Protocol 1337 Rise Once More

By D. Henbane

The world above ground is unaware that an extra-terrestrial virus has found its way out of an underground research facility. Agent Haus had attempted to gather information about the threat for his employer Omega Phi, but a distraught military mother named Trixie Evans had other plans.

Upon discovering that the facility had been compromised; General Stratton orders the initiation of Protocol 1337, and the base personnel are quarantined in the former Homestake mine. Haus encounters Trixie in the dark underground labyrinth and watches helplessly as she executes General Stratton.

Haus later learns that the United States military has dispatched fighter jets to bomb the entrance to the mine. Trixie discovers Haus's employment by Omega Phi and holds him prisoner to ensure her escape. Haus uses his D-Link device and the guidance of his remote partner AI named Edith to navigate back to the surface.

Within a few feet from the surface; Trixie pushes Haus back down the ventilation shaft, and escapes into the light of day. As the jets begin their bombing run; Haus scrambles to reach the surface, but the world fades to darkness as the bombs seal him inside the deepest mine in North America.

Back at Omega Phi; Director Reese must think of a contingency plan, but first he needs to call in some favors. The first order of business is capturing, the now labeled terrorist, Trixie Evans and prevent a global outbreak.

Protocol 1337: Rise Once More is book two of the Protocol 1337 trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. Henbane
• Release date: Apr 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311901507

D. Henbane

Upcoming Books: Protocol 1337: Rise Once More Protocol 1337: End Game The Spod Complex Aetherius Hellavirus

Book preview

PROTOCOL 1337

Rise Once More

By

D. Henbane

*****

Copyright D. Henbane 2012.

Smashwords Edition

CHAPTER ONE

Loss

Please sit down Eve. Reese says with a somber voice. Reese rubs his hands as he struggles to find the words. Eve sits attentively across his desk, unaware of what the director is about to say. Eve knows that something isn’t quite right because Reese rarely has private talks with anyone. I really don’t have the words in my head just yet. I wanted you to hear it from me first before I tell everyone else. I'm very sorry Eve, but we lost Agent Haus today. He didn't make it out of the mine before the bombing run started.

Eve's face turns pale, and she continues to stare in disbelief. Reese stands up from behind his desk, and walks over to her with outstretched arms. Tears well up under her eyes, and she begins to tremble. Eve quickly breaks down, and rushes into Reese's open arms. She presses her face into his suit, and starts screaming. Reese hugs her tightly, and rests his head onto hers. Reese whispers into her ear. Its OK to cry dear...

Eve slams her fists into Reese's chest, as she sobs uncontrollably. Suddenly Eve tears away from Reese, and stares at him with a cold bitter stare. You! You did this! You killed him! This is your entire fault! Eve screams.

Eve I had nothing to do with it! I tried my best to save him. How dare you make an accusation like that! Reese says.

You had no right sending him there in the first place. He was a computer hacker, not some hot shot mercenary. Couldn't you have sent in another agent? Of course not, that would have made sense. I got a better idea Reese. GO TO HELL! Eve slams the door behind her, as she leaves his office.

Once in the hallway she begins to cry again. She places her hands over her face to hide her tears. Eve becomes overwhelmed with grief, and runs towards the elevator. Once inside the elevator she slumps to the floor, and crawls into a fetal position. She continues to sob, while pulling her knees close to her chest. The elevator door draws open, she struggles to stand, but eventually exits the elevator.

She meanders like a zombie, past the commons room, towards Haus's apartment. She stands in front of his door, and stares at the door knob. She opens the door, and watches as it slowly swings. The air inside still smells like him. She is thrust back to a better time, when he was still with her, and they enjoyed all life had to offer. She falls to the floor, and begins to cry again.

Why you be cryin' Eve? Did I make you mad? If I did I be sorry. Me don’t like cry. Rednek says.

Hes dead Rednek! Eve exclaims.

Haus ain’t dead Eve. He be at the mine workin'. He be back soon I promise. Rednek says.

NO! He got killed when they bombed the mine Rednek. Eve says in between sobs. Rednek stoops his massive frame down, and picks Eve up. He carries her into his room, and sits down in a wooden hand crafted rocking chair. Using his massive feet, he starts to rock the chair in a gentle rhythm.

Oh froggy went a courtin', and he did ride uh huh. Froggy went a courtin', and he did ride. A sword and a pistol by his side uh huh. He rode up to Miss Mousie's door uh huh. He rode up to Miss Mousie's door. A place he had been many times before uh huh. Rednek sings.

Where did you learn that song? Eve asks.

