Nanites Awakenings II

Cover Credits

The Cover image is an original composition and collage image based on an original cover art designed and created by Yakov Lavans. Dated: May 1, 2015. Copyright: All rights retained and held by publisher, Jens Sorensen.

Additional elements drawn from images in the public domain and or free use images.

Please report any perceived copy right infringement to publisher for action at retread2@ahcs.biz.

Description: An original cover art designed and created by Yakov Lavans, edited by Jens Sorensen using Gimp 2.8. and Inkscape 0.91

Coyote image: Sunrise Coyote.jpeg: Source: Bandelier National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/imr/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm?tagID=2310) Public Domain Image edited by Jens Sorensen using Gimp 2.8. and Inkscape 0.91

Jaguar image: Z-USFish-blackjaguar.jpg Source: USFWS Website (http://www.fws.gov/faq/imagefaq.html) Public Domain Image edited by Jens Sorensen using Gimp 2.8. and Inkscape 0.91

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Adult Content Warning

For

Nanites, Awakenings II is a work of creative fiction with few ties to normal reality. This fantasy melodrama attempts to weave the absurd into a facsimile of real life to entertain and amuse the reader.

There is use of extreme language, extreme of acts of violence, and sexually suggestive language and behavior of heterosexuality, homosexuality, lesbianism, bi-sexuality, and multi-partners.

If this is offensive: Do Not Read.

Any sexually active characters are eighteen years of age or older.

Nanites, Awakenings II takes place in a fictional alternate reality, characters depicted in the Nanites, Awakenings II are fictional characters and do not represent any real people.

~

Acknowledgments

Nanites, Awakenings II has bent the truth to fit the fiction of the story. No insult is intended toward the elected or appointed officials or staff of the City and County of Los Angeles, State of California; US Government nor the officials and citizens of Mexico, China or other nations; and especially not the fine people working for County of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control. They take care of those who often have no voice of their own. As for the CDC; they may be the greatest heroes we never get to know.

Finally, to the real Cali Walker, who makes my life complete.

~

Prologue

The world changed 23 days ago. The change started with flashes of light high in the Central Pacific Sky.

Nineteen days ago the CDC first discovered the existence of a nano-plague and started researching.

Sixteen days ago the latest information was passed to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Designated as Series One, Category A and B Nanites, the infection rate is 100 percent worldwide for Series One, Category A which appears benign. Series One, Category B is found only in a small fraction of the Series One, Category A infections, but are active and growing in complexity but for what end is unknown. The Secretary of Health and Human Services decides to heavily restrict the information spread until she has more than unanswered questions.

14 days ago worldwide, Series One, Category B infected people started to burst into flames when exposed to sunlight. Before sunrise on the North American Eastern Seaboard, CDC passed confirmation to The Secretary of Health and Human Services who demanded stateside confirmation before acting. She briefed POTUS at 10:00 Washington time, by that time thousands of Americans burst into flames and hundreds died because there was no warning or coordination of effort.

At sunrise Los Angeles time, Cali Walker, Vet Tech Two, Animal Care and Control-West LA Station, is one of the affected, bursting into flames in the UCLA Medical Center Emergency Room parking lot. Soon the Medical Center in flooded with victims. Country wide reactions are panicked and chaotic. Government overreacts declaring a quarantine and activating the National Guard to protect the infected.

Over the next couple of days Cali and fellow patients learned the extent of the changes in their bodies. They are not contagious, they have a blood-born nanite disorder, a contrived genetic disorder which requires regular ingestion of Series One, Category A, type nanites found in human blood. All Awakened are stronger than normal humans and run various multiple times normal speeds; their reactions are marginally faster, too. They are hyper-sensitive to sunlight (burst into flames) but SPF 50 sunscreen and normal clothing will shield them from harm. They self-heal at amazing rates. Their nanites seem to be repairing all damage to their hosts bodies bring each one to the peak of their genetic code. There are hints of other gifts, too.

City of Los Angeles made a political stand saying the enforced quarantine was illegal under both State and Federal Law. The hospital discharged Cali and her fellow Awakened, as of eleven o'clock, Tuesday, April 13th. The Awakened got a week's supply of suntan lotion, wrap around glasses, ski caps, and lip balm so that they could get home, and maybe to work. The Hospital setup a clinic to handle the daily blood needs of the local Awakened and research the Awakened's condition.

That day at 16:00 PST, Cali was pleased to find she still had a job and was ordered to show up for her shift at 20:00 PST that night. Over the next week and half, Cali and her fellow Awakened in LA reorder their lives to the new reality. Cali discovers she can sense at a distance tens of yards and command, speak to and understand animals. LA's Awakened came together under the leadership of Tom Stone a fellow Awakened for mutual support. Their aim was to engage with their local City government and be seen as productive members of the community. LA announced a temporary emergency fund to supply blood to the local Awakened community as more permanent solution could be found.

Three days ago, Thursday, April 22st, at 08:45 Cali is called into the LA Mayor's office for a meeting. She is asked to help the FBI in a mass murder investigation in Montana; an Awakened may be involved. She agrees and heads off with FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Moynihan once the Mayor clears it with her boss. A disastrous first attempt to capture a powerful insane Awakened by the FBI leaves one Agent seriously injured and all shaken. The suspect was driven off due to surprise by Cali. They were lucky.

