Disclaimer: This original story is not authorized or endorsed by Warner Bros, ABC, Lors Thornwald Inc, Edelson Productions, William Schmidt, or anyone else having rights to "Prey". It is not intended infringe on any rights or copyright and is not written for profit. Any characters not recognizable from the series "Prey" belong to the author.
MINDSCAPE - Part 2
By Gail
Sloan stretched out her aching body and realized she had slept in the chair the whole night. Well, maybe 'slept' wasn't the right word to use, unless tossing and turning coupled with snatches of bad dreams was now a new definition for sleep. And, for a night that seemed to drag on endlessly, how did it get to be morning so soon?
She stood up slowly, trying to work out the rest of the kinks from her muscles and walked into the kitchen. It look strangely barren as she looked around. No coffee. No bag of fresh donuts on the counter. No quizzical look from Tom as to why she looked like she had a hangover. No Tom. Well, if there was any doubt in her mind that last night had happened, this just removed it.
As Sloan started to make a pot of coffee, her mind began to run over their argument. She could still hear Tom pleading with her to drop the subject of his mental condition. But she couldn't stop ... and neither of them would give in to the other. The result was that nothing had changed, except that Tom was separated from her once again.
Sloan didn't want to go to that meeting today. What had promised to be something hopeful for their cause, ended up with such regret on her part. She felt that Tom was sacrificing his life for them and she couldn't bear it. She would've preferred giving up her own life than to see Tom lose his. No, she didn't want to be a part of that meeting. But, ... at the same time, she knew she couldn't stay away. Tom would be there. He had committed himself to this assignment and she knew he wouldn't quit until he had completed it. After all, it was who he was - a soldier, a protector ... a chameleon.
And she knew he had been right - who else could have screened a member of the new species better than him and then travel with that one on an undercover assignment? He really was the only one. But being right about that, still didn't make it the right decision.
Tom wasn't himself yet and all Sloan could think about was the danger. He had a hard time just dealing with everyday life since he'd gotten out of the cage. How was he going to handle these new experiences?
"Enough, Sloan," she said to herself. She just wanted to put the events of last night out of her mind. It was wearing her out. But when she tried, the walls felt like they were closing in on her and the silence became too much to bear. Maybe she needed to hear another voice besides the one arguing in her head.
Ed. She would call Ed.
Hearing his voice would restore her balance. She never quite realized how much she relied on his constancy - until now. It's not that she wanted to tell him everything that happened between her and Tom, but it was comforting just to know that he was there if she needed him. After all, that was what best friends were for, wasn't it?
She looked at her watch. It was 7:00 AM. Ed might still be at Gencorp - in the lab. She picked up her phone, tapped in the number and waited, hoping she hadn't missed him.
"Lab." It was Ed's voice.
"Ed .... it's Sloan."
"Sloan? Isn't this a little early for you? What's the matter?"
"Could you pick me up on the way to Walter's this morning?"
"Uh, ... sure. But, where's Tom? I thought you'd be driving over with him."
Sloan hesitated for a moment. "Tom's at his place .... getting ready." It was probably the truth, she thought. "I didn't feel like going in alone."
"His place? I thought he lived at your place? You know, you two have the strangest relationship I've ... ."
"Ed!" Sloan cut Ed off before he said something she would make him regret.
"You're right ... none of my business."
"So ... can you pick me up?"
"Sure. I'll be finishing up here in a few minutes. I just need to run home and change before I get you ... 8:30 sound OK?"
"Yes, that would be great, Ed. Ed, I ..." Sloan bit her tongue. She had no idea how overwhelming the urge to talk about last night had become. " ...I'll see you around 8:30."
"OK Sloan, what's the matter - and don't tell me nothing. I know you too well. I can almost hear you biting your tongue over the phone. Did you and Tom have a fight or something?"
Well, something did happen ... " Sloan sighed, realizing she was too tired to deny it, "Yes, ... Tom and I had an argument last night."
"About his leaving?"
"Yes, ... but how did you ... ?"
"Walter called me after he left your place. He sorta intimated that you weren't too happy over the whole thing. Knowing you and putting two-and-two together, I figured you weren't going to drop the subject just because Walter and Tom felt that it was settled."
