Chapter
11 Starts Now...
<9:00>
I get up, shower, and change into jeans and
short sleeve shirt. Go over to the kitchen for breakfast. When
I’m done I go over to the maintenance area
<Randy‘s office>
‘Hey Randy, how’s everything going?’ ‘Not
to bad. What are you doing here?’ ‘Just checking things out.
Found out I’ve missed some things while I was out for those
5 days.’ ‘Yeah…I guess you did.’ ‘Anything new going on here
that I need to know?’ ‘Not really, just keeping things up and
running.’ ‘Good. I’ve been thinking…’ ‘We’re in trouble now.
<grin> What’s your idea?’ ‘How many Mk.1’s do we have?’
‘150 fully operational and 10 almost.’ ‘Well…could we spare
a few for a special ops. force, for training? ‘Should be able
to do that, what’s your idea?’ ‘Paint them in Trask’s colors
and use them for some outside training.’ ‘How many?’ ‘5 would
be fine, 10 would be great.’ ‘Should be able to do it with out
depleting our reserve for the other stuff we use them for.’
‘Excellent, let me know when they’re ready. Oh by the way, did
I hurt the blackbird? <grin> I know you’ll never let me
forgot it if I did.’ ‘No…you didn’t, just giving you a hard
time. But I heard that your passengers were a little worried.’
‘Well they’re alive…that’s all that counts.’ We both start to
laugh, ‘I’ve taken enuff of your time, talk to you later Randy.’
‘See you then.’ I head over to security to talk to Brent.
<Brent’s office>
Go in, grab a cup of coffee and sit down.
‘So how’s the security bizz.?’ ‘Slow, thank goodness. Only
excitement lately was BSB’s rescue.’ ‘Well I hope I don’t have
to do that again. But we did fine, and they’re safe.’ ‘And how
are you?’ ‘Fine..’ ‘Shit.’ <grin> ‘Thanks a lot. Love
you too.’ ‘You know I’m joking.’ ‘Yeah I do. We’ve known each
other to long.’ ‘Good to have you back.’ We sit and bullshit
for a while longer then I go over to design to see Jeff.
<Jeff’s office>
‘Hey Jeff, keeping busy?’ ‘With you, Brent,
Randy, and Roger around we’re always busy.’ ‘Good, don’t want
you getting bored.’ ‘Never happen, we’re also helping some museums
design some displays.’ ‘Sounds like fun.’ ‘Not to bad, but they
don’t like some of our ideas.’ ‘That’s normal.’ ‘Yeah, but sometimes…’
‘You’ll have them eating out of your hands when your done. But
on to other things…I’d like to see the blueprints for Danger
rooms #2, 3, and 4, also the auditorium. If you would.’ ‘Sure.’
Jeff starts to use the computer and then walks over to the big
screen and the images come up. We go thru them, and everything
looks good to me. Also check on the mic. pack maskers, they’re
coming along fine, almost ready for testing. I find out where
D.r.#2 is being built, say good bye, and head over to check
it out
<Danger room #2 and the auditorium>
#1 is standing outside the work area. ‘Hi
#1, how’s it going?’ ‘Proceeding according to plans. Are you
going in?’ ‘Yes I am.’ ‘Please grab a hard hat and safety glass’s
or put up you shield.’ ‘Will do.’ grab a hard hat, glass’ and
also put up my shield, just in case. Go in and look around,
there are 2 sentinels working, one cuts a slab of rock, then
takes it out. Then the second does the same. Go over to Sam
and talk about how it’s going. He thinks it’ll be ready in a
week or so, the electronics are on the way, and the cutting
should be done in three days. We talk for a little while, then
he takes me to the auditorium and shows it off. It’s coming
along nicely, the seats are on order, and he thinks it’ll be
done in less than 3 weeks. When we’re done he heads back to
D.r.#2 and I go check on the training
<Danger room #1>
I go up and talk to Pat about how everybody’s
doing on their training, and just shoot the bull for a while.
Then I head over to the kitchen to see Julie.
<Kitchen>
Find Julie and talk about how to expand the
kitchen and dinning areas, tell her to write everything down
and give it to me when she’s done so we can go thru it with
design, and get it right the first time. Since I’m there, I
grab a snack and head back to my room to do some work.
