The Hunt: Judge Jury Executioner

By Terry Hodgson

The year 2090, and on route from the penal colony to the execution chambers on earth 10 prisoners assigned for termination had found themselves hurtled back through time after the ship that was carrying them went out of control and entered a tear in space. Waking up with the guards dead and now trapped 75 years in the past, they thought this was their ultimate escape from prison.
Kelly and four other Rangers that had been genetically engineered from birth were assigned to go on a one way mission to track down and eliminate the escaped prisons called Grunts, The Rangers were set on the same path as the grunts and hoped that they would survive what was to come. On landing, The Rangers had to learn fast on how things worked in the 20th century and then hunt and execute ten men all without being detected by the local authorities and without losing their lives in the process, all this plus trying to keep from changing events that may change the future.
When the hunt began not all went according to plan and the police department sent two of their best to investigate a string of murders, Detective Samantha Hall and her partner Detective Bill Sims. Their job was simple, hunt the hunters and stop the killing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jul 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503507814

Terry Hodgson

Terry Ann Hodgson grew up on the coast of NSW in Australia. She has been active in the lesbian community for over 28 years. A sporty woman that likes to keep active by day and to relax in front of an open fire place at night. Now trying her hand in literature she has now found her stride and has begun her journey of letting her imagination now become printed novels.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Kelly strolled out onto her back porch after opening a bottle of Kern Beer and taking a long satisfying pull. Savouring the cold, bitterness she put the bottle down and leaned back into the lounge chair next to the table. Kelly stretched her tired legs and glanced out over the tall trees that surrounded the house which was peacefully located about twenty kilometres outside of the city limits. The sun was shining bright and there was a cool breeze to take the heat away. Taking another swig on the bottle she closed her eyes and reflected back on the events of the last few years.

*     *     *

Kelly, a member of the police enforcement group called the Elite Guard, a highly trained group of individuals with genetically engineered bodies. Their bodies were engineered to produce heightened speed, strength and reaction time. They were the most feared and the most respected individuals though out the world. The Elite Guard were relentless on a hunt, if one fell another would take his or her place until their prey were neutralized or imprisoned. The Elite Guard were judge and jury concerning all Grunts. They were the last defence against the growing number of criminals. They were a law unto themselves.

With a last attempt to save their criminal activities, the gangs of Grunts banded together to eradicate the Elite Guard once and for all. They orchestrated a mega strike on the main base at Hometown Station and other small bases around the world to put an end to their hunters.

The strike was very effective with hundreds of the Elite Guard and a very large number of scientist’s dead, the labs and most of the experimental drugs were destroyed to prevent any more engineered humans being developed. The remaining Elite Guard were forced to regroup in a hidden facility underneath Hometown Station.

The Elite Guards were altered at birth and were trained for enforcement duty at a young age. All the guards had alterations to their DNA and received training on hand to hand combat and were instructed in the use of many specialist weapons. At birth a bio chip is inserted into their wrist which allowed them entry to all establishments. They also received an ID chip, into the palm of their right hand, which could also be used as a light source. When they were old enough to understand their duties they were given instructions which were to be carried out only if there was a massive attack. A small tavern about two blocks away from Hometown Station was the place for such a gathering. Well, what was Hometown Station and was now is just a pile of rubble. This tavern was a small but well known establishment that seemed to have a standing only crowd at night. Not much to look at but it did have a nice drop of beer and great atmosphere.

Since it was in the day time and the bar would not be open they had to wave a hand over the electronic reader at every doorway to enter this establishment. There were two steel doors to go through to get to the bar. Kelly swiped her hand over the reader at the door. The first door opened with a green light then she moved onto the second door, as she did the first door closed locking into place. You could only go through one at a time to allow the reader to identify each chip. Kelly waved her hand at the second door, waiting for it to go green and open but instead the bottom half of the door swung open and a hatch on the floor swung down revealing a staircase. She stepped back in shock as this had never happened before.

Don’t be stupid Kelly, when have you ever been here in the day and when have you ever needed to use the chip. She shook her head and gathered her thoughts then quickly realized she couldn’t go back as there was no reader on this side. She knew there was another reader panel in the bar area but at this moment she couldn’t get to it if she wanted too. So, down the stairs she went. Kelly was met at the bottom of the stairs by her superior, Frank Peterson.

