Category Archives: Book One ~ Brotherhood

“I’d love to change the world
but I don’t know what to do
so I’ll leave it up to you…”

~ Ten Years After ~

 * * * * *

Damn, this place leaves a lot to be desired – at least that was my dismal opinion as I looked around the old abandoned town.  There really wasn’t much left, it having been all but swallowed up by the desert.  What a total letdown, I considered as I stood there biting my lip.  Even in its heyday, as Pre-Timers would have said, Winslow, Arizona, must have been a dive.

That was another Pre-Time adage which had never made any sense to me whatsoever – referring to a place as a dive.

After all, there was little water to be had in the desert.  Few natural water sources, anyway, and so where was one supposed to go diving?  We did know the locations of numerous water drops, as well as fuel drops – although how we had come by way of this privileged information hadn’t exactly been legitimate.  However, without possession of said knowledge, then my sister and I would not have been out here in the first place – period.  The desert was a deadly adversary, after all.

What was that saying of which our Uncle Eric was always so fond?  Oh, yeah – luck favors the prepared.

Turning around I looked at my twin sister who just slowly shook her head.

“I can’t believe that someone had actually written a song about this place, sis – really” Mac put in her two cents worth as she now stomped her way back over to the truck.  And there it was, yet another Pre-Time saying that perplexed me, right along with its ancient concept of currency.

Leaning up against the door of our vehicle, Mac folded her arms over her chest.  Crossing one ankle over the other, she leveled me one rather piercing glare.  I knew what she was thinking – we had wasted precious fuel to indulge my whim for this side trip.

So, like – was it my fault that this place didn’t live up to our expectations?  The song in which it had been named had made the place sound romantic in a rustic sort of fashion.  More like plain old rust, I considered with an inward sigh.

“Ok, Seanna – you tell me, just where is this fine sight to see?” my twin demanded but I could only shrug in return.

“Dunno, sis – I… I’m sorry I made you come all this way” I now apologized with a pout.

“Well, I know this much – a fine sight to see would be a man, any man, in a pickup truck” Mac grumbled under her breath.  “What a waste of water and fuel.”  Ok – so how many times was she going to make me apologize for it?  That was a question better left unasked, I knew, and so just let it slide.

“Do you want to stay here tonight or move on?” I wanted to know, crossing over to my twin and praying she wouldn’t try to throttle me.  Chewing on her lip, she glanced about, thinking.

“I’d say move on, sis – this place gives me the willies, like Uncle Greg says” Mac confessed, and when she would admit to being ill at ease?  Well, then you really needed to stand up and take notice.  “We can at least take a break for bit – my butt is sore” she now laughed, doing a complete turnabout there as her lips gave up an open and inviting smile.  Just like our father would, or so we had been told by those who had known him best.

“Yeah, mine too – I don’t know how people rode around in these mechanical offenses every single day” I complained.  I would have preferred horses, but that would have taken forever and we really needed to get to our Grandfather at The Legion, which was way up near Bryce Canyon.  I knew if we just showed up on his doorstep and could talk to him in private, about a Matter of Family, then he’d agree to help us reconnect with our mother and father.

The parents that we could not remember, no less.

I now recalled reading that in Pre-Time women actually gave up babies for what had been called adoptions.  Difficult concept, that one, of any woman willingly giving away her child – but that wasn’t our case, Mac and me.  Due to a sordid family history and a lot of bizarre circumstances, Mac and I had been abandoned by all accounts, by both our parents, and when we had been but young girls.

Abandoned just like this town, I now thought, finding myself suddenly overwhelmed by a profound sadness.  People had once lived here, after all – they had had families and things called jobs and money, and reportedly lived happy lives.

Leaning over the side of the truck bed, I now dragged out my pack.  Dropping it on the ground, I then started to rummage around inside of it.

“Whatcha doin’?” Mac inquired, watching me with intense curiosity.  Producing a Palm, I then turned to face her, offering her the device in my outstretched hand.  “What’s this for?” she inquired, suspiciously eying the device.

“Well, it is our birthday, after all… and… uh… I wanted you to have this” was my explanation, nervously waiting for my twin to accept the gift.

“Um, like – I already have one, Sean” Mac reminded me with a laugh as she looked from the Palm to me, confused.  I just sharply shook my head in return.

“Not like this one, you don’t – it contains personal journals, the history of us O’Reillys, of our Clan” I informed her and thus in response my sister wasted no time in dropping her jaw.

“No way – you hacked Uncle Kevin’s servers?!” my sister exclaimed in disbelief with a healthy amount of abject shock thrown in for effect.  As I slowly nodded in affirmation of her supposition, Mac then let out a long, low whistle.  “Damn – you really do take after our Mother.  Have you… uh… did you?” she started to ask, stumbling over her words.

“No, Mac, I have not read them… not yet anyway” was my truthful response.  “I haven’t even peeked at them beyond making sure that the files were what I suspected them to be.  I was hoping that we could read them together, just you and me, that is if you don’t mind?” I suggested with hope.  “I know how you feel about our family and all the rumors, but –” I tried to reason with my stubborn sister who now quite abruptly cut me off, making a rather rude hand gesture in conjunction with her harsh words.

“You are damn right about that, sister!” Mac blurted out, now backing away from the Palm as if it were a diamondback rattler, coiled and ready to strike.  “I have heard enough innuendos about our parents to last me an entire life time, thank-you-very-much.  I have no desire to audition that demented saga in their own words as well” she made abundantly clear.  I could only hang my head as I released a heavy sigh, disheartened by her adamant refusal.

Why did my twin sister always have to be so damn contrary?  She had inherited our Father’s propensity for being a hothead, which was certainly one family trait that she couldn’t possibly deny possessing.  MacKayla was an O’Reilly, like it or not – and a volatile Irish temper went right along with the territory.  Not to mention the fact that she had also inherited our Father’s love affair with lust, I considered in amusement of my sister – she could be more than a handful a times.

At any rate, when my twin had made up her mind, I knew it was final – just as had always been the case with our Father, or so we had been told.  It had been said that when he would make a decision he stuck by it for good or bad, right or wrong, do or die, I chuckled to myself.  No matter – it was the thought of the gift that counted, although I had had high hopes that my sister would read the journals with me.  I felt it was important for us to learn together the truth of our family history before we reunited with our parents.  We needed to audition their accounts, in their own words, and not just tales which had become bloated and distorted out of all proportion over the course of time.  However, I knew it would only be wasted breath just then for me to debate the point with Mac.  I’d just have to read the journals for myself.

“Fine – whatever, Mac… I don’t care, I’ll read them myself” I withdrew my offer, shrugging my shoulders in disappointed acceptance.  “I just thought that it would be a good idea for both you and I to do a little research before we finally meet up with Collin and Sierra, since they are the man and woman who breathed life into us, after all.  But if you’re not interested, then you’re not interested.  Happy birthday anyway, sister” I offered as I wiped a tear from my eye, the first of many to come, I knew.

“Don’t do that” Mac now brusquely made demand, in a huff stomping her foot.  She should have figured out by now that wasn’t going to stem my tears.  “Aw, c’mom, sis’ – knock it off already!” she then bullied, glowering at me, but I knew damn well that my tears were her weakness.  Mac, of course, would never admit as much, however, my sorrow was not contrived.  My heart was truly grieved by her rejection of my gift.  Of course, she had no idea the lengths I had gone in order to get those journals off Uncle Kevin’s servers.  He had his datacenter wrapped up tighter than some ancient place known as Fort Knox.

“Ok, ok – we’ll read them… together” she finally relented, throwing her hands up in the air in surrender.  “That will be my birthday gift to you.  How about that?  Why I ever let my little sister talk me into these things, I will never know.”  Little sister – yeah, Mac was a full three minutes older than me, so big sister indeed.  However, if that made her feel better, to be number one, then who was I to argue?  She had agreed to read our family’s journals with me so therefore I could ask nothing more of her than this.

Being unable to restrain myself, or contain my joy, I now threw my arms around my twin, delivering a heartfelt embrace.  One which Mac returned in kind, and then some.  If we saw eye-to-eye in practically nothing else, then at least we shared a great love for one another.

“Now is as good a time as any to begin, I suppose” Mac went on, sounding not quite so combative as she now broke our embrace.  “We intended to take a break anyway” was her reasoning and so walking over to that mythical street corner in that Pre-Time town called Winslow, Arizona, she then plopped herself down.  “So let’s just park our butts down here on this bloody corner to read firsthand accounts of our family’s multitude of scandalous sins.”  I could only laugh at her words – she could be so humorous when the mood took her.

Mac was in possession of one predominantly cantankerous personality.  Rumor had it that our Father suffered from exactly the same.  And did I mention that my twin had also inherited our Father’s gift for words?  Some of the things she would come out with were truly amazing, but perhaps not really given that she had a very high IQ.  We both did.  Good thing, too – otherwise we never would have been able to pull together the resources for this unsanctioned quest to reunite our birth parents.

“Thank you, Mac – thank you” I cried out of gratitude, smiling at her through my tears – tears of sadness now having turned into those of joy.

“De nada, Sean – happy birthday to you, too” she smiled back at me and a beautiful smile it was – what had been dubbed as the O’Reilly Clan’s trademark smile.  “As long as we start with Mother’s journals, then I think perhaps I might be able to choke down their delusional ramblings, one paragraph at a time.  Deal?” Mac offered and so I nodded once, brusquely – yes.

We then both proceeded to sit there on that legendary corner in Winslow, Arizona, in what had been known as the American desert southwest.  Mac took up her repose by leaning her back against the old lamppost, one leg drawn up to rest hand to bent knee.  I myself sat there cross-legged, settling in for our story hour.

Pulling up the file on the Palm which contained our Mother’s personal journals, I now began to read aloud.  We would relive through her words the incredible journey which had become her life, as well as our own, in this post-apocalyptic world.

“We are afraid of being in fear…” I thus began recital of  Sierra’s heart-wrenching saga.

Whoa, I thought, awakening with a start.  Blinking like an owl I ardently willed my vision to clear.  Was I still asleep?  Or in some state of quasi-consciousness?

Closing my eyes, I waited for the remnants of the dream to dissolve.  My hope was that upon once again opening them I’d find myself surrounded by reality, otherwise?  Then I would know that I had finally lost it.

Yup – sure enough, when I was finally able to focus my eyes, there I was, right where I had gone to sleep, which was in my tent.  In the middle of nowhere without another soul for miles and miles – literally since mankind had pretty much gone extinct.

So, reality, then – this was where I found myself to be.

However, I could still vividly recall the details of the dream.

And it scared the living crap out of me.

Not because it was a nightmare – it was actually quite the opposite.  Still, the feeling which hovered about me was kind of like panic, the kind you get when you wake up, not knowing where you are.  However, that normally wouldn’t have bothered me since I moved around the desert landscape so much, practically on a daily basis.  What did trouble me was that when I would awaken from these dreams, I didn’t have a frigging clue who I was.

Now that was truly frightening.

In these nocturnal stage plays I was not me – and I didn’t know a single person who traipsed in and out of these dreams, either.

Sitting up, I ran a hand over my eyes and then looked out of the tent’s screen door.  The sun was up, my fire outside had burned out, and though I knew I needed to get moving, I just sat there with my knees drawn up under my chin.

Just who was the man in the dream?  The one with the coppery blond hair, on stage in some club and singing with the band?  Funny – he was dressed in military fatigues and sitting behind a piano.  I felt as if I should know him, though.  Well – in the dream I was sure that I did know him but after waking up I could never latch on to a name.  And just as I didn’t know who I was in the dream, or the people who surrounded me, I also didn’t know where these dreams took place, what city, what state, or even what year for that matter.

I might have been inclined to think that someone else’s life was bleeding over into my own, or rather someone’s dreams were invading my slumber.  However, since I was convinced there wasn’t another human left on this third rock from the sun, then that possibility was way down at the bottom of the list.

Morphic-resonance it wasn’t.

And given that it had been seven years since the world had winked out, which was when I had last seen another live human, then there had to be another explanation.

Sure – like, you are losing your mind, Sierra, I giggled to myself with unease.  It was as good a reason as any, I supposed.

It was a gorgeous late spring morning at least.  A little chilly, but the climbing sun brought the promise of warmth and the day would soon begin to heat up.  Sitting there in that nether land which lay between the unconsciousness of sleep and the reality of being awake, I watched the flowing river beyond the shelter of the tent and campsite.  The images in my mind of the dream were fading fast, moving on just like the water of the Salt River.  I wasn’t sure why I had decided to wander back so close to the Valley of the Sun, but here I was.

Metropolitan centers were just plain creepy without people – or at least, wihout live people, anyway.  I avoided cities even though there really wasn’t anything to fear.  Predators were everywhere – remote desert and abandoned population centers alike.  When I needed supplies and the like, I would gravitate towards what were once small towns.  There was no way you’d catch me in, say, Phoenix or any place even remotely close to that.

So again, why did I wander back this way?  Damned if I knew, but it was probably the river and memories of riding the water.  Tubing had been a lot of fun, I reminisced with a pang of nostalgia followed by a predictable, wistful sigh.

Oh, well – you can’t just sit here all day, Sierra, I reproached myself, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.  Actually, I could, but something told me this wasn’t a good place to stick around.  Typically, I would spend most of my days hiking across the wilderness, looking for places where the foraging was good.  I’d setup camp and stay a while, that was until I got bored with the scenery and so would then move on.

Something about this place, though, made me think that it best to move on sooner instead of later.  It wasn’t close to any ghost towns, but my desert sense was telling me that trouble was lurking somewhere in the vicinity so I better get a move on.  With this thought, I unzipped my tent’s flap and then crawled out to greet the world, now quickly setting about the business of making myself scarce.

After you get washed up, I decided for myself – and breakfast, can’t go far without eating.  Needed energy, after all.

When the bug had hit, the one that pretty much had made mankind an extremely endangered species, I wasn’t sure what scared me more.  The fact that people were dropping like flies, or the fact that I wasn’t.

Shivering with the recollection of trying to get my tail out of the East Valley, per usual, I cried a little.  That was something that no person should ever have to live through – period.  Memories of that time, for the most part, were a nightmarish blur – as much a blur as the dreams I would have about not being me.  Bits and pieces remembered, enough to be disturbing as heck, but that was about it.  Although, the emotion would persist – emotional carryover, they used to call it.

The only reason I had managed to last as long as I had in this brave new world was because, as luck would have it, or not, I actually had survival skills.  I had always been an avid backpacker, hiking all over the state, and had desert survival training under my belt.  So I was no stranger to this arid world – but never in a million years did I suspect that all my wilderness experience would save my life.

Although, often times I dearly wished I could have just died right along with everyone else.

It had become a double-edged sword, surviving.  In the beginning, I had been terrified of being alone – but after trying to dodge thousands of dying people?  People who were stark raving mad for the most part, that being a lovely symptom of the plague – it drove people straight out of their minds.  This had quickly changed my mind about being alone.  Alone was fine.  Alone was cool.  I was good with that and so my fear then became the reverse.  Across the years I had become preoccupied with the fear of either running across other people, or them stumbling upon me.

It was kind of a hollow concern, in a way, since after seven years and neither sight nor sound of another fellow human being?  Well – I wasn’t sure why I was still afraid of meeting up with members of my own species, but I was.  Naturally, after a time, I began to drop my guard bit by bit because I became more worried about the four-legged predators out there.  Jaguars had made a stellar comeback since the world had checked out, and mountain lions, too.  I was too busy trying not to become a snack for them, but there was plenty of other game out there for the predators to consume.  All manner of critters were on a major upswing without humans around to keep their populations in check.

And again, there it was.  That sensation which kept prodding me – the one nagging me to scramble, and post haste.

Understanding that I needed to listen to my gut, I now hustled my tail to break camp.  I had a hurried breakfast – a nasty MRE, but those dehydrated meals were a godsend when I was in a hurry or too lazy to scare up real food.  Once I had wolfed that down, I then went over to the riverbank to get washed up.  I accomplished that in no time flat and so then set about checking my gear and making sure that everything was in order before bugging out.

I was just about to heft my pack when I realized I forgot to top off my camel pack.  Yeah – would be nice to have plenty of water, girl, for the hike ahead! I admonished myself and so grabbing it I hurried down to the river.

Kneeling there, impatient to be away, I suddenly found myself caught totally of guard, much to my complete and utter dismay.  I had been so frigging worried about hitting the dusty trail that I wasn’t paying careful attention to my surroundings.  Out of the blue I now found myself being restrained by one very strong human being – a man, no less.  In no time flat I had gone from being alone on this planet to entertaining some rather unexpected, as well as most unwelcome, company!  How had he managed to sneak up on me like that? I wondered, thoroughly perplexed since I had had no clue that any creature was so near to my person, much less a man!  I supposed my desert sense had neglected to wake up along with the rest of me that morning and was still slumbering away back there where my tent had been pitched.

Well, now I certainly did have other things to worry about besides filling my camel pack.  Like not getting my blood spilled, for instance, since this guy actually had a knife pressed up against my throat.

Just my rotten luck.

It had been the first time in seven years that I had wandered back anywhere near the Phoenix area and so just look had happened to me as a result!

On that day the entire course of my life had changed, in that proverbial blink of an eye.  I could recall the details with exacting clarity even decades later, indelibly etched in my mind.

That’s what you get for sleeping late, I now harshly berated myself, holding completely still as I waited for my captor to make his next move.  I strongly suspected that should I fidget then I would be on the receiving end of one very nasty scratch courtesy of his knife blade.  Although frozen like a block of ice, I could not help by swallow hard, though.  Then this man took firm hold of my right arm, to the point of hurting me so that I let out a little yelp.

As my assailant now slowly turned me around to face him, I prepared myself to look upon this guy who now held my life in his hands.  Then something curious happened.   I was as purely taken aback by his reaction when we were finally face-to-face, eye-to-eye.  Never had I seen such an expression of surprise, fear, confusion, relief and delight – all rolled into one.  A myriad of emotions were playing out within the depths of this man’s eyes – and what eyes they were, those dark, dark eyes!  I would never forget my first sight of those eyes, amazing eyes.  So dark that they were almost black, bringing to mind a color similar to that of obsidian – but more like an impossibly deep forest green.

Now in a heartbeat he abruptly, almost apologetically, released me to then lower his weapon.  The man, visibly shaken, settled back on his heels, openly gaping at me.  In the meantime, I was less than gracefully scrambling out of his reach, which landed me square on my butt in the river.  Seeming not to notice, however, I just sat there, doing my own fair share of gawking at this male.

Desperately trying to collect my wits as I watched him, his reaction completely baffled me.  I mean, it should have been abundantly clear to him that he had been about to pounce on a woman, right?  Surely no man would have forgotten what a woman looked like, even after so long.

Literally at a loss for words, the man now released a long low breath.  He then surrendered his blade to the damp earth of the riverbank but continued his observation of me, resting there with his palms on his thighs.  Having regained his composure, he was studying me with the greatest of interest.

To my amazement, the man now shifted himself so that he was bent to one knee, head bowed.  He softly spoke words that I could not clearly hear, but to me it sounded like some sort of prayer.  His actions spoke to me of ritual, though.  Great, I thought in puzzlement as I looked on.  Of all the people left in the world God thought it humorous to send me a lunatic, I nervously laughed, and out loud no less.  Lucky me, was my ironic musing of it all, being not quite sure what I should do next.  In all honesty, I was fighting back the urge to bolt upstream, but strangely enough, I got my butt up and out of the water to cautiously move in closer to him.

Kneeling down in front of him, I tentatively reached out to lay my hand over one of his own.  I don’t know what possessed me to do so but it was done before I had a chance to reconsider.  Having come back to himself from wherever his prayer had taken him, the man now quickly lifted his head so he could look me in the eye – and again those eyes.  I would swear that never before in my life had I ever seen anything even remotely like them.  And if I had thought his eyes captivating, then the guy went and upped the ante by speaking to me.

“You’re…” he hesitated at first, but then stated the obvious, “a woman,” the man concluded and then fell to silence for a several moments his words having again escaped him.  “God has sent us a woman” he spoke, this time with greater surety.  His was a declaration spoken in awe.  Then I wondered – exactly who did he mean by us?

I could only offer an awkward laugh in response to his words, not knowing what else to do.

“Funny – I was just thinking that God had sent me a lunatic” I confessed, my tongue getting the better of me, just as it always had before the world went south.  Old habits died hard, I supposed.  In response, the man only proffered a slanted grin.  “Uh – my name is Sierra” I remembered my manners and so introduced myself, summoning up a welcoming smile even though I was shaking inside.  It was a good thing that I was kneeling since standing up just then would not have been a viable option.  I was of the mind that had I made the attempt then my knees would have gone on strike and my so my legs would have buckled underneath me.

Ok, so – now what? I wondered.

“Forgive me, I thought…” the man began but then trailed off once more.  “Aidan – my name is Aidan Kael” he returned in kind, still studying me with those intense eyes of his, which did nothing short of make me feel unsettled.

After another few moments of awkward silence, the man now slowly lifted a hand to my face, pressing his palm to my cheek.  Maybe he needed assurance that this wasn’t just a dream, that this was indeed a real woman who knelt there before him.  The disbelief was still to be read in his eyes, though, along with something else as well.  It was almost as if he thought he recognized me, although I knew with certainty that I had never before met him.

Then it finally hit me – the guy was regarding me as if I was a ghost instead of a girl.  His eyes seemed to be looking right through me and so in that moment I considered that maybe I was a specter but no one had bothered to clue me in that I was dead.  It was probable that I reminded him of someone he had once known.  After all, I was of Mexican descent and if you’ve seen one beaner woman, then you’ve seen us all.  Or at least to the eyes of one very Caucasian male, I figured.

That was how we came to make each other’s acquaintance, myself and this very tall, imposing man named Aidan.  An odd foot to start off on, but there was nothing that could really be considered normal in our world.  However, something continued to dog me about his initial reaction.  This left me with a lingering impression that Aidan was holding out, although I was unsure why the suspicion should stick.  I just summed it up as nervous imagination and too many years on my own.  Letting it roll off my mind, I turned the thought around and instead decided to revel in the company that God had sent me, lunatic or no.  What I had done to deserve so handsome a companion I had no idea – but I decided to just silently thank the Lord Above and left it at that.

Don’t ask, don’t tell, after all.

With my new found companion in tow, or vice versa, actually, since he took over my life and not the other way around, the days were no longer a drudgery of idle wandering.  The rhythm of my life went on, but now it wasn’t quite so lonely.  The ripple which had been created by our meeting, this man and me, was of little consequence to our desert world.  To me, however, it certainly was a major event, and no less to Aidan, I was aware.

As the hours grew into days, I came to discover what an interesting, as well as enigmatic, man Aidan truly was – it was almost as if he had leapt out of the pages of some adventure book.  However, the words quiet and pensive suited him well for he never spoke without giving thought to his words.  In this he was the exact opposite of me, since I tended to constantly run off at the mouth.  How could I not?  The only one I had had to talk to for seven years, beside myself, was the local fauna.  Be it one year or one hundred, it didn’t make a difference with me, though.  It had always been my nature to chat up a storm regardless, and being the gentleman that Aidan was, he politely let this woman babble away.

Aidan had one impressive set of survival skills, I had to hand it to him there, and he also proved to be an master hunter.  He was definitely more skilled than I was with a bow, his prowess with the weapon was nothing short of scary.  His marksmanship was always dead-on.  With each passing day I found myself learning more and more from him – and here I had thought I was a pretty darned good survivalist.  The natural superiority of men, I considered, disgruntled by the notion, but was more than grateful for his guidance.

I wasn’t really keen on hunting, never had been, but to survive I did what I had to do, since eating MRE’s had gotten old – and fast.  Even so, I apologized to everything I killed for food, even lowly fish.  I was an omnivore, though, and truly loved quail eggs – it sure took a lot of them to make an omelet, though.  A vegetarian I was when opportunity presented itself and wasn’t opposed to eating what amounted to nuts and berries.  Prickly pear fruit was my favorite treat, however, and was probably one reason I had wandered close to the lower deserts – a need to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Aidan didn’t fuck around when he hunted.  Granted, everything was fair game, so to speak – but when opportunity presented itself, he would expertly down a deer with an ease that came from lots of practice.  I would always get queasy when he would afterwards gut whatever poor beast he had killed.  Large scale slaughter turned my stomach, but after the first night we had roasted venison, well – ok, then.  Aidan could kill Bambi once in a while as long as I didn’t have to get personal with his kill.  No need to worry – he took care of it all, including cooking it.

And the man most certainly could cook.

Aidan, however, was a constant source of curiosity for me.  Naturally, at first I had been wary, since I didn’t know him from Adam.  After all, it didn’t take a genius to figure out what would happen if you put together a man and a woman who had so long been deprived of intimate contact.  However, Aidan conducted himself like a true gentleman, for which I was, as well as was not, grateful.

It frankly blew my mind, the extent of his restraint.

So much for preconceived notions, I supposed.

And everyone always used to maintain that women were the more unpredictable of the two sexes.  Guess again, people, I thought, feeling downright aggravated by this puzzle of a man.

It was either that Aidan was content being a monk or I just flat out repulsed the guy.  Coin toss there, I thought in dismay.  Maybe he didn’t have a taste for beaner women?

Who knew.

Aidan was one male with a serious storehouse chock full of self-control, I decided, being unable to help but muse that God, in His infinite amusement, had sent me not only a lunatic, but a celibate one no less.

However, as I had always maintained, nothing was ever written in stone, but rather in the ever shifting sands of the ageless desert.  Just as I knew without a doubt that time would tell all tales.

Fortune passes everywhere.

The Ancient who had coined this phrase had been dead on the money, or such was my consideration while I secretly observed Sierra from a safe distance.  I had just concluded my hunt and was returning to camp with a brace of rabbits when I spied her waking from a long night’s sleep.

That was one habit of which I had yet to break her – sleeping in, that was.

Time – we have Time, Aidan O’Reilly, I cautioned myself.  Eternal patience I had pride in possessing, but this was not an absolute.  Well, apparently I had a few lessons to teach myself, as well as teach this woman.

Stretching with leisure, Sierra eventually left the comfort of her bedroll to then make her way down to the river.

Today was the day, I decided, when we two would consummate our relationship – before time ran out.

Now hunkering down, in silence I watched, considering my options – options which I had been pondering for almost a week.  We could continue to melt off into the wilderness, just she and I.  It would be in her best interest in the long run, I knew – if not but for my Oath.  To keep her from falling into the hands of the AFA meant one of two things – disappear with her or instead bring her back to The Order.

One option required me to break my Oath to The Order, as well as to The Brotherhood.  The other went without saying.

However, we were not in Order territory – or that of the AFA.  We were in that nether world between the two where the Blackguard reigned, but this mattered little to me.  Work with the Blackguard we must, but that didn’t mean I would permit the woman to be claimed by them – if even the agreement to which we had longed agreed was crystal clear.  Up until recently, it had been a moot point, really – for with the passage of years fewer and fewer women were being found.  The discovery of this woman was like being wholly blindsided – a gem where no one would ever expect to find one.

And there was no way on God’s Earth I would see handed over to the AFA another woman.  The Americas Federated Army already held my daughter as a pseudo-hostage – under the auspices of a goodwill gesture.

I would not willingly suffer Sierra a similar fate.

It was an incredible notion that the woman had no idea there were others in this world.  This was just a little hard to swallow, but not wholly impossible.  Little did she know, I thought with a heavy heart if this was indeed Truth, her belief.  Yet, there were mysteries surrounding this particular woman that one could not overlook.

Or at least, people in the know could not overlook.

One point being how could she have gone unfound, utterly undetected, for seven years?  Much less have survived all by herself in such a hostile environment for so long?  She did not look as if she’d been weathering the elements for such a span of time.

Tenacious I had certainly found her to be, but for a rather petite and diminutive Latina woman?  It was difficult to comprehend how she could have done so well without the support of others.  I and my men had crossed paths with numerous cougars and bears and yet to hear her tale, she had had few encounters with any of the wilds more dangerous, and proliferate, carnivorous residents.  And those few incidents she had recounted for me, the woman had walked away unscathed.

It did not add up – and this was just one of much preponderance which had been dogging me as of late.

Not to mention the fact that she had managed to remain under the radar of many far-reaching eyes.

Needless to say, something about this alluring woman did not quite fit which in turn gave me considerable pause, making me feel decidedly ill at ease.  The possibilities that could explain her existence were few, a short list, but one loomed large in the foreground, unavoidable.  It was this suspicion that I would keep to myself until I had gathered more data.  Observation would have to be my instrument of choice in ferreting out the Truth.

Putting aside my ruminations, I now initiated a new hunt, one where the prey was far more tantalizing than mere coneys.

Slipping back to camp with absence of sound, I laid down the rabbits along with my bow and then removed my hunting vest.  Setting it aside, I kept my eyes trained on the river where Sierra was washing up, oblivious to all surrounding her.  The perfect opportunity offered up itself and so gladly would I accept it.

With well-honed stealth born of measured patience, I made my way down to the riverbank to join her.  I was about to break a direct order, but that was of no concern to me.  After all, I was only an agent for the Blackguard – as was the man to whom I was, during these forays at least, answerable.  I would break his command without thought or care of reproach.  My Oath to The Order was of greater import, and that, thus far, had remained intact.

Even if it was teetering on a fine line at present, this woman having tempted me beyond reason and back again.  I should have just spirited her away, off to The Order – however, there were mitigating circumstances.  These I would embrace and play them for all they were worth in defense of myself, my actions.

Regardless, in the end, I knew what I must do – and upholding my Oath to The Brotherhood was the least of my worries.  That was an absolute – to die would hold preference over that of being branded as an oath breaker.

I allowed the woman to finish her morning cleanse while I hung back, biding my time as I played the part of voyeur.  After she had finished dressing, there she stood, watching the river run with her arms tightly wrapped about her body.  It’s now or never, Assassin, I prodded myself and so with resignation and ease of practice I slipped up behind her at unawares.

Thus I waited for her to turn around.

After almost a minute, the woman finally caught on that she was no longer alone.  Thus she spun about with a bit of a start, Sierra now locking her eyes onto my own.

“God gives us another glorious morning” I made note, offering her a heartfelt smile, one with which she rewarded me by its return, and tenfold.  Always happy she was to see me – a small detail which consistently warmed my heart, each and every time.  Not the least of which was feeding my ego.

“Yeah, Aidan – but those aren’t exactly in short supply here in the desert” was her reminder as she pulled her wet hair back into a pony tail.

“No – but women are” was my plain reasoning and now she grinned.

“And like men aren’t?” she joked in return, although I was not about to offer a response.  Men, though rare enough, were not as much a rarity by comparison with women.

Instead I only stood there, considering her and savoring being able to look upon woman, so few and far between they had become.  And here was one standing right before me, and an extremely desirable one, no less.  Sierra reminded me in many ways of a woman from my past.  So much so that often times I found it thoroughly disconcerting.  It was not appearance alone, although that was a greater part of the resemblance.  Her spirit was what had captured me, as had the one of a woman who, in a distant past, had been a major part of my life, as well as the life of my brother.

Again, more answers than questions – however, I was of the mind that God was not in the practice of replicating souls.  Bodies could be cloned, but the inner light of God’s finest creation, Man?  Not.  Only God had the ability to hand out souls, and not man.

Deciding that I had wasted enough time drinking in with my eyes her incredibly appealing beauty, and before she started running off at the mouth, I closed the distance between us.  None too soon, apparently, for she was about to begin more of her incessant chattering – but that I was quick to curtail.  Raising a single finger to her lips, I was able to abruptly cut off her string of words before it had even had a chance to begin.

“The time for talking is over” I informed her in a low voice, the last words I would speak before engaging her in intimacy.  Would I get an argument, I wondered?  Hesitation she showed, but I did not think opposition would necessarily ensue.  I had not misread her, but her forthcoming response held me amusement.

“Aidan!  I look like a wet rat!” the temptress exclaimed, concerned with her appearance – another trait which endeared her to me.  Here we were, in the middle of literally nowhere, and she was worried about how she would look to me.  Wet or no, the woman was a knockout – hands down.

Oh, well – a few more words wouldn’t hurt, I supposed, if they would serve to quell her bout of nerves.

“I’ve seen my fair share of wet rats, Sierra – and trust me, you bear no resemblance to any of them” I chuckled.  “You are a gorgeous woman – dry or wet” was my assurance, reaching out to stroke her cheek with the back of my hand.  Hopefully that would be the end of speaking – for both of us.  If not?  Then I would make it so, even if she did not like it.  Idle conversation had no place during coitus.

And so, without further discussion, or resistance on her part, Sierra allowed me to kiss her.  A kiss which at first was sweet, but then transmuted as she now greedily returned it.

No, I had not misread her.  Not at all, I thought in triumph, but then suddenly, as quick as she had been to engage me, she now pulled away.

“Uh… given what I think we are about to do… um… protection?” the woman sheepishly inquired and I could only blink at her.  Did she think men still wandered God’s Earth with condoms tucked away in their wallets?  There would be no need to worry about conception – the Unspoken and their biochemists had seen to that minor detail.  At least for the present.

Sierra needn’t know this, however – anymore than she need know who were the Unspoken.

“God would not approve” was my matter-of-fact reply – a stance in which I firmly believed, being yet a good Catholic at heart, at least for the most part.  However, it would serve purpose enough, getting across the message that skin-to-skin was the only way we were going to consummate our relationship otherwise no dice.  Nothing else would suffice in the Eyes of God.

Warring with herself, Sierra bit her lip as she cast her eyes downward.  With a look of concentration on her face, it did not take a genius to guess that she was counting off in her mind the days since her last period.

Sighing in resignation, and also with a touch of relief, I could detect, she looked to me once more.  The woman did not speak, instead just slowly nodding – and that was all the consent I needed as I then drew her into my arms.

And I was of a mind that our coupling would have given even nirvana a good run for its money.

Fighting with my PDA, I managed to finish tapping out my reply, encrypted it and then send it off across the internet to AFA High Command.

Seven years later and technology still plagued me, I grumbled to myself.  Where was my geek when I needed him? I thought in aggravation.  Oh, yeah – that’s right.  Kevin was too busy playnig exchange hostage with The Order.  Kept forgetting about that minor detail, was my thought, one with more than a tad bit of a sardonic cant.

Now turning off the annoying device, I stowed it in the pocket of my field jacket and then closed my eyes.  Pinching the bridge of my nose as I did so, I now proceeded to count to ten.

“You know, Collin – if you’d just take the time to learn a Palm, it’d be easier” Eric saw fit to make comment.  “Those Pocket PC’s suck – sir” my Colonel then tacked on for good measure, knowing how I felt about Palm devices.  In my humble opinion, one practically needed to be a techno-geek to figure out those evil pieces of technology.   “Let me guess,” he now wisely forged ahead, “that communiqué was not good news, was it, Commander?” was his thoroughly correct assessment.

More than correct, actually – it was dead-on.  The news was downright awful.

“Is any summons from T.C. for a command performance at AFA High Command ever good news, Jonesy – is it?!” I snapped at Eric who was not only my Colonel but also my Second in command and long time best friend.  That we had both survived the virus that nearly wiped man off the face of God’s Earth was nothing short of a miracle.  And to go one further?  My Third and Captain-Major, Greg, a.k.a. Brains, another survivor, had also been a friend in Pre-Time, and a subordinate as well, just as was the same with Eric.

Kind of made one wonder.  What were the odds on that?  Who knew, but I would wager astronomical since the vaccine against the nasty bug that had nearly wiped out mankind was a near total bust.

So many people dead, so bloody few left.  It got one’s mind to wandering, straying onto ground where it was thoroughly ill advised to tread.

“That’s Elite-General Hastings to you, Commander” my Second laughed in reminder.  Yeah – no familiarity there between me and my CO.  T.C. and I just flat out loathed each other.  Of course, General Hastings had a natural advantage over me.

Being his subordinate, I served as his favorite whipping post.

Looking out the window of the pickup, I watched the sun as it now breached the horizon.  A glorious day in the lower deserts was in the offing – or would have been if not for that communique from General Hastings.

“Can you trust him?” my Colonel now prompted, and I sure the hell knew that he did not mean my CO.  Again anger was quick to rise up within me and so once more I silently counted to ten.  Didn’t help much, but it sure beat blasting Jonesy right off the bat.

“Who?  Aidan?” was my terse supposition.  Now tearing my eyes from the sunrise, I considered Eric at length.  “I can’t believe you are even asking such a thing” I grunted in disgust.  “Would you put your trust in an ex-CIA cutthroat?  You know my history with Aidan, Jonesy – I think at times almost better than I do.  What do you think?”  Eric did not answer right away, instead leaning forward to clasp his hands between his knees, thinking.

“If this was Pre-Time?  Not,” he assured me, “but there’s one hell of a lot more at stake here, Commander – Aidan knows this.  He might be an assassin but he’s not just a mindless killing machine either.”

“Huh – ya think?” was my droll retort but then regretted my terse retort as soon as the words were out.  “Sorry, Eric – don’t mean to take it out on you, but Aidan is overdue.  How long does it take anyway to gentle a spy?” I wanted to know.

“You think that is what this Sierra woman is?” Eric asked, incredulously.  “Really, come on now.  Who would risk the loss of a woman?  Even the Unspoken Order would not go so far.”

“Wanna bet?” I now growled at him as my temper again flared.  “You gotta admit – that would be one damned good advantage as a spy these days” I tried to reason.  “Who could refuse a woman anything, eh?”

“You for one, Collin, most certainly could not – you’re a hundred and ten percent right there, my friend” he was all too quick to agree, but after all, Eric knew me exceedingly well.  “You always did, and still do, think with your dick – scarcity of women notwithstanding, of course.”

“Yes, of course” was my response, one flatly delivered.  “Thanks, Jonesy – I can always count on you, at least, to brighten my day” I mumbled and running a hand over my face I once more I then looked out the window.  What to do?  I had intended to tail Aidan, since I certainly did not trust him, any more than he trusted me – at least when it came to business.

When he had reported back that a woman had been found, that’s when things started to get a bit dicey from there on out.  Her story, as recounted by Aidan, did not fit.  Could she have wandered in the desert for seven years – alone?  Perhaps, but according to Aidan she sure as shit did not look to have been braving the elements for so long a time.

I needed to see for myself; nothing else would do.  My eyes would speak to me Truth, I knew.  It had been a week since Aidan’s last report and I was admittedly more than just a bit apprehensive.  The thought had occurred to me that he might spirit the woman off to The Order, regardless our mutual understanding.

That would put one rather large kink in the scheme of things.  My AFA masters only tolerated me do to my relationship with this Elite-Assassin, and the blood thirsty Arm of the fraternity known as The Brotherhood to which he belonged.  They needed something The Order had – or rather, something they perceived The Order to possess.  And the fact that I had also sworn an Oath to The Brotherhood and its Order, albeit in a distant past?  This made me valuable by association, even if I was AFA down to my very core, probably being the least devoted Member alive of The Brotherhood.

My partnership with Aidan, and my ties to The Order, had bought me a whole host of perks within the AFA.  One in particular kept eluding me, though – one I had been chasing my whole career, Pre-Time and Post-Time alike, but was always just out of my reach.  The rank of General – or in the Post-Time world of the Americas Federated Army, Elite-General.  However, my own CO stood squarely in my way and so as consolation prize my rank of Commander-General had to suffice.

A glorified Colonel was all I was, in essence.

Beggars, though, did not have the luxury of being choosers.

Leaning forward, I now started the truck’s engine.  I would have to leave behind, for the time being, the mystery woman, Aidan and our double-agent work with the Blackguard.  The AFA had just summoned me to High Command so that’s where my Colonel and I were now required to beat one very hasty path.  My Captain-Major would remain behind with the Blackguard – Greg had the ability to collect and analyze data with that amazing mind of his, returning accurate results almost one hundred and ten percent of the time.  He would just have to fill me in upon our return – that was if we should be allowed to return at all.

In silence we drove to the airstrip, a silence which then persisted throughout the duration of our flight.  I was preoccupied by the communique my commanding officer had sent.  The man was not happy.  His message quite clearly conveyed this sense in a mere five words – get your ass here now.  As brief as the General could be on words, I could be equally as long.  Many tight spots I had been able to talk my way out, and I was expecting to have to do no less this time around when reporting to my CO.  The only difference being was that this time I had no clue what bug had crawled up the butt of good ol’ Terrence Cornelius Hastings. Elite-General, AFA.

I was soon to find out, however.

Once having touched down at AFA High Command, I made the beeline expected of me – straight to the General’s office.  His Adjutant told me I would find him waiting in his conference room and so I swallowed hard.  That most likely meant there would be more fire to face than just that coming from my CO.

Dusting off myself before entering, I grunted a laugh at the absurdity of my gesture.  Why was I bothering?  I looked a sight and so what would a little desert dust matter?  I was out of uniform, unshaven and my hair had grown far beyond collar length so that I almost looked like a Member of The Brotherhood – decidedly not the picture of an AFA Commander-General.  However, to be a double-agent for the Blackguard meant looking the part of a rogue.

Try to tell that to the General, however?  Different story there, altogether.

After taking several deep breaths, I knocked and then flung open the door to the conference room, boldly striding through.  Much to my consternation, and requiring me to swiftly rein in myself, I saw that General Hastings was in the company of Supreme-General Karloff.

Ok, Commander – you are now officially toast, was my glum assessment of the situation at hand as I came to a controlled stop.  Time to switch gears – no overt confidence would be tolerated by General Karloff.  That much I did know about this man who was supreme commander in chief of the AFA.

First bowing exceptionally low to the Supreme-General, I then redirected my display of respect to my own CO.  Although not bowing quite as low to General Hastings, I thought it wise to bow lower than usual given his company.  After having surveyed their faces, I switched gears and decided to keep my mouth shut, waiting for them to throw out the first volley.

“New look, Commander?” General Karloff inquired as he now leaned back in his chair.  My radar told me that I had kept them waiting longer than they felt was acceptable.  Would telling them that our pilot had been required to circumvent several rather strong storm cells serve to quell their displeasure?

Absolutely not.

“If I might beg pardon of the Supreme-General – I came directly from the airstrip” I explained away my less than professional appearance.  Standing straight, shoulders drawn back as I clasped my hands behind me, I steeled myself for debriefing.  Or rather a witch hunt, which was my growing suspicion.

“Hmm” was Karloff’s sole response to my weak excuse, eyes drilling into my own but I refused to be cowed.  You’ll be ok, Commander, I tried to calm myself.  Just whatever you do, don’t get confrontational, O’Reilly!  Or even defensive, for that matter.  Whipping post – that is all I was to these men.  Results, results, results – they had a singular, one track mind in that arena.

It was not so simple to obtain results! I now thought in aggravation.  Perhaps they would like to try their hand at maneuvering Aidan, who was The Order’s Head of Assassins.  I’d give them thirty seconds tops with him – if even that.

Aidan loathed the AFA to no end – reviled was another appropriate descriptor there.  He had once told me if he had previously considered that the United States Military couldn’t possibly get any worse, then he in this one instance he had been dead wrong.  Along comes the newly reformed version, the Americas Federated Army.  Aidan had actually said to me that he wasn’t sure if he should snap his own neck or laugh his ass off ‘til Kingdom Come while wrapped in a straightjacket.

Which also pretty much summed up how much respect he held for my rank of Commander-General within this military regime.

It didn’t account for squat – that’s what it added up to.

“Your last report, Commander O’Reilly?” my CO began and so jumping to conclusions I naturally assumed that he hadn’t gotten it.  Or if he had, then deleted it by accident – or intentionally, come to think of it.

“Three days ago, sir” I was quick to respond.  “Would the General care for me to resend it?  Or should I give a personal accounting since I am now present?” were my hopeful suggestions.

“Commander – I did not summon you here to be bored to tears” T.C. informed me in a low voice – one full of danger, most notably.  “Your reports, shall we say, lack substance.  Wordy but they offer little by way of conveying tangible results.”

“If the General will forgive my forwardness, but it takes time to garner results,” I boldly reminded him, “and if I may also recall for the General, The Brotherhood and its Order are all about patience.  They bide their time, they observe, assess – they slumber.”

“Humanity does not have such luxury, Commander” General Karloff then spoke up, telling me something that I knew all too well.  However – although I sought that which they would have me seek, my intent of what to do with said object was the exact opposite of their own.

AFA to the core, did I say?  Yes, I was – but a Christian I was, first and foremost.  What they proposed as a means to greaten humanity’s chances of survival in a world where there were not enough women, one with a scarecely viable breeding population?  It was sheer blasphemy.  Extinction looming or no, I could not, would not, go against the Word of God.  Being raised Irish-Catholic, this had been ingrained into my soul – or rather beaten into it, let’s just put it that way.

But play the game I would, on all fronts, and at all costs, if this in turn would mean that I’d come out ahead.  The hard part was putting my superiors off my scent while still delivering quasi-tangible results – which was the only thing that could possibly appease these powerful men who were driven to succeed.

That I had had my work cut out for me, and from the get-go, was the understatement of the millennium.

“Understood, sir” was all I could say in return.  I did have a bone I could throw them, one that would get them off my backs, but was I willing?  Certainly not.  “My work continues and its urgency is always foremost in my mind, Generals” I assured them.  “However, I am suspect that The Order does not possess that which we seek” I tossed on the table for consideration.

“Is that all you have been able to glean from the Assassin?” T.C. put to me with arid inquiry, as dry and as dusty as the desert itself.  The Assassin was how Aidan was known among his Brethren, after all.

“Aidan is a tough nut to crack, sir” I actually heard myself say – as if my tongue had decided to wholly ignore any and all directives from my brain.  With a grunt, Karloff laughed.

“The man is your brother, for the love of God!” General Karloff now barked, slamming his fist on the top of the conference table.  Sure, Aidan might have been my brother, but he was also my Brother – and the latter took precedence over the former.  At least as far as Aidan and The Order was concerned.

“That does not mean that to me he is an open book – sir!” I shot back for this was indeed Truth.  Aidan and I had been at odds our whole lives – as far back as in the womb.  I no more knew the mind that day of my fraternal twin than I had in Pre-Time.  Before the world had nearly checked out, Aidan had been an assassin for the CIA and if the phrase man of mystery ever fit anyone in this world, then that would have to be my brother, Aidan.

My protest was met with stone silence I was now disheartened to take note.

“Forgive my outburst, sirs” I now apologized as the room grew thick with testosterone.  The precious bone I would have to toss them after all, I thought in dismay – but if I was fortunate, then perhaps I could, after some fashion, turn it to my advantage.

“Making further viable inroads with my brother would require me to abandon the AFA and Reaffirm my Oath with The Brotherhood, which would also mean Reaffirming my Oath to The Order” I offered, trying not to choke on the words for The Order just plain scared the shit out of me.  Those men did not fuck around – not one iota.  And if I was a whipping post now what would I be then, should I once more become Order?  Involuntarily I shuddered at the chilling consideration.  Many times in our shared past my brother had whooped my ass big time, all for the purpose of teaching me lessons he felt I needed to learn, to help me survive, to defend myself on a more elevated plane.

As if he had in advance been trying to train me to become a Member.

Not.  I was no slouch in the physical prowess department, but be on the same level as my brother and his deadly compatriots?  No way – that just wasn’t about to happen.

“I think we understand that my leaving the AFA would put the kibosh on my present assignment” I continued, matter-of-fact.  “I would become but a peon in the midst of The Order’s ranks, a low ranking Member, as it were” I reminded them, although in that moment I felt that’s what I was anyway in the AFA – rank of Commander-General or no.  “There has been a recent turn of events which I think may interest the Generals” I made prediction.  “While on reconnaissance for the Blackguard, Aidan made a very… curious… discovery.”

The Generals both lent me a look of total disinterest, however.

“Please, Commander – regale us” T.C. finally prodded with a nod.  Ok, O’Reilly – toss that bone and see who is first to snatch it up.

“Aidan encountered a woman” I laid out for dissection and now I most certainly did gain their interest.  No more derision forthcoming, it seemed.  Small victories, I mused with an inward grin – but at what cost?  This was the question that truly mattered.

“She was in whose company, Commander?” my CO was now quick to inquire, leaning forward across the table in rapt attention as his inquisitiveness grew by the moment.

“No one, sir – the woman was quite alone and unattended” I explained.

“Was?” Karloff now spoke in inquiry, now trailing the scent.

“My brother has taken up with her” I went on.  “She declares to have lived by herself in the desert – since the Apocalypse” I revealed.  “The woman thought herself to be the sole survivor of humanity – that was, until my brother happened along.”

“How can that possibly be?” my CO wanted to know.  What did I look like?  A crystal ball?

“It would not be impossible” Karloff now countered, having mulled it over for a bit.  “Improbable, but not impossible.”

“No, sir – but to have not heard any aircraft, or vehicles, crossing the desert?  Not to mention men on horseback in droves?” I suggested.  “A hard sell in any market.  A spy she instead might be.  Aidan recounted that the woman does not look to have braved the hostile elements of a desert environment for such a long time.”  This last bit, more than anything, seemed to get really get their attention.  How interesting – eye openers on both sides, then.

“You have not seen for yourself” General Hastings now correctly surmised.

“No, sir” I affirmed, praying that my CO did not ask the next question which I suspected he might.

“Description, at least?” Karloff questioned.  I had no idea – Aidan would not tell me, the bloody prick.

“Time did not permit” I lied through my teeth and then forged ahead, covering my tracks with Truth.  “I was making plans to intercede when I received your summons” I recounted.  “Needless to say we don’t want this woman, spy or no, to fall into the hands of the Blackguard.”

“Nor The Order” Karloff added for me.  “How long since the woman was intercepted?”

“A week ago, sir” I was forced to answer and now their demeanor turned towards one of agitation.

“And the Commander did not see fit to inform us until now?” T.C. coolly inquired.

“Hearsay!” was my staunch defense.  “I needed confirmation, sirs.”

“Commander O’Reilly – are you trying to imply us that your brother would… lie to you?” Karloff carefully put to me his inquiry.  “To what purpose?  Not to mention that Members of The Brotherhood do not lie, especially to their own” he saw fit to remind me.  No – not overtly, at any rate.  Their omissions, however, were every bit as deceitful as was any lie.

Yeah, and as far as being truthful to their own, though, I was a mere Pre-Time initiate – not Post-Time.  Big fucking difference there.  I was looked upon as that proverbial pond scum and I wasn’t even sure I rated that high up the food chain in The Order.  If I did hold a place higher than pond scum, then it was probably something akin to the likes of a bottom feeder.

“I am a Pre-Time Member” I tried to put into perspective for the Generals.  “I have not faced the Trials of this Post-Time era to become a Reaffirmed Member” I stated the facts.  Even if I was ordered by my AFA superiors to take things one step further, to renew my Oath with The Brotherhood and its Order, I was uncertain that I could pass the Brotherhood’s tests, known as the Trials.

Uncertain did I say?  Scratch that – I was convinced that I most certainly would not.

The Order was a rather exclusive club in this Post-Time world.  If a man did not pass the Trials – then he died.  Simple.  Only the best of the best need apply, of course, for The Order would accept no less.

“Perhaps, Commander, you should engage your brother in such discussion?” T.C. posed and I could only hope that I had not turned white.  I had no desire to leave the AFA – Aidan was aware of this and so it would be a hollow conversation should I initiate it.

“If the Generals will permit,” I went on, ignoring my CO’s suggestion, “I would like to return to my fieldwork with the Blackguard.  I will be able to take a side trip to verify my brother’s account.  I do not believe he has told an untruth regarding the woman, but I believe there is also much he is reluctant to reveal.  If he had thought to spirit her off to The Order, then Aidan would not have notified me of his find at all – period.”

“And just why do you think he would clue you into his discovery in the first place?” General Karloff purposefully asked and I could discern that what he was pondering was not the same as the question he voiced.  This revelation deeply disturbed me, although it had no basis in fact – instead only being a hunch.  “If reports are accurate, and your brother intends to make his bid for Grand Head of The Order, then delivering unto The Brotherhood another woman would go a long way to bolstering his intended coup.  Wouldn’t you say?”

“Your words have merit, General, upon this much I can agree” I accepted.  “However, to presume to know the mind of my brother?  Even I would not be so bold as to make that mistake” was my brazen rebuff.

“Well, Commander – I would strongly suggest that you strengthen those bonds with your Elite-Assassin brother” Karloff put to me, but like – why didn’t he just make that an order?  Since when did AFA High Command ever make anything a mere suggestion?  Before I had a chance to further consider this oddity, he now barked at me in command, “Dismissed!”  And without further discussion, I promptly bowed to each General in his turn.  Wasting no time, I sharply spun about on my heel, hurriedly making my exit.

Once the door of the conference room was securely shut behind me, I then afterwards mulled over, and for a long time to come, this decidedly odd meeting and the meaning I was certain that lay therein.

Odd because my superiors had not ripped me up one side and down the other before they had sent me packing.

With late spring now swiftly becoming summer, the days not only were turning hotter, but more humid as well.  Monsoon season seemed poised to arrive much earlier than usual this year.  Bringing with it much needed, and much welcome, rain, it would also usher in dangerous flash floods.

Aidan and I had begun our trek upland towards rim country where we could find relief from the impending heat.  I was game for that since humidity accompanied by high temperatures were not on the top of my most pleasurable list of things to experience.  I hated humid weather with a passion – it would always make me feel dirty, even when I was not.  Aidan seemed to revel in the elements, though, each and every change he took in stride.  It was all just a part of God’s World, he would say.  Well, be that as it may, that didn’t mean that I was required to like it.

Dirt I didn’t mind, but dirt and sweat combined together – then I took issue.  Needless to say in the lower deserts water was a scarcity, which meant bathing wasn’t exactly a frequent occurrence, unless we stuck to a river where water still flowed.  However, curiously Aidan strayed far from obvious water sources.  The man sure knew an awful lot of secret places to find water, though, I took note with interest.  Way more than I did, that was for certain.

As we meandered through the wilderness, we would chat.  Correction – I chatted while Aidan listened.  He certainly wasn’t much of a conversationalist when it came to idle banter.  However, if it was a topic of great interest to him?  Or if he thought he could impart knowledge upon me which would be beneficial to our continued survival?  Then he would get somewhat wordy – or about as close to wordy as this stoic man could possibly get.

There was one thing that struck me odd about Aidan, and practically from the get go.  The man seemed to always be on alert for danger.  He would keep us moving along, never lingering in one spot for any length of time.  If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that Aidan suspected us to be hunted.  That was the word which most often came to mind.  Needless to say, this did not give me a warm and fuzzy.  After all, I had not seen another living soul in the seven years before I met Aidan.  Whatever was out there that had kept Aidan hopping, then I had a hunch that it wasn’t the local fauna – or at least, not the four-legged ones, anyway.

Brazil nut – the man was like a Brazil nut, I decided.  You really had to work at removing that outer shell but still leave the nut inside intact, without smashing it to pieces.  My subtle prodding inquires, as well as not so subtle ones, were usually met by his typical silent recourse.  What his line of work had been in the Time Before, as he referred to pre-apocalypse days, I could only speculate.

Sparing of words, proficient with weapons, a dead-on marksman, downright unnerving stealth, cool, calculating and cautious with patience in excess – the evidence kept adding up.  He must have been CIA.  Nothing else fit, I told myself.  I had no clue if I was right or wrong, but putting together the puzzle pieces of this man gave me a new hobby of sorts.  Besides getting cozy with this one extremely enticing man.  I had not realized just how much I had missed the feeling of being so close to the male body.  Such simple pleasures and the day we first did it?  Well – to say that heaven and earth had moved would have been no exaggeration.  Amazing how seven years without intimacy will totally change one’s perception of the act, I considered.

Since Aidan was not big on talk unless it was a topic of his choice, I let him do the choosing.  Getting him to talk was at times, though, was like pulling teeth – painful for both of us.  And so, when he wanted to be silent, or more like when he wanted me to just shut up, I appeased him and would keep my mouth closed.

I noticed that Aidan looked at the world much differently than I did myself.  He seemed to view everything with a critical and decidedly analytical eye, even the topic of religion.  This brought to mind an image of a warrior-monk, or one of those Knights Templar guys.  Although this man was anything but a monk, taking great pleasure in our couplings, as did I.  He truly believed that the pleasures a woman and man shared were a gift straight from God.  Gift or no, I was careful not to get too interested when it was close to my time of ovulation.  The thought of pregnancy in this world devoid of doctors and hospitals still scared the living crap out of me.

As I came to know Aidan, it was clear that he was downright honorable, but there was so much about this guy that I could not even being to fathom.  One thing of which I was sure, he had never been your average everyday Joe Sixpack, and not by any stretch.  Growing to trust him had come quickly and easily even though we had only been acquainted a short while.  I had always been the kind of woman who went with her gut feeling, especially when it came to character.  However, I still could not shake the feeling that Aidan was continuing to hold something back.  This led me to consider that the station he had once held in his previous life was one he felt I might not look upon with kindness.  When asked, he would just brush off the inquiry, either with silence or by saying that was another time, another place.

This did not mean that I didn’t keep right on trying, of course.

Our journey seemingly droned on without direction, each day blending into the one that followed.  Although, I had to admit that it was nice to have someone else leading for a change, to decide which way to go.  Prior to Aidan coming onto the scene, I had pretty much wandered about without any rhyme or reason.  I supposed that was one reason why I had meandered back towards the Valley of the Sun.  It had always been a place of permanence in my past, and permanence was something that had sorely been lacking during the past seven years of my life.

Now that I had Aidan in my company, though?  The thought of settling down had great appeal – at least to me, at any rate.  I wasn’t so sure about my traveling companion, however.  If one was to look up the word wanderlust in the dictionary, then a picture of Aidan would have been predominantly displayed.  He sure didn’t let any grass grow under his feet.

Not that there was a lot of grass in the desert, that was.

One day we were tracing our way along a seasonal river that twisted and squeezed its way through a narrow ravine.  As the day drew on, our progress became more labored.  We encountered a stretch littered with scattered boulders and debris from the flash floods of previous monsoon seasons.  This made passage a chore since the day had turned hot early on and now there was a noticeable lack of wind, or even a breeze for that matter.  It was dead still – hot and heavy the air hung about us and it seemed the only thing on the move were flies.  Thankfully, Aidan decided to stop and take a short break before we continued to work our way through the flotsam and jetsam.

“Aidan,” I tentatively began as I sat down, leaning my back up against a boulder with a yawn and a stretch, “don’t you ever get tired of wandering around?  I mean, you’re the only person I have seen in the past seven years.  I seriously doubt we’re going to find any other people way out here, if that is even what you are looking for?” I prodded, since I had the reverse impression that he did not care if we ever crossed paths with another soul.  “I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I’m kind of hiked out” I told him, folding my arms across my chest as I studied his face, trying to gauge his reaction.  Without betrayal of his position on the subject, he sat down beside me, resting wrist to bent knee.

“There is so much yet to see in this desert wilderness, Sierra” Aidan made effort to reason with me, but I wasn’t sure why he was bothering.  He was going to drag me along regardless my wishes.  “You’ve but barely scratched the surface in all your years of travel” was his assessment.  “There are many natural wonders on which you have yet to lay eyes, ones that only I can show you.  It would be a shame to anchor yourself to one place when God’s World is wide open to us.

“Now that you travel with me, I will take you to some of the most breath-taking sights to be seen in desert southwest” the man made promise, with absolute confidence no less, and so I had no doubt he would make good on his promise.  “You wouldn’t want to deprive yourself of the opportunity to see some of God’s most wondrous natural creations, would you?” was his position but I only looked down for a moment, releasing a heavy sigh of disappointment.

“I know you’re weary,” he now continued, getting as wordy as I had ever heard him be, “but what else would you propose to do if we did not travel?  Stay home and play cards?  Plant a garden?  Weave baskets?” was his deadpan inquiry but then he unexpectedly laughed at his own humorous suggestions.  A rare, heartfelt smile graced his face and I thought how vibrantly alive he became when he was lighter of heart.  This man needs to smile more often, I considered.  Aidan was close most of the time, as if he carried some burden that he felt unable to share with me.  Cautious and guarded were words that often presented themselves when considering this guy – just two of many words I had squirreled away in a repository of words that summed him up.

“Well, since you put it that way, what choice do I have?” I replied pleasantly enough but in reality my heart sank with a resounding thud.

“You always have a choice, my love – although I would hope that you’d choose to be with me” he quietly expressed, now intently regarding me with those compelling dark eyes of his.  Reaching out, he took my hand in his own, tightly squeezing it as he offered up in temptation smile full of warmth.

Leave him?  Never – that wasn’t even an option now.  So where he went, this little lamb was sure to follow since I had fallen in love with him.  Plain and simple.

How could I not?

With each passing day I had come to find myself more and more in love with this stranger – this tall, dark, handsome stranger, no less.  In a way, Aidan reminded me of a character out of some Gothic novel – he had jet black hair which he wore very long and knotted at the nape of his neck into a ponytail.  He also sported a beard which he kept neatly cropped.  Even his actions most times seemed what one would consider chivalric, I mused.  The man was larger than life, when you got right down to it.

Just as I was about to assure him that where he led I would follow, this was when I heard it.

Close but faint.

Faint but near.

Aidan was immediately on alert, sitting bolt upright.  Straining my ears to hear into the distance, I then froze.  Aidan was the quicker and had already sprung into action.

“Stay here!” he barked at me in command.  Now grabbing his crossbow he then bolted off in the direction sound.  Before I could even get my bearings, the man was already long gone, out of sight.

A dread foreboding quickly overtook me.  Not in response to the sound, which were the barely discernible cries for help from another human being, another man.  It was rather the icy look in Aidan’s eyes when it had become clear to him that we were no longer alone.  And when he reached for his crossbow, the look on his face was one I’d seen many times – when he was hunting.  Instinctively I knew it was his intention to kill the owner of those cries.  Although I could think of no logical reason why he would want to do that sight unseen, I just seemed to know this as fact.

Leaping to my feet I now took chase, running as if my own life depended upon it – but he was so swift!  I had barely caught up to him when I came upon the source of those pleas for help, and disturbingly enough Aidan had already raised his crossbow.  With deadly accuracy he had it trained upon a man whose left arm and leg were pinned beneath a pile of boulders.  Quickly assessing the scene, it was clear that the man had been trying to negotiate his down a steep slope, one littered with treacherously loose debris.

Looking from Aidan to the unfortunate man I couldn’t fathom how this guy could possibly present any threat to him, or even to me for that matter.  It was a wonder that the man had not broken his neck in the dive he must have taken which ended with him almost being buried alive.  So what did Aidan have to worry about?  Yet there he was, ready to let loose a lethal arrow into a fellow human being who was very much at his mercy.

It was then that I noticed Aidan appeared undecided – which was wholly out of character for him.  With this revelation, a little red flag abruptly popped up its head.  This man was never unsure about anything, making split second decisions which were always correct, but now he appeared hesitant.  Needless to say, much to my relief.  I couldn’t care less the reason since it bought me precious time.  This trapped man could do us no harm, so then what was the real issue here?

“Aidan!” I called out as I grabbed hold of his arm, trying to force him to lower his crossbow. “What on earth are you doing?!”

“Do not interfere” he cautioned me in a low. guttural voice, one which did nothing short of frighten me.  This was also grossly out of character for Aidan.  What on earth had gotten into him all of a sudden?

“Why are you so tweaked?” I shot back as I now positioned myself in front of him, notably between Aidan’s crossbow and the injured man.  “This man obviously isn’t any threat, given the fact that he is buried alive!  Get a grip!” I demanded, stomping my foot in protest, but Aidan still refused to stand down.  He considered the man for a moment longer and then turned his attention to the surrounding area.  With measured patience he surveyed every inch of terrain within the scope of his sight.

After what seemed like ages, he finally lowered his crossbow and then cocked his head to one side, now intently regarding the unfortunate man.  Did I detect a hint of a smirk on Aidan’s face? I wondered, confused by his reaction to this encounter with such a rarity – another homosapien.  In complete disregard of Aidan’s caution, I decided to approach the man who was pinned beneath the boulders, a man who so desperately needed our help.

“Don’t worry – we’ll get you out of there” I tried to reassure him but apparently Aidan had a different idea.  With blinding speed he grabbed hold of my arm to then abruptly pull me backwards with a jerk, startling the heck out of me.  Never before had Aidan behaved like this and quite frankly, he was doing a good job of freaking me out.

“Go back to where we left our packs – you will wait for me there” Aidan instructed me in a cool and uncompromising tone of voice.  Ok – so what was with the Jekyll and Hyde routine all of a sudden?  This whole thing was absurd and therefore could not be happening.  Aidan’s intent was to kill this, injured man!  I could read it in his eyes.  Had all sanity left this world right along with all its people?

“Aidan, what do you intend to do?” I willed myself to calmly question him but in return Aidan only lent me a fleeting glance.

“What need be done” was his response, one which sent a chill down my spine.  “Now, please – do as I say” he commanded and now going one further, he forcefully turned me around.  Aidan then gave me a not so gentle shove back in the direction from which we had just come.

“Hey, c’mon – you might not have noticed, but I’m in no position here to be a threat… to anyone” the man now found enough strength to speak despite his agony, but yet he was keeping eye contact with me instead of Aidan.  It was clear this man well understood that there would be no bargaining with my maile traveling companion on the point of his salvation.

It was more than just that, I suspected – the man was riveted by my appearance, reminding me of how Aidan had looked at me when the two of us had first met.  This man was also looking at me like I was a ghost.  With his eyes he pleaded for me to help, but how could I go against Aidan if he was hell-bent on doing the unthinkable?

This is just so fucking absurd! I thought in anger and frustration.  There were just too few people left in this world to let one die right in front of my eyes, just to justify some warped perception of Aidan’s that this man might mean us harm.  Or rather become competition for what he considered to be his female, at least this was my summation.  Part of his reaction, I knew, stemmed from a need to protect me at all costs – this I could understand, and even laude.  But protect me from a man who was doomed to die unless we helped him?  That was one insane notion.  It was then that I made my decision.

Unexpectedly, I made a swift and decisive move, twisting round.  Once past Aidan I then sprinted as fast as I was able, making a bee line to where the helpless man lay.  Having caught Aidan off guard, which admittedly surprised the hell out of me since nothing ever got past him, it was with relief that I landed on my knees right next to the injured man.  At this point, I latched onto him.  If Aidan wanted to murder this man, then he’d just have to kill me too!

“Thank you, my dear – thank you” the man breathed through his pain.  Pain which I was sure had been made worse by indiscriminately throwing myself onto the portion of his body which was not buried beneath the stones.

With great effort, the man now flashed me a gorgeous smile in reward.  He had almost no breath left to speak.  Upon closer inspection, I was now in fear that this man would not live even if I was able to extricate him from beneath the boulders, which I knew was a task I would not be able to undertake without help from Aidan.  The man was in dire straits and might just die anyway if he had sustained internal injuries.

But I had to try, at the very least!

Aidan wasted no time recovering his stride and was fast upon me, grabbing my arm to tear me away from the stranger.  Desperately trying to fend off Aidan, I fought for the life of this helpless man.  It was not much of a fight, however – with Aidan being very tall and me just being a short little thing, a Mexican midget, an itty-bitty beaner, by all accounts.  Within moments Aidan had peeled me away from the man as if I was nothing more than an annoying little tick.

“It would be kinder, Sierra, to finish him off now and put an end to his suffering,” Aidan sternly, yet gently, spoke in my ear, “than to let him linger in pain, to suffer until death takes him.”  He made it sound like putting to sleep an aged family pet – but this guy wasn’t a dog, he was a person!

“For the love of God, Aidan!  You don’t even know had bad his injuries are!” was my adamant protest.  “What is wrong with you?!  You wanted to kill him before you even saw him!” I boldly accused.  His reaction to an injured fellow man made me feel sick to my stomach.  To my surprise, however, Aidan now loosened his grip on me to then place his hands on my shoulders, slowly turning me round to face the man beneath the boulders.

“Would you want to suffer like that?” he patiently, gravely, questioned of me as I looked on.

“I hate to interrupt, but would anyone care to ask me that question?” the man implored, his agony being inescapable, but regardless he made another concerted effort to smile.

Glancing up over my shoulder at Aidan, I saw him bow his head and close his eyes.  I could have sworn that he was fraught with indecision.  Something was there, some reason why he felt this man would be better off dead – a reason he was not willing to share, at least not with me.  I wasn’t about to ask since I knew it would be a question without answer.  What was there, then, that he felt a need to hide from me?  This troubled me way more than his reaction to the man.

“My love, this isn’t an injured bird we have here” he tried to reason with me.

“So?  You won’t let me take care of those either!” I snapped, and then I heard the trapped man as he grunted a curt laugh, and so swift I was to cast him a black look.  Here I was trying to save his life and he was exactly making it any easier.  Giving Aidan my attention once more, I now pleaded with my eyes, tugging on his sleeve like a little girl begging a favor of her daddy.  And why not?  The man was probably old enough to be my father anyway, so maybe playing the daddy’s little girl angle would work here.

“Ok, Sierra – have it your way” Aidan actually caved as he now looked to the man and yet again I could see something in Aidan’s eyes, but it was far too fleeting to finger.  “Now, let’s get your wounded sparrow out of there.  Chances are I won’t have to put him out of his misery.  He’ll most likely be out of his own misery before dusk, by the looks of him” was his expectant statement, even to the point if sounding hopeful.

We then spent the next hour carefully extricating the man from his rocky prison.  He seemed to be of much better spirits once he was finally free, as if just knowing that now if he was to die, then it wouldn’t be alone on a rocky slope, a meal for any number of the desert’s predators.

And this was how Collin came to join us.

I was elated beyond words that for once Aidan had been wrong – Collin did not die, much to my delight.  I wasn’t sure just when I had decided the more the merrier, but it was refreshing, as well as exhilarating, to again be surrounded by people, even if it was only two men.  However, in this Time After that could indeed be considered a crowd.

Collin, I was quick to discover, was almost the exact opposite of Aidan.  This new addition to our little troop was open, warm and funny, and full of boyish mischief as well.  This was a trait I found to be most endearing; one which tugged at my heart, I had to admit.  A major breath of fresh air Collin was.

Aidan, in contrast, was always so serious but Collin, even for his injuries, had a devil-may-care attitude.  He also was an extremely intelligent man whose smarts shown through his conversations.  Collin could talk for hours on end, about all things if one, and for a change I was the one listening instead of doing all the talking.  How refreshing! I considered with glee, but then would feel a pang of guilt for being thoroughly engaged by this man.  In doing so I was likely making Aidan jealous, and so I made a conscious effort to tone down my enthusiasm while he was around.

Collin was full of a renewed joy for living once his death sentence had been rescinded, but he was not yet out of the woods, though.  God had favored him since he had no internal damage, except some bruised ribs.  His other injuries were more serious.  His left arm, like his ribs, had only been badly bruised.  However, his left leg was another story – it was broken, and I knew from experience that it took quite a while to recover from an injury like that.  Wrong I was, however, because Collin healed with exceptional speed, and exceptionally well in addition, much to my relief.

Once committed to something, Aidan would give it his all even if the task did not set well with him – I had to give him this much at least.  With expertise he had set Collin’s the broken limb, doing a damned fine job, I thought, for someone who I suspected had not been a doctor by trade.  I wondered where he had learned how to do that?  Not to mention other skills and talents which he seemed to possess in abundance.  I had no idea what Aidan’s station in life had been in the Time Before, but now more than ever I was convinced that it had not been flipping hamburgers.

Over the course of time, Collin’s leg did heal, but time it still took even if it was not as long as I had expected it to be.  If everything in this world about mankind had changed, then there was the one thing that had remained the same.  We were still, by all accounts, frail creatures subject to illness and injury.  Because of Collin’s misfortune, we were not able to resume pursuit of Aidan’s wanderlust and so we had to set up a semi-permanent camp, the necessity of which did not please Aidan.  Rather openly he was opposed to lingering in one place for any length of time.  Conversely, and I thought somewhat conspicuously as well, Collin kept quiet and would offer up not one single word on the subject, although he did not appear to share Aidan’s concerns.

As if to drive home the validity of his point of view, Aidan was now spending more time each day patrolling the area surrounding our encampment.  Under the auspices of hunting, but to me this smacked of sentry duty.  It was clear that he was on the lookout for other people.  This thought was unsettling – not that others people might be nearby, but rather what Aidan might do to them should he take them at unawares, committing the unthinkable.  I should have been praising Aidan’s vigilance instead of deriding it, I now thought with shame, but I was still of the mind that he was going overboard on this one.

Maybe he did have just cause, I now just as quickly considered in counter.  After all, in such a short span of time I had been able to make the acquaintance of not only one, but two, men – and where there two, there was bound to be more.  A persistent question, though, asked itself once again – just why was it that I hadn’t seen anyone, or any sign of anyone, during the previous seven years?  This kept skulking around in the back of my mind, slowly pecking away at me like a crow on carrion.

Both these men had recounted brief versions of how they had come to survive and be part of this world, but my woman’s instinct told me that neither man was being wholly forthright with me.  I wasn’t stupid, after all, intuition being a strong suit of mine, but I wasn’t about to call them out on the carpet.

Not just yet, anyway.

As the days went by, Aidan was turning more and more inward – and more so with each passing day it seemed.  His demeanor had changed for the worse once Collin joined our little group.  Aidan became extremely reserved, very close – tight as a clamshell would be an apropos analogy I supposed.

In Aidan’s growing absence, which was a byproduct of his endless vigilance against God only knew what, I now spent most of my time helping Collin.  He would regain full use of his leg, but as with all injuries it would take considerable effort for him to be good as new.  However, the man was a cooperative and willing patient.

In light of Aidan’s distrust, as well as dislike, of this man, it followed suit that he wasn’t exactly thrilled by my being so near to Collin.  Although, Aidan tolerated its necessity for my sake, if not for Collin’s.  He saw my determination to bring back to full health this new addition to our clan – the wounded sparrow who did not die on us.

It was no surprise either that Aidan had become even more possessive of me since another male had come on the scene.  In so short a time that age old struggle for dominance had reared its ugly head and I had to laugh – men, they never change.  Put two men and one woman together and the males will fight like two rutting bull elks, I chuckled to myself.  Perhaps Aidan was concerned about what might happen if Collin made advances towards me, and more so if I should just take a notion to entertain them.  He would have been justified if Collin had indeed shown any overt sign of such intent, which he wisely did not.

However, Collin had plenty of little innuendos that he would impart upon me whenever Aidan wasn’t around.

My patient, though, was obviously frustrated.  I wasn’t easy for him to be so close to a woman and keep his urges in check, but he treated me with respect all the same.  He behaved like a gentleman – or maybe more like an officer and a gentleman.  As with Aidan, I suspected that Collin, in the Time Before, had not been flipping hamburgers either.  He conducted himself in what I would say was an almost a regal manner.  It was hard to put a finger to it, though – at times Collin could behave decidedly stuck up and uppity.  Like he was a blueblood or something – it really was as odd as it was amusing.  After all, we three were civilization as we knew it – so who was there to impress?

For all of Collin’s restraint, however, I was having no less a hard time myself being so near to him and still remembering to act like a lady.  We had both noticed a strong chemistry between us from the first touch, so much so I could tell it confused him as much as it did me.  Perhaps even more so for Collin, for after my first laying hand to him I had the impression he had pondered on our synergy – long and hard and at great length.

Collin was every woman’s dream, I wistfully considered – he was more than easy on the eyes, drop dead gorgeous would have been the phrase used by women in the Time Before to describe this prime example of a man.  He had coppery blonde hair and fascinating, gem-green eyes which once locked in their sights a woman would find herself captured merely by his glance alone.  He was a tall, stately man, but not quite as tall as Aidan, perhaps being six-feet-two, and Collin had a beauty of body to go along with that uncommonly handsome face of his.

When you got right down to it, Collin and Aidan were exact opposites in just about everything – even their physiques differed.  Aidan was more slender and lithe – nimble and flexible and if like a cat sounds cliché, then it was one apt cliché none the less.  Collin, on the other hand, was more muscular and robust, and held a one very commanding presence.

By the day, my mind weighed more heavily on Collin, and helping him exercise his stiff limbs didn’t do a thing to thwart my inappropriate desires.  It was impossible not to notice his need for a woman.  Two men and one woman would spell disaster, in the Time Before as well as now in this Time After.  I could not help but think how quickly our lives had become so complicated!  At times I found myself reminiscing about simpler days when I had been at peace as I wandered in the desert – alone.

Two is a pair; three is a triangle – and it certainly did not take a psychic to figure out where this scenario would inevitably lead.

Mira?! I called out but no, no – that was in the dream.  Or had I voiced it?  Blinking, I raised myself up on one elbow, looking around the campsite.  If I had spoken out from the depths of my sleep then no one was around to hear it.

Yawning, I now sat up – or tried to, at any rate.  Not successful on the first attempt either, I dismally took note.  You’re still a wreck, Commander, I complained to myself as I released a weighted sigh.  I had healed well enough, and was mobile, thank you Gracious God Above for Your Favor.  However, it was upon rising from long periods of immobility when I would painfully be reminded that I was not yet one hundred percent.  Soreness and stiffness were to be part of my life for the immediate future and I just had to deal.  And so the mid-morning nap I had taken did little to refresh me, instead just giving my muscles an excuse to go on strike.

I didn’t know what else to do, however.  Choices for activities were somewhat limited at present.  It was either workout, nap or be with Sierra and the latter, although infinitely more pleasurable, would have driven me out of my mind that day.  To be so close to the alluring creature was sheer torture – a good kind of torture, but torture none the less.  However, to act on a single one of my impulses in regards to the woman would get me my neck snapped by Aidan.

And so I had opted for a nap – but that didn’t turn out much better for I had dreamt of Mira.  A woman long dead whom I had greatly loved, and with whom I shared an incredible relationship, one which had been driven by an otherworldly chemistry.

A chemistry never forgotten, one that had surfaced again to present itself in interactions with Sierra.  I could feel it.  It was no wonder I could hardly control myself when I was around her!  Some officer and a gentleman I was, I considered in dismay.  When I was near her?  I certainly harbored little desire to be either.

And my brother, knowing full-well that I was always on, was deriving sick pleasure from my discomfiture.

You’ll get yours, Aidan, I inwardly grumbled.  The lifelong brotherly warfare in which we had both readily engaged had not ended when the world had – it carried right on over into this brave new frontier.

Lucky me.

The nap, besides making me feel stiff as a board, had done little to assuage my mounting lust.  If I had a serious death wish then I would just throw caution to the wind and take the woman.  This, of course, would just be giving Aidan a hand-crafted excuse to remove me from this world.  Even though I was his brother I was not so certain that he would draw the line at fealty when it came to me messing with his woman.  Oh, yeah – the Assassin would off me no problemo.

Not like he didn’t already have a multitude of reasons to want me out of the picture – but I needed him and he needed me.  Thus the tightrope we walked together, trying to throw each other out of balance at every opportunity, though.

Just to make things interesting, of course, for a world with so few women had become a decidedly boring place.

As if to tempt me into sealing my own Fate, however, my brother was leaving me alone with Sierra more and more often.

Ever cruel, that brother of mine.  And crueler yet the charade we carried on in Sierra’s presence – that we didn’t know each other from Adam, as it were.  Sierra was no imbecile!  The woman had been trying to puzzle out the mystery of Aidan and me, and I was of the mind she had more than just a clue that we damned well knew each other.

Whatever.

I knew quite a bit about her too, now – and what an eye opener that had been!  Of course I had presence of mind to have myself tagged before setting out to join Aidan and this mystery woman.  Not as a precaution to save my life if I crossed paths with trouble, but rather so my compatriots could track me.  Eric and Greg were never far from hand, which was one reason why Aidan had stepped up his patrols.  We were being tailed by the good guys but Aidan did not view the AFA in such a fashion, and even less the Blackguard.  His contempt for my AFA brethren he wore on his sleeve for all to see.  If he and his bloodthirsty Brothers from The Order could have snuffed out the AFA, then they most certainly would have done so by now.

Not yet, not today – in the future, however?

Who could foretell.

At any rate, my being tailed turned to his advantage since I was able, via my brother, to get word to Eric.  In turn, Eric was able to pass along to me, again via Aidan, my PDA, which I had not taken with me at the onset.  However, there was just too much research I needed to conduct on our female traveling companion.  Once I had my PDA in hand, and a small device which vibrated in my pocket to alert me to wi-fi hot spots secreted here and there trhoughout this region of the desert, then I was back in business.  All I needed to do was conceal use of my PDA from Sierra – easy enough to do, since Aidan was more than obliging to preoccupy her while I got connected.  He was no less curious than I to ferret out the secrets of this hot little Latina number.

And when the information came pouring in from the internet on our steamy traveling companion, my first thought was – what a tool God had sent us!  However, in the same breath I had suspicions.  Her skills would be a windfall beyond belief – it was almost as if someone had purposely placed her squarely in our path.

Such a windfall truly smacked of espionage, though, but I did not get a sense from the woman that she was untrue, or concealing anything of importance from either Aidan or myself.  Needless to say, there was much to work out when it came to Sierra.

No simple woman, indeed.

Running a hand over my face I let it linger there for a moment.  Great – I felt a headache coming on.  Just what I did not need.  Well, stop your whining, O’Reilly – just get your ass up and go do something.

This naturally meant seeking out Sierra since I had already worked out once that day and had had my fill of that.  Working out in a different capacity, however, would have been greatly welcome – but Aidan had no intent of sharing Sierra with me.  The only thing worse than fighting the temptation of Sierra was that of being alone much of the time.  And admittedly, I was very much a social creature at heart.  Guilty as charged – I was human whereas my brother?  Well, the jury was still out on whether or not he even qualified as human, for he most certainly was not humane.

Standing up, and none too gracefully at that, I went to go take a leak – first things first, after all, I laughed to myself.  Afterwards I had some water and then washed up.  Once those necessities were out of the way, I started my search – one not long or hard.  Sierra had become my self-professed guardian and so never strayed very far from me.  Not only had she done a first rate job with my physical therapy, but she also did an excellent job of keeping Aidan and I from throttling each other.  The peacemaker she most certainly had become – but I was of a mind that she wearied of playing the part.

The woman wanted me, I wanted her – it should not have been so damned complicated!  It was what it was, however – and nothing about Sierra was uncomplicated.

My brother had been right about one thing, though – the woman sure the hell had not been wandering alone in this desert for seven years.  By her appearance, one would think her to be a casual weekend hiker.  It made no sense.  Granted, she was a beaner and people of her ethnicity seemed to weather the elements better than, say, us Irishmen – but still.

Just another absent piece of the puzzle, a puzzle I was determined to work out come hell or high water.

What also made little sense was that Sierra was a woman of no pretenses.  She truly believed that she had wandered alone all that time, wholly unaware that there was a world around her with people in it.  Granted, a greatly reduced population was the current state of the planet, but to have not heard some sound or seen some indication of civilization?  In an entire seven years?  Almost impossible to fathom.

No lies, no deceptions – she was true and honest.  So unlike Aidan and myself who lied through our teeth to her on a daily basis.  Scratch that.  I lied whereas Aidan just kept his mouth shut.

No matter – time was quickly running out and for all our differences, Aidan and I, in one thing we were of like mind.  To spare this woman from falling into the hands of the wrong party – namely the Blackguard.  She had been found on their turf and by agreement any females found within their borders were to become property of the Blackguard.  I had to hand it to Aidan – he was doing an excellent job of keeping us from unfriendly eyes but that could only continue just so long.  To spare Sierra, unfortunately, she would have to come out of the closet, so to speak, and be reintroduced to the world at large.

How to do this and not lose her to the wrong parties?  I almost had this worked out in my mind.  However, I needed Aidan’s backing and he was decidedly ignoring me as of late.

That was going to have to change – and soon.

In the meantime, I had time to kill this day and so decided to torture myself by being with the gorgeous, sultry, diminutive Latina beauty.

It was not long before I found her.  The woman was down by a dry seasonal river.  Apparently she had done a little gathering for there she sat, scraping the spines off some prickly pear cactus pads.  Practiced, measure strokes, her actions were almost absent in nature – like she’d performed the same task time without count.  So natural and easy were the motions of her hands.  Maybe she had been alone for a very long time, even if she did not look like it.  The creature was so appealing that I often found myself hot under the collar merely thinking about her.

“Hey, Chiquita” I called to her, offering up the best smile I could possibly muster and was greatly rewarded.  Pausing mid-stroke with her knife, she now looked up at me and returned the smile in kind and then some.  Patting the ground beside her, she invited me to take a load off.  I could think of another load I’d like to do something with, I considered with great frustration, but would settle for sitting next to her.

My discomfort was not lost on Sierra – at least my stiff muscles, at any rate, if not my cock.  Winching as I lowered myself, the woman looked to me with concern.  She now set aside her work, then immediately motioning to me – nurse Sierra to the rescue, I fondly considered.

“C’mon Collin – let me see that leg” the woman ordered and so suppressing a grin of amusement, I allowed her to lay hands on my thigh, which was where I had taken the worst of the bashes from the rockslide, but luckily it was not the bone which had broken.  So cute the woman was when she would get bossy, I considered – but I most certainly would not mind bossing her around in return.

Maybe today might be the day.

Dream on, Commander.

With much appreciated relief, I openly sighed – her fingers knew which muscles to knead and just how deep and how long.  It felt like heaven but hell began to intrude because, per usual, the sexual tension between us began to escalate.  Deep and long is what I wanted to do with her, that much I did know, if nothing else.

Before I took leave of my senses, I now quickly scrambled to my feet, stalking off several paces as I made grave attempt to rein in my lust, which was threatening to break loose like a stampede.

“Sorry” I mumbled in apology as I now turned round to face her and was pleased to see that I wasn’t the only one who was hot and bothered.  The question was, if she wanted me as badly I as wanted her – then, what was stopping the woman?  Was she truly afraid of Aidan?  Or did she instead just need for me to make the first move?

And with that consideration in mind I strode right back over to her.  Dropping to my knees, which was a painful proposition, I now took the woman’s face in my hands and then kissed her.  The ensuing flood of emotions dragged me under its tow, as it did her, much to my delight.  I suddenly remembered what there was to live for in this world, besides eternally chasing the rank of Elite-General.  Granted, women were a scarcity and although I had been in contact with quite a few since the apocalypse, never in such a capacity as with Sierra.  This was different, it was of my own volition and she so tugged at my heart.

Short lived was the kiss, to my extreme disappointment.  Before either of us could let it get beyond the point of no return, Sierra pressed a hand to my chest, forcibly repelling me.

“Collin, please” she implored and for a moment I could have interpreted her words as permission for me to take her, but I knew better than that.  With women, often times yes meant no, no meant yes, but not in this instance.  And so tightly shutting my eyes as I groaned as I bowed my head, counting to ten.

“How does he manage to hold your heart?” I asked in a low voice, not understanding one iota how she could be so devoted to a man that she, in essence, barely knew.  Now glancing up at her, I saw the woman was biting her lip, not in consideration of an answer, but rather in reconsideration of putting a stop to my advance.  Or so I was of a mind.

“I… feel a certain amount of… loyalty… towards Aidan” was her conditional response.  Not undivided loyalty, but only loyalty by a certain degree.

I could work with that.  So she was not shutting the door – this was positive.

“I’d say I understand, Sierra – but I really don’t” I returned with an apologetic shrug.  Settling back on my heels, I knelt there, in pain, palms to thighs, searching her eyes.  “Far be it from me to make judgments,” I slowly began, “but the man acts like he owns you.  Is that why you are reluctant?  Are you afraid of what he might do?  To you?  To me?” I put to her.  No beating around the bush for what would have been the point?

“Yes and no, Collin” Sierra honestly replied, but now she stood up, turning her back on me.  She was warring with herself! I thought with elation.  I could really work with that and so I followed suit, although getting to my feet so quickly brought me pain but right then I just didn’t give a shit.

Closing the distance between us, I came to a stop behind her, placing my hands on her shoulders and the woman actually shuddered in response.  Aw, damn it, Commander – just this once can’t you just ditch the officer and a gentleman bit? I pleaded with myself.  I was coming pretty damned close to that, as well as pretty damned close to coming – period.

Cautiously pressing myself up against her back, I leaned forward to bury my face in her neck.  The woman’s scent absolutely sent me, so much so that I dared to go one further and tenderly kissed her neck.

That’s as far as I got.  Sierra now abruptly pulled away, with a groan no less, as she then turned round to look at me.

“Not without your permission” I assured her, lest she think the worst of me as I now stuffed my hands in my pockets – if I didn’t then I’d throttle myself I was in such a state.  So close! I thought in exasperated frustration.  “Look, Sierra – Aidan is not your master, even if he treats you like you were his and his alone.  Why would you allow this situation to persist?  Especially in light of the way you and I feel about each other” I voiced my assumption, which was not incorrect.  With an aggravated sigh, she just looked down at the ground.

“I just want to keep the peace” the woman finally confessed after a space of time, now looking up to me with beseeching eyes.  “We left behind a violent world” was her curt reminder.  “I don’t want the same plaguing us here.”  If she only knew, I thought with a sinking feeling.

“Hum – well, that I can certainly understand,” I openly accepted, “but to let yourself become a prisoner of one man?  What’s worse, eh?” I posed, trying to make her see the flaw in her logic.

“I know Collin, I know” Sierra then snipped in return.  “I… can’t be around you right now” she decided and with that the woman then fled the scene, leaving me standing there with a huge smile on my face.  Sure, I was frustrated beyond all reason, but she had just confirmed all my suppositions.

It was only a matter of time and she would be mine.  In whole or in part, it did not matter.  She reciprocated my feelings and this set my heart to soaring.

Confirmation in hand, I would not wait much longer to call Aidan out on the carpet.

Once I became fully rehabilitated, this was when I knew it would be time to find new direction for our little threesome.  In essence I had done as my superiors commanded of me – forged a stronger relationship with my brother during this time spent in isolation with him.  I wasn’t sure if it could truly be construed as stronger, but my unfortunate accident had meant spending more time with Aidan, like as not, even if it wasn’t quality time.

And not long after my encounter with Sierra that day, opportunity finally presented itself to remind Aidan just who was in charge there.  As well as who needed whom more – me or him.

One day while Sierra was preoccupied with tanning, I decided to force Aidan’s hand.  The woman had a natural tan so I often wondered why she felt a need to lay out in the sun – but who was I to argue?  When she thought there was no one about, little by little the clothes started to come off.

I was of the mind that Sierra knew she was being watched – and by me, no less.  The woman was driving me straight out of my mind with desire.  Payback was a bitch and should she ever consent to having relations with me?  Well – it would be then that I intended to settle the score, demanding payment in full plus every single penny of accrued interest.

Intercepting Aidan after he had returned from his hunt, I strode right up to him, taking hold of his arm.  If looks could have killed, well – needless to say the man was less than pleased by the level of my directness.

“A talk, if you would – please” I requested, but it was no request.  Holding my eyes for several protracted moments, Aidan then nodded once.  After setting aside his kill and bow, we then retreated some distance away, out of sight and sound.

“It would do you good to hunt once in a while” Aidan suggested, and in all sincerity no less.

“What?  And deprive you of your pleasure?  That of killing?” I shot back with a flick of my hand.  Ok, two seconds into it and already I was on the defensive.

“It would help strengthen your arm” he explained with his usual flawless logic.  My brother – Mr. Spock come again, I considered in warped amusement.  Compassion towards his own brother was not one of Aidan’s finer points, of course.  The man couldn’t care less about my physical state of being – I knew it, he knew it.  Aidan subscribed to the what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger Way of being, after all.

Which was no joke for that most certainly was a Way of The Brotherhood.  Just one of countless hundreds, no less.

Ignoring his remark, I forged ahead.

“The time has come to hit the road” was my decision.  Now taking up an adversarial stance, I folded my arms across my chest, waiting for his volley.  “We can’t stay out here forever, brother.”

“Why not?  Sierra did a good job of it for seven years” was his cool retort.

“You don’t believe that anymore than I do, so – cut the shit” I snapped out of impatience.  “Regardless where she came from, it is where she will be going to that is of concern, for us both,” I now changed tack, backing off somewhat, “and for Sierra as well.  We want the same thing for her, even though we each have a different means in mind.  However, both you and I understand that she is not what is most important here” I felt a need to remind him of our mission – not that of The Order or the AFA, or even of the Blackguard, for that matter.  We had an objective wholly are own.

“There’s more than one road” Aidan brought to mind something else I knew all too well.  However, it was imperative that each of our respective camps, as well as the Blackguard, were none the wiser to our mutual clandestine collusion.  Our public faces need remain intact.

“Yeah, there sure is – for all things, no less,” I agreed, “which again brings to mind your death grip on Sierra.”

“Is that what this is about?  My little brother not being able to get his rocks off?” my brother quite plainly presumed to which I leveled him a rather dark look.

“Since you put it that way” I grunted for that, in essence, was the long and short of it.  And in my case, long indeed, and wide as well, I considered with a lewd and inward chuckle.  “Really, brother – have you no compassion for the woman?”

“On the contrary – I have plenty” was his counter.  “I would spare her misery and sorrow, which will be the order of the day if she gets involved with my overly confident fraternal twin brother.”

“Well, you might want to rethink that logic” I now suddenly growled in anger.  “She tires of playing peacemaker, Aidan.  The woman feels if she was to engage me then that will incite a war between you and I.”

