Run and Hide

Posted on Wed Feb 12th, 2025 @ 2:05pm by Carter McMillian & Jaclyn Morrison & Unawakened Kai Irving

Mission: Drake Academy
Location: Drake Academy and surrounding city
Timeline: Tbd

The morning after they had tried out the danger room, Carter got up, showered and dressed, then made his way to Jac and Kai's room. When he got there, he reached up and knocked on the door. Then he waited for a response.

Kai opened the door, dressed in jeans and teeshirt. "Hi Carter!" she said brightly.

"Morning, Kai!" Carter replied happily. "I remember Jac saying that she wanted to look into getting a new car. If you two wanted, I could take you into town, to try and find one?"

Jaclyn came out of the small bathroom in their joint room. She had heard him. "Um.. are you sure? I am not exactly presentable remember." she said waving a hand at her hair and eye.

Still standing in the doorway, Carter smiled when he saw Jaclyn. After a few beats, he blinked and responded. "That won't be an issue here. Remember, everyone in the city is either a meta, or a meta supporter."

"okay.." She sounded dubious. "I'll get my bag. Kai you coming with us?"

"Sure" Kai bounced. "But I can't buy anything."

Jac smiled. "Thats ok, I can help with that."

Both girls grabbed jackets and Kai grabbed her own backpack as Jaclyn put her laptop into her backpack. She never went anywhere without it. This backpack carried everything she needed in her life..important papers, her mother's jewellery, her hidden cash. Maybe someday she would be able to relax and leave it when she left places but for now, it was her security.

Artemis was sitting on the floor looking at them. Kai paused. "Can Artemis come?"

Carter grinned at the young girl. "Of course she can! We can't rightly have an outing without Artemis, now can we?" He chuckled softly.

Kai went and got the dog's leash while Jaclyn joined Carter at the door. "Thanks for this." She said to him as she picked up a jacket from the hook beside the door.

"Of course," he replied, a soft smile on his face. "That's a cool outfit, by the way."

Kai and Artemis joined them. "Lets go." Kai bounced.

Jackyn looked down at her jeans and doc martins and then looked back up. "Thanks." She tugged at her black shirt and the hoodie as they left the dorm room.

Carter led them outside and to the parking lot set aside for students who had their own car. As they walked through the lot, they approached one that was covered with a cloth tarp. The shape of the car underneath did not look like a small hatchback.

As the reached it, Carter grabbed one edge of the tarp and said, "I'd like to show you my pride and joy. He then pulled the tarp off, revealing a beautifully restored and maintained 1969 Chevrolette Camero SS. It was painted flat black, and had an impressive amount of chrome. Even standing still, it screamed speed. "I found this in a junkyard a few years back, bought it and slowly got her working again. She's not the fastest, but she's all mine." He moved over to the passenger door and unlocked it. After he opened it, he leaned in and slid the passenger seat forward. "Kai, you and Artemis sit in the back. Make sure you buckle up."

Kai nodded and climbed in with Artemis. She buckled up easily.

Jaclyn climbed into the passenger seat once it was back in place.

=later=

Michelle Micheals hated the Motorhome her husband had brought. But she had gotten it in the divorce. Now she was going to take great pleasure in selling it. It cost retail over $300,000 but she was not asking for that.  She drew it up outside the car yard and climbed out. She noted several people looking around.

Jaclyn who had been looking at cars noticed the huge motorhome and gave a soft sigh. She nudged Kai. “If  I could have afforded that when I brought my van… “

“Its huge” Kai said to Jac.

Jaclyn nodded. “Looks to be top of the line. My.. mother once spoke of buying one for family trips.” She glanced at her watch. They had time. So she walked towards the lady just getting out of the motorhome.

Michelle noted the young woman with two toned hair and smiled. She was not afraid of Meta’s. “Hello” she greeted her.

“Hello. Nice Motorhome Ma’am” Jaclyn said politely.

Michelle estimated the girls age at about 16-17. “Do you like these things?”

Jaclyn nodded. “I had a van a few weeks back. It .. well long story, it’s a mess right now. And I am here shopping for a car to get to A to B.” She looked back at one of the many SUV’s she had been looking at.

They were all second hand and within the price range she had given herself.  “I didn’t know they serviced these here though.”

“Oh they don’t.” Michelle said. “I am here to sell it.”

