Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 15:19:30 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Flights of Angels 22 Flights of Angels-Chapter 22 By Eff Del At times we come to a point in our lives when it seems we cannot decide the direction we should take. That is when we must trust our inner senses... the heart, the soul and the mind. They must combine to make a right choice. In order to commit to any positive action, we must first have a positive vision. The vision is the guide to our path. "This is an SF45 or to be official; a `skugga flugg 45' but actually, we call them `shadow flies' Barry said as he offered me the tiny thing that seemed almost dwarfed within the palm of his hand. It was oblong and gray and for all the world, it appeared like nothing so much as a man-made pistachio nut. I took it from him carefully and he smiled. "You don't need to be so gentle with it Eric. They're made to take a great deal of abuse. We in the Skuggor laugh whenever the press makes a big deal over government drones as if they're on the cutting edge of technology. It's funny to watch people being amazed by those big floppy clumsy things! Eric, their drones and OUR drones are like comparing the Wright brothers' first plane to an F-35. THIS is one of our drones. That little thing you're holding has a solar powered ion-plasma drive. It can fly at speeds up to 180 miles per hour for a short time, but usually it hovers at a designated spot or at a very slow velocity as we use it as a spy eye. Our control range over it is currently just under 800 miles, but we're working on that. It transmits video and audio at a split second less than real time to any place on the planet thanks to its ability to draw and switch connections with the network of satellites favoring those in the best proximity to its location. It is almost completely silent to the human ear and will soon exceed that silence by many decibel ranges. Because we can remotely change the color of its casing, it is for all intents and purposes a mechanical chameleon and therefore can be as close to invisible as even our current technology can make it. Rest assured though, we're working on that. As a rule when deployed they are not armed, but they can be equipped with a charge of surprisingly powerful explosives or chemicals that are mostly of our own devising. One of those chemicals can almost instantly render a room full of people unconscious without actually killing anyone. By the way, we're working on improving that. Of course we'll be using `shadow flies' to reconnoiter and then monitor our mission tonight. I smiled and returned the tiny object gingerly to him. "Barry, you guys astonish me almost every day. I feel so ignorant sometimes." He smiled in return and touched me on the shoulder. "Eric you shouldn't feel that way. It's your money that finances all this research and Eric... your father didn't know about most of our technological developments when he was alive. He financed the technology just like you're doing now and trusted us to deploy it properly. The Suggor were created by your father and Walter. To a man we are loyal to you as your father's successor. The only thing that could break that loyalty would be an attempt to order us to create a crime against humanity. We are not robots and we certainly are not stupid, mindless Nazi types but we do respect decisions made from higher up. As to the extent of our technological development... I'm not certain even Walter knows and Walter is... well Walter is Walter. When all of this current distraction is over, Eric, we should make a time for you to visit one of our armories... you'll love it You'll find we've got stuff Ian Fleming never dreamed of in his wildest imagination... we're far past anything ever offered to poor James Bond. As far as tonight goes, everything is now in place. Since there is a three hour time difference between us...well actually a twenty seven hour time difference, but strategically speaking, we're three hours ahead of them, our assault will begin at three o'clock in the morning or... midnight their time. Everything is under control now. Walter is resting so that he'll be ready to sit in the command seat, Richard and `Wolfman' are the best that we've got...the best in the world if the truth be told and they're in place. Taylor has arrived in Auckland for when we've gotten the kids back and as of right now Boss, I'm in the hot seat. With no pretense at modesty, I gotta tell ya... they don't come any better than me!" He grinned and I wanted to hug him so bad but instead I just squeezed his shoulder. "Thanks Barry. I guess I'll go out and amuse myself until tonight then." The boys were still in class with Professor Swaim and Walter was napping. I wandered along the walkway and decided to pay a visit to John. He was sitting on a stool by his workbench studying a rather thick book. "Hi John. What the heck are you up to?" He spun around to greet me with his trademark large smile. "Hi Eric. I'm just investigating ways that we can reinforce and protect our cars from possible assault. This stuff you're currently involved in... you know; things that I'm not supposed to know about... well it got me thinking." I grinned and gave him a one armed hug. "John, you've always been too smart for me, but honestly, I don't think we've got all that much to worry about. I'm only trying to make something that was wrong for a long time better... right, that's all." He looked at me and his big eyes were moist. "Eric, we never talk about it... we just kind of understand, but... well your father... he was like a father to me too... he had this way of reading me; heart, mind and soul. When you first brought me here, I was a drifter with no real direction. You know that, but after just an hour of him and me being together...talking and joking and...well, he hired me... he brought me into this place; this family... well, YOU brought me here, but your father, he gave me this job and this