Paladin Stories: Ghosts of the Void (3/4)

Harry: *Deep breaths...*

Trevor: *It’s still like a couple days away to get there! I mean, I already figured out how it takes for us....*

Harry: *I know it’s tough, we can make it. If the weather changes affect the trip.*

Trevor: *There! We can stay overnight.*

Harry: *I surely hope I have enough money for that....*

 

It’s about another couple of hours since we escaped from the city, and took a random vehicle into the desert. Maybe the camels weren’t available, even if there’s an advanced, mechanical one (the 24th century we live in, of course). I managed to find a overnight desert camp after trekking for another 4k, as I paid our one night rent in some tents for the two of us. The receptionist was somehow pleased—I had a backup mask for Trevor, as he commented how we looked good as father and son. Heh.

 

After offered a great meal, it’s already inching towards late night—getting more colder as the temperature is dropping. Sleeping bags and blankets are provided as I keep my weapons and gadgets in check if there is an attack. Eventually, it turns midnight as Trevor reads a book (more advanced than iPads) to himself.

 

Harry: *Getting late kid. Shouldn’t you get some sleep?*

Trevor: *But....I’m not tired.*

Harry: *You uh....want me to read you a story?*

Trevor: *Sure....how about you tell me yours, Harry? I find you very interesting, especially that mask, I like it a lot. Where did you get it from?*

Harry: *Me? Nah, I’m not—*

Trevor: *Please?*

Harry: *Ok, ok, alright. So apparently, I shouldn’t be telling you this, because I’m a secret agent. And....I work for a very, very secretive group, good one of course.*

Trevor: *Ooh.*

Harry: *And I’m one of the members of this team within the agency, we are dubbed the Avalon Squad. Just like age old tales of Arthurian times, the island. It means apples, haha, but not exactly because according to the legend that’s where heroes are taken to after death.”

Trevor: *Wow, that is so cool!*

Harry: *Yeah I guess. Wait, did they never teach you these in school?*

Trevor: *Yeah, no....I mean my parents sent me to this facility when I was young. They died right after I was there, I can confirm it, from a car accident. They didn’t like me for what I was because I was too smart—and I had to be repressed, being looked down and humiliated at by people before I was taken. So I eventually got together like the other kids, we learn, live, eat and sleep there. We don’t get too much entertainment, but they said they were gonna train us when we grow up. Life was harsh and people were cruel as well, especially some of the instructors and students.*

Harry: *Huh, that’s....quite sickening.*

Trevor: *But the good thing is—they took us around the world, that’s a privilege you get to travel. I thought there were no other facilities, but it turns out I’m not the only one around....I’m scared....and now they’re going after my brain because they choose random cadets for their powers to be harvested....*

Harry: “Ho-lee shit.” *I guess you managed to make it out when my not-so-good team rescued you.*

Trevor: *Yup.*

Harry: *Just as I thought. You’re important now...but you risk being an asset to lose because you’re a bait as well.*

Trevor: *Mhmm. So, can we get back to your story?*

Harry: *Sure. So where did we leave off...yup, my mask. I didn’t have the greatest childhood ever like you. I went through harsh times, raised in Greece and Canada, went through being brainwashed and torture and lots of terrible stuff. I mean, they triggered my abilities as well, like you from a certain age. To become invisible. That made me the ultimate assassin in various teams. On my unintended last one, I burnt horribly....bad. I left and went to a black market to be fixed, crawling there...it’s really painful, no joke. Then he referred me to this guy, Doctor Edens. I can show him and the rest later. So I guess how I ended up with the team.*

 

As we entered another hour of talking, I was beginning to be much more acquainted with Trevor. It was late at midnight as we still traded stories. Finally, he asked me to take off my mask. As I revealed my disfigured face, he didn’t scream. He simply showed smiles and hugged me, much to my surprise.

 

Trevor: *Harry, you’re not ugly at all. You’re beautiful. I think you're just cool like that. Even your mask is amazing and it often covers who you are, but you shouldn't be afraid to show it off.*

Harry: *Well uh....thanks kiddo. If I didn’t become an assassin, I would have been a social worker, a chef...maybe a good regular job, which is pretty ironic because of my status like that....but it'll never happen.*

Trevor: *But would you give up on your dreams like that?*

Harry: *Probably not. I bet you'd be a great genius when you grow older. Now, it’s really late and we should sleep.*

 

***

 

The next morning was probably good. I woke up with a daze, looking out to the horizon, the aura of the sunshine. I grinned at Trevor, who was still sleeping soundly. Around 10:30 or so, we had our breakfast and packed our backs and started to leave for checkout.

 

When we exited the tent, there was no one around. My instincts told me it was weird once again. I tried to phone my team to “co-operate”, but with no response. The receptionist gave me a creepy smile. Not again. It seems like I always have a habit of being followed, being spared the previous night must have been a gift, or better, not getting food poisoning at dinner.

 

And a woman stepped forward. I realised it was North’s niece. Carla Michaels.

 

“Hello, Ghostforge. I see you have enjoyed the company of our hospitality.”

“What do you want, Carla?”

“You know what I want.”

“So bring it.”

“And, Carla Michaels isn’t my real name. It’s an alias. I’ve slaughtered a few guests already since they were unwilling to work with us, and the rest is gone, free. Unless you want to hand over what belongs to us rightfully.”

“Not a chance. Your uncle won’t get what he ever wants. Never.”

“Well, just too bad. Boys, kill him, and bring me the child.”

 

Oh crap. Guess that’s when the desert dries quick. I grab my rifle and spray a couple of them down. Two minutes with a quickshot and I already have five killed. I take Trevor’s hand and run through the other tents. I witness a grenade being thrown onto our direction, scaring out some of the other incoming tourists (one must have believed this would be a live stunt show performance). Two more get thrown again. We take cover behind some trees, but I’m not too lucky as my right arm is somewhat burnt. Blood streams down me as I quickly grab a bandage from my bag and patch myself up.

 

Nearby I hear “Carla Michaels” to keep searching for us in this mess again. Really for the second fucking time. I’m pissed. I spot another nearby car, signaling Trevor to activate the car with my gestures, as his body quickly adapts to speed. I get in the driver’s seat quickly. Gee, this thing has much harness and with plasma in it. It’s a fast one and I like it. I quickly grab my pistol and shoot at the mini statue, which falls on some of the Spectres. “Carla Michaels” attempts to give chase but fails. We ride away as quickly as we can....

 

Trevor: *That was exciting!*

Harry: *Yeah yeah, another day of worthless fighting....honestly I would rather have some rest alone, maybe you’re an exception kid.*

Trevor: *Wait!*

Harry: *What?*

Trevor: *I somewhat know where my friends are....in that facility. And I have a bad feeling about them?*

Harry: *So your powers are kicking in then huh? Great, so where are they?*

Trevor: *There’s an invisible building near the airport....and they even have goddamn big base down there. But....only you can detect it, Harry.*

 

Triple shit again this time. Now I’ve gotta go fucking clean up this mess and rescue the kids. With a person having a dubious alias aka “Carla Michaels” hot on my trail.....

Done