Jaclyn glanced at her. “You will get a good price for it then. Its what? Last year’s model.”

“Yes, and my ex-Husband’s pride and joy.” The smile the woman had showed clearly how she was going to enjoy selling it.

“Well I wish you luck with it.” Jaclyn said as she gave it another look. Well outside her budget. And even her savings.

Michelle noted the look. “$500 and its yours”

Jaclyn who had been heading back to the others stopped. “$500? Ma’am its worth nearly $300,000 if not more.”

“yes and I do not care about it.”

Oh it was tempting. But there was no where really to park it at the school.. She would never get another chance.  $500. “Okay” she took the chance. “$500.” She was so going to regret it but she could turn it into a mobile computer area if need be. As long as her powers didn’t go nuts.

Michelle smiled. “Perfect. Cash?”

Jaclyn nodded. She had the cash for the car she had been going to purchase in her purse.  They went to the cab and the Michelle got out the paperwork and they went into the dealership to make sure it was done properly. 40 mins later, Jaclyn and Michelle shook hands and Michelle left the dealership in an uber. Leaving the keys with Jac. Jaclyn stood there staring at the large van and took a breath. Oh she was crazy for sure. Frowning, she looked around for Carter and Kai.

At that moment, Carter, Kai and Atrem8s came strolling over, from the other side of the lot. "Hey, Jac," Carter called out with a grin. "We found an old Cherokee over there that could work for your needs." He then noticed the RV. "Wow! I didn't realize they started selling mobile homes here now."

Jac grinned. "They don't. But It was for sale. And I brought it. $500.00. All Legal and everything."

Carter's jaw dropped open. "Five hundred dollars?!" He shook his head. "There's gotta be something wrong with it. This thing is gotta be worth, what...four hundred thousand?! I mean look at it! It's the new Forza! Supposedly it's darn near the pinnacle of RV'ing!"

"I got the guys inside to check everything. Its a divorce asset and the woman wanted it gone. Nothing wrong. They even did a mechanic check." Jaclyn said. "I know what it is. It's a dream."

Kai rolled her eyes. "You have luck you know."

Jac grinned at her. "I found you right? That was lucky."

Carter smiled and shook his head. Then his smile started to falter some. "I guess, since you have this mobile mansion....you'll probably want to leave now, won't you?" He hoped she said no, but he had a bad feeling, deep in his gut, that she would say yes.

"Not yet" came the reply. "I was thinking of using it on Summer break."

"Oh!" He replied happily, a smile returning to his face. Suddenly, he grabbed his head in pain. "Mom!" He cried out.

In the distance, from where the school was located, loud explosions started to be heard.

~Carter!~ Headmistress Syn's voice could be heard in the young man's head. Over the years, through her mastery of telepathy, she had taught him how to hear her when she called to him, even from hundreds of miles away. ~The school is under attack! Get the girls and run! Get as far away from here as you can! I will find you when it's safe. Go to the safe house! Now run!~

The sheer power of her call was more than he had ever heard before. As the sounds of battles started to get louder, he slowly got to his feet. His head was still ringing. "We...we have to run! Mom....school under...under attack!" He started to stumble towards his car. "Follow...follow me..." he got a few more steps, then collapsed.

Jac cursed and grabbed him as best she could. "Kai, here, unlock the motorhome and get in with Artemis."

Kai took the keys and grabbed the backpack Jaclyn also tossed her and unlocked the door and with Artemis got in.

Jaclyn slung Carter's arm over her shoulder. "Come on." she grumbled and hauled him up. "Carter snap out of it. I need you to tell me where we are going." She managed, just to get him into the motorhome where she and Kai got him onto one of the chairs behind the drivers area.

Jaclyn thought about Carters car and winced. He would kill her if they left it there. She fished out his keys and looked at Kai. "Lock it behind me." She darted from the motorhome and went into the Dealership.

She spoke with the man who had helped her and he and his men helped hitch Carter's beloved car to the towbar of the Motorhome.

While in the front passenger seat of the motorhome, Carter started to come to. "Ughhh," he moaned. "My head...."

Over head, planes with HYDRA markings flew past, firing missles towards the school. The sounds of the explosions was starting to get deafening.

