SECOND SON
by Teresa
CHAPTER FIVE
The boardroom at UEO head quarters held many important people, all of whom were uptight and stressed. None of the Seaquest crewmembers were at the meeting.
Secretary General McGath was speaking, “The UEO, combined with Section Seven have decided that Robert Bridger is officially _our_ officer. He was trained under the UEO and was serving with us at the time of his disappearance. We have enough evidence to suggest that he is being held against his will. We are therefore treating him as a hostage and are regarding Party Operation’s actions as hostile and as a direct threat to the UEO.” He paused glancing at the other members of the meeting who nodded in agreement.
“I gather there will be no negotiations?” a board member asked.
“That’s right,” McGath answered him, “Absolutely no negotiations.”
***
“…Under those conditions the UEO demanded that our officer be released immediately,” Hudson stood in front of crew of the Seaquest and exhaled an exasperated sigh. The crew waited patiently for him to continue.
“Due to Party Operation’s refusal to co-operate, we are recruiting a team which will be made up of Section Seven and UEO personnel. Mister Ford and Mister O’Neill, you have been chosen as members. You will be briefed once you arrive at UEO headquarters. As for the rest of you, you will continue with your normal duties. Dismissed.”
As the crew began to leave the room, Lucas approached Captain Hudson. He was looking very tired and slightly grey but his features were masked with his usual determined and rebellious glaze.
“Sir,” he began, “Why aren’t I on the team?”
Hudson lifted his eyebrows in mild surprise, showing a definite distaste for his young ensign’s arrogance, “You weren’t needed ensign,” Hudson explained simply, starring Lucas right in the eye. By this time everyone else had left the room.
“Sir,” Lucas raised his voice, “I was attacked! I…”
Hudson cut him off, “This no longer about you, Ensign,” Hudson explained calmly, but with an air of superiority, “and this shouldn’t be personal.”
“It’s not just about that. I’m already involved. And besides,” Lucas persuaded, “they’ll need me.”
Hudson resisted the urge to roll his eyes and settled for looking at the ground instead. He looked up, “I will speak to the Secretary-General. Now, Mr. Wolenczak, Dr. Perry has relieved you of you duties for the next week, you should go and get some rest.”
Lucas looked at him for a few moments, trying to decide if there was anything else to say. Eventually, he nodded and left, leaving Hudson to shake his head.
***
“This is great work,” one of the UEO leaders smiled, looking at the paper that Tim O’Neill had just handed him. He let out a chuckle, “This isn’t going to last very long. If they’re holding Bridger at the same place as this signal was sent from, they’re stupider than we thought.”
Tim O’Neill retained his modest facial mask, but grinned inwardly.
“What are our orders, sir?” Commander Ford, who had been standing at ease next Tim, decided it was time to get things rolling.
“It’s quite simple, Commander, a routine ambush. For decades it has been U.S policy to assume that if the enemy makes their whereabouts really obvious, we are to assume that it is a stupid mistake on their part and not a trap,” the leader explained, “So we will do what we always do, Commander, go in with limited weapons, skeleton personnel, and no prior information regarding the capabilities of the enemy.”
“Understood, sir,” the Commander replied. The leader nodded, satisfied.
“Nathan Bridger will be leading team,” the older man looked at his watch, “He will be arriving to meet you shortly. You will also be accompanied by six elite members of section seven.”
“Nathan Bridger is leading the team, sir?” Commander Ford sounded surprised.
“Is there a problem, Commander?”
“No sir, it’s just that Nathan Bridger is retired.”
“He is the best man for the job. He has been tracking these people for months. Not only that, he is very keen and volunteered his further assistance.”
Commander Ford only nodded, still concerned that the amount of personal involvement would cloud the ex-Captain’s judgement, but not willing to question his superiors any further.
***
Nine blue combat suit clad officers moved swiftly through UEO corridors towards their awaiting vessels. Commander Ford stepped in behind Nathan Bridger who was sitting at the first vessel’s main consul.
“You don’t think you should be staying on your island to avoid suspicion, sir?”
Nathan shook his head, “Vishnore already knows that there’s no way I’m leaving my son with him.”
Commander Ford nodded, appreciating that he wasn’t going to talk him out of it, “Then we’d better get a move on, sir.”
“Right you are, Commander,” Nathan flicked the controls with determination as they took off at top speed.
***
Lucas gave a small grin as he sat down in a private communications room onboard Seaquest, placing his headset around his ears. The room was completely equipped with every kind of communication and networking equipment available. Lucas had the equipment all to himself, to use for the purpose of the mission, of course.
After, the UEO had finally agreed that Lucas would be a great asset on the team, Dr Perry had given specific orders that he only be available for certain periods of time to ensure that he didn’t get sick given his previous ordeal.
