reach, but nothing a grappling hook couldn’t get by. And, since such exits are public access by nature, I only had to pry the window loose, and I was in the second floor, and into a small studio room.

Seemed Mia live on microwavables and pre-packaged soup, judging from the scattered plastic trays and Styrofoam ramen cups. Not much decoration, just a cheap TV/VCR combo and a couch, no bed. With the money we made, I wondered why she lived so cheaply, and renting out from a whore house. The most likely answer that came to mind was she was hiding her true wealth, an act everyone in our business performed. Money, with its serial codes and electronic tracking, could be traced. We tried to launder it as best we could, but those in the illegal occupations, like murdering and stealing, it was best to keep our earnings under wraps. Hell, most of my money was hidden in my jacket, and a loose panel in the back of my crumbling closet.

I went to the TV, pushing in the VCR slot, hoping the video Mia was talking about was in there. I pushed aside moldy wrappers and shredded boxes, and shoved my fingers in the slot, finding the cassette already in place. Then I noticed there was something missing: controls and a power button. This device must be completely remote controlled. Leave it to Mia to make things interesting.

Well, best to look in the most obvious place: around the coach. Under it, behind it, and around it, and finally, within it and behind the cushions. Putting my hand in the soft interiors detected several layers instead of the spring cushion system. Ah, that explains the lack of a bed. Mia used a futon, one of those bed/sofa combos. Didn’t feel like a comfortable one, though.

I expanded my options by pulling out the bed, and the hidden remote popped out, and onto the bed cushions. A little too much trouble for such an antique device. Well, I sat down on the rough mattress, turned the power on, and pushed the PLAY button. It was time to see what convinced Mia to turn on me.

The video itself was not exactly the highest quality, just your typical black and white security video, mixed with static and a horizontal line appearing every second, and the image itself was locked in one place, dawn a long, very familiar looking hall. But, after a few seconds of inactivity, the frame of a man, lithe and clothed in a Statler uniform, but a version that was a lot lighter, made for quicker movement appeared. Off-camera, I heard a man yell in surprise, yelling a loud “You!” in Chinese. One of the few words I learned.

But, the conversation was cut short when the man on camera fired off a few shots with a silenced SOCOM, a modified pistol favored by members of special operations teams. After the gunfire echoed throughout the room, the man’s voice was replaced by a young woman’s, in her late teens, yelling out in a sobbing voice: “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!”

The man turned, his head was not wearing the helmet I saw with other Stalter soldiers, so I was able to recognize him instantly. He was a lot younger, barely into the twenties, but those eyes gave it away. Those piercing, unnatural eyes.

My eyes.

[GG_Crono]

Bum bum BUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

[PC_Glenton]

Just finishing up this segment, before I continue retracing my steps, and work on the final climax of this, and maybe make some damn sense of what I am doing.

If you are a guy reading this, you will probably be cursing me out. Sorry, but I had to throw in some of my random cruelty in somewhere.

Again, tell me what you think… even about the painful parts.

Chapter 54: The Devil’s Interview

The tape ended, as I just sat there, in utter silence, but not out of surprise. No, it was rather obvious I killed Mia’s father. Her rage, the strange attacks by Stalter, and its attempts at concealing facts. I had to have some connection, and being one of their stooges, albeit a rather valued and skilled one was the most logical answer.

Nor, was my silence due to guilt. As far as I was concerned, whatever happened before I broke out of that liquid filled container was not me, but David, my doppelganger, or my previous incarnation. All in all, a completely different persona, and one I rather keep my distance from.

No, it was the silence of contemplation, of pondering my next move. Watching the past of my very personal inner demon was interesting, but I had to think ahead. I had to know where to go next. The obvious step was to find out where Mia got the tape, and follow the trail from there. I sincerely doubt this was leaked on accident, and was probably another trail of crumbs. Well, my goal was to find and destroy the loaf, so for now, I would eat the bread. Now, if I could only find some clue as to where the baker was.

I scavenged around Mia’s apartment, looking for any clue, any scrap of information about the provider of the tape. I dug around in the cups of moldy noodles and trays, glad I started wearing gloves to avoid fingerprints, even though I knew they could only be compared to other jobs and never found if looked up. I was not one to take chances. But still, I kept digging, eager to get this dirty business behind me.

And, I finally found something worth all this trouble: a simple printed letter, with a quick, to the point message, mentioning the tape as the information ordered, as well as asking… well, more like demanding the other half of the money due. Owed to a man I did business with before, but with worse results. I wondered if he watched the video himself… if he had, he probably had more answers, and a lot more questions. Still, he was my best lead.

But, my thoughts were interrupted by a crawling sensation down my spine; a slight feeling of unease that indicated trouble was coming. My trained and borrowed instincts took over, and I pulled out a gun, getting in a quick combat stance, my senses getting primed for any sudden surprises. Surprises like the crash from the window, and a Stalter soldier materializing amidst the shower of broken shards.

But, I was ready, and returned the surprise with a bang, sending the goon to the floor, still alive, but in pain, and unable to defend himself, since I used gunfire to disable his elbows. From there, following my feelings and giving into the need for survival, I used the momentum from the quick attack on the new cripple to fire at the now emerging second soldier, sending this one out the window and off the fire escape, and out of my sight.