Jaclyn climbed back in a few minutes later and started the motorhome. It was a good thing that she did not need a special license to drive it. She pulled out and headed for the nearest highway. "Seatbelt Kai" She called back.

But Kai scampered into the passenger seat and strapped in. "He is in pain."

"We will deal with that soon." Jaclyn replied, forcing the panic down as she drove away from the dealership and the school. "I hope he can tell me where we are meant to go."

Hearing Jac, Carter responded. "North...on I17....head towards Black Mesa..." he closed his eyes again and was out. Suddenly, blood started to drip from his nose and ears.

Jac saw that in the rearview. "Kai, under the sink. Check for a first aide kit, if not look for anything." She knew it would be futile.

Kai got out of her seat and began the search but there was nothing there. She caught Jac's hoodie that the older girl passed back to her. Kai pressed the hoodie to Carter's nose and ears.

Artemis had hunkered down beside Carter.

Jaclyn turned onto the I17 but after a moment she saw something they would need to do. A sign that told her that there was a walmart 30 minutes away. "Carter, we need supplies. Before we run."

Carter didn't reply. However, there was suddenly a beeping sound from his right gauntlet. There was also a small flashing red light. It looked like a button.

Kai who was there looked at it and pressed the button, she and Carter had spoken about his gauntlets but she was taking a chance.

Suddenly, a feminine voice, with an Australian accent was heard. "Carter? Carter can you hear me? Your vitals are in dangerous levels!"

Jaclyn didn't look back. "Kai?"

"It's Carter's gauntlet." Kai called back. She took a breath. "Um.. He cannot speak right now, can you help him?" she asked the gauntlet.

"My name is Alice, I am the AI for Carter's nano armor. Whom am I addressing and what is going on?"

"I am Kai, his friend. He just told us the school was under attack and then he collapsed, he has been in and out but he is now bleeding from the nose and ears. Can you help him?"

Jaclyn forced herself not to focus on what was going on behind her, instead she continued driving as best she could without looking like they were running.

"Stand by," the AI spoke. "I am detecting a blood clot forming in his brain. Do you authorize me to fully activate and treat him?"

"Yes," Kai stated firmly. "Please"

Without another word, Carter's nano armor extended from his gauntlets, and deployed entirely. The flame of his power suddenly ignited the top of his head. "Attempting to eliminate the clot," Alice said aloud.

Kai helped him lay down on the floor of the van. "He won't cause a fire right?" she asked nervously.

"Negative," Alice replied. "His surface flames are safe to the touch, so long as he is not in active combat."

A few moments later, Alice spoke up again. "Blood clot has been eliminated. Vitals are returning to normal. Deactivating armor." As quickly as his nano armor deployed, it retracted back into his gauntlets. Leaving him there, resting.

Kai breathed a sigh of relief. "That looks better."

Jaclyn meanwhile said "I am taking the next exit, We need supplies. And a first aid kit."

A few minutes later, Carter started to come around. "What...what happened?" He asked groggily.

Kai sighed. "You said the school was under attack and we had to run then you fell down. Your suit healed you."

"Mom!" He bolted up in the seat, not realizing the seatbelt had been locked to keep him safe. "She...she sent me a warning...said to go to the safehouse she set up for me, up in the mountains near Black Mesa." He looked over at Jac. "Head north on 17, follow the signs for Kayenta. Once we get there, I can show you..." He stopped made a painful expression. "My car...it had a security system key built into it. We'll never get to the safehouse in this."

Jaclyn was silent as she pulled the motorhome off the highway and into a large Walmart parking lot. She looked at Carter and Kai.  “We need to get supplies, you will need clothes, and other things.” She said softly. “And we are going to need equipment and ID’s” She pulled her backpack closer and dug around. Inside she pulled out a small case, it was a case that held contacts that she had gotten to hide her eye that were a different colour. She placed it on the dash and then pulled out another item. This one was a purse. She opened it and nodded and said, “Food, Water, clothes, bedding, we will need to find a petrol station as well.” She looked at Carter, “Your car is in tow of the motorvan,” she added with a wry smile. 

Carter looked over at Jac and smiled, greatfullness in his eyes. "Thank you for that. It's...it's more than just a car. My mom and I have been working on it together since I got it. It's a part of us both." He then nodded as he thought about the shopping list. "To get in and out faster, we should split up. Since I don't know your clothing sizes, maybe you two should go that way. I'm a double X in shirts. Thirty-two waist and thirty four inseam on pants. If you find any hiking boots, I'm a 10 1/2 wide." He took a breath, then continued. I'll get everything else. I've got money I can use for it all, so don't worry."

