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To Protect and Serve - Ch.3 Posted 3/15/2019


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10 hours ago, cregssatx said:

Thank you.  I'm not entirely sure why I'm saying that, but... thank you.  I'm... not happy, but encouraged?... that John is still the dominant mind, and the Predator hasn't taken over.  I appreciate he's feeling the pain of what he's done.  And I'm very, very, very appreciative that Gabriel acknowledges that the "blank check" approach wasn't what John's chaotic psyche needed at the time.  
I'm trying to separate the reality of your experiences from the story.  It's not easy.  Please keep that in mind when I make my comments.  For this chapter, I'm trying to ignore the reality from Chapter 8.  As you absorb the entirety of what you've written and, with knowledge of the real life elements, it's overwhelming.

With all that being said, you did an unbelievable job with the gym scene.  You really advanced John from... metahuman?... to superhuman.  You really highlighted just how much he's moved beyond his "peers."  But, at the same time, the attachment to Gabriel, his angel and anchor, keeps him in the human-ish space.  I'm looking forward, hopefully, to seeing their connection strengthen.  You've said this story is, ultimately, a romance, so I have high hopes for those two men.  

Again, thank you.
  

Nah, no worries at all about any of the comments you've made and thank you. 

I think I have said it here, but a friend of mine who read this and who has occasionally helped in proofreading told me that what is real life experience or based on real life is so intertwined with the fictional elements in the story , that when it is done I really should write a journal that explains it all, the symbols, what is real and what isn't - just give you one example that no one would ever get unless I tell them.  Chapter 8.4 has every reference to the New Testament story of Jesus healing the paralytic within it - if you know where to look, lol.  (The scriptural quotations, Angel, references to resurrection etc.  if you have read my other story here, you know that I grew up in a Mormon family and was shunned and disowned when I came out.  So that reflects in things the religious references in TP&S)

But anyway, maybe do some untangling of the themes and symbols what is 100% real  (John's anecdotes at the start of chapter 4 about the restaurant and best buy really happened to me exactly that way / the name Jeff Heath and who he really was / my own law enforcement background shows through obviously), what is based on real (3 sheriff's deputies dealing in steroids and being arrested is straight from my working life before I left law enforcement.  I just expanded and embellished on what really happened in the investigation of that case), to totally fiction but has some kind of meaning (John snapping shooter marbles in half in his hand.)

I also appreciate the comments about John passing through these elements of humanity, and what makes someone human.  Besides the romance, that is the big point of this story - with all the changes and beyond human he is becoming, is John ultimately not human or is he the most human of all?  And the same for every other character as you see them come back and change and how their behavior changes.  Is being human just genes or something more?  Can you be human but not Homo sapiens (so to speak), and conversely, can you be Homo sapiens but not be human at all?


By the end of this chapter, 2 months will have passed in story time, and the romance will expand greatly.  These two are in love with each other; this chapter will show just how much. 

 

 

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Authors Notes:

  • Special thanks to SeaMusc for his kindness in allowing me to set this story in the same universe as several of his characters and borrowing them.  You can read more about Will and Skye here - The Impossible Discovery .

 


Chapter 9 - Destiny - Part 2 - You Are Not Alone


“Let’s take a moment and break the ice / So my intentions are known / See I have pity in watching you suffer / I know the feeling of being damned alone / I’ve got a storybook of my own” ~ Avenged Sevenfold, “Shepherd of Fire”


 

John took one last look at Gabriel locked in his car.  His lover was still obviously frightened, but John had a hunch that they weren't in any immediate danger.  

 

What was happening finally made sense when they walked out of Gabriel’s mailroom, and he received that last mysterious text message.  How did the hidden adversary know exactly what they were doing?  He scanned the area over and over as they walked, but there was no hint of anyone watching them.  There was no hint of any kind of out of the ordinary technology...   

 

The solution hit John when they walked under a lamppost with an ordinary security monitoring service camera affixed to it.  Fuck, he thought as the light bulb went off, it can't be that simple.  The normal security cameras.   John looked around and spotted four of them that were easily able to see them.  He smiled inwardly and gave himself that groan we all experience when we realize we've been stupidly oblivious to the solution right in front of our face. 

 

They weren’t using out of the ordinary anything.  They were using regular, everyday technology, the technology that had always been there.  Technology that you were conditioned to overlook through sheer exposure seeing it there everyday. 

 

Once he made the connection to the normal security cameras, John gained even more respect for his unknown adversary.  Slipping into the existing security camera feed was something John might have done himself if he were trying to observe a suspect at a distance without giving away anything.  All it took was a little internet know-how, and John was absolutely certain his adversary had lots of internet know-how.  Security service monitoring cameras were common to both complexes.  Some of those cameras even had an audio feed, which would explain why John got the message about Gabriel’s safety.  John’s side of the phone conversation and the sound of fear in this voice would have been transmitted on the audio feed.  HE had been outside in the open when he was talking to Gabriel.  Gabriel was locked in his car; so, Gabriel’s side would have been difficult or impossible to hear.  But John’s - that was easy.

 

Still, just to be safe, John decided to search and clear Gabriel’s apartment properly before he allowed Gabriel inside.  It was remote in his judgement, but there was a small chance they were being monitored to see when Gabriel or both of them went inside.  John knew that ordinarily, clearing a single room alone, much less an entire home, was the height of foolhardiness.  You were taught as an officer to never do it alone unless the need was vital and there was no other alternative.  You are at a tactical disadvantage at every step.  But John… he wasn't ordinary anymore. 

 

He put the key into the front door lock, twisted it, and heard the deadbolt latch click open.  Just before he rotated the doorknob, he closed his eyes for the briefest of seconds and centered.  Inside his mind, something John had started thinking of as “the switch” flipped.  Ever since that night in the parking lot when all the pieces of him united and worked as one out of his conscious control, John’s mind had been working on the problem of controlling the response.  And slowly, with every slow down of his perception of time, with every moment of processing sensory data, with every incident of running scenarios to determine an outcome, he was becoming better and better at achieving the best parts of an “adrenaline” response at will.  

 

As the door fell open and “the switch” kicked on, John felt his perceptions enlarge-- his senses became even more acute,  his muscles became even more responsive than normal, but with no adrenaline in his system, he was still clearly thinking, without nervousness, without jitters - he was placidly calm.  John took a single breath and began.  As he went through the apartment, the actions he performed were something that one might see in a police or military training video. But - that was where the similarity ended.  His response was textbook perfection -- except he was doing it barefoot and shirtless, in nothing but a pair of gym shorts.  His movements were nothing like the typical shuffling, hair trigger nervousness, and barely controlled loud chaos so often seen in a search.  Watching John search was like watching a dance.  His movements were graceful, fluid, controlled, and utterly silent - not even the sound of carpet rustling under his feet could be heard.  John flew through the rooms so quickly you would think you were watching a film of him at triple speed; yet, he was beyond thorough in every space, leaving not a single crevice unchecked.   If anyone had been there - despite John being unarmed - he would have easily had the advantage with his ability to move so quickly and so silently.  If anyone had been there - but no one was.  

 

When John finished in the guest bathroom and knew there was no one inside, he took the time to scan each room for anything that might have been planted - some camera or microphone.  But he didn’t find anything out of place or new.  He wasn’t foolproof to be sure, but if someone had hidden something - it was so well hidden that the hiding place itself would have interfered with anyone actually using the technology.  

 

John went back to the front door and waved to Gabriel that it was OK.  Gabriel seemed to be visibly relax as John locked the front door again and walked back to their cars.  As he collected Gabriel and the letters to bring them inside, John glanced inside his Jeep and was suddenly grateful for small favors.  His lack of care about his laptop or anything else he brought from that last day in Colorado Springs meant all of it  was untouched in the back seat.  John popped open the door and grabbed the computer, rousing Gabriel’s curiosity.

 

“John, what’s that for?”  he asked.

 

“I am going to see who the fuck has been messing with our phones.  Come on Angel.  Let’s get inside.”  John placed himself in an security escort position, just to the rear and slightly to the side of Gabriel as they walked across the parking lot.  He was 99% confident now that the text had been telling the truth, but he would never be complacent - not when it came to his little man.  

 

They opened the door, went inside, and relocked the door, both breathing a sigh of relief as they did.  Gabriel latched onto John’s waist, hugging his titanium hard abs as close as he could.  Gabriel was shaking, his own stress finally relaxing as he held onto the titan.  John put his hand on Gabriel’s back, rubbing it firmly, but gently in a way he knew always relaxed his man.  “It’s going to be alright Angel.  I promise.”  John put his left index finger under Gabriel’s chin and raised his gaze over his thunderous pecs, so that Gabriel could see his face.  “Do you trust me, Angel?”  John asked.

 

“Always.” Gabriel said, breathing in the pheromones of John’s unique scent.

 

“Then trust me.  You are loved and protected Angel.  From anything and everything that would ever hurt you.  Now, we are going to find out what is going on.  OK?”  Gabriel slowly nodded, and let go of his hug.  But, he held closely to John as they walked to the kitchen table.  John pulled up a chair for Gabriel.  But since those same chairs were now uncomfortable for him, John slid the one in his place out of the way.  He knelt onto the floor, quite comfortable sitting on his haunches.  In fact, he and Gabriel were almost eye to eye, Gabriel in his chair, John sitting on the floor.  

 

John turned on the laptop and connected to his phone with a USB cable.  He opened a command prompt and entered a line of text.  Gabriel recognized it as something Jack would do - when he wanted to use a program that he didn’t want anyone to know was on the machine.  The laptop screen seemed to split in half as the program opened.  On the one side a display of the phone’s memory and on the other was the normal computer screen.

 

“John--” Gabriel asked bemused.

 

John chucked a bit and explained.  “Oh.  This is kind of "leftover" from being undercover.  I had to learn a lot about cell phones while I was gathering evidence - how to clone them, digging through logs, texts and raw data without any record that I did it.  Tracing signals to towers and between contacts. All that juicy "metadata" everyone is so worried about these days.  I even learned how to crawl through Android and iOS operating systems at the raw programming level.  On some of the more boring nights without you, I would just try to do things to see if I could do them.  

 

"At the time, I wondered why all of a sudden this stuff came so easily when it wouldn't have before the accident."  John laughed a bit too harshly as he said,  "But since what you told me about being able to think faster and better, I guess I have something closer to a computer in my head than a brain.  And I’ve gotten better at using it.”

 

“John, just because you are changing doesn’t mean you are a machine.”  Gabriel protested.

 

John reached over and patted Gabriel’s knee in appreciation.  "I really don’t know sometimes.  I’ve never shown you everything I can do, and it keeps changing everyday.  Maybe I should show you.  Maybe I am just a machine…” 

 

John trailed off before continuing.  “Anyway, this program lets me dig through the phone’s insides more easily.  I am going to try the obvious first, but I think our rival is way too good to miss the obvious…”  John typed a few commands and in response, some lines of code, time stamps, and messages flashed up. He explained to Gabriel, “Yep, as expected.  Whatever they sent us erased itself pretty good Angel.  Guess it did something like that tapeworm program you have and scrambled everything about the messages.  After we accessed the texts, it gave enough time to read them and then they self-destructed.  It’s like they are not even there.  But, if there is nothing left of the actual messages, then maybe there is…”

 

John started typing again and the screen changed.  John talked partly to himself, partly to Gabriel. “Some people suck at this and some are good.  Then, there are a very few who are REALLY good but there is always a way -- gotcha.”  

 

Gabriel looked totally confused at the string of time stamps and code that had appeared.  John smiled, reached over, and kissed Gabriel on the cheek.  “You know, it's nice to be on this side of the smarts equation with you once in a while.  This is the actual send and receives from the tower to the phone and back.  I can’t see what was sent or anything.  But I can see the packages of MMS data going back and forth.  If there is a record of that still on the phone, then there is a chance that it also exists on the computers that control the tower…”

 

John ironically smirked just a bit.  “I suppose that now, I am going to do a little bit of illegal activity.  I won’t tell if you won’t, but maybe... if we can’t see just what was sent or who sent it, maybe we can see where it was sent from.”

 

“But, John that’s impossible, isn’t it?” Gabriel said, but there was a hint of doubt in his question.  Gabriel had come to learn that John had an uncanny way of making the impossible look simple in the end.

 

“Not if you’re a living machine.  Although, I will admit I have never done this before.  Bypassing security while trying to follow the messages will be tough.  Just promise me one thing.”

 

“Yes babe?”

 

John smiled again.  “Don’t tell Jack that I can type faster than he can now, even with these meat paw hands.”  Gabriel and John both laughed heartily and deeply.  

 

Gabriel’s heart cheered at the chance to see that smile and to hear that laugh again, even under these circumstances.  John had seemed to perk up a bit investigating, a small piece of his old life coming back for at least a moment.  Gabriel rejoiced to see there was indeed some tiny spark of his John still inside the giant man who was now referring to himself as a machine.  It had only been a few days, but he had forgotten just how much he needed his John, the man he fell in love with, in his life.  He missed him, and it was nice to have even this tiny sliver back.  

 

“OK.  Let’s see if I can talk with machines...”

 

Gabriel watched as John's eyes closed and the switch was thrown inside his mind. When he opened them again, Gabriel noticed it was as if part of John was gone.  Gabriel had seen something like this when John was working out in what Jack and John called “the zone.”  But, he had never seen it in any place other than the gym - until now.  John started to type, and type, and type.  Faster and faster.  So fast that Gabriel was amazed that the laptop keyboard could even keep up.  It was like he was watching some speed typing stunt on YouTube. Although he didn’t understand it, he could tell that somehow, as fast as the lines of code were appearing, they still seemed to make sense.  It was a language.  He saw the cell phone side of the screen disappear and and a new signature appeared - a T-Mobile tower server.  

