For Centre Use Only
© Tia
© Tia
Sydney had always disliked the Centre Board Room. It wasn't that it was a particularly unattractive room, nor even uncomfortable. In fact the paneled walls and long, perfectly polished surface of the rich Blackwood table appealed to Sydney's sense of aesthetics. It wasn't even that anything especially bad happened here. The problem was the company.
Raines sat across and to the right of Sydney, a disorderly pile of papers and files splayed out in front of him. One manilla folder was labelled "Angelo", another "Stefan". There was an additional batch under Raines' left arm, each marked with a name, each containing the week's jobs for the owner of the folder. Raines was, as usual, making his presence felt.
"Stefan can handle this case." He grated slowly, glancing at Sydney before back to Mr. Parker.
Mr. Parker's eyes narrowed and turned to Sydney, "Sydney?"
Sydney managed to contain the smile threatening to break. Raines had never really been a threat; Sydney was more than capable of handling his underhanded machinations. For one thing Sydney still held his doctorate, his considerable and impressive credentials, the calmness he knew infuriated Raines, Mr. Parker's respect.......and Jarod. Raines could conduct all the depraved experiments he liked, constantly trying to outdo Sydney by creating what he called the "ultimate" pretender, but so far there had only been disasters and Raines knew it. That made him nauseatingly unpleasant, but he was no threat.
Sydney pursed his lips and steepled his fingers under his chin, gazing at the job folder in front of him. It was a reasonably difficult sim - an assassination the Tower had deemed acceptable to the Centre's somewhat dubious moral standards. He was familiar with Stefan's capabilities and had studied his file at Mr. Parker's request, despite Raines' objections. Stefan could do it. And even though Raines couldn't touch Sydney it really didn't hurt to relieve some of Raines' attitude from time to time. He threw Raines a crumb.
"I believe Stefan is more than capable of doing the job," he stated calmly.
Mr. Parker nodded abruptly. "Good. It's all yours Raines." He turned to Sydney as the other man pushed the folder across the table. "How's Jarod's workload Sydney?"
Sydney ignored Raines, who was trying not to look at the generous collection of papers tucked inside the folder marked 'Jarod'. "I have enough here to keep him going, sir. One or two might even challenge him a little."
Nodding, "Good." He rose from the table's head, obviously intending to close the meeting. All the Pretender jobs had now been allocated for the week and he was tired of sitting listening to his staff's activities. Before this meeting there had been the one with Security, and before that the one with Gemini Research. He was as sick of today's agenda as he was every Monday, and there was still the afternoon's batch to go.
"What about the highrise explosion simulation Sir?" It was Raines.
"What about it?" He noticed Sydney's hands freeze on his batch of papers. This was obviously something Sydney knew about.
Raines pressed on. "Jarod refused to complete the sim. That's the second simulation he's refused to do and gotten away with." He glared at Sydney, "How many more will we let him just CHOOSE not to do?"
"We've been through this before Raines," Sydney returned, externally calm. "You can't force Jarod. You have to work around him. If we try to force him he'll buckle down and you won't get a thing out of him whatever you do." He brushed Jarod's file with his hand. "Do that and kiss our Christmas bonuses goodbye for the next twenty years."
Mr. Parker groaned inwardly. This wasn't the first time Raines and Sydney had waged this particular war. Raines had requested repeatedly to be put in charge of Jarod, arguing that he could increase his workload without jeopardising the results. When Jarod had obstinately refused to do a sim several months earlier Raines thought he might get a chance with him. But Parker was no fool. Jarod could refuse many sims before Parker could justify turning him over to Raines; Jarod's work was just too valuable to take the risk. The problem, of course, was that Jarod knew it.
"How's your Trojan strategy going Sydney?" he asked, summoning his much overlooked patience.
"We're starting it this week Sir. Stefan calculates an 85% chance of success. If it's unsuccessful we'll simply try something else." He noticed Raines stiffen. Mentioning Raines' pretender, hopefully, would make it harder for Raines to argue with the plan. He saw Raines lean back in his chair, expressionless. Raines was no fool. He said nothing.
"Alright then." Parker grabbed his pen and diary before his
subordinates could get started arguing again. He nodded, sniffing.
"I'll see you two tomorrow morning. I'm getting some caffeine before
my next session." He hurried out and left them to tidy up their paperwork.
******************
Security Briefing Room
******************
Christine Stockwell was just on the other side of fifty. She wasn't a large woman - five two without her heels - but she had a larger-than-life presence about her. She wore her auburn hair short and tidy; she didn't want to distract anyone from who or what she was. She wore trousers by habit, but they were stylish and feminine despite that. She knew people were uncomfortable around her regardless of what she wore. Her name badge, complete with photo, was clipped to the left side of her chest and it proclaimed her station: Head of Security. She'd gotten to that position using everything she had - up to a point. She was also extremely good at her work, dedicated, and no sleeze in the brains department either. Proud of that. Very.
She strode into the Briefing Room as she did every morning, placing her document wallets on the desk behind her and leaning back against it as she faced the room full of people. Most of them were men, most without uniforms, most of them were large. All of them respected her. It didn't matter what she looked like; anyone who got to her position here was not to be messed with. "Alright everyone." She gestured towards two men at her right and they strode forward and faced the room. "This is Mark Sewell and Giles Curran. They'll be joining us from now on. Mark's starting with Research and Giles is going to be on the upper levels. Any questions?" No one spoke. "Good." She caught the eyes of one of the few women present, who was sitting towards the back of the room. "Kerri." The younger woman rose and walked to join her. "Kerri has been promoted to Security level six. Congratulations Kerri." She shook her hand, smiling.
Kerri shook back and accepted good-naturedly the splattering of congratulations she received from her fellow guards. "Thank you Miss Stockwell."