Peterson was the head of the Elite Guard. He stood at an impressive 6'2 with a solid build, brown, crew cut hair and at fifty four was still a very dangerous man. He looked fresh like he just steeped from a shower. He was sporting a tailor made black suit that was perfectly pressed. Kelly was shocked to see him holding a laser blade. Laser blades were outlawed as one slash of the blade could cut you in half and in holding one you could be shot onsite. No questions asked.

Peterson looked at Kelly, then down to tap some buttons then looked back up and made eye contact, Baker: Good to see you in one piece.

Kelly smiled, Um…. Peterson…What the hell is going on and where are all the Elite?

Peterson gave Kelly a half smile, No time to talk, more are coming. Just follow the tunnel about two clicks down that way. Holding the blade in his right hand and pointing with his left towards the tunnel, All will be explained in due course. Tilting his head towards the tunnel, he then added, Go! Now Baker

Kelly hurried down the tunnel hearing voices behind her, she thought, more than likely it is Peterson telling the Guard where to go. The tunnel was dark, straight and narrow with tiny blinking lights on the ground as she got closer to the end Kelly had to shield her eyes from the bright over hanging flood lights. The tunnel looked like it had been carved out of a mountain. The walls and ceiling were heavily shined granite. The ground being compacted so much there were no footprints to be seen and Kelly knew there had to have been a lot of hunters go throw this tunnel before she arrived. She stopped just as the tunnel widened into a huge room. The room was more like a football stadium. In every direction that she could see there were people standing in small groups. There had to be at least one hundred and fifty men and women. She spotted a platform to the right of her that had all types and sizes of computers. There were lots of people in white lab coats running around with palm readers.

Kelly spun around to a tap on her shoulder, a woman with bright red hair, wearing a white lab jacket also holding a palm reader, looked up at her and said, Name?

Kelly was taken back for a moment, What?

Sorry my name is Tracey Walker and yours is…….?

Baker….. Kelly Baker, What’s going on here? Where are we?

Tracy typed Kelly’s name on her reader and then added, Ms Baker, Frank Peterson will be here shortly and he will explain everything. I’m sure! I am just getting a count on how many E.G’s survived. Tracy noticed the puzzled look on Kelly’s face; Tracy sighed then said, Um sorry, how many of the Elite Guard are still alive?

Before Kelly had a chance to say anything else, Tracey turned and at a brisk pace headed off towards the tunnel, with her long red hair swishing side to side and her white coat flowing behind her. Kelly looked around again trying to find someone that knew what was happening and why they were not out there hunting Grunts down. Kelly wandered around for a short time before hearing her name being yelled out. Kelly swivelled around, trying to identify the person calling her name, as far as she could see looking over people’s heads and around the room, no- one stood out. Kelly couldn’t see anyone waving or even looking her way.

Hey Baker…….. Baker over here; turning to her left Kelly spotted her partner heading her way.

Jack, Thank god, it’s good to see you. Looking him up and down and nodding her head she asked, You’re ok?

Yep, it’s all good,

Kelly smiled, did you know about this place? Indicating the surrounding area she waved her hands around in the air.

Not really, I heard rumours but didn’t think it would be anything like this.

So: what now? Kelly asked. Before getting an answer there was a crackling in the air…. a microphone she deduced.

They turned to see Peterson standing on the platform in front of a microphone, tapping on the top to make sure it was working, causing a loud thud, thud noise then a high pitch squeal.

Petersen cleared his throat. CAN I HAVE QUIET PLEASE?

He waiting a few minutes until all that could be heard was the shuffling of people’s feet and a few little murmurs. Peterson started, OK, here’s what we know, he paused, at 1.45pm a bomb went off at Hometown Station killing almost the entire occupants and destroying the building. Other bombs and gun battles have intensified at all other bases around the world with devastating results. Around 95% of our agencies have been destroyed, have suffered total annihilation; all that you see in this room is the last of the Elite Guard in this country.

Gasps echoed across the room. Some people put their hands up to ask a question but Peterson just raised his right hand and said, Please let me finish and then I will answer all your queries. Now at last count there was only one hundred and three of the Elite Guard left standing.

Kelly heard Jack whisper, Fuck, you could see the shocked looks around the room.

Kelly grabbed Jacks arm and said, Only one hundred and three out of at least twelve hundred men and women. Kelly had to shake her head and gather her thoughts so she could take in the rest of what Peterson was saying.

