Dealing With A One-eyed Code Red (Part 2)

Dealing With A One-eyed Code Red (Part 2)

JACKSON



One-Eye only wanted to get Julia off the island and away from the likes of Fixer. 'I need to find the kids first though. Julia won't leave them and I have no intention of doing so.' In the Head Hit Wizard's eyes getting Bren out had taken a back burner to finding and protecting Lyre and Mia.



'So the Seven have not only allied with the likes of vampires but now Daniel Marsden and Marcus Linthux have a werewolf pack on their side.' He looked towards where Julia was knowing that in Julia's eyes she felt she owed Fixer.

'Fixer, in Julie's eyes rescued her children. He is using that to keep her working for him.' He saw the pleading in her look and it tore at his heart. 'Don't worry my love, I have no intention of doing anything that might endanger them, you or Brennan.' He could only hope his attitude had not already endangered Julia.

'Fixer brought me out here for a reason. His threat might be more subtle than Linthux.' He sat down knowing at the moment Fixer held all the cards.



'So the Seven knew, but how? Could the man I have yet to find...' One-Eye did not like where his thoughts were leading. His daughter had been the target. 'Could Lyre's birth father be connected to the Seven? Or worse could I be looking at him? He looked from Fixer to Julia trying to see how his love felt about the man. 'The one thing I know for sure is I owe this man not only for sending the elves but also for trying to protect Mia.' He wondered though if Fixer's involvement was more to protect his own son than to protect a child that was another man's. 'Either way Linthux would not have been able to show me a picture of my daughter unless he and the people who had her had a connection. If Fixer is connected to the Seven than I need to not anger the man anymore than I already have? If I am right about him being Lyre's father than the boy is at least safe. If not, then this man has enough man power on this island to insure Marcus Linthux's threat is fulfilled.' One-Eye was unsure just how to protect the people he cared about. His head hurt as he remembered Linthux's threat. 'The Medjai and TOE members or my daughter and her mother. Lyre was never in danger? Linthux wants payback for Daniel but why did he believe I would believe him? The other question, why me instead of Fixer? Unless Linthux don't trust Fixer. Could I have been Linthux's way of controlling Fixer?' His thoughts seemed divided in regards to the man who seemed to be his new captor.



'So Lyre was a prisoner too. A year, what had they put my daughter through? Had her or Lyre been bite? I know next to nothing of the dangers because of my resisting Linthux caused my family. I can't allow them to suffer more now that I know the threat is indeed real. As long as I have no clue where Lyre and Mia are, I have no choice but to try and buy them time. The question is just how deep into Fixer's and worse The Seven's pocket is keeping them safe going to put me? At least Joseph is not alive to see my betrayal. One day when they are safe, I will make those that endangered them pay dearly for me having to do this! Starting with the Medjai.'



As One-Eye Jackson listened to the man tell him about what his daughter believed, the anger swelled within him. 'Great my own daughter will betray me or her mom the moment we try to go anywhere near her. It makes getting her off this island even harder. When I do though, Julia and I are going to have a very long talk about my rights to Mia. Now that I know about my daughter, I am going to be in her life.'



He decided to test his theory. “I want to see them. Did you know Lyre was for me and Julia getting married as long as I did not try and replaces his dad? I talked with him that night I went and got the ring. He asked me to help him find his dad. I agreed. Does he know? Is Lyre how they got to you?” He wanted to ask what Fixer had Lyre believing. 'Could Lyre believe I broke his parents up? That I chose my career over us becoming a family? Could this man have turned Lyre against Julia? Could Julia have been made to stay with Lyre's father for fear of losing her son?'



His head was down as he whispered the one set of questions he feared the answer to. “Just how much control do you have over Lyre? Is that why Julia stays? You say she has custody of Mia but does that mean you had custody of Lyre?”

He glanced over at Julia and was scared, 'Lyre is eighteen but it seems Fixer has Lyre being the only one Mia trusts. Problem is the man seems positive that Lyre listens only to him.'

Turning back towards Fixer as he said, “So this tour was to show me just how many aces in the hole you had. I will admit at the moment you have stacked the deck. What will it cost me?”



“Don't you know? I have been the Seven's prisoner for two years! By the way, that prison makes Azkaban look like a Muggle jail.” One- Eye was confused. 'How could Fixer be working for the Seven and not know they were the ones holding me? Unless Linthux is scared I will tell what I saw and went through?'

He looked over towards Julia and dropped his head, 'To protect them, I will keep quiet. Now how do I get Fixer to believe?'

He said, “If your boss is worried the Ministry will learn of that place? He needn't. You made your boss' point loud and clear. I will keep my mouth shut as long as no harm comes to Julia and her children. As for the Medjai and the TOE members? I...” He stopped unsure if he could choose to kill just to insure no harm came to Julia and the children. He thought of buying time.

“I am no killer if that is what your boss wants. So I guess it all depends on what it will take to buy Julia and the children's freedom? Don't get me wrong, Linthux has my attention. I am willing to deal but it is a onetime thing. What your boss wants in exchange for them and you staying away from Julia and Mia. I know I can't keep you away from Lyre but I can only hope he choices to not follow in your footsteps.”

At that moment, One-Eye saw Lyre come running towards him. Every muscle of his body wanted to get up but he dared not. It took everything he had to stay seated. “Lyre.” He glanced around praying his daughter was close to her brother. 'Where is she?'[/i

COLE

One-Eye only wanted to get Julia off the island and away from the likes of Fixer. .... In the Head Hit Wizard's eyes getting Bren out had taken a back burner to finding and protecting Lyre and Mia..... He looked towards where Julia was knowing that in Julia's eyes she felt she owed Fixer. ... 'Fixer, in Julie's eyes rescued her children. He is using that to keep her working for him.' ... He could only hope his attitude had not already endangered Julia. ... He sat down knowing at the moment Fixer held all the cards.

Cole listened to Jackson's inner voice. He was letting Punta feed the information to him. The elves could listen to other's but Cole had not mastered the technique enough to not have the person feel him listening sometimes. Jackson's focus was now on protecting the children and Julia. Out of the corner of his eye he looked to where Julia was training. She had been with him for years. He had brought her to the island when Lyre was ten because rumors were flying hot and fast she was in need of help. She had been the one to choose to join his small mercenary group. She had also been the one who decided to train for undercover work. All her training had come in handy when Lyre had been kidnapped. She had not planned on taking Mia into the situation with her, but life doesn't always go the way you want it to. The Clan had not known of Julia's connection with Lyre. The boy had been picked up in one of their slave raids on the young to be trained.

Mia had only been four and was quickly removed from Julia's protection and sent straight into training in the Clan. The Clan discovered if you started to train children when they were very young it was easy to indoctrinate them into the group. Little Mia had done and seen more than any child should have to see. She was a little warrior and still believed the Clan was her family. It would be a long hard road to get her back to being a child again.

Cole inwardly chuckled. Jackson was thinking he was Lyre's father. Cole knew who the birth father was, a friend and fellow mercenary who had been killed in a covert action planned by Cole. This made the boy and any of his family part of Cole's family. All of his troops knew if they were hurt or killed, their families would be taken care of for life.

'The one thing I know for sure is I owe this man not only for sending the elves but also for trying to protect Mia.'

Cole was not above using the I-owe-you card. It would give him time to convince Jackson he was not the bad guy here. Cole had hope of pulling Jackson into his group.

... If Fixer is connected to the Seven than I need to not anger the man anymore than I already have? If I am right about him being Lyre's father than the boy is at least safe. .... 'So Lyre was a prisoner too. A year, what had they put my daughter through?..... The question is just how deep into Fixer's and worse The Seven's pocket is keeping them safe going to put me? ...

So many things were going to hold Jackson in place. Cole was going to use each and every one of them. As long as he could keep Jackson guessing and worried he would do something wrong to endanger his family, Cole had a point he could build on.

He decided to test his theory. “I want to see them. Did you know Lyre was for me and Julia getting married as long as I did not try and replaces his dad? I talked with him that night I went and got the ring. He asked me to help him find his dad. I agreed. Does he know? Is Lyre how they got to you?”

Cole sat forward on his stool, resting his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together and letting them dangle between his knees. "I did know you and Julia were considered a couple in the boy's eyes. He told me. Lyre was not used to get to me. He was seventeen when he was swept up in a slave raid by the Clan, to collect innocents to be used in their training. It took me a while to find him. The boy was smart enough to stay alive. When Julie, who I might add has worked for me for years, went undercover to get Lyre back, the Clan picked up Mia from what we thought was a safe house, to use against her. The child had only been off the island for one week." Cole would never forgive himself for letting Mia off the island, but Julia had said she wanted Mia in a regular home environment.

His head was down as he whispered the one set of questions he feared the answer to. “Just how much control do you have over Lyre? Is that why Julia stays? You say she has custody of Mia but does that mean you had custody of Lyre?”.....

"Lyre is an adult. The only control I have over him is the fact he has decided to join my small army. He is in physical training at the moment, but I hope to have his specialty settled soon and have him added to a group where he can mentally learn what is required from others who will be able to understand any problems he has."