SAC Moynihan's team is told to stand down and a new team is sent in, Moynihan and Cali are asked to stay in support roles. The new team under SAC Ferguson arrives with their own Awakened FBI Agent Lafontaine, an untried rookie pulled from training. SAC Ferguson pushes the local LEO on jurisdiction and assumes full control of the investigation dismissing most of Cali's and SAC Moynihan's advice. Cali makes a call to Major Rizer an Army Specialist on Awakened to speak with Sac Ferguson who rejects the advice and proceeds with his game plan. This time two FBI Agents are killed and only Cali and Agent Lafontaine intervention drives off the killer, who has been ID'd as Thomas Clearsky a Native American. Sac Ferguson presses ahead with another ambush, this time Cali and Lafontaine are to make initial contact and restrain Clearsky until the team can close and complete the capture. Again the plan is a disaster; after nearly killing both Cali and Lafontaine. Only their ability to self-heal rapidly kept them alive long enough for Sheriff Donner to hit Clearsky with a high powered rifle round. Clearsky self-heals and runs for it with Cali and Lafontaine in close pursuit. All the Awakened are running out of energy as they consuming their stores of A nanites. Clearsky enters an abandoned mine shaft with the team close behind.

Clearsky triggers his own ambush burying Cali in a mine collapse, only Cali's warning allowed the others to make it out. Cali becomes conscious unable to move or see, she is buried under a rock fall. Suddenly she hears Lafontaine in her mind, Lafontaine's gift is telepathy. A rescue effort is going on and they are coming for her.

She was dug out, supplied with fresh blood and back in her hotel room to rest and recover. The Awakened group in LA were trying to reach her so she got online and logged into TGN-LA (TrueGhoulNet LA chatroom). The world exploded. Everyone was going on about something that had happened in China, but Cali was clearly in mid-conversation. Everyone and their brother were online. People were at work, but this matter was eating up their time. It was like everyone had drunk the Kool-Aid.

Apparently China had been torturing its Awakened. China did scientific experiments on the Awakened in China until some rebelled and broke out. China kept this under wraps for a week. Cali was asked to review twenty-seven video files to bring her up to speed. As she started to review the files Agent Lafontaine came by; she had been asked to research this very thing and prepare something akin to a threat assessment. Together they reviewed what was a true horror story. They were shaken as they watched Awakened after Awakened killed by various tortures by the Chinese technicians until two different Awakened held at different locations were able to release themselves and other Awakened. A male Awakened turned into a cloud of nanites. His body was totally consumed. It took Cali a moment to figure out this wasn't a creative form of dying. The cloud moved off passing the 'gift" on to other Awakened until they took over the whole complex using vicious violence, a revenge for their suffering. A female Awaken had a different power she seemed to take over the will of all she met having them aid her free other Awakened and assisting in their escape in a massive convoy of thousands. All this occurred eight days earlier and the news was just getting out.

Lafontaine received a call from SAC Ferguson announcing the team's recall to Washington, immediately. Lafontaine and Cali made a restrained but emotional parting.

This left SAC Moynihan to take up the hunt for Clearsky again with local support. Cali made her farewells too and left on the flight bring Moynihan's new team. It was Saturday April 24th and she was going home, alive. Never to volunteer again.

~

Chapter One

Sunday, April 25th, 12:45

Santa Monica

Cali flopped down backward onto her bed. She spent all morning 'day-proofing' her apartment. She bought the black plastic panels from a Lowe's then used a tape measure and a box-cutter to cover all the glass and weak points and sealing them with duct tape.

It looked crappy, but what was she to do? No need to lather up to go to the kitchen anymore. That was the advantage. She even got extra lamps for all her rooms; even so, her home looked more like a catacomb than an apartment in Santa Monica.

She flipped around onto her belly, kicking her legs up and crossing them over her rump. Her hair was pinned back, so it didn't get into her eyes. She needed a cut sometime soon, but couldn't find the motivation to go out during the day. Instead she cut on her computer and went looking to see who was on line. LA had about a dozen souls, filled with the local goings on, as well as the venom for China, which still ran strong. This wasn't what Cali wanted to do so she went to the national page to see what the rest of the country was thinking.

What she found was interesting and annoying at the same time. People talked about the crap that was going on with the lives of Awakened in other parts of the country. People talked about Awaken marital separations, loss of friends, and even the loss of employment. Cali felt really lucky to live in a place where the local government came down strongly on behalf of their local Awakened. Many places weren't so lucky. Some people even had to pay for their own blood supply which was getting hideously expensive. Some Awakened wanted the government to step in. Others were afraid of just such a thing. There was some hope that the insurance industry would be forced by some class action suit to pony up the funds, but everyone agreed it would take more time than many had.

One girl was caught up in a triple bind. She had to pay for her blood. Her insurance wouldn't pay, but that wasn't going to be a problem for long, as she only had insurance through her job, and she'd been fired the moment she'd come back from the hospital. The only thing she would publically admit to be or use to be a government employee. That intrigued Cali.

'What was your job?' Cali IM’d the person. "I'm Animal Care and Control in LA.'

'I'm not supposed to talk about it. Legal stuff, you should know that,' was the reply.

'What am I going to do? Tell the principle?'

That brought about a pause.

'Okay. I'm a woman, a third grade teacher here in Columbus, Ohio.'

'What about your Union?'

'They don't want to touch it. They tell me they will try to do something by the start of the next year. I can't last that long.'

‘Craptastic Sorry to hear it,' was Cali's reply.

'So, you’re the Cali from TV?'

'I guess. I was interviewed, but I didn't know it was carried outside the local area.'

'Lucky you.'

'How bad is your situation?'

'Oh, I'm screwed. Parents died when I was starting college, so by the time I settled accounts, I had nothing left. Finished off college on my own, with the normal debts; I just bought a house with my fiancé, who then left me and I can't afford it. Now my job is gone, I have to drain my savings staying alive, and my few so called friends have found other ways to spend their time.'

'Oh.'

'I can't even afford to buy a plot to bury myself in.'

'Things aren't too bad out here in LA,' Cali typed.

'I don't know anyone in LA,' the woman shot back.

'Well, you know me,' Cali responded.

There was another pause. It was so long, she felt like she'd offended the other person.

'My name is Amanda Robbins.'

'Hello Amanda.'

'What do I do if I come to LA?'

'You can stay with me,' Cali typed.

It took her a second to realize the dumb thing she just did.

