Conspiracy at World's End Read online

  This weapon could rain down explosive shells upon the town leaving burning cinders.

  Chapter 6

  Commander Roth was bringing out the big toys. She was going to obliterate this town, destroying all evidence of an experiment on the children.

  A black troop carrier drove between the two halted monstrosities, pulling up a few meters ahead of them

  Roth leapt down from the cabin, clutching her binoculars. She aimed them toward the town to analyze where the tanks could do the greatest damage from the first salvo of shells.

  After that, the secret of surprise would be lost and they would be confronted with the local population.

  The woman would find out how special these children were at an autopsy.

  Roth frowned, she couldn’t see any movements. There should at least be a gang of snotty nosed kids scuttling about. Yet everywhere she looked the town seemed deserted.

  The woman scowled, it wasn’t good enough to take out some of the evidence. Everyone had to go. The Supreme Command would not like this development.

  Max watched in amazement as the two women began setting up stools and a small table covered by a cloth. They assembled good china cups and plates. The center piece was a three tiered cake stand.

  The back of the Kombi was decked out with a small sink and an oven built into the kitchenette that ran along one side, interrupted by a small window framed by curtains. There was soft bedding on the floor and a suitcase full of clothes, towels and sheets. There were three black solar panels on the roof. It was a portable home.

  Bettina began removing home-made bakery treats from a container. Max’s stomach began to groan from the scent. It had been years since he last tasted food.

  Francis came from the back of the Kombi with a tea pot, placing it upon the table, “Would you care for some tea?”

  He was cautious of consumption. Yet, he didn’t have any more supplement pills. He would perish if he didn’t eat. It was only tea, after all.

  Max sat down in one of the chairs, in bewilderment, “Yes, that would be good.”

  He watched as the woman began pouring hot, black tea into a china cup, “One must never forget the civilized art of taking tea in the afternoon.”

  Bettina offered him a selection from the cake display.

  The dwarf hesitated, but found the smell too intoxicating. He took a cup cake, taking a bite. It was incredible. He could understand those who had become food junkies.

  “How did you get the ingredient to bake?”

  “Well, for a time, we were guests of a gentleman with means. He had become quite taken with our Bettina,” spoke France, giving her arm a squeeze. “But things become complicated and we thought it best to move on.”

  “I’m sorry…I never meant for it to flop out like that,” replied Bettina, bowing her head.

  “Hush, my dear, it was just an accident…could have happen to anyone.”

  “With a dick!”

  Francis become cross with her friend, “Now, now, Bettina, we are still ladies. We do not use language like that.”

  “I’m sorry. I was forgetting myself.”

  “All you need is some tea and fresh air then you’ll be super once again.”

  “I take it you…” Max glanced across at Bettina, almost choking on the word. “girls…aren’t from around these parts.”

  “I’m afraid not old chap, we came on a holiday then the whole world went around the bend and we got stuck here away from our families, our friends, the world we knew,” spoke Francis, her bubbly appearance beginning to fade. “But we pushed on, stiff upper lip and all that…more tea?” Max held out his cup, watching the dark liquid pour into it. “Now, enough about us, where does this glorious day find you?”

  “I am heading to Narra. It’s urgent I find a certain person.”

  Francis slapped his arm, playfully, “Well, sir, drink up. We shall have you there before night fall. This is turning into a remarkable day.”

  Francis was giddy with delight once more, her vivacious mood drowning out her dark thoughts. They now had a purpose.

  Roth gave the command to open fire on the town. The tanks repositioned followed by a rapid expulsion of projectiles from the bellies of the beasts.

  The ground shook as the projectiles slammed into buildings, an up rush of super-heated air fried the upper atmosphere above the town.

  Roth looked on, feeling a wave of euphoria at the military destruction. The thrill was so great; she almost climaxed on the spot.

  On the opposite side of the city, on the hill where Winter once made his camp, the one-time inhabitants of the town watched on as their home was consumed by flames.

  When Marlin turned around to check on the children, who were devastated at the loss of their home, he noticed someone was missing. Titch was nowhere to be seen. A predatory animal always hunts for the weakling of a pack.

  At that moment, the weakling in question was tending to Aunt Pat’s wound. The little girl was suturing up the gash in the old woman’s guts with precision. She stitched with delicacy beyond her years.

  Aunt Pat had found shelter in a small cave on the western side of the town; she had decorated her new abode with items nicked from the town.

  She had seen the girl tend to those young Enforcers, and knew she needed the waif.

  The old woman scrutinized the girl; she was skin and bone. The child had no culinary use. Being a waif had saved the girl, the only time it had been a bonus in Titch’s life.

  Titch glanced over at the old woman, curious about her. She wondered what drove this grandmother to do such horrible things.

  Suddenly, the ground rumbled again as another barrage of projectiles slammed into the town. The little girl thought of her vegie garden, that had taken so long to grow, was now being pulverized. How sad.

  The inhabitants of Narra searched the area still perfectly concealed behind the hill. Commander Roth’s squad would not see them. That didn’t mean someone else wasn’t watching.

