The Changed

Chapter 13- Nick

The helicopter ride was fairly pleasant but I couldn't really enjoy it. I was too worried about Tess and how I was going to explain the reason why Edward is still in the Government's pocession to the Commander.

Tess was curled up on her seat, fast asleep. She looked so peaceful but the tension in her shoulders were showing. Bad dream, I guess. I felt so guilty for leaving Edward. I knew that she needed her brother more than anything in the world and I left him behind, just like that. I hated myself for it. I should have done something to get Tess out of there and then maybe have gone back for Edward.

I shook my head and sighed. I knew that it wasn't possible and Edward would have hated me for not staying with his sister. I couldn't mope around like this, I made a promise to Edward and it was a promise I intended to keep.

"We're about half a mile out, Captain," the pilot from the cockpit shouted.

"Okay," I shouted back, immediately snapping into military mode. "Anything on our tail?"

"Not according to radar but we're taking precautions," the pilot yelled.

"All right, carry on," I replied. "And send a message to base." I unbuckled myself from the seat and stumbled over to Tess. I shook her awake gently. "Hey, I'm sorry to wake you but we're half an hour out and you need to be ready when we arrive." She nodded but looked really scared, clinging onto my hand. "It's okay," I said. "I'll look after you. They will try and rescue Edward."

"But what if the Changed are just as bad? I mean, they wanted Edward and I because they heard we were powerful but what do they want us for?" She said in my ear so I could hear over the noise of the propellers.

"They are not bad, Tess," I said gently. "Do you really think that I'd be here if they were? I promise that I'll look after you. They did the same with me. They only knew what the Government would do to you and wanted to stop them from taking your powers. That's all, okay?" She didn't say anything after that. Just stared out at the stunning countryside below. After everything that has been going on in the world, it's hard to believe that there was still beauty in it.

"You better buckle up, sir!" the pilot yelled. "We're about to make our approach." I sat in the seat next to Tess and clipped my harness in. Tess was still squeezing my hand. I guess I was the only thing she trusted here and wanted to hang onto it.

The helicopter started to descend into some hills where the base was. I had been here many times but I still remember the first time when I joined the Changed two years ago. I was one of the first recruits so I advanced up the ranks quickly.

We lowered between the two largest hills and landed on the small landing pad. The soldiers in the chopper with us jumped out and ran inside the base to their next post. There were six other soldiers out on the landing pad waiting for us but they weren't in uniform. Of course, if we were training, fighting or on missions they would be but the Changed let them where what they wanted when they weren't. 

I unbuckled Tess and carried her down to the ground. She had regained some of her strength in the helicopter ride so she could walk a little now. She held onto my hand and hid behind me shyly, watching the soldiers with cautious eyes.

"Captain Garland," one of the men said. They all stood to attention and saluted me. "Welcome back, sir. We have all missed you. The Commander has instructed us to escort you and the prisoners you recused to her immediately." He looked around me and only saw Tess. "But it seems you only have one, sir. Where is the other?"

"You are not trained to ask questions, Private," I said. "You and your men may go. I'll take her to the Commander." The men all looked relieved but they still stood to attention.

"Thank you, sir!" They walked down the metal stairway that led down to the base. Tess and I were alone on the landing pad now. I knelt down to face her.

"You've been very brave, Tess," I said softly. "I want you to stay with me and we can go down, okay?" She nodded. "All right then, let's go." I gently led her down the stairs in a big, circular hall bustling with people chatting. I skirted right round the edge, trying not to draw attention to myself or Tess. We got to the other side where one of the exits were. I decided to give Tess a piggy-back to the Commander's quarters, partly because she was so tired but partly because it cheered her up a bit with me pretending to be a horse.

On the way, people often said welcome back to me and smiled at Tess. Everyone knew who I was as I was the highest rank in the Changed, apart from the Commander. They were all on their way to the dining hall.

We finally came to a set of double doors and I set Tess down. I knocked softly then went in with Tess gripping onto my hand. She was really starting to cut off my blood circulation.

Inside was plush velvet chairs and sofas, beautifully crafted wooden tables and stunning oil paintings. The Commander always was a lover of art. The carpet and wall paper was red and shimmering.

From the other side of the room, a door opened and a thirteen year old boy entered. dressed in horse riding gear. He broke into a massive grin when he saw me. "Nick! I wondered when you'd get back. I've missed you. Mother is just getting ready for you," he said.

"How are you, Caleb?" I asked joyfully, smiling. Caleb could always put a smile on anyone's face, even at the worst of times. "Still enjoying horse riding?"

"You bet," he said. Then he noticed Tess who was hiding behind me again. "Hello," he said gently. "My name is Caleb. What's yours?" Caleb was the Commander's son and wasn't really meant to know about the operations of the Changed but he often knew more than me. He also knew about Tess and Edward. 

Tess looked around me shyly. "It's okay," Caleb continued. "No one is going to hurt you anymore." He held out his hand and small golden lights exploded from them. They looked like little fairies dancing around in the air. It was a incredible sight. Tess watched in wonder at Caleb's power over light. "I was just about to go riding, would you like to come? I can show you around?" he said.

"I'm sure she would love to, Caleb, but we have some business to attend to first," came a voice. I glanced upwards and saw Commander April Palmer standing by the door. She was dressed simply in a white blouse and jeans but radiated authority like no one I ever met.            

"Oh, yes, of course, Mother," Caleb said. "Could I please stay?"

"If you must," the Commander said. "Please take a seat." She gestured to a table with six chairs around it. She took the head seat. Tess took the one closest to the Commander with me next to her. Caleb sat opposite me.

"First off, my dear," the Commander said, laying a hand gently on Tess'. "I am so very sorry about what happened to you. I can't even begin to imagine the horrors that you have face but I promise that you are safe now. Might I have the pleasure of knowing you name?" She obviously knew her name but just wanted to be kind and polite.

"Tess," Tess whispered.

"A lovely name," the Commander said. "However, I was told that you had a brother. Where is he?" She looked at me and I shook my head in warning at her.

"He didn't make it out ma'am," I said. "The Government still have him. It was a choice of we all die or two of us escape. Edward chose to save Tess."

"I see," she murmured. "Tess, sweetheart, would you like to go with Caleb and pick out some riding clothes? He will help you and then you may go riding with him. I think you have been through enough. Nick and I will discuss this. I feel that you don't want to hear any more conversation about this topic." Tess nodded and Caleb grinned happily. He led her into his room.

"Come on," he said. "I know just the horse for you. He..." His voice faded as the door swung shut. I turned to face the Commander.

"You and I need to talk," I said. "About rescuing Edward."

**********************************************************************************************

So, how was Nick's first chapter??? Should I carry on writing in his p.o.v??? Let me know in the comments please!!!!

Thanks for all your support so far guys!!! It means so much!!!

CricketCat