There was another pause. Cali found herself praying that she'd gotten off the hook.

'What would I do for a job? What are the prospects like?' asked Amanda.

'I can't say about teaching, but there may be government jobs for qualified people.' Cali hoped that she wasn't sounding too positive.

The next response floored her.

'Cali, when can you meet me at the airport?'

Cali blinked. How in the hell did she just get a roommate? Actually, it was more accurate to say, how the hell did she just invite someone from across the country to share her one-room apartment? Maybe that was a way out, she thought.

'I only have one bedroom,' Cali pointed out.

'Have a sofa?'

'Sure.'

'I don't mind.'

Cali face-palmed, she looked around the apartment as Scar walked in. She looked to him to be her salvation. Sensing her distress, he turned and walked back out.

'I don't work until tomorrow at eight pm.'

'Oh, I'll be at LAX at three-fifteen A.M.'

‘Tomorrow - Monday?'

'Sure. Bought the ticket online while we were talking,' replied Amanda.

'Good for you,' Cali typed out. She hoped the sinking feeling she felt in the pit of her stomach didn't come through.

'I won't bring much. I'll be gone before too long. I promise.'

'Don't stress yourself,' Cali found herself saying, stressed herself.

'Going now, I need to do a few things before heading to the airport.'

'Drive safe.'

'Oh, I'm selling everything. No reason to come back.'

'Let me know if you change your mind,' she sent hopefully.

'Not going to happen; nothing keeping me here.'

Amanda was like a hurricane. Cali was left stunned and unable to maneuver.

Amanda logged off. Cali went back to the LA site. She hovered around uselessly, not sure what to do.

Traci tagged her.

'What's going on? How was Montana?'

'Montana was cake. A one-ton cement pound cake, but a cake. I've since really screwed up my life.'

'How so?' Traci asked.

'I went and got me a roommate,' Cali responded.

'Good for you. How did that happen?'

'I invited a woman over,' she said.

'Where did you meet?'

'Online,' was Cali's short reply.

'-Blink- Okay. Where?'

'TGN. National,' she typed.

'Awakened cool, where are they from?' Traci asked.

'Ohio.'

'Okay.'

'Yeah, tell me about it.'

'How long do you have? Any chance you will change your mind?'

'Not likely. She's already on her way.'

'That was quick,' Traci said.

'She's like that,' Cali sighed.

'Well, good for you.'

'I've got a one room apartment.'

'-Blush- Good for you,' Traci applauded.

'I don't think things are going to go like that.'

'Okay? Is that a good thing?' Traci asked.

'That's not what I was looking for. She needed some help. Her life went to crap after the Awakening Day. I felt someone needed to do something,' Cali sent.

'Not bad.'

'So I jumped in with both feet in my mouth,' was the reply by Cali.

'That's more courage than I would have. Don't be hard on yourself. You helped someone out. This may still work out fine,' Traci pointed out.

'I'll have to make it work.'

'If you need help, rummage around the group. We might come up with something.'

'Crap. I need to clean up my place and get more food. I have like nothing to eat.'

'Want to meet for some shopping? It won't kill me to go out for a bit. I've become such a hermit,' Traci conceded.

'Me too. Meet you at Ralphs on Wilshire?'

'Give me 25,' Traci sent right before logging off. Cali logged off too. There was a great deal of lathering up to do before she could face the day.

***

The news networks were all up on arms about a killing in Germany. Some guy by the name of Herman Schuler, along with two other Awakened, had been left in pieces outside the Division of State Security in Germany. The note left with them claimed they were the three men responsible for the death of the German Chancellor and their summary execution by a group calling itself the Night Court was the justice meted out by the Awakened of Europe.

Fifteen days and they have a government, sighed Traci. I wonder why something like that isn't happening over here.

Who says it isn't? It may not have reached us yet, but the East Coast is where most of us are located. I wouldn't be surprised if this idea hasn't hatched in a few heads.

What does that mean for us?

I would be more worried about what this means for the governments, replied Cali. I can't imagine the Heads of State in Europe are going to get much sleep tonight.

Vanilla or Chocolate? Traci said, pointing out the selections.

I'd like to say both, but my freezer is a little, ancient, wheezy thing. I'll go for Vanilla. I can get some chocolate syrup to go with it.

Traci agreed, Good point.

She picked out a container of vanilla for Cali.

Hey, whispered Cali, that guy’s really checking us out.

Oh, damn, gasped Traci. That's Mark, one of the associates at the firm I work at. He's nice, but sleeping with any member of the firm is career suicide.

Traci looked down at the cart they were pushing. Cali shot Mark a devastating glare that sent the junior league shark off to find other prey. Once they were on the next aisle, Traci perked up once more.

So, how many newbies have you picked up so far? Traci asked Cali.

Now it was Cali's turn to look uncomfortable.

None. I've been so busy ... wait, I did meet this FBI agent named Lafontaine in Montana. She was pretty nice and saved my ass. She's a lawyer of some kind, but chose to be an FBI agent instead of making real money.

Lafontaine? What's her first name?

I forget. No one ever uses it.

Traci chuckled. I hope she's not from a large family.

I got the impression she was an only child, was Cali's response.

Fortunate girl. Some of us can only hope for such luck.

Hey, I like my siblings. They may even like me, she said.

After Mikala, I wouldn't be so sure about that, Traci gibed.

Oh God, she's dating some fifteen year old. Apparently they made out at the theater.

Does your Sister blame you?

No. Strangely enough, she doesn't, Cali said quizzically. I'm not sure how that happened.

Wait until she gets pregnant, Traci offered.

No! Traci, don't even go there.

Okay, okay. Traci held up her hands.

Traci, you have to be an aunt, or even a parent to understand how much that's not a joke.

I'll have to take your word for it, Cali.

Ooohhh ... French bread pizzas.

You don't want to get a Pizza by the Slice? Traci countered.