Chris released her hand and allowed a subordinate to get on with the morning's briefing notes. She didn't listen to what was being said; she was too busy studying Kerri Filgate and for the hundredth time hoping she'd chosen well. Kerri certainly fit the criteria well, she thought. She was tall, lean, very capable. She had a presence about her that spoke of her intelligence but she didn't yet have that hardened edge they usually looked for. For this particular job that happened to be just what they wanted. Most of all she bore a remarkable resemblance to the Chairman's daughter. THAT was irresistible.
Chris realised it was time to take over the meeting and dismissed any concerns she had about her choice. She addressed the two new recruits again, "You two can wait here. Accounts have a number of forms you need to fill in before you get the tour. I'll be back in a few hours." She turned to the room, "Anything I need to know?" Silence. "Very good. Let's keep up the good work people." The crowded room bustled into activity as the sweepers and guards hurried off to take over their shifts. Chris took a deep breath and turned to Kerri Filgate. "Well Kerri, it looks like you must have made someone happy this time. Guess who you're assigned to?"
Kerri's first thought wasn't good. She'd been told about the promotion several weeks ago and had to wait until her replacement arrived today before taking the new position. For whatever reason, the powers that be hadn't informed her as to the exact nature of her new duties and she was terrified they might have assigned her to Raines. No one wanted that job, not unless you were so fixated on ambition that you didn't think twice about risking your life. "Mr. Raines, Maam?" she asked.
Chris laughed and Kerri relaxed somewhat. "No, Kerri. You've been assigned to Jarod. No Raines breathing down your neck, just Sydney. Sydney may bore you to tears but at least he's not fatal." She smiled at Kerri's stunned expression.
"I didn't think Jarod ever had female guards Maam."
"He's had a couple. Jarod's physically very strong so there's
a minor risk involved of course, but he's also rational and his keepers
predict he's actually less likely to cause any problems with a woman than
a man.
Sydney's old-fashioned chivalry seems to have rubbed off on him."
She grinned. "Come on, let's go meet your new charge. I'll
fill you in on the necessaries along the way. Oh and there's a file
on Jarod's security protocol waiting for you on the mainframe.
Your password for today will open it. It's a long read. I hope
you're not planning on leaving early tonight."
She had been. "No Maam."
Chris' smile widened and she clapped a hand across the younger woman's
shoulder, "Good girl." Then she led Kerri out towards her new job.
Jarod was working up a good sweat by now. He'd been at it for fifty minutes, stretching tired muscles faster than they wanted to go. His time in the gym was limited today and he wanted to make the most of it. It was one of the few things he enjoyed about his life and he revelled in it. He got a buzz from exerting himself physically. The brain-stretching puzzles and simulations were constant stimulus for his mind, and served the Centre well, but his time in the gym was mostly for his own sanity. True, they were happy to have him physically in good condition; it was necessary for the more harrowing simulations, but Jarod pressed harder than was needed. That extra effort, he knew, was strictly for himself.
He looked up as the door to the gym opened. It was a large workout room, filled with rows of equipment designed primarily to keep the sweepers and guards in shape. Of course the guards themselves were kept that way to keep him under control. Him and the other "guests". He recognised the woman with Chris: Kerri Filgate. He'd seen her around the lower levels where he was allowed to roam in his free time, and of course, in the gym. However only his own guards were permitted to talk to him, and then he knew they were under instructions not to get friendly. It wouldn't do to see him as anything more than the Centre's property. That could lead to lapses in concentration, lapses in security. That could be fatal. For them. Jarod checked the electronic readout on his treadmill and slowed his pace. He was entering the cool down cycle.
Chris was talking quietly to Kerri as they watched Jarod finishing off. When he finally stepped off the treadmill and grabbed his towel she indicated for Kerri to approach with her. "Jarod. How many miles today?" She asked, smiling.
Jarod raised his eyebrows. His mouth smiled slightly, but it never reached his eyes. Chris hadn't seen it yet and didn't suppose she ever would. "Out the Centre doors, over the range and through to Missouri Miss Stockwell," he said lightly. It was a standard conversation for them. She pretended he was another employee, he pretended to go along with her. But over the years he was really getting tired of pretending. Any pretending.
"Jarod I'd like you to meet your new guard. This is Kerri Filgate. She'll be replacing Pickering for a few months."
Kerri reached a hand out before she could stop herself. Jarod smiled and shook his head, "Ooo you haven't read my file yet have you?" Kerri dropped her hand guiltily. "Never mind Kerri, I'm sure I can teach you. I should know it by now."
Kerri was speechless. This wasn't going as she'd expected. Jarod was supposed to be a prisoner, wasn't he? She felt like she'd just failed a very important job interview. Her boss hadn't missed it either.
"Now Jarod, you're not going to mess with Kerri's head are you?" Chris asked. Kerri flicked her eyes to Chris, then back to Jarod.
Jarod, however, looked surprised. "I don't really see anything wrong with her head."
"Never mind." Chris returned, not wanting to get into that. She consulted her notebook for a moment, "Jarod has another simulation session after he showers. Why don't you tag along with Pickering and Gordon for this shift. You can take over from Pickering tomorrow, after you've read the protocols."
Kerri nodded. She was already wondering how closely the guards monitored pretenders, or whether the cameras were considered enough security in the showers. But then there'd be the steam to fog the lens....... She tried to keep any expression from her face as she followed Jarod towards the showers. There were certainly worse jobs she could get.....
Kerri followed quietly behind Jarod and his guards to the change rooms. She told herself she was studying her new assignment in an analytical way as she walked, but knew it just wasn't the case. Jarod was one hell of a looker and he didn't even seem aware of it. Of course he wouldn't be. There'd been no women to tell him, and although she'd heard a rumour one of his guards had been removed when he'd foolishly described Jarod's pysical virtues to another guard, no one was going to come near him with a barge pole. The topic would hardly come up with Sydney.