Cole sat up straighter when Punta sent him a silent message that Lyre was expected back in the training grounds soon. "He is a good man. Lyre choose of his own free will to join me. He knows what is expected of him. He also knows what will happen if he decides to not be part of my group. He signed the necessary paperwork." Cole had not had many people leave his troops. When each of them signed up, they signed a paper giving him permission to do a mind-sweep, to erase knowledge such as passwords, memories of the islands layout and other information. The elves did the sweep, so no mental abilities were lost. The subject would just not remember the island or anything which took place while they were there. Cole always made sure each person also received all of the mental help they needed to go back into society in general.

Turning back towards Fixer as he said, “So this tour was to show me just how many aces in the hole you had. I will admit at the moment you have stacked the deck. What will it cost me?”

"I not only wanted to show you a bit of the island, I wanted to show you this is not a slave camp. These men and woman," he swept his hand out signifying the whole area, "have chosen to be here. Each of them is here on the initial recommendation of someone else who is here. They are put through training and if I think they can cut it, they are allowed to stay. If not, or it turns out they didn't realize the responsibilities I would request from them, then they are mind-swiped by the elves and returned to their homes. I can usually tell within the first three weeks whether it will work or not."

"As far as what it will cost you. I want information. I would like to have it freely given but, I have methods at my command which can get the information from you."

“Don't you know? I have been the Seven's prisoner for two years! By the way, that prison makes Azkaban look like a Muggle jail.” ... He looked over towards Julia and dropped his head. ...

"The fact you were held by the Seven makes you interesting to my employer. The group was supposed to have been whipped out. You have information which will tell us who is still active, where they are and with any luck, what their future plans are."

“If your boss is worried the Ministry will learn of that place? He needn't. You made your boss' point loud and clear. I will keep my mouth shut as long as no harm comes to Julia and her children. As for the Medjai and the TOE members? I... I am no killer if that is what your boss wants. So I guess it all depends on what it will take to buy Julia and the children's freedom? Don't get me wrong, Linthux has my attention. I am willing to deal but it is a onetime thing. What your boss wants in exchange for them and you staying away from Julia and Mia. I know I can't keep you away from Lyre but I can only hope he choices to not follow in your footsteps.”

"At the present time you will not be asked to kill anyone. As for what my clients want, I have already told you that. " Cole decided to keep Jackson thinking he was holding the children and Julia hostage for now. It would get him talking and that was what he needed. When Punta sent the silent message Lyre was on his way, Cole stood up and turned toward the training grounds. "Give me the information I require Jackson and then we will decide the future." Jackson was still a Code Red to the Caretakers. He would still try and carry out what he thought was necessary to keep his girlfriend and the children safe. People would be hurt.

At that moment, One-Eye saw Lyre come running towards him. Every muscle of his body wanted to get up but he dared not. It took everything he had to stay seated. “Lyre.” He glanced around praying his daughter was close to her brother. 'Where is she?'

Cole smiled at the smile on the boys face. Lyre only had eyes for the man he considered to be his father, but to give the boy his due credit his eyes went to Cole as he skidded to a hult, straightened to attention and saluted. "You requested to see me Captain." Cole watched as the boys eyes glance momentarily off to the side.

Cole returned the salute. "Stand at easy Trainee. It is my understanding the man who is sitting on the cot, is important to you. If I give my permission would you like to talk with him?"

"Yes sir, please." Lyre still had not relaxed.

"I said stand at ease, Trainee."

Lyre relaxed and said, "Thank you sir."

"This man is a guest at the moment on the island. You may speak to him about general information or about your family. Anything else is off limits, am I clear in this?"

"Yes, Captain. I know the rules."

"Very well then. You have twenty minutes before your next training run. Use it wisely."

"Yes Sir." Lyre went back to attention and saluted again. Cole again returned the salute and walked toward the knife throwing training area. He had two people he wanted to observe. Punta would stay close to the boy and Jackson.

JACKSON

"I did know you and Julia were considered a couple in the boy's eyes. He told me. Lyre was not used to get to me. He was seventeen when he was swept up in a slave raid by the Clan, to collect innocents to be used in their training. It took me a while to find him. The boy was smart enough to stay alive. When Julie, who I might add has worked for me for years, went undercover to get Lyre back, the Clan picked up Mia from what we thought was a safe house, to use against her. The child had only been off the island for one week."

One-Eye listened for any clues as to Fixer's true intentions. He thought back to what his fellow TOE member Neo Spellman had told him about his own enslavement. 'When I get Lyre away from here, I'll see if I can get The Cooler to chat with Lyre. I am proud of the boy though.' His eyes dropped though as he wished he had been there for the boy that had five years ago looked up to him. 'I promised that boy I would be there whenever he needed me. I failed. As soon as I and those I care about are off this island, I will see what can be done about shutting that any other slave ring down permanently!'

"Lyre is an adult. The only control I have over him is the fact he has decided to join my small army. He is in physical training at the moment, but I hope to have his specialty settled soon and have him added to a group where he can mentally learn what is required from others who will be able to understand any problems he has."

He wanted so bad to tell the man what he thought of him messing with Lyre but knew he had to at least for now it was best to hold his temper. 'I will get Lyre away from you. Hopefully Cooler can help me clear that boy's head?'

"He is a good man. Lyre choose of his own free will to join me. He knows what is expected of him. He also knows what will happen if he decides to not be part of my group. He signed the necessary paperwork."

One-Eye Jackson cringed but only said, “If it is of his own free will then can I ask you a few things? One why the locked rooms? And two what paperwork?”

He hoped he was not pushing it with his new captor, “I want to talk with him. I don't believe for one second that either are here by their choosing. After two years, I know a threat when I see it, subtle or not. Don't get me wrong, after two years your boss wins as you are right I won't endanger them. But Fixer, this I swear. One-day your boss is going to pay dearly for threatening them as will you!” His head was pounding as if a jackhammer was hitting it.

"I not only wanted to show you a bit of the island, I wanted to show you this is not a slave camp. These men and woman," he swept his hand out signifying the whole area, "have chosen to be here. Each of them is here on the initial recommendation of someone else who is here. They are put through training and if I think they can cut it, they are allowed to stay. If not, or it turns out they didn't realize the responsibilities I would request from them, then they are mind-swiped by the elves and returned to their homes. I can usually tell within the first three weeks whether it will work or not."

One-Eye shook his head. He wondered just where his new prison cell was going to be. 'He brought me to this building for a reason. Just what is the man planning? My last cell was a locked room with a hospital bed, table, bathroom and shackles. What has my stubbornness caused my new cell to be? He knows I am not buying his 'I'm the good guy' act so why am I still lose?' He chanced a glance at Julia and smiled as he watched her knock four guys on their backsides. His smiled left when a man in the trees barely see able pointed a rifle at her. One-Eye froze as he recognized the wizard as the man he had arrested five years ago. 'It was the night I met Seth. I had just taken that man in for cursing car tires on Muggle's cars. How the heck is he out? And worse just what is he doing here?'

"As far as what it will cost you. I want information. I would like to have it freely given but, I have methods at my command which can get the information from you."

One-eye cringed as he asked, “If Linthux could get nothing from me in two years, what makes you think you can Fixer? Just what kind of methods do you have that even compare to what I went through for two years?”

He looked towards Julia and hung his head, “The only way you get anything is if four people are freed from this island. Julia, her children and Brennan, off and safe. Then your boss gets what he has wanted for two years.” He could only pray his bluff worked. 'I won't endanger them. To keep them safe, Linthux wins but I can only pray Fixer don't know that by showing me that they are indeed reachable...' One-Eye knew that after two years of fighting the torture of the Best the Seven had. 'They won. I can't risk that my resisting won't get them hurt. Sorry Joseph, but I am about to betray everything TOE stands for to protect the four people I care about the most. It them or the Medjai and TOE; and as always I choose them.'

"The fact you were held by the Seven makes you interesting to my employer. The group was supposed to have been whipped out. You have information which will tell us who is still active, where they are and with any luck, what their future plans are."

Fixer's words almost floored One-Eye Jackson. 'Not working for the Seven? Then who? Who has that much power?' He was sweating as his mind went to the one group that even Daniel had been cast out of. 'The Dark Sect!' He was shaking as he wondered just what would happen if he dared refuse. 'Everything I have heard about the Unknowns of the Forbidden Forest scares me. If Fixer works for the Number? Could I be looking at Daniel Marsden's replacement? Could Fixer be the new Voice of the Number? Could his boss? What kind of power am I up against?' He looked towards Julia and for the first time was truly shaking to his very core.

"At the present time you will not be asked to kill anyone. As for what my clients want, I have already told you that. " Cole decided to keep Jackson thinking he was holding the children and Julia hostage for now. It would get him talking and that was what he needed.

One-Eye cringed as he wondered if he could actually act as if he knew nothing of value. Slowly shaking his head as he knew that the only reason he would be still breathing is because to the Number, One-Eye had information. 'I can't pretend to know nothing. If I am right of just who wants the intel, then he already knows I'm TOE. If he thinks I won't give his man any intel then not only am I of no use but so are those I care about. No I have to at least give him something cause as long as he thinks Fixer can get intel, the longer my family stays safe. Nobody not even Daniel ever crossed the Number without paying dearly.'