The two went back to playful bickering after that. Traci made no comment about what her work situation was like, and Cali didn't get into what had happened to her in Montana. The world held enough news to fill in the spots between shopping tips. The cart filled up and the conversation wound down. Traci helped Cali load her truck, hugged her goodbye, and went on her way. Cali reflected how long it had been since she'd had a female friend who was just a friend. She rationalized it by remembering that Traci didn't have too many friends either. The trip had been strangely pleasant. It made her wonder about what else was going to change with her life, as much as she wanted it to remain the same.

~

Chapter Two

Monday, April 26th, 13:50

West Los Angeles

Cali leaned against the wall next to Amanda. The whole day was crazy on so many levels. She met Amanda at LAX early in the morning and took her back to the Santa Monica apartment, where they unpacked her meager possessions. Amanda pointed out thanks to her Awakening most of her old clothes no longer fit anyway, except some winter gear. Her assets were a few hundred dollars in cash, two hemorrhaging credit cards, and a handful of new clothes she was somewhat uncomfortable with. Cali guessed Amanda's pre-Awakened body had been less than model-perfect.

Before sunrise, they walked around the neighborhood, making it as far as the beach before racing back before the dawn. They ran through their morning routine before Cali took her to the hospital and registered her for blood. Amanda was flabbergasted that the service was free. Next to the DMV, for a valid California ID. Then home for lunch. Scar made an appearance, growled menacingly, but went over to his food. Cali took it to be a nod of acceptance. Together they logged in on TrueGhoulNet to establish their presence, contacted Kurt to bring him up to speed, and began to job search.

Job was why Cali and Amanda were at Cali's workplace so early in the day, for her anyway. Helen hinted to Cali about a Veterinary Assistant's position which was open. Sure, Amanda was mostly unqualified, but two things were in her favor - Cali, and a clear desire to work. Helen helped her fill out the paperwork and her employment records transferred from Ohio, and arranged for the proper appearances in the County's Human Resources office. Cali stayed against the wall, not wanting to crowd her new roomie. They would be living inside each other's space soon enough.

When Amanda finished with Helen, she came over to the wall and joined Cali instead of keeping her seat.

Now we wait, Cali said ominously.

How bad is he? Amanda asked.

Burt is a terror. He's loud, vicious, and demanding, but he's ours. I've never done anything on this job that he has not done and done better than I ever could. The thing you need to remember is that you can let people down on this job, but you can never let down the animals. That's Burt's Law.

Amanda nodded.

Sort of like how I viewed children, but more commitment and less threat of legal consequence.

Cali nodded and grinned.

You're learning. Whatever you do, don't run away and don't start crying. He hates that.

You mean, Amanda asked, from him?

Yeah. Burt hates women who cry almost as much as he hates men that cry, Cali told her.

I'll ... I'll try to remember that. Honestly, I'm more likely to head butt him from across the table than I am to run.

That brought out a guffaw from both Helen and Cali. Helen remained tied to her work, but Cali had to make something clear to Amanda.

He's got a foot on you, Amanda, and about one hundred and fifty pounds.

I've been floored by an eight-year old. Don't say the little guy can't win.

Well, Cali said, let's not go there. I don't know how it works in Columbus, but here in LA, we frown upon beating up our prospective bosses.

No beating-up boss! Got it boss-lady, Amanda shot back playfully.

Robbins! thundered the growl from Burt's office.

Amanda shot up from the wall and strode purposefully toward the open doorway. Cali thought she looked terribly determined, which was good. The idea she could overcome Burt with her one-hundred twenty pound, five foot-two frame was still laughable. Burt was a force of nature. He stood up against all kinds of storms, both natural and man-made. Amanda shut the door behind her at Burt's request.

Then the cursing began. It was muffled by the door and walls, but Cali could imagine the gale buffeting poor Amanda. Cali couldn't stop herself from pacing outside the door. Cali put her reputation with Burt and Helen on the line for a woman she didn't know. Helen asked her what madness had brought this on, was beyond her. Cali went back to the wall and leaned against it once more. Ten minutes later, the door opened and Amanda backed out.

Yes sir. Eight am. I'll be early.

I don't pay any god-damn overtime, damn it, Burt growled once more.

Amanda kept backing up. She saluted into the room. If Burt noticed, he gave no sign. She turned away before bumping into Helen. She grinned wildly to Cali and gave her a double thumbs-up. Cali corralled her and hustled her out of the office. Once they were heading out the front doors did Cali dare to speak.

Amanda interrupted, I got the job.

Yeah, I know that. You start tomorrow, which means we need to get you a bus schedule, because I don't get off until eight in the morning.

Busses? I can do busses. I used them in college.

We'll get you a schedule just to be sure. You'll need to be ready to go by six forty-five, just so you know.

That early? Amanda asked. She looked mildly confused.

LA equals traffic, or hadn't you heard?

Amanda huffed.

Glad I don't need much sleep, because that's thirty minutes to get all made up each morning. I can't wait!

Regretting your choice? Cali inquired.

Hah! Not hardly, busses are nothing. I'll get a car eventually, my first concern is making rent with you ...which we haven't discussed. Next, I get my own place; then a car.

Amanda seemed so confident when she spoke. Cali was beginning to understand that Amanda didn't balk from a challenge. She clearly didn't want to fight a lost cause, but hardship wasn't a deterrent.

How about this? Cali began, You pay me one hundred dollars a month after your first paycheck and that will help you save up for your first place.

Amanda stopped and stared.

I can carry my own weight. You've been more than kind, Amanda added. I have money.

Cali put her hand on her shoulder,

Save your money for food. We eat like pigs. Besides, she winked, I have a way for you to help pay me back?

They started walking down to the old pick-up truck.

What do you think about Southern Cooking?

Amanda looked intrigued.