“Observant” was my brother’s arid commentary, trying my patience and so to mask my growing impatience I started to walk in a circle around him.

“Yes, well, be that as it may…” I began but then changed topics.  I would revisit that one later, the one of my getting it on with his possession.  “She is just the tool we need to break into the old DoD database” I put forth.

“Don’t you find it slightly… curious… that just such a tool should haplessly stumble across our paths?” he posed.

“More than curious, actually, given the timing – however, the woman is true.  She speaks Truth, and so – what am I to think?” I defended.  “God does work in mysterious ways, after all – agreed?”  To this Aidan slowly nodded.  If we were on the same page about nothing else then at least we were when it came to the Almighty.

“Even if the circumstances are hard to swallow” Aidan added and I could not argue with him there.  “What do you propose we do?”

“What we had originally designed – except that now Kevin will have a fellow hacker to assist him in his efforts” I offered and with this my brother grew still.  So, my decision did not set well with him, then.  I hadn’t expected it to, but I was calling the shots.  After all, the AFA was essentially in control of this Post-Time world – I had a bigger stick to shake, and better toys which meant superior technology.  If my brother and I were to reach our ultimate goal, then along the way we had to utilize the organization which offered the most perks.

It was always nice to have something to wave in Aidan’s face – and especially pleasing since he despised the AFA.

“And don’t even consider trying to spirit Sierra away to parts unknown” I now warned him.  “We’ll be all over you like white-on-rice.”

“Who?  You and your Blackguard friends?” Aidan actually laughed at me.  He didn’t like the Blackguard any more than he did the AFA – but they were another useful tool in our search.  “I hope you’ve formulated a plan, brother – one false step, if the wrong parties suspect that we have deceived them…” my brother trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished and so I understood – implicitly.  I needed no one to paint that grisly picture for me.  Having my guts wrapped around a tree was not how I wanted to make my exit from God’s World.  This was the reason I had not insisted on the continuance of our mission – I needed a plan.  It was formulation of said plan which had subdued my urge to get a move on, not the fact that my superiors felt I needed to spend more quality time with my cutthroat brother.

Eric and Greg were carrying out what would be required behind the scenes to make my bid a success.  To cut ourselves free of the Blackguard and not have to hand over the woman.  However, this was taking time to put into place.  I had complete trust in my officers, however, and absolute faith that they could pull it off.  After all, they were not only my subordinates, but also my comrades, as well as staunch friends.  If anyone could make it happen, then it would be Jonesy and Brains.

“Yeah – got that plan just about sewed up” I informed Aidan in response to his remark about the Blackguard.  Stroking my chin in thought as I held his eyes, my brother did not appear at all swayed.  “All will be in place, so not to worry, big brother” I now assured him after a moment’s consideration but clearly he wasn’t about to take my word for it.  Truth be known?  I wasn’t totally sure either, at least not one hundred and ten percent – but as they say, never let ‘em see you sweat.

Fuck Aidan, I now decided – I was going to start actively calling the shots and if he didn’t like it?  Then tough shit.  However, I knew I needed my brother to be on board or this plan was going to fall flat on its face.  He was the joker in my deck of cards, I was forced to admit.

“Do you have my back, brother?” I wanted to know, a genuine plea for support.  Aidan was probably the most talented assassin who had ever lived – the fact that he was Head of Assassins for The Order alone spoke to his extreme skill.  His efficiency in killing with nothing more than his own hands was a scary thing to behold.  Quick and without pain – and with no more care or thought than if he had just swatted a fly.

Correction – he would spare a fly any day.  However, he would not hesitate to commit the slaughter of a fellow human, and without a second consideration, much less even having had a first.

The latter part is what gave me the willies about my brother, if anyone should care to know.

“You want assurance of my aid?  In what – employment of my skills, or endangering Sierra?” he asked in a low voice, one full of menace and so now a need for extreme caution on my part.

“The woman is in danger with or without us” I tersely brought to mind for him.  “Although, I’d venture to guess that she is safer with us, even if our mission is fraught with danger.  We will be traveling where few ever tread – courtesy of your skill, of course” I tacked on, tossing a scrap to his ego.  My brother knew the desert southwest like the back of his hand – he trod paths that even the goats didn’t know to  exist.  “We can keep her safe enough, I dare say.”

Aidan only considered me at length but notably withheld opinion.

“And then what?” he wanted to know.  “You cannot secret her out here in the desert forever.”  Good point, one I was hoping to postpone until a later conversation.  We’d be on opposite sides of the coin for that particular topic.

As we had been with just about everything else in our lives.

And it would be a cold day in Lucifer’s hell that I would see her handed over to The Order.

Aidan would feel the very same about her going to the AFA.

The Truth of the matter was, however, technically – The Order would be a safer haven, I was forced to admit.  Their warriors were the most formidable – hands down.  However, that was no place you’d ever catch me – alive or dead.  Their ideals were just far too radical for this old Army warhorse.

“Premature” I now abruptly hissed, making a chopping motion with my hand.  “You better than anyone should know that we cannot see how all paths will end.  We can at least see down the road a bit, and perhaps around the first bend.  That will have to suffice.

“The first hurdle will be the Blackguard – but not for long” I speculated, now leaving behind the topic of whose property Sierra would eventually become.  “It had been a dangerous game you were playing out here, Aidan.  It is perhaps my fault – I never should have agreed to let you prepare the woman for return to civilization.  I should have ordered you to bring her back, and straight away.  Your thought was, and is, to buy time, but that time has just run out.”  Aidan needed reminding, it was obvious, that when he was in my court then I was King, and not the other way around.   And the time had finally come to refresh his memory.

“Agreed” Aidan relented and then dropped his eyes, bowing his head.  Oh, sure, big brother – hide in plain sight why don’t you?

“It is the only way for now, until Sierra’s ultimate fate can be decided” I reasoned, now crossing over to my brother to place a hand on his shoulder.  For all Aidan was and was not, for all he had ever done to me throughout the course of my life, the man was still my brother and I did greatly love him.

I wasn’t sure the same could be said of him for me however, or so was my dismal consideration of his lack of reciprocation.

“We are the masters of our own destinies, you and I – yet we have little time to work what we must” was my grave assessment.  “I think we both understand, however, that you need the AFA’s resources more than I need those of The Order – but I do need you, Aidan, personally, if nothing else.”  Aidan did not answer, instead with subtle movement of the fingers on one hand he signed to me that we were not alone.

Sierra, he clarified in sign.  To the south, watching.

Probably making sure we don’t kill each other, I just as subtly signed in return.  How long?

Long enough for you to make a pompous ass out of yourself, was his less than respectful response, one which garnered him a black look of reproach from me.

Ha-ha, I signed in return and then closing my eyes, I pinched the bridge of my nose, waiting.

“She’s gone now” Aidan informed me.

“Speaking of Sierra, you need to release her.  She is not your slave, Aidan – she is not your property” I made clear.

“She is free to do as she will” was his argument.

“Oh, sure – yes, of course she is” I returned, sarcasm more than evident in my tone of voice.  “You’ll be less than pleased to know that she wants me, Aidan – as I have also desired her!” I now barked, trying to keep my anger at bay but was sick and tired of having to stroke my brother.  During my convalescence it had been a necessary evil – but now that I was the picture of health once more, or at least close enough?  Off would come the gloves.

“As I said, she is free to do as she will” was his flat reiteration, one devoid of emotion.  Did he think I was deaf?

“Uh-huh – she is afraid of what that will mean to us, Aidan – all three of us” I spelled it out for the dolt.  “As she is worried right now about what our forced prudence is doing to she and me!”

“And she told you as much” he returned, extremely parched in his delivery.

“A kiss is like a picture, my dear brother – it evokes a thousand words if one,” I put to him, “and what a watercolor of emotions were painted out across the canvass with the stroke of that single kiss!  Of course, then the woman terminates said kiss, apologetically explaining that she feels a certain amount of loyalty towards you, which is why she won’t get it on with me.  Not absolute loyalty, mind you, but only by a certain degree.  Then Sierra abruptly states she cannot trust herself to be so close to me and beats a hasty retreat before she has an orgasm right on the spot” was my rather crass recounting of events.  “Am I painting a picture that even you can visualize, Aidan?  Or should I expound?”

“Enjoying yourself?” was his only response and yeah – I sure the hell was.  In my book, he had a shit load full of transgressions for which to make up, one namely from Pre-Time for the woman he had stolen right out from under my nose.

A woman he not only stole, but as a direct result lost her life.

Never forgive, never forget.

“As a matter of fact, yes – immensely.  And so, are you going to tell the poor creature that she is truly free to mate with whomever she wishes?” I wanted to know, rocking on my heels as I grinned, expectantly.  “Or should I?  I do believe she needs to hear this directly from your lips, however.  Along with your personal assurance that you are not going to pummel my ass into the ground should she decide to get cozy with me, that is.”

Aidan said nothing in return, though, only regarding me with a coldness of eye.  I was perhaps unwisely poking a stick at him, but the time had come to move forward.  In all things, no less – and not just our objective.  I had grown overly fond of Sierra during the past months.  Sex wasn’t the only thing I desired of her, although if it wound up being nothing more than this, then I would be ok with that, too.  However, the woman was a delightful creature – so full of life, so upbeat!  At least when she wasn’t under the weight of Aidan’s yoke, naturally.  Sierra knew how to brighten my day with a single glance.

And she was no dummy – of this much I was now unequivocally certain.

Anyone who, in Pre-Time, had hacked into the DoD database, not once but several times, was no airhead.  Beauty and brains in one package, it was like the woman was just almost too good to be true.

And herein lay more fuel to feed our suspicions.

In Time all will be revealed, I cautioned myself.  In the meantime, I just had to work with the puzzle pieces in my possession.  I could do little else.

Swallowing a large chunk of his pride, I knew, Aidan nodded once in acceptance of my mandate.

“I will speak with her” he finally agreed.

“Good!  No time like the present” I laughed with a huge grin.  “And you will have an audience.  Not to say that I don’t trust you, but…” I began, leaving the thought unfinished as I shrugged my shoulders.

Without another word, we now turned to head back towards camp.  To say that I was salivating with anticipation would have been the understatement of the century.

And not the least of which being that power was finally shifting back in my direction.

Work what?  What on earth were they talking about?  And since when did those two get so chummy anyway? I wondered in confusion as I slowly backed away from the scene.  Whatever Aidan and Collin were discussing, it certainly had not been meant for my ears.

And who the hell were the AFA and The Order?

When Aidan and I first crossed paths with Collin, I thought I had seen a fleeting look of recognition – or perhaps acknowledgement – pass between the two men.  I was now of the mind that they had known each other in the Time Before, and if perhaps not, then they had certainly made their acquaintance in this Time After.

I had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right and so this was why I had gone looking for them.  The fear that they might finally mix it up in a seriously bad way up was always a concern, and when I heard Collin’s raised voice on the wind I had a hunch that they were fighting about me.  However, after witnessing the scene, now I was not so certain – they weren’t quarreling over me but rather over what to do with me!

Disillusioned to the max, I felt like slinking away – back out into the desert all by my lonesome.

I would have, if not but for the fact that I loved both Aidan and Collin.

What a freaking mess you’ve gotten yourself into, Sierra, I glumly considered as I chewed on my lip.

Skulking back into camp, I figured I should occupy myself so that when the two men returned it wouldn’t be obvious that I had been eavesdropping.  A little carving would do the trick – this task would busy my hands and my mind as well.

In short order, I found a suitable piece of wood that I could smooth and shape into a walking staff for Collin.  Even though he had healed and was up to par for the most part, his leg still troubled him on elevation hikes and thus a hiking stick would be a big help.

Not long after I had taken up working the wood was when I heard both men approaching.  Craning my head, I glanced over my shoulder and thought, here comes trouble.  With trepidation I now rose to my feet, turning to face them.

As they drew near I now offered up a congenial smile.  Act like nothing is wrong, I inwardly laughed, wondering if I’d be able to convincingly pull it off.

Easier said than done, I thought as my smile now began to falter.

I could sense that Aidan he was brooding, even though outwardly he showed no sign I could feel it.  On the other hand, Collin’s mood was elevated and he made no attempt whatsoever to conceal this.  That was Collin all over, though – quick to each emotion in its turn, seldom giving thought to suppressing any of them, regardless their nature or intensity.  And then he expected everyone around him to get over his emotional outbursts just as quickly as he did himself.

He didn’t expect much, huh? I considered in amusement.  However, because of this ability, I suspected that he also did not hold grudges.  Harbor them perhaps, but hold them?  No.  Collin was a man who got over things fast.

“Sierra, we’d need to speak with you” Aidan slowly began as he and Collin came to a stop to now stand before me.  He was his usual close, reserved self whereas Collin was rocking on his heels, clearly expectant.  “Collin has brought it to my attention that you and he share a mutual attraction,” Aidan continued, at which point my jaw abruptly dropped.  I was certain I must have turned eight shades of red.

Was he hoping for a denial on my part? I wondered.  Most often his visage was so stoic that it was impossible to tell what he was thinking with any degree of accuracy.  Swallowing hard, I had no idea what I should say but one thing was certain – I was not about to lie to the man.

In the Time Before, the order of the day between people had always been dirty little secrets, dirty little lies, to quote some old but dead-on lyrics.  These lies had plagued our society to no end.  Dirty laundry – as accurate an assessment back then as it would be today.  A serious shortage of truth in our pre-apocalyptic world had caused a whole shit load full of trouble.  And this, I had no doubts, had played a major role in the untimely demise of our civilization.

Yes – it was indeed time to break those nasty old habits.  Let the chips fall where they may, I decided and so took a deep breath before speaking.

“Yeah, uh – I guess I didn’t conceal that all too well, huh?” I apologized, somehow feeling as if I were at fault here for being attracted to two men.

“You weren’t expected to, Sierra” Aidan was quick to assure me.  “Although I will not apologize for being protective of you, I regret having made you feel as if you couldn’t talk to me.  You are free to do as you wish, of course” he conceded.  Aidan was genuine in his assertion; however, I could now sense his discomfort.  The man truly did love me!  In many ways we had behaved like people who were in love but had yet to say to each other the L word, making it official.

Standing there looking back and forth between the two men, I was torn.  So, Aidan wasn’t going to rip Collin’s limbs off if I choose to get cozy with him.  That was a relief, but beneath the surface of this I suspected it went deeper – a lot deeper.

While he listened, Collin continued to rock on his heels in anticipation, a joyous smile gracing that handsome face of his.  Brat, I thought in exasperation of the man.  It was more than obvious that Collin was taking inventory of the possibilities which could now present themselves.  The man made a shallow effort at best to suppress his elation.  He was visibly on a high and who could blame the man?  After all – Collin was just that, a man.  And I knew the one thing that was always on a man’s mind, and this was sex.  Prisoners of their own hormones men were – now in this Time After as they had been in the Time Before.

“Ok,” I slowly began, “thanks for letting Jane here make her own decisions, Tarzan” I made light but yet held back a tear regardless.  Up until then, I hadn’t realized just how devoted I had become to Aidan, despite my carnal attraction to Collin.  After all, how could any woman not be attracted to Collin? I considered in dismay – with those killer good looks and that come hither smile?  The man was eye-candy hands down all the way.  Yet now, standing there knowing that I was free to make my own choice without any repercussions from Aidan for either of us, I suddenly found myself unsure.

“We are stronger together than apart,” I reasoned with a shrug, although I felt like I had really stepped in it this time, “and if this is what it takes to keep the two of you from killing each other, then I am willing to keep an open mind and won’t close any doors” I assured the two men, but it came out sounding like I was nothing more than a fence sitter.  But wasn’t that a woman’s prerogative, after all?  It might have been, but that wasn’t how I liked living my life.

Offering Aidan a tentative smile, he only held my eyes in return but otherwise had nothing to say.  Yeah, he wasn’t at all thrilled about this I could tell and so was dismayed by just how much.  Something was brewing in Aidan right below the surface, as if there was a new play about to unfold as a result of this change in fortunes.

Briefly glancing at Collin, I was able to see confirmation of this reflected in his own face, which was far more readable than Aidan’s.  It shown through his fierce tiger-green eyes as well.  Collin held my gaze for a moment and then winked as he now grinned.  The man then turned on his heel, striding off and humming a tune.  Was that We are the Champions he hummed?  I could only laugh to myself – Collin was certainly one eclectic man.

As I watched him walking away it was clear that he had a lilt in his step.  This spoke itself quite clearly – victory was his and this much he knew with the absolute certainty of confidence.

Good things come to those who wait, I knew this to be Truth without a doubt and so I had waited, biding my time.  At least where Sierra was concerned.

Aidan had given us his blessing, so now she and I were free to get it on at will.  However, being the officer and a gentleman that I was supposed to be, still I continued to bide my time.  Hence the woman’s escalating bewilderment.  She had fully expected me to be mauling her on the spot, this much I had been able to discern.

Did I maul her, however?

Of course not – I hadn’t so much as pawed her.

And had yet to do so, Truth be known – even though it had been more than a week since Aidan returned to Sierra her own free will.

We started off once again on our journey, we three, but on a heading of my choice this time.  A plan long in the making to break into the old DoD database was finally coming to fruition.  Somewhere along the way, though, I fully intended to consummate my relationship with Sierra before things got too complicated.

As if they weren’t complicated enough, already.  I was being pressured by all sides and from a multitude of angles, no less.  Not the least of which was the Blackguard, who were demanding that I hand over the woman – and pronto.  A web of excuses I had woven for Antonio Giuseppe Abruzzi, leader of the Blackguard, but now his patience had grown more than a tad bit thin.  However, he understood the need to stroke my brother, at least by a certain degree, if we were to come out ahead.  That sacrifices need be made was understood by all concerned.

However, the time for decisive action was coming, and more than just a few toes were going to get stepped on in the process.  Did I say stepped on?  Hammered was more like it.

All things in due time, Commander – all things in due time, I sternly reminded myself.  Instead I now changed lanes to consider Sierra, and when and how I would engage the sultry creature.

Right time, right place, right mood.

And the right place was now looming just around the next bend and at the right time of day as well.  The sun was on its downward journey and so would serve as the perfect backdrop.

The course I had chosen was one which led us towards a seasonal river.  It was out of our way, much to the consternation of Aidan.  To say that I had ulterior motives would have been a one hundred and ten percent correct assessment.  After all, proper setting and atmosphere was ninety-nine percent of any successful coupling and I had always been a master of this craft.  A little rusty I was in this Post-Time world, creating the perfect seduction, but I when I saw the look on Sierra’s face as soon as the sound of the waterfall reached her ears?  Like those old Pre-Time commercials would espouse – priceless.  The poor creature nearly burst with excitement.

Had I paid attention to her endless ramblings these past months?  I sure had.  Did I remember everything she had told me?  You bet – and the fact that she loved waterfalls was one thing I knew I could use to my advantage.

Of course, it had been a long shot at best that there would actually be water flowing.  However, I had taken note of storm cells which had predominated during the past week in the vicinity of this known seasonal river and its water fall.  Taking the gamble, I coerced my brother into a little detour.

It was a wonder that the man had not throttled me where I stood.  Which, in turn, caused me to wonder just why he had been so set against this heading?

Time would tell, but not just then.  Besides, I had more pleasant things on my mind.  If I played my cards right, then it would soon be, well – playtime.

The look on Sierra’s face had made all my efforts worthwhile.  Off she bolted towards the sound of cascading water with Aidan and I jogging along behind, bringing up the rear.

You got lucky, Aidan sharply signed to me but I just ignored him.  My brother was the last thing I wanted to think about when I would soon be deliciously slipping into what he still considered to be his property.

“Aidan, let’s stop here!” Sierra pleaded, letting her pack drop from her shoulders.  Apparently the decision was made for Aidan – the woman wasn’t going to wait for his verbal affirmation.  “This is breath taking!” the creature practically squealed with delight.  So without further hesitation, or even bothering to wait for permission, the woman now made a beeline straight for the inviting pool of water into which the waterfall gently spilled.  Sierra only stopped long enough to loosen her boot laces and then kicking off her boots she hurriedly stripped away her socks.

Yes indeed, Chiquita – you will be stripping off more than just your boots and socks, and in short order, I inwardly chuckled to myself as I stood there rocking on my heels.  Folding my arms across my chest, I openly smiled as I watched Sierra dive into the water.

Aren’t you going to take credit? Aidan signed to me but I just shrugged my shoulders in return.  I didn’t care – the end results would be what mattered.  If I needed to use that as a tool in plying the woman so she’d grant me entrance, then I would.  Else wise I was not about to boast that I did this all for her – since that wasn’t wholly the Truth.  I had done it for us both.

“Well, it looks like the lady has spoken!” I laughed, slapping my brother on the back.

Keep it up, Aidan subtly signed to me in warning.  Daring to anger him, I just winked in return.

Now, get the fuck out of here, I was quick to sign in return.  Go kill something, was my curt suggestion, besides me, that is, I decided to add, and quickly.

Just in case.

“Hey guys!” Sierra now called as she swam towards the shore.  “C’mon!  The water feels like heaven!” she tempted, splashing with her hands.  She then turned over to float on her back, kicking her feet while she enjoyed herself to no end.

Tell her you need to go hunting, I signed to Aidan in command, and when he hesitated I signed more tersely, Now!

“It will be getting dark soon” Aidan called out to her.  “I should hunt before the light fades” he explained, which, to my agitation, seemed to disappoint Sierra.  The woman now swam over to the shore, dragging herself out of the water.  This forced me to hold myself in restraint, my breath catching in my throat – the woman would have won any wet t-shirt contest in Pre-Time – hands down.

What did I just command of you? I subtly signed to Aidan who now took his leave.  Choosing a spot where we would set up camp, he then dropped his pack.

“Ok” Sierra reluctantly accepted as she now wrapped her arms tightly about her body.  Suddenly she had become rather self-conscious of her appearance.  Wet, dry, dripping in sweat, covered with dust it would not matter to me – this female was a gorgeous thing to behold.  “Come back soon so you can take a dip” she added but did not come any closer, notably.  After all, Sierra was no dummy and I knew it was impossible for me to keep expectation from shining through my eyes.

I would have her this day – of this I had no doubts whatsoever.  It was just a matter of how I would take her – and given my immense need and waning patience?

Hard call there.

Taking a deep breath, I let my own pack slip off my shoulders and then joined Aidan.

Make it a long hunt, I signed as I came along side him.  Taking bow in hand the man leveled me one deadly look and then without a single word he was off.

Not even one look back over his shoulder, was my observation.  This meant that the man was pissed off and to the extreme.  We were never very good at sharing, even as kids, I glumly considered, but when we had finally shared?

It had been something that should never have been shared at all.

And thus history was now doomed to repeat.

“Collin,” Sierra called out to me and so I was quick to turn around.  The woman had not budged an inch, however.  “Maybe you should join Aidan on his hunt?  It would exercise different muscles; it might work out some of that remaining stiffness” was her feeble suggestion and suddenly I felt like a cad, and for no good reason.  She had a damned decent hunch, though, what was about to go down here.

A master of words and touch I was, and so would be required to soothe her, allaying her fears.

Yeah, but who is going to allay your fears, Commander? I wondered in distress.

Saying nothing in response, I just sat down and looked at her.  I certainly did not want her to view me as a threat and so having waited months I could afford to wait a few minutes longer.

Slowly unlacing my boots, I paid her no heed for present, instead just taking my time.  Once finished removing my boots and socks, I now stood up to unbutton my shirt, which I did not immediately strip off.  It was a warm and humid afternoon and a dip in the water was inviting as hell, but not nearly as inviting as the woman standing there by the riverbank.  However, the poor creature had the appearance of a doe ready to break and so I would do nothing to spook her.

And my getting naked would probably do just that.

Taking a few deep, controlled breaths, I decided that it was now or never.

Strolling over to her as nonchalantly as possible, it was a tossup as to whether or not I would be able to conceal my own nervousness.  For nervous I most certainly was.  This first encounter would set the stage for the relationship which would follow.  After all, having intercourse was going to change how we felt about one another like as not.

“While the cat’s away the mice should take opportunity to play, eh?” I posed with a grin as I came upon her, dismayed to notice that she was still rooted to the ground where she stood.  “How much longer are you going to stand there in those wet clothes, my dear?” I prompted because warm and humid or no, that was not exactly comfortable, I knew.

“Dunno” she returned, biting her lip as if in indecision.

“Would you like for me to make myself scarce while you change?” I offered, forcing the gentleman in me to show through but she did not answer.  What type of a cue was that?  The type I was supposed to pick up on and post haste.  “Are you afraid of me?” was my inquiry as I raised a hand to press my palm to her cheek.

“No, not really” she finally spoke but did not sound wholly convincing.  “You just come on a little strong sometimes is all” was her take and she was right.  There was nothing low keyed or laid back about me.  I was the exact opposite of my brother in most everything, and no less when it came to making love.  I knew that for a fact, although the memory of how I should come by such knowledge drove a dagger straight into the depths of my heart.  Good going, O’Reilly – you just had to go and think about Mira, didn’t you? I chastised myself in harsh reproach.

Oh, well – just get over it.  I’d been telling myself that for years on end but it hadn’t done me one damned bit of good.  The pain was as fresh now as it had been all those decades ago.

“Only sometimes?” I now questioned with a straight face in regards to my coming on strong.  To this Sierra laughed, and openly, no less, much to my utter relief – she had finally broken the tension between us

“Ok – always” she corrected and so then abruptly I took the risk and bent over to kiss the woman.  At first she appeared undecided but then allowed herself to get drawn in more deeply.  Once the kiss had reached its conclusion, Sierra then looked up at me in curiosity.

“You’re… shaking, Collin” she stated in a low voice, being absolutely correct.  The reason was twofold, I supposed.  First I was afraid I would be unable to stop myself from taking her if she asked me to stand down.  Second, the woman tugged so at my heart it quite frankly terrified me.  Granted, the chemistry between us was undeniable, but the way I felt in this regard had nothing to do with pleasures of the flesh.

And I had been worried about her being scared of me?

What a turnabout!

“Yeah, well – sorry about that” I apologized.  “Perhaps if my hands had something to occupy them?” I suggested with a shrug.

And happy I would be to disrobe her – but she would have to give me permission, however, to partake of that pleasure.

With a single shy nod from Sierra, I then had the permission I sought but suddenly I felt a great need to be the officer and a gentleman that my brother was of the mind I had never been.

And he was right, I was forced to admit.  A nice guy I never really had been.

“C’mon” I said as I took her by the hand.  Leading her over to where she had dropped her pack, I snatched it up and then walked over to where the other packs were.

Releasing her, I dropped her pack and then delved inside, rummaging around for a towel.

“Here, c’mon – let’s get you dry” I said, holding up the towel in offering, and to screen her from my sight.  What the hell are you doing, Commander? I incredulously questioned of myself, unable to believe that I was going to take the higher ground and actually be a gentleman.  However, Sierra grasped the towel to then gently pull on it.

“What are you doing?” the woman asked, now thoroughly confused.  Her other hand she laid on my own and now I lowered the towel.

“Trying to be a nice guy for a change?” I suggested with an awkward grin.  “Even though I must confess, that is the furthest thing from my mind right now.”

“Mine too” Sierra surprisingly admitted.  “Why don’t you just help me get out of these clothes and then see where it goes?” she pressed, taking the towel from me to then toss it aside.  Nodding in acceptance, I drew in a shaky breath.

And so it was with hands none too steady that I started to undress her.  The woman wound up having to assist me since, much to my embarrassment, since I was a case and a half by that point.  Especially after unbuttoning her shirt so I could spy within her full breasts.  And now I had the disjointed thought that Aidan had better not be watching from a distance this encounter, otherwise I’d never hear the end of it.  He would have a field day witnessing his professed Don Juan brother fumbling about like a virgin teenage boy.

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” I asked as I knelt before her to then unbutton her khaki shorts, swallowing hard as her belly was slowly revealed to me.  Stopping at the last button, I could not bring myself to continue.

“Collin?” Sierra prompted and in return I let out a long, low breath.  Looking down, I now closed my eyes.

“If I continue, my dear, then there will be no turning back” I informed her, glancing up to see if she understood.  “Can you accept this?” I asked of her and in return, another nod.  “Verbal confirmation, if you would?” was my formal request, which came out sounding like a command.  A fleeting look of concern lighted in her eyes but then was gone – too brief for me to discern the impetus.

“Yes, Collin” the woman accepted and that was it – restraint in any and all measure now abandoned me.

Then again, restraint had never been one of my strong suits, either.

Unfortunately for me, game along the seasonal river was plentiful.  The hunt would be brief – too brief, and so I first went upstream.  The call of the water was enticing and perhaps splashing some on my face might cool me down.

And in more ways than one.

My brother had won this round, but Collin wouldn’t win every bout.  Sierra would eventually come to know him for the man he truly was.  When she did, then their time of wine and roses would then come to an abrupt end.

I had staying power, at least.  Collin was all about the moment and living in it – but once the thrill was gone?  Well, then so would be my brother.

How many women had he done that to in the Time Before? I wondered.  It didn’t matter.  To have a woman in this Time After was a treasure beyond God’s Measure.  My brother would not ever let her go – and if he did, it would not be in a physical sense.  Collin would keep her to him, but beyond that?

Only time would tell.

There were two things without a doubt that my brother had stuck with during the course of his life.  A career in the military and a love of music.  Neither was far from his mind and heart – although it was the former that troubled me at present.  Collin and the power of his AFA rank.  Nothing to sneeze at, after all – and along with it went resources of which we in The Order were sorely in need.

Climbing the rise so I would be positioned above the waterfall, I cast a lingering look over my shoulder at the scene below.  Well, that didn’t take long, I thought in dismay.  Collin hadn’t lost his touch, I considered with admitted jealousy.  I had to give him his due, I supposed.  He was already between the woman’s legs, face buried in her depths, and so that was enough for me.  I now instead paid attention to my footing as I negotiated the grade, even though I was blinded by the color red which had hijacked my entire field of vision.

Once up the rise and upriver, I found a tranquil spot to kneel and give thanks to God for His Bounty which surrounded me.  For the game, the water, the woman and even for the company of my overly confident brother.  There was purpose to us all being brought together – but varying reasons did my brother and I have to explain this.

It could very well just be the Hand of God, or so Collin had put forth as one possible explanation.  However, although I would be the first to admit that God drove us forward in all things, in this instance I was of a mind that there was a bit more to it than that.  Just as was the same with the curiosity that those of us who had survived the Apocalypse were predominantly left handed.

I had learned too much during my lifetime that I would have been better off not having learned at all.  Hints and innuendos along life’s path had only served as tantalizing clues.  However, after many years of digging, too few did I have in my possession to construct any coherent matrix.  Or more rightly, any sane one.

Regardless the reason, there was no one to debate it at present and so I stripped off my shirt.  Scooping up water with my hands I then splashed my face and neck.  If I didn’t have need to be to alert, then I would have totally immersed myself, cleansing not only my body but my troubled mind as well.

After reciting a litany of prayers in an attempt to garner comfort by some degree, I now drew my shirt back on and then froze.

I was no longer alone.

With practiced ease I stealthily withdrew my knife and was on my feet, waiting.  No fear did any man hold for me, although if this one had not been my friend and comrade, I might have been concerned.

Soundlessly sliding into view was my Brother from The Order, Quade.

“Not interested in watching your brother get frisky, hmm?” Quade posed as he now walked over to me.  Putting up my blade, I grinned at him.

“Something tells me you did?” I surmised and then offered my fellow Brother a heartfelt embrace.  Upon parting, Quade searched my eyes, long, hard, before he finally backed away.

“Grand Head Sokolov will have your hide, Andy, you know this” was his blunt assessment.

“Dmitri won’t always hold the Station of Grand Head” I coolly countered.

“Not if you have anything to say about it?” he suggested with a grunt.  “How long do you think it will take before news reaches him?  That your delay isn’t the result of difficulty in stroking your brother, but rather instead it is you who are being stroked, and by a real live woman no less?”  This Brother was right – it would not be looked upon favorably, that of my keeping Sierra’s existence so long under wraps.

“I’ve got some hunting to do” I stated and then turned to leave but Quade was quick, and perhaps foolish, to take hold of my arm.

But this time I let him.  He was my oldest and most trusted friend – that was if we assassins even had friends.  However, Quade and I were two of a kind and went way back to the Time Before.  Back to the CIA, precisely – partners then as now.

“Andy – this is me you are talking to” was his reminder.  “I can’t believe that you let Collin get anywhere near the woman, let alone shoot his load into her!” Quade snapped, purposely pushing my buttons.  Correction – slamming them was more like it.

Looking down to where his hand lay on my arm, I then closed my eyes as I bowed my head.

“Trust me, Quade – I’m not thrilled about that either” I confessed in a low voice as I then looked up at him.  “You seem to have forgotten that my brother is a Commander-General in the AFA,” I refreshed his memory, “and as much as I hate to admit it, The Order needs him more than he needs The Order.”

“And so the sacrifice” my old friend quietly returned, nodding in acceptance.  Above and beyond all, I was in no way thinking of myself.  Quade now had his assurance that I hadn’t lost my Way – Greater Good, after all.  This was the Way of The Brotherhood, as well as that of The Order.

“Your argument is persuasive, but others within the High Council might perceive the situation with a wholly different cant” he put forth.  This I need not be told for it was a reality about which I could do little.  Word would eventually reach the wrong set of ears and then it would just be a matter of time.

“Tell me something I don’t know” I returned, releasing a long, low breath.  “We will soon be moving on – Collin is a man with a plan” I now scoffed with a laugh.  “That is – if Sierra is the hacker-extraordinaire that my brother believes her to be.”

“You don’t buy it” was his flat assessment and so I only held his eyes.  It was a fairly incredulous notion that the sultry little Latina woman had been, in Pre-Time, a notorious hacker.  “Nor have you called her out on the carpet about it either, I’ll wager?” he prompted.  Shaking my head once, sharply, I gave Quade my answer.  During the past months I had kept him fully abreast of all goings on within our trio.

“I have to play this my brother’s way or no way at all” I reminded him.  “You’re aware that you and Bryan are not the only shadows we have out there, hmm?”  To this Quade laughed, openly.

“Yeah – but you just give me the go ahead and we will happily remove Jonesy and Brains for you” he offered with a wicked grin but I just slowly shook my head in return.

“If it ever comes to the point of offing Collin’s support system?  Then I want the kill” I growled, making it abundantly clear, and so Quade nodded once in agreement, along with an evil grin.

“Yeah – those two have been a pain in your ass since the Time Before” he commiserated, now releasing my arm.  “Kevin is as nervous as a canary in a roomful of cats” Quade informed me of the status of our exchange hostage, who was my brother’s uber-geek TechStaff Captain.  I could not help but grin at Quade’s imagery, though.

“He hasn’t taken to being an exchange hostage all that well, eh?” I supposed as I now decided to sit down – hunting could wait a bit longer.

“Well, in exchange for Amanda?  I’d say we got the raw end of that deal, but who am I to say?” Quade remarked and then crouched down in front of me, clasping his hands between his knees.

“It just better pay off is all” I complained of the indignity.  “The geek is pretty damned amazing, though – you have to give Kevin that much.  And he was a systems programmer for the DoD in the Time Before.  If Sierra can help him hack in more quickly?  Then we should get what we’re after – and then some, I’d say.”

“Yeah, and do what with it, however?” he posed.  “Hand it right over to Dmitri?”

“Cold day in hell” I growled with discord.  “One day, one hour, one minute at a time” I brought to mind a favorite Brotherhood litany.  “We cannot see how all paths will end – and you know me, Quade.”

“A little too well” he laughed under his breath.  “Your bid for Grand Head – I still say you have an uphill battle there.”

“And what isn’t?” I made point.  “Try coaxing my brother along – that will see you wearing a straight jacket inside of a week.  If we didn’t need the resources at Collin’s disposal…” I began but then left the thought unfinished – there was no point to the debate.

It was what it was.

However, I fully intended to see The Order rise up, far above the AFA, for my plan once I became Grand Head was to wipe out the AFA, once and for all.  This Time After would not have room enough for both – well, literally there would be, with so few people left.  Figuratively, though?  Collin’s masters would need bend to our will else wise?  Then the heathens had to go – and if that meant my brother right along with them?  Then so be it if he chose not to stand with us, his Brothers from The Order, we who were God’s Chosen Ones.

“Will you and Bryan have time for a side trip?” I now asked my friend who nodded in return.  We Elite-Assassins always traveled in pairs and this I perhaps missed most.  Working with Collin required me to be a solo act.  Quade normally was my partner, but sacrifices need be made for the Greater Good.  Besides, Quade was a good PR man in my absence – and while I was gone he’d watch my back regardless, even if I was leagues away.

If there was one person in this world who I knew I could count on always and ever, then that was Quade, my former CIA brethren.

“If it involves letting blood?  Sure” was Quade’s simple reply to my request.

“Not sure if that will be the case, unless you come across some hapless AFA soldiers” I grunted.  “There is a distant rumor that we need to work.  Some rather… troubling news has reached my ears about the survival of a major player from The Brotherhood, from the Time Before” I laid out for dissection, which piqued his interest.  “So, my time in the midst of Blackguard territory has not been a total waste, hmm?” I posed along with a wry grin.

“Who and where?” he demanded details for this was indeed no small matter.

“Harlan is the who – and the where?  Well, that is what needs research” I informed him.  “The AFA, of all places – although I find this hard to believe.”

“We would have heard!” Quade hissed, clearly as unsettled by this revelation as I had been.

“One would think” I began but then released a weighted sigh, shaking my head.

“Harlan was head of the genetics unit” Quade solemnly reminded – a disturbing thought, this.

“Yes, and he is going by his CIA name, curiously enough.  I came upon this knowledge quite by accident” I revealed.  “I overheard a conversation that was not meant for my ears.”

“By accident?  I doubt that” Quade grinned and he was right.

“Truth.  Like I said, though, just a rumor – but one that requires our attention.  Obviously I cannot use my brother’s AFA perks to aid in this and so I will leave it in your capable hands, yours and Bryan’s.  If anyone can sniff out information, then my money is on Bryan” I declared, lauding my own personal geek, who was also The Order’s Head of IT.  “I really do have to hunt, Quade – if I stay away too long,” I told him as I now got to my feet, “Collin will become suspicious.  He knows I want to beat the life out of him right now.”

“Perhaps you should?” was Quade’s all too tempting suggestion as he followed suit and rose to his feet as well.  “Or maybe you’d let me have that privilege, eh?” he grinned, one born of pure malevolence.  The contempt he held for my brother, a high ranking AFA officer, knew no bounds.

“Someday, perhaps, but today is not that day – not yet” I said in a low voice and then bowed low to my Brother, as he did to me, and without another word we each melted off in different directions.

And someday it might just come to that point, too, I considered in sorrow – someday.

Oh, man – you blew it, Commander, I berated myself.  This was accompanied by one healthy dose of self-loathing.  Sitting there with my knees drawn up under my chin, I watched the poor creature as she slumbered.  Sierra was stretched across her bed roll, out-and-out exhausted from her playtime with me.

That the woman had had no idea what she was getting herself into had been more than obvious.  But what did I do?  Instead of backing off like a gentleman, I let it get out of hand.

If she had ever wondered whether or not I was a passionate guy, then our coupling should have left her with no room for doubt.

Closing my eyes, it was with a sigh of regret that I rested my forehead to my knees.  What did it matter?  If Aidan found out how it went down, he’d remove me from the face of God’s Earth.  Quickly – and with pain, I was of a mind.

When Jonesy had accused me of always thinking with my cock, my Colonel had been thoroughly accurate in his assessment.  And that’s what had done all the thinking this go around – my will had not been my own.  I had been held prisoner by my penis.

There.  I admitted it.  That didn’t hurt half as bad as I thought it would, the admission.

So long to wait, not only to take Sierra, but to just have sex with a woman!  Granted, my wait had not been as long as Aidan’s, but long it had been none the less.

My first inclination, once Sierra had drifted off to a troubled sleep, was to get up and slink away.  That would have been distinctly ungentlemanly and out-and-out cowardly – although why I was concerned about that I had no idea.  I had not even remotely resembled a gentleman during coitus with the woman.

It would not be the first time you’ve messed things up, O’Reilly, I considered in harsh reminder.  It was not only how Sierra would now view me that had my mind in a troubled state.  Or at least – not as much as the concern that she might not be inclined to fully cooperate in our endeavor.  We needed her assistance in aiding Kevin to hack into the DoD database.  An unwilling partner in crime was a handicap that Captain Kevin Andrew Wong did not require.  The geek was on edge enough as it was about the task to which he knew he would soon be set.  A gorgeous female hacker who was a case would be the wrong kind of distraction.

However, I had a hunch that Kevin and Sierra would hit it off, even so.

But nothing should be left to chance! I now scolded myself, releasing another weighted sigh and this one somehow managed to rouse our sleeping beauty.  Just a tad, enough for her to crack an eye open and spy me sitting there.

“Hey, Chiquita” I greeted her, offering up the best smile I could muster given the circumstances.  “You ok?” I asked, not really wanting an answer for fear that she might just lay the brutal truth on me.

Sierra now lifted her head, craning her neck around – looking for my brother, no doubt.

“Where’s Aidan?” she asked, making me feel like an even bigger cad than I already did.

“Uh – still hunting, I guess?” I posed, not sure what was taking him so damn long – game was plentiful along the river.  The light had just about left the sky so what prey could he be hunting?  It wasn’t like the man had night vision, although I did not doubt he could smell his prey in the dark and down it with a single well-aimed arrow.

Now shifting my position to sit crossed legged, I long held her eyes.  An apology was forth coming, and clearly expected by her.  Swallowing my pride, I did just that.

“Forgive me, Sierra” I implored.  “I… I told you there would be no turning back” I reminded her in defense of myself, as if that was going to hold any water.  “I’m… sorry, my dear.  It won’t happen again – at least, not like that… unless you request it?” I tacked on, not wanting her to think I was expecting after such a rut that we would not ever again couple.  Once dipped into the honey jar, after all – there would also be no turning back for me.  I just needed to pay my dues before she and I could share pleasures once more.

Right?

Cross that bridge when you get to it, O’Reilly, I cautioned myself.  One day, one hour, one minute at a time.

“Would you mind?” she prompted in return, making a spinning motion with one finger.  Blinking at her like an idiot for a moment, I then finally got what she meant.

“Oh… yes, certainly” I accepted and then got to my feet.  Walking off a several paces I kept my back to her so she could get dressed.  Bad sign number one, I thought in dismay.

Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I rocked on my heels while I waited.  After the rustling sounds of her getting dressed had died down, I then turned round to face her.

She was sitting cross-legged on her sleeping bag, elbow to knee, hand to chin and staring straight at me.

And none too kindly at that.

Staying where I was, like a coward, I crouched down – feeling myself being viewed by her as a cat who was considering batting around the mouse just a little bit more.

“Thank you” I said – again, as if I had not said it enough after our coupling.  “May I come closer?” I actually heard myself ask – decidedly not like the Commander-General I was known to be, the one who was an uncompromising hard-case.  However, out here and with this woman?  I was anything but myself these days, I considered in distress.  “I promise not to pounce” I added for good measure and with a sigh born of aggravation, Sierra nodded in acceptance.  Apparently still not speaking to me.

With a certain amount of relief, but with unease as well, I moved in closer to once more crouch down.  Close enough to reach out and touch her – but I didn’t… not just yet.

“I won’t tell if you won’t” she said, rather flat in her delivery.  Huh?  Since I failed to respond in the proper amount of time, the woman forged ahead in clarification.  “I won’t tell Aidan if you don’t.”  What was that supposed to mean?  Like I would tell him anyway?  “Is that how you used to treat women?” the little Latina beauty wanted to know and how would I be able to tell her that there was another side of me?  The side that liked it long and slow and tender – where I would indulge her every whim and desire, putting her pleasure leagues ahead my own?  After my unbridled display of carnal lust, she’d never believe a word of it.

“Only when they wanted it that way” was my idiotic sounding response.  “I… I said I am sorry, Sierra.  You have no idea what it’s been like” I added, which admittedly didn’t sound much better.

“Aidan never treated me that way” was her comparative statement.

“Please – spare me the details” I now snapped out of jealousy as I got to my feet.  Stalking off a few paces I stood there with my back to her.  My brother – God’s gift to women, after all.

“Which is what I’ll do – at least, with Aidan” she reiterated.  “He’d kill you dead if he knew.”  Yeah – if she only knew, I thought in irony.  Long ago in another time and place, I had been unjustly accused of rape, and by my brother’s wife, no less.

History repeats again and again and yet again.

“Thank you, Sierra, for your graciousness” I accepted as I turned to face her, reeling in my emotions before they could spin out of control and make matters worse.  “I appreciate the gesture, I truly do.  I never meant for it to get so out of hand,” I openly admitted, “but you are so beautiful!  So desirable – woman, you are knockout, I hope you realize this?” was my hopeful inquiry, but is came off like just one more excuse in defense of my own bad behavior.

“And that gave you the right to get so rough?” the woman demanded, now on her feet.  Stomping out to where I stood, I was actually in fear of this diminutive creature as she closed the distance between us.

“Forgive me” I said once more – and how many times was that now?  “What can I do to make it up to you?” I asked as she stopped right in front of me, afraid that she might say something like never touch me ever again.

Instead, she surprised me by reaching out a hand to take my own in hers.  If the woman turned out to be a tease then she was in for a shitload full of trouble, or such was my glum consideration.

Regarding at my hand for a moment, she then raised her eyes to meet mine.

“You’re shaking again” she remarked.  No shit – and I had no idea why, either, which in turn was scaring the crap out of me.  Could this possibly get any more embarrassing? I now wondered, feeling utterly disconcerted by this point.  My ego was taking one serious browbeating here.  “Afraid of what Aidan will do if he finds out?” was the woman’s dead-serious inquiry.

But that wasn’t it at all – well, not mostly at any rate.

“I… no” was my adamant denial, pulling away my hand as I retreated, backing up a step or two.  “Look – I’m not like Aidan, you know.  I actually have emotions, my dear.  If you find that disturbing, then I’m sorry.”

“Aidan has them too, he just has control over his” was Sierra’s overt slam.  Keep racking up those points, Chiquita, I thought as a haze started to creep in around me, threatening to affect my judgment.  Judgment which I had pretty much already demonstrated to Sierra was piss poor.  I could only take just so much badgering, though, before I would remind her that I was a man.

Once back in civilization her directness would have to be curtailed, however – and I looked forward to teaching her a lesson or two on that account if need be.  But all in good, clean fun, though – sex had always been, to me, like playtime.  Unfortunately, the romp had come pretty close to being a rape – at least in her eyes.

For the time being, however, I knew I had to stroke her along, just like I had been stroking Aidan.  There was a lot more at stake here than just one woman, even if my ultimate personal goal was to make her mine and mine alone.

“Just who are you anyway, Collin?” the woman now boldly diverged, and unwisely at that.

“You might as well ask who Aidan is, too,” was my cool counter, “but that wouldn’t be any wiser, my dear” I warned her, now reducing the distance between us.  Sooner or later she would have to be tamed – either by me or by my brother.  Too long Aidan had let her run wild, which was something that had made no sense to me whatsoever.  Aidan was a stickler for discipline and yet he had practically indulged the woman’s every whim.

Which could only mean one thing – that he truly did love the beauty.

“And that is supposed to mean… what?” Sierra shot back, bravely trying to stand her ground.  However, as I encroached upon her the woman’s resolve began to falter and hence a single backward step she took.  I had to admit, the difference in our statures was a turn on for me – I was six foot two and Sierra?  Well – she was five four, if even that.  The power over her that I had felt during our coupling was full of animal excitement, to say the very least.

“What it means and what you need to know are two different things” I laid out for her with a flick of my hand.  “You only need be concerned with this – Aidan and I will keep you safe, or as safe as we are able which, in this Post-Time world, is about as safe as you are going to get, dear heart.”  My frankness was not lost on her – and so she just blinked in response.  Too much she had heard that day between Aidan and me – and I was of a mind that Aidan had allowed her to hear more of our conversation than was wise, and more than he had led me to believe.  Another big question mark there – Aidan had his own agenda, most certainly, but what that was I could only guess.  His loyalty ultimately lay with The Brotherhood and The Order.  In the scheme of things, his lowly fraternal twin brother here did not rate, not one single solitary iota.

“You were in the military,” the woman now accurately assessed, “or still are?” she tested.  “But not like Aidan – he’s… different.”  At this I could only choke back a laugh.

“That, Sierra, is the understatement of the millennium” I assured her, rocking on my heels as I raised a hand to my mouth to conceal a burgeoning grin.

“Why are you guys not being straight with me?” the little pit bull pressed forward.  Sure, she was nervous – afraid, actually, but the woman was demanding answers none the less.  Answers that I was not about to give her – not yet, and perhaps not even by me.

All in due time, and that time was drawing near, unfortunately.  The plan I had crafted, in which Sierra was to play an integral part, must go forward as scheduled.  Sierra was on a need to know basis and honestly?  She needed to know very little if Aidan and I were to pull this off.  Too many puzzle pieces in her possession could spell failure for us.

“You should ask that of Aidan” I deferred.  “I’m just along for the ride, after all.”  Sierra, narrowing her eyes at me in suspicion, slowly shook her head.

“Oh, no, Collin – you are anything but just going along for the ride” was her shrewd deduction.

“Maybe yes, maybe no – but not to worry, Chiquita.  I have the power to protect you” I reiterated.

“Oh yeah?  After that display?” she attacked and now I was back to feeling like the world’s biggest cad.  “And what makes you think I need protection anyway?!”

“Trust me, Sierra – you do” I made certain in a low voice.  “However, you need not be apprised of all things, my diminutive pit bull” I chuckled, not being able to help myself since it was an accurate parallel.  “And don’t bother trying to melt off into the wilderness – you wouldn’t get far even should you should try.  Aidan would see to it that you don’t.”

“And you?” Sierra inquired.

“Aidan does my bidding” I now drew out one card, tossing it on the table as I put it into play.  I could at least throw the woman a bone upon which to gnaw – it would keep her mind busy at least.

“So you are in the military then” the woman decided but no confirmation would I yet give on this point.  In time she would come to know me and who I truly was – one puzzle piece at a time.  And besides, didn’t everyone love a good mystery?

“Let’s just say this – I will do everything within my power to keep you safe” I reiterated.  “I’ve got the backing, so don’t you worry.”

Standing there looking up at me, biting her lip, she searched my eyes.  Finding Truth, Sierra now audibly sighed and then looked away for a moment.  I took this opportunity to reach out and lay a hand on her shoulder, however, the poor thing actually startled.

“Sierra… I… please, it is important that you forgive me” I implored, swinging back around the other way now.  “Although there is no suitable excuse for my behavior, understand that in all things I am a passionate man” I tried to explain.  “I was not my intent to hurt you, or to demean you.”

“Military” she again accused.  “No one talks like that, at least not the grunts, anyway – you’re an officer” was her assumption, but she could assume away for right or wrong.  I was not about to confirm or deny at this point.

“I am only a man – one who could not help himself when presented with such an opportunity!  That of lying with the most beautiful creature upon which he’s ever set eyes” I declared with all sincerity.  “And you, Sierra, are a most gorgeous woman.  God has heavily favored you.”  Wrapping her arms tightly about her body, she shifted uneasily on her feet.  “That’s not a come on, or a prelude to more of the same, so please don’t go getting all skittish on me, ok?” I told her and then looking past her shoulder, I saw Aidan melting into view with dinner in hand.  I could not help but stiffen upon sight of him and as a result I was then quick to take my hand off Sierra’s person.

She now glanced behind her to see my brother striding up to us.  Looking one last time at me, it was hard to tell if she was going to rat me out to Aidan, but I suspected not.

At least, not wholly.

One thing I did know with certainty, though – my brother was pissed.  No outward sign did he give, but I could feel his anger rolling off him in waves and thus I would now make a well timed exit.

“Ah, the hunter returns!” I announced with a laugh.  “Now I can go for a short jog – if you two will excuse me?” I requested but did not bother to wait for approval.  With a curt bow to Sierra, I then turned on my heel, making my exit before Aidan decided to add fratricide to his list of deadly accomplishments.

Watching Aidan while he skinned the rabbits, I found myself feeling queasy – per usual.  However, I stayed close to him regardless, but neither of us was in a chatty mood right then.  I had no idea what to say to Aidan, if anything.  I didn’t want to get Collin into trouble, but Aidan was extremely observant.  He already damned well knew that I was not myself, and not because he was gutting a couple of bunnies, either.

“Want to talk about it?” he finally ventured, seeming somewhat more relaxed for having occupied his hands with something constructive.

“About what?  Collin?  Or other more troubling things?” I complained but then bit my tongue.  Both were topics that were sure to be equally confrontational.  I was still feeling rather numb after getting it on with Collin – physically as well as emotionally.

It had started out so sweet but then quickly got out of control but what had I done to stop it though?  Not one single thing, since I was of the mind that saying no would brand me as a tease and that would have only infuriated Collin who already suffered from a hot temper.  Besides, hadn’t I agreed that once we started there would be no turning back?  I suspected that Collin was a man of his word – as I was a woman of mine.  I wasn’t about to become a turncoat.

With a flat look, Aidan just considered me but else wise said nothing.

“Are you and Collin playing for the same team?” I decided to ask, opening up what could become an unsafe conversation but I just had to know.  Pausing mid-stroke with his knife, Aidan closed his eyes and bowed his head.  “He’s an army officer or something, isn’t he?” I now pressed, sounding somewhat demanding I realized.

“Is that what he told you?” Aidan reciprocated with a question of his own, picking up where he left off his stroke – except now his strokes appeared to be more constrained.

“He didn’t have to Aidan – I’m not blind you know” I snapped at the man, not really meaning to.

Again he paused mid-stroke with his blade.

“Did he… hurt you?” he now asked as he resumed his work on the rabbits.

“And if he did, what would you do?  Beat him up?” I grumbled in accusation.  “Don’t you answer to him?” I pressed and then, finishing his work, Aidan skewered the rabbits on a spit to then suspend them above the low open fire.  He did not answer me, and so in this I supposed I had my answer.

Sitting there pouting, I watched him as he set about cleaning up after his bloody task, lastly washing his hands and forearms in the pool of water.  Once finished, he then walked back over to me, extending a hand in offering.

“I could use a dip, how about you?” he suggested but I just blinked at him.

“No thanks, don’t feel like getting wet again” I complained but Aidan wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“If you want to sleep in the same bedroll with me then you definitely need to get washed up” was his mandate.  “It’s either that, or you can sleep with Collin tonight.”  I could only gape at him – the man couldn’t possibly be serious!

Now reaching down to take hold of my arm, he pulled me to my feet.

“Please, Sierra – it will do us both a world of good, to take a swim, ok?” he pressed and then started to undress.  Did he expect me to do the same? I wondered, glancing around to make sure Collin wasn’t lurking in the vicinity.  “He’s nowhere nearby, Sierra – so it’s ok” Aidan soothed as he tossed his pants aside and the truth was, I did want to get clean.  Oddly enough, however, it wasn’t because I wanted to wash Collin’s scent off me, but rather instead because I was feeling used and abused.  Getting clean would go a long way towards making me feel better, at least mentally.

With a shrug, I got undressed, still glancing around in fear that Collin would pop up.  My behavior troubled Aidan, however, who by this point was probably assuming the worst of Collin.

Once free of clothing we both dove into the water and I had to admit – it felt like nothing short of heaven.  Soon I felt not so used, those dark feelings washing away with the flow of water.

After we were cleansed, Aidan then swam over to the waterfall and naturally I followed.  With the water drowning out the sound of our voices, Aidan decided to indulge my curiosity.

“First this” he said and then suddenly I found my face held prisoner by his hands and on the receiving end of one very heartfelt kiss.  Aidan wasn’t much on words, but had no problems physically conveying his feelings for me.  After the conclusion of the lingering kiss, he then held my head close to his chest.

“Forgive me” Aidan implored, speaking the words into my ear.  Forgive him?  For what?  “I should not have left you alone with Collin” he clarified, perhaps reading my thoughts.  Well, that was a ridiculous assessment.  I was a big girl and could take care of myself – at least so I liked to think.

Pushing away, I looked up at him.

“Did he hurt you?” he asked again, making me wonder why he would ask the question once, much less twice.  This spoke to me that Aidan knew a hell of a lot more about Collin than he had ever let on.

“I don’t want to talk about Collin” I decided.  I didn’t kiss and tell, after all.  “What I do want to talk about is how you two know each other.”

“You have no need to concern yourself with that, my love” was Aidan’s attempt at a polite brush-off.  However, his getting all formal did little more than remind me of the formal brush-off I had previously gotten from Collin.

“No?  Well, Collin seems to think I need protection” I pressed.  “Would you care to tell me from whom or from what?”  The man only considered me in silence for several long heartbeats before he gave his response.

“I haven’t enjoyed withholding information from you, Sierra,” was his candid admission, “but from the day you and I met, I vowed that I would do whatever it took to keep you safe.”  Ok – so he and Collin were on the same page.  They both felt I needed protection.  “Isn’t it enough to know that Collin and I are no strangers?” Aidan put to me and like hell no – but there was little I could do to make him spill if he wasn’t so inclined.

“Come on – over there” he said, swimming off towards the opposing shore.  Following suit, I swam after him towards the shallows near the edge of the pool of water.  First surveying the area with his eyes, he then turned his attention to me.

“So much you should know but can’t be told” Aidan began, sounding apologetic.

“For my own good, right?” I challenged to which he slowly nodded in return.

“For many reasons, on many levels, Sierra – but essentially, yes.  That’s the long and the short of it” he at least confirmed.  “Collin and I have known each other for a long time” Aidan revealed something I had long suspected.  “The world is not as empty a place as we would have you believe – I’m sorry that it was necessary to mislead you.”  I could only blink at Aidan – he was telling the truth, this much I could discern for the man did not lie.  If that was the case, however, that we weren’t alone in the world – then how come I never had a clue that anyone else ever existed?  Seven years was a damned long time to go without hearing sight or sound of other people!

“My advice to you right now is this – play along and don’t anger Collin” he cautioned.  “You already know he has a temper, and probably now understand that what he wants, he gets – am I right?” he put to me, asking that same question as before but now a different way.  Aside from the fact Aidan deeply cared about me, why was it so important for him to know if Collin had hurt me?

“He’s a… complicated man” I actually heard myself say in Collin’s defense, having no desire to give Aidan fuel to feed the fire of rivalry between the two men.

“An extremely unpredictable man would be a more accurate assessment, Sierra” Aidan countered.  “I will tell you more when I can, but not right now – Collin just came back so let’s just go have dinner” he decided and before he could swim off I grabbed him by the arm, stopping him before he could escape.

“Just like that?  And leave me hanging?” was my bitter complaint.

“Exactly” he returned with a wry grin.  “I love you, Sierra” he added with a quick peck on my cheek and then breaking free of my hold, he was gone, heading towards the shore with long, strong strokes.  That man swam like a fish, was my disjointed thought as the rest of his words started to sink in.  That Aidan had strong feelings for me I certainly knew, but to hear him verbalize them?  To actually say I love you?  This wholly caught me off guard.  Although I was elated to think that he did indeed love me, and enough to say it aloud.  Aidan didn’t just view me as some valuable prize, then – I held in my possession a big piece of his heart.

Staring after him, it was then with one sigh of aggravation that I headed off towards the shore.  Collin had indeed returned and was actually tending the rabbits, turning them over on the spit.  Suddenly I felt self-conscious, reluctant to get out of the water.  However, Collin was way ahead of me – he had taken up a towel and came to my rescue.  Holding it outstretched at arm’s length, spread wide, he even turned his head, closing his eyes.

Something told me he was peeking anyway, but it was a nice gesture regardless.  This was Collin all over, though – the mischievous little boy who would try to get away with whatever he could.

“Thanks” I mumbled as I stood with my back to him, letting him wrap the towel around me.  Before he let go, however, he buried his face in my neck, lightly kissing it.

“Forgive me” Collin implored and what was it with everyone wanting my forgiveness that day?  “If I could only take it back” he added, the words catching in his throat.  The sincerity contained within his plea was touching.  Well, I wasn’t about to let either man so easily off the hook – I had been played by each, and to the t.

“I’ll think about it” I said in a low voice as I now turned around to face him.  The pain of regret in his eyes was unmistakable, though, and I felt my heart go out to him.  This man certainly plucked at my heart strings despite his treatment of me during our coupling.

Just what was it about this man that made me feel I could refuse him nothing? I wondered in complete bewilderment.  It was a scary little notion so I shoved it right back into the closet and padlocked the door.  Something to ponder, but later.

Wet and cold and confused, I brushed past him as I made my way over to the fire.  That I had one hell of a lot to think about was an understatement.

From that day forward, Aidan saw to it that I was never left alone with Collin, at least not for any real length of time.  Granted, I hadn’t given him the skinny on what had transpired between Collin and me, but Aidan understood that whatever did happen, the end result was that I was not myself.  Needing time to sort out my tangle of emotions, I was grateful for Aidan running interference for a while between Collin and me.

Aidan decided a good way to take up my time was to help me sharpen my archery skills.  Once Aidan had come into my life, I really hadn’t been hunting all that much since he was just so damned good at it himself.  However, the ruse would keep me close to Aidan.  Besides, he pointed out that I really needed to start pulling my weight in that arena, since I was partaking of the kills.  Even Collin hunted on and off and so feeling like a shirker, I reluctantly agreed.  There was no free ride as far as Aidan was concerned – everyone was expected to contribute, each in his or her own measure.  Although I suspected that for a long time Aidan had gone easy on me – probably as a precaution to make sure he wouldn’t scare me off.

It was on one such hunting foray when Aidan appeared ready to open up to me.  Stopping to take a break in the shade of some scruffy trees, Aidan sat down on the ground with me following suit.  Sitting there cross-legged, he considered me long.  I held my silence, though, and just waited for him for him to begin talking.  The location he had chosen was one pretty much out in the open, which would make it difficult for Collin to approach and yet remain unseen by Aidan’s keen eyes.

“I’m sure you have a thousand questions if one,” he began, “but at present, I can only satisfy your curiosity by a certain degree.”

“Well – some answers are better than none, I guess” was my moody, and less than polite, acceptance – one expressed with a weighted sigh.  Lately I was feeling rather cranky and contentious.  However, I would take whatever scraps he was willing to toss me.  Beggars couldn’t be choosers, after all.

“I’d say that I understand your frustration, but not being a woman, obviously I can’t” was Aidan’s rather sexist remark.  “One thing is for certain, Sierra – from here on out, you will need to obey me without question.  Do I have your word on this?”  I just blinked at him.  Since when had I become part of his army?  Or whatever it was that he was part of?  “Your safety will depend on it, my love – this is why I demand it of you.  Once I give you a brief recounting of this Time After, then you will understand.”

“Don’t I get to hear the story first?” was my hopeful inquiry, one with a faltering smile.  No response was forthcoming and so I had my answer.  Aidan would never let harm come to me if within his power and so in this I needed to also trust his judgment.  “Yes… you do, Aidan” I committed, swallowing hard as I wondered just what I was getting myself into now.

“I will protect you – with my life” he asserted.  “You have my word.”

“Collin won’t protect me?” I just had to ask and so Aidan grew dusky but I knew he’d tell me the truth regardless.

“Yes, he will, Sierra – however, our definitions of protection differ, and that being said…” Aidan trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.

“You truly are in great danger, my love” he now reaffirmed, closing his eyes as he bowed his head.  Ok – time to get ultra-serious, then, I thought with a certain amount of anxiety.  I wanted to be told the truth but at the same time was afraid to audition it.

“Well then, let’s just get it out in the open, Aidan – don’t you think I have a right to know what it is that’s putting me in danger?” I urged but in return he only grunted at my words as he raised his eyes to meet my own.

“Sierra, in knowing you will not be any safer and that is Truth” Aidan made clear.  “Just know this – the populace of God’s Earth has been greatly reduced, but not so much so that humans are as few and far between as you would believe.

“In the beginning, those who did survive did not stray all that far from their cities and towns” he recounted for me.  “You were the exception to the rule, I suppose – wandering off into the wilderness.  Few people were as well equipped as were you to fend for themselves out in the wild, much less in the desert.  And to begin with, not many people survived.  Granted, you thought yourself to be a rarity, but you really weren’t – at least, not in the sense you think.

“The thing that confounds me, as well as Collin, is how you could have survived for seven years before colliding with civilization once more” Aidan puzzled, considering me at length with those amazingly dark eyes of his.  Although he was telling a story, I still felt like I was under interrogation or something.

“So – there is a civilization out there?” I asked to which he nodded in return.

“Yes – there is a populace, but I’m not sure I would go as far as to call most of it civilized” was his droll assessment, delivered along with a wry grin.  “The world as you knew it no longer exists, and the population has been greatly reduced.  These are two Truths.

“After the plague did its work, it did not take all that long for men to coalesce into governing bodies.  Without order, we are not human, or even humane, for that matter” was Aidan’s arid declaration, but I was of the opinion that he had not much cared for civilization – period, then or now.  The man truly seemed content and at peace out here in the desert – in the middle of what amount to no man’s land.

“Many survived the plague only then to die in its aftermath” he went on to explain.  “We managed to do even more damage to ourselves, picking up quite nicely where the apocalypse left off.  Fortunately for mankind, logic eventually prevailed and man slowly came to his senses.  Within a few years, many groups of men were fairly well established to one degree or another.  Some more than others, as you will come to find out, and one that sleeps” was his cryptic commentary.

“There are a handful major players in the game and just as the rules of the game have changed, so have we” he confessed.  However, I wasn’t so sure about that, given the contention I had witnessed firsthand between Aidan and Collin.  Put two men together and one woman and the men would start fighting – that much hadn’t changed.  “This new world is better than the old one in many ways, but it is now a world of men” Aidan made clear.  Pausing, he momentarily closed his eyes, as if carefully considering his next words.  He was still holding back – a lot.  This I was able to sense, but what and how much?

There I had no inkling.

“When you say a world of men, does that mean women got bounced all the way back to the stone age?” I ventured, sounding less than overly pleased by the notion as a not-so-humorous picture came to mind.  “Should I be calling you Fred and should you be calling me Wilma?” I joked out of nervousness, thinking of an old animated television show.  Aidan just offered me a flat look in return, quite obviously not amused.

“No, Sierra, I meant that literally” was his curt clarification.  “It is now predominantly a world inhabited by men.  You, Sierra, are a true gem among gems in this new world – women took a much harder hit from the plague than did we men” he laid out for my consideration.

For several moments I just sat there, gawking at him.

“Just how much harder?” was my pointed inquiry in counter.  I did not like the implications one bit – and for more reasons than just one.

“Hard enough that it’s likely we humans no longer have a viable breeding population” he stated matter-of-fact and then I was certain I must have dropped my jaw.  “Too few and far between women have become and so you, Sierra, being a woman, are a prize above all other prizes.”

“Great” I grumbled in complaint, now realizing all too well the implications of his declaration.  “So not only are you and Collin fighting over this scrap, everyone else will be, too.”

“That would be a fair assessment,” the man concurred, no happier about it than was I, “but it won’t come to blows – there is a thing called negotiation, after all.  Your discovery has been a double-edged sword, however” he confessed.  “Duty requires me to do one thing and one thing only – there are more important tasks which need our attention, and what to do with this one rare gem not the least of them.  A gem that could, for all intents and purposes, be a cleverly contrived spy” Aidan now bowled me over.

“Oh, get real” I openly laughed, grinning to no end.  How ridiculous – however, Aidan was apparently dead serious.  “Aw, c’mon now!  If I’m as rare a gem as you say, then what group of men would risk using, and losing, a woman?  Man, you guys really are paranoid.”  Not answering straight off, Aidan only held my gaze.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures” was all he would say.  “I had to be certain and so I was able to buy time, but that time is running out.  As I have said, there are more pressing matters and your discovery has managed to throw things off center.  Amidst everything else, we still need to keep you safe while we finish our work here.”

“We?” I put to him.  “So, you and Collin are working for the same side!” I pressed but Aidan remained silent.  “Why did you want to kill Collin when we came upon him that day?  Pinned beneath those boulders?” I now dared to ask a question that had been on my mind every day since.

“That’s rather – complicated” he confessed but was not inclined to elaborate.  “It would have solved one problem only to create another” he unexpectedly tacked on.  “What’s done is done – Collin now travels with us and he is pressuring me to turn aside” he concluded.

“Collin said you answer to him” I let slip a detail that Collin had told me.

“Nothing is so clean cut between us” was his only response and here was where Aidan was ready to get off the boat, or so it seemed.

“Ok – so you two aren’t playing for the same team then” I accused, deciding it was time to start up an investigation of my own.  “You are and you aren’t, right?”

“At face value?  Yes and no, Sierra – but necessity mandates that we work together towards a common cause, a Greater Good” he came clean, or about as clean as I felt he would.  “In the end, however, we are on the same side – that of God, but for the present there are a lot of obstacles standing in our way.  Can you ride?” Aidan now suddenly asked, hopeful.

“You mean, like on horseback?” I returned.

“Yes” he confirmed with a single nod.  “I turned to follow this water course for a purpose.  It opens up into a region that has grazing, and where I have seen horses regularly ranging in the recent past.  I’m of the mind that we should stop there for a while.  If we’re lucky, during one of my hunting forays, I might be able to capture a horse or two” Aidan revealed.  “Many of the horses now running free were not always so; they need just a little reminding in order to be ridden once again.  I have tamed wild horses before, but we would not be afforded much time, however, and once-tame horses would be our only hope.  Granted, this is a long shot, but without horses to bear us, we just do not stand much of a chance on foot.  We are being closely followed” was his eye-opener statement but he quickly pressed on.

“With horses,” he now continued, breezing right on by his last statement, “we would be able to put some distance between us and Collin before he would be able to initiate a search.  Regardless, he’ll quickly sound the alarm, and he does have considerable resources at his disposal.  With our lead, however, we could blend ourselves into in the wilderness without a trace.  I can make this happen, although you also did a pretty good job of losing yourself for seven years” Aidan lauded me in reminder.  “To our advantage, I know this area extremely well.”

“And we want to run away from Collin, just… why?” I asked, now doing a complete about face.  I had no desire to be parted from Collin, regardless what had transpired between us.  I still loved the man, inexplicably so, I was forced to admit.  But who should I trust?  Two men with two agendas – it was more than I could handle.  “Collin also said he would protect me – so why is your protection any better than his?  Especially if he has considerable resources at his disposal?” I demanded in a huff, feeding his words right back to him since I had just about had it with being maneuvered this way and that.

With this, Aidan closed his eyes, bowing his head.

“You don’t want to leave him” he stated, now opening his eyes to look at me.

“No – not unless you have one hell of a good reason why” I made clear.  “I… don’t want to endanger him, Aidan… and if he comes up empty by losing his grasp on me…” I trailed off, unable to believe that I held such concern for the man who had demeaned me.

“At times, Sierra, in order to get closer to a thing, one must move further away,” was another of his cryptic responses, “and so now we find ourselves back at the beginning.  I need you to obey me; I need you to trust me.  A lot of what is going to happen, and in short order, won’t make a lot of sense to you – but I don’t want you to think you are being played for a fool” was his heartfelt assertion.  “I have told you as much as I can – at least, for the present.  Some things need be.  We cannot see how all paths will end.  However, put your trust in me and I will see to it that you travel the path which is least fraught with danger – for all of us.  Are you willing, Sierra?”  Holding long his gaze, I searched his eyes.  I had no reason not to trust him, no reason had he ever given me to doubt him.

“Well – give me a horse with a long mane to hang onto and I can bounce along” I laughed with ill ease as I made my decision to follow Aidan.  “I have not done much bareback riding in my life, but I can certainly sit a horse” I declared but then quickly decided to change the subject, prodded by a question which had been kicking around in my mind for a very long time but had never ventured to ask.  And since Aidan had gotten so chatty today, perhaps he just might reward me with an answer.

“Aidan – I need to ask you something, though” I began, biting my lip.  “That day by the Salt River, when you crept up behind me, holding your knife to my throat – I got the impression that you were expecting me to be someone else – who?” I asked as I closely watched Aidan for his reaction, but per usual, he betrayed nothing.

“I’m not sure” Aidan replied, and though I felt he was not lying, I had a notion he was bending the truth by virtue of omission.  “However, I certainly was not expecting to find a woman, that much is fact.  No, there are dangerous groups of men that roam this desert; the Blackguard, for one” he informed me in a low voice.  “You have no idea how fortunate you were during those seven years you were out here alone, to have not run into anyone.  There are worse fates, I assure you, than having taken up with me or even with Collin” he declared with a slanted grin.

Now holding a hand out to me, he stood up, bidding me to do the same.  As he smiled down upon me, Aidan lovingly brushed the hair out of my eyes which the mounting breeze had blown there.

“We will need to do a disappearing act for a bit – just you and I.  Both of us can survive quite nicely in the desert, without the support of others.  That is a task truly difficult for others who have no desert survival training.  I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that the desert is brutally unforgiving should one make a mistake” Aidan reminded me of something I knew all too well.  His remark suddenly begged a question, though.

“Aidan – why is anyone living out here at all?” I asked, confused.  “I don’t get it – I mean, why would people want to congregate here out of all possible places?  We have little water, extremes of temperature, little food.  What do we have here that’s better than anywhere else?” I wanted to know.  My inquiry prompted a flicker in his eyes of what?  Caution?  What on earth was that all about? I wondered in dismay.  I was sure there had to be a simple explanation why people had gravitated to the desert, but whatever was the reason Aidan sure was doing a good job of eluding me.

Taking a deep breath, as if to speak, he then retracted the notion, instead lowering his head closer to mine to speak softly in my ear.

“Collin is heading this way” he said.  “We should look – busy” Aidan suggested with a grin as he took my face in his hands to deliver a kiss.  Taking his cue, I returned the kiss in kind.  “Don’t let your actions betray you” Aidan whispered in my ear once the kiss was over and I understood.  Play dumb was what I needed to do – even if I felt uncomfortable about doing so, but keep the peace I would continue to do.  Although in the end I knew that was probably going to be the death of me.

“Could you possibly make any more noise?” he called out, looking over his shoulder as Collin approached.  Much to my dismay Aidan stealthily loosened his hunting knife in its sheath before turning to fully face him.

“All because you’re so stealthy you could sneak up behind a mountain lion doesn’t mean that is the norm for the rest of us” Collin shot back as he slowed to a walk.  He was out for his daily run and today’s course just happened to take him right to us.

To my dismay I noticed he was limping a bit.  Collin was again pushing himself – the man just couldn’t sit still to save his life!  Coming to a stop before us, he now stretched his leg muscles and besides discomfort I could also see questions roving behind his eyes.  With an awkward smile I then cast my eyes to the ground.  It was not necessary for me to fake embarrassment since the flush in my cheeks was for real.  The intensity of Collin’s gaze was all it took to make me blush, I thought in distress, biting my lip – never mind the fact that he was wearing just shorts and running shoes.  The man had a beautiful body, no denying that.  I found myself utterly annoyed to realize that after the way Collin had treated me, the man was still able to trip my trigger, and in a big way, no less.  What was wrong with me? I wondered in exasperation.  Hormones, I decided – it had to be hormones.

“Off your hunt today?” Collin taunted, taking note that we had thus far come up empty in getting something for dinner.

“Maybe you’d care to hunt instead?” was Aidan’s plain suggestion but Collin only grunted in return.

“What?  And deprive you of the pleasure of the kill?” Collin jibed.  “No, thank you – I’ll just continue my run and let you two… hunt, or whatever it was you were both doing” he said with a wink and a smile.  “I was thinking, however, that the colder weather is swiftly be approaching so perhaps we should start moving south again?” was his suggestion.  “It will turn rather chilly up here in the near future.  How does that sound to you, Sierra?  Going where it will be warmer?” the man now directly asked of me, the sharpness of his gaze compelling me to keep eye contact with him.

“I know how much you detest the cold, my dear” he tacked on as he flashed me one of his most excellent smiles, trying to suck me in.  Which, admittedly, was not hard to do, since Collin was most definitely a master of persuasion.  He was a born leader, too – I could smell it.  If he was indeed an officer in some military organization, I would stake my life that his men would quite willingly follow him right over a cliff.  Whatever game it was, though, that he was playing out here with Aidan, it kept weighing heavily on my mind.

Especially since I was also inclined to follow Collin right over that same cliff with the rest of his men, despite Aidan’s warning.

“I will follow Aidan’s lead” was my response as I nervously shuffled my feet.  “He tells me that we are heading into a region where there might be horses and I would dearly love to see some mustangs.  It’s been a long time since I’ve spotted any on the open range” I explained and then offered Collin a smile of my own in an attempt to disarm him.  However, it was apparent he didn’t completely buy into my reasoning.  Although, he was also obviously not worried about any hidden agenda I might have.  His confidence was downright inescapable.

“Ah, well, then; you may just have your wish” Collin happily returned, nodding to me.  “On my run up here I saw a small band of mustangs away in the distance, they were heading west.  If we continue our present vector, then I would venture to guess that you will be able to get a closer look at them, my dear” was his prediction as he rocked on his heels, at which point I could then feel him engaging in his favorite hobby of undressing me with his eyes.  At the thought of Collin once again bending me to his will, I felt unease begin to settle over me – but even more distressing was the excitement that I also felt in addition to that.  What a certifiable case you are, Sierra! I admonished myself, hoping Collin would just go away before I got myself into a heap more trouble.

Aidan must have sensed my discomfort for he then broke up our little get together by picking up his bow.  Now tugging on my arm, he pointed off into the distance.

“Look!  Pronghorn antelope – there on the horizon, do you see them?” he asked and indeed I did see tiny specs of movement in the distance.  How he could tell what they were from so far away was nothing short of amazing.  The man had the eyes of an eagle, I would swear.

“Well, looks like we might have something for dinner after all, with a little effort” Collin suggested.  “I’ll be on my way, then” he decided and then with a curt bow to me, Collin set off once again, jogging.  My eyes were powerless but to follow his progress.  Collin was a fine specimen of a man, no question there.

“Have your eyes had their fill?” Aidan inquired and now I felt thoroughly self-conscious.

“Uh, yeah” was all I could think to say as I blushed with embarrassment.

“Good, then – let’s go” he prompted and away he sprang with me following in his wake.

Without much effort, we did down an antelope, or should I say Aidan did.  The beasts were more than a match for my skill so I just hung back behind the cover of brush and watched from a distance while Aidan set about his work.  He was an extremely talented tracker and hunter, these skills coming to him with natural ease, hardly without a thought.  He was also pretty darn skilled with that knife of his too, the thought of which upset my stomach.  The man would have made a great butcher in the Time Before, or so was my dark and disjointed consideration.  Aidan’s marksmanship, however, was truly a thing at which to marvel since he was always a dead on aim with that bow of his.  I honestly could not recall Aidan ever having missed a mark.

Slinging the antelope around his shoulders, Aidan carried his kill back to camp.  His target had been a small female so the burden wasn’t too great.  For Aidan, the practice of hunting was steeped in ritual after which he would always thank God for every kill.  We certainly were going to feast tonight, I thought as I watched Aidan prepare to dress his kill, drawing his hunting knife from its protective sheath.  He suggested that perhaps I should take a short walk while he worked the antelope, knowing how I had no stomach for the necessity he was about to perform, especially on a creature of that size.  I was reluctant to leave him but eventually gutting the antelope was way more than I could stomach, so I finally relented and set off for a short walk.

Coming across the trunk of a long dead tree, I took refuge from the westering sun in its shade.  With a sigh of relief, I leaned my back up against its old, weathered wood and decided to try and take a nap.  Peacefully listening to the sounds of quail nearby, clucking and chuckling as they scurried about the brush in their search for food, I closed my eyes and reveled in the splendid warmth of late afternoon.

Just about the time I had begun to relax, I felt as if I was being watched.  Opening my eyes, I cautiously I peered about to my left and then to my right, lastly looking behind me and the stump against which I had been leaning, half expecting to see Collin standing there, looking for someone to play with.

Deciding I was being a paranoid twit, I sighed, shutting my eyes once more.    No sooner had I begun to settle down, I heard a twig snap and so my eyes flew open, and it was just as I had suspected.  There stood the Greek god himself, looking down upon me with a broad smile, arms folded across his chest.  Uncertain of his intentions, or mood, I quickly got to my knees.  At least he had gotten decent, I considered with an inward laugh – in his running attire he was just nothing short of irresistible.  The man was now dressed in fatigues, much to my relief.

Collin now crouched down, clasping his hands between his knees.

“It’s a little difficult, my dear, to defend myself when I’ve been left out of the loop” was his blunt assessment.  “I’m sure you got an earful about me from Aidan” he surmised.

“What makes you think he told me anything?” I shot back in defense but Collin just shrugged.

“Whatever he told you, I’m sure it was Truth – at least, as far as he was able to tell you” he accepted, looking down for a moment as he released a long low breath.  “Especially about me” Collin grumbled in admission and then reluctantly raised his eyes to meet my own.

“Is this your clever way of getting me to tell you what he said?” I asked, being confused by his tactics.  He only slowly shook his head in return with a grin.

“No, Chiquita – not at all” he opposed.  “I need you to obey him, in whatever he asks of you” he implored and I was certain I was blinking like an idiot.  “No mind games, Sierra – not on my part, not on Aidan’s.  I… I guess my motives can be considered selfish.  I’m in trouble, you see” the man now bowled me over with this little ditty as he now he sat down.  Drawing one knee up under his chin, he looked away for several heartbeats.

“Is this supposed to make me feel… sorry for you?” I asked as I now settled down myself, deciding that he wasn’t sniffing after me for the reason I had assumed.

“No – I am just hoping you’ll play along with whatever Aidan asks,” he confessed, “if only to keep my head attached to my shoulders” Collin explained and it was clear that the man wasn’t joking.  “I’ve got myself in a tight spot, and my getting nailed to a cross will do more harm than just losing me my life.  Which I would gladly give, however, if it meant you would be protected.  Obviously, though, I’d like to protect not only you, but myself and all I’ve worked towards as well.”

“Care to elaborate?” I prodded, now deathly curious to hear more about who he and Aidan really were, but apparently Collin wasn’t handing out answers any more than Aidan had.

“I’d love to, Sierra – really” he put me off.  “However, certain responses, reactions, on your part will need to come off as wholly believable” was his curious response.  “I’m not thrilled about keeping you in the dark – and this isn’t just lip service, either.  Once we get past this rough spot, I promise to see to it that you are… better informed” was Collin’s assertion.  “You have my word as an officer” the man tacked on and I wasn’t certain how to respond to that, or if I should at all.  I had pretty much pegged that he was in the military and that he was an officer.  “Although I’m sure Aidan will tell you that isn’t good for much, my word.

“I know I’ve said it a million times if once, Sierra, but I am truly sorry – I never meant to take advantage of your generosity” Collin implored with great sincerity and for the umpteenth time no less.  I had to give him credit – he apologized daily for his bad behavior, tugging on my heart each and every time he did.  And so I softened a little.  If it wasn’t for Aidan’s caution about Collin always getting what he wanted, then I would have already forgiven the man.

“I’m sure it won’t mean anything to you,” he continued, “but I berate myself daily over how I conducted myself – and that’s not just because I think I’ve blown my one chance to make you mine” he revealed and then looked away, his eyes lingering long on the horizon.  “There’s so much you don’t know about me, about Aidan – who we are, where we came from and where we are going” Collin tried to explain as he returned his attention to me along with an awkward smile, tugging at my heart in a big way.  At times like this?  Collin was, well – just Collin.  No pretenses.

Could the man get any more complex? I thought in utter dismay.

“Collin, who is Mira?” I suddenly decided to ask, an inquiry which visibly rocked Collin.  “I… you’ve called out her name a few times, when your sleep was troubled.”  Staring at me, Collin now swallowed – and hard.

“Uh – please do me a big favor, Chiquita” he began, his voice unsteady.  “Never mention that name to Aidan.  Do I make myself clear?  It’s… a very long and sordid story, Sierra.  One that Aidan would slit my throat if he thought I had spoken to you about her” was his caution.

“Was it after the Apocalypse?  When you lost her?” I forged ahead, ignoring his rebuff and so Collin held my eyes for what seemed an eternity.

“Pre-Time” he actually answered my question, but the pain to be read in his eyes nearly tore out my heart.  In the same instant, I realized he had just admitted to knowing Aidan prior the world nearly having checked out!  How amazing it must be to know someone from before mankind went south – but maybe that was a lot more frequent occurrence than I thought.  After all, what did I know?  There was a civilization out there that I had evaded to the tune of seven years.

“She meant a lot to you, Mira did” I surmised, biting my lip as I wondered just how far he was going to let this go.

With a smile of great warmth full of remembrance, Collin slowly nodded.

“You look a great deal like her,” the man indulged me, “except Mira was very tall, and you are – well… decidedly a midget” he now teased, trying to suppress a mischievous grin and so I leaned forward to slap him in the arm.  Glaring at him in disapproval, he feigned injury of the blow and then laughed, openly no less as he delivered one of his big award-winning smiles.  However, just as soon as he had blessed me with such an uplifting smile, it was equally as quick to retreat, and as it did, so did he to my dismay.

Quickly now he scrambled to his feet and not wanting him to get away, I did likewise.  However, standing up so quickly made me dizzy, and so as I swayed Collin swiftly reach out to take hold of my arm.

“Chiquita?” he gravely questioned but I just shook my head.

“I’m ok, really” I lied, trying to politely brush him off but Collin was like a burr.  He was hard to dislodge, though, and admittedly I wasn’t sure I wanted to dislodge him at all.

“I’m not so convinced about that, my dear” was his response as he now raised a hand to feel my forehead.  Immediately concern flared in those entrancing gem-green eyes of his.  “You feel awfully warm, kiddo” was his diagnosis and I could not help but chuckle out of disjointed amusement.

“Well, we are in the desert, Collin – it’s hot, you know” I reminded him with a straight face but he shook his head in refusal.

“Be that as it may, you are not well, regardless” he countered.  “Your face is flushed and I doubt that’s from being so close to yours truly here” Collin tried to make light but it was clear he was worried.  “C’mon, let’s get you back to camp” he insisted, offering me his arm for support.  Gladly I accepted it since I really wasn’t feeling all that great, but that was as far as I got.  The desert started to spin round my head and then I fainted dead away.

She’s awake, Aidan signed to me.

We better make it good then, I signed in return, taking a deep breath.  Sierra was indeed not well – fatigue and stress had finally caught up with the poor creature, emotionally overwhelming her, and physically as well.  Being caught between me and my brother had at best been difficult for her – especially since I was of the mind that the woman was in love with us both.  She was a cool cumber, though.  Despite our rocky start with the rut to which I had subjected her, I was able to sense how much she still cared for me – regardless.

Nightfall had long since descended and the fire Aidan had lit was greedily consuming a stack of wood.  Sierra had slept away the better part of the afternoon and well into the night, distressing Aidan and I to no end.  However, once she started to show signs of coming around, we both breathed a collective sigh of relief.  She had just now surfaced and was listening to us speak, and so we turned our idle conversation towards a set-piece.

“Why do you continue to disobey my orders?” in earnest I demanded of Aidan as he knelt there before me, bent to one knee, head bowed.  “You and I have not always seen eye-to-eye, although I must admit you have always been a most excellent soldier, as were you a most talented marksman for the CIA.  However, can one woman so easily make you forget all of your vows?” I accused in harsh reproach but my brother held his tongue.

“I should just dispense with you right now, it would be more than you deserve” I continued in a cool voice.  “However, you did spare my life, so I owe you the same in return, at the very least.  I swear – if it were not for…” I trailed off but then absently flicking a hand in Aidan’s direction, I left the thought unfinished.

I had been circling round Aidan like a wolf closing in on its prey.  My blade was drawn and I made a good show of looking like I had an itchy knife hand.  Stopping before Aidan, I suddenly pressed the tip of my blade up and under his chin.  My brother did not move a millimeter, willing to accept whatever was to come.  Granted, we were then both just actors in this two-man play, although I could not help but think how easy it would have been in that moment to end his miserable life and take Sierra for my own.

Banishing that twisted Freudian thought with great speed, since it was one born of my id, I knew, I was about to return to playing my role when I heard Sierra stirring, making soft sounds.  It did not take a genius to figure out this was deliberate – she was truly in fear I might do her lover grave harm, I considered in dismay.  Would she have felt the same had the tables been turned?  If it instead was Aidan holding a knife to my throat?

Something told me yes, she most certainly would have held the same concern for me – and this consideration brought comfort to my heart.

“Aidan?  Collin?” we heard Sierra call out and then Aidan was quick to react, but in an act of jealousy, I pressed the tip of my knife deeper into his throat, this time drawing a not so small trickle of blood.

“Not so fast, lover boy – heed my warning” was my stern reminder spoken in a low voice, a reminder which won me a deadly look from my brother.  Before rising to his feet, with his the fingers of one hand he wiped the blood trickling from the small wound beneath his chin.  Then inserting his fingers into his mouth, Aidan sucked them clean of the blood while relishing the taste of it.  That was no act, I knew – nothing excited Aidan like the smell and taste of blood, even his own.

Propping herself up on one elbow as we approached, Sierra eyed me with suspicion.  When she ran a hand over her eyes, Aidan took the opportunity sign to me, good job, and then grinned with satisfaction.  Yeah – good job indeed, I thought with a heavy heart.  Nothing more did I want in this world than to bring Sierra closer to me.

As well as drive her apart from Aidan.

But what was I doing?  Playing the part of the bad guy out of necessity.  However, to get closer to an objective sometimes one was required to travel farther from it.  Both my brother and I well understood this necessity of war.

Sound logic but it wasn’t making me feel and better and that was Truth.  Sierra wasn’t the most important thing at stake – I knew it, Aidan knew it, and now even Sierra knew it.  However, if Aidan and I had always been on opposite sides of the coin, in this one instance, with Sierra, neither of us was willing to turn her into a sacrificial lamb.  There was more than one way to skin that proverbial cat – and this I knew from personal experience.

“I, uh… fainted, huh?” Sierra surmised as Aidan knelt before her.  Although I wanted to do the same, for the time being I kept a respectful distance.

Reaching out, he touched the back of his hand to her forehead and then frowned.

“You still have a low-grade fever, my love” my brother spoke in that incredible voice of his.  My whole life I had been jealous of that voice – and wished that God had bestowed upon me such a gift!  No such luck, though.  Had I voice like that?  I could have made my own any woman at all.  And while we are on the topic of envy, Aidan’s eyes were truly a wonder to behold.  I often considered that this was how he had captured my Mira – with a single look.

Leave the past in the past! I chastised myself and so instead just bit my tongue.  His calling Sierra my love was just one way in which he sought to stick it to me.

You’ll get yours, brother, I considered and then decided to join him in kneeling by his patient.  His healing skills were by far and away superior to mine – after all, he had learned from the best.  From the Navajo themselves.  I was a fair field medic when need arose, but when it came to the subtle arts of natural healing?  That’s where Aidan held mastery over me.

“How are you feeling?” I asked the beauty as I knelt there, resting palms to thighs, although I really wanted to reach out and comfort her.  I had been concerned beyond measure since the woman had scared the crap out of me when she fainted away in my arms.  Ah, but then to just hold her!  That had been quite a gift right there, I recalled with warmth, the closeness of her being.

Yawning, the woman ignored me, now looking around.

“How long?” she asked, palming my inquiry, which served to make me feel fairly bad.  This made me question if I could successfully pull off the plan I had formulated and still be able to live with myself.  The part of the bad guy would fall squarely on my shoulders and I questioned if I was truly up to an Academy Award performance.  Under normal circumstances?  Absolutely.  With Sierra in the audience, front row and center?  My resolve inexplicably wavered.

“Long enough to hold grave concern” Aidan informed her.  “Have you not been feeling well?” he asked, surmising, as had I, that this was Truth.  She had not been herself since our coupling which gave me pause for concern.  She could not be pregnant, though.  The Unspoken had seen to that when they had released into the environment a contraceptive agent.

At the thought of the Unspoken an involuntary shiver ran down my spine.  And Aidan thought the AFA were the bad guys.  Well, the Americas Federated Army couldn’t hold a candle in the evil department when it came to the Masters under Groom Lake.

“I’ve been feeling a little punky this past week is all” Sierra answered my brother’s question.  “Change of seasons, I guess.  I’m feeling a lot better, though – I guess I just really needed to catch up on some sleep” was her reasoning.  “I’m sorry if I worried you guys” the woman now thought to add in apology along with a shy smile.

“You’re ok now and that’s all that matters” I assured her as I reached for her camel pack.  “Some water, my dear?” I offered, twisting off the cap off the drinking tube before handing it to her.  With gratitude she accepted my offering and drank her fill after which she gave it back to me.

“Thanks” she said but then yawned again.  “Can I… go back to sleep?  You two boys won’t try to throttle each other, will you?” was her hard inquiry, scowling at each of us in turn.

“No” I was quick to answer, offering her the best smile I could.  “We promise to play nice while you sleep, ok?” I tried to reassure her but the woman did not look the least bit reassured.  After all this was over, it would be sheer wonder if she could ever again believe anything either of us said or did.

