The Release Part II

I Prisoner of War

Hurry, hurry!  We don’t have much time! Doctor Jones shouts.

Gunfire is heard from afar and everyone in the group trembles in fear.  Rebecca looks at her surroundings, struggling to maintain her composure. 

How did it come to this?  I thought Mr. Wilson had things under control!  He assured me...assured US that own network of friends kept this place secret!  We were supposed to be safe!

Rebecca looks around the room as her heart races.  She tries to calm herself by blocking out the sounds of the gunshots.  Rebecca is startled by the sound of an explosion that echoes throughout the room.

We were supposed to re-group, plan, work with the people and spread the word!  Now we’ve got Federales and the US government breaking down the doors, ready to arrest or kill us on site!  I don’t know how much more I can take!

The sounds of gunfire echo throughout the room.  One of the men that is standing by the door shakes with fear.  He looks at Doctor Jones and speaks. 

We’re dead man!  We’re fucking dead!  I heard one of them shout, ‘Take no prisoners!’ and ‘Shoot to kill!’  We’re outnumbered and surrounded!  Every exit is blocked off and they’re coming closer!

Dr. Jones looks at the man and shouts, Josh shut the fuck up!  We will make it out of here, you’ll see!  Mr. Wilson has always found a way for all of us to continue our mission and he won’t fail!  You just need to keep calm and focus on the task at hand.  Understand?

Josh’s lips tremble as he tries to control his fear.  He looks at everyone in the room as they focus on him. 

Yes doc.  Sorry about that.  I forgot that we’re all serving a higher purpose.  I’ve been released and want others to experience the glory, the joy of being released.

Dr. Jones approvingly nods his head.  He looks at the group of people surrounding him and smiles. 

Good.  Don’t forget how you got here.  Don’t any of you forget what you went through.  Remember the pain and suffering you endured before you were released?  Mr. Wilson has shown us all the joy of being released!  He speaks the truth!  Mr. Wilson has been chosen.  He is the one that will spread the word!  The non-believers will be shown the error of their ways!

The group nod their heads in agreement.  They look at each other, trying to build up their courage and confidence. 

They will learn all about the glory, the joy of being released!  Mr. Wilson and his new disciple, Rebecca who also has the gift of sight will show the world that Mr. Wilson speaks the truth!

All eyes focus on Rebecca as Dr. Jones speaks.  She nervously smiles and stands upright.  Rebecca steps forward and looks at the group.  She stands next to Dr. Jones as he steps back, allowing her to address the group.

Doctor Jones is right.  Mr. Wilson speaks the truth!  I have seen the essence that surrounds us.  I have seen the glory, the joy of others being released.  These people fear us!  They fear the truth!

Rebecca’s nervousness begins to subside as she speaks to the group.  Her confidence grows as she sees the expressions on their faces change.  Their fear turns into confidence as Rebecca speaks.

They don’t want to lose the money and power they have acquired from their followers to go away when their followers realize they have been deceived!  Political leaders, religious leaders have condemned us!

Rebecca’s confidence continues to grow as she speaks.  She looks at the group and asks them, Why?  Because we speak the truth!  We know the truth and that scares people!  Especially people in power!  We will persevere!  We will succeed!  We will spread the word!  We will all be released!

Everyone in the room and smiles and cheers.  Doctor Jones whispers, Everyone be quiet!  We can’t be too loud or they will hear us and know where we are!

Rebecca looks at Doctor Jones and asks, Where’s Mr. Wilson now?  Did he give you any update or tell you what we’re doing next?  I’m sure that he must have told you something.

Doctor Jones looks at the group, then at Rebecca.  He motions for Rebecca to come closer to him.  Doctor Jones quickly looks around the room, ensuring that no one can hear him.

I don’t know Rebecca.  I last heard from him about an hour ago.  He was trying to reason with our attackers and almost succeeded.  Some of them broke their ranks and refused to fight, the rest fired upon Mr. Wilson and the group.

Doctor Jones pauses before continuing.  He fights back a tear and say, They were able to escape...but we lost Officer Todd.  He was killed in the crossfire.

Rebecca gasps in shock.  She whispers, Those animals!  He was such a sweet man!  He was just misunderstood.  He was so kind to Mr. Wilson.  He was so kind to me!  It’s so unfair!

Rebecca starts to cry.  Doctor Jones touches Rebecca on her shoulder and rubs it, trying to console her. 

He’s been released Rebecca.  He’s happy now.  Officer Todd... Luke is in a better place now.

Rebecca looks at Doctor Jones and smiles.  She hears a faint crackling sound from the walkie-talkie that is strapped to the side of her leg.  A faint voice is heard from the walkie-talkie, one that Rebecca recognizes, making her smile.

Rebecca, it’s Tom.  Don’t speak, just listen to what I have to say.  I don’t have long to speak.  Unfortunately, time is not on our side.  Even though I tried to reason with our attackers, they fired upon us.  They killed Officer Todd and shot several of our people.