~

Chapter Three

Tuesday, April 27th 09:30

Santa Monica

It was a busy night; now Cali was trying to relax, but Scar was having none of it. Since Amanda slept on the sofa, the cat actually used the pillow placed by his food dish. He could stay in Cali's room, except for his annoying tendency to claw away at the coverings over the windows. The window faced to the west, it wouldn't be fatal (the building across the street stopped the setting Sun from getting in), but it would be uncomfortable. What Scar really need was attention and Cali was trying to give it to him while keeping up with events going on around the globe.

Before she Awakened, Cali could barely remember who the County Supervisors were. She thought she might know who the governor was. She may have even voted for the current president, but she wasn't sure. China was some place to the West the same way that Vegas was to the East. She always wanted to go to Vegas.

Now national and foreign events were closing in on her. Things in places she couldn't locate on the globe were changing how she lived her life. It was more than just the fear and paranoia generated by the China Incidents; in South Africa, it had been learned Awakened had digested HIV infected blood. They didn't show any signs of infection three days later. The ramifications were huge. Something in the Awakened system promised a cure for AIDS! How that would work out was up to people like Doctor Vandi at the CDC, but the hope of a cure was racing over the globe.

The first documented Awakened use in the government sector that was by Scotland Yard in Great Britain. An Awakened detective, Ibrahim Allef, helped break a drug smuggling ring. Evidence gathered by Inspector Allef's enhanced senses was allowed as legal testimony. The implications again were huge. On the net, people were already making comparisons with Detective Green here in Los Angeles. It was no secret the various governments were bringing Awakened into the fold.

On the flip side to this, a guy, named Harl Magnusson, came forward and declared himself spokesman for the Night Court. Several Awakened across Europe claimed membership, no one was forthcoming with details. It was clear they had some level of power and they aimed to keep it. The question now was where the corresponding organizations in Africa, India, and the Americas? China's problems were exposed; by some estimates the Chinese killed a third of the estimated twenty-five thousand Awakened in their population.

Two other phenomena added to the crazy mix.

One, Blood Cults, groups devoted to an Awakened with charismatic personality. That brought all kinds of reactions on both sides of the nanite divide. Some Awakened hated the concept and saw it as damaging to the perception the world had about them. Others wanted to know how to do such a thing themselves. The cults were relegated to the largest metropolitan areas, namely New York, London, and Paris, where they filled the gossip columns.

The other oddity only now hitting the radar of most people was that the awakenings didn't stop with the events on April ninth/tenth. A slow, but steady procession of people around the globe still going through the shock of transformation. There was nothing explosive about it, maybe a few dozen a day. Still, in the past two weeks, nearly three hundred new cases, and no one was sure what meant.

***

Cali lay down on her bed, a bowl of oatmeal by her side. She had eaten all but the last bits of her breakfast when the phone rang. She groaned as she answered.

Hello? She was thinking that this better be good. It was.

Hello Cali, this is ...

Lafontaine, Cali said, hoping her smile didn't cascade through the connection.

Yeah ... I'm glad to hear that you are okay. Now the Agent paused. Can I ask you something?

Sure, Cali asked in a chipper tone.

Have you ever heard about a group of Awakened called the Blood Eagles?

That brought Cali up short.

No. Can't say I have. What can you tell me about them? Cali responded.

Well, I'm not sure about how much I'm supposed to be giving out, but since this might soon be in your backyard, I wanted to see ...

Don't worry about it, Lafontaine. I'm not going to squeal about this. I know about your job.

Thanks Cali. Seems there is this super-group of Awakened running south of the border. They are taking out one cartel after another. When I say take out, I mean kill every last member they get their hands on. It's pretty brutal stuff. The Federal Police are in trouble. Not only have they not caught these guys, the most likely leader is ex-Federal Police himself. They have excellent intelligence and an alarming way of figuring out who is who. Besides known the drug dealers, they are taking out politicians and police officers they decide are corrupt.

That last bit brought a pause. Despite the risk, Cali had to ask a question.

Do you think they can do something like ... working with minds? I think I actually know someone else like that.

That's what we are thinking here. If they can do this, it's a whole new ballgame, Lafontaine said. That made Cali think. Was there another hidden meaning she had missed? When it came to her, she felt like banging her head against the wall.

I promise you, Lafontaine, the minute after I know something about this, you'll know.

Thanks Cali. Talk only to me. I'm sneaking around on this one.

Got it. One other thing: do you know what Nightwatch is yet?

There was a few silent moments then,

I can't comment on that right now.

O- Kay… Maybe later?

Maybe. I got to run now. Take care.

Lafontaine was gone. There were probably a few things about the FBI Cali should have asked, but her mind was whirling right now. First to talk to Tom; she dialed his number, knowing he'd be asleep. A groggy Tom answered.

Cali? Can I help you?

Yep. We need to meet in person.

Tom immediately came into focus.

Do you have my address?

I think I can remember it, she replied.

Meet me in thirty, and he hung up.

Cali stood up, her early morning lather on was still O.K., finding her keys and sunglasses wouldn't be hard. Only when she put on her wrap-arounds she realized she still wore her uniform. Cali jumped out of her clothes and put on some too-tight jeans and a button-down now three sizes too small. She groaned, she looked like a buxom fifteen year old prostitute; no time to change. She grabbed up her uniform to drop at the cleaners, scratched Scar behind the ear, and bolted out the door.

Three cops gave her the eyeball as she rolled her death-trap into Tom's neighborhood. They were car profiling and since she didn't have lawn equipment in the back, and she wasn't a Beverly Hillbilly, her car was automatically suspect. She managed to climb into Tom's driveway without getting pulled over. Taking a moment to take in Tom's abode, Cali realized the man was really rich. Maybe not Hugh Hefner rich, but easily a millionaire. The Club business must be doing well. As she came up to the door, Tom buzzed her in.