When Punta sent the silent message Lyre was on his way, Cole stood up and turned toward the training grounds. "Give me the information I require Jackson and then we will decide the future." Jackson was still a Code Red to the Caretakers. He would still try and carry out what he thought was necessary to keep his girlfriend and the children safe. People would be hurt.

“And if I refuse to tell you anything until Julie, her children and Bren are off the island? I am not saying I will but if your boss isn't the Seven then I can think of only one other group you could be a part of.” One-Eye was shaking as he prayed he was not pushing Fixer or the Number too far. 'If he thinks I am not at least possibly breakable then...'He looked towards Julia before hanging his head, “I am just weighing all my options. As I said I have no intention of risking those I care about. I am just hoping to have this a onetime betrayal. I want to talk to them. Afterwards I doubt, your tour is only the outside training area? I also doubt I will be as loose as I am at the moment?”

Cole smiled at the smile on the boys face. Lyre only had eyes for the man he considered to be his father, but to give the boy his due credit his eyes went to Cole as he skidded to a halt, straightened to attention and saluted. "You requested to see me Captain." Cole watched as the boys eyes glance momentarily off to the side.

One-Eye smiled at the young man. 'Lyre has not forgotten me. Maybe I can still pull him away from this life.'

Cole returned the salute. "Stand at easy Trainee. It is my understanding the man who is sitting on the cot, is important to you. If I give my permission would you like to talk with him?"

'No you will not used me being here to force Lyre into taking the mark!'

"Yes sir, please." Lyre still had not relaxed..... "I said stand at ease, Trainee."... Lyre relaxed and said, "Thank you sir."

Jackson only wanted to grab the young man and Julia and run. 'I can't though as I have no clue where Mia and Bren are. As long as he has it where I can't see all four at one time, Fixer knows I am not going anywhere. And with four aces, I pray he has no clue that to protect them just how far I will be willing to go.'

"This man is a guest at the moment on the island. You may speak to him about general information or about your family. Anything else is off limits, am I clear in this?" ... "Yes, Captain. I know the rules." ... "Very well then. You have twenty minutes before your next training run. Use it wisely." ... "Yes Sir." Lyre went back to attention and saluted again. Cole again returned the salute and walked toward the knife throwing training area. He had two people he wanted to observe. Punta would stay close to the boy and Jackson.

One-Eye acted like he was not listening. 'Fixer, don't need to worry as I would never risk Lyre. I have no intention of asking questions that would force Lyre to choose.'

He waited until they were alone then asked the four questions where the answers would seal his fate.

“Lyre, so how did your schooling go?”

Lyre sat on the cot next to his step-father. "Didn't make it through the last year before..." Lyre looked down at the ground, "before I ended up where I didn't want to be. The Captain made sure I was able to finish the studies and take the exams. I graduated with a diploma, which comes officially from the school. As soon as I'm assigned a specialty here, then I will have more courses to take. It's all good." Lyre looked up at his father. "I missed you Dad. I was so scared but I remembered all the things you told me before you disappeared."

Jackson reached out and put his arm around the young man's shoulders and squeezed hard, pulling the boy closer to him. "I am so proud of you Lyre. I am sorry I wasn't there for you like I promised."

"I know," Lyre put his head on his step-fathers shoulder for a moment then straightened back up.

“How is your mom doing?”

"She's doing great." The boy looked toward where his mom was showing another woman some defensive moves. "She likes it here and we get to see each other a lot, when neither of us is on duty. "

“How is your baby sister doing?”

Lyre looked back at his step-father. "Mia is ok, I guess. They keep her busy and she is being schooled here. She keeps saying she wants to go back to the island. It really is the only thing she totally remembers. On the island a child is removed from their parents care at age three and their training starts." Lyre cringed. "They are taught how to take abuse, verbal and physical. They are taught to follow directions immediately no matter what it is. Mia still goes through the morning rituals the Clan instilled in her. The Captain says she will change. He has the elves working with her... I worry but the Captain says everything will be fine."

“Lyre, do you still have the ring? I never forgot either of you and still want us all to be a family. Though I will only ask your mom if you and your mom still feel like you did five years ago. I won't force your mother though I will never love any other. So Lyre what do you think?”

Lyre smiled. "The ring is locked in my personal locker in the barracks. I still want to see you and Mom get together, but Mom is still reeling from what she saw on the island. She saw Mia being trained to fight and hurt others and that has her a bit wigged out. When you get a chance to sit and talk with her, take it slow. She still loves you."

"Dad, can I ask something?" Lyre looked toward where the Captain was throwing knives. "Are you here to stay or do you have to leave again?"

One-Eye looks at Julia and then to Fixer and finally back to Lyre, "I'm not going anyway Lyre. It will work out." Then in barely a whisper, "I am not losing all of you again. No matter what it takes."


COLE

He ... thought ...... Hopefully Cooler can help me clear that boy's head?'

Cole inwardly listened to not only Jackson's words but also to the thoughts Punta was sending him. It was interesting Jackson trusted Neo Spellman. That was going to make it easier in the end, because eventually Cole could have Marco talk with him. The trust would already be there.

“If it is of his own free will then can I ask you a few things? One why the locked rooms? ..."

"Lyre, Julia and even Mia are not in locked rooms. Mia has a companion when Julia can't be with her but otherwise Lyre and Julia are free to go anywhere on the island, as long as it doesn't interfere with their duties as part of my troops

"... And two what paperwork?”

"As far as the paperwork is concerned, that is none of your business. Lyre is of legal age and I will treat him that way. I will tell you though the paperwork is a contract with me. That is all I will tell you."

... “I want to talk with him. I don't believe for one second that either are here by their choosing. After two years, I know a threat when I see it, subtle or not. Don't get me wrong, after two years your boss wins as you are right I won't endanger them. But Fixer, this I swear. One-day your boss is going to pay dearly for threatening them as will you!”

"You will get your chance to talk with Lyre and Julia. As I said earlier, I haven't decided on when or where you will talk with Mia. At the moment she still thinks she is a captive. The only thing keeping her from fighting us is her mother and brother. She has also, even at her young age, been trained to find information about the 'enemy', as she considers us, so she can report back when she is rescued. It is this fact we hope to use to teach her we are not the enemy. You are the enemy, Jackson. Maybe I can set something up, but she will not be telling you the whole truth and she will try and get you to give her information. For being only five, she is quite good at it. When she becomes of age she is going to be a great asset."

"Before we are finished you will get to personally meet my employers but only when I think you are headed on the right path and have been able to give me the information I want."

... His smile left when a man in the trees barely see able pointed a rifle at her. One-Eye froze as he recognized the wizard as the man he had arrested five years ago.

Cole followed Jackson's eyes. He had spotted Lars in a tree learning surveillance methods. Cole knew there was a history three. Lars had been undercover and his cover had been blown. When Cole rescued the man, he made it look like Lars was being sent to Azkaban for crimes he committed. This got those who wanted to kill him off his back. Lars had asked to stay on the island a while and Cole had agreed. Until the man felt safe to go back out, he would be allowed to stay and train. He had become one of Cole's best instructors on undercover work.

Cole signaled him and he jumped down from the tree. When he had made it over he stopped, went to attention and saluted. "You wish to see me, Captain?"

"At ease, soldier." Lars relaxed. "This is Jackson, he was the one who arrested you a few years back."

Lar's smile was brilliant. He held out his hand and Jackson shook it. "Thank you Sir. You saved my life. When the Captain had gotten word to me, he was going to get me out from under the kill on sight order, I never thought it would be by having me arrested by an accredited law officer. At first, I was worried, things had moved to fast and the Captain was not going to be able to save me. When you told me I was being arrested for the murder of U. R. Wright, I knew you had been sent by a tip from the Captain. U. R. Wright is a code name for everything being controlled in some way by the Captain. I went along with the whole thing and as I was being transported to the prison, I was diverted to the island. The prison thinks I am there."

Lar's smiled in Cole's direction. "Will there be anything else Sire? Sergeant Julia has given me permission to work with Mia. That little girl is well trained but she dosen't know how to play, and that is what we are working on."

"You are dismissed Lieutenant. Thank you for taking the time."

"No problem Sir. She is cute as a button." Lar's saluted and walked away, waving at Julia as he passed by where she was training.

“If Linthux could get nothing from me in two years, what makes you think you can Fixer? Just what kind of methods do you have that even compare to what I went through for two years?”

Cole only leaned back and smiled. "I think we are going to come to a good understanding very quickly Jackson. You will see my methods as we move along."

He looked towards Julia and hung his head, “The only way you get anything is if four people are freed from this island. Julia, her children and Brennan, off and safe. Then your boss gets what he has wanted for two years.” He could only pray his bluff worked.

"Ah, now there you are wrong. The four people you want off this island will be staying until I decide they go for whatever reason. My employers, not my boss, will get what they wanted whether they are here or not. Accept the fact you are mine Jackson until I decide you have completed what I have been hired to accomplish with you."

... He was sweating as his mind went to the one group that even Daniel had been cast out of. 'The Dark Sect!' He was shaking as he wondered just what would happen if he dared refuse. ... Could Fixer be the new Voice of the Number? Could his boss? What kind of power am I up against?' He looked towards Julia and for the first time was truly shaking to his very core.

