Rise Once More Read online

  “Yes, I remember that conversation.” Reese says.

  “Yet, here you are, asking me to come out of retirement and collectively save your ass.” Alex says.

  “It isn’t that simple. Alex.” Reese replies.

  “I was just getting attached to this place but it's just as well. You told me if I ever saw you again it was going to be really bad. Since you're here, I guess my odds of coming home alive are pretty slim.” Alex says.

  Alex walks over to his meager bed and reaches underneath it. He drags a sturdy black briefcase out from under the bed. Alex places the box in the center of the room and opens the latches. Inside are two white rectangles that resemble a block of cheese, two blasting caps with chords, and a small LCD screen. Alex carefully inserts a blasting cap into each of the C4 bricks. With the slow determined skill of a surgeon, he strips the ends of the wires and attaches them to the brass terminals.

  “Do I have time to pack?” Alex asks.

  “Unfortunately... No.” Reese replies.

  “I won't be leaving without this.” Alex walks over to his nightstand and opens the drawer, inside is a gold heart-shaped locket. He opens the locket. There is a picture of him at prom standing next to a lovely young lady. The detached look in his eyes fades and a slight smile forms at the edge of his mouth.

  “I know you loved her, son, but let's not complicate this.” Reese says.

  “I never stopped, so please stop referring to it in past tense.” Alex says.

  “I need your mind clear and focused on the mission. Any distraction at all could cost your very life. Not to mention, I wouldn't be able to face your mother.” Reese says.

  “What are you telling her. Dad? Let me guess I am in Afghanistan, defending a school for orphans? You haven't told her the truth more than three times your entire life. So forgive me for not following your romantic advice.” Alex says.

  “Watch your tongue boy...” Alex interrupts Reese mid-sentence and pokes him in the chest with his index finger.

  “What are you going to do, old man?” Alex says.

  “Look, I know you are angry. But the reality is, we simply don't have time for this.” Reese says.

  “If you want my help, you are going to have to give in to my demands.” Alex says.

  “Demands? Just because you are my son doesn't grant you any special privileges.” Reese replies.

  Alex walks over to the black box and begins to dismantle the explosives, knowing all too well-that Reese is in no position to negotiate. Alex isn't even sure what situation is unfolding but he does know that it must be of grave importance. Something has gone horribly wrong and his father is calling on his own trained killer. Alex is a man of discipline, his no non-sense approach to taking human life he inherited from his old man. Reese grinds his teeth, as he rubs his hands together nervously. Alex glances over to watch his reaction. From his observations he knows, Reese is about to crack.

  “Blank check... How is that for demands?” Reese says reluctantly.

  “Really?” Alex pauses to let the words settle in his brain. Alex had intended to just make him squirm a bit, before he accepted the offer but this is something he never expected. He wonders what could have happened to cause his father to be so generous. It must be far worse than he anticipated; the thrill of taking on something of this magnitude grabs hold of Alex's soul. He quickly suppresses the feelings and resolves to take full advantage of this situation. Alex re-arms the explosives, looks at his fathers desperate face and sets the timer for 15 minutes. “I'm in.” Alex says.

  “Welcome back, Alex. Is that much C4 really necessary?” Reese asks.

  “I don't want anyone looting my hula-doll collection...” Alex replies and Reese lets out a chuckle, then tosses him a Dlink. The two exit the hut and start walking towards the chopper. Reese motions to the pilot to start the engine and ready for take-off. Suddenly, Alex stops in his tracks, places his fingers in his mouth and makes a loud whistle. “Lets go George!” Alex yells. From under the hut emerges a large white American Bulldog with a large brown patch over his right eye.

  “You still have that old mutt?” Reese asks.

  “Yes... He's coming with us too.” Alex replies.