"Well, you're right. It wasn't settled for me. Tom just isn't himself yet and this assignment could be too dangerous for him. It's too soon after ... ."
"Sloan, I realize that you may be closer to him than the rest of us but I think I know Tom pretty well myself. To be honest, I just don't think he's as vulnerable as you think he is. And he probably knows what he needs."
"What do you mean?"
"Look at me, for example. When I had the Spanish flu, I thought I'd die of boredom just sitting around doing nothing but watching videos. I could hardly wait to get back to work again. I wasn't completely well when I came back but I thought I'd lose my sanity if I stayed home another day. As I remember, you weren't totally pleased with me jumping right back in, but you backed off and let me do it, despite what you felt. Well, you've got to do the same for Tom. You do know I'm right about this, don't you, Sloan?"
"Well ..."
"Don't you."
"Yes-s ... Maybe I did push a little too much."
"A 'little' too much ...?"
"Alright, I get the point. He did say he was tired of hanging around the apartment watching TV and videos. He wanted to be productive again."
"See, just like me. I know just how he feels. Besides, Tom's a big boy now. Give him a little credit for knowing what he needs. And who knows, Sloan. If he does have issues to work out, as you seem to feel, doing what he's been trained to do could actually be therapy for him."
"And if it proves more than he can handle, it could cost him his life." Sloan felt the tears begin to well up in her eyes.
"I don't think Tom has a death wish, especially after meeting you. Believe me, he'll take care of himself. If anyone knows how to watch his back, it's Tom Daniels. And I'm sure he's been in tougher spots than this and come through them. You just need to let him know that you believe in him."
"That's going to be hard, Ed."
"I didn't say it would be easy but I know you - and you can do this. Hey, I gotta go. I think I hear the morning shift arriving. I have to clean up my mess before they get up here. But, you think about what I've said and I'll see you in a little bit. OK?"
"OK - and Ed, ... thanks."
"No problem. That's what I'm here for. See ya'."
Sloan hung up the phone and thought about what Ed had said. He was probably right. Getting back to work might be what Tom needed, even if she couldn't see it. And how was she going to be supportive of him? Tom would still know how she felt - after all, she had no way of blocking her emotions from him. Well, maybe just knowing that she was willing to trust his judgment, in spite of her feelings, would mean a lot to him.
She also wanted him to know that even though her bedroom door had been closed last night, the door to their relationship was still open. Knowing he still had a relationship to come back to, would give him another good reason to come back safe. Ed was right. Tom had every reason to live. He wouldn't give that up willingly. She just hoped that his chameleon training and survival instincts would be enough to protect him ... . And she hoped she would be convincing enough to Tom when she saw him later that morning.
With that thought in mind, Sloan walked back into the kitchen, poured herself a cup of coffee, and began the process of preparing herself for the long day that laid ahead of her.
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Tom sat alone in the conference room at Walter's offices patiently waiting for the others to arrive. He had already checked out the place and it appeared to be secure. When he heard the 'click' of a doorknob being turned, he knew that Walter had arrived. Then he realized Walter had someone else with him. He couldn't believe it ... what was Walter thinking? Tom felt his anger begin to rise and he was out of his chair and through the door in an instant. By the time Walter had gotten inside the front door, Tom was already waiting for him.
"You shouldn't have brought him ... ," Tom said as his eyes blazed at Attwood, "it's not safe. He hasn't been cleared."
Walter wasn't sure what stunned him more - seeing Tom appear out of nowhere in his locked offices, or being practically threatened by him.
"I had no choice." he said as he tried to walk past Tom.
"You always have a choice." snapped Tom, still blocking the hallway.
"Plans have changed and the location I planned to meet at was no longer ... available." Tom narrowed his eyes at Walter. "Alright," confessed Walter, "the location was discovered. This was the only other place I could think to bring him. I know you haven't officially met yet but ..."
"I know who he is." replied Tom cutting Walter off sharply, "I want to talk to him ... alone." Before Walter could finish his explanation, Tom cut him off again. "Now!"
"You can use my private office if you ..." Walter's voice trailed off as Tom headed for it, practically shoving the other dominant ahead of him into the room.