That left me alone with a severely wounded grunt at my mercy, unable to even crawl away, thanks to the fact his knee caps got shattered as well. Looked like a couple pieces of hot lead got through his uniform at the vulnerable strips that allow his joints some movement. Hot lead provided by me, of course

The door to this room was chained and locked shut several times over, so I know that would keep the brothel hostess out for a short while. This quick struggle definitely got some attention, with the glass shattering. So I had plenty of time to get some answers, as I picked up and threw the guard on the faux bed, ignoring his cries of pain at the wounds being opened wider, thanks to the quick and sudden movement. “Listen, asswipe, you jackasses have been giving me hell for a while now, and its time I return some. So, I am going to be asking questions, and you will be answering, or else Stalter will be losing another man.”

“Yeah, right. I am worthless to you dead, you aren’t going to… AAAACCCK!!! HOLY FUCKING MOTHER OF GOD!!!” That last statement punctuated, amidst an explosion of blood and flesh suddenly appearing from between his legs, that he was halfway toward a forced gender change.

“I didn’t say you would die. I just said they would lose a man, literally. Now… where is Stalter located?” I only knew it was in California, in a desert, but I couldn’t be sure that was just a deception. Besides, I could save a lot of time this way.

“No… you’re insane. Crazy… what type of… AAAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!! GOD, NO!!! WHAT THE HELL TYPE OF FUCKED UP PERSON ARE YOU!!” Now he was no longer a man, he even had new blood red makeup on his face.

“Welcome to womanhood. Now, what else could I blow away… I haven’t touched that long man between them.” I pointed my gun, my intentions more then clear.

“Wait, wait… I do not know directly, we all live in its town, Glenwood. We just fly the copter to the States. The autopilot takes over from there, evens darkens the windows so we can’t use landmarks. And the path to it is purposely crooked. You need a copter to get there.”

I pulled back the safety, grip tightening on the trigger. “Not much use to me then, are you? Guess I better finish this.”

The bastard screamed and then started begging. “Wait, you can try the copter. We took it to a bar, something about raiding a Bazaar. A Kappa Bazaar.”

The Kappa Bazaar… they where taking on the black market? But, it was no surprise, and only confirmed my suspicions about how easy this was. For the provider of the tape I just watched, pulled out and now held in my hands was Iban, who worked in that same Bazaar. This had trap written all over it.

But, my mind was already made up. I would walk in, and get what I need. After all, disarming traps was a specialty of mine. But, part of the job was also covering my tracks, and I had a big, bleeding one right in the middle of the room. I pondered letting him live as I liberated valuables from his crippled and deformed body, namely credit cards. Not because of any mercy, but because to live life in his current state would be hell, and definitely would be a cause of suffering. But, I had to be pragmatic this time. I liberated a few grenades, and then grinned as I looked at his helpless body. I knew just the thing. I wrapped my hand in a sheet, and started to work…

I jumped out the window quickly, hitting the street just as a loud explosion came from Mia’s room, destroying or damaging its contents. I grinned, as I walked away, and threw away the now befouled sheet. I guess I proved that anal cavities could not conceal an explosion, no matter how deep the grenade was inside a human being. Oh well, live as an asshole, die by the asshole.

I turned toward the bar, and started sprinting. I had work to do in the Bazaar, before it was closed down due to gunfire.

[demigod]

Ewww.

[PC_Glenton]

Whew… been a while. Blame work, and my own tired state of mind.

But, here it is, an actual new chapter from the story no one cares about!

Just setup for what I expect to be a suspenseful scence.

Chapter 55: The Road to Ruin

The roads of the city were wet, covered in puddles still left over from the rain, a drying reminder of the storm. I weaved through the puddles, keeping dry to the best of my ability, but paused when I happened to spy my reflection in the dirty, yet shimmering, image.

I saw myself, but I seemed somehow different. The features were the same as before, made non-descript by the sunglasses I wore. But, removing the dark shades revealed something behind the eyes. They were the same hawkish orbs as before, but know there seemed to be something behind them, a flicker of light, like a fire that just sparked, and was spreading across the land, consuming the old wood around it, until it was all gone. I smiled as I put the shades back on. I knew what was burning, and I hoped that bastard suffered for it; though I had a feeling the flame was eternal.

I shook my head, and continued toward the bar, only to run into a roadblock guarded by heavily armed soldiers, in Chinese military armor. A little eaves dropping on concerned citizens revealed they were planning on quelling an underground rebellion. I knew it to be a farce, it was too damn convenient, thought it was also surprising. I knew Charlon infiltrated a Triad, but how they hell did they get the government on their side? Was it a tip, or more infiltration?

Not that it really mattered; I would still need to get by them. Thankfully, a curious crowd was forming, despite the armed show of force. There was no denying a mind that demanded answers. A thankful trait, as it gave me the cover I needed to get closer. There is no better camouflage then a crowd, provided you kept your head low, and weren’t a basketball player. I used the backs of the onlookers to get closer, before making my way to a sidewalk, a corner where very little attention was paid, as the eyes between police and civilian were focused on each other, ignoring empty spots that gave no tension that showed no threat. Spots that people like me knew could be the most dangerous, as I proved by melding into the shadows the nearby buildings cast down.

I crept through the concealing blanket of darkness, slowly walking toe-heel, to minimize the sound of my steps, pausing only if it seemed I was about to be spotted, and continuing when the coast was clear. And soon, I was near a very descript Black Copter, near a very familiar bar, known for serving sake and scotch, and having a very open, and very spacious VIP room. Well, that explains the borrowed security… they probably didn’t want anyone touching their equipment.

Well, too bad I planned to much more then touch… but, I doubted I could just hot wire it and fly away. There had to be some key, some special instructions, no one would be stupid enough to just leave an expensive piece of machinery in the middle of the bad part of Hong Kong. Well, I knew where the pilots where going, so I made my move. I belly crawled under the copter when the patrols were turned away, and slid into the shadows the hanging roof provided, before crawling into the usually empty bar… only to find out I missed the mother of all brawls.

