The Red Phoenix 12: Strength Comes in Numbers (52 page)

“I hope something out there swallows him up whole,” stated Six.

Twelve kept the binocular pouch secured over his shoulder, watching the dispute.

***

The next morning, the sun rays were beginning to come through the trees. Everyone was still sleeping, except Twelve. He ran his fingers over his pouch containing the apparition, feeling guilty over the animosity that was increasing among them.

“Let’s see what all the fuss is about,” he said, standing quietly.

He looked over everyone as they slept, making sure they were unconscious before he headed out into the trees. He passed through branch after branch, moving hanging vines out of his way, stepping over one patch of plants and then another before reaching a clearing. He opened the pouch and released the phantasma. It floated up to his hand, swirled around it then through his fingers, making soft, whispery-echo sounds.

***

Siddoway awakened, knowing Twelve had tarried into the trees alone. He stood, glaring through the branches and hanging vines, hearing the whispery echoes again.
Twelve betrayed me
, he thought, picking up Kirk Five’s loaded assault rifle from beside him where he slept.  He racked a round into the chamber as he trudged through the tangled-thorny branches.

***

Twelve toyed with the mystic blue apparition as it hovered over his palm.

“Why are you such a trouble maker? Hmm?” asked Twelve in a soft voice with a pleasant smile. “You seem so harmless, yet you made this enormous, horrible jungle didn’t you?”

The lighted mist began to exert thin, short, staticky purple, green and blue lightning from its core.

“What? What do you want me to do?” asked Twelve, scratching his head.

A streak of green and purple lightning shot through the trees.

“Hmm, that was interesting,” said Twelve. “You like to cast electrical currents, don’t you?”

Twelve waved his hand forward. Three more streaks of green, purple and pink lightning shot through the trees, striking the branch of a tree thirty yards away, making sparks and smoke, causing it to fall.

“Simply astonishing,” said Twelve, turning around. “I can see why—”

Twelve looked up, startled to see Siddoway glaring at him, standing on a boulder with a gun at his side.

“Alex?” said Twelve.

“You,” Siddoway growled.

“It’s rather fascinating, this apparition,” Twelve stated.

“You kept it from me the whole time on purpose, knowing its call was driving me insane,” Siddoway said in a hard tone.

“It was for a good purpose,” said Twelve.

“How dare you judge me?” said Siddoway.

“No judging going on here,” Twelve stated. “Just common sense.”

“Return it immediately,” said Siddoway, stepping down from the boulder.

“You should take a look at yourself, Alex,” said Twelve.

“Hand it over, dammit,” said Siddoway with a scowl.

“You’re not well,” Twelve said.

“Give it to me,” Siddoway insisted, gripping the gun, walking towards him.

“I don’t think it wants to be with you, Alex,” Twelve replied.

“Friendship is over,” said Siddoway, moving closer.

“Nor should you have it,” Twelve added.

“Give it to me, now,” Siddoway said in a louder voice, raising his gun.

“Or what, Alex?” asked Twelve.

“Or I’ll blow your artificial intelligence head off your shoulders,” Siddoway growled, moving his aim to Twelve’s forehead.

“So, I’m just an artificial intelligence now?” Twelve asked.

“A cheap human replica, like the others,” Siddoway scoffed.

The phantasma began to emit short pink, green and purple streaks of electricity.

“I don’t think killing me is a good idea, Alex,” Twelve stated, cautioning him. “You should lower that gun before you get yourself hurt.”

“Thief,” Siddoway growled.

“After all we’ve been through, Alex, you’d kill me for this floating vapor?” asked Twelve, baffled.

“Vile betrayer,” Siddoway responded in a hateful voice, pulling his trigger.

Twelve closed his eyes and held up his hand to protect himself.

Suddenly, three powerful bolts blasted out of the phantasma, striking Siddoway, taking hold of him, making him scream and drop his gun. It lifted him up, electrocuting him, running electrical shocks throughout his head, chest, arms and legs as he squirmed in agony.

