Jarod finally found his mother in a computer room in an "abandoned" mineshaft. She heard his footsteps, saw who it was, and her face lit up. "Jarod."
"What are you doing, Mom?" Jarod asked, thinking how good it was to be able to say that name.
"I`m planting a coded file about you in the Centre mainframe. It says that you`ve been taken to a re-training facility 100 kilometers outside of an obscure village in Uganda. That should buy us some time."
"You`re a hacker?"
"Not exactly. We stole all this from the Centre years ago. Their security systems still consider us part of the network. We got the code from them, too. It`s one of the first that your father broke, with Catherine`s help, and it`s still in use."
"Where did you learn to do all this?"
"Hackers` college." They both laughed and then Margaret became more thoughtful. "After all these years… It`s so wonderful to have you back, Jarod."
Jarod sat down against the wall with his arms folded across his knees. "Where did you go? After you left 's barn, I mean."
"Well, after your father disappeared, we stayed in hiding for years. I was raising Emily literally in the dark. Then I finally decided to go to Aunt Miranda. I put it off so long because, to be honest, I never really liked her. She always called me a hand wringer. But there was a hacker. She had been a spy during both World Wars, and when got too old for that, she broke codes. Anyway, somehow she was able to figure out that your dad was alive. She arranged for us to live with a group of missionaries in Swaziland, just 50 kilometers from the Triumvirate station." She shook her head. "Right under their noses. That`s where Emily grew up. Then, when she was 14, we came back here so that she could put her incredible mind to good use. Your sister`s a Pretender, too, you know."
"I gathered that."
"Anyway, Miranda trained her. They went into the Centre together to get this computer system, Your aunt by way was 80 years old at the time.That`s when I learned to use the computer. I guess it was at least partly to prove to Aunt Miranda that I wasn`t just a hand wringer anymore."
"So you are a hacker."
"I do my best."
"You seem to know a lot about my sims."
" "That was one of the reasons we came back here. Emily made a few too many unauthorized trips into the Triumvirate station. She stole the DSAs-and the DSA player-on one of those trips. Or several. She never has told me."
"Where`s Aunt Miranda now?"
"She died almost seven years ago. It`s too bad she never got to meet you. I think she would have liked you."
**************************************************************************************24 Hours After Jarod`s RescueMr. Parker`s OfficeThe CentreBlue Cove, Delaware
"Why hello, Angel," Mr. Parker said as his daughter pushed open the tall double-doors to his office. "I thought you were going to take a few more days off. After all, the doctor said…"
"We have to talk, Daddy," Miss Parker interrupted. "Alone."
"But Angel, Brigitte is family. We have no secrets from her."
Miss Parker paced in a circle with her hand to her head, sighed deeply and seemed about to protest, but then thought better of it. "Daddy, you have to do something about Jarod. Lee is the kind of person who would do anything to ensure his cooperation. You have to find a way to bring him back here, to Sydney."
"My hands are tied, Angel," Mr. Parker protested. "This is the Triumvirate we`re talking about. I cannot go against them for that Pretender!"
"Dammit, Daddy! For once in your pathetic life can`t you just do the right thing?"
"The right thing, Miss Parker," Brigitte chimed in, removing her lollipop from her mouth and moving forward to stand beside her husband, "is what benefits the Centre. Jarod is a tool. Just…like…YOU."
"Don`t misunderstand, Angel. I`m as upset about his as you are, but sometimes I have to weigh my decisions by what I have to lose. And this time it`s too much!"
"You mean your position, Daddy?" Miss Parker asked quietly. After a long, silent pause, she stepped closer to him and hissed, "Now I know just what rock Lyle crawled out from under."
**************************************************************************************
11 days after Jarod`s rescue. 7:00 AMNorthern California hideaway.
"Good morning, Mom." Margaret glanced up at her son and smiled.
"Good morning to you. Your sister will be coming back today. As a matter of fact I was just about to write a note to tell you that I was going to get her."
"I'll go. I am really looking forward to getting to know her. Where is she?" Margaret considered this for a moment looking doubtful and then said, "It will take a couple of hours to get there. I`ll draw you a map. But are you sure you wouldn`t rather stay here with your dad and Jay?"
Jarod nodded. " I really looking for to getting to know Emily."
Margaret sat down, drew a map and said, "Take her car; it will make you easier find. I`m not sure you`ll recognize her."
Jarod smiled. "I don`t think I could forget her if I tried."
You don`t know Emily," his mother responded. She handed him a set of keys. "Take the car in the shed. Her e-mail said she would be there by 11:00 but you can never be sure."
