The Ability Era

12: Puppet Master Versus The Shell of a Hero

Gary Trebone – "Hourglass"

He rubbed his tired eyes and continued scrolling through the reports on his holo-computer. He didn't have access to much of the IBF records as such a low-ranking squad leader but he received basic information and news. The gang war on Moon City had been resolved and the gangs had dispersed after the brutal massacre that was dealt by Squad D. Gary clicked back to the Renegade list just to make sure for the third time that he wasn't imagining it all.

Last week Gary was buying groceries when he got the call from Pedro.

Pedro had told him that Paul, Dakota, Sam, and Foreman had left to chase after Red Coyote. Shortly after, Pedro had told Robin and Elenora, and Robin immediately followed after them. Apparently, Elenora had begged him to bring her but he refused.

Pedro reported their leaving of the IBF and now they were on the Renegade list before Gary's eyes. All except Robin.

Gary guessed that it was most likely because Robin was authorized by the DO to pursue them. But why send someone so important after insignificant levelled IBF members? That was grunt work for Squad D. There was something larger at stake. He suspected it had something to do with Foreman but he was not sure.

On his desk in front of him were two picture frames. One was of the old squad Y and it seemed like it was taken years ago. It was a very formal picture that was taken by the IBF. No one was really smiling except Piper who had a small cute smile radiating from the back right of the photo. Gary looked at the teenage version of himself in the picture. He appeared very grim and sad. Nevertheless, he still missed those days... Jackson and Darnell stood at his sides, both trying to look tough with a very rigid military posture. At the left end was the seniors, Flavius and Polger, two bitter old men who retired years ago.

The new picture of course was more bright as everyone was smiling even Gary which was surprising to even himself when he looked back on it. Pedro and Paul had their arms around each other, Elenora posed with a peace sign around her eye, and Sam stood beside Paul with a happy expression on her face.

Gary swore never to get attached but in the end he was. He missed them. He wanted to call the DO and beg for them to be spared. The answer would most definitely no. Deep down he knew they would have a better chance surviving if he went after them. But he didn't want to live his life on the run.

Why did they have to leave?

Damn that kid.

He had to do something... Had to.

But what? There was nothing he could possibly think of that would not be breaking the law or his moral code. And yet his emotions clouded his thoughts. These people he had lived alongside for years were going to be hunted down like animals.

What would Piper do?...

She died for him but that was under different circumstances. Leaving now would mean certain death.

Gary slammed his fist on his desk in frustration. He could feel the tears coming to his eyes.

"I can't do it," he said turning off his computer bringing his office into darkness. He wiped the moisture from his eyes and put his face in his hands.

"I'm sorry," he muttered quietly. They were as good as dead.

Leif Faraldson

"We've tracked the tech to an estate that lies in Barossi territory," Leif reported.