Ghosts of the Past: Reaper's War, #2

1. Two years later.

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1. Two years later.

Spearhead has been left in disarray. Foxx’s death has created a power vacuum yet to be filled. The Reaper has been systematically targeting Spearhead’s members leaving them solely on defense.

The surviving members have come together for a secret meeting to discuss the fate, and future leadership of the failing organization. Tensions are high as most believe that this meeting is a mistake and puts them all at risk. The only source of comfort is that the Reaper has never come all the way to Washington D.C. before, so why would he now? A lavish hall was selected to hold the meeting. The kind of place that probably cost a small fortune to rent for a single evening.

Carl Petrus had been the one to call this meeting. He felt they had gone on long enough without an official leader to take over for Foxx. He had every intention of making this evening his coronation. He chose the location because it was the type of place that makes men like this feel comfortable and important. The type of place that just oozed exclusivity. All had arrived and more chatter than he liked had begun amidst the crowd.

Quiet, all of you. Everyone will have their chance to be heard. Petrus said as he stepped in front of a podium. As you all know, we have a lot to discuss, and we can’t afford to be together in one location for too long. Now, all of you know me. I am Carl Petrus, Secretary of Defense. I believe my position affords me the best vantage point to properly steer our organization. I also believe myself to be more practical than the late Mr. Foxx. I call for a vote to install myself as the new leader of Spearhead.

Grumbles and discussion came from the crowded hall as members discussed. Seconded! was called from the chaos.

I have a second. All those in favor say I.

Now hold on there just a minute, came a voice from behind Carl Petrus. An older gentleman wearing an expensive suit stepped into view. I don’t believe there should be a vote before someone else has their chance to speak. I do believe you just said that everyone would have their chance, he said.

Petrus turned around to get a better look at who had interrupted. He gave the speaker an annoyed look. I don’t know you, why don’t you just go stand out there with the rest,

Perhaps if you gave me a chance to speak, you might know who I am.

Petrus’ annoyed look didn’t improve as he continued to stare. Very well, you can speak, but keep it short, he replied.

The newcomer stepped to the podium and adjusted the microphone to his level. Mr. Petrus would like your vote to be in control, isn’t that nice? I have a different point of view though. For those of you who may not know me. My name is Peter Blake. I am the senator for the great state of Michigan. I’m not here to ask for your vote like Mr. Petrus. I would like to start by addressing the big ole boogeyman in our lives, the Reaper. He is a problem that we inherited from the late Mr. Foxx, the product of an insane delusion of world domination from my understanding. Mr. Petrus would have you all believe that his position will afford him the ability to deal with our problem. That just raises another question to me though. I ask you, if his position provides him the ability to eliminate the Reaper, why hasn’t he already done so?

Quiet discussion erupted through the crowd. Senator Blake looked back to see that Mr. Petrus was none too pleased with his comment, and he flashed him a grin and a wink before turning back to the crowd. No, my friends, Mr. Petrus can’t rid us of the Reaper, but I can, Senator Blake said. That’s why I am not here to ask you for your vote. Richard Foxx did not ask for anyone’s vote when he started this organization. He had the balls to walk in and tell everybody how things were going to be. I’m here to tell you that I am now in charge now, whether you like it or not.

Wait just a damn minute! Carl Petrus said stepping forward again.

Senator Blake snapped his fingers. A loud gunshot rang through the hall, and Carl Petrus fell to the floor dead.

The crowd looked around for the shooter to see an armored figure perched on the railing of the upstairs level. He jumped into the air, performing a flip before he landed next to Senator Blake.

It’s the Reaper! Someone screamed from the crowd as a panic began.

Senator Blake held his hands up to the crowd. Ladies and Gentlemen, please, let’s all settle down. I’m sorry for the display, but I needed to get my point across. I would like to introduce all of you to Ares, he said while holding a hand out toward the armored figure.

Whispers erupted throughout the hall. We were told the Ares project had failed. That was the project that created the Reaper, a voice called from in the crowd.

It may be true that the Reaper was the original Ares, but the project was not a total failure. Untold to others, there were two subjects. The second was a success, and here he stands.

How is he supposed to help. Foxx was the only person that knew who the Reaper was, and we’ve all been chasing our tails trying to figure it out.

I know who he is, Ares spoke in a distorted voice, causing the crowd to go silent.

So what, we’re just supposed to trust that your little freak here is going to be able to deal with the Reaper.

Ares raised his gun and shot the commenter. Senator Blake laughed as he motioned for Ares to lower the weapon. Now, Now, Ares, we can’t just go shooting all of our esteemed members just because we don’t like what they have to say.

Ares holstered his weapon and gave a nod for the Senator to continue.

I do believe that you’re all entitled to believe whatever the hell you want. After all, this is a very entitled group. I myself haven’t been a part of Spearhead for very long. I wasn’t brought in until after Foxx’s death. Guess I didn’t fit the criteria until all of you were desperate. Know this though, I’m in charge in now, and you will all accept that. If anyone would like to object, feel free to state your peace now, Senator Blake said.

A silence fell over the crowd that brought a smile to his face. He gave a low chuckle. Well then, let’s get down to business.