The man was dressed in what was referred to as Malibu Casual. The difference being that Tom looked casual, as if he didn't have a care in the world. Cali was beginning to know him better. Tom was always alert, always learning from those around him. He also didn't put much stock in bullshit.

Tom, I have an idea, she began.

Tom nodded. He also didn't tend to waste words.

You know what Traci does, right?

Yes. She reads minds, he replied.

How about she helps out the police?

That brought Tom up short.

I came up with this while talking with one of my FBI buddies. Seems there's this group called the Blood Eagles, she said.

L’ Aquila Sangre Tom corrected. He was most likely right, they were Mexican.

You've heard of them?

Yes, Tom said cautiously, deep in his own thoughts. There is talk among some people I know, who know some people, that L’ Aquila Sangre are responsible for a major spike in illicit drug prices coming down the line. I don't have details.

Well, I need anything you can get to me, Cali said, trying not to sound too desperate. I owe this FBI contact for what they gave me.

I'll do what I can, Tom replied.

Anyway, this group has been killing people on the other side of the borders and they've been nailing the corrupt cops along with everybody else who's touched the drugs. They are wiping out whole factions. The thing is, they aren't taking over. They wipe out a spot and then move on.

Tom contemplated that for a moment.

If that's the case, and my contacts are right, they are destroying the product and taking the money. I'm not sure why they are drying up the pipeline, but that doesn't really matter. What matters is where they go next, and if they cross the border, am I right?

I would think so, said Cali.

Now, about that other thing, what do we do about Traci?

Cali nodded.

I have some ideas.

Have you asked Traci if she wants to help the police?

Cali stopped in her tracks. Only then did she realize she'd been pacing.

I hadn't thought of that, Cali replied sheepishly.

I think she'll go for it. She's that kind of person, but it would be polite to ask her before tossing this grenade in Green's lap, Tom said. What happens from there is the province of lawyers.

Cali hesitated, so Tom pulled out his phone and clicked three buttons before holding it up to his ear.

Traci, Tom here. Can I convince you to meet Cali and I for lunch. On me, it's big, he added. Then he said, Jack and Jill’s, twelve fifteen.

He hung up. Cali looked at Tom then at herself.

Why do I always feel underdressed, she said half-jokingly.

It's easy for a guy, Tom pointed out, you judge a man by the women he's with. You judge a woman by how much of her body she flaunts. It is the way it is.

Cali eyed Tom.

You were in great shape before, weren't you?

Good, not great. I did exercise an hour every day, but I put in long hours and needed to keep up my stamina. Since then, I've added muscle mass and lost what little extra weight I was carrying, but I've kept my wardrobe if that's what you mean.

Cali snorted.

My hips got wider and my boobs got bigger, she challenged.

Instead of a smirk, Tom showed genuine sympathy.

How about I let you borrow a shirt? It will be a bit of an improvement. Silk, or Cotton?

Cali went with the Cotton. It did make her look like someone who was now allowed to dress themselves, but it was still snug. Tom was very polite through her ordeal.

Tom, are you gay?

Tom chuckled.

I get that a lot. My rule is that I don't date within business. You and I are working in the same Awakened group and I'm not going to jeopardize that. The same way I won't date my wait staff, or distributors, or other co-workers. As you see, I limit my dating pool. My last date was March, Two thousand- nine. She was really nice. The only problem was our schedules. She got off around nine pm were as that's the start of my rush hour. We parted amicably.

You haven't had sex in over a year, Cali choked; I thought I was in a slump.

I didn't say I'd not had sex, Tom winked, only that I'd not been on a date.

So escorts don't count as dating? Cali mused.

If the check comes at the start of the night, then it's not really a date, Tom lobbed back. I've met some nice women, but, he sighed, its business. I can't get passed that.

I understand. How would I feel about a guy who handed me my half of the bill for tonight's fun when he came to pick me up? I might still go out, but the odds of him getting any were slim.

Tom nodded.

What's your excuse? Tom pried.

Ha! Burned by men and women, I'm taking a hiatus from a sex life.

Somehow talking all it all over, with a man she hadn't known a month was totally natural. She thought about Donner, but she knew the difference. She might sleep with Donner, if it felt right. She'd never sleep with Tom. They could be friends, but they'd never be lovers. That sensation was liberating.

I think you are unsure about your bi-sexuality, Tom ventured.

I'm confident in my sexuality, she countered.

You think of it as a man this week and a woman next. They are the same. Don't go out looking for a woman and ignore a guy you might meet. I see it all the time. People cycle when they don't have to. You'll be happier when the sex of the partner doesn't matter.

Cali stared at him. She'd never thought of it that way. She wasn't sure he was right, but it was food for thought. She was still thinking about his words when it was time to go. There was very little argument about which car to take. Tom had a Volvo. Cali had a road hazard.

***

You want me to do what, Traci hissed.

Think about it, Cali whispered back. You can figure out who is lying, what evidence can be gathered, and what a suspect knows when they won't talk.

Can't someone else do this? she whimpered.

No one can do what you do with the legal experience you possess, Tom added.

Traci looked down into her lap. Her hand trembled slightly.

You are right to be scared, Tom said. There is no guarantee that this will remain secret. When it comes out, I'm not sure what kinds of threats you will face.

Cali looked to Tom.

You aren't selling this well.

Tom spared Cali a glance, but returned his gaze to Traci. He reached out and placed one hand upon Traci's.

This is not something you sell, Cali. I think we've done what we can do by making Traci aware of the possibilities.

Yeah, possibilities, Traci muttered.

Yea, Tom's right, Cali admitted. Things could go badly if what you do becomes public. I still think you could do a lot of good in the meantime.

Conversation ceased as their lunches were delivered. They ate in silence for ten minutes. Cali found she herself full of nervous energy. As she wolfed down the last of her salad, she caught Traci's low voice saying,

I'll do it.

Tom nodded. Cali wanted to do a happy-dance. Tom was sedate.

