Unity and Destiny Pt. 07

"And I need to go, to deal with the computers," Kat said. "Javier might be able to do it, but I can handle more problems, and I'll be faster."

Javier frowned, but he didn't argue.

"It's OK, Grace. I'm not going to fight. I already did this once, down in Fresno, when we raided InfoCorp."

"You know that wasn't the same at all," Grace said. "And I would have hated you doing that, too, if I'd known you then."

Esther knew she should have performed this test a long time ago. She should have made contingencies to signal any of her friends. But this kind of blatant yanking on someone's attention wasn't something she liked very much. She supposed it felt a little too close to a compulsion, like Abuela had used. The Morse Code version she'd perfected with the others was a lot more subtle.

They'd argued over the plan for two days, until they were going in circles. This test was the last step before they committed themselves, at least as far as Jackson was concerned.

"All right," Esther said. "Time to go?"

They were packed and ready. They needed to be across the border before Jackson got their message, in case she somehow guessed where they would be and alerted the customs people or whoever. They had their false identification now, even Mark, and they'd done what they could for disguise. But better to avoid problems when they could.

Kat sat down with her laptop and modem and dialed in from the room phone. Apparently she'd worked out some way to connect via a local number. Esther hadn't asked for the details. When she was connected, Kat sent a message to Raj confirming they were beginning. He'd gone to stay with Jacob two days ago, after Esther had given him a coded phone message explaining what they were thinking of. Raj had hated it, of course. But someone else needed to know what they were doing.

When that was sent, they all looked over the message to Jackson one last time. It felt more like a bomb than a few paragraphs of text.

Ms. Jackson,

Within 24 hours, we will silently raid a facility that contains crucial evidence concerning the Black Christmas attacks. We think this evidence will point to a single individual, or a small group, who nonetheless coordinated many of the attacks. This person is so dangerous, even at great distances, that it is crucial he remains confused about exactly who conducted the raid.

Within the facility, there are fifteen hostages, including two children. Our understanding is that these are family members of kidnapped experts whose skills were needed for the Black Christmas attacks. We cannot easily protect the hostages afterwards, and we are asking you to accept responsibility. Not all are Americans, and we may choose to inform the governments of their home countries after we free them. We will also provide you with any evidence we obtain during the raid. Do not under any circumstances attempt to identify the facility and raid it yourself. It is well-protected in a way only our group can handle, and any overt action would immediately alert the person we believe is responsible. In addition to his own skills, this person has political influence at the highest levels.

If you agree to help us, we will provide the details of place and time. A boat would provide the easiest means of escape. Please give us a phone number we may safely call with these details.

"I could send this on a delay timer, but it would be better if we signaled you just after we crossed," said Kat. "You're good? You remember how to connect again if something fails?"

Grace nodded. "I'm fine, Kat. God, you're the one doing the hard work. The dangerous part. I'm terrified for you."

"And your job is just as important," Kat said. "Someone has to spoon-feed Jackson the details at exactly the right time. You might have to make that decision yourself, depending on how she replies. Remember, Esther will be able to hear you talk, if you need. Just wave your arms the way she said, to signal her. And she can answer yes/no questions. Only use the radio if you absolutely have to."

"I know, Kat," Grace said. "I love you."

Kat stared at her a moment, and then gave her a quick, desperate kiss.

"Bye, Grace. I'll see you soon. I love you."

* * *

Esther had never been to Mexico, something Javier had occasionally teased her about. This wasn't exactly the way she'd imagined in. They were packed in the minivan Selena had rented. The older woman was driving now, telling Javier something or other about insurance. Thank goodness they had someone experienced in things like that.

She hadn't even realized that you could just drive into Mexico. They followed the rest of the morning traffic on the bridge over the Rio Grande, which didn't look all that Grande here. Javier said sometimes these days it didn't even flow in places, because so much water was pulled out for agriculture.

And suddenly they were in Juárez. Javier welcomed them all to Mexico and sang something in Spanish to amuse them. It helped a little, she supposed. But she wouldn't be able to relax until all this was over, and those poor people were rescued.