 

“There we go.  Next step.”  John mumbled to himself.  Within seconds the tower screen changed to another T-Mobile server.  And then another, and then another.  “FUCK.” John said, “Goddamn he is REALLY GOOD.  It’s … like… I'm… trying… to… track … myself…”  The T-Mobile server screen was now an Amazon internet data center.  “Oh shit…”  Suddenly the data center screen split in two, and then again into three. “He broke the data packets up somehow.  Multiple… paths…  different places...”  

 

John went silent concentrating.  His eyes were wide open, never blinking, and shifting back and forth as if he were in REM sleep.  Gabriel realized he was almost in a trance, and he quickly went from bemusement to awe as he understood.  John wasn’t just "talking" really fast with one machine anymore.  John was talking to three at once, in three different places on earth.  

 

He had heard John ask over and over again, “What am I?”  Not “Who am I?” but “What am I?”  Gabriel thought he knew - until now.  John was a man - a special one perhaps, but a man.  He was no different than someone like Mozart or Einstein, someone who had a talent or gift that made him special, but otherwise a normal man. 

 

Now - Gabriel wondered if that was true anymore.  Was John a man or was he now unique, someone beyond mere Homo sapiens?  He knew transhuman theory - he had been reading it voraciously ever since he figured out that John was becoming what he was destined to become.  Those theories would sometimes call transhumans a new species, such as Homo superior from comic lore, but Gabriel never really bought into that.  But seeing this - for the first time truly seeing not just the physical changes but the changes to John's mind on full, open display - he wasn’t sure those theories were not right.  He could see why the law enforcement people were in such awe the day of the operation.  It made sense when John said he could anticipate and manipulate so much - anticipate people, things.  He was even anticipating these internet farm computers.  Compared to those computers, reading and maneuvering a single person would be child’s play.  No wonder when he talked about it last Sunday he said it so matter of factly.  And he was doing it so fast…

 

“FUCK,”  John said suddenly, so loudly that it snapped Gabriel out of his own thoughts.  He closed his eyes a moment and rubbed them as he stopped typing.  “Whoever this is is really, really good.  He sent it from a computer over landline internet and not a phone I can tell that much.  I hit the server farm but then it just fragments into pieces, pieces going everywhere - it was almost like he expected me to try and trace the messages … or he is trying to prevent anyone from tracing not just me.  Did a damned good job though and--”


“John,”  Gabriel interrupted.

 

“What Angel?”

 

“What did you just do?”

 

John seemed a bit confused as he looked at his lover sitting next to him. "Just what I said I was going to do.  I tried to follow the information back to where it was sent from, but I couldn’t.”

 

“No, John.  Look at the screen. What did you do?”  John shifted and paid conscious attention to the computer screen.  He scrolled through pages and pages of typed code across the multiple windows. 

 

John was still confused.  “I guess it looks kind of funky.  But I learned a lot of this while I was gone.  I mean I can tell you what every command means, Gabriel.  I don’t understand--”

 

“John, how long have you been working on that?  Do you know?”

 

“Not exactly, an hour or more?”  John looked at Gabriel quizzically.  Gabriel’s shock grew.  He could tell - John was not playing a prank or lying.  He wasn’t giving his superiority smirk.  He really didn’t know.  John really thought he had been working for hours, not minutes.

 

“John, you did all of that in about fifteen minutes.  Look at the clock.”  John looked at the clock on his cell, and he stopped dead.  

 

“Angel.  Oh my God.  I had no idea.  I was just … it kind of felt like the zone you know.  I just started working on it, and it was like I was doing reps in the gym.  Just zone out and feel the reps and feel my muscles let it come, you know?  It just felt like I was feeling what was coming and let it come.  I… I didn’t mean to scare you Angel.  I really didn’t know I could do it that fast.  I’ve never tried to do anything like this that fast.  It just sort of happened.  Please don’t be...”

 

Gabriel reached out to John’s face, and the tumbling words of concern slowed as Gabriel’s touch helped him gain control.  “It’s OK, John.  You didn’t scare me.  It was just… very surprising, and I think it might be a good idea to start measuring your mental changes as well as the physical ones.  And… I think I understand you a little more now.  What you’ve been feeling.  What you can do-”      

 

“Well, since I hit a dead end, I didn't do too much.  But I still know something about whoever it is are dealing with --”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“This person is smart.  Very smart.  And not just in one area.  In a lot of them."  John smiled, reached out, and touched Gabriel's cheek in return.  "Kind of like you, Angel. That we knew.  What we learned is that he or she is going to great pains not to be traced.  Not to toot my own horn, but I am really good at finding the things other people forget or overlook.  At least when it comes to this - this person didn’t forget a single thing.  Not one detail overlooked.  It’s like I did it myself.  That means there is a reason they do not want to be found.  And - I just get this feeling that the reason they don’t want to be found doesn’t have anything to do with us.  If all of this were just for us - all of this shit wouldn’t be so intricate.  This has been thought through and been in practice for a very long time.  This wasn’t spur of the moment.  This is someone we shouldn’t underestimate.  Not ever.  If they mess up and let us find them - then they WANT us to find them.”

 

Gabriel nodded, “If they are that good then what else is left to do, John?  How can we find them?”

 

John’s half cocked grin emerged and made Gabriel swoon in spite of himself and the situation.  “We just looked at the merely obvious and the not so obvious.  That leaves the painfully obvious.  The letters.  Someone went to great pains to get those envelopes to us without detection.  It isn’t easy to leave things like that in either of our mailboxes, but someone did.  And we made progress when we, as bad as it sounds, did as we were told. They told us to check our mailbox over and over.   We should see what they have to say.”

 

Gabriel handed John his envelope.  “You first?”

 

John shook his head.  “No.  I want to see what they have to say to you first.  I used to be somewhat of a minor public figure.  Just a cop, but that is still a public figure.  And now, I also stand out in a crowd.  I mean I was all over the internet from the bodybuilding show.   Someone could have found me with some looking.  Forgive me Angel, but you don’t stand out.  And with your identity protected at least partly by the government -- to break through that to actually get your address.  Someone SEARCHED hard for YOU, specifically.  I want to know why.”

 

John took Gabriel’s hand, stood, and walked back to the couch.  The smaller man turned on a lamp and collapsed into his safe space - tucked in the crook between John’s left pec and delt, with John’s arm carefully draped around him holding him.  Gabriel took the envelope labeled with his name.  “Should I be careful about fingerprints or something?”  Gabriel asked.

 

John shook his head, “They’re too careful for that.  I would bet a thousand dollars there isn’t so much as a smudge from human skin oils on that paper that isn’t from you or me.  Even if it is handwritten, it will be as pristine as if someone used one of those autograph machines to write it.”

 

Gabriel took a fingernail and broke the seal on the envelope.  Then, sliding the finger inside, he opened the flap.  He reached inside and removed several folded sheets of paper.  John stopped Gabriel a moment, closed his eyes, and ran his index finger across paper.  “Smell that? Doesn't smell like regular bleached paper.  Doesn't feel it either.  Linen stationery. And not the cheap stuff either.  Very high quality.  It almost feels like currency paper.  Something else we know about this person.  They intend to make a statement, even with the paper.  Go ahead Angel.”

 

Gabriel opened the folded papers.  Both men saw it was indeed a handwritten letter - handwritten in a very unique style of penmanship.   The lettering was graceful, flowing, almost old-fashioned calligraphy.  On top of the first page a microSD card was glued in place with plastic adhesive that would not disturb the paper when the disc was taken off.  Gabriel flipped through the pages, as was his habit with any letter.  He stopped at the last page and looked at the signature.  John felt Gabriel’s shift in demeanor on reading it.  “Oh my God.” He looked up at John.  “John, I know this name from somewhere.  And - the handwriting.  I have seen both before.”  Gabriel began to look frightened again, but John held him a bit closer assuaging the fears.

 

Gabriel went back to the first page, held the letter open so that both he and John could read, and they began.

 


 

Hello Doctor York,

 

First, I hope that you will indulge me in calling you Gabriel from now on - as well as other things. It is habitual because at this point in my evolution,  I rarely use formal titles with anyone in my life, and I interact with outsiders even less.  I do not grant even the most basic honorifics to anyone save a number I can count on one hand.  From my point of view, most of the billions on earth do not merit any honor at all beyond what minimal respect one grants any somewhat intelligent lifeform.  As I believe you will come to know, it is a token of extreme respect from me to one like you to use your actual name.

 

I doubt that you will remember me, but in another life,  I was a student in an advanced neurogenetics course you taught when I was in medical school. A fourth year who was, if I may be so bold, rather brilliant albeit very idealistic and innocent. His name was - my name is Skye Collins. If you still have records from that time, you'll be able to confirm at least that much.  I could send you a photo of me from back then, but, to be frank, to see a photo of me then will do you little good now.  Though it has only been six years since that class,  I am VERY different than anyone who knew me then could ever imagine.  Then again, maybe YOU could imagine, as you are rather - shall we say - intimately familiar with something like that happening right now, aren’t you Gabriel?  Someone very close to you is physically, mentally, spiritually - in every way possible - transforming beyond anyone’s imagination, isn’t he Gabriel?

Yes - I am referring to John Declann and what is happening to him.  

 


 

Gabriel looked up, “Oh God, John. That’s it.  That’s where I know the name Skye Collins from.  He was a student of mine.  He was brilliant, enough that I tried to find him to bring him in on the project early on.  But, I couldn’t locate anything about him.  It was as if he just vanished off the face of the earth.  And now he knows about your change --”

 

“What about the handwriting?  Does it belong to this Collins?” John asked.

 

“I don’t remember, John.  I just remember seeing it before, and I think it was from a student.  Any kind of physician notes I would have seen with that handwriting, I would know.  And it for sure isn’t from anyone on my team.  It’s logical to make a connection with a student, since I have seen very few handwritten items from anyone else for years.”

 

“Then, we can’t jump to that conclusion yet, Angel.  So far, all we know is that someone is using the name of a student from your past.  That someone knows what’s happening to me.  Whether that someone is the person you knew or not remains to be seen.  Let’s see what this person purporting to be this Skye Collins has to say.”

 


 

Now, before I go on, I do not want you to be afraid - more than is necessary at any rate.  My purpose is not to harm you or John or to make you feel vulnerable.  Quite the opposite is the case, though, as I am sure you know, making individuals feel vulnerable or afraid is unavoidable for people like John and myself. 

 

But, I also need to assure you that I am who I say I am and that I am WHAT I say I am and that process often inspires fear.  Because, Doctor Gabriel York, I know more about you than any stranger writing to you out of the blue should ever know - at least to your thinking.  So, I will do what I can to keep your fear to a minimum while giving you what is necessary to prove my assertions.  It is what John might call supplying you with small pieces of evidence that add up to proving a case.  So far, you have my name and that I know about John's virtual apotheosis and your role in it.  And speaking of your role, let me give you another small piece - 

 

There are VERY few people on earth who would even know what this gene does, much less who can relate this to you  -  a sequence from gene for the CD56 molecule - GAT AAA TCT GGT CTT ATT TCC CCC GAC TAT GTC GGT CCC AAT CGT AAA AAA GGC CCG TTT ACT TAC.  I believe you will recognize the specific base pair sequence changes, and what they mean to neuron binding and repair rates AND what the changes do to muscle cells, the immune system, and healing abilities as an accidental by-product.  That is just one of hundreds of changes to dozens of genes I suspect you have found and combined to make John’s transformation happen.  I could provide you with other gene alterations across the system, but that would belabor the point.  That change alone is of sufficient import for the purpose of proving - I know what you did and I know how you did it, if not the specific method of introducing the new genes. 

 

If I may make an educated guess - and you will come to find we are quite practiced at making those where those of your kind are concerned -  you are now in a panic.  No one, to your mind, should know that specific modified sequence.  Don't worry.  I'm writing all of this for a reason.  The overarching reason is to simply tell you one thing -  as much as you may sometimes feel that you are alone, that your isolation is total, that no one else on earth can relate - you're not alone, Gabriel.  You and John are not alone.

 

Let me explain.  Five years ago my husband Will and I embarked on a very similar journey to the one you and John are on.  There are some differences, of course.  While Will is very much like John and I am very much like you - I also have experienced John’s journey as well.  I've attached to this letter a micro SD of some of my journals and Will's letters and a video of me visiting Will in prison from the initial phase of our transformation.  Take a moment to watch and read before going on.  (I do apologize for the porn quality of the video.  I am sure you and John could relate after not having seen each other for many weeks.  Anyway, watch the video.  Read the letters.)  I think they will help you truly begin to understand that I mean it - you are not alone. 

 


 

Gabriel looked at John, shock, fear, and worry pouring off of him just as the letter predicted.  He simply said quietly, “John, that gene--”

 

“I take it that genetic sequence is--”

 

“EXACTLY RIGHT, John.  Every codon is exactly right.  Those specific changes to that specific molecule are one of the keys to allowing the stem cells to make an exact copy of your nervous system without becoming cancerous.  It was a breakthrough.  That’s why I know it by heart.”  

 

Gabriel looked down at the floor, shame coming across his face.  He couldn’t look at John and say this but it had to be said.  “And, John, he could be right.  Those changes could be at least a piece of explaining your muscle growth and… I never considered it.  It doesn’t explain nearly all of it, but - no one on earth except Jack would know this sequence, much less what it does.  And Jack wouldn’t suspect that it has a part to play in the growth.  No one should know… except me.  I should have known, but I just didn’t think...”

 

John tenderly lifted Gabriel’s chin to face him.  “No, Angel.  Don’t.  You didn’t know.  Don’t blame yourself.  No matter what else this is, I can walk because of you.  I would be dead were it not for you.”  John’s voice became much softer as he pleaded, “Please.”  

 

Gabriel nodded yes in reply, and John quickly kissed him on the head.  “OK.” John continued with the investigation, trying to stop Gabriel’s remorse.  “So far, this shows what we already know to be true.  This person is very smart.  Thorough.  He knows a lot about me and you.  He knows something about how you did what you did. That makes the pool of possible suspects very small.  So, let me ask.  Did Skye Collins have the ability to make that leap and learn that sequence?” 