life and well I..." I placed my hands upon his shoulders and forced him to look me straight in the eyes. "John... John, do you honestly think that I don't know how often you wish that my father had let you drive them that day? Do you think I don't know your anguish or see the pain in your face every time the subject even remotely comes up? The only difference between us John is how we handled it. I stayed drunk for three years and you did your job and went on with your life." His eyes were glassy with un-shed tears and after a quick shake of his head, a sad half smile appeared on his solemn face. "Eric, I tell myself that I could have made a difference... that I could have saved them, but I don't know... maybe I wouldn't have seen that truck coming any more than your father did... maybe I would have died with them... I don't know... I only know that in my heart I lost my family because your father was driving when it should have been me. Just like you, I lost my father and mother and my sweet little brother that day Eric. Eric as a snot-nosed very confused kid... you brought me here and your father saw something in me. This is my life... this is my family and I want to keep you all safe." He had pulled away from me and was looking at me intently. "Eric, I'm going to ask Jenny to marry me and if she accepts, we're going to continue to live here and we'll still all be family. My duties and responsibilities won't chance. In the meantime, despite what you think or say, I'm going to make part of Jack's training evasive and defensive driving." I pulled him to me in a hug. "John, if you do propose and if she does accept... and with a lug like you that COULD be doubtful... we need to find you guys some better place to live... I mean that apartment over the garage... it's not..." He was laughing now; "Eric, I love you, but you have no idea how life goes on in the real world. That `apartment over the garage' has more square feet than most houses in America. It's luxurious by anybody's standards, but yours. We could have three kids and still have plenty of room. In fact we'd have to send out search parties up there to find them if they wanted to hide. Me an my future family are staying right where we are." I smiled acknowledging my innocent ignorance, but I then quickly added; "Well then, the wedding has to take place here on the estate OK?" He was grinning. "Where else could it happen Eric? This is my home." "Cool John, and I promise it is going to be one hell of a party!" I smiled and walked away. I wandered into the kitchen and Martha was there as always fussing over the stove. She turned as I walked in and because she was Martha she knew that I needed her. I sat down on one of the counter stools and she walked over and ran her fingers gently through my hair. "Somebody needs a haircut" she said softly as she looked into my eyes. "Yeah. I think Friday for me and the boys." Suddenly feeling like a little boy, I grinned and asked; " Are there any cookies, Martha?" Her smile was swift and warm and I felt a glow in my belly and chest as she turned to the counter and soon a plate of her legendary soft chocolate chip treats was placed before me followed almost instantly by a large glass of milk. After downing three cookies in silent pleasure, I raised my eyes up from my glass of milk. "Martha, do you think it's alright to destroy something in order to try to make it right... to make it like it should have been?" She didn't miss a beat. "Well of course Eric. How else do you think this country got started in the first place?" She was patting me on the shoulder now just like she did when I was a little kid on one of those few times I was actually puzzled over a homework problem. My mind wandered. In my life there were two women that I'd loved... my mother and Martha. My Mother was gone with my father and brother, but Martha was still here and Martha was still the epitome of love. Cookies finished, I rose from the table and wrapped her in a tight loving hug. "I love you Martha." I whispered in her ear. "I love you too my sweet Eric... and I love those two young ones. You've brought life and joy back into this grand house and though I know you've got heavy things on your mind and hard roads ahead of you... Eric, you've surrounded yourself with love... how can you lose?" I pulled her into a tightly against me and smiled down into her face before planting a kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for sticking with me when I was so screwed up. Thanks for being you." I whispered and left the room quickly so as not to embarrass her. The boys came almost hurdling at me as they left the classroom and their hugs almost knocked me to the ground.. As we walked tightly clinging to each other, Jack announced; "According to the log I've been keeping, I've only got fifteen more hours of certified instructions and then I can take my actual driver test!" I ruffled his thick red hair and noted that he too needed a haircut. John met us in anticipation of Jack's behind the wheel tutelage and announced that in his considered opinion, tomorrow Jack was ready to take passengers for a ride. "Holy guacamole Rufus! You're almost a regular driver like John and Dad!" Sean exclaimed as he gave the older boy a soft punch on the arm that was quickly returned in kind. As I watched the blue BMW disappear around the turn and down the driveway, I suddenly felt a small arm wrap itself around my waist. I looked down into those impossibly blue/green eyes and found that they were wrought with concern. "Dad, you aren't very happy lately. Is it somethin' me or Jack have done wrong? Are you sorry you adopted me or something' like that? `Cause it would be all right if you wanted to unadopt me... I'd understand. I just want you to be happy." I felt a pain in my heart and I almost choked upon the air I gaped in astonishment. "Sean... oh god, how can you even wonder about something like that? I love you so much that there are not even words to