When they were out of sight of the bridge, she sent the prearranged signal to Grace. One pull, then a second. She knew Grace had sent the message when she got up a few seconds later and flopped on the bed.

"She sent the message," Esther said, and Javier nodded, putting his arm around her.

"Poor Grace," Kat said. "I'm terrified, but at least I'm distracted. I hope Myra Jackson doesn't wait long to reply."

Esther closed her eyes, relaxing her breathing. This was a long effort, like an endurance run. She needed to work as hard as necessary to shield the group, but no harder. No wasted energy.

Selena was masking herself somewhat, and so was Mark. It helped. Nicola wasn't really, but she wasn't very good at it anyway, and she'd be better saving her energy for other things.

They pulled into a parking lot in Juárez. It felt strange, but it was amid the urban bustle that they were best hidden, at least if the Mexican's perception worked like Esther's. She was disguising all of them as un-Changed people. Tourists sitting in a minivan, nothing more.

An hour or so later, Grace was clearly typing another message to Jackson. It was good that they'd gotten a response, but Grace didn't give any of their signals.

"Probably Jackson's trying to delay, or worm more information out of us," said Selena. "Grace will ask for advice if she needs it. She's clever."

Lunchtime approached, and Javier went out with Kat to get some food. They'd brought along more than enough to get them through the night, but Esther didn't complain when the pair came back with the savory-smelling takeout bags.

"Don't leave any trash behind," Selena said. "Remember we have to leave the van pristine, in case we get searched on the way back in. Nothing unusual, nothing even identifying except our fake documents."

Selena hadn't taken her gun across the border for that reason.

Soon after lunch, Grace sent Esther the signal they'd waited for: two arms raised high, fingers stretched.

"Jackson is coming," she said. "Now we just have to wait until dark."

In the afternoon, Grace would send the information that they were in Texas, to let Jackson move whatever people and equipment she needed in time.

They moved the car a few times. Juárez was just a city, surprisingly familiar in many ways. Finally darkness approached, and they began their drive, turning to parallel the Rio Grande, on a narrow highway that quickly emptied of traffic. Irrigated fields passed on either side, interspersed with low hills. Perhaps they were conspicuous in their American rental, but there were a lot of American cars around this area. The darkness and Esther's concealment would be enough. She'd found a place they could park without attracting attention, hidden behind a low hummock just a half mile from the farm. Invisible from all the nearby roads. Soon enough, Esther was directing Selena into the spot.

"All right," Selena said softly. With Esther's concealment, they didn't really need to whisper, but it felt right. "We can still decide not to do this. We have a long wait, and unexpected things can happen. I wish you didn't have to hide us so long, Esther."

"It's actually not that bad, with all of you right here," Esther said. "And from here it's so much easier to probe the farm. I'll watch, and if everything seems as it was before, we'll pick our time."

* * *

The wait was interminable. Javier had to get out to pee twice, and the second time he heard a car in the distance, causing him to rush back in. But it was just passing on the highway. Esther said she hadn't seen any cars coming in our out of the farm except during the day.

At about nine o'clock, Esther nodded. "The Changed woman has gone to bed, though she'll probably read for a bit. I'm ready to send the signal, if you are. Three A.M., as we planned?"

They all nodded, and Javier's heart pounded. This was it. They were really doing it.

A few seconds later, Esther spoke. "It's done. Grace is making the call from her car in El Paso."

When Esther got the all-clear, Javier sighed. Now Grace would drive to the nearest town across the river, or at least as close as she could get while maintaining a phone signal. They shouldn't need anything more from her tonight, but they all felt better knowing she'd be physically closer.

Javier was annoyed to see Mark fall asleep within minutes. He could always do that, in the most stressful situations. It made perfect sense to do it now. Javier leaned against Esther, and he felt her enter one of her relaxing meditative states, halfway towards sleep. That was good. Everything tonight would depend on Esther and her strength. He wished he could sleep.

* * *

"All right," Esther said softly. Javier started. He'd actually fallen asleep.

The other Changed guard was something of a night owl. As Esther had hoped, he'd take his usual leisurely trip around the outside of the farm. They would disable him first, some distance from the others.