"When I'm through, I'll meet you in the conference room." Before following Stephen Hart into the office, Tom turned his head slightly toward the front door, then back at Walter, "The rest of them are here. Start your meeting without me." He gave Walter one more sharp look, then closed the door.
Walter just stared at his office door and slowly let out his breath. He wasn't used to anyone cutting him off mid-sentence and especially not Tom Daniels. Tom must be in full chameleon mode right now. He'd never seen him quite so ... intense. Well, Tom must know what he's doing and actually, now that he thought about it, a show of strength wouldn't hurt their position. This was certainly going to be an interesting day to say the least, he thought, as he headed down the hall to the empty conference room.
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Once he was alone with Stephen, Tom confronted him with a glare that would have intimated even Lewis himself. Stephen stepped back from Tom but then held his ground.
"Why did you deliberately put this mission at risk by coming here? You know better. You should've insisted on being cleared first before any of our locations were revealed to you. You may have just put all our lives in jeopardy."
"It wasn't my idea - or Mark's. It was Attwood's." replied Stephen returning Tom's glaring look. "Besides, this office will probably be moved after today anyway."
Tom studied Stephen for a moment. He could sense that the other dominant was telling the truth. After today, nothing would probably be the same for any of them. Besides, the deed was done and he couldn't change that. No sense wasting more time. If this location was already compromised, as he suspected it was, clearing Stephen was now a priority. He would have to do it quickly, right here in Walter's office. He looked at Stephen and they both knew what was coming.
"You know the terms I asked for?"
"Yes .... a Level One clearance, ... right?"
Tom nodded. "Ever been through one?"
"No. I hear they are rather ... unpleasant."
"Yes. And more so if you resist."
"Well, then, let's get this over with. What do you want me to do?"
"Sit down." Tom motioned to one of the chairs in front of Walter's desk. Stephen sat down, never taking his eyes off Tom. "I want you to drop your shielding as far as you can."
Stephen took a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he lowered his head in concentration. As he did so, Tom took the opportunity to walk around him, noting his appearance. He was very much like Tom himself in build, maybe a little heavier, short sandy hair, sharp blue eyes and possibly a few years older. Tom could sense that Stephen was tense - but not intimidated - by the close scrutiny. Good. Fear would only make this harder. Once Tom had completed the circle around him, he leaned back on Walter's desk, folded his arms, and gazed down at Stephen. It was time to begin.
Tom focused his attention on the dominant sitting in front of him. He slowly began to cut into the outer layers of Stephen's consciousness with all the precision of a surgeon's scapel. On the surface, Tom found exactly what he expected - Stephen Hart appeared to be a person who believed in coexistense, enough to give his life for it. No surprise there. Slicing a little deeper, Tom could sense apprehension - he was nervous about the meeting with the UN aide. Yes, that was understandable. But, there was more - a little more hidden.
Tom gently pried at it, as though with the tip of the scapel, until it loosened. There it was. The thing Stephen was even more apprehensive about than the UN meeting. It was ... Tom. He was nervous about working with Tom. Tom smiled to himself when he felt that - he had wanted Stephen to feel uneasy with him, at least for the time being. It would help Tom to control the situation. But what Tom now needed was to find out why Stephen felt that way.
"So why do I make you uncomfortable?"
Stephen looked up briefly, then lowered his head. No sense in lying. Tom would know.
"How do I know your defection is genuine? Lewis has been known to plant his people anywhere ... and what better place than in the coexistence faction itself. Despite what you've done to help the humans, you could still be a spy."
Yes, that was it. Tom's probing just confirmed it. A spy ... Tom laughed to himself. That was the very thing he wondered about Stephen. Well, at least they thought alike. And if he were Stephen, he would probably wonder too about Tom's genuineness. After all, no chameleon had ever left the program before. No one even thought it was possible. Wouldn't it be just like Lewis to infiltrate the coexistence underground with an "ex-chameleon" who everyone trusted and destroy it from within. And even if this wasn't planned by Lewis, Tom's own reputation as one of Lewis' best chameleons would be enough to unnerve anyone. Yes, Stephen had reason to be suspicious of his motives.
Tom pondered these feelings for a while and then decided that it took a great deal of courage on Stephen's part to feel that way and still submit himself to this intense scanning at his hands. Tom admired that. But he wasn't finished yet.