“Alex!” Twelve shouted, standing back, scared, helpless.

Siddoway screamed for a short time until he exploded into thousands of tiny pieces, blowing Twelve back into the dirt, over some bushes from the force of the explosion. The apparition flew back into the pouch and caused the flap to fold over the front and snap like it wanted to hide.

Twelve stood, panting in disbelief, searching through the trees, with Siddoway’s ashes on his face, chest and shoulders.

“No,” Twelve gasped as he paced. “Alex?”

There was no answer.

“Alex!” Twelve yelled, walking around.

The jungle was quiet with death.

“Alex!” Twelve screamed.

Kirk One and the clones ran through the trees with their weapons.

“We heard the screaming, what happened?” asked One in an intense voice.

Twelve didn’t answer. He appeared as though he had seen a ghost, looking everywhere.

“Twelve, what the hell happened?” asked One.

“Siddoway,” he gasped, catching his breath.

“What about him?” asked One.

“Yeah, where is he?” asked Six.

“Gone,” Twelve replied.

“Gone where?” asked Seven.

“I think I killed him but he was going to destroy me,” Twelve responded, his eyes watering.

“You killed him? How?” asked Six.

“The power of the apparition. It just incinerated him,” Twelve responded, staggering. “I can’t believe it happened. It was all so fast.”

“Easy,” said Five, helping him stay balanced.

“Oh no, not you too,” Kirk One groaned like Twelve had gone crazy.

“No, it’s true,” said Twelve, opening his pouch.

The phantasma drifted out and hovered over the palm of his hand. The clones stood, gazing at it.

“The phantasma?” asked Ten.

“It’s real,” Six stated.

“You did have it all this time,” said Four.

“Yes, and I kept it hidden from Siddoway for a good cause,” Twelve said. “I didn’t mean to kill him, you guys. I promise.”

“He was threatening to destroy you and you defended yourself,” stated One. “You did nothing wrong, Twelve. His mind was disillusioned with obsession.”

“I suppose,” said Twelve. “I feel strange though. Siddoway and I were like friends.”

“No you weren’t,” said One. “He was turning into a self-absorbed, crazy man and was willing to kill you just to get that blue vapor. You did well, Twelve.”

“If you say so,” he replied in a quiet tone.

“So this is it, huh?” asked One as they gazed at it, watching the vaporous movement twirl within itself.

“Yes,” Twelve answered. “The cause of all the mayhem here, including this jungle.”

“What is it about it that the humans think is so special?” asked Nine.

“Probably this,” said Twelve, casting his hand, making a streak of green, purple and pink electrical current fly through the trees, knocking down an entire tree.

“You did that just from waving your hand?” asked One.

“Yes,” Twelve answered, causing the apparition to return to his pouch, snapping it closed.

“That is going to come in handy,” Eight stated.

“The humans aren’t mature enough to handle this power,” said Twelve. “Siddoway became obsessed by its abilities, hence why I kept it from him.”

“Which is why it was a good thing he never found it,” said Three.

“Which is why I will be keeping it from now on,” Twelve replied.

“What do you intend to do with it?” asked One.

“Keep it hidden for the sake of mankind,” Twelve replied.

“Let’s head back to camp, guys,” said One. “I’d like to check on Father.”

“What are we going to say to Chris about Siddoway’s death?” asked Seven.

“Let’s just keep it under wraps until he feels better,” Twelve responded in a sad voice.

They walked back to camp.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
BRADDOCK’S FURY

Braddock barged out of his tent and walked to where Commander Morris stood with Bauer and two hundred other soldiers with stern faces, geared up for war.

“Listen up, guys, Commander Braddock is going to brief you!” yelled Bauer.

“There will be two teams, Alpha Company, headed by me, and Bravo Company, led by Captain Morris,” Braddock said in a loud voice. “My team of a hundred men will enter the trees from the south at the last known entry point of the targets, the other hundred from the north with Morris. The targets have most likely got a three to four mile head start on us already but that’s okay, we’ll track them.”

