Sirens ring out, screeching as loud as a crow through speakers that have not been used in over a hundred years. The lights on the gamma generator all start to flash in unison at a feverish pace. "What in the hell is going on?", exclaims Emil. "Run for cover, that fucking thing is going to explode!", exclaims Preston. " What? See, you didn't know what you are doing?", said Emil. Preston grabs Emil by the collar of his jacket, pulls him in closer, and says," I don't have time for this shit at the moment! Get into the other room right now!" Preston lightly shoves Emil back and lets go of him, he begins to feverishly flip all the switches. "Don't worry about me!... I'll be right behind you!", said Preston. "Suit yourself prick!", said Emil as he runs into the secondary room behind the protective wall into Graham's chamber. "Damn! I guess chivalry is dead!!", said Priya as she watches Emil disappear instantly diving behind Graham's empty bed. As Preston struggles trying to get the lever back down he quickly looks over his shoulder to see Priya still standing there in shock. "What are you doing still standing there?... Run for cover!!!", yells Preston. Priya looks at Preston and then at the entrance to the hidden room and then back at Preston. "GOOOOOOO!", yells out Preston. Priya is frozen in fear not able to move at all. Preston's face turns red as he struggles to move the lever back down. "Come on you son-of-a-bitch! Release!", yells out Preston. Preston toggles on the lever back and forth with every ounce of strength he has until his struggles pay off and somehow manages to get the lever switch to start moving back into the off position. As the lever reaches the off position it stats to fight back from all the built-up energy coursing through its veins. Preston lets out a loud screaming grunt as if he was bench pressing over 400 pounds. The lever moves ever so slowly towards the off position and with every bit of strength Preston has in him gets it to click into the off position. The sirens still ring out and the entire building quakes, rocking back and forth. Preston runs as fast as he can like an Olympic sprinter towards Priya, he scoops her up in one arm and into the secondary room. Preston stops, slams the large metal door shut, he throws Priya to the ground and covers her with his body as an explosion rings out in the generator room.
A powerful burst of pinkish-blue light from the gamma comes flooding out of the pointed roof peak of the Bessborough hotel. Instead of shooting straight-up, it explodes out in all directions. Covers on the windows of the hotel are blown off and the shatterproof glass on the windows crumbles in an instant and flies out on the abandoned downtown wasteland. Nearby buildings in a 30km radius see brick, concrete, glass still on them ripped off and thrown asunder. Any debris lying around is sent flying. Pieces of the cracked asphalt roadways crumble and resemble sand. Nearby houses are ripped apart and fall like twigs. A huge glowing aura of the pinkish-blue gamma energy hovers over the city like a dome. The sight can be seen in Martinsville, far out of the city limits. The residents of the town stand out in the night air and are mesmerized by the sight.
The residents of Martinsville are not the only ones to be in awe of the gamma explosion. In the red-zone, the Scavengers stand to stare at the sight as well in a collective group as if they were mobilizing an army. The light from the gamma glows in their crimson eyeballs. They do not move, the Scavengers just stand and watch without flinching as the wave of gamma energy moves towards them. Like the mindless zombies, they are, they don't even flinch. Like a large tidal wave from the ocean the gamma burst falls over the Scavengers, they are knocked back pushed along like a tumbleweed in the wind until the gamma energy stops. The Scavengers lie writhing in pain, letting out a screeching scream holding their claw-like hands over their pointed ears.
In the old St. Michaels church on 33rd Street, on a self-made throne of bones, concrete and old pop bottles sits the White Dragon reading a copy of The Art Of War. His concentration is broken by the boom of the explosion, he stands from his gothic throne. The sounds of the Scavengers screeching can be heard outside. The White Dragon stands staring intently at the stained glass windows as the hum only loud enough for him to hear mesmerizes him. The stained glass windows shatter flying out at him. The White Dragon's orange eyes become wide as he prepares for the impending impact of glass. The White Dragon extends his arms to mimic Jesus on the cross behind him on the wall. Long shards of stained glass impact into the pale white body of the White Dragon. The burst of gamma energy that follows does not move the White dragon at all. He stands there as still as a stone absorbing the energy blast. The only thing to move on him is his long white mane of hair that resembles a 1980's heavy metal rockstar. The white skin on his body glows brighter and brighter as he absorbs the impacting gamma energy. He lowers his arms as the energy blast subsides. The White Dragon grabs the multiple shards of glass from his body from his chest, arms, legs, neck, and even face and drops them to the floor. The wounds on his body heal in an instant. A lustful look comes over his face and he said, "That was better than sex! It felt orgasmic!" The White Dragon hearing his minions screaming in pain outside walks towards the double wooden doors of the church and swings them open. Standing in the doorway he said," It's a new day!"
Hannah stands by watching as the large metal crate carrying the last cache of weapons gets higher and higher. The golden locks of her shoulder-length hair sit perfectly in the middle of her back. Her petite right-hand clutches onto the handle of the Glock 45 ACP. She stands ready to pull it out like an old west gunslinger to fire at the rope holding the crate or at Axel should he awaken. Axel's body starts to move a bit as he awakens from his slumber. Hannah pulls the gun from under her jacket, aims at the rope holding the crate high above Axel. As her finger starts to pull on the trigger the room is rocked by yet another explosion. Unlike the last one, this one is a blast of gamma energy. The energy wave starts to sway the crate back and forth almost impossible to hit. It also throws Hannah back, flying back through the air she suppresses the trigger on the Glock firing her shot. Her reflex shot luckily hits the rope snapping free the metal weapons crate. Axel lying on the dirty concrete floor opens his eyes long enough to see his impending doom from above. He places his hands at his side, looks over at Hannah as she flies through the air, and crashes her tiny body into the concrete wall with great force. Her body bounces off the wall and into a ball on the floor. Axel looks up, grins devilishly as the crate comes crashing down on him. A cloud of dust and concrete flies up, a spray of blood and crushed organs flies out from underneath the metal crate. The remnants of what was Axel lie all over the room as if someone had stepped on a tomato.
Greg, Keith, and Paulina pull the rope lifting the crate closer to them. With each pull of the rope, it gets harder as the weight of the crate works against them. The veins in the arms of each one of them pop out as they grip tightly as they pull and lift. The entire building starts to shake again, Greg, Keith, and Paulina pause."Not again!", exclaims Greg. "What is it? Another thunder quake?", asks Paulina. "I don't think so! This feels different, unless....", said Keith as the gamma explosion from the basement rings out. The wave of energy makes it hard to hold onto the rope. Paulina is thrown back, her hands still trying to clutch onto the rope with no luck. She eventually cannot hold on and flies back into the metal fire door impacting against the crash bar opening it and sending her out into the hallway. Keith and falls back on the concrete landing, the rope slides through his hands burning his hands. Below the crate swings back and forth, the noise of a gunshot ringing out can be heard below followed by the crashing sound of the crate impacting the floor. Greg standing close to the edge of the stairwell landing, he struggles to keep his balance and hold onto the rope. The force of the gamma energy is too much for Greg. He tries to force himself to fall backward, but his large size has the majority of his weight causes him to fall forward. Greg, teetering on the edge of the landing like he is balancing on a tightrope cannot hold himself upright. Gravity wins and Greg falls forward, looking down he screams out a bloodcurdling scream as his body is about to make the quick trip to the floor below and certain death. He closes his eyes in hopes that by doing this that him not seeing his impending death will stave off the feeling of the impact. Like an eagle swooping in on his prey, Keith dives and grabs Gregs' arm with his left hand like a baseball player making a highlight-reel catch. As he slides towards the edge of the landing himself, Keith grips onto the metal railing bar to brace himself. Half hanging off the stairwell landing holding on for dear life to Greg who is struggling with fear. Greg swings his feet back and forth making it difficult for Keith to hold on to him. "Stop swinging! It's really difficult to hold onto you as it is! By you doing that it makes even harder!", said Keith. "Well, here's your chance! You can drop me right here and be rid of me!", exclaims Greg. " That's not my style! Maybe yours or Axels' but not me!... See if you can reach the rope and pull yourself back up?", said Keith. "I don't know if I can?", said Greg in a panicky tone. "Just take a deep breath and do it! For god sakes, you scaled up and down the fucking thing!... Just reach over and grab it!", exclaims Keith whose face is turning a bright shade of red from trying to hold onto Greg. "Okay! I'll try!", exclaims Greg. Greg reaches out with his left hand but can't quite grip the danging rope. "I can't! It's too far!", said Greg. "I will swing you over to it, then you grab onto it!", said Kieth. Greg nods his head in agreement. Keith says, "On the count of three I will swing you!... One, two, three!" Keith grunts out in pain as he swings the larger Greg like a pendulum towards the rope. Greg reaches out with his right hand missing the rope. They try again and this time Greg grips onto the rope tightly and pulls his body onto it, he quickly starts to make his way back to the landing. Keith pulls himself back onto the landing and lies on his back taking multiple deep breathes mixed with exhaustion and relief. Greg reaches the top of the landing and pulls himself onto it and leans against the concrete wall. His body full of adrenaline starts to shake and he looks at Keith and says, "Thank you!" Keith raises his right hand in the air and gives a thumbs up and says, "You're welcome!"
The cool December waters of the South Saskatchewan carry the unconscious body of Jack downstream to an unknown destination. Floating along like a log in the strong current, Jack, body narrowly misses the large concrete bridge pillars of the nearby Broadway Bridge. His body facing upward misses the view of the holes in the bridge deck. It continues to travel downstream past the Traffic Bridge, a rebuilt metal replica of the cities first bridge, a beautiful Parker truss bridge. Jack continues to quickly float downstream past the crumbling remains of river landing. Once a beautiful brick and concrete park by the riverbank. In its heyday, people would congregate there in the warmer months for a walk, a run, a bike ride. There was a small concrete amphitheater where events such as dance lessons or free concerts would be performed. Now just a huge pile of weeds and trees. Shattered glass from the RBC building, the Alt Hotel, and the Remai Modern Art Gallery. Wild wolves roam the riverbank staring at Jack's body as potential food quickly floats on by. Pieces of stray asphalt fall from the broken deck of the Sid Buckwold Bridge as Jack floats under it. He moves past Riversdale towards the Gordie Howe Bridge, the last bridge before the city limits.
Maria's chestnut long wavy brown hair blows in the night breeze ever so slowly back and forth like the swingset as she looks down into the dark waters of the South Saskatchewan. She runs her hand through her hair to push it back as it blows in her face. The constant struggle with this irritates her to the point where she grabs an elastic from her jacket pocket and ties her hair into a ponytail. " I have the same problem with mine!", sarcastically says Graham as he points to his long dark curly locks all tied up in a ponytail. "Haha! I bet!", said Maria. "Did you see any sign of Jack at al?", asks Graham. Maria shakes her head from side to side signaling her failure to find any sign of Jack. Maria and Graham stand on the concrete barrier of the riverbank staring out across the river at the crumbled houses from Saskatchewan Cres. A once opulent neighborhood with grand houses to match used to line the east riverbank. Now just the ones that were further in still stand, the ones that lined the riverbank lie in pieces at the river's edge. "It must have been quite the sight to see?", said Maria. " It was! Jack and I used to go for walks around the trails here! Those houses were something else!... And over there was the old University Of Saskatchewan.", said Graham as he points to his left on the opposite side of the river. "I've only seen pictures!", said Maria. "It was something here! Especially in the summer, if you would have seen it first hand you would have fallen in love with it!", said Graham. "It sounds beautiful!", said Maria. They turn and glance up at the large crack in red brick at the back of the old hotel. As they turn back towards the river and look out on it Liam emerges from the right side of the hotel and says, "Well, I don't see any sign of Jack! You guys have any luck?" Graham and Maria shake their heads to signal their collective failed attempts. Liam approaches his companions and looks out at the river and says, "What are we looking at?" "The river!", said Maria. Liam stands in silence like the others and lets out a sigh of satisfaction and says, "I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful sight!" "Yup! Or the weather being so calm! This crazy storms we have now makes me miss when snow used to fall in December!", said Graham. "What's snow?", asks Liam. Graham just shakes his head in disbelief. He turns and looks up at the large crack again and says, "Well, wherever Jack is I am sure he will be fine and find his way back!... We should see if we can contact Preston!"
Dust fills the air in the secondary room, all the pictures that Graham had stuck to the separation barrier now lie on the ground. The papers that once cluttered the desk now are strewn about the room, some still floating in the air. The bookshelf situated by Graham's bed now lies tipped over on it and the books that once lined the shelf now are on the floor around it or in the bed. The collective sounds of coughing from Priya, Preston, and Emil are the only beacon in the chaos. "I think you can get off me now!", said Priya. Preston lifts his mountainous frame off the medium build of Priya. "Sorry, I just wanted to be sure!... Are you alright?", said Preston. Priya stands up and swipes the dust from her clothes, she runs her hands through her black hair to do the same. "I'm fine!... Thank you by the way!... How are you?", said Priya. Preston leans back to stretch his back out and says," I'm good, a little sore but good!" "Where's Emil?", asks Priya. "I don't know?... He should be in here, he ran in here!", said Preston. Priya glances around the room to catch a glimpse of their missing companion, but only sees dust in the air. "I know, he flew out of the generator room like a bat outta hell!", said Priya. Under the bed, Emil tries to regain his composure. Lying on his back are a couple of books from the shelf above. As his eyes begin to adjust, he sees lying in front of him on the floor underneath the bed is the journal that Graham had dropped. He grabs it and opens the cover. Inside the book reads the inscription, "Personal Journal Of Pops Brilliant Vol# 12". Emil begins to flip through the journal looking over the pages quickly. He stops suddenly at one page and a big grin comes over his face like the cat who ate the canary. "This must be my lucky day!", said Emil. Emil stands up from behind the bed, tucking the journal into the back of his pants under his coat. "I'm right here!... What? Did you think that I abandoned you?", asks Emil. "I wouldn't put it past you!", said Preston. "Fuck you!", said Emil as he gives Preston the finger. The dust begins to settle and the three companions can now see one another. Emil walks from around the bed towards Preston and Priya. " Nice move by the way!", said Emil. "What? Do you think that I made the explosion happen?... I was trying to shut down the machine after I heard what we were told to do was wrong!", said Preston. "There you have it! You just admitted it was your fault by following instructions!... It was you who did say to keep trying, you should have let it be!", exclaims Emil. Preston moves closer to Emil and the two men stand face to face looking at one another in the eye, not blinking just a cold dead stare. " We had to keep trying! This place was in danger of crumbling down!... I saved you by the way!", said Preston. "Yeah, a slow crumble was so much better than a big explosion!", said Emil. "Will you two please quit it! It was a freak accident, that's all!... Now, don't you think we should contact the Group Leader?", said Priya. Preston and Emil back away from each other, but not losing the laser-like focus on one another. Preston walks up to the separation door to the gamma generator room and opens it. Preston walks in followed closely by Priya and Emil. They look around the room to see the damage caused by the blast but only some minor dents in shielding panels lining the inner room. They then look up to see a big gaping hole in the center of the roof. "Oh yeah, that's much better!", said Emil. "I think I better call the Group Leader!", said Preston.
Graham continues to stare out at the surging current of the South Saskatchewan river deep in thought and hypnotized by water. Liam walks out of the patio doors out of the hotel and stops to stare at Graham. Maria emerges a few seconds after him, she notices Liam staring at Graham and says," What are we looking at?" "Graham, he hasn't moved from there since we went inside 20min ago!", said Liam. Maria saying nothing just walks towards Graham. "What are you doing?", asks Liam. "Going to check on him like a normal human being!", exclaims Maria. Maria walks up to Graham, she stands beside him hoping he would notice her presence but is oblivious. "Hey, Graham are you alright?", said Maria. Graham just stands there and says nothing, in his mind, he is not there on the river's edge. He is back home in Lloydminster sitting at the kitchen table sharing laughs with his daughter and his wife. The scene flips like a movie and he is now sharing a beer with Jack on his deck. The moments of his and Jack's friendship plays out in small clips. From Jack winning his first Oscar, and the vacation he, Jessie and Heather took with Jack and Samantha to London. Maria waves her right hand in the face of Graham with no reaction, only a few tears flowing from his eyes as he thinks of his lost friend. Maria desperate to get Graham's attention punches Graham's right shoulder with a hard jab. The force of the hit awakens Graham from his trance and he said, "What the hell!" "I had to get your attention!... Are you okay?", asks Maria. Graham wipes his eyes and says, "I'll be fine!" Maria looks out onto the river and says," Bullshit! You miss Jack I can tell!" "Can't put anything past you at all?", said Graham. 'Nope, I'm a human bullshit detector!... You have every right to be missing your friend, you're human after all!", said Maria. " He's the closest thing to family I have left and we lost so much time and now he's out there possibly floating down the river towards cannibal territory.", said Graham. " Jack's a strong dude! He withstood Axel's torture, the loss of his love twice, and a fight with you! I think he can handle some cannibals!... Besides you aren't short of family, you have all of us now! And if I remember right Preston is your great-grandson so you should see if he's alright!", said Maria as she slams her walkie talkie against Graham's chest. Graham smiles and says, "Man you're persuasive!" Graham holds the walkie talkie to his face, nervous as to what he should say to Preston. Maria walks away, as she moves past Liam to go back to the hotel she says," There! That's how it's done!" "Show-off!... Wait did you say, cannibals?", exclaims Liam as he follows Maria in the patio entrance to the hotel. "What do I say?", asks Graham as he slowly lowers the walkie talkie and stares out into the darkness again.