She now looked to Aidan who nodded once, affirming the same as I just had.  And so taking his word over mine, the woman now snuggled back down into her bedroll.

While Aidan got to his feet, I could not help myself and so moved in closer to Sierra.  Bending over, I placed a single, heartfelt kiss upon her forehead.  To my delight the woman did not startle, but instead sighed with contentment.  Needless to say this won me the blackest of looks from my brother who now unwisely took hold of my arm, hauling me up onto my feet.  With one look it was understood we were in need of a private talk.

Moving a safe distance away from the camp, Aidan then released me with a rather abrupt shove.

“What are you thinking?” he asked in a low voice and I had no idea what he meant.

“About?” I prompted, leveling him a grievous look over his mishandling of me.  However, he said nothing in return and so in grand tradition, I quoted poetry – something about which Aidan knew little, poetry or prose, for that matter.

“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “to talk of many things – of shoes, and ships, and sealing-wax, of cabbages and kings.  And why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings.”

This recitation had the desired effect – it pissed the hell out of Aidan and in a rare moment he lost his temper.  Grabbing me by the collar, he then came just this close to laying me low.

“Uh-uh – didn’t we promise Sierra we would not throttle each other?” was my sarcastic reminder.

“You promised” he corrected.  “I only nodded once in gesture that I was about to take my leave.”  Prick, I thought with disdain.  Technicalities!  My brother positively thrived on them.

“Fine – slug me, brother” I further provoked him.  “Or use two fingers, or maybe just your thumb?  I’m sure that Sierra would be delighted for me to explain to her how you should come by such interesting skills?”  Oh, yes – my brother was two faced when it came to this one point.  Proud as a peacock he had always been of his prowess in killing, and with nothing more for weapons that his own two hands.  But for Sierra to discover this?  And the horrifying extent of his career when he had been CIA?  Well – that was another creature, entirely.

Caught between loathing and logic, Aidan finally let go, pushing me backwards with considerable force, but I kept my footing regardless.  Straightening out my clothes, I then absently dusted myself off, taking my sweet time before once again giving him my attention.

“Would you care to make a more precise inquiry?” I suggested.  “I am not a mind reader, you know.”

“No kidding” Aidan grumbled.  “She’s been unwell in the mornings” he stated and like – so?  The same thought had crossed my mind as well, but that Sierra might be pregnant was not possible.  The Unspoken had seen to that.  After all – Aidan’s niece had not been able to conceive.  Thinking about Amanda now prompted a black cloud to settle over me – and take up residence, no less.

Amanda was my daughter – but the young woman had no clue.  She believed me to only be her Uncle.

Aidan was the man she paid respect as her Father, and every time she would call him Da it would feel like a dagger being driven into my heart.  Dirty laundry indeed, I considered – but that was a battle for another day.

“Are you actually suggesting that Sierra might be pregnant?” I made careful inquiry, although I did not need an answer.

“The Hand of God” my brother offered and though I could not dispute the possibility, I thought it was a long shot.

“Well – if that is the case,” I began, playing devil’s advocate, “then it sure the fuck puts a kink in our plans.”  Running a hand over my face, I let I linger there for a moment.  What would such a revelation mean?

In the final analysis – not much.  Our mission would go on as planned and God help me for putting an Unborn in jeopardy, but what will be must be, I understood all too well.

I wasn’t getting into Heaven anyway, not with the laundry list of transgressions I had committed during my lifetime.  So what was one more?

“What if it is the result of the Hand of God” Aidan now pressed and it was in moments like these that one could not escape the fact that he was a Member of The Brotherhood – and to the fucking t no less.  Religious fanatics the lot of ‘em.  Not that I was any less of one, but Members of The Order were downright zealots.

“If it is, then it is” I brusquely countered.  “Conscience plays no part in what we need accomplish” was my dire reminder.  Salvation for all humanity was riding on our shoulders, after all, and it had nothing to do with this one woman in our possession.  However, we would keep Sierra as safe as we were able, but beyond that?  Forge ahead we must.  Important though she was, she was not most important in the scheme of things.  A pleasantry along the way – for all our efforts in crafting the salvation of man, shouldn’t we be due reward in some measure?

Aidan had now grown very still – not a good sign, I knew.  He disagreed with me.

“Look, neither you nor I are ever going to see those pearly gates” was my curt reminder.  “You do your part, I’ll do mine – agreed?” I pressed, wanting verbal confirmation but it was slow in the coming.

“Agreed” my brother finally decided to return, apparently having seen his way to reason.

“Good, good – now, time has come for a parting of the ways” I told him, sounding not so thrilled but little choice did we have.  The Blackguard was closing in and should they come upon us all together and looking downright chummy?  Bad news all the way around.  “First light you will go to scout out the land west of here – a little side trip to track those mustangs will now be in order.  The last communique I had from Eric said he can hold off our friends from the Blackguard for another day or two, but not much more than that.  So – you need to get out there and find some horses that can be ridden.”

“Which will leave you alone with Sierra” was his dry commentary.

“Yup – sure the hell will” I agreed with a smile and a wink, again inciting his temper.  Patience eternal Aidan had, and in all things – except when it came to his own fraternal twin brother.  I could tell he wanted to turn me into a punching bag, but I had to hand it to him – he showed great restraint this time.

“I pray you know what you are doing” Aidan said in a cold voice – and he need not finish the thought.  If this did not go down well?  Then he would remove me from the Face of God’s Earth – and without a thought or care.

“Praying is a good thing, brother” I evenly returned.  “We both need to do a bit more of that” was my determination.  “I… I have the best men working for me, Aidan – even though I know how little faith you have in Eric and Greg.  I ask, they deliver – but there is much which is hidden from our eyes, things over which we will have little control.”

“And your plan for these… incidentals?” Aidan made parched inquiry.

“Improvisation” was all I offered since this, in Truth, was the greater part of my plan.  And with this, I turned on my heel, now heading back towards camp.

Dawn came shortly thereafter, with Aidan up and about before it broke the day.  Grabbing his bow and pack, he was ready to melt off into the grayness of the pre-dawn hour.

Not without saying good-bye to Sierra, of course.

The woman was dead to the world – but that was nothing unexpected.  She still was a late sleeper.  With a few grumbled words of dissent, Sierra rolled over to look at Aidan, peering at him through slitted eyes.

“Off so soon?” she yawned in question to which he confirmed with a nod.

“Yes – I will be gone longer than usual” he informed her and now she looked at first confused but then concern grew in her eyes.  “I want to scout the lay of the land to the west.”  An audible sigh escaped her – and so Aidan had sewn the proper seeds during their private conversation of the day before.  He was keeping up his end of the bargain, then – thus far, at least.

“Oh, ok” the woman groggily accepted.

“I should be back tomorrow before dusk – look for me then” Aidan put to her and then without another word or gesture, he was on his feet.

“Please, do not hurry on our accounts” I made jest, a parting gift to piss him off.  He only returned a deadly look but then was gone, off into the shadows.

Watching him until he was out of sight, I then sat down, looking at Sierra.

“Please, my dear – go back to sleep” I prodded her.  “I know I’m no Aidan, but I can keep you safe enough… for now” I added as I tried to offer up a smile but it did not fit.  Damn it, O’Reilly! I thought in frustration.  Why did I have such a hard time playing the part for her?  Because I loved the woman and was beside myself that I was constantly required to lie and conceal from her the Truth – that’s why.

“Are you ok, Collin?” the beauty now asked and too quick perhaps I was to nod in return.

“Yes, Sierra – just tired is all” I explained away.  “I have… been very worried about you, Chiquita” I told her, and this was Truth without a doubt.  “Now, get some more sleep and later on we’ll have fish for breakfast.”

“Fish?” the woman sleepily complained and now I had to laugh.

“Well, antelope leftovers don’t quite cut it for breakfast” I reasoned.  “And I don’t want to go far from you, but the river is close at hand for fishing and so…” I trailed off with a shrug.  “It will be the next best thing to kippers” I explained.

“Fine” she mumbled and then turned over, soon off to sleep once more and leaving me to sit there, thinking long and hard about things to come.

Once there was sufficient light to see, I did do a little fishing – getting myself more wet than anything else, but a few hapless fish that were still half asleep found themselves impaled upon my blade.

After performing the messy chore of scaling and gutting them, I set about making a fire and soon breakfast was sizzling away.  This roused the sleeping beauty, if but for the wrong reason.

Sitting bolt upright, Sierra took one look at the frying fish and then covering her mouth with a hand, she fled her bedroll.  Scrambling off some distance, the woman then proceeded to engage in a series of dry heaves.

Shit, I thought in dismay, quickly getting to my feet to go after her.  If that wasn’t a bout of morning sickness then I had no idea what was.  Too soon! I cautioned myself.  Women generally did not get morning sickness this early on but then I laughed to myself.  Of course, I was assuming that I was the father, but if she was pregnant, then it was probably my brother for whom congratulations were in order.  After all, I had only taken her once and that was not so long ago.

Crouching down beside the poor creature, all I could do was put an arm around her shoulders for comfort until her nausea had passed.

“Better, Chiquita?” I asked and now Sierra, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, leveled me an aggravated look.

“Why do you call me that?” the snippy little thing wanted to know.  From the look in her eyes, though, I wasn’t able to discern what had prompted this question.  The woman was clearly not herself, of this much I was certain.  Raging hormones, perhaps?

“Term of endearment?” I explained, giving up the best smile I could muster.  “Better?” I again asked and now she nodded her head in return.

“Yeah – sorry” the woman now saw fit to apologize, although there was no need.  “It’s not your cooking; I just don’t feel so hot.”  Who cared if she felt hot?  She sure looked hot and that was enough for me.

“I take it that breakfast is out of the question, then?” I ventured and sure enough – as soon as the inquiry was voice she started to wretch once again at the mere mention of food.

Now settling back on my heels while Sierra suffered through another bout of heaves, I was gravely concerned.  The woman was pregnant.  I’d stake my life on it.  The plan would have to go forward regardless, but only now with much added duress.

What will be, must be, I sternly reminded myself, but the litany offered me small comfort.

Reaching out, I stroked her long dark hair until the heaves had run their course.

“C’mon – I bet if you get washed up you’ll feel a hundred and ten percent better” was my hopeful suggestion, taking hold of her arm.  Rising to my feet, I drew her along up with me.

“Yeah, I think you are right about that” she agreed with a nod, now looking to me but then she looked around to see where the sun was in the sky.  “A little sun wouldn’t hurt, either” the woman decided.

“Assuredly” I agreed, since that always made me feel better, too.  I now led her back to camp, praying the smell of simmering fish would not set her off again.

It almost did, but she made a hasty retreat down to the river before she could hurl once more.

No matter – I was famished and so ate her portion as well as my own.  How I missed my Northern Desert base, I thought with longing.  Food was a pleasure of mine and some of the best chefs to be had in this Post-Time world were on staff in my mess hall.  The IntelliCore base, being under my command, contained a collection of the best skilled technicians, tradesmen and professionals there were.  And not because AFA High Command afforded me such talent, although to a certain extent they did give me the best of what I needed to do my job.  Possessing what was considered nonessential personnel, these men I had made an active hobby of collecting.  The service of some of these I had won gambling with other AFA officers, who upon losing would put in for a transfer of these men, packing them off to my base.  Others I had procured through the delicate negotiations of blackmail, and other assorted not so honorable tactics.

The time and effort had all been worth it, however.  I had gourmet chefs on staff and the mere thought of their tantalizing culinary creations was making my mouth water.

Good thing you thought about this after you ate breakfast, Commander, I inwardly laughed to myself – otherwise you would not have eaten at all.

After completing the mundane chore of cleaning up the dishes and dousing the fire, I then grabbed my towel and went down to the river to wash up.  Sierra wasn’t far away, and the woman had done more than just get clean – she was lying on her stomach on her towel and buck naked no less.

A temptress she was and just why was the creature doing this to me when she did not want me touching her?

Punishment, you idiot, I clued myself in to the reality as I stood there, running a hand over my eyes.  And so when I released a sigh of exasperation, this was when Sierra became aware of my presence, quickly looking over her shoulder.

Deciding to be a gentlemen, which was one tough decision at that, I walked straight over to her.  Before she had a chance to consider bolting, I draped my towel over her and then went over to kneel by the water’s edge.

“I’m not quite the brute you think me to be, Sierra” I announced, stripping off my shirt so I could wash up.  I paid her no heed but was damn tempted to look.  “I can be a gentleman” I added as I now doused my face and neck with water.

“I don’t doubt that” the woman laughed – so at least she was in better spirits, which did nothing short of warm my heart.  “You are and can be a lot of things, I’ll bet” she tacked on for good measure.  Yeah, but I really did not want to be a gentleman just then.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Sierra sit up, quickly drawing on her clothes and like – did she really think those would offer her any protection?  Once modest, she then came over to me, handing me my towel.

“Thanks” she said, kneeling down next to me.

“Likewise” I returned, accepting the towel to then pad my face dry with it.  “I’m sorry you are not feeling well” I started off, hoping we could have some quality time and just talk for a while.  In the days to come, I would sorely miss that.  “You’re looking better, I see.”

“Yeah, the sun always makes me feel good” she reasoned with a flick of her head, tossing her hair back over her shoulder.  Being that close to her was fairly much unbearable and I had a damned good hunch that she was thoroughly aware the effect she was having on me.

Then, quite unexpectedly, Sierra leaned forward to plant a kiss on my cheek.  You siren! I thought in distress, wholly unnerved by her act of kindness.

“Thanks for being there” she said and I just blinked at the woman.  Oh, yeah when she was puking up her guts, that’s what she meant.  “Where do you come from?  Originally?” the beauty now asked as she sat down next to me, cross-legged.  Disturbing the way she does that was my disjointed consideration – Aidan would always sit cross-legged, as did all Members of The Brotherhood.

“Oh, you mean – where I was born?” I ventured to which she nodded.  Why she should suddenly take an active interest was curious, but how could I deny this gorgeous creature anything?

And thus we spent the morning, or what was left of it, sitting by the river and exchanging small talk.  So easily we would engage one another – as if we had known each other for years on end.  It was truly amazing, but this only made it more difficult for me to go through with what I knew I must.

Sierra did not know much about my home state, except where it was – for this I was grateful.  That I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth was one thing she need not know about me, especially in light of her unhappy Pre-Time life.  This I did not know because she regaled me with stories about her past, but rather this was due to the intelligence I had gathered on her.  She had not come from a life of privilege, such as I had, and this much was Truth.  So when the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, was mentioned, thankfully she did not have much of a clue what that meant in terms of Pre-Time.

The two days went by quickly, but towards the end of the following day Aidan had yet to return.  Beyond this obviously worrying Sierra, it also gave me cause for concern.  My brother never missed an appointment.  There was little I could do, however, except remain where we were.  Should he not return then my plan would just have to adjust – there wasn’t much else to be done.  Any day now and my colleagues from the Blackguard would be upon us.  And although it would have been preferable for Aidan to have spirited off with Sierra, I knew I would just have to deal if that was not to be the case.

And so, each with our own set of concerns, Sierra and I continued our wait.

One exacting clean stroke and my mark went down, and so as a result I was spattered with the spray of blood.  Exquisite, I thought as I watched Quade relieve another man of his life, in the same spurting and gurgling of blood.

“No match” Quade complained and sure – it hadn’t been, not much of one anyway, but blood was blood regardless and it felt gratifying to again stalk and kill real prey.

“Granted,” I agreed, “but some blood is better than no blood.  Luckily they were Blackguard and not AFA.”

“Ok, Aidan, I’ll bite – how do you consider that lucky?” my comrade wanted to know as he licked the blood from his knife, with me following suit and doing the same with my own blade.

“Well, not, but that the AFA sent more aid to the Blackguard doesn’t bode well” I reasoned, pondering on the news Quade had brought me.

“If your loudmouth brother hadn’t gone and told his AFA masters about the woman” Quade coolly returned and yes – this was something that made me see red, and every single hue thereof.  How Collin could have done such a thing confounded my mind.

He’d pay – and pay dearly.  I would see to that – personally.  Our agreement he had broken.  In my book, this meant that all bets were off.  He had broken a verbal Contract – which in the Eyes of The Brotherhood was one serious offense.

Deciding not to get into it with Quade, I quickly wiped the blood remaining on my knife off onto my pants leg.  Things had not gone as planned – the delay in my return was unavoidable, thanks in part to Collin and his loose lips.  I was wholly grateful for the bounty God had given us, the three mounts of the Blackguard – else wise to catch horses in the wild would further delay my returning to Sierra and Collin and perhaps by then it would be far too late.

However, trouble comes in all shapes and sizes, and often on more than one front.

Looking up to see where the sun was, I knew I had little time.  I was already one day late and that could not be pushed out one more.

“Come on” I prompted Quade as I started to jog back over to the horses.  “Give me your thoughts about Harlan” I asked of him for since our last meeting my fellow Brothers had managed to dig up quite a bit of dirt.

“The more I think about it, the more disturbing the consideration” he offered, jogging along side me.  “The timing is what I don’t like, Andy” Quade decided.  “This woman mysteriously pops up and in the same span of time Harlan surfaces.”  I was in agreement there, but did not know what it all meant, if anything at all.

“She looks like Miranda, in many ways, and yet clearly is her own person” I made careful note.

“Well, if someone wanted to keep you and your brother preoccupied” Quade began but then shrugged.  I understood what he was getting at – but who would go to such lengths?  Clones weren’t cheap, they came at great cost regardless the currency – and they were not exactly viable creatures, at least, not according to our intelligence.  Besides, Sierra was not a clone of Miranda, she just greatly resembled her was all – it was her ethnicity, I kept trying to tell myself.  However, this could not explain away the connection I felt to Sierra’s spirit.

The same connection as I had felt with my long deceased wife.

“We are short one too many pieces” was my assessment as we now came upon the horses.  “If I was Grand Head…” I began but then let the thought languish.  I wasn’t and there were certain parties that would see to it, come hell or high water, that I did not replace Grand Head Sokolov of The Order.  Yes, I had the backing of my peers and the loyalty of many – but in the world of The Brotherhood and The Order?  There was no such thing as a popular vote.  When and if the coup transpired, I needed to be there, in full force, and for duration long enough to ensure that the transition was in place and that the new regime would remain stable.

Needless to say on my extended mission none of this was about to come to pass.  However, it was the power and freedom as Grand Head that I required in order to unravel the growing mystery surrounding the woman that I had stumbled across.

Quade was of the mind that she was a plant, just as Collin had suggested the same – albeit for different reasons, entirely.

Swinging myself up onto the back of one horses, I reached down and snatched the reins of the other two.

“Much thanks, Brother Quade” I formally said and then from the back of my horse bowed low to him.

“My pleasure, Brother Aidan” Quade returned with an equally low bow.  “Fortune passes everywhere” he said in parting.

“May Fortune find you, always” I returned in counter and then reined my horse round.  At a gallop I now sped off to the east, back to Collin and Sierra, praying that I would not arrive too late.

Thanking the Lord Above for lack of further delays, I stowed the horses in the makeshift corral that Quade had constructed for me.  With the sun making its downward journey, I knew I would have to jog along double-time if I was to make it back before sundown.

Pausing just long enough to drink some water, I then began my trek.  Unfortunately, this gave me several hours to think on the report Quade had delivered.  One thing I knew without a doubt, I needed to get this mission over with as soon as possible so I could return to The Order – with Sierra in tow.  Should that be my Fortune, however – which right then was a toss of the dice.  I had no idea what my brother was up to, but the fact he had told his AFA masters about Sierra?  This spoke of ulterior motives all the way around.  If Quade had been able to ferret out this tidbit, then eventually the Blackguard would, too, if they hadn’t already done so.

And that would be an ugly thing indeed if they had.

One day, one hour, one minute at a time, I reminded myself, repeating the litany time and again.  My first concern was Sierra and so I picked up my pace.  Just slightly, though, for I could not afford to be exhausted by the time I arrived.  If there was trouble brewing then it would serve no one if I was on the verge of exhaustion.

God must have been on my side, I thought with relief as I scoped out the area where I had left Sierra and Collin.  No sign of Blackguard, AFA or anyone, for that matter.  Not yet, but tomorrow for certain.

As I now jogged back to camp, from the same direction I had departed, I saw Sierra standing there with her arms wrapped tightly about her body, waiting.  And to my discord I saw Collin – standing right behind her and if my eyes did not deceive me pressing up against her back with his hands clamped firmly over her shoulders.

I was rewarded, however, with a delightful open smile from Sierra – all worth the effort, I knew.  Collin locked eyes with mine, though, delivering a cold look as he bent over to speak something in Sierra’s ear.  Apparently it had not been a kind remark about me since Sierra elbowed my brother in his ribs.  Feigning pain he double over, laughing.

Peering up over her shoulder at Collin, her look clearly conveyed – wise ass.

Now breaking from his hold, the woman flew out to greet me and so dropping to my knees I accepted her with open arms.  Short lived was my joy, however, for Sierra then began to sob and so now holding her at arm’s length, I looked at her with questioning eyes.

“Why the tears?” I asked with concern, but she was smiling.  Just happy as all get out to see me, much to my joy.

“Where the hell have you been?!” the bossy little thing now demanded, drying her eyes, but it did not take long her to get the picture.  It was painted in strokes of blood on my clothing.  If it was from hunting, then I certainly hadn’t brought back any game.  “Are you… ok?” she now asked, unsure she wanted to know what went down.

“Yes, my love – I am fine” I assured her in a low voice as Collin now walked out to join us.  Embracing her once more, I then subtly signed to my brother, this night.  That was all I would say for now, although in Truth I was uncertain I would even expound on that I was so infuriated with him.

After kissing Sierra on the neck I then broke our embrace, now getting to my feet.  Collin was surveying my eyes and every inch of me.  He understood deadly trouble had found me during my foray.

“Would you mind hunting?” I asked him.  “There’s just enough light left” I made note but Collin did not say a word and so Sierra prodded him.

“Please, Collin?  Just once more” she implored and how could he say no to her?  He couldn’t and so then with a smile he nodded in agreement.

“Certainly” my brother accepted.  “I’m glad you have returned, Aidan, and are well” he said and then bowing to us both, Collin turned on his heel and made his way back to camp.  The thing that struck me odd was that he was sincere in his delivery.  He was relieved to see me return, unscathed.  The question was, why did he care?

Something to puzzle out later.

“How are you?” I inquired of Sierra, smiling down upon her.

“I’m ok – but… what happened?” she whispered in return, subtly pointing to the blood on me.

“Don’t ask” I tried to put her off.  “Tonight, my dear – we leave, together, just you and I.”  Now she appeared both happy and concerned.

“You’re not going to … hurt… Collin, are you?” the woman needed my assurance and so I shook my head.

“No, I’ll just slip something into his water so he’ll have a sound night’s sleep” I explained.  I had planned on knocking him out, just not in such a pleasant manner.  However, I would do nothing that would cause Sierra to view me in an unfavorable light – at least, not when it came to Collin.  He would doom himself without any help from me.  Sierra did love my brother and admittedly this was a hard bite for me to swallow.

It was what it was, however.

“I have missed you, greatly” I expressed as I then bent over to deliver her a long awaited kiss – one filled with passion.  If time permitted, I would have taken her right there and then, but I needed to get cleaned up and rest.  The three hour jog in the heat of late afternoon had drained my reserves and so I needed to replenish them.

To Collin’s credit, he did a good job on the hunt.  The rabbits were fat ones and made an excellent meal.  He even cleaned and cooked them himself.  Amazing courtesy he showed there for his brother, especially since I knew he was not one to get his hands dirty if there was someone else who could do the work for him.

Regardless, my vision was still being veiled by a haze of red after having learned what I had from Quade about Collin’s treachery.  Now was not the time to settle the score with my brother.  We had a mission first and foremost – and this I would honor.  However, should Fortune swing my way?  Well, I was not about to let it pass me by for the sake of said mission, of this much at least I was undoubtedly certain.

“Get your gear together, we need to be on our way – quickly” Aidan brusquely ordered, motioning me to hurry.  I had not been able to sleep a wink knowing that we would be leaving in the night.

In a rush I stowed my bedroll and secured my pack, but in a weak moment, I dropped everything and hurried over to Collin.  Aidan was swift, however, and grabbed me by my arm, stopping me.  Spinning about, I look up at him, pleading.

“Is there no other way?” I begged of him and in return he shook his head.

“We may yet have occasion to see Collin, in the future – who knows?” he tried to cajole me but I knew damned well it was lip service.  Regardless, with a nod I accepted his words and then followed him, snatching up my pack as we made our exit.  But not without one last lingering look over my shoulder to Collin where he lay.  If Aidan had harmed Collin, then he would never hear the end of it from me.

I did know for certain that I would not be running off if it hadn’t been for Collin imploring me to obey Aidan.  Again, Collin held me in his spell; I could not disregard his plea.

Swiftly now we fled across the expanding plain, climbing up onto the first mesa and then heading towards a region with many small canyons and ravines.  The moon was on the rise and nearly full, providing us with plenty of silvery light to clearly shepherd our way.

“I procured horses for us, three to be exact, even tack” Aidan informed me over his shoulder, quite matter-of-fact, as we jogged along.  I suddenly stopped in my tracks, looking at him with questions in my eyes as he himself pulled up short.

“How did you pull that off?” I inquired in amazement.  Horses I expected, but with tack?  Aidan turned to me, taking hold of my arm and pulling me closer to him.  He looked at me intently before he finally spoke, as if trying to carefully choose his words.

“I ran into some of Collin’s men yesterday, Sierra.  He has plans to rendezvous with three of them in the morning – or I should say he would be, if they were but still alive” was his chilling explanation.  My breath caught in my throat, and before I could speak, Aidan stopped me.  “Sierra, I think we both know that wasn’t rabbit blood on my clothing” he bluntly remarked and I just stared at him.

“Ok, ok – all that aside, how do you know that Collin planned to meet with anyone at all?” I demanded.  “And how could he arrange for that?  He hasn’t been out of my sight for three days!” I hotly brought to mind for him and now Aidan just leveled me a look of disapproval.  After all, I wasn’t exactly being respectful towards him in that moment.

“The man is tagged,” was his stunning revelation, “and has been from the start.  Also, I’m sure you are not awake round the clock, and certainly not early in the mornings, like Collin is – he has his PDA with him” the man let drop and now I just sucked in my breath.  How stupid could I have been!  All because the world died didn’t meant that the internet had died right along with it!  It was a redundant system.  And how many cell towers had we passed in our travels?  And God only knew how many hot spots were littering the landscape, undetectable unless one was carrying a wi-fi indicator?  Solar technology would give these access points all the power they would need for sending and receiving transmissions.

I was so overwhelmed by my naiveté that I sat down hard right where I was.

Aidan now continued in a low voice as he crouched down in front of me.

“That was the reason I was so late to return.  I spotted three mounted soldiers.  Uncertain what their business was out here in the middle of nowhere, I lay low as they passed by to then follow” Aidan revealed.  “I was able to discern that they were some of Collin’s men and their purpose.  The rest, like they say, is history.  We needed horses and I needed to also buy us some more time, and so they met their end in order to satisfy these needs.”

I felt dizzy as his words sank in.  Here I was in the middle of nowhere with a real live killer of men, and I was doing what?  Running away with him?  I now could not help but wonder who was more dangerous?  Collin with his hair-trigger temper and volatile mood swings?  Or Aidan with his unreadable visage, unnerving stealth, and restless knife-hand?

Tightly shutting my eyes, I drew in one very deep and shaky breath.  When I opened them again, Aidan was down on one knee before me, head bowed.

“I will not beg your pardon” he quietly announced as he raised his head to now look me in the eye.  “To Serve,” was his adamant assertion as he made a fist of his left hand, pressing it against his chest, “to Protect – I refuse to apologize for these necessities.”

I could only blink at him.  As when I had first met him, his actions just then clearly spoke of ritual.

And so it had begun; I felt as if the blood was on my hands, not Aidan’s.  After all, if I hadn’t come into the lives of these men, then none of this would now be happening.

“Come on, we better get out of here, then” I said after swallowing a huge lump that had gotten lodged in my throat.  “I can’t deal with this right now, let’s just be free of Collin and this place, and put as much distance between him and his men as possible” I implored, but felt like adding before anyone else gets killed.

“Agreed” Aidan concurred, curtly nodding once as he now rose to his feet.  Offering me a hand up, I gladly accepted and so once again we sprang off into the night.  However, we had not gotten all that far before the desert world around me suddenly began to spin, and so following suit my feet began to falter.  Reaching out a quick hand, Aidan steadied me, eyes full of concern.

“I’m alright, Aidan, really – this is just too much for me deal with right now” I tried to put his mind at ease.  “I’ll feel better once we have put a bunch of miles behind us” I promised.  However, I didn’t think that was going to be happening any time soon since dread was gaining ground on me by the minute; I could feel its breath on the back of my neck.

There were indeed three horses corralled up in a small canyon just as Aidan had promised, complete with gear.  My nausea escalated tenfold when an image lodged itself in my mind – that of Aidan slipping up behind the masters of these horses to then slit open their throats.  And with his incredible stealth?  The men probably never had a single clue what had hit them.  The coldness of the act coursed chills along the length of my body.  If Aidan had been CIA in the Time Before, as was my suspicion, then I was of the mind that he had been an assassin, and a damn dangerous one at that.  However, there was much more to him, I knew – and then some.  He had a singleness of mind and God help anyone who should stand in his way, I surmised, feeling rather ill in consideration of this thought.

We loaded our packs onto the horses and soon were ready to move out.  Aidan planned to stay in the high country for a while, turning south after a few days.  It was getting cooler by the day and the temperature change once the sun went down?  It became bitter cold, which made me ache all over – warm clothing or no.  Always having been sensitive to low temperature, I had long ago moved from Flagstaff to the lower deserts, so I would never again have to suffer freezing my tail off.  Yet here I was, feeling chilled to my core.  I had to bite my tongue, though, to keep from complaining, as well as keep my teeth from chattering.  I knew Aidan did not take kindly to whiney baggage.

After riding hard westward for several days, we then diverted somewhat to the south until we were deep in the pine forests.  I found the smell of pine needles to be heady and intoxicating as I greedily drank in the scent.  It certainly took my mind off my troubles.  On the third day out we stopped by a small stream to replenish our water reserves.  The sun felt somewhat warmer now that we were among trees, full ones which served as a break from the relentless winds of the open mesas.  We had seen no sign thus far of Collin and his men, although Aidan was certain they were in pursuit of us.  His intent was to now double back in a general easterly heading once we had travelled south for a spell.  Aidan had taken a calculated guess that Collin and his men would just continue on and not mark our passage southward.

I should have felt relief, I supposed, since I was no longer being torn between the two men, having to constantly run interference.  However, in reality, I missed Collin and ached for him, but understood it had to be one or the other.  I had chosen to trust Aidan’s lead, even if it was at the behest of Collin.

None of this at present mattered overly much, since I now had something else to occupy my mind.  While we were taking a break one morning in the splendid warmth of the sun, I ran some fast calculations in my mind, the results of which scared the crap out of me.  During all the confusion and duress, I had lost track of time, or had not been as conscious of it as I normally would have been.  I had always been very good at keeping track of time, days, weeks in my mind, but for the first time since I could remember, time had quite literally slipped away from me.  I had to concentrate, counting backwards through the days and then I became alarmed as I counted frantically once again – same results.  I was on the verge of fainting at the mere consideration of why I had been feeling so damn ill.

Perhaps my period was late due to the contention between Collin and Aidan – that had to be the reason, I tried to reassure myself.  Their constant battling had a negative effect on me and that was no lie.  However, my gut told me no.  It wouldn’t explain the fainting spells and the bouts of nausea in the mornings.  Taking my hypothesis one step further, I then calculated what days I would have been most fertile during that span of time.  Closing my eyes for clarity, I then tried to think back to where we had been during those days and what we had been doing.  Abruptly I gasped as I pressed a hand to my belly.

The waterfall!

Panic now kicked me full in the chest.  Collin – it had to be Collin!  He had just taken me with no time for me to think, and I was so distressed after Collin’s rut that I gave no thought to other more dire consequences than just that of feeling taken advantage of by the man.

And Aidan and I had yet to make love since my coupling with Collin.  It couldn’t possibly be true, could it?  Here I was, on the run with my assassin lover, and pregnant by another man?  The encircling pine trees spun around my head as I felt myself slipping away into a faint.  The last thing I remembered thinking to myself before I went down was, way to go, Sierra.

When I eventually came to, Aidan was cradling my head in his lap.  Gently he smiled down upon me, although in his eyes I could see the depth of his concern.  When he bent over to kiss my forehead, I abruptly sat up with a start.  Then scrambling over to the edge of the stream, I vomited – an act which did nothing short of thoroughly disconcerting Aidan.  Quick he was to kneel beside me, laying a hand on my back while I wretched up my guts.  After I was finally done, which seemed like an eternity, I splashed cold water in my face and then rinsed the taste from my mouth.   Once finished, I turned to him, wrapping my arms tightly about myself.

“Ok, Sierra – it’s time you came clean with me” he demanded, softly but sternly.  Bowing my head, I wondered how I was going to tell him but upon looking up, it was clear that he had already guessed it.  “Never mind – let me rephrase that.  Who is the father?”

“Aidan, it was only once, only that once, I swear!” I blurted out in an attempt to defend myself, but there was no need – Aidan was not about to hold me wholly to blame, although it was clear the man was less than pleased by the revelation.

Naturally, since I could have said no to Collin.

Even if I had, I wasn’t so sure that Collin would have listened to me.

“It’s not your fault, at least – not entirely.  It takes two to conceive a life” was his conditional acceptance as he now stood up, walking off several paces.  Keeping his back to me, I could tell the man was fuming.

Should I go to him? I wondered as I knelt there, feeling very much like I was the bad guy here, or rather more like a ‘ho.

After several long, uncomfortable minutes, Aidan now turned round to face me.

“We have to go back” was his decision – no room for negotiation there, the look in his eyes alone spoke to this.  Was he crazy?  Scratch that question – I didn’t want to know.

“You’ve got to be kidding” I laughed with ill ease as I wrapped my arms more tightly about myself.  “How can you put yourself in such danger?” I wanted to know as I now got to my feet but Aidan didn’t say a word, at least not for several heartbeats.

“Do you hear yourself?” he eventually asked.  “You are carrying life within you, Sierra” Aidan made clear.  “The life of your Unborn, as well as your own life, will be at risk if we do not return to civilization.”

“My life?  What about your life?” I shot back as I found the courage to go toe-to-toe with him.  “You’re not going to be looked up too kindly for having spirited yourself away with me in tow!  There’s got to be another way” I implored, but even though I was terrified for his safety, I all too well understood what my chances were for successfully bearing and birthing without medical care.

“When I discovered you that day by the Salt River, I should have told you to run – run as far away and as fast as you possibly could and to not look back.  That would have been best – for us both.  I’m not saying this to be hurtful, Sierra – it’s just Truth” he assured me in an even tone.  “What I need do now is figure out how to minimize the fallout upon our return.  Collin is going to take his pound of flesh – or this I can assure you.  However, that’s not your problem, Sierra.  You will be safe enough, with or without me.  Collin will see to your safety even if I am unable.

“If you wouldn’t mind, my love, I need a little time to work things out” was his request, delivered along with a faint smile, wholly for my benefit.  He didn’t want me to worry a whole bunch, I figured.

Oh, sure – he and Collin had fought like cats and dogs, and Aidan wanted me to not worry?

Dream on.

Reluctantly I obeyed, walking up stream a little way to give him some space.  Casting a glance over my shoulder, I saw him standing there with his arms folded across his chest, head hung in deep thought.  Could things possibly get much worse? I wondered in despair.  That was one question I vowed to myself that I would never again ask.  Every time I did, fate would find some way to intervene, and if it wasn’t already worse?  Then fate would find a way to make it worse.

After what seemed like an eternity, Aidan finally sought me out.  I had found a pleasant spot to sit down at the water’s edge, tossing tiny pebbles into the current.  As the man crouched down beside me, all was forgiven, I supposed, since he tenderly kissed my cheek.

“We must talk” he said in a calm voice as he then sat down but notably did not start talking right away.  Aidan seemed full of quiet resolve while we sat there in silence together.  This quietness of his was what had me most worried.

Taking hold of my hand, he now pulled me up with him as he rose to his feet.  We then slowly walked together along the river bank.

“I cannot atone for any questionable decisions I might have made” he began as we made our way along the stream.  “What I do have the opportunity to do is see to your health, your safety – your child.  You cannot bear this child and give birth to it alone, not without help from others” he revisited the obvious, stopping now to put his hands on my shoulders so he could turn me towards him.  He looked down on me with those amazing eyes I loved so much, eyes which were now filled with the gravest of concern.

“You must realize that I would go to any lengths to protect you, your well being, Sierra.  Though I would fear for you at the hands of others, that is not the most important thing here.  We need to safely see you through – both of you” he asserted, tightly gripping my shoulders.  “Do you understand this?”

“Why go back to Collin, though?” I asked of him, confused.  “Why not take me to your people, whoever they are and wherever that may be?” I suggested, although I really did want to rejoin with Collin – a small detail that I suspected was not lost on Aidan.

“It’s… complicated, Sierra,” he gave me in answer which was no answer at all, really, “and time is of the essence since you are so ill, growing weaker with each passing day” Aidan made clear.  “The best chance for the survival of both you and your Unborn is to rejoin with Collin.”

“And damned the consequences of what will happen to you, is that it?” I complained out of frustration.

“I am not important, Sierra – I am just one of many men in this world” he stated without emotion.  “They will deal with me as they see fit.  There is a chance that they may show me some leniency – I have served them well in the past, and I was the one who found you, after all.  It is my love for you, Sierra, which plays a major part in my decision.  So don’t argue with me – please” he implored.  “The decision has been made; it is best for all concerned.  Have no fear for me as I hold no fear for myself.  If God should will it, we may yet pass through this difficult time and safely come out together on the other side.  We must trust to Him above all else.”

“And what about love,” I wanted to know.  “Does that count for anything where your God is concerned, Aidan?” was my bitter inquiry since I was beginning to get the distinct impression that beneath the surface of this quiet man lurked a closet holy-roller.

“Yes we do have love – and for this reason, if nothing else, I refuse to believe that God will forsake you, me” he made quiet concession.

Again feeling lightheaded, I heavily leaned against him, silently cursing my body.  It seemed that my body had also made the same decision, conspiring against me right along with Aidan.  I was becoming weaker by the day and that was an inescapable reality.  It seemed that all our fates were inextricably bound, those of Aidan, Collin and me – like it or not.  We would just have to watch how the play would now unfold, and in how many acts it would take to reach an end.

Nodding in reluctant agreement, I tried to hold back tears which were welling up in my eyes.  Even though I was gravely concerned for Aidan, I understood that returning to Collin would actually, in turn, help Collin to save face.  He would have regained the woman and whatever tight spot he had gotten himself into might just open up to let him slip out.  Give and take it was with Aidan and Collin, and in all things, I glumly considered.  To help one was to harm the other – an ugly reality that I would just have to deal with like as not.

How could so beautiful a day, there under the towering pines, quickly turn so damn dismal?

Long Aidan held me close to him in comfort before he then pulled away to look down upon me, brushing the hair out of my eyes.  He tried on a smile, and surprisingly it fit, seeming more at peace in that moment since he had been back in the springtime when we first met.

“Aidan, you’re either amazing or crazy – how can you face all this with such calm acceptance?” I wanted to know, truly in awe of this man.  Aidan certainly was not your ordinary, average guy by any stretch of imagination.

“Death is a Dancer,” was his cryptic reply as he cradled my face in his hands.  Kissing me with great warmth he then quietly spoke in my ear, “and this dance is not yet over, my love – not even close” he assured me.

Sadly we left the refuge of the towering pines there by the coursing stream of crystal clear water.  Tracing our route back the way we had come, we took our time, not being in any great hurry.  Aidan expected to meet up with Collin and his men somewhere along the way, but each day that passed without any sign of them was another day Aidan and I were blessed with being alone together.  However, with each mile covered, the greater my trepidation.  I found myself thinking it was nothing short of a miracle that I had not yet miscarried given all that turmoil in my life.

As we rode together at a walking pace, Aidan and I spent our time in the saddle talking about many things, a shared favorite subject being that of the natural world in which we lived.  That was one strong bond we had in common – a great love of being out in God’s wilder places.  Insofar as God went, this was the one thing in which, at least, Aidan and I were in total agreement.

The jury, however, was still out on the rest.

“Extremely, General” was my clarification, eternally grateful that this was merely a web-conference and not a command performance.  Elite-General Hastings only glared back at me from the screen of the laptop.  “If the AFA was looking for a way to slip a bridle onto my brother, sir, then Sierra is that bridle” was my staunch assurance.

My Captain-Major was standing behind the laptop, ready to pull the plug, so to speak, upon my delivering a subtle gesture.  Granted, out here on the perimeter, wi-fi signals were hard to come by and iffy at best most times.  A convenient excuse to cut the transmission should it become too personal, I considered with an inward grin.

“What is to keep Aidan from spiriting her off to The Order, eh, Commander O’Reilly?” T.C. put to me but I just shrugged.

“The woman is pregnant” I stated matter-of-fact and why not?  I wasn’t supposed to know about the contraceptive agent released into the environment by the Unspoken.

Not any more than I was supposed to know, for that matter, about the true threat posed by the Unspoken.

The man only regarded me with cool consideration, waiting for quantification.

“The poor creature is not well, sir” I forged ahead.  “Aidan cannot ensure her safe passage all the way back to The Order” I explained what should have been obvious.  “The distance is too great and he doesn’t have the tactical support that the AFA does.  He will return to me, though,” I quickly added, “and if not of his own accord?  Then no matter – we’ll make up his mind for him.”  Although we had agreed upon this as part of our pact, my brother’s return, Aidan had seemed a bit distant before our parting of the ways.  Something had transpired during his three day absence before finally making his exit with Sierra – something more than just him slitting the throats of three of my Blackguard comrades.  Good ones, too, I thought with pain of regret.  I had a hunch, however, that Aidan had not been alone in partaking of that bloodbath.  It smacked of a fellow Brother backing him up.

After all, Elite-Assassins always traveled in pairs.  All because you didn’t see them didn’t mean that they weren’t there.

“You had damn well better be right, Commander” the General made known his discord, in words as well as tone of voice.  “Would your brother sacrifice so much?  Just to keep one woman so close to him?” he asked.  “Those would not be the actions of a High Council Member of The Brotherhood, not to mention going against The Brotherhood’s Greater Good philosophy.”  No kidding, I thought, now having been reminded that General Hastings knew more about The Brotherhood than most.

“Wouldn’t you, General?  If you were in his boots?” I posed in return for his question was flat out ridiculous.  What man, given the opportunity, wouldn’t want to keep a woman all to himself?  Except perhaps for me, since I found power to be as equally seductive.  “Very often, Members take the long way around in their journey towards this Greater Good” I put in my two cents.

With a flick of my hand, I grunted and then moved on.

“I dare say he loves the creature – if she were to be under my dominion, then I would certainly get more out of my brother than he has thus far been willing to donate to the AFA’s cause” was my prediction.  “She is, after all, the perfect hostage.”

“Is, Commander?” T.C. wasted no time in shooting back.  “If you have failed to notice – you have lost your grasp on said woman.”  Such a stickler for details, I considered with considerable malcontent.

“She’ll be back under my control before the week is out – mark my words, General” I stressed and Sierra would be.  No two ways about it, even if I had to call out the entire host of AFA Wardens to track down the son of a bitch, I sure the fuck would make it so.  However, if Aidan was good to his word, which he always was, then he’d be back.  The next act of our play depended on it otherwise it would be curtains for me.

I just had to keep reminding myself that The Order needed the AFA more than we needed them.  The Order’s Greater Good way of life would ensure my brother’s return, if not just solely because Aidan truly was a man of his word.

“As always, I will keep the General abreast of the situation” was my assurance as I prepared to give Greg the signal to cut the feed.  I had little time and what time I did have I didn’t feel like wasting on idle words with my CO.  “Oh, and if the General wouldn’t mind me asking” I began but then gave my Captain-Major a subtle hand gesture, in response to which he now unceremoniously interrupted the transmission.

“Oops” Greg chuckled.  “Sorry, Commander – we seem to have lost the General” he said with a straight face.

“And not a moment too soon, either” I grumbled, and then closing my eyes I ran a hand over my face, briefly to let it linger there.  Any meeting with T.C. always left me frustrated and angry, in person or not it didn’t matter the outcome was always the same.   “Aidan had better return with her, Brains – else I am toast.”

“You know, Collin – it wouldn’t be the first time Aidan has fucked you over on some technicality” my Captain-Major saw fit to remind me.  Closing the laptop he then stowed it in his pack.  We had stopped to take a break in the lengthening shadows of late afternoon.  Being in the vicinity of an active hot spot I knew that I had just better report in to my CO and get it over and done.  Else wise, there would soon have been a massive manhunt, not only for Aidan but for me as well.

“Don’t regurgitate me a list, Brains” I growled in threat, knowing that he had cataloged in that amazing brain of his every slight, rebuff and wrong that my brother had ever directed towards me.  The man was a walking SQL Server, I swore – however, this was actually a good thing.  Greg was a valuable tool, as well as one of my best friends.

“Did I miss the interrogation?” I heard Eric ask as he now came on the scene.  We were sheltering from the relentless sun in the shade of trees which lined a dried up seasonal stream.  The Blackguard had continued on ahead, keeping careful watch for signs of my brother’s passage.

“Sure did” Greg replied, which implied that my Colonel had missed the verbal flogging.

“Whew – perfect timing, then” Eric laughed as he walked up to me and then crouched down.  “Good news, Commander” Jonesy began to which I raised an eyebrow.  “We have a visual on Aidan” he said and well – the day had just turned from dark to light!  With a huge grin, I lauded my Colonel.

“Excellent work, Colonel!” I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as I jumped to my feet.  I would soon see Sierra and elation of the eventuality was not lost on either of my senior officers.  Neither had yet to accuse me of falling in love with the woman – this ground that was off limits, after all.  Tread it and regret it as their saying went – they knew when to keep their mouths shut.

“You need to curtail that, sir” Eric cautioned as he stood up, a remark which won him a cross look.  “You can lie to everyone else, but not to us” was his reminder, now daring to set foot on that forbidden ground.

“Eric’s right, Commander” Greg felt a need to jump on the bandwagon as well, but how could I get angry with them?  These two men had made a lifelong career out of talking reason to me and why?  They were two of the staunchest friends a man could ever hope to have.  All the way back into Pre-Time they had been my friends, had watched my back – and in more ways than just one.  Granted, they had both served under me in the United States Army, but they had always been so much more than just my subordinates.

With a protracted sigh, I reluctantly nodded in agreement.

“Yes, yes – I know” I conceded.  “Wait until you meet her, though – she is so like Mira, it is uncanny” I declared and now both men exchanged a quick glance.  “What?  Are you two gentlemen of a mind that this is a bad thing?” I pressed.

“You tell us, Commander” was all Eric would say – case closed, I knew.  Now was neither the time nor the place, but he would take issue with me later.  After all, back in Pre-Time he had accused my obsession with Miranda of having put my career in jeopardy.

Hefting my pack, I then slung it over one shoulder.

“How far?” I wanted to know, getting back down to business.

“About quarter of an hour” Eric returned.

“This, gentlemen, is going to be fun” I predicted as we three now headed over to our horses.  “Look at this as payback time, my friends – for every rotten thing Aidan has ever done to any of us.  Please – do not spare the violence on the account that he is my brother” I quite plainly gave them leave, but then a wicked grin held hostage my lips.

“He’ll remember each and every blow,” Greg reminded me, “and reenact them later if he ever gets us alone.”  There was merit to this assumption – but regardless, it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

“Or he’ll do something far worse” Eric surmised as we reached our mounts.  Pausing as I took hold of my horse’s reins, I surveyed each man at length.

“Wooses” was my taunt.  Securing my pack onto my horse I then swung myself up into the saddle.  Oh, they would partake in the shaming of Aidan; I knew them better than they knew themselves.  Aidan had been a pain in their asses since Pre-Time, for to have me as a friend meant having Aidan in their lives as well.  Like as not, since Aidan had always been popping up in my Pre-Time life – at times seemingly with sole intent of making my life miserable.

Before we joined our Blackguard comrades, I turned my horse towards Eric and Greg as they now mounted as well.

“Ok – listen up, gentlemen.  This is going to be harder on me than on Aidan,” I informed them, “and hardest yet on Sierra.

“Greg, you will be the one to take her horse and assist her dismount” I instructed him.  “Please do not get all flustered – women have not changed.  Trust me on this, Brains.  She’s not the Holy Mother or anything; she is only a woman – a bright, endearing, gorgeous woman, but just a mere female none the less.”

“Well, gee – thanks for the pep talk, Commander” Greg mumbled but color was already rising in the man’s cheeks and so the need to nip in the bud his anxiety.

“Eric, you get the honor of slamming your rifle butt between Aidan’s shoulders, that should drive him to his knees” I gave him his orders.  “If he looks to be getting an itchy knife hand – nail him in whatever fashion you like” I gave permission with a flick of my hand.  “Remember, we are supposed to make this look good – so, spare no pain, yes?”

“As you wish, Commander” Eric readily agreed, grinning in anticipation.  Greg, on the other hand, only shook his head.

“Is there a problem, Captain MacNamara?” I coolly inquired of Greg.

“No, sir” he was quick to return, not wanting to court my temper.

“And just for the record – how about you, Colonel Jones?” I inquired.  “Any reservations?”

“No, sir – absolutely not, Commander” Eric returned with a curt nod.

“Ok, then it’s all for one and one for all” I laughed with a broadening grin as I now kicked my horse into action.  This was going to be fun indeed – or would be if not but for Sierra.  The poor woman would be distressed beyond all conception to witness what was to come.  However, it need be – a play act born of necessity, as it were.  One for the benefit of our Blackguard contingent.

Our troop for this confrontation was limited in its number – also born of necessity.  Precious few in the Blackguard had known about Aidan discovering a woman and so the need for this secrecy to persist.

I had had to play serious hardball with Antonio, the kingpin of the Blackguard, to keep his men-in-attendance to a minimum.  Hardball?  Blackmail was more like it, as well as lying through my teeth.  However, when my bullying had not been sufficient, then one threatening Communion from Supreme-General Karloff was all it took to make the hot-headed Italian back down.

Not for long, and not for good – but long enough.

The benefits which the Blackguard received from the AFA were considerable and Antonio Abruzzi was no fool.  He understood that without the AFA to butter his bread the Blackguard would be in a world of hurt.  After all, The Order was making concerted effort to snuff out the Blackguard and he needed the big stick provided by the AFA to shake at The Order.  Or if not shake, at least keep The Order from wiping them out of all existence.

New world but nothing much had changed, I considered.  Same old same old even seven years down the road.

With Antonio appeased by a few extra perks from the AFA, in exchange for his becoming amenable, I had been able to keep my entourage down to eight men.  Myself, two of my own and then five of Antonio’s most trusted men.  Of course, three of those were recent replacements, brought onboard after my brother had slit the throats of their woebegone predecessors.

And Antonio did not require mystic vision to get a clue as to who killed his men.  He was now truly out for Aidan’s blood – however, his hand, yet again, was once more stayed by the AFA.  Aidan was the AFA’s backdoor to The Order, after all – blood ties, as it were, since he was my brother.

One day, though, if Antonio played his cards right, he would no longer need the AFA and when that day came?  Well – I did not want to be around.  The man was no more fond of me than he was my brother.

All ruminations were now set aside as I cleared my mind.  Prepare I must for the performance to come.  It was imperative that all which transpired from the moment we came upon Aidan and Sierra come across with absolute veracity in the eyes of our Blackguard entourage.

My brother had the easy part – Members of The Brotherhood were not chatty by any stretch.  At least, not outside of their ranks – and even within, come to think of it.  As if this penchant for silence was supposed to add to their mystique.  Mystery they already held in abundance for the greater percentage of Brothers had been, in Pre-Time, either CIA, DIA, FBI or NSA – or some other covert governmental organization or splinter cell.  A small detail which had been kept under wraps by my AFA superiors.  However, in some things Aidan did kiss and tell.  It was a point of pride with him, who he and his Brothers were.  For me, it just smacked of conspiracy up, down and sideways.

Again, nothing new in this new world.

Once they came into view, my brother and Sierra, it was impossible to keep my heart from wildly pounding in my chest.  Adrenaline was running high, and for many reasons.  However, these I was unable to sort out or order.  All I did know was that it was payback time.  Not often did I get the opportunity to rough up my brother and as a result not be on the receiving end of a painful retaliation.

With my usual flair for the dramatic, I did not slow my mount until we were right on top of them.  Actually, I did not slow down at all, bringing the poor steed to a rather abrupt stop.  Naturally, this won me a dire look from my brother – he being the consummate horseman.  He loved the beasts almost more than sex, I would venture – probably even more so, I considered of my equestrian brother with an inward laugh.

Show time, Commander, I thought in preparation as I watched Eric and Greg now cautiously take up their positions.

Coaxing Aidan down from his mount was not necessary.  There would be no confrontation here – that was not to be the point of our drama.  His was to get his ass kicked.  Mine was to feel like a king.

A win-win situation for me.

And we just needed my Blackguard comrades to swallow it part-and-parcel.  The AFA could not afford to alienate the Blackguard – they needed access to the knowledge possessed by their leader.  Aidan and I needed the same, for like, as well as different, reasons.

Glancing at Sierra, it was clear that the poor creature was afraid.  Afraid for Aidan she was, naturally – and in greater measure than she was for herself, I could sense.

Unsure what to do once Greg sidled his horse up to hers to take hold of the beast’s bridle, Sierra only looked at him, holding his gaze.  The woman momentarily appeared confused but then was quick to look round at all the other men.  Quite a crowd by her standards, after all.

One of the Blackguards took Aidan’s mount and led it away to a safe distance – just in case my brother should pull a fast one.  At breakneck speeds my brother could ride, his horsemanship unparalleled by any of those present, and there were some damned good riders in this troop.

Right on cue, or rather not even requiring one, Eric did as I had previously instructed.  With enough vengeance for the both of us, he rammed the butt of his rifle between Aidan’s shoulders – and hard.  That had to hurt I knew and so it was no act on my brother’s part when he sank to his knees.  Although, being a Member-Elite and Elite-Assassin of The Brotherhood, not a single sound escaped his lips, nor was there to be seen acknowledgment of pain in his face.

“Collin!” Sierra abruptly gasped, mortified, as she then quickly slid down from her horse.

“That’s Commander to you, my dear” I now growled at the creature.  Greg had been equally as quick as Sierra and so had the beauty restrained before she could go bolting off in defense of her lover.  I could discern by the look in Greg’s eyes that he was amazed just how much Sierra really did resemble Mira.  Yes, Brains – I spoke Truth, I considered in victory.  Eric and Greg had both thought me delusional.  Granted, Sierra was a pint-sized version of my long dead soul mate, but to look upon her she very much brought to mind a vision of Miranda.  From there the differences started to outweigh the similarities, however, although so many things between the two women were unmistakably alike.

Most notably her scent and the way she tasted – two not so minor similarities which did nothing short of confound me.

I often wondered if this might be a sign from God, sending me a woman so close to what Mira had been – to let me know that I had indeed set my foot upon the right Path.

Time would tell all tales, I knew, and so after considering my brother and Sierra at length, I sadly decided that it was time to get on with the show.

“A sudden bout of sanity?” I put to my brother as I craned forward on my horse, leaning on the pommel of my saddle.

Silence was his reply.

No matter.

Now sliding down from my own mount, I handed the reins off to one the Blackguards.  Hands clasped behind my back, it was with carefully measured paces I approached my brother who, in his only act thus far of defiance, held my gaze.

“You’ve overestimated your usefulness to me” I made known in a low voice, standing there as I looked down upon my brother.  Catching motion out of the corner of my eye, I briefly glanced up to see Sierra struggling against Greg’s hold on her.  “Bring the woman to me, Captain, if you would” I commanded of Greg, who was all too pleased, I could discern, to relinquish the creature.  To be so close to a woman – well, these days, that was a million things at once if one.

Escorting Sierra to me, Greg was relieved to deliver her, but not so flustered as to forget to bow to both me and to Sierra.  Being the rare gems that they were, all women were due this courtesy, even if precious few men were ever rewarded with being in the presence of one.

Aidan and I had been blessed beyond belief in this, having had Sierra to ourselves for so long.

Observing Sierra, the woman was clearly a study in contrasts, I made note with curiosity.  Then I realized – she had missed me!  This I could actually feel to be Truth, but in the same instant she was also in fear of me and what I might do to Aidan.  The show had to go on, however – revelation that she still cared for me or no.

“You must keep silent, my dear” I sternly cautioned Sierra as I took her by the elbow.  “Do you understand me?” I asked, waiting for verbal confirmation but since none was forthcoming, I prodded her one last time.  “Sierra?”  Unsure she would be able to keep her mouth shut once opened, I supposed, she audibly sighed and then gave her reply.

“Yes, Collin” the woman returned, markedly not addressing me as Commander, as I had instructed her.  I’d let that slide for now, however.  The poor thing was shaking like a leaf, even though she tried to maintain an outwardly calm appearance, and so in response I slowly raised a hand to touch her cheek.  Almost immediately, by my touch alone, Sierra was calmed by a certain degree – an interesting reaction given that I was supposed to be the bad guy here.  Was I that bad of an actor?  Not, I knew.

And so merely a puzzling detail I’d file away for later consideration.

“Sierra, do you have any idea with whom, or rather with what, you ran off, hmm?” I inquired of her, keeping an even tone to my voice.  Of course she did not answer, instead glaring at me – I had told her to keep silent, hadn’t I?  Lots of spunk in this one, I mused with a considerable amount of warmth.  We just needed to channel that spunk into more productive avenues was all.

“This man who kneels here before you is a cold blooded killer, an assassin” I went on to explain.  “His deeds in Pre-Time for his CIA masters pale by comparison to those in his Post-Time existence.  You trust far too quickly, too easily.

“Mark my words, Aidan is one thoroughly dangerous man” I continued my commentary and then, from out of nowhere, Sierra said –

“Uneasy Rider” was what the woman absently mumbled and I could only blink at her.  Without reaction from me, she now clarified what I already knew.  “From the Charlie Daniels song – The Ballad of the Uneasy Rider” she said, speaking up now.  A subtle glance I cast to Eric and Greg, who were now both just a little more weirded out by Sierra than they already had been.  Music, a lifelong passion of mine, had been something I also once shared with my Mira.

Regaining my stride, I was now swift to fall back into step.

“Yes, that’s correct, and it applies to Aidan – in spades, no less” was my staunch declaration.  “See how calm, how still, he is?  When he is inactive, that is when this man is most dangerous.  And this dangerous tool of mine has a wild streak in him.  He has broken every vow made to the AFA and the Blackguard” I laid out for her and now she quickly looked up at me, thoroughly perplexed.

“Aidan said the Blackguard are the bad guys” she flatly stated, as if this was Truth.  Well, it wasn’t – in the end game, I was of a mind that the Blackguard might well be the America’s saving grace.  “And who the hell are the AFA?” the bossy little thing demanded, which prompted a round of chuckles from all in attendance.  I had to admit, she was a treasure – a gorgeous and spicy treasure.  These men were just enthralled to be in the presence of a woman; they rather much viewed her as a rare zoological specimen.

Which, in essence, Sierra was.

As long as that was all they viewed her as, I could accept this.  I would not reproach them or quash their pleasure.

Regarding Sierra at length, I waited for a few moments before confirming her early suspicions about me.

“The Americas Federated Army,” I gave in answer, “affectionately known as the AFA.”  Now releasing her arm, I stepped back to deliver the woman one very proper bow.  Low enough to pay homage to her gender, but not too low, since I was a high ranking officer.  The subtly would be lost on her, but not on my comrades.

“Commander-General Collin Tristan O’Reilly, AFA, at your service” and in uttering my full name, it was a wonder that the woman had never asked this of me during our time spent together.  Neither had she ever asked the same of Aidan.  After all – in a world with so few people what would any longer be in a name?  My brother and I had agreed, however, that I would be the one to fudge that question should it ever arise before the time was ripe.

Apparently it had never come up in casual conversation, though, for either of us.

How utterly fascinating.

Although in retrospect, perhaps not – since Sierra had something rather weighty to hide from her Pre-Time life.  Something I was certain she’d prefer remained in the shadows.  Neither had the woman given us her last name – that was, not until she got really chatty with me one day and had slipped up.

Rising from my bow I saw that a smug look was donning the woman’s face.  She was pleased with herself for having been right about me.

Yes, Chiquita, I thought with amusement, you were right – I am an officer and no grunt.

“And these fine gentlemen,” I went on with the introductions, nodding to Eric and Greg in turn, “are my Senior officers, Colonel Eric Austin Jones and Captain-Major Gregory Raimius MacNamara, AFA.  The muscle behind me are some of the best that the Blackguard has to offer.  Does this satisfy your curiosity at present?” I put to her.  Not, of course, since she now gave Aidan a sidelong glance.

“And just how do you figure into all of this?” was her decidedly cutting inquiry of my brother, who notably did not provide answer.  “Are you AFA or Blackguard?” was her innocent question, but one which resulted in an uproar of laughter from all in attendance – save Aidan, who remained as stoic and silent as ever.

So much for the woman keeping her mouth shut.  Selective memory, I concluded.

“Trust me, Sierra – you are better off not knowing the organization to which this man has pledged his fealty” I solemnly assured her.  “The AFA has an alliance with the Blackguard, but they are not our creatures, nor are we theirs” I took the explanation a little further, stretching the Truth.  “Now, if you are quite through with your interrogation, my dear, we still need to address the matter of what to do with my renegade assassin.”

“Do I get a full name out of this one, too?” she blatantly ignored me, motioning to Aidan with a nod of her head.  Well, she was going to ask sooner or later – and later it now was.  However, should I reveal to her the Truth now or later?

Now, I decided – it would give her something to gnaw on for weeks to come.

“Go on, assassin, tell the woman your full name” I commanded of Aidan.

“Aidan Kael O’Reilly” he returned, but not without hesitation – another display of defiance.  A delay just long enough to raise my ire but not long enough to warrant an ass kicking.  The look on Sierra’s face was precious beyond words, however, as she looked back and forth between the two of us.

“He told his name was Aidan Kael” Sierra made known with a frown.  “I thought Kael was Aidan’s last name” she explained.  “Cousin, then?” was her probe but I only shook my head, suppressing a grin.  “Half-brother?” the woman tried a second time.

“Brother” I corrected and now the woman furrowed her brow.

“You two look nothing alike” was her flat response.  No kidding – and it would blow her mind even more when she would come to learn that we were not only brothers, but fraternal twins as well.

However, that would have to be a revelation for another day.

“If you wouldn’t mind keeping your mouth closed, dear heart?” I coolly delivered, leveling her dark look of warning.  Now loosening my knife in its sheath which was strapped to my leg, I slowly withdrew it.  Then I tossed into the air in a spin, deftly catching it by its handle – a move I had practiced many a time in preparation for this scene of our little play.  Luckily I was able to grab the handle, not being so certain from the onset that I would since I distressingly found my hand to be less than steady.

The woman nearly went into a panic when she saw the blade, and so with a hand signal from me, Greg came to my aid, restraining her before she could do something stupid.  Like try to save her lover, for instance.  Would she have done the same for me, I wondered, had the tables been turned?  Something told me that she would indeed – a consideration which warmed my heart.

Again, the show must go on – and our Blackguard escort would be scrutinizing my performance six ways to Sunday.

With a slow and deliberate turn towards her, I now pointed my blade in threat.

“One… single… word… and I will give your lover something less than pleasant in remembrance;” I growled, “a cut for each and every word.  Is that clear?”  Sierra only blinked at me in disbelief but refused to answer.

Little smart ass.

“You may answer me” I prodded, softening a little just then as I tried not to smile at her.  She was one serious treat, I had to give her that much.

“Yes, Collin – I understand” was her constrained response.  As she now cast her eyes to the ground, some of the fight went out of her – but not all of it.  Finally it was all starting to sink in with Sierra, I could tell.  The poor creature had had no idea what she would be in for if Aidan brought her to me – and for that matter, what would be in store during the coming days and weeks and months.

Considering her a moment longer, I then turned my attention towards Aidan.

“Now, where was I?  Oh, yes – as I have stated, brother, you’ve overestimated your usefulness” I reiterated.  “You came to your senses, returning to us the woman – did you think this would succor you any lenience?” I put to him as I approached, knife ready since I was uncertain what to expect.  I could read my brother fairly well and there was clearly a red haze of rage about him – the question was, about what?  It had nothing to do with the play we had scripted – this much I could discern.

With no answer forthcoming, Eric decided that an additional dose of incentive was in order.  Another vicious blow he delivered Aidan right between the shoulders, this time the force of which sent my brother lurching forward.  It was only by bracing himself with one hand on the ground that he managed to not be laid low.  Sierra made desperate protest by pulling against Greg’s hold, but one deadly look from me and the woman recoiled.

She recoiled and so thus my heart was pierced – I was pushing her further away from me but the show must go on.  I just kept repeating the litany over and over as if it could possibly do me any good.

Damage control – this had always been my forte and I most certainly would have a great deal of it to perform where Sierra was concerned.  This much was fact.

“Need I repeat myself?” I goaded my brother who glanced up at me and it was then apparent that he was going to make me take it to the limit.  The look in his eyes clearly spoke to me, you don’t have the guts.

Nope – I sure the hell didn’t, but that’s why I had Eric.  He would do the dirty work and lord knew that Aidan had roughed up my Colonel more than once in the past.  Granted, in a Pre-Time world, but grievances did not get set aside for the mere reason that most of the populace had checked out.  Retribution transcended all boundaries, after all.

With a flick of my hand, I signaled Eric to have at it and in the biggest insult to my brother of which I could think to commit, I now turned away so I wouldn’t have to watch.

It did not take long, however, before Sierra could no longer hold her tongue.  Nanoseconds, actually.

“For the love of God, Collin!” the woman shrieked in plea.  “Please stop – I’m begging you!” she beseeched and how could I say no to the beauty?  With one finger held up in the air, I signaled to my Colonel to cease and desist before I then turned towards Sierra, wholly ignoring my brother.

“Cause and effect” was my simple explanation.  “He disobeyed orders, Sierra – what would you have me do?  Reward the man?” I wanted to know for mine was the impression that she just didn’t get it.  Brother or no, he had disobeyed my orders, and from the get-go no less.

“You don’t have to beat him to death!” she hissed with scathing disapproval.

“No?” I asked in return, quite plainly, but then sighed.  “Woman, he has suffered worse beatings, torture, than this – and by far.  Mine is merely a reminder to him of who is in charge.”

“Can’t you go easy on him, though?” Sierra actually tried to negotiate, tears welling up in her eyes.  “He brought me back to you, Collin” she saw fit to remind me, trying to make it sound as if it was some grand gesture on his part.  “Please!”

“Be that as it may, the question would then be this – why did he bring you back, my dear?” I put to her.  “Aidan does nothing out of charity for his brother; he does nothing without greater purpose, nothing that will not lead towards a greater good” I made abundantly clear.  Biting her lip, the woman then nervously looked about before holding my eyes once more.  However, she was quick look down, training her eyes on the ground.

“I’m pregnant” she mumbled, a declaration which was met with murmur from the ranks.  Swiftly shooting one hand up into the air, I gave nonverbal command to the men, one which clearly conveyed stuff a sock in it.  “It’s yours, by the way, the child” Sierra meekly added and though I had known she was pregnant, or at least had greatly suspected that to be the case, that it was mine did rock me.  Just that once!  At the waterfall – that glorious day filled in equal measure by release as well as regret.

It was then that I decided to glance over at my brother to audition his reaction.  Within his eyes I could read therein a singular word – and that word was moron.  Ok then, so it was Assassin one, Commander-General zero.

All the more reason to make him pay but not now – later.

And still, the show must go on.  It was almost as if repeating this to myself would alone make it so.

“This does not exempt the man, Sierra – he disobeyed orders, regardless” I reminded again her, more gently this time.  “Although, I am wildly pleased to hear that the child is mine and not the assassin’s” I openly rubbed it in my brother’s face.

“Do you understand anything of assassins, dear girl?” I asked of her as I put up my knife – for now.  Any further demeaning of my brother in a physical capacity would have to be shelved.  The woman was pale and so therefore I truly was worried about her health.  She had not fared well during our separation I was dismayed to observe.

At first Sierra shook her head in response to my question but then spoke up.

“Just what I’ve read in novels or seen in movies” she offered, figuring it best not to anger me.  Her tone she now kept respectful, even what could be considered demure – as should be.  She finally understood that Aidan’s fate was in my hands and if she wanted to gain temperance in his punishment, then she needed to treat with me.

“I believe every woman should be well-informed about the man with whom she lays” I explained as I then gave Greg a nod so he would release her.  Quick I was to take up Sierra’s arm, however, in support of her.  “This I do not intend in a vengeful fashion,” I sought to assure her, “and you may ask Aidan for confirmation on any point upon which I might touch.  He is a lethal assassin, Sierra – his marks for the CIA were many and diverse.  If you would believe he was offing spies and other bad guys, this would only in part be Truth.  Women, children, the elderly – it mattered not, Sierra.  A mark was mark was a mark, no matter the circumstance, gender, age, race or creed.  You may yourself ask him this – he will corroborate what I am telling you.

“Greater good comes in many shades, they say – but tell that to the mother whose infant son was one of Aidan’s many marks” I stated and if the woman was pale before then now she turned white as a sheet.  Swaying on her feet, Sierra then sank to her knees and I went right down with her, easing her descent.

Looking up at my men, it was time for them to back off – it was about to get personal.  They would still be listening, but at least would not be crowding in at such close proximity.

“Ten meters, men – if you would all be so kind” I requested, however, it was anything but a request and they damned well knew it.

“Why are you doing this to me, to Aidan?” Sierra asked in a hushed voice as I brushed the hair back out of her eyes.

“Hard lessons are those best learned” I offered up in reason.  Holding her eyes, however, nearly broke my heart.  “A world without rule, without order, is a world of anarchy” I tried to explain as I shifted from my knees to then sit next to her, wrist to bent knee.  “A world of anarchy I have witnessed firsthand” I stressed in reminder, “and it sure the hell is not a pretty thing.  You were in the desert, alone for seven years – you did not have to suffer through the continuing mayhem that ensued during those first years after the Apocalypse.”

“What does this have to do with you beating your own brother?” the woman demanded with a pout, causing me to inwardly smile.  She was not dense, after all – but at present her heart was getting in the way of her brain.

“Aidan is required to live by the rules we set, the orders that are given” I tried one more time to make her see the light.  “To make exception when commands are disobeyed sets a very undesirable precedence.  From foot soldier to General, it need be the same for all.”

“Even for you?” was Sierra’s terse inquiry.  Yeah, especially for me, Chiquita, was my dismal consideration for I had disobeyed orders given me as well.  The difference being there was no one around at present to kick my ass over it.

I wasn’t supposed to lay with her, either – but no one was aware of this mandate from my CO except me and my two officers.

“You bet” I now returned in answer, with a warm smile, trying somehow to swing her back my way, even if just by a nudge.  “So, you tell me – how should I be punishing Aidan for disobeying orders and going awol?  His transgressions are many and grave, not the least of which being his slaughter of three good men – so a slap on the hand just won’t cut it, you see.”

“Well, you don’t have to beat the crap out of him either” she muttered in dissent.  “After all, he returned me to my rightful owner” the woman scoffed with disdain of the notion.

“Oh, no – no, my dear.  That is not to be your Fate” I obfuscated, distorting the Truth, and now her whole tune changed.  What did she think?  That I was going to be her master?  That this was my intent notwithstanding – but I had a fairly good hunch that AFA High Command would allow me to keep her under my wing, as a tool to ply my brother.  If nothing else was certain where Aidan was concerned, then one thing was immutable.  My brother loved this woman and when Aidan fell in love?  He was like a swan, a black swan – he mated for life.

Not a cheery thought for me since I was determined to make Sierra my own.

“Sierra, I follow orders just like every other soldier” I tried to reason with her.  “Orders I have and will carry out – but you need not worry.  For the present you will be with me, and with my wayward assassin brother.  Live for the day, ok?” was my advice, delivered along with an inviting smile.  “Our main concern at present is you and your health.  We will be meeting up with a doctor, so take comfort in this at least” I suggested and I then looked to my brother who had not budged a millimeter.

It was clear, though, that I just won back the point which earlier I had lost to him.

Damage control indeed.

“The weakness of man” I now decided as I rose to my feet.  Walking over to my brother, I crouched down before him.  “We can perhaps chalk up your disobedience to an inherent weakness in our gender” I supposed.  “Who among us would have not considered the same, perhaps?  To spirit away the woman?

“Few, however, could effectively dissolve into the scenery, never to be found – although I dare say that you, my brother, could have pulled this off,” I accepted, in an offbeat fashion lauding him, “had it not been for Fate and Circumstances.

“A higher authority than myself you will need answer” I now pressed on, again obfuscating since a higher authority could have many interpretations.  When talking about The Order, though?  This meant none other than the Almighty Himself.  “However, in the end you did, as Sierra has pointed out, do the right thing.  Do I have your word Aidan that you will not again stray?” I gravely questioned.  With hesitation, he did not answer straight away, rather holding my eyes for a few long, protracted moments.

“Yes, Brother” he returned and though it may have been lost on everyone except me and my officers, I understood Aidan – implicitly.  He did not mean brother in a familial sense.  This sent a cold shiver coursing the length of my spine.  As far as he was concerned, I was still bound to The Order by an Oath I had Sworn in Pre-Time.  The look in his eyes explicitly conveyed – no release.

His response was Truth for his true standing was among The Brotherhood and The Order.  To these he pledged his allegiance and no other.

Incidentally, though, Aidan had never made a single vow or pledge to the AFA or the Blackguard – I had just thrown that in for effect.  No one truly understood the fraternity of men to which Aidan belonged, nor their standards.  I was a Member and I hardly understood them myself.  Again, as the man was cloaked in mystery, so was the fraternity.  And from what I had learned about The Order, both Pre-Time and Post-Time alike, it was often my wish that I had never come by such knowledge at all.

“Accepted” I said to Aidan as I rose to my feet.  I now offered my brother a hand up, which he took by firmly grasping it.  Once he was on his feet and standing before me, battered but not broken by any stretch, I initiated an embrace which he then reciprocated.  In the exchange, I expressed my regret for having to do what I had ordered done, but in return I felt no forgiveness on Aidan’s part.  He was furious with me, this I could literally feel in holding him close to my person, but – why?  Getting knocked around by my Colonel and being humiliated meant nothing to this Elite-Assassin of The Order.  It was all in a day’s work, all part of their communal journey towards a greater good.

Upon parting, I held Aidan at arm’s length before releasing him.  Subtly he now signed to me an assertion.  One that would leave me perplexed as to what had been the impetus.  I knew without a doubt, however, that it had nothing to do with this play act of ours.

My brother had signed to me a single, solitary word.

Untrue.

Collin wasn’t a dead man – but by the time I finished with him, my brother would be wishing he was.

It wasn’t the beating, it wasn’t the humiliation – these meant nothing to me.  What did was my brother’s personal vow to me that he had broken – that he would not inform his AFA masters about the discovery of Sierra.  That was one score I need settle.

Granted, the AFA could have found out from numerous sources, but I had it on good authority that this information was delivered by way of Collin’s own loose lips.

The man gets backed into a corner and so turns into the biggest coward on the face of God’s Earth.

Or, he had another agenda – one of which he did not see fit to include his brother.  This troubled me more than anything else, but without proof it was all just vapors on the wind.

This did not mean that I couldn’t cash in on some insurance in order to keep him in line.

For the present, however, my primary concern was Sierra, who was sitting on the ground, drained and weakened.

Collin finally remembered that the poor woman was still there and so now crossing over to Sierra he helped the woman to her feet.

“That’s it?  A brotherly embrace and all is forgiven?” the woman bitterly accused, now angry with both of us for so easily getting beyond the ordeal.

“No – all is not forgiven, my dear” Collin brusquely informed her with a flick of his hand.  “The matter has merely been shelved, at least, for the time being.  Come – I’ll give you a less formal introduction to my Captain.  If you are in need of anything, ask Greg.  The man will serve you as he serves me – with the utmost excellence” my brother declared, offering my woman one of his salesman smiles, as if this could buy off Sierra.

And damned if it didn’t, I considered in dismay.  Regardless, he had a lot of damage control to perform where she was concerned.

Unsure, Sierra cast a glance in Greg’s direction.  I often wondered if that walking hard-drive had ever gotten laid in his life.  It should not have been all that difficult since Collin’s Captain was the spitting image of long dead pop song icon John Lennon.  And as Collin was always fond of espousing, The Beatles were eternal.

There was probably more Truth to that than he could ever have known, though.

Greg had never married, though.  If he had been waiting for the right woman to come along, then the Apocalypse had done a fair job of yanking the carpet out from under him in his search for a mate.

Of course, there always was the possibility that the man was a queer.  Most in the Army were, or so we in The Order joked, anyway.  But then again, The Brotherhood had more women than the AFA – and by far.

“Why can’t I just ask you?” Sierra innocently enough inquired and now my brother looked downright offended.  His rank, naturally – others did for him and not the other way around.  Time without count I had tried to instill in Collin that a little manual labor would do him good.  However, he’d react to this as if manual labor was, well – the plague.

“Forgive me, Sierra – but I think you have me confused with my page” my brother scoffed.  “I’m a command rank AFA officer, in case you perhaps have already forgotten?” he once more stepped up on being a hard-case, putting the woman in her place.

Motioning to both Greg and Eric, his officers were quick to leap at their master’s command.  As they jogged over to us, I locked eyes with Eric.  Not now, not today, but someday he’d get his.  This I knew without a doubt and I would be the one to deliver.

“Captain, I’d like for you to see to Sierra’s needs” Collin requested, always making his orders sound like an option – which they weren’t.  “And Colonel, it should go without saying, if Greg is not available, then responsibility will fall to you.  Understood?” he clarified, and each with a curt nod, his officers acknowledged his commands.

“Now, my dear – I shall leave you in their capable hands while I have a heart-to-heart with my brother” he now brushed her off just like she was so much trail dust.  With great reluctance, Sierra allowed Greg to lead her away but understood that Collin was the man in charge so therefore she had no say.

Watching Collin’s lackeys retreat with the one of God’s most precious creatures, my brother now turned to to me.  Firmly taking me by the arm he then escorted me some distance away where we could engage in some quality time together.

“What crawled up your ass and died?” he made demand with his usual flair for the colorful.

“Apparently not the same thing that has crawled up yours” was my deadpan reply in return, one which Collin just ignored.

“So how does it feel to get the crap beaten out of you?” he chirped, changing tack as he now rocked on his heels, gloating.  Big man, after all.

“Why ask me?  You should know” I countered matter-of-fact.  “Is this why you wanted to speak with me in private?  To volley insults?  I should think this pompous AFA Commander-General would have matters of greater import than taking pot shots at his brother.  Lord knows you did a fine job of impressing Sierra” I made note and now, so utterly predictable, my brother softened by some degree.

“How bad off is she?” Collin now wanted to know.  Folding his arms across his chest, concern was written across his face.

“She weakens by the day” I informed him.

“Do you think she has taken ill from the contraceptive agent the Unspoken had released?” he wondered but I had no good answer.  “It was not supposed to last forever, after all – their estimates for dissipation could have been way off” Collin tried to come up with a theory to explain two things at once.  How the woman could have gotten pregnant as well as why she was having difficulty carrying.

“Brother, your guess is as good as mine on this one” was all I could say.  “You said that a doctor would be joining us?” I now asked, since this, obviously, had not originally been part of our plans.  We could not have foreseen Sierra becoming ill, much less pregnant.

“Yes – I will send for Seamus here, shortly” and at this I wholly balked.

“No – he can no more keep his mouth shut than can you” was my justified protest.  “Ryan” I countered and now Collin grew dark but as he was about to protest, I pulled out an even bigger stick to shake at him.  “At least he is of The Order,” I reminded him in a low voice, “just as are you, if you have not forgotten your Oath?” and thus my brother was at a loss for words.

Finally.

If there was one thing to strike terror into my brother’s heart, then it was The Order.  Or rather the fact that hanging over his head like the blade of a guillotine was the Oath that he had Sworn not just to The Order but to The Brotherhood as well.  The two went hand in hand – one could not be a Member of The Order without first being a Member of The Brotherhood.  Granted, Collin’s Oath had been sworn in the Time Before, but an Oath was an Oath.  And an Oath to The Order was an Oath Eternal – he was damned well aware of this.

“I swore an oath to the military long before I ever swore any other oath” Collin refreshed my memory, clearly unnerved, however.  I did not often pull out this stick and threaten him with it – but when I did?  The moron understood without a doubt that I meant business.

And he could not just ignore it.  The Order was not some noisome fly that would eventually go away if he swatted at it long enough.

“To an organization of heathens,” I brought to mind for him, “and one that no longer exists in its original form” I added for good measure.  The AFA was a thoroughly different creature than the United States Army and other defense agencies had been.  “Besides, an Oath to The Order is an Oath Eternal.”

“I wish you had told me that before you talked me into joining” was Collin’s sour grapes complaint.

“Someday it might just well save your soul” I threw in for consideration but then shifted gears back towards that of a doctor for Sierra.  “Ryan is the only safe choice – and you can contact him just as easily as you can Seamus, and without raising suspicion.  He will do whatever I command of him, but this is a good thing.”

“Oh, sure – having boy wonder in our midst” Collin grumbled in dissent.  “Just what I don’t need.”

“But Sierra does” was my stern reminder.  “Not everything is about you, little brother.”

“Who helped you kill Antonio’s men?” he now suddenly decided to ask, a classic lane change, but I did not rise to the bait.

“Who says I needed help?” was my smooth return.  We could go on like this all day, back and forth, back and forth – Collin would never tire of it.  And when I did?  That was when I’d take him down with two well-placed fingers.  Unfortunately, he knew that right here and now was neither the time nor the place and so I was forced to humor him.

“Let me rephrase that – with whom did you share?” my brother again tried.  “Antonio had a major bird, needless to say;” he went on to inform me of what would have been obvious, “he’s out for your blood.  Those were good men and I was not too pleased to lose them, either, in case you are interested.”  I wasn’t and so silence would be my ally.  God was on my side, after all.

“Ok – forget about it” he abruptly waved me off with an impatient flick of his hand.  “Ground rules time.  You are not to interact with Sierra at all – period.  Nada, nyet, zip – caspica?” Collin put to me for confirmation – more of the obvious and I said as much.

“Are we going to stand here all day, with you passing along the obvious?” was my frank inquiry.  The man loved to hear himself talk – but I didn’t.  It was a major time waster and being in a world of hurt after the brutalizing I suffered at the hands of Collin’s lackey?  All I wanted to do was get clean upped and be on our way.

“I suppose we could,” my brother posed, raising a hand to stroke his chin, “or maybe you can enlighten me as to why you believe me untrue?” the man finally got to the point – or rather, he finally came to it in a civilized manner instead of his initial approach, which had at best been impolite.  It was fortunate for Collin that he was not yet a Reaffirmed Member of The Order – else wise on a daily basis my brethren and I would be required to demonstrate for him the meaning of obedience, and in one very unpleasant manner.  Those days were nipping at his heels, however – unavoidable as they were.

“If you have no idea…” I began but then let the thought languish.

“We will be heading for a safe-house” my brother let drop.  This gave me considerable pause since he hadn’t first consulted with me on this point.

“AFA” I stated, knowing it certainly would not be a Blackguard safe-house.  I was starting to see red but managed to keep my waxing anger in check.  There was nothing I could do; my hands were tied for the present.  I refused to leave Sierra’s side in her state of ill health, and I certainly could not take her with me.  I might have been a one-man-army, as Collin was fond of referring to me, but this did not include tending to one pregnant and ill woman.  There was another way, however.

Of course, one well placed communication with my fellow Brother Quade and I could prevent us from going to an AFA safe-house.  Sierra, though important, was not on the top of our priorities list, however.  This was escalating a mounting inner turmoil within my brother – he was losing sight of our mutually agreed upon path.  Granted, Sierra’s condition troubled me also and I intended to see her through, but I was not about to let it interfere with my mission any more than was absolutely necessary.

“May I be dismissed?” I actually heard myself ask permission – it was either that or I was going to deck the idiot, audience or no.  With a nod he released me and so with due respect, I bowed to him – after the fashion of The Brotherhood.  Although this was always my style of bowing, it was also a warning.  One that meant he best not forget to whom his ass truly belonged – and it wasn’t to that joke of a military government known as the AFA.

Without looking over my shoulder, I made my way back to my horse knowing that Collin was hot on my heels.  My brother – the quintessential drama queen.

Sierra was sitting on the ground, knees drawn up with her arms wrapped around them.  Warily eying Collin’s men, the woman was thoroughly ill at ease with her new lot in life.  Expectantly she looked up at me as I approached but I only paid her a brief glance along with a nod of respect for her gender, but else wise went about my business.

Collin started barking orders to the others as he went.  So full of himself it fairly well turned my stomach.  Nothing new there, I considered.

Every dog has his day and so too would I.  In this I did take some measure of comfort at least.

“A break is in order, at least to have a meal, for Sierra’s sake” Collin decided, but I knew him better than that.  Granted, he held concern for Sierra’s well-being, but it was about his own stomach he was thinking.  “Care to go hunting?” he inquired of me just as I reached my horse.  Adding insult to injury he was – no rest for the weary, and his was no request.  Seven qualified men at his beck and call and he makes me hunt, I considered in aggravation.  No matter – I would just get cleaned up while I hunted.  Game was still plentiful in this region and so downing prey should not take long.  We had seen elk in the area during our trek, Sierra and I.  One would make for a good, hearty meal for us all should God favor me with such a magnificent kill.  Otherwise, I’d have to down a lot of small game to feed one and all – not the least of whom was my famished brother.

“By Your Command” I responded after fashion of The Order, once more bowing to him before I set off.  Again making my way past Sierra, I noticed she was looking somewhat more relaxed but was giving Collin the evil eye of disapproval.

And so it would be for several days to come – days during which I wondered what was taking Ryan so long to reach us.  My first inclination was that Collin was dragging his feet because Ryan was Order.  I also knew that Collin did not require approval of his CO.  Whatever Collin need in order to court The Order’s Head of Assassins, then he pretty much got whatever he wanted.  Most often, he just went ahead and did whatever, and his CO would only find out after the fact, usually in a long-delayed report.

When Collin would deploy men, they were on the spot pronto since the AFA had excellent tactical support.  It should have been no different in deploying Ryan, who was an exchange hostage of sorts and de facto member of my brother’s Northern Desert base.  Ryan was the man to whom Collin’s daughter Amanda was Bonded.  In my mind and heart she was my daughter – and she knew no different, having been raised from birth as my child.  Ugly family secret, I considered – bloody family history was more like it, Truth be known.

Since I had been forced to relinquish Amanda as an exchange hostage between The Order and the AFA, for the AFA’s uber-geek Kevin, Ryan went right along with her as her assigned Attendant.  Amanda’s man was a bonus indeed – a damned talented biologist, pathologist and herbologist as well.  His skills and talents were welcomed with open arms by the AFA, but above and beyond this, Ryan was a good man, an honorable man.

Fortunately, our journey to the AFA safe-house went without incident.  During the trek the Blackguards melted away, patrolling the vicinity.  However, I did not expect much trouble.  We were literally in no man’s land and there being such a greatly reduced populace, running into anyone on the off chance was practically nil.  Although, this was no reason to let down one’s guard, of course.

Sierra rode with Collin, sitting in front of him on his horse and if one man was ever in Seventh Heaven then it was my brother.  Ever the consummate showman he played it to the hilt, no less.  I’d let him have his fifteen minutes in the sun – patience was on my side and so I could wait.  Tables often turned and when least expected.

And Time Eternal would one day be on my side.

Well, this isn’t so bad, I thought as I rode along in front of Collin.  Granted, I had no idea where we were going or what was to ultimately become of me, but for present I could deal with my lot.

Aidan’s brother had an amazing effect on me, being so close to his person.  Admittedly, this was something that confounded me to no end, since in my past men of the military persuasion had always made me want to head for the hills.  With Collin, though, I felt calm and with Aidan I felt safe.  Too bad those couldn’t be combined into each man, I thought with an inward grin.

For brothers, the two men were certainly like night and day.  Collin had a true joy for living, whereas Aidan was mostly close – sullen was a good word to describe that brother.

As we rode together and chatted away the hours, Collin would often bury his face in my neck, breathing in deep my scent.  It was nearly impossible to hide my reaction to this act since shivers would course throughout my body.  Apparent too, it was, that the man was well aware the effect he had on me.  It was an ego booster for Collin by all accounts.  His unabashed behavior, though, troubled me – if he wanted to make the other men envious then I could think of no better way.  Yet it seemed that Collin’s men clearly knew their places, conducting themselves in a professional manner.  Something, however, told me that his Colonel and Captain-Major were more to him than just his subordinates.

Although Aidan showed no outward sign, I suspected that it was hard on him to watch his brother so closely interacting with me.  Driving home his point, Collin saw to it that Aidan and I were kept apart from one another.  My heart was saddened but I understood what Collin had said about cause and effect.  After all, Aidan was being punished.

“Collin,” I tentatively ventured, stealing a glance at Aidan who rode a respectable distance out in front of us, “don’t you think…” I started to pose but Collin wasted no time in cutting me off.

“No, I don’t” the man was quick to return, correctly surmising the path I was about to go down.  “The topic of my brother is off limits – most others are fair game, however,” he offered, burying his face in my neck to then lightly kiss it, “just as long as they are subjects of my choosing” the man made condition at which point I elbowed him in the ribs.  Feigning pain in jest, he then doubled over.

“Well then, what do you want to talk about?” was my moody retort, disgruntled that he had shut me down cold on the topic of his brother.  Collin now snugged his grip around my waist in silent consideration of a topic.

“Ok, then – perhaps this.  How did a petite, alluring, seductive beauty such as yourself survive in the wildness for seven years without becoming fodder for, oh, say – a mountain lion?” was his curious inquiry and I could not help but giggle.

“What?  You think only men can survive in the wilderness?” I countered, now giving into open laughter.  “Oh, Collin, c’mon – give my gender some credit, will you?” I snickered as Collin then quickly leaned forward to softly speak in my ear.

“I would watch that mouth of yours if I were you, my dear” Collin threatened, barely audible in his delivery.  “It has already gotten you into more trouble than is advisable” was his flatly delivered assessment and then once again he kissed my neck.  Leaning back so I could look up over my shoulder at him, I saw caution in his eyes.  What was he talking about anyway? I wondered and then thought it best to just leave sleeping dogs lie.

“I meant no offense, Sierra,” Collin now continued in a normal tone of voice, “but truly, it is amazing that you did not become a meal for any of the larger predators that call this desert their home” he explained.  I just nodded in agreement – at times it had indeed been a challenge to not get munched.

“Well – I did just fine until I ran into a two-legged predator” I reminded him in a low voice.  “It seems that I was no match for the animal called man.  Really, though – if you are in tune with your surroundings, you can pretty much avoid any trouble with predators, excluding the two-legged variety, that is” I reasoned.  Collin held my gaze for a moment, unblinking, before speaking.

“There is much more to you than meets the eye, Sierra – I will wager that much at the very least” he quietly confessed along with a slight grin.  “You are to be commended, my dear.  I have lost men to mountain lions and jaguars.  The population of large carnivores took quite an upswing the first few years after the world checked out” he made mention and again I nodded.

“Yes, and bobcats and wolves – I think the wolf packs frightened me the most” I stated with candor, remembering an encounter that was far too close for comfort.

“What a brave woman!” he exclaimed, smiling down upon me and I wasn’t sure if his praise was genuine or if he was just playing me along for his on amusement.  It was often hard to tell with this guy.  “Did you have any encounters?” Collin now asked, and he did seem truly interested in learning more about me.  I just shrugged my shoulders, sighing.

“Yeah – a few encounters and one very close call” I returned, shivering at the memory.  Collin looked down upon me in anticipation, eager to hear the tale.  The man sure did love story hour, I thought.  “Actually, it was because of my rather short stature that I survived the encounter” I revealed.  Collin looked at me questioningly for a moment before making comment.

“You mean being a midget does have its advantages?” Collin asked with absolute sincerity, although I could see he was dong his best to suppress a grin, one waiting to spring forth with a laugh not far behind.  I again elbowed him in the ribs and so the grin then ensued along with the laugh.  “Forgive me, please – continue” he prodded, quickly regaining his composure.

“Well, luck was on my side that day, I guess” I began my story.  “I had been following a narrow canyon whose walls were dotted here and there with caves.  Fortunately I spied a cave dead ahead – it was nothing much more than a crack in a cliff-face.  I squeezed my way into it and then held the wolves off with my knife while they tried to turn me into a snack.  I just waited them out, though.  They obviously weren’t that hungry, or else they smelled easier prey, giving up after half an hour or so.  The pack had fallen on me at dusk so I hung out in there all night just for good measure” I concluded, now glancing up at Collin to see his reaction.  He was looking down upon me, eyes full of wonder.

