Chapter 10

Posted: September 04, 2006 - 12:02:44 am

As the old saying goes: 'time marches on.' For three months, after the return of everyone from training Brenda, things went pretty well. I did my work for HS, and things were going smoothly. Ben said he had hacked into my organization, and had found references to 'Lampshade', but nothing specific. It seemed that HS was so security conscious that they had no operational plans for it in the computer, at all.

Ben said he could 'back time' and find out, but he would do it a bit later. If only he had not put it off. I mean, it didn't really take any time for him. It was just he was tired, due to a heavy workload regarding reconditioning a car.

When Brenda completed her internship at Shaw's Garden, she would have to finish her schooling at her university, which was out of state. However, with his abilities, Ben was happy to send and retrieve me to her place. Vice versa when Brenda visited here, was also not a problem.

I asked Ben about why he was so careful with doing things, since he could travel in time.

"It has happened twice to me. A future me has come back to visit. In the first case, someone had broken into my home and stolen my computer and all my work. That future me 'back timed' and took care of the problem, phoned me, and told me what he did. I think that made a fracture in reality. The Ben that did that, went back to his own future, which he had made when intervening in the robbery that had already taken place.

"The other was the Ben that brought the car and the computer from the future. Already changes in history had been made. I was trying not to impact the reality and history that was recorded in the computer's memories, but unfortunately that didn't always happen. Still, most of the changes had been for the best. At least, those that I knew of. Still, there are splinters off of reality, our reality at certain points. I know those represent a change," Ben said somberly.

His time travel and concerns always left me feeling a bit unsure and small. This guy had to have a huge talent to do all the things he could. All I could do was see people and a bit of TK. Ah well, I was improving though. With the regimen of practicing as they had me doing, I was getting stronger. The 'they', are my trainers in that alternate reality, of course.

It was a nice day and everyone was gathered at my place, for a change. Ben had already checked the area and told me it was clean. The couple of bugs that had been there, were now disabled.

The leaves were turning and the colors were magnificent, when disaster struck. It struck in the form of my partner, Eric, knocking at my door. When I opened it, he barged in with four other HS goons. I had totally been blind-sided, and it was unexpected.

They pulled weapons, and yelled 'clear', and then Mr. Smith came in. He paused, and stared at Ben a moment.

"Hello, Tom. I had always wondered..." Smith said, his voice trailing off.

"Well, well. Theodore Whisper, as I live and breath. Thought I had seen the last of you," Ben said to Mr. Smith.

"Fancy meeting you here. Last I heard, you were dead. Yet here you are, hearty and hale. One begins to think you're much more talented than you let on," Smith, or Whisper as Ben identified him said.

"Scott? This was my old controller with the CIA. Guess he is going by the name Smith now," Ben said grinning.

"Ah yes, that brings us to why we are here. Curious coincidences have been happening around you, Scott. That, and your DNA came back as a match to a high degree with Tom here," Whisper said, pointing at Ben.

"Yes, I am Tom. No one say anything without an attorney being present," Tom said.

"Oh, no. I'm afraid you all are being charged with terrorist activity. It will be a long time before we are required to let you have attorneys. No, I am sure we will get all the information we require from you way before that portion of your rights finally kick in," Whisper said smugly.

"Ohh... You shouldn't be too sure of yourself. For example; now you see these men with you," Tom said and gestured at the men, "now you don't."

One second they were there, the next they were gone! Whisper paled, and his hand dove into his jacket. I was preparing to force the gun from his hand when Tom settled it by causing the gun to disappear and reappear in his own hand.

"Yes, I have other abilities than what the government is aware of. I still am amazed we didn't hear anything about this little raid, though. Care to enlighten us?" Tom asked gently.

"May I sit? This is all a bit sudden. What happened to the men by the way? Are they dead?" Whisper asked.

"Please... sit? Coffee? A drink? No, they aren't dead. I have them in a place of storage. They will never even realize they are gone, or went anywhere, until I bring them back... if I bring them back. Question is, why should I?" Tom asked.

"Let me be frank with you. When we came, it was with the idea of arresting and intimidating Scott, if possible. We were sure he was up to something, just because our bugs kept dying in his apartment. You other three were a surprise bonus, though," Whisper stated.

"Why are you being so forthright with your answers, Mr. Whisper?" I asked curiously.

"It is obvious to me that you are all more than you seem. I know Mr. Garner and you're talent Tom. May I inquire of the ladies' talents?" Whisper asked as he seated himself.

It was Courtney of all people who spoke up.

"Well, since we are all being civilized, why not? I am Courtney, and my talent is telekinesis. That's our Weather controller, Pamela," Courtney said.

I was surprised she was claiming a talent? Huh? What was she trying to do?

"Courtney," Tom said in a warning voice.