"I`ll leave right away." Jarod backed Emily`s car, a blue 1968 Mustang convertible, out of the shed, wondering it was somehow linked to her personality. So far, he had more questions about his sister than answers. Earlier in the week, when he had asked his father about her, he had looked guarded and finally said, " She is brilliant, witty and very used to doing things her own way. We had kind of a rough start because I thought her plan was too dangerous. She doesn`t take well to what she sees as outside meddling. Did you notice that sign in the computer room that said 'Testosterone Free Zone.` An interesting attitude. On the other hand, I have never seen anything like the way she took to Jay. Here she was running around, hatching this wild plan and she still took time to teach him to play basketball, listen to rock music and use all kinds of wild sayings." Jarod smiled as he thought about Jay and his "wild sayings" of late; he seemed particularly fond of "Awesome, dude." His mother, who knew Emily best, would only say that she was incorrigible. She usually said this after a comment from Jay.
Jarod pulled into the seedy-looking truck stop that was his destination, thinking of how his sister looked the last time he had seen her. She still wore her tight dress, but had traded her high heels for tennis shoes and added a denim jacket. In the Centre, he had thought she had the coldest eyes he had ever seen, but when she had dropped the Lee persona, they had been warm and full of mischief. He parked the car and got out, but decided to stay and let her find him.
As he looked around, he noticed a large motorcycle gang at the far end of the lot. There were two women; neither of them looked like Emily, but one of them wore a pair of sunglasses just like his. He watched as she picked up a leather jacket and hugged a huge, burly-looking biker. Not Emily, he thought and started looking elsewhere. When he looked again the biker and the woman were only a few yards away. He looked at them questioningly, and she smiled, but instead of explaining, she turned to the stern-looking man beside her. "This is my big brother Jarod." The biker sized Jarod up and smiled broadly.
"Not too big," he said with a laugh. Emily laughed as well, and then turned to her brother.
"Jarod this is the Reverend Mike. He and his people provided me with transportation from Salt Lake and have been providing Mom and I with a regular hideout for years."
The Reverend shook Jarod`s hand. "If you ever need us," he said, "Emily will know where to find us. Nobody ever gives us any problems." Jarod thanked him, startled. Emily laughed.
"There is nothing more frightening then a biker out to save your soul." As the Reverend rejoined his gang, Jarod noticed that the back of their jackets said "Heaven`s Angels."
"You and Mom were biker chicks ?" Jarod asked.
"Occasionally. By the way," she laughed, "cool shades."
"Yes," he said, "I like your jacket, too."
There was an awkward pause, and then Emily broke the silence. "Well, I`ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. Now what?"
Jarod sighed. "I pretty new at all this myself." Emily laughed and hugged him. He started to hand her the keys, but she told him to drive. She tossed her stuff in the back and then jumped into the passenger seat without opening the door. Jarod felt overwhelmed.
" Where did you leave the plane?" he asked, mostly for something to say.
"Louisiana kudzu can be a very useful plant."
There was a long pause. "So tell me all about yourself," Jarod finally said. "I haven`t been able to find out much from Mom; she says your are incorrigible.
Emily looked at him mischievously over the top of her sunglasses. "Do I look incorrigible?"
Jarod studied her for a second and looked rather shy. "Oh, yes."
She laughed. "If you`ve figured that out already, we should get along well. I prefer 'functionally dysfunctional in a perpetual state of arrested development.` Now I want to hear about you."
"Functionally dysfunctional?"
**************************************************************************************SL-19The CentreBlue Cove, Delaware
Sydney-oh boy-you`ve gotta see this." Broots was sitting at his computer, staring wide-eyed at a newly discovered file.
"What is it, Broots? Is it about Jarod?"
"Well…I haven`t really decoded it all…and I could be wrong, but…it looks like they`re taking him to a retraining facility in Uganda."
"Well if it isn`t Dr. Do-Little and his moronic assistant. What the hell are you two doing?"
Sydney stood up when he heard Miss Parker`s voice. "Did your meeting with you father accomplish anything?"
"The unreasonable windbag wouldn`t lift a finger for anyone else, especially not Jarod. Sydney, what are we going to do?"
"We? As I recall it has been your goal to capture Jarod and return him to Centre control."
"What?! How could you, Syd? I NEVER wanted this! And you told me yourself that you wanted him back just as badly as I did."
Sydney stared at her icily. "I lied."
"Well, you certainly had me fooled. All this time I thought you really cared about Jarod-and me-but now you`re just going to sit here on your hands while they send him off for a lobotomy!" She glared at him and hissed, "You`re just like my father." Miss Parker stormed out, pausing only to smack the back of Broot`s head.
"Sydney," gasped Broots horrified and rubbing the back of his head, "w-why did you…why did you do that?"
"Regardless of how angry she may be at him right now, Miss Parker is too loyal to her father to be trusted not to tell him of our plans. This was the only way to deflect her attention without making her suspicious. Now, shall we continue decoding the file?"