express it and Sean... I love Jack that way too. NEVER. NEVER doubt or question that. What's going on is that I'm, trying to make life better for some other boys... actually the other NEST boys. It's very complicated. You're not ready to understand that yet, but you will someday and when you do, I hope you'll be proud of me." He hugged me tighter and sort of buried his face against my chest. "I love you so much Dad." It was almost a whisper. "I'm proud of you every time I see you or think about you... I wish I could make you happy alla time." I kissed the top of his head and in a similar soft voice I said; "Sean, you DO make me happy all of the time. I don't ever want to think what my life would have been like if not for you." I suddenly I had an idea... a strangely compelling desire to do something I hadn't thought of doing in a very long time. "Sean, would you take a ride with me... one that won't be so much fun?" "Sure Dad... anyplace you want to go.' We walked back over to the garage and even though we weren't wearing our jackets and caps, we got into the Red Cat and pulled through the gate. I was almost sick to my stomach because I was so embarrassed that it had been so long since I'd been here. After the automatic gate had opened to my code, we drove up a short but steep little hill. It was our private family cemetery. The area had been purchased by my great grandfather and he and all of my deceased family were lying here. While I truly revered my great grandfather, I'd never known him. He was also not the reason I'd driven to this place today. After stopping the car, I got out and with Sean following me we walked the short distance to the crest of the hill. "This is a cemetery... a burying place isn't it Dad?" He'd grasped my hand as we'd begun our walk. I slipped my hand out of his and wrapped my arm around his shoulder, drawing him into me in a tight hug. "Yes, Sean. This is where my family has been buried since my great grandfather... the one who build Joyous Gaurde and moved the Tuckers from Chicago." We walked over the gravel path and I steered him in the direction I need to go. Without comment from me, we walked past the markers of Pa Pop; my grandfather and my grandmother whom I'd never known and eventually reached the grouping under the slender magnolia tree. They were black marble and relatively plain. They stood in a row with one space left ominously empty in the grouping... that space was mine I knew. I was tempted to point that out to my little boy and tell him that if not for him, I'd probably be sleeping there by now but I did not. I'd brought him here not to frighten or upset him, but simply because I needed his company. I indicated the three upright stones to him. "These are where the bodies of my mother, father and Kyle are Sean." I said with my arm tightening around his little shoulder. "Remember when we were in Savannah and found your parents and grandma? It's the same thing here Sean. I believe that though their bodies are buried on this hill, their living spirits are free to soar throughout the universe. I haven't been here for a long time, but every time I do come here I feel like I can talk to them... and I feel better. If you don't mind, I'm going to talk to them now with you here. " "Sure Dad, you were there when I did that with my family in that place in Georgia." I nodded and then began to speak in the direction of the three headstones: "Dad, Mom, and you to squirt... Kyle, I know you've been watching everything that's been going on so you certainly know my little Sean here. He's an official Tucker now and one that the entire clan can be proud of. One day soon I'll bring Jack here as well, but I also know that we don't need to be here and I certainly know I don't need to come to this place to talk with you but today, I just felt as though Sean and I should pay a visit. I don't need to keep telling you how much I miss you and how much I would give to have you here with me, but I'm trying to live in a way that I hope makes you all proud." Sean had been concentrating upon the third marker and there were long tears in his eyes as he looked up at me and said; "Dad... Eric... I sure wish I had known Kyle. Do you think he'd a liked me?" I leaned down and kissed the top of his head and said softly; "I know he would have liked you Sean. He would have loved you just like all of these Tuckers would have loved you." I waved my arm to indicate the small graveyard. As we stood there, I leaned down and said softly; "Sean, do you think you'd like to have your parents and your grandma moved here so you could visit them when you wanted to?" He thought about that for a few minutes before he said; "Nah. I know this is gonna sound terrible Dad... so I hope you'll understand, but those people don't really mean nothing' to me, I know they're my family, but I don't remember them. I don't ever remember being `Sean Douglas'. I was just a baby. I'll always love them in my own way cause they gave me life and loved me even when I didn't know it and I'll always think about them but...if you're right and their spirits are free in the universe, then they know what's going on and if I ever need to talk to them, I can do it where ever I am I think. You, and Jack are my family. The only family I've ever had that I remember or really know about. You're the only ones who matter to me... OUR family is all that matters.. All I want to care about. Does that make me a terrible person?" My heart was thumping as I pulled him tightly against me and managed to say: "No my wonderful little son, There is nothing you could do that would seem terrible to me. Sean, I love you so much that it makes me ache and my family... all of these Tuckers would love you as much as I do. Just like those graves in Savannah Sean, these are your family too." He'd gently but insistently pulled away from me and was softly rubbing his hands over Kyles's marker and he turned to me with tears welling in his blue green eyes. "I sure feel