<My office>
Grab a cup of coffee, sit down and start
to go over the people for the preemptive strike teams, figure
out who to include, and how many teams I’d need. Relax for a
little while, and at 12:45 I head to danger room #1to pick on
BSB and their trainers.
<Danger room #1>
As I walk in I hear a loud groan and an ‘Aw…shit.
He remembered.’ I put on an evil grin, ‘Of course I did, this
is gonna be fun.’ <groan> ‘What level Phyllis?’ ‘Level
5.’ ‘Ok I’ll try not to hurt anyone.’ ‘Yeah…right.’ I hear in
the background and I really start to smile. ‘Let me know when
your ready, I’m going to talk to Pat.’ I go up to the control
room and talk to Pat about setting up some practice time, in
a couple of min. ‘Pat…we’re ready, if you two are done goofing
off.’ Phyllis calls. ‘Ok, we’ll see who’s goofing off. Do it
Pat.’ I close the door, throw up my shield and take off from
the top of the stairs. I do to BSB like I did to N sync, watch
to see who’s not paying attention , or goofing off. When I see
them, I give them a kinetic push, a lightening bolt, a force
beam, and verbal taunting. They try to retaliate, but I either
evade the stuff they throw at me, or I let it bounce off me
shield. When they’re done I land by Phyllis, ‘Well you don’t
take sides, do you?’ ‘I told you I’d work on both sides.’ ‘I
know now. See you later in the rec. room?’ ‘I guess.’ ‘Ok, see
you later.’ ‘See you then. Pat…see you at 4:00.’ ‘Later Bob.’
He calls down.
<My office>
Send email to all the people I need to talk
to about project “music test” for a breakfast meeting. Put in
a request for the meal to be served in the R & R conference
room. Howie shows up after he showers, ‘Why were you so mean
in the Danger room?’ ‘I wasn’t that bad, I could have been a
lot worse. I guess that next time I’ll have to come up with
a lot nastier things to do.’ <grin> ‘But I thought you
loved me, you seamed to pick on me all the time.’ he says with
a frown. ‘Look at me. You knew what my job was before you asked
if we could be a couple. And I picked on every one the same,
not just you. I guess you’d better think if you still want to
be with me or not. I’ll respect whatever you decide.’ ‘But…’
‘I’ll see you later if you want. I have to get ready to go to
the Danger room.’ I get up and go in to my bedroom to change.
I wash my face and calm down, change my cloth, then try to relax
till 3:45, then head to Danger room #1.
<Danger room #1>
As I’m about to enter my code, the doors
open and out walk Paul R., Pat R., and Aaron. ‘Hi guys, how’s
it going?’ ‘Not to bad, Aaron seems to be catching on fast.’
Paul says. ‘Good, glad to hear it.’ ‘How about you?’ Pat asks.
‘I’ll know in a while, that’s what I’m doing here.’ ‘Can I watch?’
Aaron asks. ‘Sure…if you really want. <grin> let’s go
in before Pat thinks I’m a no show.’ We walk in , I send Aaron
to the gallery (to keep him safe), and call to pat, ‘You ready?’
‘Almost, what level?’ ‘5 then higher.’ ‘Kay. Ready in a second.’
I get myself ready to go, ‘Ok I’ve got the programs ready.’
Pat calls. I throw up my shield and take off. ‘Kay…let’s go.’
Pat starts to have fun throwing allsorts of things at me. In
15 min., ‘Level 6.’ ‘Confirmed.’ it starts it speed up a little
more, in 15 min. ‘Level 7.’ ‘Confirmed.’ keep it up for another
15 min., then ‘Level 8.’ ‘Confirmed.’ In10 min. Pat calls ‘Good
for today, shutting down.’ ‘Kay, Pat. Come on down Aaron, it’s
safe.’ I land by the door as they come down. ‘Good job Bob,
you’ve never went that high before.’ ‘Well I think I can go
higher.’ ‘Not today.’ ‘Oh…ok Pat. Well Aaron, How’d I do?’ ‘W…well
no wonder Frick and Frack don’t want to go against you.’ ‘Take
it easy guys, I’m going to my room to get ready to eat.’ ‘Can
I come along?’ Aaron asks. ‘I guess.’ I go over and but my hand
on his shoulder and teleport to my room.