Shattered glass was everywhere; a lot of them obviously contained booze. The barkeep was on the floor, covered in a red liquid I sure wasn’t brandy, too rich and thick, and scattered across his chest in blotches, with a deep red hole in the center. The bouncer was in pretty much the same state. It was definitely something out of the Chinese version of Scarface, only with a budget cut on actors playing the corpses.

I stood up to avoid cutting my hands on the shards of glass, and tip-toed my way to the back, where the entrance to the infamous black market lay. I brought out both my guns, and armed them. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had to be prepared. This time, I know the guards were primed for battle. I would sneak my way in, its how I operate, but I had to prepare for a fight, and even to kill a few unaware, just in case.

Either way, the roads of the Kappa Bazaar would flow red with blood.

[PC_Glenton]

Heh… been a while, hasn’t it? I know what I have in mind for this, and how to end it, but getting there is always the challenge… ironic, don’t you think?

Tell me what you think… even if you think this story has dragged on way to long.

Chapter 56: Blood Trails

Reaching the end of the stairs leading to the catacombs, I found myself no longer welcomed by the signs of life and commerce that once filled these stone tunnels. Just the opposite. The shoppers and merchants were on the hard ground, lying in an ocean of blood, painting the stone streets red. And, considering the several boot prints appearing on the few untouched spots still shined, it was very new as well.

I hoped on a nearby body, and carefully made my way through this mess on the corpses littering the surroundings. I was afraid the marks from blood would show through, and make footprints of my own, not to mention the splashing sound. My job was risky, especially when it got personal, or when the reward was huge. But, that was all the more reason to be careful, and forget about things like humanity or ethics. In the end, the only thing that mattered was living and dying. Morals only let people feel good about themselves, and justice was just a way to impose a majority’s view. And, I never really cared about either.

“Then why are you doing this? Why are you risking my… your neck in this idiotic act? Him again… figured he would pounce on my doubts. I quickly answered with the obvious.

“Because it’s the only way I can live. The final encounter with Charlon showed me just how controlled my life really was, and that my own freedoms, my own choices, were only illusions. Hell, I’m probably playing their game right now. But, if I try to go against their rules, do something unexpected, or turn my back on the opportunities given, I only know they would try other methods. Or, if they gave up on that, just kill me. I need to ends this, for my own life.”

“… The same argument. You know what, go ahead and get yourself killed. Your death will only bring me back. Enjoy your worthless existence while you can thief.”

I grinned. Yes, I was a thief, and I knew I was a damned good one. That was no insult to me, a man who lived his life off crime.

My inner dialogues were soon interrupted by several loud bangs, echoing through the stone walls, coming in a series of rapid bursts. I plugged my ears, and continued forward. I recognized the sound of gunfire, but it was coming much to fast for automatics, and the booming echoes hinted at a much greater caliber. I peeked around the corner, and verified the source: a large Vulcan anti-aircraft Mini-Gun, proceeding from a formerly hidden hole in the roof, and showering a squadron of Stalter soldiers in lead, returning the favor they performed earlier. A closer look at the armed store revealed my destination: Iban. Heh… figures the maniac would have a crazy self-defense mechanism.

But, even the greatest wall had its weakness, and this one was revealed by turning from a killing machine, to a useless spinning one, telling everyone watching it ran out of ammo. On top of that, there were still a few men left standing. One stood guard while the rest stormed in, taking readied combat stances. Figures… they would be after the same target. Well, I handled their ilk before, and it wouldn’t be any different this time.
I kept low; my body hunched forward as I crept on my toes, taking wide, slow, strides, my footsteps not even a thump on the hard pavement. I got closer to the focused guard, until I was only a few precarious feet from him. And, with a quick pistol whip to the back of his neck, he become a lot more distant, allowing me to continue my trek inward without any more obstacles.

The assault team was moving quickly, with the confidence of anyone who believes they have the armament advantage, and proceeded toward to rapidly search the joint, probably hoping to liquidate anyone living. I stayed low and out of sight. It was obvious I needed to get them out of the way, either by knocking out or killing, but I couldn’t take them all on. I had to wait for my moment.

They scattered around the store, guns pointed in a search position, waiting to obliterate any rats they could find. Well, some rodents were smarter then others. I crawled back outside, purposely making noise while doing so, and lying on my belly, staying low. I know they would investigate this, but not as a whole unit. They would send two men. One to search, and another to cover his back. The rest would continue searching. And, sure enough, I saw the front end of an M-16 poking through. I quickly grabbed the barrel and pulled, throwing the soldier off balance, and tripping the goon behind him. I gave myself a little more distance by crawling backwards before they both got up, and started heading in my direction.

I quickly grabbed a pistol in one hand, and the machine gun from the knocked out guard in the other. When my two pursuers turned around to face me, I retaliated with a quick headshot from my pistol, while firing off a burst from the heavier gun, making it sound like it was there weapons being fired. The two goons collapsed on the ground, out of the way of the door, and I held my breath, waiting to see if more would come.

And more did. Two more soldiers ran through the door. Damn it. I was hoping firing off the other gun would at least make them think the shots were from their own men. I backed up more, while these new obstacles checked the status of their comrades, their compassion distracting them from the true threat. The two looked back up, and spotted me, partially covered in shadows. But, before they could get a shot off, I ended their lives, adding their bodies to the pile created by Iban’s fancy gun. I guess that attitude wasn’t just for show.