2.

Paul Wheeler walked down the hall of the Whitehouse toward the oval office. President Haye had personally called him to come in, and he didn’t like the idea of this surprise meeting. The operation against Spearhead had been going well, but the Reaper wasn’t exactly subtle. He had drawn a lot of attention in the media, and Wheeler’s agency had been tasked with stopping him.

Wheeler knew this meeting was likely about that. Only a select few that he knew he could trust knew the Reaper was an asset. The President and his advisors were not among that group. He had no reason to suspect President Haye, but with an operation like this, it was better to air on the side of caution.

He entered the office to see President Haye seated at his desk. David Cavanaugh, the Director of the CIA was seated in the room as well. Cavanaugh was on the Reaper’s list. His position within the government made him a particularly well insulated and difficult target to deal with. Wheeler had asked the Reaper to leave Cavanaugh to him, and so far, he had respected that.

The rest of the seating was filled by Vice President Anthony Vole, General Vincent Bell, Director Tom Gamble of Homeland Security, and Director Ann Watts of the NSA. It appeared that he was late to the party.

Have a seat Paul, we need to get started, President Haye said as he seen Wheeler enter.

Mind telling me what this about, Nathan? Wheeler asked as he took a seat.

President Haye leaned back in his chair and loosened his tie as he looked around the room. We have two things to discuss that need immediate attention. First on the list, I’ve read your briefings on this Spearhead organization, Paul.

Are we really here to discuss some fairy tale, secret organization? Cavanaugh interrupted.

Wheeler looked directly at Cavanaugh. Oh, I think we both know it’s no fairy tale, David.

And what the hell is that supposed to mean?

Enough, President Haye said. I’ve seen enough evidence to reasonably assume this organization is real, and a threat to national security. I can’t even begin to fathom how long this must have been going on to get this bad.

What would you like us to do? Director Watts asked.

Nothing, at least, most of you will do nothing. I’m exercising Presidential authority for the creation of a new government agency. One that will investigate and deal with this situation. They will also be left in place to ensure that this won’t happen again once this task is complete.

Who’s going to be in charge of this new organization, one of us? Director Gamble asked.

Unfortunately, we don’t know how deep this goes. Multiple government agents and officials have already been implicated, Vice President Vole replied.

So, what’s that supposed to mean? Director Watts asked.

It means we can’t be trusted if they don’t know we’re not involved, General Bell replied. Smart if you ask me.

Paul, you brought this to me. I highly doubt you would expose yourself, so that means I need your help. I need you to recruit a Director for this agency. Help him get started, and help him recruit a staff, President Haye said.

Wheeler sat up a little straighter and fixed his tie. I might already have someone in mind for the job to be honest. An unconventional choice, but I think that might be just what we need here.

We’ll discuss the details in a later meeting. We need to move on to the second topic. This one Paul, you’re not going to like.

Wheeler sat back, already knowing what this topic was going to be. He feared this wasn’t going to end well."

Along with this Spearhead problem, we have another. I’m sure you all have read stories about this Reaper character in the papers. I want to stress something you all already know. No one gets to take the law into their own hands in this country. Paul, your office has had this case for almost three years now. I’d like to know why we don’t have any results?

First, let me state that the only reason we know about Spearhead is because of the Reaper, Wheeler replied.

That doesn’t excuse his actions, Paul. He’s connected to over four dozen murders that we know of. How many more do you think he’s done that we don’t know about? Vice President Vole replied.

It’s not that simple. From all we’ve gathered, the things he does aren’t a trick or an illusion. He can do impossible things, we’re doing our best, sir.

We’re going to have to go outside protocol to get this done. The department of defense has been working on prototype weapons designed for this. We need an operative that can handle this. That is why the rest of you are here, President Haye said.

I can put my best on it. If he can’t get it done, then it can’t be done, Cavanaugh replied.

I have more than a few that I think might be up for the task, General Bell said.

My agency can provide whatever intel and support the operative needs, Director Watts said.

This should be our operation, Director Gamble said. It’s home soil, we have authority.

Fuck authority, he said we have to go outside protocol. I have the most highly trained agents. This is what my guy specializes in, he will drop the Reaper, sir, Cavanaugh replied."

CIA can’t operate on home soil, Wheeler replied.

President Haye raised a hand to stop the bickering. I’m going to allow it, he replied. Get your man ready. I want him to start immediately, and you’re to keep me updated throughout.

Yes sir, Cavanaugh replied.

I want to know who this agent is, Wheeler said.

Why Paul, you have someone you want to share intel with? Cavanaugh said with a smile.

If one of your guys is going to be operating in one of my cities, I damn sure want to know who he is, Wheeler replied.

I respect your position, Paul, President Haye said. It doesn’t change the fact that you don’t have clearance for the NOC list though. I want the rest of you to provide whatever support Director Cavanaugh and his agent need to get this done. That is all gentlemen. Paul, we will meet tomorrow afternoon to discuss this new agency further.

Yes sir, Wheeler said as he stood from the chair and walked toward the door. He walked straight to his car and grabbed his cell phone as soon as he was inside. He selected Sam’s name from his list of contacts and hit dial.

