∞ The Tethered Ones ∞

Chapter 47

━━─── • ───━━━

• Luna •

The following morning, Luna and Amir were relieved to see the sun streaming down on them when they awoke. They were both washing the truck, which still had a musty, damp smell to it, serving as a terrible reminder of the location where their mission had failed: in a lake. She realized they had to find another means to get everyone out of Ramsey Sanitarium even if they were both certain Dominique had been talked out of bum-rushing the facility again. The group couldn't wait any longer, and Luna understood. Nobody could stop her from rushing to her husband's rescue if he were locked up if that happened.

After all, that is what he had done for her.

Luna noticed Ethan leaning against a tree near the infirmary as she moved around the back of the truck. He fixed his gaze on her and trotted toward them.

Amir growled. "He is not the person I want to see first thing in the morning."

"I know," Luna said as she wrapped her hand around his. "Let's just see what he wants."

"That won't make my day any better, especially after last night."

Luna grinned at him and then straightened up as Ethan began walking down the street.

"Good morning." Ethan slowed as he approached Amir and Luna, his gaze dipping to their clasped hands before swiftly sweeping up. "I need to speak with everyone."

They stopped washing the truck and began walking toward the park. "I'm not in the mood, Ethan," Amir said.

"I can understand that." He caught up to them. "But I seriously didn't know about the extra security in the doors. I promise."

"I believe you," Amir replied.

Ethan's step stumbled. "But you hit me."

"Because Amir had a moment and you were target practice," Luna said, earning a wink from her husband. "Look, you and I have an understanding, and I'm learning to tolerate you. But Amir and the rest of the group are skeptical of you. Maybe you were unaware of what they had in the doors, but it still doesn't change the fact that we won't be able to get in there."

"I asked Titus, and he didn't know either." Ethan put his hands in his pockets and came to a halt in front of the path. He was lucky that Amir didn't just lay him out there. "Titus is willing to do it again—dismantle the cameras and everything."

Amir exhaled heavily. "And how will this help us? Those doors are secure. Far too secure."

"And every door could be set up that way," Luna added as she exhaled. She couldn't bear the thought of going through the same ordeal three or four times in a row. Sure, she'd been in a lot of pain in St. Matthew's, but nothing beat Hisyl mixed with Chemnisol.

Both toxins were lethal.

Ethan shifted from one foot to the other and added, "Well, I was thinking about that. Everyone used to be exposed to a specific chemical every day while I was at BARDA. Our forks and silverware had it. Almost everything we came into contact with was filled with it. It burned terribly, but we learned to tolerate it. When I walked through those doors yesterday, I wasn't affected, not much."

"But you were limping," said Amir. "I saw you."

Ethan turned away but then caught Luna's gaze. "I was limping because I slipped."

Amir chuckled while turning his head away from Ethan. "So, you just decided that telling us this was a good idea?"

"I was unsure of what it was. None of us knew." His eyes begged Luna to listen. "I didn't give it much thought until now."

She realized they'd been conditioning the soldiers to it, primarily for the Tethered Ones. Probably repeatedly exposing everyone to the poison, but something didn't seem right last night. Why would BARDA subject them to it? Sick and twisted punishment or in exchange for tolerance? And why would they want superhumans to become tolerant of the one thing that may be used against them?

"You can't tell me you had no idea about Hisyl and Chemnisol and what they were capable of," Luna said.

His eyes bored into hers. "I knew about them, but not where they placed them."

She pursed her lips. "You know, there's so much we have to trust you with. That you are truly working against the organization rather than for them as an Implant. That your family and ours are even at Ramsey, and that you didn't know about the chemicals."

"I know this looks bad."

"That doesn't even cut it," Amir said, letting go of Luna's hand as he propped his hip against a tree. "Nobody believes you."

"And you've also blackmailed us into helping you," Luna added.

Ethan exhaled sharply. "Okay. My history with both of you isn't exactly stellar. But all I want is to get my family away from them. That's it."

"And why are you here right now?" Amir inquired, clearly nearing the end of his patience.