<My room>
‘Pop’ into my office, ‘That was awesome.’
‘Glad you liked it A.C. welcome to my humble abode.’ ‘Abode,
I’ll agree with. Humble…not from what I’ve heard. When can I
look at the Den?’ ‘Someone’s been talking. After we eat, Go
shower and change, then meet me back here and we’ll go together.’
‘Kay…see you in few.’ He leaves and I strip down and enjoy
a nice shower. As I’m drying off, ‘Aaron’s here.’ ‘Tell him
to have a seat, I’ll be right out.’ ‘Will do.’ ‘Thanks “C”.’
when I’m dressed I go to my office, ‘In a hurry A.C.?’ ‘No…’
he says as he looks at the floor with a smile on his face, ‘Not
as much to wash.’ ‘Watch it Blondie. I may have to work out
against you.’ <evil grin> ‘N…no thanks.’ ‘Kay…lets go
eat.’
<Dining area>
We get something to eat then head to the
dinning room. ‘Head on over with the guys…I don’t think they’ll
want me around after what I did to them earlier.’ we split up
and I head over to a small table. I barely get seated when I
here someone clear their throat, I look up and there’s A.J.,
Kevin, and Howie, they look pissed and hurt, ‘You to good to
eat with us!?’ A.J. asks. ‘No…after this afternoon I didn’t
think you’d want me around.’ ‘Of course we do.’ Howie says,
‘Come on Bro.’ Kevin adds. ‘If your sure…’ I say as I look Howie
in the eye, he nods and smiles. ‘Yeah…we’re sure.’ A.J. says.
‘Oh…ok.’ I get up and follow them to their table, they greet
me and I return it, sit down and start to eat. When I’m finished,
I join in the conversation, with a few verbal jabs. Nick looks
over, ‘So Bob…what you gonna do tonight?’ ‘Well…since someone’s
been talking, I’m going to show A.C. the Den.’ Nick looks down
and starts to blush. ‘Can we come along?’ Jane asks. ‘Ok…meet
me there.’ I get up and take my stuff to the kitchen and then
teleport to my room.
<My room>
‘Pop’ in to the living room, go over and
open the Den’s door, ‘ “C” Den lights on, enigma on low, thanks.’
go grab something to drink. As I ‘m head for the Den…
<Knock…knock>
‘Bob…it’s Kevin, we’re here.’ I ‘hear’
softly. ‘This the first time you tried this Kev.?’ ‘Yeah.’
‘Good job. Come on in.’ when their in the living room, ‘Get
something to drink, when ever your ready, come on in and look
around.’ I go into the Den and sit down on one of the couches
and watch the guys look around. The Boys are the first to sit
down, Howie sits next to me and grabs my hand, ‘ I’ m sorry
Bob, I was just upset till I talked with Kev. You were right
you picked on everyone, not just me.’ ‘Forgiven. I’m glad ,I’d
hate for you to be pissed off.’ ‘Don’t worry, I learned my lesson.’
he says as he gives me a quick hug. ‘Looks like the lovebirds
made up.’ Kevin says. ‘Bite me Kevy.’ ‘Sorry, A.J. won’t let
me.’ ‘I’d make an exception this time.’ A.J. replies. ‘Thanks
a lot Bone. I’ll remember that.’ <evil grin> ‘That’s my
man.’ Howie says. and we start laugh. After we get our breath
back, ‘Still can’t figure out how you do it.’ ‘Thanks Bri.,
just lucky I guess.’ In a few min. Aaron, Jane, and Bob come
over and sit down. We start to talk for a while, then, ‘Bob…it’s
J.C….you going to come to the Rec. room? And do you know where
BSB are?’ ‘They’re hear in my Den. I’ll check to see if they
want to come over.’ ‘I’ll hold on.’ ‘Guys, J.C. just ‘called’
and wanted to know where you were, and if you were going to
the Rec. room.’ they look around and nod, ‘Yeah let’s go.’ they
say. ‘Kay…head on over, I’ll catch up.’ when their gone, ‘Their
on the way, I’ll be along in a few.’ ‘Kay see you then.’ ‘
“C” get me Roger please.’ ‘Just a sec., ah found him, go ahead.’