My meemaw sang it to me when I cried. It made me happy, did it make you happy?Rednek asks.

Well I'm not crying anymore so I guess it worked. Eve was exhausted from all the tears, but it was a nice retreat from the sadness. She nestles into Redneks comforting arms. Please finish the song for me. His song was a far cry from Mozart, but did its magic with her. Long before the ballad was over, Eve was sleeping soundly in Redneks lap.

He carries her petite body to his bed, and covers her with an aging quilt. He makes the sign of the cross above her, and retreats to the couch. Rednek nestles in for the day, and roughs up some pillows for comfort.

The smell of food cooking wakes Eve from her slumber. She looks around the room, and is scared at first. She remembers the many times before waking up in unfamiliar places, but is comforted by the fact she isn’t using drugs anymore. She looks around the humble room, and sees a picture hanging on the wall. Its a picture of Rednek with a young man making faces for the camera. Eve slowly walks out into the hallway towards the kitchen.

Eve glances around the room, and sees a small table set for two. The plates are filled to the brim with hash browns, cheese, eggs, bacon, and a side of buttered toast. Rednek is busy washing the pans in the kitchen sink. Rednek, you didn’t need to cook me breakfast. Eve replies as she sits down.

Meemaw told me yous gonna be hungry. Me always do what Meemaw says. Rednek replies.

Rednek we are the only two people in the room. Who is Meemaw? Eve asks.

Meemaw is my Meemaw. She went to heaven... Just like Papa, but she still talks to me. Rednek says.

So do you talk to ghosts often? Eve asks.

Yes ma’am. Just cuz they be in heaven don’t mean they cant talk. Yous just gots to listen to em. Rednek replies.

Can you see Meemaw? Eve asks.

Oh yes ma'am. She is watching the TV. Meemaw don’t like most people, but she likes you and Eicca. I made you food that Eicca likes. Rednek says.

Rednek sits down at the table, and begins to wolf down his food. Eve is intrigued by her conversation with Rednek, and wonders if he is insane or mentally ill. She eats small portions, as she ponders her next question. Eve recalls reading articles on people who claim to interact with the dead. Is it possible that Rednek can actually see his deceased grandmother? Eve sets her fork down onto the plate.

Who is Eicca? She asks.

Eicca is my best friend. Rednek says.

The young man in the picture in your bedroom? Eve asks.

No. That’s my brotha. He ain’t right in da head. He a good boy anyway. Eicca is my special friend. She is nice to me. Nice like you Eve. Rednek replies. Rednek spoons the last of his plate into his mouth. You not eatin' Eve. Is it bad? Rednek asks.

Its delicious, but I am not all that hungry today Rednek. Thank you so much for breakfast. I like it a lot, and it made me feel better. Eve replies. Rednek's face perks up, and he removes the dishes from the table. He washes each dish carefully, and sets it in the strainer.

Wanna see a secret Eve? Rednek asks.

Depends on what you have in mind Rednek. Eve replies. Rednek walks into another room, and comes back with an expensive laptop. He types in a few commands, and patiently waits for it to load. Rednek places the laptop on the table in front of Eve. Eve looks into the screen, and watches as a young woman tends to a garden. It is obvious that the camera is watching her from high above the earth.

The young lady meticulously removes weeds from each well-kept row of crops. In the background Eve can see a rusty tin roof, and several smaller out buildings. The landscape is very green for this time of year, and suggests a southern climate. Rednek reaches from behind her to make some adjustments to the camera. The camera zooms out a bit to reveal a small house, and a gravel road dotted with weeping willows.

That be my special friend Eicca. She be good at keepin' a garden ma’am. I buy all of it, and it makes some good eatin'. She does everything pigs, cows, chickens, you name it. She is pretty too, and sweet as honey. Mr. Morris should be comin' soon. Rednek says.

Eve continues to watch the screen, and soon a white Cadillac pulls in front of the small homestead. Eicca exits the garden to greet Mr. Morris, and then loads the trunk of his car with vegetables. Another person appears carrying jugs of milk, some honey, and several white paper packages of meat. Eicca whispers into the ear of the young man loading packages, and he disappears into a distant shed.

He surfaces a few minutes later, carrying a milk crate full of quart jars. He loads the jars into the back of the car, and waits behind Eicca like a small child seeking the safety of his mother. Mr. Morris retrieves a large stack of dollar bills from his inner jacket pocket, and gives it to Eicca. She places the money in her apron, smiles, and does a quick curtsey. See dat Eve? Told ya she was good. I done told her how to make my moonshine in my last letter. Rednek exclaims.