A deep piercing ringing noise fills Grace's ears and her vision is slightly blurred from the explosion. She awakens, her body strewn out on the floor lying near the elevators. Grace slowly sits up, her head slightly spinning, a minor concussion the result of her face hitting the floor. She holds her left hand against her forehead lightly massaging it and feeling around for any bumps or abrasions. "Shit! That fucking hurts!", said Grace as she runs her hand over a bump on the side of her head. The feel of warmth comes over her face as a few drops of blood fall on her pants. "Okay!, So it just isn't a bump!", said Grace who wipes some blood from her face with her left hand. She reaches into her right jacket pocket and pulls out a white handkerchief, Grace holds it against the small cut on her forehead turning the cloth to a deep crimson color in seconds. By this time the ringing in her ears has subsided and her vision has returned to a semblance of normal. In front of her is the broken and abandoned elevator car that Liam was locked in. The force from the limited amount of gamma energy has forced it open on the one side. She looks in and see's no one there except the 100-year-old corpses of the soldiers and CBC agents. " Liam are you in there?', asks Grace with no response back. "Holy shit!... You found a way out!", exclaims Grace. Grace gingerly pulls herself to her feet still holding the handkerchief to her forehead and moves slowly towards the base of the stairwell to check on Hannah.
Surges of pain coarse through Hannah's petite frame. Her face lying in the dirt and concrete dust on the floor as a steady stream of blood flows from her face. Her vision is very foggy too, but unlike Grace, she is unable to move at all. The pain in her body signals that she for sure has multiple broken bones. She can make out the metal weapons crate smashed open on the concrete floor, gamma rifles lying strewn around it in a pool of blood and guts that was once Axel. She slowly lifts her head, a smile of relief comes over her face knowing she is free from Axel's hold over her. She lowers her head back to the ground and before she passes out as Grace enters the room.
Grace drops the blood-stained handkerchief on the ground in front of her, she quickly limps up to Hannah's unconscious and injured body. "Oh my god! Hannah!!!", exclaims Grace as she kneels by Hannah. Grace places her index and forefinger of her right hand on Hannah's neck to check for a pulse. Frantically she feels around in search of a pulse. "Come on Hannah! Please be alright!", said Grace. Her search finally reveals its treasure as Grace locates Hannah's pulse and a sigh of relief comes over Grace's face. Grace gets up, removes her jacket, she tears a strip from her shirt revealing her toned stomach. She takes the cloth and applies pressure with her left hand to Hannah's forehead to stop the bleeding. "Come back to me! Don't die, my friend, we have so many plans!", said Grace as she continues to hold the makeshift compression cloth to Hannah's forehead. With her right hand, she gently strokes her right hand through Hannah's dirty blonde hair, brushing out dust and gravel while trying to keep it from getting blood in it. Grace sits silently doing this as tears slowly fall from her eyes in fear of Hannah's unknown fate.
Emil pulls off his canvas jacket, he discretely pulls out the journal from the back of his pants and wraps it in there. He places the jacket on the floor near the entrance door to the secondary room. From the front of his pants, he pulls out the Glock he found in the safe and also hides it in the jacket. Preston turns from glancing out into the night sky from the hole in the ceiling, noticing Emil kneeling by his jacket he says," And what in the hell are you up to?" Emil pulls out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket and says, "Just grabbing a smoke, seeing as how there is a hole in the ceiling and we already had an explosion I figured what the hell!... We survived all that and the climb up! This one little thing won't kill me!" Standing in a cut off muscle shirt and camo pants, Emil pulls out a single cigarette from the package and places it in his mouth. Standing there looking like a rebel biker, the cigarette unlit he stretches out the pack of smokes and asks, "You all want one?" Priya shakes her head no with a look of disgust at the filthy habit, Preston raises his hand and says, "Thanks, but I will have to pass! Not my thing!" Emil pulls out an old metal lighter from his pants pocket, he flips the cover open and a 3inch flame shoots up. Emil moves his face near the flame and lights the cigarette, he closes the cover and extinguishes the flame. "Your loss!... So, what's the plan now genius?", said Emil as he places the lighter back in his left pant pocket. "There is only one thing left to do!", said Preston. "What is that?", asks Priya. Preston pulls the walkie talkie from his belt and says, "This!... Come in Group Leader! Group Leader are you there?... Jack! Do you copy?" A look of shock comes over the faces of Priya and Emil at the sound of the actual name of the Group Leader and the knowledge that Preston knows more than he is saying.
Graham's silent stare at the riverbank and deep thought on what he should say to Preston about his family lineage is interrupted by Preston's pleas for help. "Come in! Jack? Please answer me!", said Preston's hearty voice over the walkie talkie speaker. Graham slowly raises his walkie talkie to his face, gently suppresses the button and says," Copy back! Who is this?" "This is Preston Granchuk who is this?", replies Preston in a somewhat curious tone. "This, this is Graham!", said Graham. "Who are you Graham and where is Jack?", asks Preston. " That is a long story!", said Graham. " Well, I ain't got nothing but time right now! Might as well tell me!", said Preston. Graham takes a deep breath in and says, "I'm an old friend of Jack's, I live out here! I think you have found my apartment!" "Oh hey, this is yours?... Interesting selection of books you have.", said Preston. "If you ant you can take a few books?", said Graham. "Thanks but I have read all those books you have there!... Hey, I have one other question for you?", asks Preston. "What is it?", asks Graham. "Is that you in the pictures we found? And why do you look like me?", asks Preston. "The answer to that is pretty obvious! You see I'm your great grandfather!", said Graham. There is nothing but dead air as Preston takes in the startling new information he just received.
In the recovery room back in the testing facility in 2002, Graham sits speechless, his face as white as a ghost. "How is this possible? You died?", said Graham. "Yes! I know that! Haha!... It's the way I died, seeing as how my life ended in violence. I'm forever stuck in limbo!", said Samantha's ghost. Samantha paces around the bed running her ghostly fingers across the footboard of the hospital bed. "So, you have always been here? Why couldn't we see you before?", said Graham. "Yes, I have always been around but couldn't communicate. It's the serum you both took!", said Samantha's ghost. "How does the serum have anything to do with it?", asks Graham. "You were both near death and have died from your injuries in a way, the side effects of the Lazarus serum causes you to see and even communicate with spirits like me!", said Samantha's ghost. "So, I can see Jessie than?", exclaims Graham. "No!... Sorry you can't!", said Samantha's ghost. " Why you said I can see spirits like you!", exclaims Graham with tears in his eyes. Samantha places her ghostly hands-on Graham's face, wipes the tears from his face, and says," Sweet Graham, I just said it!... She died peacefully and I didn't!" "That shouldn't matter! I want to see her too! If Jack can have you back I want to see my wife again!", exclaims Graham. "You can't! She's in a better place! A peaceful place!", said Samantha's ghost. Graham rips the heart monitors off his chest and jumps out of his hospital bed. Graham heads over to the window and stares out at it as tears flow from his eyes. Samantha moves over to Jack, places her hands on his face, and gives him a ghostly kiss. "You two need to talk, not just about this but about the journals! I need to go now, but I will see you in a bit!", said Samantha's ghost. " See you later! Love you!", said Jack. "And I love you too!... Now go and be with your friend he has a lot to process!", said Samantha's ghost. Samantha lets go of Jacks' face and disappears.
Jack makes his way over to Graham standing staring silently out the window. He places his average-sized hands-on Grahams' right shoulder. "I'm sorry man!", said Jack. Graham says nothing just stares out into the window at the red sky. Jack removes his hand from Grahams' shoulder and stares out the window with Graham keeping the silence that Graham craves. For about 10 minutes they just stand there in complete and utter silence. Then like a beam of sunlight through a cloudy sky, Graham breaks the silence and said," I miss when the sky used to be blue! It was so beautiful, this red sky is so depressing and yet kind of fitting for a world on the brink of extermination!" "Yes, it does seem fitting my friend!... It's strange how you miss the things that you took for granted. Funny how a color that is so bright and calming can also be associated with depression, think it is getting a bad rap!", said Jack. "Yup!", said Graham as he continues to stare out the window. "Graham, I was thinking...", said Jack. "I know what about, it's about the journals isn't it?", responded Graham. "Yes, we have to get rid of them! It's because of them that everything that has happened up till now! If we don't destroy them then who knows what else in those things can be used to set us on an even darker path.", said Jack. "I agree, but there are also solutions to the problems that are created and that we made on our own in there! What we have to do is keep them safely hidden and not destroyed!", said Graham. "Like what?... Sure there have been some good ones that have come out of there, but there could be some left in there that will destroy us all!", said Jack. " There is one! One final solution that took my dear old dad most of his life to figure out! And I will not use it unless what we have done here does not work!", said Graham. A puzzled look comes over the face of Jack as he begins to wonder about what this mysterious last invention is! "We also need to talk about the whole Samantha thing!", said Jack. "No need to my friend!... You have her back, but yet in a whole weird kind of way! I will get over my issues on this matter.", said Graham. "Are you sure?", said Jack. "Yes, I am! But please don't let this keep you from moving on Samantha is dead and you can't make a life with a ghost! Delphine is real and is still into you and you something real and alive, not dead!", said Graham. " You are right! Sam told me the same thing! So, I am going to tell Delphine everything! From how I feel to this new side effect of seeing Samantha.", said Jack. "That's great! Just hope she doesn't get freaked out!", said Graham. "Me too! But like you always said that complete honesty and trust are what builds a great relationship!... So, what is the final solution that you are talking about?", said Jack. Just as Graham is about to tell Jack everything the door to the room opens and interrupts their conversation.
"Okay, so we are related?", said Preston. "Well, it's pretty obvious by the pictures isn't it genius!", said Emil as he eavesdrops on the conversation. Preston puts the walkie talkie down and says, "No one asked you asshole! Can you mind your own fucking business and not worry about mine!" Emil takes a drag of his cigarette, blows out a huge cloud of smoke, and says," Man you're touchy! It's not like the conversation was private if you wanted it to be then you should have gone into the other room!" "He's right Preston! You and he look alike!", said Priya. " Preston are you there? I know it's a shock, but I am telling you the truth! My full name is Graham Richard Brilliant, and I was born on August 27th, 1981. I have been alive for 197 years!", said Graham. Preston sits in silence, thinking about what he was just told, trying to process it all. " Okay, I can buy you being my great grandfather! I can even buy the fact that you have been alive for this long because Jack told me and showed me he was! What I just don't understand is where the fuck you have been and why you abandoned my grandmother?", said Preston. "I didn't abandon her!", said Graham. "Then what do you call it? She was told you died, raised in a different home, and all this time you were out here hiding! WHY?", exclaims Graham. "I understand your anger and there is an explanation which I am going to tell you.", said Graham. "Okay! Tell me!", said Preston.
Standing in the doorway of the recovery room stand Dr. Sanjay Singh, his stance showing off his muscular body tone. His stance like a superhero, with his hands on his hips and his belt buckle shimmering in the artificial light. Jack and Graham turn and look to see him standing there, they both cover their eyes to shield their vision from the glare of the belt buckle. "Damn Sanjay, can you please cover your belt buckle! It's hurting our eyes!", said Graham. Sanjay closes his lab coat and says, "Sorry Graham!" "It's okay my friend! What is it, you came in here like a bull in a china shop, so there must be a good reason?", asked Graham. "There is! I need you both to come with me!", said Sanjay. Jack looks at Graham with a collective puzzled look to their faces, Jack turns and asks, "What is it? "It's the Scavengers and the White Dragon! I don't have time to explain here! But I will when we get to the Containment Wing!", exclaims Sanjay. "Alright what are we waiting for? Let's go!", exclaims Graham. Graham and Jack rush out the door of the recovery room, Graham still in his hospital gown.
Down the numerous corridors, Graham and Jack follow Dr.Sanjay Singh through the twists and turns as they make their way towards the Containment Wing. "Can you tell us anything at all Sanjay?", asks Graham. "Only that it's a positive thing! Now hurry along we can't stop and chit chat here! You will find out more when we get there. The three men pick up their speed as this little bit of info motivates them to get to their destination quicker. They turn a series of lefts and rights then down another long corridor and back into the all too familiar observation room of the Containment Wing.
As they enter the room, on the other side of the protective glass stands the White Dragon. He stares them down with a piercing glare that could cut through metal and concrete. The White Dragon noticing the breathing device on Graham's face puts his left hand in a thumbs-up position runs it across his neck and points to Jack and Graham. Behind the White Dragon, his army of Scavengers stands 6 feet back. Graham walks up to the window, hits the intercom button, and says," You wish asshole!" "Oh, I think so! You see I hurt you and it's obvious that I can kill you both!", said the White Dragon as he lets out a low maniacal laugh. "We'll see who wins the rematch fucker!", said Graham. Jack and Dr.Singh stand watching Graham share quips with the White Dragon in his hospital gown, barefoot and bare-assed for all to see. Delphine walks in the room, her silverish blonde hair pulled up in a bun, the greenish-black plastic frames of her glasses situated on the edge of her small curved nose. In her right hand, Delphine is holding a long silver metal case. The others in the room are oblivious to her presence, they are too busy chuckling at the sight of Graham's bare ass. She stands by Jack, the smell of her perfume a light floral scent that breaks his trance. Jack turns and says, "Hey missy! Nice to see you again!... What brings you here?" Delphine holds up the long silver metal case and says, "This!... What are we laughing at?" Jack points to Graham, Delphine noticing Graham's bare essentials starts laughing herself. Noticing the laughter, Graham releases the intercom button, turns, and says, "What's so funny?" "Nothing dude! It's just that the lunar chart wasn't calling for a full moon! Haha!" "Oh hell!", says Graham as he grabs the back of his hospital gown with his left hand. " It's a good thing the opening was in the back! We didn't need to see little Graham!", said Delphine. "You fuckers are very funny! I didn't exactly have time to do that! Besides what are you all doing staring at my bare ass while I'm trying to intimidate a superpowered villain?", said Graham. "No worries Graham, you gave us a bit of laughter! There are some clothes in the room across the hall you can put on after we tell our news.", said Sanjay. "Sounds good!... Well, what is the news?", said Graham. Delphine takes the case she is holding and gently places it on a metal counter situated at the back of the room. She opens the case and pulls out a large injector gun. "This is the news!", said Delphine holding the injector gun like an action hero. "Nice! What is it?", asks Jack. " That my dear friend is the solution to the Scavenger and White Dragon problem!", said Delphine. "What does it do, because we all know that gamma rifles need to be craked up to high to kill Scavengers and just temporarily stun the White Dragon!", said Graham. Delphine holds up the injector gun and says, "This, this is an injector gun and inside the clip is pebble-sized synthetic projectiles." "Okay, and what do the projectiles do? Do they cure them?", asks Graham. "No! They are like a personal prison with a death sentence! You see once activated the projectiles placed in the heart will keep them locked in a designated area by hidden markers. Once injected and activated if a Scavenger or the White Dragon goes past the marker, the device will explode filling the bloodstream with a self-replicating corrosive material. In essence, they will melt from the inside out!", said Delphine. A collective look of shock comes over the faces of Jack and Graham expecting to hear about a cure for the Scavengers and White Dragon but instead its a final solution. "This is your solution? To lock them up in a zoned prison that could kill them?", said Graham. "Sorry, Delphine! What my friend is trying to say is that we both thought that you had a cure for them!", said Jack. "We tried and there is no way of curing them! Any cure attempt could make them harder to kill and more powerful!", said Delphine. "Okay, I get that!... One question? How is that injector device going to get through the 7 inches of the bone surrounding the chest cavity of the Scavengers and presumably the White Dragon?", asks Jack. "With this!", said Delphine as she pulls the trigger and a thick 10-inch needle comes out. "Wow! That's great, now you just need to figure out how to get near them to inject them?", said Graham. "I have the answer to that!... You see I will send out a high pitched sonic pulse, which will knock out the Scavengers and White Dragon for a couple of hours. This will give Delphine and the 5000 soldiers and scientists enough time to inject them all!", said Sanjay. A puzzled look comes over the face of Jack and he asks, "That's great but why Delphine, shouldn't you be doing it seeing as you invented it Sanjay?" "Umm, no he didn't! I invented it I have been working on it for some time now! That's how we come we have all the injector guns ready and projectile clips. You do know a woman can do these things too!", said Delphine with a look of disgust on her face. " That's not what I'm saying!... It's just that I thought that you were just a nurse?", said Jack. " Man we really do have some catching up to do!... I'm a scientist too! I just work with Dr.Singh!", exclaims Delphine. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you, Delphine! So when are you planning on doing this?", asked Jack. "In the next half hour!", said Sanjay. "Wow! You all don't waste any time at all do you?", said Graham. "No, we realized that this facility won't hold them for long and we needed to do this now!", said Sanjay. Delphine places the injector gun back in its case and closes it. Jack walks up to her and says, "Can I talk to you out in the hall please?" Delphine pushes her glasses up from the edge of her nose, smiles, and says, "Sure let's go!... Dr.Singh I'll be back in a few minutes!" Dr.Singh just nods and Delphine and Jack leave the room. Standing on the opposite side of the observation window, the White Dragon just grins a maniacal grin.