Given a chance to reexamine the situation, she realized that Traci was incredibly nervous. Anything could break the spell and make Traci change her mind. Traci seemed to sense this and looked over to Cali.

I've always loved the law. I still want to go to law school someday, this way I get to participate in the legal process first hand.

She followed that up with a moment later with,

I'll have to tell my office what I'm up to. Not the specifics, but the fact that I'm working for the LAPD. They deserve to know.

Now we see if Green can use you, Tom clarified. Nothing is set in stone yet. He needs to wrap his mind around the implications of this manifestation and figure out how useful it is.

How soon? Traci responded earnestly. Cali sensed that her friend was becoming invested in this idea. Traci's biggest personality quirk was a need to belong. This was a chance to be part of something greater. The problem was how much bigger was this going to be?

We can talk to Green tonight at, Tom pointed out. We can see what he wants to do, and work it from there.

Traci nodded. Cali's gaze shifted from one Awakened to the other. She was sure this idea could save lives. Now she suddenly felt guilty for Traci's life. Traci rightly appeared nervous. Tom was outwardly calm. He made no attempt to take the decision away from Traci. By not tricking her, he had gotten her to do what he and Cali thought was necessary. Cali was very happy Tom was on her side. He was a buffer between the world and her impetuous ideas.

~

Chapter Four

Wednesday, April 28, 10:00

UCLA Medical Center

How's tricks, Doc? Cali joked when Vandi entered the room. He looked up, his usual somewhat harried look about him.

Oh, fascinating day, Ms. Walker - Cali, he answered, Fascinating day.

I take it you haven't found out anything new about my nanites, so what is it?

Vandi smiled at that.

We are still learning a great deal from your nanites, Cali. Please don't think we've finished with you.

Anything you can share?

Vandi gave a half-nod.

Well, we've confirmed the first case of a kidnapped Awakened. Randal Timms of Kansas City was detained by a well-known pharmaceutical manufacturer. Unfortunately for them, they under-estimated the metabolism and strength of Mr. Timms and he broke free. At this point and time, the FBI is investigating this as a kidnapping. I count this as a win.

Yea us! was Cali's mock proclamation as she pumped her fist.

On the less positive, but highly interesting front, there seems to be a powerful Awakened in India who can cause Category A's to awaken. To date, they remain Awakened. His 'disciples' all appear to be Category B. We've tried, through the WHO, to study this individual, but with little success so far. He has been called the Blood Raj by one account, but his own name is a closely guarded secret. What is clear is that he is creating a cult within India. I don't know what the government there will do about him.

Cali thought about that a moment.

Well, that definitely sounds like a Category E. Shouldn't there be another E somewhere in the subcontinent?

By our calculations, yes, Vandi responded, but like in most of the world, the Category E's remain in hiding. Even then, we are equating a rate of ten thousand to one in the rate of Category B’s and Category E’s. That would indicate fourteen worldwide.

Craptastic, gasped Cali. Seeing two at work was bad enough. Thinking of one of them being like Clearsky was horrifying. So ... wow, do we have any clue as to how they do what they do?

Again Vandi nodded.

The fire-technique exhibited is something that had us confused. We now think that the user manipulates nanites in the air to channel and redirect energy passing through it. That is why the fire seems to flow around the user instead of backing up on its source. We identify the manifestation as Bending.

So the guy in China is a fire-bender; as in Avatar, the series, not the movie, Cali asked?

Yes. Indeed, Vandi affirmed.

The level of mind control we saw was actually something that we were aware of. We have seen evidence of higher level nanites hijacking certain functions in the brains of others. We call that Pushing.

The mirror form of that is called Sparking. Essentially, you give nanites suggestions and the individual victim's mind figures out how to respond to them. Pushing is short lived and obvious. Sparking can go on for some time after the creature had ceased manipulations.

This is not the end of it though. The nanites also are capable of manipulating emotional responses in people. In documented cases, this is relatively minor fear, or friend responses, but we can hypothesize a greater degree of control such as that woman in China who was able to control hundreds of people at one time.

I have to admit, she creeps me out more than that pissed off dude. She'll do things to you and you'll go along with it. The guy will just kill you, Cali stated.

I disagree. The man is clearly unhinged. The woman, for all her faults, was reacting to external threats and did what she had to survive. The man enjoyed taking life, Vandi countered.

Cali thought that one over. She valued her independence, but if Vandi was right, the woman could be reasoned with. Crazy was always crazy. Yet again, Vandi had given her food for thought.

Vandi continued on.

It does look like Awakened recuperative powers will provide real hope for suffers of AIDS. All we have to do is figure out a way to have your nanites to remain active inside an infected person. At the very least, it will halt the spread of the virus. Once we figure out the proper application, we can actually purge the body of all traces, saving them for all time.

How close are we? Cali asked.

Not too close. Mind you, it has only been two and a half weeks. We discovered the AIDS factor only when it was discovered the blood supply was tainted. When we learned that several Awakened had been infected due to the emergency measures taken to gather blood. The WHO studied them over several days and they cured themselves.

Is there anything we can't do? she joked.

Seriously? Unless your brainstem is severed, you will recover from any wound, overcome any aliments, and defeat any toxin.

Vandi's intensity brought the point home to Cali.

So, keep the head on, and I'll live forever? Wasn't there a TV series about that?

Vandi blinked.

I'm afraid I don't watch my TV, he answered.

'No,' thought Cali,' you are busy saving lives.' She began wondering how long Vandi had been preparing for this. She wouldn't have been surprised if he answered 'Elementary School.'

~

Chapter Five

Wednesday, April 28, 16:00

Lancaster, Los Angeles County, California

They didn't name it Lancaster Prison because it upset the locals. Instead it was CPS - Los Angeles County. This wasn't Cali's first trip to the facility, but it was the first time she'd come alone. Her plate of brownies and box of California Spicy Fried Chicken was taken from her to be checked out by the guards. She wouldn't be surprised if a leg or two went missing; Mrs. Jones made some really good stuff.