"You're with me." Pickering said, interupting her thoughts. Jarod had already entered the change room and Pickering was assuming a position at the only exit. He was standing with his back against the corridor wall, but facing the shower entrance. From there he could control anyone trying to enter or leave the change rooms.
Kerri nodded, disappointed but unsurprised. She took a position beside him as Gordon started in after Jarod.
"Gordon!" It was Chris Filgate, leaning into the hallway from the gym. Gordon stepped back to see what she wanted. "I need to talk to you in my office. There are some things I need to go through with you." Gordon nodded, but before he could speak to Pickering Chris went on, "Kerri can take inside duty today."
Gordon gave Pickering a surprised, slightly amused look. Then he nodded to Kerri, his face blank again. "He's all yours." Then he left them to it while he went to see what his boss wanted.
Jarod had done this a million times. He couldn't remember when he'd been allowed to shower outside his room unwatched. He just didn't register the guards any more. However when he realised it was the new FEMALE guard and not Gordon or Pickering coming in behind him he almost panicked. Suddenly getting undressed became something he'd never done before and didn't quite know how to manage, at least not in front of this woman. He'd noticed the similarities between Miss Parker and Kerri straight away of course, and he was acutely aware of how much that meant to him. He removed his gym shoes and socks and placed them on the bench. There. That was okay, he could handle that. He grabbed the bottom of his sweatshirt and pulled it up over his head quickly, beginning to move restlessly on his feet. He folded the shirt up, taking his time with it, pressing it flat, and wondered briefly if it was obvious how ridiculous he must look doing it.
Kerri stood with her hands behind her back trying to keep her face blank. It was obvious to her that she was having an effect on the man before her, and just as obvious that he was trying to hide it. She saw him seem to come to an abrupt decision and pull his exercise shorts down, followed by his underware. He was being quick about it now and keeping his back turned to her. Kerri swallowed. She watched as he hurried to the shower bay behind him and got the water going, then jumped in before he'd even adjusted the water temperature. It was hard not to laugh at that, but she remembered the always-present camera and forced herself not to. She knew she should feel inclined to look away, to give him some privacy, but her eyes were glued. Besides, if the rules said she had to watch him constantly then that was exactly what she intended to do. It really wasn't her fault if she was enjoying it.
Jarod was trying to ignore her presence. He told himself to pretend he was in the cubicle in his room having this shower and not here with a beautiful woman watching his every move. The trouble was, for once in his life, he just couldn't make his body believe it. He was having all sorts of problems with parts of his anatomy he definitely didn't want suddenly deciding they'd been neglected for the last thirty-odd years. He grabbed the soap and the shampoo and put himself on automatic.
Kerri felt herself leaning forwards and forced herself back. She was just fascinated with the way the water was running over well-muscled shoulders, over his chest, over the hard muscles at his abdomen. He'd obviously been working out at more than just running. He was just plain gorgeous. From his finely chiselled, strong face down that incredible body, to....... She imagined herself standing with him in the shower, taking the soap and the sponge and-" He was staring at her. She jerked visibly and felt the blood drain from her face. The object of her little fantasy abruptly turned the water off and grabbed the towel he'd hung outside the bay. He wrapped it round lean, wet hips and hurried out towards a pile of clean clothes. She actually did turn her eyes from him briefly as he dressed. It was so obvious she hadn't been the only one turned on that his embarassment was excruciating. And extraodinarily alluring.
Jarod breathed a sigh of relief as he finished getting dressed. He wondered if she was going to be assigned inside duty every day at the gym, and then he caught himself hoping she was. He set his jaw and turned for the exit, avoiding her eyes. He intended to make damn sure the sim session with Sydney went as quickly as possible. He BADLY needed another shower in the relative privacy of his room, without her watching what he was doing. He pulled his unconcerned demeanour over himself like a jacket and walked past her.
Kerri couldn't resist. "Same time tomorrow?" she asked,
unable to keep the humour from her voice. She grinned maliciously
as his thin veil of pretense dropped and she saw just how stunned by it
all he really was. For once he was lost for words.
Several mornings later Kerri watched as her partner pressed his hand
onto the plate outside Jarod's room. The door opened and Kerri checked
that Jarod was away from the door before entering. That first night she'd
been up till early morning going over Jarod's security protocols and she
wasn't about to screw up on her first week on the job. She'd checked that
her dart gun was secured tightly in its holster under her left arm about
four times already. The gun with real bullets was under her right arm.
Both were covered by her security uniform, but she could access them quickly
if needed. The dart gunwas new for her, but she understood that it was
the only one she was ever likely to need on this assignment. All the guards
assigned to the red files were equipped with the dart-firing weapons. It
had been spelt out none toogently that hitting one of the Centre's precious
pretenders with live ammunition would result in immediate - and possibly
fatal - dismissal. Thesecond gun, containing real bullets, was in case
of hostile attack from outside the organisation, in case any of the Centre's
competition decided to steal one of their assetts. If that happened she
might be forced to use live bullets on Jarod himself. She knew that was
a no-win situation, for Jarod as
well as herself.
Gordon came in behind her, as protocol demanded. Jarod was already up, showered and dressed. He smiled at her openly and took his place at the small table. "Hmm, what have we here?" He said good naturedly. "Wheat grass and tomato juice. What a surprise!" He looked at her again, grinning. "Want some?"
"No Jarod. Thanks anyway," she replied. It was hard not to like the guy, and she kept seeing him in the shower again. And again. And again.