"I believe we can avoid Hisyl and Chemnisol," he said, taking his hands from his pockets and holding them in front of him. "Now, listen to me. I have an idea that might work."

"Let me get the popcorn and coke first," muttered Amir.

Luna snorted and bit her lower lip.

"I believe we can walk through those doors the next time if we develop a tolerance for both of them. We should try if that is what BARDA has been doing to people. We must expose ourselves to them, or else—"

"Are you insane, Ethan?" Amir turned around, his hand running through his hair, a hand clasped around the back of his neck. "You want us to be exposed to deadly toxins?"

"Do you have another suggestion?"

Luna thought there was one—they didn't go back. But was it an option? Their families relied on them. Amir began to pace. That was not a good sign. "Can we talk about it later?"

"Okay." Ethan stepped around Amir. "After lunch?"

"Maybe," Luna suggested. "We'll see what the others say and then let you know."

Ethan took the hint and scurried away from there. Luna had no idea what to say to any of this. "Should we expose ourselves to Hisyl and Chemnisol?"

Amir huffed. "Ethan is crazy."

He was. "But what if it works?"

"Please tell me you're not thinking about it, Moon?"

She shrugged. "Yeah. No. I don't know." She trembled as she ran her hands up and down her limbs, shocked by Ethan's second proposition. "I just know we can't give up. I want to do something because I know the organization, but we have to look at the big picture. We'll be able to free everyone by becoming accustomed to two lethal chemicals. Whatever it takes."

"What if it doesn't work?"

"But if Ethan is truly immune to it, we can test it on him."

A broad grin spread across his face. "I adore the way my Moon thinks."

Luna laughed. "Why does that not surprise me? But, seriously, he might be able to tolerate it. We just need to figure out how to get them." Amir became quiet, and Luna said, "You have Quiet Face. Talk."

He squinted. "I believe I have Hisyl covered."

"How?"

"I remember their notes on how to develop it. I was with Dr. Kim for days before you and I left his plantation, so all I have to do now is work in the infirmary and create it."

Her jaw fell to the ground. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yep. That's what happens when you work hard and stay in school."

She went speechless.

He tweaked her nose, and she smacked his hand away. "You're such a genius."

"There's no need to rev up my ego."

She laughed yet again. "What about Chemnisol?"

"I remember how to make it, but I'm not sure if the formulas are here." When Faisal stepped outside his door, Amir paused and turned to face her. "Let's talk to him about it and see what he says. He'd want to help. He did develop an antidote for pairs."

She nodded and smiled. "That's a fantastic idea. I'm sure you could also create web shooters that we could use to blind our attackers."

"That's not a bad idea." He knelt and kissed the corner of her mouth. "Come on, before he disappears and we don't see him again."

She laughed. "It would be devastating to lose Faisal. I wouldn't be able to cope."

"Neither would I."

• • •

Luna was surprised that, except Dominique, everyone seemed to be on board with the Hisyl and Chemnisol plan. Even Connor was nodding as if being exposed to painful things was a wonderful thing, which led her to believe that someone had earlier poisoned their meals and drinks.

When he initially came into contact with it, she had a hunch that thought would change.

"This is crazy," Dominique said, and Luna found herself agreeing with her. "We're going to purposefully hurt ourselves. That's suicide."

She had a point.

Owen sighed and leaned back in his chair. "It's not like we're going to enjoy it."

"I remember how you looked when we were by the lake." She twisted her hair around her hand. "And Luna couldn't stop screaming for an eternity. Who would agree to this kind of torture?"

"Insane people," Connor murmured.

"Domi, you don't have to do this," Owen said.

Her face went blank. "I'm sorry, Owen; I love you and everything, but I need to help my family. They need me . . ." Her voice cracked, but she straightened her back. "I'm not happy about the torture, but they need me there."

Owen moved forward, putting his hand on her arm. "I know you aren't, but I can do it."

"I want to be there." Her tone was shaky. "But the pain, I . . ."

"It's fine." Owen smiled, and there was a brief moment between them as if he was saying more with that gesture alone. Whatever it was, it worked because she relaxed. "Not everyone needs to do this."