Tom leaned forward and told Stephen to open his eyes. He then placed his hands on both arms of Stephen's chair and looked him directly in the eyes. "This is the most difficult part. Don't struggle and it will be easier."
Stephen nodded his head and took a breath.
Then Tom began to peel away the last layers from Stephen's shields just as one would peel the skin from a ripe plum exposing the fragile pulp beneath. Here was everything that defined Stephen Hart as a person - every motivation and thought process, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, ... all laid bare for Tom to explore and Stephen powerless to prevent it.
As Tom examined each facet of the other dominant's personality, he decided that he liked what he found. He found honesty and compassion in this man, accompanied by a love for people and for life. Here was someone who was sick of killing and yearned for a better world - one where all people, regardless of race or species, could live together in harmony and peace. In other words, Tom realized, a man very much like himself. For the first time in a long while, Tom was actually happy to meet one of his own species.
Tom finished the rest of the scan as quickly as he could, knowing how painful this was for Stephen. Not painful in a physical sense, but rather in the sense of being made totally vulnerable, with no secret treated as private or sacred. It would be hard on anybody, of any species, to have their deepest feelings and motives, their most inner self, exposed and held up for review. And yet, that is what Stephen consented to, enduring it for as long as Tom felt was necessary. Well, Tom had learned enough and was satisfied that this one could be trusted.
Tom brought up the layers of shielding he had peeled away and allowed Stephen to finish the process.
"You did well." Tom said, offering Stephen his handkerchief to wipe his brow.
Stephen was perspiring from the ordeal but managed a brief smile. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from you."
In return, to show Stephen that he trusted him, Tom allowed Stephen to scan him as well, although not with the same depth. He would not allow his deepest, darkest shields to be probed. Behind them resided the cage, and his mother, and all his memories that he couldn't understand or remember. But he knew Stephen understood. Most dominants knew that chameleons had some part of their personalities erased or hidden in order to do the kind of work they did. So Stephen did not even attempt to scan Tom as deeply as he had been and Tom took it as a gesture of trust on Stephen's part.
That day Tom felt that a bond had been forged between him and Stephen. Had he finally found a friend among his own species? Maybe he wasn't going to be alone after all ... .
"We're done here, Stephen. Time to go meet the others. Ready?"
"Yes, ... and Tom, my friends call me Steve."
"And what do you want me to call you?"
"Whatever you're comfortable with." replied Stephen.
"I think it's time to join the others, .... Steve." Tom's smile was genuine as he extended his hand to Stephen to help him out of the chair. The two dominants looked at each other for a brief moment and then solemnly shook hands realizing that their lives were now bound up with each other, possibly for a very long time.
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End Part 2
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Disclaimer: This original story is not authorized or endorsed by Warner Bros, ABC, Lors Thornwald Inc, Edelson Productions, William Schmidt, or anyone else having rights to "Prey". It is not intended infringe on any rights or copyright and is not written for profit. Any characters not recognizable from the series "Prey" belong to the author.
MINDSCAPE - Part 3
Walter closed the conference door behind him and let out his breath. After months of inactivity, things certainly had heated up quickly. Maybe he was wrong to bring Stephen here without notifying Tom or the others first, but he didn't want to take a chance on losing this opportunity. If there had been any further discussion on the matter, the meeting may never have happened at all. No, he had made the decision. He would have to live with it - they all would.
Walter sat down at the table and looked around the room. This would probably be the last time they would meet here. He realized that he had gotten quite close to all of them these past few months and hoped the changes coming would not destroy the relationships that they had built. 'Change is good', he said, as if trying to convince himself of that fact. Besides, if they were to survive, they needed this alliance with Mark's group.
His reverie was short-lived as he heard footsteps and the sound of familiar voices coming down the hall. The others were arriving just as Tom said they would be and they'd be stepping through the door any moment now. He also wondered how much longer it would be before Tom and Stephen could join them. Neither Stephen or Mark had chosen to explain what a Level One clearance was or exactly how long something like that would take. And as for Tom ... well, he was just glad that Tom agreed to do it at all, considering how annoyed he had been at seeing Stephen here in the first place. He didn't like to see Tom annoyed - for any reason.