"Shame. It'd probably do you good." He tucked into his breakfast, downing the juice and starting on the rest. As he got into it he watched her. There was no doubting his attraction towards her. He felt drawn to Kerri, and it wasn't just because she was one of the few females he got to see. She didn't have the hardness about her the other guards did. She may have read the literature on him, but she wasn't keeping the emotional distance she was supposed to. He liked that. It seemed his hormones did too.
"So, what's on the agenda for today?" he finally asked.
She handed him the clipboard she'd had under the breakfast tray. "You have a SIM session with Sydney until 1pm, then research in the lab until 3pm, then the gym, then you have some free time. After that you're with Sydney again till 8pm. Sound good to you?"
He dropped his gaze from her. She thought he looked oddly unsettled
by something. "Wonderful." He said softly. He set his cutlery down and
disappeared into his bathroom to brush his teeth. Moments later he was
out again. He walked out of his room, flanked closely by the two guards,
and walked the well-known route towards the SIM lab.
***************
Two weeks later
Mr. Parker's Office
***************
"Well Sydney? How's it going?" Mr. Parker asked. He was enjoying a cup of very, very strong coffee.
Sydney smiled and sat in one of his superior's comfortable leather chairs.
"Better than we expected Sir. There's no doubting the attraction is mutual, and he's obviously thinking about her even in the SIM lab."
"That's not a problem with his accuracy is it Sydney?" They couldn't afford that.
"No Sir. Once Jarod's in a SIM he's submerged in it totally. Miss Filgate won't be a problem there."
"And his cooperation?"
Sydney shrugged. "Jarod has only refused two SIMS to date sir, both of which were before we started Trojan. He does seem to be putting less consideration into our motives behind the SIMS lately, though. That indicates to me that Trojan is probably working."
"Maybe we should ask him to do the highrise SIM again? Test just how well it's working?"
"I'd recommend against it at this stage Mr. Parker. Let Trojan work. There's no rush. Press too early and he'll know we're trying something."
Parker growled. "Sometimes I think Raines might be right. It'd be
much more satisfying to just force him. You don't ask a rat to run a maze
- you make
it."
"Mr. Parker, J- "
Parker raised a hand, stopping Sydney, "No Sydney. Never mind. We'll
do it your way, it's worked for thirty odd years so I won't start questioning
you now. Just make sure he doesn't get too far inside this woman's
head." He leaned into Sydney's face, tone hardening. "She IS his guard
Sydney. And I
won't lose him. Just you remember that."
Sydney nodded slowly. "I won't."
Jarod, Kerri and Gordon were on their way back to Jarod's room. It was after nine pm and Jarod had been working late at a physically demanding SIM. He was looking forward to crashing early for the night. Suddenly a loud, eardrum-bursting siren made all three jump. Jarod settled quicker than his guards; he knew what was going on better than they did, and he knew his early night had just been cancelled.
"That's the Escape alarm!" Kerri said, stunned.
"Yup," Gordon snapped. He grabbed Jarod's shoulder and turned him into the wall of the corridor, then took out his handcuffs and quickly secured his charge, cuffing Jarod's wrists behind him. Jarod looked annoyed, but didn't resist. He'd been through this too many times before in his years at the Centre. It didn't stop him hating the handcuffs.
Gordon growled at the young woman beside him, who had obviously not paid enough attention to this particular part of the security protocol. "Get your dart gun out and back me up Kerri. Stockwell will be reviewing every inch of those tapes." He nodded towards the security camera, which was turning to keep them in the picture.
"It's a drill," Kerri said, finally understanding. She removed her weapon and followed Gordon and Jarod back along the way they'd come. She struggled to remember what they were supposed to do with Jarod when one of these things was going on.
Jarod knew the routine better than his guards. At least, he knew
this part of it. Whenever any sort of security drill was conducted
he was always escorted, handcuffed, to a holding cell. There would be nothing
to do for the hours it took the drill to take its course. He guessed somewhere
out in the Centre corridors, possibly in his own room, there was a guard
pretending to be him or one of the other inmates, trying to escape. They
didn't want the real Jarod seeing or hearing anything that might aid a
real escape, so they locked him away for the duration. He'd been thinking
it was time for another drill, but of course they were started randomly,
and although he had considered warning Kerri about it he knew there really
wasn't much point. She would just have to put up with it and take Holwell's
criticisms like all
the other guards.
They came at last to a key-operated door in a secluded part of the
resident's wing. Gordon waited until Kerri had opened it, then shoved Jarod
in. He glanced briefly at the camera overhead before turning to Kerri.
This was one bit he wasn't comfortable with. He didn't like sending Kerri
in with Jarod. Someone had to go; that was in the protocol. There
had to be someone inside the cell in case he needed something, or in case
he tried something. The camera in the holding cell appeared to be damaged,
and Jarod could not
be unsupervised at any time. But he didn't know why it had to be
Kerri, as he'd been told this morning. He kept his suspicions to himself.
"The camera's offline. You get inside duty this time."
"Do I take the handcuffs off him?"
"Not unless you want to lose your promotion." He glanced at Jarod, who was standing at the back of the small cell, looking disgusted. "Look, just keep away from him and keep alert. This won't go on for too long." He saw her nod and backed out of the room. Then he locked the door, took a last look through the small window, and turned to face the corridor, weapon at the ready.
Kerri tried hard to look unconcerned. She knew it wasn't working.
She could see the way Jarod was fuming and she couldn't help sympathizing.
She guessed having this done to him made it a bit hard for him to pretend
he wasn't exactly a guest of the establishment.
In Sydney's office Mr. Parker was enjoying the scene playing out before him on Sydney's monitor. There was a picture of the cell where Jarod and Kerri were supposedly unmonitored. Jarod, still cuffed, was pacing the confines of the cell. Kerri was just watching but certainly didn't appear unaffected by her prisoner's unease. The wailing of the alarm, which had been close to giving him a headache, finally ceased. "Thank goodness." He said, rubbing an ear. He smiled at the screen again. This was going to be more interesting than the average security footage.