  Alex greets his faithful companion next to the choppers open door, he lifts the dog inside and securely buckles him in. Reese takes his seat opposite the pilot and Alex settles in next to George. Alex leans over, lowers his head, to meet George at eye level. “No flying lessons today old boy.” Alex gives the go-ahead to the pilot and within minutes they are several hundred yards off-shore. Alex looks back at his island home, it is peaceful and serene. Then the explosives detonate. His former home bursts into a sea of flames, anarchy, and destruction.

  “Lets get you up to speed, put on the headset and watch the screen.” Reese says. Alex places the headset on and turns his attention to the monitor on his right. It's a local news broadcast covering the recent events of the area.

  Good evening folks around CNTX listening area. On tonight's episode of Spotlight in the Heartland, we focus on the events surrounding the old Home-stake Mine. It has been five days since the late night explosions rocked citizens of Lead from their deep slumber. The National Guard has been activated and is currently searching for survivors. Evacuation orders are still in effect for all of Lawrence County residents. The Department of Homeland Security asks all citizens to remain calm and abide by the evacuation orders. We contacted a member of the Department of Homeland Security about the evacuation orders and he forwarded us this information regarding the incident.

  The DHS has issued a mandatory evacuation of Lawrence County. Please remain calm and follow the evacuation orders. Do not attempt, under any circumstance, to re-enter the affected areas. It may appear safe but unseen dangers exist, such as hazardous radiation and chemical exposures. Unless properly equipped, those attempting re-entry may easily become poisoned from exposure, which can cause death.

  CNTX news has just received an update on this story. The Department of Homeland Security has released a statement declaring that the explosions, have been an act of terrorism. They have identified a person of interest. We will have a photo ready soon... The name released is Trixie Evans and the photo is now available. If you have any information concerning this person of interest, you are asked to call the hotline number listed on the screen. We have placed a link on our website to follow this story as it develops.

  In other news... The Vikings continue their losing streak. When will it end? Fans are calling for the head coach to be fired but the organization is sticking with their man...

  Alex stares at the screen incredulously. Feelings of anger over whelm his brain and he struggles to not react on impulse. His years of training take over. His anger is subdued momentarily but feelings quickly resurface. It is not a secret that his father has a deep hatred for Trixie, for reasons only justifiable in Reese's own head. Alex is not in the mood for head games. This is the last straw. His father has crossed the line.

  “Hasn't this gone on long enough? Have you lost your fragile mind?” Alex shouts.

  “I don't know what you're talking about, Alex.” Reese replies.

  “You know damn good and well, what I am talking about. It isn't enough for you. Will you stop at nothing to prove your point? The whole damn world gets it. Well except for you. We got it. You hate Trixie. But using your connections to frame her as a terrorist is just going plain too far!” Alex yells.

  “I didn't frame her... She brought this on, all by herself.” Reese replies.

  “I know you disapprove of my relationship with Eve. You couldn't have made it more clear over the years. I have loved her since high school and I will never stop loving her, no matter how inconvenient it is for you. Even, in your warped sense of reality, there has to be some understanding of right and wrong.” Alex says.

  “You still think I am out to lynch the old hag? As if some age-old vendetta, needs to be made amends? Son, you are barking up the wrong tree. Just watch this footage
.” Reese undoes the Dlink from his wrist and places it in Alex's hands. “Dlink activate...Show file 013... Authorization... Omega one.”

  Alex holds the Dlink firmly, as he watches the images unfold before his own eyes. He does not realize who Haus is but he recognizes the tattoo immediately. He continues watching, listening to every detail of the recorded conversation. He pays very close attention to the words of Trixie but it is very obvious her intent was not peaceful. “Who is the agent?” Alex asks.

  “That would have been Agent Haus. I sent a special team to recover his body. In fact, they should have made it back to base by now.” Reese replies.

  “So that is what this is all about... Trixie causes you to lose an agent, so you are hell bent on revenge?” Alex says.

  “No, there is more to the story than that. Trixie, or should I say, Commander Trixie, was second in command on a new secret underground research facility...”

  “Who in their right mind would give her authority?” Alex asks.