Cole could feel the fear. He didn't have to have Punta feed him the thoughts to know that. He was a little surprised when Jackson started thinking about the Dark Sect though. Cole wasn't sure if he was going to use that fear or not. He was hoping to get Jackson to come around without using pain or drugs. Using his family was the easiest way. Mia, Julia and Brennan were safe with him on his island, but at the moment he couldn't let Jackson know that. In the first place he wouldn't believe him and in the second place, the problem of their safety was starting to get Jackson thinking of opening up. Cole needed details Jackson had in his head, and he also needed Jackson talking so he could find out how to convince him everything was going to be alright.

One-Eye cringed ... shaking his head as he knew that the only reason he would be still breathing is because to the Number, One-Eye had information.

“And if I refuse to tell you anything until Julie, her children and Bren are off the island? I am not saying I will but if your boss isn't the Seven then I can think of only one other group you could be a part of. ... I am just weighing all my options. As I said I have no intention of risking those I care about. I am just hoping to have this a onetime betrayal. I want to talk to them. Afterwards I doubt, your tour is only the outside training area? I also doubt I will be as loose as I am at the moment?”

"Let's get one thing straight between us Jackson. Your options here are limited. You will give the information one way or another. It will be because of your love for your family, through drugs or through pain, those are you options. I always get the job I am hired for done. I have carte blanch on how I do it. You are right that your tour is not going to end here. Your freedom, as far as movement will be directly proportional to how much you cooperate. I have question which I expect answers to. I will be more than happy to give you personal demonstrations of several of my methods."

*********After Cole has walked away. You can do this one of two ways. You can pull in your answers from Lyre here to Jackson's questions, Jackson might see Cole watching them but he wouldn't hear Cole saying anything. Jackson can comment on Lyre's answers. here. Or, you can add to your other post and i will see if I need to add anything here. Everything above this point is BEFORE Cole walks away. *********

Jackson only wanted to grab the young man and Julia and run. 'I can't though as I have no clue where Mia and Bren are. As long as he has it where I can't see all four at one time, Fixer knows I am not going anywhere. And with four aces, I pray he has no clue that to protect them just how far I will be willing to go.'

Cole inwardly smiled as he watched the men and woman go through the knife throwing drill. He was looking for a new specialist to augment his Specialty force. These people knew that so they were giving him their best.

“Lyre, so how did your schooling go?”

... The Captain made sure I was able to finish the studies and take the exams. ... "I missed you Dad. I was so scared but I remembered all the things you told me before you disappeared."

Jackson reached out and put his arm around the young man's shoulders and squeezed hard, pulling the boy closer to him. ... Lyre put his head on his step-fathers shoulder for a moment then straightened back up.

Cole watched out of the corner of his eye as Jackson and Lyre interacted. Lyre was a great kid, surprisingly adjusted after what he had been through the last year. He was visiting a psycologist twice a week and Cole was getting good reports. The 18 year old was also a technical whiz kid. When he finished his physical training, Cole had no doubt that would be the specialty assigned to him. He was going to be a great asset. It was good to see the reactions between step-father and son. Lyre needed it and Cole knew Jackson did also.

“How is your mom doing?”

"She's doing great." The boy looked toward where his mom was showing another woman some defensive moves. "She likes it here and we get to see each other a lot, when neither of us is on duty. "

Punta was only sending good vibes about what Lyre was telling his father. Cole made sure the two people could spend at least an hour together every day.

“How is your baby sister doing?”

Lyre looked back at his step-father. "... keeps saying she wants to go back to the island. ... Lyre cringed. ...The Captain says she will change. ..."

They were all worried about little Mia. The only thing they had going on a positive note was she was so young. The psychologist said he could help her so that was what they were working toward. Cole was waiting until the doc said it would be alright to let Jackson see the girl.

“Lyre, do you still have the ring? ...”

Lyre smiled. "The ring is locked in my personal locker in the barracks...She still loves you."

When Punta brought up the idea of the ring Lyre was holding for his Dad, he smiled. Jackson had given the boy the ring he was planning on giving Julia the night he was kidnapped. The boy had it safely locked in his locker and was always telling anyone who would listen on how Jackson would be his real father when he was found. It had been a while since Cole held a wedding on his island. The possibility was good.

"Dad, can I ask something?" Lyre looked toward where the Captain was throwing knives. "Are you here to stay or do you have to leave again?"

... "I'm not going anyway Lyre. It will work out. ... I am not losing all of you again. No matter what it takes."

Cole turned back to the two men. Enough time had passed. He wanted them to touch base but he also had to keep Jackson slightly off kilter. When he reached the cot, Lyre jumped up and went to attention and saluted. Cole returned the salute and said, "At ease recruit."

This time Lyre actually relaxed a little. "Yes Sir. Thank you Sir."

"You will return to your training recruit." Cole saw the boys eyes flicker back to Jackson. "If you continue to progress you will be able to talk with your step-father again. He and I have some talking to do. Now go."

Lyre's eyes again flicker to Jackson, but he inhaled, snapped to attention and smartly saluted. "Yes Captain." Before turning totally away the boy looked at Jackson and whispered, "Take care father. See you soon." then he was gone.

Cole turned back to Jackson. "It is time for us to leave and return to the Barracks where we will start your debriefing."

JACKSON

"Lyre, Julia, and even Mia are not in locked rooms. Mia has a companion when Julia can't be with her but otherwise, Lyre and Julia are free to go anywhere on the island, as long as it doesn't interfere with their duties as part of my troops.

"As far as the paperwork is concerned, that is none of your business. Lyre is of legal age and I will treat him that way. I will tell you though the paperwork is a contract with me. That is all I will tell you."

One-Eye Jackson inwardly decided to try to get a copy of both Lyre's copy as well as the copy Fixer held over the man that Jackson considered his step-son. Looking lovingly at Julia, 'So either can see me should I get a note to them? Maybe even Mia? Now all I got to do is figure out how to set it up. Then get Bren there and get us all off this island. That means getting a layout of the island which knowing Lyre, he already has.'

"You will get your chance to talk with Lyre and Julia. As I said earlier, I haven't decided on when or where you will talk with Mia. At the moment she still thinks she is a captive. The only thing keeping her from fighting us is her mother and brother. She has also, even at her young age, been trained to find information about the 'enemy', as she considers us, so she can report back when she is rescued. It is this fact we hope to use to teach her we are not the enemy. You are the enemy, Jackson. Maybe I can set something up, but she will not be telling you the whole truth and she will try and get you to give her information. For being only five, she is quite good at it. When she becomes of age she is going to be a great asset."

As One-Eye heard about his daughter, he smiled as he thought, 'If I have my way Mia will be far from here before her sixth birthday. She is five and that means I will ensure she knows only what a child her age should.' He knew that to protect her childhood he would have to gain Fixer's trust. “Fixer, she is five leave her alone! Her only concern should be her next doll or toy. I doubt Julia will allow you to bully 'Our Daughter'. Let her be a kid.” He prayed he was not angry the man but kids needed not be part of a war they did not ask for or start. Thought of his daughter acting as if she was a warrior infuriated One-Eye. His eye went to Julia and feared that the woman he still loved might just blame him for Mia and Lyre's captivity. 'Is that why you won't talk to me My Jul?' He knew deep down he blamed himself. He would make it up to them as soon as he got them off this island.

"Before we are finished you will get to personally meet my employers but only when I think you are headed on the right path and have been able to give me the information I want."

He was trying to stand firm as he said, “Since I want nothing to do with you or your bosses, maybe I should just refuse now!?” The Head of the Hit Wizards knew that he would do anything to keep his family as far away from The Number or the Unknowns. He prayed none of them had taken the Mark of the Seven.

Cole signaled him and he jumped down from the tree. When he had made it over he stopped, went to attention and saluted. "You wish to see me, Captain?"

One-Eye froze as he thought he had pushed the man too far and now he would pay by watching Lars kill Julia.

"At ease, soldier." Lars relaxed. "This is Jackson, he was the one who arrested you a few years back."

Lar's smile was brilliant. He held out his hand and Jackson shook it. "Thank you, Sir. You saved my life. When the Captain had gotten word to me, he was going to get me out from under the kill on sight order, I never thought it would be by having me arrested by an accredited law officer. At first, I was worried, things had moved too fast and the Captain was not going to be able to save me. When you told me I was being arrested for the murder of U. R. Wright, I knew you had been sent by a tip from the Captain. U. R. Wright is a code name for everything being controlled in some way by the Captain. I went along with the whole thing and as I was being transported to the prison, I was diverted to the island. The prison thinks I am there."

As he listened to the man he inwardly cringed. “You will forgive me if I am not buying your speech. You see Lars, I remember your trial and you threaten to make me pay dearly. I hope you remember my response."

Lar's smiled in Cole's direction. "Will there be anything else Sir? Sergeant Julia has given me permission to work with Mia. That little girl is well trained but she doesn't know how to play, and that is what we are working on."

“Lars, don't even think of going near Julia or her children! You do and I will bury you under...” Jackson did not get to finish as his headache got worse and dropped him to his knees.

'Don't threaten me Jackson...' Jackson was unsure if the words were from his captivity or was Lars' empathic.