‘Thanks. Roger can I use an executive suite for a couple of
days?’ ‘Of course, where are you going?’ ‘San Diego, need to
see something different.’ ‘Sounds good, when you going?’ ‘Tomorrow,
after I’m done in the Danger room.’ ‘I’ll set it up.’ ‘Thanks
Roger. Oh…I’ll need a car and driver-guide, if we have anyone
available.’ ‘I know the perfect person. I’ll have him call your
room at 12:00.’ ‘Thanks again, talk to you later.’ ‘Enjoy…later.’
I get up and head to the Rec. room.
<Rec. room>
I get a drink, go over to their tables, and
get every ones attention. ‘Hey guys…just letting you know, I’m
going to take a little time off.’ ‘Yeah, you need it.’ ‘Thanks
Bone, but if you really need me “C” can do it.’ ‘Hope not, your
pushing your self to hard.’ ‘Thanks for caring Lance, but you
know that’s how I am. Now go have fun.’ Jane and Howie come
over and grab me and pull me to the dance floor. In about an
hour I say my ‘Goodbyes’ and head to my room.
<My room>
I grab a cup of tea, start to pack, and go
to bed. Howie shows up just as I pull the covers up. He gets
in and gives me a long passionate kiss, ‘I’m really sorry Dear,
but it seamed to me that I was the only one that you were picking
on. I felt…I felt…’ I silence him with another kiss. ‘It’s ok
love, I under stand. But remember, I’m only doing it to make
sure you can use your powers to help each other and keep safe.’
‘Yeah…I know, that’s one of the things I love about you, you
make me feel safe.’ We kiss and snuggle then we fall asleep
cuddled together.
<7:30>
Get up carefully, give Howie light kiss
on his forehead and go shower. In a few min. he joins me. We
wash each other allover, and just enjoy the feel of each other.
When we finally decide we’re clean we get out and dry each other
off. ‘Bob, when can we do more then this?’ ‘I’ve got the perfect
time in mind. Just be patient love.’ ‘I will, but it’s hard
to do.’ I shave first and then it’s Howie’s turn, I put on
my workout gear, grab the folder, and head over to the conference
room after giving Howie a hug and kiss.
<Conference room>
I grab a cup of coffee, say ‘Hi’ to the people
that are there already. Go to the front of the room and get
my paperwork in order. While I do this some more show up. The
food arrives and we all help get it set up. Then the last of
the group show up. I get my food first and go to the front again,
‘Ok guys help yourselves, grab a seat and start eating. The
reason I asked you all here is that after finding out that N
sync, the Backstreet Boys, and Aaron Carter all have mutant
powers, I believe that we should checkout as many bands, singles,
and duo’s as we can.’ ‘What?’ ‘Your Joking.’ ‘No way.’ ‘Yes
way…I’m serious. Roger already has the ball rolling, He’s called
all the other record company’s and requested tickets and pass’s,
just like we have from Jive.’ the room’s quiet for a min., then
I hear a low ‘This could be fun.’ everyone breaks up and they
start talking amongst themselves. I let this go on for about
5 min., then I say, ‘Finish eating, and then we’ll talk.’ I
sit down and we start to eat. When I’m done I get up, put my
tray on a cart, get some more coffee and sit down again. ‘Ok
guys…Comments? Questions?’ ‘What type of teams?’ ‘Well 1 telepath
per team, then for singles and duos, a teleport, for groups,
either a strong teleport, or a portal.’ ‘Are we going to have
enuff maskers?’ ‘We have 50 now, and 100 on order, plus Jeff’s
working on putting them in the mic. packs for the performers.’
‘Who are we going after?’ ‘I have a list up here, take a look
, if I missed any one put their names down, I don’t know them
all.’ they come up and check it out, ‘Why no 98 degrees, or
BBMak?’ ‘Supervisors privilege, they’re mine.’ <grin>
‘You’ve got Dreamstreet and A-Teens down…aren’t they a little
young?’ ‘Well Aaron Carter has powers, might as well check them
also.’ ‘True, I see your point.’ ‘Ok…lets wrap this up. Anyone
who doesn’t want to do this, feel free to leave. Everyone else
pick a partner for the first trip, you can always switch later
if you want. And I’m taking a little time off, so we’ll start
when I get back, or when we get the passes and tickets.’ ‘One
more question Bob.’ ‘Shoot.’ ‘Who’ll test them?’ ‘I’ll do some,
and anyone else that wants…I just hope Danger room #2 is ready
soon.’ ‘From this list, we’ll need it.’ ‘We done?’ ‘Looks like
it, most are covered.’ ‘Thanks, Stacy…and would you compile
a list of morphs we can use as replacements when we start this?’