"How long you gonna leave them in there Sydney?"
"I've told Miss Holwell to make the drill a thorough one, sir. About four hours."
"Do you think that'll do it?"
Sydney shook his head, smiling quietly, "We're not trying to get them to fall into bed Mr. Parker, just help the relationship along a little. Jarod hates these drills, and he's very interested in Miss Filgate. Don't worry. Four hours will be long enough. We don't want to make him suspicious."
"Hmm." Mr. Parker settled into Sydney's chair, eyes glued to the
screen. "Pity."
Jarod pulled at the handcuffs in frustration. He wished just
once one of his guards would forget his protocol and cuff him in front
for a change. He glared at Kerri, who dropped her gaze guiltily, and he
immediately regretted it. He knew this wasn't her doing, and it didn't
help to make things
difficult for her. He sighed, and sat on the cot.
"Care to take a seat?" When she didn't reply he sighed again and pushed himself back against the wall, trying to get comfortable.
Kerri decided she'd had enough of Centre protocol. She couldn't see the harm in talking him through what was obviously not a pleasant experience. "Look Jarod, I'm sorry about this."
"Sorry enough to undo these?" He turned slightly, raising his wrists.
Kerri smiled. "Sorry. That'd really get me in trouble if Stockwell were to find out. If it'll help I won't give you the silent treatment though."
Jarod grinned. "I'll take what I can get." He was pleased to see her grin back at him. She'd been given "inside duty" at the showers five times over the past couple of weeks and he no longer felt so embarassed about it. He knew she enjoyed it too, and had even 'accidentally' brushed against him a few times. By silent and mutual understanding they were trying not to be obvious about their attraction, but it was getting damn difficult. She was a lovely young woman, and so much like...
"So, what do you think of your new job?" he asked.
Kerri grinned wider, relaxing. "It has its bonuses. One in particular."
"Oh?"
"You know." She actually thought she saw him blush. Now that was something you didn't often see in a man in his thirties. "And don't get any ideas. Just because we're alone.....in a private room.....luxuriously appointed of course....."
"And unchaperoned." Jarod was grinning, enjoying himself. Sydney was about the only one who'd talk to him more than briefly. To have a conversation with a woman, and Kerri in particular, was really making this one of his better security drill experiences. He got off the cot abruptly and approached her. He tried to ignore that his hands were cuffed behind, and used his height to substitute for the lack of control the restraints were causing him. He was wondering how to proceed, though, when he saw her glance at the window in the door. He backed off slowly. Disappointed. Unsure.
Kerri saw his mood change. There really wasn't any reason why she couldn't do it. Gordon would be facing the other way, and the monitor wasn't working.....
She closed the gap between them and gently cupped his face in her hands. She kissed him slowly. Gently. His whole face brightened as if some new and wonderful experience had just revealled itself to him. Well, it had, hadn't it?
He lowered his face towards her again and she passed her hands through
his hair this time as she kissed him. She deepened it. Still gently. Letting
him
warm to it.
Bang.
They jumped apart. She could see Gordon glaring at her behind the
glass window. Jarod backed up against the wall, trying to calm himself
down and obviously struggling to do it. Kerri was fighting her own internal
battle with chemicals she didn't know she had. She was desperately trying
to decide whether Gordon would report her to Christine Stockwell or not.
If that happened her time with Jarod would be very short indeed.
They spent the remaining hours apart. At first conversation was difficult
and hesitant. They couldn't forget Gordon on the other side of the little
window, but they couldn't forget the touch they'd shared either. When Gordon
finally got word the drill was over and Jarod could be returned to his
room, neither was happy about it. They just hoped Gordon's loyalty to the
Centre wouldn't be their downfall.
************
Two Days Later
************
The SIM lab was bustling with people. They were hurrying to and fro, taping diagrams to walls and setting up video displays and downloading data onto the two pc's sitting ready. Sheets of plans were spread out on a large table. Diagrams had been pinned to the walls, and photos were everywhere. It was one enormous collection of hastily assembled information on one of nature's nastiest jokes, and the people who were just too close to the action to find anything funny about it.
Sydney adjusted the thermostat to bring the temperature up. It was
just after 2am and things were a little chilly for his liking. He looked
up to see Jarod entering the lab, flanked by the two nightshift guards.
Jarod
looked a little bleary-eyed, but Sydney knew that would vanish once
he set to work.
"What is it Sydney?" Jarod asked, taking in the activity.
"An earthquake hit Newcastle in Australia just over three hours ago. It's caused massive damage, killed hundreds, mostly on rail and highway. The Newcastle Museum was totally destroyed. Unfortunately some very important people were visiting at the time and it's vital we find them under the rubble. If there's any chance they're still alive - we have to locate them."
Jarod nodded, already studying the museum plans laid out before him. Activity in the room around him dropped as they finished their jobs and left him alone with Sydney to do his. Sydney organised the data so that Jarod wouldn't have to go searching too far to find what he needed. Other than that there really wasn't any need for him to be there. Jarod had been doing SIMS for so many years he really didn't need Sydney's guidance in this case. Sydney watched as his life's work absorbed himself in the study.
Jarod would be analysing not only the layout of the museum, but also the itinerary of the VIP's they'd been paid to locate, their own personal interests, what drove them, down to their need to see items of interest in the Museum and when they'd need a cigarette break in the Museum foyer. Things a computer couldn't do. Sydney's gaze travelled over the files that had been placed on the table. They had to know everyone who had been in the Museum at the time of the quake, in order to accurately pinpoint what the men they were searching for would do. There had been a busload of children touring the museum that day......
