Birthright: The Evolved Series (Volume 3)

Birthright

The Evolved Series

Volume 3

S.G. Woods

Copyright © 2018 S.G. Woods

Published by S.G. Woods at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Freeze Time Media

Cover illustration by Tom Meyer, FX Design

Dedication

I dedicate Birthright, the final book in the Evolved series, to a wonderful woman, Gliela Woods. Not only for the help you gave me in editing the book but also for all the times you picked me up and bandaged me as a young boy. Thank you, Mom, I love you.

I would also like to thank my many readers for all their support. It’s because of you that I do what I do.

Contents

Spilled Blood

Homeless

Wild Horses

Oh Deer!

Birthright

Kynlee

A.I.

Evolved

All About The Benjamin

Cat and Mouse

Hard Labor

I Hate Clowns

A Good Place To Die

Unwanted Guests

Turn 2

The Standoff

An Old Friend

Can You Hear Me Now?

Steve

Modern Soldiers

Goodbye My Love

Chapter 1 

Spilled Blood

My own words echoed in my head, Kill Him! It was as if someone had thrown a switch and anger was the only emotion I could feel. Hell, it was more than just anger — it was rage. 

Josh had been with us from day one. He had even faced death with some of the others as the first of the attacks began. I didn’t see him as a soldier betraying his comrades; I saw him as a brother betraying his family.

That was until I looked at the monitor. At that moment, I no longer saw him as family. In fact, I didn’t even see him as human. All I could see was Robert spilling his blood. 

Like a flash, Scott shot past me and grabbed hold of Robert’s arm. 

Stop! You can’t just shoot him. 

What the hell are you doing, Scott? I demanded. This piece of shit has killed everyone at home that we love.  

Josh is one of us. We can’t just go around killing people when they make a mistake. If we don’t show compassion, we are no better than those that started this. 

If it wasn’t for people like him, I would still have my family! I yelled. We all would. 

As I spoke, my own words sank in. I wasn’t just blaming Josh for these men attacking our home; I was blaming him for the entire apocalypse. Something about me was changing, and the compassion I once felt for others was diminishing. Not just for Josh but for all of mankind. I no longer saw the people around me as my equals. They were beneath me; their lives held no more value than that of a common housefly. 

Even though I knew what I was feeling was wrong, I couldn’t seem to contain it. My feelings, as well as my actions, were no longer my own. 

Staring into my eyes, Scott could see the emptiness that was consuming me. Suddenly he realized he too was in danger. In an act of desperation, he pulled back his right hand and let it fly. The sound of his open hand impacting against the side of my face echoed throughout the room, but to no avail. I was consumed by my own feeling of superiority. Again, he struck, and again no response. On the third strike, he screamed at me. 

Damn it, Steve. Look at me! 

He could have gone on hitting me all day with virtually no response. It seems the nanites intercepted the pain I should have felt with each slap and replaced it with a sense of nothing — and I mean nothing. Not only did they keep me from feeling the pain physically, but they also kept me from feeling it emotionally. It wasn’t until I heard Scott’s voice that something was triggered. 

I stumbled backwards and fell against the table holding the monitors. As quickly as my rage had begun it was gone. Glancing around the room, I took note of the others. Scott was coming at me with his hand raised in the air. As he did, Ben and Cornelius stood back, watching everything that was going on with little emotion. Ray had Robert in a half nelson trying to keep him from killing Josh, who at that very moment kept yelling something over and over.

I gave them a warning, I gave them a warning. 

It was odd. Since I first awoke after receiving the nanites,  I had been gradually gaining perfect clarity — almost like seeing the world in slow motion. That was no longer the case. As I watched and listened to the others, it was as if I were seeing everything through a kaleidoscope. Sounds and images were colliding in my head. I was in a dream and nothing was real. I couldn’t have made a clear thought to save my life. 

Do you hear me?! Scott yelled, ready to land another blow. 

Doing my best to look composed, I peered into his eyes and smiled. 

Of course, I hear you, I replied calmly. Why is everyone so uptight? 

We’re uptight because you can’t just go around killing our friends! he shot back. Especially since we don’t have all the facts. 