“With only a knife?” he asked for clarification and so I nodded in response.  Collin now let out a low whistle.  “Wow – ok, there certainly is more you than meets the eye, then.  I’ll have to file that information away… for future reference, of course” he quietly chuckled, almost to himself.  I just shrugged my shoulders as if to say whatever.  It was just a matter of survival for me and I saw nothing special about my actions no matter how scary an experience it had been.  Anyone would have done the same, really.

“Want to hear my mountain lion story?” I offered, seeing as how Collin was so amused by the tale of my wolf encounter.  When I looked up over my shoulder, I saw him looking down upon me now with narrowed eyes.

“Real or imagined, my dear?” he tested but before I could elbow him again in the ribs, he grabbed my arm to stop me.  Now he took my upturned face in his hands to then deliver a very long, and surprisingly impassioned, kiss.  It was one I found impossible to resist, and admittedly did not try very hard to thwart.

Once the kiss had reached its conclusion, we slowly parted, considering each other at length.  Feeling rather flustered as I furtively looked around, I wondered if Aidan had seen that – and of course he had.  Realizing this I knew I must have turned eight shades of red.  Collin was as confused as I was – I still wanted him as much as he wanted me.  Despite everything, even the rather base and carnal coupling that had given rise to my pregnancy.

“Damn – this desert is hot” I joked to cover my discomfort as I felt my cheeks flush, the rise of color brought on by Collin’s desirous kiss.  He only offered me a warm smile as he now lovingly began to stroke my hair.

“It truly is now, my dear, since you have strayed into my life” he softly spoke for my ears alone.  Again, he buried his face in my neck, drinking in deep my scent.  I could only hope that we would be reining in soon for any much longer in the saddle with Collin and his men would be getting much more than the eyeful which our kiss had belied.

I was soon to get my wish.

Not long afterwards we approached the safe-house where Collin had told me we would be staying for bit.  A place of respite while we waited for the doctor to arrive.  I was glad for the down time since I was not feeling all that great – and was also feeling smothered.  Seemingly every minute of the day I was with Collin or one of his men.  His Colonel scared me worse than any of the things Collin had told me about Aidan.  I personally felt safer with the quiet assassin.

It was late afternoon when we arrived and by then my butt had had enough of being in a saddle to last me two lifetimes.  I was in serious need of going for a walk and so once settled in I decided to try my luck with Collin and ask if I could stretch my legs.  Actually, I more like demanded it.

Exiting the safe-house, I spotted Collin who was discussing something with his two officers – or rather just bullshitting.  Feeling it best to take the direct approach, I strode up behind him, reaching up to tap him firmly on one shoulder.  Partially turning towards me, Collin paused for a moment as he glanced down with vague curiosity.

“Momentarily, my dear” was all he said, returning his attention back to the discussion at hand.  Frankly, I was feeling rather bitchy by that point – I was pregnant, after all, so what did they expect?  Regardless, I was not about to be put off that easily and so I instead tugged on his arm.  He now fell silent, not saying or moving for several long heartbeats before then slowly turning round to face me.

“Tell me, Sierra – was there a word the meaning of which you did not understand?” was his harsh inquiry.  One delivered with an edge of menace in his tone as he glared.  Point having been made, or so he thought, Collin turned back to his men.

I just stood there simmering, my eyes boring holes into his back.  Oh, no, he is not going to brush me off just like that! I thought in agitation.  Mine was only a simple request which couldn’t possibly take more than a split second for him to decide.  If I was such a precious commodity, then I was going to damn well have my say – and when I wanted it.  Normally I would not have pushed the envelope about something so trivial, but the day was waning and I was itching to move about before it got dark.

And with Collin being as long winded as he was?  If I had to wait for him to finish then it’d be midnight before I would even get to ask him.

Taking a deep breath, I repeated my transgression, but upped the ante by taking hold of his arm and then sharply jerking on it.  That certainly got his attention for in the bat of an eye Collin quickly spun about, grabbing me by my forearm.  Squeezing me a tad bit too tightly, I couldn’t help but give a little yelp.

“You do not want to try my patience, Sierra” Collin now growled a dire warning.  “Trust me on this point, or ask any of my men, as they will be happy to inform you of the consequences for those who dare test me” was his strongly delivered advice.  Was this for show? I had to wonder but in case not then I backed right down and fast.  I realized that I had gone and bit off far more than I could chew – apparently I had grossly overstepped my bounds, traipsing right into jaws of tiger.  Collin might have been smitten with me – however, like his brother, this didn’t mean he was about to give me license to be disrespectful.

Sensing my regret, Collin then softened to a degree.

“In time you will come to know me well, my dear – so I will this time forgive your misstep” he decided, his tone full of reproach, but then a smile stole his lips – one which quickly broadened.  A quick lane change of emotions there, I glumly mused.  To hell with that – he had not only jumped lanes, but direction to boot!  “Would you care to explain to me and my officers just what is so imperative that you insist on interrupting us?”  In embarrassment, I now hung my head.  It hadn’t been my intent to cause a scene.

Chalk it up to hormones, I guess.

“Sorry” I returned, and rather demurely at that.  “It’s… I’m just feeling kind of cagey and was hoping I could go for a little walk,” I asked but then decided to tack on, “sir?”  This won me a wonderful smile from Collin – clearly this amused the man to no end.  However, I doubted that he would now let me go after my demonstration of such blatant disrespect.

Collin folded his arms across his chest and then raised a hand to his chin, looking at me in thoughtful consideration.  Watching me closely he mulled over my request, taking his sweet time.  This made me nervous since he was obviously undressing me with his eyes.  With a shrug and a laugh, Collin now offered up another of his award winning smiles.  The dashing Commander was even more handsome when he smiled like that.  I had been right from the start about Collin – looks and personality like that had meant he was definitely officer material, or the makings of a politician, one who had no short supply of charisma.

“If that is the lady’s desire” Collin made decision, grinning as he rocked on his heels, quickly exchanging glances with his two officers.  “However, do not make me regret my decision to indulge you in your whim for a brief stroll” was his stern caution.

“Captain, if you would?” Collin now gave Greg leave to babysit me.  “Be on alert – she may be small, but Sierra is certainly feisty” he grunted with a laugh.  “I’ll leave you to your task, Captain” he said in parting and then both Collin and Eric bowed to me before taking their leave.  And so it was that I was then left alone with his Captain-Major.

I liked Greg, however – a million times more than Eric, that was for sure.  When Eric had been beating Aidan, there was more behind those blows than just a soldier doing as he was commanded.  The man loathed Aidan – this fact had been in escapable in the brutality of the beating’s deliverance.

Greg did not like Aidan much better, I could tell, but at least showed the man the respect due him, whereas Eric went out of his way to do the opposite.  The Colonel was poking a stick at a very deadly snake, but Eric well knew this, I had no doubt.  I also could discern that Eric was fanatically loyal to Collin – this was something to take note and keep in the forefront of my mind.  I suspected that Greg’s devotion to Collin was no less than Eric’s, but I had the impression that he, at least, was not a zealot when it came to his commanding officer.

“Any particular direction?” Greg inquired and now that I had leave to stretch my legs, I had no idea where I wanted to go.  Looking around I found that I couldn’t so easily make a choice.  I then spied a deer trail heading off into the brush and so decided on that.

“That goat path?” I asked, hopefully, and then nodding to me in agreement we walked in that direction.

“Would you like a little privacy?” he now asked.  “I can hang back a little, if you like” Greg kindly offered.

“Thanks, Captain – I’d like that” I said, offering him a shy smile.

“Please, just call me Greg,” he countered, “at least, when no one else is around.”

“Ok, that suits me fine… Greg” I accepted and then he did hang back, giving me some breathing space.

As we walked along a deer path it slowly gave way to a small and narrow clearing.  Pressing in on all sides were towering trees.  I barely got a chance to look around and admire the beauty of the scene, though.  What transpired next was so swift that my brain barely had time to process it.

At first I heard the frantic sound of hoof beats, not of a horse, but perhaps a deer?  No – too loud for a deer and then before I could finish that line of reasoning as a huge bull elk then burst forth from the path on the opposite side of the clearing.  It was dead on me as I tried to desperately scramble out of its way, but then suddenly, almost magically, the beast fell to the ground, skidding to a stop.  Kicking its legs several times it then gave up its life, becoming still as it exhaled one last great, rattling breath.  Protruding from its chest was an arrow – straight to the heart no less.

In seconds Greg came rushing up behind me, taking hold of my arm.  It was only then that I saw a flicker of movement near the edge of the clearing.  It was Aidan standing there with his bow.  Wiping the sweat from his brow with his forearm, he then turned towards me, offering up his characteristic slanted grin.  What an amazing skill Aidan had there!  Not to mention impeccable timing.

In the same instant Greg saw him, too, and then I felt Collin’s Captain tense.  Not a good sign, I thought.

“Good afternoon, Captain,” Aidan called to Greg as he now walked across the clearing to join us.  “Sierra” he said in greeting, offering me an informal bow.

“Great timing” I lauded Aidan as I looked to where the downed beast lay.  “May I touch it?” I asked him.

“I believe you need to ask that of your chaperone” Aidan deferred as he now walked over to the elk.  Once on his knees he then set aside his crossbow and did as he always would after a hunt – with a silent prayer gave thanks for the kill.

“Greg?” I asked for permission but the man just shook his head once, sharply.

“Are you ok, Sierra?” he instead asked.  Greg was still holding onto my arm and it was not until then that I realized I was shaking.

“Just a little spooked is all” I tried to slough off.  “That was a close call.”  Too close, I supposed since I suddenly felt dizzy and in classic female response I swooned on my feet.  This did not escape Aidan who had been watching our exchange out of the corner of his eye.  In less than a heartbeat, he was up off his knees as he rushed to my side.

And in classic male response, Greg put his hand to his knife.  Oh, good luck, dude, I laughed to myself.  I was certain that Collin’s Captain was no match for the assassin.

“Don’t be an idiot” Aidan reproached as he took hold of my other arm.  “Go get Collin” he commanded of Greg who now looked at Aidan as if he was gravely mistaken.

“I believe that should be the other way around” Greg countered, in that moment sounding about as stuck up as Collin usually did, and the Commander was one man with an extremely well-formed opinion of himself.

“The woman will be just fine if she sits here and catches her breath” Aidan tried to reason.  “I have an elk to dress and you need to get a horse for Sierra.  How far do you think I’d get?  Assuming that I‘m feeble minded enough to bolt with a sick woman in tow?” he put to Greg.

“You brother ordered me to protect Sierra with my life” Collin’s Captain made clear, although I felt there was much more going on here that wasn’t being said.

“Then standing here arguing with me instead of going to fetch my brother and a horse for Sierra is in the woman’s best interest – how?” he wanted to know.  “Now, if you don’t mind?” Aidan pressed, motioning with a nod to where Greg still held onto me.  “Let the poor woman sit” he prompted and finally Greg relented.

It came to me then that Collin must have ordered Greg to stay by my side regardless the cost.  And didn’t I just get finished saying that I didn’t think Greg was as fanatical as Eric?  Apparently I’d have to rethink that – I had misread this quiet man who so greatly resembled the late great John Lennon.

“And why can’t you go?” I asked Aidan, unable to stop myself.  He was probably quicker on his feet than Greg.

“I’m superior protection” was his simple response, one based on logic and not on pride.  Although, it did imply that Collin had made the wrong choice of an escort in the first place.

Listening to reason, Greg nodded once to Aidan and then crouched down next to me.  He laid a hand on my shoulder as he searched my eyes.

“Please try not to get into trouble” was his only caution before rising to his feet.  Curiously enough, he bowed to Aidan before turning round to then jog back the way we had come.  Once he was out of sight I breathed a sigh of relief.

“How do you feel?” Aidan now asked, sounding gravely concerned.  Hanging my head as I held a hand over my eyes, I just shook my head.

“Dunno” was the best answer I could give.  “Been better” I then gave up, accompanied by a feeble laugh.  Aidan raised a hand to press his palm to my cheek, a hand familiarly wrapped in the leather of an archery glove.

“Will you be ok by yourself?  I need to get to work on that elk” he explained and biting my lip, I nodded.  I really just wanted him to hold me, and then reading my mind he went one further, though.  Leaning in towards me he wasted no time in sneaking a kiss, one which I accepted, wholeheartedly returning it.

“I’m… sorry for all the trouble” I apologized once the kiss was sadly over, since I wanted it to continue, leading to other things.  Unable to stop myself, I shed tears of regret, sorrow, disillusion, pain – you name it.  But mostly for the beating Aidan had to suffer on my account.

In anger I dragged a sleeve across my eyes to dry them.

“I’m sorry” I reiterated, which in return got me a look of dark disapproval.

“My love, will you please stop apologizing for everything?” was his stern reproach.  “Especially those things over which you have no control” he clarified.  Now rising to his feet, Aidan stripped off his shirt so he could go to work on the elk.

Naturally, a gasp escaped my throat.  In no way could I suppress my reaction to what I saw.  The bruises from the beating he’d taken!  There they were in all their majesty and of course I had to go and cry – again.

“Those aren’t your fault, either” the man chastised me, guessing the inspiration for my torrent of tears.  Crouching down, Aidan gently pulled my hands away from my face.  “Not a word” was his caution, pressing a single finger to my lips.  “I’m here, you’re here, we are alone – and I love you, Sierra” was his very vanilla take on things.  “It pains me to see you so distressed.”

“I love you too” I returned, again dragging a sleeve across my eyes.  Get a grip, Sierra! I admonished myself, sniffling.  “But how is that not my fault?” I demanded to know.  “You two were fighting over me” was my recollection but Aidan just slowly shook his head in disagreement.

“No – that was my brother was reminding me who has the bigger stick to shake” was his correction.  “It had nothing to do with you.”  I begged to differ, but by the look in his eyes I knew I had better not press my luck.

“Yours is bigger” I now said with a straight face but could not keep myself from grinning.  “Your stick.”

“You speak Truth” Aidan chuckled under his breath.  “Collin has little man syndrome” he added in a rare moment of humor.  Collin wasn’t short, but Aidan was taller than his brother.  Any opportunity to make a subtle pot shot about Collin, or any part of his anatomy, was fair game.  “Look, Sierra – we can’t see how all paths will end.  Let’s just take pleasure in being together, even if we are not able to be together.  Hmm?” he put to me and how could I argue?

“Are those as painful as they look?” I now asked, reaching out to gingerly touch one of the technicolor bruises.

“My brother was right about one thing, Sierra – I have suffered much worse” was Aidan’s staunch affirmation.  “Forget about it” he implored with a smile.

“Now, I want you to sit there and try to relax until Greg returns with Collin” he went on.  “You might not want to watch me work the elk, though.”  Already made queasy at the notion, I shrugged and then nodded in the direction of the elk, giving him permission to get personal with the beast.  He might as well, I figured, since he couldn’t get personal with me – and hunting to Aidan, I had come to learn, was almost as good to him as having sex.

Having nothing else to do, I observed Aidan while he made concise work of the elk.  It was like he didn’t have to think, having done the same a million times over if once.  Watching him work, naked to the waist and streaked with blood, I inwardly smiled.  If there was ever a vision of a real man then it was Aidan working his kill.  However, I could think of something else I would have preferred to have him working just then besides his downed elk.

After a space of time I heard hoof beats and so sighed to myself.  Fun time was over, but I was grateful in a way.  As much as I enjoyed getting wet by watching Aidan work, I really did feel like crap.

Glancing up, I watched Collin and Greg as they broke the clearing.  I could only pray that our fearless Commander would not play the part of drama queen this go-around – I wasn’t up for him tearing Aidan down and accusing him of everything under the sun.

Luckily, this time at least, Collin kept his explosive Irish temper in check.

Sliding down off their horses, Collin walked over to me with his Captain flanking him.  Aidan, on the other hand, just offered the two men a cursory look along with a nod of acknowledgement, but that was it.  He continued to carve up the elk.

“My dear?” Collin questioned as he crouched down next to me, concern flooding his emerald eyes.  “Everything ok?” he asked but no, it wasn’t.  I knew that, I just kept denying it to myself and to everyone else as well.  With a wan smile, I only shrugged.  Collin exchanged a quick glance with his Captain and then returned his attention to me, pressing his palm to my forehead.

“You again have fever, Sierra” Collin said in a low voice, but still loud enough for Aidan to hear.  Pausing mid-cut with his knife, he now glanced at us, no less concerned than was Collin.  “C’mon – let’s get you back to the house” was his decision, nodding to Greg to take my other arm as he helped me to my feet.

“Sorry to be such a bother” I apologized and then bit my tongue.  What had Aidan just told me about apologizing all the time?

“That’s the last thing you are, or ever will be, at least to me” was Collin’s adamant assurance.  “Can you get on?” he now asked, looking uncertain that I could mount the horse – about as uncertain as I felt and so I shook my head.  It was at this point that Aidan joined our trio.

“Let me help” Aidan said and all I could think of was something like an old joke; how many men does it take to get a pregnant woman up onto the back of a horse?  But instead of laying hand on me, Aidan went directly to the horse.  “Rope?” he requested and then Greg was quick to fish some out of the saddlebags on the other horse.  Tossing it to him, Aidan then quickly and expertly used the rope to coax the horse into kneeling.  Wow – just like a camel, was my disjointed notion as I watched in amazement.

“Here you go” Aidan said and so now both Greg and Collin helped me over to the horse.

“Neat trick” I lauded Collin’s brother with a smile.

“If this was a horse I had trained, the beast would have done it on command” he informed me, about as close to bragging as I had ever heard him come.  “Since not, with a little positive encouragement we can accomplish the same” was his reasoning.  With some assistance I was able to straddle the horse, and so I was relieved – as also Collin clearly was.  Releasing the horse, Aidan now gently persuaded it to get to its feet.

With a hand signal from Collin, Greg was quick to swing himself up behind me – which startled me to no end.  This wasn’t lost on Collin, my discomfort.

“Just to make sure you won’t fall off” Collin laughed, but in his jest the truth of concern could be heard in his tone.

Securing me in his grasp with one arm wrapped around my waist, Collin’s Captain nodded to him and then we were off.  It was a good thing, too, since everything was starting to go dim on me.  Feeling dizzy, I lost my balance but Greg set me to rights.

“Don’t worry, I gotcha” he assured me and I wasn’t certain who was more put out – me by my illness or Greg by being in such close contact with a woman.

Closing my eyes as I slipped away, I decided that it was a draw.

“Do I even want to know?” I asked, snapping at Aidan who notably ignored me as he returned to working his kill.

“You mean your Captain didn’t tattle?” was my brother’s witty counter, almost absently.  “Care to help?” he then asked in turn.  “Never mind – you’d have to get your hands dirty” Aidan was just as quick to withdraw his offer, a slap in my face.

“That’s ok, we’ll help in his stead” I heard a voice announce, one that sent chills not only down my spine, but all the way straight to the tips of my toes as well.

Quade.

And with him a new playmate, by the looks – a Member of The Order I had yet to make acquaintance.

Damn them and their stealth! I thought with major unease as the two melted into view.

At least I now knew with whom Aidan had shared when he slaughtered three of Antonio’s men.  He had at least he shared with Quade – this much I knew for fact.  A pair of sharks they had been in Pre-Time, and a pair of sharks they still were, Aidan and Quade.

“How-ya doing there, pretty-boy, eh?” was Quade’s less than respectful greeting.  “Have you and Bryan met?” he asked, floating in my direction and it took all of my will not to turn tail and run like a sissy.  This guy was bad news.  He had been in Pre-Time and even more so now.  Long time cohort of my brother’s, Quade was one man, like Aidan, that you just did not want to fuck with.

“No, I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure” I returned as evenly as possible, given that I loathed Quade.  Even yet, I was not about to bow to either of them.  If nothing else, I was still a high ranking AFA officer.

“No worry – plenty of time for that… in the future” Quade decided, circling like the shark he was, both he and his playmate, to my total disconcertment.

“Three against one, that’s hardly fair” I made note and now all three of them abruptly laughed.  Sure – and why not joke at my expense?  In reality, it would only take one of them with two fingers and I’d be out like a light.

“Tell me that you have not slaughtered any more Blackguards” I now changed direction as I tried to calm myself.  Fat chance, Commander, I considered – here you stand with three lethal assassins and you expect to be calm?  Shame on you.

Ok, so I was a coward – this much I could admit; at least when it came to Elite-Assassins of The Order.

Now taking a break from his work, Aidan walked over to me, licking the elk blood off his knife.  Every opportunity, I thought in dismay.  Most times I swore that Aidan and I could not possibly be related – if not but for the fact that we had shared the same womb for nine months.

“New rules” my brother began as he came to a stop before me – and just a little too close for my liking.  And for good reason – out came those two infamous fingers and down I went.  Classic, I considered in a cloud of pain, doubling over to now kiss the ground.

“The AFA just doesn’t groom Commander-Generals the way they use to” Quade made known his contempt for the AFA.  “And this sorry excuse for a man is a Member, Andy?” he asked of my brother, calling him by his nickname.  How do assassins get nicknames anyway? I disjointedly wondered, now settling back on my heels as I looked up at them.  I’d stay where I was, however.  As far as they were concerned, I was still a Member of The Order and therefore they owned my ass.  My place in the scheme of The Order, much to my misfortune, was at the bottom of its food chain.

“Unfortunately… for him” my brother returned with an evil grin as he now crouched down in front of me.  “Listen up, little brother – things have just changed” Aidan stated in a chilling voice.  “Turnabout is fair play” he said and now suddenly I finally got a clue what he was on about – what had him so jerked this past week.

Sierra – I had told my CO’s about Aidan’s discovery of her.  Not to save my ass from getting kicked, but to try and buy some leverage – even though I had vowed to Aidan I would not breathe a word to AFA High Command.  How on earth The Order should come by the knowledge that I had personally told my superiors was a rather large question mark.  However, this was something to ferret out later when I wasn’t getting my ass kicked.

“Ryan is here,” Aidan now went on, “and he has his orders” he informed me.  “Sierra cannot lend aid in her condition” was his astute assessment, one which curiously left me with a cold dread creeping across my skin.  Certain that I was blinking like an idiot, I then felt my heart clench as I got the picture.

And what a bloody scene was painted.

“You can’t possibly be suggesting!?” I barked, which won me another painfully placed two fingers and so back again I was, kissing that old ground.  If I kept it up, then we’d be friends in no time flat, the ground and me – real good friends.

“There are more Brothers here with us than just me and my partner” Quade revealed.  “Ones who are occupying your Blackguard friends” he informed me and now I swiftly raised myself up on one elbow to look first at him and then to my brother.  “You make far too much noise” he decided, now crouching down next to me, leering like a great-white.  “Your new escort will not be so inept” he stated matter-of-fact.

“You will take the fall for Sierra’s abortion” Aidan now went on and if I had thought the realization of what he intended Ryan to do to Sierra’s Unborn, then this was every bit as terrible.

“Payback really is a bitch, now isn’t it, pretty-boy?” Quade taunted but what could I do?  Nothing.  Any protest would just be met with further agony.  Not to mention the fact I was still trying to regain the wind Aidan had knocked out of me.

“As Quade has said, we will have some new friends in the wings, little brother – to keep us company,” he recounted, “so now it will be much more difficult for you to stray from our agreed path.”  I had brought this upon myself, I knew, and Quade was right – payback was a bitch.

It wasn’t often I that fucked up, but when I did?  It was usually in spades.

“Soon we’ll be free of your Blackguard friends,” Aidan continued, “but don’t worry, they’ll live to see another day since you will send them packing, is that understood?” my brother pressed.  “And you will dummy up, Collin – just another stage play.  I’m sure you will do just fine – act your heart out.  It’ll be the performance of a lifetime.”  No kidding, I thought in distress as I dared to raise myself up, settling back on my heels once more.

“Got it?” Aidan prompted but when I only nodded in acceptance, out came the same two fingers, but he stopped just short of laying me low again.  Verbal confirmation – that’s what the man wanted.

“Yes, brother – I get it” was my asinine response and so, yeah – he finished what he had started.

“That’s a terribly informal way to address a Lord of The Brotherhood” Quade criticized and shooting a glance up at him, I saw he was serious.  Swallowing a large chunk of pride, on which, incidentally, I almost gagged, I once more settled back on my heels.  This time to properly address my brother.

“Yes, Lord O’Reilly – you have made clear your point” I tried again, eyes averted and hoping that was good enough since I was not well-versed in Brotherhood etiquette.

“That’ll do” Aidan decided and then offered me a hand up.  Repeat performance in reverse, I thought, recalling a few days ago when the tables had been turned.  Hesitant, I none the less accepted, allowing him to help me to my feet.  Should I not accept, I knew, then this would mean that I felt our business was not over and therefore the field would be open to more pain.

Aidan now initiated an embrace and in Truth, I was afraid he might just do something horrendous to me, but no.  A simple embrace it was.

Lesson over.

For now.

After all – he was my brother, for what that was worth.  And I was forced to admit that I loved him regardless, and had always looked up to him ever since we were kids.  I was just never good enough, though – Aidan was always number one.  First out of the womb – and first in everything else as well.

It was through my own actions that had brought about this coup, so nowhere could blame lie except with me.  I should have, in the very least, consulted Aidan before telling my superiors about Sierra.

If, would’ve, should’ve and could’ve, as that old saying went.

Thinking it wise, I now quickly turned to Quade and his partner, bowing to each in turn.  I tried to bow Brotherhood fashion but wasn’t sure if I got the inflection right.

“Master Quade, thank you for your patience” I said, since I had fully expected him to wail on me too.  “And you as well, Brother Bryan” I said in turn to Quade’s playmate who only offered a slight nod in return and it was then I realized that I knew just who this guy was.  What a shocker, too – this was The Order’s head geek.  I had heard my geek complain about this guy – Captain Kevin Andrew Wong had had some less than pleasant things to say about his counterpart and fellow IT guru, The Order’s Head of IT.

“Until next we meet, Commander-General O’Reilly” Quade now respectfully returned.  That was how Brotherhood Members were – all manners except when conducting business.  That was another of their inside mottos – business is business; it mattered not who was involved, stranger or family member.  Business came first and then afterward all was back to normal, like nothing ever happened.  They had been like this in Pre-Time and I had sincere doubts that anything had changed all that much after the world checked out.  At least, any positive changes.

With proper bows, Quade and Bryan then silently melted off, leaving me standing there with my back to Aidan.

Unwise it probably was to leave my back open to my brother, but I did not give a shit.  For the way I felt, if Aidan was to whack me there and then, I’d be glad for it.

With the reality sinking in about what was to come, I now did turn to face him.  Would I get into it?  Probably not – once Aidan had made a decision, it was as good as done.  Never did the man change his mind or go back on his word.

Not like his brother here.

“Would you like some help?” I now politely offered, genuine in my intent.  It wouldn’t kill me to get blood on my hands – there would be plenty of that on them soon enough as it was.

“Yeah, thanks” he accepted, getting back to work.  I unbuttoned my shirt, stripping to the waist so I could lend a hand.

In silence we worked side by side – big brother and little brother.  Three minutes older he was, but you’d swear it was three years.

And why were big brothers put here on this Earth?

To teach little brothers a lesson.

“Curious timing, Van Der Graff” I put to Ryan, which was my only greeting to this Member – and a less than respectful one at that.

“How so, Eric?” Ryan asked in return, letting his pack slide from his shoulders.  “Where is the patient?” he wanted to know, looking about the safe house.  “And for that matter, where is Aidan?”

“Three seconds since you walked in that door and already as many questions” I grunted.  “Sierra will be here shortly, Greg went to fetch her” I explained, but could see more questions perched on his lips.

“Well, scratch the first two” he decided.  “Where is Aidan?” the man pressed yet again.

“Yearning for the company of your Lord?  The company fellow Members?” I accused.  “Didn’t you have enough of that on your way down here?  Being with your fellow Members?”  Now he just looked perplexed.

“You know, Colonel, I have no idea what you are talking about” Ryan returned, sounding downright defensive.  Or about as defensive as a Member of The Order could get.  “I have a job to do and was told it was urgent – so, the woman?” he again inquired and no sooner had the words left his lips that we now heard hoof beats.  Motioning towards the door with a nod of my head, Ryan scowled at me before turning to exit the house with me on his heels.

Reining in his mount, Greg spotted Ryan and looked thoroughly relieved to discover the doctor had at last arrived.

“Ryan!  A hand if you would” he requested and so Ryan now jogged over to the horse, helping Sierra down.  Or more like kept her from falling on her ass – the woman was a wreck, making me wonder just what had really happened.

The look on Ryan’s face was rewarding, however – even he noticed the strong resemblance between Sierra and his deceased mother-in-law, Miranda.  Of course, Ryan had only seen pictures of the woman who gave birth to Amanda, but the likeness was undeniable.

Greg now wasted no time in sliding down from the back of the horse.  Landing on his feet he then aided Ryan in carrying Sierra inside the house.  I just stood there with my hands clasped behind my back, watching them disappear inside.  I had more to worry about than this frail creature.

Our Blackguard escort had run into trouble, for lack of a better descriptor.  Someone was out there playing cat-and-mouse, and it did not take a genius to figure out it had to be Brotherhood Members.  They would leave no trace, there would be no affronts, but rather instead they would create enough oddities which in turn would beg investigation.  In short, a clever rouse designed to distract.

Having no desire to intrude on patient and doctor, I just waited outside for Greg.  Minutes later he emerged and then I motioned to him to follow me.

“Get a hard on?” I asked Greg who practically blushed.

“Shit – how could I not, Eric” he returned, fairly well flustered.  “She is – well, never mind.  That’s all I need is for Collin to hear me talking like that about Sierra” the man reasoned, and correctly, I knew.  Share and share alike we always had, we three – but with this woman?  Our Commander had fallen in love with her and so therefore any crass talk about Sierra was strictly verboten.  At least, during the wine and roses phase of their affair – if you could call it that.  Once the novelty had worn off, however?  Collin would be giving us intimate details of his couplings with the woman.  In certain things, Collin was extremely predictable, and no less in bragging about his conquests.

Collin had to be the luckiest man on the face of God’s Earth, I considered – admittedly jealous of my Commander.  And what man wouldn’t be?  To be able to lay with a woman in this Post-Time world, being the rarities that women were?  What a priceless gift.  In Pre-Time women had practically fallen at Collin’s feet, and seemingly nothing had changed much for him in this Post-Time era.  Sierra was undoubtedly enchanted by Collin.

Too good to be true, one would think.

But that was our Commander and friend all over.  The man had more than just one guardian angel riding on his shoulders – and maybe this was by design.  That stellar IQ of his didn’t hurt, either.  Serving together now, as in Pre-Time, there had been tight spots from which we should not have been able to extricate ourselves – and yet, we had.  Being under Collin’s command, it was like nothing could go wrong.  Granted, it wasn’t like we got off without a scratch, but we’d pull through against insurmountable odds with the least possible amount of collateral damage.

Both Greg and I owed him our lives numerous times over, seemingly without count.

“Aidan is up to something” Greg now offered up as we walked along only then to stop in his tracks.  As he turned to face me, I raised an eyebrow.

“When is Collin’s brother ever not?” I put to him and so my friend grunted.

“I know what you mean, Colonel,” he grumbled, “but this is – different.”

“There are Members out there,” I surmised, “although Ryan denies this.”

“He’s Order,” Greg reminded, having the same loathing for the organization as did Collin and me, “but that doesn’t mean he knows everything.  He might be a Member-Elite, and an Elite-Assassin as well, but Ryan is first and foremost a scientist.  He is not a warrior by trade.”  This was all Truth, but Ryan was loyal to Aidan as the day was long – and for good reason.  Aidan had handed him Collin’s daughter Amanda on a silver platter.

“Yeah, I know – but the tide is turning,” was my prediction, “and I believe we are about to be ordered to make ourselves scare; all of us, Blackguard included.”

“That was to happen anyway” he made note and so I nodded in agreement.

“It is going to happen and soon, however – mark my words” I assured Greg.  “It’s that ill wind thing, if you want to attribute it to that.”

“Yeah, you are probably right” he agreed and then sat down on the ground.  Following suit, together we then waited for Collin – which was taking a long time.  This meant Greg was right – Aidan was up to something.  Should we have gone to Collin’s aid?  Yes, but he had given clear orders to leave him alone with Aidan.  He had assured us that he could handle his brother, but the rest of us weren’t so sure, AFA High Command included.

Eventually the Commander did return, alone – but curiously enough, Collin sought us out straight away instead of going to check on Sierra.  The man did not even bark commands at us.

Bad news, then.

“Gentlemen” Collin said in greeting as he approached, hands stuffed in his pockets – another sign that all was not well with our CO and long time friend.

“Ryan is here, but I’ll lay odds you already know that” Greg prompted but Collin wasn’t exactly being talkative.

“Take a load off, Commander?” I suggested and then Collin grunted a dark laugh.

“I’ve gotten friendly with the ground enough for one day, Colonel” he mumbled and then running a hand over his face, he let it linger there for several moments.

Dropping his hand, Collin now turned to look back towards the direction of the house.  If distracted wasn’t a good word to describe our friend at present, then I sure they hell didn’t know what was.

And if Collin had gotten friendly with the ground that meant only one thing – his brother took him down for the purpose of teaching him a lesson.

Or worse.

However, if he wanted to share, then he would and so Greg and I only exchanged a look of knowing.  Just let Collin come to terms with whatever and then he’d spill – eventually.  After all, he couldn’t keep silent for long – it was entirely against his nature.

Collin was known throughout the AFA and beyond as the garrulous commander, among other interesting monikers.  Often times he didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut, since he tended to speak from the heart, which would then back him right into a corner.  A corner from which he’d then just expertly talk his way out, I considered with a silent chuckle.  There weren’t many who could match wits with Collin, or even keep up with him for that matter.  He was always several steps ahead in his thinking from everyone else.  Even Greg and I, who had known him almost a lifetime, could not always with accuracy guess his mind.

“Colonel, Captain” Collin now began as he then looked to us and yup – here it comes, I thought.  “We are going to have a parting of the ways” he informed us.  “I’ll risk my own life, but not those of my officers.  Slight change of plans – thank you for your assistance, but any further aid will have to be long distance.  Get creative – send Antonio’s men packing, use Karloff’s name in vain if you have to, but its vamanos for one and all” our Commander made clear.

Rising to my feet, I would take issue, as long as he did not make it an order not to do so.  Shaking his head in warning, though, he then waved me off.

“Eric, don’t ask” Collin requested in the familiar, and so it was up for debate.  “I want you and Greg to leave – today.  I’ll… try to buy you safe passage.”  Try?  Then, I was right – there were Members crawling all over the place out there.  Now also standing up, Greg fine-tuned on the conversation – soaking it all in like so much data to be analyzed.

Closing his eyes, Collin looked down, releasing a long, low breath.

“Quade is among them” he explained, and he didn’t need to say much more.  Aidan brought in the heavy artillery, this what he meant.

“And you did what to piss off Aidan?” Greg wanted to know, understanding that there had to be a reason why Collin’s brother was now playing hardball.

“You mean besides being born?” our Commander grunted.  Running a hand over his eyes he momentarily shut them.  “Doesn’t matter – it’s enough to know that I did.  Here” he said, fishing into the pocket of his field jacket and pulling out his PDA.  “I won’t be needing this” and with this both Greg and I now grew very still.  That device was his contact with us, with the AFA and beyond.

“You are still tagged” I reminded him in a low voice.

“Not for much longer” Collin informed us, still holding out the PDA, waiting.  With reluctance I accepted it and then he pulled out his knife.  “Would one of you two gentlemen be so kind?” he prompted, turning the knife around to in offering hold it by the blade.

“Too much of a sissy to do it yourself?” I goaded Collin with an evil grin.

“You know, Jonesy – I do have a knife here in my hand” was Collin’s reminder and so shaking my head I now took his blade from him.  Baring his arm, the then held it out straight but as I took hold of his wrist, I understood then just why he did not want to do it himself.  The man was shaking like a leaf.

“What did he do?” Greg piped in, seeing how unsteady Collin’s arm was.

“Or what did he threaten?” was my curt inquiry.

“Nothing, everything – just get the damned chip out of me!” Collin now barked in command.

“Aidan never threatens” Greg saw fit to throw out for consideration.

“Thanks for the reminder, Brains” Collin growled but then recanted.  “Sorry – not one of my best days here” was his vague excuse.

“Uh-huh – and this day is different from any other… how?” I inquired quite seriously but then grinned.  Collin was not amused, of course.  “Look – Ryan is here, you should let him do it” I tried to defer and instead talk reason to him.  “He’ll have something a bit more sterile than your hunting knife” was my humble advice.  Collin just glared at me – speechless, which wasn’t like our Commander.  He had a million comments if one when it came to the man who was his son-in-law.

“I’d rather cut off my own balls than let Doctor Death touch me” Collin made clear, struggling to keep his voice controlled.  Exchanging a quick glance, Greg and I understood that something extremely heavy was going down.  It was a rare occasion when Collin would drag out that highly derogatory moniker.

Not wholly unwarranted given Ryan’s part in the near extinction of mankind – albeit unwittingly, or by a certain degree, at any rate.

“I have a scalpel in my med kit, Commander” Greg offered.  “I’ll do it, although I think Eric is has a point – Ryan can do it quickly and cleanly” he also tried to reason with Collin but no go.

Slipping his knife back in its sheath, Collin appeared somewhat relieved, and grateful.  Greg amounted to what one would consider an Adjutant – that’s was his secondary function as Collin’s Captain-Major.  He saw to all the trivial things that Collin would forget, and would attend to the less than pleasant ones as well.  Like slicing his Commander open to remove a tracking chip.

“I’ll go grab my pack” Greg said, having a hunch that Collin didn’t want to get any closer to the house then he already was.  While Greg was gone, I’d try to ferret that particular out of Collin.

“Ok, Collin – spill.  What’s going on?” I made my first attempt to get him to talk.

“Well, if I told you that, Jonesy – then I’d have to kill you” he grunted in return, inferring a Pre-Time CIA joke.

“I believe that would be Aidan’s department” was my droll counter.

“Yeah, you’re right there,” Collin mumbled, “which is why I need you and Greg to make a hasty retreat.  He was none too happy about the beating you gave him, overboard as it was” my Commander now chuckled under his breath, recalling the incident.  Any occasion to deliver pain upon his brother was a joyous one – given the fact that in the past Aidan sure had done a fair job of doing the same to Collin, and me as well, more than just a few times.  “I – don’t ask more, Jonesy.  If Aidan decides not to play with me anymore, then – well, I guess I don’t have to tell you what that will mean.”

No, he didn’t.  If Aidan wouldn’t play with him, then that meant his backdoor to The Order would be locked up tight.

“AFA High Command” was all I said to which he slowly nodded in return.  They would come down on Collin – and hard.  For the most part, Collin led a fairly cushy existence.  All thanks to his affiliation with The Order via Aidan, who was not only their Head of Assassins, but a High Council Member as well.  Without this connection, however?  His superiors would have a change of heart, no longer being so generous.  As it was, Collin had scant results to offer for all his efforts working with his brother.

Granted – Collin had his own agenda, one not in line with the AFA or with The Order for both organizations, in essence, had the same objective when it came to the scavenger hunt of the millennium.

The objective of The Order and the AFA was one that Collin could not stand by and let come to pass.  However, by moving towards the opposing objective he would get closer to his own, and so the ruse.

“How can Greg and I help?” I asked, now trying a different tack.

“Kill my brother?” was his offhanded suggestion.  “Nah – I’d rather make him suffer by having to work with me” he decided with a dismal laugh.  “I’d like to say it’s not my fault, but it is, Eric.  I brought it on myself so I just have to deal.  I don’t mind paying for my own mistakes, you know that, but Sierra…” Collin trailed off, now looking over his shoulder back towards the house.  There he allowed his eyes to briefly linger on the distance before returning his attention to me.  “Aidan found out I told AHC about her, Jonesy – and he was none too pleased.”

That would have one hell of an understatement.

“High Command could have found that out in any number of ways” I reminded him.

“Yeah, I know – but with the coup he just executed?  He must have found out that it came from my mouth,” he argued, “which begs one very ugly question” Collin pointed out – and he was right, a question I knew that he was hot to have answered.

“I’ll see what I can find out when, if, I get back to base” was my response and then I moved on.  “Are you still following your intended plan?” I now asked to which he nodded in affirmation.

“Yes, more or less – with the exception of some invisible friends tagging along to make sure I don’t again stray” he grumbled and then once more looked over his shoulder.  “Where the hell is Brains?”  If I knew Greg, he had stopped to talk to Ryan, to see what he could glean from the man.  Not that Ryan would betray any confidential information, but Greg had an uncanny ability to take seemingly unrelated pieces of data and fit them into a coherent picture.  And if Ryan fell to silence then this would speak louder than words, since he and Greg were on rather friendly terms.  Come to think of it, Greg was popular with everyone – for a bookish man he certainly was not lacking of friends.  And he and Ryan were just that.

Not so with me and the doctor – any Member of The Order was an enemy of mine.  I had more than one reason to loath those denizens of evil.

“Data gathering” I now offered in response something that Collin should have surmised, but the man was distracted beyond belief.  Slowly he looked back towards me and I could tell his mind was already onto the next topic.

“We need to get Kevin back” he now decided.

“Oh yeah?  You and what army?” I joked.  “C’mon, Commander – that’s not going to happen unless you release your daughter back to The Order” I laid out the facts for him.  “Would you want Amanda to return to those killers?  Not that High Command would so easily let you swap her back for Kevin.  Besides, he’s got work to do.”

“I am well aware of that, Colonel!” Collin now lashed out, making a chopping motion with one hand.  “Once this bloody mission is over, then I intend to play hardball myself.  We need Captain Wong returned to us and that is the end of that.”

Good luck, I thought – but he was right, we needed our IT guru back.  Greg was no slouch in that department, heading up TechStaff staff in Kevin’s absence – but Captain Kevin Andrew Wong was a truly talented wizard.  That Collin had actually allowed the exchange to take place would appear, to the uninitiated, as a lapse in sanity.  In this newly revised world, those with technical skills were sought after, and in earnest – especially information technologists.  And so, relegating Kevin to exchange hostage would, on the surface, appear to be madness.

However, there was no better place from which to launch Kevin on his mission to break into the old DoD than from The Order.  In order to insure Captain Wong’s safety, however, there was one thing Collin could demand of The Order in return.  Something that would make certain Aidan played nice, and that was Amanda, who believed Aidan to be her father.

Aidan was upping the ante, though – this recent coup spoke to the gloves having come off.  And even his beloved niece would not be a consideration in doing whatever it took for Aidan to achieve his goal.  After all, with The Order it was all about greater good – which meant that personal concerns held no place in the scheme of things.

A point which troubled me to no end when it came to Collin.  Granted, the two men were brothers, fraternal twins, no less – but in the end game?  Aidan was not about to let a small thing like familial fealty, or the life of his own brother, to get in the way of The Order’s objective.

It was not much longer after Collin’s outburst that we then saw Greg approaching.  By the look on his face it was obvious that he was now greatly troubled.

“You know, don’t you, sir?” Greg accused as he rejoined us.  Considering his Captain at length, Collin then slowly nodded.

“Know – what?” I asked, feeling decidedly out of the loop on this one.

“Did Doctor Death tell you?” was Collin’s sharp inquiry.  Shaking his head, Greg released a long, low breath.

“He didn’t have to, Commander” he returned in a low voice.  “It was Aidan’s call, wasn’t it?” but he didn’t wait for Collin to respond.  “The blood will be on your hands too” Greg actually growled at Collin.

“What would you propose I do, Captain?” Collin said in a low voice.  “The vicinity is swarming with Elite-Assassins.  There is nothing to be done short of fighting back which would get us all killed.”  Slowly it dawned on me just what the exchange was about – that of aborting Sierra’s unborn child!  Granted, the woman was ill and could not very well go on in her condition.  This meant the little female hacker would not be able to assist in Collin’s mission.  Kevin needed her help.

I could only stare in disbelief, even if it did make sense.

“I was under the impression that The Order needs us more than the AFA needs them?” was Greg’s daring challenge and now our Commander blurted out an awkward laugh.

“Guess not huh?  Don’t delude yourself, Captain MacNamara” was his caution.  “I’m expendable right along with the rest of you.  I do believe that Aidan made it pretty damned clear – from now on it’s his way or a funeral pyre, get it?”  And yes – we both got it.  “And the blood is not on my hands in part, Greg.  My brother has demanded that the blood be on mine – and mine alone” he informed us of Aidan’s mandate and now pain welled up in his eyes.

Just one more thing to add to my growing list, I thought in anger.

One day Aidan would pay for all the grief that he had ever visited upon his brother.

And I intended to see to this myself – personally.

I didn’t know how long I had been out when I finally awoke.  I found myself clean and snuggled down into soft, warm blankets.  Drowsiness still clung about me like a fog, but I was slowly managing to navigate my way towards rising above it.

My first thought was – what the fuck?  And so again closing my eyes, I tried to remember the last thing I could – which was a man with long, auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail.  Ryan – he said his name was Ryan.

This man, or doctor, I presumed, asked me a bunch of questions that I could only hazily recall and then he gave me some concoction to drink.

That was the last semi-coherent thing I could remember.  The rest was a bloody nightmare – literally.

I now tried to prop myself up on one elbow, but was less than successful since I still felt groggy.  So instead I just craned my neck around, blinking like and owl I was sure, as I tried to focus on the room.  While making an attempt to roll over I felt the unpleasant sensation of pain and so gave up.

“You’ll probably want to sleep on your back for a while” I heard a voice say and so then quickly looking to my right I locked on to a man with sea-gray eyes.  He offered up a bit of a smile.

“Uh, you’re that doctor, right?” I asked, wanting confirmation and so in response he slowly nodded his head.  The man, who appeared to be about my age, was sitting in a chair pulled up next to the bedside, leaning forward with his hands clasped between his knees.  He was kind of young to be a doctor, wasn’t he?  Given that the world had checked out seven years ago, he would have at the time barely been out of college, let alone medical school.

“Yes – my name is Ryan” the doctor now introduced himself.  “How are you feeling?  Better?”

“Yeah, lots – thanks, I think?” was my tentative reply.  My abdomen felt like it had serious case of menstrual cramps, but I pretty much understood why that was and so my heart now sank.  So much for being pregnant, I thought – but also in the same breath I was, in a way, relieved.  Now I would get better, stronger, instead of weaker with each passing day.

But how on earth was I going to tell Collin that I lost his baby?  Our baby?

Looking at this man, something told me that both Collin and Aidan already knew what had come to pass.

“Unavoidable” was the doctor’s one word explanation wrapped up in apology, seeming to read my mind.

“How… long?” I now thought to ask since I didn’t have a clue what day it was.

“In and out for the better part of two days” he returned.  “I dare say if we get some food into you then you’ll be good as new.”

“You’re not AFA,” I suddenly accused, “and not Blackguard, either.”  The man only held his silence, neither confirming nor denying.  Upon closer inspection, I decided he was of the same organization of men as Aidan – if for the only reason he had long hair and wore it in the same fashion, drawn back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck.  He also had a full beard, closely cropped.

“Ok, then – where is Aidan?  And Collin?” I tried a different angle since I had the impression this doctor had been told to keep his lips zipped.

“Aidan is waiting for you, actually” he informed me, rising to his feet.  “Is there anything you need from me?  Are you in pain?”

“Feel like I’ve got the worst period ever,” I tried to make light but then sighed, “otherwise I think I’m ok, just a little groggy.”  This pleased the man at least.

“I’m glad you are feeling better, Sierra – Aidan will be pleased” the doctor added and I felt like asking, what about Collin?  Which now had me worried.

“Is Collin ok?” I could not stop myself from asking and after he gave my question a moment’s thought, he gave me my answer.

“Commander O’Reilly is well” the doctor told me, now making a hasty retreat as he headed for the door.  Something in his tone did not reassure me – in fact, it sounded like he did not care for Collin at all.  Not one iota.

“Can I see Collin, then?  Like, right now?” I pressed, feeling an urgent need to make sure that Collin was safe.  After all, Collin and Aidan might have been brothers, but they weren’t exactly buddy-buddy.  Pausing once he had reached the door, Ryan then looked over his shoulder.

“I’ll tell Aidan’s brother that you were asking for him” he assured me before making his getaway, disappearing through the door to then shut it behind him.  How odd, I thought, furrowing my forehead.

Supposing that I would have go and find my own answers, I decided to get out of bed.  Not pleasant, but doable and so I then went about taking care of business.  The safe-house had all the necessities, I took note with great interest.  Certainly it was maintained on a regular basis.  It was a wonder that in all my travels that I had not stumbled across any of these places of respite.  Then again, they were fairly well hidden and off the beaten track, as I understood it.

I had forgotten just how much I missed creature comforts!  To be able to take a real shower – now that was something to revel in, and I most certainly did.  Long and leisurely, I must have stood there under the water for an eternity – or, until the hot water ran out, that was.  The house must have been solar powered, or that was my guess, since there were obviously no power lines out here.

Once finished with the basics, I went back into the bedroom.  Someone had been in there during my absence and had laid out for me clean clothes – and new ones, no less.  It had also been a long time since I had gone scavenging for new clothes and so was glad of the offering.  Something told me this was Collin’s doing, though, especially since this new casual wear was more flattering, to say the least.  And not to mention colorful, and my favorite colors no less, although I could not recall telling Collin what those were.  Or if I had, I could not have imagined him bothering to remember so small a detail.

Sitting down on the bed, toweling my hair, I considered how I had also missed that, shopping for clothes.  During my time I the desert, it was fit, form and function for me.  After all – who was there to look good for?  Comfort and durability won out over style and color.

These clothes, though casual and functional, were very colorful – not meant for hiking around the desert, at least, not if you wanted to blend in with the scenery.

After I finished with my hair, tying it back into a ponytail so it could finish drying on its own, I then pulled on the clothing.  With a peek in the mirror I was impressed.  I was shocked that I did not look like something the cat dragged in, which was what I was expecting given all I had been through.  However, I actually looked pretty darned good.  Would Collin and Aidan think so?  No question there.  Those two men always had the hots for me no matter what I was wearing – or not, I mused.

Feeling much more like my old self, even though I was somewhat weak and still had a good case of the cramps, I ventured forth from the bedroom.

The house was medium sized, not too small, not too big.  My nose led me to the kitchen since I smelled the aroma of food cooking as it wafted throughout the house.  It was then I realized just how hungry I was.

Stopping just beyond the archway which led into the kitchen, I looked in to see who was doing the cooking.  To my surprise it was actually Collin, which begged the question – why wasn’t his Captain doing this chore?  Greg seemed to cater to the man hand-and-foot.

Observing him for a few moments, I considered just how well the man cleaned up!  His hair was cut short, military style but not quite so short as that – instead just above his collar.  Now he was clean shaven and if I had previously thought that he was an extremely handsome man, well then I had just plain been wrong.  Outstanding was the first word that came to mind and so decided it was time for closer inspection of this prime male specimen.

Edging my way in, Collin now spotted me out of the corner of his eye and so turned towards the archway.  The man offered me the most wonderful smile in greeting, one I could not help but return in kind.  He was better than outstanding, I reconsidered.  Collin had to be the most handsome man that I had ever laid eyes on – no exaggeration, hands-down.

“Hey there, Chiquita” Collin greeted me, his eyes taking in the sight.  I swore I could hear his heart pounding in his chest.  Yeah, the man approved, alright, and also confirmed that he was the one who had ordered the clothes for me.  Momentarily turning back to the stove, he stirred what he was cooking in the skillet – elk by the smell of it, and then turning down the heat he now spun about to give me his full attention.

“Sierra, you look gorgeous” was his heartfelt compliment.  “Ryan says you are feeling much better?” he now asked to which I nodded shyly in return.  The man was doing it again – undressing me with his eyes.  I had up to that point been uncertain whether or not I liked this practice of his.

I decided I liked it – even if Aidan, I knew, did not.

“Yes, much” I confirmed, but biting my lip, I looked down, willing myself not to cry.  So much for will power, I thought in distress as tears brimmed in my eyes regardless.  “I’m sorry, Collin” I now apologized for having lost his child.

“Oh, for the Love of God, woman!” the man now reproached as he crossed over to me, bending to one knee so he could peer up at me.  I still kept my eyes trained on the floor, however, until he raised my chin with one hand so I’d have no choice but to look him in the eye.  There was plenty of pain to be seen, mixed with a million other emotions at the same time.

“Don’t apologize to me, Sierra” was his stern command.  “It is I who should be apologizing to you, both Aidan and I, for putting you through so much.  All I want is for you to feel better and get beyond what happened, ok?” the man implored, speaking straight from his heart.  And lending credit to his sincerity, there appeared a few tears in his own eyes.  Amazing green eyes, I thought, always marveling at them.  Their hue fluctuated right along with his emotions – and just then they had turned a remorseful sea green.  One thing I had come to learn about Collin was that he was a man of many powerful emotions.

“Deal?” he now prompted, reaching out to stroke my cheek and so it was with a single nod that I agreed.  After all, what was done was done – nothing could be changed and so he was right.  We should just get beyond the tragedy as best we could.  “Ok – hug, then?” Collin ventured.  “Before I get back to slaving away at the stove” he tacked on and so we exchanged an embrace through which I could feel just how deeply my miscarriage had affected him.

Upon parting, he risked a kiss – one which I did not refuse, not by a long shot.  If I had before been confused about Collin, then I certainly was even more so now.  I felt as if I could forgive him anything, and that revelation left me feeling more than a bit disturbed.

“Look who’s up and about” I heard a familiar voice clearly state and all I could think was, caught in the act.  Abruptly concluding the kiss I now sheepishly turned round to face Aidan.

There he was, standing just inside the archway.  Ryan was with him, to one side and just behind him, and to see the two men side by side made me realize just how different they were from Collin.

Night and day.

Not only between Collin and Aidan, but with the doctor as well – these men were in a separate… class was the only way I could find to describe it.  Not that Collin was beneath them – he was just not of the same presence, I guess.  Powerful in his own right, but in a different way from these men.  It was hard to put my finger on it.

Collin quickly went back to cooking, paying his brother and Ryan no attention – almost like he was their hired help or something.

“I see you’re feeling better” Aidan said, as happy to see me as Collin had been.  However, with Aidan his affections were muted, unless we were alone together.  And even then he could still be so close.

Covering my discomfiture, I nodded in affirmation, smiling back at him.

“Sierra, sit down, would you please?” Collin now ordered me, casting a reproachful look over his shoulder.  All over the place at once, that one, but he was right.  Having been on my feet for a while I was beginning to feel a bit weaker in the knees than when I had first taken to my feet.

“Yes, sir” I accepted Collin’s orders and then proceeded to park my butt down at the table.

I noticed that Aidan wasn’t making any comments about how I looked.  Again – night and day from his brother.

“Where are your officers?” I asked Collin as Aidan and Ryan now sat down at the table as well.

“Huh?  Oh, yes – I sent Eric and Greg back to base” he answered, now turning around with skillet in hand, ready to dish out what he had been cooking.  It looked great and smelled even better.  “Hungry?” Collin ventured with a hopeful smile.  Nodding eagerly to him, he then piled the – whatever it was – on my plate.  Some type of goulash dish and as I marveled over the ingredients, Collin laughed – reading my mind, I suppose.  “Canned preserves” he explained which only begged another question.  I just could not picture men doing women’s work, canning fruits and vegetables.  “Not fresh, sorry to say – at least, not out here.”

“Looks and smells wonderful regardless” I assured him as I then dug in and hey – the man was not a half bad cook.  “Tastes great too – thanks, Collin” I said through a mouthful and now he grunted a laugh.

“You are welcome, my dear – although I dare say that Aidan would have done better” he conceded with a nod to his brother.  “However, my brother was the one who downed the beast so the least I could do was cook it” he reasoned but something told me there was a tad more to it than that.

After dishing out portions to Ryan and Aidan, he then lastly served himself and so sat down to join us.

“It does my heart good to see you eat a decent meal” Collin made comment and I suspected there was something more behind that remark, too, than appeared on the surface.  “Eat up while you can, we have a long road ahead of us without many opportunities along the way for creature comforts.”  And when he spoke these words?  I could detect an unmistakable note of discord.

This man hadn’t been used to hauling his tail around the desert, that much I had surmised from the day we met.  Perhaps it was that he had had his fair share of such jaunts – and given his high rank, I found it curious that he should be out in the field anyway.  After all, Collin was not a young man any more.  He probably just wanted to get his mission over and done with and go back – where?  Who knew.  I did know that neither Collin nor Aidan were spring chickens, but Aidan had more endurance – that much was obvious.  If Collin truly was an AFA officer, a Commander-General he had said, then assuredly there was a base somewhere under his command.

So just why was it that he was out here in the first place? I wondered  And working alongside his brother?  A man he could barely tolerate and who was of some military organization of men other than the AFA or the Blackguard.  A million questions if one I pondered as I glanced round at the three men.

Would I ask a single one?  Maybe yes, maybe no, but if I did, I was doubtful I’d get an honest answer – even out of Aidan.  Aidan never lied, he just held his tongue or gave away only small tidbits.  Collin probably lied through his teeth but with a face like his how could a girl stay mad at him?

“Did your Blackguard friends leave, too?” I took a leap, surmising that perhaps – just perhaps – they had sent everyone packing.  And if so then the Blackguard did not leave of their own accord, or so I would bet.

Although Aidan and Ryan showed no outward sign that anything was amiss, Collin, on the other hand, was a study in disconcertment.

Glancing at Aidan, Collin appeared to be looking for permission to spill – or at least to ease my mind by a degree.  Curious that he should seek permission for such a thing, but that’s just what he was doing.  The tables must have again been turned while I had slept.  Although why they had so abruptly turned I had no clue – but turn they had.   And this meant, what?  Could I socialize with Aidan again and not have Collin throw a tantrum?

“There’s been a… change… of fortunes” Collin began but did not expound on the statement.  And what was that supposed to mean?  A change of fortune, but in whose favor?

Not in his, I’d wager.

Looking around the table at these men, I tried to get a sense of where I figured into all of this.

“Is there anything you guys would like to tell me?” I prompted between mouthfuls.  “At least, anything I need to know?  I get the impression that there’s been a turnabout?”  To this Collin could not help himself and so grunted in response.

“You could say that, my dear” he grumbled.  “Seconds?” Collin now asked round the table and that man sure could clear a plate, I considered with amusement.  That was one thing I had come to learn about Collin – food was always foremost in his mind.  He seemingly could eat hearty all the time and never gain a blessed ounce.  Granted, Collin also exercised a lot – but I was of the mind that had less to do with keeping in shape and more to do with expunging nervous energy.  The Commander was a man in motion, rarely able to sit still.  Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, anyone? I thought with an inward chuckle – look up the meaning and you’d see a picture of Collin displayed I had no doubts.

Well, I was game for seconds and so offered up my plate – which warmed his heart, I could tell, for Collin rewarded me with that beautiful trademark smile of his.

While Collin busied himself by serving up some more of his excellent goulash, I looked to Aidan for my answers.  None were forthcoming from Collin’s brother, that much was apparent, and so with a sigh I dug into my second helping.

Collin and I made small talk while we ate, which came naturally for us and so quickly it grew into an enjoyable conversation.

Once the meal was over, I offered to do the dishes but Collin would not hear of it.  Again I was amazed that the man was lowering himself to manual labor when here I was offering, but I wasn’t about to argue.

Both Ryan and Aidan politely excused themselves, and although Aidan did not say a word to me, he did bestow upon me a rare smile – and much to my surprise, one very formal bow.  As did Ryan.  And not after the same fashion as Collin and his men bowed, I made note.  I was slowly picking up on the different styles of bowing, and the degree used for which occasion.

With a look of curiosity, I held my tongue as I watched them go.

Once alone with Collin, he beat me to the draw.

“Do not ask, Chiquita” the man sternly cautioned me.  He was leaning against the counter finishing the rest of the goulash, right out of the pan, shoveling it into his mouth.

“Are you a bottomless pit, Commander?” I instead asked while trying to suppress a giggle, and then through a mouthful of food, Collin laughed.

“Sure seems that way at times, huh?” Collin said with a grin and a wink.  “Hey, this is the best meal I’ve had in a long time, so making the most of it before…” he then trailed off, avoiding any discussion of just what was up and where we were going.  “Just wait until tomorrow, I’ll whip you up a real breakfast – how does that sound?” was his tempting proposition.

“If it is as good as that goulash?  Sure thing” I took him up on his offer, delivering my reply along with an inviting smile.  “Why can’t you tell me anything?” was my foray into interrogation, narrowing my eyes at him.  “Something tells me that it’s not because you don’t want to, either.  Is that right?” I pressed.  Stuffing the last bite of food into his mouth, he held my gaze for a moment before nodding in affirmation.

“You will have to ply Aidan with your questions, my dear” he returned a blanket deferral.  Now swallowing the last mouthful, then he turned his attention to the sink and the dishes.  Pumping the water, he began his task, leaving me to sit there, staring at his back.

With a sigh, I pushed my chair back from the table and then went to go find Aidan.  I would not waste my breath on Collin just then.

Before I had even made it outside, upon reaching the door I saw Aidan and Ryan some distance beyond.

“But my Lord O’Reilly!” Ryan was in mid-protest before Aidan made a not so subtle hand gesture to silence him.  My presence had not escaped my favorite assassin, it was clear.  Not much ever got past Aidan – if anything at all.

Certain that I was blinking like an idiot, I backed up a few steps.  What on earth was this?  It was like straying into the pages of a book.  Of what was Aidan a lord?  To what kind of military state did Aidan pledge allegiance where their officers were called Lords?  Beyond confusion now, I brusquely shook my head to clear a disarray of considerations.

“Come out, Sierra” Aidan called to me across the distance, and it could in no way be construed as a suggestion.  So taking a deep breath, I emerged from the house and onto the covered porch, carefully making my way down the stairs.  My knees were a little shaky and so slow was my progress.  Ryan made a motion to come to my aid but Aidan reached out a hand stay the doctor.  That was Aidan all over – no coddling allowed, everyone had to pull his or her own weight.

Successfully making it over to the two men, it was then that Aidan offered me his arm for support.  Accept it I did, even though I was a little miffed that he had made me walk the distance by myself.

“What’s all this lord stuff?” I just had to go and ask, unable to stop myself in time.  Ryan looked downright uncomfortable but his lips were sealed.  If there had been a change of fortunes, then it had certainly been in Aidan’s favor.

This, however, left me wondering, and worrying, about Collin.

“We’ll take this up later, Ryan” Aidan dismissed the doctor who was quick to comply, first bowing to Aidan and then to me before taking his leave.

“There are some men I’d like you to meet, Sierra” Aidan now informed me.  Taking me by my shoulders, he turned me round and I was startled to see two men standing there.

I wasn’t certain what disturbed me more – the fact that these men were every bit as stealthy as Aidan, or the fact that they scared the crap out of me.  Their demeanor loudly spoke that these were men you plain didn’t want to cross.

And again, long hair pulled back at the nape of the neck – just like Aidan and Ryan.

“Sierra, this is Quade” Aidan introduced me to the older man, who was also the scariest looking of the two.  This man offered me a bow, one I suspected was very proper given the fact that I was a woman.  “And this is Bryan” he now introduced the younger man who followed suit and bowed just as had Quade, but a much lower.  His rank must have been less than the other man’s, I assumed.

“Hi” was all I found myself able to say as I looked at them.  I briefly held the gaze of each before then casting my eyes downward, feeling self-conscious under their sharply discerning gazes.

“You might see these men among us from time to time” Aidan explained.  “I want you to have no fear of them, however.”  Shyly looking up at Aidan, I was uncertain what to say, if anything.  And I sure wasn’t about to ask any more questions since I had a sinking feeling that things had not changed for the better.

Nodding in acknowledgment, I wrapped my arms tightly about myself.  Then I recalled Collin having a fairly dismal opinion of the group of men to whom Aidan gave his loyalty.  At the time, I had thought his derogatory comments were for show, like part of a play or something.

Apparently, there was more truth in those comments than I ever could have known.  And so swallowing hard, I was now inclined to think that Collin knew what he was talking about.

With a nod from Aidan, both men now took their leave, bowing to him, after which they soundlessly melted back into the brush.  Not exactly a chatty bunch, I thought.  Even Ryan was not big on talking.

How odd, I considered – or finding it so because hardly a minute went by without Collin and I chatting about something.  A point which, up ‘til now, had made no sense why it always seemed to rankle Aidan.  There were many occasions when I could sense that Aidan wanted to do nothing more than tell his brother and me to just shut the fuck up.

“Many questions” Aidan now spoke, bending to one knee before me.  “The only one you need answered at present is your safety.  You may have knowledge that my men and I will keep you safe.”  Not exactly an army, that many, I considered as I listened, and in his next words he apparently had become a mind reader.  “There are many more of my men out there, Sierra, but you will never be aware of their presence” he added.  No kidding, I thought.  I hadn’t even known that Quade and Bryan were standing right behind me until Aidan had turned me round to face them.

“Where does this leave Collin?” I dared ask but Aidan was unmoved.

“He is my brother” was his simple explanation – like that explained anything at all.

“You’re… not going to hurt him, are you?” I quietly inquired, shuffling my feet in unease of my new lot in life, which was now apparently Collin’s as well.

“Only if he disobeys me” was his candid response and then, without warning, he took my face in his hands.  Pulling me towards him Aidan now delivered a kiss, one during which he could not conceal his elation.  The man was on a high, this much I could figure out for myself.

After the kiss was over, Aidan then stroked my hair, openly smiling at me.

“I am so pleased that you are well, my love” he expressed, but I wasn’t sure if the state of my health had made him as happy as now being the man in charge.  Men, I thought with exasperation – never happy unless they were on top.  The alpha male thing got old – and fast.  Admittedly, I had not missed males struggling for dominance during my time alone in the desert.

However, I could not stay mad at the man.  When we were alone, the expression most often seen on his face was always one of pure adoration.

“Thanks, I’m glad I’m feeling better” I returned as I raised a hand to touch his beard.  Aidan had yet to say one word about the miscarriage, though.  If moving on was his way, then this was more than evident by his lack of recognition.  Although, I could not help but wonder if he was in some way glad for it, since the child had been Collin’s.

Collin – now as I thought about him and our loss, I decided I wanted to go back inside.  Back to the AFA Commander-General who was looking more and more by the day to be a true officer and gentleman.

“I have some matters to attend – will you be alright by yourself?” Aidan now asked as he rose to his feet.  Nodding as I smiled, I was somewhat confused.  Collin was here, so why would he think I’d be alone?  And so grew my urge to rejoin Collin.  I could not help but think that Aidan’s brother was now in for a rough road ahead, and this greatly troubled me.

“Yeah, I’m going back inside for a while – feel a nap coming on” which was true enough, but I first wanted to see Collin.

“Ok, get your rest.  You will need your strength – we’ll be moving on tomorrow” he informed me, but did not feel inclined to tell me our destination or why the change of plans.

Bending over to kiss the top of my head, Aidan then disappeared, off into the brush in the same direction as Quade and Bryan.  I stood there and watched until he was lost from sight.  With a heavy sigh it was that I now turned around and headed back towards the house.

Once inside, I made my way to the kitchen and by the sound of it Collin was still in there, finishing up.  As I entered through the archway, I saw he had his shirt off and it was tied around his waist.  An involuntary gasp escaped my throat, startling Collin who now quickly spun about.

“Did Aidan do that to you?!” I demanded to know.  Collin had taken several well-place blows in extremely painful locations and bruises had blossomed there.  There was also a bandage on his right forearm.  Looking like the cat that ate the canary, Collin then shrugged.

“You weren’t supposed to see those” he muttered, untying his shirt from around his waist to then begin drawing it back on, and painfully at that.  “An eye for an eye” Collin explained, citing old biblical verse.  However, I was of the mind that he meant it in a much stronger sense than just a washed out everyday adage.  “And I wasn’t supposed to tell you that, either.  Just forget I said anything, Chiquita – please?” the man implored.  “If you say anything to Aidan he’ll just deliver more of the same – trust me.”

I could only look at him in disbelief.  What was it with these two brothers anyway?  Being certain that I did not want to know, my curiosity level was now way up regardless and so was determined to unravel the mystery of these men and their matters.

“Or maybe his friends will?” I prompted and now Collin grew very, very still.  “He introduced me to Quade and Bryan.  Do you know these men, too?” I inquired, now walking up to him as he started to button his shirt.  “Let me see those” I demanded but did not wait for permission, stopping his hands before they could fasten any more buttons.  At first he took hold of my wrists in a bid to ward me off, but then relented, holding his hands up and out to his sides in preparation to be frisked.  Allowing me to unbutton and push back his shirt I now took a good look.

“Let me guess – two fingers” was my bitter summation.  “Standard CIA maneuver?” I put to him which won me a wry look.

“I’m ok, Sierra – really” the man lied because when I then pressed one of the spots he sucked in his breath.

“Busted” he now laughed but even that hurt him I could tell.  “Look, Sierra – just let it alone.  Aidan and I have a long history of beating on each other,” he revealed, “or rather, him beating on me.  You know how brothers can be – especially big brothers.”

“Oh, and which of you is that?” I wanted to know.  “Don’t tell me – Aidan, right?  Well – shouldn’t he instead be looking out for you?  And you him?  I just don’t get it, Collin – any of it” I complained with a pout of disapproval.  “Like I don’t have enough to worry about already.”  Pulling his shirt to, I then slowly began to button it, shedding tears for him.  Placing his hands over mine, Collin firmly squeezed them.

“Chiquita, please don’t cry for me” was his impassioned plea.

“Why?  Will Aidan beat you up for that, too?” I harshly accused.  “Never mind – I don’t want to know” I now decided.  Releasing his hold on my hands, he let me finish what I had begun.  “I’m going to go take a nap.  I’d ask you to join me, but I don’t want to put you in Aidan’s bad graces” I grumbled in dissent.  “Those men scare me, Collin” I candidly admitted, looking up at him.  With a sigh, he momentarily closed his eyes, bowing his head.

“Truth be known,” Collin said in a low voice as he once again looked at me, “they give me the willies, too, Chiquita” he confessed and then offered up the best smile he could muster.  “There’s a lot more at stake here, Sierra, than power-plays and who is in charge.  I will do what it takes to accomplish my objective – even though I might not like the road I have to travel, or the company I am required to keep.”

That was an interesting way of putting it but I could sense that there was a lot more behind those words.  A whole volume that he wasn’t able to share – at least, not yet.  Collin loved to talk and so I wondered if eventually, using the right tactics, if I might get him to slip up and betray some key pieces.  I might even try to ply the doctor, I thought.  Ryan seemed to have his own opinion, as evidenced by whatever he was protesting against to Aidan.  Maybe I could crack open the doctor for although he was much like Aidan and the other men, he was different.  Not a soldier – or at least, not an assassin, which I presumed Quade and Bryan were.  I didn’t think Ryan was the same, but who could tell?  They all seemed to have physical prowess as part of their skill sets.

“I’d love to take you up on that nap,” Collin told me, “but I want to draw breath a little longer, I think.  Can I escort you, at least?  You are looking pale again, my dear.”

“Yeah, no wonder” I laughed with unease.  Shaking my head in frustration, I then allowed Collin to take me by the arm and help me back to bed.

Maybe in a world of dreams I might find a little solace and peace.

However, I was really not all that confident, even about something which should have been so simple.

“You left him out there, lad?” the Irishman asked in utter disbelief.  “With Aidan and Quade?  Are you daft, Eric?”

What a short memory Collin’s cousin had – not to mention lack of respect in a healthy dosage.

“That’s Colonel Jones to you, Captain O’Reilly” I coolly returned.

Leaning back in my chair at the conference table in my ready-room, I leveled Finney a cautionary look.  This was neither the time nor the place for familiarity.  I was not in the best of moods and my tolerance had grown thin over the past few months, and especially during the past week.

“Trust me – he’s got a hell of a lot more company than just Aidan and Quade” I decided to goad him, in a moment of spite, and now the man turned white, but had also become pleasantly silent.

“What would you have had me do?” I now put to him.  “Disobey direct orders from our Commander?  For the record, I am not thrilled about leaving him out there with those cutthroats, either.  You know Collin, though – he always manages to pull through, Finney” was my reassurance for the doctor.  Collin’s cousin made a poor AFA soldier, given that he was Brotherhood, but he was a top-notch field doctor and with experienced medical professionals in such short supply?  Well, more need not be said.

The Irishman’s skill was amazing, though – I had to give him credit there.  Finney would put back together man after man, stitching and splinting along the way.  His skills were invaluable – and thus we could tolerate a certain amount of conduct unbecoming a military commission.

And Collin had a tight-knit relationship with his cousin so it could never totally be open season on the Irishman.  I knew where and when to lightly tread when dealing with this relative of our Commander.

Not to mention that Seamus-Patrick Finnegan O’Reilly was just that – an O’Reilly.  It was nothing short of a miracle that so many of Collin’s family members had survived the Apocalypse.  That was wholly unheard – the plague had not left one single family intact.  No one had any surviving relatives in this Post-Time world, so for Collin to have three family members survive beside himself?  It was indeed considered an act of God – and a curiosity which had not gone unnoticed by certain parties with a vested interest in our Commander O’Reilly.

“Look, Eric,” Finney began, already having forgotten my warning in regards to familiarity, “we both know that Collin is at the mercy of The Order” he solemnly reminded me.  “In the eyes of their High Council, Collin is still a Member of The Order.  Aidan will hold his brother to the Oath that Collin Swore.  Sworn in Pre-Time, granted – but The Order only lends leniency towards Collin simply because he is a Commander-General in the AFA and Aidan is his brother.  One day The Order will call on Collin to Reaffirm his Oath, as have all other Members of The Order who survived the Apocalypse.  It is just a matter of time – time that is running short.”

“And you would know so much about this time table – how?” was my droll inquiry.  Finney was a Member of The Brotherhood, but not of The Order.  He had belonged to an adjunct of The Brotherhood that had been popular back in Europe – the Hospitalers, and their Arm was known as The Legion.  Finney, even though he was, for all intents and purposes, Brotherhood, loathed The Order every bit as much as did I.

However, I suspected that it was for vastly divergent reasons.

Releasing a long low breath, Finney now sat down and so I just glared at him.  Had I given him permission to take a load off his feet?  Collin had been way too lenient with his cousin, I considered.  My Commander let this blood relation do whatever he wanted, and in Collin’s absence nothing had changed.  Finney still did as he pleased unless a seriously hard line was taken with the man.  Which I was close to doing but didn’t have the energy to waste.  I had only been back on base scant moments before the man had me tracked down and cornered, demanding audience.

“Is there any way at all to contact Collin?” he now asked and it was not lost on me the grave concern he held for his cousin.  His loyalty to Collin was to be commended – if unconventional at times.

“No – nothing beyond him having told us that he’ll follow his original mission plan, at least, as far as he is able” I revealed.  “Otherwise?  We have to wait for him to make contact.  He should be able to do so, though – if the plan goes forward as intended.  Aidan wants what Collin wants, so I doubt Aidan will force the issue of Collin’s Membership at this time.  The Order needs us more than we need them” I voiced reminder and now in response the Irishman burst out in raucous laughter, slapping the table top while he cackled away.

“Oh, lad!  You are too much” Finney managed to insult me through his laughter.  “Who has been filling your head with what?”  I could only level the man a cold glare, having no clue what he was talking about.

“Don’t forget who’s got the keys to the really nasty toys” I brought to mind in a controlled tone of voice, warring to keep my temper from exploding.

“Don’t be so sure about that, lad” the doctor countered in a grunt.  “It doesn’t matter.  My concern is only for Collin, and by leaving him alone with Aidan, knowing that his brother is the one now in charge of their mission?  Well, I needn’t paint a picture, now do I?”

No – he did not.

“Again – what was I to do?  He demanded that we remove his tracking chip,” I explained, “and even if he wasn’t my CO, Collin is still one man you very much do not want to say no to.”  Nodding in agreement, Finney released a weighted breath.

“I know you did not willingly leave him with Aidan and his merry band of cutthroats” he acknowledged.

“Well, should we ask Amanda – I’m certain that she’d tell us Collin couldn’t be in better hands” I grumbled.  “It was only because of their Members’ tight lips that the woman never had a clue among whom she was living at The Order.”

“Oh, a clue I’ll bet Collin’s daughter had, alright,” he now argued, “but one hell of a slant would have been put on it, I can tell you that much.  That we allow the falsehood to persist that Aidan is her biological father…” Finney now trailed off, shaking his head in exasperation as he folded his arms across his chest.

“You’ve got Collin to thank for that” I reminded him.  “He doesn’t have the balls to stand up to Aidan and that’s the sad Truth of it.”

“Yes and no” Collin’s cousin half agreed with me.  “Collin blamed himself for Miranda’s death” his cousin stated.  “If he hadn’t slept with Aidan’s wife, then she would not have gotten pregnant, which was what got that whole vicious ball of wax started.”

“She was first Collin’s woman” I refreshed the Irishman’s memory.  “Aidan stole Mira right out from under his brother’s nose!” I exclaimed, sounding thoroughly revolted by the very notion.  “How that could have ever come to pass I will never understand even if I live to be a hundred.  I mean, Collin is and isn’t a lot of things, but he and Mira?  It was like they were literally made for each other.”

“Aye – you’re right” he conceded.  “I still wonder to this day what went wrong there.”

“You and me both, Irishman” I commiserated, briefly closing my eyes before I looked to him once more.  “I wish I could say it was because he took too long asking her to marry him – but I think we both know it was a bit more complicated than that.  Regardless, ancient history, although this woman who he now keeps in his company…” I trailed off, still having many an unanswered question about her.

“Sierra is the lass’s name, yes?” he started to pry and where did he pick that up?  Now glowering at him, I did not even need to ask where since he was prompt to volunteer.  “Don’t pop your cork – it was Kevin” he revealed, driving home the point Collin had earlier made.  We needed to get back our geek.  That Kevin had been able to get out a message from within the depths of The Order?  Amazing, since nothing ever got past their Members.

“Yes, that’s the creature’s name” I mumbled.  “Trouble by and large Finney – you just don’t know the half of it.  Now – if you will excuse me?” I said and then quickly got to my feet.  I had much to attend and had wasted enough time trying to soothe Collin’s well-meaning, fretful cousin.  The Irishman followed suit, getting to his feet, but of course he didn’t bow.  It was a rare occasion when the man would remember that he was not only a doctor, but an AFA officer as well.

With a nod to Finney I now made a hasty exit.  If I was fortunate, this time I might actually make it to my quarters without further delay.  Like Collin, I did not enjoy dragging my tail around the desert any more than was necessary – but it came with the damned territory.  A shower, shave and haircut – these in any order would be fine just as long as I got all three and soon.

Walking through the large open cavern which heralded the main entrance to this uniquely constructed, as well as unusually located, base, I found myself doing something of which my Commander was often fond.  In the midst of the bustling of activity of men going about their duties, I paused in the center of the cavern, gazing towards the main entrance.  At this time of day the brilliant sun of the upland desert was shining in through the natural archway, an archway which belied the complex concealed within.  For the most part, one would never guess that there existed any military presence here in Monument Valley, much less a thriving base complex behind the rock solid cliff walls.

A grand demonstration it was of the ingenuity of men with idle hands – or rather, men without women.  If a distraction was needed from the obvious, then constructing this base to Collin’s specs was just the ticket.  All the amenities we had, too – thanks to Collin, who, at the core, was a creature of comfort.  Akin to a Roman commander that man was – decadent luxury going hand-in-hand with war.  Except, we weren’t at war, at least, not in the conventional sense.  Unless we were in a war against time.

With accent on the natural, this was the approach used to design this base.  Natural materials were used wherever and whenever possible.  Our Commander did not want to perpetuate the sins of Pre-Time in this Post-Time era.  In this he was truly like a Member of The Brotherhood – eco-warriors the lot of them, I knew.  They worshiped nature no differently than they worshipped God.  To them, God and nature were one in the same – to deface nature was to commit an offense against God Himself.

Keeping this in mind, Collin worked closely with engineers to design all aspects of his base.  A magnificent job his craftsmen had done, too – talented and highly skilled men, mostly handpicked by Collin.  Or rather won by Collin in some fashion or another.  He would go to any lengths to acquire the right man, or tool, for the job.  As was his methodology of command, so was he in getting the best men for his pet projects.

Laughing to myself, I stood there shaking my head.  AFA High Command really did not even have a clue what Collin had pulled together, beyond his specialized staff and the expert tradesmen.  A requirement that Collin had made, or rather condition, in the request of his superiors to court The Order’s Head of Assassins was that Collin’s Northern Desert IntelliCore Base was to be strictly off limits to AFA High Command.

Amazingly enough, his demand had been met – during the years that followed, not one single member of AHC had set foot on this base.

Kudos to Collin, I thought with a grin.  However, there were eyes and ears where least expected and so AHC had their means.  Means by which they knew full well what took place up here.  Was this lost on Collin, however?  Certainly not.  He understood the necessity of this evil, but as long as he did not have to entertain in his domain any of his superiors, then he could live with this.  Our Commander considered this base to be his sanctuary, after all.  A place where he could retreat to lick his wounds and just be alone if he wanted.  In a world with so few people left, Collin sometimes still felt crowded.

Drawing in a controlled breath, I knew I had wasted enough time and so now turned on my heel, making a beeline for my quarters.

Along the way I had the misfortune of running into Collin’s daughter.  I was in no mood for platitudes in any form – nor was I up for listening to her sing the praises of The Order.

The devil she thought to be her father, this young woman held in the highest esteem.  If she knew Aidan as did we?  I could not help but wonder if she would then altogether be singing a different tune.

“Colonel Jones” Amanda addressed me and if nothing else, living amongst The Order had taught her the respect of command.  I could not fault her there – however, that was her public face.  If she cornered me alone?  Well – that was another matter.  She was a hothead like her true Father – Collin to the t in that regard.  Amanda, or Mandy to her familiars, was also a drop-dead gorgeous knockout.  It was clear to the rest of us that the only man capable of having breathed life into this creature was Collin.

Aidan could not have seeded as stunning a female offspring during the best fuck of his life.

One of the temptations for luring men to this base, besides its covert reputation as a resort, was this female.  Granted, Bonded to an Elite-Assassin of The Order, this young woman was strictly off limits.  However, we men could still look even if we could not touch – although at the top of Collin’s list of do’s and don’ts for his men was that they had better be damned subtle about their ogling.

A command easy enough to obey, given that her father-in-name was Aidan, an Elite-Assassin of The Order who had a reputation a mile long if an inch.  No one dared cross the man or even look at him the wrong way.  His reputation alone was enough to scare off most – and a reputation that was not in the least bit exaggerated.  Aidan’s bloodlust knew no bounds.

“Amanda” I returned her greeting but then breezed right on by her.

“Colonel” she now called out, sternly no less, but I just kept on walking.  If she wanted to aggravate me, then she’d have to take chase.  And the woman most certainly did, now falling in alongside me, matching my stride.  “Colonel – Ryan did not return with you?” Collin’s daughter asked of me.

“Nope” was my one word reply.

“Do you know why?” she now inquired.  “Or how long he will be gone?”  Why she should care if her husband returned was beyond me.  It seemed most times that the woman was happier when Ryan was gone – and so I supposed in a way her inquiry made perfect sense.

“Mandy, I have no idea,” I informed her, “and even if I did, I would not be able to tell you so just why are you asking me this question?” I put to her, now casting a hard side glance at the woman.

“Ryan said he would only be gone a few days – a week at most” was her lame explanation.  “Is my Father ok?” she now asked what she really wanted to ask, and that was a loaded question.

“Last time I saw Aidan he was very much the picture of health” I stated, which was Truth.  The man had never been sick a day in his life if Collin’s delusional family memoirs were correct.  Granted, his brother had not gone uninjured in his life, but even yet Aidan was always up and about with lightening speed.  Whereas most men would have been off their feet for a week with some of the injuries Aidan had sustained, not so with that devil.

“Are you through?” I asked, now having reached the door to my quarters.  Laying hand on the lever, I turned to look at the woman.

“I suppose I am, Colonel.  I’m sorry to have taken up your time.  Good-day” Amanda said in parting, and so with a bow very much after the fashion of The Order, she then left me in peace.

Naturally, however, I stood there and watched her go – she was every bit as appealing from behind as she was from the front.  Actually, she was appealing at any angle – and there were quite a few I would have liked to see her from myself.

Tightly shutting my eyes, I released a long, low breath and then entered my quarters.

Upon opening my eyes, I saw sitting there in my anteroom was Greg – who, notably, had found time to get clean.  It was a priority for him – he had a lot of personnel, across the board, to interact with now that he was back.  Still in need of a haircut, he had at least showered and shaved and was no longer covered with trail dust.  I would have thought after so many years traveling throughout the desert that I would by now have gotten used to the ever-present silt which seemed to cling to everything.

Not.

“Yes, Captain?” was my absently delivered inquiry, walking straight past him.  “Are you going to hound me, too?  Might as well – Finney and Amanda have already gotten in their time.”  On his feet as soon as I passed by, Greg was on my heels.

“You know me better than that, Eric” he began, making it personal instead of professional.  “Speaking of, do you want me to have Lieutenant Vasquez forward the status reports to me instead?  I can field those if you have other things to attend” was his suggestion and now stopping, I turned to face him.

“Yeah… thanks, Greg” I accepted.  “That would be a big help, but I suspect there’s another reason you want to free up my time?” I posed as I started shedding clothes.

“Yes – since you have more clout than I do and we don’t have Kevin here to do my dirty work” he confessed, now making himself at home as he parked his tail in the chair by the fireplace.  “Something… curious has been brought to my attention” the Captain began.  “Well, via one of Kevin’s search programs, at any rate, about an AFA officer who is leading, or at least led, a double life.”  Ok – now he had my attention.

“That program Kevin wrote – the one that cross references…” he began but I cut him off, abruptly raising one hand.  That much detail I did not need, and Greg was a man all about details.  I understood the basics of the query, or rather the results it would yield.  I didn’t need to know how it arrived at that point.  “Oh, yeah – sorry” Greg apologized and then pressed on.  “When I got back, I checked to see if there was any new activity.  I didn’t really expect much, but it seems a certain geneticist has suddenly surfaced – within the past few months, no less.”

“And so?” I pressed, not getting the connection.

“Well, suddenly there is an AFA record for the guy where before there wasn’t one” he revealed.  “And not just going forward, but backward as well.  Pretty nifty trick.  I always knew that a CIA agent could easily disappear, but to suddenly materialize as an officer of the AFA?  With an established record?”  I was catching his drift and did not like it one bit.  Damn Collin for being out of reach! I thought in aggravation.  We finally get a bite on our line and where is he?  In the middle of frigging nowhere and unreachable.  Nothing now to be done about that, this was obvious – we just had to deal.

“Gets better” Greg said with a grin.  “He’s Brotherhood” my friend let drop and so now I froze, staring in disbelief.  “And you know, once Brotherhood, always Brotherhood.  And if you really want a jaw dropper – Aidan knows this man.”

“Well, being CIA that would not surprise me” I argued but then took a step back in my thinking.  “Did Aidan know him Post-Time as well as Pre-Time?”

“That’s the million dollar question – if money meant anything anymore, that is” he chuckled.  “The thing is, Collin knows this man too – and so do you and I.  Actually, I guess you can say this guy is a multiple personality.  In Pre-Time the man was General McMasters’ Adjutant – at least when he wasn’t cavorting around for the CIA or gene-splitting or God only knows what else.”

“Lietenant Ames?” I asked in disbelief as I sat down hard on the edge of my bed, taking a shower now being the furthest thing from my mind.  It was a classic case of everything you know is wrong.  Geneticist, CIA agent, Pre-Time Army officer, Post-Time AFA officer – it read like a who’s-who.  And a Member of The Brotherhood if all that wasn’t already enough.  I didn’t doubt that he was also a Member of The Order – many CIA agents had been in Pre-Time.  “And all of this out of Kevin’s query, eh?” I said, shaking my head.

“Yup – and this guy reports directly to AFA High Command, Karloff, to be exact,” he added, “although his activities are listed as covert in nature.”  Now I burst out laughing.  No shit.

“So tell me, Brains – you think I can ferret out more information than did Kevin’s program?” I grunted, for Kevin was not only an amazing programmer, but an amazing hack as well.

“You know different contacts than I do” he reasoned.  “Besides, don’t you find it just a little odd that people out of both Collin’s and Aidan’s pasts are suddenly popping up out of nowhere?”  To this I only blinked – his was a subtle reference to Miranda.  What he was suggesting was insane – however, Greg had an amazing mind.  It did not work in the same way as the rest of us schmucks and so when he was on the scent of something, seldom was it a chase in vain.

“Ok, ok – granted, Sierra does strongly resemble Miranda,” I acknowledged his innuendo, “and sure, the woman does not look as if she has been hauling her tail around the desert all by her lonesome for seven years,” I could accept, “but all because a certain geneticist pops up around the same time doesn’t mean that she is a… what?  A clone?  A quasi-clone?  A designer female made just for Collin?  Or for Aidan?  What?”

“That’s what I don’t know – yet” he conditionally conceded.  “But you know the crap that goes on under Groom Lake – I would not doubt in the least that this guy has done a stint with the Unspoken.  Off the radar for over seven years and pow – here he is, suddenly an AFA officer, reporting directly to Supreme-General Karloff, right out of the fucking blue.

“Have any excursions lined up?  Like AFA High Command?” Greg now prodded and that was it – I stood up and finished getting undressed.  The shower is what I really needed now.

“Not my favorite place to frequent” I grumbled as I headed for the bathroom.  “Although I suppose I could give my report to General Hastings in person” I called over my shoulder as I disappeared from his sight.

And here I had thought that being on base once again things could get back to normal.

Dream on, Colonel, I laughed to myself.  When serving under Commander-General Collin Tristan O’Reilly, AFA IntelliCore, life was anything but normal.

Whatever had gotten into my brother, he needed to get it out – or I would do it for him.  Collin was a study in indecision when there was nothing about which to be indecisive.  Our mission was going forward whether he liked it or not – end of story.

“We will be asking Sierra to place herself in danger” he tried to reason.  “Can you ask as much of her, Aidan?” my brother put to me.

Somewhere along the line my brother had done a complete one-eighty about using Sierra to help Kevin hack into the old DoD database.

“Yes – I can and will” was my flat response.  Nervously now, Collin looked over his shoulder – both of them in succession, in constant fear of Quade stepping in to deliver a lesson.  Wisely he was bent to one knee but if he kept up his protest, he would then be required to get down on both knees.

His understanding of Brotherhood protocol, at best, was weak.

There would be time in the future to work on this, however.  Collin was going to Reaffirm his Oath to The Order – he just didn’t know it yet.  Was it that he was so sorely needed as a Member?  Certainly not.  My brother really didn’t have what it took to be counted among the Members of The Order in this Time After.  The reason behind my pressing him to renew his Oath was, in the long run, to save his life.  Miserable as it was.  With the considerable clout I held as The Order’s Head of Assassins, I would be able to get Collin a Waiver – he would not have to go through the Trials in order to Reaffirm his Oath.  None but those on the High Council would be privy and so Collin would, in this way, be able to save face, as well as his life.  The man could not pass the Trials on the best day of his existence, I knew.

Now casting down his eyes, Collin found he had nothing else to say.  This spoke to his great unrest since my brother seldom kept shut his mouth.  A never ending succession of comments, remarks and opinions would spew forth from his lips to the point that I would want to throttle him – literally.  And often nearly did.

“You understood this would not be pleasant” I spoke in reminder.  “She is but one woman, Collin – to let her stand in the way?  We are trying to save the human race, my Brother” I clearly stated.  “Though you will despise me for saying it, Sierra is expendable” and now Collin was quick to look up at me.  “However, have you so little faith in your Brothers?  We are not bumbling AFA Wardens, after all” I refreshed his memory which won me a cross look.  Truth hurts, but this I did not say to him – he was pissed off enough as it was.

“Safe is one thing,” he agreed, “but how about sound?  The poor woman has already suffered through enough trauma thanks to us” Collin pressed in earnest.  He was again missing the point – she was expendable.

Business, after all, was business.

I also loved the woman – greatly.  However, this did not mean I was going to let it get in the way of retrieving vital information.  The personal verses the professional – Collin would need to master separating these two aspects of his life if he was to truly become a Member-Elite of The Order, or even just a Reaffirmed Member, for that matter.

Greater Good, I reminded myself, almost constantly when it came to dealing with Collin.  I too held concern for Sierra, but my Oath I understood and accepted and so I must go forth as planned.

“I think it is time that we ease her mind, by a certain degree” I decided.  “She will be a much more willing participant if we feed her some tidbits.”  Collin now dropped his jaw.

“Oh, for the love of Christ, Aidan!” my brother now barked in anger.  “She is not a trick pony!”

I’d allow him this one outburst but that was it.

“Caution” was my only word of warning and now Collin quickly repositioned himself so that he was on both knees.  He was learning so maybe there was hope after all for this pompous-ass AFA Commander-General.

One could only hope, of course.