Unfortunately, all our bio labs were destroyed as well, taking with it any chance of building on the EG. We also lost many of our scientist and years of valuable research that cannot be duplicated. We are in bad shape at the moment and need time to gather ourselves, then we can redeploy. The rebels think we are done, that the hunters can hunt no more but I am telling you all, we will only be hidden for a short time so we can regroup and then crush all that oppose us.

Peterson took a breath then continued. What you see here, this underground facility was built many years ago for this very reason. We never thought this facility would every have to be used. For those of you that don’t already know, Hometown Station has been completely destroyed and this area you are now standing in is directly underneath Hometown Station, as you can see it was built to hold a few thousand people in time of need and regrettable that time has arrived. One of our labs survived as it was based right here in secret trying to prefect a new serum in hope to heighten the senses and allow the body to heal itself on a rapid scale. Unfortunately we only kept small amounts of the serum down here to try to perfect it and it’s still not known how successful it will be. We have enough serum for fifty volunteers of the Elite Guard.

All at once every member of the EG, stood at attention and raised their hands.

Peterson smiled and said. This serum was untested and could cause some strains of paralyse as well as death, so take a bit of time to think on it.

Kelly heard Chloe over her left shoulder, she turned and scanned the faces but to her dismay she couldn’t pinpoint Chloe’s location in the crowd that surrounded her. Kelly listened as Chloe asked There’s not many of us now, so why take the chance on the serum if you’re not sure of the result?

Peterson nodded and replied, That’s my point, there are not many of us. In the past when we hunt if one of our members went down another would rise and finish what was started but now if one or two many of us go down there will be no one else to take up the hunt and the Grunts would eventually win. We need to try something different, I can’t say for certain that this would be our best solution but at this point in time it’s the only one we have. So in saying that I think we should take the risk, I will not order anyone to take this option but I will ask you all to think long and hard as it may be our only way. In the end it will be your choice and there is no guarantee that this serum will work but I do think we have to try. Peterson paused, and then ran his hand over his short brown hair as he released the breath he was holding. Raising his hand in the air Peterson added, There is another room over there, Peterson pointed over to the left of the massive room and said, Next to the water machine, where if you would like more information or just to take the shot; it’s up to you to entirely. If I only get one, then so be it.

He then added like an afterthought, Now……… there are beds, showers and food set up for all. Please if you need anything just talk to any of the staff in the white lab coats, they will direct you as needed. Anymore questions?

Ignoring all other questions being asked Kelly turned to Jack and said, I need coffee and we need to talk. Want to find the coffee machine and a place to sit so we can talk?

Jack nodded, Sure, sounds good, as Jack was speaking he turned slightly grabbing a man’s arm in a lab coat whispering something in his ear and in return the white coat held up his hand and then pointed one finger towards the far end of the room. Thanking the man Jack turned back to Kelly with a smile. Well baby girl we have a direction. Jack reached out and took Kelly’s hand in his. Kelly smiled as Jack tugged her towards himself and headed into the masses. They were forced to walk slowly as they had to push their way through the crowd still standing around the platform, Jack and Kelly finally found a small but well stocked cafeteria. Jack pilfered two chairs and waved his hand across one of them hinting for Kelly to sit while he placed their order.

Kelly smiled and gratefully took the offered seat, Thanks Jack.

Kelly watched Jack from across the room as he leaned against the counter top with his head tilted to one side and smiling the whole time at the older woman making the coffee.

At thirty four years Jack was a striking man, he was just short of six foot tall, had short blonde hair with a long wavy fringe that just flopped over his eyes, making you want to lean over and push it back, great biceps, strong broad shoulders and puppy dog blue eyes. He didn’t have any trouble getting women but he chose, like all of us, not to get attached to any one person because of the work we do. He had been Kelly’s partner for the past five years. He was like a brother and a father all rolled into one perfect man. Jack had always been there through the bad and all of her good, she trusted him and loved him dearly. Kelly smiled up at Jack as he drew closer and with her foot she pushed the other chair back away from the table allowing Jack to be able to sit without using his hands. As he bent his legs and before sitting Jack placed a small kiss on Kelly’s check and then handed her the coffee, Here you go.

Thanks, holding the cardboard cup to her lips and taking a sip, Mm….. God, that’s good.

Jack sighed, Well, what do you think baby girl?