"You are dismissed Lieutenant. Thank you for taking the time."

"No problem Sir. She is cute as a button." Lar's saluted and walked away, waving at Julia as he passed by where she was training.

He understood the subtle threat. A man that had threatened payback was going to be so near his family that should Fixer chose, he would wish he never met Lars.

Cole only leaned back and smiled. "I think we are going to come to a good understanding very quickly Jackson. You will see my methods as we move along."

One-Eye cringed as he asked, “What makes you think that?” He knew why but prayed he was wrong. His mind went to his captivity and the visions Marcus Linthux's pet had him see. He still shook as he thought of the Dementor and the female vampiress.

"Ah, now there you are wrong. The four people you want off this island will be staying until I decide they go for whatever reason. My employers, not my boss, will get what they wanted whether they are here or not. Accept the fact you are mine Jackson until I decide you have completed what I have been hired to accomplish with you."

One-Eye debated whether it was worth making Fixer angry by showing the man that he still had fight left in him. 'I am just glad Linthux only knew of Mia. He had not yet sent for her.' He shook his head, “I gather my acceptance of being your prisoner directly affects the welfare of my family?” He gave a sly grin even as his headache grew. 'I might have to accept that I am once again a prisoner but like Linthux, Fixer will get nothing of value from me. He might have Bren as well as Julia and her children but he dare not harm Lyre or Mia. The minute he tries Julia will show Fixer just how protective she is.'

"Let's get one thing straight between us Jackson. Your options here are limited. You will give the information one way or another. It will be because of your love for your family, through drugs or through pain, those are you options. I always get the job I am hired for done. I have carte blanch on how I do it. You are right that your tour is not going to end here. Your freedom, as far as movement will be directly proportional to how much you cooperate. I have questions which I expect answers to. I will be more than happy to give you personal demonstrations of several of my methods."

“But you dare not touch Lyre or Mia, not without losing Julia's and possibly Lyre's cooperation. So I might be your prisoner but you will find me just as impossible to break as Linthux did.” One-Eye was scared though. 'What if I am wrong? What if Fixer can indeed hurt the children and insure Julia never learns of it? Do I dare challenge and possibly endanger the four people I care the most about? At least pain I can handle as nothing could be worse than what Linthux and that vampiress had that Dementor do to me.' He wondered who Linthux would send after him this time.

When he reached the cot, Lyre jumped up and went to attention and saluted. Cole returned the salute and said, "At ease recruit."

This time Lyre actually relaxed a little. "Yes Sir. Thank you Sir.

"You will return to your training recruit." Cole saw the boys eyes flicker back to Jackson.

He had to crack a sly grin at Fixer when Lyre glanced back at him for what seemed like guidance. 'Something about Fixer's stance is daring me to talk Lyre into defying Fixer. It is as if Fixer wants to show just how much he can hurt me through Lyre. Now is not the time.'

"If you continue to progress you will be able to talk with your step-father again. He and I have some talking to do. Now go," Lyre's eyes again flickered to Jackson, but he inhaled, snapped to attention and smartly saluted.

“It is okay Lyre. Though stay watchful over your sister, okay. By the way what skills have you picked up?” One-Eye smiled as he prayed Lyre was still quick at picking up hidden meanings. 'If so, Fixer's man will find Lyre a force unbendable when it comes to getting near Mia. Lyre might wonder why I am scared for Mia but Lyre will guard his baby sister.'

"Yes Captain." Before turning totally away the boy looked at Jackson and whispered, "Take care father. See you soon."

“I look forward to it Lyre. Just remember what I taught you. As for seeing me soon, I am sure you and your mom will find mine and Brennan's rooms quickly though I have no clue as to the type of guest rooms we have. But I have faith in your skills Son.”

He knew he would most likely pay dearly for hinting to Lyre that he did not trust Fixer or Fixer's men. 'He dare not do it with Lyre or Julia present though without showing his true colors. That buys me some time not much but some. It will also shows me just what lines he is not willing to cross. Just how far will he allow me to push before I see how dangerous my captor really is?' He had no idea but by the look of things around him it would not be long before he will be finding out.

then he was gone. ... Cole turned back to Jackson. "It is time for us to leave and return to the Barracks where we will start your debriefing."

Within moments of Lyre disappearing, One-Eye found himself forcefully on the ground. As two held him another two bound and blindfolded him. He heard barely, “Captain, you want Lyre and Julia in lock down or night detail? We could have all four of them in different locations to insure whatever your guest is planning don't work?”

One-Eye started resisting those holding him. He felt something against his throat as he heard, “Settle down One-Eye and pray your actions only cost you. Though you were always one to test authority, weren't you? Even when we were at Hogwart's.”

One-Eye froze as he thought, 'Jack?' He inwardly shook as he understood some of Jack's words. 'I just can't understand why Jack would even work for the likes of Fixer. I only started testing authority when I joined TOE. I, like most of TOE got tired of waiting on the Ministry to realize the threat the Seven posed. What could Jack be trying to get me to realize?' The only thing One-Eye did know as he felt himself yanked up only to feel the punch and hitting the ground. He had pushed Fixer into showing his true colors and now he was going to pay dearly for it.

He listened for his love Julia only to hear, “Let me go!” And then, “Where do you want them Captain? Locked in her room?

'Lyre? Mia? Julia? Don't hurt them?' As tears filled his eyes all he could think was Jack's words and pray that it was only him that Fixer punished. 'Maybe if I at least give the man something? I pushed Fixer by openly hinting that Lyre defy him by finding Bren and then all four finding me. I can now only pray that I am the only that suffers. Though he did forewarn that defying him would cost not just me, I had hoped he was bluffing. Now I can only hope that I know enough to save them. Either way I doubt I will live much longer after he gets what he wants. I have proved that I will never stop thinking of possible escape for my family. I am a threat and it is only the life debt I owe the elf which keeps me from trying to physically fight him.' He tried to listen for a hint of the man's plan for his family. He tried to break free of those holding him but had little hope as he could not even tell in what direction they were. He feared the worst as he could no longer even hear them as something was pushed into his ears. He started to panic as he was picked up.

Julia hated scaring Jackson but her squad leader Gloria had explained that his inability to stop fighting the Captain showed just how bad the last two years had been. Her love could no longer tell a friend from a foe. 'At least only the Captain and Specialists are the only ones who handle those labeled, “Code Reds”'

“Sir, How long must me, Lyre and Mia stay away from him? The Seven could not have broken him if he is resisting you, could they?” She was worried that without Jackson being able to see them or hear them, her love would assume the worst. She wanted to at least assure him but Gloria held her back

COLE

One-Eye Jackson inwardly decided to try to get a copy of both Lyre's copy as well as the copy Fixer held over the man that Jackson considered his step-son.

Cole inwardly shook his head and chuckled. He hid his face behind his hand to hid the grin. There was no way Jackson could get copies of anything. It would be interesting to see him try though. Cole always loved a challenge to his security system. It was how he kept his techs on their toes.

Looking lovingly at Julia, 'So either can see me should I get a note to them? Maybe even Mia? Now all I got to do is figure out how to set it up. Then get Bren there and get us all off this island. That means getting a layout of the island which knowing Lyre, he already has.'

Cole: "Maybe I can set something up, but she will not be telling you the whole truth and she will try and get you to give her information. For being only five, she is quite good at it. When she becomes of age she is going to be a great asset."

As One-Eye heard about his daughter, he smiled ... He knew that to protect her childhood he would have to gain Fixer's trust. “Fixer, she is five leave her alone! Her only concern should be her next doll or toy. I doubt Julia will allow you to bully 'Our Daughter'. Let her be a kid.”

"Your daughter stopped being 'just a kid' when she was placed in the Clan's training program. I doubt she will ever go back to that point. We are basically retraining her to follow my orders, then we will see what we can do about having her enjoy life again.

“Since I want nothing to do with you or your bosses, maybe I should just refuse now?”

Cole nodded slowly and folded his arms over his chest. "That of course will be your decision, but I wouldn't carve it in stone, Jackson. There have been others who have tried to hold out, but I know how to find weaknesses others might not recognize and use them, to my advantage. You have so many weaknesses, I am having great difficulty in figuring out which one or ones I want to use."

... "You wish to see me, Captain?"

At ease, soldier." Lars relaxed. "This is Jackson, he was the one who arrested you a few years back."

Lar's smile was brilliant. ... "Thank you, Sir. You saved my life. .... as I was being transported to the prison, I was diverted to the island. The prison thinks I am there."

As he listened to the man he inwardly cringed. “You will forgive me if I am not buying your speech. You see Lars, I remember your trial and you threaten to make me pay dearly. I hope you remember my response."

Jackson received was a nod and another smile. "Of course, Sir. You were quite convincing."

Lar's smiled in Cole's direction. "... Sergeant Julia has given me permission to work with Mia. ..."

“Lars, don't even think of going near Julia or her children! You do and I will bury you under...” Jackson did not get to finish as his headache got worse and dropped him to his knees.

'Don't threaten me Jackson...' Jackson was unsure if the words were from his captivity or was Lars' empathic.

Cole looked toward Punta, who shook his head. No one was trying to communicate with Jackson, which meant something said triggered a flash back or a memory strong enough to sent the man to his knees.