like Kyle is my family. I know you prob'ly don't believe me, but we REALLY were together up north when that...'stuff' happened. I told you about it when I was in the hospital. I was bad lost and something terrible was about to happen to me, I wasn't scared, but I was, but Kyle found me and... I don't understand it so good, but he actually saved me... Oh Dad, I feel like I know him I really do." I pulled him back against me so tightly that for a moment I thought I might be hurting him and whispered into his ear; "You did tell me about it Sean and I DO believe it happened. I know it's all true and it's wonderful" He stopped stroking the cold, dark marble of Kyle's marker and after giving it a soft, loving little pat, he looked up at me. "Sometime, can we come back here an' just visit? I'd like to sing a song to him someday. I think he'd like to hear his guitar again." I was overcome and literally choked as I attempted to answer and breath at the same time. I couldn't speak and my eyes stung from the tears that were welling. I managed a sharp nod and guided him back down the path to the waiting red sports car. We arrived back into the compound just a few moments before the blue BMW pulled in. Jack was grinning from ear to ear and he walked toward us with the feisty panache that I believe only a red head can display. His green eyes were twinkling as he exclaimed; "John says that after I get my license, he's going to teach me to drive like James Bond!" I saw John sag and dramatically roll his eyes to heaven and so I stepped in and said; "No, Jack; John is going to teach you to drive DEFENSIVELY. You're going to learn how to handle a car under unusual circumstances. He's going to teach you to be a better driver not an international spy. Anyway, you're jumping the gun Jack because FIRST, you have to get your license eh?... so,... Rufus Tucker, Super Spy... for now, your mission is to rush into the house and wash up for dinner... you too Sean." An ear to ear grin had captured his face at the `Rufus Tucker' part and I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit that my heart did a little flip-flop as well. They both ran towards the house with arms and legs flying like two large birds with flapping wings. As athletic and naturally graceful as they both were, sometimes they could act positively goofy. John walked toward me and it was obvious that he knew that something very serious was going down and it was preying on his mind. "Eric, I know I'm not supposed to know that something very big is happening... but you need to believe that you can trust me to watch over the boys." He'd locked me into intense, almost robotic eye contact and I guess I yielded first as I replied' "I never feel the boys are safer than when they're with you John. How can you imagine that I'd think otherwise? My own skinny teenaged self trusted you that first day we met at Arnie's Pool Hall and my father and I have trusted you ever since. I'm sorry I can't tell you what's going on right now John, but that's for everyone's safety." Without another word being spoken, we hugged each other tightly right there in the middle of the car park and I walked back to the house trying and eventually succeeding in catching up with the boys. After dinner, Doc Swaim more or less took charge of the Sean and Jack. I felt bad about that, but I really needed to sneak upstairs to get some sleep before the mission on the Atiu Island plantation. Chris had been acting as sorrowful and needing as a puppy that had been chastised for chewing up a pair of slippers.. I'd briefly toyed with the idea of asking him to sneak upstairs with me, but decided that I really needed sleep more than I needed sex tonight. Besides, the wicked part of my nature decided that letting him feel so bad would make the next time we actually got together all the more exciting. I kept the blinds closed as I shed my clothes and lay down upon the bed. It felt so empty. Since bringing Sean home, it had seldom been occupied by less than two people... more often than not it had been me and my wonderful little boy as we slept locked together in a loving embrace that I once could not have imagined. As I lay there hoping for sleep, I played over in my mind all of the amazing ways my life had changed since I'd first brought home the little boy in the blue blazer. I was astonished when I realized that it hadn't even been a full year yet. Sleep somehow overtook me rather quickly and I was awakened by a signal on my cell phone directed from Barry which gave me just enough time to shower, dress and head to the command center. As I entered the room the screens were flashing almost psychedelically. Several young men who I recognized as Skuggor but didn't actually know by name were seated at various stations around the room. Barry was working four screens and Walter was calmly watching one large display while talking into a receiver and making notes on the keypad of a separate laptop on the table in front of him. Barry smiled at me quickly and then almost instantly returned to his screen. "Glad you woke up in time to make it. Have a seat." Walter grinned at me because he knew I wouldn't have missed this for anything. The images transmitted by the `shadow flies' were nothing less than extraordinary. Walter's display kept shifting from view to view and all of the pictures were crystal clear. Although I knew it was midnight over there, the images were amazingly well-defined. I commented on that and Walter responded; "Eric, we're years beyond that `night vision' crap that they use out there in the `real world'. We don't need to put up with fuzzy green images, I'm no techno geek expert like Barry but as I understand it, we've learned to modify and amplify ambient light wherever our little `bugs' are flying. What you're seeing now isn't the full extent of our capability. Right now the bug on this screen is operating under highly modified starlight, but if we had to, we could get better images even