Jarod barely glanced up when Sydney placed a glass of orange juice in front of him. He frowned a moment, as if something annoying was troubling him, then reached for the juice. He made eye contact with Sydney as he swallowed, then placed the glass out of the way. "Thank you Sydney," he said quietly.
Sydney nodded, taking the glass and wondered at Jarod's hesitation.
Then Jarod turned back to his work and Sydney went back to his, carefully
sifting through the piles of data to see if they'd missed supplying Jarod
with something vital.
*******************
The Following Afternoon
*******************
Raines was in full confrontation mode as he leaned over Mr. Parker's desk and glared at Sydney. "Trojan. Isn't. Working," he ground out.
Sydney was growing short on patience. He waved to the monitor display, which was showing a tape of Jarod during the SIM of the Museum collapse. He'd simmed every person in the VIP group and come up with two possibilities for their location. One wasn't even in the building. It was inside the collapsed building next door - a restaurant partly owned by one of the members of the missing group. The other was in the dinosaur exhibition on the lower floor.
"Jarod did the SIM. He was assigned to find our missing party and he did it. Alive. Where no one would have thought to look." He glared back at Raines, for once on the brink of losing his famous calm. "He saved their lives."
Raines was unimpressed. "He gave two possibilities when he knew exactly where they were. He didn't target the fossil display to do his job, he did it to save those snotty school children!"
Sydney was disgusted. Raines had lost his own child under terrible circumstances. The thought that Jarod had placed the lives of children on at least the level of his assignment shouldn't be causing this anger. He knew, though, that it wasn't. It was Jarod's defiance that was angering Raines. "Is that such a terrible thing Raines?"
"You know very well that it wasn't the primary goal. If he had been wrong about the restaurant we might have lost the contract. The rescue mission took valuable hours retrieving those children." He paused, eyes narrowing. "Did you even give him the drug?"
Sydney looked at Mr. Parker, who hadn't said a word yet. He was listening to every word his subordinates said, carefully weighing their argument and what affect, if any, Jarod's small rebellion should have on his future.
Sydney clenched his jaw and lowered his head, giving Raines his 'I'm above emotional outbursts' look. "He had the juice as he was starting. I could hardly give it to him before he woke, could I?" He looked to Mr. Parker. "I don't see the problem. Jarod completed the SIM successfully. Our clients are overjoyed. What more do you want?"
Mr. Parker said nothing.
Kerri was running early for her shift. She'd gone through a worrying timeafter the incident in the holding cell but apparently Gordon hadn't toldanyone. He'd given her the lecture though.
"You don't talk to Pretenders Kerri and you certainly don't kiss them!" he'd yelled at her in her own home.
"It just happened Gordon. I felt so sorry for him," she'd argued. She hadn't added 'attracted to him'. She knew that was pretty obvious.
Gordon had seemed almost sympathetic. Almost. "He's Centre property Kerri. Has been his whole life, will be for the rest of it. We're assigned to him for a maximum of three months. Do you know why that is?"
"Of course I know."
"Then grow up Kerri. We're not even supposed to talk with him. You start telling a red file about yourself and they can sim you. Tell them nothing and they've got nothing to go on. He's gotten inside your head."
"He's not like that Gordon."
Gordon shook his head and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. When he spoke again his voice had softened. "I know he's not. Jarod's the hardest one to keep the rules with, I should know. We're human Kerri. We can feel sorry for him. Hell you can even daydream about him if you want, but......you can't do anything about it. This is the Centre we're talking about Kerri. You just don't cross the Centre. Not if you want to live."
She'd agreed with him. She knew he was right, that there was no future in the relationship. But she just couldn't stop what she knew was love growing in her heart. She didn't want to. She shook the argument from her thoughts and swung open the door to the cafeteria. She didn't think Jarod would mind getting breakfast a little early today. What she saw made her freeze.
Chris Stockwell was standing there alone, tapping the contents of
a foil packet into a tall glass of juice and stirring it in. The label
on the tray read "Jarod". Chris looked up at Kerri, obviously surprised.
Then she spoke quietly, still stirring the juice. "I think we need to have
a talk Kerri."
Kerri stood in Sydney's office absolutely terrified. She was honestly surprised to be here. When she'd stumbled on her boss obviously drugging Jarod's drink she'd expected to be removed altogether. Or at least get an up-close-and-personal with Stockwell. But Stockwell had taken her to see Sydney, and Kerri had waited while Stockwell quietly told Sydney what she had seen. Then Stockwell left, and here she was alone with Jarod's keeper who obviously knew about the spiked drink. Kerri wondered how long it had been going on, and who had ordered it.
Sydney breathed deeply and studied her. He saw that she was anxious,
and he had to admit that he didn't blame her. She'd be a good deal more
anxious if she knew about the camera in the holding cell. Sydney indicated
the chair in front of his desk and moved out from behind the desk himself.
He was well
aware of the pychological advantage the desk gave him, but he didn't
want to intimidate this woman. He wanted - needed - to convince her of
his motives. He waited for her to sit down and then took the chair in front
of her himself. "I understand you've seen something that's surprised you,"
he began.
"Sir I know it isn't my job- "
"That's quite alright Kerri. I understand your concern for Jarod." He smiled as she looked alarmed. He reached back and into a drawer in his desk. He rummaged about for a moment, then pulled out a photo and passed it to Kerri. "Do you know who this is?"
Kerri studied the picture. It was of a lovely young woman with long, dark brown hair and large penetrating eyes. She looked very familiar. Like the image in Kerri's mirror. There were differences of course. They weren't identical, just enough alike to comment on. Or use. Kerri had been told before that she looked like the Chairman's daughter. She just didn't know why that was important. "Miss Parker," she said.