 

“From what I remember of him… yes, I think he could.”

 

John cuddled Gabriel to him.  “Then, let’s go on taking his advice.  Let’s see what is on the disc. A video from a prison could be very helpful.  There is a lot that goes into a legitimate one that most people do not know about.  Let me bring the laptop back here, OK Angel?”

 

John gently slid away from Gabriel, went to the table, and grabbed his laptop.  Bringing it back with him and placing the computer on his lap, he took the sd card and placed it in a reader slot.  Before John opened the disc, though, he disabled the internet on his computer.  IF there was something on the disc like a virus - it would have no way of communicating anything to anyone.  John opened the file directory.  On it were a number of scanned images of writing - either with “Skye” followed by a date or “Will” followed by a date in mid-2015.  There was also one video file.  John clicked on it, and the file opened.

 


 

[Taken from Surveillance Video - Visitation Room C - Camera #2 - ***** Correctional Facility, 13 May 2015]

 

[The video begins showing an empty room, save for one man. A man is dressed in an inmate’s jumpsuit.  He is truly enormous.  Scale is difficult to determine without any reference to another person, but the enormous man is easily past seven feet tall.   He is also muscled beyond imagination.  The jump suit is stretched to its absolute limits - looking more like a muscle hugging orange catsuit than a loose correctional jumpsuit.  There are several sounds that have the echo of stretching and tearing seams, popping with most of his movements.  Every muscle the man has is outlined in stark relief even through the cloth.  On first judgement, it appears that the muscled inmate is muscularly thicker and perhaps even taller than John.]

 

Inmate: (extremely deep voice, reminiscent of John’s but perhaps deeper and without as much of John's intoxicating resonance.  With evident anxiety) “Why isn’t he here yet?”

 

[The man is fidgeting in his seat silently over the next several minutes.  He keeps looking at the clock in the room.]

 

Inmate: (only slightly calmer) “Just breathe.  He’s only ten minutes late.”

 

[A loud sounding clang of outer and then inner metal security doors opening in the sally port, then a latch twisting.  A well-appointed man comes in escorted by a corrections officer.  The man who enters is dressed in a white Oxford shirt, slacks, and black leather Oxford shoes.  While the new man is shorter than the muscled inmate - his head perhaps even with the top of the inmate’s traps -  the new man himself also towers over the officer - the officer coming no higher than the well-dressed man's collar bones, which is chest level to the giant inmate.  The well-dressed man is obviously deeply muscled, but of a more refined nature than the muscled inmate.  While the inmate looks like raw, unbridled power personified, the well-dressed man looks like the ultimate muscle model.

The muscled inmate rises, and the two giant individuals stare at each other, with the well-dressed man smiling broadly at the inmate.

The officer moves away from the well-dressed man, and stands inside the room next to the door. The well dressed man takes a step toward the inmate. But, in response, the muscled inmate holds up a hand, in a signal to wait.  The well-dressed man's smile seems to dim for a moment.  The inmate shifts his gaze toward the officer at the door.] 

 

Inmate: (in a deep, dominant, menacing tone that Gabriel and John instantly recognize as exactly like the Predator) “THIS isn’t for you to see.  You can go now.”

 

[The well-dressed man turns his head back toward the officer.]

 

Well-Dressed Man: (calmly, emotionlessly, as if commanding an inferior life form) “You heard him.  It is time for us to be alone.”

 

[The officer begins to reflexively shift.  He is nervous, afraid.  He looks at the well-dressed man, and literally shrinks toward the door like a dog who has received a reprimand from his master.]

 

Officer: (trying to hide abject terror) “Ummmm.  Yes, sir…I mean, sirs.  I can give you a few minutes alone before the control booth upstairs notices that you are not being monitored.  I will return shortly, sirs.”

 

[The officer walks out of the door and closes it behind him.  As soon as footsteps fade, the two muscled men run for each other.  The inmate lifts the well-dressed man into the air and kisses him deeply and passionately.  The microphone picks up several loud moans through the kissing before the inmate puts the smaller man back onto the floor and hugs him close into his chest.]

 

Inmate: (with longing passion to the point of aching) “I wish I had time to fuck you, Skye.  I want you so bad.  So bad it hurts.”

 

Skye: (Voice is also bass, not as deep as the inmate’s but with very strong elements of John's resonance. With the same instinctive "pull" as John's voice.  With evident love and concern) “I know, Big Man.  I know.  We have less than two weeks now though.  I just wish you were at home with me now, instead of here.  And I am so ready to start Phase II, but I think it would be disastrous to start that process while you are still here.  We need to be together for that, both out of necessity and for safety. But that doesn’t mean we can’t express ourselves in different ways.”

 

[The man known as Skye drops to his knees and opens the inmate’s fly.  He takes out the inmate’s cock and balls - a growing manhood that is every bit as big as John’s.]

 

Skye: (in awe and lust)  “FUCK, Will.  This thing is growing as much as the rest of you.” 

 

[Skye begins to fondle the man known as  Will’s package for a moment.  He removes his hand and smells it.  And as he does, his demeanor changes from utterly in control to semi-animalistic passion.  John and Gabriel again recognize the effect - it is the same as John experiences when he smells Gabriel’s scent sexually.  Skye instantly swallows over half of the hard cock in one massive gulp.]

 

Will: (a massively loud roar) “Fuck!  Oh my god, Skye.” 

 

[Will is moaning, squirming, shifting constantly as Skye slowly pushes the cock deeper and deeper into his mouth.  Skye is reminiscent of a snake, unhinging its mouth, slowly working its way down its prey to swallow it whole.  Will’s breathing becomes short, close to orgasm.]

 

Will: (shouting) “FUCK! I’m going to cum Skye.  I’m going to CUM!!!” 

 

[Will stiffens and obviously explodes an enormous amount of cum down Skye’s throat.  Skye is in bliss as much as Will is as he roars in the throws of what seems like months of pent up desire.  Suddenly Will begins to tremble. He looks straight down over his pecs at Skye, and Skye looks directly up at him.]

 

Will: “Oh my god, Skye!” 

 

[Will seems to visibly expand - like a massive workout pump, but going one step more.  He seems to grow slightly taller.  His muscles thicken and refine.  The jumpsuit suddenly gives up, shredding at the seams, and falls to the ground.]  

 

Will: (in virtual ecstasy) “Uuuugh.  FUCK!!! HOLY SHIT!  This feels AMAZING!”  

 

[Will now looks down at Skye, seemingly even bigger than when Skye knelt in front of him.  Skye slides back in awe, but stays on the ground.]

 

Skye: “What happened?”

 

Will: “I was going to tell you Skye, somehow you are making me grow.  It’s not the viruses even.  I have mostly gotten bigger after talking with you on the phone, or even just when I have been thinking about you intensely.  And now this…just feeling your skin is making it happen.  That BDNF shit you gave me is wiring you into my body’s ability to grow I think.  You are my trigger.  I don’t know how else to explain it.”

 

[Skye seems to pause a moment taking in the giant man in front of him and what just happened.  Skye then raises his hand up toward Will, and Will easily pulls Skye to his feet.  They look into each other’s eyes again.]

 

Skye: “Our time alone is almost up.  Will, I love you.  I love you more than I could ever express.  Whatever is happening to us is only making me more sure of that.”

 

Will: “Sometimes I don’t know why you would want to be stuck with me, Skye.  You are too good for me. Too beautiful, too.”

 

Skye: “Listen Will, and listen well. You are MY man.  I chose you long ago to be mine.  And equally, I am yours.  Don’t you forget that.  This will be very hard the next couple of weeks.  You are changing so quickly and I know that every day it is harder for you to hold onto that sweet man that you are inside, but he is still in there.  You remember that, young man. That kind gentle person is a part of who you are. But, you are also becoming a mega-alpha. Learn when to play which role.”

 

Will: “I do feel it.  I feel so powerful and strong, Skye. I love the feeling.  It is like a drug that I don’t want to ever stop. Ummm…I…I like the look of complete submission and even the fear that I can cause easily in these people. Sometimes, I just want to destroy something, especially when I am angry. It makes me hungry for more. Is that bad?”

 

Skye: “It is part of you now.  Don’t be afraid of it, Will.  You are becoming everything we dreamed. Embrace it…but be kind too. Remember who you are inside. You are not a bully.  But you should demand complete respect and loyalty from those around you.”  

 

[Skye reaches out and takes Will’s face in his two hands.] 

 

Skye: “This is part of your transformation.  It is ok.  But you need to promise me two things.”

 

Will: (virtually begging) “Anything, Skye. Whatever you want, it will happen.” 

 

Skye: (suddenly in a full, commanding authority)  “You cannot get into too much trouble here.  I don’t want them keeping you an extra second! AND as hard as it is, I ask you to remain faithful to me.  I know your hormones are raging.  Testosterone is coursing through your system in ways that I can barely understand.  But, you are mine alone.  No one else is to touch you.  You understand me, Will?” 

 

Will: (resolute) “I will always be faithful to you, Skye. Every ounce of my body, every breath that I take, is only for you.  You are the one thing that will always be more important to me than myself.  As I change, that becomes even more true.  I can’t explain it, but I hope you can feel it.” 

 

[Again, the sound of large metal doors clanging in the distance,  The two men break their stare and hug each other as tightly as they can.  The same officer again enters the room.  His jaw drops seeing Will looking even bigger standing in skin tight briefs with a jumpsuit in pieces on the floor.  Skye looks up one more time, stands on his tiptoes, and kisses Will, while simultaneously twisting Will’s right nipple.  Will groans loudly.]

 

Skye: “Be good, Big Man.  Call me tonight.”  

 

[Skye reaches around Will’s waist, grabs a handful of ass and winks.  He then turns and walks toward the door.  Will stands motionless watching the smaller muscled Greek god walk away.  Will gasps.]

 

Will: (a barely audible whisper) “I love you, Skye.” 

 

[Skye seems to hear, even though he is out of the room.  He takes one quick look back and offers a devastatingly sexy smile, as he turns a corner and leaves the frame.]  

 

[Recording ends.]

 


 

The video stopped and what followed was… silence.  Gabriel tried to take it in.  If this had only been a video alone, he would have assumed it was just some slight of hand prank video from someone with a decent knowledge of video manipulation.  But… this video, in that letter, with that genetic sequence.  There was no way it could be real, but then again, anyone seeing photos and videos of John would swear it wasn't real.  A couple of minutes passed by before Gabriel realized John was still utterly silent.  He turned to look at the giant man, and what he saw nearly brought him to tears.

 

  John was motionless, staring at the screen, and the look on his face was like none Gabriel had ever seen on him before.  While Gabriel was nothing like his man when it came to the ability to read people and body language, he had been around John for long enough to read him quite well.  Over the last few days Gabriel had finally come to see John's intense loneliness.  It was always there, even with Gabriel, even with his friends -- the isolation was always there.  John had even said it once  - "... alone in a room full of people."  Gabriel had seen it in the dead of night, between flashbacks.  John staring off into space and Gabriel just knew John would have given anything for someone to just talk to. Someone like him, someone who could truly understand.  But they were both certain that was impossible.  And now… Now, for the very first time, John had a new look - hope.  He looked as Gabriel might imagine someone who had been held in solitary confinement for years, who finally saw another living soul.  John extended a single finger out to touch the screen - touching the image of Will, as if trying to make a connection, trying to make it real.

 

Gabriel reached over to John, touching his cheek.  “Are you OK?”  John did nothing except grab Gabriel’s hand and press it even harder against him.  It was like John had done when they were going through the flashbacks, John holding onto him for strength trying to hold on through the emotions.  

 

John closed his eyes and took a long deep breath.  When he opened them again, he focused on the screen, a slight tinge of anger in his voice. “I have to see,” John said quietly to himself.  He reached to the keyboard, brought up a command prompt, and started typing commands again.  A big wall of what appeared like gibberish letters and numbers appeared on the screen.

 

“See what John?”

 

John’s voice sounded almost like Skye in the video in that moment of ruthless, commanding dominance as he dismissed the guard.   “See if someone is fucking with me.  NO ONE IS GOING TO FUCK WITH ME.”  

 

Gabriel pulled back, surprised for a moment at the force of John’s words.  But then, he thought about it.  John had just seen the hint of two people who looked like him, who were like him when less than an hour ago he thought he was alone in all the world.  What’s more, Gabriel also recognized the words.  What Skye had said, what Will said it felt like to be strong, to look like them - John had told him the same things Saturday morning collapsed on the floor.  The two on the video had a resonance of an actually lived truth behind what they said and the way they said it.  John WANTED to believe it, part of him needed to believe it.  But part of him would never believe it until he proved to himself someone wasn’t trying to manipulate him by appealing to his innermost desires.  Gabriel shuddered deep inside, an instinctual gut reaction as an image flashed to mind of what John would do to someone who tried to hurt him like this if it was an elaborate ruse.

 

John had seemed to gain a bit of control as he was scrolling through the wall of text.  He began to explain to Gabriel.  “Almost every video like this has an encoded sequence in the raw data.  Sort of like a URL or a digital signature for that camera.  That encoding survives most video compression formats.  In law enforcement videos, those signatures kind of stand out as only coming from a jail or bodycam or whatever, and it's almost impossible to fake.  It would take years to put the signature in all of the places it needs to be in to make a fake look genuine.  I was an outside hearing officer once in a complaint in Denver that had video evidence, and the tech guys showed me how this kind of thing works… It would take nearly for--”  John stopped.  He highlighted something in the gibberish that was clearly some form of broken English.  “God damn, Angel.  There it is.”   Gabriel could make out a date and a timestamp and something that looked like “VisitCamC2” - it exactly matched what the file name said.

 

“John does that mean?”