Miss Parker stood and listened a moment more before finally walking away.
**************************************************************************************The CentreBlue Cove, Delaware13 days later
Broots was just reaching down to pull his Fun-yuns out of the vending machine when Miss Parker grabbed his wrist.
"Broots. I haven`t seen you in awhile. Been busy with Col. Klink?"
"No…no…just, um, busy."
"Don`t give me that, Broots. I know you two are planning something, and I want to know what."
"Please…just…just leave me out of this, Miss Parker. It`s really between you and Sydney."
"Sydney doesn`t trust me, Broots. He won`t tell me anything."
"I…I really can`t talk about it, Miss Parker." Broots finally reached the door to his office and tried to escape inside, but Miss Parker followed. She was about to argue further, but then she saw two tickets to Uganda on his desk.
"What`s this? Never mind, Broots. I think you`ve already told me everything I need to know."
**************************************************************************************Delaware Airport2 a.m. the next day
"We board the plane in ten minutes, Broots. Are you sure you want to do this?" Sydney asked.
Broots nodded. "Jarod saved my life once. Besides, I can`t let you go alone."
"He wouldn`t have to, Broots." Both men glanced up, startled, and saw Miss Parker standing behind them.
Sydney was the first to speak. "What are you doing here, Miss Parker?"
"What does it look like I`m doing, Syd? You`re going to rescue Jarod and I`m coming with you."
"Do you realize how dangerous this will be? The Triumvirate will not look favorably on this trip."
"Jarod was captured because he stayed to try and save me, dammit! I`m not going to leave him rotting in Africa."
Sydney considered this a moment. "And when we have succeeded in rescuing Jarod? What then?"
Miss Parker didn`t answer.
**************************************************************************************The MineshaftNorthern California HideawayAbout the same time
"Now this is odd," Emily said, frowning at her computer screen. "Sydney and Broots have both taken vacation time, and Miss Parker has returned to sick leave."
Jarod walked over to see for himself. "I was afraid that Sydney might try to take matters into his own hands, but Miss Parker?"
"Well, at least there isn`t really a retraining facility in Uganda. But we`d better hope they don`t do anything stupid."
"I should contact Sydney and tell him where I really am." Jarod reached for his cell-phone and dialed Sydney`s number.
**************************************************************************************Delaware Airport
Sydney`s cell-phone rang and he pulled it out to answer it, but Miss Parker put her hand on his arm to stop him.
"Better not, Syd. It could be the Centre." Sydney hesitated, then turned off his phone and put it away.
**************************************************************************************100 Kilometers Outside of Atiak, Uganda, Africa28 Hours Later
Sydney and Miss Parker gathered around Broots as he stared in disbelief at his map. "I don`t understand. The file was very specific about this location. But…but look!"
They were standing in the middle of an empty field, missing even the usual scattering of huts. "Even Donoterase wasn`t this well hidden," Miss Parker commented. "So now what?"
Before anyone had a chance to answer, a cloud of dust appeared on the horizon. "Uh-oh." Broots said. "I think we`ve got company."
Three jeeps pulled up, filled with men armed with machine guns. Miss Parker reached for her gun, which she had been forced to leave in storage at the airport. Broots whimpered and put his hands in the air. Sydney smiled and attempted to communicate.
"Perhaps you gentlemen could help us? Does anyone speak English?"
After a moment of discussion, one of the men stepped forward. "I do."
"Excellent. We`re looking for a facility where there would be other Americans. We were told it would be here, but as you can see…"
There was much discussion among the men. Finally, their interpreter turned back. "I am afraid that we are unable to help you. But perhaps you will be able to help us." As he spoke, the other men moved forward and surrounded Sydney, Miss Parker and Broots with their guns raised.
"What is the meaning of this?" Miss Parker snapped.
"We are the Mamdanis. And you are hostages."
**************************************************************************************48 Hours LaterMr. Parker`s OfficeThe CentreBlue Cove, Delaware
Mr. Parker turned away from the furious Mr. Raines just in time to welcome Lyle and Brigitte. "Sweetie, Lyle, glad you`re here. We have a situation that requires the utmost diplomacy and discretion."
Lyle smiled. "I think you called the right people. What`s the problem."
"Your sister went off on some fool`s errand with Sydney and Broots, and now they`ve been captured by Ugandan rebels. We have agreed to trade one of Jarod`s biochemical sims in exchange for their safe return."
"A foolish decision." Raines was gasping furiously, struggling to draw enough oxygen from his tank to express his fury. "They have set themselves against us not only now, but in the past as well. They are not worth…"
Mr. Parker turned on him furiously. "This is my daughter we`re talking about Raines! And may I remind you that if it weren`t for Matumbo`s insistence, you would now be experiencing the full penalty for your own traitorous actions." Raines glared at him but fell silent except for his labored breathing. Mr. Parker waited a moment then turned back to his wife and son.