Rebecca’s smile disappears as Mr. Wilson speaks.  He pauses to catch his breath then says, I was able to escape with the rest our people and we’re going to the other location now.  Doctor Jones knows where it is.

Rebecca tries to control her emotions.  A cold chill goes down her spine as she thinks to herself.

Oh God, what is going to happen now?  Are we going to get out of here alive?  If our attackers find us, what will they do to us?  Will they bring us to the authorities?  Will they kill us?  I’ve never been this scared in my life!

Doctor Jones notices the fear in Rebecca’s eyes.  He moves closer to her as he tries to calm her.

We will be alright.  Mr. Wilson was able to escape and so will we.  You don’t need to be scared.  I know where we’re going.  It’s a safe place.

Rebecca nods her head as she tries to calm herself.  She is startled when she hears the sound of a gunshot from afar.  The walkie-talkie slips out of her hand and Doctor Jones instinctively reaches over to prevent it from hitting the floor.

Doctor Jones places the walkie-talkie close to his ear.  He eagerly waits for Mr. Wilson to continue speaking.  A shuffling sound is heard from the walkie-talkie as Mr. Wilson speaks.

You have to get out of there now!  I can see them getting closer to our people!  Rebecca MUST be protected!  She is the future!  She is the one!  Rebecca must live!

Rebecca is concerned by Mr. Wilson’s comments.  She stares at Doctor Jones with a blank expression, not knowing what to do or say.  Doctor Jones presses the red button on the side of the walkie-talkie to speak as he looks at Rebecca.

Sir, what do you want us to do?  Should we try to get everyone out or is Rebecca the top priority?  I am standing right next to her and we can escape.  Please advise.

Rebecca is angered by Doctor Jones’ question. 

What the fuck?  What do you mean, ‘Should we try to get everyone out?’  Of course we should try to get everyone out!  I’m not above everyone else!  These people are here because they believe!  The support our cause!  I am NOT going anywhere unless they come with us!

Doctor Jones breathes deeply, trying to maintain his composure.  The sound of Rebecca’s voice begins to annoy him as she shouts at him.  He thought, I swear if we didn’t need her, I’d leave her behind!  Doctor Jones tries to stay calm as he speaks to Rebecca.

Rebecca, you don’t understand how important you are.  You ARE the future.  You are the one.  You....

I don’t give a shit!  I am NOT going to have anyone else sacrifice their life to save mine!  Captain Harris was shot to death helping me escape the police precinct and Matthew took a bullet that was meant for me!  No more!

Doctor Jones angrily stares at Rebecca.  He sighs in frustration as Rebecca speaks.  He looks at Rebecca and asks, Did you hear all of that sir?

Rebecca is shocked as she notices that Doctor Jones’ finger is pressing down on the red button of the walkie-talkie.  He removes his finger from the red button as Mr. Wilson begins to speak.

Becky, Becky, Becky.  My sweet, caring Becky.  That’s what I love about you so much!  Your caring heart.  Your compassion for others.  Let me alleviate your fears.  While I appreciate and respect Doctor Jones’ loyalty and dedication to our cause, the LAST thing I want is bloodshed.

Rebecca begins to feel at ease when Mr. Wilson speaks to her.  Her breathing starts to return to normal from the sound of Mr. Wilson’s soothing voice.  She leans against the wall as Doctor Jones holds up the walkie-talkie in the air.

We have lost too many good people during our journey.  I want the bloodshed to stop.  Unfortunately, our attackers do not share my sentiment.  That being said, I need you both to work together and lead our people out to safety.  THAT is our top priority.

Rebecca looks at Doctor Jones and smirks.  He ignores her gesture and continues to listen to Mr. Wilson as he speaks.

Doctor Jones, you know all of the details of our escape plan.  I need you to help Rebecca and get everyone out safely to the other location.  I am almost there and have been assured that they are ready for our arrival.  Once we are there, we can regroup and continue our plans to spread the word.

Rebecca breathes a sigh of relief as Mr. Wilson speaks.  Thank God SOMEONE has some common sense! she thought. 

Rebecca looks at Doctor Jones as he nods his head in disagreement.  She thought, What an asshole!  He’d sacrifice all of these people so we can escape!  I’ll have to talk to Mr. Wilson about this when I see him.

Mr. Wilson continues to speak to Doctor Jones.  Rebecca smirks as Doctor Jones begrudgingly listens.

This is just one more obstacle that we have to endure.  This will only strengthen us, not weaken us.  We will continue to spread the word and show everyone the glory, the joy of being released!

Rebecca and Doctor Jones smile from Mr. Wilson’s words of confidence.  Doctor Jones presses the red button on the walkie-talkie and says, Yes sir!  We’ll get started right away!  We’ll get everyone out of here now.

Good, very good.  I’m glad to hear that.  Doctor Jones, can I speak to Rebecca privately for a moment?  I have to tell her something very important and time is of the essence.