  Winter had waited his chance, his target came ever closer. Marlin was too focused on finding the kid to pay any attention. When the man was in striking distance, the bounty hunter pounced, leaping from concealment behind a ridge.

  He thumped Marlin on the back of his head with the butt of his gun, knocking him to the ground. He was unconscious.

  Winter grabbed the man under his arms, dragging him toward his ride. He dropped him for a moment while the bounty hunter got into position on his bike. Then, Winter hoisted the unconscious body of Marlin across his lap.

  He started up the bike, roaring away.

  The vehicle was heard by one of the kids who pointed out the departing machine.

  The bounty hunter was getting away.

  Sam felt anxiety rise inside, not wanting his lover to be hurt. His heart was thumping crazily.

  Flip stepped forward, grabbing Sam by the arm, “You obviously care about our father. You should go find him.”

  “Titch needs us too.”

  “No…she just needs us, the kids. We can do this without you.”

  Santanna supported the boy’s opinion, “The kid is right. We need to find Marlin before they get too far away. You’ll need this black woman in case Winter goes bush.”

  It seemed settled; Sam felt a sense of relief now they had a plan of action. Marlin would be found sooner than later. This eased his concerns.

  Santanna was sticking by Sam’s side because she didn’t trust him. There was more to him than the young man was letting on. She was sure of it.

  The Kombi van coughed and spluttered up the highway with the unlikely travelling companions crammed inside. The road was full of pot-holes and bumps that jostled the occupants about.”

  “So where are you girls headed?”

  “We’re just following the open road.”

  Max glanced across at Bettina, “Your friend doesn’t talk much.”

  “Bettina is just shy, though I think she has taken a shine to you.”

  Max glanced
across at Bettina, gulping as the woman smiled at him, “He must…” Suddenly, Francis hit the brakes sending the professor into the wind screen. He bashed his head on the glass, feeling dazed.

  They gave him a look of disdain, as if he had dared to fart in their company, “What did you just say!”

  “Oh…I mean she must find it hard, you know with Enforcers.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Well she is rather…tall.”

  Francis smiled again, “Oh, I understand. Bettina is a bit of a health nut. Jane Fonda would be jealous. Bettina would make a perfect trooper if she didn’t hate guns so much. So, we try to stay away from them.”

  Max felt relief once more, as Francis continued driving.

  They were mad. They must be to live in such a deluded world. He was puzzled why no one had thrown the transvestite into a conversion camp.

  Max shut his mouth so he wouldn’t be kicked out of the van before reaching Narra. His fate depended on it.

  Commander Roth watched the city burn, a smirk etched across her face. She did this in her position of power; to control the destiny of others was intoxicating.

  The tanks withdrew leaving the woman to her contemplation.

  They may have missed out on taking care of the inhabitants but there was still the ambush waiting for some of the dissidents.

  Marlin would be caught eventually and his ideals would be stopped.

  His nosey antics were already upsetting those in higher positions. He could uncover too much. He had to be eradicated.

  She must carry out her orders if she wanted to get anywhere in this new world. Roth had to prove she was fit for more demanding roles within the command.

  There was one matter that would be investigated on her return to base, how the hell did these people know they were coming? They were expected. That was the only answer.

  Winter knew that Marlin’s friends would be busy trying to locate the missing child to come after him so soon. It gave him a chance to rest before the long journey back to the conversion camp.

  He sat on a log, building a small fire. He looked across at Marlin, who was unconscious, lying against a tree, his wrists tied together with rope.

  Winter smiled. He would enjoy the next few hours with this abomination. The man was hanging out for some action. He deserved it after tracking the faggot for so long.

  The Kombi continued travelling up the highway, Francis suddenly notice vehicles coming toward her at an alarming rate.

  She turned the wheel sending their vehicle off the road just as two tanks roared by on their way back to the base.

  Francis hit the brakes, stopping inches from a tree. She couldn’t speak for a few minutes as she caught her breath.

  Max and Bettina had automatically clutched each other out of fear, looking disheveled from the ordeal. Their hearts were racing as fast as those tanks.

  Max came to his senses, abruptly pulling away from Bettina. He didn’t want to give the transvestite the wrong message.

  Wanda and Manny remained on the hill, choosing not to participate in either rescue mission. They had to think of their own plans.

  Now that the town was destroyed, they would have to find some other place to call home.

  Wanda turned to him, “Well…are you just going to sit there or do you have a plan?”

  “Why is it always up to me to make a decision?”

  Wanda jumped to her feet, “Fine! I’ll tell you what we’re going to do.”

  “This should be interesting,” spoke Manny, snarky.

  Wanda punched him in the arm. He yelped in response.

  “Smart-ass!”

  “Bitch!”

  They both smirked at each other before Wanda bent down to kiss him on the lips.

  Manny looked into her eyes, caressing her chin, “I’d follow you anywhere.”

  “Ditto,” spoke Wanda, her heart on the verge of bursting from the overwhelming love she felt for him. “Let’s stick with the fags and that black woman.”

  “They’re heading to Dubbo. You do remember what is waiting for them.”