Jack closes the door to the observation room as he and Delphine step out into the hall. " Please don't tell me that I shouldn't do this! I have been doing things on my own for years! I raised my two girls on my own and every other obstacle that life threw at me so I think I can handle this!", said Delphine. A stunned Jack is speechless by the way that Delphine practically read his mind, a smile then comes over his face as that was one of the things that he liked best about her. "You just have a way of reading my mind missy!", said Jack. "Well, I kind of had a feeling that was what you were going to say.", said Delphine. Jack places his hands on Delphine's muscular shoulders, he could tell that even with the plague going on that she has kept up her workouts. Her tenacity another thing on his checklist of things that he loved about her. "Look I'm not saying that you can't go! I just want you to reconsider and instruct the others how to do it!", said Jack. "I can't do that! I cannot send other people into and stand and watch!... That's not my style! Besides what if something goes wrong and they need my help.", said Delphine. "Exactly! What if something goes wrong and the Scavengers or worse yet the White Dragon wakes up! I just couldn't see another person I care about get hurt or killed!", said Jack. Delphine takes her petite right hand and places it on Jacks face, deep down she always knew that he had feelings for her but never did anything or said anything. She lightly caresses Jack's left cheek to show her appreciation for his concern. " Don't worry Jack! I'll be fine!" "Then let me come in and help! I will make sure that if any of those creepy fuckers wake up that they will not get up again!", said Jack. "How are you going to do that?", asks Delphine. " Easy! I will have a gamma rifle! Now don't say I shouldn't because if you are going in thee then I'm coming too! It gives me peace of mind!", said Jack. A smile comes over the face of Delphine at this new more outspoken Jack that she never knew. " I never saw this side of you!", said Delphine. "You just never spent much time with me, it has always been here!", said Jack. They two old friends stand silently staring at each other a collective smile on their faces with a touch of nervousness filling the air. Both unsure of what to say or how to say the way they feel about one another. Their silence is broken by the sight of Graham walking across the hall to the room Sanjay told him about, his bare ass showing out of the back of his hospital gown. Graham turns the handle on the door to find it locked. Graham turns and walks back past Jack and Delphine who just start giggling. Graham comes back out as before and says, "Needed the key, sorry! Graham unlocks the door across the hall and enters it. As he shuts the door Jack and Delphine break out into laughter. " I think we better get ready!", said Delphine. " I agree, let's go!", said Jack. Jack and Delphine walk down the hallway laughing all the way bringing ease to the awkwardness.
" So how does this explain why you faked your death?... All I heard so far is how Jack and his crush couldn't say how they felt to one another, how the Scavengers and White Dragon got their implants. And oh yeah! How you were walking around bare-assed!... Is there a reason or are you just trying to avoid the answer?", said Preston as he begins to doubt the validity of Graham's claims. "I'm getting there! Please be patient!", said Graham. Preston frustrated by Graham's lack of getting to the point kicks a small piece of the roof lying on the floor against the wall. "Fine continue then!", said Preston. Graham too frustrated by his great-grandsons attitude kicks a stray piece of brick into the quick flowing dark waters of the South Saskatchewan River. "Alright!', said Graham.
Jack follows Delphine through a set of doors, and above those doors reads the words"Special Projects". They hurry down a short hallway, Jack following behind Delphine. He tries to keep his focus forward as to where they are going but keeps looking at Delphine's toned glutes. They take a sharp left at the end of the hall and stop at a set of double metal doors with a keypad identification. Delphine quickly punches six buttons and the doors swing open."After you!", said Delphine as she extends her left hand forward. "Ladies first, I insist!", said Jack who performs the same hand gesture. "No, you go first, so I can stare at your ass for a while!", exclaims Delphine. "You noticed?", said Jack. "Oh yeah, it was pretty obvious!... And believe me a woman notices! Even when a man doesn't think she doesn't she does!", said Delphine. Jack laughs as Delphine flashes a crooked mischievous smile. They enter a large room, the size of a small warehouse, inside are 50 crates holding the injector guns and the implant clips. Also waiting in there is a team of soldiers and scientists numbering 5000 waiting for instructions. Delphine stops and yells out," Okay, what are you waiting for grab an injector rifle from the crates along with your clip of implants!" The waiting soldiers and scientists walk up to the crates and start to get their injector guns ready. "Well, I guess we better get ready ourselves!", said Delphine as she walks away to grab an injector gun.
Graham walks back in the observation room of the containment facility, all dressed in a pair of camo pants, black military boots, and a tight green t-shirt that clings to his bulging biceps. On the opposite side of the room stands Dr.Singh, he is standing in front of a control panel the size of a small kitchen table. "What are you doing Sanjay?", asks Graham. Sanjay not distracted one bit by Graham's presence simply replies, "Just getting the sonic pulse all fired up?... Did you get changed?" "Ummm, yes I did! Did you not see?", said Graham. Sanjay turns and looks quickly and then proceeds to check the energy readings on the sonic pulse device. "Very nice!", said Sanjay. Graham knowing that there is no chance of having any kind of a conversation with Sanjay turns to leave the room until Jack and Delphine return. His exit is interrupted by the sight of the White Dragon standing staring with a maniacal expression on his face. The pearl white skin. silver hair just accentuates the piercing glare from the intense orange eyes. Graham pushes the intercom button and asks," Take a picture, it lasts longer asshole!" The White Dragon starts to laugh a hearty arrogant chuckle. "What's so funny you walking sperm?", said Graham. "All of you!", said the White Dragon. " Really? Because from what I'm seeing here, you are the funny looking one asshole!", said Graham. "It's not that! It's that you think you can contain me and my minions!... And whatever you all have planned will not work!", said the White Dragon. "You don't even know what we have planned! So, I think it will!", said Graham. "I do! I know that you are planning to knock us out with that sonic pulse! That you then plan to inject us with an explosive corrosive implant!... You see I could hear everything you said and also you forget I used to work here! And I knew of Dr.Deitrich's little solution, hell I even helped her!... But, go ahead and try it might work! Know this, that if it doesn't or by chance it does and one day fails I will hunt you and your friend down and kill everyone you love! Then I will finish off my father's destiny!", said the White Dragon as he starts to laugh again. Graham releases the button on the intercom knowing that it is not worth his time and effort to trade insults with a madman.
The sound of multiple footsteps can be heard echoing out down the hallway. "I guess that's your cue Sanjay!", said Graham. Sanjay places his thick hand on the handle of a lever situated in the middle of the console. "One, two, three, Rummoli!", says Dr. Sanjay Singh as he slides the lever upward activating the sonic pulse. A strong pulse of sonic energy flows through the containment room knocking down Scavengers one by one like series of bowling pins. The White Dragon turns to see all his minions lying unconscious, he covers his ears to try and shield himself from the pulse. "The White Dragon is still up! Crank up the power Sanjay!", exclaims Graham. "Alright!", says Sanjay as he reaches over with his left hand and turns a large black knob to the maximum amount. Inside the containment room, the White Dragon begins to stumble losing his battle to stay awake. The White Dragon places his left hand on the observation window, he holds it there trying to fire his energy blast. The sonic pulse is too much for him to even garner enough energy and he slides down to the floor. Graham observing from the other side of the protective glass waves st the White Dragon as he falls and says, "Sweet Dreams dickhead!" The door to the observation room opens and in steps, Jack and Delphine and Graham said," Just in time! Your friends are ready for you!" Sanjay turns the power down on the machine to a low setting and says," I am just going to let that run for a few minutes to make sure they are completely unconscious, then you can go in!" Delphine nods her head and exits the room followed by Jack.
The hallway is filled with the many soldiers and scientists standing side by side as they wait in the long winding hallway of the containment wing like a crowd lining up for concert tickets. They stand at a ready in complete silence knowing the danger of this task that they are about to undertake. The injector gun resting in their arms, Jack is mesmerized by their calmness and thinks back to seeing the Queen's guards at Buckingham Palace stand with such precision. "Just give me one second! I'll be back!", said Delphine as she exits the hallway, returning to the observation room. In no time at all, she returns carrying a gamma rifle looking like Sigourney Weaver in Aliens. Delphine tosses it at Jack and as he catches it Delphine said, "Here you go! You'll need this!" "Thanks! And it even isn't my birthday!", said Jack. Delphine chuckles a bit and then turns to the team of soldiers and scientists and says," Okay! As soon as we get the signal to enter from Dr.Singh we will enter! Get in there as quick as possible and start, we don't know exactly how much time we have! You each will inject two Scavengers, place the injector gun in the center of the chest, hit the trigger. You'll hear it go through the thick bone chest cavity. You'll hear a beeping noise to signal it is in the heart then press the trigger again, you'll then hear a single beep to tell you the implant was successful. After you are done you leave immediately, I will be taking care of the White Dragon and Jack here is our back-up in case something goes wrong!... Is that clear?", said Delphine. In one collective echoing voice, the large ensemble of people replies, "Yes ma'am!" Graham pokes his head out of the door and says," Sanjay says you can send them in." "You heard the man!... Let's do this!", exclaims Delphine. Two by two the soldiers and scientists enter the observation room and go straight into the containment room. Jack stands by Delphine as she is watching the hallway empty and says," I just wanted to say..." Before Jack can finish Delphine turns, wraps her arms around Jack's neck, and plants a long, deep passionate kiss on his lips that lasts for a count of 30seconds. As she releases Jack from her grip Jack is left speechless. He had so much to tell her, that he loves her, that Sam is still in the picture but as a ghost! That second part may come as a shock and even unbelievable. The problem is that he is conflicted! What they could have is real and a relationship with a ghost would be, well weird! Jack knows he loves Delphine, he always has for quite some time now and when he saw her again those old feelings returned. He feels so conflicted, does he move on after this like he should or hang onto something and someone that isn't real. Jack thinks all of this as he stares into the bright blue eyes of Delphine that seem to always have paralyzed him the playful way they danced with her smile always got to him. Delphine noticing his nervousness says, "I've wanted to do that for a while, sorry!" "No need to be sorry! It's just it was unexpected and I was about to say!", Jack said. "Whatever it was, we can talk about it after we are done, okay?", said Delphine. "Alright, sounds good!", said Jack. Noticing the last grouping go in the containment room Delphine said, "Good! Let's go then!" Jack just smiles and nods his head, he follows Delphine into the observation room and straight into the containment room.
One by one the Scavengers are injected with the implant. And one by one those injecting them leave the room as quickly as they entered. Delphine and Jack stand and watch as this is executed with such extreme precision. "Wow! They are getting that dome quickly!", said Jack. "Well, they had lots of training time to get familiar with the procedures!", replies Delphine. "I see! Sounds like you had this all planned for quite some time!", said Jack. " All but this fucker! I don't know how the implant will react with him seeing as how he is part Scavenger and, part suped-up mutant villain... This implant could work on him like the others or it could just be like a mosquito bite to him! we won't know!", said Delphine as she points down at the White Dragon. More and more soldiers and scientists leave the containment room in a rush after finishing their tasks. Till there is only a handful of left. Jack growing nervous at the fact that they haven't injected the White Dragon yet and knowing what he is capable of says," Okay let's get this done!" "We will!... I have to make sure that the others get out before we do our injection. What's the hurry?" "I don't trust him! I've seen him play possum before when Graham and I were in here! So let's hurry up!", said Jack. Delphine walks up to Jack, places her hand on his face, and says," I will! No need to worry, you have the gamma rifle and see the last of the soldiers are leaving now!" Jack's anxiety is suddenly calmed as he stares into the deep blue eyes of Delphine. "How do you do that?", asks Jack. "Do what?", asks Delphine. " Calm me and leave me speechless with one stare!", said Jack. " You aren't speechless! You just talked to me! Haha!", said Delphine with a chuckle. " You know what I mean.", said Jack. Jack and Delphine silently stare into each other's eyes until the voice of Graham comes over the intercom saying," If you two can postpone the romantic intentions until later, you still need to inject your implant into the big bad there!" "Sorry!", said Delphine as she breaks from her stare with Jack. She quickly moves over to the unconscious White Dragon, takes the injector gun in her right hand, and places it squarely in the middle of the chest of the White Dragon. Jack looks around the room observing every angle to watch for any Scavengers who happen to awaken. Delphine presses the trigger and the 10inch needle breaks its way through the thick 7 inches of the bone of the chest cavity. The injector rifle beeps signaling it had pierced the heart, Delphine presses the trigger again releasing the implant into the White Dragons heart. Another beeping noise signals the successful placement of the implant, Delphine hits the trigger again to retract the needle. "Okay! That does it! Let's get outta here now!", said Delphine as she stands up and walks to towards Jack. The orange eyes of the White Dragon open wide and he stands up slowly and silently like Dracula rising out of his coffin. Jack noticing this raises his gamma rifle and yells out, "Delphine get down!"Delphine spins around, her ponytail flipping on to her shoulder, she notices the White Dragon lifting his hands at her to fire his energy blasts. Delphine quickly hits the ground as Jack pulls the trigger on his gamma rifle sending out a thick blast of energy, the same amount he used last time on the White Dragon, nailing him square in the chest sending him flying back against the far wall to his left. The White Dragon gets up again, he touches a Scavenger who immediately awakens and runs towards Jack and Delphine. Jack fires at the Scavenger disintegrating it to ash from the gamma blast. The White Dragon awakens another and another and is met with the same fate from Jack's gamma blast. "Jack lets go!", yells out Delphine. The White Dragon raises his hands and a group of 50 Scavengers rushes towards him and Delphine. Delphine reaches in her pocket and pulls out a small touch screen device that looks like a smartphone. "What is that?", asks Jack as he fires upon the approaching Scavengers. "It's the trigger to activate the implants!", replies Delphine as she nervously drops it to the ground. Jack continues to fire at the approaching Scavengers hitting 10 of them. One leaps over his gamma blast landing behind Delphine and bite her in the left arm, Delphine lets out a scream of pain. Jack turns quickly hitting the Scavenger with a backspin kick sending it flying to the ground. Delphine grabs the activation trigger, taps on the touch screen to activate the implants of the approaching Scavengers, and then hits it again. The approaching Scavengers and the one that Jack kicked off her stop in their tracks and start to writhe in pain as the implant in their bodies explode releasing the acidic chemical into their bloodstream. Within seconds the purple skin on the small group of Scavengers starts to turn grey and then melts off like ice cream dripping from a cone falling to the floor. Jack watches in amazement at how quick the implant worked as the group of Scavengers is now just a pile of mushy goo on the floor. "That was cool! And gross, but mainly cool!... Let's go!", said Jack as he helps up and injured Delphine. "Thanks!", said Delphine holding her right hand over her wound on her left arm. They quickly make their way out of the containment room and back into the observation room being stared at the entire way by the White Dragon with focused intensity.
The thick 14-inch steel door of the containment wing slams behind Jack and Delphine as they enter the observation room. Delphine falls to the ground partly from exhaustion but mostly from the pain of the wound. Dr.Singh runs up to her and pulls back Delphine's hand from the wound on her left shoulder. "Let's see that!... Hmm! This doesn't look good! We need to clean this out and get you into isolation quickly!", said Dr.Singh. "Alright, Sanjay!", said Delphine. Jack's face turns white with fear of Delphine's fate. For he knows that a Scavenger bite is an awful lot like a zombie bite, it turns those bitten into a Scavenger if the venom from the bite is injected. Delphine noticing Jack's scared look on his face musters the strength to get up, grabs his left hand with her right, and says, "Don't worry! I'll be fine! I'm sure the venom didn't get injected!" Jack looking into the deep piercing blue of Delphines eyes can tell she is lying but won't say it. She just tries to calm Jack's fears and for that brief moment, her kind stare does so! "Come, Delphine! We need to get that looked at!", said Sanjay as he stands to wait by the exit door. "Okay!... We will talk later, I promise!", says Delphine as she leaves the room. Delphine and Jack don't break their glance at one another until the exit door to the observation room shuts.
Tears of sadness flow freely from Jacks's eyes knowing that he has lost another woman in his life that he loves. He falls to the floor on his knees crying. Graham walks up to him and places his large hands on Jacks' shoulders to offer some comfort. "It will be alright bud!... I'm sure that the bite wasn't that bad!", said Graham to offer some sense of hope. "I hope so!... But, I know from the look in her eyes it's not!", said Jack. "Even if so, then she probably has some sort of cure!... If anyone has it, it's Delphine! She invented those implants, you can't tell me she doesn't have a cure in the works!", exclaims Graham. Jack continues to sob and says," If I had just moved towards the door and told her too this never would have happened!" "Hey, man she never would have gone anyway! It's not her style, and besides, she wouldn't have left you and the same goes if the roles were reversed! That's love man!", said Graham as he helps Jack to his feet. Jack wipes the tears from his eyes and says," You're right brother!... I just can't handle losing another person I love!" Jack hugs Graham tightly as tears start to flow freely again. This touching friendly consoling is interrupted by the sound of maniacal laughter emanating from the intercom speaker. Jack and Graham turn to see the White Dragon standing by the observation window. Jack breaks free from the hug and with anger flowing from his entire body says as he presses the intercom button," What the fuck is so funny asshole?" "Nothing, well it's just touching to see that I can have that effect on two people!", said the White Dragon. "You have no feelings! So, quit with the bullshit asshole!", exclaims Jack. "You're right! But what I will have is a new minion and a possible mate! thanks, Jack! it's just what I wanted!", said the White Dragon in an eerily calming voice like he was Hannibal Lector. "You won't get shit! She would rather kill herself than become part of your Scavengers!", said Jack. " Maybe, but like I told your friend Graham there, I am going to take everything I love from both of you. Then end you two and fulfill my destiny and the destiny of my father!", said the White Dragon. " That will never happen! We will make sure of it!", exclaims Jack. "Come on Jack, he's just trying to get to you! Let's get out of here and go for a walk and chat! it will help.", said Graham. Jack releases his hand from the intercom button and shuts it off with only the facial expressions of the White Dragon trying to intimidate him and Graham as they leave the observation room.