"So, what's the verdict?" Ethan's gaze swept across the entire group. "Whoever is going to do this, we need to start building a tolerance right away. I'm not sure how long it will take."

Amir tensed. "Except for Zoe, it shouldn't take long for an extraction if everyone joins in."

Ethan laughed unexpectedly. "I've been with this organization for a long time. I can't even remember how long ago they gave it to me. I barely felt Hisyl's pain during our last raid. And I didn't even realize Chemnisol was entering my lungs."

"We'll have to put that to the test, then." Luna smiled.

Ethan gave her a sneer. "Wow. You're excited about that?"

Luna nodded.

Dominique twisted around, her gaze fixed on Ethan. "Can I try it out once it's finished?"

"I'm sure we'll have everyone try it." Owen's sinister lip twist was almost frightening. "Anyway, what are everyone's thoughts on it?"

Connor raised his hand. "I want to be there this time. Who would stay with the ladies?"

Faisal's face fell silent. "I think I should. The last round was, well, painful."

Amir placed his hand on his back. "No more, cousin. I don't want you, my wife, or your future wife to be in any more pain."

Cami, who was standing quietly next to both of them, smiled. "If I'm being honest, I'd like to join in."

Luna stood up. "No. No way. It's out of the question."

"It's fine, Luna. I'll take it." Stepping closer, she said, "If I've learned anything, it's that St. Matthew's has taught me strength and endurance. I'll go to any length to keep my partner's family safe."

Faisal reached over and hugged both of their necks.

"So, you two are engaged and didn't tell me?" Luna murmured, turning to face him.

He shook his head. "No, we're waiting to make anything official, and I still need to go to Iceland and Nigeria to meet her family."

"And I have yet to meet Faisal's parents. They're amazing, according to what I've heard from him and Amir," Cami said with a grin.

"Okay," Zoe murmured a few spaces away. "As touching as this moment is, can we get back to who's in?"

"I'm in," Vikram said, shifting his gaze to Amir. "We'll get them out this time. Even if it means torching the place."

"No need to go that far," Connor laughed. "That will be done later. How does the plan sound?"

Everyone nodded in response.

"I'm definitely in," Dominique declared. "I practically raised my brothers after our parents died. Getting them, Layla, and the kids out of this would feel like retribution."

The next look meant, "This is going to turn into a private conversation—argument." That statement agitated Owen. Ethan nodded, a ringing endorsement no one wanted or needed.

Plans were made to meet after breakfast the following morning and, weather permitting, head out to the forest to begin some light exercise training. Luna was not thrilled about it, but she still nodded.

Ethan made an unexpected announcement before the group broke apart. "I have something to say. I might be able to get some Hisyl now."

"How?" Luna asked.

"A BARDA-run laboratory a few blocks away has the stuff. I don't think they have Chemnisol, but getting the other one would be just as good, right?"

Dominique muttered, "Wow, Ethan. You just come up with surprises every second, don't you?"

He chuckled. "I didn't think about it because it's a small building with only one guard on duty most of the time."

"All right. Then you and I will go there today," said Owen. "But you better not be leading me into a trap."

"No one, and I mean no one, is being led into a trap," Ethan stated emphatically. "There was no trap last night, and there will be no trap now." He inhaled deeply. "But there is one point I must make. It will not be easy to develop tolerance, but it is possible."

"Dude, just shut up," Connor snapped back. "You speak too much."

"I'm just saying . . . it might take until New Years before you feel safe enough to walk through those doors again. That's four months from now. We'll just have to wing it."

"Then that's what it'll take," Amir said. "Once our families are safe, it will be worth it."

"I agree," Dominique said. "Let's start with the physical stuff tomorrow. Not to mention the opportunity to put our skills to the test. We know that most of us can do something special with our talents, so we should put them to use."

"I'm up for it," Amir said.

Luna said her goodbyes because she needed to meet with General Davenport and find out where her family would be staying before they arrived.