"No, it's quite all right. I understand Mr. Whisper's position. So does he. I recruited Tom some time ago for our group. While small, we comprise an assortment of talents; and we are getting tired of government excesses, the world over. Coffee?" she asked and screwed up her face.

She caught me flat footed, but I caught on almost at once, and moved a coffee cup and saucer from the table to Mr. Whisper, who took it somewhat shakily with TK. Tom had a half smile on his face, and Brenda was still trying to digest her new name, I guess.

"There are more of you?" Whisper asked softly.

"Lots. We keep a very low profile and try not to interfere. But of late, freedoms are being restricted. It always seems to favor the governments, and never the people. We believe in basic human rights and freedoms. You yanks had it right for the longest time, and then you started screwing up," Courtney said a bit scornfully.

"Come and work for us. With you people working for us, we can solve and resolve so many problems," Whisper said excitedly.

"Listen to yourself. You said, 'Work for us, ' not 'with us'. Again you're trying to impose government control on something that is not yours to control," Brenda spoke up as Pam.

"Also, there is the matter of State slavery. That's what you did to me, and that's what you have done with Scott. 'Slave, do this. Slave, find him. Slave, get us this info on that particular event.'

"It is not as if I was asked to willingly work for you people. You forced me into it. Not since the late Soviet Union has a state government so blatantly told someone what they would do for a living. The Soviet Union did that to most of it's citizens. The same was done to Scott, basically. Is it any wonder the rest of the 'talented' community does not trust the government with knowledge of their abilities?" Tom asked.

"I don't really want to work for the government, nor do I want to spend my life in prison. Those are the only options you people offer," I put in.

Whisper was quiet for a moment, and we could almost hear him thinking. The problem was simple in his mind, but when he looked at it from our point of view it became complicated. Simple for him in that protection of all meant protection and security of the state first and foremost. With the government's security and stability, came security for the people. Sometimes the government had to take extraordinary steps to protect said people. But what if the people in question didn't want to be protected from big brother?

"Let me add something else. You say your actions are ultimately for the benefit of the people. What if the people don't require or want this much protection? I sure as hell don't, and neither did Tom," I added.

About then, Tom was holding his hand to his ear, and seemed to be listening.

"Hmm, apparently this team has missed a check in. Local HS and the county police are moving in to check on this location," Tom said.

"If you surrender yourselves now, and return the missing men, I am sure we can work out a deal," Whisper said suddenly.

Tom snorted.

"You have no idea of the abilities arrayed against you, Theodore. People are everywhere. We have decided finally to go proactive if we have too. I am sure you don't want that. Things will be revealed that could damage a lot of people's careers if you keep after us," Tom said.

He held his hand out and a disk appeared. He gave it to Whisper. He held his hand out and first one, then another tape appeared. He gave them to Whisper.

"These are all copies of things the government has done that we will release to the press everywhere if you keep pursuing us. This is it. Get the government off our backs, or be prepared to face a fight unlike any you have ever seen before.

"It is now ultimatum time. Call off the government hounds, or this group I am with will release so much incriminating evidence against the government, and against specific members of the government, that it will destroy credibility with the world community, and the people of the US, at a minimum. It will destroy a lot of people, permanently," Tom said simply.

With that, Tom moved us all to his place deeper out in the county.

"Ok, we need to get the computer disconnected, and get things moved. I suggest we move operations to an alternate reality until we know the government is off our backs," Tom said.

"What ever possessed you to claim my ability of TK Courtney?" I asked her curiously.

"I'm tired of being the only one without an ability. Besides, I thought the government agent was entirely too smug. I wanted him to think there were many more of you people out there, than there are. It is time the government took it's obligation to its people seriously. That does not include subjecting them to rules that are favorable to the government, only," Courtney said.

"You realize that he knows who you are? You won't be able to go back to work, now," Tom said sadly.

"Well, not until we straighten this mess out. It's time to get everything settled between your government, and you. This 'right' that they think they have to use you people as slaves, is plain wrong," Courtney said grimly.

"Did you want to notify your Uncle in England and let him know what's going on?" Tom asked.

"Maybe that would be a good idea. We will probably need heavy guns, and who better than my uncle John? John Avery-Smythe has a lot of pull and clout. Plus, this could create an international incident," Courtney said musingly, with a most unpleasant smile.

So it was that Tom moved a bunch of stuff to the 'between' for storage, and placed his computer in yet another untraceable location. He hooked it up, and gave it very specific instructions. He then moved us all to England, to the Avery-Smythe manor, to be exact.

It took a small bit of time for Lord Avery-Smythe to join us, but join us he did. He listened as Courtney laid out what had happened, what she had told this CIA man, and what little we had found out from him.

"Courtney, you were an idiot to admit to something you can't do. You can't can you?" he asked her directly?

She shook her head no.

"While I can understand your actions, the results might be the opposite of what you hoped. What will you do if they keep coming after you? Sooner or later, they will find you, you know," Lord John said.