under heavy cloud cover. As we move into the compound there, the bugs will automatically adjust to the more intense lighting of the lamps and stuff in the buildings. The only situation that we'd be blind would be in absolute darkness... like a cave or a perfectly sealed room, but even then, we could resort to our heat sensing technology. If there was something living in that situation, we'd still have a better image than today's military `night vision'. The fact is, to us on our screen this looks like a scene taking place in the early evening, but to the `bad guys' over there, its dark as midnight. Actually, it IS midnight." He grinned because that had suddenly struck him as funny. "The images received by the sensors in the little `flies' are instantly transmitted and then re-worked through our computer system and improved... I think the proper word is `enhanced'... to the point of perfection. Despite what you see and what I've just said, Barry the brain over there tells me we're on the verge of getting even better." Walter wadded up a piece of note paper and tossed it hand grenade style so that it bounced off Barry's head. To his credit, Barry just rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Why don't we share our technology with the government Walter?" He looked up at me and smiled. For a moment he looked just like a picture of a sly fox I remembered from a story book I'd had when I was a little kid. "Oh, we do Eric... all of the time. We just make certain that we're at least ten years ahead of whatever technology we share with them. So, Barry has told you about the `shadow flies'...'bugs' is what I call them. For this mission, we're only using four. Barry has each of their images on his screens and he'll be feeding me the most relative views while he and a couple of our colleagues monitor the others so that we're not caught by surprise. I've gotta tell you, I just love these little bugs. I wish your father had been alive to see them. We only had a few prototypes when he was with us, but he would have loved them more than me Eric. Oh... the nasty things he'd have used them for... oops! I probably said way too much, I'm sorry. Anyway, I've got to take a piss. This medicine the doctors have got me taking is the best diuretic I've ever experienced. Barry, fill Eric in on what we know so far." Walter got up and left the room, Barry gestured to one of the nearby Skugga indicating he should take his place in front of the four screens and he walked over to the corner of the room where the coffee bar was. "Coffee Eric?" He raised a cup vaguely in my direction. "Yes, thanks Barry. Just black please." He strolled over offering me a steaming mug and he sat down in Walter's recently vacated chair. "We did some early reconnoitering soon after the choppers with our guys landed. We sent two `shadow flies' into the compound. We kept them mostly close to the wall and thanks to our ability to change their color, they weren't detected so we got good pictures, good sound and great information. Because they think the whole NEST takeover was done by a bunch of do-gooders with lots of bark, but absolutely no bite, their security there on Atiu is relatively non-existent. Now, the first news I've got for you isn't very pleasant. Our initial intuition was correct and the sexual training of these boys has already been accelerated. The fourteen year olds had already been exposed to anal intercourse and other interaction. This was apparently the normal age these things happened at the NEST." I feigned ignorance because I wasn't yet ready to share the knowledge I'd gained by reading Jack's interview with Professor Swaim. "Since arriving at Atiu, they've broken that age restriction and is seems from what we've gathered that all of the thirteen year olds have been sodomized repeatedly. They are now at a point where the entire group of boys seems to be copulating indiscriminately between themselves. Based upon our surveillance, these actions take place exclusively between the boys with supervision and direction provided by three of the adults. From what we've been able to determine none of the adults have in any way interacted sexually with the boys" This, of course, also matched Jack's account of `special training' Nest style. The training proctors seemed to never engage in actual sex with the boys. Rather, they guided them and advised them, allowing the actual action to take place between the boys themselves. "We've got video Eric, but somehow, I don't think you want to see it right now." I nodded with a sick feeling in my stomach. "You're right Barry, I don't need to watch pictures of thirteen and fourteen year old boys having sex under adult supervision and encouragement." "There are only two adults, there whose main function was `muscle' and they either believe they're perfectly safe or they're very very lazy. They mostly just sit out on the front veranda of the main building drinking beer and reading magazines. Sadly for them TV is rather poor in that part of the island and the plantation doesn't have a satellite receiver. Since we've been monitoring the place, they've never even taken a stroll around the perimeter. They obviously think they're very safe... stupid jerks. After we get the go ahead, we should have the entire complex under our control in about ten minutes and have everyone airborne in less than half an hour." Walter had returned to the room at this point and Barry yielded his seat back to him. "Let's get this show on the road, " he growled and shortly Richard and the very recognizable hairy face of Barney "Wolfman" Dunn were on Walter's display. Richard smiled because he knew Barry was watching. "How do I look on TV Barry? Should I try out for a news anchor job on one of the networks or am I more the movie star type?" Barry coughed, Walter sort of growled and I said; "Hello Richard. Did you have a good flight?" The image on the screen was so good that we could see him turn a bright, deep