By now, the other two should realize something was up, and I doubt they would be stupid enough to repeat the same mistakes as their friends. I went to the edge of the store, and took a quick peek, and saw nothing, the building was completely empty. That meant either one of two things: there was another exit, or the two soldiers were hiding, planning to ambush me this time.

I didn’t take any chances. I got on my stomach again, and crawled toward the entrance. Once I reached the door, I forced it open with all the might I could manage from the underside, but staying down and out of site. And, like a closet sloppily stuff to maximum capacity, lead spilled out, showering anyone unlucky enough to be just outside.
Good thing I opened it from such an interesting angle. I was alive, but still needed to get by these goons. Unfortunately, they were waiting for an ambush, and I doubt they would go and investigate unless they were certain I was either dead or dying. An illusion I was happy to provide.

I grabbed a body of a guard I just shot, and pulled out the Dragon Tooth sword, and then opened the door again, to the loud greeting of automatic fire. This time, I continued the noise by screaming out, in phantom pain, while cutting the hand off the corpse with my futuristic blade, forcing his blood flow toward the door; while I let my screams fade away.

I heard the stomping footsteps, getting louder and closer… looks like they fell for it. I back up a bit, and got my pistol out, waiting for the bait to be taken. And when the rats went for the cheese, they found it attached to a surprising and quick death. And with those two pests out of the way, my rodent problem was solved.

I entered the store with a lot more confidence, and a lot less caution, but that folly was soon scolded by meeting Iban, and a very large shotgun. He looked angry, as usual, but I could tell he was still something of an ally: He didn’t shoot me yet.

[GG_Crono]

Not a whole lot to say, exept that I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see what hapens with the climax. Keep it up.

[PC_Glenton]

Yeah! A comment! Thanks, GG… I hope it meets your standards.

And, here is the final chapter of the ever lengthy Hong-Kong saga. Starting the next chapter, whenever that gets done, I am going back to the US, and starting the assault.

Again, to the few people reading this, let me know what you think.

Chapter 57: Planning a War.

Iban and I just stood frozen in time, our weapons drawn, the barrels staring intently at the target, matching the eyes. I scanned the chubby Arabian’s face for emotion, to get an insight of what was on his mind… and I found anger and rage, piled on in spades. He was obviously prepared, judging from the huge gun he had outside when I arrived, but I don’t think he knew the whole story, just what was obvious. Else, I doubt that his trigger finger would be twitching like that.

I was about to talk, give my side of the story, but any excuse I could make was soon interrupted by several loud shatters of glass broken violently, causing a deadly rain of glass to shower over us, and giving cover for a small army of Stalter soldiers. The odds turned against Iban and I, increasing to about 30 to 1. We looked at each other, and then made a dash for it, to Iban’s back room, the bullets of several high-caliber automatic weapons nipping at our heels.

Iban worked the door, while I fired a few shots around the corner, hoping to thin the horde even a little bit, and give us room to at least breath. A loud crank indicated everything was ready, and the two of us poured in, closing the heavy metal door behind us, and heading down Iban’s elevator, to his workshop.

We heard the squad pounding at the barrier, but it would take some time for them to get down here, thanks to the elevator’s descent. This gave Iban and me plenty of time to talk, and reach some sort of understanding. And hopefully soon; the bastard was holding me at gunpoint again.

“I take it this is about the tape?” As I focused on the shotgun, trying to remain calm. Iban may not be a marksman, but he knew how to pick his weapons. That gun could carve a hole in my chest, especially at point blank range.

“About the… damn right it’s about the tape! You lying bastard! You had me looking for information you already knew, and were working with the girl whose father…”

I quickly raised my hand, to silence him. “Listen, Iban… I don’t care what the hell I did, or what happened. As far as I am concerned, it was all someone else.” I felt my head start to ache as I said that. Ugh… determined bastard. Can’t he just stay in there?

Iban, in the meantime, looked like he was about to not only fire the gun, but fire anything he could out of his mouth. “You fucking, ugly dog! You think you can just fling your past away like it was no matter? Take responsibility for your actions, you sniveling pig!”

If only he knew. “Its complicated… but they weren’t really mine. But, you can complain about the past all you want. Why not do something about the now, the present? Those bastards are trying to get to you, because you uncovered something. And, they are after me as well. You saw their shots. They were aiming at both of us.” I paused, letting my suspicious interrogator think this over, as the elevator ended its journey with a loud clunk.

Iban just stared at me for a few seconds, and then sheathed his gun, with a heavy sigh. “What do you have in mind?” Excellent. I knew he would see things my way.

“They parked one of their copters just outside a bar leading to this place, in the middle of Teijin Road, and somehow got the police to cover for them. The copters have automated instructions to their base. We… I can infiltrate them from there.” From looks alone, Iban was not much of a sneaker. This would be much easier as a solo mission.

Iban mulled this over, but I knew he would accept. He was in the same boat I was now. He knew too much about those that wished to be secret. Until their lips were sealed, he would be running as well. “All right, I know another way back to the street. But, how do you plan to finish this? You just going to shoot them all?”

Good question. To be honest, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. But, what ordnance could… and then, my eyes fell upon a blueprint from earlier: the orbital laser he made earlier, and piggy backed from a news satellite launch. “You got that done, didn’t you?”

Iban followed my gaze, and just nodded. “Yeah, everything is ready, just haven’t given it a test fire yet, nor found a buyer. Why?”

I didn’t answer immediately, but just asked another question. “And you still have that machine that forges credit card charges, right?” When he nodded, I pulled out the wallet I liberated from the soldier in Mia’s apartment, the one I gave an explosive case of the hemorrhoids, and pulled out two squares of plastic.”