 

John was very quiet.  “It’s real?  I… I don’t know.”  John looked down to Gabriel and he again saw the longing in John’s face.  “It’s hard to be objecti--”  John paused a moment, and then he said barely above a whisper.  “Angel.  Is it bad if I want it to be true?”

 

Gabriel looked deep into John’s light brown eyes.  “No, John.  No, it isn’t bad.”  Gabriel lost control of his emotions for a moment, allowing what he had been screening from John to bubble up.  “I don’t want you to be alone.”

 

John kissed Gabriel.  “I am not alone, Angel.  Not with you.  It’s just--”  John stopped.  It isn’t the time to talk about this, he thought.  He purposefully switched gears.  He had to.  “Is it real?  The odds are in favor of it being authentically from that facility camera.  There are some things I could think of that someone might use to fake it - steal a camera or something, but … it’s all kind of remote.  But, then you add to it, everything they’ve done, and the name and you knowing this Skye-”

 

Gabriel considered for a moment what he was going to say.  He didn’t want to give false hope, and yet, it was the truth.  He finally just let it out.  “John, it isn’t just the name.  The person in the video, the visitor.  It is Skye Collins, but it’s also not.  He is so much bigger and taller and more muscled.  His voice is deeper, richer.  Looks like his face is more refined, more ideally masculine.  I recognize him but if you didn’t know who you are looking at…” Gabriel trailed off as he was speaking.

 

“Sounds like someone you know, doesn’t it? Just like he said.”  John replied. Gabriel nodded silently in reply. 

 

John continued.  “You heard the other things too, didn’t you?  Who would know to SAY things like that, exactly how to fake it so expertly, to send it straight to us for us to hear right now of all times?  Just to pull off a fraud or entrap us?  It doesn’t make a lot of sense.  Someone could trap us with a LOT less effort with what this Skye knows.”

 

“Something else John.  What they seemed to talk about for a second.  Viruses directing growth.  I -- I looked at using a virus to introduce modified DNA and using modified hormones to heal the original nervous system.  Not having to build a new one in parallel to the old one.  Among other things, you would have never had to have gone through those two minutes of hell. I rejected the method because it was imprecise and it took months and months to manifest changes and then the simulations showed it to be unpredictable.  But - it could in theory be done.  You would have to be someone who knows what I know, what Jack knows, now what you know, for any of that conversation to make sense.  I would pick up on it, but almost no one else.”

 

“That growth then.  When it looked like he changed in a few minutes.   Think that was real then?  It is so different from mine.”  John asked.

 

“Yes and no.  Did he grow instantaneously like that?  No.  Not on the order of seconds.  But, is it possibly real in a slightly different way?  Yes. The surge in size was a pump I am sure.  Like you've told me you feel before you adapt.  You said it was like a different kind of pump that feels so much better than a normal one.  How did this Will react to that same thing?  He didn't grow in seconds, but, like you, the flood of nutrients in that pump could be a precursor for rapid growth on the order of days.  Like a teenager in a growth spurt.  Just faster. And, there could be means for a very rapid restructure that I don’t know about, at least potentially.  Muscle growth was never my intent.  But, we did build you an entire nervous system in a matter of minutes, remember.  Perhaps someone could do it with the musculoskeletal system.

 

“And, John, there is another reason growth could go faster.”  Gabriel paused. “You have grown John.  Just in the last couple of days.  NOTICEABLY.  Faster than I have ever seen.”

John sighed.  “I thought so.  Things look different, and I feel stronger.  Do you want to measure?”

 

“ONLY if you are OK with it John.  ONLY.  And after we have read these letters OK?”

 

John hugged Gabriel close.  “I will for you babe.  It’s not like not monitoring will stop it.  We need to know.  And maybe, maybe you should monitor the intellectual growth too.  After what I did on the computer, that might be wise.  I guess…  Speaking of needing to know.  He asked us to read those letters and journals.  We’ve gone this far…”

 

John opened up the first journal entry labelled “Will - Week 1”, and he and Gabriel began to read.

 

***

 

… Just thinking about his power and his strength is overwhelming.  When I even consider the size that he will assume, I completely lose my mind.  I want to cuddle up on his fucking enormous pecs and lick every inch of his body, especially his cock, balls, and nipples.  Maybe even his tight hole—if I can get my face between those two giant muscle cakes that make up his beautiful huge hard ass.  

Will is going to crush every single idea of what it means to be a mortal man.  

AND I WANT HIM TO CRUSH IT. 

 

***

 

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph… ”  Gabriel said looking up at John as they read the last included letter.  The look on John’s face was back.  He could tell John was still trying to hide it.  He was trying to keep his emotions in check.  The fragments of the skeptical cop in him kept screaming at him to stay skeptical.   But, it was there, brighter than before.  Hope.  Hope that there was a way out of the pit.  Hope that he could be who he wanted to be, needed to be, but felt he had lost.  Hope that he REALLY wasn’t alone.

 

John’s voice was straining to keep control.  “It isn’t real until I KNOW it is real.  There is more to know.  There is the rest of this letter and an entire other letter.  There are some leads I want to see.  Until then… this isn’t real, Angel.  It can’t be real…”  Gabriel cuddled close to John and John returned the cuddle.  Gabriel held up the handwritten letter from Skye and began to read again:

 


 

Welcome back, little man.  After what you have just seen and read, I’d encourage you to talk with John in person.  Though I suspect John is either beside you at this moment reading his own letter from Will or he is reading this letter over your shoulder after you both just watched that video from the prison visitation room.  If so - Hello John.  As you can see, you and me and Will have a LOT to talk about.  So much to say.  But, let me just say to you - you’re not alone.  You don’t have to be alone anymore.

 

Gabriel, I am sure that one day we will compare notes, because I am certain that the processes that I used and you used are different, though there must be some commonalities in the genetic sequencing to produce the effects we both have.  I must admit I am curious what you did.  But that is for later - right now, if I am any judge - and I like to think that I am - I know what you're feeling and going through on this journey.  I may be the only man on earth who has felt what you feel.  Felt the part of the journey that you're feeling and the part of the journey that John is feeling.  

 

BUT-- right now, I want to talk to you alone.  Got me, little man?  Without John.  If you’re reading this John, I beg your indulgence in speaking with Gabriel privately.  There are some things he needs to hear, that for right now ONLY he needs to hear.  

 

(By the way, little man, that to me is a term of honor, not an insult.  I bet John calls you that sometimes, and I mean it in a similar vein, but also perhaps a bit more.  You see, I've found through what has happened to Will and I that there are very few actual men left anymore.  To me, to Will, even to John, you are indeed little, in a scientific and genetic sense inferior to us, but that is secondary.  In the most important sense, in the human sense, you are a SUPERIOR MAN, little man. I know it, John knows it, and you need to know it.)

 


 

Gabriel looked up to John.  “John, am I…?

 

John pulled Gabriel’s head back, bent down, and kissed him deeply.  “Are you what, Angel?  I hope that answers the question, but if not -- you are the only SUPERIOR MAN I have ever known.  Skye is right.  You are.  I’ll do what he says.  I won’t read the rest.  That is for you.  OK?”  John kissed Gabriel again, this time a gentle peck. Though he kept holding Gabriel close, John leaned his head back and closed his eyes.  Gabriel could tell John had gone into his mindscape space, processing, trying to get some handle on this.  The thought crossed Gabriel’s mind that maybe John trying to come to terms with what they were learning was better for him than reading more right now.  He went back to the letter.

  


 

Alright, now that you and I are “alone,” it’s time for some honesty.  You are owed that little man.  I hope that after the video and the written materials that I have at least established some evidence that I am who I say I am.  When you investigate my claims with John, you will no doubt discover more.  But, why I am writing - why Will and I are doing all of this - it isn’t about science.  Trust me - the science is already done, and it will evolve as it will.  Nothing can or will stop it.  Nor should you try.

 

No, little man, there are things going on right now on the journey that are not matters of medicine or genes or physiological change.  There are things going on that are matters of the heart - both for you and John, because rest assured, you are both on this journey together.  

 

John's body and physical abilities are not the only things growing.  His intellectual mind isn’t the only thing that’s growing.  So are his emotions.  Their depths, their strength, their power, for good and for bad, is growing as fast as he is.  As difficult as John is finding it to control what his body can do, the growing emotions are SO MUCH HARDER to control.  The strength of the new emotions is astonishing when they take you.  I hope that what you saw in the video and read can help you understand at least a bit.  Because of your stature, the feelings are like nothing you can conceive, but I will try.  

 

I remember when Will was in prison, first going through the initial stages of the change. And the rage.  I do not know what you call it, but I am positive I've seen it in John. Seen it in that video in the parking lot when the runt attacked you.  He is in a place now where he can barely control the rage.  It is always there, inside him, seething, roiling, wanting a way out.  And what he can do with it is truly terrible - even to those who might deserve it.  Even the very worst of you in the little world do not deserve what we can do when the inhibitions are gone and the rage takes over.  John needs to learn control.  But he needs to learn even more.  He needs to learn to accept who he is.  The person who was always there inside him that the transformation has released.  He needs to accept the rage without it consuming him.  He needs to learn as Will did, as I did, that becoming a mega-Alpha doesn’t destroy the good man, the sweet man, the wonderful man you fell in love with who is still inside.  They stand beside each other in each of us - in his case the man you know as John and the mega-Alpha.  As much as it might seem sometimes, one isn’t stronger than the other.  They are equal.  He needs to learn when to show each role.  But for right now, and pretty much forever after, there will only be one thing on earth that truly can tame the rage.  His love and devotion to you.  

 

You, little man, are his conscience, his balance, his control.  Remember, he may be powerful beyond your imagination, he may frighten you, he may rewrite your entire reality like some sort of omnipotent deity but - YOU, little man, are always in control of any situation.  He depends on you for so much now and will depend on you for so much more as he keeps transforming.  The ONLY reason Will did not literally rip apart a tiny little fuck up of a petty criminal named Jesse was me.  Will has always admitted it.  I bet John would tell you the same thing when he feels he can be honest - that the only reason he hasn’t literally crushed others is you.   

 

Gabriel, John would destroy the world for you, just like Will would for me.  Thing is - I am quite capable of taking care of myself.  With all due respect, little man, you are not.  Not to the same degree we can.  So, the drive to crush the world for you will be all the stronger for John to protect you.  Add to that his natural drive to protect the innocent and weak that he expresses as a cop (I did a bit of research about him, and I know that is as true as you do.)  Taken together, his drive to eliminate any threat to you will be even greater than Will ever felt.  

 

Little man, you know if he does, if he surrenders to the urge, the little world will come for him.  He cannot do something irrevocable - at least something that can ever be proved.  It is up to you to keep him from doing it.  Ironically, you are his bodyguard, his protector, more than he is yours.  It is a great burden, I will not lie to you.  Greater than any burden you have ever had to bear.  Greater than your little body thinks it can handle - but you can.  You are a bigger man than you know, bigger than that little body you are trapped in.  John sees it when he looks at you - who you can be.  And again, so do I.

 

In time, John will learn to manage his emotions just as he learns to manage his body - and Will and I will try to help as best we can. Why? Because John Declann is kindred, family.  But until that day when the three of us - well the five of us - can share the parts of our lives you cannot know or experience as limited as you are - you will have to carry the lion's share of the load.  I am sorry - truly sorry little one, but it must be.  It will tax you to your limits and beyond.  When I was this for Will, I had an advantage in that I was growing too - somewhat physically differently, but growing. I understood.  My body and my physical capacities were expanding too.  You - meaning no offense - do not share that.  It will make this that much harder for you.  Be there for him.  And as you are there for John, little man, as best as I can - I will be there for you until the day I can be there for you in person too.

 

I want to be clear though.  Though you and I are very different, and you will find that our opinion of your kind is… well, I will leave that for you to discover on your own.  You may very well arrive at our opinion on your own quite independent of our influence.  It’s one of those lessons you have yet to learn that you must without us.  Anyway, though you and I are very different physically, genetically, in capabilities of every sort - I care about you.  I see so much of myself in you - the way I used to be.  So idealistic.  So utopian.  So innocent.  And yes, you are innocent, though not for much longer.  So, given that I remember that innocence and knowing what you are feeling - allow me to make a supposition or two about you.  

 

You are scared out of your mind.  You are scared of John.  You are scared of what is coming.  You are scared of you.  You are scared that you did the wrong thing, that you unleashed something that is going to destroy you all.  You want to make it right, but you don’t know how because, like you sometimes feel that John has physically grown beyond you, you feel like this entire situation has grown beyond you, and you are inadequate to what John needs.  You want to help John, but nothing seems good enough.  You have no way to help him physically in any meaningful way and words seem empty and useless.  There is something gnawing in the pit of your soul - “What have I done?”  

 

I want to tell you something, Gabriel. Set all of that aside.  Every thought of it.  Not one single neuron should you waste on that thinking again.  If you believe you are not helping … think back.  I bet that there are times that you can already remember where John changes completely just hearing you, smelling you, even just thinking about you.  Just being there is helping him keep control.  You help by doing what you can to understand what we feel - as best as you can.  And you help with every word.  Every single one.  You help him stay strong -- and you also help you.  Put all of the fear and doubts out of your mind.  Fight them. Just as John has to learn to accept the whole MAN he is becoming, you have to embrace the MAN you are - the man WE see inside you.  Let John help you become who you are destined to be, just as you help him become who he is destined to be.

 

I know you are both scared.  I do not know how much you have talked about that but - you’re both scared of the same thing.  Just in different ways.  You think you can’t show it to each other, that you have to be strong for each other.  And you are right, you must be strong for each other.  But not talking is the wrong way.  Not being vulnerable to each other is the wrong way.  Talking about it is being strong.  Tell him how you feel.  Let him tell you.  The little world is going to come for you eventually.  The little world came for Will and I.  Part of what is in Will’s letter to John will show what the little world has tried to do to us.  And when the little world does come for you, for a time, Will and I cannot be there for you, and all you two will have is each other.  