The flickering of a florescent ballast burning out turns the brightly lit hallway feel like a dance club. Jack places his hands over his eyes to shield his vision from the strain on his eyes as he and Graham walk down the corridor. Having escaped the torture on their ocular senses Graham and Jack stop in a secluded section of the hallway. This section has no entrance to any room or exit from the building, just a small offshoot of a hallway. Each taking a side they sit on the ground and sit in silence. " What do you think he means by his fathers' destiny?... Who exactly is his father?", asked Jack. " I don't know? Just crazy talk I guess! I think he is just trying to sound maniacal!", said Graham. "I don't think so! There is a lot more to Kevin Astor, I mean the White Dragon that we don't know about!", said Jack. "There was one person, possibly two that would know who more about him!... One being Dr.Darren Larson!", said Graham. "Don't think he is going to be much help to us anymore seeing as he is a big pile of ash now!", exclaims Jack. " Yeah, I was thinking that too! The other would be Sanjay! He took over for Darren and has always been number two in charge around here!", said Graham. "Okay, so we go ask him then!... After he deals with Delphine's injury... One thing for sure, we have to keep those journals away from him!", said Jack as he picks up a stray pebble on the floor and tosses it against the back wall. " I was thinking about that, while you were in doing the implants.", said Graham. "And?...", said Jack. " My dad had a place that is perfect to keep them hidden long term!", exclaims Graham."Where is that? At his place on Smallwood Cres?", asks Jack. "No, at the Bessborough! It's perfect! It has the gamma shield to keep the building safe from anything, a security system dangerous to anyone. Secret passages to move them if need be and access to the underground rail system to take them anywhere!", said Graham. "That's all fine and dandy, but someone has to be there to do all that on constant watch! And we just can't trust anyone to do that!", said Jack. "I thought of that too! It will be me!", exclaims Graham. "Wait! You can't do that! You have family, you have a daughter to look after, I have no one! Let me do it!", said Jack. "That's nice of you to offer but it is my family that started all of this and I have to do this to make sure things don't get worse.", said Graham. Jack sits there in silence at what Graham is proposing. " What about your daughter Heather? What happens to her? What do I tell her?", asks Jack. "I'm doing this to protect her!... You take her to my sisters-in-law for her to raise Heather. That way the White Dragon can't find and hurt her if he should get free. And then you tell the White Dragon I am dead from the injuries he gave me! And keep anyone else from wanting to search for the journals. ", said Graham. "There's just one thing you left out, and that's what I tell Heather?", asks Jack. "You tell her I died?", said Graham. "But Graham, I just can't let you do that or say that!", said Jack. 'Yes, you can! I am asking you to do this as a friend and a brother to keep my family safe!", said Graham. Jack sits silently and looks away at the blank concrete wall and says, "Okay! I'll do it for you!"
An aura of shame mixed with sadness fills the senses of Preston as he sits in silence processing this new information. "I never knew that you did this!", said Preston in an apologetic tone. "And you couldn't have unless Jack was to tell you and I suspect he didn't tell you that much!", replied Graham over the walkie talkie. " No, he didn't! I can't understand why?", said Preston. "It was to protect you from anyone or thing wanting the journals, that's why?... What did he tell you?", asks Graham. " He told me about the experiment, the White Dragon! But never about you, the journals, or this Delphine! He spoke rarely about his personal life at all!", said Preston. "And he wouldn't! You see Jack tends to hide his feelings deep down inside. And those personal ones, he experienced great heartache. But he never stopped caring about them even though they were gone!" Preston looks around the room, taking another look at the carnage that the explosion had created. He places the walkie talkie to his face and says, "Graham, I really did a number up here with that explosion!" "You should see out here! There's a big crack up the center of the building.", replies Graham. "Shit! I really fucked this up!", exclaims Preston. "Don't beat yourself up! We all messed up here, but we still have a chance to correct all of this!", said Graham. "How? The building is going to fall apart, it's unstoppable now!", said Preston. "We get the gamma generators back online, it has the power to not only keep the building up but with the right settings repair it!", said Graham. A look of shock comes over the face at this seemingly impossible information. "How? That's impossible!", said Preston. " I don't have time to explain all that right now! Time is of the essence, so you just will have to trust me!", said Graham. "Okay! What do we do?", asks Preston. "I need you to go over to the gamma generator, open up the panel underneath the row of toggle switches, there are trouble sensors on it! Tell me what you see!", said Graham. Preston makes a quick beeline to the gamma generator. Using a jackknife he pulls out from his left jacket pocket, removes the screws from the front panel. "Priya come over here and shine the lantern in here so I can see!", said Preston. Priya quickly runs over to Preston and shines the gamma lantern inside the control panel. Looking it over Preston notices the trouble sensors are not working. Searching further he notices that several of the super quantum circuit boards are fried. "Graham, I have some bad news! The super quantum circuit boards are fried!", said Preston. "How many?", said Graham. There is a slight pause in his response and Preston says," All of them!" "Shit!... That's 9 circuit boards! But, it is nothing we can't fix!", said Graham. "Fix?... If you haven't noticed I am no advanced computer engineer! This thing is so far advanced, I shouldn't even be touching it!", said Preston. "Yes, you can! You are the great, great-grandson of one John"Pops" Brilliant! You have it in you! Now I want you to go into my room, In the trunk at the end of the bed is spare circuit boards and a full set of instructions on how to fix it!", said Graham. Preston rushes from the generator room into the secondary room where Graham lives and opens the aforementioned trunk. A look of surprise fills his face as he notices a trunk filled with 20+ circuit boards, 4 boxes of wire replacements, 2 boxes of new switches, and a small journal with simple repair instructions. Preston flips through the repair journal and says, "Holy shit! This is going to be easy!... Emil, Priya come and grab some of these circuit boards!" Emil and Priya quickly make their way to Preston and each gab three circuit boards and walk back into the generator room. "Graham, we found the parts and the repair journal! Is there a set of tools anywhere in your tickle trunk?", asks Preston. "It's in my bottom desk drawer!", replies Graham. Preston makes his way over to Preston's desk situated against the separation wall, opens the bottom desk drawer, and pulls out a small tool kit complete with a handheld diagnostic system in it. "Score!... Graham, we are good to go and will let you know our progress!", said Preston. "Roger that! Hopefully, that storm doesn't come back around or our communication is screwed!"
Graham puts the walkie talkie back on his hip, takes one last look at the riverbank, and the full moon above. He turns and makes his way towards the patio doors of the hotel. Waiting, Liam and Maria is standing, Liam bouncing that same red ball says, "Are we good to go?" "Yes, we are!... Let's get going!", said Graham as he grabs the ball out of midair and hands it carefully back to Liam. "Do you think they can get that thing up and running again?", asks Maria. "Yes! Yes, I do! But it will be pointless unless we get downstairs and check the status of the other!", said Graham. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's finish this!", said Maria. "Oh hell yeah!", said Liam. Graham enters the patio doors, the back of his duster coat swings in the air like an old west sheriff. Maria winks at Liam and the two of them follow him in shutting the patio door behind them.
Paulina awakens from her temporary slumber caused by the explosion to the sight of Greg and Keith standing over her. " Should I shake her?", asks Greg. "No! You are not supposed to move an injured person!", said Keith. "Hey, geniuses I can hear you!... Help me up will you and for god sakes stop with the shouting!", said Paulina. Greg and Keith each extend a hand and help Paulina stand up. " How do you feel?", asks Keith. "Other than a ringing in my ears and a sore back! Oh, just peachy!", said Paulina. "Really?", asks Greg. " No! I was in another explosion and my body was used to open a door! I feel like shit! Like I fell down some stairs after a hard night of drinking! I fell like...", said Paulina. "We get it!... Glad you are okay!", said Keith. "Yes, I'm glad you are okay too!", said Greg. A puzzled look comes over the face of Paulina, she leans against one of the weapons crates and says, "Just give me a minute and we can go see if the others are alright!" "Okay!", said Keith as he closely watches Paulina for any signs of a possible concussion. " Two explosions in one day! Where did they come from?", asks Greg with his back to an approaching Graham, Maria, and Liam.
Graham Maria and Liam stand directly behind Greg in total silence. "Can anyone answer that?", asks Greg. Graham taps Greg on the shoulder, startling him as he quickly turns to see who is behind him. His face is filled with shock as he sees the collective faces of Maria and Liam who he thought was still imprisoned in the elevator car. What causes him to be even more shocked is the partially uncovered face of Graham. "Who? What? How?", said Greg. "All good questions but let me answer the first one you had! The first was the explosion of spiritual energy, its too technical to explain but I will later. The second was the gamma generator exploding from an improper fire-up!", said Graham. " You're dead! And you're supposed to be locked in the elevator!", said Greg as he points his large chubby finger at Maria and Liam. "Wrong on both accounts Sherlock!", said Maria. "And who are you? You can't be Preston? Or are you? But then where are the others?", said Greg. "No, I'm not Preston! But I am here to help!", said Graham. Greg walks up to Graham as the others in the group look on, he stands face to face with him and says," Then who are you?" Keith fearing that Greg could end up getting in a fight with Graham walks up to the two large mountainous men, a dwarf compared to them. "Easy there, Frankenstein! He's a friend! No, he's family!... just relax!", said Keith. Greg backs away from Graham but still keeps his stare locked on him. Maria walks up to Keith, grabs him, and plants a deep passionate kiss on his lips! Liam standing by Paulina who rolls her eyes at the sight of the kiss looks at her and Paulina says, "I don't think so! I didn't miss you that much!" "Is everyone alright?", asks Graham. In one collective voice, they all answer Graham, "Yes!" Paulina raises her hand and says," Has anyone heard from Hannah, Grace and the weasel"
Grace hasn't moved from Hannah's side, she continues to hold the self-made compress on Hannah's forehead. She alternates from holding Hannah's tiny right hand to stroking Hannah's wavy golden blonde hair. "Don't worry! You are going to be alright! Someone's going to be here soon to help!", says Grace over and over as a sign of comfort to her and not Hannah. Grace rocks her body back and forth in a gentle motion as if she were holding a baby in a rocking chair. Tears flow steadily down her face the entire time from the inevitable thought that Hannah is going to die. The sound of Keith's voice comes over the walkie talkie and he says, "Grace... Hannah... Axel! Is anyone there? Are you alright?" Grace slowly places Hannah's hand on the ground, picks up her walkie talkie which is situated on the ground beside her. So overcome with grief and fear Grace's hands shake as she lifts the walkie talkie to her lips and says," I'm a little banged up, but good! It's Hannah that is badly injured! I don't think she's going to make it!" "We are on our way down to help, just hold tight!... What about Axel? Can he help you until we get there?", said Keith. There is a slight pause in the conversation and Grace bluntly says, "He's dead! Just hurry please!"
The door to the basement stairwell rips open at the hands of Greg with such force that he almost rips it off the hinges. He rushes towards the rope still loosely tied to the railing of the landing. Greg grabs the rope and re-ties it with a constrictor knot. He pulls on it to check it's security, grabs onto the rope, and stands by the landing's edge to start his descent down. The feel of a hand on Greg's shoulder stops his actions. Greg looks up to see the face of Graham standing looking at him, behind Graham stands the rest of the group looking on too. " What do you think you are doing?", asks Graham. " I'm going down to check on Axel?", said Greg. " And what about the girls are you going to check on them too?", said Graham. " I was going to do that too after I looked to see if what they said was true! I don't trust one word that Grace says!", said Greg. "She sounded sincere enough! I want you to back away and let me go first then you can follow closely after, okay?", said Graham as he holds out his right hand. Greg looks at the serious and intense looking faces staring back at him anticipating that he will make the wrong decision and crucify him for it. Greg grabs Graham's right hand and steps onto the middle of the landing. Graham places his hands on the rope, stands on the edge of the landing. "Give me 5 minutes then the next person makes their way down. Once we are all down there I will check the status of the girls and the rest of you will go and check on the gamma generator.", said Graham. The group all nod their heads in unison, Graham looks down at the abyss of the stairwell. From the top of the landing, the bottom looks endless. Graham looks at the others, winks, and pushes off the landing, starting his way down the rope and to Hannah and Grace.
Graham quickly scales down the rope like it was the pole at a fire station. Standing up watching from above Greg just shakes his head at the ease that Graham descended to the bottom. " Where did you find this guy?", said Greg. "That's a long story! Which as he said will all be explained later! You better get going!", said Keith. Greg nods his head and starts to make his way down the rope to the journey below and the waiting Graham. Keith watches as Greg reaches the middle and says, "Okay, you next Paulina, if your injury, allows you to? I don't know, are you able to?" Paulina walks up to the rope and, grabs it and says as she starts to climb down it," Does this answer your question?" Keith's face turns red with embarrassment, he points to Liam and says, "You're next!... Wait!... Okay, now you can go!" Liam makes his way toward the rope and begins his descent until only Keith and Maria are the only ones left on the landing. Keith walks up to Maria, wraps his arms around her waist, kisses her, and says, "Are you sure you want to climb down? You can stay up here." "I'll be fine! The odds of two ropes letting go are a million to one! Besides I want to help, I just can't stand by and do nothing out of fear while others are in trouble!", said Maria. Keith kisses her again and says, "This is why I love you!" Maria leaves Keith's embrace, walks over to the rope, and says before she starts her descent down, "I know! And that's why I love you too!" Maria pushes off and starts climbing her way down the rope with caution and ease. A big smile comes over Keiths face knowing that Maria's feelings for him. A feeling that he thought he would never have but always wanted. A feeling that at times he let slip through his fingers. Keith walks over to the landing's edge and watches as Maria gets past the halfway point of the rope and starts his descent down.
As he reaches the end of the rope Keith notices it is about 3feet short, he pauses, looks at it, and notices it had been snapped off somehow. The thought of how it happened quickly runs through his mind as he looks below to see the others waiting for him. Maybe it snapped when the explosion shook the metal crate and the weight was too much for it after hauling up the previous crates. Yeah, that's what it has to be Keith thinks as he lets go of the rope and falls the short distance to the ground. Looking around they see what remains of Axel splattered all over the floor. Greg walks up to the gooey remains of Axel bends down and looks at the bottom of the crate. Sticking out partway is half of Axel's face with a surprised look still on it. The others stop and look momentarily like gawkers at a car accident until Graham says," I know this is quite the sight and I don't want to sound heartless! But we have two people that we still can help!" The others step around the blood and scattered guts and towards Grace and Hannah. A single tear flows from the eyes of Greg for his only friend and he says as he steps away," Goodbye my friend! I'll finish what we started!"
Graham stops the others before they reach Hannah and Grace, he says to them," Maria you stay with me! The rest of you I want you to go to the mechanical room and start fixing the gamma generator!" " How do we do that?", asks Keith. "You are a mechanical engineer Keith, it should be easy for you!... Anyways Preston says the one in the peak room had the quantum circuit boards fried. It will probably be the same on this one!", replies Graham. "But where are we going to get spare circuit boards, it's not like we can go out and buy some!", said Paulina. "Under the workbench in the mechanical room is a metal trunk, inside is circuit boards, tools and any other replacement part you need! Plus a set of repair instructions.", said Graham. Keith nods his head and a sense of relief comes over his face as he says, "Guess that answers those questions!... Come on team lets go!" Keith, Paulina, Liam, and Greg rush out of the stairwell and towards the mechanical room to fix the gamma generator.
Graham walks up to Grace who still in a state of shock over the events that have led to Hannah being at death's door. Graham sits down beside Grace who is oblivious to his presence. Maria stands on the other side of Hannah's unconscious body, unsure of what to do she nervously shuffles her feet back and forth. Graham looks up at her and motions with his right hand to sit down. Maria obliges and sits down, she along with Graham momentarily watch as Grace continues to stroke Hannah's petite hand while rocking back and forth repeating, "You're going to be fine!" Graham gently places his large right hand on Grace's hand stopping her repetitive action. "Grace stops rocking back and forth and is broken from her trance, she turns and looks at Graham and says, "Preston? What happened to you? You look so different!" " That's not Preston, Grace! But he is related and here to help Hannah!", said Maria. Maria places her right hand on top of Graces' left hand holding the compress on Hannah's forehead. "Trust me!", said Maria. "Okay!", said Grace. Maria smiles, lifts Grace's hand off of Hannah's forehead, and stands and helps Grace up. Graham slides over a little closer to Hannah's forehead, lifts the compress to reveal not only a large gash on the top of her tiny head but a large bruise covering half the forehead. " She has severe trauma to her head, there is bleeding on her brain!", said Graham as he continues to look over Hannah's broken body. He pulls up her pant legs and lifts Hannah's shirt showing severe bruising over numerous portions of her body. " She also has broken bones and internal bleeding as well as possible damager to her internal organs!", said Graham. " Can you do anything?", asks Grace. " Yes, I can!... Don't worry she'll be fine!", said Graham. "How is she even alive?", asks Maria. " She's got a strong spirit and heart, that's why she alive and while she'll be able to be healed!", said Graham. Graham pulls a pocket knife from his pants pocket, flips it open, and cuts the palm of his hand. With the blood flowing out of his hand like a water tap, he places it over the large gaping wound on Hannah's forehead. "What are you doing?", asks Maria. "Something I've tried only once! It should work!", aid Graham. Graham presses his cut hand over Hannah's wound, knowing that he only has so much time before the wound rapidly heals. The blood from Graham's veins flows out of his palm and into the open wound of Hannah. As his blood enters Hannah's bloodstream, her body rapidly starts to heal. The bruises disappear, Hannah's breathing starts to normalize. Graham lifts his right hand off of Hannah's forehead, the wound that was once there is no more and neither is the cut on Graham's hand. A look of amazement fills the faces of Grace and Maria collectively. "How did you do that?", said Grace. "It's a long story and I will tell you both in time!" Hannah's eyes open to reveal the dark green of their wonder. As her vision clears she sees the face of Graham and unlike everyone else, she does not mistake him for Preston. "Are you an angel?", asks Hannah. A smile comes over the face of Graham and says, "That's a nice compliment! But no! I'm just an ordinary man that can do a few extraordinary things." "Well you saved my life, so you must be an angel!", said Hannah. Graham pats Hannah's hand, places his left hand on her back, and helps her to her feet. Grace runs up to Hannah and hugs her tightly thankful that her friend is alive and well. Graham walks over to Maria, the two stand and watch with smiles on their faces as a friendship is reunited. Maria leans in and says, " That's two people you saved lately, that does make you an angel. And I'm sure you saved many others before that!"