“Do you prefer Visa or Mastercard?”

[Cless_Alvein]

I just <i>need</i> to interject that whenever I see this topic pop up in the forum listings page, it cuts off at “Ok… one year and four…”, and I <i>always</i> think the continuation is going to be “One year and fourscore ago”. And I’m disappointed every time :[

[PC_Glenton]

… Score? This ain’t Gettysburg, Cless

Anyway, the next chapter. Not much to say here, but I should warn you… another interrogation scene will follow, and while it won’t be like the last one, I would warn those with weak stomachs who puked when I blew up the asshole… literally blew up the asshole.

Anyway, just a little sneaking around town, for now. And a hint about the true nature of this town.

Enjoy, and comments, both good and bad, are welcomed and encouraged.

Chapter 58: Eyes About Glenwood

The cruel desert sun blazed its unforgiving heat into the cockpit of the newly-acquired copter, forcing both myself and Iban to shield our eyes, forcing us to see the far-away glimpse of a familiar small town through our fingers. If this thing’s autopilot was working, that would be Glenwood, the town where I took the first step into becoming the man I am today.

Albeit a very angry and vengeful one right now.

Iban had a back door escape route back to the streets, which took us only a few feet from Stalter’s prototype stealth helicopter. From there, it was only a matter of inserting the soldier’s card into a slot replacing the key ignition, and wave to the panicking officers as we made our ascent. No one fired at us, which was not surprising. How would they know this was now stolen property? The worst they could assume was a hasty, unplanned departure.

I looked at the GPS looking device Iban gave me after he processed both credit cards, saying the limit on one wouldn’t cover the needed expense. I think he just wanted more money, but I didn’t argue. It was easy to pretend to be someone else when it came to credit, but if someone caught on, the next spending trip included free room and board at the luxurious Prison Hilton, not a vacation spot I ever planned to visit.

According to its maker, I held in my hands a direct link to a devastating weapon of destruction now orbiting the planet. All I had to do was input the latitude and longitude coordinates into this device, and it would fire, leaving a searing hole in the earth. Thankfully, the tracking option of the GPS was still intact, so I could easily lookup that information.

But, I was also concerned about a few things. Iban said he never had a chance to test the weapon, not even a simulation. So, when I activated it, it would be the first time it was ever launched. He only reassured me by quoting theory and formulas. The effect was similar to cheering up a strict vegetarian with a steak dinner. Not very reassuring.

Well, I wanted to infiltrate Stalter anyway. I knew I worked for them once, and killed Mia’s father. But, I also knew they were not always direct, that they switched between overly aggressive to overly manipulative, and back again. In fact, I still had suspicions that they wanted me to come here.

But, there was more I needed to know. I had to know why I did not exist in records. I had to know why they wanted me. I had to know about their secrets. And, even though I already received a good idea thanks to Charlon, I had to know about that annoying bastard in my head. And before I could heel his presence, I gobbled another aspirin before he could attack me with another headache.

Iban quickly deactivated the auto-pilot, and proceeded to land the craft some distance out of town. Someone probably saw the flight, but I had a hunch they were common enough to not warrant any suspicion. But, I just couldn’t enter the compound by the front door either. I had to find a back way in, and I had a hunch this town hid the door.

I waited until night, about ten pm, getting some rest as we waited for the sun to set, leaving nothing but shadows in the town. I then left the copter, and made my way toward the small, desert town, and once I reached the first building, I dived behind it, and started sneaking through the alleyways.

I knew this town and Stalter were connected. Why else would a secret corporation operate so freely here? How else could several thousand guards just storm the place after a botched bank robbery? But, I only saw the surface of this partnership. I wanted to dig deeper, find the true ties in this.

I figured the best place to store secrets would be where keeping them would most likely be enforced. And, in a town run by secrets, silence is a law. So, I looked for what would most likely be the fortress containing the dirt that kept this town running: the police station.

I was glad this was a small town, consisting of only a few thousand. Towns this small usually die after eight or nine in the evening. Not enough to do late at night. Meant the streets were empty, and people were getting ready for bed. But, a good guard would still be on duty, patrolling the streets; making sure things were in order. And, it would be these patrols that would lead me to the station.

I continued down the streets, staying under the shadows, my ears opened for anything moving, my eyes peeled for trouble. And, my patience was soon rewarded. I found a squad car moving at a slow pace, most likely checking the surroundings, but I doubt he was looking for me. I dove into a bush, and waited for him to pass. He was a good little officer, stopping at intersections, never going faster then the speed limit. Too bad his vision wasn’t as good, he could have seen the thief trailing him while he took his leisurely route.

Soon, he arrived at his station, after several minutes of driving around this small village, he pulled into an official looking, yet small, building. The sign out front declared it the sheriff’s office… such as it was. But, I noticed the security was a little tight. An old section of the wall pulled away to reveal a retina scanner. After the flash of red covering his face, the door opened, and I got a peek at a full-on security system. Hidden secrets indeed.

It looked like the whole town was covered in cameras, turning an average suburban neighborhood into a real life Orwellian experience. A security policy the United States government was working on.

Well, I decided to make my move, but not from the front door. I had no idea what was wired, and what was offline, so I stuck to the shadows, keeping low. Secure rooms were usually locked down air-tight, so ventilation was needed to keep your employees from suffocating. And, after circling the building, staying against the wall, I saw it… a generator with a fast moving fan, connected to a long, metal pump, on the far side of the roof. Nothing a quick shot from a grabbling hook couldn’t take care of.