As much as he liked and trusted Tom, Walter also had a healthy fear of him. Not that he thought Tom would intentionally hurt any of them. No. Not that. But, if anyone jeopardized Sloan, or anyone Tom considered a friend, Walter believed that Tom's retribution would be swift and total. He never wanted to find himself on opposite sides from Tom ... ever.
Walter looked up as he saw the doorknob turn and heard the familiar 'click'. A second later Sloan appeared, with Ed following close behind her. Her face looked tired and tense but a quick nod and squint of the eyes from Ed, assured him that things would be OK.
"Good morning, Sloan ... Ed. Glad to see you arrived on time. Take a seat. We're just waiting on Ray now." said Walter, his eyes looking behind Ed expectantly.
"He's already here, Walter. We saw him pull up just as we came in the front door. He should be in shortly - that is, if he can find a parking space." answered Ed, heading for his usual seat to Walter's left.
Sloan glanced around the room nervously. "Is Tom coming?" She took her chair and moved it next to Ed. She didn't want her back to the door today. When Tom came, she wanted to be able to see him.
"Yes, Sloan. He's in my private office right now with Stephen Hart. Once he's cleared him, they'll both be joining us. In the meantime, Tom said to go ahead and start the meeting without him, ... which we will do just as soon as Ray gets here." As if on cue, the door opened. It was Ray.
"This had better not be another wild goose chase, Walter. I just got off work and I'm tired and hungry. I'm in no mood for games. Besides, Grace said she'd divorce me if I got home late one more time this week."
"Good morning to you, too, Ray." Walter couldn't stop the slight curl of a smile from appearing on his mouth.
"Ray, you know Grace would never divorce you - for any reason." added Sloan, who also couldn't help but smile at the blustery ex-cop, despite how she felt.
Ray shrugged and grunted his reply. "Just the same, hearing her say it doesn't make my life any easier." Settling into his chair at Walter's immediate right, he leaned back and asked, "By the way, where's Daniels? Sloan, I'm not used to seeing you without Tom standing over you."
Walter widened his eyes at Ray and gave a slight shake of the head. Ray closed his mouth tighter and Walter knew he had gotten the message. "He's here - in my office. He's clearing Stephen Hart as we speak."
"Here? Why is this Hart character here? Weren't we supposed to meet him later - somewhere else? Isn't this just a little dangerous?" Ray was immediately concerned and leaned on the table to look Walter in the eye. It was always a close tie as to who was the most anxious over their security precautions - Ray or Tom.
"Let's just say we had a sudden change of plans." said Walter, looking down at the table to avoid Ray's steady gaze. Ray knew he wasn't going to get the whole story right then, so he just closed his mouth again and sat back in his chair. He'd find out from Walter later.
"So tell me, Walter, what's going to happen with the rest of us when Tom and this guy go to New York?" asked Ed. "Are we just gonna sit around twiddling our thumbs, waiting for news from them?"
"Actually, I'm glad you brought that up. Obtaining recognition and protection from the UN for the new species- and for us - is not the only benefit of an alliance with the coexistence faction. If we agree to work with them, they are willing to fund our whole operation, including security and research."
"What kind of research are they talking about, Walter?" asked Sloan cautiously. "I hope they don't expect us to do anything like the Spanish flu research Copeland was doing. That could've killed all of us."
"No. They're not looking to annihilate anybody. But, among other things, they are extremely interested in Ed's work on perfecting the genogenesis serum."
"What about the genogenesis serum?"
The question came from a voice they had not heard from yet. Everyone looked up and saw Tom, with Stephen Hart behind him, framed in the doorway. No one had even heard the door open.
Ray never liked the way this new species was able to just "appear" without a sound, even when it was Tom. When he looked in the direction of the door, he felt a chill run through him. He could see that there was a definite difference in Tom. He glanced around the room quickly to see if the others had noticed what he did. They had, but no one said a thing. All that was discernible were a few quick eye movements that flitted around the table. Ray was quite certain that this was not the Tom that he and the others had grown to know this past year. The one who always followed a little behind Sloan and whose eyes and body language reacted to everything in relation to her presence. It was almost as though that Tom had been replaced by someone ... or, something, .. else.