She is very pretty. Rednek. A real hard worker from what I can tell, but what about the boy? Eve asks.

That’s Jake. He be my brotha, and Eicca takes care of him for me. She is real good with him. Rednek explains.

I didn’t know you had a brother. Why don’t your parents take care of him? Eve asks.

Oh no, Ma and Pa are in heaven. Jake’s is all I gots left. I lost Eicca too for a while. Rednek says.

What happened to them? Eve asks.

When Pa got sick, Ma tried to take care of him, but the sickness got 'em both. Some people from the city tried to come get me and Jake. We hid out in the bayou till they left. We ate frogs and fish for a month. They stopped comin' around after a while. They took Ma and Pa to bury them. I don’t know where the graves is, and Jake cried a lot. I watched out for him you know. Pa taught us how to live in the swamp. I learned it well, but Jake nots so good.

The people from the city were trying to help you. Why did you hide from them? Eve asks.

They took Eicca away, and they ain’t takin' Jake away. He all I got left. Rednek says. His simple eyes start to well up with tears. Eve wraps her arms around him for a hug. He returns the hug, and almost crushes her with his embrace. Eve struggles to breathe as he squeezes her tight.

How did you get Eicca back? Eve asks.

Her Pa was a bad man. He liked to fight, and one day he hurt her ma real bad. Them city folk came with the sheriff, and took Eicca away. Her ma never came back. She sent me letters every day. I done told her that she can live with me and Jake. Then one day she ran away back to my place. Rednek explains.

Is that your house you are looking at? Eve asks.

Yes ma’am. That be my land, paid for fair and square. It be Jake’s too, but he don’t know any better. Also Eicca's house too, but she misses me. Rednek says.

How are you making this work- when Reese forbids contact with your former life? Eve asks.

I pay Mr. Morris for being me lawyer. He pays Eicca for me food. I send puzzles to Southern Fur Trader Magazine. Eicca uses da code to solve them. She sends me a boiled egg back. Eicca thinks I be fightin' da Russians. Rednek replies.

Why a boiled egg? Eve asks.

Oh dat was Eve's idea since she is no good at cyphers. She has a magic ink, she writes on da egg, den sends it to me. I open da egg, and I can see her letter. I will shows you. Rednek says as he leaps to his feet. He walks over to his fridge, and removes a single white egg. He walks back to the table, and setting the egg down gives it a spin to confirm it has been boiled. He taps the egg against the table a few times, then rolls it in his fist. He removes the outer shell, and places it in front of Eve. Eve cannot believe her eyes, and picks the egg up to read the words. The egg white is slightly off color to reveal the intended message inside.

Peaches I am writing to inform you, that the still is working great, and Jake has a knack for it. Your next batch of goodies should be there soon, and we both miss you greatly. Don’t get hurt, and come home soon. Love Eicca and Jake. Eve says.

She always calls me Peaches. Rednek says.

A pet name, then signed with Love. I think Eicca is more than just a friend Rednek. Rednek blushes, and turns away from her to conceal his feelings. Eve begins to put the story together inside her head, and realizes what is going on. Rednek is reaching out to her about being in love. He too has been in love, and has lost the love in his life. He is desperately trying to hold together the life he left behind before joining Omega Phi.

I kissed her once, and it was fun. She showed me some tings in da barn. I liked it, but I didn’t know what to do. So I ran away. Then Reese found me... Rednek explains.

What did Reese say to you, that made you join the team? Eve asks.

He promised me stuff, like money, and being able to take care of Jake. When he told me the city folk wouldn’t come for Eicca no mo'... Dats when I said yes-sir. He said Eicca's pa would never get out of jail. She be safe now, an' I can sleep sound. Rednek says.

You signed up to protect the ones you love. That’s very honorable Rednek, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. You're like the big brother I never had. Eve says.

I be your big brotha, Rednek will protect you, an' you dun have to worry about a ting. We be bestest friends fo'ever I guarantee. First tings first you gotsa know the rules of da swamp. I will teach ya just like me pa showed me. Rednek says.

Eve looks at Rednek with a slightly confused look on her face. She feels like laughing at the situation, but realizes that he is very serious. They are in the underground base of Omega Phi. How can he teach her to survive in a swamp? So whats the first rule of swamp club? Eve asks sarcastically.

Da swamp is da boss, an' you best be ready to defend yo' self. You come. Rednek replies as he takes hold of Eve's hand. Rednek guides Eve out into the hallway, walking in a brisk pace down the hall. Soon they arrive at a gray door with stickers all over it. Rednek stops short, punches in a series of numbers into the keypad, and the door swings open. The room is pitch black, and Rednek leans inside to turn on the light switch.