‘Sure.’ ‘Thanks…I gotta go, talk to you guys later.’ I teleport
to the Danger room.
<Danger room>
I ‘pop’ to the door panel, enter my code,
the doors open and I walk in. ‘Pat, you ready?’ ‘Yeah…when ever
you are.’ ‘Ok, we’ll start at level 8 and go up from there.’
‘You sure?’ ‘Yes…gotta check how far I can push myself.’ ‘Ok…’
I throw up my shield and take off as Pat starts the program.
In 15 min. ‘Level 9.’ ‘Confirmed.’ I really get going and then,
‘Level 10.’ ‘Bob…are…you…sure?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Ok…confirmed. Medics
on standby.’ in 15 min. ‘That’s enuff.’ Pat says. ‘Sounds good.’
‘Program off.’ ‘Please leave the stuff here for a few, I want
to try out a few kinetic weapons.’ ‘Kay.’ I try out throwing
kinetic daggers, using a kinetic sword, kinetic claws, and some
bolts. Then I decide to try an experiment. I go in to my past
when I had ultrasonic powers. ‘Hold your ears.’ I start to
slowly vibrate, increase speed and take off. I fly around for
a while, then let go a scream and the pile of parts explode.
I fly over to the door and land. Pat joins me and looks at me
funny, ‘Are you ok, Bob?’ ‘Yeah…why?’ ‘When you used the ultrasonic
your eyes turned black.’ ‘Interesting, watch again.’ I start
to vibrate and he gives me a ‘cut’ motion. ‘They did it again.’
‘Hmmm, very interesting.’ ‘When did you copy the power?’ ‘Good
question, 7 to 8 years ago. Haven’t used it for 2 or so years,
not since I started using the path, port, and kinetic combo.’
‘So when you use an old power your eyes turn black.’ ‘Ok lets
try this.’ I kinetically pick him up, ‘Did they change then?’
‘No.’ ‘When they were black, did they have flashes of lightening?’
‘Yes they did.’ ‘Just like when I rescued Howie…getting stranger
all the time.’ I go back in and put a block on the ultrasonic
power to make sure it stays in the past. ‘Lets keep this to
ourselves for know, I don’t want an audience when I work out.
And do you have any thing higher?’ <grin> ‘No…I’ve never
had to. And you don’t need to worry, I won’t tell anyone, they’d
never believe it anyway. I’ve never seen any one do it myself.’
‘I’m heading out for a few days, see you when I get back.’ ‘Have
fun. And take it easy.’ ‘Will do.’ I walk to my room, wash up,
change my cloth, finish packing, grab my masker, and teleport
to the hotel.
<Hotel>
I ‘pop’ in to the parking garage and head
for the lobby. I get all checked in, and head up to my room.
<Hotel suite>
I go in, set my bag down, and sit by the
desk. I pull out my A & A id card and stick it into a hidden
slot. ‘Computer…this is Bob, please confirm.’ ‘Confirmed. Welcome
Bob, What can I do for you?’ ‘Masker on, and please fill the
whirlpool.’ ‘Will do.’ I get up, grab a cup of coffee, strip
down and relax in the whirlpool. When I close my eyes, I’m
sitting in a pool in a clearing. I look up and “Bill” joins
me. ‘Hi Bob, I need to talk to you.’ ‘Go ahead Umber, what do
you need?’ ‘Please be careful using any old powers like you
did today, I f you do you may come under the scrutiny on some
of the more powerful beings in the universe. If they see it
as using mystical powers, you may be in trouble.’ ‘Now why would
they care about little old me? <grin> ‘Bob, it’s no laughing
matter. It could be your life.’ ‘I have to face that every time
I go on a mission, I’m used to it by now.’ I know you are…but
please do it anyway, too many people could be hurt. After all
this time you still don’t know how many people love and care
about you. Do you?’ ’Not many, I’m to much of a pain.’ He shakes
his head, ‘Sometimes you don’t take things to seriously do you?’