Graham opens his mouth to reply when the sound of Keith's voice over the walkie talkie says, "We found the case with the spare parts and the repair instructions! Kind of convenient that there are some here! Anyways you were right the quantum circuit boards are burnt out and we are in the process of repairing the gamma generator. We will tell you when we are done!... In the meantime maybe you can tell us a Pops Brilliant story?" Graham just shakes his head and laughs and then says, "Okay, let me think!... Hmm, I got it! After Agent Greene was sent to L.A to be on Bonanza and the assignment to stop Tendersnatch, Pops is about to break-in Agent Regina as he knows him! But the false agent who is really Tendersnatch is about to go on a team-building exercise with Pops that he will never forget!"
The warm spring air blows softly in late May in New York City in 1959. The city streets are filled with scores of people making their way down the sidewalks as they emerge from the subway tunnels below. Taxi cabs crowd the streets as passengers enter as quickly as they exit. Through an open window of one of the office buildings music can be heard, that music singing out so sweet and clear is the velvet voice of Dean Martin's Memories are made of this. One of the people on that morning in May hearing that tune is Agent Regina all dressed in his black suit with matching black trilby. He enters a cab and says, "Studio 72 on Broadway and 81st street, please! And hurry! The whole way to the studio he sits stone-faced, reading a newspaper that covers his face. The only sign that he is alive is the sound of him whistling that same Dean Martin song. As the cab stops in front of Studio 72 Agent Regina wasting no time pulls out a $20 from his billfold hands it to the taxi cab driver and says," Keep the change!" The cab driver stunned by the large tip as the meter in his cab only read $5.00. Before he can say thank you for the tip, Agent Regina had exited the cab and was already inside the building.
The whole, while he is walking into the studio Agent Regina, is still whistling "Memories Are Made Of This". Waiting inside the doorway of Studio 72 is Mr.Pervus in a dapper grey tweed suit with a white shirt and black tie and matching trousers. On his head is a dark grey Trilby with a black band. He shakes Agent Regina's hand and says," Someone is sure happy today!" "Well, it's a great day! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and its the end fo the television season and I am on vacation for two weeks as of today!... So, yeah I am happy!" " That's good because I have some good news for you regarding your holidays!", said Mr.Pervus."What is it? Are you giving me a month off? Because after having to deal with a Pops antics and rude behavior this past year I can use a longer vacation!", said Agent Regina. Mr.Pervus starts to walk onto the soundstage, he takes a few steps and says, "Walk with me and I will tell you!' Agent Regina walks towards Mr.Pervus and the two men start walking past the stage crew dismantling the old set of Pop's show and packing electrical cables into metal crates. " We relocating?", said Agent Regina. "No, we are giving the set a facelift! New set for a new decade coming up... Agent Regina I'm not going to keep you in suspense about my news.", said Mr.Pervus. "I am getting extra vacation time?", said Agent Regina. "Not exactly! We are giving you a trip to go on for your vacation for all your hard work this year.", said Mr.Pervus. Agent Regina manages to crack a smile on his stone face and says, "That's great! After all, I've endured this year in taking over for Agent Greene it shows appreciate me!" "We do! But, there is one thing?", asks Agent Regina. "You will have company on your vacation, Pops! I'm sending you on a two-week team-building retreat up in the highlands of Scotland at Castle MacLeod. ", said Mr.Pervus. The smile on Agent Regina's face quickly disappears and turns into an irritated look. "That's not a vacation! That's a prison sentence! I was looking forward to some alone time! Do you have any idea what I've endured this past year? That little crotch goblin ha sput me through hell embarrassed me, ordered me around, and disrespected me any chance he got!... This is not fair!" Mr. Pervus stops, turns and looks at Agent Regina, places his weathered right hand on Agent Regina's left shoulder, and says," I better than anyone know how difficult Pops can be! I understand that he has been hard on you this past year. It's hard for him to embrace change and having Agent Greene leave was hard on him. You get total credit for being patient and understanding and taking all of that abuse. That's why I am sending you both on this retreat, it will be good for you both to get closer. And if you do this then you will get another two weeks off after you come back!" Agent Regina stands for a second and thinks about this offer. While it will be hell to have to endure two weeks at a retreat in a secluded castle in the Scottish Highlands. He will get two weeks more off and this will allow him to steal that journal with "the virus " in it for Harold. "Okay! I'll do it!", said Agent Regina. Mr.Pervus slaps Agent Regina on the shoulder and says, "Great! Let's go tell Pops!" "Okay!", said Agent Regina as he rolls his eyes and follows Mr.Pervus to Pops' dressing room.
As Mr.Pervus and Agent Regina approach Pops dressing room they are treated to the sight of an angry Julia the redheaded makeup girl leaving the dressing room. She is so angry that she doesn't even notice Mr.Pervus and Agent Regina as she storms by them muttering a string of curse words all starting with the letter F. Suddenly the door to Pops' dressing room opens and tow halves of a sliced bagel are thrown nearly missing Mr.Pervus but nailing Agent Regina square in the forehead with both.Mr.Pervus finding it hard not to laugh says with a chuckle," That was a great shot!" Agent Regina wipes his forehead and says in an irritated tone, "Yes it was!" "I'm sorry for laughing but that was funny! Classic Pops!", said Mr.Pervus. "It's alright!", said Agent Regina. Mr.Pervus bends down and picks up one half of the bagel and says, "Well we know why he's so mad!" "Why?", ask Agent Regina. Mr.Pervus holds up the bagel showing it to Agent Regina and says, "It's because of this." "A bagel! That is hardly anything to get mad over!", said Agent Regina with a scoff. Pops walks up to Agent Regina and punches him in the balls and as he lies on the ground in pain Pops says, "Don't ever say that again! bagels are shit! Toast is king, not that bagel crap!" Agent Regina crumbled on the ground struggles to breathe and even get a word out. "Now Pops! was that necessary? I know you hate bagels, but there is no need to abuse your fellow agents for it!", said Mr.Pervus. Pops stops and thinks for a second and replies," I guess so!... It's just that everyone here knows I hate bagels and that bitch just brought me one because it was the last day and she wanted to get back at me!" "I will talk to Julia, but please no more abusing your fellow agents or using derogatory comments about them! You are a senior agent and need to have them respect you not hate you!", said Mr.Pervus. "Alright Pervert!... So, what brings you and Vagina here! Is vagina finally getting that sex change and you came to tell me about it?", says Pops with a hearty laugh as she slaps Agent Regina on the back. "No, I came here to tell you that I am sending the two of you on a two-week team-building retreat at MacLeod Castle in the remote Scottish highlands.", said Mr.Pervus. " So you are sending me on a vacation with another guy and I'm a minor! That sounds creepy and kind of gay too!", said Pops. Mr.Pervus rolls his eyes and says, "Oh Pops! The two of you will have separate rooms, it's a big castle! Nothing that you're thinking." "Why? Why do I have to go with Vagina here to a team-building retreat? We work fine as a team! See how well he takes my good-natured humor!", asks Pops. " I think you can be closer and in all honesty, this abuse you are giving Agent Regina is a little much. I feel if you can build a better work relationship then this abuse will be more casual teasing between the two of you!", said Mr.Pervus. " So it's like couples therapy? Guess this is a gay thing than!", said Pops with a laugh. "No Pops it isn't!", said Mr.Pervus. "I know Pervert!... Alright, I'm good with it! If you say we need to do it than I'll go!... When do we leave", exclaims Pops. "Tomorrow at 2 pm. You will go home first to Toronto and then leave on the train at the Royal York... Got it?", said Mr.Pervus. "Got it!", said Pops. Agent Regina having regained his bearings from the crotch punch of death has finally stood up and begins to breathe normally again. Pops walks up to him and hits him in the balls again and walks back to his dressing. "One more before we go! See you tomorrow Vagina!", exclaims Pops. Pops enters his dressing room and slams the door shut. Mr.Pervus walks up to a hunched over Agent Regina and says," Well it's all set then! You will pick him and his mother up tomorrow at 1 pm and I'll see you at 2 pm!"
Pops walks back and forth in a pair of brown slacks, a cut-off undershirt commonly called a wife beater. A set of black suspenders rests on his shoulders as he stands by the chestnut dresser in his bedroom. Pops opens up the top drawer filled with socks and underwear and begins empty the drawer. He places the piles of black knee-high socks on top of the dresser beside the assorted stack of jockey and boxer shorts. Pops stands quietly and counts the amount. Unknown to him as he does this his mother Karen is standing in the doorway watching as he performs his clothing arithmetic. A smile comes over her face thinking of how in a short time her son has grown so quickly. Sure he was always a unique child with a genius I.Q the best the world has ever seen. Smarter than Einstein, Tesla and Hawking combined with the mouth of a sailor and temperament of a grumpy old man. But as they may seem like a hindrance to others and he may rub them the wrong way. Pops was still her son, the little boy who she carried for 9 and a half months, yes one-half extra. You see Pops was so content that he wanted to wait a little longer to be born. This was the same child that spoke from the womb and freaked out the delivery room nurses and doctors. The very same child, who in the nursery at the hospital told his father to make himself useful and get him some toast. All these memories and so many more along with his devil may care attitude make her love him even more despite his unrelenting rudeness. So she just stands there and smiles and watches him, and a tear flows from her eyes as she prepares to let her son only at the age of 12 go on a trip without her for the first time since his father died. All her fears are normal for any mother watching her child grow up right in front of her. But, she knows that he will be alright, with all that he has done at his young age there is nothing that Pops cannot face. Out of the corner of his eye, Pops catches his mother watching him and he says, "Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to help me?" Karen strides into the room with grace and poise and sits her shapely butt on Pops bed and says," You seem to have it all under control! I was just admiring how grown up you have become." Pops walks across the brownish-orange carpet of his bedroom in his bare feet from the dresser to the bed carrying the stacks of socks and underwear. He places them into the open suitcase on his bed stacking them ever so carefully by color and by designation. "There that should do it! Guess I should get finished getting dressed before Vagina gets here!", exclaims Pops as he pulls the suspenders off his shoulders. Pops grabs a white dress shirt off his bed and puts it on and begins to button it counting the buttons along the way. "His name is Agent Regina son, and you should be nicer to him and call him by his name.", said Karen. " What? He likes it! I called Agent Greene Hoss for years and it didn't bother him!", said Pops. "Yes, but you never verbally and physically abused Agent Greene! I know you miss working with him, but you need to give Agent Regina the same respect. After all, he did volunteer to work with you and you haven't given him the chance!", said Karen. Pops grabs a rolled-up pair of black knee-high socks and puts them on, pulling the socks right up to his knee caps. "I give him a chance it's not my fault if he can't take a joke! Besides, I don't trust him! He seems a little condescending at times and can be a bit of a kiss ass! Probably has a small dick too!", exclaims Pops. Karen tries hard not to laugh at Pop's observation but she feels the same way too and let this comment slide as Pops is usually right in his judgment of people. "Now, now son! I want you to try and get along with him no matter how you feel about him. This is the whole purpose of this retreat you are going on.", said Karen. Pops slips his fat little feet into a pair of black Oxford dress shoes, he grabs the brown sport coat from off his bed and puts it on buttoning the bottom button. Pops rushes over to the oak nightstand by his kingsized bed and grabs his latest journal he was working on and a book he was reading. He places them in the suitcase and says," I almost forgot these!" Karen picks up the book and reads the title, "How to curse effectively like a Scotsman!... Oh, Pops! Only you would take something like this on a team-building retreat!" "What? It's educational!", said Pops as he takes the book from his mother, places it back in the suitcase and closes it. "Look I promise I will try my best to make the best of this retreat and try to get along with Vagina, I mean Agent Regina.", said Pops. A smile fills Karen's face from ear to ear and she says, "That's all I ask." The sound of a horn honking outside interrupts their conversation, Pops walks up to his second-story bedroom window and see's a taxi cab with Agent Regina waiting outside it for him and Karen."It looks like Vagina is here! We better get going!", said Pops. Karen grabs the suitcase from Pops' bed and the two of them leave the bedroom to the waiting taxi cab and Agent Regina outside.
Agent Regina lifts his left arm and pulls back the sleeve to reveal his gold Rolex watch, he looks at the time and moves his arm back down then moves it back up again quickly. He does this over and over in a matter of 3 minutes every ten seconds. "Where in the hell are they? We are going to be running late for the train!", said Agent Regina in an irritated tone. Agent Regina's impatient actions are suddenly stopped when he sees the thick oak front door open and Pops steps out followed by Karen carrying Pops' suitcase. Karen stops and locks the door behind her, Agent Regina growing ever impatient at the lack of speed they are showing rushes up the steps to the veranda. "We need to hurry! Come on!", said Agent Regina. Karen a little irritated by Agent Regina's abruptness says, "And a hello to you too Agent Regina!" "Good day Mrs.Brilliant! Sorry, for the rudeness. But, we need to get going, we will be late for the train we were supposed to leave by 1 pm and it is now 1:30 pm. Mr.Pervus told us to meet him at the Royal York by 2 pm!" Pops slaps Agent Regina on the ass and says, "Relax Vagina! We will make it in time!" " No, we won't! It takes at least 20 min without traffic to get there, and then we have to get on a train to get to our transfer for our flight to Scotland!", said Agent Regina. Pops shakes his head and laughs and says," You obviously haven't been on the CBC's train! Are you in for a surprise, come on let us go!" Agent Regina stands there in silence pondering over what Pops had just said completely oblivious to the fact that Karen and Pops have gotten in the cab. His trance is broken by Pops yelling out," Hey! Quit daydreaming asshole and get into the cab! You were the one that was in a hurry!" Agent Regina runs back down the front veranda steps and gets in the front passenger seat of the cab.
The time on Agent Regina's Rolex reads 2:15 pm as they pull up to the Royal York. For the first time, Pops sees Mr.Pervus standing outside of the grand old hotel. Pops is so used to seeing Pervus up in his office way up high looking down on the city from his massive picture window like some silent guardian or deity. Karen and Pops exit the cab as Agent Regina pays the cab driver. A young pimple-faced bellman removes Pops and Agent Regina's luggage from the trunk of the cab. Pops noticing the pubescent appearance of this bellman chuckles and says as the young bellman finishes his task," Thanks pizza face!" Karen not impressed by Pops' disrespect for this young man he didn't know lightly slaps the back of Pops'head knocking his black trilby off. "What was that for?", asks Pops. "For what you called that young man! There is no need for that kind of treatment, now apologize!", said Karen. Pops rolls his eyes and says," I'm sorry!" The young bellman can tell the apology is forced and not sincere, but he politely says," That's alright! Would you like me to take these inside Mr.Pervus?" Mr.Pervus walks up to the bellman, slips him a $50 bill, and says," Yes, take them to elevator 1A, please! The bellman just nods his head as he takes the fifty dollar bill and discreetly puts it in his pants pocket. The young bellman starts to load the luggage on the cart to take inside, Agent Regina gets a stunned look on his face as he wonders why his luggage was being taken inside the hotel and not to a company car. Also, he wonders still why they met at The Royal York and not at the train station. "Come let us go! The train is all warmed up and ready for you!", said Mr.Pervus as he motions for the front entrance of the Royal York. Agent Regina still confused doesn't question as he would just get some smart ass comment from Pops follows Mr.Pervus, Karen, and Pops into the hotel. They make their way in the hotel through the opulent front entrance, through the lobby that looks like it belongs to royalty, past the elevators. This path confuses Agent Regina even more, as he distinctly heard Mr.Pervus say to take the luggage to elevator 1A. His confusion grows even more as they stop at a maintenance closet and enter. Just as Agent Regina is about to ask why they are in a maintenance closet Mr.Pervus leans his face towards a section of wall and exhales. A section of the wall opens up to reveal an elevator, as the same one in Pervus' office. Agent Regina follows the others in and they begin their long descent down to the train.
The doors of the elevator open up to the CBC train station below the Royal York. Mr.Pervus, Pops, Karen, and Agent Regina exit the elevator. Agent Regina looks around at the futuristic decor of the train station and of the train which looks like a spaceship from a science fiction movie. "This is something! Here I thought we were going to be going to the actual train station city, not this!", said Agent Regina. "Haha! I told you that you would be surprised by the sight of the train station! Just wait till you get on the speed train Vagina!", said Pops. "We don't call it that anymore! We call it the Lightspeed Train!", said Mr.Pervus. "Nice! I like that name much better Pervert!", exclaims Pops as he slaps Mr.Pervus on the ass stunning him by the action. "You both better get on and get going!", said Mr.Pervus. "Alright! Come on Vagina lets get going!", exclaims Pops. As they enter the train Agent Regina stops and pauses to marvel at the sight of this futuristic technology. Before the train door closes Pops can easily be heard throughout the train station saying," It's a good thing this train has a great ventilation system because I had beans for lunch!" As the doors close the echoing sound of Pops farting on the train bounces off the walls but not the smell as it is trapped inside the train car. Agent Regina can be seen covering his face with his suit jacket with his left hand while banging on the window for help with the right. Karen and Agent Pervus wave as the Lightspeed Train fires up, lifts off from its magnetic moorings. The steady hum grows stronger as the train prepares to take off. Karen turns her head slightly to Mr.Pervus and says," I'm a little worried!" "No need to worry, Pops will be fine! MacLeod castle is completely safe and I trust Agent Regina." "It's not Pops I'm worried for, It's Agent Regina!", exclaims Karen. Mr.Pervus knowing what kind of antics and abuse Posp can subject Agent Reina to replies," Oh dear God! Oh well, if he doesn't survive then we can always find another agent!" A quick rush of air blows back Karen's hair as the Lightspeed train disappears in a flash living up to its name.