Amir walked her over, and she knew it wasn't a gentlemanly act, but she let him, and they sat for a moment in the park.

He drank his water in five seconds flat. "Can we talk about the new strategy?"

She crossed her arms and propped a foot under her buttocks. "Not if it turns into another fight."

"Moon . . ."

"Hmm?" Her gaze was drawn to the two children Sarah's age who were playing on the rusted seesaw.

He shifted his weight in front of her and placed his hands on either side of her legs. "I can't keep watching you get hurt."

The sun was streaming through the clouds as she twirled her hair with her finger.

"Seeing what happened last night and feeling the agony you went through, I can't even imagine—Are you even listening to me?"

Halfway through the sentence, she shifted her gaze back to the children, thinking about her daughter. "I'm listening."

"Then look at me."

She raised her lashes. "I see you."

Amir scowled.

She sighed and ran her hands down her pants, adjusting her legs. "Okay. I don't want to see you hurt."

"Luna—"

"No. Please do not interrupt. I don't want to see you in pain, and just thinking about you going through it makes me want to vomit."

"I've got this, Moon."

Their gazes were locked. "I know you do, but that doesn't change how awful it will be to see you go through that, but I'm not asking you to stay back."

He pushed off and swung around, his fingers running through his hair. Tension and frustration hung like a well-worn blanket over the area.

She stood up and stalked over to him. "I don't want to argue with you, Amir, but you can't say it's okay for me to watch you go through this while I'm not going through it."

Luna wrapped her arms around his waist, and he tensed. "I know you're scared, but I can't back out just because things are going to get ugly. Neither of us is backing down."

"Your logic irritates me." He put his hands on her, but she smiled and pressed against his back. "And I'm going to hate seeing you go through this, Luna."

She squeezed him like her favorite body pillow, knowing how difficult it was for him to give in. This was, in fact, monumental. He twisted in her arms and lowered his head, and she thought to herself, Wow, this is how negotiating works. Couples may not always agree on everything, and they may argue, but in the end, they work it out and love each other.

Like her mother and father, who rekindled their love after being separated for a year.

"You can't die on me," Amir uttered.

"I won't during the practicing or tolerance periods, Amir. I can guarantee it."

A lump formed in her throat. Crying wasn't the right thing to do, but it was difficult not to cry.

"The only good thing is that I'm going to hold Elmo down and force him to drink the Hisyl over and over," Amir murmured.

She laughed softly. "You're sadistic."

"And you need to see John Davenport, right? I'm holding you up."

She yanked herself free, disappointed. "Yeah, I need to find the house he set up for my family."

Amir pouted, and it was extremely sexy on him. "Okay, I'm leaving, but I'll be back in a few minutes."

She followed him to the corner. "It shouldn't take too long."

"All right," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I'll talk to the group some more and get their thoughts."

And hearing that made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He turned and walked away as she wiggled her fingers at him. She turned around and walked to Davenport's blue door, taking a deep breath.

Giving the door a soft knock, it cracked open, allowing her to enter.

Then she stopped.

A woman sat on the couch with her hands folded neatly in her lap. Because her hair hung in limp strands around her pale face and her eyes weren't hidden behind puffy bangs, it took Luna a moment to recognize her.

"Lily . . ." she said, eyes wide. "You're . . . you're here?"

Luna did not move. Her arms were extended.

The light from the lamp was reflected by a bracelet made of a gemstone with fire inside, which she recognized.

What the hell? Titus had the same stone.

A second before electric-pink light radiated from Lily's hands, static crackled in the air and there was a smell of burned ozone. The bracelet didn't even matter anymore.

Shocked to the core, Luna looked at her friend in disbelief. "Oh no. You're a—"

Lily charged forward, hurling Luna's body through the window.

Glass shattered, and chaos followed.

━━─── • ───━━━

Ah, that moment when you're the author and you create a character after yourself who was supposed to be 'good,' but they turn out to be the polar opposite. He-he. Luna just can't catch a break. How many enemies exist within the Tethered Verse? To paraphrase Buzz Lightyear, "Enemies! Enemies everywhere!"