“No sir,” both girls answered.
Sloan elaborated, “Metas at the Facility are evaluated very early on. There are three basic paths: soldier, doctor and support staff. Kylie and I were set on the medical path where we were received intensive education in in metahumanology, research and development.”
“Farrow and I were set on the path to become soldiers. We were extensively trained in combat, battle tactics and weaponry,” Creed added.
“I’ve known you this long Creed, and I’m still learning what you were subjected to at that place.” Margo looked solemnly at the assimilated members of her clan.
“So we have three trained jumpers: Creed, Farrow and you, Margo,” Theo surmised.
“You’re just going to have to talk me through it, Mom, ‘cause I’m jumping, too.” Alik’s blue eyes crackled with determination.
“Same here,” Evan added.
Margo looked at each of her sons in turn and sighed with resignation. “You’re fast learners, and your sister needs you. I’m just going to have to pray you’re naturals.”
“Couldn’t we jump in tandem?” Cole asked, not wanting to be left behind.
Margo shook her head. “We don’t have the equipment to safely manage that.”
“Mom, it’s not a bad idea. I mean, under the circumstances we need to get as many fighters down to Meg as possible.”
“No,” Theo interjected. “I need you with me, Cole.”
Cole looked as if he was mad enough at his father to hop out of his skin. “What the hell, Dad?”
“You need to land at the airport with the rest of us. We will drive to a safe hideout and wait to hear from Margo. I need you to help protect us outside the battle.”
“No way, Dad! I belong in the fight!”
“Cole, your dad’s right,” Margo reached out to touch the teen’s knotted shoulder, “But Theo, we do need him in the battle, so let’s compromise. First, Cole helps secure you and the rest of the family off site. Then he and Maze grab a vehicle and hightail it back to the ranch.” Margo watched Theo’s eyes darken with worry as she spoke. “It’ll be okay, honey. Meg will be able to keep track of him so we can draw fire as he sneaks inside.”
Theo shook his head, unsure.
“How does that sound to you, Cole?” Margo waited for the boy’s response.
“I think it sounds fair. Dad, you okay with it?”
“What am I supposed to do if—”
“Theo, we can discuss that later,” Margo glanced around at the eyes watching them closely.
Theo frowned deeply, but nodded. “Son, if you feel strongly about joining in the battle, I support your decision.”
“So, it’s decided,” Margo looked at each of the four chosen to wear a chute. “Farrow and Creed, can I trust you to act as jumpmasters and go over the ‘Sustained Airborne Training’ script with Alik and Evan?”
“Yes ma’am,” both metasoldiers responded without hesitation.
“Mom, I need to talk with you about something, and it really can’t wait any longer. It’s important,” Evan spoke up. He shoved his left hand deep into his pocket and grasped the black hard-shelled case still waiting there.
Margo narrowed her eyes at her son, “Evan, what did you do?”
“Nothing. Yet.”
“Evan Winter, I know that look. That’s the same look you got when you used my lab to create a pheromone to supposedly increase egg-laying productivity in our chickens. Instead it made them lose all their feathers—and they glowed yellow in the dark!”
“Mom, I was seven,” Evan blushed deeply.
“Uh-huh. So I ask again, what did you do?”
“Excuse me, Dr. Winter,” Bob Jacobi stepped out of the cockpit with a strange look on his face.
“What is it, Captain?” Margo turned abruptly, her thoughts interrupted.
“The phone. It’s for you,” he stammered and held out his hand. In it was a black cell phone.
48 Hello?
Margo’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Who would be calling me on your phone?”
“I uh—you’re not going to believe this, but I called her.”
“Her?”
“Your daughter. I saw ten digits in my head and felt compelled to dial the number.”
He motioned to the phone still hanging in the air between them.
Margo’s brown eyes softened, tears instantly threatening to spill. She reached out and took the phone.
“Meg?” she asked tentatively.
“Hi Mom,” by the sound of her voice, Meg was smiling.
“Oh dear God! Where are you? Are you okay? Has the battle begun?” she blurted.
“I’m at home, in the lab to be specific, and I’m okay. The battle hasn’t begun yet, but it’s imminent and complicated.”
“Meggie, do you really have your memory back?” Margo’s voice cracked.
“Yes, thank God. I do. I remember everything—and I’m so thankful for it.”
“What a blessing,” Margo breathed, nearly bursting with things she needed to say and ask, but taking a breath to silence herself and thank God for this moment with her daughter.