Kaden Michaels: Assault on Yencom

By Brian Lonidier

What if you could control electricity and managed to break free from the clutches of a crotchety old madman? For Kaden, this sparks a mission to save others.

Kaden and his friends, now at the Ranch, have turned their focus toward rescui

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian Lonidier
• Release date: Oct 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088279908

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THAT WAS AWESOME!!! Kaden exclaimed as they boarded the plane, the building engulfed in flames behind them. Akira, did you manage to get the data you needed?

Yes, I did, thank you for opening up their systems and allowing me access.

No problem cuz! He said with a grin. It was just too bad this was only a data center and they didn’t have anyone here for us to save. Looking out the window at the thick plumes of smoke he added, But, it’s also a good thing that it was unmanned.

Akira smiled at the word, cuz. She and Kaden had both recently learned they were cousins.

It is a good thing. This center was able to provide us with a list of facilities and their locations. It also tells us the abilities of the people they are holding. Akira paused, and Kaden was able to pick up that she wasn’t telling him something.

Ok, what’s up DG? What else did you find?

She smiled at the nickname he used for her old gamer tag. Kaden, Junior, Akira, and Kevin were the scourge of their online gaming groups. Kaden was Buzzkill, which she found ironic because he chose that name before he learned of his ability. Junior was GenLeo, after the famous Spartan, General Leonidas. Kevin was MajinBro, they had not spoken in months. And Akira was DancersGrace, or DG for short. She chose that name for her former love of dance. Together they made up the Legacies.

The plane began to coast and prepare for take off when she spoke. After your escape, Eiko has decided to move from the Tokyo facility. I was unable to find the new location.

His face hardened to stone, So? There’s nobody there worth saving anyway.

Kaden, your mother, Akira started but stopped at the look of pain on his face.

Not my mother DG, my creator. My mother is in Louisiana and I haven’t been able to see her because I don’t want her to get hurt. My mother ACTUALLY cared about me. Doctor Foster may have birthed me, but she is not my mother.

She decided not to press the issue. It had been months since his escape, but she could see that it was still raw for him.

Be that as it may, we will still need to learn the location of the new facility. That is the central hub of his network and his research. From there, we can destroy his entire operation.

Kaden sighed heavily, then smiled his boyish grin. You’re right! We do need to go back and take them down. I’m sure Uncle Daddy would love that.

Akira held back a chuckle at the Uncle Daddy comment. Since learning that Eiko was his biological father, Kaden had taken it in stride. He learned quite a bit of life altering information recently, and she was in awe of his resiliency.

Now, the flight back will take a while. Going from Greenland to America is not a short trip. We should rest.

Kaden eyed the TV and game console, Nah, you sleep. I’m gonna play some games. He said with a laugh.

Akira leaned her seat back and shut her eyes. She knew the hard part was just beginning.

CHAPTER 1

Eiko entered the reception room of his home, his handsome face lined with haunting memories of the past. He stood in the center of the room, looking down at the tatami mats, his black hair showing wisps of gray. Eiko knelt on the mats and let the memories overcome him. On this very spot, his sister’s life was taken. He wasn’t sure why he would come here, perhaps it was because this was the spot where his entire life changed. What transpired here set into motion a chain of events that would forever alter his life and the lives of thousands. He would come here, kneel in this very spot, and contemplate the next steps of his plan.

He stood up and looked at the two signs on each side of the shōji doors; Life on one side and Death on the other, he chose Life. Eiko slid open the doors and went upstairs to his study. His hand slipped out and tentatively touched the blood stained handle of the Wakizashi on display before sitting at his desk. Memories flooded his mind as he felt the handle against his skin. Along with the memories, came a hardened resolve to continue with his plan.

Phase one got off to a rocky start. He succeeded in recruiting the woman who, quite literally, wrote the book on the mutations. However, finding other geneticists who believed her was another matter entirely. Eiko realized why Jillian Foster wrote the book under a pen name. Ishaan Kapoor was a laughing stock amongst the scientific community. Though most of them believed she was a joke, he did manage to find a handful of scientists who believed in her research and wanted to join them.

After he had a scientist on each continent, he then tasked them with finding more scientists and doctors for the individual facilities. In the beginning, he only had a handful of facilities scattered around the world.