Sydney nodded, taking the photo back. "Jarod and Miss Parker were close friends as children. He still asks about her."
Kerri was still looking at the photo, now on Sydney's desk. It was all sinking in. "I was given this job because I look like her, wasn't I?" She saw Sydney nod. "Why?"
Sydney sighed deeply. "Jarod has been growing more difficult lately. He studies his SIMS before he does them. He weighs up just how much damage he thinks they can do. On two occasions he's even refused to go through with them." He saw the surprise on her face, quickly hidden. "He can't continue to do that and get away with it indefinitely Kerri. Eventually Mr. Parker will decide it's gone too far and I won't be able to protect him. Do you want to see Mr. Raines get Jarod?"
Kerri stared at him, stunned. The thought of Jarod at Raines' mercy...... There were terrible stories about Raines. She didn't want to believe any of them. "No." She whispered.
Sydney closed his eyes. So many lives ruined by the Centre. Here was another, hopefully only tainted. "Then help me Kerri. The drug isn't very strong and all it does is diffuse his conflict over the sims. If Jarod knew he was getting it he'd fight the effects and we'd be back to square one. We....I....felt he needed a distraction, to stop him realising what we were doing. To stop him wondering why he wasn't as concerned about the SIMS any more."
Kerri was quiet. It was all she could do not to cry and she was determined not to. "I was the distraction wasn't I?" She saw him slowly nod. She felt dirty. Not just for the way they were manipulating Jarod, but for the way they'd used her. At least she knew she was never going to get into trouble for that time in the holding cell. She was angry, but she also knew she'd shove that anger to the back of her mind. There was something else far more powerful, far more dangerous at the centre of her attention: Raines, and what he might do to Jarod.
She was silent for a long time. Sydney let her work it through. He
knew the signs, knew what to look for. Sydney was good at his job. Finally
she raised her face to him. The tears could wait. "What do you want me
to do?" She asked.
**********
That Evening
**********
Jarod was tired. The day's SIMS had been mostly lab work, not physical, but sometimes it was those that wore him out more. He sat in the Dining Room where he was allowed to eat his evening meal. After the rest of the staff had gone, of course. It wouldn't do to have too many people around when he was there. Gordon stood a few feet behind him, hands folded in front, watching, bored but trying not to show it. As usual. Gordon was a good watchdog.
Jarod yawned and used his fork to play with his food. He studied the orange juice beside his plate, wondering what they'd do if he just decided not to drink it today. He looked up and smiled happily as Kerri returned with his bowl of fruit. As he reached across to take it from her the sleeve of his shirt brushed the glass and the contents spilt across the table. Kerri gasped, all but dropping the fruit in her surprise. She grabbed the glass and righted it, the morning's conversation with Sydney still ringing in her ears. When she looked up into Jarod's face she froze.
"Get. Away. From me." He grated out. His face was twisted with anger. With hurt.
"Jarod, what's wrong?" He knew. He knew.
Jarod stood up and swept the almost empty glass, the plate, fruit and meal onto the floor. Behind him Gordon was suddenly all attention. He reached for his dart gun, paused with his hand on it, waiting. "You know what's wrong Kerri," Jarod snarled.
Kerri felt the blood leave her face. When she spoke she hardly recognised her own voice, "How long have you known about..."
"The juice? Since they started it. Around the time you came." He growled the last bit. He'd known about the juice, known they'd sent her to distract him. But he'd been convinced SHE didn't know, and he didn't want Sydney's distraction to go away. If taking their drug and pretending to go along with their plan was the price of her company then he'd do it. But not if she knew about it. Not if she was as bad as the rest of them.
In his office Sydney swore as he listened to Jarod's admission. He'd been worried Kerry might tell Jarod about the drug even after his conversation with her so he'd planted a listening device on her. He didn't want to be glued to the monitor all afternoon, and not all of the Centre's security cameras provided the best audio. Behind Sydney Raines stepped into the room, overhearing Jarod's raised voice.
"So much for Trojan." He growled, not without some satisfaction. He was about to continue when yet another alarm screamed through the building. Raines scowled. "Do we really need another drill so soon?"
Sydney tapped some keys on his keyboard and pulled up the required
information. "Not a drill this time Raines. It's Stefan. And he's armed."
The alarm shook all three of them out of the moment. The first thought of course was that it was another drill, that Stockwell was really making a point having another so soon. Gordon reached for Jarod as Kerri withdrew her dart gun. She was three feet away from the door to the Dining Room when it was slammed open and a frantic, crazy-looking man flew through it, knocking her onto the floor and spinning her weapon out of reach. The stranger was dressed all in green hospital scrubs. He was sweating heavily, breathing in great gasps. His skin was pale despite the sweat. Sick, she thought. Then he turned crazy eyes to her, taking in the security uniform. He raised his arm and pointed a black weapon into her face, screaming "NOOO!!!"
Time slowed down for Kerri. Her terrified eyes fixed on his crazy ones. His arm was trembling, but at this range that didn't matter. There were tears streaming down his face, the face of someone pushed to his limits. Just as she thought her time had come Stefan froze. He clutched feebly at something at his chest, then dropped to the floor over her and was still.
Jarod lowered the dart gun he'd taken from Gordon. As soon as Gordon had tried to handcuff him he'd reacted. He knew this wasn't a drill and he wasn't about to be handcuffed and put in the holding cell while someone attempted escape from the Centre. Gordon was so used to Jarod passively allowing it that he'd been surprised enough for Jarod to be able to hit him hard in the gut. When Stefan burst through the door and nearly killed Kerri Jarod hadn't thought. He'd just grabbed Gordon's dart pistol and shot. Now he wasn't sure what to do. Gordon was clutching his gut, incapacitated, and Jarod was temporarily unguarded. He gripped the dart gun tighter and headed for the door.