 

But, you can do this little man.  So can John.  For right now, we are far away from you, but we will be there when you need us.  You have a family you never knew.  And we have two brothers we never knew about.  Yes, TWO brothers.  One day, when you become who you are, you will be welcome with us.  You might be the littlest brother, but you are one of us.  For John - it is easy to say he is one of us, but for you - you have no idea how hard that is to say about a little especially for Will - but even he knows it.  You may be trapped in a runt body, but you are not a runt - if you will but grow in the ways you are capable.  The processes we use - they cannot create what isn’t there.  It cannot make humanity.  It cannot make character, strength, will, courage, compassion, empathy.  It only makes those stronger, bigger.  So, grow into your proper space, little man.  We may pick on you, we may play with you, we may push you around, you may be the runt of our litter…  but we take care of our own.  You are not alone, little man - no, you are not alone, little brother.  

 

You’re not alone.

 

Now - call John over again.  I wish you could hear me laugh knowing that’s exactly what you’re going to do.  Till we meet in person little man.

 

Skye Collins, MD

 

PS - The letter for John from Will.  If you will indulge me one last time, little man, encourage John to read it alone.  I have read it, and there is nothing in it that you should not know (and you will know one day).  That said, just as there were some things in this letter that were from me to you alone, there are things Will needs to say to John alone.  ~ SC

 


 

Gabriel slowly folded the pieces of paper and put them back into the envelope.  John heard the rustling, felt the movement, and opened his eyes.  He looked down to Gabriel.  “What is it, Angel?  What did he say?”

 

Gabriel grabbed John’s hand that had been wrapped around him.  He brought it to his mouth and kissed it hard.  When he let go, he said, “No matter if this is real or not, we have a lot to talk about John.  So many things I need to say.  So many things you need to hear.” Gabriel put his hand onto John’s left pec and felt the strong beating of his heart even through the slabs of thick muscle. He then moved John’s massive hand over his own heart.  “I told you that I know what is in your heart.  I want you to know what is in mine when we are done.  I love you John Declann.  I don’t think I knew just how much until now.  I was just reminded of that by someone I don’t even know...”  

 

Gabriel turned himself around and looked up into John’s face.  “But you have to finish your letter.  And I think that is for you and you alone.”

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Wow. I just had flashbacks to that story with Will and Skye. I may have to re-read this masterpiece again. And I´m really happy that they appeared here.

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Interesting.  Loved seeing more of John's capabilities and that John's and Gabriel's relationship is solid.  But, wow, Skye's a dick.  I'm hoping the arrogance isn't intrinsic to the changes.  John's actions have been questionable (remember, I'm trying to ignore your real life references), but he's not really been arrogant about his abilities unless the Predator takes over.  And admittedly, Skye and Will have evolved over a much longer period than John and Gabriel, but regardless of Skye's half-assed reassurances of Gabe's importance, it's hard to accept the reassurances when he's so condescending. 
Can't wait to see how it plays out.  We've definitely moved into a different "world" and I'm unsure of how things will work.  But I definitely enjoy how the story is evolving.
Again... thank you.  I've said that so many times, I should probably use other languages to make it unique.  lol.
Truly appreciate your writing, GP.  

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I kinda agree with creg... although I wonder if Gabe would ultimately like being pushed around like that.  But, if you really think about it, they've been in such a superior position for so long and have truly recognized it, then there's no point in trying to come down to anyone's level when it won't be understood.  For Gabe, he might be in the right mindset to accept the fact that this is how they will talk to him and treat him simply because of the fact that they can back up the attitude.   The superiors wouldn't see it as condescending at all, just a simple fact and it would be recognized as a fact.  Littles wouldn't understand so they don't talk to them with respect.  Littles should respect them as superiors completely because it's a simple fact.  It shouldn't really be seen as condescending.  But it's hard to accept for those who root for or have lived as "an inferior" in real life.  Those people expect some entitlements to respect and decency when they have none to give back in a tangible sense.  It takes great effort to earn respect and even greater effort to earn it from a disadvantaged position.  So should Gabe earn respect it comes from a high authority.  Gabe should be honored to even be able to speak to them.  But honestly it's only because he's tied to John at this point. 

My only concern would be, would Gabe be able to handle John sexually.  I know John would probably have to hold back on his encounters with Gabe in that sense (being able to perfectly know what pressure to apply and etc.), but holding back would not thrust the both of them into being fully satisfied at least on Gabe's part.  It would all be on John.  He would end up satisfying the both of them.  Unless Gabe would like to feel like a mooch and just enjoy not being able to contribute.

Sometimes the worst torture you can bring on someone is to disable their importance and their usefulness.  "Littles" would never understand that a superior HAS to do everything because the inferior can't do anything adequately enough.

When Gabe enters the "Superior Family" Gabe will cease to be a doctor.   In a way, like John ceased (in a sense) to be a cop.  But John has renewed hope in his usefulness and renewed confidence in himself.  Gabe will not have that. Gabe might be smart, but he will be completely inferior in all ways when he is allowed into this new world.  He will be just like a baby or a pet.  I don't know if Gabe could really see his importance if he is constantly reminded of his physical and mental inferiority. 

Why would Skye, Will or John seek Gabe for any important matters when they can simply learn and do it themselves if they haven't already with multiple times the speed and accuracy? 

The three superiors will have to constantly assuage Gabe that he is not as inferior as he thinks.  Will Gabe be able to accept that? 

I would like to think that Gabe would at least be included to physically being a superior even if they keep him smaller (I honestly think Gabe wouldn't mind being the smallest if he can join them as a superior).  That way he can at least have some "durability" during sex and John can let loose will all this power and attain full satsifaction.  Gabe doesn't have to be big (although being big enough to stand out a bit in the public world wouldn't hurt), I just want Gabe to be strong enough physically to handle John like Skye is to Will.

Plus, why wouldn't they include him if they can reproduce the process easily?  Wouldn't it be better for all of them to be the same on at least SOME level?  Gabe doesn't have to have EVERYTHING, just SOMETHING more tangible than "having knowledge of the process there for is included on a technicality."  Other than that, Gabe is expendable.

Should it continue to Gabe being a little, it's dubious that the outcome would be healthy for all of them. 

As I have said many times, it is your story and you write it to how you want it.  I'm just expressing concerns because this story has roused strong emotions, which is a compliment to your talent.  Keep up the good work.

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“Usually, when a man is about to lose everything, he realizes what mattered to him most. He sees it clearly for the first time.”

I want to write a longer reply at some point, but reading these latest chapters, I really get the sense that this is where John is at; realising that despite what he's feeling, he has something to live for. That isn't what Skye and Will can give him, which is hope and understanding, but true love and a reason to fight which comes from Gabriel.

 

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The commentary from this story at times is almost as thought provoking as the story itself. Another Masterfully orchestrated exercise for our benefit created by the exceptional mind of GP.
 

There are two words I would like to emphasize from what we have read and the authors notes : humanity and empathy. 

 
We have been asked by the author more than once, what is humanity? Well I would not attempt to answer but I do know my own experience. Mull over this thought:
I was the little or inferior in an amazing relationship with a complex, accomplished (himself a Dr.), stunningly beautiful, massively muscular man that towered over me by almost a foot. Along with those attributes, he was subject to rage, particularly if anyone or anything  caused me harm ( I have dozens of examples, hysterical now but many potentially career destroying at the time). And although the little, I had my own following, success and notoriety. Trust me I held my own for the decade and a half the universe gave us.
Although my partner was superior in his physical stature, tittle and his vision for the/our future (prophetically so, think 9/11) there was something missing. It was a  better understanding of humanity, of empathy to balance the strength and ease he possessed to reach his goals. Call it the Ego vs Id? I’m not sure. I do suggest the discussion of Superiors vs inferiors look at the possible necessity for both. Perhaps genetic superiority can only go so far. Perhaps humanity can not be replicated in a lab. 
 
 And one last note, to the readers and author; those idilic statements of love between Gabriel and John? Know that they ring true and with great familiarity. That kind of love exists in real life and not just in sonnets and fiction. Gabriel provides John a reason to live, he allows John to acknowledge that there is still hope within him. Superior John wants to put those feelings to the side. All of these emotions, the entire relationship were only possible because John was open to accept them. A major life lesson for all of us, to stay hopeful and open to what comes our way. 
 
(Apologies for the dark mode  type, I considered correcting it but found I like the diminished voice to my words. They are meant for your consideration only, though absolutely valid for me I accept they may not be universal ).
 
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Thank you all, as usual, for your comments.  I would reply to several observations you all have made, but I want to get the other half of this section posted - Will's letter and the results.  That will definitely influence what some of you have said , I think.  You will begin to see at least some hints of how Will and Skye came to be who they are - though there will be more of that later.  And how those two will influence John and Gabriel going forward. 

Other than some minor proof reading it is finished, and I hope to have it posted today or tomorrow.  

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Chapter 9 - Destiny - Part 2b - You Are Not Alone


“Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear / And I can’t help but ask myself how much I let the fear / Take the wheel and steer / It’s driven me before / It seems to have a vague haunting mass appeal / But lately I'm beginning to find / That I should be the one behind the wheel.” ~ Incubus, “Drive”


 

John moved his hand from Gabriel’s heart and gently caressed his cheek.  “Are you sure?”

 

Gabriel nodded and tilted his head toward Skye’s letter.  “Let’s just say I have it on good authority.  And we are doing as we are told.”  

 

A bit reluctantly, John allowed his hand to fall from Gabriel’s face and picked up the envelope addressed to him.  Having physically examined the letter from Skye, he noticed immediately that his envelope was different.  It was heavier and sealed with several dabs of the same plastic adhesive that had held the SD card in Gabriel’s letter.  John slid his thumb under the seals, opened the flap, and pulled out the folded papers inside.  The paper itself was identical - the same high quality linen stationery.  But, there was something physically heavier about his folded bundle.  It weighed far more than it should.

 

John opened the folded papers.  What struck him first was the handwriting.  Whereas Skye had an almost calligraphic hand, this letter was printed in neat block script.  All capital letters.  John recognized it as almost a mirror of his own writing style. It was the same script he had become accustomed to using for legibility as a police officer since his own cursive writing was like reading the stereotypical doctor’s signature.  

 

Again at the top of the first page was a microSD card, but in addition to the card, there was also a small manila envelope glued to the bottom of the page.  The envelope was perhaps 2 inches x 3 inches with something inside that had a slight metallic clang as the papers moved.  John pulled off the small envelope. He held the envelope open, shook it,  and two quarter coins fell into his hand.  Well, John thought, they had at least once been quarters.  Both had once been pristine 2020 coins with a W mint mark.  But what was unusual - both coins had been completely flattened as if they’d been crushed in a vice. The metal cores had been made to spread like clay, with the edges raised above the center, making a very large oval depression.  The shape of the depression was familiar somehow, John thought.  He held one of the coins up to the light, twisted it back and forth, and looked at it closely.  In the oval depression was a series of lines - many dozens of fine lines in hill and swirl patterns that were instantly recognizable, although it took a moment to believe it. 

 

He handed one of the coins to Gabriel who looked stumped as to what this was for.  

 

“Hold it up to the light.  What do you see?”  John asked.

 

Gabriel did as John said, holding the coin up to the light and turning it, and although not nearly as easily as John saw them, he too saw the pattern of lines.  “There are… lines.  John, I don’t get it.  What are they?”

 

John gave a small smirk as if to say, ‘Watch this.”  He placed his thumb inside the depression in his coin.  The depression was larger than his own thumb, comfortably holding the massive pad with millimeters all around to spare.  But it was obvious.  They were the same exact shape.  “They’re thumbprints Angel.  Fucking thumbprints.  And not just touched thumbprints, but actually pressed into the cladding of the quarter itself.  And, as you can see…”

 

“They’re both BIGGER than your thumb.  Both of them.”  Gabriel said in disbelief, finishing John's sentence.  Then his voice dropped to almost a whisper.  “Can you... can you do that John?”  

 

In response, John smiled, got up from his seat, and walked to the small change cup by the door where Gabriel kept excess coins.  John pulled out a random quarter, placed it in the flat of the palm of his hand, and lined up his thumb over the coin.  He pressed down HARD, holding the coin under the enormous pressure he could generate until he felt the softish copper core bend and spread.  He lifted his thumb and tossed the now similarly shaped coin to Gabriel.  John walked back to the couch and sat down.

 

“Copper is a rather soft metal when it comes down to it.  You can press these things into a new shape with just a few tons of pressure.  They have little coin operated machines that shape pennies and quarters into token souvenirs in a lot of places.  There is actually one strong man out there who can tear quarters in half and he isn’t augmented at all.  I read about him once in the newspaper.  And I am,” John paused and chucked at the irony.  “More than a few steps above him, I guess.  I can do that pretty easy.

 

“I'm not as strong as the striking machines they actually make these with … yet.  I can bend the coin into the shape easy enough, but I can’t actually press my prints in like they did.  Which suggests… just like the size of the prints are bigger than what mine would be, Angel.  They are both bigger and stronger than me.  

 

“Skye’s letter to you said there was more evidence of who they are in my letter.  If someone wanted to send an identification method that was unique and survivable under most conditions, extremely difficult to fake, and something only someone like me could do…”

 

“That is a very good way.”  Gabriel finished.

 

“It is indeed.  You said I should read the letter first.  Then we will take a look at those prints, OK?”

 

Gabriel nodded, cuddled up against John in his favorite spot, and closed his eyes.    John began to read.

 


 

Dear John,

 

Handwriting a fucking letter.  I forgot even how to start one of these things it's been so long.  I know that at this moment every alarm bell you have in that cop brain of yours is screaming seeing this letter from someone you don't know who knows so much about you.  Looking for every possible way that someone is somehow trying to trap you in some bullshit game.  Don't blame you for that for one damned minute.  But I hope that by the end of this and you learning who I am, that those alarm bells will be a lot less.  