“I never said she was,” I now softened just a bit, actually feeling for my brother and so slipped on the kid gloves, “but we can give her some history, however – which will go a long way towards securing her cooperation.  If she willingly complies, then the woman will believe it is of her own volition instead of feeling strong-armed into it.  An opportunity for you to once again give a stellar performance.”  Collin only blinked at me but this time wisely held his tongue.

“She’s been plying Ryan with questions to the point of distraction,” I pressed on, “so another purpose will be served by giving her food for thought.  Then Sierra won’t be so inclined to teethe on Ryan.”  With this, Collin looked away, muttering something under his breath.  He loathed Ryan and that was all there was to it.

“Fine” he accepted with a flick of his hand as he rose to his feet.  Had I not needed his support in this endeavor then I would have laid him low.  Coddling my brother was not high on my list of pleasurable tasks, but one does what one must, I glumly considered.  “Let’s just get on with it” Collin grumbled, stuffing his hands in his pockets and still nervously looking about.  In mortal fear he was of Quade – and so this fear was as good a leash as any to use in curbing him.

We were about a week out from the AFA safe-house and ready to abandon the horses.  They would bring attention where attention was not desired and so it was necessary to set them free.  I had not wanted to take them at all; however, Ryan had demanded it, for the sake of Sierra after her miscarriage.

It was not so much further now to the next safe-house – this time one maintained by The Order, however.  Sierra should by now be able to walk the distance without any ill effects.

Returning to camp, there we saw Sierra, grilling Ryan – per usual.  Relief washed over Ryan in a wave of gratitude, this I could sense.  The man had a conscience, after all, even if he was a Member of The Order.  Ryan could follow orders without batting an eye.  Although afterwards, he might question motives in private, naturally, when the topic would finally be open to discussion after the fact.

The order given Ryan regarding Sierra had been a tough one for the doctor to swallow – even tougher yet when afterwards I did not release him.  Not because he was anxious to get back to his wife, but rather instead because I commanded him to babysit Sierra for the duration of our mission.  It followed to reason that he would have to guard her as well as his conscience.

Neither was happy about the mandate, needless to say.  Not that Sierra didn’t like Ryan but rather because she felt like so much baggage.  It was perhaps my fault for making her the center of my world for so long.  That period of time between meeting and getting back to work had been rather like a vacation for me.  The woman had never seen me at work and so how could she possibly know that for me business and pleasure did not mix?  If it had not been for the revelation that she was a hacker, and an extremely talented one at that, then I would have already sent her off to the safety of The Order.

However, breaking into a certain old and all but forgotten DoD database was a must – failure was not an option.  Kevin would need all the help he could get regardless the source.

Noticing our return, Sierra now brightened to see me, and Collin as well, I supposed.  That was until she saw my brother’s demeanor which then quickly changed hers as suspicion reared its head.

“Sierra,” I began, even though I had no intent of doing most of the talking, “Ryan tells us that you constantly ply him with questions.”  So was my accusation.  Shuffling her feet, the woman bit her lip, looking down for a moment.

“Yeah” she confessed, shyly looking up at me in a bid to win lenience.  Crossing over to her, I then bent to one knee and so Collin visibly stiffened.  Grave would be the conversation if I took up that repose right off the bat – he knew it, we all knew it.

“Would it ease your mind if we revealed some details to you?” I asked of her, predicting that she would say yes – however, she didn’t.

“No – but at least I would not feel like I’m so much in the dark” she complained.  “Like, always the last to know – but I never get to know at all.”

“I’d say I understand, but I don’t” I returned.  “A need to know basis is a fact of service – the higher one’s station, the more knowledge is dispensed and received.  We tend to forget that you are not one of us” I excused our trio and could tell she was ready to say no shit, but thought better of it.  She was a quick study and understood by now that I had little tolerance for disrespect or insolence – or even profanity, for that matter.

“You already know what the world is up against” I started off.  “Mankind as a whole does not have a viable breeding population – at least not of which we are aware” I now conditionalized my statement.  “There is a lot at stake, this much you understand.  What you don’t understand is that this isn’t the only problem facing mankind and his existence on God’s Earth.  We need your help, Sierra.”  With this last line Sierra raised an eyebrow and so I would now turn it over to Collin.

Moving in more closely, Collin cleared his throat and so now had Sierra’s attention.

“Good guys, bad guys” he began with a shrug.  “It is in the eye of the beholder, after all.  However, there is one enemy upon which we all agree, one who shall remain Unspoken” Collin obfuscated with his usual play on words.  The Unspoken, also known as the Masters under Groom Lake, were a common threat, although I held strong suspicion that the AFA and the Unspoken were a lot friendlier with each other than either would ever let on.  Partners in crime they had been in the Time Before, but shortly thereafter in this Time After they had had a serious parting of the ways, due, in part to Collin.

Or so we had all been led to believe.

“We do need your help, Ms. Ramirez” Collin told her and now it was Sierra’s turn to stiffen at the use of her maiden name.  “How many times was it that you hacked into the DoD, hmm?” he asked, now folding his arms across his chest as he rocked on his heels.

Sierra was no saint, after all – and for a woman who detested dirty little secrets, she certainly had enough to fill a book all by herself.

Looking to each of us, Sierra was uncertain what to say.

“I was a white card hacker!” she now suddenly blurted out in protest, thinking we had assumed the worst of her.  “You know, break in, leave a calling card like – hey, security hole here you might want to fix this” the woman made clear.  “I was not a black card hacker” was her adamant declaration and I just had to wonder about that, though.  All indications pointed to the opposite.

“Apparently the United States Government did not take your intrusions too kindly,” Collin grunted, “since you did time in a Federal pen for a couple of years.  Feel free to correct me at any point along the way, Chiquita” he dared her with a wave of his hand but the woman was now speechless.  “Now tell me, why would an intelligent woman such as yourself keep pushing it to the limit and beyond?” my brother inquired.  “It was almost like you wanted to go to prison” was his accusation.

“Well, that’s because I did” Sierra was now quite quick to snap back and so all three of us looked round to one another.  That was one detail we had not uncovered.  Raising hand to chin as he crossed his other arm over his chest, Collin considered her long and hard, waiting for her to explain, but she was clearly reluctant to go further.

“Care to expound on that for us, my dear?” Collin finally pressed, his patience having waned.

“Ask Ryan to leave” she now demanded – but that was not going to happen.  Ryan was The Order’s Official Recorder for this excursion and so he would stay.

“No” I refused and now Sierra stomped her foot in protest.  Seeing that I was firm in my decision, however, she now looked down.  Biting her lip, the woman mumbled something under her breath before looking up at us.

“I wanted out” she explained with a shrug.

“Come again?” Collin prodded her and so now she looked up at him.

“I wanted out of my marriage” the woman clarified and now Collin could not help but laugh out loud.

“Dear girl!  There was a thing called divorce, you know” Collin reminded her with a huge grin but Sierra only shook her head.

“You’d have to know the man to understand” was her bitter counter.  “Divorce was not an option – trust me on this.  He said he’d make my life a living hell and when he got bored with that then he’d – well, you get the picture.”

“There was a thing called a restraining order, too, you know” my brother could not resist goading the poor creature, but he was truly amused.

“Uh-huh – I had a girlfriend who was murdered by her ex,” Sierra announced, “and she had a restraining order against him.  Yeah, so that made me feel really secure.  And if her ex had a screw loose, then my husband had more than just a few” she relayed.  “I figured a couple of years in a white collar prison might not be so bad, you know?  It would be better than getting the crap beaten out of me on a daily basis.”

“You never filed any domestic violence reports” my brother was quick to challenge which won him a sigh of aggravation from the woman.

“Men – you are all so dense” she grumbled, drawing her arms tightly about her torso.  “Look – it wasn’t like that at first, you know?  Otherwise I would not have married the guy… but, well… after a while the sweet lover turned in the psychotic rapist” Sierra revealed and now my brother practically turned white.  What had happened between Collin and Sierra when they had coupled that one time I could only guess.  One thing I did know for certain, though, my brother liked it rough, or so Miranda had confided in me once upon a time.

How this brought back memories! I considered with unease.  My wife had told me that Collin’s rutting urges got old – and fast.  She had said that at times he could be the most gentle lover on Earth, something I did not need or want to hear.  However, she then revealed to me that this side of my brother had quickly become a rarity and most times the struggle of rough sex was, for her, at least, painful and humiliating.  Miranda well understood my brother, the man who had aspired to becoming a General in the Time Before.  The woman had been willing on occasion to indulge his cravings for rough sex, for total dominance, but it had in no time flat become the rule instead of the exception.

Two sides there were to every story, of course.

And so if Collin had gotten rough with Sierra?  Well – uphill battle indeed, but this worked in my favor.  I wanted her for my own and any ammunition I could procure I would not hesitate to use.  Subtly of course, but use it I would.

“I am sorry to hear that, Sierra,” Collin now offered, with great sincerity, no less.  He might have had everyone else fooled, but he knew why he lost Miranda to me, and it wasn’t because he took too long in asking her to marry him, either.  “Chiquita, really – there must have been another way to rid yourself of this man?  Besides going to prison?”

“Couldn’t think of any” she disagreed with a pout.  “I had no family to turn to, and my friends?  Well – I could not ask them for help since they would then become targets themselves.  I have no idea what I had been thinking when I married a Marine…” she trailed off with a deep sigh, now looking down.

“No family at all?” my brother skated right over the Marine wife scenario.

“Uh-uh” she affirmed, glancing up at him.  “I was adopted” and this we had not uncovered, but whereas it meant nothing to Collin, it almost took my breath away.  That was just too much of a red flag.  “My adoptive mother was an alcoholic,” she informed us, “so when I was old enough to fend for myself?  I was gone.  I never saw the woman again, and she apparently felt the same about me.  She never tried to find me.”

“I… I’m truly sorry for your less than happy family life” my brother said and I could tell he really felt for the woman.  We came from a large Irish family, after all – tons of relations in the Time Before and we had all kept in touch with one another.  Holidays were spent together, usually at our Uncle Sean’s sprawling farmhouse in Canaan, Connecticut.  It had the most space to accommodate relations, and those it could not fit spilled over into the local bed-and-breakfast lodge.

“So, you see – not a lot of options” she explained, sounding decidedly defensive.  “I figured, a prison sentence would prompt him to initiate a divorce, my being a disgrace to him and his rank and all.  I was hoping when I got out that I’d by then be divorced and he would have moved on but oh no.  The day of my release he was waiting for me, came to pick me up” she went on, now beginning to shiver.  “I wanted to turn around and march right back into that prison” the woman now began to sob and that was it – Collin could no longer play the part of the bad guy.  He now went to her, enveloping Sierra in his embrace at which point she then proceeded to cry her eyes out.

Desperately looking to me for the ok to call this off, I signed to him no.  We had to finish.

“I’m sure that it was nothing you did, my dear.  Marines are all psychos” Collin tried to comfort her but now she quickly looked up at him, afraid.

“What do you mean are?” she demanded and for a moment Collin looked confused, but then understood her distress.

“No – no, Sierra, the Marine Corps is a thing of the past,” he assured her, “but once a Marine, always a Marine – you know that.  There are men who did survive the Apocalypse that were in the Marines, my dear – but you needn’t worry about them” he assured her with a smile as he now lovingly dried her tears.

“Oh” was her meek and embarrassed response as she tried to compose herself.  “You weren’t a Marine, were you?” the woman finally asked for Collin had dodged the bullet of his former career as long as he could.  Sierra, curiously enough, had never pressed Collin about his previous life – nor mine, for that matter.  It was as if the woman thought if we didn’t share our secrets then neither would she.

Smiling down upon her upturned face, Collin laughed under his breath.

“No, my dear, not a Marine.  I was a Colonel in the United States Army – Rangers, to be precise” he revealed and though Sierra was not wholly relieved, she was by a certain degree.  Her suspicion was that Collin had been in the armed forces in the Time Before, but now I knew why she had been afraid to ask outright.  Just in case Collin might have been a Marine.  Her reluctance now made sense – if he was a Marine, she would have felt more than just a bit threatened by my brother.

“All this aside, Sierra – we do need your help, your skills as a hacker” my brother now got back on track.  “There is data we require, you see, and suspect it is buried somewhere in a dusty corner of an old DoD database.  You will help us hack in” he told her and now she just blinked.

“How would you propose I do that?” she now laughed.  “Don’t you have access to it?” was her shrewd inquiry.  “I’m sure the AFA must?”  Sierra now pulled away from Collin, scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes.  “And why would you want to help Aidan get his hands on this data?  Isn’t that like – being a traitor?” was her pointed inquiry.

Releasing a long, low breath, Collin shook his head in disagreement.

“I prefer the term conscientious objector” he corrected her.  “As Aidan said – there’s a lot more at stake here and I am not so narrow minded as to swallow hook, line and sinker what my superiors tell me” Collin made clear, sounding downright insulted.  “Aidan has rebuked quite a few things I’ve been told by AFA High Command.  So, who is playing who, you wonder?  I don’t know, my dear – you tell me.  All I know is that it is still a dog eat dog world out there, and there are some pretty vicious dogs that want to off the rest of us so they can, well… it’s better you don’t know that part.  At least, not yet” he advised her.  Good show, I thought – give her something to look forward.

“Ok, let’s just suppose I can hack in again, even as rusty as I am at hacking.  Then what?” the feisty little thing demanded, which made my brother struggle to suppress a laugh.

“What then?  Well, then Kevin, of course!” Collin announced with a huge smile, rocking on his heels.  “Would you like to make a new friend?  One who is a fellow hacker?” he offered with a wink and now Sierra briefly looked to me.

“And who owns Kevin?” Sierra wanted to know and at least her questions were discerning ones.

“I do, or at least, the AFA does” Collin explained.  “He’s – on loan right now to others, but we will be meeting up with him in the very near future.  Actually, he could probably hack in by himself, but that would be a lot safer, and easier, task if you could help him.  You see, Kevin, in Pre-Time, used to work for the DoD as database programmer.  If you can hack in, then he will know how to navigate through the maze to find the cheese, hmm?”  Slowly nodding, the woman agreed, seeing the sense of it.

“That still doesn’t tell me where you think to get anonymous access” she complained, not wholly on board with this.  Not yet – but Collin was the master of his craft; he’d have her talked into it and soon.

“A remote installation – so remote it’s not on a map” Collin revealed a tidbit to the woman.

“Won’t your superiors know you’re involved?  I mean, you are tagged, aren’t you?” Sierra now accused, looking to me to back her up.

“I was” he countered, holding out his forearm.  A small bandage still covered the incision where the chip had been removed.  “Besides, with what we have lined up, the AFA will think the opposite, but that is as much as I can tell you right now.  Won’t you please help us?” my brother implored.  “In doing so, you will be helping to save the lives of many men who otherwise would be snuffed out.  A certain party wishes to finish off the work they started, which is wiping out most of mankind, save for themselves.  I don’t know about you, Sierra, but I’d like to live a little longer, now that you have come into my life.”  Go for the throat, brother, I considered with an inward grin.

“You mean to tell me that someone did this on purpose?” she now latched onto the realization.  “The plague wasn’t an accident?”

“We don’t believe so, Sierra – and that’s why we need to access the old DoD database” Collin lied through his teeth.  He had no clear idea if it was or wasn’t, but there were other things in play that were of greater import than who had a bug up their ass in the Time Before.  In order to make things happen, as Collin would say, then we needed currency – which was information, and dirt on those who thought that the dirt had been washed away, or at least irretrievably submerged.

Extortion was the name of the game and Collin was an experienced player.  Get him the dirt and he’d make sure that it was used to his utmost advantage.  And my brother had dirt on everyone – but did he always use it?  No.  Most of it he held in trust, one could say – for a day when a heavy price could be negotiated down with the use of such dishonorable barter.

And what did Collin say to this less than tasteful practice?  Whatever it takes to get the job done, was how he would respond.  He wasn’t above extortion.

Sierra didn’t know what to say, this much was clear.

“If it wasn’t an accident, and if… those responsible are still alive” she eventually spoke in a low voice.  “I assume you guys are going do something about that?”  If we could, but not so simple – given if such was the case, then the Unspoken would be impossible to reach, let alone wipe out.  They held all the cards, I was of a mind, but they kept their distance and kept their silence and were almost as much a complete mystery to us now as they had been in the Time Before.

“If it is within our power, Sierra” Collin again obfuscated.  “Are you able to understand why we want your help?”  His semantics were amazing, I considered, admittedly jealous of his talent.  He did not suggest that she could understand why based on what he said – he was simply asking if she was able to, and not even by what degree.  Smooth – he’d have a solid defense later, all based on semantics.

“Yeah, good thing for you guys I miscarried, I guess” Sierra supposed with an awkward shrug, opening the door onto Collin’s next performance.

Glancing down for a moment, Collin then looked up, but away from her.

“Um… yes, about that” Collin said as he now forced himself to look her in the eye.  Because he had been unable to keep steady his voice, Sierra then visibly stiffened.  “You were so ill, Sierra,” he began as she then grew very still, “and were likely to lose the baby anyway…” was as far as he got and now the woman’s eyes widened.

“That stuff Ryan gave me to drink!” she snapped, now craning her head around to where Ryan had been standing, thus far only silent witness.  “No one even asked me!” Sierra now barked at Collin.

“I… ordered it done” my brother spoke, as he had earlier been instructed, to take the fall, but what was that about best laid plans?

Especially when a woman was involved.

“Don’t lie much, huh?” she accused him and then turned fully to face me.  “Aidan” was her one word conviction as she slapped me across the face – and hard.  I could have stopped the glance but allowed her hand to make contact.  “You know, I am not blind – whatever else I might be I can see things quite clearly.  Ryan is your man, Aidan – he would never take such an order from Collin!  And if he did, then he’d damn well get your blessing first, so that would make you equally as guilty.”  I held my tongue for to say one word would only dig myself in deep.

“Oh, sure – neither confirm nor deny” Sierra growled at me, now turning back to Collin who was about to protest but she beat him to it.  “Save it, Collin – don’t try to cover for your brother” she warned him and now broke formation to turn her attack on Ryan.  In transit, Collin and I exchanged a glance.  He signed a single word to me – backfired and then winked, purposely trying to piss me off since he knew damned well that at present I was unable to retaliate.

But there was always later.

“Ryan, are you even a real doctor?” Sierra demanded, on a roll now.  Naturally, he looked to me for permission to speak, to which I nodded, and which also won me a black look from Sierra.

“In the Time Before I studied human pathology,” he revealed, “and received my doctorate from Yale.  In this Time After I studied to become what you might consider a general practitioner.  Herbology, however, has been a lifelong hobby of mine.  I’m afraid this is about as honest as I am able to be with you, Sierra, at present.  Forgive me” Ryan requested as he now dropped to one knee, bowing his head.  It had been no easy thing that I had asked him to do, but he had done as I bade – although he had read me the riot act after the fact and made known his dire grievances.

Spinning about on her heel, the woman now glared at Collin and me.

“I need some fresher air” Sierra grumbled and then stalked off.  I’d let her go.  Quade and Bryan were close at hand – they would shadow and protect her, as well as reel her in should she wander too far.

Once out of earshot, Ryan and I both rose to our feet.

“That went over well, I see” Collin just had to quip and I was sorely tempted to lash out at him.  “I wouldn’t if I were you,” my brother now dared.  “Keep beating me up and you’ll alienate her altogether, brother.  Sierra was none too pleased when she saw those rather colorful contusions you gave me.”

“Same here” I reminded him of the beating he had ordered Eric to deliver upon me.

“Only difference being is that you are now the man in charge – I am without defenses as of late, being woefully outnumbered” he countered, rocking on his heels.  “So, pummel me and you’ll look like the bad guy, which you really are, but you know what I mean.”

“He’s right about that, my Lord” Ryan concurred.  “Sierra grows more attached to Collin by the day” he enlightened us, which won looks of curiosity from both Collin and myself.  Ryan was an independent observer and so viewed things with a nonjudgmental eye.  Collin and I were too close to Sierra and therefore at times leagues away from being objective.

“She also has a great fear of Quade and Bryan” Ryan tacked on.  “The woman is wondering what is worse – going to the AFA, which is where she believed she was going, or with Aidan.  For all your assurances, Lord, she suspects ulterior motives.  Sierra is no simple woman, not by a long shot.”

And so Sierra wasn’t which was why I had decided to keep her in the dark as much as possible.  Too much information and she just might piece things together – or at least, fit the wrong pieces together, which would be equally as bad.

“Well – while you two geniuses debate it, I’m going after her,” Collin announced, “before she strays too far and Quade has to reel her in.  You know, Aidan, to have a woman is a gift straight from God.  Perhaps you might want to start treating the woman as such instead of as if she was one of your Members,” and without asking permission, Collin abruptly turned on his heel and was gone.

Sierra might not have literally been a gift straight from God, but I was beginning to wonder if she was at least, perhaps, a gift.

Aidan would never lie to me – but his omissions were every bit as bad as Collin’s lies.

Again – the two men were black and white, as different from one another as different could be, but in this they often wound up being the same.  Despite their insistence on being bi-polar from one each other.

A trinket, a pawn, a bargaining chip – which was I of these?  All and more?  Not a clue did I have nor did I want to have.  Whatever they were after, the two brothers, it was high stakes enough to decide for me the direction my life would take.  Even as far as that of the life of my unborn child!  Infuriated I was, although I knew it would have been inevitable, the loss of the child, even without their intervention.

Hard choices – that was what survival was all about, though, wasn’t it?

While making a thoroughly vain attempt to sort everything out in my head, there came the realization that I was now being asked to go to work.  Hacking!  Rusty I was, but you never forget how to do something like that – it was like riding a bike.  I was intrigued but also scared.  They candied coated the mission, I was sure, but still it piqued my interest.  I wanted to help, if I could – but I still just wasn’t sure who were the bad guys and who were the good guys.  All perspective, I knew, and so who was I supposed to believe?

I would just have to go with my gut and my gut told me very different things about Aidan and Collin.

Aidan and his men would protect me with their lives – he had said as much and I certainly believed he would, at least as far as he could.  I had a hunch, though, that Aidan would not let his feelings for me get in the way of his objective.

His brother on the other hand?  Collin wanted to do the right thing – for each concerned.  He was not willing to sacrifice me for some ideal.  That’s the impression my gut had, anyway, for what it was worth.

It was like that old Star Trek thing with Spock – the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.  This was Aidan’s cant on things, whereas Collin was more apt to favor the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many.  I had a hunch that Collin still stuck by that old Ranger code, though – no man gets left behind, and certainly not a woman.

Paying no mind to where I was going as I walked along the wash, I suddenly felt a hand take hold of my arm.  As I quickly looked up, my breath caught in my throat – it was the scariest looking of the two men Aidan had introduced me.

“That will be far enough, young lady” Quade decided, restraining me, and a good thing too since I was about ready to take flight.

“Would you mind?” I requested, glancing at his hand where it lay on my arm and though he did obey, it was not without hesitation.

“I will escort you back to Aidan” the man stated, making me sound like I was a piece of property or something.

“What if I don’t want to?” I wanted to know, standing my ground even though I was afraid of him.  Without a word, once again he took hold of my arm but now turned me around as if I was nothing more than a ragdoll.  It took no effort for him to drag me along like I was a disobedient child.

So much for any discussion.

“I’m on my way to see Aidan, it’s no trouble for me to guide you back that way” Quade explained, notably not unhanding me this time.  I tried to shake him off but he only tightened his grip.  “You shouldn’t be wandering out here alone, regardless our protection.”  I was about to ask him why that was, given that we were surrounded by Aidan’s men, but now I saw Collin approaching.  Collin immediately put on the brakes – the man had not been kidding when he told me that Quade gave him the willies.  He was clearly apprehensive but at the same time not pleased to see that Quade had his hands on me.

“I’ll take over from here” Collin said to Quade who ignored him and kept right on walking.  For a moment there I thought that Collin would just let it go, that he was too afraid to do anything about it.  However, as we passed he shot out a hand and dared grab onto Quade’s arm.  Stopping in his tracks, Quade leveled Collin a dread look full of threat and so Collin promptly let go.  “Please, Quade – I can manage the woman.  Can’t you see that you are frightening the poor creature?” he implored and then reached out a hand to me.  “C’mon, Sierra – give me your hand.  It’s ok, Quade won’t hurt you.  I’m sure he has more important things to attend besides babysit you.”  The whole time Collin kept his eyes locked on Quade’s and to my surprise Quade relinquished me to Collin.

Slowly I accepted Collin’s outstretched hand, careful not to make any abrupt movements that Quade just might interpret as making a break for it.  Once my hand was securely in Collin’s grasp he pulled me to him and then slipped his arm round my shoulders.

“Sierra, please apologize to Brother Quade” Collin now shocked the hell out of me.  What the? I thought, thoroughly confused.

“Brother?  Like… the Knights of Columbus or something?  Elks Club?  Moose Lodge?” I asked with a straight face but really felt like laughing my ass off.

“Or something is right” Collin muttered under his breath as he leaned over to speak into my ear.  “Just apologize to the man” he now reiterated, giving my shoulder a firm squeeze and so I thought it wise to just humor him.

“I’m sorry” I apologized, sounding abashed.  Quade considered me for a moment before then bowing in acceptance.

“Don’t let her stray” he ordered Collin and then turned round, following his original trajectory.

Once out of earshot, I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Don’t ever get to feeling cozy” Collin now warned me in a low voice.  “We are constantly watched, do you understand?”

“Well, if Aidan and his men are the good guys, then that’s a good thing, right?” I posed but Collin only shrugged.  “Besides, it’s not like they read lips or anything” I pointed out, trying hard not to giggle but he only blinked at me, though.

“They do – standard training, you see” he assured me as we now started to walk back towards camp.  Like, was he kidding?  Not, it was clear from the look in his eyes.

“Who are they?” I now wanted to know and now Collin stopped, turning towards me.

“Sierra, might I steal a kiss?” he politely asked, the gentleman in him again shining through.  Funny, this brother never before asked permission.

With a nod I accepted and so he moved in, slowly, to then lean over.  Taking my upturned face in his hands, hands which I was dismayed to note were less than steady, Collin delivered an impassioned kiss.  What was that old saying about getting swept off your feet? I thought with a silent chuckle as I allowed Collin to take me away.  He did have an amazing talent there, when he wanted to indulge that side of himself, of course.

Once the kiss had reached its end, however, Collin buried his face in my neck.  Speaking in my ear for only me to hear, I now wanted to burst out in a guffaws of laughter.  If not but for the fact that the man was dead serious in his delivery.

In parting, Collin now smiled as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.  Mixed signals he was giving off.  I had known Collin long enough to recognize that hands stuffed deep in his pockets meant he was greatly troubled.

“Now, admit it – that is much more enjoyable than asking me questions you know I am not allowed to answer, hmm?” he put to me with a grin but I could sense that he had risked much in telling me just who Aidan and his friends were.  Bending over once more to sneak another quick kiss, he again spoke in my ear, barely audible, “If I could make love to you right this moment, I would tell you such a tale as you’ve never before heard.  Don’t let your actions betray you, my dear” Collin concluded with a caution before pulling away.

Feeling fairly flustered, and for more than one reason, I characteristically blushed, casting my eyes down to the ground.

Collin was either delusional or I was.

What he was suggesting spelled out one word in my mind, one word to describe what Aidan and his buddies were all about – crusade.  Collin said that Aidan was on a War of the Cross, and if my memory served me right, that was the translation of the word crusade.  I wasn’t sure where I had picked that up, most likely on the internet somewhere in a distant past.  Probably came up on a Google search – I had used that and Wikipedia to find everything I needed.  Or at least, information that was legal.

Drawing an arm around my shoulders, Collin now escorted me back to camp without another word.  No need for speech since his words had left me dumbfounded.  The Knights Templar!  I would have thought that Collin was out of his mind if not but for the fact that I could feel his conviction.  He did not say much, but the four things he did say left much room for speculation and interpretation.  He said, The Knights Templar, The Brotherhood, The Order, and War of the Cross.  The Brotherhood and The Order I didn’t have a clue, although something told me they were all wrapped up with the Templar thing.

My next consideration was how fast could I melt away into the desert?  Not possible, I knew – and for more than one reason.  Not the least being that I did love Aidan, and Collin as well – in spite of their eccentricities.  Just as I had no desire to get dragged into something so fanatical, I also had no wish to be parted from these men.  God! I thought in distress – it already sounded like a marriage, for better or for worse.  We’d already been through the in sickness and in health thing, so what next?

What came next was several days’ worth of difficult hiking.  No horses so back to our feet – and everything was an occasion for Collin and Aidan to argue.  The gentleman in Collin came out again when he offered to take my pack, but Aidan would not hear of it.  Standing there like an idiot, I just blinked at the man.  Yeah, I was feeling better, but really wasn’t up to hiking with my heavy backpack.  Just as I was about to put up the biggest protest on the face of the earth, Aidan bent to one knee before me, taking my hands in his own.  That was about as much coddling as I would get out of this brother.

“Sierra, make the effort” he told me.  “Always try first – then if you are not able we will more than willingly help.  Often times the way we think we feel, and how we really do, are two different things” was his sage wisdom and although I wasn’t sure he was right in this instance, I nodded my head, sighing in acceptance.

“Ok, I’ll give it s shot, then” I promised, for which he rewarded me with a rare smile.

“That’s my girl” Aidan said, momentarily touching his hand to my cheek before rising to his feet.  Collin looked none too pleased about his mandate but had no choice either – he was in no position to negotiate with his brother

“Can I at least help Sierra lift her pack?” Collin asked permission and though hesitant, Aidan nodded once in agreement.

I was forced to admit that it was not so bad after all, carrying my own pack – although we did have to stop frequently on my account, to take breaks.  Collin always stayed close by my side, lending a hand to steady me when necessary, but was careful not to coddle me.  At least, not when Aidan could see us.

On the second day after we had set free the horses, Quade appeared again, seemingly out of thin air.  We were about to make our way up a ridge when he showed himself, striding right up to Aidan and using sign language to communicate.  Whatever he was conveying, it was damned urgent.

“I’m not wholly fluent in their sign language,” Collin spoke to me in a low voice, “but I’m of the mind that things just got ugly.”  Looking up at him with concern, he nervously stroked my hair.  “Don’t worry, Chiquita – you out of us all will be safest” was his assurance but how could I tell him I didn’t give a rat’s ass about myself?

It didn’t matter since there was no time – Aidan and Quade now walked over to us and I could not stop myself from shrinking away, hiding behind Collin.  This reaction seemed to thoroughly amuse Quade who proffered an evil grin as he looked Collin’s way.

“Trouble in paradise?” Collin quipped, unwisely I thought.  “Wishing you hadn’t kicked me and my tactical support to the curb?” he now dared.

“There’s a squad of Wardens out there” Aidan flatly informed Collin.  “Would you care to explain?”

“Wardens?  What are those?” I piped in, looking around to the men.  Collin looked just as confused as I did.

“Perhaps we should eviscerate your brother,” was Quade’s suggestion, “just to make sure he is not tagged anywhere else?” he posed and now Collin involuntarily took a step backwards.

“I swear that I am not” Collin protested.  “One chip and my Captain-Major removed it.”

“Then what are your brethren doing out here in no man’s land?” Aidan inquired in a controlled voice.  “AFA High Command only sends out its dogs when the stakes are extremely high.”

“Look, Aidan – I have no clue why AFA Wardens are in the vicinity,” Collin began, “but there is such a thing as coincidence, you know.  Neither Eric nor Greg had foreknowledge of the route we were to take, or even the direction or destination for that matter” he assured Aidan.  “They don’t even know what I was after, if I must tell you – so don’t go pointing a finger at me or them.  You have my word” was his firm assertion.

“That’s good for little, as you have demonstrated in the past” Quade interjected and now Aidan made a hand gesture which silenced him.  Collin just leveled Quade a look of loathing but left it at that.

“Change of plans, then” Aidan decided and now he walked some distance away to give Quade his orders – all in sign language.  Once finished, Aidan dismissed him and with a bow Quade soon vanished from our sight.

For a while longer Aidan stood there, looking towards the ridge, before he then came to join us.  Ryan looked nonplussed by all of this – total trust he had in Aidan.  Collin, on the other hand, was not so sure.

Curiously, Aidan signed something to Collin before he spoke.

“New direction” Aidan informed us as he reached into his pocket to draw out a Palm device and you could have knocked me over with a feather.  I had no idea that Aidan carried one of those!  Ok, so the man was closer than close, was my less than thrilled consideration.  What else had he managed to keep from me?  And how was he recharging the battery on that thing anyway?  I hadn’t seen him sporting any solar charger.  Many questions now came to mind, ones that I’d be chewing on for quite some time to come.

“What about Kevin?” Collin now inquired.

“He’ll be redirected” was Aidan’s flat response as he now turned on the device.  He then motioned to Collin to join him so I figured they were probably going to go over maps of the area.  And here I had thought that Aidan was a living breathing GPS!  That it hadn’t before occurred to me, his using some electronic device to plot out our route, made me realize what an airhead I had become during the last seven years.  Lots of stuff made sense now, that much was certain.  And with him knowing I was a hacker?  No wonder he kept his Palm under wraps!

The man didn’t trust me.

Nice.

“Sierra,” Ryan now called to me, diverting my attention from the two brothers, “let’s give them some space” he decided for me and then, reluctantly, I followed the doctor, but not before looking to Aidan for permission.  There was no indication since Aidan was already poring over whatever file he had pulled up on his Palm, so I instead looked to Collin.  With a nod and a flick of his hand, Aidan’s brother sent me off.

And so I followed after Ryan.

Once we were some distance away, we dropped our packs in the shade of a rock wall and then sat down.  Leaning up against it, I then stretched my legs out in front of me as I wrapped my arms about me.  What else could go wrong? I wondered in dismay.

“You must trust to Aidan” Ryan opened up the conversation, much to my surprise.

“Like I did with my unborn child?” was my testy response.  “Great protector he was there.”

“That would be deserved, I suppose, since you don’t have a good understanding of what Aidan is trying to accomplish” was his acceptance.

“Might help if someone told me” I grumbled in complaint, getting tired and fast of being in the dark all the time.

“He withholds key information from you, for the safety of us all” the doctor tried to explain.  “Should you fall into the hands of the wrong parties” he added and so now had my full attention.  I understood what he meant – didn’t take a rocket scientist after all.  “Sierra, you are foremost in Aidan’s mind, but you are not the most important thing.  This doesn’t mean he loves you any less – it only means that he is a man of great responsibility.  Many men are depending on him.”

“You don’t like Collin,” I now abruptly decided to change course, “and Collin doesn’t like you.  Is there a reason for that?  Or do all AFA personnel and you Knights Templar guys hate each other?” I threw out on the table and now Ryan just looked at me before glancing over to where Aidan and Collin were in the midst of a heated discussion.  Luckily they were out of earshot and distracted as well.

“For one, Aidan’s brother can’t keep his mouth shut,” Ryan stated, “even when ordered to do so.”

“What are you going to do?  Run to Aidan?” I taunted but Ryan was unmoved.

“I should,” he made known, “but there’s been enough contention between the two as it is without inciting a knock-down-drag-out” the man spoke truth.  “You need to tell Collin to leave you out of his spats with his brother.  It would be … unhealthy for him to do so otherwise.  Do you understand me, Sierra?”

“You I understand.  What I don’t understand is the whole…” I began but he was quick cut me off by reaching out to take hold of my arm.

“Not one word are you to say about whatever Collin told you” Ryan made clear in a low voice.  “Not when Aidan is around.  He holds his temper in check, but he is never far from reminding Collin of his place.  Aidan’s brother makes a hobby out of trying to goad him – this you should remember.”  He was right – since Collin was always making jabs at Aidan.  In a way, it reminded me of the guards at Buckingham palace – and Aidan was one of those guards that the tourists always tried to make move or laugh.

“You’re very fond of Aidan, aren’t you?” I prodded, now just plain getting nosy.

“He’s been like a father to me” Ryan actually answered, something I did not expect.  “Aidan is a great man – you have only scratched the surface of who he is.  If I were you, I wouldn’t put much stock in the stories Collin will tell you about his brother’s CIA days.  Collin can’t match up to Aidan so therefore tries to tear him down.”

“And the rest of you do a fair job of trying to make Collin look like a scumbag” I bitterly accused.

“Eye of the beholder” was his final response and now he was on his feet.  As I looked up, I saw Aidan and Collin heading our way, packs on their backs and so already it was time to leave.

“We must travel a more difficult route” Aidan announced as I struggled to get my pack on my back.  Without asking permission, Collin quickly came to my aid.  “No, we’ll take turns carrying Sierra’s pack” he now decided.  “We’ll make better time if she is not burdened.”

“I’ll take first turn” Ryan now offered.  “I’m younger” was his common sense reasoning.

“You’ll get no argument here” Collin grumbled for Ryan was certainly a lot younger than either Aidan or Collin.  The doctor was about my age – an apparently a genius since he had gotten his doctorate in the Time Before.  This meant that he had to have been in this teens at the time.

“Thanks, Ryan” I said with gratitude as he relieved me of my pack.  Collin then slipped an arm around my shoulder as he smiled down upon me.

“Long haul” he said with heaviness.  “If you feel dragged out, remember – you can ask Ryan for a pick-me-up.  He is a most excellent herbologist, my dear.  Ryan has a concoction for everything” Collin informed me and then suddenly realized what he had said.  “Forgive me, Sierra… I… I’m an idiot.”

I was not interested in drinking any more concoctions after the last one Ryan had given me, the purpose of which had been to abort my unborn child.

“That’s ok, Collin – I know you meant well” I returned.  As we got underway, I reached out to take Collin’s hand in mine, a simple act which brought out a warm smile in the man.

And so holding hands like two love sick teenagers, we followed Aidan with Ryan bringing up the rear.

As the day drew to a close, the colors of the westering sun played out in a riot of hues across the desert, heralding the twilight time to come.  We did not stop for the night, however – since the moon was nearly full and on the rise we continued on, changing not only our direction but also our game plan.  We would now be traveling under the cover of night as long as possible, which well suited Aidan who seemed to love the darkness hours.  And I had to admit, I also loved walking at night.  It was an enchantingly eerie world in the desert under light cast by the moon.  I would have greatly enjoyed it if not but for the fact that our premise for doing so was to elude those who would hunt us.

Never a dull moment, I considered, hoping for the best as I mentally prepared for the worst.

“Look, dude – I only do what I’m told!” was perhaps my risky protest, one which was probably like way stupid if you took into account that I had the tip of Quade’s blade thrust up under my chin.

“Do you now, Master Geek?” Quade laughed under his breath.  Fine, the guy hated me, I hated him – next question?

I had not even made it as far as the safe house when Quade and his sidekick thug were upon me.  Bryan was my nemesis in more ways than one and the dude was totally enjoying my discomfort.  I thought I was toast – literally, but Quade did not knock me around all that much.  Probably had orders from Aidan to go easy on me.  After all, break my fingers and I wouldn’t be much use hacking.

“Well, Captain Wong, you have a new destination” Quade happily informed me, grinning like a shark and now circling like one too while Bryan just looked on.  I swore that I would never forgive Collin for offering me up as an exchange hostage.  If I had thought it tough to fit in with the AFA, then it had been a million times harder to be held captive by The Order and not lose my mind.  Religious nut cases, the lot of them.

I could only pray that this mission would end my term as hostage.  Greg had assured me that Collin, via himself and Eric, were working on my release and had made some headway.

Good luck, guys, I thought, disheartened.  No one, but no one, played hardball with The Order and lived to tell the tale.  The only one who could come close was Collin, and even then he was treading on one hell of a thin layer of ice these days.

“Like I said, dude – I do what I’m told, I go where I’m told” I reiterated.  “So, just give me some GPS coordinates and I’ll be on my not so merry way” I tried to assure the shark, anxious to be away from this great white and his piranha sidekick.  Now stopping his circling, Quade grinned at me.

“Sure” he said to then promptly rattle off the coordinates.  Now fumbling for my Palm I punched in the numbers and then dropped my jaw.

“Weak, dude” I complained.  “Could Aidan have picked any place more remote?” I grumbled.  “Or harder to get to?”  Looking up at Quade, the shark was no longer grinning and so I thought it might be a good idea for me to just shut up.

“You have exactly one week to get there, Master Geek” Quade now informed me and like – did Aidan think I had sprouted wings or something?  “I suggest you get a move on, Captain.  If you tarry, beware the cattle prods” was his caution and then with a bow of respect, he made his exit.

Amazing – derogatory and respectful all at once.  I swore I’d never get used to it.

Ok, ok, Kevin – think.  It’s getting dark, you’re tired, hungry and now you have to worry about assassins prodding you in the butt if you take too long.  That was probably an idle threat, but with Elite-Assassins you just never could be too sure.

Well, I’d probably die first anyway, I laughed to myself – out loud no less.  I did not have enough water to make it that far!  And I sure as hell would bet the cattle prods weren’t going to come to my rescue in that capacity.

Plopping my butt down on the ground, I started pulling up lists of AFA water drops.  To my relief there was one not all that far out of my way.  That was the good news.  The bad news was I couldn’t be sure if there’d be any water.  Often times these drops were either depleted and not yet replenished, or they had been pillaged.

There were other water drops along my route, but were way out of the way.  At least, out of the way enough to seriously delay my arrival at the new coordinates Quade had just given me.

Powering down my Palm, I looked around, uncertain.  Time was wasting, of this much I was certain, though, and so scrambling to my feet I hefted my pack.  There was more incentive to arriving on time than just getting my throat cut if I didn’t – there was a fellow hacker to meet.  A female fellow hacker no less and I was actually surprised that they had clued me in to this detail.  It was logical, I supposed, since I needed to do some research into who this mystery hacker was.  Collin and Aidan at least understood the benefit of my being well informed.

As I now jogged along in the fading light, I reviewed in my mind all the things I had learned about the woman.  She was no stranger to me, however – at least, in Pre-Time I had known who she was, although only by her hacking handle, which was Klaatu.  Some things about her fit, others did not – it was like a puzzle with jumbled up data.  The facts that were out there in cyberspace did not fall in line with what I remembered, at the time, about this white card hacker turned black card hacker.

Well, if I was fortunate enough to reach my destination without getting killed, then I might just have a chance to sort fact from fiction.  Naturally, with the hacker being a woman, this was even more incentive for me to get my tail there on time.  Aidan wasn’t going to wait around for me, after all.  Which would not matter if it came to that, since I was of the mind that Aidan’s thugs would just do me in.  They weren’t joking – assassins never did.

Over the course of the next week, I hustled my ass through the desert – grateful that I had at least taken on extra food bars at my last stop.  I knew that nothing ever went the way it was supposed to and so I always tried to have a contingency plan in place.  The water was a sore point, though – so heavy to carry that this was the one thing I didn’t have in excess.

Amazingly enough, there actually was water at my choice of water drops and so I was practically dancing with joy.  Filling my camel packs, I then drank my fill before hitting the trail again – or rather goat path, and often no path at all, having to rely on my GPS and topographical maps of the area to guide me through.

The only time it got dicey was when I had to cross old BLM roads that were still in service.  These were often watched and so I crossed them at night whenever possible.

A few times I spied activity in the distance, but thankfully was able to make myself scarce.  I just kept dodging those bullets one by one and before I knew it I was closing in on my destination.  However, I was running late and was not going to make it on time – I’d be a day late.  What did this mean?  Damned if I knew.  Aidan would either wait or not – and if not, well, then no one could guess my fate for certain.

I had learned a long time ago to never second guess The Order, or even bother trying to first guess them.

With this thought in mind, I pulled out my Palm and checked the coordinates.  There was always a degree of variation with the GPS but I was pretty much spot on, which was in the middle of nowhere.  It was day eight and so standing there I had a sinking feeling that Aidan had moved on, not bothering to wait for me.  And why should he?  He had a new hacker to do his work for him, and one a hell of a lot better looking than me.  But Collin would have fought Aidan on the point of not waiting.  After all, Ranger code – leave no man behind, and with Collin this pledge wasn’t just for show.

It was probably the guy’s best quality – the welfare of his men always came before his own.

He did need me, though, Aidan did.  His thug’s threat about me not getting to the rendezvous point on schedule was only intended to make sure I wouldn’t take my sweet time.  This was a safe enough assumption, but here I was and the day was getting old and I had no clue what to do.  The thought crossed my mind that Aidan had gotten delayed, but I trashed the notion as soon as my mind gave birth to it.  Aidan was never late for anything.

As I stowed my Palm, I felt a hand grasp my shoulder and so then I jumped right out of my skin.

“A little jumpy there, Kevin?” Aidan addressed me – a.k.a. the Assassin.  That’s how Collin’s brother was known among the Brothers of The Order, as just the Assassin, with a capital A no less.

Spinning around, I saw him standing there, alone.

“You’re late” he brought to my attention in that surreal voice of his, a voice as spooky as the man himself.  I could only pray that he was not thinking about doling out punishment for my being tardy.

“Hey, Aidan” I said in return – not exactly a proper greeting but he had caught me off guard.  “Yeah, late… well – had to make a stop for water” I tried to excuse myself as I took several steps backwards.   Looking around, I did not see anyone else and so now really began to worry.  Nothing would have made The Order happier than to see me meet with an untimely end.  If they could not possess me then they would rather see me removed from the picture – altogether.  My delinquent arrival would reckon as justification to off me, regardless the fact that the AFA held Aidan’s niece as a counter-hostage.  Great Good, after all – The Brotherhood’s number one mantra, naturally.

Aidan did not say a single word, however, in response to my excuse.

“I’m sorry, Aidan” I now added, having no clue what else he wanted to hear me say.

“Apology accepted, Captain Wong” he returned with the hint of a grin and then added a bow of respect.  “Would you now care to join us?” the Assassin asked and it was hard to tell if he was being factitious or not.  I decided he was.  Everyone said the Assassin did not have a sense of humor but I’d have to argue that point.  The dude most certainly did, it was just like way subtle, and often really dry or twisted, and usually super dark.

“Yeah, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting” I apologized again, just for good measure.  “Thanks, though – it was getting a little spooky out there.”

Aidan now signaled to his left, raising one hand, and then after a few moments I saw three figures emerge from the brush.  Collin, Ryan and – ok, now my jaw just plain dropped.  Midget was the first word that came to mind when I saw the female hacker.  My second consideration was that this was not what Klaatu was supposed to look like.  My last thought was a prayer to God that she couldn’t tell what a woody I was starting to get just by looking at her.  She was drop-dead gorgeous no two ways about it.

I could work with that, I thought – no problem.

“If your grin get’s any wider, Captain Wong,” Collin called out to me as they closed the distance, “then your head is going to fall clean off” he predicted and so promptly I stopped grinning – or rather leering – at the beautiful hacker.

“Uh, sorry about that” I apologized as they came to a stop and now I promptly took off my hat.  Suddenly remembering my manners, I bowed to Collin first, since he was my CO, and then to Aidan and Ryan, and lastly to the byte-sized hacker.

“Sierra, this fellow hacker is Captain Kevin Andrew Wong, TechStaff, AFA” Collin introduced me.

“My pleasure, ma’me” I returned.  “Glad to meet the legendary Klaatu” I said and in return the woman offered me an open smile at my use of her hacking handle.  My CO and Aidan, though, exchanged a curious glance when I called her Klaatu.

“What’s your handle?” the woman asked, now thoroughly interested.

“I doubt you’ve heard of me, although the handle was commonly used – it’s Hack_Man” I told her but she nodded, slowly, chewing on the name while searching her memory.

“Fascinating” was Aidan’s dry commentary.  “If you two geeks wouldn’t mind?” he prompted and then turning round he was on his way.

“No rest for the weary” I grumbled under my breath as I put my hat back on.

“No pleasure hike like you are accustomed when I’m in charge” Collin grunted.  “Glad you are with us, though, Master Geek” my CO actually said something kind for a change.  We did not exactly get along all that well, but he valued my skills and so compensated me well with gratuities.  “Don’t get too friendly with your fellow hacker, hmm?” was his caution to me, one delivered with a threatening look.  Now slipping his arm around Sierra’s shoulder, he leaned over to kiss the top of her head and the look on his face was unmistakable.

And Collin was in way too good of a mood given the circumstances.

Greg was right, I now decided.  Collin had fallen in love with the woman.  Not lust like I had predicted.  So short a time seeing the two together, and it was already obvious to me.  The dude hadn’t been kidding when he cautioned me that I needed to cool it when I met Sierra.

Falling in behind Sierra and Collin, I walked alongside Ryan.  He might have been Order, but was an ok guy regardless.

“Not such a bad place in line” I said under my breath to Ryan who then quietly chuckled.

“Yeah, I know what you mean” he agreed and even though he had a woman, that didn’t mean he was blind.  This hacker chick was a whole different creature than Amanda.  Where Amanda was a leggy thing, tall and stately, this girl here was short, petite and curvy.  Walking behind her was enough to put me on cloud nine for the duration of the trek, with lots of fantasies parading through my mind, guaranteed.

A long trek we had, no less, by the end of which I was stumbling along like a drunk.  Aidan, of course, just had to make up for lost time.  And what say did the baggage have?  None.  Now I knew how poor old Samwise Gamgee felt in those Tolkien books.

After several days, we finally reached a safe house – one maintained by the Order, which was easy to tell even if I hadn’t already known about this place.  It was totally hidden from sight, blending in superbly with its surroundings.  The Order had gotten darned good at that, I knew.  Whereas the AFA used mostly pre-existing structures, which were booby-trapped to the hilt with monitoring devices, within the building as well as without, The Order would instead spy out suitable natural structures, caves and the like.  Their craftsmen would covertly turn these into damned nice places of haven.  They were booby-trapped, too, but nowhere near as heavily as their AFA counterparts – their concealment was their protection for the most part.

Sierra was thrilled to get off her feet, and even more thrilled to explore the structure of the safe house.  It was a pretty amazing thing, this one, I had to hand it to The Order there.

Taking a load off while Sierra marveled at the unique craftsmanship, Collin took careful note of her comments.  I knew the man well enough to suppose what he was thinking.  He was filing away her likes and dislikes, to use at a future date.  Collin remembered stuff like that, usually dragging it out when it came time to bestow a special favor upon one of his men who had done an outstanding job.  The favors were always as unique as the men themselves.

The big question was – how was Collin going to ultimately get Sierra away from Aidan?  That there was a struggle going on here I already knew, but even if I hadn’t it was obvious now that I had joined them.  Greg warned me about the tug of war between Collin and his brother for the affections of Sierra.  Tug of war?  Maybe, but Sierra favored them both and wasn’t that just a bit freaky?  Collin I could understand, but Sierra being sweet on the Assassin?  She obviously had no clue what Aidan was all about.

Come to think of it, she was better off, otherwise she would have been wigging out big time.  Some things were best left in the trash bucket.

Rummaging around in my pack, I pulled out one of the spare Palms I had been dragging with me.  Greg told me in his email that Sierra had no such device, which kinda blew my mind, so I thought to give her one.  Of course, I first got the blessing of Collin and Aidan.

“Hey, Sierra” I called out, motioning to her to come take a load of by patting the floor next to me.  Collin had his butt parked on a bench near the entrance and so had a good view of us.  The man sure was protective of her, that much was inescapable.

We three were alone since Aidan and Ryan were outside somewhere, having a discussion, probably with the great white shark, Quade, and his playmate, Bryan.  So I figured it was a good time to see if Sierra was up for my offering of the Palm.

“I was wondering if you could take this off my hands?” I said as she sat down, and the woman was eagerly eying the Palm.  “Tired of lugging it around – it’s just a spare” which was a lie but I didn’t want her to think I was vying for her affection right along with the twins from hell.  Before accepting, Sierra was quick to look over her shoulder at Collin, for permission.  The man had her trained well, it was obvious.  With a nod and a warm smile, he gave her leave and so she accepted the Palm.

“Your logon is Klaatu and password is this” I said, showing her on my own Palm what it was.  Long she studied it and I had no doubt that she already had it memorized.  With a nod to indicate she got it, she then tapped it into the Palm, smiling.  Yeah – she memorized it alright, and it was a long and ugly password no less.  The memory of a hacker was an amazing thing, I had to admit.

And she wasted no time diving right in.

“Wow – thanks, this is great, Kev” she said, choosing a nickname for me.  Hardly anyone ever called me Kev.  “Whoa – hot spot?  Here?” Sierra asked, confused, as she glanced up at me.

“Oh, yeah, up top – solar powered” I explained.  “I… took the liberty of setting up the Palm for you, and access to our network.  Low level security, but you just gotta promise not to hack the good guys, ok?”  Looking up, she laughed but then just as quickly frowned.

“I haven’t figured that out yet,” she now grumbled, “who the good guys are, that is.  Can I hack this hotspot?” Sierra asked and now Collin laughed out loud.

“Go for it, my dear – let’s see if you are better than Aidan’s geek” Collin said with a huge smile, adoration for the woman written all over his face.  She paid him no heed and dove in anyway.  Smart man, my Commander.  He knew that giving her a Palm would keep her occupied for hours on end, and so this reasoning was probably how he got Aidan to also agree to my giving Sierra such a gift.

While Sierra tapped away, Collin motioned to me to join him outside.  Now what? I wondered.  So much for rest, I considered as I got to my feet.

“I’ll be back in a bit” I excused myself to my fellow hacker who only nodded in return.  With a weighted sigh, I went to see what his majesty wanted now.

Once outside I found Collin some distance away and I could not ever remember seeing my slave driver look so damned happy.  Well, if I had a woman, then I’d probably be donning a shit eating grin, too.

“So, geek-boy – isn’t she something?  Hmm?” Collin asked and was that why he had ordered me out here?  To brag?

“Yeah, Sierra is great” I agreed, but like – what did he expect me to say?

“She is at that” the man returned, rocking on his heels and if he didn’t cool it I was gonna deck the dude.  “I’ve got some leverage I can use to secure your release” he now abruptly changed lanes.  Yes! I thought with immense relief – Greg had been right again.  “Sierra will need a new friend more than The Order needs you as an exchange hostage.  I’m… sorry that it has taken so long, Captain, but I think you understand the necessity behind the agreement I was forced to make with The Order.”  No, I didn’t but what did it matter?  I was just a grunt, after all.

“Just tell me that I don’t have to go back to The Order once this gig is done and I’ll be your friend for life, dude” I assured him, which won me a cross look.  “Uh, I mean Commander” I quickly corrected myself.  “Sorry – dead on my feet” I now apologized.  I seemed to be doing a lot of that lately.

“Give me your Palm” he requested, holding out his hand and I just blinked.

“You don’t know how to use it” was my assessment of his dismal Palm Pilot skills.  Collin had irritated me to no end by insisting on using a Pocket PC instead.  “Where’s your PDA?” I now asked, hoping he had lost the damned thing.  That way I could tell him that we were fresh out of replacements so he better get used to a Palm.

“I surrendered it to Greg upon our parting of the ways” Collin informed me and now a lot of shit made sense.  No wonder he had been out of contact!  “Open up a text document and then give it to me” he growled.  “I think I can at the very least type” Collin asserted but I was not about to argue.  His agility with the small devices was poor at best but right now he was unwilling to dictate, which was what he normally would have done.

Shaking my head I did as he commanded and then handed him the device.  It would at least keep him off my back for a while.

“I’m going to go take a nap” I said which got me a black look this time as he peered up from his tapping.  “Maybe not” I mumbled and so just waited for Collin to finish.  It was not all that long before he handed the Palm back to me, with the text document still open.

“If you have no problems with what I am suggesting in that document, then at first opportunity paste it into a communique and send it off to General Karloff” he said.  Standing there with his hands clasped behind his back, this body posture meant that he was dead serious – the guy wasn’t dicking around.  Looking down at the Palm, I read what he had typed and I must have turned white.  “You ok there, Kevin?” Collin asked and so looking up I tried to find adequate words to respond.

“That’s a stretch” I finally said, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Well, if you’d prefer, just delete it and we’ll forget all about this exchange” Collin posed.  The man had not been kidding when he said that Sierra needed a friend.  However, I did not think he meant an old friend.

“I only knew Klaatu by reputation” I made clear.  “I never actually interacted with her, you know?  I only knew a hack who had once met her.  So, to suggest that we were acquainted in Pre-Time?  Man, I don’t know Collin – like I said, that’s a real stretch.”

“Sure it is, but you knew that her handle was Klaatu” he reminded me.  “I didn’t stumble across that, and neither did Greg, for that matter.  And if it got past Greg?  Well, that says a lot right there – it means it got expunged from the records.  Even Aidan didn’t know her hacking handle.  Why this was deleted from the data records begs several interesting questions, ones for which I would like you to find answers.  Who expunged it and why.

“Do you think there will be a problem befriending the comely little hacker?” Collin now directly asked of me.  What a fucking stupid question.  “Try to get in her pants, however, and you are a dead man – but I think that should go without saying?”

“Uh-huh” I returned, still in a daze.  “I don’t get it, though – what makes you think that General Karloff will go for this?  And why are you going over General Hastings’ head?” I just had to ask.  Being the poor soldier that I was, even I knew that it was bad form to go over the head of one’s own commanding officer.

“To piss off T.C.?” he grunted in supposition.  “I don’t trust General Hastings any farther than I can throw him, you know that.”

“And like – you can trust General Karloff?” I asked in disbelief.

“Well, let’s put it this way, Master Geek – I think General Hastings has been withholding quite a few pieces of knowledge from General Karloff” was his suspicion.  “If nothing else, this will stir the pot – and trust me, the AFA will cough up something in exchange for getting you back.  Something The Order wants and needs, since you will be too busy working with Sierra.  Caspica?”  Oh, yeah – I understood, alright.

“One question – how on earth are you going to keep The Order from laying claim to Sierra?” I asked the only question that really mattered and now Collin laughed.

“Grand Head Sokolov and my brother aren’t exactly buddy-buddy” he stated matter of fact, which was truth.  “Again, just a matter of going over Aidan’s head.  Karloff and Sokolov will have an interesting conversation, I am certain – and let us not forget, The Order is all about Greater Good.  Aidan is the one who wants to bring home the prize that is Sierra, but his Master the Grand Head might not be so eager, eh?  Another woman would be a real feather in Aidan’s cap since my brother’s raison d’être is to depose the Grand Head and claim the title for his own.  It’s been a long time since any woman has been found, after all.  Aidan would become a downright hero.”

“Deep, dude” I chuckled.

“I am smarter than my brother, always have been” Collin boasted.

“Aidan will nail your ass good if he finds out that you were the catalyst, though” was my two byte reminder, like Collin should need one, though.

“What is life without risk?” Collin posed along with a grin and a wink.

“Aidan can always disappear with her” I now played devil’s advocate but Collin sternly shook his head.

“No – his sense of duty is too strong,” he argued, “and even if the improbable happened and he did try to take off, Sierra would have a fit.  She’s terrified of Aidan’s men, and by the day she becomes more attached to yours truly here.  The more friends she makes on our side the better for us.  She’s already met Eric and Greg and has seen that my men aren’t devils, and now she knows that my head geek is barely a soldier at all.  We’re just normal guys, by all accounts – well, except maybe for Eric.  He drinks tea instead of coffee – something not right there” Collin said with a straight face but then laughed.

“So – if you are willing to become Sierra’s best friend and confidante, then insert what I wrote into a communique and send it off to Karloff for me” he said and like, gone.  I had already encrypted it with Collin’s seal and away it went.

“Done” I said.

“Good – now, first step is to talk to her about normal things” was his instruction.  “Tell her about my base, the men there, the crazy stuff that goes on – the gossip, in other words.  The more normal you can make us look, the more like religious fanatics The Order will appear.”  That was funny, since Collin was one hell of a religious fanatic himself.  The pot calling the kettle black or some such weird adage like that now popped up in my mind.

“Haven’t you done any of this already?” I now asked, curious.

“No – I’ve been just as clandestine about my affairs as has Aidan” he explained.  “Sierra and I talk about a lot of other things, but I don’t go into detail about my base or my command or even the AFA for that matter.  I’ll leave that up to you.  Anything I can say she would question because of my rank – but coming from a grunt, she is more likely to believe it.  No offense intended, Kevin – you are aware the extent of which I value your skills.”

“None taken” I accepted, even though a grunt was what I really was – my rank of Captain was one of those favors Collin had doled out, since he felt I did an outstanding job.  Or so he had said – I thought it was actually more along the lines of a bribe since not long afterwards I got hustled off to The Order as an exchange hostage.  “What do you want me to tell her?” I now asked, not wanting to get reprimanded somewhere down the road for telling Sierra the wrong stuff.

“Do what you and the men normally do when you get bored – spread gossip” Collin said with distaste.  What a concept – Collin condoning the very thing that tweaked him most.  “And don’t deny that you have your finger on the pulse of my base and the whole AFA – and for that matter far beyond our realm as well.  You’ve got more dirt on everyone than even I do.”  That was a damned fact, too – if Collin only knew, since I had plenty of dirt on him as well.

“Ok – crazy assignment here, but if it means I don’t have to go back to The Order, then you just know I’m game” I gratefully accepted as I slipped my Palm back into my pants pocket.

“As I said at the start – don’t get friendly with the woman in the wrong way, Captain Wong” he now went back to being the hard-ass Commander, his demeanor changing to the one he would sport when there was a seriously tall stick up his ass.  The man had cajoled me, got what he was after, and so was through.

Now if I could just make friends with Sierra and manage to not fall in love with her myself then I’d be doing just fine.  Wait until Greg heard about this – he would be cracking wise for months on end, I could hear it now.

“Dismissed, Captain” Collin released me and so remembering my manners, which wasn’t often, I bowed and then headed back for the safe-house.

Swallowing hard before I entered, I tried to gather up the scattered fragments of my brain.  Just act normal, Wong! I told myself.  Easier said than done, now that she and I were alone.  After all, I didn’t have anyone looking on now.

“Hey” I said as I sat back down across from Sierra, who was concentrating on a task – hacking, I would bet.  “Still hacking this hot spot?” I asked and now she laughed.

“No – circumvented that a long time ago” she said and then suddenly thrust the Palm under my nose, momentarily, to show me her current challenge, and then snatched it away.  Christ on a pony! I thought, trying hard not to laugh.  She really was the fabled Klaatu, no doubt about it.  Still – there were a bunch of inconsistencies I needed to work out about her legacy, but we had plenty of time for that.

“Well, when you get bored hacking that, you can try and hack my test server” I offered and then rattled off the IP address, which I knew she memorized immediately.

“’k – thanks, Kev” she said, distracted, while she worked at breaking into The Order’s network.  “That was too easy” Sierra complained with a pout, as if she hadn’t looked cute enough before.  This was going to be a hard task to master, as Collin would put it, and in more ways than one, I laughed to myself.

“I’ll try your server now – I hope that’s more difficult.  So, tell me… like – how come you AFA guys get hard-on’s when you first meet me and Aidan’s men don’t?” was her rather pointed inquiry.

“Shit – that obvious, huh?  Sorry” I apologized, certain that I had turned eight shades of red.

“What is Aidan?  Brotherhood, Order, Templar, what?” Sierra immediately started to ply me with questions and I just gaped at her.  “Collin told me that stuff but did not go into specifics.”  No shit, since there was no way Aidan would have ever revealed that to her.

“All three” I honestly replied and now she paused, looking up.  Beautiful body, beautiful face and damn!  Those brown eyes were enough to make me want to do anything for her, a small detail which would probably get me into loads of trouble somewhere down the road.  “You forgot Free Mason” I added.

“Collin left that one out” she mumbled.  “I still don’t know who the good guys are” was her complaint and at times, I had to wonder myself.

“Well, girlfriend – there’s bad and not so bad, I guess,” I began, “but I can tell you this – The Order scares the bejesus out of me” was my frank admission.  “They have some Members who will make your hair curl.”

“Oh, like – Quade?” she now inquired, putting the Palm down so she could give me her full attention.  Just like a geek, I thought – since I was like that, too.  If I had my Palm in my hands I’d just keep on fiddling with it.

“So… you met the shark?” I ventured to which she slowly nodded.

“Those guys don’t talk much, huh?” she assessed and yup, they sure didn’t.  It must have been downright painful for Aidan to carry on a coherent conversation with her, since it was clear that Sierra was a chatty thing.

“No – limited vocabularies, I guess” I grunted and then laughed as she did also.  “Look, Sierra – this stuff is just between you and me, ok?  I really don’t feel like having Aidan slice open my throat” I told her and now she narrowed her eyes at me.  Well, if we were going to be real friends, then I needed to be real honest.

“He’s got another side to him” she actually defended Satan-incarnate, but hey – she was entitled to her opinion and one day she’d find out without my having to badmouth the man.

“Yeah, two sides to every coin” I conceded.  “He’s not my favorite person, so let’s just leave it at that.”

“Did Collin tell you it was ok to be nice to me?” she now asked – a discerning thing this little hacker was.

“Yeah… actually, Collin thought you might like a friend” I confessed.  “I mean, you know…” I trailed off, not having a clue how to word what I really wanted to say.

“How magnanimous” she now snipped, getting the wrong impression.

“Hey, the man was trying to do something nice for you” I actually heard myself defending my Commander.  “Don’t read more into it than that, Sierra – really.  I can’t believe I’m going to say this, and I’ll deny it if you ever repeat it, but Collin is an ok guy.  He gives a lot of consideration to those under his command, or in his care.  We don’t exactly get along all that well, age difference I guess since he’s an old goat, but I wouldn’t want to serve under anyone else.  The man gives me the freedom to do my job without hanging over my shoulder… and he trusts me.”

“That’s quite a speech there” the woman returned, now resting elbow to knee and hand to chin.  Sighing, she now softened.  “I know he’s an ok guy, Kevin – it’s just… not knowing what is going on and what will happen to me that’s driving me a little loopy, you know?” she apologized and I could only smile at her.

“Heck, Sierra – I never know what is going on half the time either” I commiserated.  “At least, about whatever objective Collin is working towards.  I just keep my nose in my network and out of his affairs, unless he orders me to get involved, you know?”

“I hear ya” she grumbled and then picked up the Palm once more.  “Thanks again for the Palm – I didn’t realize how much I missed this stuff.  Forgot how addicting it was” Sierra now laughed as she flipped her hair back over her shoulder.  “Let’s see how long it takes me to get into your test server” and with that, she went to work.  “I think you’re an ok guy, too, Kev – even though we just met” was her assessment, one which made me smile – and probably again turn eight shades of red to boot.

“You’re ok, too” I returned and then took out my own Palm.  I didn’t have to hack this hot spot, having hacked it long ago and so was already connected.  I just remotely logged into my test server to watch the logs as Sierra tried to hack in.

And though I knew it would be tough, I had a hunch that she might just get in.

Kudos to her if that was the case – then she was the real deal.  Hacking the old DoD database would be a piece of cake.

Yup – I could sure work alongside this hacker, no problem.  Brains and beauty in one package.  The sad thing was, neither Collin nor Aidan seemed to notice just how smart she really was!  They treated her like, well – a pet or something.

And I was of the mind that somewhere down the road, this lack of recognition that the woman actually had a brain and could think for herself, was going to be to their detriment.

“Hey, Don – thanks for being ready on such short notice” I thanked the Captain.  Climbing into the aircraft, I then closed the hatch behind me.

“To tell you the truth, I was about ready to cut and run when I got the order” the pilot laughed.  “You know that AFA High Command is not my favorite place to frequent, Colonel Jones.”  It wasn’t high on anyone’s list and that was a fact.  “And didn’t I just take you there within recent memory?” he probed, trying to uncover why on earth I would have to make another pilgrimage so soon, but that I would leave unanswered.

With lack of response from me, Don shrugged and then set about the task of getting the light plane in the air.  One would have thought such assignment to be a disappointment to the man.  After all, Captain-Major Donar Jamal Brentwood had once been, in Pre-Time, a Marine fighter pilot, flying speed demons.  And now to pilot small craft?  A Cessna was a far cry from what he was used; however, Don loved flying – period.  If it had wings, or rotary blades, and could become airborne, he was content.  And maintaining the wide variety of craft employed by the AFA was just as pleasurable to him.

Every man needed a hobby, after all, since women were sorely in short supply.

Stowing my bag, I hoped my stay at would be a short one, but when visiting AFA High Command, one could never tell, so luck favored the prepared.  Once my bag was secured, I settled down, leaning back as I closed my eyes.  Time I now had to think about the course of recent events.

Collin had just pulled a fast one which was going to upset a delicate balance.  Intentionally upset it, no less – and his CO, Elite-General Hastings, was pissed.  To go over the head of one’s superior was not a good idea.  Especially when it came to Terrence Cornelius Hastings.  Would my Commander get reamed over it?

No – I would, since Collin was in absentia.

Collin got what he wanted, though – so the end justified the means.  Kevin would no longer be an exchange hostage and Sierra would become AFA property.  And to top it off?  Collin’s daughter Amanda would remain The Order’s sacrificial lamb as an exchange hostage.

Slick, I laughed to myself – but Collin would pay a personal price in addition.  If Aidan ever found out he had anything to do with this?  Well, that was one consideration which I would prefer not to entertain.  However, Aidan and his men had interesting ways of collecting intelligence so it was a coin toss at best.

Fortunately for me the flight was fairly smooth, and so thankfully I was also able to catch up on some much needed sleep.  Being back on base didn’t mean my life was back to normal.  Sure – I wasn’t required to drag my tail around the desert, but Collin’s antics from the field had left both me and Greg scrambling.

Thank you very much Commander.

I was actually considering that perhaps I should go back out into the desert on assignment with Collin.  Looking back on that time it now seemed like a vacation.

Once on the ground at AFA High Command, I instructed Don to wait until I either returned or had word from me that he could leave.  I knew Don – even though AHC was not his favorite place to go, he did look forward to talking to other pilots that would be at the airfield.

Collecting my thoughts, I made my way to the office of Elite-General Terrance Cornelius Hastings.  It would be a private reaming, under the guise of filing a status report.  The thing that had always weirded me out about the General was how much T.C. reminded everyone of Collin, and in more than just appearance.

The two were both of the same stature, same build, even same coloring, except where Collin had green eyes, the General’s were hazel.  Explosive tempers they both had and each had one fairly well-formed of himself.  Maybe it was just a command rank thing, being hung on one’s self, but it was kind of freaky.  They even shared similar ticks and traits.

This is probably why they loathed each other; the two men were too similar.  Who knew for sure, though.  What I did know was that I was forced to play peacemaker between the two men, which carried its own risk.

Arriving at the General’s office, he immediately saw me, no waiting.  Even in this he and Collin were alike – never keep either of them waiting and when an appointment was made you had better damned well show up on time.

I was early – and so would start off on the right foot.  Collin, notably, always showed up late for his appointments with the General, trying to impress upon his CO that he himself was also an important man.

One of these days, Collin would push it too far – and just might have already done so with his latest power-play.

“General” I said in greeting upon entering his office.  After shutting the door firmly behind me, I delivered the man one very formal bow.  He did not say a single word, however – which meant that not only was Collin in deep shit, so was I.  After all, I was supposed to be reining in Collin when he showed signs of getting out way out of line.

“A simple directive, Colonel Jones” General Hastings now began as he leaned back in his chair.  “Are you aware of what your Commander has done?” he asked.

“Yes sir, I was made aware” I returned, trying to keep it as honest and as simple as possible.  For as long as possible.

“And you did nothing to prevent this” he put to me and ok – honest and simple just flew out the window.

“Begging the General’s pardon, Commander O’Reilly sent me packing” I reminded him for the man already knew this.  “This is if I might be so bold as to refresh the General’s memory.  Aidan turned the tables with his coup.  If your faithful servant here had argued the point, I would be dead right now.  I thought you understood the extent of Aidan’s hatred towards me?” I questioned but the General was unmoved.  “I fail to see how I will be able to serve you if I no longer continue to draw breath.”

The man only considered me long and hard before deigning to respond.

“I often have to wonder about that, Colonel” the General remarked, clearly displeased.

“It might be easier for me to do my job if I knew just why Collin is so important,” I dared, “beyond his connection to The Order by virtue of nepotism.”

“And his Oath, don’t forget” T.C. interjected with a grin – like that mattered worth a damn.  Collin would just as soon forget he had ever Sworn to The Order.  However, an Oath to The Order was an Oath Eternal, sworn in Pre-Time notwithstanding, of course.  “You’ve been asking the same question since Pre-Time,” he now reminded me in turn, “and you’ve yet to have your answer.  Why do you keep asking?”

Good point there.

“To gain understanding, General Hastings” was my flat reply but then moved beyond it – I had my answer, apparently.  “I apologize for having failed you, sir” I now got contrite.  “What would you have me do to make amends?”  If he asked me to give my life I would gladly do so, since catering to Collin and trying to keep his ass on track was, well, a royal pain in the ass.  Granted, across the years Collin and I had become fast friends, but at times that just made it all the more difficult to maneuver the man without him becoming suspicious.

“For one, you might try reminding Commander O’Reilly that the AFA is a military institution?” was his rather droll suggestion.  “Although now it will become a whore house – or at least his base will be” T.C. grumbled under his breath.  “The woman was slated to go to The Order from the beginning – and I thought that I had General Karloff convinced of the value in this.  It would be the perfect offering to aid in securing relations with The Order, above and beyond their Head of Assassins being Commander O’Reilly’s brother.  That was, until Collin decided to go over my head, circumventing my authority.

“You wouldn’t happen to know in detail what was in that communique that he sent Supreme-General Karloff, would you, Colonel Jones?” he now got to the point and I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing.  So he needed information from me!  Unfortunately, although I knew that Collin went over T.C.’s head and why, I was not privy to the details – not yet.  I was only given a heads up by Collin, and just the basic context.  Collin was not willing to risk another security breach – not after the last one.  Not that he didn’t trust me, for he did – implicitly.  However, this time he wanted to take extra care, unwilling to risk his brother finding out that he had again sabotaged him.

However, for me to tell the General that I didn’t know would imply that I had lost Collin’s trust.

An avoidance at all costs and thus I would stretch the Truth.

“I requested of the Commander that he not reveal the details” I said, in response to which T.C. now shifted in his chair.

“The reason being?” he asked in a low voice.

“It seems there was a small matter of Aidan finding out that his brother had personally informed AFA High Command discovery of the woman” I explained.  “The Commander suffered severe reprisal at the hands of his brother.  Collin deduced that Aidan had learned the AFA’s knowledge came directly from him.”  Now the General sat up, leaning forward across his desk, studying me at length.

“I suggested to Commander O’Reilly that this time he disclose details to no one,” I continued, “not even to me, of his latest move in the game he plays with the Assassin and The Order.”  Of course, I knew that the General had no way to verify this, but so did the General.

“Indeed” T.C. returned but apparently had nothing else to say.

“Would the General now like to audition my most recent status report?” I asked, wanting to just get on with it.  “Or would he prefer I just email it?”

“Please, Colonel – sit down” the General now gave me leave.  With a wave of his hand, he then leaned back in his chair once more, elbow to armrests and hands pressed together at their fingertips.  “Regale me, if you would” he prompted with a slow nod and now did as I was bade, taking a load off my feet.

And so I gave him my report, after which he then gave me further instruction before sending me on my way.  It was only a painful sixty minutes, thankfully, and the reaming was not as bad as I had thought it would be.

Once out of his office, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The worst of the visit was over; however, it still wasn’t officially said and done until I was in the air once more.  There was other business I needed to attend to while at AFA High Command.  I wasted no time in setting about these chores, as well as making further subtle inquiry on the behalf of Greg regarding the mystery geneticist who had recently surfaced.

Little had I been able I ferret out about this AFA Officer who reported to General Karloff.  Any direct inquiry would be professional suicide.  However, much more disturbing information came to light – at least, of immediate concern.

In passing I overheard mention of Wardens being dispatched – a point of interest, of course, since they were assigned to the most urgent of missions.  This was something I could sniff out, though, without raising any suspicion.  Everyone knew that wherever the Wardens went, confrontation was guaranteed to follow.

Being able to track down my favorite gossip, I was alarmed to learn that these Special Forces had been sent to the same region where Collin was to have been heading himself.

Coincidence?  I thought not.  However, all this attention being brought to bear over one woman?  That was tough to swallow – they were on to something much bigger and this was no lie.

My Commander worked alone, and so these deadly soldiers had not been sent to back up Collin.  Of this much I was dead certain for if he had requested their support then he would have told me.

Making a beeline for the mess hall, I got myself a cup of AHC’s dreadful tea and then sat down to do a little work.  Pulling out my Palm, I first checked my email – there was, to my delight, one from Kevin amidst the rest.  Long time no hear! I thought with relief as I opened the communique, although he did not have much to report and no directives from Collin.  Quickly I replied and asked him if they were aware of Wardens in the neighborhood.  Once encrypted, it was done and gone.

I now took my time, reviewing the rest of my email.  For my primary AFA account, Greg would first filter and prioritize my emails before I even saw them.  Height of efficiency there, I thought.  The Captain-Major was a godsend to Collin and myself – Greg had his hands full fielding the drudgery of routine base business, only forwarding on those communiqués that personally required our attention.  In tasks such as these, Collin always viewed Greg as his page, which was fairly demeaning given Greg’s rank – or one would think.  However, Greg took Collin’s jests in stride and more than willingly catered to our Commander, seemingly without serious complaint.

Not like me, I considered with an inward laugh.  Where Collin considered Greg to be his page, he in turn looked upon me as his squire.  But wasn’t that the Commander all over?  He just had to put some historical twist on everything – the man who would be king.  Although that was to be expected, perhaps.  His hobby, as if he had time for one, was that of history and antiquities – religious history and religious antiquities, to be exact.  Collin was a man in motion – never one to sit still or waste one minute of any given day, but on his time off he could be found steeped in research.  The man had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which made me wonder why he had chosen a military career in the first place.  A scholarly pursuit, like that which his Father had followed, would have better suited him – or one would think.  Even when he was doing research he fidgeted about, unable to sit still for any real length of time.  However, as much as he reveled in losing himself in the past, he also had a great need for physical activity, working out daily and often times to the extreme.

No wonder the guy was built like a brick shit house, as that quirky old adage went.

Tapping away on my Palm, responding to this email and that, I then heard someone address me.

“Colonel Jones?” the greeting was more of a question, and glancing up, I saw an officer standing there – a Colonel-Major.  I did not know this man, but apparently he knew me.  Not one to forget my manners, I was up on my feet, bowing to him.  “At ease” he instructed me and so I relaxed.

“I don’t believe we’ve met, Colonel” I began, wondering who he was and what he wanted with me.

“No – we haven’t.  Colonel-Major Elijah Robert Wasserman,” the Colonel now identified himself, “WardenOps.”  With this I felt my throat tighten.  Either my trusted, favorite gossip was a snitch, or this was just an eerie coincidence.

“What can I do for you, Colonel Wasserman?” I asked as the man motioned me to take a seat, after which he did likewise, sitting down across from me.

“Nothing, really, Colonel – just a social call, of sorts” he said.  “I was told you were on base and so thought to ask how Commander O’Reilly is doing these days.”  Huh? I wondered, really suspicious now.  Collin had never mentioned this man to me – not even in passing.  Granted, the Commander did not tell me everything, but damned near.

My radar told me to just play it cool though.

“It’s been a while since Collin and I have crossed paths” he went on to explain, which explained nothing at all – at least, not in my eyes.

“To be frank, Colonel, I haven’t seen Commander O’Reilly for a quite some time, either – he’s on assignment right now” I informed him.  “Covert” I added in an attempt to preclude any further questions about my CO.  “I will tell the Commander that you were asking for him, however” I did politely offer.  For some reason, though, I felt as if I should know who this guy was.  No matter – I’d have Greg do a background search on him; might even know a thing or two before leaving AFA High Command if I was lucky.

“Thank you, Colonel” he said, now getting to his feet – no idle chit-chat forthcoming, thankfully.  “I’ll leave you to your business” the Colonel said in parting and so I rose also for an exchange of bows and then the man took his leave.

That was downright odd, I thought as I sat back down.  The chance encounter begged investigation, however.

Opening an IRC session, I hoped to catch Greg.  I did, but he was in the midst of something ugly and wanted to know if my request was LoD – life or death, of course.  Being not, he asked that I send along details, which I quickly typed up, encrypted and shot it off to him.  He’d field it first chance, so it would only be a matter of time.

Once fielding the rest of my communications, and the dreadful tea, I was just about to call it a day when an email came in from Greg.  Quickly reading it, he instructed me to log into a secure server to view the results of the search I had requested.  It was an abbreviated version I found, after having logged in, but it was interesting none the less.  There was nothing outstanding about this Colonel-Major, but that was perhaps the oddest thing.

Not that alone, but coupled with the fact that he was one of the oldest survivors of the Apocalypse made for interesting speculation.  In Pre-Time, he had been in the United States Air Force – Strategic Air Command to be exact.  A Colonel he had been then, and now was a Colonel-Major in the AFA.  SAC and WardenOps did not, on the surface, appear to have a lot in common.

Wardens were basically trackers, ferreting out those who would prefer not to be found, those who hid in the vast, empty expanses of the desert.  Which was the impetus for my red flag in regards to these Special Forces being in Collin’s vicinity – that could not possibly have been coincidence.  They could have just been tailing the Commander all along, and it was possible that Collin wasn’t aware they had company – but even that did not hold up.  Aidan’s Brothers from The Order were in attendance and nothing ever got past Elite-Assassins.  They would have discovered, and in short order, that Wardens were afoot in the desert.  Aidan would certainly have called Collin out on the carpet about such a revelation.

Yet Collin had not relayed a single word of this.

So who was up to what?  This was the big question – one Greg would have to work on for me.  Trying to keep Collin out of trouble was a fulltime job – one made increasingly difficult long distance.  A point over which General Hastings had been none too pleased, being of the opinion that I had not made sufficient protest of Collin’s command that Greg and I get scarce.

For a man who hated the Commander, General Hastings sure was awfully concerned about Collin’s safety.  Just one curiosity out of a hundred when it came to Collin – our Commander read like a mystery book there were no two ways about it.  In this, he and his brother Aidan were one in the same.

Packing it in, I made my way back to the airfield.  I had stayed long enough so as not to appear overly anxious to leave – I looked up a few friends, made the rounds, did some work, and now it was time to split.

However, once arriving back at the plane, Don was nowhere to be found.  Great – so much for him obeying orders, I considered with impatience.  He was a valuable commodity, however, and so Collin would tolerate his quirks – which meant I was forced to, also.  The Captain was chatting it up with other pilots no doubt, but normally he did not wander all that far away from the plane.

Glancing around the airfield, I was damned if I was going to chase down my pilot.  Swearing under my breath, I now caught sight of two MP’s heading straight for me.  Damn it!  Don was going to get his ass reamed and big time.  If he hadn’t wandered off, then we’d be taxiing down the runway by now.

While I stood there with my hands behind my back, I waited with a growing sense of dread as the MP’s approached.

“Colonel Jones – come with us, if you would, sir” one of the men said.  “Supreme-General Karloff requires your presence.”  Ok – I was again proven right.  Every time I came to AHC something ugly would go down.

At least this was predictable, anyway.

With a nod of acknowledgement I walked past the MP’s who then fell in behind me.  Only once I had a face-to-face with General Karloff, but I had been in attendance of Collin at the time and so did not have to say a thing.  And even then I had been dismissed by the General only scant moments into the meeting.  Gratefully so, because during that meeting Collin had gotten read the riot act.  It was one of the few times I had ever seen my Commander exit a meeting with his superiors, tail tucked between his legs.

Something told me I might just be doing the same here, and in short order.

Entering the General’s offices, I immediately saw Don waiting in the anteroom.  At least I had my answer as to where my pilot had disappeared – or rather had been summonsed.  Getting to his feet, the Captain was now the picture of formality as he bowed to me.  Nodding in return I walked on passed with a look on my face which was plain enough to read – I’m fucked.  Well, there was nothing to do except answer Supreme-General Karloff’s questions as best I could, and take his directives with stoic acceptance.  If the orders were not to my liking, then there were always ways to manipulate them after the fact.

Right then, however, I was only concerned with riding out the storm.  I had no idea what to expect – dislike through association is what I was betting.  Neither General Hastings nor General Karloff was fond of Collin.

Stopping just short of the General’s door, one of the MP’s knocked, cracking open the door to then stick his head through.  After a moment, he swung the door wide open, standing back to let me pass.  Ok, Jones – here you go, put on a good show, I thought, swallowing hard as the door shut soundly behind me.

Standing on the opposite side of his desk, I bowed very low to the Supreme-General.

“How might I assist the General?” I said in greeting, cutting to the chase.  If there was one thing I did know about Karloff, then this was that the man was all business.  This was the reason why Collin had marginal success in his encounters with the Supreme-General.  Karloff had no tolerance for song and dance routines.  Just the facts – that’s all he wanted.

“Sit, Colonel” he directed me to a chair in front of his desk and so I was quick to obey.  “General Hastings has given me the highlights of your report” he began.  Naturally, I knew that T.C. had not told Karloff everything – not by a long shot, and here was where I had to play both sides of the net.  Karloff had no clue about my arrangement with General Hastings – and neither did Collin, for that matter.

“Does the General require clarification?” I dared suppose his mind.

“Of your report?  No – height of efficiency there” he returned, actually complimenting me.  “However, I was hoping you could give me some insight as to where Commander O’Reilly’s head is at these days.”

“In regards to, sir?” I now played dumb – since I was almost certain it was in regards to Collin having gone over his CO’s head.  How could I objectively field such a question?  Personally, I would have liked nothing better than to see T.C. get his ass nailed to a cross.  On the other hand, he was a known, and if he was removed, then someone else would be pulling my strings, someone who was an unknown.  I preferred the comfort of stable ground, and so would go to bat for General Hastings, while at the same time trying to defend Collin.

“You are aware that Commander O’Reilly went over the head of his CO?” Karloff put to me and so I nodded.

“Yes sir, I am” was my response.

“Can you give any insight as to why the Commander would feel such a need?” the General directly asked me.  Not a lot of room there for interpretation, or poetic license.  To tell Karloff that Collin suspected T.C. of leaking information to the Brotherhood would be to open up one very ugly can of worms.

“No, sir.  Perhaps Commander O’Reilly is trying a new angle” I suggested.  “He has been hoping for a promotion” I stretched the Truth.  Collin most certainly wanted a promotion – however, his latest stunt was not one way he would have chosen go about it.

“Failure to recognize chain of command is no way to buck for a promotion” the General echoed my own thoughts as he leaned forward in his chair.

“No, sir, it isn’t,” I agreed, “but Commander O’Reilly tends to think outside the box” I explained, which was a declaration that would not win Collin any points.  An original thinker Collin definitely was – but that had been a double edged sword for him.  It had gotten Collin as far as Commander-General but that was it.  Once having attained his present rank, the qualities that made this happen were suddenly shunned.  He had hit that proverbial glass ceiling.  The Elite-Generals and Supreme-General weren’t so sure they wanted Collin to advance as far as gaining admission to their very exclusive club.

“Indeed he does at that” Karloff returned, considering me long and hard.  “Tell me about his brother” he now commanded, switching direction as he did a one-eighty on me.

“What would the General like to know?” I volleyed in return, not sure where he was going with this.  I had a long history with Aidan – it came with the territory of having been Collin’s long time friend and brother in arms.

“Your impression of this super spook” Karloff clarified, bringing to mind Aidan’s CIA days.  The man still was a super spook by all accounts.

Not knowing what the General was after, I decided to be as generic as possible.

“Member-Elite and Elite-Assassin of The Brotherhood and The Order,” was my opener, “and High Council Member as well.  That pretty much says it all.  He is The Order’s Head of Assassins and is known within The Order as only the Assassin.  He loathes me, I loath him – what more can be said, sir?”  To this the General grunted, grinning.

“And every bit as ambitious as his brother Collin, apparently” he made note, alluding to the fact, I suspected, that Aidan was going after the title of Grand Head.  Collin had told me he was pretty sure that Aidan was going to make a move in the future to depose Grand Head Sokolov.  Naturally, Collin was not too keen on this possibility, for to see Aidan with total veto power over the High Council of The Order?  That would be a scary thing indeed, and more scary yet would be the fact the Grand Head was what could be equated to Shogun.

This, however, I knew was one of the reasons that Collin had made the dangerous play he had.  With Sierra going to the AFA, in conjunction with Kevin no longer being an exchange hostage, Aidan would lose a couple of feathers in his cap.  The best one being the woman.  To bring back a woman to add to The Order’s stable would have bolstered Aidan’s position; he would have been looked upon most favorably.

God help Collin, though, should his brother find out he had sabotaged him.  Sierra would be Collin’s in the end, and Aidan would have no say in this at all.  He was too strongly bound to The Order to disobey its present Grand Head – in time, however, who knew?

“I would like your personal insight, Colonel” the General now clarified.  “You’ve known Aidan since Pre-Time” was his reminder.

“Well, sir – I can’t say that I know the man to any great extent” I truthfully returned.  “Have I seen other sides of Collin’s brother?  Yes, but I doubt this would be meaningful and would likely not be anything that you don’t already know.”

“Try me” the General prompted.  Good grief, I thought in total dismay.

“He liked to surf” I threw out a crazy one and now Karloff chuckled.

“That I didn’t know” he informed me.  Not understanding how any of this could possibly matter, I went on.

“He and Collin regularly got together to surf when they both had time off.  Aidan also liked fast cars, European sports cars” I added.  “His car-about-town was a white Lotus Esprit – but he had many others he’d drag out for special occasions.  If the General will pardon my forwardness, why not just ask his cousin Seamus?” I inquired.  “You can as easily ask Captain O’Reilly yourself – he is family, has more history, and also has no great love for Aidan.”

“That’s just the point, Colonel – Captain O’Reilly is family” he explained.  “You and Captain MacNamara were outsiders.”  True enough, but I could not possibly see how that would matter in the grand scheme of things.  None of us liked Aidan.  Respect him, yes.  Like him?  No way.

“Yes, sir – and was reminded of it at every turn” I agreed.  “Aidan liked to threaten Greg and myself in any number of ways – being of the opinion that we weren’t good enough to be his brother’s friends.  Yet, for all the contention between Aidan and Collin, their disagreements and inability to see eye-to-eye, they have always loved each other – then as now.  Family is very important to them, especially after the Apocalypse, being so blessed to actually have family members who survived.”

“And yet, Collin attempts to undermine his brother at every turn” he made point, and a rather valid one at that.

“Well, that’s a Brotherhood thing” I laughed, reminding him that Collin was a Member of The Brotherhood, and The Order was well, when you got right down to it.  “Business is business.  Pleasure has no place when it comes to that – even family doesn’t rate.  I’ve seen Collin and his brother have it out, but before they parted ways, they would embrace one another.  It’s hard to fathom at times, but they’ve always been like that.  Aidan would kick Collin’s ass from here to Kingdom Come and after point being made, all was forgiven – on both sides.”

“Indeed – and, so what are we to think about their unusual partnership in this Post-Time era?” he posed, continuing to probe.

“Each is working towards his own goal, each needing the other’s resources, connections and influence in order to garner success” I offered.  “What this will mean in the end?  I really would rather not speculate, General.  To assume to know the mind of either of these men would be a dangerous thing.”

“And given that statement, it would be unwise to draw a conclusion as to why Commander O’Reilly went over General Hastings’ head” Karloff suggested.  “Will Aidan be so forgiving once he learns that the woman is to become AFA property?” he put to me.

“As that old adage goes – Aidan will be madder than a wet hen, General” I predicted.  “However, he won’t let his personal aspirations get in the way of his duty.  In regards to the woman – from what I have witnessed, Aidan, though clearly smitten with the creature, does not put this woman before all else.  To do so would go against the Greater Good.”

“Where as Commander O’Reilly puts the first?” the General posed and I wondered where he gotten that impression.  This I had conveyed to no one.  Collin never let pleasure get in the way of work, but this woman was a different story.  He had fallen in love with the beauty and by the day had been giving greater weight to her needs and less to his own.

She was trouble – no question there.  My hope had been that Sierra would become the property of The Order for Collin needed no such distraction in the pursuit of his objective, as well as in furthering of his career.  I often wondered, however, if he might just be getting back at Aidan for having stolen Miranda from him, back in Pre-Time.  Their eternal brotherly warfare was unbelievable.  However, the way Collin would look at Sierra when he thought no one else was watching?  A man in love without a doubt.

And a dangerous reality at that.

“If he has given such an appearance, then it would be to gain her trust” I offered, a rather noncommittal response.  “You must admit, her skills as a hacker are sorely needed.  Captain Wong gives her very high marks, sir – of a strictly professional nature, of course” I indicated with a straight face.

“Of course” he returned with a chuckle and then went on to ply me with more questions.

To the tune of three hours, no less – during which I continued to walk a tightrope.  Defending Collin’s antics was no easy task – too staunch a defense and I’d look like major suck-up when it came to serving my Commander.  Too little and it would appear that I was not loyal enough to Collin.

With no serious damage, however, the interview reached its conclusion.  I didn’t have any better understanding than at the start what insight the Supreme-General had hoped to gain from me.  Most of what I told him was common knowledge.

No matter, with a bow I then turned on my heel and made my exit, closing the door behind me.

Don was still in the anteroom – apparently not having been given permission to return to the air strip.

“Captain” I said in passing and now Don promptly fell in stride beside me, breathing an audible sigh of relief.

Once out of AdminCore, I then allowed myself the same – releasing a long, low breath.