“There will be a rendezvous at a designated mid-point, where we hope either one of the teams has encountered the targets,” Morris stated, loud enough for all to hear.

“How many targets are there, Commander?” asked a soldier.

“Providing all of them are still alive, fourteen. They’re well-armed, sneaky and will not hesitate to kill you in a heartbeat,” Braddock answered.

“What kind of hostile life forms can we expect inside the jungle, sir?” asked another soldier.

“You’ll know them when you see them,” Braddock responded in a stern voice. “Just make sure you have your gun in your hand and it’s ready to fire.”

“Yes sir,” the soldier replied in a quiet tone.

“So, you all need to be cocked-lock, ready to rock and alert at all times. Let’s move out!” Braddock stated.

***

Ten military helicopters hovered over the rubble of the demolished Red Phoenix next to the entry to the jungle. Braddock and ninety-nine other troops lowered themselves down to the wreckage with weapons slung over their shoulders, waistlines and holstered on their thighs.

He waved the helicopters on, after they landed.

Braddock led his soldiers through the first row of thorny trees, reaching the clearing. He climbed up on a boulder as his men gathered around him.

“All right, listen up,” said Braddock. “Our objective is to find Alex Siddoway and Chris Michaels and terminate them and any others with them with extreme prejudice.”

“Are we taking anyone prisoner, if possible, Commander?” asked a soldier.

“Negative. This is a
hunt down and kill
mission, plain and simple,” Braddock stated. “None of you are to give them two seconds to breathe, blink, think, or fart. Is that understood?” he added in a loud voice, locking his weapon.

“Yes sir!” the soldiers stated.

“I want five teams of ten on left flank,” Braddock said, pointing. “Another five teams of ten on right.”

The soldiers grouped up, organizing themselves, preparing to carry out their assignments.

“Bravo Leader? Come in from Alpha Leader,” said Braddock into his headset, holding an assault rifle with scope, heading into the jungle.

***

On the north side of the jungle, Morris led another battalion of ninety-nine soldiers through the trees, pushing branches and vines out of their way.

“Bravo Leader from Alpha Leader? Do you copy?”
said Braddock’s voice over his radio.

“This is Bravo, go ahead, Braddock,” said Morris into his headset.

“Be advised, the hostiles could be past the midpoint, drawing near your location. My men and I will engage them in case they try to double back,”
said Braddock.

“Roger that, Commander,” said Morris. “Between us, we have two hundred trained professionals out here. Chris Michaels and company are as good as dead.”

Morris led his men through the jungle.

***

Chris’ eyes opened like he had been sleeping for a while. He gazed at the tree tops that were tangled forty feet above him. Kerry rubbed his head like he was a hospital patient.

“You’re awake,” she stated, smiling.

“Where is everyone?” Chris asked.

“Kirk One ran off with them into the trees because they heard something,” she answered.

“My head is still spinning,” said Chris.

“Good news though,” said Kerry. “The fluid from the worm you took helped your infection. See?”

Chris looked at the injury on his leg. The red streaks and puss were gone. The dark areas in the middle seemed to be scabbing over. His skin color was returning around the cut.

“That is good news, except I don’t know if I’m ready to walk yet,” he stated.

Kirk One and the clones returned.

“Hi guys,” said Chris as Kerry helped him stand up. “I’m feeling much better.”

He noticed their somber countenances like something was wrong as they stood, staring at him.

“Why are you all staring at me?” he asked.

“Something has happened,” Twelve answered.

“What?” Chris asked, worried.

“Siddoway is dead,” One answered.

Chris closed his eyes, trying not to grieve.

“It’s my fault,” said Twelve. “He wanted to the apparition. I refused to give it to him.”

“Apparition?” asked Chris.

“I found it under the wreckage,” said Twelve, opening his pouch, making it hover above his palm. “He went crazy over it. I feared he would have destroyed us all had I given it to him.”

Chris and Kerry gazed at it as it sounded off whispery echoes.

“Well, it’s in good hands now, I suppose,” said Chris, trying to move closer to Twelve but limping.