Doctor Jones passes the walkie-talkie to Rebecca.  He looks at Rebecca and says, I’m going to get everyone ready to go while you talk to Mr. Wilson.  We’ll be leaving in five minutes, so you’ll need to be fast.  Rebecca nods her head and says, OK.

Doctor Jones quickly walks away from Rebecca.  She places the walkie-talkie next to her ear and presses the red button.  Before she speaks, Rebecca takes a quick look around to ensure that no one else is around her.

Mr. Wilson...Tom, it’s Becky.  I’m by myself now.  Doctor Jones left to get ready for our escape.  What’s going on?

Mr. Wilson clears his throat and exhales.  He looks around the room before he speaks.  Mr. Wilson presses the red button on his walkie-talkie and speaks.

Becky, I know that you’re scared, but I need you...WE need you to be strong.  Now is when you need to be strong and become what I know you can be.  You are a leader.

Rebecca smiles as Mr. Wilson speaks.  She presses the red button and says, I don’t know if I can do that.  I don’t feel ready for that.  I’m not sure that I can meet your expectations of me.  I don’t want to let you down.

Becky, I’m sure you won’t.  I have faith in you.  No one is ever ready to be a leader, it just happens naturally.  Unfortunately, I have to tell you something that concerns me.  We have a snake in our garden Becky.  Someone among us has betrayed us.

Rebecca is shocked by Mr. Wilson’s comment.  She looks at her surroundings, ensuring that Doctor Jones cannot hear her.

Oh my God!  How did you find out?  Does anyone else know this?  Who is it?  Is it someone that is here with me or there with you?

I honestly don’t know Becky.  This person has been hiding among us and wants to harm me.  I am trying to find out who it is, but I’ve been having some difficulty focusing.  I’ve been having migraine headaches and gaps in my memory.

Mr. Wilson sighs and hangs his head low.  He breathes deeply and exhales.  Mr. Wilson feels a sharp, stabbing pain on the side of his head.  A small trickle of blood comes out of his nose and he quickly wipes it away.  He presses the red button on the walkie-talkie and speaks.

You are the only person I’ve told this to.  No one else knows.  I also fear that I’m losing the gift or worse, I may be dying.  I guess facing my own mortality is making my emotions get the better of me.  My heart is racing as I tell you this.

Rebecca is shocked by Mr. Wilson’s admission.  She tightens her grip on the walkie-talkie as a tear rolls down her cheek.  A cold chill runs down Rebecca’s spine as more tears flow from her eyes. 

Tom, I’m so scared.  I wish you were here.  You could lead us out of here and go to a doctor.  You have to get better!  Not just for us, but for yourself!  We need to know what’s happening to you!

The sincerity and concern in Rebecca’s voice brings Mr. Wilson to tears.  He pauses as tears flow from his eyes.  Mr. Wilson smiles and wipes away his tears.  He wipes his hand on his jeans and smiles.  Oh Becky, your words mean so much to me!  I wish I could be there with you too! he thought.

Mr. Wilson regains his composure.  He wipes away his tears one more time and holds the walkie-talkie by his cheek.  Mr. Wilson presses the red button and pauses before speaking to Rebecca.

Becky, now is the time for YOU to lead.  I trust Doctor Jones, but YOU are the future Becky.  He’s a good man, a loyal comrade, but something’s changed about him.  I can’t figure it out.  I want you to focus on him and see what his true intentions are.

Rebecca nods her head and presses the red button on her walkie-talkie.  She tearfully says, Yes.  I will Tom, I will.  I’ll find out what’s going on.  We’ll see what’s going on with Doctor Jones.  You trust him, but I don’t.  He’s...shady.

Rebecca notices that Doctor Jones is running towards her.  The concerned look on his face worries Rebecca as she wipes away her tears.

Time’s up!  Get off of the walkie-talkie!  We have to go!  NOW!

Rebecca moves the walkie-talkie away from her ear and says, Just give me one more minute!  Mr. Wilson was telling me something important!  You interrupted us just as he was going to speak!

Doctor Jones angrily stares at Rebecca and whispers, Fucking bitch!

Rebecca looks at Doctor Jones and says, What did you say?  Can you repeat that?  I didn’t hear you.

Doctor Jones angrily says, I said that we need to go!  Everyone’s left!  I came back to get you out of here!  We don’t have much time!  We have to go now!  They’re waiting for us!

Rebecca ignores Doctor Jones’ pleas and continues to speak.  She presses the red button and says, Tom, I’m back.  What else should I do?

Doctor Jones angrily walks away from Rebecca.  He clenches his fists in anger as he walks up the corridor.

Fuck this bitch!  She’s such a stupid, arrogant twat!  I sacrificed my practice for this!  I’ve been loyal to Mr. Wilson since day one, but this bitch has really tested my patience!  She has no idea how much danger we’re in!

Doctor Jones angrily stares at Rebecca as she speaks. 

What makes HER so fucking special?  Even though she has the gift, she’s been useless!  All of her credibility as a reporter flew out the window when she helped Mr. Wilson escape!  She’s done NOTHING to help our cause!