With the tension de-escalating, Robert quit trying to break free from Ray to kill Josh. Feeling him start to relax, Ray released his grip on him. 

Of everyone in that room, Robert knew me the best. At times, it was almost as if he could feel what I was feeling. No sooner had Ray let him go than he raced over and helped me off the table. 

Are you okay? he asked, placing me gently in one of the chairs. 

I was truly taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. 

Yah, Rob, I’ll be fine. I’m just a little woozy for some reason. 

As I sat there collecting myself, Ray and Scott took Josh to the far side of the room. He acted timid as they escorted him through the labyrinth of dead bodies. 

Scary, isn’t it? I stated coldly as I watched him. I hope you’re contemplating the fate you’ve chosen for yourself. 

I didn’t do anything you wouldn’t have done if our roles were reversed! he snapped back.

Feeling some of the rage I had earlier, I jumped to my feet. 

Why, you little piece of… 

I was cut short as Robert slammed me back into the chair. 

Damn it, Steve! You need to control yourself. Scott is right; we don’t know for sure just why Josh did what he did. 

If anyone else would have sat me back like that, there probably would have been a fight. Luckily for him I had begun getting my senses back. 

So, what are you saying, Rob? 

I just think maybe we should get all the facts first and then kill him. 

That’s not fair either! Scott called out. 

I took a good long look at Scott, trying to read him before saying anything else. 

Tell you what, I will not make a decision on whether Josh lives or dies until two things are done. First, he has a chance to tell us his side of the story. Second, we determine our loved ones are safe and secure. Regardless of the outcome, Josh is no longer a part of us. Does this work for all of you? 

One by one, everyone gave approval, including Josh. It wasn’t until it came to Scott that I received any objections. 

I don’t agree with that, he said thoughtfully. I don’t totally disagree, but I’m still uncertain about something. If you don’t like his reason for what he did, but nobody got hurt, are you still going to kill him? 

I took a deep breath to keep from wanting to strangle Scott. 

Tell you what, unless he tells me he wanted everyone dead and then jumps up and says Heil Hitler, I will not condemn him. I will however hold him personally responsible for the lives of those back home. Are those terms acceptable to you? 

Scott gave me a dirty look and then smiled. Agreed. 

It wasn’t the most favorable place to hold a hearing. Blood was spattered against the walls and furniture. Pools of fresh blood were under the bodies on the floor. The mere setting alone was enough to make it impossible for Josh to remember everything he wanted to say. Luckily for him, Scott had taken this part out of the equation. It was little more than a chance for Josh to clear his conscious. 

Go ahead, Josh, I said, turning my attention to him. Let’s see if you have what it takes to convince us. 

I wouldn’t say I wanted Josh dead, but my tone made it clear to everyone which way I was leaning. Still, Josh stood tall as he turned to face me. 

I just want to start by saying that no matter what the outcome, I want all of you to know I won’t hold your decisions against you. I am a good person and getting someone hurt was never my intention. It’s true, when they found me I was scared for my life. Hell, any of us would have been. That’s not the reason I agreed to help them. They told me if I would supply them with minimal information on everyone, they would return my wife and son to me. 

Oh, come on! Robert yelled out. That’s bullshit and you know it. There is no way they could bring anyone back from the dead. 

Really, Rob! Josh shot back, giving him a dirty look. After everything you have seen these last couple of months, you can honestly say without a doubt something like that would be totally impossible? 

Robert thought for a moment. No, I guess not. 

Trust me, he continued, I’m nobody’s fool. At first, I was just as skeptical as Robert. That changed, however, when they started talking about nanites. We have all seen so many of the amazing things they can do.  

Cornelius had been listening intently, hanging on Josh’s every word. Like the rest of us, he was curious about just what it takes to make a person betray his friends. He had no intentions of adding his two cents, at least not until Josh mentioned nanites. Those were his babies, and other than his great-grandson, nobody knew them as well. 

You know they were lying to you? he said, interrupting Josh’s confession. 

From his tone, I couldn’t tell if he was questioning Josh or questioning his own understanding of just what nanites could do. 

Josh had been more or less addressing me instead of the whole group when he began. Upon hearing Cornelius, he realized what he was doing and broke eye contact with me.