Kelly shrugged her shoulders," I guess if we do this we do it together or not at all.

Jack nodded his head, Together it is."

Kelly lowered her cup to the table before looking back up at Jack. Hey Jack!

Mm

Don’t you think we should take some time before we decide?

Jack looked up then placed his hand on Kelly’s knee, I have been thinking Kel, Peterson has a point. It may not be the perfect solution Kel and yes it may not work but in reality what else can we do. There is not many of us left and if we do nothing the grunts can pick us off one by one. On the other hand if it works then we will be a lot harder to be put down and that might make the difference for all that we are supposed to protect.

Kelly sighed, I understand what you’re saying Jack but if in trying this and we don’t make it that won’t help our people.

Jack laughed, No, it won’t help but in the same breath we won’t be alive to see and in that case I don’t think it would really matter to us.

Kelly grunted, as per usual, your right or maybe I should say you don’t really leave much room for debate but either way I still would like to get a little more info before we do this.

Jack nodded then smiled, You better believe it baby girl, this here bod is never wrong. Jack waved his hand down his chest and over his hips until they rested against his thighs.

Kelly laughed and squeezed Jacks hand before picking her cup up. Now, Huss up and let me finish my coffee.

They sat there in mutual agreement knowing full well what they were about to do. When both cups were empty they stood and with what felt like another hour of walking they found the room they were looking for. On entering the room Kelly noticed two other doors on either side of the walls and a small desk in the centre of the room with papers spread all over the top. At a glance Kelly noticed what looked like files on the Elite Guard. Kelly advanced towards the desk trying to get a better look but was intercepted by a small man; his name tag read Dave Sweets. After straightening his desk Dave looked up and directed the two new comers to the room on the right, You both need to enter through those doors and then we will explain what you can expect and the details of the procedure.

At first Kelly thought she would like more info but if this was going to be her last day then she didn’t need to be talked out of it and if her life goes on she will deal with it then. Kelly smiled at Dave then said without any further hesitation, There’s no need, we have already decided to go ahead with it.

Dave smiled and added, Sorry mam, but I have been left strict instruction that anyone entering this room must be properly prepared before receiving the serum. Peterson said, No talk. No Serum.

Jack grabbed Kelly’s hand and led her towards the door, Come on Kel, let’s just get it over. Inside the room sat one small table and four chairs. Jack pulled out a chair and waved his hand over it for Kelly to sit then he pulled another over and parked his butt into it, a few seconds later the door opened and Dave padded in. Dave, a short and very plain man moved some papers around then looked at the two of them before speaking, I need your names before we start so we can pull your files.

I’m Jack, Sorry, Jack Brenan and this is my partner Kelly Baker.

Dave stood, walked to the door and relayed their names to the other man outside then he closed the door and went around the table to sit.

OK, this won’t take long, he raised his head from a single page of paper in front of him and looked towards Kelly then at Jack, with a half-smile and sad eyes. Firstly, let me tell you both that the serum has never been tested on humans. It has been tested on animals with minimum success. He paused for a few heart beats, I won’t lie to you; Peterson said that what little information we have on the serum we are to tell you everything before you decide.

Kelly and Jack just nodded.

OK, we started with forty test subjects, rabbits, pigs and monkeys. The first fifteen died within ten minutes of the drug entering their system. It took about ten days for the serum to take affect and we know this as we put little nicks on the subjects to see how fast they would heal, after the tenth day we found small cuts were healing very quickly, but there was a small side effect. The more cuts we gave them the slower they healed. We thought at that time things were going great and we may only have to tweak the serum a bit more to lessen the death toll but on the eleventh day another fifteen subjects started haemorrhaging from their eyes, nose and ears. We couldn’t stop the bleeding. The more we tried the worse things became. Since then we have not tested any other animals. We thought for the time being we would just watch the ten remaining subjects and study them for the next year to see if there were any other problems, as far as we could see there were no more side effects and Dr Burk, our lead scientist made some small changes to the formula. We were going to start testing on our first human subject; we never got to do that. The bomb destroyed our main lab, Dr Burk was killed and all his work went up in smoke except for this sample of the new serum that we had brought down here to begin the new experiments. The animal test subjects were either killed or escaped after the bombing. Until Hometown is cleared away we won’t know what happened to them.