The "Tom" that now stood in the doorway was a creation of Lewis. Hardened somehow and who could become whatever was necessary to get the job done - even kill. This 'Tom" had disappeared almost entirely as his contact with humans grew. He had resurfaced only once more after Lewis reprogrammed him. The difference now was that the 'programming' was deliberate and humans were no longer his prey. He was here to help and protect them the best way he knew - as a chameleon. It was only that knowledge that helped Ray to stifle an instinctive desire to get as far away from him as possible.
Walter stood up and acknowledged Tom with a nod of his head. Then he added, "People, this is Stephen Hart, the agent I told you about." Moving around the table, Walter introduced each one to Stephen. With the amenities over, he asked Tom and Stephen to have a seat.
Stephen sat down opposite Sloan and Ed, but Tom just leaned against the file cabinets behind Stephen. Seeing that Stephen had chosen his side, Ray moved a little closer to the end of the table and angled his seat so he could see him better. Stephen felt there was more to Ray's action than just to get a better view. He turned his head slightly to the right, in Tom's direction, as if to alert Tom to Ray's reaction. He sensed that Tom noticed it too, but apparently was not concerned. So Stephen chose to say nothing for the time being and turned his head around to face Sloan and Ed. He hoped that this Ray would not be trouble in the future.
"Well, getting back to Tom's question, Mr Hart, er, ... Stephen, maybe you can tell us what the feelings are in your group about the serum." questioned Sloan, trying to keep her eyes from staring at Tom as she spoke.
"Steve ... please call me Steve." he said, flashing a warm smile at her.
Tom raised an eyebrow at Steve's warmth but said nothing. He was busy fighting the impulse to stare at Sloan but was almost glad to see that she was having the same problem. He wanted to talk to her but it would have to wait until the meeting was over. He had to concentrate on business first.
In the meantime, Steve continued. "We want Dr Tate ... Ed ... to continue his research on the serum. We know you were close when you tried it on Tom." he said looking at Ed.
"We wondered if you knew about that. After I was knocked out and Tom captured, we lost everything, including the lab and all our old contacts. We weren't sure who knew what."
"Yes, we knew something had happened, but not exactly what. Eventually we learned about the serum after the lab was closed. What we couldn't figure out was how that small group of humans was able to capture Tom so easily - and that's when we found out that you had tried the serum on him."
"At his request," interjected Ed.
"Yes. We learned that too. We also found out that it didn't work and Tom had started to revert back to his normal DNA when you were ambushed by government troops. By the time we pieced this all together and located the facility where Tom was being held, Walter had already orchestrated his release. Not bad, Walter, for a small group with no contacts. And Tom's willingness to take the serum convinced ... most of us ... that his defection was genuine. That and your resourcefulness in retrieving Tom before we could, made us decide to reopen negotiations with you."
While Steve was talking, Tom had begun to shift uneasily from one foot to the other, although not so anyone would notice. He didn't like being the topic of conversation, especially when it dealt with his being a guinea pig for human research - or his failure to escape capture. And any minute now he was expecting Sloan to interrupt with her concerns about him and he wasn't quite sure how he was going to handle it. He had been shielding himself from Sloan's emotions since he knew she had arrived, but now he needed to know how she might react and prepare himself for it.
Tom slowly lowered his guard but before he could even begin to scan her, her feelings enveloped him. He felt worry, ... but he expected that. Only now it was coupled with something different ... something new. What was it? Acceptance? Yes. He hadn't expected that. Had she finally accepted his decision to go on this mission? Maybe. At least he sensed that she would no longer try to interfere with it.
He didn't quite know why she had changed her attitude. Maybe Ed had something to do with it? He concentrated a bit on Ed, ... yes, that was it. Ed had come through again. He was grateful to him and yet, he wished he himself had been the one to get through to her. He didn't quite understand the relationship that existed between Sloan and Ed, and sometimes it made him feel left out, ... uncomfortable. But, for now, he was glad it was there.
As Sloan sat there, trying to concentrate on what Steve was saying, she felt something she couldn't put her finger on. It was as though an invisible hand was tracing the outline of her face ever so softly, touching her hair, putting her at ease, ... . Suddenly she looked up and found Tom staring intently at her. It was as though she knew, somehow, that he was scanning her. She'd never felt that before. But she knew from Tom's expression that it was true. Tom allowed his eyes to soften from darkness to blue as he continued to look at her. Her own eyes noticed the change and responded in kind.