Not want to waste time on precision work, I just pulled out the Dragon Tooth sword, activated its bluish deadly beam, and sliced the generator before quickly putting it away. The machine quickly died, and I crept to just above the entrance. Sure enough, a suspicious officer opened it up; probably see why the fan stopped. I pounced down, then sprung toward him, forcing the door open, and sending him sprawling. He hurried to pick himself up, but I was already on my feet, and was able to grab his collar and force him against the wall, allowing a good look of my prisoner.

This was interesting… it was the same officer that confronted me when I first arrived in town. No wonder he was so quick on the scene. Probably saw me walk into town when I first wandered in, before I named myself PC Glenton.

Well, it was time to see if Mr. Eyes had loose lips, for my ears were itching for some information. Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to slice off either of those parts.

[PC_Glenton]

Well, another chapter, and getting closer to the finale. Bet you are all thrilled I’ll stop posting these soon, eh?

Well, for what it’s worth, enjoy.

Chapter 59: The Price of Knowledge

The little weasel was definitely not a fighter, and I handled him like a limb rag doll that has seen better years. After his time against the wall, I dragged him to a swivel chair in front of the all-seeing screens, and turned him about face, so I was looking directly in his wide, fearful eyes, surrounded by sweat and tears. Guess he wasn’t so tough outside that squad car.

“Ok, jackass, guess what? You’re on a remake of that favorite game show, Truth or Consequences! You know that old show where you either tell the complete, honest truth to my questions, or get penalized for lying to my face… and, to remind our studio audience, penalties are permanent, unless you invest in prosthetics.”

He screamed, loudly and in an octave that was almost beyond human hearing, but in good range for human annoyance. “Just a warning, ass face. I have trouble controlling my motor reflexes when exposed to high-pitched girly screams. Especially the trigger finger, if you know what I mean.” The room then became silent, except for the fearful sobs of a bully getting a taste of his own medicine. Ok, maybe something stronger then his own medicine.

“Now, let’s get down to it, shall we? What does this town have to do with Stalter? Why the hell are you working together?” Best to start with the basics, and work my way up.

The baby stared at me, eyes swelling up with tears, but visibly turning the safety off my gun persuaded him to answer. “Stalter wants to keep everything secret. Even who works for them, and where they work. Their employees work here. Engineers, security … everyone. This whole place is just a front for the lab.”

My, he was being very cooperative. Well, that was an easy one. Time to get a little harder. “Why the hell does Stalter want me? Why am… was I being controlled? Are you guys trying to use me, or kill me now?”

I heard him swallow, before quickly answering, the sweat building up on his face. “I don’t really know. A few days after you appeared in town, the brass got heated up. Some wanted to terminate you, not wanting to take chances. Others thought you still had a use. When we finally got you, Phillips wanted to kill you, was certain you had brain damage. But, the top suits wanted to wait, see if you could be recycled. We tested you, with those goons, see if you would escape.”

And I did… so that is when they went from full on chase to manipulation. When I proved I still had some guts left. They must judge by success, and not do your bests. I would have to make sure I met their standards in the upcoming raid.

“Another thing… I don’t exist in any records, any databases. No Social Security Number, no birth certificate, not even a fingerprint to my name. Why?”

He just started at me, obviously pondering if he should answer, or hold his silence. The barrel of my gun pointed to his nether regions decided for him. “Standard Operating Procedure. Agent goes rogue, we cover his existence. Any semblance of a normal life is wiped, completely. Or, what goes on record, at least.”

The information wipe… makes sense. But, still… “What about witnesses, anyone who saw said agent alive?”

He made one look at me, face turning white, before whispering one word: “Terminated.”

Ouch… did explain a lot, though. Well, that should do it for loose ends. Now, it was time for the final knot. “All right, shit head. How do I reach Stalter?” I fell asleep on my way here, before escaping the truck, and meeting the hunter… who I am certain was a Stalter employee, come to think of it.

He licked his lips, moistening them, before biting down with such force, a river of blood was flowing down his chin. Oh, now he was trying to be loyal. Just had to make sure the last warning got my point across. And it did, right through the kneecap, shattering bone and preventing any future that involved walking. That seal on his mouth shattered with another loud shriek, which he quickly silenced when he saw me looking at his other leg with a lot of interest.

“Please…. No more. There is an automated tram for night employees underneath… underneath the courthouse, on Third Street. But… you will never be able to use it. Its protected by a handprint scanner… wait, what are you doing with that?

What he was referring to was the Dragon Tooth sword. What I was doing was slicing his arm off, at the elbow. Just needed a key to proceed and he happened to have one handy, and he offered it without protest. Well, physical protest, at least.

I was almost done here; all that remained was covering my tracks. Namely, the moron who spilled his guts. I was tempted to make that literal, but that would be too messy. I decided, instead, to do something about his all-seeing eyes.

I dragged the whimpering baby to the side of the counsel supporting the cameras, and used my futuristic blade to rip open the side, and pull out a thick wire, which I then cut in half. I then ripped some cloth from my victim’s shirt, and wrapped my hands in it, before grabbing the wires, and using my knees to make the idiot face me. And, when I saw the white of his eyes, he saw the metal points of a connection about to go through his skull.

There was no screaming, there were no shrieks. Only one man shaking violently, like he was having a seizure. Smoke was coming from his skull, and I pushed even harder to make sure they stayed in. It only took a few more minutes before the movement stopped, leaving only an internally charred corpse, with huge metal cables coming from his eye sockets. I then made my exit, and looked for Third Street. It was time to finish this.