He pulled on his dark shirt and ski mask. Just like the InfoCorp raid, when they'd rescued Jackson from her own company, along with Raj of course. Kat had even procured a bunch of plastic handcuffs, just like Janelle had had that time. Apparently she'd bought all they had at a sex shop in El Paso. Mark said they were flimsy but should work on all the non-Changed guards.

Then they were moving, silently, following Esther. They rounded the hummock and the farm came in view. But there was no building like Esther described. Just a run-down house, and a collapsed barn. He slowed.

It's there, Esther said in his mind. It's a powerful illusion, like Castillo. It may be easier when we're closer. Tell me if you feel any other effects.

After a hundred yards, Mark paused for a second, but he continued on.

A little later, Javier wondered why no one was following him. The car was right ahead, after all.

Javier, he heard. Why was Esther talking to him that way? He opened his mouth, but then Nicola gripped his hand tightly, stopping him from walking any further. She quickly put her head against his, the way she had back in Oregon. What was going on?

It's the Changed woman, she said, her strange tinny voice vibrating through his skull. She's pushing on our senses the way Castillo did, but much more strongly. I'm having trouble, too. Esther will try to shield you more, but I'm going to take your hand until we're ready to take down the strong guy. You don't need to fight. It might be better if you stayed at the car.

He turned around slowly. The others had stopped and were looking back at him, though their faces were all obscured by the ski masks. Right. They were rescuing those poor people, in the invisible building ahead. There were kids there. If he stared hard enough, there was something off about the run-down house.

Kat didn't seem to be having nearly as much difficulty as he was. He could manage this. But Nicola was right. He probably couldn't help with the fighting in this state. He had to swallow his pride. Silently he talked for Nicola. She could pass it on if needed.

I'll be quiet, he sent. No need to babysit me. I'll have to stick with Kat. Avoid the fighting. Help with the kids.

The kids. He could keep them in his head. That's what he was doing.

Nicola nodded, but as they moved ahead she kept hold of his hand.

A few more minutes and then Esther signaled for them to hide behind a couple bushes. It hardly seemed like much cover, but Esther would be doing the hard work. Nicola, Selena, and Mark got ready to run. Javier couldn't even see anyone ahead. It was a dark night. He kept forgetting why Kat was holding his hand.

The children. There were people to save.

All of a sudden, Esther took a deep breath. And then she signaled, and his three friends burst into motion.

He barely heard a sound. Just a few thumps. And then Esther stood up, more relaxed. Just like that. This was the part they'd worried the most about, a dangerous Changed man with abilities that were hard for Esther to gauge. But Esther must have just frozen him. She was amazing.

He knew they had to move fast now. Nicola was jogging off with Mark to do something. They'd planned this. Something with the phone line? He kept forgetting things. He let Kat lead him towards the barn, and then suddenly it wasn't a barn. It was a small building, the dormitory with the off-duty guards. He could do this. It was easier as they got inside the illusion. Like Esther said. She was amazing.

* * *

They'd done one of the hardest parts. The Changed man had been strong and extremely sensitive, easily more than a match for Mark right now. But Esther had frozen him, and then it had been simple. When he was securely tied and gagged, Mark knocked him out more completely with a precise punch.

Esther tried not to worry about Javier. He was moving all right now, and things would be easier soon. What the Changed woman was doing was extraordinary, but Esther was starting to understand it: the generic patterns that worked to confuse anyone, without having to focus on any one individual. They'd certainly worked well on Javier. Only Esther's efforts had allowed the rest of them to move as easily as they had, though perhaps Selena could have managed on her own.

Everything would have to happen quickly now. Eight off-duty guards in the barracks, all but two sound asleep. They left Javier and Kat outside. The other three could sense the guards as well, and they stopped short of the kitchen.

It was harder to freeze this man, as she'd expected. Esther's skill was blunt, relying on the method she used to compel people towards or away from her. It didn't work as well on non-Changed. But this man was sleepy and utterly surprised. He made a soft sound before he was totally frozen, but Nicola was ready, and she did that clever trick where she canceled out another sound. Simple wave superposition, nothing to do with people's senses. Esther would have to do most of the shielding, but Nicola could clean up for her.