Jillian and the other scientists ran ads for sleep studies, drug trials, and various other experimental procedures. They would take the willing participants, have them sign a waiver along with a non-disclosure agreement, and then draw their blood. Once the blood was drawn, they would extract the DNA from the blood and look for the Evolutionary Gene. Jillian trained the other scientists on what to look for, and because of this, they had a fairly high success rate.

After one particular drug trial in London, they discovered a mutant named Matthew. They had discovered others in the same trial which was rather fortunate. One day, while Matthew was getting his placebo, he looked at one of the other identified mutants.

Hey, that man is like me. He told his doctor.

When they asked what he meant, he just said they were both different from other people. It was then that Eiko realized what Matthew could do and how invaluable he was.

Eiko devised a team to stalk and capture mutants, they would then have them taken to the different facilities. Once he had Matthew, he had him transferred to Japan to work directly with him and Jillian Foster. It was by sheer dumb luck that they learned Matthew could see mutations through pictures. Once they learned of this unique aspect of his ability, Eiko knew he could never lose him. He then created the training room for Matthew to spend his time in, he had been there for the last twenty three years. After Matthew was under Eiko’s full time employment, he realized they would need more facilities for all of the mutants he would have.

Eiko had his facilities, he had his scientists and he had the means to find and capture mutants. Phase one of his plan was complete. It was time to move on to phase two.

Eiko wanted a baby. Not a child of his own, he didn’t care about that, he wanted to create a mutant baby. As Jillian’s research progressed they devised a way to do so. Eiko donated his DNA which Jillian genetically altered to include the evolutionary gene. She then extracted an egg from herself, altered it with the evolutionary gene, then combined it with Eiko’s own sample. They watched over the next several days as the two samples combined and became an embryo inside the incubator. Phase two of his plan was well underway.

Jillian transferred their child to herself. The plan was for her to carry the baby to term. Once he or she was born, Eiko would mold them to become a leader of men, or at the very least, the leader of his mutant army.

As the baby grew inside her, Jillian became more nervous. She told Eiko that something was wrong and that she needed to see a specialist in America. Eiko was busy working on phase three of his plan, so he sent a guard with her to Manhattan. That was his mistake.

Jillian and her escort traveled to New York to see this specialist, when they returned Jillian was no longer pregnant and there was no baby. She told Eiko that the baby was stillborn, he recently learned this was a lie. This angered him greatly but also gave him renewed hope in phase two. He now knew that a genetically altered mutant was possible, he had already taken steps to see phase two come to fruition, and because of these steps, phase three was soon to come.

Eiko picked up the phone on his desk and pushed the button, Haru, bring the car around. I need to go to the office. He then hung it up and stood up to head to the front and wait.

Anger flooded him as he waited for Haru to arrive. This woman knew what was at stake. She set his plans back more than two decades. She was fortunate that he was such a forgiving person and that she had rectified her mistake.

When Haru arrived, Eiko got in the car and quietly reflected on recent events. He was still having trouble coming to terms with having a son. He didn’t care one bit about Kaden Michaels, but if he had known he could have groomed him to be the leader he was born to be. Now he was simply a flippant irritation, like a rash that would not go away.

They arrived at the facility and he went inside. The hidden staircase was already opened, which helped to expedite the moving process. Walking the halls he went down another staircase and towards the deprivation chambers. He didn’t put her in the tanks, she was however confined to the rooms with them. As he approached he noticed that she was beginning to show signs of her pregnancy. He was going to have another child soon, one he could mold in his image.

Good evening Jillian. I trust you and the child are well. Eiko said

She looked up at him meekly, Eiko, please. I will do anything you want, just let me out of here.

My dear, I know you will. But I don’t have to let you out of here to ensure that. Eiko looked at her, You have been here four months now I believe He smiled, Soon enough I will have a mutant child of my own, his smile changed to a sneer, and this one you won’t be able to lie to me about!

Eiko turned to the guard outside of the door. You, tell me your name.

The man looked at him in surprise, Alan sir, my name is Alan.

Alan, yes. You are who I came to speak with. You have been with me for quite a while now, correct?

He paused to think, Yes sir, twenty five years sir.

Eiko paused, And you are loyal. Good, find a replacement for your duties here and meet me in my office at once. I have an assignment for you. Eiko left the chambers and headed towards his office to make his plans.

Alan. Jillian whispered, You can’t leave me. You’re the only reason I haven’t lost my sanity in here, please you have to find a way.