[PC_Glenton]

Alway some witty remark here… but not much to say, really. Just more sneaking, and then a quick cut to some action… in the next chapter. Think I overdid the whole Luminous Path segment, so cutting this infiltration short. Well, I hope you like this one. If not, the next one will be a dozy, I can assure you of that.

Chapter 60: Present, Past and Future

The building was easy enough to find, since it was about the tallest in town, the tower blocking out the moon, hiding the only light even the darkest nights could provide, imprisoning this town in an even harsher shadow. But, its function was obvious; its stately architecture reeked of politics, and law. A seat of government, through and through.

I made my way through the streets, sticking to bushes and avoiding the roads and streets, in case there were more eyes on the town, waiting for me to pounce. But, the trip was uneventful, and my destination was reached in record time. Walking around the building revealed a set of stone stairs leading downwards into a barred off basement, framed by cracked windows and a peeling paint job. It was supposed to divert attention, another age spot of an old building. But, it lacked one thing: junk.

The stairs themselves were cleared of dust. There were no leaves, and what garbage could be seen was off to the side, roughly shoved out of the way. There was no doubt about it: this door was used often. This had to be the way in.

I approached the door, only to find it locked. I pushed against the windows, but they were solid, despite the cracks. And bulletproof to boot, since I gave them a couple of shots with a silenced magnum. I guess the cracks were only camouflage.

I then spotted a handprint in the cement, about waist high, and just across the door. It looked small, like a child was having a little fun before it dried. But, like its surroundings, it was also unusually clean. I grinned, and pressed the arm I borrowed from the camera man against the impression, and was greeted with a loud click behind me, followed by the rusty hinges of an opening door. Without further hesitation, I hurried in, and the door closed, sealing my escape.

I found myself in what looked more like a subway station then a basement, thanks to the railing running through the fare end of the room, and the turntables lined up against it. I crept slowly toward the oddity, and jumped back when I heard a loud rushing noise, and kept tense until I saw what it was: a small subway system, containing just three cars.

The doors automatically opened, and I peeked in, making sure it was empty, before slowly entering, and positioning myself under a bench, but maintaining a good view of the train’s entrance. Best not to take chances, especially when heading into enemy territory.

But, my concern was unwarranted, and the ride was uneventful. Several minutes later, the tram had stopped, and I crawled out, peering out into a security lobby, with two guards sitting by the main entrance, both heavily armed, and accompanied with cameras over their heads. No getting in that way.

I stayed near the corner, eyes focused on the only visible entrance into the compound. I scanned the room, and the only other way in was over the desks and between small, four foot wide openings in the metal screen holding the gatekeepers. If I could squeeze through, I could get behind the cameras unnoticed, since their attention was turned toward the solid iron door. I just needed a distraction.

I could just shoot the guards. It was a simple enough task and I pulled off harder sneak attacks then this. But, I wanted to save my ammo for bigger threats. And besides, there was no danger of these two exposing my presence to the rest of the building. No need to risk a frontal assault just yet.

My mind kept puzzling, as I stayed in the shadows, thinking of ways to continue when the tram left and came back. I then got an idea. Next to my hiding spot was a small tree, meant to liven up this cross between a boarding station and security checkpoint. I quickly, yet quietly grabbed a few solid branches, and then rolled to the other side of the door, holding the foliage between the automated doors, and waited. The sliding doors met, and gave my arms a break, allowing me to hide away into the other corner, sticking to the dark shadows.

And, the tram left, holding its wooden cargo right in the pathway of the narrow tunnel. There was no resistance offered by the branches, but the cracking noise was loud enough to get even the most laid back soldier up and ready for war. And, the smoke left behind as what was left in the door was dragged across the tunnel walls, burning up thanks to friction, would also be cause for alarm.

The two guards left their post, exiting through the same door in my way, rushing toward the noise and smoke, preparing for the worse. I took that chance to make my move, and crept toward the new empty receiving area, deftly slithering through, and officially in enemy territory.

I lost no time taking advantage of the break-through. I exited into a hallway, and proceeded to creep, staying on tip-toes. And, just like the last time I was here, I found an air duct. Not wishing to deal with any security that would probably be patrolling, I jumped in… making sure to replace the vent and seal it tightly before I started crawling.

I crawled in this metal tunnel, ignoring the claustrophobic tightening of the cramped quarters. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been this way before. At least this time I shouldn’t have to worry about rat poison.

My journey ended when I found another grate, leading to a dark, open room, with several computer screens on the walls, accompanied by several dimly lit consoles, barely providing illumination. I just started, mesmerized. I couldn’t explain it, but this all looked somewhat familiar… chillingly familiar, yet hopeful. A contradiction of emotions.

I opened the duct, and walked in, drawn in by fear, and nostalgia. A memory that no one can, or should remember. My sight was drawn to a row of human-sized capsules on the wall, all empty, but I knew the once held something. How I knew, I was not sure. I was about to swallow another aspirin to keep David at bay, when I noticed one of the capsules was broken, a good section of the front missing, leaving only jagged edges. Then, it hit me, what this was.

Surrounded in yellow liquid… drowning, wanting to escape. I needed to be free. Naked, cold on the ground. No warmth, only shocking pain. Yes… this was my memory. My first true memory, one not stolen. I reached out, tentatively, to touch the tube. I… was myself for the first time…

“So, the failure has returned. So desperate to visit your history you would jump in with the sharks, David?” I turned, shocked out of my trance, and shocked to see a very familiar, yet unwelcome, face. A face that I know, perhaps by some base instinct ignored by my “predecessor” I was here to kill… why I came to this place. I needed him dead, by my own hands. Not for Mia, not because of Charlon, or their relentless pursuit, but for myself. I knew, if I could just get rid of him, I could get Stalter off my back. I freed myself from my past identity… it was now time to do something for my future.