Agent Regina sits silently reading a copy of Sexual Behavior In The Human Male by Alfred C.Kinsey as the Lightspeed Train glides along in a blur in the tunnel beneath the ocean floor of the North Atlantic. It moves at speed only dreamed of by the likes of science fiction writers towards the Scottish Highlands. Pops noticing that Agent Regina is trying to read to get his mind off of his nervousness towards the train's speed. This presents him with the perfect opportunity to torture him some more in their self-isolation under the seabed. Noticing the title of the book that Agent Regina is reading Pops starts to laugh and says," Really! So you are into kinky sex? I never took you as that type, Vagina!" Agent Regina just keeps reading and ignores Pops. "You must be the type that likes his nipples tickled with a feather? No, wait, you like bondage!... No, no you get off on bodily functions, like this!", said Pops as he stands in front of Agent Regina and farts. Agent Regina tries his best to ignore this but the wafting smell of eggs mixed with garlic and sour milk starts to choke him out. He puts down his book and struggles to get words out of his mouth. "You, you are one rotten little bastard!', said Agent Regina. "Yeeeeeaaaaahhhhh!!!!!... Smell me! Smell me!!!!!", exclaims Pops as he lets out a rapid series of farts that encompass the entire cabin of the Lightspeed train. The speed of the train seems to pick up the more Pops farts, it seems the smell has wafted up to the driver. "Oh dear god! Please stop! The ventilation system can't keep up and I need to slow down at the station or we will crash!", says the motorman over the intercom. Pops stops his gas attack on Agent Regina, sits down back in his seat and buckles in. The ventilation system finally getting a chance to catch up, the train car smells less like rotten swamp gas and more like normal. This careful timing by the conductor to have Pops stop was perfect as the Lightspeed Train approaches the newest tunnel station deep inside Arthurs Seat an extinct volcano situated 1 mile east of Edinburgh Castle. The train comes to a stop and the doors open. Pops leaves his seat, stops by Agent Regina, and says," Welcome to Scotland!" Pops proceeds to let out a fart so loud it echoes throughout the entire train station. As Pops walks away from him Agent Regina says, "This is going to be a long two weeks!"
As Pops and Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch exit the Lightspeed Train, waiting for them is a big burly man in his late 30's. That man is Seamus MacLeod, he is not only in charge of the CBC's Scotland division but in charge of the training and re-training of agents. Most recently he has started a program to help with team-building of agents to build trust and comradery. Seamus is as big as a mountain, with tree trunk legs and arms like the largest branches that grow off them. A flowing red mane of hair with a touch of grey in it and matching bushy beard. A champion caber tosser 5 years running. Seamus lives in the true Scottish tradition of always wearing the kilt of his clan with no underwear on underneath it. Agent Regina seeing this intimidating specimen of a man and a cold chill runs up his back as if he was meeting death himself. "Hi, I'm Agent Regina and this is Pops Brilliant. We are from the home office in Toronto!", said Agent Regina. Seamus stands as still as stone with a no expression to match. "I'm sorry did you hear me?", asks Agent Regina. Seamus continues to be still and quiet staring down Agent Regina sizing him up. Pops starts to laugh and says," Man you're one big man! Think you've grown bigger since the last time I saw you, Seamus!" Seamus's expression and demeanor change, he lets out a deep hearty laugh showing perfectly his thick Scottish accent. "That's a good Scottish diet of Haggis with neeps and tatties, fresh fish, Cullen sink, grouse cured meats and cheese, porridge and of course some fine Scottish whiskey!... It's good to see ya lad! How the hell are ya?", said Seamus. "Well, it shows! Can't wait to try some of that minus the whiskey of course! But, maybe vagina here would like some?", said Pops as he introduces Agent Regina in his unique way. Seamus extends his thick baseball glove sized hand and says," It's damn nice to meet ya Vagina! That's a weird name to have, you must have gotten a lot of grief for being named after a hens fud!" The clutch of Seamus'handshake nearly throws Agent Regina to the ground. " Huh? I didn't understand what you said at all there, sorry?", said Agent Regina. Seamus releases his grip and points his large index finger towards his crotch and says," You know a lass's lady parts! Man, you are quite daft!" " I'm sorry I don't know any Scottish slang!... Didn't have time to prepare!", said Agent Regina.
But yet you were reading Sexual Behaviour In The Human Male by Kinsey but you couldn't brush up on a little Scottish slang or basic knowledge of the country!... Well don't worry, I've got a book you can read!", said Pops. "You were reading that? Are you some sort of kinky bastard?", exclaims Seamus. " No, I just...", said Agent Regina. Pops cuts him off and says," He's a bit of a sook! But, maybe time here will change that!", said Pops. Seamus lets out another hearty laugh, slaps Agent Regina on the back, and exclaims," We'll toughen you up, the Scottish way!... Come let's get going I got some fresh haddock for ya with Cullen sink and some haggis with neeps and tatties for supper! And of course some toast for ya lad!" "Seamus you know the way to my heart!... Come on Vagina you're in for a treat!" Seamus takes Pops's suitcase and starts to walk away closely followed by Pops and Agent Regina.
Seamus places Agent Regina's luggage alongside Pops' in the back of the 1952 forest green Land Rover. "Alright lads get in we have a wee drive ahead of us!", said Seamus. Pops places himself in the front passenger seat before Agent Regina can even make a move for it. Agent Regina knows it is no use arguing with Pops, especially in front of Seamus MacLeod. If he were to try Pops would surely insult to great length and Seamus would then toss him like a cabre deep into the Scottish Highlands. So Agent Regina places his fit body into the back alongside the luggage holding his knees against his chest. Seamus revs up the 2.0-liter engine, a grinding noise can be heard as he shifts into drive and pulls away. Soon enough the Land Rover carrying its passengers is on its way out of Arthurs Seat. Through an exit on the opposite side of the extinct volcano away from the sight of the citizens of Edinburgh, heading north. "Where exactly is MacLeod Castle Seamus?", yells Agent Regina. "Well, we keep going north, past Inverness. It's near the northernmost point! Does that answer your question there fud?", exclaims Seamus. Agent Regina sits silently not responding for fear of more reprisal. Not that he couldn't, he sure could! Well, Tendersnatch could but at this point, he has to play his part as Agent Regina no matter how much abuse he is taking. Then once he has the journals and their own people in place will he get revenge on these peons. Oh, the things he will do to them once Harold gives him the go-ahead! But, he must not break his cover his mission is to get those journals! Especially the one with the virus equation in it! Yes! He must get that one. In the front seat, he can hear Pops yammer on about his show, or the silly things he collects and toast. Oh, how sick he is of hearing about toast and can't wait for the day when he can pay him back for the abuse. How can someone so superior in every way be bested by a 12-year-old? Then he remembers that it's Agent Regina that is getting bested by Pops and not Tendersnatch! It would never be Tendersnatch. Then Tendersnatch turns his attention to Seamus MacLeod. How can this inferior human in intellect call him more of a man than Tendersnatch? Seamus would cry like a baby when the day comes to be subjected to Tendersnatch's torture techniques. A cocky maniacal grin comes over the face of the Tendersnatch/Agent Regina. "Well, there you are, lads, we are here, Castle MacLeod!", said Seamus. Agent Regina can hardly believe it! It didn't seem to take that long, but then again all the revenge thoughts that ran through his mind made the time fly. The Range Rover stops in front of a large three-story castle, built in the 1600s it is a mixture of grand, opulent and rustic. It looks like an estate castle for royalty and over time it was renovated with many modern amenities Agent Regina hears Seamus explain. AgentRegina/Tendersnatch wonders what other secrets this place has and intends to find out. Seamus's large hand waves in front of Agent Regina's face and says, "Hey hud! Are you awake? I said to take your luggage inside, I ain't no valet! Your rooms on the second floor at the end of the north wing. Now get a move on we have our first team-building exercise an obstacle course so dress accordingly for it nancy!" Agent Regina grabs his suitcases and follows Pops in the castle all the while thinking to himself," Oh how I will get you back in time Seamus! Then you will be the nancy!"
Agent Regina stands waiting outside the castle in his grey sweat pants and a dark blue t-shirt. His arms clutched against his own body, hugging himself for warmth. The weather outside is your traditional cool May spring weather for the Scottish Highlands. Occasionally the sun breaks through the clouds above to put a little warmth on him but as quick as the clouds move for the sun they come back and cover the sun. Agent Regina stands, shivers, and wonders where in the fuck Pops and Seamus are? If he was told to hurry and be out here than where are the two of them. Finally, the front door opens and out steps two more people possibly agents themselves dressed in matching black gym shorts and grey t-shirts. One agent a man who looks like he is in his early 50's by the wrinkles of time on his face and salt and pepper hair with an average build. The other is considerably younger, a man in his late 20's with dark brown hair and a fit physique, and you could tell it by the bulging muscles barely even contained by the t-shirt. The two men come over and stand by Agent Regina, the older man says," Hello I'm Agent Phillips and this is my partner Agent Sihickilo!" Agent Regina shakes their respective hands and says, "I'm Agent Regina." "Where are you from?", asks Agent Sihickilo. "Toronto, but I am originally from Saskatoon. Currently, I am partnered with Agent Brilliant!", said Agent Regina. The two Agents look at one another and laugh then Agent Phillips says," You poor man! How did you get that assignment?" "I asked for it! Why is that so funny?", said Agent Regina. 'It's just that as a legend as Pops is in the CBC, he is known to be quite difficult to work with long term!", said Agent Sihickilo. " Yes, he can be difficult there is no doubt about that, but to tell you the truth it can be a nightmare most of the time and a bad dream the other part. A little monster in fact!", said Agent Regina with his back to the front door not noticing that Seamus has walked out and heard everything he just said. Beside Seamus is Pops wearing a yellow t-shirt with black shorts, athletic socks pulled right up to his knees, and white sneakers. " Agent Regina that is no way to talk about your partner!", yells Seamus in a deep assertive voice showing his thick Scottish accent. Agent Regina jumps at the sudden shock, turns around to reveal Seamus' deep piercing brown eyes staring at him, his hands on his hips. "I didn't say anything wrong?", said Agent Regina. "Yes, you did! I heard ya as clear as the hair on my arse! Boy, do ya need this team-building retreat!", exclaims Seamus. Pops perfectly imitates Seamus' body language and says, "Yeah, vagina! Seamus is right! I heard you too! And after all the respect I've shown you, this is how you treat me!" "Respect? You've never shown me any! You insult me, belittle me and call me vagina! My name is Regina!... I think you need the team-building retreat, not me!", said Agent Regina. Seamus now really annoyed by Agent Regina's attitude stares him down even more and says," You just watch yourself, lad! I've known Pops for a little while now and those are terms of endearment from him! So, ya better change that attitude quick and show some mutual respect!" "Yes, Agent Regina! I couldn't believe that he would say that about you Pops! No respect!... Hi, I'm Agent Sihickilo and this is my partner Agent Phillips we're big fans!", said Agent Sihickilo. Pops shakes their hands and says," Fantastic! It's great to meet you too! I will have to give you an autographed picture!... See, Vagina this is how you show respect!" "That would be great! Maybe I could get one for my son Donny he is a big fan of yours and the same age as you.", said Agent Sihickilo. " For sure! I'll do one better, next time you are in Toronto he can hang out with me!", said Pops. Agent Regina just stands there in shock at how the other agents threw him under the bus so easily and sucked up to Pops. He would fight back but what is the use as he would only get told he is being disrespectful and get ganged up on again. No, he will make his statement on the obstacle course and if Pops should get hurt in the process then it's not his fault. " Okay, lads! Let's get this obstacle course done with and get back inside! This cool wind is blowing up my kilt and making my balls climb up in my arse!", exclaims Seamus. Agents Phillips, Sihickilo, Pops, and Agent Regina all follow Seamus as they make their way behind the castle towards the obstacle course.
As they all reach the back of the castle they see an elaborate obstacle course complete with climbing walls, one water, and one mud obstacle a sheet of barbed wire to crawl under. As Agent Regina looks on at this military-themed obstacle course, Seamus says," Now Agents! This obstacle course will test your strength, agility, and intelligence. Remember that you are a team and if your partner needs a little help, you help them! And also help out your other fellow agents!... Ready! One, two, three, go!" The four agents quickly make their way onto the course.
First is the tires, Agents Phillips and Sihickilo quickly move their feet in and out of them encouraging each other. Next comes Pops and Agent Regina, Agent Regina says," You go first Pops!" "What's a matter, Regina, you afraid?", said Pops. Pops quickly but carefully moves his chubby legs in and out in the 10 tires followed closely by Agent Regina. As Pops nears the end of this first obstacle he expels some chemical warfare on Agent Regina and lets out a nasty fart. The smell causes Agent Regina to lose his balance as he reaches the last set of tires and falls flat on his face into the dirt. 'Come on Vagina! Get your ass moving, can you not even do one simple obstacle?", exclaims Pops. Agent Regina picks himself up and rolls his eyes and thinks," I will get him at the next obstacle!" Next comes up the first water trap. Here there is a small log wall to crawl over. Agent Regina and Pops follow close behind Agents Phillips and Sihickilo who make it over the small one-foot wall with ease. Pops' portly body easily scales the wall showing that just because he looks a certain way doesn't mean he can't do this. Agent Regina making his way over the wall is surprised with a splash of muddy water in his eyes. This face bath courtesy of Pops knocks him off the wall backward. Pops stands and laughs then says," Jesus! You are pitiful at this! You can't even handle a little distraction!" Next up comes the barbed wire to crawl under. Up ahead of them Agents Phillips and Sihickilo can be heard cheering each other on as they do that obstacle with ease. Agent Regina having made it over the log wall and out of the water follows Pops under the barbed wire net, his wet clothes sticking to him. Pops crawls under the barbed wire as quickly as a rabbit and low as a snake. Agent Regina tries to grab Pops' foot hoping that this action will cause Pops to cut himself on the barbed wire above. This does not prove fruitful for him as Pops is moving so fast that he shoots dirt in Agent Regina's face blinding him temporarily. As he tries to wipe the dirt from his eyes Agent Regina lifts a bit catching the back of his shorts on the barbed wire above ripping the seat out of his wet shorts and cutting his ass. Bloodied, bruised, and beaten Agent Regina runs to the second last obstacle far behind Pops who says, "Hurry up asshole! Can't you move any faster?" This next obstacle is a set of monkey bars to go across. Pops does this with grace and ease and waits for Agent Regina as he starts to quickly make his way across. "Don't fuck this up too!", says Pops as he spits at him. The incoming saliva hits Agent Regina square in the face breaking his concentration causing him to lose his concentration and miss the next bar with his hand, falls to the ground, and twists left his ankle. "Really Vagina? My mother could do this course better than you!", said Pops. Agent Regina now really wants to get back at Pops, with one obstacle left he will surely get him. The last obstacle is a rope swing over a 10ft mud pit. Before he starts the obstacle Pops wipes his hands in some mud to slide from rope to rope with great ease. His efforts prove successful and AgenT Regina having watched Pops swing across the mud pit like Tarzan knows he has missed his last attempt to get back at Pops. All he can do now is finish the course. Agent Regina rubs some mud on his hands and thinks that if it worked for Pops then it will work for him! The added mud on the ropes makes it hard to hold onto them and as he gets halfway across the 10ft mud pit, Agent Regina loses his grip on the third rope. With a thud Agent, Regina falls face-first into the mud pit. He picks himself up and limps out of the mud pit soaked, beaten, cut, bruised, and injured. Limping towards the finish he can hear Pops exclaim," Come on! Man, you are useless!" Agent Regina crosses the finish line and falls to the ground. Looking up as he rests his tortured body Agent Regina see's the disapproving face of Seamus who says," That was the worst example of teamwork! Here Pops was trying to encourage you and you didn't even put in a solid effort! When you are done resting there nancy, make your way to the castle and shower, then meet us all for supper in the main dining hall!" Agent Regina not wanting any more ridicule from Pops gets up and starts to make his way back to the castle. His wish is not granted and he is met with laughter from the others who see his ripped sweats and bare ass. "Nice ass!", yells Agent Sihickilo. "You know there is a wonderful invention called underwear! Maybe you should wear some!", yells Pops. Agent Regina turns and looks at the torn seat from his sweats, sighs, and continues on his way back to the castle to shower.
