CAIN AND ABEL
CHAPTER SEVEN
The two locked eyes for a moment before Lucas tried to squirm out of Nathan’s grip. Just as Nathan let him go, Lucas gave a sharp cry and grabbed his stomach, slowly sinking to his knees.
“Lucas!” Nathan cried, grabbing his shoulders to help ease him down. Lucas was in a great deal of pain as he dropped his head right forward, letting his hair fall over his face.
Lucas collapsed onto the floor grunting weakly in pain. Realising that there was nothing much he could do, Nathan stroked Lucas’s face.
“What’s he doing out of bed?” Perry demanded of Bridger as she rushed in, hearing Lucas’ cries.
“He said he was going for a walk,” Nathan sighed, “I was just going to stop him.”
Nathan shook as he helped Perry get Lucas back onto his bed. Nathan held Lucas’ uninjured hand as the teenager writhed on the bed in agony. It wasn’t long before Nathan realised that his hands were shaking in anger. He wished it were replacing the pain. Nathan felt as though a deep black hole had just been forced into him.
***
Hudson stalked his way into UEO Headquarters in his most intimidating manner. It seemed that Section Seven had finally decided to admit that they were the ones holding the Macronesians. However, according to the report, they denied having anything to with the kidnapping and torture of the SeaQuest’s young Ensign.
As far as Hudson was concerned, he was meeting with other UEO delegates and Section Seven officials for two purposes. One, to make sure the Macronesians being held by them were released and returned home to avoid any further conflict, and two to discuss ways to find an antidote for the poison given to Lucas Wolenczak.
Despite the fact that the newly furnished conference room was full when Hudson entered, the room was almost completely quiet. It seemed that no one there had anything to say to each other. Consequently, the Captain of the SeaQuest had a nasty shock when he discovered just how many people were actually in the room.
Hudson greeted two Admirals and the Secretary General with a nod, before taking a seat to join the uncomfortable silence.
Secretary-General McGath began almost immediately, “The UEO would like to thank Section Seven intelligence for this report updating us on its activities regarding Macronesian hostage crisis.”
“Although somewhat belated,” Hudson muttered through gritted teeth. He was ignored.
“We have come to the decision that the UEO is happy to close all speculation underpinning the reasons for Section Seven’s capture of these people on the condition of their immediate return.”
The Section Seven speaker began to respond almost before McGath had finished speaking, “Unfortunately, Section Seven is unable comply with these conditions as much as we would like to. It seems that the Macronesian’s that were once in our custody have now gone missing.”
All six of the UEO delegates in the room stared the agent, shocked at his hide in making such a stupid joke at such a serious proceeding.
Hudson was the first to respond, “You’re telling us that the UEO may be thrown into an unprecedented and completely unnecessary conflict with Macronesia not only because your stupidity but your incompetence?” Hudson demanded.
The Section Seven representatives were unfazed by Hudson’s anger, “Due to ongoing conflict with the rogue terrorist group, Party Operation, we feel that this should be regarded as a serious infringement on Section Seven autonomy.”
Hudson rolled his eyes, “Those people again.”
McGath leaned forward in his usual gullible manner, “You believe it was Party Operation who took the Macronesians?”
“Of course,” the agent responded, “The manner in which they were taken suggests that it was their type of strategy.”
One of the UEO Admirals joined Hudson in his fuming, skeptical gaze.
“What about my Ensign?” Hudson demanded.
“Like we said in the report,” another agent answered in a patronizing manner, “We are not responsible for Lucas Wolenczak. However, we are aware that he was definitely taken by Party Operation. Section Seven was contacted by a major figure in that organisation to alert us to his return to Toya colony,” he turned to the Secretary-General, “That’s how we were able to alert the UEO of his whereabouts.”
“Ensign Wolenczak was found by my Commander and his team whilst they were still on the assignment. We were never “alerted” by UEO headquarters,” Hudson responded viciously.
“That’s not the point,” the agent continued, “Party Operation is responsible for Wolenczak, not us.”
“How dare you attempt to wipe your hands clean of this!?” Hudson stood up, yelling.
“Captain,” McGath warned quietly.
“No!” Hudson said to McGath. He turned back to the Section Seven delegates, “From my understanding, Ensign Wolenczak’s kidnapping and torture was a direct result of your illegal and unnecessary activities in Macronesia. You are therefore just as responsible in helping us find an antidote for what he was poisoned with.”
“Excuse me!” the agent addressed stood up also, “How dare you presume to understand what is legal and necessary,” he began indignantly.