I needed to kill Arnold Phillips.

[PC_Glenton]

Time to solve some mysteries. I was debating being vague or open, but for my first story, its best to leave things open. But, I have some strings I plan to leave loose, and others I plan to make. Well, time will tell the right decision.

Anyway, enjoy this next chapter. Next time, the fight!

Chapter 61: Methods of my Foes

I only stood in silence, observing my well-dressed enemy, waiting for him to spring, or make an attack. But, he just stood there, relaxed, hands in the pockets of his suit, leaning against the main door to this room, like he didn’t really expect anything. If I didn’t know any better, I would say he was trying to be friendly.

I was caught off-guard by his approach, but decide to see how well-meaning he really was, and start asking a few questions. “These tubes… why was I in one?” I already had inkling why, thanks to my last conversation with Charlon, but I wanted to know for sure.

Phillips just shrugged, and answered, dead-panned, but still in that annoying I-don’t-care position. “We are a bio firm, as you knew once. Studying the secrets of the human body, how to repair it, improve it. That included ways to bring it back. These tubes contained the formula for energizing the cells, making them reproduce at a faster rate. It’s just a small part of the operation, but I don’t think either of us have the time for the full explanation.”

Four times… Charlon said I died four times. That must have been from the last time. “So…death really isn’t permanent? You can bring anyone back, if you wanted to?”

“If you are only counting bodies. The mind is a different story.” He started walking closer, hands still in his pocket. “While we can patch the holes, the electrons making the mind are still too complex. At first, we thought we could just stimulate that as well, send a small current into the grey matter, jump starting the brain, but we should of realized there is more to it… it’s the most complex organ, after all.” He paused, releasing a sigh, before he continued.

“You were never meant to awaken in that tube. Hell, you were still dead at that point; we were just working on the body, not the mind. After you broke through, and scared the shit out of us, we scanned your brain, and found a mutation through the section that controls the personality. It was like new cells were taking over while the dead ones rested, like a microscopic surprise attack. What was even more surprising was when we found those cells were always there, but inactive. The last three times they even showed activity was, and this is when doubts about the project set in, when we were in the middle of reviving you.”

Arnold shook his head, as if he still didn’t believe it all. “We thought it was a virus, or a tumor. We thought that you would have died anyway.” He stirred a bit, as if he was uncomfortable. “That is why I ordered the termination. You were a proud one, David. I figured you would want to go out with some dignity. But, then… you did something unexpected.”

And I knew what that was. “I escaped, and managed to survive.” For several months, actually.

Phillips just nodded. “I was amazed. Usually, the mind instinctively knows when it’s done for, and just gives up. But you had a strong will to survive, and even more surprising, you had the same instincts and reflexes before the mishap. Raw instincts, but effective all the same.”

“Charlon took over then… tried to manipulate you, use you to strengthen our Hong Kong ties. That seemed to work, until the Path raid. Our own fault, really. I figured the old Head’s brat would lead you away. Been sore at the new guys since we took over her daddy’s little gang.”

Wait a second… “Mia… was a Dragon Head’s daughter?” So that video tape… was from the mentioned take over? Explained a lot, though.

“Yeah, his beloved little Anya. She only changed her name to hide her illustrious past from the common thugs on the street. We kept taps on her, and managed to procure her services with a little blackmail every now and then. She left that compound with a hell of a grudge.”

That was interesting. I doubt she knew about Stalter though. But, it seems I wasn’t the only pawn here. “Let me guess. When I left the Triad, you planted that tape to turn her against me, and to proceed with your termination?”

“Yes. As a rule, we do not interfere directly, only if things are not working the way we planned. We do work in secret, after all. But, it seemed you survived that as well, and you managed to get by Charlon, my soldiers, and come this far. I expected as much from one of our agents.”

He was awfully talkative, odd for a secret organization. And, I remembered him being much more cut-throat, ruthless. “Why are you telling me this? You have nothing to gain by blabbing. Hell, we should be fighting by now.”

“I want to make you an offer.” My eyebrows rose. What the hell would he want to sell? “You were one of the best we had, and you were a valued employee. Agents like you are far and few between.”

I glared, and countered his flattery with a growled comment. “Get to the point.”

Again, he just shrugged. “I want you to return to us, take the same position, with all incidents… accounted for.” Aka, covered up. “I am offering you a job, security… and, something every man needs.” He finally took a hand out of his pocket, revealing a 3.5 inch floppy, with no label, and pure black. “A past. This disk contains all your records. Childhood, training, etc. We even have your favorite foods and hobbies. Everything about your life, from birth to present, is in here. All you have to do is resume your future.”

I just stared, unsure what to say. He was offering everything. A normal person in my position would probably just say yes and get on with it. But, still… “Whose past are we talking about, just out of curiosity?”

Phillips got a confused look, and then blinked twice. “Yours, David. Why would you ask that? Who else is in the room?”

Ok, that did it. “There is no David here. My name is PC, jackass.” With that, I quickly pulled out a pistol from my jacket, and aimed it toward the suit, only to find a similar gun pointed at my face, the wielder’s face transformed into rage.

And, at that moment, the world froze, as two combatants looked at each other, waiting for the other to move first, and preparing to react when they did. This was a test of patience and will, and only one would walk away.

And there was no way I would die to a conniving bureaucrat.