I’ll do what I can Jill, but you know I don’t have a choice. I have to go, but I’ll be back as soon as possible. Alan left to find a guard to stand at the door. After going to the guard’s quarters and sending a replacement to the tanks, he went upstairs to the Mahogany door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.

Come in. Eiko’s deep and methodical voice said from the other side of the door.

Alan slowly opened it and walked in, Yes sir, you wanted to see me?

Eiko stood up from his desk and walked over to his bar. He poured two glasses and handed one to Alan. Alan, you have been here for twenty-five years, what other facilities have you worked at?

Alan thought about it, Well sir, this is the only one I’ve worked at. I have gone to other locations for short periods to help train new guards, but this is where I started and the facility I like the most.

Eiko nodded as he sipped his drink, Tell me Alan, what do you know of Kaden Michaels.

Alan was taken aback by this question, but he had to answer. He’s escaped two facilities now. Has control over electricity and pretty much anything electrical. And he is not to be taken lightly. He said hoping it was enough.

Yes. I have a team that I have assembled to find him led by Brooks. You will be a part of that team.

Alan was happy about this but tried to keep his face passive. He had been trying and failing for weeks to get word to Kaden of his mother’s situation. Now he had a way if they could find him.

Yes sir, I am honored. Thank you.

Very good. Get your things together. You leave tomorrow morning. You will meet Brooks In Seattle, Washington.

Alan stood up to leave when Eiko stopped him. I trust you will not fail me. I do not take kindly to people who displease me.

Alan swallowed the lump in his throat. I will do everything in my power to find Kaden, sir, thank you. He then left and made his way back towards the tanks. When he arrived, he met with his replacement.

Marcus, you’ve been reassigned. Go and collect your things, I will remain here while you’re gone. Marcus started to walk off and Alan stopped him. Between you and me, it gets boring down here. The WiFi password is Password, with a capital P and I stashed a phone charger behind the pipe against the wall. There’s an outlet there too. Trust me, you’ll need it.

Marcus laughed, thanked him, and went to get this stuff. When he was out of earshot Alan opened the door to Jillian.

You’re leaving? Alan please!

He put a finger to his lips, Shhh, let me explain. Alan then told her about the task force he was put on and how he would be leaving to find Kaden. So, when we find him I can tell him about your imprisonment and hopefully get you out of here.

She could see the hope in his eyes, she just didn’t feel it. "Alan, you weren’t there. He won’t come for me, he hates me.

He’s hurt and angry, but he doesn’t hate you. Alan turned his head, Marcus is coming back. Stay strong Jill, we will be back for you.

Alan left and closed the door behind him, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

—-

Come on man. I can throw Jack farther than you can teleport, wanna see? Kaden said with a sarcastic grin.

Yeah! I wanna see! Jack said with enthusiasm.

Kaden and Wes laughed at Jack’s excitement as they stood in the fields near the lake. The day was warm and sunny with a slight breeze as they practiced their abilities outdoors.

Wes sighed and looked down, I’m trying, but I can’t go any farther. That’s the best I can do!

You also thought you could only go in front of you, now you can go backward and sideways too. YOUR problem is you. You said you were so unlucky that you got a lame ability. Man, I think you’re making it lame because you think you’re a lame-o.

Hey man, Jeremy said as he took a step toward Kaden. Rafael grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him back.

Let it play out. He told Jeremy who reluctantly agreed.

I’m not lame. But my ability is. Wes said with his head down.

Kaden stood quite a few feet away from Wes as he continued to goad him.

Come on, your lame ability might actually work. But you’re so unlucky you’ll probably wind up in the lake. The fish might think you’re a worm. Kaden yelled to Jack, Hey bud, you might want to be on standby. Ready to keep lame-o from drowning.

Wes was getting angry now, why was Kaden being so mean to him? He was being cruel for no reason, Wes was trying his best, why won’t he just leave him alone? He felt bad enough as it was.

Leave me alone! I’m doing the best I can! What’s so hard to understand about that? I just can’t do it! Wes shouted.

Hey bro, ease up a bit. You know he’s made some improvements, just give him time. Rafael said to Kaden.

Kaden smirked, he can have all the time he wants. Wuss here won’t be able to do it anyway. Oops, sorry, I mean Wes.

Wes exploded in anger when he heard the old schoolyard insult he had to endure growing up. All of his bullies thought it was so funny to call him wuss instead of Wes. He had endured that name calling for years, and now this guy he risked his life to save was calling him that? He had enough!