So, as you can see there is a real chance that you could die, or worse bleed out. We don’t know with the last of the doctor’s tweaking if it has fixed anything. Peterson stated that with no ability to produce more of the Elite and with only one hundred and three left that there was no more back up. If they or you fall on the hunt than the hunters will become the prey. The Grunts are rounding up any that they believe have been working for Hometown and executing them on the spot. There are still too many Grunts for the local police to keep them at bay and they are not equipped to stop them. Our locals can only slow them down, but bit by bit the Grunts are taking over the streets. This may not work but we have to try something.

Kelly cleared her throat, So just saying, if this serum works, what effects would there be?

Dave answered, Well, as the EG you already have some abilities and the serum we think will give you the power to regenerate. It will allow your body to heal deep wounds, mend bones, dilute poisons but in saying that what results we have also show that to many wounds at one time or to many repeated wounds in the same area takes longer to heal and in most cases your body just shuts down. This may not happen in human subjects as the tests have been on animals. We lost a lot of information in the destruction and too many good men. I guess if all goes well you may be telling us of any other improvements you may receive. Sorry, that’s all I know, we are just not sure, holding both hands in the air, Dave shrugged.

Is there anything else we need to know? Jack asked.

No, I think that’s it. Oh, you have to sign off as an Elite Guard member because if you decide to go ahead with this you will be called Rangers. There are some perks with being a Ranger, well, that’s if you survive.

What do you mean …Perks? Kelly chimed in.

Well, each Ranger will have even a higher status than the Elite Guard plus a higher cred count not that you would need it as most things are assigned to you anyway. Oh, you also receive a house on the outskirts of the city as your private retreat and a condo in the city.

Dave stood up and said, The door on your left as you know leads you back out into the main room… No questions asked, the one on the right could mean the end or the beginning of your new life. Please stay and think before you choose the door for you. Dave forced a smile on his face and with a look of sorrow in his eyes and left the room. The door closed leaving Jack and Kelly alone with their thoughts. Kelly let out the breath she was holding. Jack turned his chair to face Kelly, he leant forward and took both Kelly’s hands in his and simply said,

Ranger Huh, smiling he added, I do believe I like the sound of that. Kelly looked up at Jack and couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face after seeing Jack’s shining white teeth and a smile that had melted many hearts. IT’S TOGETHER OR NOT AT ALL…. Kelly grinned and nodded her head,

Well in that case let’s go; Ranger Jack Brennan

After you. Ranger Kelly Baker.

CHAPTER 1

Kelly was trying to open her eyes as she could hear someone moaning, then realised it was herself. She could feel the dryness of her month and felt the soreness of her body, as she tried to open her eye’s and overcome the sluggish way her body felt. Moaning again she thought, God, it feels like I’ve gone ten rounds with the world’s best heavy weight.

Slowly opening both eyes and trying to adjust to the lighting, with a croaky and somewhat dazed voice Kelly managed to get out….. Jack…….. Trying to focus on a shadowy image she felt someone pick up her hand and hold it gently.

There you are baby girl; I didn’t think you would ever wake up, he smiled, welcome to the Rangers.

Kelly’s vision started to clear, now focusing on Jack, how long was I out for? While waiting on an answer Kelly spotted the water on the bedside table. She reached out then fumbled with it at first but then managed, lifting the glass to her lips; Kelly tried to down the contents in one gulp. Jack reached out and put his hand over the top of the glass,

Easy girl, try to wake up fully before drowning yourself. Jack was sitting in a chair beside Kelly’s bed; he leaned forward and took Kelly’s hand again then whispered, God, you had me worried for a bit but I should have known that nothing in this world would keep you down for too long.

Kelly smiled and a small chuckle escaped her lips, hey Jack, you’re not getting rid of me that easy, us partners have to stick together you know. Looking around the room Kelly noticed eight other beds all had members of the Elite in them but the bed next to hers was empty. Kelly quickly worked out it had to be Jacks, How long was I out for?

Jack replied, Only a few hours more than me, sorry baby girl even I don’t know how long. The nurse said we have to wait here until the nine in this room are all awake, showered and have eaten a good hearty meal. patting his stomach. They will be back with food in two hours and will bring everyone clean clothes, until then we have coffee.

Mm; that sounds great, sniffing the air Kelly could smell something a bit ripe. Oh God, she exclaimed as Kelly put her nose to her chest and sniffed, that smell, it’s me! Tilting her head up at Jack; Did you say something about a shower?

With a smile,