“My life just keeps on getting weirder” I complained to my pilot as we walked back to the airfield.

“Tell me about it” Don grunted.

“Did you get grilled, also?” I now inquired, but he shook his head.

“No – Karloff just wanted to make sure I didn’t spirit you away” the Captain laughed with unease.  “We talked aircraft for a bit, though” he revealed, to which I raised an eyebrow as I gave him a sideward look.  I knew the General was also a pilot, but to get chatty with a grunt like Don?

Interesting.

“I have no clue what he is on the scent of, and frankly I don’t much care right now” was my candid admission.  “My concern is for Collin – he suspects our Commander is coloring outside the lines more than usual as of late, or so that’s the flavor I get from Karloff.  But what the General is fishing for I don’t know – since I have no idea where Collin’s head is at.”

“Which one?” Don grunted and now I laughed under my breath.

“Yeah, well – both of them, I suppose” I grumbled in return.  “Once we are in the air I’ll feel better.  It will give me time to think.”  With a nod of agreement from Don, we made our way back to the plane – this time without further incident.

After the plane was airborne, I settled in for the long flight which would afford me time to replay in my mind the interview with each General.  Certain that I was missing something important, and I could only pray the revelation did not come after it was far too late to be of any benefit to my Commander and friend.

“Let’s take a break” Aidan suddenly suggested.

That wasn’t at all like the slave driver, I considered – but my brother would get no argument from me.  I was nearly dead on my feet – we all were, save the mighty Assassin.  One would swear that Aidan had been specifically bred for endurance.

“Great – time for a nap” Kevin was quick accept Aidan’s magnanimous offer to slack.  The geek could sleep anywhere, I swore.  Letting his pack slip to the ground, Kevin proceeded to throw himself down.  Once comfortable, using his pack as a pillow, he then covered his eyes with his hat and was slumbering in seconds, I knew.

With a subtle hand gesture to Ryan, Aidan indicated that he was to stay with the geek.  Now my brother proceeded to usher Sierra and me some distance away.

The look on Sierra’s face was plain to read – what now?  I only shrugged in return – damned if I knew.  I was just along for the ride like she was.  My brother was calling all the shots these days.

Not for much longer, though.

All things in due time, Commander – all things in due time, I reminded myself.  Constantly, it seemed.  However, it was the long distance runner who would win the race – but what had I just said about my brother and him being bread for endurance?  Well, to my advantage I was running on a wholly different racetrack than he – the right one.

Once out of earshot of the others, Aidan took refuge in the shade of desert trees along the course of the wash we were following.  Lowering his pack to the ground, he now sat down cross-legged, waiting for us to do the same.

Sierra and I exchanged glances, but otherwise did as we were told, or rather as was inferred.  After all, when it came to my brother, one was expected to be a mind reader.

Always making a conscious effort to keep myself removed as far from The Brotherhood as possible, I did not mimic Aidan’s repose.  Standard fare for Members, sitting cross-legged, and so I instead pulled one knee up under my chin, resting wrist to bent knee.  A subtle protest that wasn’t lost on my brother.

Having learned long ago not to ply Aidan with questions, Sierra sat in silence, waiting for him to begin.  Or not, since it was possible that he could just be taking a break, for all either of us knew.  However, separating us from the others spoke not.

“What do you know about Area 51, Sierra?” my brother finally began and if I hadn’t been able to catch myself in time, then my jaw would have gone slack.

With a subtle flick of my fingers, I signed to Aidan, in a panic – why?  This was nothing I was prepared to recount, nor did I want to recount.

No answer was forthcoming, notably, and so I swallowed hard.  That he should even entertain the notion of bringing up Groom Lake and the Unspoken to Sierra – this forced me step back, reassessing my take on Aidan’s intent.  We had agreed that Sierra need to be more in the know than she was – but this?  My disturbing tale would serve no useful purpose.  On the surface it appeared to be just one more way for Aidan to stick it to me.  He full well understood the trauma my stint at Groom Lake had inflicted upon me, my soul.  Any reason to tear down his little brother, I supposed – although, in Truth, the accusation held no validity.

Aidan could never be accused of being spiteful, of course – or self-serving.

Well, he who laughs last laughs hardest, I tried to reassure myself – and I would have the last laugh.  Guaran-fucking-tee’d, even if it killed me.

Which, incidentally, it probably would.

“You mean, like – Groom Lake?” Sierra now asked and so Aidan nodded in return.  “Aside from the fact it isn’t supposed to exist… not much except the little green men they keep there” the woman said with a straight face, but not for long.  A grin now took possession of her lips – and from ear-to-ear no less.

“No aliens, Sierra – although, you won’t be smiling by the time Collin’s finishes his tale” Aidan countered and as I heard him speak those words, I felt decidedly faint.  I would get him back for this, yes-indeedy I would – but not then, not now.  A purpose to all things, and it was clear that he had wanted my performance to be raw and unadulterated, which was why the prick had not given me a heads up.

“It does exist, Area 51” Aidan began, matter-of-fact.  “Weapons research, among other questionable pursuits, was carried out beneath Groom Lake – and still is.”  Now visibly intrigued, as well as suspicious, Sierra cast me a quick sideward glance before once again giving Aidan her attention.  I was certain that I must have turned white – there was no need for her to hear about the covert operations being carried out there.

“Consensus is that the virus which brought man to the brink of extinction,” Aidan now continued, “was engineered at Area 51, under Groom Lake.  From what intelligence we have been able to gather, a vaccine did exist, but was a work in progress at the time the virus went wild.  First release of the vaccine was reported to have had a very low success rate.  So regardless, it was a coin toss if you would live or die – vaccine or no” he informed her, being careful to stick to facts and safe assumptions.  Sure, why not?  He’d leave the falsehoods to me.

“We have information which indicates that the virus had engineered into it a finite rate of decay.  This meant all anyone need do to survive was shelter in a protected, filtered containment facility and wait out the virus, to later emerge healthy and well.  This is what we surmise the Masters under Groom Lake had done – they laid low while the populace at large drew its last breath.

“In this way, key players would have survived,” my brother went on, “and so could pick up right where they left off.  I have never been to Groom Lake, but Collin has.”  That’s it – my cue to leave and so swiftly I was up on my feet.

“If you two don’t mind, I think I’ll go catch some z’s with Kevin.  I’ve already lived this story” I tried to beg off, but the glancing look from my brother spoke in no uncertain terms that I must stay.

“Brother – you’re the one who keeps asserting that Sierra needs to be better informed” Aidan trapped me with my own words.  “It’s time we told her more about us – to be where we now are in this Time After.  Your ordeal at Groom Lake need be told since it does have bearing on Sierra and her life.”  That dirty bastard!  How could I walk away now?  Looking down at Sierra, she pleaded with those big brown eyes of hers for me to stay.  The woman loved a good yarn – however, this one did not have a pleasant ending and mankind certainly was not going to live happily ever after.

Mine was to just make sure that those who were left upon God’s Earth were not unwittingly damned to Hell for all eternity.

“C’mon, Collin” the sweet creature implored, holding out a hand to me.  “We all went through some pretty terrible stuff just after the bug hit.”  Well – if that didn’t just make me feel like a big sissy.  Running a hand over my face in aggravation and distress, I let it linger there for a moment.  Again looking to the woman, I then sucked it up and accepted her offer.

“Ok, ok – the woos will stay” I grumbled as I sat down next to her.  Now I did sit cross-legged – but elbow to knee, hand to chin, glaring at my brother.  He would get his – I’d see to it, personally.

Since Aidan wasn’t getting chatty, I assumed this meant that I was supposed to start.  A million and one gory stories from my time in military service I would have preferred to recount.  Never had I been able to reconcile why recalling my experience at Area 51 should cause me to break out in the coldest of sweats.  Some questions, I supposed, were just best left unanswered.

“Uh, well – let’s see” I struggled to find a place to start, and so just decided to start at the beginning.  “As kids, Aidan and I were packed off to military schools, a lengthy engagement which finally came to an end when we graduated from WestPoint.”

“You both went to WestPoint?” she wanted to know.  “How did Aidan wind up in the CIA?”  What was this – Q&A time? I thought in dismay, just wanting to get on with it and not have to drag out story hour.

“Marksmanship” I was quick to inform her.  “His unnatural ability for dead-on accuracy had not gone unnoticed.  Thus, the CIA wasted no time in recruiting my brother” I explained, but all the woman need do was think about how Aidan never missed his mark.  It mattered not the method of delivery, either – he was as proficient with rifle, handgun, knife, bow or any other lethal weapon.  Truth be known, it was downright freaksville.

“So we went our separate ways, but always kept in touch, especially over the holidays” I pressed on.  “Some rather disturbing rumors had reached Aidan’s ears, about events that might soon come to pass.  During a family get together, Aidan suggested that should there be a wildfire outbreak then the two of us should plan on meeting somewhere.  You know, on the off chance that we might both survive.  Never being one to pass on insider info from Aidan, or even innuendo, I agreed and so we chose a location.  One which wasn’t all that far from Groom Lake, incidentally – a place from our childhood where we had been several times with our Father” I informed her but then fell to silence as I tried to find courage to go on.  I was just going to have to diminish the hell out of my accounting, that’s all there was too it – else wise I’d never make it through unscathed.

“I really have no desire to recount my experience, after the outbreak” I at least made one attempt to defer, as feeble as it was, but Aidan’s eyes didn’t soften.  He only patiently waited for me to continue, as did Sierra.  The concern for me to be read in her eyes tore out my heart.  What a precious creature! I thought in dismay.  So concerned for me, even after all the duress I had caused her.

Oh, well – no time like the present, I considered with resignation, and so now I cleared my throat.

“I just happened to be in Nevada when the plague hit, lucky me,” I began with an awkward laugh, “and I remembered what Aidan had told me about meeting at the canyon near Groom Lake.  I thought it was a long shot, but perhaps if I survived, then maybe he did too – Aidan being my twin, after all” I now let drop a small detail to which Sierra had not been previously been made privy.  The woman just blinked at me and then looked at Aidan – and once again back to me.

“You have got to be shitting me, right?” was her less than respectful challenge.  Naturally, this won her a look of disapproval from Aidan who had no tolerance for women spouting profanity.

“Fraternal twin” I clarified for her and now she just mouthed an O.  “Go on, say it – everyone does so why not you too?  How can we be twins, when we don’t resemble one another, not one iota, I know, I know” I mumbled, expelling a sigh of impatience.

“Who’s older?” her curiosity now spoke up.

“Huh?  Oh, Aidan – by three crummy minutes” I complained.  “So you see, technically, he really is my big brother” was my testy concession but then quickly pressed onward.  “Anyway, I had no idea if I would find Aidan at our agreed rendezvous point.  Curiously enough cell service went down about as quickly as the plague itself – a suspicious footnote, really.  So having no way to contact Aidan, I set out.  I grabbed my PDA and GPS, as well as some maps in case GPS service tanked, and once my gear was packed I was gone.

“It took me a long time to get there, though,” I continued my tale.  “I could not just walk away from the dead and the dying there in Las Vegas – I’ll spare you the gory details of that journey, though” I excused myself, clearing my throat again.  That had been one grueling odyssey since yours truly was on leave in Vegas at the time and drunk as a skunk for the entire duration of said leave.  Not exactly at my best when I had been put to the test, that’s for sure.  My story, though, would not have differed much from Sierra’s, or that of anyone who had fought their way out of a huge population center with hundreds of thousands, even millions, of suffering people.  Pretty damned scary no matter who or what you are – oh, unless you happened to be Aidan, of course.  Nothing fazed my brother.

“En route, I was drawn by a bustle of activity in and around the region of Groom Lake” I went on.  “Shocked to think there were so many people alive at Area 51, I decided to make a detour, to offer my assistance.  You know – duty first, after all.  When I got there, though, the place was a study in chaos.

“They did not ask a whole lot of questions, grateful for the assistance of any armed forces personnel who turned up.  And if you weren’t armed forces or the like?  Well, then you found yourself being corralled up like livestock herded into holding pens – more like detention camps, if you ask me” I grumbled, recalling the inhumanity of it all.  “Perhaps it was warranted, since Area 51 was in a state of mass confusion and most civilians were blaming them for the plague.  And to make matters worse, their network was down – another curiosity.  Most infrastructure systems, especially government and military, can run for long periods of time unattended before they start to fail – there being a redundancy of critical systems, of course.  So, it was beyond strange that certain systems tanked, and seemingly across the board and at the same time” I made comment, since this was Truth.

“Anyway, they were logging in names of men, actually hand writing them down in a log – can you imagine?  Reduced to actual paper.  Like, what – no laptops?  No PDA’s?  I know computers also catch viruses but, like – give me a break already” I laughed, since it made no sense that there wasn’t one bloody laptop or PDA to be found in service among those in receiving.  “It was almost like they did not want a permanent record of anyone” I opined, but felt this was a spot on assessment.  After all, it was easier to shred paper than electronics.

Gathering my thoughts, I paused for a moment and then took a deep breath before continuing.

“No matter, I had conveniently lost my dog tags before I got there and so gave them a false name – I’m not stupid, after all.  I was a creature of the U.S. Government – and if nothing else, I at least had a clue about my Pre-Time masters,” I grunted, shaking my head.

“I stayed long enough to, well – get a flavor for what was going on, and when I did it left one truly bad taste in my mouth” I explained but could not help shuddering as the memories came crashing back in a wave of nauseating anxiety.  Atrocities I had witnessed firsthand, assuredly – but then there were the ones that came in the form of rumors.  Granted, rumors are often just that, however – even in rumors will persist some grains of Truth.  There were things going on beneath the facility that even the most hardcore of conspiracy theorists could not have predicted, not even in their wildest of dreams.

Casting my eyes downward, I made attempt to rein in myself as best I could.  I had no desire for Sierra to discern the extent of my discomfort.  Never had I been able to reconcile why Area 51 held such fear for me.  What I had seen with my own eyes when making my way out of Vegas had been much more graphic – and by far.

Granted, what I had been witness at Area 51, some of it anyway, was damned graphic as well – but I was a soldier, after all!  I was an Army Ranger – I was well equipped to deal with stuff like that, having seen action on more than one occasion and on more than one front.  I was predictably cool in the face of chaos – or so I had always thought until my stint with the Masters under Groom Lake.  If I never returned there during my lifetime, then even this for me would be too soon.  The mere mention of that place and I would break out in rivulets of cold sweat.  The action I had seen in Iraq and Afghanistan and North Africa – that had been bloody mayhem, the stuff of truly horrific nightmares.   And yet the former, Area 51, scared the crap out of me for no logical reason.

“Collin” I now heard Sierra gently call to me, reaching out to lay a hand on my arm because apparently I had spaced it.  “It’s ok – you don’t have to go there.  I think I get the picture” she said and as I raised my eyes to meet her own, my fear for her welled up in me.  There was no way on God’s Earth that I would let this woman fall into the hands of those… monsters.  That’s what the Masters under Groom Lake amounted to at the end of the day – plain and simple.

“You know,” I once more began, my voice less than steady, however, “man is the most evil creature I can think of – truly deserving of being reviled” was all I would say before falling to another protracted silence.  I just didn’t have it in me to tell the tale unrehearsed, not with Sierra sitting right there next to me.  The look in my brother’s eyes, though, clearly spoke get on with it.  And so I did.

“Well, ok – the highlights, then” I laughed with ill ease.  “Well, at first there was grave concern that the virus might mutate, polishing off those who had survived the initial outbreak.  It was an eclectic mix of people who survived, but they started to see patterns, and some very odd ones at that.  Have you ever noticed how we are all predominantly left handed?” I asked her and so Sierra now looked from me to Aidan with curiosity.  “It’s now the reverse of Pre-Time – we southpaws now rule the world” I explained with a wry grin – the irony was, well, ironic if one stopped to consider the stigma of being left-handed.  The left hand of the damned, after all.

“You know, I never really noticed, since no one seems to actually write down anything” Sierra reasoned.  “And, well – we haven’t exactly had a lot of sit-down dinners, you know?  You guys eating with your left hands, I thought that was just a European thing you picked up from your folks.  How completely freaky, though, that we are mostly lefties – hard to believe genetics like that would make a difference in saving someone from the bug or not” she thoughtfully mused, furrowing her brow as she gave it consideration.  Suddenly a light bulb went off in her head, I could tell.  All she need do was think about how Aidan and I used a bow or a knife and yeah – we were all left handed.

God kicks most of Earth’s populace to the curb and the greatest mystery isn’t how it happened, but rather why the majority of the people who survived were us southpaws.  Those who had received the vaccine and survived, it didn’t matter – but those who had not been vaccinated?  Otherwise, commoners?  Southpaws thus far, almost each and every one last one.  This had given the researchers at Area 51 considerable pause – they had figured there was a genetic factor involved, why people had survived.  However, something as trivial as being left handed?  The geneticists didn’t even know where to go with that.  There was a marker in the human genome which contributed to hand preference.  The question was, though, how on earth could this determine if a person survived the plague or not?  It smacked of a well-designed wild goose chase if anyone were to ask me.

“Well, you, Sierra, are all together unique, since first off, you are a woman” Aidan now interjected.  “Also, you are not left strictly handed, but rather ambidextrous.  I have watched you” he pointed out to her.

“But I write with my left hand” was her protest at which Aidan just nodded, concurring with that aspect at least.

“Yes, but I have watched you use either hand with equal ease for just about everything, even switching off hands when need presents itself, or using both hands at once to quicken a process where dexterity usually dictates either one or the other.  Those who were not vaccinated and yet survived are truly, more or less, left handed.”  This intrigued the creature beyond words, I could tell – and if nothing else, it was giving her a whole lot of fat on which to chew.

“The long and the short of it, Chiquita,” I pressed on, “was that those who had not survived because of a vaccination were turned into unwilling guinea pigs.  The monsters running the show at Groom Lake had assumed that because I was military, then I must have received the vaccine somewhere along the line.”

“Were either of you vaccinated against the bug?” Sierra asked me and then looked to my brother.  I could only shrug my shoulders.

“I have no idea” I admitted.  “Both Aidan and I got shots galore, but who knew for what half the time – although I think it unlikely that they would have wasted the vaccine on an Army Ranger and a CIA cutthroat” was my postulation and now Sierra narrowed her eyes at me.

“No hitting below the belt” the woman demanded and so holding up my hands to ward off further reproach, I apologized.

“Ok, ok – sorry” I retracted before I got nipped by the little Chihuahua-come-pitbull.  “Not at my best right now” was my lame excuse.  Closing my eyes I now ran a hand over my face, there to briefly let it linger before plowing ahead.

“Regardless, the Masters under Groom Lake had more to worry about than just who received the vaccine and who didn’t” I informed her.  “It was painfully obvious that precious few women were turning up at their doorstep.  Needless to say such revelation was disturbing at best and so they started to cast their nets much farther afield.  The fact was, they caught only men in their nets and once in a very great while a woman would get snagged.  Needless to say, the focus had quickly shifted away from why survivors survived towards how to save mankind from extinction.

“There was talk of cloning, of course.  For years they had been trying experiments with chimps and other animal hosts, but the apes have now all died off as a result of the plague.  They tried even less savory hosts than apes, but could never quite master bringing a cloned human to term in the womb of any other mammal without certain side effects” I explained as the beauty watched me with rapt attention, soaking in all I said like a sponge.  “Limited success they had with the artificial wombs that were under development at the time.  To save the world, they needed live women hosts to impregnate” I informed her in one very generic sense, and now the woman just gaped at me.  It certainly had all the makings of a twisted sci-fi movie, that’s for sure – if not but for the fact that I was dead serious.

If she only knew, I swallowed hard as I held her eyes.

“This is what you guys are trying to spare me from?” Sierra asked in a hushed voice, glancing back and forth between us.  She seemed not sure if I was just jerking her chain.  “You want to save me from these monsters?”

“Yes, my love – that is correct” Aidan affirmed for her – in part.  There was more than one set of monsters, however, from which to protect Sierra – namely the AFA and The Order.  Our affiliations weren’t much better, but at least we didn’t have the means to clone anyone.

Of which we knew.

Regardless, both Aidan and I held high ranks within our own allegiances and therefore had some weighty input regarding Sierra’s fate.  Of course, this wasn’t an absolute, but about as close as one could get.  Now, if I had been an Elite-General, then I would have been guaranteed a woman – but that promotion which I kept on chasing in vain had led me nowhere.  Nowhere except up against door after door slammed in my face by my CO and the other Elite-Generals.

Aidan, on the other hand, being The Order’s Grand Head of Assassins as well as a High Council Member?  Well, he most certainly was in a position to take for his own a woman.  However, the man had actually declined – his reason being that he needed to devote his entire focus to The Order’s Crusade.  In other words, all his efforts were in pursuit of a Greater Good.  That was, until Sierra happened along and my brother did the unthinkable – he fell in love.  Should Sierra have been awarded to The Order, then Aidan most certainly would have taken her for his own in an official Brotherhood Bonding Ceremony.

And needless to say, this would have left me out in the cold when it came to Sierra.  Ashamed of myself I was, that I would let a woman get in the way of my work – but it was Truth.  A bridle, had I said to General Hastings in regards to what Sierra would become in aiding to rein in my brother?  Yes, I had – but anyone who knew anything at all about The Order would be aware that nothing stood in the way of their march towards Greater Good.  Not even something as precious as a woman.

And thus, by securing Sierra for the AFA was to, in essence, keep her from being legally Bonded to my brother in the Eyes of God.  That was it.  Period.  Having her with me at my Northern Desert base would provide me with no leverage whatsoever when it came to my brother.  Piss him off?  Yes.  Would it be a vehicle by which to strong-arm him?  Not on your life.

Not unless she was to become pregnant with his Unborn.  This would be a whole other story, yes indeed it would – mark my words.

Selfish – there really was no other word to describe what I had begged, borrowed and stolen to get my way.  The end justified the means for I too loved Sierra – and wasn’t everything fair in love and war?  You really are a scum, O’Reilly, I reproached myself.

“Collin?  You ok?” I heard Sierra prod, which roused me from my ruminations.  And so looking up, I just blinked but then nodded.  After a moment’s hesitation, she now turned her attention back to Aidan with questions poised on Sierra’s lips.  However, my brother held up a hand to stave them off.

“First listen as I tell you the rest of the tale” Aidan put her off, surprisingly picking up where I left off.  “Collin was desperate to be away from Area 51 so he could search for me but he could not so easily walk away – not yet.  Collin sensed that I yet lived, as I did the same of him.  Knowing that Collin would have remembered what I had said in the past about a place to meet should a wildfire break out, I set out for the cave near Groom Lake.  However, I got a rather late start – I was on assignment in Belize when the virus struck.  It took me a while to make my way to the Pacific Ocean so I could sail up the coast” he explained, and now Sierra was quick to interject.

“Sail?” the woman asked, incredulously, like the guy was Superman or something.  All O’Reilly’s had a love of the sea and could sail.

All expect me, that was – and the disgrace of the family I had been, too, because I wasn’t up for getting chummy with the oceans of the world like they all had.  Put me on an ocean going vessel and I was assured to turn as green as were my eyes.

“Yes” was Aidan’s simple reply to Sierra’s exclamation, notably not expounding on his seafaring voyage.  What would she think if he told her about his sailing round the world?  Alone, no less – a solo act, as it were.  And not just once, but twice.  Not to also mention that Aidan’s had also seen his fair share of America’s Cup Races, being part of the winning crew on several vessels for quite a few years in a row.  My brother – he was Superman, and at every turn, seemingly, I was poignantly reminded of this not-so-small detail.

“Meanwhile, Collin was biding his time at Area 51” my brother again picked up the yarn.  “He watched, he waited, and was not the only one appalled by the atrocities being committed at Groom Lake, there were many others.  To make this already long story not so much longer, Collin was one of those who, in secret, helped to gather together these dissenters.  This is the group of men who are now known as the Blackguard, for lack of a better name.”  A look of understanding now crossed Sierra’s face in response to this revelation – and thus she finally came to understand the AFA’s affiliation with the Blackguard and they us.

“My brother could not stand by and do nothing.  Seeing the need for quick action, he wasted no time in recruiting men, and so one by one, men started slipping away from Area 51.  That was the beginning of the Blackguard.  Once he had started this network of men, Collin then left Groom Lake behind for good and sought out his military brethren.  The remnants of the armed forces eventually came together to become reformed as the Americas Federated Army.  There Collin pledged his fealty, quickly rising to the rank of Commander-General.

“Over the course of a few years there were only a handful of major players in our new world, all trying to rebuild a civilized society.  And so most just moved to the back of their minds Groom Lake and what lurks beneath it.  This was easy enough since those at Groom Lake quietly went back underground, so to speak” Aidan tossed her a large bone.  “They went to sleep, the Master under Groom Lake, keeping out of sight but do send out their spies.

“Though not easy to spot, some are right handed men who have been re-trained to be left handed – but every so often, they slip up” Aidan made note with a hint of a grin and yeah – he had happily slit the throats of many of these spies, afterwards licking the blood from his knife, relishing the taste.

But would he tell Sierra that?

Hell no.

“In sending spies, the Masters under Groom Lake seek to discern the location of our women and thus abduct them.  This is one reason why Collin and I have kept you isolated, taking you deeper and deeper into the desert.  We want to secure for you the best possible existence” he flatly informed her.  Not speaking right off the bat, Sierra instead sat there looking at Aidan, chewing on her lip as she digested his words.

“And let me guess – you two still don’t have that worked out, huh?” the woman accused pointblank.  “Still playing tug of war with me, aren’t you?” Sierra surmised and yeah, we were – but not for long.  Aidan, however, did not dignify her inquiry with a response – not that she really expected one from him anyway.

And so he continued.  Amazing, since this was the chattiest I could ever recall Aidan being.  It was one for the record books given that getting the man to talk was like pulling teeth.

Actually, pulling teeth would have been easier.

“Collin and I eventually reunited and have ever since been partnered together, working towards a Greater Good” my brother really stretched the Truth, at least about us both working towards what The Order considered to be Greater Good.  “We have very different skill sets, but these complement one another” Aidan declared, offering her a slanted smile.

“Oh, yeah, well – you won’t get an argument from me there” she grumbled, running a hand over her eyes.  I had to hand it to her – the woman had been extremely patient, listening to us drone on and on, recounting a heavily edited version of events.  Still biting her lip, Sierra just continued to listen, but it was discernible that she was chomping at the bit to do some talking of her own.

“I know it must be difficult for you, Sierra – so much uncertainty, so much you have had to suffer since we met” my brother tried to commiserate with her.  “Collin’s efforts in this Time After have been of the most noble pursuit, however” he explained and man – I was going to hurl.  I was a scoundrel wrapped up in a pretty package, that’s what I boiled down to at the end of the day.

“Why do you say Time After and Collin says Post-Time” the woman suddenly inquired, totally off the cuff.  A seemingly innocent question, but one Aidan couldn’t answer without telling her to what group of men he had pledged his Fealty.  Only The Brotherhood used Time Before and Time After when referring to pre and post Apocalypse.  “Your yarn is quite interesting, but don’t you think you’ve left out one hell of a lot?” was her harsh accusation – one that was dead on the money, though.  “Is any of this tale true?  Or is it a fabrication, something to feed me so I would stop asking questions?” Sierra now looked to me and I didn’t know what to say to the woman.

“All of it is Truth, Sierra – but… well… it’s been sanitized for your protection” I came clean.  I was about ready to get to my feet, unable to sit still a second longer, but I was of a mind that my legs were too rubbery to stand.  If she only knew! I thought with distress.  Sure, I had done a lot of good for the Post-Time world, but I had also done a lot of less than savory things as well!  In an effort to craft a better world, a different world, and all in the name of God.  The AFA and The Order had some very finite ideas about how to extend the lives of men, to give mankind a chance to rebound.

Ideas I refused to see come to fruition, not if within my power.

These ideas, which I flatly rejected, were the very ones that Aidan and his Brothers embraced.

Diametrically opposed we were, each trying to make the other see the sense in our own point of view.

Regardless, on one point we were in absolute agreement.  That which we sought should never fall into the hands of the Unspoken, not at any cost.  This was the tie that bound us together, Aidan and me.  When we finally would secure the object of our search?  Well – then that was yet another bridge to cross, and a bloody one it would be at that.  Or so was my prediction since at that time off would come the gloves.

“Ok – so, I got the Reader’s Digest version” was Sierra’s terse acceptance of what she had been fed.  “It’s more than I had before, so I suppose I should at least be grateful for the bone you’ve tossed me.  You guys figure if you keep feeding me tasty little tidbits then I’ll just willingly follow along like a famished puppy, huh?” was her harsh judgment, looking back and forth between my brother and myself.  Then, quite predictably, the longer she held my gaze the greater the degree to which she softened.  The woman could sense that I was not myself.

When in comfort she reached out to take my hand in her own, I was busted – betrayed by my conscience since my palm was sweaty and my hand none too steady.  “Collin – you’re… trembling” she said in a low voice as I now abruptly reclaimed my hand.  Quickly I glanced at Aidan and could see a fleeting look of confusion cross his eyes.  It was no performance on my part.  Something there was about Sierra that required, demanded, me to be straight with her.  Why was that?  I never had problems lying to other women – so what was so special about this one?  The only other woman who had had the same effect on me had been Mira, I suddenly recalled.

And I had loved Mira beyond all reason.

And when I had lost Mira to Aidan, I had just about lost my sanity was well.  And when she died?  Well, then my sanity checked out altogether, severely threatening to never return.

“Sorry” was all I found myself able to say in a mumble as I now struggled to my feet.  I wasn’t about to defend myself with my brother sitting there.  My ego was in sorry shape enough as it was.

However, Sierra wasted no time getting to her feet and so now the little pit bull was at me.

“Is there something else you need to tell me?” was her sarcastic inquiry, first looking to me and then to Aidan.  “And don’t tell me no, Collin – you are a lousy liar” the woman was happy to inform me.  Yeah – to her I was, but flawless I was with everyone else, even with my brother.

With a look of intolerance, Aidan now decided to intervene on my behalf and so he stood up.

I needed no help from him! I at first thought in anger, but I’d let him try regardless.  I supposed that by this point beggars did not have the luxury of being choosers.

“Don’t bother, Aidan” Sierra warned my brother, unwisely shaking one finger at him.  “You omitted far more than you recounted, both of you.  Your omissions are as bad as Collin’s lies, Aidan – I swear!” she bitterly accused, and here Aidan had hoped for us to give her greater insight but instead we did nothing short of pissing her off.  “Why tell me anything at all?  You two are going to decide my future, my fate, whether I like it or not – so why waste your breath on placating me?”

Ok – she was pushing Aidan over that fine line of tolerance, and so time for a heart-to-heart.  In short, he was going to levy severe verbal reprimand on Sierra for her blatant lack of respect.

Before he could dismiss me, or worse, order me to stay, I prepared to make my exit.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree, Chiquita” I cautioned her in a low voice, bending over to speak in her ear before I made one hasty retreat.  Now shaking my head, I sharply turned on my heel, heading back to where we had left Kevin and Ryan.

So much for my being able to garner sympathy from the woman – and who could blame her?  She could never be sure what I told her was Truth, and she always looked upon whatever Aidan said with suspect as well – wondering what he had artfully omitted from his accounts.

As I had called it from the start, the woman was no dummy.

Distraught and dismayed I now rejoined the others, sitting down next to Kevin who was still napping.  Hanging my head, I felt a killer headache coming on.  God loathes me, I considered, or such was my abysmal estimation at any rate.

Shifting his hat so he could crack open an eye, Kevin looked up at me.

“You ok, Commander?” he asked but I wasn’t exactly up for a round of twenty questions.  Ryan, who was sitting not far away, cross-legged just like any upstanding Member, now got up and came over to join us.  Wonder-boy had a look of concern on his face as well.  Great – pity from Doctor Death I did not need.

“You don’t look well” Ryan gave me his professional opinion and so now Kevin rolled over, propping himself up on one elbow to give me closer inspection.

“Yeah, dude, you look like hell – what’s up?” my Captain now asked, being less than formal, notably, which served no more purpose than to further my aggravation.  However, I was in no mood, or shape, to level reprimand – verbal or otherwise.

Crouching down in front of me, the doctor now also took a good look, and if my head hadn’t been pounding so hard, I would have already fled the budding inquisition.

“Headache?” my brother’s dog inquired, his diagnosis dead on the money.  “I can give you something for that, Collin, if you like” and now, despite the pain, I snapped up my head, glaring at the man.

“Medicinal relief?  From Doctor Death?” I asked, incredulously.  “I think not” I grumbled my declination.

“That’s low, Commander” Kevin just had to put in his unwanted two cents, and now sitting up, he glared at me in dark disapproval.  What?  Did the geek expect me to apologize?  My remark was pretty low, though – he was right.

“Forgive me, Ryan – major pain going on here” I made weak excuse with a shrug, to which the doctor nodded in acceptance.

“Can I give you something?” he tried yet again.  I knew if I was going to be able to heft my pack and get back to dragging my tail around the desert, then yeah – I needed drugs.

“Sure, I’d… appreciate that – thank you” I finally found my manners and with that Ryan hurried back over to his pack.  Rummaging around, he then returned with a packet of white powder.  Offering me the powder, I gratefully accepted it.  His concoctions were amazing – I had to give him that.  And why shouldn’t they be?  He was a genius – a very intuitive and inventive one, since a certain creation of his was what had almost wiped out all of mankind.

No biggie, after all.

Letting the powder dissolve on my tongue, I then washed it down with some water he now offered me.  Afterwards I handed him back his canteen along with a nod of gratitude.

“Have you frequently been getting headaches?” he now asked and here I drew the line.  As far as I was concerned, his job was to fix me when I was broken and that was it – period.  I would have preferred my cousin Seamus to be in our company, but Aidan had flat-out vetoed my choice of doctors.

With a flat look, one that I hoped would say it all, I drew up my knees.  Resting my forehead on them as I wrapped my arms around my legs, I prayed the painkiller would be quick to do its work.  In the meantime, I would just withdraw into myself.

“You gonna be alright?” Kevin gently prodded as he lay a hand on my shoulder.  “What went down?  Is Sierra ok?” his line of questioning went on and on, which required me to peer up at him so I could level a black look.  “Ok – sorry to give a shit” he grumbled, now getting to his feet and before I closed my eyes again, I saw him and Ryan exchange a glance of concern but in that moment I could not have cared less.

All I cared about right then was the pain exploding in my brain – and Sierra.  The woman deserved so much better! I thought in dismay.  The sooner I could get her back to my IntelliCore base the better.  This mission we were on, we did need her help – but after that, I decided no more.  If Sierra was to be of any further assistance, then it would be hacking away from the safety of my Northern Desert base in Monument Valley.  In that remote, isolated, locale we were virtually unapproachable by anything other than air.  There she would be protected – to such an extent I that would feel comfortable leaving her behind when duty called me away.

Not much longer now, O’Reilly, I tried to comfort myself.  Another week, ten days tops, and this desert odyssey would be over and done – a distant memory.

And it could not possibly come to pass soon enough for me.

“Go on – read me the riot act” I purposely provoked Aidan.  “Get it over with and then I’ll say I’m sorry.  Afterwards we can go join the others, me with my tail between my legs and you with your pride in tact for having put this woman in her place.  Does that work for you?” was even more of my less-than-respectful lip.

Standing there looking down upon me, Aidan maintained his silence.

This meant that he was pissed.

The man continued to make me feel ill at ease as I stood there, arms wrapped tightly about myself.  Casting my eyes to the ground, I shuffled my feet – waiting.

“Is it time for your moon cycle?” Aidan made crass inquiry and so I quickly looked up, narrowing my eyes at him.  “You are certainly acting like you’re on the rag” he offered opinion, reminding me that I was the weaker sex and therefore a victim of my hormones.  “You owe my brother an apology” he now decided for me.

“And how about you?” I asked too quickly in return since it came out sounding downright snippy.

“If you need to vent, Sierra – then go on, I suggest you do so” Aidan coolly returned.  “Release your anger and then get beyond it.  Collin and I are doing the best we can – for you, for your future.  Now – if you think this isn’t good enough, then you have my apologies, but it changes nothing.

“If you are unable to understand just why it is that we can’t tell you every blessed detail, then there is no way I can make you see reason.  At the very least, however, both Collin and I do expect you to keep your emotional outbursts in check.  They have an adverse affect on us all, as a whole” he said in conclusion and then walked right past me, making me feel, again, like just so much baggage.

Funny how it was ok for Collin to have emotional outbursts – here, there and everywhere, no less.

I considered going after him, but thought better of it.  I had put him in one very black mood, and Aidan wasn’t at all like his brother.  Collin would quickly get past his emotions once they had taken him, but Aidan would often let his own age – good and long, like a fine wine or cheese.  If I tried to make amends just then, I’d only be met with a brick wall of total apathy.

All things in due time, as Aidan was fond of saying – and this apparently applied to himself as well as everything else.

Covering my face with my hands, I took a deep breath, slowly shaking my head.  Now I really did feel like a Grade-A bitch.  My outburst had been undeserved – I understood that, and had even while I was venting my anger.

Did I let that stop me?

Uh-uh – apparently not.

Ok – with the drama now over, I needed to just suck it up and get back to the others.  And so it was with my tail between my legs that I started back.

Once joining everyone else, I saw Collin sitting on the ground.  Now what? I wondered in exasperation, looking around to Ryan and Kevin with questions in my eyes.  Aidan’s brother was resting his forehead on drawn up knees, arms wrapped around his legs and sitting very, very still.

“Headache” Kevin whispered in my ear, leaning over my shoulder.  Headache?  Since when did Collin get debilitating headaches?  And even if he did, I could not imagine them keeping him from his duty.  Good grief!  Was this my fault too?  Even if it wasn’t, it sure looked that way.

Recalling how unsteady Collin’s hand had been just minutes earlier, I wondered if I had misinterpreted the reason for this.  Whatever the impetus, it was clear that Aidan’s brother was terrified of Area 51.  I could sense this, and perhaps his trembling hand had merely been a manifestation of this fear.  Maybe not in total, though.  The flavor I had gotten from his touch was that he was afraid – for me.

As I was afraid for him, curiously enough.

I had no idea why I should be, though – and this troubled me more than anything.  Granted, Collin was in fear of Aidan’s men, but I doubted they would do him grave harm.  After all, Collin was Aidan’s twin brother – and hadn’t that little bit of information been a mind blower!  Perhaps in a way it cleared up one mystery – why I was attracted to both men.  Could have been a chemical thing shared between them in the womb, or similar DNA.

As the guys now shouldered their packs, I went to grab mine, but first stopped to kneel before Collin.

“Hey, handsome” I said, reaching out to touch his arm.  “I’m sorry I turned into super bitch back there” was my apology and now he looked up.  With a weak smile, he shrugged.

“Hormones” he chalked it up in a mumble, briefly holding my gaze.  Behind his eyes, however, I could see a war waging – an ongoing battle that he’d been fighting now for a quite some time.  With what, however, I had no clue.

“You ok?  Kevin says you have a headache?” I inquired and now the man shot his Captain an ugly look but otherwise no reprimand was forthcoming.

“Yeah, it’s nothing, though – I’ll be fine” he lied, now getting to his feet, and alarmingly was none too stable once he found them.  Quickly reaching up, I took hold of his Collar.  I then pulled him to me so I could deliver a kiss, helping to create a cover for him.  The man wasted no time drawing his arms around me, glad for the support I could offer until he firmed up his footing.  I understood about men and their egos, especially Collin’s.  Even though he most often exuded an air of confidence, I suspected that most times, however, he had a one very delicate sense of self.  And his was a well kept secret at that.

The kiss he allowed himself to indulge, heedless of Aidan’s reaction, which, right then, I could not care less about either.  I was of the mind that Aidan enjoyed bullying his little brother, and often times when it wasn’t the least bit warranted.

Putting an end to the kiss, I could sense Collin’s reluctance – however, I wasn’t about to give Aidan any ammunition to later use against his brother.  I would not have been unhappy should the kiss fully blossom, but it was unwise to feed Aidan’s jealousy.

And Aidan, I was coming to find out, had the propensity to be one very jealous lover.

“When you two are ready, just let the rest of us know” Aidan said plainly enough, but his words belied his lack of patience.

“Want help with your pack?” I asked Collin in a low voice as I touched a hand to his cheek.

“Yeah, but then I’d look like a total woos” he laughed under his breath as he kissed my forehead.  Patting me on the top of my head, he winked at me and then grabbing his pack, he hefted it.  Once squarely on his shoulders, I then drew on my own pack with a little help from Collin and we once again were on our way.

I now noticed that Kevin closely watching us – clearly he was worried about Collin.  Nothing unusual there, since Collin was his fellow comrade.  However, Kevin’s concern seemed to go beyond just that of a subordinate for his CO.  There was a tale there to be told – and lots of them, I suspected.  Collin’s Captain was like the town gossip – he seemed to know everything about everyone, and even stuff about people that they themselves didn’t know, or so I’d wager.

And what did Captain Wong know about me? I wondered.  That was right at the top of my list of questions, you could bet.

Underway in the growing heat of mid-morning, Aidan’s brother at least seemed to be somewhat better of spirit.

“Feeling better?” I asked Collin as we walked along and so he proffered a smile, giving me my answer.

“Ryan gave me something for the headache,” he told me, “but I think that kiss was instrumental, however, in making it work more quickly.  Although, I am sure said kiss pissed off my brother” Collin surmised and yeah, he was right.  Not that Aidan would ever show any outward sign, but I could feel it none the less.  It was a sense of brooding.

We were bringing up the rear this time, a position I liked much better.  No one was watching us and so I took Collin’s hand in mine, firmly squeezing it.

“If I could make things different, better, then I would” he quietly began.  “Please try to be patient, Sierra – I’m doing the best I can given our circumstances” the man implored of me.  “I… just have to work with the cards I’ve been dealt is all – but who knows what the next hand will bring?  Perhaps the turn of a friendly card, eh?”

“There are unsmiling faces in fetters and chains, on a wheel of perpetual motion” I quietly returned some rather apropos lyrics and then Collin abruptly stopped in his tracks, breaking out in heartfelt laughter.  Apparently he was delighted by my recitation.  Naturally, everyone else had to turn around and look, most notably Aidan who had already felt we were making far too much noise as it was.

“My dear!  You are truly amazing – The Alan Parsons Project; you are a gem and a half” Collin exclaimed, rewarding me with that gorgeous smile of his, the one which would light up his entire face, and his whole being as well.  “I’m sure that’s how you feel, though – like you’ve been shackled” he now supposed in a low voice to which I nodded in return.

“Yeah, for the most part,” I admitted, “but, I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.”

“Sierra – you don’t know anyone else” Collin corrected as a grin took to his lips.  “We’ll change that soon enough, if I have any say” he said under his breath, then sealing it with a wink.  Well – as long as Aidan and his muscle were in attendance, I sincerely doubted anything would change any time soon.

Pondering his words, we now both fell to silence for the remainder of the day.  Wisely we had stuffed a sock in it after Aidan cast over his shoulder one final look of reproach.  Even I did not want to test Aidan’s temper just then.  Granted, he had the patience of a saint most times, but when necessary, he’d make his point known – swift and hard, and often with no warning.

By the end of our trek I was dead on my feet but heaven forbid I should utter a single word of dissent.  Aidan expected me to pull my weight right along with the guys – regardless of how I was feeling.  At least I would not be expected to hunt, but I kept my mouth shut before Aidan suddenly decided I should help with that, too.

Both Aidan and Ryan went off in search of dinner while the rest of us set up camp.  Collin was relieved that he didn’t have to join the hunt.  The man was still a little strung out from the headache that had plagued him at the onset of our trek.

“Commander” Kevin said, motioning to Collin.  He had his Palm out and now I dragged mine out, too.  A wi-fi signal!

“Hey – what are we near?” I asked as I joined the two men.

“An access point I set up a while back” Kevin said with a sly smile which prompted a laugh from Collin.

“Nothing like telling my brother, eh?” Collin made note, patting Kevin on the back.

“Yeah, well – don’t ask, don’t tell” he joked with a shrug.  “If Bryan is out there with Quade, he’ll pick it up, too, unfortunately.  Uh – got some news” Kevin now began, but was reluctant, looking to Collin first and then to me.

“Go on, Captain” Collin gave permission with a nod.  “My brother is not here so we can risk Sierra being better informed” he decided but suddenly I wasn’t so certain I wanted to be that clued in.  Collin was all or nothing, though – and to teach me a lesson about curiosity, I had a hunch that he might just open the floodgates.

Kevin did not look too sure about this, but he obeyed his Commander’s order without verbal contest.

“Uh, ok – Eric wants to know if you’re aware that there are Wardens in our vicinity” he began to which Collin nodded in return.

“Aidan’s men discovered this” he explained.  “Did the Colonel say how he came by this information?  Does he know why they are shadowing us?”

“He overhead MP’s at AHC talking about the Wardens deployment and so was able to make inquiry as to the location.  While he was there, however, Eric was approached by an officer from WardenOps” Kevin revealed.  “Do you know a Colonel-Major Wasserman?” he asked and now Collin stiffened, and rather perceptibly at that.

“Really” was his only comment as he stood there with his hands clasped behind his back.  Looking away for a moment, Collin then turned his attention towards me.  “WardenOps is the AFA version of The Order’s Elite-Assassins” he explained.  “Quade, Bryan and Ryan are Elite-Assassins, as is my brother.”  I could have sworn that Kevin was biting his tongue – and apparently I was right.  Instead of biting it off, he said what was on his mind.

“Commander, uh – maybe I’m the one who needs to be better informed?” he put to Collin who just held his eyes in return but otherwise didn’t respond right away.

“No, I believe that you are quite well informed as it is, Captain Wong” Collin got all formal.  “You will impart upon Sierra everything you know about The Brotherhood, and The Order – and also about my brother.”  With this, Kevin nearly toppled over, even going as far as to take one backward step.

“You cannot be serious, dude!” Kevin exclaimed in candid dismay.

“What have I said about familiarity, Captain?” Collin growled in return.  “Look – you are nowhere near as biased as I am about Aidan and his affiliations” he tried to smooth his Captain’s ruffled feathers.  “Besides, it would be faster for you to do it, since you two can just do an encrypted chat thing on your Palms and no one will be the wiser.  Does any of this not make sense, Captain Wong?” the man challenged.

“If Aidan finds out I’m the one with loose lips, then I’m one dead geek” Kevin voiced his concern.

“Such is the price that comes with friendship” Collin was quick to counter.  “Do it for Sierra, Kevin – do it for me” he now softened, making it personal as he reached out a hand to grasp Kevin’s shoulder.  With a sigh and roll of his eyes, Kevin nodded.

“Sure, ok, Commander – whatever you want” he finally accepted but obviously still had reservations.

“Thank you, Captain – now, the matter of one Colonel-Major Wasserman” Collin now went on – all forgiven, all forgotten.  Amazing.  “Yes, I do know the man – and God forgive me for not disclosing this fact to Eric.  The Colonel-Major’s men are indeed out there, and I personally requested it.  They are keeping rather busy the assassins from The Order who shadow us.

“Did Colonel Jones relay just why the Colonel-Major was asking for me?” he inquired and so Kevin returned his attention to his Palm, reading further.

“Uh – the dude hadn’t crossed paths with you in a long while and was wondering how you were” Kevin informed him and now Collin turned his back on us for a moment, walking several paces away before turning to face us again.  “You have no idea what that means, huh?” he supposed Collin’s mind.

“You’re right – I don’t,” Collin confessed, “however, I think this means I will need to take a little side trip, sooner than I had expected” he grumbled, now running a hand over his face to then let it linger there for a few moments.  Once having lowered his hand he then looked to me.

“More intrigue, is that what you are thinking, Sierra?  Well then yes, but it really is that way most days” he confessed.  “You should by now at least know this much.  Kevin, please get Sierra up to speed as quickly as possible.  Also give her the details regarding our present mission and objective – get her ready.

“If your life wasn’t exciting enough, Chiquita, it soon will be” Collin laughed as he now crossed over to where we stood.  Stopping short of us, he looked down on me for a long while before he spoke.

“May I kiss you?” Collin eventually asked of me to which I slowly nodded, giving him permission.  And so bending over, he delivered one very sweet kiss.  Not very long, but then undertones of what he really wanted to do could be felt without a doubt.

“Man, you guys like to live dangerously, huh?” was Kevin’s uneasy assessment.

“Take pleasure where and when it is offered, Captain” was Collin’s advice after our kiss had reached its conclusion.  “Just not with my woman” he made condition with an evil chuckle, but I knew he was serious – I was off limits.  And if Collin had his way, I’d be off limits to Aidan as well.  I’d gotten used to being the object of their constant tug of war – I just hoped it wouldn’t eventually come to blows between the two brothers.

“Anything else, Captain?” Collin now inquired.

“Yeah, a long and ugly one from Eric about his interview with Hastings and Karloff – separate interviews, no less” he said.  “Let me set you up with a Palm so you can access it – I need to get you back on line anyway” Kevin said and then he took a load off, sitting down right where he stood.  Notably without asking leave, but Collin let it slide.  Fishing around in his pack, Kevin pulled out another Palm.

“No Pocket PC’s?” Collin asked, sounding downright disappointed.

“Uh-uh – never carry those, don’t know anyone who uses them” he returned, not even looking at Collin, instead setting about his task.

“Um – I use a Pocket PC,” the man reminded Kevin in a low voice, “and your CO is, who, Master Geek?” Collin wanted to know but Kevin still ignored him – which I surmised was because he was too busy trying not to laugh.

“Sorry, dude – next time I’ll make sure to snag one, ok?” he replied, giving Collin only a cursory glance in return.  Releasing a weighted sigh, Collin now looked to me and then shrugged.

“Conspiracy” Collin accused.  “Kevin hates Pocket PC’s for some reason.”

“I hate them too” I lost no time putting in my two cents, and so Collin narrowed his eyes at me.

“Great” he muttered but then got beyond it.  “Can I trust you two to behave yourselves?”

“Yup” Kevin answered while I just nodded.  Glancing at Kevin, Collin shook his head and then set off in the same direction where Aidan and Ryan had gone.

“You won’t have too much teaching to do” I said as I plopped myself down across from Kevin.  “I was able to dig up quite a bit on the ‘net about The Brotherhood and stuff” I told him and then Kevin looked up, giving me his full attention.

“I could have sworn most of that stuff got expunged from the old internet” he remarked.  “You get around, girl – I’ll give you that much.  But, The Brotherhood and The Order of Pre-Time really bear little resemblance to what they are today.  Honestly.  Take my word for this.”

“Well… Collin said to bring me up to speed” I prodded with a wicked grin.

“Yeah, I know he did, but that man is a few chips shy of a motherboard” he mumbled in dissent.  “And ya know?  Sometimes being well-informed really isn’t such a good thing” was his argument as he slowly shook his head.

“You mean to tell me that you are going to disobey your CO’s orders?” I asked him straight out, curious what his answer would be.

“When I can get away with it?  You bet” Kevin laughed, but then again grew serious.  “Look… Collin depends on his officers to save his butt, which means at times not following his orders.  Or rather stretching them to the hairy edge and back would be more like it.”  Falling to silence, Kevin concentrated on the Palm he was setting up for Collin but then stopped his fiddling.  Picking up his own Palm, he tapped out something and then held it up for me to see.  IP address and directory.  “More than you will ever want to know about the cutthroats that Aidan hangs with – and he’s no lightweight, either, being the biggest cutthroat of them all.”

Taking note of the info, I memorized it and then nodding once I set out to pull up the data.

“So, Aidan is like a what?  An officer or something, like Collin?” I asked as I tapped away.

“Uh, no – The Order isn’t like the AFA” he explained.  “They have a caste system in place, kind of hard to grasp how they rank men.  Lots of times, your rank has as much to do with your last name and heritage as does your skill.  Combine the right two together?  Well – then you have Aidan, Elite-Assassin, as well as The Order’s Head of Assassins.

“The Order is part of The Brotherhood,” Kevin went on while he continued to configure the Palm for Collin, “which has – or had – other orders, or Arms as they call them” he explained.  “You’ll find all that stuff, though, in that repository.  To be in The Brotherhood you have to pass these really vicious tests called Trials.

“The Brotherhood has basic levels of rank, if you want to call it that” he went on.  “Member, Member-Elite, Elite-Assassin, Council Member, High Council Member, Head of Assassins and at the top, Grand Head.  It’s like a progression – see?  But it gets way subtle after that and you really need a lot brain cells to keep it all straight.  You’ve gotta be careful of labels and how you bow and address Members and all that shit.  A Member-Elite with the last name of, say, O’Reilly, has a shit load full more status than a Member-Elite with the last name of, oh, say, Beauregard.”

“Why?” I wanted to know, fascinated by his monologue.

“One is Irish and one is not” was his flat response and like, why would that make a difference?  No matter – I was sure I’d find out.

“So, where does Aidan fall in the scheme of things?” I asked, fascinated by what he was telling me and what I was now reading.  “You said he’s Head of Assassins?”

“Well, he’s kind of like a Daimyo, I guess, and the Grand Head is like a Shogun,” Kevin explained, “that’s if you know anything about old Japanese rule during their Samurai period.  Aidan is what is considered a Lord of The Brotherhood, and he is also a High Council Member.  The number one hancho, though, is the Grand Head since at present there is only one Arm of The Brotherhood.. When there were other Arms, back in Pre-Time, then there was a Godhead who oversaw all of The Arms.

“Right right now Aidan and the Grand Head are not too sweet on each other.  Let’s just put it that way.  There’s going to be a shakeup soon, I’ll wager, between The Order’s Head of Assassins and its Grand Head.  Aidan is going to make a bid for Grand Head – not right away, but eventually.  Everyone suspects this, even if they don’t openly discuss it.”

“Then why doesn’t the Grand Head just fire Aidan?” I posed.

“It’s not that easy, girl.  Aidan has a huge following – not to mention that he is the best Elite-Assassin they have, and trust me, that is saying a lot right there” he assured me.  “Grand Head Sokolov knows a valuable tool when he has one, and Aidan consistently makes him look good.  Aidan is excellent PR for the Grand Head, for more reasons than one, as well as Aidan being just so damned efficient at his job.”

“That Grand Head is, what – Russian?” I had to ask.

“Uh-huh – used to be in Russian counterintelligence” Kevin clued me in.  “He’s no slouch, but Aidan is going after him regardless.  Not now, not right away, but Aidan will eventually depose the Grand Head, taking the title for himself and then – well, that will be a scary day indeed.  Look – just read what I gave you.  You got questions afterwards, just let me know – but we’re pressing our luck talking about it openly, you know?”

Nodding in agreement, I immersed myself in the repository of information about The Brotherhood and The Order.

And by the time I was done?  I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with my fellow geek.

Sometimes being well-informed was not such a good thing after all.

Send lawyers, guns and money – the shit has hit the fan.  Befitting words I thought, feeling thoroughly ill at ease as I made my way to intercede the Wardens.  Something wasn’t right – this much, if nothing else, was clear.  However, just what that might be?  I couldn’t even begin to safely venture a guess.

And here I had thought it would be a tough sell to get my brother to allow me this side trip.  Now I was wishing it had instead been an impossible sell.

I was beginning to have grave doubts about my decision – both of them.  The first having requested that Wardens shadow us, and second to confront them all by my lonesome.  I had no way of knowing what premise they had been given as orders from their CO, my comrade and friend, Eli.  I was of the mind that AFA High Command had intentions for the Wardens other than those I had agreed upon with Eli.  After all, Colonel Wasserman wasn’t an idiot – he was required to obey direct orders from General Karloff, as the same was also required of me.  Although often Eli, like myself, would distort those orders just so long as any such distortion did not get his ass in one serious sling.

The fact that Eli had approached my Colonel when Eric made an appearance at AFA High Command spoke loudly that his ass was already in said sling.  The question was – how, and why, and what to do to smooth things over without getting my own ass in the same sling as well?  Well – that wasn’t quite right.  Mine was in a sling to begin with, one of my own making; this much I was forced to concede.

Along the route of my trek, through the desolation of the scrubland desert, I was able to contact Eric.  Thank God for small favors, I grumbled to myself.  I had been swearing under my breath at every turn, being required to argue with the damned Palm device that Kevin had configured for me.  I was certain he had set it up for advanced users.  Very funny, Captain Wong, I considered with dark bemusement but was powerless to do anything at present about Kevin’s tech-twisted humor.  I did know that if he kept it up, then there was going to be a demotion in his future.

I understood that Eric wouldn’t be able to make any direct inquiries without raising a red flag or two, but if he set Greg to the task that would be just as good, and even better as a matter of fact.  My Captain-Major had subtle and interesting methods for ferreting out dirt which employed unconventional avenues of thought.  So much so to the point that no one would be able to draw any accurate conclusions regarding the true nature of Greg’s queries.

While connected to the internet, I was at the same time doubly fortunate to also get off a communique to Eli.  I notified him that there was an urgent update I needed to deliver in person to his Wardens.  I knew he would relay this to his men which would at least keep me from getting nailed by them when they happened upon me.  They did not look too kindly on anyone other than those in their own ranks.  Not even a Commander-General, such as myself, from IntelliCore, and I certainly was not in the mood to get messed up by any of these dangerous men.  They were the epitome of shoot first, ask questions later, I thought with dread anticipation.  If I wanted to get my ass pounded, then I’d instead just mouth off to my brother.

“Going somewhere?” I heard a voice ask and so in knee-jerk reaction nearly jumped out of my skin.

Quade.

Now quick to look behind me, I saw Quade and Bryan – the deadly duo.  Of course – Elite-Assassins always traveled in pairs.

Just my luck.

Slowly they closed in on me and began to circle round like sharks in consideration of their next meal.

“As a matter of fact – yes” was my bold return, but try as I may to conceal my fear of these men, I had small confidence that I was making a decent show of it.  “I’m sure my brother notified you?” I decided to tack on – not that this subtle reminder of just what their Master was to me would do any good.  If Quade wanted to rough me up and send me on my way, then he most certainly would do so, and without a second thought, no less, if even a first.  Chances were slim at best that Aidan would have told him to keep his lethal assassin hands off me.

Fuck fealty, after all – this was my abysmal consideration of, well, Aidan’s consideration of me.

“Hmm – yes, Aidan did mention that” was Quade’s affirmation.  “However, we are wondering why all of a sudden pretty-boy felt a need to run off and meet with his playmates?” he posed, his leering becoming more intense the closer he got.  Swallowing hard, I was inclined to say nothing – but even this was likely to get me in trouble.

“An attempt to get them to back off, perhaps?” I bravely put to him.  Bryan was keeping his silence, notably, but the look in his eyes troubled me – lots.

“I thought that was what we were supposed to be doing?” Quade coolly returned and what could I say to that?

“Well, if you guys don’t want a break, then I can just rejoin my brother” I offered, hoping he would not call my bluff.  “Then you can explain to Aidan why you and your lackey interfered?” was my suggestion – and a rather poor one at that.  With blinding speed I was on my knees – put there by one expertly placed kick by Bryan.  At least managing to not go spread-eagle as a result, I braced myself with the palms of my hands so I would not kiss the ground.  Nice, I inwardly complained but dared not speak a word.

“That’s Master Quade to you, by the way” Bryan corrected me for my lack of proper address.  Glancing up at Quade, he was nonplussed, just as I would expect him to be.

“I’m sure those AFA Wardens must have wondered what an officer from the AFA’s IntelliCore was doing out here all by his lonesome” Quade went on, not missing a beat.  “And trust me, Member O’Reilly – they never even got close enough to discern how many travel with you, let alone who” was his assertion but then he burst out in maniacal laughter which sent a chilling shiver down my spine.  Shooting one ugly glare at him, I was starting to get the picture – one I did not want to envision at all.

“No matter, Member.  There’s no one to make your rendezvous – at least not now” Quade smoothly informed me, very much nonchalant.  “As a matter of record, there hasn’t been for quite some time, apparently.  Didn’t Aidan tell you?”  Ok – that chill I had felt now turned into icy cold, as cold and as dead as a Connecticut winter.  It made sense now – and how I sorely wished that it didn’t.

“I think you have some explaining to do, eh?” he continued and it was then that I broke out in a cold sweat.  Sure, it all made sense, and on more than one level.  I was about to get the shit kicked out of me – Aidan’s way of teaching me a lesson without having to do it himself.

Not that he didn’t want to get his hands dirty, but with Sierra in our midst, he couldn’t exactly work me over and not despoil the woman’s affection for him.  Well – I’d be sorry to inform my brother that this affection of Sierra’s for him was waning by the day.  I could see it in her eyes – and after she had read all there was that Kevin would have given her on Aidan, The Brotherhood and The Order?  It would be a sheer wonder should she ever look at him the same way again, let alone let the man bed her.

“Rumor has it they went down easy, as I’m sure you will” Bryan now voiced commentary, alluding to what I was certain was the massacre of the Wardens.  My ass was now in that proverbial sling for sure – on all accounts and all the way around to boot.  No wonder Eli had asked Eric if he had heard from me!

Christ on a pony.

Drawing in a breath of measured acceptance, I looked down.  There was no way to avert what was to come – when Aidan gave orders, his men obeyed without fail.

“Lord O’Reilly wishes us to serve his Brother a reminder” Quade now explained, putting the emphasis on the word brother.  Double meaning as always, was my inward complaint.  Aidan would never pass on an opportunity to drive home that I was a Member of not only The Brotherhood, but of The Order as well.  “My Master will no longer tolerate your double-crosses” was his clarification.  My double-crosses?  What about his own!  Well – that wasn’t wholly correct; my brother never actually double-crossed me.  Aidan would just find a convenient loophole to use in fucking me over was all.

None of which mattered right then for I was far too busy trying to suppose which double-cross Aidan had made discovery.  I could only pray that it was the lesser of the two which were right at the top of one very short list.

“Just get it over with, Master Quade, if you would please” I heard myself say before I could head off my tongue.

“It would be our pleasure, Member O’Reilly” he returned pleasantly enough – after all, this was just business.  Nothing personal going on here – although I knew Quade detested me about as much as I detested him.

And the two Elite-Assassins did not disappoint.

With blinding speed and accuracy, I did get my ass kicked – in technicolor, no less.  Little effort did these men have to expend.  They were trained killers, after all, but that didn’t mean they weren’t skilled in techniques to deliver serious pain without debilitating injury.

Once Quade deemed me sufficiently reprimanded, he crouched down in front of me where I lay doubled over in an exquisite explosion of pain.  I gave up trying to take it like a man after the first few hits – what would have been the point?

“Aidan is certain that Sierra will enjoy living with him at The Order, as his legally Bonded Wife” he now relayed.  Elation and desperation flooded me in an odd mixture as I fought to not let my emotions betray me.  “My Master strongly suggests that you return to your IntelliCore base and there lick your wounds.  That is all, Member O’Reilly.  Good-day” Quade added in conclusion as he now rose to his feet.  Struggling to at least get to my knees, I briefly glanced up at him.

“Thank you, Master Quade” I said as humbly as possible, bowing my head and waiting for them to melt off into the dusk of the desert evening.  Once I was fairly certain they had departed, but not so sure they weren’t still within visual range, I got to my feet.  Shaky were my knees to bear my weight but I managed to stand and then dusted myself off.  They were good, I had to hand it to them there – no blood and nothing that would be obviously visible unless I stripped to the waist.

Once I collected my scattered wits, I then fished out my Palm to send an urgent request for recovery as well as a communique to Eric to meet me at my destination – pronto, as in yesterday.  While I pecked away on the Palm, I was rather careful not to smile.  For one thing, I now knew that Grand Head Sokolov had not yet relayed any messege to Aidan regarding Sierra being surrendered to the AFA – or more concisely, to yours truly.

Although this brought me unmitigated elation, it also meant that I was in for a more serious brow-beating unless I could do something to win back a brownie point or two with my brother.  I also needed to keep my promise to Kevin that he would never again have to set foot in The Order.  He was part of the deal, and would be handed back over to the AFA with Sierra, but this didn’t mean that he was yet out of danger.  Not until he was back on AFA turf would my Captain be able to breathe a well-deserved sigh of relief.

Several aces I had up my sleeve, but which one to put into play would take long and careful consideration.  I would have to appear the villain before I could play the part of hero.

No matter – I had time enough to mull over the possibilities.  My only intent just then was to find shelter and wait for a recovery unit to hone in on my coordinates.  Fortunately, it was not all that long before my fellow AFA comrades came on the scene to rescue my tail.  I had been getting dreadfully tired of hauling my ass around the desert in this heat anyway.  Screw this crap, I thought with disdain.  I had paid my dues years ago in that regard, back in Pre-Time when I had been an Army Ranger.  Now, my brother Aidan?  He positively reveled in skulking about in the wild, unlooked for, unseen and unheard – he might as well have been a frigging jaguar.

With this unsettling thought, I had actually felt uncomfortable and was glad for the swift retrieval.  Since the demise of man, jaguars had made a booming comeback in North America and I was not thrilled by the idea of becoming a midnight snack.  Aidan was just like the sizable feline.  Total stealth and I swore he could even see in the dark – and without night vision glasses, either.  My brother had more animal traits than human ones, I laughed to myself, shaking my head at the consideration.  It was the proverbial brawn versus brains with Aidan and me – he got the superior physical prowess and animal senses, and I got the stellar IQ.  At times I felt that a tradeoff would be nice.

A chopper was my means of my deliverance this day.  Heads were sure to roll over my ordering one to this location, but I didn’t give a shit.  Time was wasting and a second more I could not afford, much less waste, waiting a day for a land vehicle.

Once inside the old Sikorski, I gave the pilot my destination.  It would not immediately take me to the outpost where Aidan was heading with the others, but at least to a location where I could procure fast transport.  It would provide me some time to think through my options.  Needless to say I had no intent of returning to my base in Monument Valley, as Quade had said was Aidan’s strong suggestion.

So sure my brother was that I would do his bidding without question – he thought I needed him and The Order more than he needed me and the AFA.

My intelligence gathering had always been better than his; much of the thanks for this going to Greg, with his unusual avenues of thought and interesting chain of resources.  I knew for cold, hard fact that Aidan needed me more – far more.  However, in the chess game playing out between The Brotherhood and the AFA, if I was required to sacrifice a few pawns in order to capture his queen, in a sense, then so be it.

Right then, however, I just slumped down in my seat as the chopper sped towards its destination.  In a world of hurt I was and understood that rest was a must if I was to engage in my next battle on one very treacherous chessboard.  I’d even the score somewhat by putting one of my own rooks into play.  Eric and I made a formidable team, and I was going to need all the support I could muster when going up against Aidan.  Could we match his physical prowess?  Not on the best day of our lives.  However, with Jonesy, Brains and me, our combined brainpower would serve to aid my bid to outmaneuver my brother, the Assassin.

“Sorry to run off again, Greg” I apologized as I cleared my desk.  I’d feel better about the impromptu mission Collin had called upon me to partake if my office was in order.  “Stand by for… well, God only knows what this time” I grumbled as I forwarded the last of my unfinished tasks to him to handle.

“No explanation, huh?” he prodded again.  Pausing mid-keystroke, I then glanced up at him.  “No, then” Greg concluded – he was fishing, of course, but there was nothing to hook.  Collin really hadn’t told me anything.  All he had sent was a set of coordinates and three words – get here yesterday.  Not a lot of room there for interpretation.

“Needless to say, our Commander’s ass has been in a sling ever since he made acquaintance of that little tart” I complained as I returned to my typing.  No immediate comment from the Captain-Major, however.

“Jealous, Eric?” Greg tested, a test which did nothing more than cause me take a deep breath while biting my tongue.  I was jealous – but that was beside the point.  Something rotten there was with this whole Sierra thing and I was of the mind that a certain someone was holding out on me.  However, ask General Hastings what that might be?  A waste of breath.  If he would not even tell me why Collin was so important to this Post-Time world, then he certainly was not about to clue me in on anything even more curious.

“Yeah, sure I am” I admitted with a shrug.  “Aren’t you?” I threw out my own test in return and then looking up at him, he damned near blushed.  I could not help but laugh.  “I’ll take that as a yes, then” I accepted with a grin.  “Sierra sure is easy on the eyes – she’ll make for a pleasant daydream or two when Collin brings her back here.  No one will have to twist my arm to babysit her” I grunted and then shut closed my laptop.  Things were about as tidy as they were going to get.

“What should I tell General Hastings if he makes inquiry as to your whereabouts?” Greg asked but again, I shrugged.

“Get creative – I don’t care” I decided, tiring of having to answer to the General in more capacities than one.  Standing up, I took one last look around hoping there was nothing I had forgotten.  No matter, if I thought of it later, I’d just message Greg at first opportunity.

“If you need anything” he began as I grabbed my pack and jacket, but he left the thought unfinished.  “I have a bad feeling, Eric.  The sooner the Commander divorces himself from that brother of his, the better.”

“You can say that again” I agreed, wholeheartedly no less.  Aidan was a major fucking prick and I did not trust the man any farther than I could throw him.  Which wasn’t far – the man was a heavy weight in the world of The Brotherhood.  His Station among The Order carried far more influence than Collin’s rank of Commander-General within the AFA.

“I’ll keep you posted” I assured him as I now walked around from behind my desk, patting Greg on the back as I passed by to then make my exit.

With a brisk walk I hurried to the motor pool to catch a jeep to the airstrip.  Once there, I saw Don was waiting outside the light plane.  The engine was idling away and he looked about as impatient as I felt.

“Thanks for waiting, Captain” was my dour remark as I strode right past him and into the plane.  Why IntelliCore always seemed to wind up with all the temperamental specialists I would never know.  It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with Collin’s choices, now could it? I considered in dismay.  No wonder our unit was referred to as the misfit outfit.  Most of us up here were not grunts, not by a long shot, that much was certain.  Highly specialized in our respective fields – Collin always found the best man for each job, eccentricities notwithstanding, of course.  If the guy’s credentials panned out, he’d take him no matter what – warts and all, bringing to mind an old Pre-Time adage of which Collin was rather fond.

And where did I fit into this mess?  I had a purpose here just like the rest, the subtle art explosives being my specialty, besides intelligence gathering, of course.  My eccentricity, I supposed, was my propensity for being a neat-nick.  That and I drank tea instead of coffee, I laughed to myself.  Collin always found that downright revolting – the tea drinking thing, that was.  Our Commander was also a stickler for neatness, however – at times far away and beyond the normal expectancy for military personnel.  It was as if to clutter his personal space would be to clutter his mind – and I supposed with an IQ as astronomical as his he could not cope with distractions in more places than one.

Once Don was in the cockpit, he wasted no time in getting us aloft.  I was spending an awful lot of time off base these days, I thought in aggravation.  I was getting too old for this crap and these days it was becoming the rule and no longer the exception.  However, when Collin said jump we were all expected to know how high well in advance, as if we were required to have ESP or something.

After serving under the Commander for a space, you came to realize that you had better pickup this skill – and fast.  Collin was an excellent CO, though – he was fair, and just.  He did not lavish reward for duty well done – but if one of his men went far above the call of duty, exhibiting extreme selflessness and dedication, then the Commander would often do something subtle yet dramatic in reward.  Always with the intent to further succor their loyalty as well as motivating them – which he always managed to accomplish.

His men consistently went above the call of duty and were as loyal to him as the day was long – and no less his officers, even though we were the ones who often took the brunt of his anger.  Collin always made certain to apologize, though, and with haste.  The man never hesitated to parade out his emotions, each and every one in its turn, but then he would be every bit as quick to get past them, like nothing had ever happened.  It took a little getting used to, most would readily admit this, but that didn’t mean they liked it.

And what would my loyalty to Collin get me into now, I wondered?

Who knew.

Pulling out my Palm, I did a little work and then settled in for a nap.  I knew I might as well get some shuteye before being thrust back into the midst of Collin’s ongoing desert misadventure.

Once the flight was over, and I had sent Don packing, I made my way to the AdminStaff office of this remote base where Collin had instructed me to meet him.  There they told me I could find Commander O’Reilly at the motor pool – so, he was eager to be on his way to wherever it was we were going.  That he was no longer in the company of his brother, Sierra and Kevin was blatantly obvious, and expected.  What had transpired, however?  It was anyone’s guess.

As I approached the motor pool, there he was – sitting on a bench outside the office, leaning back with his eyes closed.  My Commander and friend was a very predictable man – he had put his time waiting to good use, having showered and shaved.  He also got his hair cut to AFA regulations and was able to procure fresh clothing.  How he hated grubbing around in the desert! I thought in amusement.  And if I knew Collin, the first thing he did upon checking in here was to ask where he could wash off the filth.  It did not take a genius, however, to recognize that the man was in a world of hurt.  Great, I thought – nice way to start things off.  Nothing like a little pain to influence his already volatile mood swings.

“Commander” I addressed him as I came to a halt, bowing to him.  It was necessary to keep up appearances – after all, this wasn’t his base where we were fairly lax about that sort of thing.  At least, when Collin was in a good mood – and when he wasn’t?  Well, then you’d wish you were serving under a different slave master, that’s for sure.

Cracking open his eyes, it was apparent that pain or no, he was delighted to see me.  That immutable smile made its predictable appearance – the one Collin could never suppress when something thoroughly pleased him.

“That was record time, Colonel” he remarked, now struggling to his feet.  Glancing about I figured it was safe enough to lend him a helping hand – this berg of a base was like a ghost town.  There was no one of importance around to see my offer of assistance which might thus ding his pride.  Once on his feet, I then grabbed his pack, slinging it over one shoulder.

“Not a moment too soon, I see?” was my dry response as Collin firmed up his footing – and knees as well.  “Let me guess – courtesy of your brother?” I posed of his physical state but he only shook his head.

“Quade and Bryan” the Commander was quick to return with a growl-and-scowl.

“Same diff” I countered with a shrug which at first won me a black look, but then he nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, I know what you mean – I swear that Quade is an extension of my brother” Collin muttered and then reaching into his pocket, he then tossed me a set of keys.  Deftly catching them, I looked down and blinked.  These were for no second rate transportation.  “This way” Collin prompted and so walking with him we headed for our ride.  And a sweet one it would be at that – a Land Rover that would make for durable as well as comfortable transportation.

“Belongs to the base CO” he explained, guessing my mind.  “Old gambling debt I called in.”  Now laughing, I opened the passenger side door for him.  After shutting it, I then walked round to the driver side so I could pop the rear hatch and toss in our packs.  “Did you pack some black?” he called over the front seat, turning around to look at me as I stowed our gear.  I only grinned in return – I had a hunch he’d have need for a performance, and black was truly a power color for this man.

“You’re the best Second a man could ever ask for, Colonel Jones” was his not unexpected praise and so slamming shut the hatch, I then walked round to the driver’s side door.

Once inside and on our way, it would only be a matter of time before he spilled.

And spill he did as I guided the Land Rover off base and onto an old BLM road, heading southeast.

“Any ideas on what to do once we get there?” I asked Collin after he had recounted his experiences since we had last seen one another.

“Not sure” was his candid reply.  “I am afraid for Kevin, actually” he revealed to which I raised an eyebrow.  “The Order would like nothing better than to see our Captain Wong get nailed as a traitor.  I know I can talk my way out of a million things if one, Jonesy – but how do I explain my Master Geek breaking into the old DoD database?!” he tersely put to me.

“And you think – what, that Aidan would set Kevin up just to teach his little brother another lesson?” I supposed but Collin only shrugged.

“Not sure anymore, Eric – really” he admitted, now further slumping down in his seat.  “As a precaution – that’s one reason why I instructed Kevin to become Sierra’s best friend.  She’s rather attached by now to her fellow hacker and Aidan isn’t blind.  Believe it or not, I think Aidan will avoid doing anything that will further alienate himself from the woman.”

“Well, if Aidan finds out that you opened the floodgates by having Kevin bring her up to speed” I began and then let out a low whistle.  It was a scary thought indeed.

“I know – Captain Wong voiced the same concern” was his confession.

“Oh, which reminds me – got your PDA in my pack” I informed him.  At once, a huge smile hijacked his entire face.

“Bless you, Jonesy!” Collin joyously exclaimed, reaching over to firmly grasp my shoulder.  “You think of everything.”  Of course – it was my job.  “That geek is as sadistic as Aidan, I swear – he set me up with a Palm, of all things” he grumbled in dire complaint but I did not utter a word.  I hated Pocket PC’s so much it was dangerous.  However, Collin adored the damned pieces of shit and so my silence.  It was a wonder that he did not outlaw the use of Palms on his base.  Banishing the thought post haste, I was concerned that he might just read my mind and therefore make it so.

With both of us now falling to silence, we made the rest of our journey without great incident.  Collin slept while I mulled over all he had relayed to me.  There was unpredictability in Sierra and I could not help but suspect that this just might work in Collin’s favor.  The little looker would actually stand up to his Elite-Assassin brother, even going so far as to mouth off to Aidan!  Brave creature, I considered – or stupid.  The latter, most likely, I inwardly chuckled, shaking my head.  My Commander was assured of having her returned to him, sooner or later; it was a done deal between The Order and the AFA.  He could have easily just gone back to his base and wait for her deliverance.  Not a chance, though.  There was a man left behind and the old Army Ranger code to which Collin still fervently adhered would not allow for this.

And so I was in total agreement – we needed to see to Kevin’s safety, first and foremost, and for more than one reason.  Kevin was a very rare commodity in this Post-Time world.  Almost no information technology specialists had survived the Apocalypse – a major curiosity, but fact none the less.  Captain Wong was not just your run of the mill IT geek either – he was a techno-genius.  A true gem worth his value a million fold.  Hardware, networks, software, encryption, coding, databases – you name it.  And his having been employed as a systems programmer by the DoD in Pre-Time was a major plus for us.  Good fortune courtesy of Collin’s winning hand in a poker game.  Much to the consternation of General Hastings, of course, who had been dealt a losing hand in that high stakes game of chance.

Kevin was eternally grateful to Collin for getting him transferred out of AFA High Command.  So much so, he would practically do back flips for his CO.  Interestingly enough, though, Kevin had never made it publicly known the breadth and depth of his talents, of which hacking was more than just a passing fancy.  He had downplayed his prowess with all things geek until he came under Collin’s command.  At Collin’s Northern Desert base, our Commander gained the trust of this geek, even if the two did not get along all that well most times.  However, Collin gave Kevin all the freedom in the world to do whatever he wanted to get the job done, with unlimited resources at his disposal.  It was in this rich, free-form environment that the geek began to thrive and Collin’s investment of time and materials paid off.

In spades, no less.

It was this invaluable investment that Collin now sought to retrieve, or at the very least keep from being falsely portrayed as a traitor.  Kevin deserved better than that, but I ventured to guess that Kevin had a contingency plan or two of his own just waiting in the wings.

“Almost there, Commander” I now informed Collin as I reached over to rouse him.  Awakening with a start, his eyes fluttered open as he groggily looked about.  His sleep had been fitful and full of troubling dreams – nothing new there, though.  Since the world had checked out, he’d been to hell and back several times over.  Collin had seen things that no man should ever have to see.

“Ok, ok – I’m awake” he grumbled, now stretching.  “First thing upon arrival – coffee” Collin decided with a yawn.  “Even if it will be a dreadful cup” my Commander grunted in disgust and I was with him on that – although all coffee was that way for me.  However, I took his meaning.  No matter where we went, food and beverage paled in comparison to the fare to be had at his own base.

Collin had amassed some of the best cooks to be had in the AFA – and his penchant for good food and drink meant that Collin saw to it that these culinary wizards were provisioned with the best supplies.  After all, he had said – an army travels on its stomach, which was a laugh since our unit seldom had to drag their tails across the open desert.  It didn’t matter to Collin – he was of the mind that if men were well fed with food they actually liked to eat, then the investment would pay for itself.

And so our mess hall was legendary – and a carefully guarded secret, no less.  Easy to do since visitors were rarely allowed on Collin’s IntelliCore base.  That was not out of the norm, though, since we were an intelligence unit.  However, those who were allowed on base and had the pleasure of breaking bread with us were practically sworn to secrecy.  Or rather, threatened with no return visit should it be afterwards discovered that they had loose lips about the mouthwatering dining.

Not that anyone would believe them – about that or anything else which went on at the IntelliCore base under Collin’s command.  Sure, stories circulated about the goings on up there and the missions we undertook, in cyber space, most of them – but these accounts were written off out of hand as just so many tall tales.  It might sound crazy and off the wall, but there it was.  Collin’s base was the exception and not the rule of the AFA, and in every imaginable way.  He had not earned the nickname of the Crazy Commander for nothing.

Collin, as well as his style of leadership, was tolerated by AFA High Command solely based on the fact that he was brother to the Head of Assassins for The Order.  Period.  However that was enough to eventually earn him the rank of Commander-General, even if that didn’t do much to satisfy Collin’s ambition.  He wouldn’t be happy until he received promotion to Elite-General, and his own CO was standing squarely in his way of obtaining that rank.  Elite-General Hastings had personally slammed the door in Collin’s face, securely barricading it – thus the ongoing contention between the two.  The General refused to recommend Collin for a promotion regardless his accomplishments and that was the end of that.  Elite-General Hastings needed to have his thumb on Collin – something that would no longer be possible should Collin get promoted.

This didn’t mean that Collin wouldn’t keep right on trying, however.  Stubborn was his middle name most times, it seemed – or more accurate yet, obstinate.

Now pulling up to the entrance of the installation it was time to put on our game faces.  Once having gained access to this berg of an outpost, Collin and I then made our way to the CO’s office.  This remote installation was basically a way-station of sorts, or so was its guise at any rate.  Behind this guise it concealed equipment essential to the backbone of the internet, that beast which could not be killed.  Almost could not be killed for injured and maimed it had become in the wake of the Apocalypse.  This location also housed one of the few dedicated pipelines to the old DoD database.

Obviously the commander of this installation had warning of our impending arrival for we were led to his office without delay.  Once behind closed doors, it was time for my Commander to put on a show.

“Commander-General O’Reilly and Colonel Jones – IntelliCore” the base commander’s adjutant announced us, holding open the door as we made entrance to the Colonel’s office.  With a round of bows we made greeting as the adjutant then shut the door behind us.

“What brings IntelliCore to this dreary sector, Commander?” the Colonel inquired.

“Please, Colonel Anderson, at ease” Collin ordered with a flick of his hand.  “You are about to have even more unusual visitors on your hands in the near future other than a couple of IntelliCore officers” he went on to explain, clasping his hands behind his back as he began to pace.  The tiger in him had now risen to the surface and so per usual the green hue of his eyes began to intensify.

“Elite-General Hastings was rather – vague – in his communique, sir” the Colonel-Major confessed.

“No doubt” Collin grunted in return.  “This installation is about to fall prey to a breach,” he revealed, wasting no time, and in response the Colonel raised an eyebrow, “one which you will allow to transpire.  The infiltrators will gain entrance; however, they will not be permitted exit.  They are to be remanded to my custody.  As few men as possible are to be involved – and preferably only those who can keep their mouths shut” my Commander tacked on for good measure.

“Would the Commander care to expound?” the Colonel ventured, to his credit quickly sizing up that this was no ordinary raid in the offing.  Not that anyone would dare tamper with the internet’s backbone for every and all benefited by this beast being kept alive.  It was rather instead a dedicated pipeline for the old DoD database which would be of interest, but only to a select few.

This made it quite a short list indeed in regards to who had the skill, the means and the stealth to pull it off.

“I am certain that Elite-General Hastings made quite clear the need for absolute confidence” Collin responded after a few protracted moments of silence.  With a single nod the Colonel confirmed Collin’s supposition.  “You will call off your sentries,” he now continued, “in the southeast quadrant – leave only a skeleton detail on patrol, and ones you won’t mind… losing.”

The look on the Colonel’s face was precious.

“Now wait a minute here, Commander” he began his argument, quickly coming out around from behind his desk.  “I’ll not allow any of my men to become a sacrifice” the man staunchly asserted, but Collin was nonplussed by this refusal.  Stopping mid-pace, he only locked eyes with the Colonel.

One heartbeat, two I waited – this was my cue to withdraw from my pocket my Palm device.

“Colonel Jones, if you would – to the attention of Supreme-General Karloff” Collin began in a low voice and now the base commander stiffened.  “L-5 priority” he tacked on, totally deadpan, his poker face in place – the very one which had garnered him a multitude of winning hands down throughout the years.  There was no higher priority than level five, and everyone knew that Karloff did not want to be bothered with anything less than level five.

Not that Collin had intent of my composing any such communique, of course.  He was just betting that his balls were bigger and harder than were the base commander’s.

“The spelling of your last name, Colonel?” Collin prodded when no response was immediately forth coming.  “I’d hate to get that wrong in my communique – General Karloff is a stickler for details, after all.”

One heartbeat, two, three and so then I started tapping away.

“Anderson with an o or an e” I inquired as I glanced up from my Palm to the Colonel.

“You had better have one damned good reason, Commander O’Reilly” he grumbled, finally backing down as he retreated.  Now he moved around behind his desk in defeat to then sit down.  “Is there anything else the Commander-General will require?”

“Quarters for starters,” Collin said, “but also an interrogation room, one off the beaten path, as it were – and order your men to stay out of the vicinity at all costs.  In addition, keep your sentries away from – Colonel Jones, please show him the entry point?” he requested and so pulling up the plans for this installation, I then approached the base commander, handing him my Palm.  Accepting it, he first narrowed his eyes at Collin before eyeballing the screen.  Blinking for a moment, he then handed me back the device.  The Colonel understood what was about to go down – well, not implicitly, but he could surmise the urgency behind Collin’s request.

“As you wish” the Colonel returned, heavily.  “Captain!” he now barked out to the anteroom and in seconds his adjutant opened the door.  Regurgitating Collin’s requests to the man, the Captain then nodded curtly in acknowledgment of his CO’s orders, followed by a formal bow.

“Sirs” the Captain said, bidding us to follow.  With this prompt, both Collin and I now bowed to the Colonel in parting to then fall in behind the adjutant.

Once out of the Colonel’s office and on our way, I glanced at Collin.  His only betrayal of victory was a solitary, fleeting wink.

The woman was barking up the wrong tree – but try to tell Sierra any differently?

Not.

At least, not right then.

Actually, she was barking up the right tree, but that was like way foolish.  She was squaring off with Aidan regardless all she had recently learned about The Brotherhood, The Order and this one very lethal ex-CIA hit man who was The Order’s Head of Assassins.  Sure, she’d toned it down after reading all I had given her, but with Collin being notably late in returning from his meeting with the Wardens?  Well, the woman smelled a sizable rat – or rather a pair of them.

And so did I, but I was not about to openly accuse the Assassin.  I felt like living a while longer yet.  Just keep on biting your tongue, Wong, I reminded myself.  Silence was golden, after all.

“My brother is a big boy, Sierra” Aidan dodged her harsh accusations.  “Collin can take care of himself.”

“Oh yeah?  Well, not with your friends out there!” the little pit bull attacked.  “What are you not telling us?” she demanded, stomping her foot for effect.  Met with silence, the woman only bit her lip, considering her next verbal parry.  Why bother?  Aidan wasn’t going to say squat.

“Uh – time is wasting, dudes” I decided to butt in, taking a few hesitant steps closer to them.  “Daylight is tanking here, you know?” I prodded, holding my breath and praying that Aidan didn’t see a need to remind me just who was in charge.

“The geek is right” he coolly returned and then actually smiled at Sierra.  You could have knocked me over with a flash drive – what did he have to be happy about?  Well, more than me, that much was apparent.  Collin being gone so long was making me about as nervous as a hard drive in a room full of degaussing equipment.  He had promised me I’d never have to set eyes on The Order again – or at least, not as an exchange hostage, at any rate.  However, with my CO now notably MIA, I was preparing for the worst.  There were zero hot spots in this region, so I couldn’t even contact anyone, much to my mounting distress.

“Oh yeah?  Well, this geek isn’t budging an inch until you come clean with me” Sierra actually demanded of the big, bad assassin, which was the term of endearment that Collin would use to refer to his brother when speaking to Sierra.

With a protracted, deadpan look Aidan regarded the woman and then bent to one knee before her.

“If I could tell you everything, I would” he cajoled my friend, and damned if the woman didn’t soften.  “Collin is fine, Sierra – will that do?” he asked, reaching out a hand to brush the hair out of her eyes.  Chewing on her lip, she just cast her eyes downward.

“Define fine” she pressed him and if she didn’t stop seeing how far she could push the man, then the girl was going to be in for one hell of a rude awakening.  Or not – for as different as night and day that Aidan and Collin were, in one thing they were spot on.  They both loved this hot little hacker chick.

Heaven forbid they should have learned a thing or two from the past, I thought in dismay, remembering what their cousin Finney had told me.  This was going to be that Miranda thing all over again between the two brothers.  Shit no, it was already there, or at least well on its way.

“Did you sick Quade and Bryan on him?” Sierra now had the balls to ask and if my jaw had been glass it would have shattered since it must have hit the ground.

“No” he assured her, but Sierra didn’t know Aidan half as well as I did.  When his responses got real simple, then he was side stepping.  Not outright lying, but not being straight, either.  Sierra only glared at him in return but finally getting a clue, she didn’t press the dude any further.  And so with a sigh, she looked down, biting her lip as she silently threw in the towel.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road – c’mon, Kevin” she mumbled, glancing over her shoulder at me.  Yeah, she wasn’t buying his answer, and neither was I.

Rising to his feet, Aidan stood there, looking down at her.  He then pressed the palm of his hand to her cheek before taking up the lead.  Again, Sierra softened.  If I ever got her alone, I was going to have to clue her in that she was fond of something far worse than she had read about.

Falling in behind Aidan, I took the risk of drawing an arm around Sierra’s shoulders – if only briefly.  I just wanted her to know that I was as worried about Collin as she was.

“It’s not a death march” Aidan said over his shoulder but wisely Sierra kept it zipped.

The darker it got the more glum we both became – this was no slam dunk mission by any means.  Everything that Collin had intended to put into play was a big frigging question mark by this point.  I’d just have to wing it was all – I was as prepared as I could be on my end, but this wasn’t something I could pull off alone.  If Collin had met with serious delay, then – well, I was probably going to be one dead geek in the very near future.

Trust to the Crazy Commander, Captain, I chastised myself.  Collin had never let me down before.  Sure, he’d put me in the middle of some shit I didn’t like, but he was my CO after all, and I was just one of the pieces on his chessboard.

Regardless, I had one hell of a debt to pay him for getting me transferred out of AFA High Command.

We met up with Ryan within moments after we resumed our march – he had gone on out ahead when Sierra had dug in her heels, confronting Aidan.  Smart man, I thought – no one in their right mind would want to be within striking distance of Aidan when his mood turned dark.  Or darker than usual, anyway.

Upon rejoining Ryan, he waited for us to pass and then fell in behind.  I truly liked the guy, but his fanatic loyalty to Aidan just unsettled me to no end.  Long story there I knew – and I also knew more chapters in that book than could be considered healthy for one geek to have read.

With skill Aidan led us through the desert, every step brining us closer to our point of entry, and so my unease grew.  The Assassin was just a little too smug – like that legendary cat who swallowed the canary.  A sleek, black assassin cat.  I wasn’t so sure that Aidan would not have his brother knocked off – Greater Good after all, and The Order was first in line when it came to welfare.

“Stay put” Aidan now cautioned us as he prepared to scope out the area.  I couldn’t help but notice that Sierra was seeing him in a slightly different shade of light as she watched him.  The dude carried one too many knives, I thought, feeling a little queasy myself.  Not so much by the knives, but rather the eager look in his eyes.

With an exchanged glance of agreement, Ryan and Aidan then set off.  Elite-Assassins travelled in pairs and here was where Ryan was more than he appeared on the surface, and in a lot more ways than one.

Once the deadly duo was safely out of earshot I felt I could finally breathe and so released one audible sigh of relief.  Tossing down my knapsack, I then took a load off.

“You’re not gonna take a nap, Kevin, are you?” Sierra complained and yeah, the thought had crossed my mind.  Who knew when I’d get another chance?

“Nah, too spooky out here” I laughed, feeling just that – spooked.  Now sitting down next to me, Sierra hung her head.  “Feeling caught in the middle again, huh?” I spoke up and so she nodded.  “Well, you know my opinion, and that being said…” I trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.  What was there to say?  She still had a thing for Aidan regardless – and that just plain sucked.

“Wanna go over the plan again?” she prompted but I just shook my head.

“Nope – should be easy enough to get in, but after that?  Can’t prepare and further than getting inside” I reminded her.

“Do you know what data they are looking for?” was her pointed question and I wasn’t about to lie.

“Uh-huh – but I can’t tell ya” I rebuffed and so she pouted.

“’cause Aidan will have your hide?” she accused but again I shook my head.

“No, because Collin will” I corrected her.  “I owe the dude a lot, Sierra.  Besides, believe it or not, I really am an AFA officer.  My rank of Captain isn’t just honorary or something, you know?” I tried to remind her.

“Dude – you are the most un-military like guy I have ever met” was my friend’s heartfelt assertion delivered along with a grin.

“Yeah, well – when duty calls, though, I can play the part” was my dodge, really not wanting to get into the AFA and the part I played in Collin’s ongoing chess game with The Order.  “I hope Collin’s ok” I decided to open up another can of worms instead.

“Aidan wouldn’t lie to me” the woman actually defended the villain!  And so propping myself up on one elbow, I gave her a hard look.