  “Yes, but we have a better chance of staying alive in a group. The Enforcers will be too busy picking them off to worry about us.”

  “So they’re going to be our decoys,” smiled Manny, realizing the perfect nature of their plan. “After Dubbo, we would be home free. I know this place where we could find sanctuary. The Church of the Forgotten Souls is eager for new members.”

  Wanda screwed up her face, “Are you mad! They’ll head fuck us.”

  “It is better than dying! It’ll at least give us time to think of another solution.”

  Manny kissed her on the lips, taking the woman into his arms, giving her a reassuring hug. Wanda only hoped he was right about it.

  Reports seemed to suggest that, The Church of the Forgotten Souls was not a fun place. Ex-Members were sent mad and never spoke again. They were traumatized for daring to leave the order.

  In one case, the poor soul had his eyes removed. The man had talked about his experiences in the church. The leaders had searched for him and then inflicted their own gruesome punishment. No one ever left in one piece.

  Wanda went over these stories in her head, hardly reassuring her but it was better than bullet to their brains.

  Dusk was setting; Winter was crouched over Marlin, a sneer on his face. Marlin lay unconscious on the ground; the rope about his wrists had been tied to the tree.

  Winter removed a knife from his belt, using the blade to slice open Marlin’s T-shirt, exposing his torso.

  The bounty hunter ran a finger down his chest toward his lower region. He teased the snail trail, as though styling hair.

  This was the best part of every mission, the conquest.

  Marlin opened his eyes, peering up at the bounty hunter. He began to buck and convulse to be free but soon found his wrists bound above his head.

  Winter sneered, “Now, now, you stop that gyration or you’ll get me going before we’re ready.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “It’s my job. I’m good at hunting down faggots,” spoke the dark skinned psychopath.

  With that, Winter removed his shirt, revealing rippling abs with beads of sweat trickling down.

  He straddled Marlin, demonstrating how muscular his body was.

  “I’m not like every gay guy. I pick who I want.”

  Winter laughed, “Yeah…there were others like you. They were the best fucks. Resistance always makes me hard.”

  “You’re sounding a little fruity yourself. Are you sure you shouldn’t be in a conversion camp?”

  Winter slapped the man across the face, “I’m no fag!”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “I do this for fun! To show those lezzos what a real man can do for them and give you fags a ride you’ll never want again. It’s my therapy.”

  Marlin watched, horrified, as Winter began unbuckling his belt, ever so slowly, “Don’t! This won’t make me straight! It’ll just leave me in torment.”

  “You’re talking as if I give a fuck! I don’t! I get paid to do this shit,” spat the bounty hunter.

  “Yes, but this is going beyond your duties.”

  “What they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

  He threw his belt across the ground. He began to unzip the fly of his pants.

  Marlin realized that he wasn’t going to change his mind. The guy was unmoving.

  Marlin wasn’t going down easy.

  Winter rose up to remove his jeans. It was that moment, Marlin had hoped for. He raised his legs, kicking out at the man, connecting with his groin.

  Winter let out an agonizing yelp, collapsing on the ground, doubling up in pain.

  Marlin turned his attention to the ropes about his wrists, turning onto his stomach, pulling and twisting, ignoring the chaffing of his skin.

  His heart was racing; he was terrified of what would happen if he didn’t get away.

  Santanna fe
lt the bus cough and splattered beneath her, it began to slow down finally coming to a complete stop.

  The fucking engine still hadn’t been fixed. Boofhead’s repairs had finally giving up. They were stuck out here on their own.

  Sam launched himself toward the front of the bus, “No…we can’t delay!”

  “Well…if we hadn’t been playing happy families with some snotty nose brats, this heap of shit might have got us to West Wy by now to be fixed,” spat Santanna, leaping out of her chair. “I did my best. Now fuck up!”

  Sam settled down again realizing that Santanna was as upset as he was. She liked Marlin. This made him smile.

  Santanna scowled back at him, “What the fuck are you smiling at?”

  “You!”

  “Stop it before I bitch slap you into next week.”

  “No! For once admit how you really feel.”

  Santanna backed away, frowning, “What are you blabbering on about?”

  “You like us! Well…Marlin at least. He is your friend. You care about him.”

  Santanna folded her arms before herself, indignant stance, “Don’t be ridiculous! He’s just a guy that I am finding less and less irritating by the days.”

  “What about me?”

  Santanna turned on him, scrutinizing his form, “I don’t trust you. You’re far too good looking to be true.”

  “I’m just a guy. I don’t have two heads.”

  “No, you’re not! I know Enforcers they train their people to be emotionless machines.”

  “Not all of us.”

  “Well…you have found a trait I find less annoying. You’re gay!”

  Sam scowled at her, “Shut up!”

  “Oh, there is no need to be so aggressive. You’re secret is safe with me.”

  Santanna smirked, before turning away from him to open the door of the bus, bounding down the stairs.

  The Kombi van had evaded all the other Enforcer transports arriving on the outskirts of town to find that it was being consumed by fire. The orange flames licked the blackened skeletons of burning buildings.