Duck! Rafael yelled at Kaden, but he was too late.

Kaden felt the punch land across his jaw as he fell to the ground. Wes was standing over him, fists clenched and chest heaving with his rage. Kaden rubbed his aching jaw and broke into a huge grin.

Jeremy rushed forward, but Rafael grabbed him and threw him back. Look at Kaden. He said with a smile.

Kaden stood up rubbing his jaw. Nice hit! Very nice! Oh, and you just teleported about ten feet to land that punch. I knew you had it in you!

Wes, still breathing heavily, unclenched his fists. Wait, so that was all…

Just a way to get you angry. I learned that when you’re angry, you tend to be able to do things you don’t think you can do. Like teleporting ten feet to punch me in the jaw.

Good form on the right cross Wes! Raf said as he walked up.

Jeremy slapped Wes on the back, Yeah! Ten feet, I knew you could do it!

Wes stood with a dumbfounded look on his face, ten feet? I went ten feet?!

Dude, it was awesome! You just cocked your fists back, stepped forward, and BAM! Kaden’s on his butt! Jeremy said laughing.

Kaden got knocked on his butt! Jack yelled, his voice cracking.

Kaden paused and looked at Jack, Dude, you sound like the old screen door on my mamaws house. Squeaky!

Rafael, Jeremy, and Wes laughed.

Shut up! Jack yelled.

Come on buddy, let’s talk about your changing body. Kaden said, tussling Jack’s hair.

Kaden stopped, he suddenly felt like he had been in the desert for a week. His mouth was so parched he couldn’t swallow and he was weak and groggy. Ok, you win. I’m sorry He managed to say in a raspy tone.

Ok, I forgive you. Jack said.

Kaden immediately felt rejuvenated, Thanks. Alright guys, let’s go in for some ice cream!"

Kaden, Raf, Wes, and Jeremy started walking back towards the house when Jack called out. I can’t move my legs!

Kaden looked back, Oh? I wonder if it’s some kind of nerve damage or something. He said with a smirk.

I’m sorry I dehydrated you! Now let me go, I want ice cream! Jack yelled as his voice cracked.

Dude, when did you learn that?! Rafael asked.

About the time you became a bulletproof vest. Kaden responded as he released the blocks providing electricity to Jack’s nerves.

Jack came running to catch up to them, That was cool! How’d you do that?!

On their way back to the house, Kaden told them the story of Alan and how he brought him back using his ability to restart the electrical activity in his brain.

Then I remembered when we were in Vegas and I was frying the chips in our heads. Rafael had that muscle spasm with his arm.

I remember Vegas, but not the muscle spasm.

I didn’t either until I brought Alan back. When I did, and remembered the spas and wondered if I caused it. So after I got here, I spent some time online, looking up nerve impulses and stuff. The General was a huge help in figuring it out too. I’d use him as my crash test dummy. I’d find a line of power and tell him I was ready. He would then use his ability to tell me what it would do. Kind of the perfect setup! He was like my very own surgeon simulator!

Jack opened the door to the house and rushed to the freezer. Kaden grabbed some bowls and Rafael got some spoons for their frozen treats. Grab the rocky road bud, the one with the chocolate covered almonds. Kaden said, Oh, and some cookies and cream for Amy. He knew that she would want some when she got in here, he wanted to be prepared.

They got their ice cream and were sitting around the table, enjoying their treats when Amy and Akira walked in. Kaden and Amy’s eyes met as they shared a smile between them, he nudged the bowl of cookies and cream next to him.

Hey there handsome. She said walking towards the table.

Kaden looked at her shoulder length auburn hair, her blue eyes, and her baby blue tank top as he let out a low whistle.

That top is hideous! Take it off right now! He said with a laugh.

Amy looked around, you sure about that? She grinned.

Kaden looked at Rafael and Jeremy as they stared at Amy. Avert your eyes heathens! He then turned to Amy, Yes please. He said as he grinned from ear to ear.

Perv. She said with a smile as she leaned in and kissed him. She sat down, grabbed her spoon, and took a bite of her ice cream, never breaking eye contact with Kaden.

Awww, that was so sweet! Wes said as he watched the exchange between the two of them.

Ahem. Akira said, breaking up the moment.

Kaden and Amy looked up with a smile, Sorry DG. We’ve got a few year’s worth of time to make up for.

Be that as it may, we came here to discuss our next target.

Another one? This isn’t another data center, is it?