When Jackson seemed to get control of himself again, Cole nodded and helped the man back to his feet, then stepped back.

Cole only leaned back and smiled. "I think we are going to come to a good understanding very quickly Jackson. You will see my methods as we move along."

One-Eye cringed as he asked, “What makes you think that?” ...

"Because Jackson, you are starting to figure out the possibilities of what your life could and will be like on my little island."

"Ah, now there you are wrong. The four people you want off this island will be staying until I decide they go for whatever reason. ...

One-Eye debated whether it was worth making Fixer angry ... “I gather my acceptance of being your prisoner directly affects the welfare of my family?” He gave a sly grin even as his headache grew. ...

Cole was actually enjoying the back and forth between him and Jackson. It had been a while since anyone challenged his methods. If he never received a challenge then he never knew if he had to change the way he did something. His men also became complacent with no challenges.

"Let's get one thing straight between us Jackson. Your options here are limited. ...

“But you dare not touch Lyre or Mia, not without losing Julia's and possibly Lyre's cooperation. So I might be your prisoner but you will find me just as impossible to break as Linthux did.” .....

"Julia will obey my orders without question. She knows that when something needs to be done I will do it without explanation and it will be accepted." Cole would never intentionally hurt Mia. Lyre sometimes became hurt, but only because of his training, and his injuries were always taken care of. Julia knew he would not use her children against her. Cole could see the point coming where he might have to use the children and Julia to get what he needed from Jackson, but he was very good with the "smoke and mirror" technique. What Jackson saw happening would be totally different from what was actually taking place.

... "You will return to your training recruit." Cole saw the boys eyes flicker back to Jackson.

He had to crack a sly grin at Fixer when Lyre glanced back at him for what seemed like guidance. ....

The boy was trying to let his step-father know he was all right. There was a lot of love between the two of them.

"If you continue to progress you will be able to talk with your step-father again. He and I have some talking to do. Now go,"

“It is okay Lyre. Though stay watchful over your sister, okay. By the way what skills have you picked up?” ...

Cole listened but kept his face stone free of feeling. The boy was still young, so although he didn't answer his step-father he did react, by tilting his head to the side contemplating what the man was trying to tell him. Cole would have a talk with his squad leader later and have the man point this failing out. There were times you didn't want to have others seen any reaction from you. It gave away information.

"... Take care father. See you soon."

“I look forward to it Lyre. .... I have faith in your skills Son.”

He knew he would most likely pay dearly for hinting to Lyre that he did not trust Fixer or Fixer's men. ... He had no idea but by the look of things around him it would not be long before he will be finding out.

It looked like Cole was going to have to have a longer discussion with Lyre's squad leader. Jackson was not being very subtle in telling Lyre's he expected the boy to go against all of his training and assist in getting all of them off the island. This was going to make the boy confused, because he was now being put in the middle of the situation. Cole couldn't have that. Lyre's had not been told why his step-father was there. It looked like he was going to have to be brought a bit farther into the loop. Not too far, but far enough where he would not be torn between helping his step-father and following orders.

.... "It is time for us to leave and return to the Barracks where we will start your debriefing."

... One-Eye found himself forcefully on the ground. ... bound and blindfolded .... He heard ..., “Captain, you want Lyre and Julia in lock down or night detail? We could have all four of them in different locations to insure whatever your guest is planning don't work?”

"No leave them at their regular duties. I have no worries they will not follow their orders."

One-Eye started resisting ... He felt something against his throat as he heard, “Settle down One-Eye and pray your actions only cost you. Though you were always one to test authority, weren't you? Even when we were at Hogwart's.”

One-Eye froze as he thought, 'Jack?' He inwardly shook as he understood some of Jack's words. ... The only thing One-Eye did know as he felt himself yanked up only to feel the punch and hitting the ground... He listened for his love Julia only to hear, “Let me go!” And then, “Where do you want them Captain? Locked in her room?

Cole motioned to Julia and with hand signals told her to call out and pretend she was being forcibly detained. He needed to start setting the stage to show break Jackson. Once he broke him he would be able to build him back up again and get him back to being someone who he and the Caretakers could trust.

'Lyre? Mia? Julia? Don't hurt them?'... I had hoped he was bluffing. ... He tried to listen for a hint of the man's plan for his family. He tried to break free of those holding him but had little hope as he could not even tell in what direction they were. He feared the worst as he could no longer even hear them as something was pushed into his ears. He started to panic as he was picked up.

Cole signaled them all to the jeep for the return to the barracks. He sent a mental message to Punta to tell him to have one of the other elves set up what he needed at the lower level of the barracks. He needed Jackson to see what life could be like if he didn't co-operate. It was time for a little smoke and mirrors show.

Julia hated scaring Jackson but her squad leader Gloria had explained that his inability to stop fighting the Captain showed just how bad the last two years had been. Her love could no longer tell a friend from a foe. 'At least only the Captain and Specialists are the only ones who handle those labeled, “Code Reds”'

“Sir, How long must me, Lyre and Mia stay away from him? The Seven could not have broken him if he is resisting you, could they?” She was worried that without Jackson being able to see them or hear them, her love would assume the worst. She wanted to at least assure him but Gloria held her back.

"Sergeant, you trust me right?" He received a nod. "The only way to get Jackson back on track, is to break him. The clan tried through torture and starvation, but he held fast. I'm going to try it a different way. It is going to be scary for you and Lyre's. Mia will think it is some type of game. Before we begin though, I am going to inform Mia, she has been given to me by the Clan to train. The elves will help me convince her. I promise you she will not be physically or mentally hurt. Now, go and get Lyre's and meet me back at the barracks immediately. In one hour we will begin."

Cole watched as Julia walked toward where Lyre was running the obstacle course. He climbed into the jeep in the passenger seat. He gave Jackson a smile meant to be anything but reassuring, then signaled the driver to return to the barracks. Punta nodded that things had been set up like he wanted.

JACK JENNINGS

One-Eye started resisting those holding him. He felt something against his throat as he heard, “Settle down One-Eye and pray your actions only cost you. Though you were always one to test authority, weren't you? Even when we were at Hogwart's.”

Jack had stayed in the background until Jackson was blindfolded. He knew the man would know who he was as soon as he said anything, but the Captain had asked him to stay out of sight. He wasn't sure why, but the Captain always had a reason, even when he didn't tell others. The knife he put to his friends throat was only as a deterrent to get him to stop fighting. Jackson still thought of the Captain as an enemy, and until he was told different he would act like one.

One-Eye froze as he thought, 'Jack?' He inwardly shook as he understood some of Jack's words. 'I just can't understand why Jack would even work for the likes of Fixer. ... What could Jack be trying to get me to realize?' The only thing One-Eye did know as he felt himself yanked up only to feel the punch and hitting the ground. He had pushed Fixer into showing his true colors and now he was going to pay dearly for it.

Jack understood the whole theory of breaking a person down and then building him back up. It had been used for ages by good and bad people. Brain washers used it, most governments used it in some form and the military around the world used it.

... He tried to break free of those holding him but had little hope as he could not even tell in what direction they were. He feared the worst as he could no longer even hear them as something was pushed into his ears. He started to panic as he was picked up.

Cole signaled them all to the jeep for the return to the barracks. ...

Jack roughly but carefully pulled Jackson to his feet. He didn't want to hurt his shoulders. Pulling him toward the jeep, he helped him into the back of it and made sure he was safely seated on the floor. He needed to make Jackson feel like he was hemmed in and it would also be easier to keep him safe on the bumpy ride back to the barracks.

Julia hated scaring Jackson but her squad leader Gloria had explained that his inability to stop fighting the Captain showed just how bad the last two years had been. ....“Sir, How long must me, Lyre and Mia stay away from him? The Seven could not have broken him if he is resisting you, could they?” ...

Julia was doing very well at holding herself together. She was a good member of their forces but he also knew she loved Jackson with all her heart. Her emotions were being torn and there was nothing he could do about it.

Cole watched as Julia walked toward where Lyre was running the obstacle course. He climbed into the jeep in the passenger seat. He gave Jackson a smile meant to be anything but reassuring, then signaled the driver to return to the barracks. Punta nodded that things had been set up like he wanted.

Jackson knew that smile. He had it directed at him only once since he had joined the Captain, and he hoped never to have it sent his way again. It was meant to make a grown man cringe and beg forgiveness, without even knowing what or if they had done anything wrong.

The ride back to the barracks was quiet. Jackson sat stone still. The man could not hear or see. He could talk, but it looked like he wasn't even going to try that. When they reached the barracks, Jack unloaded Jackson and with two others walked the man inside, down the hall and down the steps to the basement. Here they waited for five minutes in silence. At one point Julia, Lyre and Mia walked by. Mia was smiling and held her finger over her lips to keep everyone quiet as if she was playing a game.

To the right was the workout theater. They went left to the dungeons. Every man and woman of the Captains small group, was required to spend one week in the dungeons so they knew what it was like. During that time they were treated like prisoners. It was not a good experience.