Well, Cornelius, from what you have told us about the nanites, it makes sense that these guys were lying. The problem didn’t come from what you taught us; it came from what I have seen with my own eyes. Not to mention the hope I had of seeing my wife and son again. I was all alone when they found me and very vulnerable emotionally. To be honest, I was giving serious thought to taking my own life.

He paused for a moment as tears began to fill his eyes. Lowering his head, he wiped the tears away and laughed. Not a happy laugh, but one that seemed riddled with pain. Without making eye contact with anyone he began again.

You see, I wasn’t scared that they might kill me. I was scared of letting go of my family.

In my mind, I knew what he said made sense; a man would do most anything for his family. Still, one thing continued to bug me.

Why didn’t you tell us about what was going on? I asked. We could have figured something out as a team. You didn’t need to go behind our backs.

Actually, I did. I wasn’t the first person in our group they had spoken with; Hayley was. She was the one who gave them my old address. She gave them information on all of us.

Bullshit! Robert yelled. You’re just trying to save your own ass by pushing the blame on her. 

I have to agree with Rob, I said bluntly. Why would they need you to get them information if they already had Hayley?

She wasn’t close enough to you. They wanted confirmation from somebody who was with you all the time. The fact that she was there and you weren’t made her unreliable.

What proof do you have? Robert asked, sounding as if he were about to blow his cork.

I couldn’t blame Rob for being so upset. It was hard enough to have one friend betray you, but two? That was just more than he could fathom.

He’s telling the truth, Ben called out.

"What do you mean? I asked.

Take a look at the computer screen. The date where it shows the address was put in while we were still on our way to Coos Bay. That was over a week before we even got to Redding.

Are you telling us you don’t think Josh is guilty of putting our families in danger? I asked.

Ben stood there and thought for a moment. I think maybe he’s right. Under the circumstances, would any of us have chosen a different path?

I don’t agree! Robert yelled. Josh needs to die. He may not have been directly responsible for giving them the information they needed for the attack, but he didn’t warn us either.

Yes, I did! Well, not you directly. I handed Michelle a note before we left. It told her exactly what was going to happen and when. She knew it wouldn’t happen until I contacted Simon. I also told her not to trust Hayley.

Who is this Simon? I asked. 

Josh pointed to one of the men on the floor. It was the one who had met him at the helicopter. I stood up and walked over to Simon’s body. He was lying face down, still clutching a small handgun. I rolled him over with my foot. He couldn’t have been much older than Ben, young, clean-cut, and about twenty-five. At first, I figured nanites had kept him young, but then quickly ruled that out. He hadn’t died by a gunshot to the head. No, he had died by a lone bullet penetrating his heart.

Confused, I turned back towards Cornelius. Why hadn’t any of these men been injected with the nanites? I asked, slightly bewildered. Wouldn’t they want to live forever.

Like I told everyone before, there are still some issues with them. Because of that, they are used to prevent death, not extend life.

We had all gotten used to Cornelius talking in riddles, and thus never questioned him when he did. The fact that he wasn’t concerned about it was good enough for us.

Turning back around, I walked past the bodies on the floor, straight towards Josh. Standing face-to-face with him, I moved to where our noses were almost touching. 

So, tell me, I said, eyeing him suspiciously, if they already had the coordinates from Hayley, just what were they supposed to get from you?

A sense of well-being, he replied matter-of-factly.

I laughed out loud. Oh really! And just how could you give them that?

According to Simon, there has been over one hundred and twenty-seven sightings of you or your armies. Most of the information had come from guards at the prison camps. Every now and then, however, they would come across a group or individual that claimed to work for you. He told me nearly all of them were quickly discredited. A few had merit, yet none of them panned out. He told me it felt like they were chasing a ghost. That was at least until Hayley contacted them.

Robert suddenly shot forward and wrapped his right hand around Josh’s throat. Nobody, not even Scott, made any attempt to stop him. We could tell he wasn’t attempting to kill Josh. The amount of force he seemed to be exerting was more for effect. 

You’d better hope to God you can prove what you are saying, Rob said coldly. If not, I’m going to kill you just for spite.

That should be easy enough to confirm, Cornelius said, taking a seat in front of the computer. 