Tom was pleased when he saw that Sloan was aware of what he was doing. Was she becoming more 'in tune' with him? And, there was no mistaking the look in her eyes. When he offered a hopeful smile to her, he wondered if she would return that as well. He saw her bow her head slightly and by the time she had brought it up again, her face held a small smile meant only for him. He nodded a little to let her know he had seen it. He hadn't lost her ... not yet.
"But getting back to your question, Dr Parker ...?" Steve gave Sloan a quizzical look as he saw her return abruptly to the present.
"Yes-s ... " Sloan blinked herself out of her fog. "Oh, yes, ... my question - how exactly does your group feel about this research. They can't actually be pleased with it."
"Pleased? ... No. But, altering DNA, for both species, is now a part of reality. It's only a matter of time before someone from your species perfects it. It may as well be your group, who at least believes in giving coexistence a chance. And hopefully, we'll be there to help guide you as well."
"Wait a minute ... guide us? This is why you want to make an alliance with us, so you can get your hands on the serum and control our use of it? Is that it? Or control it for your own agenda? Maybe knock out a few rival factions by reducing them to human - leaving you guys in charge?" Ray finally decided to add his two cents to the discussion. He may not have quite understood the scientific end of what was being said, but gang rivalry was something he did know about.
"Control it?" Steve felt an underlying hostility from Ray and his guard automatically went up. "We are more interested in seeing that there are controls in place for it's use rather than controlling it ourselves. We have no intention of ruling our species by 'knocking out' any rivals, as you put it ..."
Tom unfolded his arms and jumped into the conversation. "Ray was only asking questions. It's what he does." Tom gave Ray an intense look as he placed his hand on Steve's shoulder, as though preventing him from reacting further. Steve's looked at Tom's hand, but did nothing.
Ray leaned back in his chair again and nodded. "Right. They were only questions."
Tom knew that Ray was never comfortable with his species - even Stephen had picked that up earlier. In fact, it took a long time for Ray to trust even him. And despite everything that they had been through together, Tom could still feel doubts from Ray. Deep down he knew Ray really didn't think coexistence was possible, but the fact that he was willing to give it a chance anyway, was to his credit. Besides, Ray had been a cop. It was almost second nature to him to be cautious. Tom appreciated that, even if he had not been fully able to communicate those feelings to Ray. But he knew that now was not the time to bring this up.
With the introduction of this latest tension, Walter decided it was time for him to take charge of the meeting again. "Mark told me that they wanted the serum to be controlled by a joint group of humans and dominants. While they have no desire to see it used on their species as a whole, they do see its usefulness in controlling the rogue section of their species, like the Lynches and Lewis'."
"Well, that does make sense." admitted Ray. Then he added, "Look Hart, I'm sorry I came across the wrong way but we've been through a lot - from both species. It's nothing personal."
Steve stared at him for a minute then added, "I understand. Besides, I'd rather have you tell me to my face what you think than to have you lie about it. I respect the honesty."
"Not that we could hide how we feel from your 'radar', anyway." added Ed letting his eyes glance from Tom to Steve.
"Radar?" Steve pondered that a moment, then smiled as though he had decided that he liked the term. "We don't always have our 'radar' on, you know." said Steve, "But knowing where we stand with each other is important. Besides, trust needs to be earned - I understand that. The next few months will be the real test of loyalty, especially if the serum is perfected."
"OK, so getting back to the serum, how am I gonna do all this research?" asked Ed.
Tom checked his watch and gave Walter a look. Walter had almost forgotten that Tom said bringing Stephen here may have compromised their security and it wasn't good to take too long.
"People, I think it's time to get to the point. To begin with, you're all back on the payroll. Ed, ... Sloan, ... You will be getting a lab of your own to continue your serum and genetic research. What that means is - Ed, you can stop your research on genetically altered earthworms for Gencorp - I know you're heartbroken." Ed smiled his response. "And Sloan, that small community college will have to get another professor to teach their Anthropology 101 class. From what I understand, the lab is being stocked even as we speak and you will find that it will have all those great toys you've always envied." Sloan and Ed looked at each other, obviously pleased with the prospect of working on their pet projects again - and in their own lab.