Next it was a room with four guards. She froze the wakeful one before he opened the door, and Mark and the others hardly needed her help with the sleeping ones. It was just as well. This was tiring her out more than she expected. She should have practiced it, but she'd avoided it because she hated using these skills. They were necessary sometimes, though. She'd been short-sighted.

Someone else had woken in the last room, and he took much more effort to hold still and quiet. Esther was sweating by the time they'd handcuffed, duct taped, and knocked out the last of them.

Now it was the main building. Just five more guards, one of them with the hostages. No sign anyone had heard a thing. The Changed woman still slept, and her illusions were not so effective up close. But Esther was finding it harder to hide them from her attention.

Javier was more alert now. She held them all at the door a minute until one guard entered the bathroom.

Thirty seconds later, the guards were down to four. They needed to be fast now. She left Kat and Selena to finish with the bathroom guard, and then they neared the door to the large room that served as a prison cell.

It was a danger. Someone inside might be surprised, and make more noise than she could control. But if they made a mistake with the other guards and the man inside heard something, he could take hostages.

She had to make a decision fast. And so she pointed at the door.

Javier took off his mask quickly, and the rest of them followed suit. No good terrifying the hostages.

Esther counted down on her fingers, then froze the guard inside, her head pounding with the effort. Mark opened the door silently, and the others followed. Esther closed the door after them.

It smelled terrible in here. One of the adults was awake, and another few stirred at the disruption. Before anyone could make noise, Javier had reached the wakeful man's side, whispering to him in Spanish and putting a hand on his shoulder. Then a woman. Finger to his lips: quiet. She nodded in confusion, perhaps thinking it was a dream. But Javier was taking care of the most important thing now, and Esther relaxed a bit more. Nicola and Mark finished with the guard, disarming him and ejecting the ammunition like all the other guns, aside from that first gun that Selena had claimed. True to her word, she hadn't drawn it.

Three more guards. Esther was feeling dizzy, and one of them was coming towards the door. Mark and Nicola heard, and they all put their masks back on.

One more step, and she froze the guard. But she was getting slow, and he'd made a small noise that Nicola couldn't muffle fully from in here. They rushed out and subdued him quickly, but now the other two guards were coming this way, guns ready.

Selena ran up to join them, reaching for her gun, and Esther froze the first guard who came around the corner. Her ears were ringing faintly. The Changed woman shifted uneasily in her sleep.

The last guard was older, and dangerously alert-looking. When his companion stopped and made a gurgling noise, he stared an instant, and then turned to sprint back around the corner. Towards the Changed woman.

She had to stop him. Mark had disabled the first man already, leaving the others to handle him, and he chased after the last guard. But Mark was nowhere near as fast as he used to be, and perhaps it was just as well, since the other man had a gun. He disappeared into the Changed woman's room, slamming the door, and Ester pulled lightly on Mark, getting him to wait for her. She had to keep the woman asleep, until she could rouse the energy to freeze the man, or they could ambush him somehow. And afterwards as well. She had to keep the woman dreaming. Esther was exhausted.

Nicola and Selena joined them, and they stared at the door.

He was fifteen feet away inside, trying to rouse the woman. Calling her name, Amelia. Nicola tried to muffle his sounds, and Esther cocooned Amelia further in her own illusions. Strange that it was easier to do that to her than an ordinary man. Amelia slept on, and the man came to a decision. He raised his gun and looked towards the door, and they quickly moved to either side. Esther prepared, trying to muster her strength.

And then the guard shot Amelia in the head.

* * *

There was a gunshot, then a second quickly. One of the children whimpered, and her mother shushed her, but Javier was dizzy. It was as though everything was suddenly too bright, and he couldn't process all the information coming to him. Like Selena. He heard noises, Esther yelling, a third gunshot, and then a terrible silence.

He couldn't leave these people. He was the only one left, if there was a guard about to burst in the room. He flattened himself against the wall.