Agent Regina/Tendersnatch walks down the winding staircase of fine Scottish Oak built a little over 300 years ago admiring its craftsmanship. He has always been a stickler for detail and perfection, after all, he, the great Tendersnatch is pulling off the greatest ruse of all time. To fool all these inferior specimens of humanity brings great joy an almost sexual release of the sort. But a resentment burns deep in his soul from the inability to not only finish that obstacle course as he could with ease. No, it isn't just that! It is the fact that he got bested in his plan by Pops to do exactly just what he wanted to do. How can a 12-year-old best him both intellectually and physically? This cannot happen to him the great Tendersnatch! He knows that to redeem himself he must, no will get that journal that Pops has with him and deliver it to Harold with the ultimate biological weapon. Agent Regina's/Tendersnatch's thoughts are interrupted by the loud obnoxious laugh of Pops coming from the main dining hall.
Agent Regina/Tendersnatch quickly makes his way down the stairs and into the dining hall where a huge spread of fine Scottish cuisine is laid out on the massive 15-foot long table. The table also made out of thick Scottish oak has all the goodies that Seamus had declared. From the traditional haggis complete with neeps and tatties, fresh Atlantic pollock with some fresh oysters. A roasted grouse with a succulent blend of spices. Some Cullen sink a classic Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and leek. An array of cured meats and cheeses, shortbreads for dessert, and of course a bottle of fine Scottish whiskey on the table for those of age to drink it. The table would not be complete without the contribution of some rye toast for Pops who sits there munching away. As a plate filled with all the foods on the table sits in front of him, Pops concentrates fully on his toast first. Seamus noticing Agent Regina's presence takes his attention away from his plate. He looks up and with bits of food trapped in his red mane of a beard simply points to seat by Pops. "Nice for ya to finally get your arse down here and join us there fud!... Just help yourself, ain't no one gonna serve ya!", exclaims Seamus. Agent Regina starts to fill his plate with all the foods from the table, careful not to offend Seamus anymore than Pops has made him look like. Stunned that there is roasted grouse as it is only late May and shooting season does not start till August. He thinks of asking this question but realizes that it may be met with more resentment of his inquiry. No, he will just sit and eat quietly like everyone else. It is then as he is about to gab his cutlery that he notices Pops' journal sitting right on the table beside his fork and knife. How perfect, he will eat and when Pops' attention is obstructed, then he will grab it and Pops will simply think he misplaced it. The sound of collective chewing and no conversation echoes throughout the massive dining hall. Not like before he entered, it is obvious that the others in the room do not like him. Maybe if he tries to break the silence and start a conversation then he will get the distraction he desires. "This is an interesting castle, Seamus!", said Agent Regina. Seamus lifts his head from his plate and looking like a caveman with food hanging out of his mouth says," What's so damned interesting about it to ya! It's old, drafty, hard to keep clean!" Agent Regina not shocked by Seamus' response to him says," I bet, but I meant all the history and fine craftsmanship! I love it!" "So ya into castles?", asks Seamus. "Yes, I was always fascinated by them!", said Agent Regina. "You must have a small boaby, seeing as how you are fascinated with big things like castles!", asks Seamus. Agent Regina confused about the term Seamus used asks, "Excuse me?" "He means that you must have a small dick Vagina! It explains a lot with the book you were reading and your obsession with size!", said Pops with a laugh. Agents Phillips and Sihickilo along with Seamus all laugh at Agent Regina's expense again. This time at the implication that Agent Regina doesn't have much of manhood. This causes Agent Regina's face to turn red with anger and embarrassment and chooses to end the conversation. Lucky for him though because as soon as he ends the conversation Pops says," How about after this you show me some of those rare bottles you told me about!" "For sure lad! I will show you!", said Seamus. As Seamus starts to talk about his old liquor bottles from years past distracting everyone gives him the opening to take the journal off the table beside him. Slowly Agent Regina reaches for the journal as he keeps his eyes fixed on the others at the table so they do not notice him. "Eureka! His hand is on the journal now all I have to do is slowly pull it down and place it between my legs", thinks Agent Regina. As Agent Regina slowly slides the journal, his attempt is quickly thwarted with the sudden painful impact of Pops fork stabbing his hand. "Son of a bitch! Why the hell did you do that for?", asks Agent Regina. "Well why are you trying to take my journal?", exclaims Pops. "Yes, why were ya trying to take the lads book?", asks Seamus. The whole table looks on awaiting Agent Regina's response, he must make it one that doesn't make him look guilty of theft and break his cover. "I was just going to move it beside you so it didn't get food on it Pops! I wasn't taking it from you!", said Agent Regina. "Oh!... Sorry Vagina! That's damn nice of you, guess your not as much of a prick as I thought you were!", said Pops. Seamus believing Agent Regina's/Tendersnatch's lie says, "That's darn decent of ya Hud! Maybe you are learning some respect for your teammate!" Agent Regina looks at the fork sticking out of his hand and the blood pouring out of it says, "Thanks, that means a lot!" "Don't mention it Hud!... Why don't you go clean that up and turn in for the night! You've been through a lot!", said Seamus with genuine concern. "Thanks, I think I will!", said Agent Regina as he stares at the fork sticking out of his hand. Agent Regina pulls the fork out of his right hand and wraps the wound with the cloth napkin in front of him. He gets up and exits the room, the conversation that was in the room before he entered returns as Agent Regina/Tendersnatch exits.
On his way up the stairs applying pressure to the wound on his hand, Agent Regina says to himself," How did that little shit even see me?... That's strike two! I will have to plan this more carefully." Agent Regina slowly climbs the winding oak staircase back towards his room to clean his wound, get some rest, and plan his next attempt to get the journal.
"Over the two weeks away at Castle MacLeod through numerous attempts to try and get the journal from Pops Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch fails every time. Not to mention that in the team-building exercises that they were apart of Pops kept abusing him in his unique way. Like when they were doing an egg toss where they would toss the egg to one another and then back up a step. Well, Pops did two catches and then threw the egg right in the face of Agent Regina and laughing. The trust exercise where they were supposed to catch one another. Pops does it again! He not only lets Agent Regina fall but when Agent Regina thinks he is going to get him back Pops lets out one of his famous farts that knock out Agent Regina who falls back again to the floor with a thud!... Through a series of mishaps that only cause injuries to Agent Regina. It isn't until the very last day that the craziest thing happens!", said Graham. "Well, what happens? Don't keep us in suspense!", said Keith. "I'm getting to that part be patient please!", said Graham.
On the very last full day in Scotland, the agents were given a free day to do whatever they like. Agents Phillips and Sihickilo went and played pool. Seamus went and did some paperwork that he had to finish up before the retreat ended. And Pops decided to go for a walk out in the beautiful rolling hills and look out at the North Sea and reflect. Agent Regina decides to stay inside his room and just finish reading his book. Or so he says! As Pops is leaving Agent Regina is watching from the window high up on the third floor. Agent Regina watches just as Pops makes his way onto the wooded path to the back of the castle and then he bolts down the stairs and out the huge oak front door. Sprinting toward the path he slows down realizing that if he catches up too soon and Pops knows he is there than Pops will get suspicious. Agent Regina slows his pace and carefully and very stealthily follows Pops hiding behind large rocks, trees, in bushes. Up ahead Pops would occasionally stop an look back but not before Agent Regina would duck behind one of the aforementioned shields. Pops would look around for a bit then shake his head and say," Nah! There is no one following me! Besides if there was they would be in for a world of hurt!" Every time Agent Regina would hear this he would wonder what Pops could do to him out here that he hasn't already done to him. Finally, Pops reaches his final destination a cliffside view of the North Sea. All around are a series of large rocks. Pops places his chubby body down on the rock closest to the cliffside and stares out at the ocean, but not before he places his journal that he has been guarding with his life on the rock behind him. There it is! There is the opportunity that Agent Regina has been waiting for. Very quietly Agent Regina moves towards the rock, stoping the occasional time to make sure Pops doesn't see him. He moves as slowly as a snail, inch by inch he gets closer to his goal. Sidestepping a huge mud puddle at the base of the sloped rock he starts to climb up the rock and get the awaiting journal. Looking out at the North Sea, Pops pulls a banana out of his jacket pocket, peels back the skin, shoves the entire banana in his mouth, and throws the peel backward. The banana peel gets picked up by the wind coming in off the water and throws it right in Agent Regina's path as he is about to reach for the journal. Agent Regina not quite able to reach it yet takes one more step to do so. As he moves his left foot forward on the slanted rock, he steps on the banana peel causing him to lose his balance. Agent Regina trying to regain his balance only makes it worse and goes flying through the air and into a huge mud puddle at the base of the rock. The softness of the mud prevents him from a severe injury, the only thing he will have is some bruises to his body and pride. Lifting his body out of the mud he looks up and see's that Pops has not moved and did not hear him. Once again Agent Regina tries to climb for the journal, the mud on his hiking boots though cause him to slip as he tries to scale the slanted rock. He would take two steps and slide back down into the mud puddle. After about six attempts Agent Regina finally starts to make his way up the rock without sliding down it and as he gets halfway up the site of the journal move which means Pops is on his way back. He uses the mud on his clothes to his advantage this time and slides down the slanted rock and hides behind another one nearby. Pops remains un alerted to Agent Regina's presence and back to the castle they play the same cat and mouse game of hide and seek. As Pops enters the castle Agent Regina stays in the wooded path for a few minutes and thinks to himself," This is nuts! How can the great Tendersnatch get bested by a 12-year-old? Harold will have his balls for this!... If he couldn't get a journal now, how is he going to get it when they get back? Oh God, how can you do this to me!... Shit, I better get myself inside and shower so Pops doesn't get suspicious!" Agent Regina quickly runs down the wooded path, in the castle, straight up the grand staircase and into his room with no one that wiser that he was following Pops.
Tendersnatch stands motionless as the heavy spray of the shower hits him in the face and washes away the layers of mud off his face and arms. The mudslides off him like a landslide from a mountain and onto the cool white tile of the shower and swirls down the drain like the famous murder scene from Psycho. A sudden sting of pain comes over Tendersnatch emanating from his face. He surmises that the source of the pain is coming from his left cheek and touches it with his left hand. Feeling around on his face he finds a small cut on his cheek, perhaps from hiding in the bushes. That small sting is nothing compared to the pain he feels in his back from the fall off the rock. This has been a rough two weeks for Tendersnatch, his body all bruised, beaten, and cut! All at the hands of that little monster Pops! Tendersnatch usually is the one who knows pain well! He can dish it out just as much as he can take it, the proper term for him would be a sadist. That is why Harold gave him this assignment because he could handle the punishment, but sometimes he wonders if this cover as Agent Regina is worth all this? He dare not say that to Harold, for Harold is more of a match for Tendersnatch. And he does not want Harold questioning his loyalty. It will all be worth it when Operation Root comes to fruition. Tendersnatch leans his head forward and lets the water run over it and tries to clear his mind, maybe if he does then he can figure a way to get Pops journal.
The door to the bathroom opens and the voice of Pops yelling startles Tenderesnatch/Agent Regina from his meditation," Hey Vagina once you are done soaking your ass Seamus said to come down for supper!"Okay, Pops! Thank you I will be down in a few minutes!", said Agent Regina. Thinking Pops forgot to shut the door to the bathroom Agent Regina begins to hum the tune to The Ants Go Marching. " That's one hell of a singing voice you have Vagina!", exclaims Pops as he sits the toilet. "What in the hell are you still doing in here?", said Agent Regina. "Sorry, I was in here anyway and this shit can't wait!", said Pops without any apology for this odd action. Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch completely mortified by the fact that Pops would just come into a bathroom and take a shit is completely speechless. " Hey, Vagina you are getting some water on the floor! Do you know what might help keep the water from escaping?... Magnets! Yes, magnets to keep the shower curtains closed will definitely do the trick!... I will have to remember that one!", said Pops. "Yes, thank you, Pops! Can you not talk to me while you are taking a crap! It's kind of awkward.", said Agent Regina. "What? It helps to relax me while I do this so it comes out quicker!", said Pops. "That's nice to hear, but I find it uncomfortable that you are in here shitting not to mention that you, a 12-year-old is in here while a grown man is naked in the shower.", said Agent Regina. "Fair enough! But, I don't see the big deal? It's not like I am going to peek in and see your teenie tiny weenie! I'm not that weird and as you said, I'm a 12-year-old boy!... But, if you would like me to be quiet while I shit then fine!", said Pops. Pops complying with Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch's request for silence doesn't say a word, instead, he just hums the same tune as Agent Regina was. This whole awkward situation goes on for the next 25min, the shower was long over and Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch just wanted to get out. The water coming from the shower was now ice cold and freezing, not to mention the rancid smell off Pops' feces. Finally, Pops yells out and says, "Okay I'm out of here! See you downstairs for supper!" The door to the bathroom slams shut and Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch not sure that Pops had left peaks his head out of the shower curtain. He notices that he is alone now and gets out of the shower. Agent Regina also notices that Pops did not bother to flush the toilet let alone shut the lid. Right out in the open to see Pops had left a thick ring of shit sitting in the toilet waiting like a boa constrictor. "Oh good God! How can something like that come from a 12-year-old?", said Agent Regina. He pinches his nostrils with his right hand and Agent Regina pushes the flush handle sending the massive turd down the tiny drain of the toilet leaving a big shit smear on the porcelain. Agent Regina presses the handle again to clean off the shit residue from the inside of the toilet and slams the lid shut. He quickly dries himself off, dresses, and combs his hair. This was the cherry on top of what has been a hellish two weeks for Agent Regina, but his eyes perk up when he looks at the top of the toilet tank. Right there sitting on the top of the toilet tank is Pops' journal. At last! All the torture he went through the past two weeks has paid off and he is being rewarded. "Thank you God!", said Agent Regina like some evil televangelist and quickly grab the journal.
After placing the journal away in his suitcase, Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch then makes his way down to the dining hall. The whole while down the grand oak staircase one question runs through his mind? Did Pops wash his hands after using the bathroom? As much as it pains him to relive the whole scenario again, he does and as he approaches the main dining hall remembers that Pops did not wash his hands. The monstrous table again filled with all the same foods that they had their first day there as it had been for the past two weeks. Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch does not care to see another haggis again! Also on the table is a plate full of toast, Pops' dirty unwashed hands are grabbing a few slices and handing some to the Agents Phillips, Sihickilo and Seamus. As Agent Regina sits down beside Pops, Pops grabs a piece of toast, holds it out, and says, "Hey Vagina! Want some toast?" Agent Regina knowing that Pops had not washed his hands, but not wanting to make a scene says, "Sure! I'd love some!" Pops drops the slice of rye toast on Agent Regina's plate as he flashes a big smile of gratitude. "Atta boy! You are finally learning! I have some new respect for you!", said Pops. This is disgusting sacrifice is nothing to the torture techniques that he would use. So Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch bites the bullet to gain Pops' trust and says, "Yeaaaahhhh!!"
In the ride in the next morning to the Lightspeed Train Agent Regina just stares out at the scenery this time enjoying every second of every view. It doesn't bother him anymore that Pops is still insulting him a little, but not as much as before. Now it seems that they have grown closer! Who'd have thought that going through absolute hell and eating toast touched by unwashed bathroom hands would gain respect from Pops? He, the great Tendersnatch would have done this? Oh, that's right he always knew he could! That's why Harold gave him this job and not only has he gained Pops trust now, but he has gotten the journal. Agent Regina is so caught up in his thoughts that he doesn't even notice the fact that they had entered the secret entrance to the train station and are now deep inside Arthurs Seat. Agent Regina doesn't even notice that Seamus' Range Rover has stopped, he just sits there with a deep smile of satisfaction that almost looks sexual. Then the feel of a small rock hitting the side of his head awakens Agent Regina from his trance." I don't know what you did to make you smile like that but I am washing the back of my motor!", said Seamus. "Sorry I was staring out at the beautiful scenery and just thinking about how much I am going to miss this place. As much as it didn't seem so I did enjoy myself here and learned a lot!", said Agent Regina. " Well, that's good to hear! I thought you were a bit of a Fandan but realized you are just an ordinary Walloper!", said Seamus. Agent Regina hops out of the back of the Range Rover and with a confused look on his face says," Thanks I think!" Pops slaps Agent Regina on the back and says," You look confused! Take it its a compliment Vagina!" Agent Regina shakes Seamus's hand, turns to Pops, and says," Shall we get going Pops? I am sure your mother and Mr.Pervus will be anxiously awaiting our arrival!" "For sure! Let's get going Vagina!", said Pops. Seamus lightly nudges Pop's shoulder with his fist and says," See again Pops! It was a pleasure to have you around! Anytime you want to get away Castle MacLeod is always open to you!" "Thanks, Seamus! I will take you up on that!... It was nice seeing you again!", said Pops who then slaps Seamus in the left as cheek like a professional sports player would. Seamus lets out a loud barrel laugh and says, "You're one of a kind Pops! Don't ever lose that lad!" Pops nods his head, winks and points his thumb and forefinger like a gun and says," You bet!... Come on Vagina, let's get going! We don't have time to stand around and chat!" Agent Regina laughs his best fake laugh and rushes to catch up with Pops who is already halfway down the corridor on his way to the escalator.
Pops and Agent Regina go down another 15 feet utilizing two escalators. As they approach the train platform Pops stops and says," You know what Vagina? I gave you a lot of grief recently and you took it all! After you shared some toast with me it showed that you deserve a chance!" Agent Regina is taken back a bit Pops sincerity and says," Thanks Pops! That means a lot, I hope we can be friends?" Pops laughs and jokingly says, "Don't get too ahead of yourself! Haha!... Just kidding! I look forward to that too!" Pops continues on his path into the train and as he and Agent Regina step inside the train car Pops says, "Oh and to answer your question, I didn't wash my hands!" Agent Regina stands amazed at the fact that Pops knew what he was thinking. Agent Regina makes his way to his seat as does Pops. Pops buckles himself in and leans back in his seat and says," I'm going to catch a few winks! So, please wake me when we get home!" "Will do Pops!", said Agent Regina. In no time the sound of Pops' snoring echoes throughout the train car, even drowning out the sound of the Lightspeed train firing up. This is something Agent Regina thinks! He has gained Pops' trust! Harold will be so pleased and even more so once he gives him the journal. Agent Regina is so pleased by this that it doesn't even concern him that Pops hasn't noticed his journal missing. Oh well if Pops does notice it has gone then he will convince him that the journal is probably still in Scotland, and leans his head back against his seat. The Lightspeed Train hums and vibrates, then in a flash, it takes off and Pops and Agent Regina are on their way back home.