Lucas had not protested. He couldn’t believe how shaken up he’d been by what had happened to him and what it had done to his confidence. He had tried to pretend that it didn’t affect him, but in reality he was incredibly unnerved at being hurt continuously when he was powerless to stop the pain, and at being restrained against his will.
He hoped this would put him back in control, of himself, and of the people who had hurt him. Lucas had always had power with computers. He could feel the fear seeping from him as his fingers began to dance across the keys.
***
The infiltration into the base had been no problem, although, as they expected, there weren’t a large amount of people inside. Nathan assumed that most of the Party Operation personell were in indefinite hiding.
“We are inside the base, phase one completed,” Ford spoke into a small mike connected to his ear as the rest of the team ran into a corridor and pushed themselves against the wall. Nathan Bridger indicated for the members to split up, he and Jonathan were left by the wall.
“Understood Commander,” Lucas replied.
“The only people I’ve seen so far are in civilian clothes,” Nathan Bridger observed.
Jonathan nodded, “Just like Lucas said about where he was taken. This must be the same place.”
Nathan slowly poked his head around the corner to take a quick look and then brought it back around, “We’re going to need access to their main computers.”
Jonathan nodded and then spoke into his mike, “Lucas, can you tell us how to get to the main control systems?”
Nathan whipped his head around and gave Jonathan a shocked look, ‘Lucas?’ he mouthed, Jonathan gave a quick nod.
“Uh no sir, I don’t know where they are because I don’t have access to a map of the facility, but I can access them.”
“Good, shut down all the power. Weapons, computers, escape routes, I want them all blocked off.”
“Aye sir,” Lucas replied as he continued to plague the systems.
***
Vishnore paced stressed, once again in his dark, small office, talking to someone on a speakerphone.
“Get over there,” the unidentified voice ordered, “You must not allow them to take control of the other bases from that site.”
“What am I going to do?” Vishnore demanded, “That place holds limited personell, most of whom are probably already dead.”
“You know your way around, you know your enemy and you know the system. I have faith in you, Dante.”
There was a distinctive click, which indicated that the person had hung up, which meant that Vishnore had his orders. He left to room quickly.
***
By the time Vishnore arrived, the combined UEO/Section Seven team had killed or apprehended most of the Party Operation soldiers.
The whole team had regrouped and were making their way through the halls of the base, making sure that they hadn’t missed anyone.
“Ford, do you read me?” Lucas’ voice came through Ford’s earpiece.
“Yes, Lucas, what have you got?”
“I have control over the system, sir. From this system I have access to most of the other Party Operation bases which I can override.”
“Excellent, how long will that take you?”
“I’ll only be a few minutes, sir. But I don’t think there’s anymore you can do there.”
“Thanks, Lucas, I think you’re right. Ford out.”
“So our job here is done then?” Nathan read Ford’s expression.
“Seems so, sir. Lucas has control of all the systems.”
“We’ll be right to head back to our shuttle then,” Nathan turned to the other men in the team and they followed his lead.
***
Zach Biggs stood quietly outside the door to the communications room, taking out his gun and carefully bringing his hand towards the handle.
***
The team headed quickly towards the shuttles, which had not moved since they had docked there only a few hours ago.
As Bridger began typing in the codes to the shuttle doors, the emergency lights and sirens turned on and began ringing out through the shuttle bay. Nathan and the rest of the team looked up, confused. Nathan immediately turned back to keypad, only it wasn’t responding.
“What’s going on?” one of the section seven officers asked.
“I don’t know,” Bridger replied, “It’s not responding.”
“Lucas,” Ford asked into his mike, “What are you doing?”
Vishnore’s voice interrupted, ringing out through the facility, “Mr Bridger, I didn’t think you would keep your end of the bargain.”
“Does it look like I have Robert with me?” Nathan’s voice was a mix of venomn and victory.
“I suggest you leave now, Mr Bridger, go back to that island of yours and stay there.”
Nathan was about to respond when Jonathan interrupted him in a near whisper, “Nathan, Lucas isn’t responding.”
Nathan paled. Tim snapped his head up in concern.
***
Biggs strode cockily around the communications room as he deleted Lucas work and began powering down most of the equipment.
Near by him Lucas lay quietly on the floor, breathing heavily. His face was pale and sweat saturated his hair and his shirt. His head lolled to one side as he struggled to stay conscious. His right hand rested over his abdoman, blood seeped through his figure tips and dribbled onto the metal floor.
“Hurts, doesn’t it,” Zach commented as he moved over to ensure the door was locked, “Told you it would.”
Lucas made no attempt to reply but shut his eyes briefly and continued breathing heavily.
Zach moved over to Lucas and knelt down, “You won’t die,” he assured him, “Although,” he said with less conviction, “I am going to make you suffer for a bit,” he paused, “Just so you learn who you’re messing with.” Biggs gave a cruel smile and then leaned closer.