“Girl, you don’t have to defend him, least of all to me” I chastised her.  “Aidan is what he is and it doesn’t take the likes of me to point out that those two brothers are always trying to one-up each other.  Collin’s no angel, but he’s not the devil either” I made clear.

“Whereas Aidan is?” Sierra tested, narrowing her eyes at me.

“From where I stand?  Damn near close” was my two cents.

“Care to quantify that, Kevin?” she pressed and I sure the hell did not since to do so and be found out would get me killed.

Releasing a weighty sigh, I slowly shook my head.

“No, girl – I just have your best interests at heart is all” I backed down.  “There’s a whole lot of undocumented shit you don’t know about and I can’t clue you into, either.  Call it self-preservation, I guess.  And if that makes me less of a man than the Assassin, well, then that’s just the way it is.”  Predictably, Sierra now softened, repenting.

“I… I’m sorry, Kev” she apologized, biting her lip.  “It’s just – all that crap I read seemed a little… well, slanted is all.  What I know about Aidan from being alone with him so long?  I just can’t reconcile the dossier you gave me with the man I’ve come to know.”

“Well, I won’t say I understand since I can never know Aidan in the way that you do,” I laughed, “but I take your meaning.  The dude is cut and dry, black and white.”

“Sure, and so is Collin” was her counter, and rightfully so, but the man had a lot of gray areas.  Collin just let very few people visit them was all.

“On the surface?  Yeah, it can look that way, but you know what they say about appearances and all” I pointed out and that struck a chord with her since I had a hunch Collin had shown her a gray area or two within his own psyche.  For as strong as my CO could be, he could equally be as weak – and it was these areas which blew my mind, but what did I know?  I was a geek and not a psychoanalyst!

“Do you think he’s ok?” the woman asked, a tear leaking from the corner of one eye.  Rip my heart out, girl! I thought in dismay.  I should be as lucky as the brothers grim, I considered.  They were the luckiest men in the world right now – they had both captured the heart of this hot Latina number.

“Shit, Sierra – I wish I knew” was my honest answer.  “All because Aidan and Collin are bothers doesn’t mean that Aidan won’t dispense with Collin for the greater good,” was my rather blunt assessment, “and before you go spouting off, if you had really read what I gave you, then you’d know that’s what The Order is all about.  Greater Good.  No one is above being sacrificed for it, and Aidan won’t hesitate to cut down anyone who would stand in the way of that edict.  Sorry if this is something you don’t want to hear, but there it is, girl.  Take it or leave it.  Right now, I do know that The Order does need Collin, or rather his affiliation with the AFA and the resources at his disposal.  I’m hoping this will keep Collin safe enough – at least, for the time being.”

Sierra now settled back on her heels, wrapping her arms tightly about herself as she looked down.

“Collin’s got things he wants to tell me” she mumbled and now I got curious.

“The dude said so?” I gently prodded.

“No, but every time we get close… when he takes my hand or touches me… he… trembles” was her surprising revelation.  “He’s gotta be hiding stuff and his conscience is getting to him.”

“Well, you should understand there’s a lot he can’t tell you, either” I reminded her.  “The guy does have a conscience, though, unlike his brother” I stated and quickly Sierra raised her eyes to meet my own, narrowing them as she leveled a hard look of reproach.  Challenge was poised on her lips.  “Girlfriend, Aidan doesn’t have a conscience, so please don’t try to convince me otherwise.  A man can’t ardently adhere to a Greater Good way of existence and still have room for conscience.  As long as what he’s doing has benefit to their Greater Good Way, then his mind is clear.”

“And his heart as well?” she wanted to know and what good would it do for me to tell her I was of a mind that the Assassin had no heart.

Not one single solitary byte.

“Dunno, girl – let’s… just agree to disagree where the black knight is concerned, ok?” I offered with a wan smile.  “I just want to get this mission over and done with.”

“And then what?” Sierra put to me and that was one very good question.  Just shrugging my shoulders I then zipped it.  Not much else to be said, and I sure the hell wasn’t going to voice my suspicions, either.  I was praying for the Calvary to come charging over the hill to save my ass – otherwise?  I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be long for this world.

After a while, Aidan and his shadow finally returned and damned if the Assassin did not look satisfied.  Nothing like a little blood lust to boost a dude’s spirits, I thought in distaste of Aidan’s penchant for the sport of hunting humans.  I’ll bet that was one thing the dude never clued Sierra into about himself.

As the last light of the day was about to wink out, Sierra and I made ready to leave.

“I will guide you” Aidan decided, which was no surprise – I swore the man was more animal than human.  The dude could see in the dark and that was no lie.

With subtle hand signs, he gave orders to Ryan who then nodded once before taking off.

“Be safe” Ryan quietly said in parting to Sierra and me and then he was gone.

And so there were we, making our way through the dissipating dusk and did not arrive near the entry point until long after dark.  The dark was great cover, but would make my job harder.  Low level lights would aid me, but I preferred daylight.

Aidan stood guard while I went to work, but I noticed Sierra looking with great interest at the grill covering the air duct.   With a glance over her shoulder, she glowered at Aidan.  That’s right, girl – he ain’t coming with us.  Sierra would be able to squeak through the entrance, and I would barely be able to do the same, being blessed with a small slender stature by virtue of my ethnicity.  But Aidan?  No way – that towering assassin would get stuck like a cork.

I suppose this was a small detail that neither Aidan nor Collin had seen fit to fill her in about, that of she and me going it alone.  Shaking her head in aggravation, Sierra now turned her attention back to the task at hand, helping me to work the grill free.  There were a lot of sensors in place, but I had it down pat how to disable them without the wrong people taking notice.  It was a subtle art.

Once I was certain we were clear for entry, I slipped into the shaft.  Sierra didn’t follow immediately and I had to admit my stomach was turning at the thought of her and the Assassin sharing one sultry parting kiss.  What she saw in the guy I had no idea – but on the flip side, Collin wasn’t exactly a gentleman either.  And like you are, Captain Wong? I laughed to myself.  Given the chance I doubt I would be, either.  My friend was a looker – no two ways about it.

Once through the shaft, I removed the grill that gave way to the corridor below.  Luckily it was near floor level so it could be put back with relative ease.  Sliding down as silently as possible I was now in the dimly lit corridor, holding my breath as I listened.  Not a peep.  So far so good but like a long frigging way to go, I knew.  I’d be holding my breath for some time yet to come.

Turning around I looked up, signaling up the passage with my light that it was ok for Sierra to come down.  There’d be no getting out for us that way, I knew – especially since Aidan would be replacing the vent grid which would then automatically reactive its sensors.  We’d make our exit elsewhere, if we should be so lucky, that was.

Sierra made it safely down as well, and just as quietly.  Once we were together we just stood there, listening for a space.

Taking in a deep breath, I then took up the lead but progress was slow.  There were a lot of sensors I needed to fake out or disable – nothing I couldn’t handle, but the stakes were a lot higher this go around.  I had Sierra’s safety to think about and not just my own.

After what seemed like an eternity, we reached the point of access.  The terminal was locked out by a Plexiglas cover, but that was no big deal to remove – I’d done it a million times before if once.  There were several connectors built into the console and so here was where I made access via a USB connection.   It was kind of like a back-door way of getting in after getting through the front door.  Once I worked my magic, I handed my Palm over to my fellow hacker.

“Ok, girlfriend – you’re on” I said in a low voice and so Sierra nodded once as she sniffed out the connection.  Taking her time she began the process, and every second that ticked by was one second closer to us getting caught.

“In” she now whispered, smiling at me with glee.  Damn, girl! I thought, trying hard not to laugh.  That took longer than I would have liked, but not half as long as I had expected.

Reclaiming my Palm, I now could do my thing.  Blocking all else out of my mind I began working through the plan of how to run the maze to find what Collin had told me to look for.

With Sierra standing still as stone she watched me zinging from one place to the next and at one point she abruptly placed her hand on my arm, pointing to the screen.  The directory she targeted had almost missed my eye – well, that’s not exactly right since I wasn’t looking for it, but the title was intriguing – codices it was named.  Codices were used for tons of stuff – in audio they were used for compression and decompression, but if I broadened my depth of view, I wondered – why would they be stored here?  Couldn’t think of much they’d have to do with the other data in the same directory.  Beneath this directory were two more strangely name sub-directories, plan and furtherance.  Freaky names for subs if they were supposed to relate to the parent directory so I snagged those as I built a tarball on a flash drive to encrypt after I was done.  We seemed to be doing ok so what was a few seconds to scoop up some extras?  The real work would come when we’d have to later decrypt them.

Once I found most everything I had been ordered to locate, then for redundancy I transferred the data to a flash drive.  I was starting to get the feeling that we had overstayed our welcome, but wanted to also upload the data offsite to a secure server – just in case.  And so disconnecting the USB connection, I now switched over to wi-fi.  First I had to turn on the utility which would automatically put the server off-line once the upload was finished.

Tugging on my sleeve, Sierra felt it, too – kind of like the walls were closing in on us.

“On the way” she breathed in urgency and I knew the chick was dead on.  Quickly now I replaced the console cover, making sure it was properly secured and the triggers reset.  With Sierra in the lead we hurried along towards the planned exit while I kept working on my Palm, beginning the upload.

In no time we had reached the exit door, but my upload wasn’t yet completed.  Piss! I thought and so I skidded to a stop, waiting.

“Forget it!” Sierra hissed and although I knew she was right, I just needed a few more seconds.  Once through the door, my connection would drop so I had to stay put.  As if on cue, we now heard the sound of footfalls clocking down the corridor.  Christ on fucking pony!  Wasting no time, Sierra opened the door by hitting the green button on the wall to one side.  She was fidgeting to be away and so I told her to go.

“Go!” I breathed but she flatly refused, shaking her head in defiance.  At that point, in or out it didn’t matter they’d be on us like white on rice, as Collin would say.  If I could just complete the upload then all would not be lost if we were both captured.  If?  When was more like it and that was the sad truth of it.

Closer now the footfalls were coming, way too close for comfort!

“Done” I breathed but it wasn’t gonna matter.  If they knew to come rushing to this section of the installation, then they’d also have a contingent on the outside as well.  Fierce fighters or not, Aidan and his Brothers would be up to their eyeballs in AFA soldiers and could not possibly stave them all off.  Sheer numbers would prevail and the AFA had a lot more personnel to toast than did The Order.

Our gooses were more than cooked, I thought, swallowing hard – they were singed and fast becoming cremated.

“Now!” my fellow hacker shouted and what happened next was so fast that I didn’t even know what had taken place until it was too late.

With a shove Sierra pushed me out the door ahead of herself and in a flash I heard the door slamming shut behind me.  Spinning about like a top I stood there with my jaw hitting the ground.  The damn girl had stayed behind and there was no way for me to get back in!

Either way now I was toast, I knew – should Aidan find me in this side of the door without Sierra!

You are up shit’s creek now, Wong, I heard myself think but I still had a job to do and so standing there gaping at a shut door wasn’t gonna help anyone.

Being unable to do anything else, I turned tail.  There was little light to show my way, the moon being only a fingernail moon, but I needn’t have worried overly much.  I didn’t get very far before I was tackled – or rather restrained, and none too kindly at that.

Turning me round, I could now see that it was Quade, flanked by his deadly shadow, and my own personal nemesis, The Order’s Head of IT, Bryan.

There wasn’t a whole hell of a lot to say since it was damned obvious that my fellow hacker was absent.

And absent as well was any commotion – this place should have been crawling with AFA personnel.  I knew damned well there weren’t enough Members afoot from The Order to stave off numbers like that and so, what?  There was something else afoot – that was what.

“You’re as good as dead, geek-boy” Quade promised in a low voice but before I could explain he made a chopping motion with his hand to indicate that I should shut up.  “Save it for Aidan” he added and now thrusting me out ahead of him he drove me forward.

To the tune of an hour, no less, by which point I was stumbling along with exhaustion and worry.  During the trek I had time to puzzle things out – and the only thing that made sense why there was no large scale AFA manhunt in progress was Collin somehow being involved.  Since his taking leave of us, I had not had a single communique from Collin – but this didn’t matter.  What did was that I had also not heard a peep out of Eric or Greg.  A reason to all things as my Commander was fond of saying, and in this silence there was a purpose.  It was Collin’s way of telling me to hang in there – that the Calvary would soon come to my rescue.  The dude would not leave me behind, no matter the cost to his own safety, or Sierra’s either, I was of the mind.  If Collin was unpredictable, then in adhering to old Ranger code he certainly was the opposite.

Naturally, though, he’d try to save everyone and everything on all fronts – and if he couldn’t?  Then damage control afterwards he’d perform to salvage everything else, but only once he had made recovery of his lost man.  To Collin that was paramount.

With no warning, Quade now took hold of my arm, jerking me to a halt, but it didn’t stop there since he now forced me to my knees.  I would have like to inform the shark that wasn’t necessary since I was ready to drop regardless.  However, I wasn’t about to say boo to this ex-CIA spook.

On my knees and gasping for breath, I looked around the small clearing.  Great place for an execution, I thought in dismay and as I turned my eyes forward, suddenly there was the spookiest spook of all.

Aidan.

I swore I would never get used to his unnerving stealth.  How could anyone move that silently? I wondered as I watched him standing there and now he began to pace.  Just like his bother – when agitated, both men would pace like big cats.  The difference was Collin would be thrusting razor sharp verbal parries.  Aidan, though?  He just wouldn’t say a word – not one syllable, which meant blood was gonna be drawn and I knew it would be mine.

After what seemed like an eternity, Aidan now crouched down in front of me, and by the light of the moon I could see the coldness of the night reflected in his nearly pure black eyes.

“You’ve got one shot at saving your own life” Aidan said in that ethereal voice of his and so I supposed this was my cue to explain.

“Sierra shoved me out the door and shut it behind me” was all I said and then reaching in my pocket, I pulled out the thumb drive and tossed it at him.  Amazingly enough, he caught the thing mid-air, darkness and all.  Holding his hand motionless for a few moments after he had snatched the drive, he then tossed it to Bryan, who caught it just as easily as had Aidan.  And if the light hadn’t been so low, I could have sworn that Bryan winked at me – the prick, I thought, loathing my counterpart as much as I did his Master.

There was no response and so I supposed that the floor was still mine.  Swallowing hard, I gave it my best shot.

“They were coming fast,” I told him, trying to make my case, but I sure as hell didn’t wanna tell the dude I had been trying to upload data offsite.  That was none of his business, and I had a hunch that Sierra wouldn’t spill that detail to him either.  After all, it had not been part of our plan.  “I was wrapping up shit just as we got to the door, and after I stuffed my Palm in my pocket the girl abruptly shoved my tail outside and then slammed the door shut behind me.  They would have been upon her in seconds.”

“You weren’t seen?” was his careful inquiry.

“No – Sierra saw to that” I returned.  “Look, Aidan – I’m not any more pleased about this than you are!  But once on the other side of that door, you know there was no way back inside otherwise I sure as shit would not be here!” I asserted, pissed to think he would believe I’d cut and run on the girl, or that I’d try to save my own hide first.

“You did not sight them?” Aidan now asked, clearly having no desire audition my account of what went down.

“No” I promptly returned, unsure what he was getting at – and I was also unsure if he had yet to find out about the deal Collin made to release me as an exchange hostage with The Order, and also that Sierra was now AFA property.

The spook was one impossible read, but something told me that if Aidan had found out, then I would have already lost my head – literally.  If that was the case, then there was no reason for him to spare my life – I’d no longer be under the care of The Order.

“Sierra understood what would happen if they caught me, or even laid eyes on me” I tried to explain.  “She… the girl was trying to save my ass, plain and simple.  She sacrificed herself so I could get away – and trust me, Aidan, she did not ask me about it first” I tried to impress upon the assassin.

“Fascinating” was his one word commentary delivered with sarcasm as dry and arid as the desert itself.

He fell silent for one very long time, just watching me.  I had the impression he was waiting for me to beg for my life.

Forget it, asshole, I considered.  I might have been a geek, but I was an AFA officer and contrary to popular opinion, this really meant something to me.  It wasn’t just some honorary title – I had earned it, and Collin never put anyone up for promotion who did not deserve it, even if said promotion was a bribe.

Without another word, Aidan now rose to his feet and did an about face, melting off into the night.  Looking up at Quade, I saw the man was just watching Aidan go.  Here comes the ass whooping, I thought with dread anticipation, but no – Quade grabbed me by the arm, jerking me to my feet.  Again thrusting me out ahead of him and Bryan, we took off after Aidan.

Aidan was mulling things over, I knew – weighing the known facts against those unknown.  It didn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out, though, that he was pissed – and not just at me but at himself as well.  I had a hunch that he was now regretting having sent Collin permanently packing – and why did he not kick the shit out of me?  I was his link to this brother, that’s why.

Conjecture but I was probably on the right train of thought with that one.

As we trudged on through the night, my thoughts were all on Sierra, however.  Collin had to have intervened in some fashion – I was now certain of it.  He probably beforehand had crafted any myriad number of explanations as to why a woman hacker had executed the breach, with a little help from an AFA TechStaff officer.  Creativity, after all, was Collin’s middle name.  Well, at least now he would not have to explain away the involvement of an AFA officer under his command, and so the story could take any number of incredulous twists and turns.  That Collin had come to Sierra’s rescue I had no doubts – he would no more sacrifice her than he would me.

Not like Aidan, who would, and had, tossed the dice, willing to gamble Sierra in order to get the data he and his brother needed.  Well, minus his brother, apparently, since Aidan’s thugs had summarily dismissed Collin.

Unwittingly, I now considered with mixed emotions, my hacker friend had probably made things a lot more difficult for Collin.  Had Sierra and I both been caught together, and Collin then intervened?  Well, he probably would have escorted us right back to his base, out of the reach of his brother and The Order.  Now in order to save me, he’d have to bargain with Aidan, using Sierra as the bargaining chip – at least for openers.

Again, conjecture, but I knew my Commander pretty damn well by now.

Finally when I felt as if I couldn’t possibly go another foot, we stopped.  It was getting on near dawn and so the light was starting to grow.  Within moments I saw Aidan’s shadow now melt into view – Ryan.  Relief washed over me in a crashing wave and that was no lie.  Regardless that Ryan would do his Master’s bidding, he would keep Aidan from committing the unthinkable.

Or at least try to, at any rate.

Overwhelmed with fatigue I felt like dropping to the ground but I wasn’t about to give these Members the satisfaction.  The Order thought all us AFA personnel were jokes – weak and inept was how they viewed us.

Ryan did not look surprised that Sierra wasn’t with us – which meant word had already reached his ears.  It was way too eerie – this place could have been crawling with Elite-Assassins and you’d never have a clue.  They had taken blending into the environment to a whole new level.

Striding right up to me, Aidan appeared to not be the least bit winded for the jaunt.  Amazing, considering the guy was one hell of a lot older than me and I wasn’t exactly out of shape.  I was used to hauling my butt all over the desert maintaining my own private wide area network.

He came to a stop in front of me and just stood there, regarding me for a few silent, and tenuous, moments.

“Contact my brother” was his directive and like, dude – need a wi-fi signal for that! I thought in annoyance.

Reaching into my pocket, I drew out my indicator and turned it on – I had left the device off to save the battery.  Looking at it, it was as I figured – no signal here so then drew out my GPS to get a fix on where we were.

“Uh – gotta ways to go to pick up a signal” I informed him and then looking around in the growing light, I saw we were near a dirt road.  No surprise since the coordinates had allowed me to pull up a map of where we were.  “Um, ‘bout ten miles due east of here should be one, if it’s still working” was my conditional response but Aidan had nothing to say in return.  The dude just stood there, eyes locked onto mine.

“You can dictate the message now,” I prompted, feeling a growing unease, “and when we get in range my Palm will automatically send it” was my suggestion since the silence was driving me nuts.  Apparently I had my answer since Aidan now did an about face.  Crap, I thought in dismay.  I couldn’t jog along another ten miles!

Prodded from behind by Quade, I now coaxed my feet into motion as I followed Collin’s brother.  We weren’t back to jogging, though, and soon I felt gratitude descend on me as we walked round the other side of a tangle of trees and brush near a wash.  There was a small jeep, matte painted in desert camouflage.  A ride! I thought with joy.  Before we got in, however, Aidan turned to me.

“You will alert me when we come within range” was his cool directive.  He now got in the jeep on the passenger side while Quade got in the driver’s seat.  The rest of us piled into the back of the vehicle – nap time, then.  Which is exactly what I started to do, catch up on some z’s before I found myself back on my feet, which was a given.  Members only employed vehicles when necessary since they drew unwanted attention when others were in the vicinity.

No sooner had I slumped down and shut my eyes, I felt a hand grab me by the collar, jerking me forward.

“Hearing impaired?” was Aidan’s icy inquiry.

“Dude!  The indicator will vibrate in my pocket!” I tried to assure him – after all, I was just gonna nap not totally wink out.  My answer didn’t do the least bit to appease him and so holding my hands up in surrender, I decided to put my nap on hold.  “Ok, sorry – gotcha, understood” I acquiesced, sitting up straight as Aidan now released me.  With one last look of warning, he now turned to face forward again as he and Quade exchanging evil grins.

Great.  No water, no food, no nap – I was alive at least, and so supposed this was one good thing.  Although, I was beginning to wonder about even this much.

Choices – life was all about them.

However, the choices which would soon present themselves to me would have great bearing on not only those who were my charges, but on my own life as well.

A woos are you, Commander O’Reilly? I questioned of myself as I looked in the mirror.  Yup – you betcha, but that never stopped me from getting a job done.

For this pending performance I was dressed to fit the part, black-on-black, and now I just had to get into character.

And when would this act be over?  And the whole play as well?  Damned if I knew, but day by day I just kept trudging forward to whatever end, come what may.

A knock now came at the door and so I called out my customary one word grant of entrance.

“Come!” I barked and so Eric then made entrance.  Turning to face him, I released a shaky breath.  My subdued display of nerves wasn’t lost on him.

“Anomalies” he now informed me and that had to be the result of Kevin.  Without having alerted the CO of this installation regarding what was about to go down, then no one ever would have noticed the signs, or if they had, not given them much thought since they would have been way subtle, as Captain Wong would have put it.  However, with such warning being given, every single tick and twitch of this place was being analyzed, and to the nth degree.

Ok, Commander – time to put on your mask and act out your heart.

“Understood” was my one word response, after which I drew in a deep breath in preparation.  “Onward” I then muttered as I brushed past him, exiting the quarters I had been assigned.  Out in the corridor was the small contingent of soldiers I requested – not enough to be impressive, but not so few as to appear overly confident.

“This way, Commander” the base Captain said to me, and though I needed no guide, I let him lead on regardless.  I had memorized the layout of this installation long ago, when Aidan and I had first laid our plans for a breach.  To the point of entry I probably could have walked blindfolded – luck favors the prepared, after all, and this spoke Truth in volumes, I knew.  We needed to capture both Kevin and Sierra – nothing less would suffice, at least not in my book.  If we snagged only Kevin?  Then it was going to look really really bad, I considered as I made attempt to ward off mounting anxiety.  However, Kevin, if presented with the opportunity, would make sure that Sierra got out of there, even if he could not.

However, nothing was written in stone.

With Eric flanking me, I could sense that he was no less concerned about Kevin.  This tool of ours we could not afford to lose by having him branded as a traitor.  With Sierra in tow, however, I could easily explain it all away – a rouse that would serve to kill two birds with one stone.  One being to find out what The Order was after, and the other to secure for the AFA the woman Aidan had been keeping in his company.

Again, nothing was written in stone – and this I kept repeating to myself like the litany it had become.

As we drew very near, I reached out a hand to the Captain’s arm to stop him.

“I will take it from here, Captain” I informed the man in a low voice.  I then walked on out ahead, motioning Eric to fall in behind me.  In short order we reached the console where Kevin had intended to hack in with Sierra, but I paid this no attention at all.  The cover was in place and appeared wholly undisturbed – the work of Kevin to be certain.  He had ways around most every alarm trigger, the geek was pure genius and that was gospel.

If he wasn’t here, then they were high-tailing it to the exit, and so I picked up my pace – considerably.  The sound of an exit door opening could be clearly heard and so the jog now became a sprint.  In the short time it took for me to close the distance, I heard the door shut again and so my heart sank.  Day late and a dollar short! I thought in exasperation as an old adage popped into my head.  Now rounding the last corner, scant seconds after we had heard the door close, I expected to see nothing.  At least I had put on a good show but to come up empty handed would mean that I would have one hell of a lot of explaining to do to bail out my own ass.

This was not to be the case, I could now see – and once again, choices.  Hadn’t I said that these were what life was all about?

With a hitch in my step, one which I was barely able to conceal, I looked upon our hacker.  Singular, most notably – Kevin was nowhere to be seen but here was Sierra, pressing her back up against the door as I closed the distance between us.

The gasps of astonishment from the soldiers in attendance were as inescapable Sierra herself.  To see an actual, real, live woman was a rare treat for these men – as well as a mammoth surprise.  The poor creature was terrified, it was obvious – looking left to right and understanding there was nowhere to run.  Yes, my dear – nowhere to run to, baby, nowhere to hide, as Martha and the Vandellas had once sung in a song

Holding up a hand, I ordered everyone to halt and then turned on my heel to face them.

“Ten meters, gentlemen!” I snapped in command and then spun about to once more confront Sierra.  And although the Captain and his men complied, this did nothing to assuage the woman’s fear.  That she had been afraid of men in uniform, this I knew – but just how much I had been wrong in the guessing.  To now be confronted by so many military personnel all at once was panicking the creature.

As the men retreated, I noticed that Sierra was eying Eric and her anxiety had yet to decrease.  It had not gone unnoticed by me that Eric didn’t like Sierra, and on the flipside she wasn’t overly fond of him, either.

“Colonel, if you would?” I now requested of Eric in a low voice, briefly glancing over my shoulder.  With a nod he accepted, but wasn’t too pleased about the command to get scarce.

Once my Second was also removed from the immediate area, I now closed the meters between Sierra and myself – one carefully measured step at a time.

“Spies are much more comely these days, I see” was my casual remark as I stopped before the woman.  The poor thing was frozen into place, rooted where she stood and thus now pity for her almost overwhelmed me.  The show must go on, though, like as not.  “This suits me fine, however – it will make the interrogation all that much more… pleasurable” I decided, unable to suppress a broad smile, and for more reasons than one.  Just to see her again!  Regardless the circumstances I was elated beyond measure, until I thought about Kevin.

Aidan would have his head on a platter and so now back to work.  We needed to be free of this place as soon as I would be able to arrange for it.  The base commander was not about to let me walk out of here Scott-free with this woman, not without an explanation and a blessing from his CO.  Right then I was praying that I would not have to get the blessing of my own CO, since that would make things rather sticky indeed.  Like quicksand, would be a rather apropos analogy.

You got your work cut out for you, O’Reilly – no doubt about it, Commander.

No matter, I thought as I now closed in on Sierra, pinning her between myself and the door.  Without warning I bent over, taking her face in my hands to deliver a kiss – one which she resisted, but yet I could feel how much she had missed me!  Smart woman, though – she kept up appearances by fighting the kiss.  So she could be just as much of a play actor, eh?  Burying my face in her neck as she struggled to push me away, I drank in deep her scent.

“Pretend” I breathed into her ear in earnest.  “Don’t let your actions betray you – you must trust me” I concluded as I released her and sure enough, she understood.  I then found myself on the receiving end of one resounding slap across the face.  With a murmur of stifled laughter rising from the ranks, I would let these men have their enjoyment of the scene.

Quickly grabbing hold of her wrist before she could make the same mistake twice, a little yelp escaped her.

“That you will regret, of this I can assure you” I growled at her in threat and so she shrank from me, now uncertain if I was play acting or not.  I’d have to reassure her later, but not then.  Right now I needed to get her away from these men and into a room, just the two of us.  Naturally there would be surveillance cameras spying on us and so the show would need continue – and then some, unfortunately.

“Should you care to know, your co-conspirators are as good as dead” I saw fit to inform her.  I was an untruth but a necessity to keep her guessing as I tightened my hold on her wrist.  “Easy or hard, the choice is yours” I cautioned Sierra as I now started to drag her along but the woman jerked her wrist free of my hold, glaring at me.  Choice words she had poised on her lips and I was anxious to impress upon her that she needed to keep it zipped.  She was assuming all the wrong things – I was going to be her savior, whether she liked it or not.  And Kevin’s as well – it was just going to be an uphill battle.

Arriving at the room that had been readied for interrogation, I made entry with Sierra, but did not stay long.  I had to keep up the show on other fronts as well, so leaving her there alone, I made exit, closing the door behind me.

“Post guard” I gave orders to the Captain and then looked to Eric.  “You will attend also, Colonel” I gave instruction and then turning on my heel, I followed the Captain to Ops.  There I was able to receive all detailed information regarding the breech, which wasn’t much.  There were casualties, but not many – and none of the infiltrators had been taken into custody – save our sultry female hacker.

Once every detail was sliced-and-diced, it was almost two hours later that I returned to Sierra.

Eric wasn’t too please to have been forced to wait there all that time, but now he’d get to see some action.  It told the Captain that my Colonel and I would handle the interrogation.  Hesitant he was, I took note.  It should be obvious that this IntelliCore Commander-General and my Colonel could handle a wayward female.  The Captain was not overly pleased by the command but obeyed all the same, bestowing upon me a bow before doing as ordered.

Once inside the room, with Eric in attendance, Sierra tried to put on a good show of bravery, but it was clear she was scared nearly witless.  I had given consideration to instructing Eric to wait outside, but her fright need be believable, and if she greatly feared my Colonel?  Then I’d use that to my advantage.

“You might as well just hand it over, my dear,” I spoke to her as I closed in, “or not, since a strip search would be more invigorating – and by far” I laughed in jest and so the little viper wasted no time pulling out a flash drive and whipping at me – hard.  Amazingly enough, however, I caught it mid-air.

There was more fight in her than I had given the woman credit, I mused – admittedly with mounting arousal.  If I could just channel that fiestiness into more productive avenues – then the possibilities would be truly orgasmic.

Briefly closing my eyes I now willed myself to drag my mind out of the gutter and back on track.  Luckily for Sierra, or not, with Eric on hand I wouldn’t be able to, well – get out of hand.  Or at least I would be reluctant about it else wise the woman would never forgive me.

Naturally, I could just order him to leave – this was always an option.

Turning towards Jonesy, I now in turn tossed him the flash drive, minus the whipping, of course.

“I think you perhaps have more concealed on your person than just that flash drive?” I posed of Sierra as I once again made her the focus of my attention.  Impinging on her airspace, I waited for her to retreat but she stood her ground – notably not surrendering her Palm, which I was certain she possessed.  This could not be allowed fall into the hands of the base commander.  No matter, a little frisking would turn up the device.

As I stopped just inches from Sierra, looking down at the woman with a salesman smile perched on my lips, I was suddenly not smiling.  The little wench had grabbed me by the balls!  Brazen she was, I had to give her that much – but then again, she had done a fair job of standing up to my lethal brother.

“Oh, darlin’ – you wouldn’t” I laughed with unease but then she squeezed a little harder.

“Try me” she said in a low voice and now the woman was starting to really piss me off.

“Let go or else you’ll find yourself buying a one way ticket flat on your back” I growled in return and I was in no way kidding.  Apparently she got my drift and so released me – but not without one final squeeze of defiance.  Once she let go, then I was quick to slam her to the floor – not too hard, but with enough force to give it the appearance of realism.  The look of astonishment on her face was precious, however.

“I lied” was my candid admission, delivered in conjunction with one rather evil grin.  Straddling her, I then began my search and though met with resistance, it was wasted effort on her part.  A midget she was compared to me and so in short order I had relieved her of her Palm and also a knife she had concealed.  Dangerous little creature, I considered with an inward laugh.  I now handed over the items to Eric who had moved within range to accept them.  Once in his possession, he removed himself to a safe distance.  It was then that I made snap decision to dismiss my Colonel.

“That will be all, Colonel” I ordered my Second and so with a curt bow Eric then did as ordered.  He left Sierra and me to ourselves, but not without one last look over his shoulder while donning a knowing smile.

“Don’t want any witnesses?” Sierra dared accuse, glaring at me.

“Huh?  Oh, there will be plenty, of this I can assure you” I clued her in as I now slowly removed my Kidd-leather gloves.  This was about to get a whole lot more personal.  The gesture was not lost on Sierra and who then made a desperation play to back away from me.  How far would I take this?  I wasn’t certain, but I had to live up to my reputation, after all.

A fairly unsavory one, I was loath to admit but there it was.

With ease I now pinned the diminutive temptress to the floor.

“Play along” I once again implored as I buried my face in her neck, whispering in her ear.  “Help me help you” I added and so rising slightly so I could look down at her, I wasn’t so sure she was about to comply.  Writhing like a snake, the woman appeared ready to strike.  Well, if she was bold enough to spit at me, then game over.  I would do what I wanted, needed, to do without her consent.  I was trying to save more here than just her lovely ass.

Ok, different tactic then.

Imposing myself on her once more, rougher this time in my need to make her understand, I forced a kiss on her and then once more buried my face in her neck.

“Aidan will harm Kevin” I breathed in her ear and now she stiffened “if I can’t return you to him” I stretched the Truth.  Aidan wouldn’t damage the valuable tool, of this I was fairly certain – he needed Kevin to decrypt those stolen files.  Not to mention that as far as Aidan knew, Kevin was still an AFA exchange hostage.  Did Sierra know any of this?  Of course not – but she did know that my brother was going to be royally pissed at Kevin when her friend turned up sans his hacking partner.

This time the woman got it since some of the fight now left her.

Loosening my hold on her, I settled back on my heels – waiting.

“Would you care to tell me what is on that flash drive, my dear?” I asked with tempered patience but no answer was forthcoming.  For such a chatty thing her well of words had certainly dried up.  “No?” I prodded and so with a shrug I released her and stood up, offering her my hand.  “C’mon – on your feet, my little hacker” I laughed.  It was clear that the woman thought I was a nut case.  What?  Hadn’t she ever heard of good cop, bad cop?  It was just that I was one in the same.

Narrowing her eyes at me, Sierra was uncertain she should accept, but then reason chimed in as she took hold of my hand.  With no sudden actions, I helped her up, praying she would not feel my trepidation but I was busted – she did and so in that moment understood just how dire her situation.  Not only for her, but for me and Kevin as well.

“Sit, please” I instructed her, pointing to a chair at the table.  Waiting on her, I only sat down once she had done so herself.  Pouring a glass of water from the pitcher I then slid it across the table to her and with eagerness she received it.  The poor little thing was on the verge of dehydration.  It was best that she keep her mouth shut – and wise of her.  Naturally, she still wasn’t certain of me or the AFA, even for all Kevin would have told her.  The woman was not imbecile, after all – she soaked up everything like a sponge, keeping it to herself until she had enough facts to reach a conclusion.

Folding my arms, I rested them on the tabletop as I leaned forward, considering her at length while she chugged down the water.

“More?” I prompted and a shy nod was her response.  That’s it, Chiquita, stab me in the heart, I thought in dismay.  I had no desire to cause her distress, but would play the game to the limit to insure our release, hopefully with as few snags along the way as possible.

Pouring the beauty another glass of water, I was about to continue my interrogation when a knock came at the door.  Hadn’t I instructed the base commander that we were not to be disturbed?  It could only be the Colonel, since Eric knew damned well to interrupt only if the world was coming to an end.

Well, technically it was – but that would yet be many years in the future.

“Come!” I barked as I abruptly got to my feet, whirling about to face the door and whoever would dare intrude.

“Commander O’Reilly” the base Colonel said in greeting with a very shallow bow, I took note as my alert system went into full swing.  To my horror, he was flanked by two soldiers from WardenOps!  Oh, Commander – your uphill battle just became a vertical climb, I considered in distress.  “We’ll take over from here” the man bluntly informed me as the Wardens breezed on by, making a beeline for Sierra who now turned pure white.

What was this happy horseshit? I wondered, completely blindsided.

“On whose orders, Colonel?” I snapped in demand.

“Elite-General Hastings” he was all too happy to inform me as he pulled out his Palm.  Opening up a file, he then handed it to me for my review.

Yes – that was the General’s seal on the decree, addressed to this base commander.  I noted with escalating dismay that I had only been cc’d on the communique.

Tit for tat, I considered as I bit my tongue, looking down for a moment.  I had gone over T.C.’s head in order to secure Sierra for the AFA – and now he was going to make me pay for the transgression.  An affront he was daring me to again make – a stunt I would not pull twice, however.  I had already tossed the dice once, going over his head, but I wasn’t stupid enough to keep making a habit of it.

In contrition, I would now be required to beg my CO to have Sierra released into my custody.

As the two Wardens took hold of Sierra, the woman went into a panic as she fought against them.  Save it, Chiquita, I thought downhearted, in that moment feeling just as helpless as she.

As they dragged her away, all I could do was stand there with my hands clasped behind my back and watch.  Once she was no longer in the room, the base commander and I exchange a mutual look of challenge and then with a curt bow, he turned on his heel and was gone.

Hanging my head, I then ran a hand over my face, letting it linger there for a few moments until I was aware of another presence.  Peering through my fingers, I saw it was Eric.

Not a word did he say, but instead handed me his Palm.  He received a copy of every communique that I did, of course, as did Greg, since they would field most of them for me.

“Yeah, I know” I grumbled in agitation but my Colonel said nothing, still extending his offer of the Palm.  Blinking at him like he must have had a death wish, I slowly got a clue that he was showing me something else and so I took hold of the device.

Reading the communique on the screen, it was from none other than Kevin.  That was fast, I considered, trying to conceal my glee.  So he was ok – or at least, not roughed up so badly that he couldn’t type an email.  Carefully reading the messege, I read it not once, but twice, as my heart clenched.

It was one dictated by my brother – quite curt in its simplicity.  I was being informed that if I did not hand over Sierra to him by sunset of two days hence, then Kevin would die – exchange hostage for his niece Amanda notwithstanding, of course.  Greater Good, after all – this was the Way of The Order.

Had I thought that this day could not possibly get any worse, then it just had – one hundredfold, no less.

Now drawing in a deep breath to calm myself, I nodded once before handing the Palm back to Eric.  No response forthcoming, my Colonel understood I needed time to think – and thought was hard in the coming just then.

If nothing else, then at least I still had the scent of Sierra filling my nostrils – powerful incentive to see my way to reclaiming her.  Granted, Supreme-General Karloff had seen to it that she would ultimately come under my care – but the journey from point A to point B was at the discretion of my own CO.

And General Hastings loathed me.

Brushing past Eric, I quickly exited the room with what was left of my dignity intact.  Flanking me, my Colonel was thinking no less furiously than was I.  Two day’s was not much time to procure Sierra and return her to Aidan so Kevin’s life would be spared.  Would General Hastings change his mind should he know that the life of Kevin was in jeopardy?  No – he had lost Kevin to me in a poker game, so should my geek meet an untimely end, he would not give a rat’s ass.  After all, greater good was not what the AFA was all about, I considered with great anxiety.

Once back at my quarters, I quickly changed into traveling clothes – which meant donning desert camouflage once more.  Not a word did my Colonel and I exchange.

After I was packed and ready to hit the road, I pulled out my PDA and sent off several communiques, one to Eric himself who received and read it immediately.  Glancing up at me from the screen of his Palm, questions were waiting to issue forth from his lips, but he understood that there and then was not the time to question me.

A parting of the ways had come yet again.

“Colonel” I said, offering a curt nod as I slung my pack over one shoulder and then wasted no time in heading for the door, leaving my Second behind.  In return Eric bowed but did not follow – I would have to trust to him for the present to stay with Sierra until we could secure transference of her custody to me.

Or rather if – a question hanging over my head like an axe, the same axe that was now hanging over the head of one Captain Kevin Andrew Wong.

Well, that hadn’t gone according to his plans, I thought in dismay as the soldiers dragged me out of the room and away from Collin.  He was one cool cucumber, though – he had barely batted an eye.  However, I could feel his distress in light of the unexpected turn of events.

Even though I was pissed off at him, it had been a great relief to again see him.  And damn – that man sure did clean up well!  He looked finer than fine, short hair, clean shaven and dressed from head to toe in black-on-black.  The color did his green eyes more than just justice – it brought out their brilliance in a stunning hue of emerald green.  I could actually feel the power rolling off of Collin in waves – despite the fact he was afraid for me.  What a dichotomy! I considered with a disjointed inward giggle.  Collin was all about contrasts – so complex a weave that made up his psyche it was unbelievable.

Putting all this aside, I wondered what was now going to become of me.  Somewhere along the line I was sure my fortune would change hands more than a few times – if Aidan and his Brothers had anything to say about it that was.  In the time being, however, I was just praying that no one else would try to brutalize me – or worse, I thought, as fear now truly dug in deep its vicious barbs.

So I was going to wind up being a table scrap after all, one that the dogs would snarl and fight over.  How Collin and Aidan had wanted to save me from this fate! I thought in a panic as the soldiers escorted me along.

To another room they brought me, this time one more to my liking.  It was base quarters, like those I would imagine being assigned to staff.  Once inside, the men released me and so quick I was to back up, away and out of their immediate reach.  Wrapping my arms tightly about me, the truth of my gender’s rarity came home to roost – they were looking at me with something akin to awe.  Stepping back, they now let through another man – the officer who had pulled the carpet out from under Collin.  Who was he? I wondered.  Collin’s superior?  I thought not – the insignia on his uniform was the same as Eric’s – and Eric was just a Colonel.  So how could this guy hold any sway over Collin?

Big question mark there, one I was sure to ask about you could bet.

“Sierra, is it?” the man addressed me along with a courteous bow.  “Have no fear of us – we here are nothing like Commander O’Reilly.”

“Is that better or worse?” I wanted to know, which won me a round of light laughter from soldiers and a grin from the Colonel.  “And who the hell are you?” I not-so-politely asked, pressing forward with my own Q&A session.

“I’m Colonel Andersen, base commander” he returned with a formal bow.  “Make yourself at home, Sierra – it will be a while before a transport arrives” the man explained, making my fear go up a notch.

“Where is Collin?” I asked but the Colonel didn’t answer me.  “Can I see him?” I asked, but still was met with silence.  Ok, that’s not good.  What had Collin said to me?  He wanted me to help him, wasn’t that it?  Was he in trouble here?

“If you are in need of anything, please ask one of my men who will be posted outside” the Colonel informed me and then with one last lingering look, he turned and left, the soldiers following in his wake.

Standing there staring at the door biting my lip, I wondered what to do.  That’s a laugh, I thought, in despair.  There was nothing to do – that much was obvious.

Parking my butt on couch, I curled up and cried, finally allowing myself the luxury of pity.

Amazingly enough, I fell asleep – and quite soundly, no less.  I woke up when I heard the sound of a man clearing his throat and so with a start I sat bolt upright.

It was Collin’s Colonel, Eric.

But where was Collin?

“Hi – I thought you could use a change of clothes and some food” Eric offered.  He was standing there in front of me and as I glanced past him to the table along the wall, there sat a meal, and over on the bed was some fresh clothing.  “The food’s not that great here, but not that bad either” he informed me.  “You can take a shower – the water is good and hot.”  Blinking like an owl, I didn’t know what to say.  I wasn’t thrilled by the idea of getting naked, even if I was alone in a shower stall!

“Where’s Collin” I asked, not expecting an answer since no one seemed to think I should be clued into anything.

“He already made his departure” Collin’s Colonel revealed as he now sat down in the chair adjacent to the couch.  “The base commander here was gracious enough to allow me to keep you company until we leave” he tacked on – his blue eyes locked on mine, which gave me a considerable case of the willies.  This guy was as complex as Collin, I’d wager, but I had the impression he was more dangerous, and by far, since I was of the mind that this man did not have a conscience.

“You don’t like me much, do you, Eric?” I made accusation.

“Ditto” he grunted in return with a grin and that was true enough.  I did not have a warm and fuzzy about this guy – and it had nothing to do with the beating he had given Aidan, so long ago now it seemed.  “Why don’t you have something to eat and then get washed up?  Those are not suggestions, either, should you care to know.”

I could not say I disagreed.  I felt like hell, looked and smelled worse, I’d bet – and all the military personnel I had seen thus far were just so squeaky clean it was eerie.  I was probably offending the heck out of them, this grubby little hacker here who had way spent too much time tromping around the desert.

Suddenly I had to bite my tongue in order to stifle a laugh.  What was I thinking?  Being a scare commodity like I was, I’d could be covered from head to toe in pig shit and these men would probably still get a hard on!  The consideration was amusing, I had to confess.

With a sigh of resignation, I nodded in acceptance.  Piss off Collin’s Second was not something I was interested in doing and so got my butt up off the couch.

“Thanks, Eric” I said, and rather demurely at that, as I crossed over to the table and I could feel his eyes following me.  The man was studying me, and I was betting that it wasn’t just because I was a rare little gem, either.  I suspected there were a whole bunch of questions about me rattling around inside him, just begging to be answered.  That he was Collin’s watchdog I had no doubts.

Once I had eaten my fill, which was a lot, I had to admit, I wiped my sleeve across my mouth and then noticed this seemed to displease Eric.

“We’ll have to work on your manners” he mumbled, now sliding down in his chair, resting elbow to armrest and hand to chin, grinning.  This gave me cold chills and so I abruptly got to my feet.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go get washed up” I said and then decided to wait for his permission.  With a slight nod the man sent me off, and so I wasted no time in scurrying into the bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind me.  Turning round, I was distressed to note that there was no lock.  Releasing an aggravated sigh, I would just have to trust that Collin’s Second was an officer and a gentleman.

And I wasn’t so sure about that – any more than I was certain the same of Collin.

He was right, though – the water was good and hot and felt like nothing short of heaven to wash all the grime off me.  With a pang of remembrance, I now cried.  The last time I had a decent cleansing was just after I had lost my baby.  Lost?  Had it aborted right out from under my nose was more like it!  Ok, Sierra – don’t you go down those paths that lead nowhere, I cautioned myself as I hurried to finish getting clean.  After all, I didn’t want to risk Eric bursting in to hustle my ass – since I was of a mind he might do more than just verbally prod me.

Once dry, I then realized what an idiot I had been!  I forgot to snatch up the clothes before I had fled into the bathroom.

Great.

Wrapping the towel about me, I cracked the door open, peering out, and Eric was still there, waiting.

“Forget something?” he called to me when he heard the door open but did not bother looking my way.  Swallowing hard, I opened the door the rest of the way and ignoring him I crossed over to the bed.  I then gathered up the clothes so I could once more retreat into the bathroom.  Why was I bothering?  They probably had surveillance cameras all over this facility.

Quickly getting dressed, I then hung up the towel to dry.  They thought of everything, I noticed.  Toothbrush, toothpaste – accepted and appreciated as I brushed my teeth, after which I then exited the bathroom.

“Now what?” I asked Eric as I walked over and sat down on the couch.

“A little trip” he said but left it at that, taking the minimalistic approach in all he said and did.  In this, though, he surprisingly reminded me of Aidan.

“Do we have to make this like pulling teeth, Colonel Jones?” I wanted to know, sounding downright bitchy I realized.  Not to mention disrespectful.

“Yes” was his taciturn reply – he had no desire to talk to me, but I suspected there were other things he wanted to do to my person, if not for the fact he wasn’t to be allowed the pleasure.  Had to follow orders, after all.

Ok, so I’d just sit there and wait, keeping my mouth shut.

Or so that’s what I had planned, anyway.

“Collin tells me that you like music” Eric actually engaged me and like, huh?  Why should Eric give a flip about what I liked?  Narrowing my eyes at him, I didn’t answer.  “In Pre-Time, the Commander had an extensive collection of rare vinyl records” he went on to tell me, which did pique my interest.  “He actually had a full set of The Beatles Mobile Fidelity pressings – including With the Beatles – all in pristine condition.”

“Did he keep With the Beatles in a vault?” I asked, knowing the story about how the master disk for that Mo-Fi had met with an ugly accident early on in the pressing run.  Eric just slowly shook his head.

“No – he believed records were only of value if they were actually played” was his response.

“Yeah, sure – as long as you didn’t play them on a cutting lathe” I mumbled, recalling how truly awful cheap turntables were.

“Gyro SE – Spider Edition” the man now bowled me over and here was something I knew about!  J.A. Michell Engineering was the maker of this high-end turntable.

But why was Eric going down this road?  My alert system told me he was fishing but – for what?

Damned if I knew.

“You’ve been friends with Collin that long, huh?” I now turned the questioning around but the man did not answer me.  At least, not right away.

“Yes – a very long time” he confirmed.  “Rega tonearm and Micro-Benz MC cartridge” Eric tacked on.  Ok – so Collin hadn’t been a poor man, then.  How had an Army Colonel afforded such indulgences?

“Did he live like a pauper?  Music poor?” I just had to ask knowing how addicting music was, as well as being a record collector and audiophile.

“Pretty much” he returned, still watching me like a hawk.  “He called a townhouse in San Francisco his home – when he was home, that was, and not overseas.”  What he intended to gain from such frivolous, though fascinating, talk I had no clue, but I was certain it was not just a means by which to while away the hours.  “Collin holds you in the highest regard” Eric now went on, and like – what was that supposed to mean?

“Special honor?” I dared taunt and so Eric grunted in return.

“Rare privilege” was his immediate, and defensive, correction – he made it sound like his CO walked on water or something.  Filing that away under fanatically loyal servant I just looked at the Colonel but otherwise held my silence.

Eric now pulled out his Palm and so I could not help but wonder where mine had gone.

Checking his email, I presumed, the man now stiffened – imperceptibly, but I noticed regardless.

“You’ve created quite a stir,” he mumbled and then began tapping out a response, “above and beyond being a woman that is.”

“Were you ordered to babysit me?” I could not help but ask and so he shook his head.

“No – I’m just looking out for my CO’s interests” was his curious reply as he now finished his email and then stowed his Palm.  “We’ll have company soon – you best make yourself presentable” he advised me and like what did he expect?  There was just so much you could do with fatigues!  I took his meaning, however, and so not wanting to piss him off, I got up off the couch and went back into the bathroom to drag a comb through my hair, which was mostly dry by now.

If my life got any weirder I swore first chance I got I was going to hightail it right back out into the desert – alone, thank you very much.  This was getting to be too much and I was of a mind that it had only just begun.

“Better?” I asked for his stamp of approval as I emerged from the bathroom, trying hard not to sound like a brat.

“It’ll have to do” Eric decided, and was he trying to provoke me or what?  Before I could make verbal the accusation, a knock came at the door and so Eric was now on his feet.  Call me crazy, but I actually hid behind Collin’s scary Colonel – not that he looked scary, but I could tell he was one man who it would be unwise to fuck around.

When the door opened, in came another officer and so I zeroed in on his insignia.  Not a Captain, Colonel, and not a Commander-General.  I had no way to tell since this reformed armed forces deal was a complete mystery to me, even though I had been very familiar with the military.  You could not be married to a Marine and not know, after all.

Eric bowed to the man, and damned low at that so this guy must have been pretty far up the ladder of rank.

“General Hastings” Eric said in greeting, holding his bow longer than usual.  Peering out from behind him, I took a good, long look at this General.

“Colonel Jones” was the man’s cool return, then focusing his attention on me, at which point I once again retreated.  “Am I to understand that Commander O’Reilly is no longer present?” the General inquired, shifting his attention back to Eric, and so I must have visibly paled, I was sure.  Not here?  As in like, flew the coop?  Eric hadn’t been jerking me around when he said Collin had departed.  Swallowing hard, I had one serious sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“Yes, sir – he had matters to attend elsewhere” Eric explained.  “Had the General ordered Commander O’Reilly to remain?” he asked but something told me that he knew damned well not.

“Perhaps I should have made it an order” the General grunted as he then turned his attention to me, smiling.  “So this is our little troublemaker, hmm?” he inquired and now Eric reached behind himself to firmly take me by the arm.  Dragging me forward, I had no choice but to stand face to face with the General, but I kept my mouth shut.  With discerning eyes the man considered me at length.  “Do you speak?” he prodded with a grin and in the same instant Eric tightened his grip on my arm.  Was that a signal to say something or to keep silent?  Damned if I could tell and so I kept it simple.

“Hi” was all I said and then looked down, which for some reason seemed to amuse the heck out of the General, who now laughed – heartily, no less.

“She’s more of a mouse than a brazen hacker” the man decided.  “If you would, Colonel Jones” he said and so Eric now let go of me.  The General wanted him to follow, and he was heading for the door.

“Behave” Eric cautioned me in a low voice.  He then took off after the General, exiting the room with the door soundly closing behind him.

Standing there staring after him, I wondered what on earth was going down now.

Whatever it was, I certainly knew one thing.

No longer was anything certain.

My ass is grass, my ass is grass – that’s all I could think as I clocked along the corridor in the General’s wake.

Well, my Commander wasn’t here and so I’d have to field the incoming – alone, per usual.

General Hastings wasn’t taking any chances – he was heading for an exit, to get outside and away from the prying eyes of cameras and eavesdropping devices.

Once outside and under the growing light of day, he only stopped after we were a considerable distance away from the exit.  It was then that he turned to confront me.

“If you are unable to rein in Commander O’Reilly, Colonel Jones…” T.C. growled at me but left that thought unfinished.  “What on God’s Earth is going on here?” he now demanded.  That would be a story of epic proportions, I’d be sorry to inform him.

“Sir – did you not suggest that Commander O’Reilly spend more quality time with his brother?” I put to him, perhaps a little too forcefully for now the man darkened.

“And assisting The Order in breaking into a DoD database would be beneficial to the AFA in what way, Colonel?  I fail to see the logic in this” was his cutting assessment of the situation.

“To gain trust” I suggested which amused T.C. since he grunted a laugh in response.

“I’ll bet” he mumbled.  “This little creature did not pull this off on her own, Colonel” he surmised to which I could only nod in return.

“No, but she was probably the one who hacked in” I offered.  “Look, if I may beg the General’s pardon – we have the data that was appropriated.  Times two, no less” I went out on a limb, almost to the edge, as I reached in my pocket, handing the General the flash drive Collin had confiscated from Sierra.  With a raised eyebrow the General mulled over my words, as well as my offering.

“If you tell me that geek of Collin’s is involved…” he began, putting two and two together, and before his temper could rise to an explosive level, I headed him off at the pass.

“It’s… complicated, sir – and Commander O’Reilly does not clue me in to his every bloody intention” I reminded T.C. who was none too pleased by my forwardness.  “He had gained Aidan’s trust – that was, until someone leaked information to The Order about certain events of discovery which in turn got back to Aidan.  Collin was only trying to salvage what he could – and so here we find ourselves.”

“Indeed – and where do we find Commander O’Reilly?” was his direct question, asked with thinning patience.

“On his way to rendezvous with his brother,” I revealed, “in attempt to spare the life of Captain Wong.  Aidan has given Collin forty-eight hours to hand over Sierra or he will remove the geek.”

“The Commander’s brother has not been told of the woman’s ultimate fate?” he carefully inquired and so I slowly shook my head.

“No – news on the order of that magnitude would have to be delivered in person, by none other than the Grand Head himself” I explained but didn’t the General understand anything about The Brotherhood and The Order?  That was not information to be passed along in an email.  Besides, Grand Head Sokolov would never palm an opportunity to take Aidan down a peg or two – up close and personal, face-to-face.

“General, if I may – I am a little confused, and about more than a few things” I began, changing lanes just like Collin would have done.  “What do you think of the woman?” I inquired, holding my breath – and so was now rewarded.  He had noticed it, also – the more than strong resemblance of Sierra to Collin’s Pre-Time love, as well as Aidan’s Pre-Time wife, Miranda.  This unsettled the General, but not for the reason one would have supposed.

“I’m not sure what to make of it, Colonel” was his candid admission.  “A pint-sized version of Miranda, I must admit – but with her ethnicity, to our eyes would look much the same.  Are you wondering if she truly is a spy?  A cleverly contrived one?”

“Sir, I don’t know, but it is more than just a bit odd, given the role played by Miranda in the lives of both the brothers” I laid out for consideration.  “Beyond that?  Your guess is as good as mine.”

“What did Commander O’Reilly hope to gain by rendezvousing with his brother?” he posed, getting back to the matter of my absent CO.  “If he doesn’t bring Sierra with him, then there is nothing he can do to save Captain Wong” was his reminder and at least he understood this much about Members – they did not levy idle threats.

“He does have something to offer of value, sir” I argued.  “Aidan has been pressing for his brother to Reaffirm” I tossed out on the table, something that the General had not been told – at least, not by Collin.  “I think we both understand what this would mean, should Collin actually go through with the Reaffirmation of his Oath to The Order.”

One heart beat, two – the General was a hard read, but I did not need to read him in order to suppose his thoughts on the subject.  His connection to The Order would be gone.  Collin would be under the thumb of The Order and that would be the end of that.  And after the shit the AFA had just pulled on The Order?  Well – the Grand Head would be glad to swipe Collin away from us.  The Commander was a wealth of knowledge, and on many diverse topics, no less.  The knowledge he carried inside of his head was just about as good as any perks The Order would lose as a result of him ceasing to be an AFA Commander-General.

“Collin will offer himself in exchange for Kevin’s life” I predicted.  “Ranger Code isn’t just a fair weather thing with Commander O’Reilly.  He would die for Kevin – plain and simple.”

“You are suggesting, what, then, Colonel?” T.C. carefully asked of me.  “That we send the woman to Collin’s brother?  This is a woman we are talking about here.  We cannot continue to let her wander around the desert with Commander O’Reilly and The Order’s Head of Assassins!”  No kidding, I thought – but to all things an end, and in their due course.

“Greater purpose, after all” I grunted.  “That’s what Collin is all about.  The Order is about greater good, and Collin is about greater purpose – the two walk hand in hand along the way, though.  If the General would allow his humble servant, I can deliver Sierra to Aidan.”

“And Commander O’Reilly just happened to tell you where that might be?” he wanted to know, but again I shrugged.

“No, since Aidan did not tell his brother – however, knowing the two as I do, I can suppose where that might be, and with certainty,” I boasted, “even if I do not received word from Commander O’Reilly.  By the long road or short, the woman will come under control of the AFA.”

“Providing that she does not first fall into the hands of the Blackguard” he mumbled and this was a valid concern.  If Antonio’s men should happen upon the right opportunity?  Well – that thought needn’t even be finished.  It would upset the balance of things, tenuous as they already were, between Collin and the Blackguard.

“Against my better judgment” T.C. began but then briefly looked to the ground.  “I’ll sign the papers for her release into your custody – so the burden of the woman’s safe delivery to the AFA is being put squarely on your shoulders, yours and yours alone, Colonel Jones.  Let’s hope I won’t soon be attending your funeral, eh?” he joked, although it certainly was no joke.  With a curt bow, I accepted the burden.

“Understood, General, sir” I said and without another word, T.C. now turned on his heel, heading back towards the entrance.  I, however, lingered for a few moments, looking round the desert.

One day, one hour, one minute at a time – this I kept repeating to myself, as if a chant.  Now releasing a weighted sigh of great relief, I then turned round, mentally preparing myself for what lay ahead.

From Colonel to babysitter, and all in one day I mused as I went back inside to take custody of my new charge.

Collin had left me behind to try and secure her release.  That he had thought I would be able to do anything about his plight had puzzled me, but in the end it should have come as no surprise.  I suppose it should have made sense to me.  Even though by rank Collin’s input held more sway over mine, T.C. loathed Collin and not me – so had Collin tried to reason with the General then he most certainly would have come up empty handed.

And for no more reason than T.C.’s right, as Collin’s CO, to be a major prick.

Once back inside the installation, I went to the quarters assigned me and got my gear together, changing into my traveling clothes as well.  Before I left, I shot off a few emails as well as checked my own – not a peep out of Collin.  I was certain that he had more on his schedule than just hot-assing it to meet with Aidan.  The Commander was all about preparation, and so he was probably going to call in a few favors, or at least have them on standby.

I sent an urgent request to Greg before I finally went to the AdminCore to sign out Sierra.  Timing was everything, as they say, and so I now wasted none.

The General had indeed signed the release papers for transference of the woman to my custody.  The Lieutenant with whom I dealt looked at me with pure envy, knowing that I would have the privilege of being in the same airspace as a real live woman.  Well, I was personally not so thrilled about it, but it was what it was.  I was of a mind that it would be best for all concerned if Sierra should just melt off into the desert, preferably with Aidan.  Those two deserved each other, regardless the fact that Collin had fallen in love with the creature.  What he had fallen in love with wasn’t Sierra the woman, but rather the memory of Miranda.

With greater frequency these days he was visiting the past, and I did not have to be face to face with the man to figure this out.  You could read it in Collin’s wordy communiques – he’d quickly make his point about business and then go on for paragraphs about the woman.  The man was more like a lovesick puppy than an AFA Commander-General, and at this consideration I could not help but chuckle.  That was Collin all over – the little boy who wanted to play grownup.  It was an endearing trait that in Pre-Time had won over the ladies, I was forced to admit.  Collin had never been wanting for company of the fairer sex – and it wasn’t just a because of his killer good looks, either.  It was God-given charisma – plain and simple, and this charisma would practically ooze from his pores.  It was difficult for any woman, or man for that matter, to not get sucked in by my Commander.  He was like a magnet that both sexes aspired to either be with or be like.

The odd thing was, despite this fact, Collin had had very few friends.  You could count on one hand his inner circle, as we called it – those men to whom he lent his utmost confidence.

Of which I had the honor of being one.  If you only knew, my friend, my Commander, I thought with bitter and mixed emotions.

Now making a beeline to the quarters where Sierra was waiting, I took a deep breath before entering.

“Pack it in, we’re leaving” I announced as soon as I was through the door.  The woman looked downright insulted to be ordered around but complied none the less, and without trying to ply me with questions, thankfully.  She was afraid of me and that was a good thing, I considered – could come in handy someday.

Standing there with my hands clasped behind my back, I waited not so patiently for the cute little thing to get her butt in gear.  After having one glass of water for the road, she now nodded that she was ready and so we were finally on our way.

I wasn’t about to breathe with ease until we were mobile.  One could feel the shock of disbelief which pervaded the base personnel that I was being allowed to leave with the woman – alone.  No MP’s or Wardens in attendance, notably.  Granted, our progress would be followed, but only up to a certain point, at which time we’d be on foot.  Regardless, there were enough firearms and munitions in the Land Rover that Collin had left behind.  He had signed a vehicle out of the motor pool for his jaunt, and so would we.  No luxury ride for us – we needed something that would make for a better blend until such time we’d be forced to abandon dirt roads and goat paths.

After signing out a modest jeep, I then drew the keys for the Land Rover out of my pocket and handed them to the clerk.

“Please give these to Colonel Andersen – for his trouble” I requested and so with a bow the man accepted.  Now turning on my heel, I took Sierra by the arm, escorting her off to our vehicle.  We made one stop by the Land Rover after we were in the jeep, to retrieve the firearms and explosives, and then finally we were on our way.

Luck favored the prepared, after all – a wise and favored saying of my Commander’s.

Sitting still as stone in the front seat, Sierra had yet to ask where we were going.

“Here” I said, fishing her Palm out of my pocket.  “Don’t get into trouble with it” I cautioned the woman who just looked at me, uncertain if she should accept it or not.  Just like a true junkie, though, she snatched the device but then stowed it in her own pocket.

“Thanks, Eric” she remembered her manners, almost as an afterthought.  “I don’t get it” Sierra now decided to ask, casting me a side glance, one laced with suspicion.

“There’s nothing to get” was my flatly delivered return.  “Just be a good little girl and we’ll get on famously” I assured her.

“Where’s the flash drive?” she could not resist asking and so I grunted.

“I used it, in part, to purchase your release” I explained with a grin.  “Collin’s in trouble and you are going to help save his tail, understand?”  Disbelief was easily to be read in her eyes at this revelation.  “Aidan is going to execute Kevin if you are not delivered to him by sundown tonight” I bluntly informed her and so she just blinked.

“That’s just an idle threat” Sierra declared.  Slowly shaking my head I disputed her assertion.

“Members don’t make threats, Sierra,” I was all too happy to inform her, “especially The Order’s Head of Assassins.  If you read what Kevin gave you, then you would understand this.”  The woman was speechless, just gaping at me.  “So, you see – if we cannot find Aidan in time, you can kiss Kevin’s ass good-bye.”

“But I thought you said we were going to save Collin’s butt?!” she snapped in counter.

“Yeah, we are – because if I know my Commander at all, then he is going to offer himself in trade for his Captain’s life” I was pleased to lay out for the airhead, but I could see another futile protest rising to the surface.

“Aidan would not kill his brother” she made attempt to protect the devil.  It was clear that for all she had read, the woman still understood nothing of the man whom she repeatedly let bed her.

“There are worse things than death, woman!” I made crystal clear, and Collin Swearing to The Order once again in Reaffirmation of his Oath would be one very long and agonizing death for Collin.  It would shatter his ego, which in essence would be to destroy who my Commander was as a man.  He’d swiftly get knocked back down to base level and God only knew what this would do to him.  Collin O’Reilly had one very delicate sense of self at times – as assured as he could be in his abilities, he could equally be just as insecure.  This aspect of the man, more than anything else, would drive me straight out of my mind.  And his panic attacks?  They were legendary – if only known to a scant few of us.  When our Commander got like that?  Well, it was like trying to gentle a mustang stallion – an impossible task.

No matter – I wasn’t about to throw in the towel until all hope was lost.

“You love Collin, don’t you?” were the next words out of the woman’s mouth, and surprisingly discerning ones at that.  And if she hadn’t been just that, a woman, I would have back-handed her.  Why, though?  She had hit the nail right on the head – I did hold great love for my Commander.  It hadn’t always been that way, I considered, feeling rather melancholy in that moment.

Long ago in another world, I had been approached by a rather shady splinter of the NSA.  Their mandate was simple – to keep on track a certain rising star in the United States Army.  Why me? I had asked – a question met with stark silence, notably.  I would be handsomely compensated for my efforts, I had been assured.  However, failure meant death in return, and their offer wasn’t an offer.  It was a mandate.  In essence, theirs was to just inform me the direction my life would take from that point onward – then and forever, unfortunately.

The next thing I knew I had been transferred from my unit in the Army to one under Collin’s command, and here was where I met this rising star.

And I could not stand the guy.

However, despite the rough start, I grew to like the flashy young officer.  Collin Tristan O’Reilly was and wasn’t a lot of things – but he could tie one on with the best of us, though.  An imperative of his full-blooded Irish ancestry, I supposed.  And so, through our drinking exploits, we got to know, hate and love each other – inseparable we became.  And then when Greg hit the scene, it was the odd-couple-three, as they used to call us, and this was true enough.  We each were so different from one another most people couldn’t fathom what quality it was that had bonded us together as fast friends.

Interestingly enough, as Collin rose through the ranks, so did Greg and I.  Many a time there was that I pondered if perhaps someone had commanded the same of Greg as of me.  Collin’s Captain-Major was no less watchful and protective of him than was I.  We managed to all serve together, never getting split up – and Collin, even for his stellar IQ, only attributed this good fortune to the three of us making a formidable team.

And so we had.

Which got one to wondering – since all three of us had survived the Apocalypse to here once again serve together.

When the world had all but come to an end, well, I had assumed I would be released from my bondage to that shadowy group of men.  Guess again, I considered in dismay, since one of them wound up being a mover and shaker in the reformation of the United Stated Armed Forces into the AFA.

One Terrence Cornelius Hastings.

And for as vastly as the world had changed, my life had not.  I was reminded in no uncertain terms that I was still in bondage.  My task had become even more difficult, however – since this new world was a study in further attrition of the human populace.  During those first explosive years, Collin saved my ass over and over again, and not the other way around – as had been intended.  Some protector I had turned out to be, but my job was to keep him on track, to rein him in when it was decided that he was getting out of hand, or going in the wrong direction.

Whatever direction that was.

Dirty little secrets – the hardest of them to keep was the secret of the secret itself.  Collin had such complete faith in me, and in Greg, that he never questioned our motives, or loyalty.

Did that make me feel like a traitor?  As Collin would say, you betcha – but I did care about him, and loved him as a brother, a friend, a comrade and Commander.  I could only pray that someday I would not be asked to do something which would go against my grain more than it already had.

Neither confirming nor denying the woman’s assumption, I just held my silence as we drove on, praying that I would not let down the Commander.

However, there was a first time for everything, after all.

It was getting weirder by the moment and that was Truth.  The shadows were lengthening towards late afternoon and time was running short.  I had perhaps tarried more than I should have on my way, but good PR took time and could not be overly rushed.

Gathering dirt and ammunition was what it boiled down to at the end of the day – intangible though were both.  All with the mindful purpose of negotiation.  Not that my brother would negotiate, but perhaps I could persuade Aidan to change the currency of his exchange.

Prepared I needed to be on all fronts in the event that my Colonel could not wrangle release of Sierra from my CO.  It had been imperative that I remove myself as far as possible from that negotiation.  T.C. would be more inclined to listen to reason if the request came from the lips of Eric and not my own.  After all, General Hastings did not loath Eric the way he did me.

Hunkering down as I continued my trek up the switchback, I abruptly came to a halt.  The hackles on the back of my neck were on the rise – not a good sign, this.  I had done the best I could to cover my tracks and thought to have done a darn good job, but I was no Elite-Assassin, after all.  Heck – I barely qualified as a Member, if even that.

Easing my pack from my shoulders, I now did a three-sixty.  I could sense that I had the higher ground, but that wasn’t going to do me a whole lot of good if there were more than one of them.  Whoever, they were.

And there certainly was more than one – two, and so my fear became reality.

Elite-Assassins – just my bloody luck!  And bloody everything else it would soon be as these denizens of the desert were upon me.

Well, I wasn’t about to go down without a fight, that much I knew – even if it would be a massacre.

And so it looked to be the case, even though I was a better fighter than anyone would have suspected.  However, they were quick to succeed in making me lose my footing and so in a heartbeat I found myself flat on my back.  In an explosion of pain, they now began to finish what they had begun – which apparently wasn’t to kill me since if this was the case, they would have already done so.

As I was about to give up the ghost, there was an unexpected twist as another player made the scene.  Glancing up through a haze of pain, I thought – Aidan?  I watched the figure make short work of one, snapping the man’s neck, which in turn prompted the other to make a hasty retreat.

Battling to gain focus over my eyes as I zeroed in on he who was my savior, I could see it certainly was not my brother.  Ok, so there is someone just as deadly? I considered, disjointedly, for Aidan was by all accounts a one-man-army.

Now quick to kneel beside me where I lay, this man now assessed my condition, fast and with accuracy, I had no doubt.  Members were skilled in more than just how to kill people, after all – but with their deadly talents who would have believed that their singular reason for existence was to preserve life?  I wanted to ask him who he was, but my sight was fading fast.  Before failing altogether, I supposed I must have sustained some brain damage in that fray, I laughed to myself, since the guy looked to have an intense aura emanating from him.  Nah, I was now just as quick to dash the notion.  It was just the setting sun on its journey towards twilight – but, the sun was setting behind me, wasn’t it?

With that consideration I was then out like a light.

I wasn’t sure how long I was out, but when my consciousness made decision to rise to the surface, I saw that the light of day was waning fast and all but gone.  Now urgency seized me and so making a concerted effort to sit up, I distressingly found that I was unable.

“Be still” a hushed voice ordered and now I became aware of hands firmly restraining me – so my savior hadn’t left, then.  “I’ll stay with you, my brother, until they arrive” he explained and like – ok, from The Order, then?  No, no, no – if he was, then who were the Elite-Assassins he had fought off?  And this guy was alone, breaking the Law that Elite-Assassins must travel in pairs.

“Who… who are you?” I managed to croak as I looked up at him.  Dark hair with sea gray eyes, but ones incredibly discerning, like my brother’s – he resembled him, too, and so why I had at first mistaken him for Aidan.  Long hair drawn back at the nape of his neck in a knot – just like any good Member.  He also had a full beard, though cropped close – another indication that he was a Member.

Regarding me at length, he finally decided to answer.

“Your brother” was his simple reply and like this was supposed to mean something to me?  Reading my mind, perhaps, the man then added, “One who Protects.”  Well, that was certainly generic enough but it didn’t matter just then.  I was on the verge of again winking out, even as hard as I willed myself not to do so, the choice wasn’t mine to make.  “Be at peace” he now spoke in a quiet voice, laying a hand to my forehead and then that was it – I was dragged by an undertow of darkness into a turbulent sea of dreams.

The next time my body decided to give consciousness one last go, it was to the gentle touches of a woman stroking my cheek.  A woman crying her eyes out no less for I could now feel tears splattering against my face as she leaned over me.  Then I felt firmer hands take hold of my arm, brushing aside the comfort of the woman.

“Commander” I heard Eric call to me – and was this part of the dream? I wondered, forcing myself to open my eyes, if only to narrow slits so I could look up.  It was dark, faint light from the stars and the moon, but yes – I could clearly see that it was Sierra and Eric.  I could also clearly see that it was nightfall!

In a panic I tried to sit up.  Scratch that notion, O’Reilly, I thought, groaning – that ain’t happening any time soon, I now realized in a panic.

“Kevin” I managed to croak as I gave into my body and lay back down.

“Commander – stay with me here, tell me what happened” my Colonel urged and how could I tell him since I myself was a little fuzzy on that point?  Before I could slip into blackness once more, Eric pulled me up so I could lean against him.  Holding me to him I could feel how distraught he was and so I willed myself to stay with him for a while longer.  But what did it matter?  No hurry any more, after all – it was past Aidan’s deadline.

Cracking my eyes open, I looked around.

“Where is he?” I asked as remembrance came to me, of the Member who had come to my aid.

“Where is who?” Sierra asked as she edged in closer, looking at me with grave concern.  She was worried about me! I suddenly realized with glee, indulging my mind as I let it wander elsewhere.

“Collin?” Eric pressed and ok, ok – back to work.  I get it, Jonesy!  “Who killed that one?” he now asked and so looking up at him, I was confused for a moment.  The dream?  Glancing around I saw the man whose neck had been snapped by the stranger.

Yeah, that wasn’t my style – this much was certain.

“Did you kill him?” Jonesy went on, trying to keep my mind active so I would not again slip under.

“I’m no good when it comes to snapping necks” I grumbled but setting his jaw, Eric silently disagreed.  “Ok, ok – but not that good so I could down a Member!” I defended as I struggled to sit up on my own.

“Order?” he asked, still trying to keep me conscious, but I could only shrug – and even that hurt.

“Dunno, Jonesy” I muttered, running a hand over my face.  “There were two Members,” I tried to explain, “or rather three, one took on the other two… uh, downed this one and I guess the other fled” was my sketchy account.  “You didn’t see anyone?” I asked once more, looking round to them both.  “He said he’d stay with me until you arrived, or someone arrived, I guess” I struggled to verbalize the account.  “I might have dreamed it for all I know, really.”

Exchanging a look between them, it was clear each was worried about me.  I had taken a serious beating so I wasn’t making a whole lot of sense – and to be honest?  I thought I had more than a few screws knocked loose myself.

“Ok, Commander – gonna be painful, but we’ve got to get you on your feet.  Ready?” my Colonel wanted to know but another shrug was all I could manage.  “Sierra, lend a hand, if you would?” he asked of her but as soon as she laid hands on me, I could feel how badly she was shaking.

“No, Sierra” I breathed in pain.  “That’s ok, just grab my pack” I ordered her and while she did that, Eric dragged me to my feet.  Oh, yeah, sure – how was he gonna get me all the way to the top of the mesa?  My legs weren’t cooperating and there was no way Sierra could help.  The poor thing was scared out of her wits as it was and could barely keep to her own feet.

With an ugly look leveled at Eric, I gave in and tried my best – which wasn’t good enough, apparently, since my legs gave out time and again.  Progress we did make, but it was slow.

Defying my wishes, Sierra eventually tried to join in and help but she was so short there was little she could do.  To use her for support was like leaning on a dwarf – a cute and sexy dwarf, or so was my disjointed and lustful musing.

As I was about to tell Eric to forget it, to go on without me, this was when a shadowy figure melted out of the surrounding brush and on to the trail.  Sierra all but fainted dead away while in turn my comrade steeled himself for violence.  Right behind the first figure was a second, and now I could see that the pair was Quade and Bryan.  Out of the frying pan and into the fire, anyone? I laughed to myself.

Quickly sizing up the situation, Quade then came to my aid.  Without a word he stepped in to take Sierra’s place and then using hand signals he indicated to Bryan to relieve Sierra of my pack.  This freed up the creature so she could concentrate on walking up the steep trail by the faint light of the moon.

I would have liked to say thank you to Brother Quade, but I was too busy fading in and out as they dragged me along.  And besides, I wasn’t so sure that come the end Quade wouldn’t be kicking my ass.  However, when it came to The Order, they took care of their own – even a disaffected Member such as myself.  One minute they would come to your rescue, and in the next cut your throat if you forgot your p’s-and-q’s.

As I drifted in and out, I wasn’t sure how long it took for them to get me to the safehouse, one that was kind of like neutral ground for me and Aidan.  It was maintained by The Order, and had a place in our family history, as it turned out.  When we had turned twenty-one, a lawyer had paid us a visit, my brother and me, releasing from trust our inheritance, so to speak.  Ma had died when we were but small children, and not long after, Da had split.  Poof – gone he was, leaving us in the care of his brother Sean and Sean’s wife MacKayla, they being our Uncle and Aunt and closest relatives.

Aside from a load of cash, the lawyer set down in front of us the deed to an unusual house in the desert southwest.  An adobe structure tucked into the back of a natural cavern, as posh and luxurious as any five-star hotel.  With the accent on the natural, after all, since that’s what our Father had been all about – save the trees, save the planet.  A legacy he had passed on to each of us, although Aidan was a lot more fanatical about ecology than was his brother here.  So much so to the point that I often suspected his hobby in Pre-Time, when not cutting throats for the CIA, was that of eco-warrior.  Tree-hugger assassin for hire, as it were.

It was upon this house we were now encroaching.  We had never sold it during Pre-Time, keeping the ownership joint between us, and it became a refuge of sorts, for both of us, even before the world had all but winked out.  A place of quiet retreat, a place I had run to and stayed at for months after Mira’s death, drunk as skunk.  I had racked up tons of unused leave from the Army and so cashed in a couple of months’ worth after rearranging my schedule and reassigning responsibilities.  In short, dumping everything on my then Major and Captain, which were Eric and Greg.

Another time, another place, I thought in dismay, still fading in and out as I now felt a new set of hands take hold of me, replacing those of Quade.

“Brother?” I heard a voice say, unmistakably that of Aidan.  Like a knee jerk reaction, though, I balked, trying to break loose.  Too many times he had pounded my ass for some minor infraction or another and I had no reason to believe he would not do so now, finishing the job that others had started.  “Calm yourself, Collin!” was Aidan’s harsh command as he restrained me and then he waved a hand over his shoulder, signaling.  Through blurred vision I could make out Ryan stepping up to now relieve Eric.  It was hard to make out much more, the last light from the fingernail moon was slipping away just as was I.  Phasing in and out I just tried to keep awake as Aidan and Ryan finished the chore of lugging my sorry ass to the end of the trail.

Once at trail’s end, and inside the confines of the adobe house, my brother and Ryan eased me down to the floor.

“Stay with us, Brother” Ryan said, which just about set me off, but I had no fight left in me.  I was an Officer of the AFA!  Not some damned Member of The Order!  Or was I?  In all honesty, in that moment, I wasn’t certain.

“What other Members are with you?” I found voice enough to ask Aidan who now looked at me with curiosity.  “How many?!” I now demanded.

“Just us four… why?” he carefully asked in return.

“Had some unexpected company – might want to check further back down the trail” I mumbled, just about out of energy now.

“We found Collin lying on the trail,” Eric explained, “and there was a dead man with him, slain Member style” he clarified but Aidan had nothing to say, instead signing to Quade and Bryan to go check it out.

“Colonel, go with them” I chimed in.  Eric would remember where it was, even if someone had cleaned up in our wake.  With a nod, my Second accepted without protest, and luckily neither did Aidan.  He despised Eric, if for no other reason that my brother thought all us AFA personnel were nothing more than incompetent jokes.

Once the men had departed, I glanced at Sierra.  The woman was standing near the door way, looking like she was ready to bolt and so Aidan motioned to her to join us.

“Not until you tell me where Kevin is” the bossy little thing demanded, rooted to the floor where she stood.

“Standing right behind you if you’d care to look” Aidan said in that ethereal voice of his and this was Truth – Kevin had just walked up behind her.  Naturally, the woman flung her arms around her fellow hacker, relieved as all get out – as was I, for that matter.

“You’re alive!” she cried, literally, as tears now poured from her eyes.  Looking ill at ease given the company, Kevin peeled her off him.  In fear of reproach from both Aidan and me, I would venture to guess.

“Amazing, huh?  I was up on top of the mesa, keeping an eye out for Collin” he explained, smiling down at her as she dried her eyes.

“All’s well that ends well, then” I muttered in comment and that was it – I was gone, gone, gone.

Wherever my brother tread, there one would find good luck walking hand-in-hand with bad luck.

Holding Collin to me, I kissed his head – sorrowful that he had met with such injury but happy that he was alive.

Turning my eyes Sierra’s way, the woman was still not inclined to come closer to me, and I had a damned good hunch why.  Someone had been filling her head with tall tales about The Brotherhood was my guess.

I’d see to her later.  My Brother came first – this was Law.

“Let’s get him under some warm water” Ryan decided.  Accepting with a nod, I now aided him in getting Collin out of his clothes.

“If you are not going to be of use, wait outside” I said over my shoulder to Sierra.  I was elated to see her again, naturally – but now was not the time for any heartfelt reunion with the woman.  Taking the hint, she retreated back outside while Kevin now slipped past her to enter the house, walking over to join us.

“Damn, he doesn’t look good” Kevin stated the obvious.  “What can I do?”

“Start the shower for one,” Ryan instructed him, “and then keep Sierra occupied, if you would” he went further.

“Sure, Ryan – I’m on it” he returned and then disappeared into the master suite.

“I’m afraid he’s right” Ryan agreed in a low voice, shaking his head with concern.  “That?” he said, pointing to an impact injury on Collin’s side.  “Brotherhood for certain” was his assessment, leaving the thought unfinished.

“We’ll hold judgment until Brother Quade returns” I deferred, having no other choice at present.  If there was a slain Member further down the trail, then Quade would be able to give a definitive indent on the man.  And if not?  One issue at a time, I understood.

Finally having freed my brother of the last of his clothing, we then hefted him, one of us on each side, and dragged him to the master bath.

“Should be ready to roll” Kevin said as we entered.  He was fishing out some towels and by the lights in the room he could now see how truly beat up was his master.  “Oh, man – they got him but good” the geek made comment, truly dismayed.  I had to hand it to my flake-case brother, though – he certainly knew how to instill loyalty in all those within his circle of influence.  No less Kevin, despite that fact that Collin had turned him into one very unwilling exchange hostage.

“Sierra?” I prodded Collin’s Captain, and with a nervous bow, Kevin then turned did as he was told.  Hopefully the two would not get into too much trouble.  Kevin knew not to stray any farther than the front door.

The warm water would do my brother good, I thought – we might have been in the desert, but that did not mean it didn’t get cold at night.  Lying out exposed to the elements, even if for just a short time, would have drained what was left of his energy.

Once finishing our task, we got Collin toweled off and then ushered him into bed.  He could have the luxury of the master suite; the man deserved it in light of what he’d been through.

Ryan thoroughly checked over my brother, seeing to his injuries – all of which smacked of being inflicted by Elite-Assassins.  Maximum damage with a minimum of blood.  There wasn’t much to be done for Collin except to let him sleep it off – and pray that he would indeed rise from sleep and not slip into a coma.

After we immersed him under the covers and he was slumbering, I just sat there on the edge of the bed, mulling things over now that time permitted.

“He said there were three” I recollected for Ryan.  “That’s an odd number.  If one was downed, Member style – and the other fled, then, where was the victor’s partner?” I pondered as Ryan pulled up a chair bedside and then sat down.

“Too few facts, my Lord” Ryan dared remind me and although he was right, my brother’s account, disjointed as it was, just didn’t set well with me.  We were pretty much sitting ducks up here with a gravely injured man and a helpless woman in our midst.  We could call for backup, but that would only be a last resort as far as I was concerned.  “Collin could have hallucinated” he now added, and I could not help but grunt.

“Point taken – my brother does that even on his best days” I said with a straight face but then grinned.  My brother the dreamer, after all.

Getting to my feet, I now pulled up the covers up around Collin’s shoulders and then kissed his forehead.  I loved my brother beyond reason, but no one would ever believe this of me.  If I hadn’t then I never would have been so hard on him across the years, wouldn’t have tried to toughen him up, to keep him on his toes, in the Time Before as well as this Time After.  The questionable affiliations of our Da had meant we would always have to keep looking over our shoulders – then and now.  Collin, in his need to be as different from his fraternal twin as possible, pooh-poohed this caution.  No matter – I just looked over his shoulder for him.

Always had, always would.

Leaving Ryan to stay with Collin, I now exited the master suite and made my way outside.  Sitting in silence on the rock-hewn bench just out front were Kevin and Sierra.

“How’s Collin?” Kevin asked, quickly getting to his feet.

“Sleeping” was my one word response and Collin’s geek took this as his cue to check in on his master.

“I’ll go sit with him” he said, bowing courteously before he then went back inside.

“He’s been awfully polite since I spared his life” was my droll assessment as I sat down next to Sierra.  The woman, however, appeared none too thrilled to see me.

“Can’t imagine” she mumbled, drawing her arms in about her torso as she chewed on her lip.  “Did you set Collin up?” she made brazen affront, glaring at me.  Had I not been so elated to be with her once more, then I most certainly would have taught her a lesson about making false accusations.

“Sierra, Collin is my brother – I love him” I felt need to remind her, although a reminder should not have been necessary.

“Well, you’ve beaten up on him a lot” she attacked.  If she only knew! I thought in humor, willing myself not to laugh.  What would she think should she find out that Collin was also a Member of The Brotherhood and The Order?  And that any reproach he’d suffered by my hand was the result of his misconduct?

Perhaps I should have eliminated Kevin after all, I considered.  He would have been the one to give Sierra some reading material about The Order – at the behest of my brother, naturally.

Well, every dog had his day and so too would have my own.

“Males generally do that, Sierra” I decided to return along with a wry grin, a rather generic assessment.  “Is it safe to assume that you are not pleased to see me?” I supposed as I now got to my feet.  I had wasted about as much time as was wise on this conversation, if it could even be called that.

“Gonna go skulking off?” she asked with a pout – and Gracious God!  How the little thing tugged at my heart – but this was no reason to permit her disrespect.  A time and place for all things, however – in Time she’d come to learn our Ways.

“That would be one way of putting it, I suppose” I accepted and then headed towards the path at a jog, intent on finding answers to the mystery of Collin’s attack.  I was of the mind that whoever had nailed him was long gone.  I did not sense, or scent, anyone in the immediate vicinity so ventured that, for the present, we were safe enough.

Leaving her behind, I now jogged down the path, soundlessly thanks to my deerskin soled boots.  Long these boots had been my friends – they allowed me to tread in near silence regardless the terrain.

Not far down the steep trail I met my Brothers and Collin’s Colonel on their way back.

“How is Collin?” Eric asked as soon as he spotted me – same fanatical loyalty, I considered with disdain.  I detested Eric, but he always had my brother’s back and so I could tolerate him by a certain degree.

“Sleeping like a babe” I grunted but then laughed.  Darkly glowering at me, my brother’s minion wisely held his tongue.

“A cleaning crew came through” Quade got down to business and so now red flags of alert started waving all over the place.  Who would have risked that?  Orders from none other than the Grand Head had been clear as day – Members were not to risk their lives unless absolutely necessary!  After all, The Order, by population census, was a minority in this Time After.  An extremely powerful minority, but a minority none the less.  We could not afford to lose a single Member.

So who were they that would disobey direct orders from our Grand Head?

“Well, they saved us the trouble, I suppose” was my casual response.  “If you’ll excuse us, Jonesy” I taunted Collin’s Second but he wasn’t stupid enough to start anything, not with three Elite-Assassins in his company.

With a bow of respect, Eric then took the hint and made himself scarce.

How can that be? I signed to Quade and Bryan, not wanting to risk anyone overhearing – just in case.

They did an impeccable job – not a trace, Quade signed in return.  Eric pinpointed the exact location and I believe he was dead on the spot.  Suddenly I did not have a warm and fuzzy, as Collin would say.  It was indeed time to call in backup.

Bryan, please call for aid, I signed instruction.  Bryan was our equivalent of Kevin – although that was a fact we kept under wraps, being much more low-keyed about his talents than Collin was of his own geek.

We all understood that something highly unusual was going on here, and that, in and of itself, was of ill portent.

Shaking my head, I now looked around.  The desert was more silent than silence could be – but even in this there was much to be read.

Quickly wrapping up our discussion, it was with a round of curt nods that we took leave of one another.  I quickly turned around, making my way back up the path to the house while Quade and Bryan continued on patrol.

If we didn’t have need of being there for several days, I would not have requested aid.  Though Sierra was precious to me, Collin was even more so.

Going over the facts in my mind, time and again, I finally let it go once I reached the entrance of the house.  Sierra was still sitting outside, curiously enough.  Why wasn’t she inside with my brother?  The woman and her many moods where a complete and utter mystery to me.  As much a mystery to me as Collin and his moods.

Walking past her on my way back inside, she suddenly shot a hand out, grabbing hold of my sleeve.  I stopped, naturally, but did not give her my attention – at least, not right away.  When I did, I could see her eyes were brimming with tears.  And everyone thought that I was dangerous?  Not when compared to this compact beauty.

“I’m sorry” she now apologized to me but when I did not respond, she let go, looking away.  Having gotten what I wanted, an apology, I now sat down next to her and in a flash was even more greatly rewarded.  The woman threw her arms around me, crying her eyes out.

“Shhh, Sierra” I comforted in a low voice as I tried to soothe her.  “Quiet, my love – unless you actually want to attract attention from the wrong parties” I cautioned her and now she whipped up her head to gape at me.  “Not to worry, I’ll protect you… maybe.  If you’re a good girl, that is” I made bribe as I brushed the hair out of her eyes but now she was glowering at me.  Turnabout was fair play, after all.

“Otherwise I’m on my own?” the feisty little thing snipped and now I was wholly unable to suppress my smile.

“Spot on” I taunted with a laugh.  “Are you ok?” I now asked, holding her at arms’ length.  “You look well” I added when no response was forthcoming.

“I’ve been better” she grumbled in opposition, now burying her face in her hands.  “Would you really have harmed Kevin?” Sierra now asked point blank as she peered up at me.  So who had spilled – Kevin, Eric or Collin?  Eric, I decided.  Kevin was too afraid of me to dare such a thing and Collin would have candy-coated it.

“No, I would have killed him” I bluntly informed her.  “Collin pulled a fast one – if he wants to play, he has to expect to pay.”  This did nothing short of infuriate the woman.

“This isn’t some game!” she hissed at me.

“No kidding” I returned under my breath.  “You just might want to clue my brother in to this reality” was my suggestion, coming just this close to having the discussion with her about The Order and Collin’s Sworn Oath.

Tomorrow, I decided.  We’d have that talk tomorrow, under the light of day.

“Are you trying to teach me a lesson as well as Collin?” she jumped ahead, finally making a sound conclusion.

“The hardest lessons learned are those best remembered” I tried to explain, but Brotherhood philosophy would be lost on her should I try to take it further than this.  “I have greatly missed you” I decided to abruptly change the subject and to my surprise, the woman practically melted.  “You must be tired – why don’t you go inside and get cleaned up, get some sleep.”

“And what about you?” she tempted but I only smiled in return.

“Someone has to keep watch” I reasoned, raising my hand to press my palm to her cheek.  “Go on – don’t forget to stop in and see Collin” I ordered her.  “It will mean a lot to him, even if he is dead to the world” I chuckled, but in all honesty, I was gravely concerned about him myself.

With a shy nod Sierra complied, but not before reaching up to plant a kiss on my cheek – one which very quickly migrated to my lips.  Tempting me from Heaven to Hell and back once again, I held her face in my hands as I indulged myself in one rather impassioned kiss, but was prudent to swiftly conclude it.

“Inside with you” I prompted and so now she obeyed, notably without question, leaving me sitting there, alone, to become engulfed by the deepening night.

If I had never agreed with my cousin Aidan on anything, then it was this – I preferred my own two feet over flying.  Of course, I wasn’t supposed to know this about my cousin, but his brother Collin was powerless not to pass along family gossip.

As in all things, the twins had to be as different as possible.

Collin absolutely adored flying.

Aidan positively loathed it.

On the flipside of this coin, however, Aidan embraced sailing with a fervent passion, like all of us O’Reillys, while Collin?  Well – set him on a sailing vessel, or any ocean bound ship, and he’d turn green as green could be.  Funny thing was, Collin could surf like a pro and swim like a fish.  No figuring some things, I supposed.

Waving to Don as the plane taxied down the old BLM road, Greg and I were now on our own.

A scary thought indeed, given the circumstances – and not to mention that the desert just did not feel right.