‘Can’t, if I did I’d be insane by now. And I’m close enuff,
thank you.’ ‘Please…please be careful. Your needed here, no
matter what you think.’ he gets up and walks away. I open
my eyes and I’m back in the room. In about 20 min. the phone
starts to ring, get out of the tub and answer it. ‘Yo.’ ‘Bob?
This is Chad, Roger said that you need a tour guide.’ ‘Sure
do, where you at?’ ‘Just pulling into the hotel.’ ‘Come on up,
I’ll get dressed.’ ‘Did I show up to soon?’ ‘Maybe by a couple
of min.s, but I was about ready to get out of the whirlpool
anyway.’ ‘Kay, see you in a few.’ ‘Later.’ I turn off the whirlpool,
start it draining, and start to dry off.
<Knock…knock>
‘Yo.’ ‘It’s Chad.’ ‘Kay…Computer let him
in. Have a seat, I’ll be out in a sec.’ finish toweling off,
and get dressed. Go in and we introduce your selves and shake
hands, then we sit down and chat about where I’d like to go.
We decide on Seaworld today, then the zoo and wildlife park
tomorrow. We get up, I grab my masker, then we head out.
<Seaworld>
We walk around looking at all the displays,
watch the shows, and just relax and have a good time. The only
downer was when we see a pair of sentinels flying on the horizon.
When it starts to get dark, we decide to go get some thing to
eat.
<Firehouse Restaurant>
Get a nice table, order a seafood meal, and
talk some more. When we’re done we get a drink and relax. Then
it’s back to the hotel.
<Hotel>
Chad drops me off and heads home. I go up
to my suite, start the whirlpool, strip down, and get in. While
I’m relaxing, ‘Bob…I hate to bother you, but I think you’ll
need to do this one.’ ‘ “C”…’ ‘I know, but.’ ‘Damn…give me a
few.’ Get out of the tub, start it draining, dry off , and go
sit on the bed. Grab the remote, punch in my code, and the TV
comes on. ‘OK…show me.’ As I watch the screen I see 2 sentinels
land and grab a young kid. ‘Magnify so I can see his face.’
As I watch, I look carefully and don’t recognize him. ‘Ok “C“,
who is he?’ ‘Checking now.’ ‘Then why me?’ ‘ 1) you’ll have
to time it, 2) they sent 2 sentinels after 1 kid, 3) it’s after
a BSB concert.’ As I watch “C” shows me the marquise. ‘Are the
guys back yet?’ ‘Just as it happened.’ ‘Have them meet me in
my office. I’ll be there in a few.’ I finish dressing and make
sure the rooms locked up, then teleport to my office.
<My room>
I ‘pop’ in and look around. Gary and the
Boys are there. ‘To my ready room please.’ We go in and sit
down. ‘Ok “C”, show it.’ The display comes on and we watch,
‘So…what does this have to do with us? I know it’s bad that
a kid gets caught by sentinels, but…’ ‘Show them.’ the display
pans over and they see the marquise. ‘Oh hell.’ Brian says.
‘Now you see why you’re here.’ ‘ “C” please replay, and magnify
his face.’ Kevin asks, ‘Hey isn’t he…’ ‘Yes he is.’ Nick answers.
‘Back up and please tell me what your talking about.’ ‘He was
lucky enuff to win tickets, and an early meet and greet pass,
then he won a late m & g pass at the concert.’ Howie says.
‘May I check it out?’ ‘Sure.’ they all reply. I go into their
minds and check out their memories. When I get the info I need
I back out of their minds, and sit back and replay it in my
mind. ‘Bob…’, I hold up my hand. In a few min., ‘Got it figured
out. Getting to see you in person twice gave him a large adrenaline
rush and shattered his barriers and activated his powers. It
must be strong to send 2 of them after him. Go have a good time,
I need to change for the fun.’ ‘Do you need any help?’ Gary
asks. ‘No, I think it’ll be safer alone, But thanks for asking.’
they leave and I go and change into my rescue outfit and get
ready to go. I go over the display again figure out how to do
it. Then I head to the transport room.
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