“All I need to understand is that an innocent nineteen year old boy has been interrogated, tortured and injected with a lethal substance which is not only causing him an incredible amount of pain, but may also cause his death.”
The agent opened his mouth to speak but Hudson would not allow it, raising his voice as he continued, “And YOU, seek to wash your hands of all guilt and turn your backs.”
There was silence for a few moments until an entirely different Section Seven officer continued, his tone more humble, “We will do everything in our power to help Ensign Wolenczak and have the Macronesians returned home.”
Secretary-General McGath spoke just as the Section Seven agent standing, sat down, defeated, “You will contact Party Operation immediately.”
“As soon as possible,” the agent corrected.
“And what’s the difference?” Hudson asked them, still standing at the table.
“Party Operation are a group of very difficult people,” the agent explained.
Hudson lifted his eyebrows, “Really? Well I guess that’s why you seem to have so much in common,” he gave McGath a worn out look, “Excuse me.”
Hudson exited the conference room feeling exasperated and furious.
“Captain!” McGath called to Hudson outside the conference room. The Captain was just leaving the building.
Hudson didn’t turn, but slowed his pace so that his superior could catch up.
“I know you don’t have much tolerance for Section Seven,” McGath began as his jogged along side Hudson.
“They’re not going to be any help,” Hudson said irritably, “This was a waste of my time.”
Realising that the conversation was going to end there, McGath stopped and let Hudson walk on towards a waiting transport.
***
Nathan Bridger sat silently on his bed in the guest quarters, head in his hands. He didn’t know how long he had been sitting there, and he didn’t remember the trudge back to his quarters. All he could think of was what Perry had told him about Lucas’ condition, and Lucas’ face as it was twisted in pain. Knowing that his son, whom he had loved and cherished, lost and then found, was a major cause of Lucas’ suffering hurt him terribly.
He lifted his head up, rubbing one hand down his face in thought. His initial grief was slowly being replaced with resolve, and the need to act.
Lucas needed help, as soon as possible, and if his son were responsible, he would be able to help.
Nathan stood up from the bed and walked towards the vid that was hooked up in his room. He didn’t need clearance to dial a private number, so he was able to dial up his son’s home immediately.
“Yes, hello?” To Nathan’s surprise, a woman’s voice answered. He wondered if maybe he had got the wrong number, and looked down at the number that he had punched in before answering. Yes, it was definitely his son’s home number, but weren’t Anna and Michael still in Party Operation protective custody?
“Anna?” he asked in surprise.
“Nathan!” she exclaimed, “Robert said you heard.”
Bridger’s thoughts were still wrapped up in what his son had done to Lucas, “Heard..?”
“Uh, yes, the house got trashed by someone who was after Robert. Luckily, a team was there and Michael and I got taken into custody for a while. Apparently, its safe for us now.”
“Right,” Nathan said, disbelieving.
“What?” Anna asked, somewhat irritable. She wasn’t a gullible woman, but being married to Robert Bridger meant she had to put a lot of trust into him.
“Oh, never mind I was just concerned about you both. Are you okay?”
“Yeah we’re fine,” Anna was obviously still annoyed and she pre-empted Bridger’s next question, “Are you calling about Robert? Because I don’t know where he is either.”
Nathan was certainly not expecting this, and he stuttered noticeably in response, “What do you mean ‘either’?”
“Well do you know where he is?”
“No,” Nathan began.
“Well, I don’t either,” she responded. Nathan wasn’t sure if it was because he had upset her earlier or if she was upset about not knowing where Robert was, but Anna was definitely really cranky.
Normally, and even if Nathan had not seen Lucas’ condition yet, Nathan would pat the gold fish with Anna, and hang up at this point. However, he was feeling the intensity of a range of emotions at the moment: fear, worry, hurt, anger.. guilt..
“Well, is that unusual?” Nathan asked, adopting Anna’s fiery tone.
This riled up Anna even more, “I think you should know what’s unusual, Nathan. He’s _your_ son!”
Nathan exploded, demonstrating his amazing ability to be incredibly scary and forceful without actually yelling, “Well, for your information, Anna I do not see him even as often as I see Michael! And I don’t see _him_ very much either!”
At this point Anna went to interrupt but Nathan wasn’t finished, “I have not seen my son in over twenty years!” he spat, “I’m only just discovering now that he is capable of things _I_ would not have imagined at that age!”
Nathan continued, “And, no. I have not seen him since he came to the island for coffee two days ago,” Nathan stopped as he felt a painful heaviness press on his chest while remembering the conversation with his son. He remembered his boy’s regret and pain, and how he had reassured him. Nathan knew that he shouldn’t be angry with Robert, but images of Lucas collapsing on the floor and writhing on the bed in pain, after he had already been through too much filled his head. Lucas was innocent.