"Ray, you and Grace, will be happy to know that you can give up that night security job of yours. You'll be doing security for the new lab and checking any new leads that come up. While I can't promise you that there won't be any night assignments, your schedule should be a heck of a lot better than it is now." Ray managed to smile this time and nodded his assent.
"Of course, my offices will be moved to the lab. I'll continue to follow up your reseach and remain the liaison between the coexistence faction and us. As for you, Tom ..." Tom's head popped up at the mention of his name, "you're on the payroll as well. You'll remain an operative in the field, doing whatever it is you do best, and, you'll also work with Ray on security." Tom's wrinkled brow was the only response Walter received, but he would take that as a 'yes'.
"Great! So when and where do we start?" asked Ed.
Walter was about to reveal the location of the lab when Tom cut him off. "Not here. I suggest we move out soon and discuss the rest at another, more secure, location."
"Good idea." said Ray. "Who knows if Steve was followed when you brought him here, Walter."
As if it was planned, Tom and Steve looked up and then back at each other. Almost at the same time they said, "Trouble."
Immediately, Tom drew his gun and darted towards Sloan. He grabbed her arm and yanked her out of her seat. "Hurry." Dragging her behind him, he shouted for the others to follow him. Tom could hear the sound of chairs scraping against the floor almost in unison as their former occupants jumped to follow his lead. He flung open the door and took off running down the hall - in the opposite direction from the front door. He turned quickly to Steve and said, "You and Ray, bring up the rear. Do you have a gun?"
"No."
Tom threw him his. "Use this if you have to and stay close." He then crashed through the door marked "Do Not Enter" with the others following close behind.
As he raced along the mildewed corridors with Sloan still in tow, he was glad he had already checked out any possible escape routes. This was an unused section of the building that hadn't been renovated yet and had a boarded-up exit in the back of the building that wouldn't be too difficult to break through..
"Almost there." he said aloud, when he heard the first cracks of gunfire in the distance. High powered rifles, he thought. Then he heard the sound of his own weapon returning fire - and then Ray's. "Steve and Ray are no match for those rifles."
"Great!" said Ed, glancing back at Walter. "Now they're firing at us. Nice meeting, Walter!"
"Just keep moving - we'll critique it later." rasped Walter, who was definitely out of shape for this type of exertion.
Tom started to speed up when he heard Sloan call him. "Tom, you're going .. too fast ... for me. Either slow .. down or leave ... me behind," she panted.
Tom looked at her and said "Never .... never again." He had been gripping her right arm with his left hand. Now, he reached back with his right arm and pulled her arm across his back and held her arm at his waist. He was then able to put his left arm around her waist and pull her closer to him, practically lifting her off the ground. He poured on the speed and was literally carrying her with him. The others had fallen behind but Tom needed to get to the exit soon. As the rest of them caught up with Tom and Sloan, they came face to face with the seemingly blocked exit.
"Great. A deadend. We're dead." wheezed Ed, nervously running his hand through his hair as he stared at the wall. Ed turned to look at Walter who was breathing even harder, leaning against the wall.
"Hey, are you alright?" asked Ed.
"I'll be OK."
Tom made a quick assessment of the wall and then told Sloan to stand back. He called to Ed and said "Watch her," as he ran to the wall. Ed reached for Sloan and the two of them leaned on one another trying to catch their breath, watching Tom as he grabbed one of the boards and ripped it off the wall. He continued to pull boards off until daylight began to filter through the cracks. Tom had already cleared half the exit when Steve and Ray finally caught up with them.
"We've barricaded the door to the corridor. That should buy us a little time." panted Ray. When Steve saw Tom pulling down the boards, he leapt to help him and within seconds the wall was down, revealing the alley behind the building.
Ed met Sloan's eyes and said "And you were worried about him?" nodding in Tom's direction. Sloan just shook her head. She hadn't even had time to react, more or less, to think about what was happening. She had to admit to herself that maybe Ed was right about Tom. But, before she could answer, Tom grabbed her again, and took off down the alley with the others close behind.
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End of Part 3