 

Wondered how to say what I need to say, but Skye told me to just spit it out, that "Like you, John does not suffer fools."  When he first told me about you, he said you and I are a lot alike in a lot of ways. Suppose that is true - more than you know right now.  So, I'll do just that.

 

My name is William Schaffer, but I've gone by Will all my life, and my husband is named Skye Collins.  You run our names and fingerprints through that police ID stuff and you'll see something interesting come back.  Something that will make that policeman in you go fucking crazy again.  Something WAY more than a simple arrest and a couple of months in prison.  Sorry about that bro, I really am.  The little world will play its shitty little games, and we respond in kind.  But showing you what they think of us is the only way for you to start to get it.  Why is it so weird what you’re gonna see?  Hell, bro, to you it probably won’t be weird at all.   You’ll figure it out in a second.  Skye says you’re good like that.  But, if it is weird, I included on the disc my letters and journal to Skye during the prison part of my change and a couple of surveillance videos.  I admit that maybe the quarter bit is kind of stupid.  Must have crushed a roll or two before I figured out it was douchey.  It isn't a hard thing to do - I figure you're already able to - but it might show a bit more that we are who we say we are sending the prints that way.  Before you go on - take a minute and read what I sent and watch the videos.  This will make a lot more sense once you know.


 

John paused a moment and Gabriel looked up.  “What is it?”  

 

“This is from Will, I guess.  He said I should look at the disc before I go on.  He also said to run the fingerprints.” 

 

“John, you’re not an officer anymore.  How can we do that?”

 

John smiled at Gabriel, and for the first time in ten days, he made a wisecrack.  “Angel, give me a little credit.  After twenty years as a cop, I figure I know a few ways around that little obstacle… if you don’t mind helping me violate Federal law again.”  Gabriel’s face got a little long, but John just patted his hand.  “I promise, you won’t have to do a single illegal thing.  All I need you to do is log into your government server.”

 

“You sure John?’

 

“Scout’s honor.” John said, almost smirking holding up three fingers in the boy scout salute.

 

“But you were never a boy scout.”  Gabriel looked in pretend wariness.

 

“Shhh… technicalities.  I'm technically about to impersonate a federal agent.  I may as well impersonate a boy scout too.”  

 

“John…”  Gabriel said.

 

“Trust me, Angel.  No one will even know what I did.”

 

“OK. OK,” Gabriel sighed.  “You know I trust you.  We will have to use your laptop, though, since mine is at your place.  I will only have limited access to the lab system.”

 

“I won’t actually need to access anything on your system at all.  Just log in.  You'll just be checking your email from my computer as far as anyone will ever know.”

 

Gabriel turned the laptop toward him, removed the SD card, and turned John’s WIFI access back on.  He typed a few commands into the browser and a blank, black page with a name and password prompt came up on the screen.  Gabriel typed in his username and password and authentication code.  John’s computer screen changed to look exactly like Gabriel’s terminal back at his lab.  John smiled, “You know I love you.  Remote desktop access is just that much better. 

 

  “I had to log into the federal law enforcement system a lot while I was undercover.  Of course I had to take precautions so as to not get caught or possibly traced.  So…”  Gabriel watched as John accessed his desktop browser, entered a few commands, and accessed a VPN network, hopping to a server in Los Angeles.  “There we go.  Now then, we just need the site.”  John typed in a series of numbers, a domain URL without an associated website name.  When he was finished, on the screen came up the FBI-Department of Justice Field Agent secure website.

 

“John, you don’t have access to that anymore.  How are you going to …”

 

“Well, I don’t, that’s true.  But others do.  A lot of others that I know do.  That’s why I went to a VPN in Los Angeles.  I can make it look like he is accessing it right where he should be - from his own city, from their server farms.  Now, who do I know who has legit access who lives in Los Angeles?”  John asked rhetorically.  He went to the agent login screen, and under the username, he entered the username for Rick Wilson.  “One Special Agent-In-Charge for California coming up.”

 

“But John, even if you know his username, the password…”

 

John got his curious smirking smile, the one he got when he knew he had someone totally outclassed but they never knew.  “Well, there is one positive thing about having perfect sensory recall.  I’ve seen Rick Wilson use this site in a meeting once before.  That’s how I know his username.”

 

“You know his password?”

 

“No. He was quite careful about that, just like he should be.” 

 

“Then, how…”

 

John cocked his eyebrow.  “Like I said, I was in the conference room when he typed it.”  Gabriel watched as John took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and centered himself.  After perhaps two seconds, John lifted his pinky fingers off the keyboard.  “Rick Wilson three-finger touch types…” he said absently.  John then began to type a series of 15 characters with shifts and control keys seemingly thrown in at random across the keyboard.  John breathed again, opened his eyes, and clicked submit.  Within seconds, Wilson’s account was open on the computer.

 

Gabriel was in awe. “Jesus, John.  What did you do?“

 

John patted his hand.  “It isn’t magic babe.  I just watched him type.  I didn’t see the keys he touched.  But I did see how his fingers moved.  The pattern.  I just did the exact same keystroke pattern sequence he used and bingo.”

 

“John…” Gabriel asked suspiciously.  “You just watched me log in.  Does that mean you can access my accounts now?”

 

John laughed, “You don’t want to know.  But, you might want to change your password when I am not here to see what it is if you don’t want me to be able to get inside your system.”  He turned to Gabriel and winked. “Now, let’s see about these prints.”   John set one of the crushed quarters under his phone, set up the phone flashlight and contrast to get a reasonable photo of the print impressed into the coin, and snapped a photo.

 

John then navigated to the IAFIS (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System) link, and submitted the photo of the print.  “This may take a while.  The database is rather large and Will wasn’t exactly a career crimin--”  Unexpectedly, the machine signaled a match almost instantly.  

 

John’s head snapped around.  “Goddamn that’s fast.  That is extremely rare Angel.  This usually takes hours or days even.”  John focused on the record on the screen, but it was unlike anything he had ever seen.

 

 “What the fuck…” John said to himself.  There was no photograph.  No charges, no description.  No nothing except.


Name: Collins, Skye

Alias: [CLASSIFIED]

Sex/Race: [CLASSIFIED]

DOB/Age: [CLASSIFIED]

Height/Weight: [CLASSIFIED]

Hair/Eyes: [CLASSIFIED]

Tattoos: [CLASSIFIED]

 

Wanted by: [CLASSIFIED]

Charges: [CLASSIFIED]

 

In accordance with directive DOJ 2015/Sealed0205, all information concerning Collins, Skye MD is restricted to the Office of the Director and the Office of the Attorney General of the United States.  Any contact with Collins, Skye is to be reported immediately to the National Security Branch and the Office if the Attorney General - reference DOJ 2015/Sealed0205.  

 

Collins, Skye is considered armed and extremely dangerous and is considered to be a threat to the national security of the United States.  NO ATTEMPT TO CONTACT OR ARREST IS TO BE MADE WITHOUT VOCAL CONFIRMATION FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES. 

 

ANY VIOLATION OF DOJ 2015/Sealed0205 WILL BE PROSECUTED UNDER 18 USC CHAPTER 113B WITH PENTALTY OF 15 YEARS TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. 


 

John put the other crushed quarter under the phone cam, took the pic and transmitted it.  Again the return was nearly instantaneous.

 


Name: Schaffer, William

Alias: [CLASSIFIED]

Sex/Race: [CLASSIFIED]

DOB/Age: [CLASSIFIED]

Height/Weight: [CLASSIFIED]

Hair/Eyes: [CLASSIFIED]

Tattoos: [CLASSIFIED]

 

Wanted by: [CLASSIFIED]

Charges: [CLASSIFIED]

 

In accordance with directive DOJ 2015/Sealed0205, all information concerning Shaffer, William is restricted to the Office of the Director and the Office of the Attorney General of the United States.  Any contact with Schafer, William is to be reported immediately to the National Security Branch and the Office if the Attorney General - reference DOJ 2015/Sealed0205.  

 

Schaffer, William is considered armed and extremely dangerous and is considered to be a threat to the national security of the United States.  NO ATTEMPT TO CONTACT OR ARREST IS TO BE MADE WITHOUT VOCAL CONFIRMATION FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES. 

 

ANY VIOLATION OF DOJ 2015/Sealed0205 WILL BE PROSECUTED UNDER 18 USC CHAPTER 113B WITH PENTALTY OF 15 YEARS TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. 


 

John slid the laptop back for a moment and whistled under his breath.  “Well, Angel, that might explain why you could never find out where Skye was.  This is like… top level terrorist stuff, but that doesn’t make any sense.  The National Security Branch is who is charged to go after international terrorists, weapons of mass destruction.  Stuff like that.  But all of this is classified to such a high level and the cautions and those penalties for even speaking to them… I have never seen anything like this before.  And I mean never.”

 

“John, people change of course, but… the Skye Collins I knew was not a terrorist.  He was a lot of things and could be a lot of things, but not that.  But, you are better at picking up the things not said and what is written in between the lines.  You think he could really be…?””

 

“One thing I have come to learn is that nothing is impossible Angel.  Just have to look in the mirror to see that.  Are they terrorists?  That is surely what the government wants people to think seeing that, and you know how we have been psychologically conditioned to respond to that word.  But, think about it for a minute Angel.  

 

“What is all of this is true? What if Skye and Will are like me, except that they are at the end of the process. Will said something very odd.  I read it just now.   “The little world will play its shitty little games, and we respond in kind.”  I wondered what the fuck that meant, but now… I think I know.  Something happened between them and the government in the past.  I don’t know what.  But, let’s say for the sake of argument that is true.  I can only think of one reason they will not say anything at all about them except “really, really, bad.”  I mean - something so bad that they would even wipe out a minor arrest record and classify it to only the Cabinet level?!?  Call it a hunch but… I think the FBI and National Security went after these two… and the government lost.”

 

"John, who can beat American National Security?  How?  Sooner or later, they always win."

 

John smiled in disbelief.  Sometimes his beautiful Gabriel was so naïve, John thought.   "You really think that?  Really?

 

“I have be-- was a cop for a long time Angel.  I was a part of “them” at least in the small cog in the machine kind of way.  And there is something you eventually learn to understand after that long as a cop.”  John looked down, remembering.  “‘Understanding is a three-edged sword. Your side, their side ... and the truth.  No side ever wins every battle Angel.  Sometimes you win, but sometimes you lose.  Sometimes it's a stalemate.  And once in a rare, rare while… both sides have the other over a barrel so badly that they call a truce and agree to just walk away.  They both agree to just cover it all up and say, ‘You stay out of my way, and we will stay out of yours.’  Our government has done that for decades.  Longer.  The government wants you to think they always win.  But I promise you, they don’t.  For some reason - this time they chose to walk away."

 

Gabriel’s face lit up with understanding.  “John…  Skye’s letter.  He said that the letter from Will would talk about when what he called the “little world” came from him and Will, and what they tried to do to them.  You don’t think--”

 

“I don’t think anything Angel.  We just have some very weird shit, and one scenario that can explain that weird shit.  It is WAY too much supposition for my taste, and I don’t like supposition.  Except for one thing.  Let me ask you a question.  Will saying the “little world” does what it wants and they respond in kind.  What will the “little world” list about me in their databases?  Especially when this is done?  When they find out what’s really happening?  “Cause they will.  Skye says it.  And you and me and Jack have been planning for it long before today.”

 

Gabriel thought a moment and then he understood.  “Oh God, John.  Nothing.  They would say nothing.  They would pretend you never existed - except to a VERY few high level people.  Just like those records do.  Except to say… leave you to us.”  

 

John nodded.  “Exactly.  It’s another piece of evidence that can support their story.   I want more though.  Let’s look at the disc.  Will said “videos” so maybe there is more than one or something else on there that is different from what Skye sent that would help us understand.”

 

John went through the computer process in reverse to return his laptop to normal.  Then, John popped the SD card from his letter into the reader.  On the disc directory, John saw a number of commonalities.  The same journal entries they had already read.  The video of the visitation room.  But, there were 3 additional items.  There were two JPG images - captures from some camera of the same correctional facility.  They were both exterior images from the facility entrance cameras.  Will and Skye were walking toward the entrance - except they were even bigger than in the video.  Skye looked even more beautiful than before, and Will looked like a living tank.  At the same time, Skye had taken on some of Will’s massive size, and Will had refined, while not like Skye’s model looks, he was certainly no slouch.  

 

The third item was another surveillance video.  John clicked it and it began to play.

 


[Taken from Surveillance Video - Minimum Security Cafeteria - Camera #1 - ****** Correctional Facility, 17 May 2015]


 

[Recording begins.] 

 

[A large mass of incarcerated persons are getting meal trays.  One stands out - he is massive beyond compared to the rest - out massing the next most muscularly large inmates easily two to one.  The man known to John and Gabriel as Will is sitting as a veritable line of inmates forms and files past him.  Each inmate deposits some amount of food from their tray or hands over their entire meal to Will.  John recognizes the exchange of food as currency as common enough in corrections but rarely is it ever so overt.  And right under the eyes of corrections officers in the room.  Will seems to totally ignore the inmates as they pass - save a few.  To those few, Will emits a low guttural rumbling growl of contempt.  It is clear to John just from those few moments, that Will was the apex inmate inside the facility.  He rules the entire facility - inmates and officers alike - out of fear.  Inmates and officers both “understand the rules” of the incarcerated world, and that understanding keeps the peace usually.  But this was at a whole new level.  

 

All of the others go clear of Will as soon as they hand over their tributes - all but one.  The one is a scrawny, tiny man, much smaller than even the average inmate.  He is an obvious remora to Will’s great white shark.  Will seems to be ignoring the tiny man completely.  John senses some disdain coming from Will at those slight instances when Will makes eye contact with the remora.  John would have wondered from the dynamic if this tiny man was a fuck toy of Will’s, had he not seen Will’s pledge to Skye to be faithful, and felt the power of Will’s answer.