red. "Oh! Oh! Oh... Sorry! Eric, ... I didn't know YOU were watching. I thought we were just doing a sound and visual check I..." Walter cut in; "Forget it Richard, how do we stand?" Richard recovered quickly. "We're ready to move Walter. We have the place completely surrounded. After we take out the two goons (if you can call them that) we'll move into the main house. That's where the other three adults are sleeping. Once they're under our control, kindly `Uncle Barney' will lead a small team into the other building where the boys are and lead them out to our transports." I couldn't help myself; "Uncle Barney?" Richard giggled. I wasn't certain I'd ever heard him giggle before. I'd certainly heard him laugh, but... giggle?. "Yeah, that's his real name; Barney. You knew that, right Eric? Anyway, we've got him dressed up like a teacher or preacher or whatever they call these guys..." "Proctor" Walter interjected. "Yep, that's it; Proctor. Show them the outfit Wolfman. Come on, show them." We could hear protests off of the visual but Barry or one of the Skuggor apparently moved or adjusted the lens on the `shadow fly' and there stood `Wolfman' wearing a tweed sports jacket (with leather elbow patches no less), complete with a bow tie and he looked so uncomfortable that my heart actually went out to him. "Yeah, we figured if he looked scholarly yet authoritative, it wouldn't scare the boys. Suddenly being faced with a bunch of gray suited ninja types in the middle of the night... That might be a bit traumatic, especially for kids who've never really known any stress in their entire lives. Once we've arrived at Rorratanga, the boys, Wolfaman and Taylor will get on-board a regular flight back to LA. And then to Houston and the NEST. We'll subdue the adults using protocol `Q' as we agreed Walter and I'll airlift them back and eventually we'll have them under custody in Slida av stall 4. " I knew from my tutelage with Walter and Phil that `Slida av Stall 4' was a code name for one of the highly secret Skuggor locations here in the United States I just hadn't yet remembered to ask where it was. I smiled to myself, though, because I remembered that `slida AV stall' translated essentially into `steel cunt'. I Wondered how "Proctor Nick' would enjoy his stay there. "OK, then guys... on my count." Walter was speaking to Richard and Wolfman not to Barry and me. I felt a tingle as I realized the operation was actually about to begin. "Three... Two... One... GO!" Walter almost whispered the words. Walter's big monitor went black for just a fraction of a second and then a remarkably clear image of the front porch filled the screen as the shadow fly moved in to capture the scene. Seated next to each other were two burly men dressed in shorts and tee shirts looking for all the world just like two guys on vacation except for the shoulder holsters they wore. The image on the screen was so clear that I was able to ascertain that the holsters each contained SIG 250s. As we watched, two gray clad figures appeared seemingly from nowhere. Silent as shadows... I almost giggled as I thought that because the English definition of `skuggor' IS `shadows'... they were at the side of both men and applying injection devices against their necks. The man seated to the left looked up in a quizzical, almost comical fashion as the injection was applied before his eyes rolled back into his head and he folded over like a limp towel. The man seated to the right made no movement at all. He just collapsed into unconsciousness. The porch was quickly filled with men dressed in gray. Four of the skuggor entered the house and were followed by six others carrying the limp bodies of the unconscious NEST outriders. The image transmitted by the `shadow fly' was perfect and unwavering. I though to myself that the picture couldn't have been better if this were a staged television show. In the big room inside, there were four cots. Three of them were occupied and the swift moving Skuggor placed themselves strategically as one by one they woke up the sleeping NEST Proctors. As the hapless men sat up in groggy confusion, they were each administered an injection to the neck and quickly collapsed back onto their pillows. The screen quick changed to show six skuggor in their now very recognizable gray uniforms moving through the front door of the other building. A man was sitting in an easy chair reading by the light of a single floor lamp. He turned with a startled look on his face as the skuggor entered the room and surrounded him. It was only then that I noticed that each skugga carried a short stubby weapon that looked like a hybrid created between a pistol and a rifle. I made a mental note to ask Walter or Barry about them later. "Well boys, that's Nick Banek" Barry said, though I wasn't certain if he was speaking to Walter and me or to the skuggor on the display screen. My mind did the quick translation; `Proctor, Nick'. I'd hated this man since reading Jack's story as told to Doc Swaim, but I had to admit he had balls. He threw down his book and stood up facing the lead skuggor who I suddenly realized was Richard. "Who the hell are you and what the fuck is going on here?" He had little time to say anything else because an injector was quickly placed against his neck and he collapsed almost instantly. In the next room the twenty two boys were sleeping. I smiled because the quality of the sound being transmitted to us was so good that you could hear every little snore grunt and fart in the room. "Righty-O then boys!" Wolman's loud basso voice filled the room and almost instantly twenty two little heads shot up from their cots. They were confused but Wolfman took instant control. "Now then boys, this has been a good little test and fun trip hasn't it?" The boys issued bleary eyed agreement. "Now, though, it's time to head back to the NEST so... quick as quick can be get dressed and follow these wonderful gentlemen in the gray outfits." There wasn't a grumble or a