The Captain motioned for Jackson's blindfold to be removed and the plugs taken out of his ears. The man's face went pale. Jack stood tall and kept all expression off his face. "Now Jackson," started the Captain. You were held for two years by the Clan in a prison, I will tell you I know about. My employers want to know what happened during that two years. They also want to know what else you can tell them about your past. You, up to this point have refused to answer, so what I have arranged is for you to watch as others learn your lesson."

(OOC: Jack is an admin character and used here to further the story.)

COLE

The Captain motioned for them to stop at the beginning of the hall. Eight foot by Eight foot cells lined one side. Each cell had a concrete shelf, just wide enough to sit on or lie on your side. There was a sink and facilities, which only waste water flowed into. There were no windows. Iron bars covered the front of each of the cells.

The Captain started walking along the hall of the cells. The first cell they passed held little Mia. She was sitting on the shelf, her head down and appearing to cry. The second cell held Lyre, who stood, his arms down to his side, his fists balled, in defiance. The third cell held Julia. She sat staring at the bars. When they reached the four and last cell, it was opened and Jackson was shoved inside. Cole turned to him and said, "We will begin." Then he turned to Jack and said, "We will begin with Julia, then Lyre and finally Mia."

Cole turned back to Jackson and said, "Let me know when you are ready to bow to me and answer my questions. You may call me Master at that point." Cole turned and walked away followed by everyone except Jack, who walked to the cell next to Jackson's opened it and yanked Julia out of the door. When he knew Jackson couldn't see he smiled and winked at her.

Five minutes later three load screams scream echoed through the dungeon.

JACKSON

"Your daughter stopped being 'just a kid' when she was placed in the Clan's training program. I doubt she will ever go back to that point. We are basically retraining her to follow my orders, then we will see what we can do about having her enjoy life again.”

One-Eye Jackson chanced a glance towards Julia, 'Not if I get my family away from you. Mia is a child and I doubt Julia thinks her being anything other than her age is acceptable.'

Cole nodded slowly and folded his arms over his chest. "That of course will be your decision, but I wouldn't carve it in stone, Jackson. There have been others who have tried to hold out, but I know how to find weaknesses others might not recognize and use them, to my advantage. You have so many weaknesses, I am having great difficulty in figuring out which one or ones I want to use."

One-Eye glared at his captor daring the man to try. He only knew of one and luckily Linthux had not capitalized on it. He hoped that this new jailer would also be of like mind.

Jackson received was a nod and another smile. "Of course, Sir. You were quite convincing."

'You think I was joking Lars? Follow through with your threat and see just how serious I was. Especially if you think you can hurt me through hurting my family. I might be from the house of Hufflepuff but when it comes to those I care about...' His headache had nearly incapacitated him.

"Because Jackson, you are starting to figure out the possibilities of what your life could and will be like on my little island."

'Linthux thought like you Fixer and all his intel about me got him nowhere. You do have only one thing that he did not and I am getting them as far away from this island and your reach as I can. You will not use my family and pupil as pawns in your sick game against me. I told the Seven nothing and I plan on telling you even less.' He was extremely worried though as this man seemed a lot more confident than most of the Seven did. 'I have to keep reminding myself that this man is maybe even more dangerous than most of the torturers I faced for the last two years.'

"Julia will obey my orders without question. She knows that when something needs to be done I will do it without explanation and it will be accepted."

'Is my love really that brainwashed? If so, I might have no choice but to just get Mia away. Can I really fight for full custody?' One-Eye sadly shook his head as he watched his love. 'I can't as I love her too much to hurt her. I will just have to work at freeing all four at once.' One-Eye glared at his captor unsure of just how to stop the man from getting under One-Eye's skin.

"No leave them at their regular duties. I have no worries they will not follow their orders."

'And that my jailer will be your undoing.' One-Eye could only hope that Julia had seen what happened and got to the children before Lars or any of Fixer's other men could.

When they reached the barracks,

As he was grabbed, One-Eye tried to kick out

Jack unloaded Jackson and with two others walked the man inside, down the hall and down the steps to the basement.

'Where are they taking me?' He was still scared but not for himself. 'I have heard nothing since I heard Julia scream to be let go. What did they do to her? Fixer said that he had ways of forcing me to comply. That others had tried to hold out and they had failed. I thought if I had held out against what Linthux had used against me, this man would be no problem. Why is it now I fail?' He just prayed he could accept his jailer's terms. He would give his life if he had to, anything to protect my family. 'I pray it don't come to that.'

Here they waited for five minutes in silence. At one point Julia, Lyre and Mia walked by. Mia was smiling and held her finger over her lips to keep everyone quiet as if she was playing a game.

He thought about fighting the ones who had an iron grip on him. 'If I do by chance get free, where would I go? I am bound, blinded and deaf; how would I find those I care about? Cause if they get to them first...' His captor was already going to make him pay dearly for his attempt with his step-son Lyre. 'If I actually do break free from his muscle I doubt I would live very long? And my family even less. So I have to be patient and pray I can save them.'

To the right was the workout theater. They went left to the dungeons.

Once they were moving again, One-Eye tried to relax

The Captain motioned for Jackson's blindfold to be removed and the plugs taken out of his ears. The man's face went pale. Jack stood tall and kept all expression off his face.

All of a sudden a blinding light hurt his eyes. 'Where ever they wanted me, I must be there.' Once his eyes adjusted, One-Eye went pale white at what he saw. His whole body started to resist. 'What are they planning for me or heaven forbid my family? Is this how Fixer brainwashed Brennan? Is this how that man broke Julia?' He knew deep down his fighting was only making his captors madder and more wanting to prove their control over him. He just could not get his body to stop fighting those that held him.

"Now Jackson," started the Captain. You were held for two years by the Clan in a prison, I will tell you I know about. My employers want to know what happened during that two years. They also want to know what else you can tell them about your past. You, up to this point have refused to answer, so what I have arranged is for you to watch as others learn your lesson."

One-Eye heard his captor and inwardly cringed. “You have given no reason to trust you to be a man of honor. Which means I have no other recourse. As for who had me, I guess I can correct you there. I was held the last two years at what Daniel Marsden called 'KNOT'. It is far worse prison than Azkaban and it is where the Seven hold those that they classify as problems. As for other information, it depends on your questions and who they impact. I held out for two years against the worse torturers that the Seven had, I doubt you will fare any better than they did.” 'I just pray I am right about holding out as this man has the four things I would do almost anything to protect.'

The Captain motioned for them to stop at the beginning of the hall. Eight foot by Eight foot cells lined one side. Each cell had a concrete shelf, just wide enough to sit on or lie on your side. There was a sink and facilities, which only waste water flowed into. There were no windows. Iron bars covered the front of each of the cells. The Captain started walking along the hall of the cells. The first cell they passed held little Mia. She was sitting on the shelf, her head down and appearing to cry. The second cell held Lyre, who stood, his arms down to his side, his fists balled, in defiance. The third cell held Julia. She sat staring at the bars.

As he was shown what his defiance had caused, One-Eye tried that much harder to get away from those that held him. 'I have got to get free and free my family.' Deep down he blamed himself. He saw how defiant his step-son was and his daughter was crying. It made him furious but the look from his love as well as what the four men that was nearest did stopped his fighting. By the time the men were done, he could barely stand.

When they reached the four and last cell, it was opened and Jackson was shoved inside. Cole turned to him and said, "We will begin." Then he turned to Jack and said, "We will begin with Julia, then Lyre and finally Mia."

They had half dragged him to an empty cell and tossed him in. He heard his captor and could only think of his family. “What do you plan on doing to them? Release them...” He wanted to say please but was too angry, too hurt and most importantly too ashamed to. 'It is my fault they are in those cells. They are going to be hurt because my captor wants information. What harm could tell him do? Especially if it frees my family.' He sadly shook his head as he mentally kicked himself as he remembered just who TOE protected.

Cole turned back to Jackson and said, "Let me know when you are ready to bow to me and answer my questions. You may call me Master at that point."

He listened and cringed. “I won't be the Number's pawn and neither will my family or my pupil. The Number will learn nothing from me. Now release my family and Brennan!” He was terrified though another headache brought him to his knees.

Cole turned and walked away followed by everyone except Jack, who walked to the cell next to Jackson's opened it and yanked Julia out of the door. When he knew Jackson couldn't see he smiled and winked at her.

He glared at Jack as he hoped his once friend was still his own man, “Please Jack, don't do this. They don't deserve this. Please Jack?”

Five minutes later three load screams scream echoed through the dungeon.

He heard the screams and started pleading, “No. Please stop. Men with honor don't hurt women or children.” Nothing seemed to stop Julia's torture. One-Eye was crying as he knew the children were next. He knew what his captor wanted and hearing the children talking, made his decision that much harder as Lyre had idolized him. In barely a whisper, “Okay you win, I will answer your questions.” He could only pray he would never call this captor Master though. He could only hope that by this act, One-Eye would buy his family's freedom.

COLE

(Cole)"Now Jackson... You, up to this point have refused to answer, so what I have arranged is for you to watch as others learn your lesson."

(Jackson). “You have given no reason to trust you to be a man of honor. Which means I have no other recourse. As for who had me, I guess I can correct you there. I was held the last two years at what Daniel Marsden called 'KNOT'. It is far worse prison than Azkaban and it is where the Seven hold those that they classify as problems. As for other information, it depends on your questions and who they impact. I held out for two years against the worse torturers that the Seven had, I doubt you will fare any better than they did.” 'I just pray I am right about holding out as this man has the four things I would do almost anything to protect.'