Thankfully, the firefight that had gone on earlier hadn’t compromised either the computer nor the power going to it.

The room fell silent as he plugged away at the keyboard. Josh watched on in eager anticipation. The story he told us had overwhelmingly helped his case. Still, until we had confirmation, Robert wasn’t loosening his grip on Josh’s neck.

Let him go, Rob, Cornelius called out. He’s telling the truth. According to the history on the computer, Simon and Hayley have been communicating for quite some time. And yes, she made first contact.

Reluctantly, Robert let go of Josh. For a moment he just stood there, staring at him. Finally, he turned and walked slowly over to the computer, positioning himself behind Cornelius. Line by line, he read the correspondence between the two. For what seemed like an eternity, he didn’t say a word. Suddenly, he let out a bloodcurdling scream.

WHY!... You son of a bitch, they were all I had! 

Grabbing hold of the monitor, he pulled it away from the desk, ripping all the wires free. Then turning towards Josh, he hurled it, narrowly missing him.

I was torn between stopping Rob or letting him kill Josh. Thankfully, I didn’t have to make that decision. Giving in to the pain, Robert fell to the ground and began to bawl. 

What happened next threw me for a loop. Hell, it through us all for a loop. Josh moved forward and knelt to the floor next to Robert. As if they were best friends, he leaned in and wrapped his arms around him. Soon, they were both crying.

She’s alive, Robert. I swear she is, Josh sobbed.

And if she isn’t? Robert asked, without pulling away.

If she isn’t, I will take my own life, Josh responded remorsefully. Even with everything that had happened, including Hayley’s heinous betrayal, Robert believed him. It wasn’t easy, but he had to. Hope was all he had.

Well, boys, he said, getting back to his feet and wiping his eyes. I think my job here is done. I want to go home.

I turned towards Ray and Scott. "Gentlemen, I believe it’s time for us to once again part ways. I’ll reunite you with your men, so you can secure this area. After that, I need you to head south. We may have stopped the drones, but the battle is far from over. We must continue to liberate those that are still being held. 

You’ve got it, Steve, Ray said proudly. Just do me a favor and give us a place to come home to.

At first, we considered using the yacht to get home. We could cruise up the coastline to one of the ports in Southern Oregon, probably Coos Bay. From there, it was less than two hours by car back to home base. The plan seemed feasible, but too risky. Not one of us had any real experience maneuvering a boat out in the ocean. If something went wrong, we might never make it home. 

After several minutes of what seemed to be a useless discussion, always ending back at using the yacht, Josh spoke up.

I know where they keep the helicopter. I’m just wondering who the hell is going to fly it?

All eyes turned to Ben. Staring at us, he didn’t say yes or  no. He just grinned deviously and slowly closed his eyes.

Okay, you little shit, just what are you thinking? I demanded.

Ben opened his eyes, still grinning from ear to ear. After that deer incident, I never believed anyone would ever let me fly again. I would love to.

The honor is all yours, I stated. 

In a flash, Ben ran past everyone and raced up the stairs to the deck. We went chasing after him, but it was no use. That kid was like a gazelle on steroids. By the time I made it to the deck, Ben was already on the dock, but that’s where he stopped.

Where are you going, son? I called out to him.

He turned to face me, his face beet red with embarrassment. Honestly, I haven’t got a clue.

I smiled understandingly. I could remember the days of my youth when my own excitement frequently overrode my common sense.

Come on back aboard, I said reassuringly. We all saw the helicopter fly towards the other side of the bay. I think we may want to head there. If you feel up to it, I will let you command the ship.

He nodded enthusiastically without saying a word.

Good. Just take Josh up to the bridge so he can give you directions. Ray and Scott will join you, just in case Josh gets any strange ideas. Rob and Cornelius will help me with the ropes.

You better make it quick! Ray called out. Look! 

I turned towards the west to see what had startled him. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. With less than two hours until sunset, my view was somewhat impaired by the glare. Unfortunately, I wasn’t mistaken; a mob of a thousand plus was running straight for us, guns blazing. 

Let’s get the hell out of here! I yelled, running for the first of two ropes. 