No, this one is a facility that has three evolved prisoners and lax security. It is a low level facility according to the data we retrieved in Greenland.

Ok, so why this one then? Rafael asked

Because it is easy. She said simply.

We just busted Kaden out of the headquarters! I don’t think we need easy ones, let’s go after some hard ones! Jeremy put in.

You are correct. We just managed a prison break from their headquarters. Meaning Eiko will be expecting us to go after high profile targets. Starting small is not what he expects. Therefore it is more prudent for us to start small.

The group mulled it over for a moment when Akira went on.

One of the captives in this facility has a rather unique ability as well.

This got the group quiet as they stared at her in anticipation.

This facility holds a woman named Kamaria. She was taken from her home in a small village in Gabon, Africa. She is able to grow plants from seed to full maturity in hours. Because of her imprisonment, her village is going hungry. Saving Kamaria also means saving this village.

So, we break her out and that means we save hundreds of people in the process? Sounds good to me. Rafael said.

Yeah, I like the sound of that! Jeremy said.

You know I’m game, but it’s up to the old ball and chain here. Kaden said as he pointed at Amy, who promptly slapped him on the back of his head.

The room exploded in laughter as Kaden rubbed his wounded pride.

Yeah, I deserved that. He said with a grin. When were you thinking of leaving DG?

Within the next two days. That will give us time to plan and prepare.

Kaden nodded as Julie and Junior walked into the kitchen.

Junior looked at Amy and Kaden as a pang of jealousy hit him. He shook it off and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet for his ice cream.

What up guys? Julie asked as she sat at the table next to Rafael.

Just discussing the next facility. Raf told her as he grabbed her hand.

Kaden stood up, Now that everyone’s here, there’s something else we need to talk about.

Akira looked at him curiously, There is? I am unaware of anything else.

Well yeah, that’s because we haven’t talked about it yet. he said with a shrug.

Very well, what is it?

So Amy and I were out exploring the land some more and we came across the vacant houses out here. We were wondering about moving our parents in here. Yencom and Eiko know who we are and obviously where they could find us before. Which means our families are at risk, we can bring them here where they will be safe until we take Yencom down for good. There’s plenty of land and food, they can help out around the ranch to pay their dues, but the most important part is that they will be safe.

Everyone stared at Kaden for a long time after he finished talking. He was beginning to get nervous.

Did I not say that out loud? Or did I just think that? Or maybe you’ve all gone mute? Either way, some kind of feedback would be great right now. He said looking at each person.

I am afraid that I do not agree with your idea. Akira said bluntly.

Kaden looked at her in surprise, What? Why not? What’s wrong with it?!

As you said, Eiko knows where all of your parents are. He likely has someone watching their homes for us to show up. You would be sitting ducks.

Kaden smiled, Jeremy, give me a Jehovah’s Witness with a side of Texas twang please!

Everyone looked toward Jeremy as he suddenly appeared as a young Caucasian man with a cowboy hat. He was wearing a white button down shirt, tucked into black slacks with a black tie, and carrying a bible.

Kaden grinned, Perfecto! Looking back at Akira, Kaden continued with his plan. What I was thinking, is we all write letters to our families. Then we could have Jeremy look like a door to door salesman or something, he’ll go to each house and deliver the letters to them explaining that we are ok but they are in danger and being watched. In the letters, we give them an address to meet us at, somewhere public like a grocery store or mall or something. We will be waiting there to meet our families so they can actually see that we are alive and well. We tell them that we are all in danger and need to go for their safety and give them the option of leaving with us.

Akira contemplated his plan for a moment.

Look, worst case scenario. We have to fight whoever is watching them, but either way, we can get our parents to safety. I think the reward is worth the risk.

Jack was the first to chime in, My parents missed my thirteenth birthday. I don’t even know if they realize I’m still alive. He said as he looked down at his half eaten bowl of rocky road.

Nice touch! Kaden thought to himself.

Ok. Let us think about this logically. How many people are you thinking of bringing here?

Well, my mom and dad and Amy’s dad. Kaden said

My parents. Jack chimed in.

My mom, dad, and sister. Jeremy added

My mom and dad too. Julie said

Akira looked at Rafael, What about you Rafael?

Me? I have my Tia, but she’s old. She’d never come. Trust me, she’s OK where she is.

General? What about you?

"My mom left us when I was a kid, I don’t know where she is or her name. My dad passed away a few years ago. You guys are