“What would you like me to do with it?” asked Twelve.

“Keep it,” Chris replied.

“That’s what I wanted to do,” Twelve responded. “Are you sure?”

“Something tells me mankind wasn’t meant to wield it. But perhaps clone-kind was,” Chris answered. “Apparently, the temptation to become obsessed is too great for people to bear.”

“Well spoken,” Twelve stated.

“Guard it well,” said Chris.

“With my life,” Twelve responded.

Chris limped to front and center, looking through the trees.

“Which way shall we go?” asked Kirk One.

“This way is north,” Chris replied, coughing, pointing. “C’mon.”

As they began to head through the jungle, Kirk One stopped, looking behind them through the trees and vines. One climbed onto a boulder and continued to stare through the jungle. Six and Three glanced over their shoulder, noticing One.

“What is it, One?” asked Six.

One didn’t answer but stared through the jungle.

“Do you see something?” asked Three, moving closer to him.

“There is something out there,” said One.

“Man or beast?” asked Eight.

“Whatever it is, it’s large and it’s moving closer,” One answered.

Three turned on his freeze gun, making a soft revving sound.

“Who else will come with me?” asked Kirk One.

“I’ll go,” Eight replied.

“Me too,” said Nine.

“Count me in, Ten stated.

“Father?” One called in a loud voice.

Chris stopped and turned.

“Something draws near,” One stated. “We’ll scout it but keep moving forward. We’ll catch up with you.”

“Okay, son,” Chris responded as Kerry helped him through the trees.

Kirk One rushed through the trees in the opposite direction with the five clones, moving vines out of his way as he went.

***

Braddock and his men wasted no time cutting through vines, leaves and thin branches with machetes, hurrying across logs large enough to be bridges over shallow ditches.

“Be careful of the branches, the thorns are sharp as razors,” said Braddock.

“Copy that, Commander,” said a soldier.

Braddock led his men further into the jungle, climbing down a hillside, side-stepping their way around rocks and holes, cutting down more leaves out of their way. Lieutenant Dales approached Braddock from behind.

“Commander, sir?” said Dales.

“What is it?” Braddock answered, cutting through another leaf and more hanging vines.

“I just want to say that it’s a pleasure and honor to be at your side, sir,” Dales replied. “I knew Osborne as well as McGee and Astrade. They were good men.”

“They were indeed,” Braddock stated.

“I heard what went down inside the Phoenix, sir, it sounds like you gave hell a run for its money,” Dales stated.

Braddock pulled his knife then threw it tip-over-end across the top of a patch of plants that had four foot tall stems and dark sunflower-like tips with leaves hanging off the sides, until the blade plunged into a grayish-blue, nine-legged creature the size of a lobster, pinning it to a tree.

“I wasn’t made to lose,” Braddock responded in a hard tone.

***

An hour later, Kirk One and the clones rushed through the trees, jumped over bizarre plants, crossing over branches that bridged one mound of earth to another as thin rays of daylight beamed down from above through the thick trees. They ran through another patch of elephant ear sized-leaved, moved hanging vines out of their way then came to a clearing. One looked around, gripping his weapon.

“What do you think you heard?” asked Six.

“I didn’t hear it; I could sense it,” One answered, scanning. “Everyone spread out. Whatever it is, it’s close.”

Three stepped on top of a boulder, looking over the tops of the six-foot-tall-leafed plants.

“See anything over there, Three?” asked One.

“I got nothing,” Three answered. “What is it you’re sensing, exactly?”

“Something is here, I’m telling you,” Kirk One responded. “Just keep looking.”

Kirk Nine walked through some leaves, moved a thorny branch out of his way as he came up to a dying furry creature that was the size of a Labrador Retriever and had a head that looked like a sewer rat with red and green eyes, sharp teeth and claws. It lay on its side over a patch of artichoke leafy plants that were two feet high.

“Over here,” said Nine.

Eight and Ten trotted over, making their way through the leaves and branches, looking down at the creature.

“What is that?” asked Ten.