We were in unincorporated territory – neither AFA nor Order nor Blackguard.  Not that the AFA really had a territory, per se, or even The Order or Blackguard for that matter.  There just weren’t enough men on any side to lend presence to desolate regions in any strength of numbers.  We could lay claim to an expanse of land but in all reality did not have the resources to backup said claim.

Letting my eyes linger on the plane as it departed, I released a heavy sigh.

“C’mon, Finney” Greg called to me and so hefting my pack, I now fell in alongside Collin’s Captain-Major for the long trek.

“Aidan would know – twenty meters or twenty kilometers, it wouldn’t matter, lad” I grumbled in complaint of the unnecessarily long trek we were facing.

“I don’t think Aidan is the one we have to worry about” he returned and I had to agree with him there.  The air was ripe, though – we weren’t the only ones about in this desert, and I didn’t need my Brotherhood training to tell me that.  Collin had gotten his tail nailed by some rather interested third party who was as of yet unidentified.  And even odder was his account that another undisclosed party had come to his rescue.  The tactics of both assailant and savior smacking of Members, no less.

Wherever Collin went, mystery followed in his wake – and that went for both of my cousins, no less.

Right then, though, Collin’s tail was in a sling – and in more ways than one, and in more camps than one.

Business as usual, I laughed to myself.

“Something funny?” Greg asked, casting a glance over his shoulder.

“Aye, lad – or rather absurd is more like it” I grumbled, shaking my head.  “What will Collin do now, I wonder?  Kevin is sweating it big time, I’m certain.”

“Well, a promise is a promise” was his reminder, but that didn’t do much to ease my mind.  “All because things didn’t go Collin’s way doesn’t mean he won’t come through for Kevin.”

“What you… imply… is dangerous” I made known.  “They are not going to let him go should he turn up on The Order’s doorstep, lad!  Collin wasn’t part of the bargain between the AFA and The Order.”

“Doesn’t matter, Finney – you know this, I know this” he just kept right on reminding me.  He had a point there, though – Collin would do whatever it took to hold up his end of the bargain, even if it meant sacrificing himself.  Collin’s word wasn’t lightly given, or lightly taken for that matter.  All we could do was back him and lend aid when he requested.

As he was now.

My cousin didn’t need another doctor to tend him, and so this wasn’t why Eric ordered me to their Da’s old getaway retreat.  Colonel Jones knew that the man would want to pick my brains – guessing Collin’s mind in advance was one of my job requirements, after all.  Scratch that, it was required of us all, those in our Commander’s Inner Circle.

“You will freak when you meet Sierra” Greg now predicted and so I accepted this as fact.  After all, he, too, had known Miranda.  Yet, I needed to see for myself.  This Sierra woman was part of an ongoing debate among Collin’s familiars.  Coincidence was part of God’s World, of course – but this strong resemblance to Mira, in appearance and in spirit, was impetus for caution.  Unsavory acts were rumored to take place beneath Groom Lake, and though normally rumors were most often just that, rumors, when taking into account the Unspoken?  Well – more need not be said.  To even make conjecture was a dangerous undertaking.

Shuffling away all these less than pleasant considerations, I instead just concentrated on our trek through the desert.  In our favor was the early hour in which we had been deposited.  Just on the verge of dawn, while it was still twilight.  The day would heat up quickly, but we would be better than halfway to our destination before it got too uncomfortable.

As we happened upon the trail leading up towards the safehouse, I suddenly stopped in my tracks, reaching forward to grab hold of Greg’s shoulder.  Turning to face me, I then signed to him – Members.  I could sense them, even if Greg wasn’t able.  After all, it took many years of intense Brotherhood training to be able to hone this valuable skill.

Wisely, Greg pulled in close to me, waiting.  Granted, they would do us no grave harm if they were Aidan’s men – but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t try to scare the heck out of Collin’s Captain-Major.  Greg wasn’t Brotherhood, after all.

Fortunately, or not, it was Aidan’s Brothers – Quade and another Elite-Assassin now dissolved from seemingly out of nowhere.

“Brothers” I said in greeting, along with a proper bow, but Quade was less than impressed.

“Odd greeting coming from an AFA Captain, Brother Seamus” he grunted in return, although he did bestow upon me a most courteous bow.  I knew all too well what he and his partner Aidan thought of the AFA and its officers – and how he thought even less of those Brotherhood Members who were AFA, namely Collin and myself.

“Ah, and once again we meet, Captain-Major MacNamara” he now addressed Greg and even offered him a bow no less courteous than the one he had afforded me.  That’s how all Members were – they were all about decorum.

That would be as far as courtesy would go, however.  Greg, mindful of his manners, bowed in return but else wise had little to say.

“Escort?” Greg inquired keeping it simple – as simple as if he were a Member himself.  He understood more about The Order than was perhaps wise.  Too much digging he had done into The Brotherhood and its Arms – both in the Time Before and this Time After.  Greg was a walking repository of incredible knowledge – much of which wasn’t wise for him to possess, or so I suspected.

Quade said nothing, but he was leering, looking at my comrade as if Greg was a tempting morsel of food.  His partner was notably silent, but no less deadly and this was fact.  I could not help but wonder if this young man in Quade’s company was one personally trained and groomed by my cousin.  Extra caution need be taken with any protégé of Aidan’s.

With a bow and a wave of his hand, Quade bid us to continue and once we had passed by, both dissolved into the scenery once more.

“That was odd” Greg muttered under his breath as we began our ascent.

“Not really – Quade wanted to make sure that his cohort got a good look at us.  We’d never before met” I explained and so my friend whipped his head around to look over his shoulder at me.  I just shrugged in return.

“Like showing the fox to the hounds before the hunt?” was his terse assessment before once more looking forward and yes, that was exactly it.  “Nice” was his only commentary and then we both fell to silence.

We had gotten most of the way up the trail when Greg stopped.  Abruptly dropping his pack, he pulled out his Palm and then sat down.  I was happy for the break, if only just to mentally prepare for dealing with Collin.  When backed into a corner, my cousin would become extremely unpredictable, often doing the unexpected to extricate himself.

“His account of the attack still bothers me” Greg offered as he tapped away on his Palm.  It troubled me, too – and for undisclosed reasons, which was why I had been eager to make the journey.  That someone risked a cleanup with Aidan so close by was a curiosity.  Although even more so was Collin’s assertion that a third party stepped in to fight for him, even staying with him until his comrades arrived.

Only then to disappear?

That my cousin should have a secret benefactor, or protector, smacked of delusion.  At least, on the surface.  It was the possibility that he was right was what I was seeking to discount.

“Huh – interesting” Greg now muttered as he read.  “Aidan is actually being nice to his brother” he grunted and yes, that was interesting, or rather odd.  Granted, it could have just been the standard family vs. business Way of The Brotherhood, but for Greg to think otherwise meant that Kevin had sent along one colorful email.  “He’s even going to get the spa running, imagine that?”

“Don’t fool yourself, lad – Aidan is doing it for Sierra” I argued but he just shrugged.  “Do you think Collin will inform General Hastings if he must accompany Aidan to The Order?” I threw out there and now he laughed.

“Don’t think so” he returned with a grin.  “We’ll have to cover for Collin for a while, I guess.  That would not be a good thing, for T.C. to find out.  Collin is adamant that Kevin not again set foot in The Order – and you know Collin when he gives his word.”

“Yeah, unfortunately, I do.  The Order is the last place you’d catch me, though” I made clear.  “They have taken everything for which The Brotherhood stands and twisted it round so that it bears little resemblance to what it was meant to be” I growled.  “And the thing is, I’m not sure just who is to blame for that.  It’s tough for me to swallow that the High Council would have voted in half the resolutions they have” I said and then realized I had gone too far.  After all, how was I supposed to know anything about present state of The Order?

Unless there was an insider.

“Something you’d care to share, Finney?” he asked, now giving me his undivided attention.

“No, not if I want to continue drawing breath for a while longer” was my cool counter.  “You have your information supply line and I have mine – let’s just leave it at that, alright?  All I do is with Collin’s best interests at heart” I assured him and this was Truth.

Considering me a moment longer, he nodded once in acceptance and then returned to his reading.

“Let’s just hope General Hastings doesn’t ask for a command performance from Collin” Greg voiced concern.  “I think the General does from time to time just to make sure our Commander hasn’t dropped off the face of the earth” he chuckled and I was in agreement – sure seemed like that was the case.  However, the General knew damned well that Eric and Greg made excuses for Collin hand over fist and covered for their Commander one hell of a lot.

“Ok, I finished fielding everything I could that doesn’t need Collin’s input” he informed me, stowing his Palm and now getting to his feet.  “Let’s go join the party” my comrade now laughed.  Following suit, I fell in behind him as we now began the last leg of our trek, on our way to get swept up in Collin’s latest intrigue.

The morning dawned and we were still here – and alive, I considered with great relief.  Sleep had been hard in finding me, and this morning I actually got up what I considered be early, at least for me – which was still a far cry from the time everyone else rose.  Birds weren’t even up when Members rolled out of bed!  That was if they even slept at all? I wondered.  Well, this woman needed her beauty rest and rising before eight o’clock was just plain uncivilized as far as I was concerned.

Poking around the safehouse I noticed that Aidan was scarce, as was everyone else.

Taking advantage of being alone, I found a bathroom at the other end of the house to use.  I still could not get over the marvelous construction of this place!  With the light of day gracing it, I was in awe.  The house was made from all natural materials, being tucked way back into the arch of a natural cavern.  The place had been warm during the night despite the chill outside, and I would venture that in turn it would be cool during the warmth of the day.  There was power, so I suspected there must be solar panels somewhere, and the skylights were truly a thing of wonder, which had me pondering long and hard.  They were no easy thing to install given the rock through which one would have to bore.  One thing for certain, though – this was an abode made to last.

Once I had gotten refreshed so I looked somewhat less like something the cat had dragged in, I then went to look in on Collin.  Ryan was still with him and I was betting he hadn’t slept much, either.  Ever watchful this doctor was when a patient of his wasn’t doing well.

Hanging in the doorway, I wasn’t sure what to do.  I didn’t want to wake Collin up – he was in a world of hurt and right then sleep was probably the best medicine for him.

“The same” Ryan spoke up, noticing my indecision, and supposing as well the question perched on my tongue.  Nodding as I bit my lip, I then decided to enter, going to Collin’s side.  He didn’t exactly look peaceful, but that was the norm for Collin – troubling dreams always seemed to plague his slumbering hours.

Stroking his hair, I leaned in to kiss his cheek and now he stirred, so holding my breath I stood back.  False alarm, thankfully – the man did not wake up.

“Where is Aidan?” I whispered to Ryan who only pointed up.  Huh?

“On top the mesa, there’s a path outside the main entrance, to the right, leading up” he said in a low voice and so nodding that I understood, I now backed away.  Once out of the room with the door closed to a crack, I went to go find this path and there it was, right where Ryan said it would be.  Somewhat concealed, or at least so it was not visible from a distance, but being right on top of it, the path was now clearly discernible.

Taking a deep breath, I started the climb and in no time I was up top of the small mesa.  What I saw next confused me – Aidan was crouching by some type of equipment, working away, and to his left there was a what?  Creeping in closer, I was amazed by what I saw.  An in-ground spa constructed of natural materials!

“You like?” Aidan called over his shoulder as he continued to work.  Damn – I could not sneak up on that man for love or money!  I swore he could hear a mosquito sneeze in the midst of a raging category five tornado.

“That’s pretty amazing” I said in awe as I then walked over to join him.  “The others pretty much leave you to yourself, huh?” I decided to try engaging him in conversation while he worked away on the pump.  Sleeves rolled up and bent over the equipment, he methodically went about the repairs.

With no response, I moved in a little closer.

“Can I help?” I now asked, for which I was rewarded with a warm smile.

“Screw driver, Phillips” he returned.  Wasting no time, I fished one out of the tool box, holding it up for his inspection.  “Bigger.”  Frowning, I dipped in again and brought up another.  “Perfect” Aidan lauded me as he took the tool from my hand, letting his fingers momentarily linger on my own.

Once having accepted the tool, however, it was then back to work.

“Thank you, Sierra” he added, almost as an afterthought.  After all, Aidan wasn’t in the habit of praising me for pulling my own weight.

And so diligently working for the next half hour, with a little help from me, he finally got the pump working.  Sparing of words this man was – and to the max.  I had the impression at times that Aidan was a lonely soul at heart, and that he liked it that way.  I would lay odds, though, that wasn’t just because the world had almost checked out, either, the reason why he was lonely.

Standing up, he wiped the grime off his hands with a rag and then flicked the pump into life.  It was an amazing safehouse, this place – one maintained by The Order, or so Kevin had told me.  Up on top of this mesa you could see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles, as The Who had once sung in a song.  Everything was solar powered, or wind powered, since I could now see small solar panels accompanied by windmills which dotted the mesa top here and there.  The windmills were painted in the varying hues of the desert so as not to offend the natural beauty which surrounded them.  I could not help but wonder, though, how they had lugged to such a remote and difficult location the huge storage batteries required for storage of energy created by the solar and wind devices.

With the sun now riding higher in the sky, Aidan motioned to me to follow him.

“C’mon – let’s get Collin up here” he propmpted and then turned towards the path that led down from the mesa.  Quickly now I jogged to catch up to him, taking hold of his arm when I did.

“Is that all you have to say?” I wanted to know, sounding more than a tad bit demanding and so Aidan stopped in his tracks.  Looking down upon me for several heartbeats, he then spoke.

“What would you have me say, Sierra?” was his genuine query.  It was a loaded question, though, for how could I get into it with him without his surmising that Collin was the one clued me into who he really was?  What he was and the organization to which he belonged?

Biting my lip, I cast my eyes to the ground.

“My brother can’t keep his mouth shut to save his life” was his arid remark, one which caused me to quickly look up at him.  “People who live in glass houses should not throw stones” he opined, arousing my curiosity.  “Don’t judge me too harshly, Sierra, until you have auditioned all the facts, hmm?”  His was a sage edict, I was forced to agree.  There was probably a whole heck of a lot that Collin had not told me about himself, either.

Who to believe?  It didn’t really matter, I supposed.  I could not reconcile the organization with the man when it came to Aidan, of this much I was certain.  He was and wasn’t a lot of things, but I knew deep down in my gut that he was a righteous and honest man with high moral values.  Could I safely say that Collin was any less?  No – I couldn’t, it was just that the two brothers lived on different sides of the tracks, so to speak.  There was no way I could say that one was more righteous than the other, any more than I could say one was wrong and the other was right.

Dirty little secrets abounded in both camps, I’d wager – and neither man was inclined to tell all was my guess.

“Do you have any idea who roughed Collin up?” I asked point blank, deciding to push the envelope just a little further.

“In all honesty – I don’t, Sierra” Aidan truthfully returned.  “They were not AFA or Blackguard – we’ve determined this much.  There are yet many unanswered questions.  I’m sorry, my love, but that is all I can tell you at present.  Their tactics, however, point to Members of The Order, or at least The Brotherhood” he now threw me for a loop.  So he had surmised that Collin clued me in about him – and correctly so.

“Are you going to punish Collin?  For having told me?  About The Order, that is?” I needed to know but Aidan just shook his head.

“No” he assured me, but he didn’t go any further.  The more simplistic his answers, the more convoluted they were.  This much I did understand about the man.  “It looks like someone already took care of that for me, though” was his droll joke, one to which I just narrowed my eyes at him in blatant disapproval.

“Well, thanks” I said with a certain amount of relief.  After all, Collin was hurting enough as it was, having survived the attack – with the help of some mystery assassin, I considered with an inward giggle.  Real or imagined I just had to wonder – Collin wasn’t exactly coherent when we had found him.  “Why do you say people in glasshouses shouldn’t throw stones?” I decided to ask and so looking away for a moment, Aidan considered whether or not to answer me.

“My brother and I are more than just brothers” Aidan said as he now lent me his attention once more.  “We are Brothers” he explained and I was certain I must have been blinking at him like a fool.  “He is a Member of The Brotherhood, Sierra, and Its Order” the man now knocked me flat with this revelation.  It had to be truth since I knew without doubt that Aidan did not lie.  Keep things from me?  Sure.  Leave out key points?  Yes.  But outright lie?  Never.

“Then why did he never tell me?!” I demanded of him, which won me a black look since I was pushing the boundaries of politeness.

“You need to ask my brother that question” he flatly deferred, holding my eyes with his own and something told me that he was… sad… about his brother concealing his Membership from me.

“I’m sorry,” I now apologized, wrapping my arms tightly about myself, “for having judged you” I added, just to clarify.  “I really don’t understand The Order, or The Brotherhood or even the AFA for that matter.”

“No one expects you to” Aidan said, his tone softer now as he reached out a hand to stroke my hair.  “I know you must think this is all some big game of good guys, bad guys – but it’s not so cut and dry.  Everyone wants the same thing, that’s not in dispute – it is rather that each has his own conception of how to reach said goal.  Therein lay our contention” was his simplistic explanation, one which made a whole lot of sense if I thought about it.  “You’ve much to learn.”

Ain’t that the truth, I thought in dismay as I released a heavy sigh.  Slowly nodding my head, I was forced to agree.

“I love you, Sierra – regardless,” the man now suddenly saw fit to remind me.  “As does Collin” he then tacked on, knocking me way off balance.

“Well, if that doesn’t make me feel like I’m caught in the middle” I grumbled, leaving the thought unfinished.  “C’mon – let’s go get your brother before he wakes up and frets himself to death” I suggested, but I didn’t get very far.  In a heartbeat I found my face being taken prisoner by Aidan’s hands and so was now on the receiving end of one extremely heartfelt kiss.  And for a moment, I was hopeful that he would put off retrieving his brother in favor of spending a little quality time with me.

“We have a date with the heavens, you and I, before we leave this place” he breathed in my ear once the kiss had reached its conclusion.  “The view from up here is breathtaking – day or night” was Aidan’s assertion and so releasing me, he now headed towards the path.  Blinking after him, I stood there for a few moments – at times the man was a bigger puzzle than was his brother.

Shaking my head, I put aside being perplexed and now followed after him.  I felt like a bone in a tug of war between two wolves.  Not such a pleasant sensation, I decided.

Once we descended the path we were back down at the adobe house.  It was nothing short of a wonder, its location as well as its construction.  Perfectly it blended with its surroundings that unless you were purposefully looking for it then you’d never even realize it was there.  I could live happily ever after here, I thought, allowing myself the indulgence of foolish a daydream or two.

Now inside the house, I saw Eric sitting in a chair just outside the master suite.  Immediately he was on his feet, though, considering Aidan with wariness as he watched him walked right up to the bedroom door.

“And you are going where?” Collin’s Colonel challenged but Aidan ignored him and so Eric now stood squarely in his way.

“A bout of insanity, Jonesy?” was Aidan’s cool inquiry as he came to a stop.  “You keep forgetting that your Commander is my brother,” he saw fit to remind him, “and in more ways than one” he tacked on and now, almost imperceptibly, Eric stiffened.

“Aidan got the spa working” I chimed in before the testosterone got too thick to wade through.  “I’m sure a good long soak will do Collin a world of good – he’ll really like that” I suggested, but Eric, however, just lent me a rather odd look.  What was it with these guys? I wondered in complete frustration.  And everyone used to think that women were the moody and bitchy ones of our species!

“You’ll have company soon enough” Aidan now revealed.  “AFA transport made a drop to the south just before dawn.  Anyone I know?”  With this, Eric just glared at Aidan – if for no other reason than Aidan was dead on the money.  Or so the look on his face revealed.

Tugging on Aidan’s sleeve to get his attention, I looked to him with concern.

“Probably more of Collin’s hangers-on” he explained for me with a smile as he touched a hand to my cheek.  I wasn’t sure which had caused Eric to set his jaw – Aidan making crass remarks about his Commander or that fact that Aidan had touched what he felt was Collin’s property.

Tough call there – most likely both.

Eric did not comment, but instead stepped aside, letting us pass.  However, he was close on our heels, which did nothing short of give me the chills.  The man did not like me although I still had no clear idea why.

Once within the confines of the master suite, I saw Kevin sitting in a chair pulled up next to the bed with Ryan standing close at hand.  Collin, however, was still asleep.  Kevin quickly got to his feet when we entered the room – he had been greatly concerned for his Commander, too, even though he and Collin didn’t exactly get along all that well.

Ignoring everyone, as was Aidan’s way, he sat down on the bed next to his brother.

“Collin” he prompted, gently shaking his brother’s shoulder.  “C’mon, brother – wake up.  Got a surprise for you” Aidan tried to lure him up from the depths of his sleep.  “Something to make you feel better.”

“You’re taking a long walk off a short pier?” Collin mumbled but since there was no response to his less-than-polite supposition, he now pushed away the covers from his face, looking up.  Not only up but around to take note of the crowd.  “What the?  Hey, still drawing breath here, gang” he complained, now rolling over onto his back with a groan.  “What time is it?” he yawned.

“Time for a long, leisurely soak” Aidan tempted his brother, offering him a slanted grin.

“You got the spa running?” Collin asked in disbelief.  “For me?  I didn’t know you cared” he grunted.

“I don’t – I did it for Sierra, but figured it would kill two birds with one stone” Aidan reasoned but Collin just leveled him a flat look.

“I’d say thanks, but I’m not sure that your intent isn’t to drown me” he mumbled and then propped himself up on his elbows, glancing about the room.  “Really – is this a death watch?  Out – now; that’s an order!” Collin barked and his men, at least, obeyed.  In passing, however, Kevin rolled his eyes at me, making it near impossible for me not to grin.

Once Eric and Kevin had exited, Collin now made the effort to sit up.  Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed he now sat there cradling his head in his hands.  After a long moment, he glanced up and over his shoulder to where Ryan was still standing.  With a glare that would have made me recoil, Collin held Ryan’s eyes.  It was clear that Aidan’s man wasn’t about to leave unless released by Aidan himself.

“Would you please order Doctor Death to make himself scarce?” Collin now rather crassly requested of his brother while keeping his eyes locked on Ryan’s.  Why he didn’t like the doctor was one piece of the puzzle I had yet to ferret out, but had learned long ago to ferret on my own.  Questions only got me into a shitload full of trouble, or so it seemed.

With a subtle nod, Aidan gave Ryan permission to leave and respectfully bowing to Aidan, and Collin as well, the doctor then did as he was bade.  Once making his exit and closing the door behind him, we were now left to ourselves.

“Next time you decide to be disrespectful of Ryan,” Aidan calmly began, “I’ll knock you all the back into last Wednesday – do I make myself understood?” was his demand of confirmation but his brother said nothing, instead once again holding his head in his hands.  “Brother?” he now demanded and so Collin, surprisingly, nodded.

“Yes, I understand” he returned in a low voice, now looking up at Aidan, contrition in his eyes.  “Not at my best right now” Collin grumbled and then glanced at me.  “Sorry, Chiquita.”

Shifting on my feet I wrapped my arms tightly about myself, chewing on my lip.  Here I was, being torn in two again, so before it could begin I decided to end it.

“C’mon, Collin – a soak will do you good” I prompted as I reached out to take his hand, tugging on it.  However, the man didn’t budge, but rather instead tried to suppress a burgeoning grin.  So now putting my weight into it, I made great effort to pull him to his feet and naturally he just had to resist.  That was until he noticed that Aidan seemed a little short on patience.  For a man who seemed to have the patience of a saint, when it came to his brother, Aidan came up way short most times.

“Ok, ok” Collin relented, now getting to his feet, using the bed post for support since he was still weak.  To my dismay as the covers fell away, I then saw he was buck naked.  Of course, you ninny! I chastised myself.  They had run a warm shower for Collin the previous night before tucking him away under the covers of the bed – so what did I expect?  That Aidan and Ryan would have dressed him in his jammies or something?  What a moron I was, I thought, thoroughly flustered now.

The man, on the other hand, was delighted with my reaction – as evidenced by the smile he could no longer repress.

Aidan wasn’t so thrilled, however.

Quickly I released his hand so I could go rummage around in his pack.  Finding a pair of pants, I then walked straight over to Collin, thrusting at him the garment.  Once accepted, with hesitation on both our parts I was dismayed to make note, I then turned tail and fled, leaving the two men to themselves as I closed the door behind me.

I could only pray that Aidan would not reprimand Collin for proudly displaying his package – one that he was clearly ready to deliver, no less.

Now free of the two brothers, I stood there with my back to the door, looking around.  Where’d everyone go?  I sure knew how to clear a room, I thought with a frown.

Feeling drained, I now went outside to sit down on the rock-hewn bench and wait.  It was a while before the two brothers finally emerged, with Aidan supporting Collin because his brother was still a little shaky on his feet

“Is there anything I can do?” I asked since I was feeling rather useless but Aidan only shook his head once – no.

“Stay out of trouble, Chiquita” Collin said with a wink and then the two started up the path to the top of the mesa.

Feeling even more like a fifth wheel I just hunkered down on the bench to wait some more.  I was hungry but I had a hunch that everyone had already eaten.  That was Aidan’s way of teaching me that I needed to get up a lot earlier.  Ever since I had known him, he had come up with subtle ways of trying to get me to wake up when he thought it appropriate.

The man thus far had had little success, I considered with a grin.  Never under estimate the stubbornness of a woman, after all.

After sitting there for what seemed like an eternity, I heard people coming up the path – one voice was Kevin’s I could tell, and the other sounded like Greg, but there was in addition a third.  Curious, I stood up, craning to hear more.  The third man had an accent – Irish, no less.  Unable to wait, I walked out to where the top of the path peaked the landing and looking down sure enough – Kevin was with Greg and another man.  One who caused me to back up several steps.  Tall he was, wearing his hair just like a Member, and a full beard, too – cropped close just like every Member of The Order I had thus far seen.

Now what? I wondered – as if having Quade and Bryan around wasn’t bad enough!  However, this man seemed jovial and downright friendly with Kevin and Greg.

Glancing up from their conversation, this new arrival looked straight at me and then stopped in his tracks, gaping.  Kevin and Greg now looked up also and for some reason I felt wholly ill at ease, especially under the discerning gaze of their companion.

“Gracious God Above!” the man spouted but then broke into the most infections smile I had ever seen.  Second only to Collin, whose handsome face I would never tire of gazing upon when he would don that award-winning smile of his.

“Sierra, this is Finney” Kevin introduced us as the three once again started moving forward.  Backing up a little, I still wasn’t too certain what to think.  Why would a Member of The Order be so chummy with them?  Or vice versa?  I could smell a story there for certain.  “He’s cool, girlfriend – he’s one of us” he explained, which cleared up nothing.

“Which… us?” I found myself asking, my tongue getting ahead of me – per usual.  Now the tall man came forward, to stand right in front of me no less and so again I backed up several steps.

“Captain Seamus-Patrick Finnegan O’Reilly, AFA MedStaff” he now boldly introduced himself with a low bow and I was certain I must have had the blankest look on my face.

I didn’t get it.

“Please tell me that you are not another brother!” I blurted out which won me a wonderful raucous of laughter from the man.

“Heavens no, lass – cousin” he corrected.  Now folding his arms across his chest he stood there, giving me a good once-over with his eyes.  Kevin and Greg were hanging back, watching with amusement, I took note.  I was more than a little perturbed at Kevin for not having at least warned me of this man’s pending arrival.  He could have messaged me!

“Uh-huh, ok… love the accent.  Who are you, really, though?” I asked, now reclaiming some of the ground I had surrendered.  “You don’t look AFA” was my assessment and it appeared he was about to make a quick retort but then stopped.

“Fair enough – I’m also Brotherhood, but not of these shores” was his curious way couching that.  “And certainly not Order, if that is what you are thinking, lass” he tacked on for good measure.

“Doctors are hard to come by” Greg explained and so I just mouthed an o, like that really meant anything to me.  “Where’s Eric?” he now asked.  “Up top with Collin?”  I could only blink and then I glowered at Kevin.  Like, thanks, dude!  Notify Greg about Collin’s every move but don’t bother to tell me about company coming?

“I don’t know – if not, he’s probably hunting” I said, though suddenly I did not have a warm and fuzzy.  Where did Eric go?  And Ryan for that matter?

Too many men to keep track of these days!

“And don’t ask me where Ryan is, don’t know that either” I mumbled, shuffling my feet and feeling rather like an amoeba under a microscope.

“I’ll find Eric” Kevin offered as he whipped out his Palm to message Eric.

“Well, I want to see my cousin” Finney announced.  “Would you care to escort me, lass?” he asked and so I looked to Greg for permission who nodded once.  That was one habit I had gotten into and fast – always ask permission of the man before doing anything.  The guys would get jerked out of joint when I would do things of my own volition.

“Ok, sure” I accepted with a sigh.

“Eric is hunting with Ryan” Kevin now spoke up.

“Well, if that isn’t the scariest thing I’ve heard today” Finney grumbled, casting a look over his shoulder at Greg.

“Ditto – you two run along” Greg prodded and so it was decided.  Turning tail, I now headed for the path with Finney in tow.

“You have nothing to fear from me, Sierra” the man saw a need to assure me.  “I’m Family” he explained and so looking over my shoulder at him, I had no idea what that should mean to me.  After all, Aidan was fond of beating up on Collin.

Having learned from Aidan the value of keeping my mouth shut, I just bit my tongue.  I didn’t know who to believe half the time so decided to just butt out.

“I’m not like Aidan, if that’s what you are worried about” the man yet again attempted to engage me in conversation and so stopping in my tracks I turned to confront him.

“Aidan is not the ogre you all make him out to be!” I defended, so sick of each brother trying to tear the other down and now I did not need a cousin who took sides.  Abashed, the man backed up a step, holding up his hands.

“Hold on, woman – that’s not what I meant” he back peddled.  “I guess I should have said that I am not like the Members here, in the Americas” he corrected and what an odd way of putting that.  The Americas – I had not really thought of where I was being called that, but I supposed it was at the very least accurate.  The United States didn’t exist anymore.  “I’m sorry – I guess I talk too much.  Collin can vouch for that” he now laughed with an easy smile and one could not help but like the man.  However, appearances were often deceiving, after all – all you had to do was look at Collin to see this supposition in action.  A pretty package but wrapped up inside was one terribly complex man who was very much a prisoner of his own emotions.

With a sigh I just turned round once more to continue the climb in silence.  However, I could feel the eyes of this Irishman considering me at great length.

Once breaching the top of the path I saw Aidan crouching over by the spa, talking with Collin.  In a heartbeat, though, he was on his feet and heading our way.

“Finney” Aidan said as he approached and now I noticed their cousin set his jaw.  He didn’t like Aidan – that much was clear.

“Cousin” he said in return and now the two exchange mutual bows.  “How is Collin?”

“As incorrigible as ever,” Aidan grunted, “so I suppose that means he’s on the mend.  Good luck” he added and now held out a hand to me.  “Come on, Sierra – we’ll let Finney and my brother have some privacy.”

“I’d like to see Collin” I tried to defer but Aidan did not retract the offer of his hand.

“I just bet you would – come on” he said again and this time he wasn’t accepting no for an answer.  Talking hold of my arm, he now escorted me back down the path.  Looking over my shoulder at Finney, I just shrugged – I had no clue what that was all about.

Their cousin just stood there, watching as I got dragged away from the scene.  Shaking his head, Finney then turned around and went to go join Collin.

Half way down the trail, Aidan suddenly stopped, taking hold of my face to draw me into a very desirous kiss.  He sure was doing a lot of that these days.  It was then that it hit me – he was jealous!  Naturally Collin wasn’t sitting in the spa fully clothed, after all.  My brain must be on vacation today, I thought, feeling like an idiot.

“Please, Sierra – don’t ever underestimate how much you mean to me” Aidan said once the kiss was over, now drawing me into his embrace.  Holding me close for a long while, he stroked my hair.  For as secure as Aidan could be in himself and all things, he sure was insecure when it came to me, or rather the thought of me and his brother.  Although I could think of no real reason for him to feel this way, I just accepted that he did.

I hugged him as tightly as I could, burying my face in his chest as I sighed.  Glancing up with a shy smile, I told him, “I love you,” for which I was rewarded with a warm smile of his own.

“As I love you,” he returned, now kissing the top of my head, “but will it be enough come the end, I wonder?” was his curious commentary as he broke our embrace.  Now looping his arm in mine, we made the rest of our descent in silence, leaving me to ponder on his words.

“So he wouldn’t let her see me” I grumbled, cracking open an eye as I watched my cousin walking towards me.  With his usual devil-may-care grin, he nodded in affirmation.

“What do you expect, lad?  You’re buck naked” Seamus was quick to point out.

“Yeah, I know – was hoping to impress” I said with a straight face.  It sure was good to see my cousin!  I’d been out and about in these deserts so long that I almost forgot what my base looked like, let alone my officers.  My men were probably having a heyday up there in Monument Valley without me around to ride their asses.

The things I would suffer just to be near a woman, or so was my dismal discourse.

“How are you feeling?” my cousin now made inquiry.  Sitting down on the ground next to where I reclined in the spa, I was damned if he didn’t sit Brotherhood style.  That had always bothered me, I considered.  However, at times Seamus could be the most un-Brotherhood like Member I knew – excepting me, of course, I thought with an inward chuckle.  However, he wasn’t of The Brotherhood as it now existed.  My cousin was of The Brotherhood as it had been Pre-Time, belonging to an Arm back in the Emerald Isle, in Europe.  This was when The Brotherhood had been a far cry from what it had become here in the Americas.

“I’ve been better” I finally answered his question, sinking down a little further into the soothing waters of the spa.  “A few hours of this, though, and I’ll be right as rain” I predicted, hoping it would be true but Finney grunted.  He knew I wasn’t fooling anyone.

“You look like hell, lad” he saw fit to point out and so now I leveled him one extremely dark look.

“Thanks for the compliment, cousin” I complained.  “Well, aren’t you going to say it?” I now prodded, suspecting he had more than a word or two that he wanted to opine about Sierra.

“Why should I?  I’m sure you have heard it enough from everyone else” Seamus deferred.  “I’m more interested in you, cousin, than the woman.  What’s this I hear about someone coming to your rescue?” he prodded and so he too thought that I had been hallucinating.  Running a hand over my face I let it linger there for a while.  I knew what I had seen, but how could I make the others believe me?  Not to mention the fact that I could have in no way bested an Elite-Assassin all by my lonesome?  Especially after being on the receiving end of the ass-whooping of the century?

“Dunno” was my weak attempt at dodging.  “Imagined it, according to general consensus” I mumbled with a shrug.  “Besides, what Elite-Assassin would want to save my sorry ass from another Elite-Assassin anyway, eh?  I’m more worried about the hard choices I now have to make, Seamus” I eluded and so my cousin nodded his head in return.

“I’d tell you not to make the offer, but it would be wasted breath” was my cousin’s heartfelt assessment, and a correct one at that.

“I gave Kevin my word” I stated in return and that should have been the end of that.

But, of course, it wasn’t.

“Lad, I think Kevin would understand” Seamus began but he knew me well.  “You’re terrified to openly walk into The Order, and I can’t say I blame you.  It won’t set well with Kevin for you to make such a sacrifice, just so you can hold true to your word.”  What was this?  Beat up on the invalid day? I wondered with mounting aggravation.

“What kind of man would I be if I didn’t hold true to my word?” I returned in a low voice.  “Just let it drop, Seamus – I don’t tell you how to doctor, so don’t you tell me how to command” I made clear.  “I’m more worried about my mystery hero, truth be known.  I know everyone thinks I hallucinated, since popular opinion alludes to it being a long shot that I could have downed an Elite-Assassin all by myself” I grunted but then grinned.  “So, what is going on within The Order that my super spook brother isn’t aware, eh?  He’s their frigging Head of Assassins for Christ’s sake!  None of his assassins can so much as fart without him knowing – ten feet or ten miles, Aidan sees all, you know that, Seamus.  Yet, he doesn’t have much to offer one way or the other on the topic of my assailants, and even less regarding my savior.”

“That doesn’t mean that he is without data” was my cousin’s staunch caution.  “Besides, since when have you ever been able to read Aidan with any clarity, eh?”  He was right, but this was different.

“Sure, this I am able to concede – however, it’s not what I am reading, it is what I am sensing” I offered up, and this really hit the nail right on the head.  My brother and I had an unusual connection between us – like all twins do.  One that had become greatly intensified when cross-talk from interfering brain frequencies tanked after the plague had done is work.  And what I now felt from Aidan was that he was downright unnerved – as if things were not going his way and therefore he was not a happy camper.  And if I knew nothing else about my brother, I did know that the man was all about control.  Strength in the face of adversity was not only a Way of The Order, but had been an embodiment of my brother from the day he was born.

And for the first time in our long lives I could sense that Aidan was treading on unstable ground and this go-around was actually worried about it.

Even yet, this did not explain the other sensation I had felt – the one I experienced with the stranger who had come to my aid.  When he had placed his hand on my forehead and told me to be at peace – well, that had been just this short of a spiritual experience.

“Guardian angel” my cousin supposed and I could only gawk at him.

“A mind reader now, are you?” was my chill inquiry but he only blinked in return.

“Huh?  Oh, no – or maybe, I guess, if that’s what you were thinking” he returned with a shrug.  “You’ve always seemed to have a few of those, you know, guardian angels.  Maybe what you… saw… was just a manifestation of something everyone has said about you from time to time…” was his postulation, trailing off but never finishing the thought.

“Might be, Seamus – might be them angels” I now laughed under my breath.  “After all, look what God gave back to me, eh?” I posed, unable to suppress an open, heartfelt smile.  Little effect did this have on my cousin, however – which meant that my cohorts had already told him far too much about Sierra.

“Look, Collin – I am only going to say this once, and then I’ll let it drop” he slowly began in a tempered voice.  “Granted, the woman looks a lot like Miranda, sounds like her, too – even the attitude.  With women being a scarcity these days, don’t you find that just a bit… suspect?  You and your brother, you are both major players in this Time After.  Don’t underestimate the ambitions of certain parties – that’s all I’m trying to say” my cousin concluded and as I was about to voice my own opinion, I now looked past him to see my officers approaching.

Great – just what I needed, I thought in dismay.  Eric and Greg were of like mind and so all three would now gang up on me.  Kick a guy while he’s down, I supposed, although this was unfair thinking.  That they had only my best interests at heart I knew – but that didn’t make it any easier at times.

“Commander” Greg said in greeting with a genuine smile – always happy to see me for some reason.  I had no clue why, since I usually would just dump more work on him.

“Hey, Brains,” I returned, “glad you’re here.  I need to pick your brains, of course” I laughed.

“Man, they sure worked you over, huh?” my Captain-Major remarked as he hunkered down next to the spa.

“No shit – it was a miracle they didn’t kill him” Eric made note.  He was no less puzzled than was I by my encounter with parties unknown.

“I should go talk to Ryan” my cousin now decided, rising to his feet.  He knew his place for the most part and would not interfere with my decisions.  Unless a decision was putting a man in harm’s way, that was – myself not excluded.  Once I was on the mend and my head was screwed on straight, Seamus would again confront me about my decision to journey to The Order in Kevin’s stead.  “If there is anything I can do for you, cousin – send for me” he said and with that he turned to leave, but not without first exchanging glances with Eric and Greg.

Once Seamus was gone from sight, I slumped down in the spa, closing my eyes.

“You’re not fooling anyone” Greg offered his opinion but how could I get angry?  He was right – I was in a world of hurt.

“Yeah, I know,” I muttered, running a hand over my face, “and why do I get the impression things are about to get worse?” I surmised, lowering my hand to consider my officers.

“Going to The Order might not be such a bad thing” Greg actually posed and so I could only gawk at him.  “I take it that you’ve not been checking your email from AHC?” he put to me, but knew damned well that I wasn’t.  I was avoiding AFA High Command like, well – like the plague.  “Well, I’ll give you the long and short of it, since Kevin has been checking it” the Captain-Major informed me.

“Great” I grumbled in return, releasing a long, low breath.  “What’s crawled up T.C.’s butt now?”  Exchanging a knowing look, both men now sat down.  So this was going to take a while, then.

“Although we’d normally try to talk you out of going to The Order,” Eric began, “it might work in your favor, and on multiple fronts.  After this last stunt you pulled…” he began but quickly I cut him off.

“That I pulled!” I barked in return.  “Credit for that mishap goes to my brother” was my stern reminder.

“Only because it was first you who pulled a fast one on him” Eric just as quickly countered in a low voice, reminding me that we could be watched.  My brother probably had the whole area crawling with assassins by now.  “You know how Aidan feels about fealty.”

No shit.

“Eric is right,” Greg now piped in, “but it doesn’t matter now.  You’ve got some ass-kissing to do, Commander.  And not just to Generals Hastings and Karloff, either.  Your brother is uncertain of you – or more so than usual.  Besides, given the new players on the field, you might get a better sense of what’s up if you go to The Order” he suggested.

“Uh – in case you have not noticed, Members are unreadable?” I brought to mind for them.  “Not to mention they seldom utter a word.”

“Be that as it may, you and Aidan share an unusual sense of each other” Eric pointed out.  “And given that a certain… individual has surfaced” he brought to light as he now withdrew his Palm from his pocket.  Turning it on, he pulled up a file before handing it to me.  With reluctance I looked at the device in his outstretched hand, hesitating before I reached for it.

With a sigh I then trained my attention on the screen to read the document and as I did so my blood ran cold.

What I was reading just bolstered my cousin’s earlier suggestion that I not underestimate the ambitions of certain parties in rather clandestine locales.

“To what purpose?” I asked but then shook my head as I handed back to Eric his Palm.  Granted, it was suspect as hell, this ex-CIA agent and geneticist, who was also notably Brotherhood, suddenly surfacing as an AFA officer – and with a full AFA record to boot?   “Never mind – I don’t want to know” I muttered, now wholly distressed.  “I hate to admit, but the idea has more merit with each passing moment, accompanying Aidan to The Order.  T.C. is demanding a command performance of me” I assumed, correctly, as my officers nodded in return.

My CO was going to call me out on the carpet big time over this Sierra thing – going over his’ head to Karloff in order to secure the woman for the AFA, as well as the incident of the woman breaching a DoD data base.  Once Aidan found out about the deal between the AFA and The Order concerning Sierra, however, my ass would most certainly be grass, as they say.  Being at The Order when this came to light was going to put me in the position for one severe reprisal, I conjectured, personally delivered by the hand of my brother, I had no doubts.

“Naturally, we’ll cover for you as long as we can” Greg said, but did not sound overly thrilled.  He understood the grave risk I was taking by openly walking into The Order.  Should I be called upon to Reaffirm?  Well – that would be the end of my AFA career – and the beginning of my own personal hell.

“Seemingly people are just popping up all over the place lately” I complained.  “What’s going on that so much should change, and so quickly?” I asked, mostly of myself.  Seemingly it had all started when Aidan made discovery of Sierra – and granted, she was a woman, but not the first to be found nor the last either, I’d wager.  What would make this discovery different, though?  Aside from the fact that Sierra so greatly resembled my Mira.  Granted, she was a pint-sized version, and somewhat more curvy, but in so many aspects she was the same.  Even the fact that she loved music – but a lot of people loved music!  However, not many were as knowledgeable as had been Mira.

Again – why would anyone want to clone a woman, just so Aidan and I would once again have something over which to fight?  Unless that was the point – to tear us asunder once more, diverting us from our objective.

Insane – there was no other word for it.

That was, if cloning was possible but who the hell could predict such a thing with any certainty?  The Unspoken lurking under Groom Lake – who knew what secrets they kept there in the darkest recesses of Area 51?  Besides, the timing for creation of a clone would have been all wrong.

But now, Eric had thrust under my nose information about a certain geneticist, who had been Brotherhood, just now materializing with an AFA record and history.

Once Brotherhood, always Brotherhood – and this guy had been Order, no less!

If it had not been for Kevin’s ingenious search engine and Brain’s innate ability to piece together seemingly unrelated puzzle pieces, then the connection would never have been made by anyone.

Lucky me, I thought in complete distress.  In a world of physical hurt and now this icing on the cake.

“I have one suggestion to make, Commander” Greg said in a low voice.  “Come clean with Sierra – it will only help your position with her in the long run” was his solemn advice.  “Should she find out before you tell her…” he trailed off, but he need not finish.  I could not keep secret from her forever that I was, in essence, a double-agent, and on more than one front, since I, like Aidan, was Order.

As if my life could not get any more complicated, I thought feeling disheartened.  I loved the woman beyond words, and just to make things even worse, I had turned her into a pawn in a very real game of espionage and counter-espionage.

I was IntelliCore, after all – what did she think I did for a living?  Pick daisies?

Suddenly I wondered – had I ever even told her I was with AFA Intelligence?

Nope – sure hadn’t.

“Yeah, I know you’re right, Greg – thanks” I quietly returned.  “Look, we’ll talk more later, but right now I… just want to sit here and think.  I need some time to myself, if that’s ok with you gentlemen?” I asked, hoping there wasn’t anything else pressing that required discussion right there and then.

Looking to one another, it seemed there was, but Eric made decision.

“Later then, Commander” he said, getting to his feet.  Greg followed suit, hesitant, but was not about to disagree with Eric just then.  My Captain understood that Eric would not take kindly to questioning his judgment – and he was right.  Even I, at times, was reluctant to question my Second.

With a bow from each, they then left me to myself – to mull over what I had read and the path that I now knew I had little choice but to tread.

Coincidences were often just that – coincidences.  However, at what point did they cease to be what they appeared on the surface?  Transmuting into something much more circumspect?

I’d been asking myself that question a lot since Sierra had come on the scene, as well as all the coincidences which had followed in the wake of her arrival.

All things in due Time, Assassin, I cautioned myself.  Right now we were here, they were there and never the twain should meet, as that old saying went.  To say that the Unspoken were shy would have been the understatement of the millennium.  However, this did not mean that they were without their carefully planted emissaries.  I knew this for fact, even if my brother Collin did not.

As I looked around at the glorious watercolor that God had painted for this sunset, I could only smile in return.  For the gift of such beauty – two beauties, actually.  The sunset and the woman who I now heard as she neared the end of the rocky path leading to the top of the mesa.  Extraordinary eyesight was not all with which I had been blessed by God – acute hearing, also, along with a heightened sense of smell.  All my senses were heightened, and to the extreme – lending to the myth that was me.  Super-spook my brother would call me behind my back, and to my face as well, and why not?  By comparison with other men, I was a super spook.  The advantages afforded me by my unusually sharp senses made me one very tough adversary.  If I seemed all knowing, as most thought me to be, I really wasn’t – but use my mythos to further my advantage I would.  As I had throughout my life and would continue to do so.

The power of myth, after all.

Closing my eyes, I bowed my head – thanking the Lord for His Grace.  It had been my hope that Sierra would join me, of her own volition, and so it now had come to pass.  It was important that Collin understand it was not me initiating advances upon Sierra, but rather the other way around.  I would not keep her to me by force, nor would I turn her away should she seek me out.

What a blow this would be to my brother’s bloated ego, I considered with an inward grin.

“Most women would have killed to have hair like that” I heard the creature say as she approached, and although I tried to suppress a huge grin, I miserably failed.  I was sitting on the ground where I had been meditating, and yes – my hair was long as with all Members.  Normally I kept it knotted at the base of my neck, but after getting out of the spa I set my hair free to dry.

A comment like that directed at my insecure brother would have driven him out of his mind, and for days on end he would obsess over it.  He had gotten so tired of all the pretty boy remarks that he had felt them a threat to his masculinity.  Sure, he’d use his good looks to his advantage, but deep down inside he was never quite comfortable being one of the beautiful people.

In contrast, Collin and I feeling a need to be as diametrically opposed to one another as possible, I embraced Sierra’s remark as a compliment.  Odd it was, however, that I had been the only one in our family with jet-black hair, and eyes to match.  I appeared more like a Sullivan than an O’Reilly – Sullivan being a Celtic word meaning dark-eyed, which I most certainly was.  Collin and I were the only ones in our Clan with not only odd colored hair, his being a coppery blonde, but we also had odd colored eyes.  The predominant eye color of our Clan was sea-gray and in hair most all were auburn to one degree or another.

It was almost like Collin and I weren’t even O’Reillys at all – which at times had gotten me to wondering.  If not but for we two sharing our family’s inherited trademark smile, then I would have believed Collin and I to have been adopted.

Deciding not to ponder this at present, I instead extended a hand to Sierra.

“Jealous?” was my inquiry in the face of her assessment, but since Sierra glowered at me, I just smirked.  “That was a joke” I explained as she now reached for my hand.  Taking hold of it, she then sat down next to me.  “Thanks for the compliment” I accepted and then started to gather my hair together to knot it at the base of my neck.

“No, don’t” she made request, leaning in to nuzzle my cheek, after which she gave it a tender kiss.  “I haven’t exactly been fair to you, I guess” was her admission as she settled back, biting her lip.  Offering her a puzzled look, I now raised an eyebrow.

“What brought on this?” I asked as curiosity took me.

“Did some thinking” she informed me, followed by a heavy sigh.  “You haven’t filled my head with garbage about your brother” was her statement, but there was more – she just didn’t want to say it and so I would say it for her.

“Like Collin has about me?” I finished the thought and now the woman timidly nodded.  “That’s just how Collin is, Sierra.  My brother’s forte is the spoken word.  He uses speech like I use my hands.  A weapon by any other name is still a weapon, though.”

“Yeah, tell me about it” she grumbled.  “He still hasn’t come clean with me about his being Brotherhood” was her bitter complaint, delivered along with a sexy pout that just about drove me out of my mind.

“He will, sooner or later” I tried to assuage her concern but apparently failed.

“Yeah, later – when he gets caught living the lie” Sierra practically hissed.  Closing her eyes for a moment, she quickly collected herself.  “Sorry, I’d rather not talk about Collin right now.  I wanted to apologize to you, however.  I know you haven’t been forthcoming with me about what is going down, but neither have you lied to me, or tried to turn me against anyone” Sierra said with a shrug.

“If I withhold information, it is truly in your best interest” was my heartfelt assertion as I took her hands in my own, squeezing them.  “I’m not certain where the road will lead at this point – I can only see as far as the first bend, I guess you could say.  We are going to The Order, Sierra.  I don’t know what Collin has told you, or geek-boy for that matter, but you have no reason to fear Us, The Brotherhood or The Order.  Those who do not Belong, those of the AFA – they have no idea what we are truly about, who we are.”

Sierra now grew dead still.

So my brother had ordered that she be well-informed, then, about The Order.

“Freedom isn’t free” was all I could think to say, which, in essence, was Truth when you got to the base of it all.  Granted, the populace had been greatly reduced, but there were those in this world whose wish it was to see it reduced even further.  “It wasn’t free in the Time Before, and it certainly isn’t in this Time After.”

“Sure was for the first seven years” the woman now reminded me of her time spent alone wondering throughout desert southwest.  Well, that was up for debate, but not now, and not between us.  I still had too few facts to draw any conclusions regarding her existence prior to our making the acquaintance of one another.

“Would you want to disappear, back out into the wilderness?  Knowing what you now know?” I put to her, raising a hand to her cheek and now predictably, she sighed.

“No” was all she said, but I had hoped for more and so my heart sank.  However, she seemed to sense my disappointment.  “I couldn’t leave you, and I understand that you can’t just melt off with me… and besides, I’ve made friends.  I can’t just walk away from them, either.”

Friends?  Like who?  Techno-nerd?  She had become fond of her fellow hacker – there was no disputing this.  She was even fond of my cousin, once she got beyond the fact that he was Brotherhood, if not Order.

Oh, and my brother, of course – but he was not just a friend, after all, much to my continued dismay.

His misleading, or subterfuge, would be his undoing in the end where Sierra was concerned.

“If I could, Sierra – I would melt off with you” I spoke from the heart.  “However, my Oath to The Order would not allow for this, nor would I abandon my Brothers in their time of need.  And believe it or not, you would be safer with The Order than anywhere else” I asserted and now she offered me a flat look.

“Uh-huh – with so many Elite-Assassins crawling all over, how could I not be?” she snipped and from this it was clear she understood little.

“We are a minority in this Time After, in the struggle presently underway” I told her.  “There are many who are trying to wipe us off the face of God’s Earth” I informed her of the facts.

“Aren’t you trying to do the same?  To the other guys?” she asked and it took all my skill to mask my anger.

“No” was my curt one word reply and if the woman understood one thing and one thing only about me, then it was that I did not lie.  “The majority of our violence is a result of our self-preservation.  Less frequently, it is at the behest of those who would interfere in our search.  We are far too few, Sierra, to needlessly put ourselves at risk.  You’ve heard of flight or fight?  It has its merits.  We pick our battles, we pick our days.

“If we can avoid confrontation, then we do so” I added in conclusion – it would serve little use to continue defense of my Brethren.  I would be hard pressed thwart what she had read, been told, without coming off as sounding, well – defensive.

There was a good reason everyone else wanted us dead – even if they were not yet aware.  As unaware as were most of my own Brethren.

Releasing a long, low breath, I now got to my feet to set about shutting down the spa.  We’d be leaving sometime come the morrow and so needed to get things to order before we left.

“Whatcha doin’?” Sierra now wanted to know as she also got to her feet, following me.

“Making preparations to depart” I returned but left it at that.  I wasn’t big on talk anyway and this she knew.

“Oh, so soon?” she now prodded and as I looked over my shoulder at her, she once again donned that incredibly sexy little pout of hers.  Only looking at her for a moment, I then returned to my tasks.  However, when she got the idea I was shutting down the spa, she had more to say.  “Hey!  I never even got to use it!” the little creature chirped in distress.  I could not help but smile, although I was not about to let her spy this and so kept my back to her.

“We can’t stay here long” was my reminder.  “It’s only because of Collin that we tarry” I explained.  “Tomorrow he should be well enough to go on.”

“Yeah, well – if there are more of your kind out there, then we aren’t going to get far” the woman mumbled and so now I turned to face her.

“It is for that reason you will be safe” I tossed her a tidbit.  “Reinforcements will be here before we set out, though you will never be aware of their presence” I assured her.  “My Brothers will afford us safe passage from this place.”  Reaching for my shirt which I had draped over a boulder, I began to draw it on, but the persistent little thing was again at me.  Taking hold of my arm, Sierra stopped me.  “Yes?” I prompted with a straight face as I looked down upon her and then she offered up a shy smile.  Tentatively raising one hand, she touched my chest, pressing her palm to it.

“Like I said, I haven’t exactly been fair to you” Sierra said, reiterating her earlier sentiments.  The woman could be a flat-out tease at times.  This I could take in stride, whether she followed through with her seduction or not.  To me it was akin to the hunt, hunting being another of my passions.  However, I could not help but wonder how she would fair taking up such a tack with my brother.

He loathed women who were a tease and if there was one thing that would bring out my brother’s infamous temper, then it was a woman who would say yes only in the end to say no.

Needless to say, Sierra had a lot of learning yet to do when it came to Collin.

“May I put my shirt on or is your intent such that I won’t have need of it?” was my dry inquiry, playing along as she traced my muscles with one finger.

“What?  And hide that stunning physique?” was her innocent sounding response – not, I knew.

“Body by Brotherhood” I informed her.  “Not exactly your cup of tea, though, we assassins, hmm?” I put to her with a slanted grin, trying hard not to laugh.  “I can’t imagine what business you’d have with me” I added, then making another attempt to draw on my shirt but again she intervened.

“I’m sorry” she now apologized and then snatching my shirt she tossed it aside.  Ok, again the tease – but something told me before the evening was out the tease would turn into a temptation, and the giving into thereof.

Now the woman drew her arms around me, resting her head to my chest as she released a heavy sigh.

“None of us are perfect, Sierra” I accepted, encircling her with my arms.  “Not me, not you, not Collin.  My brother thought to protect you, I suppose, from something he doesn’t understand as well as he himself should” I made conjecture as I stroked her hair.

“Yeah – and I know you, Aidan… you aren’t what he tried to paint you and your Brothers to be,” Sierra admitted, much to my delight, “even if they do scare the shit out of me.”

“Excuse me?” I prompted – she knew damn well how I felt about women using foul language.  Looking up at me through slitted eyes, she understood and corrected herself.

“Even if they scare the heck out of me.  You gotta admit, Aidan – they are scary” she declared but I could only grin.

“And… just why is it that they scare you?” I now asked, curious.  My Brothers were nothing but courteous to her – more so than Collin and his sidekick, Jonesy.

Thinking about her answer before spouting off this time, she bit her lip.

“They are too quiet” was her rather simplistic reasoning.  The reasoning of a woman, after all.

“You mean to tell me that because they don’t run off at the mouth like Collin’s men that this makes you fear them?” I asked, finding her logic just a tad bit more than warped.  I wasn’t exactly the most garrulous guy on God’s Earth – so did she fear me too?  “They use sign language, if you have not noticed?  This is safer when there is a need for silence.”

“Uh – I sincerely doubt that they chat it up using sign language” the woman now grumbled in return.  Closing her eyes she once more buried her face in my chest.  A struggle it was to keep my mirth a secret – Brothers could have whole conversations using sign language – and an extremely colorful and detailed ones at that, full of subtle nuance.  “And they move so stealthily – I never know when one of them is going to pop up behind me and…” she began but trailed off with a shiver and so I got her drift – although now I was becoming angered.  Collin would pay for allowing these notions to arise in Sierra, and to persist, unchecked, to then be perpetuated by her vivid imagination.  No man would dare harm a woman, regardless if he was AFA, Blackguard or Order.

Not another word would I speak.  Sierra either needed to get on with it and stop wasting my time or I would just go about my business.  Business first, after all – unless her intent was to propagate the species.  This would most certainly take precedence – it was Law, after all, as well as a Way.

While we stood there, embraced, it came to me that Sierra smelled… different.

Fortune passes everywhere, I thought with an inward grin as I now peeled her away from me.  Daring a kiss to determine if she was receptive, to my elation she was.  Gentle at first but then rather eagerly, and on her part, not mine.  I could hold myself in great restraint, letting her decide the course of our coupling – and it had been so long since we last had the pleasure.  Well, that was all relative, I supposed, since I had the rarest pleasure on God’s Earth of being in the company of a female.  And a gorgeous one at that.

With the last light of the day quickly receding on towards dusk, I took my chances that this would precipitate into more.  Slowly sinking to my knees, I took Sierra down along with me.  This didn’t mean that the natural conclusion was to follow – only until she gave further indication would I hold myself at bay.

Briefly smiling up at me, she then went to work on my trousers.  However, before she could get too far, I reached down to take hold of her wrist.

“Are you certain?” I asked, giving her an opportunity to recant.

“Trying to talk me out of it?” was her moody return but I just slowly shook my head.  “It’s been too long” Sierra said, echoing my earlier ruminations as she now wrested her wrist free of my grasp.  Who was I to argue with her?  Like in kind, however, as I now followed suit, beginning the task of unbuttoning her shirt as I buried my face in her neck.  The scent of this woman was nothing short of amazing – and eerily familiar at that.

If my hands were always and ever rock-solid, it now became a challenge for them to maintain their steadiness as I began the arousing task of disrobing Sierra.  How I wanted to just let go! I thought in dismay but no, I refused to take her generosity for granted, nor would I give the creature any cause to feel apprehensive of me.  My brother had already made that grave mistake during his initial intimate engagement of the woman.  Predictably, Collin had turned the romantic encounter into a rut.  As a result, he gave Sierra extremely valid reasons to be gun shy when it came to his subsequent advances.  She would at first show interest in Collin’s sexual innuendos but would then retreat when it became clear that getting laid was first and foremost in his mind.

And just why was it that I was unable to get cozy with Sierra without thinking about my brother?

Good question – better answer, but still no solid facts to back it up.

Again forcing myself to stop, I pulled away from her, giving her one last chance to bail.

“Don’t you wanna?” she prompted while slipping one hand around my engorged member.  “You friend is willing and ready” Sierra lightly laughed as she now bent over to draw my cock into her mouth and ok – that was it.

Discussion over.

Who could refuse the beauty?  Certainly not this assassin, I considered with an inward grin.  It was then that I made decision to let the woman have her way with me – I was man enough to let her take the lead, and for as long as she wanted.

And for hours at that, until the deep hues of the twilight turned into the purples of dusk and on towards the darkness of night.

Why the woman was actually rewarding me I had no idea.  She had been rather disapproving of my harsh treatment where my brother was concerned – in silent rebuke if not being openly vocal.  As that old adage proscribed, however, it was unwise to look a gift horse in the mouth.

And so freely I accepted what she would give, as she accepted my offering in return.

Afterwards, exhausted and entrenched in sleep was how I left Sierra.  I had been spending the nights up on the mesa so my bedroll had been stowed close at hand; that was the extent of our comfort during the act.  However, the chill of night Sierra would not long tolerate – she’d wake up soon enough, shivering, and so I took my leave.  Extra blankets for her were in order and so I would provide – an excuse it would also give me to speak with Quade and Bryan.

A new moon night it was, but this didn’t hinder me.  My night sight could be likened to that of a cat and starlight was more than sufficient to guide me.  With ease I made my way along the path leading down from the mesa where I saw Ryan sitting out front of the house – ever on alert, as were we all.  At least, my men were – let’s just put it that way.  I was certain Collin and his men were fast asleep – after all, it was easier to let me and my men do the sentry work.

That we were better qualified notwithstanding, of course.

Quade? I signed in question to Ryan.

Twenty minutes ago, the eastbound path, he signed in return.

Take some blankets to Sierra, I gave command.  Ryan accepted with a nod and that was the end of our exchange.

Off I set out at a jog, in search of Quade and Bryan.  We’d first play cat-and-mouse, naturally – it was recreation, after a fashion.  Good-natured rivalry for Quade was my equal – or nearly.  Regardless, there were two of them and one of me – at least in the immediate area.

The hunt was not long, however – due to the fact that predator now turned prey.  My Brothers came looking for me.

Meeting them along the eastbound path, I could sense that things were less than right this night.

“Troubling news, Andy” Quade said once the two were upon me.  I had instructed Bryan to call in for backup and apparently my judgment had been dead on the money.  “Your delusional brother is right – we are not alone,” my friend grumbled, “and in the worst way” he tacked on, giving rise to grave concern.  “There was an encounter – men went down.  More of ours than theirs, I’m sorry to report.”

“You’re not giving me a warm and fuzzy here, Quade” I said in a low voice.

“And you won’t have one for a long time to come” was his assurance.  “We need to be away from this place as soon as can be arranged, whether pretty-boy is up for travel or no.  Our Brothers were able to down one of their assassins” he went on and now I could feel my throat constricting.  “Tattoo under left arm – Legion” Quade revealed in a hushed voice.

And for the next several heartbeats, my mind was wildly racing.  It was almost too much to accept, too much to comprehend – the where, why and how of it all, not to mention when and most importantly whom.

“Aside from all other questions,” I slowly began, “we need ask what is it that they want, and from us in particular?”

“It would be too elementary to assume they only want the woman” Quade made statement, briefly glancing at Bryan.

“Your brother” Bryan then returned, making my blood run cold – ice cold as a matter of fact.

“Then who was this – angel, for lack of a better descriptor, that came to Collin’s aid?” I threw out for consideration.

“If it was a Member of The Legion,” Bryan posed, “then it would still give rise to the question, who were the others?  I don’t believe that the assassin who came to Collin’s aid was Legion.”  I didn’t either, and neither did Quade as evidenced by the look on his face.  Quade understood what it would mean should The Legion be after Collin.  The more things changed, the more they stayed the same, I considered, releasing a weighted sigh.  The big question then would be – did The Legion want my brother dead or alive?

How could they have remained concealed for so long, however, on our shores?  Under our very noses?  And what were they doing here, in the Americas, in the first place?  Granted, it was a big continent, and with such a greatly reduced populace anyone who didn’t want to be found could go unnoticed for the most part.  Unless someone else stumbled across said party by accident, of course.

The Legion, though?  They would have been in the thick of things, so to speak, and from the get-go.  Close enough to population centers to at the very least become rumor on the wind.

Rumors of any Members from other Arms of The Brotherhood being present in the Americas had not reached my ears – and I had my finger on the pulse of our world.

Standing there in silence, the three of us, for several long minutes, I finally nodded.

“Make arrangements – by dusk tomorrow, we will be rumor ourselves” I decided.  With a nod of acceptance from Quade, he then bowed to me, as did Bryan, and then they were gone.  They had their orders, both spoken and unspoken alike.  Quade would start his own investigation, I knew – a rather unofficial one.

As I would start mine.  My cousin Seamus was Legion – he just so happened to be in the United States visiting family when the Apocalypse had come to pass.

Curious timing, as was the fact that he was now in our company.

And where there was one rat, there could well be others.  Granted, The Legion had been a European Arm of The Brotherhood, but natural conclusion did not follow suit that they were restricted to those shores.  For so many to have survived, to be here at the right place and time – it brought to the surface supposed plots and schemes I had thought long dead.  Or at the very least had gone sub-level given that women had taken a much larger hit from the plague than had men.

Jogging along, I knew what I need do – keep Seamus as close to me as possible, and if this meant getting him to come back with us to The Order, then so be it.  My suspicion was that my brother would try to barter Kevin’s release from being an exchange hostage – offering up himself in the stead of his Captain, the techno-geek.  That Collin had fallen into my trap with such ease gave me considerable pause.  Perhaps it was nothing more than his strong will to uphold promises made his men.  Hard to tell – for as impossible a read as I could be, Collin could be an even more difficult one.  Not just because he had the world’s best poker face, either – but rather instead that he could give the performance of a lifetime.  Acting his heart out one would never suspect his heart and his head were in thorough disagreement, being leagues apart.  When my brother was in character, he was in character – one hundred and ten percent.

No matter – when Collin proffered the exchange of himself for Kevin, I would up the ante.  Patience would win me reward, I understood, and so I could wait for the optimal moment.

Regardless, by end of the morrow, both Collin and Seamus would be on their way to The Order – willingly or no.

The very existence of The Order now depended on it.

“No, Seamus – let me get up there under my own power” I refused as I finished slipping on one boot.  A simple task made painful, thanks to the pounding I had been delivered.

No matter, that beating would pale in comparison to the crow swallowing I was about to do.

“I still say you are out of your mind” my cousin kept repeating, like it would make any difference for saying it over and over and over again.  Holding my breath, I counted to ten, running a hand over my face as I did so.  I found myself doing that a lot more these days – my temper being on edge with increasing frequency.

Glancing up at him as I slipped on my other boot, I offered him a nod of acknowledgment.

“Duly noted, Captain” I now flicked the switch over to business, no longer on the family track.  “Look – I made a promise to Captain Wong and I do not intend to let him down” I made crystal clear.

“Kevin says he’ll go back to The Order” he now dropped on me and that was it – my temper then went far beyond just flaring.

“Captain O’Reilly, since when did I give you permission to discuss this matter with anyone?!” I barked, seeing red and about ready to kill my cousin.

“Family” he now dragged out an old Brotherhood dodge.  So I was family?  So what!  Did that give him the right to stick his nose in everywhere that it had no business being?

Someone must have forgotten to clue my cousin in to the chain of command way if life in the military.

“Seamus, please, for once – stay out of it, ok?” I implored, executing an abrupt lane change as I now went back to it being familial.  “If Kevin is required to make the journey to The Order along with Sierra, and then upon arrival Aidan is informed that both are to be remanded to the AFA, namely to my custody?  Well – I can assure you that Kevin will meet with one very untimely accident somewhere along the line of being returned to us” I asserted as I now stood up, being none too steady on my feet at that.  Thankfully Seamus reached out a hand, taking hold of my elbow to help steady me.

“He is still willing to go in your stead” he pressed and so now throwing my hands up into the air in total frustration, I then headed for the door.

Discussion over, as far as I was concerned.

Making my way outside with my cousin on my heels, I now turned to confront him.

“Not one… more… word” I warned him in a growl and then feeling light headed, I was quick to sit down on the bench outside the door.  Cradling my head in my hands, I sat still as stone until the sickening wave of dizziness passed.  When it did and I looked up, my cousin was still there, except now he had at some point been joined by Greg.  I was out of it – this I could admit, my wits barely being my own after my encounter with Elite-Assassins.

“Sir?” my Captain-Major prompted but did not go down the same road as Seamus.  Sure, Brains knew that when I had made up my mind, it was made up – for bad or good.  How would my cousin feel, however, should he discover that Brains and Jonesy both felt it to be in our best interest if I went to The Order with Aidan?

My cousin would pitch a serious fit, that’s what.

“I’m fine – or will be… eventually, at any rate” I offered with an awkward laugh as I got to my feet.  “Please see to it that we are not disturbed” I gave order and then made my way towards the path leading up to the top of the mesa.

I had no clue what my brother and Sierra were doing, but they were alone and privacy I required, with them both.  Seamus had seen fit to inform me that Sierra and Aidan had both spent the night up there on the mesa, together.  Did this anger me?  You bet.  Did I have any control over her heart?  Not one iota.

Facts are facts, Commander O’Reilly – the woman still has the hots for your assassin brother, despite all she has been told about The Brotherhood and The Order.  And now you have to confess that you are also Brotherhood and Order.

God hated me – not a soul could refute.

This wasn’t going to go off without a hitch, I knew – I had a lot of pride swallowing to do and was sorely out of practice.  It would only bolster my position if I was to humble myself before my brother while Sierra was in attendance, and to come clean with Sierra while the great man himself was present.  Aidan had an ego just like every other man, despite The Order’s mantra of Greater Good.  His ego could be stroked, just like my own – it just took more effort to stroke his was all.

If getting on my knees and pleading would help bolster him in Sierra’s eyes, then it would be worth a shot.  He might actually be inclined to get all generous on me.

Fat chance, but a chance none the less and one I was willing to explore for the sake of Kevin’s sanity, if nothing else.

Though not a long path to the top it was yet steep, in my condition it felt like twenty grueling never ending klicks.

Once having made the grade, I looked around and then spotted them.  The two were down at the other end of the mesa and I was rewarded with a rare sight.  Sierra was teasing the big, bad assassin, and Aidan was actually playing along with her.  You could have knocked me over with a feather to see my brother openly smiling and laughing.  The last time I could remember Aidan smiling like that was when Mira had still been alive.  After she died, however?  Well, a big part of Aidan died along with her that day, and a large part of myself as well.

Sierra looked to be so smitten with my brother that it boggled the mind.  What did that woman see in the cold blooded killer who, by his own admission, had no heart?  His stellar good looks notwithstanding, of course, and a voice that could talk the birdies down from the trees – literally.

After all, one could not live that Greater Good way of life, being an Elite-Assassin of The Order, and have a heart – or a conscience, for that matter.

Sierra now spotted me, although I knew damned well that Aidan had been aware of my presence long before I ever came on the scene.  I swore that the guy had super-human senses – or rather instead just plain old animal instincts.  The latter, I decided.

The woman wanted to come rushing over to me, to lend support, but Aidan held her back.  Naturally, no coddling, after all – my brother’s favorite edict, of course.

After having traversed the mesa, I then offered up an awkward smile as I came to a stop in front of them.

“Am I interrupting?” I asked, being careful to mind my manners.

“Uh-uh” Sierra returned for them both with a tentative smile, one which didn’t endure endure and so faltered.  All this way down with road and she still was worried that Aidan and I would mix it up over her.  Given the opportunity?  Yeah, we sure would – but neither time nor circumstance would permit.  And besides, I wasn’t up for another ass-whooping just then.

“Good, I’m, uh – I need to talk to my brother,” I began, “but I need to talk to you, too, Sierra.  There’s some stuff I need to get off my chest, to come clean” I tried to explain, unsure where to start or how.  My words, being the cowards that they were these days, now showed their true colors, threatening to leave me altogether.  I had rehearsed the whole play over and over in my head, but now that I was here?  Standing before Sierra?  Just what was it about the woman that demanded of me utter and complete honesty?  Harder and harder it was becoming to deceive her and not feel like a Grade-A cad.

Considering this might not be such a good idea after all, I now ran a hand over my eyes, letting it linger there, and longer than usual, apparently.

“Brother?” Aidan now prompted as I felt him take hold of my arm, to support me since I started to sway on my feet.  Looking up, I could see that both Sierra and Aidan were fraught with concern.

“Uh, for this I need to just get down on one knee, I think” I grumbled.  “Correct me if I’m wrong – my understanding of Brotherhood protocol has always been rather poor” I admitted, and so this was not lost on Aidan.  He understood that I was here before him as a Brother.  Sierra did react overly much – which spoke to the fact that Aidan had already ratted me out about my being a Member.

You’ll get yours, big brother, I thought in anger – however, a time and a place for all things.

“First off, Aidan – I have not properly thanked you for sparing Kevin’s life” I began and damned if my voice wasn’t trembling.  Bent there to one knee with my head bowed, I was in a world of hurt – and not just physically, either.  I had no choice but to confess to myself that I was a scoundrel.  In every aspect of my life, Aidan had come out ahead, winning hands down.  He was an honorable man, a man of his word, and me?  Well – I wasn’t sure I was even up for going there to find out, truth be told.

“I need your help, Brother” I formally requested, swallowing hard.  “It’s about Kevin” I finally got out the words.  “I know you believe all AFA officers to be deficient, and compared to The Order’s Reaffirmed Members perhaps we are – but Kevin needs a break, Aidan.  He’s not cut out for being locked up at The Order” I explained, now glancing up and this had the desired effect.  Sierra had questions written across her face.  It seemed that Aidan needed to do a little coming clean of his own with the woman.

“The AFA has my daughter in exchange” he now all but leveled me to the ground.  Not only me, but Sierra as well who whipped her head up to gape at him.  Dirty little secrets, dirty little lies – no doubt about it with this one very volatile topic.  My daughter, I wanted to correct him but to do so?  Well, I’d not have to worry about being in pain any more since I would be dead where I knelt.

“I understand – but, I promised Kevin time off, for good behavior” I explained and now Aidan looked at me with curiosity.  He knew damned well I would never make a promise to one of my men that I would not be able to keep.

“Unfortunate” my brother returned, now resorting to single word responses.  That wasn’t a good sign – I needed to steer him back towards more favorable ground

“Uh – I… in light of certain circumstances, I was hoping you might bend the rules, just a little” I tried to reason.  “Seeing as how Sierra was safely returned to you, by me?”

“Don’t you mean by the AFA?  And just why did the woman fall into their hands, by the way?  Given that you had instructions to return to your base?” he put to me and now the light bulb went off in Sierra’s brain.

“So that’s why you disappeared on us after you went to intercept the Wardens!” she exclaimed.  “I was right – Aidan sent you packing” the woman concluded and now Aidan was waiting for me to correct her.

“Well, not directly, Sierra – it was strongly suggested… via Master Quade” I added with a shrug and then turned my attention back to my brother.  “I got involved since I was in fear that Kevin would be caught red handed – and if he was, then I refused to allow him to be portrayed as a traitor” I insisted, getting back to the matter of concern for my Captain’s welfare, exchange hostage or no.  “I never counted on Sierra having a fit of valor and taking the fall for him.”

My brother held his tongue.  He had nothing of value to say and wasn’t about to negotiate with the likes of this mere Member who had yet to Reaffirm his Oath to The Order, unlike every other Member already had done.

Or died trying, that was – since The Trials of this Post-Time era were no easy thing to pass, or so I had heard told.

“Uh – I have something to offer in exchange, if you’ll consider it” I pressed on, now shifting my position, from one knee down to two – I wasn’t sure if it was required, but figured it could not hurt.  Well, it did hurt since I was still in pain but that was immaterial just then.  “I’ll return with you, to The Order.  I’ll go in Kevin’s stead; I can negotiate Reaffirmation of my Oath with the Grand Head” I offered, bowing my head and not sure what else I was supposed to be doing.  After it was clear that Aidan still wasn’t interested in talking, I looked up.  Unreadable as ever he was and so I turned my eyes to Sierra.

“I’m sorry, Chiquita – I should have told you a long time ago that I am also a Member of The Brotherhood and The Order” I apologized.  There was a hell of a lot more to it that that, but I dared not go there right then, not with Aidan present.

Aidan well understood that I would not willingly walk into any Arm of The Brotherhood – much less The Order.  He also understood, though, how strongly I felt about keeping my men safe, and upholding promises made them.

My brother bent to one knee before me – this meant that it would now be between just the two of us.

“You are afraid” he surmised, placing a hand on my shoulder and like – no shit, Sherlock, but not for the reason he supposed.  Or at least, not entirely.  Granted, I was terrified by the thought of going to The Order, that I might there and then be called upon to Reaffirm.  What really had me worried, though, was what Aidan would to do me when his Grand Head finally informed him that Sierra was being remanded to the AFA – right along with Kevin, for good.  There were, after all, things much worse than death and my brother was master of them all, I was of mind.

“Yes, I am” I made admission, hanging my head.

“You are one of Us – and We are One” Aidan saw fit to remind me and now I could only offer up a nervous laugh.

“Barely” I croaked, taking a deep breath to steady my heart.

“We have Time” my brother espoused another favorite saying of the Brotherhood, although I had never quite understood why they would say this.  It really had no bearing on any given conversation where it would be regurgitated.

“Will you not grant my request?” I pleaded, looking up at him. “Kevin is a basket case right now – please let him return to my base with the others.  I offer myself in exchange.”  Closely watching my brother, Aidan seemed to actually be considering my offer.

“I am able to see my way clear to this… exchange,” he carefully began, “but only if Seamus accompanies us” was his condition and I swore I must have turned alabaster white.  It would be a cold day in hell that our cousin, a Member-Elite and Elite-Assassin of The Brotherhood and long dead Arm known as The Legion, would ever openly walk into the Realm of The Order.

Would Seamus do this, for me?  I wasn’t certain – I had no favors to call in on him.  He was just Family, and all we had between us was that familial bond.  I would not order it of him, as Commander to Captain.

“If he refuses?” I wanted to know but there wasn’t any response, and so in this I had my answer.  Rising to his feet, Aidan now offered me a hand up and not wanting to piss him off, I was quick to take hold.  And to add insult to injury, he initiated an embrace – and so also accepting this, I knew our business had reached its conclusion.

“Thank you for your gracious consideration, Lord O’Reilly” I said, in fear I might just choke on the words, but I didn’t.  Upon breaking our embrace, Aidan momentarily pressed the palm of his hand to my neck before he then turned to walk away, leaving me standing there with Sierra.  She followed him with her eyes, but notably the rest of her did not.

Once he was heading down the path, I now dropped to my knees since my legs had lost their battle to stand.  Quick to grab hold of my arm, Sierra helped to ease me down.

“Oh, man – I am so fucked” I mumbled, shaking my head.

“I think you have a bit of explaining to do, mister” the little thing demanded of me and so I could not help but laugh.

“Aw, c’mon, darlin’ – cut me some slack, will ya?” I complained, looking over my shoulder.  I really needed to get my ass back down there – not that Aidan would say a word to Seamus, but our cousin would suspect that something life-altering had just transpired.

“What was all that about exchange hostages?  And Aidan has a daughter?!” she blurted out – and man-oh-man… I was more than fucked.  How could I explain all that to her in twenty-five words or less?  Nice of my brother to turn tail, leaving me here to get all eloquent while sorting out some extremely soiled family laundry.

“Mira” I muttered, running a hand over my face.

“The woman whose name you call out in your sleep?” Sierra pressed, gently, though.

“Yeah, that was Aidan’s wife, she died long before the Apocalypse” I forced myself to reveal.  “Mira had a daughter who survived, though” I explained.

“Some damned freaky gene pool you guys have there” the woman laughed with unease.

“Tell me about it” I grumbled, wondering just how many other sundry relations might have survived of whom we weren’t yet aware.

“Uh – why do you have nightmares about your brother’s wife?  And why is his daughter an exchange hostage?” her questions started to fire off in rapid succession.  She didn’t get far, though, since I snapped.

“My daughter!” I corrected in anger and the woman recoiled from me, confused as hell, you could see it in her eyes.  “She is his niece” I explained, which explained nothing at all I realized.  To recount any of this at all was to dredge up pain worse than I was already suffering, and that was no lie.

Running a hand over my face, I closed my eyes.  Sierra was going to have to learn about all this sooner or later, it was inevitable – but especially before I brought her back to my base.  Providing Aidan did not do something downright ugly to me in the interim, that was.

I then felt Sierra gently take hold of my hand, pulling it away from my face.  Looking at her she could easily read in my eyes the pain of a long dead past.  A past that haunted me right on into the present.

Patiently now, she waited on me, settling back on her heels for story time.

“Uh, Mira died in childbirth” I slowly began.

“That’s not the beginning” was her shrewd deduction.  Nope – it sure wasn’t, but it was the end, or should have been.

“No – it’s not” I came clean.  “Uh, look – if you want to go on believing that I’m a slime ball, then here – I’ll give you the Reader’s Digest version.  I slept with Aidan’s wife, knocked her up, she died in childbirth and my daughter was raised by Aidan as his own, without her ever knowing the truth, not even to this very day.  Ok?  Can I go now?” was my sarcastic request, but I didn’t bother to wait for an answer, I just painfully got to my feet.  Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I now turned my back on the woman, but she was not about to let me get away that easily.  She grabbed a hold of my arm, pulling hard on me to stop, and so I did, but I didn’t look at her.

Not for a long time – my heart was threatening to burst through my ribcage.  So how could I be expected to look at her, much less speak?

“She was first mine, Mira was” I now was able to say to Sierra as she walked round to face me square on.  “It wasn’t like I took a fancy to his wife and did the unthinkable, you know.  Mira was my girlfriend, the woman I was going to ask to marry me, as soon as I made General, or so I had fully intended.  Aidan stole her out from under my nose, though, and made her his wife.

“Have you ever been so certain that someone was put on God’s Earth for you and you alone?” I asked of her.  “This was how I felt about Mira – she and I were perfect together!” I explained but Sierra just narrowed her eyes at me.

“So perfect that she instead married your brother?” was her cutting assessment.

“He beat me to it” I shot back like the sore loser that I was.  “The woman kept after me to marry her,” was my defense, “but I was waiting to attain the rank of General – and I was well on my way to being the youngest U.S. Army General in history.  The Apocalypse kind of pulled the plug on that, though” I mumbled with a complaint of sour grapes.

“Let me get this straight – you screwed up, you lost her, she marries Aidan and then you get it on with your brother’s wife” she wanted clarification, her eyes boring holes into me.

“It takes two, you know” I defended myself yet again, but who was I kidding?  It was uglier than that, and by far.

And here is where I completely got off the boat before it ran aground, leaving me awash in a sea of misery, there alone to drown.

Fuck this shit! I thought in frustration.  How could I ever make her understand?  About the chemistry between Mira and I?  We were like two moths round a flame it was insane.  Put the two of us in the same room and we’d wind up meandering off and getting it on in some less than discrete location.  It was almost like we didn’t have a choice – sex was an imperative.  Before she married Aidan, and afterwards as well – although I tried like hell to stay away from the woman!  But with a large Irish family and holidays in abundance, it was impossible to avoid her or him.  And we lived in the same fucking city, to top it off.  It had even gotten to the point where I tried to make sure I was on assignment overseas every time a holiday came up, so I could at least have a believable excuse not to return home.

However, I wasn’t fooling anyone.  They all knew I was a master of manipulation and so if I had wanted to be home for the holidays, then I most certainly would have been in attendance.  Not much got in the way of what I wanted, after all – much to my ill fortune at times.

“You still love her” I heard Sierra call after me and so I stopped, turning on my heel to confront her.

“Why should you care?” I asked point blank.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to give that impression” was her snippy reply and so I turned away, heading for the path.

“She was gunned down by a sniper, incidentally” I called over my shoulder.  “The bullet was meant for my brother” I added, almost casually, and now the woman came tearing after me but this time I turned on her with a vengeance.

“Look, Chiquita – keep to safe subjects when you are around me, around Aidan,” I strongly advised her, “unless you want to get blasted, that is.  Do I make myself clear?” I demanded, my heart pounding wildly in my chest, tears threatening to surface.

“I… I’m sorry, Collin” she now apologized but I wasn’t interested.  I was too torn up inside, just like Mira had been after she took a hit from that sniper’s bullet.

Now having this thought, I nearly lost it.  Every time I would think about Mira it was like reliving the same nightmare over and over and over again, ad infinitum no less.

I did an about face and this time left without another word.  Wisely, Sierra let me go.  I had other matters that required my attention, and reliving the pain and horror of a tragically lost love wasn’t high on my list in this Post-Time world.

Managing to somewhat collect myself on the descent down the path, I now got back to work.  No time for the indulgence of self-pity, after all.  I had Kevin’s welfare to consider and now Seamus’ as well.  How could I ask my cousin to openly walk into the waiting arms of The Order?  He loathed that sect of The Brotherhood with every fiber of his being!  There would be no guarantee that The Order would release him once he was within their grasp, either – Seamus was Brotherhood, after all.  And although Aidan didn’t say why he wanted our cousin to come along, I was of the mind it was to sway him towards the Way of The Order.

Good luck, brother, I considered as I now reached the base of the mesa, there to find not only Seamus waiting on me, but all my officers.  What?  Did they think I’d get into trouble up there?  Yup – that’s exactly what they thought, and again they were right.  They knew me far too well, I considered, but was grateful for their concern and support none the less.  They had a clue what went down – voices carried depending on the wind direction, I knew.  Had I been careful about that when Sierra and I were having it out?  Nope – failed that test, too.  I was a sucky Member – undoubtedly.

“Gentlemen” I said in greeting, trying to put on my game face but it was hard in coming.  “Where are the Members?” I asked, getting decidedly generic all of a sudden.  Taking up the old us and them alignment, after all.

“Aidan and Ryan went hunting,” Kevin informed me, “and the sharks are on patrol.”

Splendid – and eerily convenient, I thought.  No matter – I’d inform my men what was what and let the chips fall where they may.  Kevin was looking downright anxious, to say the least.  After all, hadn’t he offered to go back to The Order so I wouldn’t have to?  Brave man, that geek.

“Aidan will allow me to exchange myself for Kevin” I began and I could see a wave of relief wash over Kevin, but in the same instant one of concern for his Commander came crashing down to take its place.  “Don’t get all excited – there is another condition which Aidan demands.  He requires that in addition, Seamus accompany me” I cut to the chase and now turned my full attention to my cousin.  True Member-Elite he was in that moment – he only locked eyes with mine but otherwise did not utter a word.

“I accept” Seamus agreed after a moment’s consideration, barely having thought it over – but not without having reservations I knew.  “Someone has to have your back, eh lad?” was his reasoning.

“Outnumbered as we will be?” I grunted.  “Hardly matters.  I would not command this of you, Seamus – you don’t have to accept.”

“I know that – but if I don’t I’ll never hear the end of it from Kevin” was his warped logic.

Eric and Greg did not utter a word; they understood that this had to be, my going to The Order.  Given the recent turn of events that had been brought to my attention?  Well, my officers needed Kevin back more than I needed my freedom.  Things would work out – I would be returning to my base, it would just be delayed was all.  There were still a lot of cards in the deck that had yet to be dealt, so who knew what would transpire along the way?

Unless General Hastings should decide that my usefulness to the AFA had come to an abrupt end and so would toss me to The Order as an offering – a sacrificial one, no doubt.  After all, my CO could just command me to Reaffirm my Oath to The Order.

Drained and in pain, I brushed past my men as I headed back inside.  A shower and some rest – that’s what I wanted, and in that order.  My slave driver brother would not tarry here much longer and so I needed to get back my strength.

Once showered and sacked out on the couch, I drifted off to sleep, but was not alone – I was in the company of disconcerting dreams.

It was great to have a hot meal prepared with all the fixings.  My mouth was watering the whole time it was cooking so that my stomach growled with eagerness.

The brothers’ cousin was doing the cooking – I supposed cooking classes must have been a requirement of all Brotherhood Members.  They were all pretty darn good cooks.  Either that or I just plain sucked at it – the latter, probably.

Collin was uncharacteristically silent during the evening meal – but I knew he had a whole lot on his mind, and a lost love not being the least of it.  My heart went out to the man, but I tried to keep my emotions tempered about the Mira thing.  There was a whole lot more the man wasn’t telling me.  And knowing Aidan the way I did, I didn’t dare bring up the subject to him.  If he wanted to talk about it, he would.  One thing I was certain of, it was no less painful for Aidan, the loss of Mira.  No wonder the two brothers were always at odds!  It was also a wonder that they still spoke to each other.  Clearly it was a wound that remained fresh for each of them, as if it had happened only yesterday.

Once dinner was through, I helped Finney take care of cleaning up and then went to go find Aidan.  Kevin said he saw him go up to the top of the mesa and so thanking him I then went to go find the troubled assassin.  Aidan didn’t say much during dinner, but that wasn’t unusual – however, I could feel something festering in him.  I was hoping I could head that off, whatever it was.  Besides, the sun would soon be setting and would make for a beautiful display of colors – one last sunset before we had to leave.

And before I had to say good-bye to my friend Kevin.  I’d miss the guy, but we’d be in touch, though – you couldn’t keep two determined hackers from communicating.  What had me worried was just how relieved he was that he didn’t have to go back to The Order.

The very place where I was heading, I now thought in dismay.  I just needed to trust to Aidan, I knew.  He had not lied to me, or tried to steer me in the wrong direction, unlike Collin had.  That said a lot right there.

Once I reached the top, I saw that Aidan was just about done zipping things up.  He smiled at me as I approached so it looked like he was in a much better mood.

“Ready?” he asked to which I nodded in return.

“Need help?” I made sure to ask but he just shook his head.

“No – just about done” he said, finishing up his tasks.  Once done, he sat down on the edge of the spa, beckoning to me with one finger and so I obeyed.  Willingly at that since I loved being near him – despite my friends’ assertions that Aidan was the deadliest man alive.

“I hope you are not too worried?” Aidan began and so I just shrugged as I sat down next to him.

“No more so than I have been, I guess” I was honest with him, which was truth.  Since Collin had come on the scene, seemingly eons ago now, my world had be one of uncertainty.  And admittedly one of insanity at times.

“I suppose that’s good, then,” he chuckled, “given the turn of events.”

“Don’t you mean instead given what I’ve been fed about The Order?” I bluntly put to him and now Aidan actually laughed.

“Um, no, my love – although I suppose that would also be true” he agreed, reaching out a hand to take mine in his own.  “One in the same, perhaps.  I have yet to thank you, Sierra, for the other night.”  I could only blink at him.  Aidan wasn’t in the habit of thanking me for making love with him – at least, not verbally.

“I know I’m not good with words like my brother” he went on but then left the thought unfinished.

“Yeah, well – actions speak louder, you know” I offered with a smile, a mixture of happiness and amusement.  For a man who was so decisive in all he did, when it came down to a relationship with the fairer sex?  Aidan was just like every other guy.  Go to war?  No problem.  Face enemy fire?  Piece of cake.  Express his innermost feelings to a woman?  He’d rather face a firing squad.

Too funny, I thought, grinning.

“Something amusing?” the man wanted to know, getting all male on me again.  Shaking my head, I then reached up to offer a kiss which said it all.  Once the lingering exchange was over, I wrapped my arms around him in a fierce hug, one whose intensity he returned in kind.

We sat there in silence, watching the colors of the twilight play out against the westering sky.  The man sure loved nature, I considered – Aidan would see such beauty all around and never passed on a chance to share it with me.  Just as he was doing right then.

Finally, when the light had all but left the sky, Aidan broke our embrace.  Rather reluctantly I took note – much to my distress.  Now looking towards the path leading up to the mesa, a heartbeat or two afterwards his henchmen appeared.  Those two did nothing short of give me a case of the willies.  Quade was one scary looking dude, and although Bryan was extremely easy on the eyes, he was no less intimidating.  I couldn’t recall ever hearing that one speak, or even so much as utter a sound.

Standing up, Aidan took my hand and drew me to my feet.  I felt an urge to hide behind him, but before I could act on the urge he was down on one knee, looking up at me.

“My Brothers will keep you safe” Aidan spoke in a low voice and so I just offered him a curious look.  Reaching out a hand he stroked my hair and then kissed my forehead as he rose to his feet.  Without another word, he turned and was gone, leaving me there alone with the sharks.

I knew Aidan well enough, however, to not grill him in front of his men.

Narrowing my eyes to slits as I considered the lethal pair, I drew my arms tightly about my body.

Who would speak first?

“Are you ready to leave?” Quade now asked and how was I supposed to answer that?  And why was Quade talking to me anyway.  “We’ll be heading where it is cooler – we took the liberty of providing warmer clothing.”  I was certain my jaw must have been swinging wide open, and now Bryan moved in more closely.

“It will be a long way, but you won’t have to walk – at least, not for the whole distance” Quade’s shadow revealed and you could have bowled me over with a feather.  I swear I had never before heard his voice, which was downright pleasing.

“Um – ok” I returned, shifting on my feet.  “I… is there something wrong?  Why did Aidan tell me that you guys would keep me safe?  And why are you both talking to the bagged?”  Apparently Quade found this amusing since he grunted a laugh.

“Aidan has told us that Bryan and I frighten you with our silence” was his blunt answer.  “It was his wish that we… lighten up… in order to make you feel more at ease, during his absence.”  Ok, now I really was getting scared.

“He’s leaving?” I could not stop myself from asking.

“Aidan is already gone” Bryan said in answer and I could not believe my ears.  Aidan never said one word about his leaving us!  Well, at least not to me, it was clear.