"Jarod!" Kerri yelled. She had her dart gun back again, aiming it at Jarod. She'd seen the thoughts playing through his eyes. Knew the desperate look. Knew he wasn't thinking with his brain; he was acting on instinct. He'd run and try to escape, and he was too damned smart. He might just make it to the upper levels where the guards didn't have darts.....She saw him hesitate, saw him make up his mind...
Jarod felt the sudden sharp pain in his back almost as soon as he turned. It hit him high, between the shoulder blades. He could already feel the effects of the tranquilizer numbing his legs, his mind, even his fury at her. He hit the door hard with his head and shoulder and slipped to the floor.
Kerri watched in horror as Jarod's right hand feebly tried to reach the dart in his back. At this point it wouldn't matter whether he got it out or not; the drug was well into his system. She couldn't pull her eyes away from her handiwork, not even when Jarod became totally still.
She registered the alarm turning off in a corner of her subconcious.
God, they were really on the ball with those damn cameras. Without expression
she reached under her right arm and took out the live gun......aimed it
in the general direction of the nearest camera......and fired.
He felt the bed first. So familiar to him, yet not the least comforting. He had a terrible headache from the tranquilizer and where he'd hit his head against the door, but he stopped himself from making any sound. He knew someone was in the room with him. Most probably Sydney. Jarod wanted time to think before he let Sydney know he was awake. He wanted to justify Kerri's actions in his own eyes, as she had no doubt done in her own. He'd reacted in the Dining Room from pain. He really hadn't had time to listen to her defend herself, he'd been too hurt to give her the chance. Then the crazy man had run in... and Kerri had shot Jarod. He knew she may have saved his life by doing that, but it was still something he couldn't forgive. Not yet, anyway.
Kerri waited outside his cell. Two new guards were posted there, looking suitably emotionless. Gordon was being disciplined for letting Jarod get the better of him, and she was of course being transferred. Her function as distraction was definitely in the past. She wasn't sure about seeing Jarod again after what had happened. She couldn't stop the images of him towering over her, furious when he'd discovered she knew about the drug. She kept seeing him saving her life, too......and the way she'd repaid the act. Sydney had insisted she come. He wanted closure for Jarod. And, she suspected, for her.
She saw Sydney wave to her and she unlocked the door. It was probably the last time her palm would be able to do it. She entered, letting the door slowly move behind her. Sydney got up and rested a hand on her shoulder, before catching the door and leaving them alone.
Jarod was sitting up on his bed, tentatively touching a gauze patch at his temple. She wondered if he even knew what that simple action was doing to her. She was struck suddenly by the image of him hitting the dining room door, of him reaching futilely at the dart just out of his reach. The dart with her name on it. She pulled the chair over from his desk and sat on it.
"Jarod." She had to resist the temptation to touch him. She didn't think he would allow it. "I'm sorry."
"I know."
"I just wanted to tell you....I really didn't know why I was assigned to you. Not until this morning. I saw Chris Stockwell spiking your juice, and well....Sydney told me the rest." His expression was blank. "We were both trying to help you Jarod. I know it doesn't seem like it." She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Sydney really does care for you."
He was studying her. "And what about you Kerri? Do you?"
She smiled sadly. "What do you think?" She didn't look at him. Couldn't. It would be a long time before she was over him. She didn't even know if he had fallen for her or just the woman she looked like. It didn't really matter now. She rose slowly. "I'm being transferred away from the Centre. One of their interstate operations." She waited for him to say something, but he was silent. "Please look after yourself Jarod. Do their sims. There are things that happen at the Centre that you don't know about."
"But I will know." When I'm free, he added mentally.
Kerri looked back at him before leaving, thought about one particular thing named Raines, and the rumours she'd heard about what he did.
"I hope not Jarod." Then she left.
Epilogue
************
Four Days Later
************
Raines watched the security monitor as Jarod successfully completed another simulation. Sydney was there, subdued but quietly confident that Jarod would forgive him. There was a lot of resentment building inside the younger man for his mentor and one day it might just get to be too much. Raines could wait. He'd lost ground with Mr. Parker because of Stefan. That had nearly been a disaster. So fortunate Jarod had taken care of the other inmate himself. Raines might be able to taunt him with that later.
He was looking forward to spending time with Jarod unhindered. Even Sydney took time off from the Centre, and this time Raines would be waiting. He knew Lyle was interested too. There was a lot they could accomplish in three weeks. He was willing to bet Jarod wouldn't be quite so difficult while he was in charge. Willing his face blank, Raines flicked the monitor off and turned to go home. There was no rush. It was just a matter of time.
Jarod ignored his escort as he finished his meal in the Dining Room. It still hurt to come here, but they hadn't given him much choice. In the end it was probably better for him to just deal with it. He had Sydney's counseling of course. There were going to be some long sessions there, and he intended to make Sydney squirm as much as he could over the deception. Sydney would take it, knowing he deserved it. That was just the way their relationship seemed to work.
Jarod had already forgiven Kerri. Not that there was much to forgive. He understood her reasoning and if he'd been in the same situation he doubted he would have done differently. One day he'd have to find her and tell her that. In the meantime all he could do was survive and ignore the damn sweepers.
He recognized the janitor pulling out a mop and bucket. It was Kenny. They'd passed a few times following Jarod's late meals, and the simple man wasn't fazed by Jarod or his guards. He simply didn't know who Jarod was. Jarod liked the openness in Kenny's eyes. Here was someone who had no ulterior motives, no hidden agenda. Jarod even saw that he might be able to help Kenny. He smiled and rose to go back to his room. He would ask Sydney's permission to work with Kenny tomorrow.
The two sweepers fell dutifully - and silently - in behind him.