In a roundabout way, it was Mrs. Jones who brought her here. She was here to meet Tyrell Jones, Mrs. Jones' youngest child. No one would call him the baby of the family, save Mrs. Jones, if they wanted to live. Though nearly sixty, he was a wall of muscle, tall and bulky. If anyone was to play him in a movie, it would be Michael Clark Duncan, except Tyrell never smiled. Tyrell was in prison for murdering two men with his bare hands. He'd killed a few men on the inside since then. He was facing ‘Life Without The Possibility of Parole;’ he was never getting out.

During a psyche evaluation, when asked if he would do anything different with his life if he could do it all over again, he had responded 'Not get caught.' He was a bad man.

His Mother, Mrs. Jones, had stuck by him despite that. She made his girlfriend and baby son stop by. The girl remarried, but when the boy turned seventeen, he came to Tyrell and told him he was changing his last name back to Jones. The boy became a man and had come back to show his Father his Medical Doctorate in Optometry. These days, he brought his wife and children around on Tyrell's birthday to keep him in touch with their family. It was Mrs. Jones' doing.

Now it was those connections that brought Cali here. She was part of Mrs. Jones' extended family, and Cali needed a favor from Tyrell. She hadn't told Mrs. Jones why she was coming, only that she was. What she wanted to know was dangerous for the older woman. Cali sensed Tyrell could see that.

Hello Tyrell, she started.

Cali, was the reply.

How have you been?

That's not why you are here, is it? the Big Man rumbled. He wasn't angry. This was his style.

I need a favor.

Tyrell nodded. They were in the meeting room with several other groups. Cali leaned in a bit.

Have you ever heard of a group called the Blood Eagles? They are in Mexico.

No, he responded. Tyrell wasn't one to waste words.

Cali hesitated.

Could you find out?

Tyrell mulled that over for a few seconds.

Is this going to come back and bite Mom?

Now it was Cali's moment to think that over. Finally she shook her head.

No. It may come back on me, but that's it.

Okay. Why do you want to know? he asked.

There have been these killings along the US-Mexico Border. Some really crazy shit, I ...

No, why do YOU want to know?

Cali hesitated once more. She really didn't want to lie to him, so she didn't.

When I was up on Montana, I was helping these Feds with a murderer. I met this agent and we got along. They asked me if I knew something about the killings and I sorta/kinda want to help out.

Tyrell nodded. He apparently believed her. He stood up. The meeting was over. He turned and started walking away. Over his shoulder he said,

I'll call you in a day or two if I learn anything. Tell Mom I'm doing well. I'll see her Monday.

The Mountain that moved like a Man left the Hall. Cali worried about what trouble she was getting him into.

~

Chapter Six

Thursday, April 29, 22:00

West Los Angeles

Somehow the job lost some of its adrenaline rush for Cali. Tracking down errant dogs, cats, and a variety of wildlife became too easy. When all you needed to do was coerce a raccoon, or cat, into a cage with your mind, you knew you were going to win. Her call-success ratio was unreal, but her fun factor was way down. To make up for the boredom, Cali started to talk to the animals she was controlling. She discovered somethings; animals were in no way comparable to humans as conversationalist, but they knew details about their environment untapped until Cali could play Dr. Doolittle. They kept visual and scent based maps in their heads of the places they'd been to. Cali began making notes of animal patterns, dens, and favored feeding sites. This stuff she could pass on to her co-workers.

Suddenly, she felt a pulse followed by a sense that something horrible had happened. Cali looked around but saw nothing. She figured out who would be up this late at night. She took a chance and called Amanda.

Before she could get a word out, Amanda broke in,

Did you feel that? That was spooky.

Yeah, me too, said Cali. Anyone have a clue?

I'll get on the net and see who knows what. I'll keep you in the loop. Good luck hunting those possums, Amanda finished mockingly.

You'll have to clean their cages in the morning, 'Most Junior Techie.'

Having gotten in the last laugh, Cali cut the connection. She couldn't dispatch the feeling that something bad and wrong happened, and her nanites were trying to figure out what it was.

She was beginning to wonder if Roger Vasquez didn't have the right idea. He'd come out as a Category D and sent in his paperwork to be reactivated by the Marine Corp. Rumor was he was at Camp Pendleton on Tuesday. Vasquez made it very clear that as a former Active duty, and former Reservist, he held service to Country first, above all other things. While the Government Administration was dragging its feet, the military wasn't. They even sent some troops up to help him pack.

Quietly, Tom applauded the move. It was good PR for the Los Angeles Awakened and it also removed a potential rival to the group's expanding influence. From Cali's perspective, Tom was always looking two steps ahead. A strong, charismatic D could have been an uncomfortable factor in Tom's plans. Vasquez willingly removed himself from the political landscape. Tom wasn't going to throw away the opportunity this provided.

On a different political front, things were less comforting. Bannister was active again, this time on a national scale. He was creating a Foundation of United Awakened Charities and planning large fund raising events in several major cities, LA included. In fact, LA was the last stop on the tour. The Charity was a good idea. It was going to take over the donations and feeding of the American Awakened. Cali worried about Bannister being in command. The guy was getting renowned for taking home pairs of barely legal club girls. There was a different pair almost every night.

Tom worried more about the math. What Bannister wanted would require a General Fund in the Billions, with a capital B. Bannister planned to raise it all in three months. By then, the local municipalities helping the Awakened would deplete their funding.

Sure, it would help the thousands of Awakened who didn't even have that to rely on, but would they be at the mercy of Bannister's whims? Could this be his play for a national power base?

She was going to do something about that; she didn't know what, but she knew something would occur to her. Somehow each Awakened needed to be in charge of their individual destiny, not be chained down to any government or charity. If big brother tried to close the net around the Awakened,