There is a crackling noise that echoes in the room, as the Halide bulbs flicker to life. The light is dim and off color at first, but soon each light heats up illuminating the gun range. There are several firing lanes with paper targets in the silhouettes of human torsos. Rednek closes the door tightly behind them, and presses a button that activates a red blinking light. Eve spins around, staring in awe at the back wall of the range.

Each gun is hung on the wall, in museum display quality, every one of them painstakingly organized by caliber and type. Each weapon is assigned a five digit code corresponding to drawer below containing its ammo. The collection is massive, well cared for, and literally has it all. There were guns from all around the world, each with it's own reserved place; assault rifles, hand guns, even vintage arms adorn the walls.

Alex an' Amos made dis place. Them boys own cathedral an' when you live by da gun, yous die by da gun. Them boys loved them guns an' spent all they time here. Rednek walks over to the wall and selects an AR15 rifle. He loads the clip with standard ammunition and readies himself in the firing range. The paper target is 80 yards away. He fires a practice shot, and then fires his kill shot. Yep he be dead fo' sure. Hows about you Eve? Rednek asks.

Eve looks over each weapon carefully and then makes her selection. It is a M1903 Springfield, a classic made for battle weapon, but a mismatch for her small frame. Rednek laughs under his breath, surely one round from that rifle will knock her onto her butt. Eve carefully loads the five round clip into the rifle and readies herself at the range. She takes aim at the target and fires a practice round. Rednek looks at the target and bursts into laughter. Eve draws the rifle to her shoulder once more and fires her kill shot. Rednek is laughing hysterically as he recalls the paper targets.

Ma'am Eve you missed. says Rednek.

I don’t miss. Compare the caliber size on your target. Eve says. Rednek removes the paper target and examines the holes. He is shocked that both the practice shot, and kill shot have been perfectly replicated with a larger caliber.

For the record my grandfather was a sniper in World War II, and my old man was a sniper in Vietnam. You assumed I couldn't handle a rifle. My pa taught me a thing or two as well. Eve says.

CHAPTER TWO

No Rest For The Wicked

Director Reese looks out over the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean, high above the small islands, seated in the helicopter. Reese points towards a small island in the shape of a crescent moon. He gives a nod to the pilot and the chopper banks to the right. The shallow waters of Bimini attract people the world over, most are searching for a secluded spot to enjoy a vacation. But Reese's target is not on vacation. Reese spots him, down below in the greenish blue waters and motions for the pilot to touch down.

Alex hears the distinct sound of the chopper over-head. Alex rolls over in the water, glances up towards Reese and shakes his head in disbelief. He begins to swim towards shore immediately; he is uncomfortable with the idea of being disrupted but welcomes the thought of visitors. Soon, Alex is walking out of the shallow water and is confronted by Reese waiting at the shore line.

Good to see you again, Alex. Reese says.

Same here. Why don't you come inside? Alex says.

Alex waves his hand towards a simple beach hut on the north end of the island. The hut is situated about 100 yards from the beach and built mostly of crude cut timber-complete with a thatched roof of palm leaves and salvaged drift wood. Alex's simple hut has minimal furniture and a single bed in the corner. Every item inside is hand-crafted, utilizing every possible source of his meager existence and the few resources the island did offer. The walls are adorned with glass fish-net floats and other discarded items-that the sea offered up.

I need your help, Alex. Reese says.

I thought you guys went digital. Alex says.

We have evolved into the digital realm but we are in need of old tactics for this problem. Reese says.

If that's the case, why not call on Amos for this favor? Alex says.

Amos is already involved and you are my last resort. Reese says.

Remember the day you asked me to join Omega Phi? You told me, if I spent a few years doing what others won't do. I would spend the rest of my life doing what others can not do. Alex replies.

Yes, I remember that conversation. Reese says.

Yet, here you are, asking me to come out of retirement and collectively save your ass. Alex says.

It isn’t that simple. Alex. Reese replies.

I was just getting attached to this place but it's just as well. You told me if I ever saw you again it was going to be really bad. Since you're here, I guess my odds of coming home alive are pretty slim. Alex says.

Alex walks over to his meager bed and reaches underneath it. He drags a sturdy black briefcase out from under the bed. Alex places the box in the center of the room and opens the latches. Inside are two white rectangles that resemble a block of cheese, two blasting caps with chords, and a small LCD screen. Alex carefully inserts a blasting cap into each of the C4 bricks. With the slow determined skill of a surgeon, he strips the ends of the wires and attaches them to the brass terminals.