Jaclyn pulled out a notebook and began writing. “As someone who has run away from home and lived without adult supervision I have a fair idea of what we need.”

Food
Water
3 days worth of clothes Inc underwear and sleep wear
toiletries
Blankets, sheets
Towels
Cleaning supplies Inc washing detergent and dryer sheets.
Dog food

"We can split the costs. And do you really trust me to buy you clothes?"

Carter nodded as he looked over the list. He then looked up at Jac and smiled softly. "I do. But just as a request, blue and purple aren't my colors." He grinned, despite their circumstances.

"So fluoro pink and yellow, got it." Jaclyn grabbed the contacts and quickly went to the small bathroom area to put them in.

Ten minutes later the three of them, with Artemis in a trolley, entered Walmart. "20 minutes?" Jaclyn asked Carter.

Pushing his own cart, Carter thought about it, then nodded. "Meet back at the RV. And Jac, if anything happens, if HYDRA finds us here, leave."

She nodded. "Not without you though." And with Kai in tow they headed off to get the things on their lists.

Jaclyn gathered clothes for Carter easily. Jeans, 3 pairs in black. A pair of sneakers and a pair of hiking boots. Four tee-shirts, a winter jacket and a Pullover and a hoodie. Keeping a straight face she selected sleepwear for him, a pair of long sleep pants and matching shirt as well as several pairs of socks and after a quick deliberation around jocks v boxer shorts, she grabbed a few of both in the size he had told her. She also grabbed two belts in case he liked belts.

Kai meanwhile grabbed the same number of jeans and t-shirts as well as two hoodies and a black puffer jacket. Shoes and boots followed with her underwear and sock selections. She also grabbed a pj set in dark pink and then she grabbed two hairbrushes and several hair ties.

Jaclyn grabbed her own clothing, 3 black jeans, two long sleeve shirts and two t-shirts, another two hoodies and a dark grey jacket. It was almost the end of October. She added sneakers and boots and socks. They needed to be reasonable in their clothing choices. She gathered underwear, and got a pair of long sleep pants and a matching shirt in a dark blue.

Gathering a number of hair and body products for all three of them, she added them to the trolley and ruffled Artemis’ head. Then they moved to the homewares section. Jaclyn had, not really had a good look into the kitchen of her new motorhome but she knew that eventually they would need stuff for it. So she gathered a saucepan set, and utensils and a plate and dish set as well as several glasses and a set of mugs for coffee. Not that she didn’t trust the safe house but, okay no she didn’t.
Knowing that Carter was getting the food and the water and the towels and such, she moved to the laundry section and gathered detergent, and a small portable clothes airer and pegs.

She stopped in the pet section, got Artemis a new pet bed and food and treats. Before they headed to the checkout, Jaclyn paused in the make up section and grabbed three boxes of hair dye and some new make up for both her and Kai.

As they made their way to the check out, Kai nudged Jac and pointed to the tech section. Jaclyn nodded and they moved and found phone chargers for the phones they had brought a few weeks before, and Kai remembered what type of phone Carter had so they grabbed one for him. Jaclyn hovered as she studied things and then grabbed a closed circuit radio set with three handsets.

Then they finally made it to the check out. Before they had got there, Jac and Kai had discussed what to say if someone asked but they were lucky as they finished paying that the cashier was not interested. With their purchases in the trolley they pushed it out into the parking lot.

While he knew that the safe house had a supply of canned and dry food, he also knew that they weren't there yet, and if things went sideways, there was no guarantee that they would. So, he made his way to canned foods first. He grabbed vegetables, fruits, even some fully prepared dishes, like chili and those Italian chef macaroni dishes. Next, grabbed a selection of condiments, plus olive oil and vinegar. In the next aile he grabbed a selection of common spices, like salt and pepper and sugar.

He then moved into the dry food section and grabbed a few boxes of various pastas plus a couple boxes of instant rice. In the next aside, he grabbed two bags of dry dog kibble, several cans of wet food that were made by the same company, even a few snack options. He then picked out a few toys that he fetllt would be safe enough for Artemis. Before he left the aside, he grabbed a couple food and water bowls, plus a few packages of bags for dog mess cleanup.