protest. They were after all NEST kids and they did what they were told. In a very few minutes the boys were following a team of skuggor down a path into the jungle and soon would be aboard the transport. It was essentially mission accomplished, but I knew that Walter had plans for the captured adults. "Goddam it, I've gotta piss again!" Walter stood up from his chair. "I damn sure hope this chemo shit I'm starting Monday doesn't fuck up my plumbing any worse. I'm too damn young to have to wear diapers and don't a one of you say a damned thing!" I realized that I'd been gripping my coffee mug so tightly that the handle was making an impression on my skin, I also realized that it was empty. I must have been drinking unconsciously while the action was taking place. I looked over at Barry. "Time for a re-fill?" I asked. He smiled as I reached out and took his cup from him and walked over to the coffee bar. "How do you take it Barry?" "Just a tiny bit of creamer... no sugar. Thanks Eric." We were sitting side by side now sipping the hot coffee. From the very beginning I'd made certain that the private Kona blend my family had enjoyed for generations was the only coffee served up here in the command center. Good coffee for good people. "Barry, what was the stuff they injected the adults with... they aren't dead are they?" "Nah, it's actually a cocktail we've used for a long time. Your father himself actually applied it to more than a few people. It forms a momentary blockage in the circulatory system... kind of like a momentary aneurism. For just a split second it stops the heart and shuts off blood flow to the brain. Its almost instantaneous coma or seizure... you choose, but it results in on the spot collapse with no after effects except for a fucking horrible headache. They'll all be conscious by now, but we'll wait for Walter to get back." As if on cue, Walter walked back into the room and took his place in the command chair. The image on the screen was now the big room in the first building. The five men were in chairs side by side with their wrists fastened to the arms of the chairs. Four of the men looked frightened and compliant, but `Proctor, Nick' was angry and aggressive. No words were spoken as two Skuggor using injection guns inserted something into the chest of each of the five men. Only after this was completed did Richard speak; "Gentlemen... no, I don't mean that because you certainly aren't gentlemen... scumbags... yes that's more appropriate. So, scumbags, we know what you've been doing over the years and we certainly know what you've been up to here. If I had control of this operation, there would be a mass execution right here right now. Sadly for me were all going to have to take a couple of long plane rides together. I know what some of you are thinking... especially you... mister head scumbag" he was pointing right at Proctor Nick. "You think that when we get to the airport you can raise an alarm and the authorities will step in. Since you're all here legally and have legal custody of those poor boys you'd be right. In fact, it would probably be us that was soon in custody...but see...I'm betting that everything else considered, you'd each rather live than die... am I right" Even Proctor Nick sullenly agreed. "So scumbags, here's the deal... we've just injected into your chests a little nanobot that responds to our remote commands. These cute little guys now burrowing their way into your bodies are completely organic and therefore can't be detected by any security screen... especially those as pathetic as the ones in New Zealand airports. What should interest you most of all though scumbags, is what those cute little nanobots are designed to do. Even as I speak to you, a little bot has worked its way into your heart. If I or any of my colleagues here click the right code on one of these devices we're holding, there will be a minor explosion in your left ventricle. In short, you'll experience an instant and permanent stoppage of your sweet little hearts. Any doctor... particularly any doctor working at an airport in Aukland will dismiss your demise as a sad sudden and very FATAL heart attack. Therefore scumbags, as we pass through security stations you will be compliant with our directions and in time... if so instructed...you'll actually appear cheerful." Richard tossed his control device up into the air and then having caught it, turned again to the five men. "So scumbags, here's the deal. I suspect that you don't believe what I just told you and that one of you is planning to call security at the first airport. I suppose I've got to demonstrate these little nanos really work. Sadly, that means that one of you has to die. Do you guys want to pick... are one of you so fucking faithful to the NEST that you want to volunteer? Or... are going to make me choose?" Richard was walking slowly in front of them like a tiger waiting to pounce upon its prey. "Oh for fuck's sake, we believe you!" It was none less than Nick who'd broken first. What do we have to do?" "Actually scumbag, it's not very hard. We're going to fly back to the good old USA and you're all going to be our guests in one of our cozy little nooks. We'll ask you some questions and when we're satisfied with your truthfulness we'll actually let you go. Have you all understood that or do you need proof?" I wasn't very surprised when they almost replied in unison swearing to high heaven that they'd cooperate. Walter stood up and stretched like a lion on the savanna. "We're pretty much done here for now. Barry's guys will continue to follow things so that the kids get safely on the planes and all. It'll be a couple of days before we'd gotten those jerks in our compound and can question them. I'd say this was a good job. Did you enjoy it Eric" I couldn't help it...I just hugged him right there in front of his subordinates. "It was great Walter. Thank you...thanks to everybody" I gestured to include the entire room. As I turned