––––––––

Sam was at her yearly physical. She usually dreaded this time, but it was easier now that Susan Mills was her primary physician. Susan and Elliot Mills had left the hospital when Susan’s residency ended. They decided it would be easier to help the team if they had their own private family practice. Isaac located them the perfect building with plenty of room for Susan’s internal medicine practice. While also having a large office for Elliot’s psychiatric practice.

Everything on the surface looked like just another normal doctor’s office, right down to the smell. Off the books however, was a basement that had been converted into a small surgical center for emergency situations among the team. A completely sterile environment that could also be locked down like a panic room if required. Abraham handled the construction, and he ensured them the place could withstand a nuclear blast if necessary.

Everything checks out normal Sam, Susan said while looking over her chart. I suppose congratulations are in order though, I didn’t even know you two were trying.

Sam’s expression seemed confused. Congratulations for what? What were we trying?

Oh, you didn’t know. I’m so sorry to tell you this way Sam.

Tell me what Susan, what are you trying to tell me?

Susan sat down beside her. You’re pregnant, looks like you’re about nine weeks along. Didn’t you notice that you were late?

I was a little light on my last, but I figured it was just stress.

Susan double checked the chart. Nope, not stress. We should do an ultrasound to confirm though, and to make sure everything is ok.

Sam looked down noticing that her hands were shaking. Her and Cole’s relationship had been going well, but she was nowhere near ready for this. She didn’t even know how Cole would take it. He was better, better than he had ever been. His newfound stability surprised her every day, but this, this was a lot.

Earth to Sam, are you with me?

Sam jumped a little before looking back up. I’m sorry, yes, let’s do the ultrasound.

Susan had her lay down on the bed and instructed her to lift her shirt above her stomach. She applied a gel that made Sam jump from the cold feeling. Sorry about that, Susan said as she turned the monitor on and got to work locating the baby.

Sam couldn’t believe her eyes seeing the small spot that Susan said was her baby. She cried hearing the small heartbeat. This was really happening. She was going to have a baby, Cole’s baby. The idea of that sank in even more. Would the baby be normal like her, or would it share its father’s abilities? These were questions she knew wouldn’t be answered for a long time. Cole had told her that his abilities didn’t kick in until he was five.

Their baby would at least have Cole. He would understand what was happening unlike his own parents, and he would know how to teach the child control. The thought still worried her. It was a miracle that Cole didn’t become a complete psychopath with the life he had lead. What if this child chose a different path. What if this child didn’t possess Cole’s ironclad sense of right and wrong.

Sam pushed these thoughts from her mind. One of her agents would be here to pick her up soon, and she didn’t want to seem distracted. She could think when this day was over. Cole would be busy this evening, and she could figure all of this out then.

As she walked outside, her phone began to ring. Assistant Director Neal, She said as she answered.

We have a problem, Wheeler said.

3.

Michael Vale locked the door to his chambers after entering. He turned to see a half-dressed blonde seated on top of his desk. You were early, he said to the prostitute in a stern tone. I nearly got caught sneaking you in here.

The blonde held a hand up to her mouth. Oh, no, does that mean I have to be punished? she asked.

Vale’s stern look faded, and a smile replaced it. I guess we will have to see. I might be able to let you off with a reduced sentence, but it depends on what you’re willing to do for me, he said as he walked over and sat in his chair.

Anything, judge, I’ll do anything, she replied as she got on her knees in front of him.

Did your boss explain what I like? he asked.

He told me, she replied as she stood and picked up a blindfold from the desk. You just sit still and be a good boy now, she said as she pulled it over his eyes and tied it in back."

What’s your name? he asked as she worked.

You can call me Miss Eve.

A loud crash in the hall got Michael’s attention. He fumbled forward with his lands trying to find his desk phone. He grabbed the receiver and pressed the intercom button. Kyle, what the hell is going on out there? he asked. No response came. Kyle, answer me, what happened out there? Still no response. God damnit! he yelled as he stood, removing the blindfold. He screamed in terror as the Reaper now stood in front of him.

What’s the matter. Don’t think I’m pretty? the Reaper asked in his distorted voice before throwing Michael across the room.

Michael crashed into a large bookcase, breaking it. Books and pieces of wood fell on top of him on the ground. The Reaper stalked toward him. Wait! Wait! I’m not one of them! he said.

The Reaper lifted him into the air and pulled him only inches from his face. Liar! You can’t lie to me Michael, I see everything. The reduced sentences, the lost evidence, everything.

I can explain! They came to me, they made me! The Reaper threw him back across the room. Michael landed hard on top of his desk before rolling off and hitting the floor once more.

No one made you do anything. No one forced you to be corrupt. You’re just another entitled prick that thought he could get away with it.

Please, I’ll give you whatever you want. I’ll resign, I’ll turn myself in. I’ll testify against the rest, he said as he pushed himself up onto his knees. I can give you names.

The Reaper gave a deep, slow laugh. Do you think I’m stupid. If I let you go, your friends make you disappear. People like you don’t go to jail, that’s why I’m here.

Pleas-! Michael’s plea was cut