Do I have time to pack? Alex asks.

Unfortunately... No. Reese replies.

I won't be leaving without this. Alex walks over to his nightstand and opens the drawer, inside is a gold heart-shaped locket. He opens the locket. There is a picture of him at prom standing next to a lovely young lady. The detached look in his eyes fades and a slight smile forms at the edge of his mouth.

I know you loved her, son, but let's not complicate this. Reese says.

I never stopped, so please stop referring to it in past tense. Alex says.

I need your mind clear and focused on the mission. Any distraction at all could cost your very life. Not to mention, I wouldn't be able to face your mother. Reese says.

What are you telling her. Dad? Let me guess I am in Afghanistan, defending a school for orphans? You haven't told her the truth more than three times your entire life. So forgive me for not following your romantic advice. Alex says.

Watch your tongue boy... Alex interrupts Reese mid-sentence and pokes him in the chest with his index finger.

What are you going to do, old man? Alex says.

Look, I know you are angry. But the reality is, we simply don't have time for this. Reese says.

If you want my help, you are going to have to give in to my demands. Alex says.

Demands? Just because you are my son doesn't grant you any special privileges. Reese replies.

Alex walks over to the black box and begins to dismantle the explosives, knowing all too well-that Reese is in no position to negotiate. Alex isn't even sure what situation is unfolding but he does know that it must be of grave importance. Something has gone horribly wrong and his father is calling on his own trained killer. Alex is a man of discipline, his no non-sense approach to taking human life he inherited from his old man. Reese grinds his teeth, as he rubs his hands together nervously. Alex glances over to watch his reaction. From his observations he knows, Reese is about to crack.

Blank check... How is that for demands? Reese says reluctantly.

Really? Alex pauses to let the words settle in his brain. Alex had intended to just make him squirm a bit, before he accepted the offer but this is something he never expected. He wonders what could have happened to cause his father to be so generous. It must be far worse than he anticipated; the thrill of taking on something of this magnitude grabs hold of Alex's soul. He quickly suppresses the feelings and resolves to take full advantage of this situation. Alex re-arms the explosives, looks at his fathers desperate face and sets the timer for 15 minutes. I'm in. Alex says.

Welcome back, Alex. Is that much C4 really necessary? Reese asks.

I don't want anyone looting my hula-doll collection... Alex replies and Reese lets out a chuckle, then tosses him a Dlink. The two exit the hut and start walking towards the chopper. Reese motions to the pilot to start the engine and ready for take-off. Suddenly, Alex stops in his tracks, places his fingers in his mouth and makes a loud whistle. Lets go George! Alex yells. From under the hut emerges a large white American Bulldog with a large brown patch over his right eye.

You still have that old mutt? Reese asks.

Yes... He's coming with us too. Alex replies.

Alex greets his faithful companion next to the choppers open door, he lifts the dog inside and securely buckles him in. Reese takes his seat opposite the pilot and Alex settles in next to George. Alex leans over, lowers his head, to meet George at eye level. No flying lessons today old boy. Alex gives the go-ahead to the pilot and within minutes they are several hundred yards off-shore. Alex looks back at his island home, it is peaceful and serene. Then the explosives detonate. His former home bursts into a sea of flames, anarchy, and destruction.

Lets get you up to speed, put on the headset and watch the screen. Reese says. Alex places the headset on and turns his attention to the monitor on his right. It's a local news broadcast covering the recent events of the area.

Good evening folks around CNTX listening area. On tonight's episode of Spotlight in the Heartland, we focus on the events surrounding the old Home-stake Mine. It has been five days since the late night explosions rocked citizens of Lead from their deep slumber. The National Guard has been activated and is currently searching for survivors. Evacuation orders are still in effect for all of Lawrence County residents. The Department of Homeland Security asks all citizens to remain calm and abide by the evacuation orders. We contacted a member of the Department of Homeland Security about the evacuation orders and he forwarded us this information regarding the incident.

The DHS has issued a mandatory evacuation of Lawrence County. Please remain calm and follow the evacuation orders. Do not attempt, under any circumstance, to re-enter the affected areas. It may appear safe but unseen dangers exist, such as hazardous radiation and chemical exposures. Unless properly equipped, those attempting re-entry may easily become poisoned from exposure, which can cause death.

CNTX news has just received an update on this story. The Department of Homeland Security has released a statement declaring that the explosions, have been an act of terrorism. They have identified a person of interest. We will have a photo ready soon... The name released is Trixie Evans and the photo is now available. If you