  “People are losing their jobs as we speak.” Reese replies.

  “OK, let's get right down to the point. What else do I need to know?” Alex asks.

  “Trixie, not only murdered one of my agents, she murdered General Stratton, and stole a deadly virus. She has every intent of releasing that virus onto the general public.” Reese explains.

  “Where is she now?” Alex asks.

  “That exactly why I came to see you today... You are going to track her down and eliminate the threat.” Reese says.

  “You are one sick son of a bitch...” Alex pauses and tries to control his emotions. How could his father even ask him to do something like this? How could he explain this to Eve? Ideas race around inside his mind. Yet, he can't form a true rational thought. He thinks to himself that there has to be a way to end this without having to kill Trixie. Eve would never forgive him, and he knows he could never keep it a secret from her. What if he used Eve? Surely the power of her daughter pleading, would force Trixie to end her mission of destruction. Alex knows that he has a very limited window of opportunity to work with. “I understand what needs to be done here and as agreed I have a blank check for resources?”

  “Everything you want, no hesitation, and without question.” Reese replies.

  “What about the eye in the sky?” Alex asks.

  “Edith...” Reese says.

  “Yes, Director Reese?” Edith's voice sounds through the Dlink.

  “Change Agent Stone's Dlink clearance to Director...”

  “Are you sure Director Reese?” Edith asks.

  “Yes, any order or request from Agent Stone-should be considered a direct order from me.” Reese says.

  “As you wish Director Reese.” Edith says.

  “Anything else, Alex?” Reese says.

  “There is one more thing... Eve goes with me...” Alex says.

  “No, that is not going to happen. Besides what good is she going to be to you?” Reese asks.

  “You said blank check and my offer came with demands. This is one of those demands. It's not on the table for negotiation.” Alex replies.

  “I give you an inch. You walk an entire mile.” Reese clenches his knuckles until they turn white in color. He knows that he is in no position to argue with Alex. He was the one who asked him to come out of retirement and there isn't a soul on this planet he would trust with a mission of this importance. Reese has no choice but to give in to Alex's demands. “She goes. But I want to speak to her personally before she joins you.” Reese replies.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The Risen

  “OmegaWak squadron, this is Harpy drone, do you copy?”

  “Copy Harpy... This is Lance Leader Roger.”

  “Copy that, Roger. Aerial surveillance of the extraction zone is all clear. You are clear to proceed to Nav point as requested.”

  “Thank you Harpy, we will arrive at Epsilon ETA-13 minutes.” Roger replies.

  “Returning to base and good luck Omegawak.”

  Roger looks over his shoulder to the land below. Just south of Rapid City, the terrain looks almost alien to him, although he grew up here. The view from above, paints the mountains below in a very different light. The chopper continues west, crossing over his former stomping grounds and childhood memories. The pine trees sprawl out over the landscape and overcome the hillside. The smell of crisp mountain air forces Roger to take a deep breath and savor the sweet smell of pine. It has been a long time since he was back home and so far away from the suffocating air at Omega Phi.

  “Listen up, boys, this mission is very straight-forward and shouldn't take us long. I know this is not our typical seek and destroy mission but it is still critical that we accomplish it professionally. I will go over the mission one more time, just so we are all clear on the objective. We are here to retrieve the body, or what remains of Agent Haus. We anticipate that rocks have caved in blocking the first few feet of the ventilation shaft. We will clear this debris and make our way inside. We are to destroy any documents or possessions that might be traced back to Haus or his association with our organization. The director has personally requested that we not leave without the agents Dlink and this is considered the primary objective.” Roger says.

  “Roger, we are less than a mile out from Epsilon. Permission to land, sir?” The pilot asks.

  “Take us down, Don!” Roger orders.