Nathan took a deep breath to ease the pain in his chest and realised that Anna had gone very quiet while he paused. Nathan relaxed his voice to the point where it was almost breaking, “Anna, what are you trying to tell me?”
He heard Anna sigh on the other end of the line, “Robert is missing. I have not been told where he is, but I’m sure he’s okay. They would tell me if he wasn’t.”
Nathan nodded. ‘Missing’, his most dreaded word when put into a sentence with his son’s name.
“Was it important?” Anna asked more kindly, as she sensed that Nathan must be very upset about something.
“I need him to provide me with an antidote. For a poison,” Nathan explained.
“Oh,” Anna didn’t ask any questions so Nathan decided that he wasn’t going to tell. He had no idea how much Robert had told her.
“Thanks Anna,” Nathan replied as he reached to severe the link.
“Nathan,” her voice stopped him, “You take care.”
Nathan nodded, as though she could see him. But didn’t respond before he cut the line.
He turned and began to pace half-heartedly around to room. What now? His son must have the antidote. How was he meant to get into contact with him? Nathan felt sadness well up inside him yet again. How could he do this?
Nathan felt himself falling into his own pit of despair. He immediately shook himself out of it. There must be something he could do. Think. Of course, how silly of him. Perry had told him that the UEO were currently looking for the antidote already. Information on who they were looking for would help them.
He headed out of his guest quarters to find Ford or Hudson, pushing away the nagging thought that he was turning in his own son.
***
It felt strange for Bridger to knock on the door that used to be his own as though he were a guest. The feeling reminded him that they really were in another world. A world where the only thing good, the only thing that had been returned to him, didn’t seem to be what it used to be.
After a few moments there was no answer. Nathan felt a bit silly having stood there for so long when there was obviously no one in the room. He turned away from the door with the intention of seeking out someone who could help him.
“Nathan.” It was Commander Ford. He was walking toward Nathan holding a folder.
“Jonathan,” Nathan greeted with surprise. Then, noting the folder in Jonathan’s hand he assumed that Ford was after Hudson. He turned back and looked at the closed door, “He’s not in there.”
“Oh, I know he’s at a conference.”
Nathan looked at him. “With the UEO and Section Seven,” Jonathan added.
“Section Seven?” Nathan said flatly, meaning it as a question.
Jonathan looked at him sympathetically, “Ah, how much did Lucas tell you?”
Nathan hung his head and closed his eyes. Jonathan put his hand on Nathan’s shoulder as a sign of friendship.
“Jonathan,” Nathan hesitated, “The reason why I was looking for Hudson,” he paused and then reworded what he was saying, “I have some information.”
Jonathan looked at him with interest, “Let’s go to the wardroom.”
As the two men entered the room, Nathan noticed that Jonathan was still holding the paper folder, “Report?” he asked indicating the folder.
Jonathan looked at it as the two walked over the table in the middle of the room, “Yeah,” he opened it and flipped through the three or so pages, “Not much in there, though,” he indicated for Nathan to sit down, “Let’s see what you can add to it.”
Jonathan half leaned, half sat on the big table. Nathan sighed and walked back towards the wall and leaned on it, “I’d rather stand.” Jonathan nodded. There was silence in the room for a few moments as Nathan tried to work out where to start.
Nathan spoke with difficulty; “Lucas told me what happened to him when he was taken.”
There was silence again, and Jonathan shifted on the table as he waited.
“My son,” Nathan began, “Robert. He told me that he had been ordered to interrogate someone.”
Jonathan knitted his eyebrows together and stood slowly. Nathan could feel the sharp heaviness returning to his chest again.
Nathan forced himself to continue, “I didn’t think anything of it at the time but,” Nathan stopped and ran a hand over his face.
“Nathan,” Jonathan said gently as he walked over to him, “Your son. He’s in that line of work now. You can’t think..”
Nathan cut him off, “Jonathan, Robert _told_ me that the victim was young and innocent.”
Nathan began to pace, walking passed Jonathan and back toward the table, “And Lucas knew.”
Jonathan looked shocked, “Lucas? How could he..?”
“He hasn’t met him, I know,” Nathan said with his back turned, “But I saw the look on his face. He knew.”
Jonathan looked very contemplative, “He didn’t say anything..” Suddenly, it dawned on Ford, “How he was released.”
Nathan nodded slowly, continuing as he turned around towards Ford.
“And now,” Nathan continued, stronger, “He’s likely to have the antidote that could cure Lucas and he’s gone missing.”