Everyone had been listening to my discussion with Ben, so they knew exactly what to do. While I took care of the first rope, Robert grabbed the other. 

Running past me, Ben called out, Yell to me when the ropes are untied.

Don’t wait for me. Just get us out of here! I shot back. 

Telling that to Ben was nearly a costly mistake. I had taken it for granted that the three of us would be quicker than we were. Unfortunately, whoever tied the knots in the ropes hadn’t done so with a cleat hitch. Some asshole had tied regular old knots in them. Between that and the moisture in the air, they were impossible to get undone. 

Hearing the motors fire up, Robert turned to me. 

Now what? he asked eagerly.

Unsure, I jumped back to my feet and took a quick look around. Off to the starboard side on the pier, I spotted a fireplug and a shed with a glass-enclosed fire ax.

I’ve got it! I yelled back.

Jumping from the yacht, I ran over to the pole and shoved my hand through the glass. I wasn’t fast enough. Just as he was told, Ben didn’t wait. With a loud crack, the boat moved forward, pulling the ropes tightly between it and the dock. The cracking sound I had heard came from a few of the older boards giving way, but still the ropes held steady. Under a barrage of bullets, I jumped back on board and headed for the first rope. Raising the ax high in the air, I gave a mighty swing. BOOM!

It never even connected. Just as the ax started downward, the weary dock finally gave way. With a loud explosion, pieces of old and rotted wood went flying in all directions. The three of us went flying as well. With its restraints suddenly removed, the yacht instantly shot forward. Everything that wasn’t nailed down suddenly found itself resting against the back railing.

Gaining my bearing, I raised up to a sitting position.

You guys okay? I asked, visibly shaken.

I think so, Robert said, pulling a chair off his legs.

I’m good too, Cornelius replied.

We all sat there with our heads below the railings until we were out of range of the bullets. At least we thought we were out of range. As we were getting back to our feet, Robert started making his way to the others. That’s when a lone bullet dropped him to the deck. Seeing him go down, Cornelius and I rushed to his aid. 

After falling, he had rolled over onto his back, concealing his injury. Reaching behind him, he felt for the wound and then pulled out his bloody hand.

I’ve been shot! he yelled.

In a panic, I rolled him over. That’s when we saw it, a small tear in his jeans where the bullet had slightly grazed him. There was some blood, but I think Robert had removed most of it when he rubbed it with his hand. I did my best not to laugh, but to no avail. Between the look on Rob’s face and what he said next, I just couldn’t hold it.

You guys need to help me, he said, his eyes full of fear. I think I may need some nanites.

Sorry, Rob, not a chance, Cornelius said, holding back his own laughter. I’ve been waiting for this moment far too long. With you out of the picture, Katherine will finally be mine.

You assholes! This is serious. I could bleed to death.

I wanted to mess with him some more, but we were already over halfway to the other shore.

Man up, Rob! I said forcefully. It’s just a small nick. Hell, I don’t even think it’s bleeding anymore.

Screw you, Steve! he lashed out. Screw both of you! You may have forgotten what pain feels like, but I haven’t; this thing fucking hurts.

Robert was right; I had forgotten what pain really felt like. I could still feel pressure or discomfort, but true pain was no longer an issue. That may have been the reason I didn’t comfort him like I should have.

I apologize, Rob. I’m sure that must hurt something awful.

You’re damn right it does.

If you want, I will get you something for the pain. I know Ray keeps a stash of medical supplies.

Knowing Rob wasn’t seriously hurt and that all he needed was an aspirin, you would think the incident would be dropped. Unfortunately, Cornelius was having too much fun.

Is everything okay down there? Ben called out from an open window on the bridge.

No! Cornelius yelled. Rob’s been shot! We need to get him to the shore for medical attention.

It was like somebody threw a switch, and once again Ben’s common sense went right out the window. Scanning the terrain, he spotted Ray’s team. They were reconvening in a small park not far from the shoreline. With his eyes fixed on the target, Ben steered the craft straight for them; and when I say straight for them, that is exactly what I mean. The fact that they were a good thirty yards from the water made little difference to Ben. Robert needed help, and that was all that mattered. Nearing the shore, it dawned on the rest of us — not only were we not slowing down, but we were also somehow