  The men all look outside of the chopper's open doors at the land below as they descend back to the Earth's surface. The entire area is covered in craters, resulting from the many bombs detonated that night. Each crater varies in size and color, resembling the surface of the moon with some scattered vegetation thrown about. The chopper touches down and the men file out of the bird in a uniform line. The pilot Don kills the engine, allowing the blades to slowly wind down. Roger walks over to the former entrance to the ventilation shaft and assesses the situation. The remaining members of the lance stand huddled together talking back and forth.

  “You know, I heard this is the first time Reese has lost an agent in the field?” Frank says.

  “Like it matters... We are still the official clean up crew.” Stan says.

  “Hey Stan, seems like you got a little sand in your vag. Tell ya what, when you are ready to take your dress off, let us know. In the meantime, we have a job to do.” Jerry says.

  “Blow me Jerry!” Stan says.

  “Over here boys!” Roger yells like a drill sergeant calling his men to formation. The lance members waste no time, each one scrambling to Roger's side. Roger drags the heel of his boot in the dirt, making a large diameter circle in the loose soil. “This is what was known as ventilation shaft five. As you can see, it's been collapsed due to the bombing run. This is the last known location of our target objective. Intelligence tells us his body should not be far from the entrance. So start by clearing the debris from this shaft.”

  “Are you kidding me, sir? We don't have any equipment for dirt work.” Stan says.

  “Thank you for volunteering Stan. I was wondering which one of you maggots was going to whine first. Jerry, go get that wood crate from the chopper, while I tell the rest of you flower sniffing jack wagons about the old days.” Roger takes a deep breath and steps directly in front of Stan. Roger's dark brown eyes stare Stan down. A bead of sweat forms on Stan's brow, not knowing what to expect next. Roger is normally a very laid back leader, that rarely squeezes the choke chain and Stan knows his words have struck a chord with their leader.

  “In the beginning God created man. It was good. Then God told man to work the land. Man did the best he could for years but was not getting the job done well enough for the Lord. So the Lord sent an angel and the angel said unto man. The lord has given you everything you need to succeed, yet you make excuses, out of laziness.” Roger yells, all the while, staring directly into Stan's eyes. Roger watches as Stan's resolve crumbles. Roger turns abruptly and walks away from the group, while Jerry returns with a large wooden crate and lays it at Roger's
feet. Roger bends over, unbolts the crate and opens the lid.

  “You see, boys. You know what separates mankind from any other animal? Some would like to say it is the ability to reason. But I beg to differ. The difference is the use of tools. And, as you can see here, we have plenty of them. You have a brain. You now have tools. So grab one and use your chevro-legs to get the damn job done!” Roger says, as he tosses a shovel towards Stan.

  The hot sun beats down on the members of Omegawak, as they work tirelessly to open the shaft. Roger paces back and forth watching over his men, as they toil the earth, hauling rocks and soil in an ever-growing pile. Hours pass by, the hole deepens, and the pile of overburden becomes larger.

  “Come on out, boys! Take a break and reassess your hydration level.” Roger orders.

  Roger opens a cooler and distributes bottles of ice cold water to his men. The men sit upon boulders while they rest, wishing that the unforgiving sun would set for the day. Roger knows his men are giving it everything they've got. He regrets having to whip them into shape. But he knows it was needed to maintain the chain of command.

  “Don't get me wrong here, but looking at all the damage done to this shaft, how can you hold out hope of retrieving a body?” Jerry says.

  “Who said I had any hope?” Roger replies.

  With that being said, the gravity of the mission descended unto their shoulders. The briefing they all had received gave them all a small spark of hope-a single burning ember in a vast sea of sand and nothingness. Each one of them had a different idea of how the mission would unfold. They would go rescue a fallen soldier, who had valiantly fought to the bitter end, and just as he clung to the last of his energy, they would free him from his nightmare, return him home in the last second and receive a hero's welcome back at the base. Without the confidence of their leader, Roger, it was confirmed. They are just the clean-up crew.

  “You guys hear that?” Stan says.

  “You forget to take your medication again?” Jerry says.

  “No! I hear someone talking.” Stan says.