The Lightspeed Train starts to slow down as the 2hr journey back from Scotland nears its inevitable end. The magnetic locks start to grab hold near the end of the light rails. Within a matter of 5 minutes, the Lightspeed Train comes to a complete stop jerking the train car slightly. It hovers there for about 30 seconds and slowly starts to lower back down to its moorings. The train conductor must be new at his job because a normal mooring of the train would be smooth and effortless. This time the motorman drops the Lightspeed Train on its moorings early shaking it waking Pops from his slumber. Pops unbuckles his safety belt and says," Damn, that motorman is horrible! You could do a better job than him Vagina!" Agent Regina just chuckles loudly and says," I probably could! Well, at least he helped me wake you!", said Agent Regina. "True! Let's get out of here! I'm famished and could go for some toast!", said Pops. Agent Regina doesn't say anything he just nods his head in agreement as Pops hurries toward the open door to the train car.
Out on the train platform, Karen waits alongside Mr.Pervus.Karen standing in a beautiful violet sundress and Mr. Pervus is his grey tweed suit with matching grey trilby. Mr.Prevus with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth like Humphrey Bogart Pervus adjusts his trilby ever so slightly. The adjustment of his Trilby partially covers Pervus' eyes to cover the bloodshot in them. A mixture of sleepless nights from a situation that he been monitoring in the south and the drinking for some unknown personal stress. Pops walks up to Karen who wraps her arms around him in a tight motherly embrace."I missed you so much! How was your trip?", said Karen. "It was fantastic! Got to Seamus again and oh the things that happened to Vagina!... They were priceless and fucking funny!", said Pops. "Yes it was quite the adventure!", said Agent Regina as he approaches Karen, Pops, and Mr.Pervus. Mr.Pervus shakes Agent Regina's hand with a tight grip and says, "Good to see you, Agent Regina!... I see you survived, how was your trip?" "Agent Regina, Pops wasn't too difficult with you I hope?", said Karen. "Oh no! It was an adventure for sure!... But, Pops and I seemed to have found our stride.", said Agent Regina. "That's good to hear! And as promised you earned your extra two weeks off!... You too Pops!", said Mr.Pervus. "Thank you, sir! I will rest up and enjoy it, then Pops and I can get back to work if you have an assignment for us?", said Agent Regina. "Oh, there is something for you two to do!... But, it can wait now to go and enjoy the rest of your vacation! Both of you!" Agent Regina grabs his suitcases off the floor, gives a slight nod of his head, and sly grin at Karen who sheepishly smiles like a schoolgirl. Pops noticing this doesn't say a thing and just shakes his thinking that he is going to be keeping an eye on this. As Agent Regina walks away Karen and Mr.Pervus notice the limp in Agent Regina's step and Mr.Pervus asks, "Your handy work I take it Pops?" Pops just grins a devilish grin and says, "Yeaaaahhhhh!!!!!!... Now let's get some toast in me!" "Oh Pops!", exclaims Karen.
Agent Regina drives his brand new 1957 white Plymouth Fury with gold trim and front grill along the northern Ontario roads to a secluded farmhouse he owns. On the radio, the sound of the song "A White Sport Coat And A Pink Carnation" by the King Brothers plays and Agent Regina sings along. He rolls down the windows, holds the steering wheel with his right hand while he rests his left on the door. Agent Regina pulls into a long gravel driveway with a beautiful three-story Victorian farmhouse that looks more like a mansion than a farmhouse. He parks the car, exits, and grabs his suitcases from the trunk of the car and heads up the steps of the veranda and towards the front door. Agent Regina places his key in the lock, but notices that there is no need for it as the door seems to be unlocked already. He opens it and walks into the house relatively unafraid of being blindsided.
As he steps into the house Agent Regina closes the front door and drops his suitcases. He turns to his left to the main sitting room to see Harold sitting and waiting patiently reading a copy of The Art Of War by Sun Tzu. Standing to his left and right are two neanderthal looking henchmen with crewcuts, sloping brows, and square jaws. Their stare as blank as the thoughts running through their heads as the henchmen just stare at Agent Regina aka Tendersnatch. Harold places his book beside him, stands up walks to the fireplace, and fixes his wavy blond hair in the mirror. As Harold does this he says, "Welcome back Tendersnatch! I believe you have something for me?" Tendersnatch grins and says," I sure do sir! You will be pleased!" "Good, now bring it to me!", orders Harold. Tendersnatch opens his leather-clad suitcase and pulls out the journal he took from Pops and takes it over to Harold. Tendersnatch stands waiting for the obvious praise that he will get from Harold with an heir of arrogance in his body language. Harold walks around the sitting room, flipping through the journal and says, "So, you had a successful past two weeks I can see!" Tendersnatch with a cocky tone to his voice says," It's pretty obvious! Although it did start a bit rough I made some real progress, this whole assignment has been a challenge as we knew it would. But I don't quit and you know that sir! That's why you gave this job to me because I am the best!" Harold continues to flip through the Pops Brilliant journal, he makes no eye contact with Tendersnatch. "So my baby brother gave you a rough time as we expected?", said Harold. "Yes, but nothing I can't handle! You know that!", said Tendersnatch. "Ah-ha! So, he has your trust now I take it?", said Harold. "Yes he does and it was the weirdest way! You see I was...", said Tendersnatch before Harold holds his hand up to stop him. "Knowing my brother it would be!", said Harold. "Your plan is paying off sir! We have his trust, and now have the journal with the virus. And soon we will have complete control!", said Tendersnatch. Harold closes the journal, walks up to Tendersnatch, places his left hand on Tendersnatch's left shoulder, and says," I couldn't be more pleased, you have always been my nest and most successful agent. You never let me down and that's why I gave you this assignment. That and your ability to take extreme punishment as you thrive on it!" "Thank you, sir, I'm so glad you're pleased!", said Trendersnatch. "Harold pats Tendersnatches shoulder and says, "I am! I am!... There is just one little problem?" A confused look comes over the face of Tendersnatch, he got the journal, Pops' trust, and they are in a great position to perfectly execute their master plan. "What's the problem, sir?... I thought everything was perfect?", said Tendersnatch. "It almost is, there is just one little problem! This is not the journal containing the virus!... You screwed up!" Harold slams the journal against the muscular chest of Tendersnatch and walks over to the neanderthal looking bodyguard to his left. Tendersnatch quickly opens the journal to see it that in fact, it wasn't the journal with the virus. But what he does see is a journal containing plans for a restaurant called Pops House Of Toast. Tendersnatch flips through the entire journal quickly seeing that all 200 pages double-sided were of this restaurant idea. How could he be so stupid? He should have checked it over before contacting Harold! Small retribution is sure to come, as Harold doesn't stand for any kind of failure no matter how reliable you are! "I am sorry sir! I didn't have time to look through the journal!", said Tendersnatch who doesn't show an ounce of fear despite knowing what's about to happen. "I know! But there were times you could have I imagine! So, instead, you get me out here expecting to get the journal with the virus, and instead, you get me one containing a stupid all toast restaurant!!!!... You know what this means don't you?", said Harold. Tendersnatch nods his head in compliance, Harold looks at the mindless brute of a bodyguard standing next to him and just points at Tendersnatch. The Bodyguard walks over to Tendersnatch and punches Tendersnatch square in the abdomen then he proceeds to strike him in the face and beat him bloodily. Lying on the ground Tendersnatch starts to laugh like a maniac, he pulls himself to his hands and knees, spits out some blood on the hardwood floor. Looking up at the bodyguard he laughs and says," Is that the best you got?" The bodyguard looks back at Harold who just nods his head to continue with the beating. This time the bodyguard kicks Tendersnatch in the face and body several times along with some shots with his massive fists to Tendersnatch's face. Again Tendersnatch gets to his hands and knees and says, "You hit like I girl!... But, I quite enjoyed that!" Once again the bodyguard beats him with his hardest shots and once again Tendersnatch pulls himself to his hands and knees. "You are quite bad at this! Here let me show you how it is done!", said Tendersnatch. Tendersnatch grabs the bodyguard by his testicles, squeezes them causing the giant of a man to scream out in pain. The bodyguard leans over in pain and Tendersnatch swiftly uppercuts him to his nose sending the bone into the brain killing the mindless brute immediately. The other Bodyguard starts to make his way over but Harold motions to stop and says, "I see you haven't lost your touch!" "That was fun and enjoyable! Thank you, sir!", said Tendersnatch. Harold motions for the other bodyguard to pick up the corpse of his fallen comrade. He makes his way over and lifts the lifeless body over his right shoulder effortlessly and walks out of the house. Harold walks over to Tendersnatch and says, "Well done! Well done! But if you fail me again it will be me putting a bullet between your eyes!" Tendernsatch nods and says, "Understood! What do you want me to do next?" "Just keep doing what you have been! We have Pops trust now!... Soon we will show him pain and failure! The futures going to be exciting!", said Harold. Tendersnatch nods his head and Harold walks towards the door and before he exits he says, "Have fun Mr. Tendersnatch!" The door shuts and a sadistic grin comes over the bloodied face of Tendersnatch.
"Whoa!! Shit just got real!", exclaims Keith. "Yes, I have to admit that was one hell of a story!... These just keep getting better and better.", said Grace. "How are we with the gamma generator Keith?", asks Graham. The sound of clanging echoes over the background of the walkie talkie as Keith replies, "We are almost done here!... Just one second and done!! We are all good to go, Graham!" "Great wait for my word and then start the fire-up sequence.", said Graham. "Roger that!", said Keith.
Preston finishes replacing the quantum circuit boards with great ease, and in the process finds some fried wires and replaces them as well. He takes the panel cover and puts it back on when his walkie talkie starts to spew out the voice of Graham," How goes the repair of Gamma generator one?" Priya picks up the walkie talkie, hands it Preston and he replies," Just finished! Have you got the other one finished yet?", asks Preston. "That's fantastic! We just finished as well, that is Keith, Paulina, and Greg finished!... We should get this thing online before we lose the signal to communicate and can't do the start-up sequence!", said Graham. "Alright! give me 2 minutes to tell the others! said, Graham. "Ummm! We could hear you both! So, what do you say we start these puppies up now!", said Keith. "You mean you both heard me and you didn't acknowledge?", said Graham. "Haha! Yes! We sure did! That's usually how a walkie talkie works! Haha!", said Keith. "You two are both dead when we all get back together, assholes!", said Graham. "Alright, we are in position! What about you Keith?", said Preston. "We are ready as ready can be!", said Keith. "Alright I will give you the sequence and as we flip the switches you follow shortly after. Then we will push our primer switch 9 times and you follow after we are done! This will give an even power share, then we will both flip the power lever and that should start up the generators.", said Preston. "Alright what is the sequence?", asks Keith. "The sequence is 1,3,6,9,5,2,4,7,8 and 10. Start on the top row then repeat the sequence on the second and likewise on the third row.", said Preston. "Alright standing by!", said Keith. Priya stands ready for Preston's signal to flip the switches and in the basement Paulina awaits the signal from Keith."Alright here we go 1!", says Preston. Priya promptly flips the switch and in the basement, Paulina follows suit a few seconds after. One by one the switches are flipped as soon as Preston would signal a switch flipped by Priya, Keith would follow suit with Paulina flipping the switch on their end. Within a matter of minutes, the switches on all three rows are flipped and both generators start to hum to signal that both machines are online. "Okay, Emil start priming the generator!", said Preston. Emil starts priming the toggle switch on the side 9 times, then gives Preston the signal that they are done. In the basement, Greg getting the signal from Keith starts to prime the similar toggle switch on the basement generator. "Alright we have it al primed!", said Keith. Preston walks up to the large lever switch on the front of the gamma generator one and says, "On my signal lift the switch! One, two, three! Lift it!" Preston slowly lifts the large lever switch and it makes a loud clicking noise as it locks into place in the upright position. In the basement, Keith slowly pulls the switch up. The lack of it not being used much makes it more difficult to lift but he does manage to get it into the on position. A loud hum can be heard and then what kind of sounds like a laser beam firing in an old science fiction movie rings out.
Within seconds of it firing up all the lights come back on in the hotel. Outside, the crack that slowly made its way down the back of the hotel stops it from further spreading. A light green glow surrounds the old abandoned Bessborough hotel. The crack at the back starts to close itself up as a new storm front moves back in. Rain starts to fall like a sheet of water, the wind picks up and lightning strikes hit the ground all over downtown Saskatoon. Everywhere except for around the perimeter of the Bessborough now protected by the gamma shield.
"There, with the generators online again it will now start to repair the building slowly and protect us from the storm!", said Graham over the walkie talkie speaker. "It can do that? Repair the building?", asks Preston. "Yes! But not right away, it will take some time! You see the gamma shield has nanites in the barrier that will fix it. But, because it was off for so long and only running on its reserve power it will take time to fix!", said Graham. "Cool!... Okay, we are on our way down now! Can't wait to meet you great, great grandfather!", said Preston. "Me too! Now hurry up and get down here!", said Graham. Preston, Priya, and Emil walk back into Graham's makeshift apartment in the secondary room of the Peak Room. They make their way to the window that they entered earlier, Preston sticks one leg out the window, Emil pulls out the gun from the back of his pants, points it at Preston and says," I told you that I would kill you when this is over!" The sound from the Glock handgun rings out echoing off the walls of the peak room in rapid succession. With great precision and accuracy, the bullets hit Preston square in the chest 6 times sending him flying out the window on the sloped rooftop. Prestons body slides down the roof at high speed from the moisture of the rain and off the rooftop through the gamma shield. His lifeless body falls into the darkness as the rain beats down and falls like a sack of wet clothes into the river waters carrying Preston downstream. Priya stands in shock staring at the open window where Preston was a few minutes ago. The blood from the gunshot impacts dripping off the window sill onto the concrete floor. Emil releases the clip from the pistol and reloads it quickly, walks up to Priya, and points the gun at her head. " You say a word or try and run and I'll kill you! Nod your head if you understand.", said Emil. Priya nods her head without hesitation and Emil says, "Good! Now come with me!"
Keith, Paulina, Liam, and Greg all walk back into the basement stairwell after getting the 2nd gamma generator back online. Keith looks around at the now illuminated stairwell and says," This place looks even crappier with a light on it!" Maria slaps Keith in the shoulder and says, "Smartass!... Oh, How I missed that!" 'And oh how I missed your hitting me!", said Keith. "You two have one weird relationship!", said Paulina. Keith grabs Maria by her fit waist and pulls her to him and kisses her passionately on the lips. Hannah looks on in a confused manner at the newly developed relationship between Maria and Keith. Grace just smiles at this and hugs Hannah and says, "Isn't that nice to see?... Finally something good out of all of this craziness." Hannah's confusion turns to happiness as she leans her head into Grace's chest and smiles. Liam looks over at Paulina and raises his eyebrows sporting a flirtatious smile. Paulina turns her head and says, "Don't even think about it!" Greg just rolls his eyes and says, "Oh brother!" Graham just looks over at all the smiles on everyone's faces over this small victory. A smile spreads from ear to ear on Graham's face and for the first time in a long time, he feels like he has a family again. He walks up to Greg, extends his right hand, and says, "Allow me to finally introduce myself! I am Graham, Graham Brilliant you're great, great uncle..." Greg stands in disbelief and then utter silence as Graham explains to him their family lineage. As he talks and the others laugh and hug one another. The left hand, the only thing that didn't get squished like a pancake on Axel when he was flattened by the metal weapons crate starts to move. The blood slowly starts to make its way back under the crate as if it were being sucked up by a straw.
Jack's body floats towards the riverbank edge over 30km outside of the city. Jack semi-conscious through his blurred vision see's a pair of brown hiking boots and the last thing he see's is a pair of petite hands reaching down and some deep blue eyes. It is at that point that Jack passes out, the mysterious samaritan pulls Jack to shore. A female voice says, "Hello Jack, it's been a long time!"
In the red zone, thousands of Scavengers are grouped outside St.Michaels church as if they are attending a concert. The wooden double doors of the church open and out steps The White Dragon. The rain pouring down on the purple skin of the Scavengers does not irritate them. They claw at one another and hiss like cats. The wind blows the long mane of white hair on the White Dragon as he stands upon the stoop. He raises his hands in the air as the thunder booms and lightning strikes all around. A sick and twisted smile embraces the face of The White Dragon as if he were the one who caused the lightning and thunder. The Scavengers all stand attentive like obedient dogs. The White Dragon with an intent look in his piercing orange eyes says," Brothers and sisters! Our time has come! Has come to take back what is rightfully ours from the homo sapiens, to enlighten them in our way and make a change in this world that will ring out through time!" In a collective roar like a pride of lions, the Scavengers respond to The White Dragons' words. " Now let's take back our world!", said The White Dragon. The thousands of Scavengers start to march towards the barriers of the red zone. The White Dragon laughs maniacally, places his hands out at his sides, and levitates off the ground above the army of Scavengers towards the city center.
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