“Don’t think you’ll be staying here, though. You’re coming away with me. We’re going on an excursion, young Lucas.”
***
The section seven officer struggled with the keypad codes that were meant to open the door.
Bridger struggled to keep his emotions under control. There was plenty of time to worry about Lucas. First thing was first, he was down here to get Robert back, and he was not going to be distracted from that by his concern for Lucas. That was what Vishnore wanted. “Vishnore!” Bridger cried, “Where is my son?” He felt irritation surge up in him as Vishnore’s nasty chuckle vibrated the speakers above them.
“Your son has made his decision, Nathan,” Vishnore told him, “He’s a grown man. Why do you insist on protecting him?”
Ford and O’Neill were using Nathan’s distraction of Vishnore to make headway with their escape. The two were now kneeling beside the shuttle bay doors, trying to lever it open with force.
“He’s my son. His age does not affect that,” Nathan replied, “You had better pray he’s not hurt or I will make sure you suffer the consequences.” Bridger threatened him a-matter-a-factly.
The section seven officer working on the key pad continued his hacking, to no avail. The others were collecting wiring, panels and other bits and pieces to pull the doors apart.
“Nathan, you’ve always been so close, yet so far. You think its any different this time? If his age doesn’t make a difference, what makes you think any thing has changed?”
Nathan knew Vishnore was rubbing in the fact that Robert had always been right in front of his noes, knowing of his parents suffering but being forced to stay in hiding.
“Ah!” Jonathan Ford grunted in success as he finally pried a gap in the shuttle doors. The rest of the team scurried forward to help pull it open.
“You know your not going to get away with this, Vishnore.” Bridger warned.
“Of course I am Mr Bridger! Sure you know where I am, for now. But you have to leave. You think there is no reason young Lucas is not responding?”
Nathan was silent, pushing his emotions down and trying to think. Think. What was his duty? What did he have to do now?
“Nathan!” O’Neill was calling out to him inside the open doors of the shuttle. The rest of the team were already inside and ready to go.
Jonathan came into view and saw Bridger hadn’t turned around completely, “Mission accomplished, sir. Time to go.”
Nathan looked at him. He knew what he had to do. Vishnore was a major part of this organisation, and he was the only one who could bring him down, and this was his only chance. But that wasn’t first and foremost.
Nathan turned to the man that was once his second in command, “Jonathan, Lucas is in trouble. You guys go get him. I’m staying here.”
“Nathan, no,” Jonathan was getting itchy feet, he wanted to move, “Don’t fall for Vishnore he will try to trick you!”
“I know,” Nathan said, then walking towards them so that Vishnore could not hear “And he won’t. He was taunting me about my son always being right under my nose.” He paused for effect, “He’s here. Robert’s here.”
Jonathan regarded his old captain for a few moments and then nodded slowly. Nathan was no longer upholding his duty to the navy or the United Earth Oceans. Today he was a father. “Good luck, sir,” Ford said. He passed his gaze over to O’Neill, who nodded also. With that the two disappeared into the shuttle and Nathan turned around to find his arch-nemisis.
***
Lucas grunted in pain as Biggs twisted him around to tie his hands behind his back. The rope was rough and grazed his skin even after the first few seconds. But the discomfort was barely noticeable, from the pain in his abdomen. It was fierce and heavy, and it wasn’t easing at all.
“Get up,” Biggs told him grabbing him by the back of his uniform jacket. Lucas couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t walk!
“I - I can’t,” He stammered, calmly. In response, Biggs _hauled_ him up.
“Agggh!” Lucas cried out. His fear of more pain gave him the adrenalin to gain his footing. Once he was balanced, Biggs began to guide him carefully to the door, still gripping the back of his shirt.
Lucas walked shakily towards the door. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t. It hurt too much. ‘Yes you can’ he told himself, ‘You need to prove that you can be an officer and a man. It’s the only way they’ll still love you after you turn 20. You wont be a teenager anymore and there’ll be no need for them to care about you.’ Lucas’ thoughts were symptoms of what he had been feeling since Bridger left him the first time and he had realised he had no family. Choking off a sob before it could start, Lucas settled for concentrating on walking despite the agonising pain that coursed through him from his abdomen. His breathing became laboured without his realising, like an athlete on gym equipment, determined to force their body through those last two sets.
Biggs opened the door slowly, pushing Lucas up against the wall behind him. Once he thought the coast was clear, he pulled the teenager out into the hallway and wrapped his arm around his chest, positioning the gun so that he could threaten the young officer if anyone came by. He pulled the teenager along with him. Lucas was still breathing heavily and focusing on nothing but basic bodily functions.
The light split its way into the darkness as Biggs pushed the door open. Dragging an almost unconscious Lucas with him, he made his way into the engine room and set the boy down roughly. He then shut the door, plunging them both into almost darkness, while he awaited his next order.