"Now, as I was saying, the leader of the rebels, Kabaka Idi, has agreed to the exchange, but has insisted that he choose the meeting place. And he will only allow two representatives, which is why I called you. Your plane leaves in first thing in the morning. You have until then to pack."
Brigitte smirked. "We`ll be ready, honey-bunny. And perhaps you should consider how best to show our little Angel the error of her ways. I`m sure you will agree that she cannot be allowed to…continue on her current path."
"That won`t be necessary, Brigitte. It seems clear to me that they were attempting to act in the best interests of the Centre…by returning Jarod to the people who know him best. Now, if you will excuse me, other duties call."
**************************************************************************************15 Minutes LaterThe Northern California Hideaway
"Triple obscenity," exclaimed Emily as she looked at the computer screen. Major Charles stepped in to the computer room.
"Such language" he said and smiled. "What`s up?"
"Take a look," replied his daughter. "You know Jarod is going to want to do something."
Major Charles sighed and said, "I suppose we have to tell him."
"Of course we have to tell him, but perhaps we could come up with a plan first. Fortunately Uganda is sort of home turf for me."
Major Charles looked stern. "I want you and your Mom to stay out of this. Jarod and I will handle it." As soon as he spoke, he knew that he had made a major mistake. Emily took a deep breath as though trying to get control of the rage that was in her eyes. She spoke slowly and quietly as though talking to a child.
"What do you think I have been doing all these years? And might I ask how many Nilote dialects you speak and how many contacts you have in northern Uganda?"
Major Charles looked upset. " I didn`t mean to upset you, but this sounds dangerous and I just want to protect you and your Mom."
"I`m afraid that ship sailed 30 years ago, Pop. We`ve been doing just fine on our own. And" her tone softened "nobody is better equipped to go to Uganda than me. Besides the Centre is sending Brigitte and Lyle; I don`t think you`ll pass for either."
Major Charles suddenly looked old and nodded slowly " I suppose you`re right. I`ll go find Jarod."
Emily watched her father leave. "Dad," she said softly. "We`re all together now and we`ll work this out somehow. You`ll have to be remember I have no experience at being daddy`s little girl and at 30 its probably to late to learn."
3 Days LaterNorthern Uganda
The interpreter entered the hut where Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots were being held. "I have good news. Your company is being very cooperative. In fact, Miss Parker, they are sending your brother and stepmother. They are also sending us some very valuable information that will help us defeat our enemies."
Sydney spoke "That is good news, isn`t it, Miss Parker?" A visibly shaken Miss Parker just shook her head.
"Excellent!" said the interpreter and left. Miss Parker began to pace. "Could this get any worse?" she hissed. "Somebody just shoot me now. The thought of Lyle and Brigitte rescuing me is more then I can stand."
Broots spoke slowly. "Well, at least they are doing something I, um, thought they might just leave us.Miss Parker glared at him. "Do really think they are going to rescue us and it will be all over. No; they are going to enjoy toying with us and then…and then what? This wasn`t exactly an official visit."
"Our failure may work to our advantage," Sydney said. "I don`t believe that there is actually a Triumvirate station in this area. Unless they have decoded the same message as Broots, they don`t know why we are here."
"That`s right," said Broots, "and I deleted that file after I decoded it."
"Well, can either of you think of a good lie to explain why we`re in Uganda?" snarled Miss Parker. She looked at them both. "I didn`t think so."
**************************************************************************************Northern California
Jarod entered the computer room with his father, looking distressed. Emily was still at the computer."Dad says Sydney is in trouble."
"You could say that," replied Emily. "They have been taken hostage by a group that calls itself the Mamdanis. They seem to be at war with just about everyone. They are trading the hostages for a biochemical sim."
Jarod asked, "Is it my sim? Will there be more blood on my hands?"
Emily frowned. "Probably."
Jarod paced. "I have to leave. I have to do something."
Emily tried to calm him down. "I can stop the sim from here. I`ve already contacted the right people. They will detain Lyle and Brigitte, and take the sim."
"But what about Sydney, Miss Parker, and Broots? The rebels will kill them."
Charles spoke up. "Not our problem. They got themselves into it, they can get themselves out."
Jarod looked horrified. "They went there to save me, Dad. I can`t just let them be killed. Like it or not, they`re part of my life. Sydney raised me. Miss Parker gave me my first kiss. And Broots has a daughter."
Emily turned to her father. "Wait till Mom hears this."
**************************************************************************************10 Minutes Later
"What?! You`re going where? To do what?" As predicted, Margaret was furious.
"Mom