 

Once the ritual is concluded, Will begins eating - which results in those who have some portion of food left to also begin eating.  Another testament to Will being the one in control of everything in the room.  With Will downing his massive meal, the tiny man moves closer to the giant. ] 

 

 

Tiny Man: (like a manipulative rat) “Will, why do you keep that Skye guy around, man?  You are so much more of a man than he is. You could have anyone you wanted...Fuck him.”


 

[Will stops eating in mid-bite.  John sees the change instantly.  He recognizes it.  He felt it himself when he saw Jeff Heath with Gabriel at the bodybuilding show.  John sees what he would term Will’s Predator explode across his face.  Will begins to emit a low, snarling, beastly sound.  His fists begin to clinch.  His muscles begin to expand, shaking with the white hot rage.  John sees Will swallowed up as Will’s Predator takes full control.  John knew what the rage wanted.  This rage would pull the tiny man apart joint by joint for making any cutting comment about Will’s man.

 

Will’s Predator begins to rise from his seat, standing not only head and shoulders but chest above anyone else in the room.  Suddenly, an officer runs into the room.  He approaches the table where Will’s Predator is and deposits an envelope on the table before him.] 

 

 

Officer: (nervously) “This just arrived for you.  The guy that brought it said to get it to you immediately.”


 

[Will’s Predator looks down and as soon as he sees the envelope, the enraged Predator falls partially into the background.  John senses something from Will - a hybrid being emerging, like when he and the Predator are coequal - as he lifts the envelope to his nose and inhales several deep breaths.  There is another change to the giant’s demeanor.  John again knows the exact feeling as soon as it emerges - it could only be one thing.  Only one scent could do that - Skye’s scent.  Skye’s Will/ Will’s Predator gently tears open the envelope, removes a single piece of paper, and reads.  As he does Will/Predator begins to smile.

 

Will/Predator glances behind him at the remora.  The tiny man has wisely moved as far away from Will/Predator as he can, but Will/Predator is focused on him.  John again recognizes the fear in the remora.  It is the instinctual terror he inspires when he locks eyes on someone and they see the fire or the ice in his eyes.  The small man begins to look all around the room, looking for some escape, some support from the people in the room.  But no one steps up.  They all stay back.  They understand the rules and will not interfere.] 


 

Will/Predator: (icy cold menace, growling) “Today is your lucky day, you fucking asshole.  You aren’t worth the air that it is taking me to say these words to you.” [Will/Predator pauses for a moment.]  “You want to know why I ‘keep him around?’ I don’t ‘keep him around.’  He keeps me. You want to know who the real man is in this situation?’ It is HIM. And most importantly, you want to know what just saved your fucking worthless life? This letter! My fiancée just saved your life you miserable fuck.”

 

[Will/Predator carefully places the letter in his pocket and walks toward the metal-safety glass security door separating the chow hall from the outside hallway that connects to the inmate residence pods.  Will/Predator reaches out and forces his fingers around the edges of the door.  The entire room comes to a stop.  Will/Predator looks around, at the same time maniacally angry and icily serious.  But, beneath it the icy hot rage, John sees - pleasure and satisfaction.  John’s eyes grow wide.  It is the same look he had when he had Heath tortured on his cock.]

 

 

Will/Predator: “HE saved your life today, Jesse.” 


 

[Will/Predator’s muscles begin to flex.  His clothes begin to tear as he forces a pump into his body.]


 

Will/Predator:  (with cold rage) “You said, ‘FUCK HIM.’ I say FUCK YOU!”

 

[Will/Predator begins to close his hands together, bringing his arms and chest together in a massive fly movement.  The sound of warping metal roars over the tape loud enough to cause feedback.  Several of the persons in the camera shot hold their ears with their hands to shield against the screech of the compacting metal.  The door deforms, pulling away from the top and bottom of the frame.  The security glass shatters.  The metal reinforcing bars inside the door ping loudly as they snap.

 

Will/Predator jerks harshly and steps back into the room, ripping the door off the hinges.  He begins to compact the door again, resulting in another massive droning whine.  When the door is compacted to half of the size it was, Will/Predator walks back to the tiny man and drops the remains of the door next to his feet.  Will/Predator stands still looking down, clothes barely holding in his massive muscle.  Again, John recognizes it, the stance, the feeling.  It was what he calls the demon, and it was what he did to the young opening employee at the gym Saturday morning.]

 

Will/Predator:  (emotionless, matter of fact) “Don’t come near me again Jesse.  I won't be responsible for anything that may happen to you if you do.” 


[Will/Predator turns around and walks with authority through the chow hall to the door.  Everyone assembled in the room moves away from him as far as they possibly can.]

 

[Recording ends.]

 


 

John didn’t even close the window as the video finished.  He had gone ashen faced.  “John…” Gabriel asked.

 

John’s voice cracked.  “It’s OK Angel. I just… I’ve just never seen what I look like when I feel like that.  I’ve seen it in the mirror but it is always when the Predator has already come out in me.  I mean REALLY come out.  You told me what it was like for you to see.  I guess… now I understand.  But it’s more.  Jesus.  I am not the only one to feel it.  I thought I was all this time.  That there was no way anyone else could relate.  But, I really am not alone…”

 

Gabriel went back to the couch, got John’s letter, and brought it to him.  Gabriel’s tone was adamant.  He would not take no for an answer.  It was one of those few times when he commanded John.  “You need this John.  Now.”  John took the letter and began to read again as Gabriel began to massage John’s impenetrable traps.  John needed the touch,  Needed the balance.  Gabriel would be his giant’s bodyguard.  John began to relax under Gabriel’s hands…

 


 

Well Big Man - now you know.  You are not the only big man around.  Dude - John - yeah, I know what it’s like because I AM YOU.  I may be the only person on earth who really knows what it feels like.  I know better than Skye even.  I know the thrill, man.  When you can do things no one else can.  When the littles around you look at you with absolute awe, and you know you’re barely even trying. When you can make them do what you want, through attraction or persuasion, or simply the raw physical fear of what you could do to them.  When you can finally grab the world with your bare hands and easily mold it into what it should be, whatever YOU want it to be, and the part of you that takes pleasure in crushing any who stand in your way.  Yeah - I know that part too.

 

Gonna be totally honest with ya about that part of you.  Don’t know what you call him but Skye calls him the “mega Alpha.” That part of you you're afraid to tell anyone around you about.  The part that would make the littles shit all over themselves.  The part that the “little” part of you is ashamed of. You know what I'm talking about.  The part of you that LOVES to dominate them all.   I know what it feels like  - when you look at them.  They’re all so small, weak, tiny, fragile.  So nothing.  Everything they are and everything they make is so flimsy that it crumples easily in you bare hand. They’re like toys, merely objects to be played with, nothing more.  And you know that doesn’t just mean their actual objects right?  Really dude, it’s fucking OK.  With me, you can be totally honest.  I really do know.  I've been there when it is all new and you first realize just how beneath you they can be.  I know you look down at them sometimes and you think - how was I ever like any of them? They’re so goddamned predictable.  Like fucking ants in a kids ant farm.  And every day that feeling of utter contempt for them grows stronger and stronger until you feel you have no connection with them at all.  It starts with one - I bet you already know which one that was.  The first one that you saw and said, I want to destroy this one -  and then another, and then another, and another, and before you know it...

 

I also know the anger and the rage.  It’s so strong sometimes.  The things they do that get on your nerves.  They do things that are so stupid.  It takes everything in you to not rip their bodies apart piece by piece with your bare hands. And sometimes you lose it - you give in, and you do it, you destroy them without a hint of remorse or regret until maybe much later.  If it helps - for good or bad - in time, even those feelings will fade away when it comes to them.  You just won't care about them anymore - no remorse or regret, but no rage, no disgust, no sad, no happy - not when it comes to them.   They won’t be worth the wasted feelings or time.

 

See - I watched the video of you in the parking lot - don’t ask how.  You’ll find out soon enough Skye is a very talented man (sort of like your own little man) and he has a way of making the unbelievable happen, just like you and me.  What he can make the littles do when he wants without them ever realizing it… I have to bite my tongue not to laugh.  Anyway, the video - I saw the rage, Big Man.  I also know what those littles around you didn’t know.  I KNOW that you could do even more to them right now than what you did then. I KNOW you could have killed every single cop and feds in suits and the bystanders.  Every last one.  They were damn lucky you didn’t.  I know it probably bothers you a lot too that you can - someone like you.  A good, honest cop - I met a couple of decent ones in prison.  One helped me in prison when I needed it.  Skye too.  Same one that owes Skye a favor from his time in prison even told us about you -  anyway, a good man like you,  it's gonna bother you hard.  That’s OK.  I felt bad too when I was at your place in this - sometimes, in the late night, around the very, very few littles who had a hint of something human about them.  It will sound kinda bad to your ears now but you will learn that taking the lives of the inferior from them is a blessing they don’t deserve.  That don’t have to be actually killing them either.  Lots of ways to take a life that don’t involve actual dying.  As easy as it would be to end them, you get even better at ending their soul and leaving them alive, but nothing but a shell.  Worthless even to the little world.  That’s all just beneath you, man.  Doing anything except brushing them out of your way like the little drone ants they are is beneath you.  It is all beneath you - so you did good that night, brother.  Never forget, you did good in the end.  Every time you stopped before ending them, every time you said no before breaking one even more - no matter what you did to them before - you did good.  Some of them deserve to be fucked over so hard… and with a couple you might just do it.  But you not giving them shit from you they don't deserve - you're doing good.

 

See, I know something else those runts don’t know too.  In a month you’ll be able to do even more, and in two months, what you did will seem like something a six year old could do.  And every day your abilities grow, everyday you’ll get bigger and stronger and better, the feelings of total power over them will grow right along with it.  Every moment you’ll become more and more impervious (a big Skye word) to being hurt by the puny things that are considered deadly weapons in the little people's world. You stop feeling what they consider pain or hurt or whatever.  But, on the other hand, that also means the more and more you can be hurt by the big things in your own world, in our world.  The pain you feel in our world is so much more than they can ever get.  You know that hurt already too.

Not just the rage and the disgust and the anger.  I know the sadness too.  In those calm moments, when you see what you think you are and it hurts.  Something the littles can never understand, not even that little man of yours.  How alone it feels.  How alone you are in a room full of inferiors.  How sad that little person who is still a part of you inside right now feels when you think about them and what you can do or have done for them and you learn just how little they appreciate all you did.  Sad when they try and throw you away because they're too much of a coward to stand up to some other runt in some bitch pissing war.  Even when you did the right thing in their own eyes.  So fucking sad.  Sad at what you were when you were like them.  Sad at what you are now - something in between that you have no idea quite what it is.  Sad at what you will become. 

 

It isn’t all bad though, John.  It isn’t.  You know that too, and so do I.  Your little doctor, Gabriel.  I saw how you feel about him.  He isn’t little to you - not at all.  He’s huge.  Your love for him is as massive as you are, and it is growing too.  How good he can make you feel with the smallest thing.  Just a pat from those tiny hands of his.  The thrill you get when you see him smile, no little person can ever understand.  You wish he could feel the smallest amount of what you feel about him, but you’re afraid if he ever did, it would overload him and he would blow a gasket.  The love, the happiness and the smiles - they’re as big as the anger and the rage.

 

Let me tell you something about him - the little MAN.  (You’ll find out that Skye and I do not use the term man with very many people, especially littles.  I think you already understand why or are at least starting to.  So, understand the compliment I am giving him.  Skye has told me a bit about him, and that you feel how you do about him.  Well....)  Your little Gabriel doesn’t want to show it to you, but he is petrified.  He’s as scared of what is happening to you as you are.  Maybe even more so. 

 

I was scared for Skye, but he was even more scared for me.  What he had made me into.  Gabriel feels the same way - he is scared to death of what he’s made.  He is scared that he’s destroyed the man he loves.  He is scared of what you’re feeling, what you’re becoming.  He wants to help you so much, he wants to carry all of the burden he can for you, except it would crush him as easily and thoroughly as you could physically.  He wants to make up for what he did.  He just doesn’t know how.  And that scares him even more.  

 

You need to be strong for him, but in a way you think you can’t.  You need to be vulnerable - just to him.  The Beast part of you - he don’t like feeling vulnerable.  But he is - when it comes to that tiny little doctor, just like I am with my big ass doctor.  You need to really allow him in.  Everything you’re feeling, every change.  Let him help you.  See - I know he is helping you now.  When I was going through the worst of it - when it felt like all I ever felt was the rage - Skye was always there.  In my mind, until I saw him, he was the same small man I left when I went to prison.  His voice was the only thing that kept me calm.  Him making me give him my word was the only thing that stopped me from torturing one runt to death in prison. 

 

Ya, I am talking about the video - the one in the chow hall where I ripped the door off the wall.  That’s not a big deal, I know.  I know you can do that now already, even if you haven’t shown anyone yet.  What I am talking about is the note from Skye.  You can’t tell on the video of course what it said.  But, I want to tell you, John.  I remember every single word.  Five years later.  Every last one.

 

***

William,

 

I can’t stop thinking about you.  There are only two days left.  Be strong for me, Big Man.  I love you more than ever and will spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you make me.  Now, you play nice in there. I will see you soon. 

Love your fiancée, 

Skye

 

***

 

Fuck it.  Even to this day, the only thing that can make me cry like a baby the minute I start thinking about it is how much I love Skye.  Makes my heart leap out of my chest with just a smile.  You know what I mean.  I don’t have to tell you about that, cause I have seen it.  Anyway, that one note is all it took.  Just a few words.  My love for him was the only thing that kept me from truly destroying those ‘waste of space’ types around me.  And I KNOW - I know from the video - your little man is that for you.  I know just a few words like that - like what Skye sent me - and it's strong enough to make the rage inside us stop.  Let him know that, OK?  Let him know what he does for you.  Let him know how important he is to you.  See, he is on a journey too - different than yours, but just as strong and just as hard.  You can help him with his journey.  You just have to be strong enough to let him in.