prepared to leave Barry was standing in front of Walter and me. "Breaking news here guys. One of the fifteen year old boys that were kidnapped from their assignments is back out on contract right now. We've located them and we have the property surrounded. Since Richard is half a world away, I need to know what you want to do." I looked at Walter but to my surprise, he nodded at me indicating that it was my call. "Do we have a shadow fly there Barry?" He grinned and I suspected that he was tempted to make a smart-assed remark but instead he simply replied; "Of course Eric." "OK, then, let's move on. After we've secured both the boy and the client, I'll decide our further action." I turned to Walter and the nod he gave me was all I needed. He obviously agreed with my choice. It was a top floor condo in an obviously well maintained middle class community. The gray clad skuggor didn't break down the door. I learned later that there were no commercially used door locks that any skuggor couldn't open almost instantly and those chain things... well, I won't even get into how useless they are. The shadow flie picture was excellent, though a bit jumpy because it wasn't deployed on a majorly controlled mission like the Atiu assault had been. They were both naked on the couch. They'd obviously fallen asleep with their arms around each other as they were watching TV. It was the man who woke first and after shaking off the befuddlement of sleep, he jumped up and threw himself in front of the slowly waking boy. "Don't don't for god's sake don't hurt the boy Whatever you want, I'll give it to you! I'm rich I promise I can give you whatever you want just...please...don't hurt the boy!" By now, the boy was awake and the man was holding him in a tight protective body hug. "Do we have voice contact with these skuggor?" I asked either Walter or Barry. "Of course we do Eric." Barry answered. "You're getting direct communication with the team leader right now. I remembered my training with Walter and Phil. "Shadow leader this is Lancelot do you recognize this protocol?" I could see the poor young man almost choke. He was obviously new and certainly never expected to be communicating with me. I realized that my code;`Lancelot' was higher than whatever Walter's code was. This was akin to some poor sergeant suddenly getting a call from the President of the United States... except for the fact (as I was beginning to understand) I was probably more powerful. "Sir, yes Sir." Came the reply. "Shadow leader, I want you to be very gentle with these two people. Will you have your en find them blankets to cover themselves with?" "Sir, Yes Sir!" After the two were covered and beginning to realize that they were not going to be killed immediately, I spoke to them; "You can hear me, I know though you cannot see me. You should understand that I can hear and see you and I mean you no harm. Please try to be comfortable I'll have my shadow leader withdrew most of his men, though he and two others will stay in the room with you. Is that alright?" "Yes.. yes, I understand, but I don't understand what this is all about. This has never happened before... what do you want from me?" "We want to understand why you think it's alright to use a young boy as a whore Why you think it's alright to abuse his young body just because you can afford the pleasure." In my mind, I was thinking about that scene in the `Wizard of Oz' with the guy behind the curtain. "The first thing we want from you is an acknowledgement of how wrong it is to sodomize helpless boys!" I was winging it, but I knew where I wanted things to go but suddenly he surprised me. "You... you don't understand! I've never done anything improper with Bobbie. We've just had a friendly father son relationship. I know what other men have done to him. I've tried on countless occasions to adopt him... he is an orphan after all. For whatever reason the NEST wouldn't allow that and so, I'm forced to contract him as much as I can afford. Sadly poor Bobbie has had to go out on other contracts when he is ill used. I'm innocent of any wrong doing sir, but I'm willing to pay whatever price you require just... PLEASE don't hurt the boy. He is as innocent as any child raised as he's been could possibly be." All I could think about was Jack. "Bag em and bring them here Shadow Leader." He coughed over his surprise and discomfort. "HERE as in `Lanceltot's Place', sir" "Yep, I'll be expecting them." `Lacelot's Place' meant Jouyous Gaurde, which was why the young Skugga was perplexed. Something in what I'd just seen got me to thinking and I wanted to talk to the two of them. As I walked out of the north wing, the sun was just rising. I stood still as the birds began their morning songs. I took a deep breath of the sweet, moist morning air and strolled towards the main house.. I glanced up at the wonderful old building and realized that under that roof Sean and Jack... the two people I loved most in the world were sleeping safe and content. About an hour ago I'd initiated am operation that had roused twenty two young boys from their sleep but I hoped and prayed they were boarding a plane back to a better future. As I stood there, Barry walked out of the door and he stood beside me. "It's done." He said happily. "What?" I hoped At once that I hadn't sounded curt or aloof. "Operation `Flights of Angels'... it's done." He was smiling and I reached over and grabbed him on the shoulder. "Barry, I don't think we'll ever be done will we?" He rewarded me with a huge grin. "Nah...that's why we do this stuff Eric. ***************** Folks, I'm so sorry this chapter has taken this long. Fighting cancer is a bitch... sometimes you win and sometimes IT wins, but I'm determined to beat it to a pulp. This time, it won a little. Please keep reading this little adventure and know how very much I appreciate your responses. Am always delighted by your emails. Thanks to you fans of the crew at Joyous Gaurde. We are going to win