Cole inwardly smiled. Jackson didn't realize it but he was starting to give in. He was talking of other things than getting loose. He even gave Cole some information. The man was breaking. "I think you will have no problem telling me what I want to know, Jackson. "That's a start Jackson, but it appears to me you are not ready to tell all I need to know."

(Cole) ... "We will begin with Julia, then Lyre and finally Mia."

(Jackson) They had half dragged him to an empty cell and tossed him in. He heard his captor and could only think of his family. “What do you plan on doing to them? Release them...” He wanted to say please but was too angry, too hurt and most importantly too ashamed to.....

"What happens to them is totally up to you. You will be telling me how far I need to go, by what you say and do. My employers have questions and I want the answers to them. Your family is your weakness, Jackson."

(Cole )"Let me know when you are ready to bow to me and answer my questions. You may call me Master at that point."

(Jackson) “I won't be the Number's pawn and neither will my family or my pupil. The Number will learn nothing from me. Now release my family and Brennan...

"I can guarantee you, you or any member of your family will not be pawns for the Number. That is not who I have been contracted to. Brennan will only be used by me.

Cole turned and walked away followed by everyone except Jack... He glared at Jack as he hoped his once friend was still his own man, “Please Jack, don't do this. They don't deserve this. Please Jack?”

Jack glanced at Jackson. "You know what you have to do to get the Captain to stop. It's actually very simple." Jack wished he could tell Jackson, everything was going to be all right. He had all the confidence in the world in the Captain.

Five minutes later three load screams scream echoed through the dungeon.

He heard the screams and started pleading, “No. Please stop. Men with honor don't hurt women or children.” ... “Okay you win, I will answer your questions.” He could only pray he would never call this captor Master though. He could only hope that by this act, One-Eye would buy his family's freedom.

The screems stopped. Cole signalled Jack to go back down to the dungeon and bring Jackson up to one of the holding rooms. He turned to Julia who was comfortably sitting in a chair and said, "Thank you. Now we can begin to bring him back to us."

Julia stood and hugged Cole, then she stepped back, went to attention and snapped a salute. "Thank you Sir."

Cole returned the salute, smiled and said, "Dismissed. Go and see your daughter and let Lyre know we have a break through. If everything goes all right, he will be able to see his step-father tomorrow. I might even bring Mia and him together. That depends on the girl though. She now thinks the Clan has turned her over to me to train, thanks to the mental work by the elves. I will be having a discussion with her first thing in the morning."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you." Julia turned on her heels and left the room.

Ten minutes later Jackson was brought into the room. At first the man just stood there, but Jack pushed him to his knees. "Bow slave to your new master."

Cole walked over to him and stood three feet away, placed his feet shoulder width apart and folded his arms over his chest. "You have agreed to answer my questions. I do not expect snide remarks. I want total answers. If you do not, then it will be Lyre's turn to join my Specialist in the examination room. Do you understand this fact?"

"If you understand, use my correct title and take a place at the table. Palms flat and finger spread."

JACKSON

"I think you will have no problem telling me what I want to know, Jackson. That's a start Jackson, but it appears to me you are not ready to tell all I need to know."

One-Eye shrugged as he wondered just what this man had planned

"What happens to them is totally up to you. You will be telling me how far I need to go, by what you say and do. My employers have questions and I want the answers to them. Your family is your weakness, Jackson."

One-Eye shook his head as he said, “You want answers then prove to me that my...Sasha is wrong about you. Send Brennan back to the school with my family. Only then will you earn my somewhat trust. Otherwise the only one who will hear my report is Seth and Sasha. They are the only ones I answer to.” He inwardly worried as he almost told something few knew. 'Linthux would have learning that Sasha McChey the only class and housemate of Daniel is the new leader of TOE. I once asked Joseph why and he told me that she was the only one who was a even match to Daniel. If only Sasha did not fear becoming like Daniel her gift might even surpass Daniel's? Joseph worried that she held her abilities at bay out of fear of the Number twisting her as he did Daniel. It is why I must deal with the Medjai personally and soon.'

"I can guarantee you, you or any member of your family will not be pawns for the Number. That is not who I have been contracted to. Brennan will only be used by me.”

One-Eye shook his head as he said, “And I am to believe you? Sasha doesn't trust you and I have learned to trust Sasha. As for Bren, his head was messed with enough as a kid. Leave him alone!” He wondered why Sasha was so distrustful of this man but yet trusted the Medjai completely. 'I guess what they say about love being blind is true?'

Jack glanced at Jackson. "You know what you have to do to get the Captain to stop. It's actually very simple."

“Jack, I never figured you for a traitor?” One-Eye shook his head. “Unlike you I am no traitor! And with TOE disbanded according to those at the school, only one group would want information on the Seven. The Unknowns and that means The Number! Unlike you, I will never work for the likes of that thing.” One-Eye got silent as he remembered learning of a different name for the Number and his followers. 'I need to ask Sasha's permission for the new password so I can chat with Joseph. Cause he too like Sasha trusted the Medjai even asked me to talk with the man. But if I am wrong then why is Linthux wanting the Medjai brought to him? That vampiress Rachel was not at all happy her group was not allowed to just kill him.' His headache was extreme as he heard, 'If that professor dies so do you Rachel. Bring him to me or maybe our One-Eyed Hit Wizard might know something to remind him of his promise,'

The screams stopped.

He was relieved that the man known as Fixer must have heard him.

Cole signaled Jack to go back down to the dungeon and bring Jackson up to one of the holding rooms.

He saw the door open and Jack Jennings and another man grabbed him. He was yanked out of his cell.

Ten minutes later Jackson was brought into the room. At first the man just stood there, but Jack pushed him to his knees. "Bow slave to your new master."

Even as he was forced to his knees, One-Eye said, “I said I would answer your questions. But I bow to no one and I will never be somebody's slave. You leave my friends and family alone and I will answer what I can. You have my word.” He was scared but hopefully giving this man answers would be more important than One-Eye being a slave. His head hurt as he heard Linthux say 'You will kneel to Lord Marsden!' as the curse run through his body. After about a month of Marsden personally questioning him, the Leader of the Seven disappeared. One-Eye did not want to remember the torture that Linthux put him and another prisoner through ever since Daniel's body was discovered. He shook as he tried to push the memories back. 'Linthux wanted every member of TOE. But most importantly he wanted to know what Daniel wanted from me.'

Cole walked over to him and stood three feet away, placed his feet shoulder width apart and folded his arms over his chest. "You have agreed to answer my questions. I do not expect snide remarks. I want total answers. If you do not, then it will be Lyre's turn to join my Specialist in the examination room. Do you understand this fact?

"If you understand, use my correct title and take a place at the table. Palms flat and finger spread."

He nodded as he headed over to the table. Once seated, he said, “I will answer your questions but anything...” He felt the lash across his back.

COLE

(Cole) "What happens to them is totally up to you. You will be telling me how far I need to go, by what you say and do. My employers have questions and I want the answers to them. Your family is your weakness, Jackson"

(Jackson) “You want answers then prove to me that my...Sasha is wrong about you. Send Brennan back to the school with my family. Only then will you earn my somewhat trust. Otherwise the only one who will hear my report is Seth and Sasha. They are the only ones I answer to.” ....

"I have already told you Brennan is going nowhere. He is too unstable at the moment to be put back into the school or the Wizarding society in general. He is too unpredictable. I hope to have him retrained soon though." Cole wanted to get Brennan back to the school. The young man was a real asset to the Caretakers and to all of the staff at Hogwarts, but he wasn't sure Brennan was not a sleeper waiting to be awakened by the Clan, the Seven or any number of others who were trying to get a hold in the school.

Cole was glad Jackson trusted Sasha and Seth. That was going to make it easier when he could finally be released from the Cold Red Status. Unfortunately Cole had to get him to the point where he could be trusted to not all of a sudden follow some hidden order in his brain.

(Cole) "I can guarantee you, you or any member of your family will not be pawns for the Number. That is not who I have been contracted to. Brennan will only be used by me.”

(Jackson) “And I am to believe you? ... [/quote]

"You can believe me or not, but I don't lie. If I tell you something it is the truth. If I say I am going to do something then it will be done. Suit yourself."



Cole watched as Jack held Jackson to the kneeling position on the floor. Just then Tom entered the room. Cole nodded to him which would give Tom permission to use the single tail whip he had coiled in his hand. Tom could leave a mark on someone's skin with the whip without breaking the skin. Painful but not dangerous. The man could also take someone out with a yo-yo which he had seen done.



Cole just shook his head as Tom laid on the whip with one good strip across Jackson's shoulders. Jack then pulled the man back to the floor and pushed him into a kneeling position, pulling Jackson's arm behind his back and upward. Jack then grabbed a handful of Jacksons hair and pulled his head back on his shoulders, turning it so Jackson was looking at Cole.

"I so don't like to repeat myself but I will. If you understand, use my correct title, at this moment that is Master. This could change depending on your attitude. Then take a place at the table. Palms flat and finger spread."