 

And Skye and I - we will be there to help you too.  Right now, it can’t be in person.  I think you already know why.  If not, you certainly will when you run that little ‘magic trick’ I sent along through your finger print trace.  But, there are also things you need to learn, and you need to be away from us to do it.  But, all we can, we will be there for you. 

 

You are my brother man.  You are Skye’s brother.  The other two guys we live with here who've been through the change too, they're your brothers.  You have 4 brothers who you have never met.  Who have been through what you are going through.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE, JOHN.  I know until this moment, you thought you were, but you’re not.  We know what you’re feeling, we have been there.  We are there.  You talked on Instagram about family.  Well, you have a family you have never met.  So does your little man.  And we always take care of our own.

 

Skye made an email for me just for you and I to talk.  Not going to list it in this letter.  But - look for it and you’ll find it.  Skye says you are a very smart man - maybe as smart as he is.  If he hid it, you can find it.  Find it, and let me know how you feel.  Skye says you’re gonna be our big brother one day, bigger and stronger than any of us.  One day when you know what you need to know, grow where you need to grow, your family will be here to welcome you home.  The mega Alpha you, the Beast you, and, most of all, the John you - every part of you, big bro.  

 

Until then, take care of yourself big bro. Just promise you’ll stay strong and carry on.

 

Will    

 


 

John looked blankly at the paper for a moment. Will… he thought.  He really does know.  They really do understand.  The Predator, the Beast, and John - they reached out together and touched the handwriting on the page, tracing a few lines before saying quietly, “We promise… little brother.”

 

Gabriel looked at John as he folded the letter and put it back into its envelope.  “Are you OK, John?”

 

John’s voice cracked as he struggled to maintain control.  “I don’t know.  I really don’t know."  John stopped and took a couple of breaths, allowing his emotions to subside a bit.  He pursed his lips and blew out the last breath before he went on.  "I need some time to absorb all this.  I think we both do.  But I do know one thing Angel.”  John turned and, sitting as he was cross-legged on the floor, was able to slightly look up into Gabriel’s face.  He took both of Gabriel’s hands between his giant mitts.  “I know that I love you Gabriel York.  Yes, we need to talk.  About even more than you think. One more mistake I made...  But I can fix this one.  I can make it up to you.”

 

In that moment Gabriel briefly saw a look in the eyes of his lover as John averted his gaze … a look of pain and remorse and love and desire.  Gabriel pulled his hands away from in between John’s, put his palms on both of John’s cheeks, and tilted his head to make him look directly at him. “You have NOTHING to make up to me John Declann.  NOTHING.  EVER. You hear me, young man.  EVER.

 

"I want to ask you something, but before I do, I want you to tell me the answer.  The same answer I gave you when you first asked me to the park that night at the Sheriff’s Office.  When you finally told me what I wanted to hear for so long.  Remember?”

 

John’s eyes began to mist immediately as he relived one of the happiest moments of his life.  He looked at Gabriel and with the faintest hint of light reflecting in those tearing eyes, smiled one of the most devastatingly beautiful smiles he had ever given in his entire life, “I already said yes.”

 

Gabriel closed his eyes for a moment as a titanic sexual shudder took his breath.  He swallowed down the urge to ravage John right there.  He opened his eyes and smiled back, a slight whisper of John’s own smirk crossing his lips, an idea coming to him.  

 

Gabriel adopted a bit of John’s tone.  “Do you trust me, John?”  

 

Through the mist, John laughed.  He recognized his own question from earlier.  “Always.” he replied in kind.

 

“Then trust me John.”  Gabriel bent and kissed John gently on the forehead before letting go of his cheeks and running into his bedroom.  When he came back, John saw Gabriel was carrying the tape measure and Gabriel’s copy of his measurement book.

 

John’s face dropped the smallest fraction.  A hint of confusion, “Angel, you want to--”

 

Gabriel put a finger to John's lips.  “Shhhhh… I only want to hear one thing from you, John Declann.  What’s the answer to the question?”

 

John couldn’t help it.  He cracked up again as he replied, “I already said yes.”

 

Gabriel smiled, “Good boy.  Now trust me.”  Gabriel stepped back slightly and reached out for John’s hand.  John enveloped Gabriel’s hand in his own, and followed his little lover’s signals guiding him to stand up.  Gabriel led them both over to the wall where they usually measured John's height.  He was about to move away to get his kitchen chair to stand in when John smiled down at him.

 

“I think we can do without that for once.”  John stooped down, put his arm under Gabriel’s ass, and scooped him into the air.  Gabriel instinctively put his arms around John’s neck as he rose into place.  John aligned himself as best as he could with his back against the wall while holding Gabriel in the air at his side.  Gabriel unrolled the tape and let it slowly unreel toward the ground.  When the metal tip just touched the bottom of the floor molding, John shifted his heel, trapping the end of the tape, allowing Gabriel to stretch it tight.  

 

Gabriel looked close at the measurement, but before he said a word, he kissed John’s cheek. "Just let go…."

 

Slowly, carefully, Gabriel kissed his way across the cheek to John's ear. He took several breaths around that ear, smelling the scent of his lover, and feeling John begin to respond.  When he finally spoke, Gabriel wasn’t scientific or curious.  He was … sensual.  “222 centimeters.  Seven foot, three and one half inches.  You’re up three inches in the last ten days.”  At that moment, Gabriel moved forward, touching the tip of his nose to the erogenous zone, and slowly nuzzled his way  around the crook of John’s ear.  He smiled as he felt John physically shudder.  "You are mine… All of you.  No matter what.  You are loved…"

 

Gabriel nuzzled downward toward John’s neck, allowing John to feel and hear him breathing him in.  At the same time, the tiny man deftly worked the tape around John’s neck.  Gabriel nuzzled for a moment more before he pulled back slightly and read.  His desire spoke even more as he repeated softly to John, “Twenty seven and seven eights inches.” 

 

Gabriel could feel John’s breathing change, the pace quickening.  John was instinctively locking onto Gabriel, mirroring him, his breathing beginning to match his lovers.  Suddenly, Gabriel felt John shift under him. John grasped him around the waist with both hands and then held him out in front of him as if he were holding a toddler. 

 

Suspended in the air, Gabriel’s breathing grew faster, his own sexual need growing as he felt John's display of power.  But what made his desire grow more was the look he saw in John’s eyes.  Longing, needing, desire that was nearing painful… Gabriel realized he wasn't being held like a child.  He was being admired, adored, worshipped as if he were the most precious thing in the universe and the giant man couldn't believe he had been blessed to find him.

 

John slowly lowered Gabriel to the ground, but for the first time ever, he did it by lowering himself.  John sank to his knees, allowing Gabriel’s feet to gently touch the floor as he knelt.  His eyes never left Gabriel’s, the haunting need in those light brown eyes growing by the second.  John held out his right arm, slowly pulling the steel hard peak  the size of a basketball into its glory.  Gabriel took a step, and began to caress that peak that could fully eclipse his head.  As he wrapped the tape around the living mountain, Gabriel smelled it, licked it, and finally planted a gentle kiss on the brachial vein that was thicker than his index finger.

 

“Twenty Eight and one half inches.  Up three-quarters of an inch.”  Gabriel breathed, barely above a whisper.  Gabriel kissed the impenetrable boulder again, watching John as he did. John was gasping for air, the need was so strong.  Gabriel allowed the tape to slide out of his hand and onto the floor.  The look, the need, the craving for release, the longing to be free, the hope that he didn't have to be lonely anymore - it was all shining from those beautiful light brown eyes…  

 

A single tear of joy dropped down Gabriel's cheek.  The dark, the empty, the soullessness that had been in those eyes was gone.  There was now light in those eyes.  The beautiful, sweet man who Gabriel thought was gone was shining in those eyes.  The man Skye said was really still there was shining in those eyes.  The man Gabriel prayed to see - the John Declann he loved more than life itself was finally shining bright again in those eyes. 

 

Gabriel couldn't hold out.  Not any more. He started to kiss a path around John’s veins toward his right pec.  Never breaking eye contact, Gabriel breathed between kisses.  “What’s the answer to the question?”

 

John's eyes were dilated.  He could barely speak as he panted, “I… already... said… yes.”

 

Gabriel moved to John’s chin, then rubbed his cheek across John’s perfectly trim sexy scruff beard  His voice dropped to a whisper.  “Good.  Because... I want you John Declann.”  

 

Gabriel grabbed John, turned his mouth toward his own, and dove into him, kissing him with a ferocity and passion he didn't know existed within him.  Gabriel's tongue invaded the giant’s mouth, seemingly intent on wrestling John’s tongue into submission as he ravaged him.  

 

John released a sound from the deepest part of his being.  Both a low rumbling growl and a high pitched moan at the same time… a sound of pure lust, a sound of pure desire, a sound of pure release, a whimper of surrender to his smaller lover.  The weeks of continually raising tension snapped and released from John like a coiled spring returning to true.  He fell backwards, bringing Gabriel with him onto the floor.  Gabriel began to grind himself into John’s upper body, taking control of where this was going.  John looked into Gabriel’s eyes, and Gabriel saw the need.  John was bursting with need.  But not only John.  Gabriel saw the Predator there too. The Predator was bursting with the same need. Both of them side by side.  Needing to belong.  Needing to belong to their little man.  Fully… totally… completely.  John and the Predator merged again but this time, for the first time since he came into being birthed in agony on that table, John/Predator didn't control.  He surrendered.  John/Predator was so happy in that moment that,  especially for someone of Gabriel’s stature, he was gifted in many ways.  

 

The longing erupted.  They sank into the feelings.  They let go.  John/Predator and Gabriel's cocks slid along each other as they hardened and lengthened.  It was almost as if they could intertwine as they moved up John's deep abs and Gabriel's tight toned ones.

 

Time slowed as John/Predator reveled in ecstasy.  Every precious moment stacking, imprinting as John/Predator lived and relived and lived again each moment.  Each moment Gabriel taking him higher, compounding the magic of the last second more and more.  An explosion of joy beyond what a mortal can feel consumed John/Predator.  After what seemed like hours, John/Predator savored every enhanced nerve ending he had as again Gabriel took him higher. Gabriel entered him.  Even John's incredible mind overloaded with pleasure and happiness and joy eclipsing any he had ever felt, any he had never known, as Gabriel finally claimed him as his own.   And in return, John's beyond human control of his body gifted to Gabriel sensations no human should know and live through.  Climax upon orgasm upon climax upon orgasm, higher and higher and higher, as all of them - the pieces of John and Gabriel - became one being together.  John/Predator/Gabriel came to life in that moment, united together on that floor, as they …”slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.”

 

For the first time in two weeks, the flashbacks never came…

 

Rolling on the floor, John would wind up breaking more than a few things.  But they would just laugh later in the afterglow… part of the hazards of having sex with a growing muscle god.

 


 

Skye was sitting at his desk.  On his computer screens was a split shot - on one side was the feed of the security cameras for John’s apartment complex, on the other was the same thing for Gabriel’s.  At the moment, he was zoomed in, watching John and Gabriel walking hand in hand toward Gabriel’s apartment.  He hopped onto his keyboard and sent one last encrypted text to John’s phone - 


John Declann:  He was right about you.  We are right about you.   Until next time, take care of yourselves...  You are NEVER alone.

 

Will was standing behind Skye watching him.  Will chuckled again and hit Skye on the back of the head playfully.  “Damn it, Skye.  You didn’t have to scare them to death.  We want him to trust us, remember.”

 

Skye turned and gave the sexy smile that always made Will’s cock jump.  “Where’s the fun in that?  Just gives them an excuse to have some happy-fun time.”  He laughed, causing Will to bop him in the head again.  Skye’s hand shot out and caught the playful slap mid-flight.  “Ouch.  You big brute.  You’re still the strongest man on earth.  That hurts.”  Skye laughed again as they both knew the playful pops did nothing.  “Besides, they’ll have to get used to this soon enough.  Better to get a taste from me than when it comes at them from the ones who don’t care.”

 

Will leaned down and grabbed Skye around the back of the neck with one hand, massaging his upper traps and started rubbing the Greek god's thick, perfect pecs with the other.  Skye smiled.  Will was horny, and he knew what was coming.  Sure enough, Will started to play with the spots that he knew turned Skye on.  “And… ah… he will figure it out soon enough how I did it.  I think he already has…. Mmmmmm.... He is good like that… He's already found…. mmmmmm fuck Will….  I’m confident… will... will...”  Will’s usual magic was working; it was getting harder for Skye to think.

 

Will growled, “You’re confident Will will what? Hmmmm?  That I’m gonna have fun with you?  That I'm gonna make you scream my name?  That I'm gonna make those beautiful eyes roll into the back of that model boy head of yours while you beg me for more?”

 

Skye spun in his chair and stood up, looking up slightly into his taller husband’s eyes.  “Mmmmm… So, you want to have some fun with me, huh?  I suppose those two deserve some “alone time.”  Think I might… get some too?”

 

Will smirked as he lightly teased Skye's nipple, making him moan loudly.  Will licked Skye's neck and moved to his ear.  “Maybe… 'Cause, I fucking want you… little man.”  

 

Will grabbed Skye’s head and pulled him into a kiss that only titans can share, a kiss that would stop the world.  As usual with them when the hormones came on, they didn’t care where they had sex.  It wasn't like there was anyone on earth who could stop them from fucking wherever they wanted.  They collapsed straight down onto the office floor, sinking into the feelings.  They rolled around with abandon as their cocks began to slide up against each other’s abs as they got hard.  And when the usual amount of shit was broken afterward, they would laugh … just one of the hazards of sex between two nine foot tall muscle gods….


 

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That was an amazing chapter.  Gabe and John solidified their importance to each other.  It seems there really is an appreciation for Gabe from the superiors. 

If Gabe were to be accepted by the superiors into their fold completely... I wonder how Gabe would handle it? 

Curious...

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