When he rolled into the cleaning aisle, he grabbed everything he thought they would need, to include sprays, sponges, scrubbers, even a mop and bucket combination and a small hand vacuum. As he passed by the candles and air fresheners, he grabbed a selection that he both thought smelled nice, and reminded him of Jaclyn.

He grabbed a few bags of chips, plus a selection of seltzers, sodas and juices. In the bottom of his nearly full wagon, he loaded in six big cases of bottled water. In the frozen aisle, he only got a few things, as he wasn't sure how much room was in the RV's freezer. He then finished up his part of the shopping by grabbing a couple packages of cookies, bread, peanut butter and a couple different jams. He then grabbed a couple choices of cold cuts before he started to make his way to the register. As he started to pass the sporting goods, he paused to grab a couple fishing rods, plus tackle, a bow with a selection of arrows and, as it was Walmart, and he was old enough, a 12 guage, double barreled, breech-loading shotgun, with a couple boxes of both slug and double-aught buckshot shells.

Finally, he made his way to the linens section. He grabbed a three full sets of towels, which included body sheets, hand towels, floor mat and washcloths. He then picked up a couple sheet sets, both twin and king sizes, plus blankets. Finally, he managed to pile on several different pillows atop his mountain of a shipping cart.

As he reached the line for the registers, he saw that Jac and Kai were already on their way out of the store. He made it through checkout, without anyone saying anything to him. He then pushed his cart full of purchases our of the store and to the RV. When he got there, the girls were still loading things in. "Should I put some of this into the Camero, or do you want it all in the RV, Jac?"

"Well the RV has room" Jaclyn said as she sorted the clothes into 3 piles. She and Kai were working fast. "Once we get this stored we will unhitch your car. I have radios for us as well."

He shook his head. "Leave her hitched for now. When we get closer, we can unhitch." Looking over at the gas station across the street, he suddenly remembered that he forgot to buy something. "Shit!" He cursed quietly. Looking back at Jac, he said, "I forgot something important inside. I'll be right back." He then turned and hurried back into the store.

Jaclyn frowned but she and Kai continued to unload the trolleys. The bedding and such they left piled in the main bedroom. Then they stored the food and Jaclyn made sure Kai didn't touch the weapons as they finished unpacking. Kai returned the trolleys and Jac settled Artemis after letting her go to the toilet. They both waited for Carter to return.

A few moments later, he returned with a new cart. This one held several red fuel cans, plus camping equipment: a large tent, three rucksacks, canteens, sleeping bags, two crank power lanterns, plus some campfire cooking needs. He also had three survival knives, each one containing a few items for emergency survival in the handles, a compass on the bottom, finally, he had three first aid kits. "Can't believe I forgot this stuff," he stated, "Not that it would have fit in the first wagon." He started to hand over a few things, then said, "I'll put the camping stuff and fuel cans in the car." He then did just that. Once done, he came back forward and boarded the RV. "Since I know the way, do you want me to drive, while you and Kai finish putting stuff away? It's still gonna be several hours before we get there."

"Sure" Jaclyn said as she finished checking the outside storage latches and joined them in the RV. "It might be an idea not to go straight there. Just in case."

Carter nodded as he moved behind the wheel. After checking his mirrors, he started it up and drove carefully over to the gas station. Before getting out, he checked what grade fuel the RV needed, then got out to start pumping.

Jaclyn got out as well and stood beside him, watching around the area. "When we get out of here, we three need to sit and talk about next steps Carter," she said in a low voice.

After he filled the RV with diesel, he filled up a couple fuel canisters with diesel as well, then topped off the Camero's tank, as well as a couple fuel canisters for it as well. As he was putting the fuel cans into the Camero's trunk, he nodded and replied. "There's a rest area about an hour up the road. We could talk there, or, we could talk while I drive. Your choice." He closed thetrunk, paid, then they got back into the RV and he got back behind the wheel.

Kai was sitting in the back with a seatbelt on and with Artemis beside her.

Jaclyn entered behind Carter, closed the door and put the step cover over the entry steps as she sat in the passenger seat. "So if we get there and it is compromised.. is there somewhere else?"

He thought about it, then replied, "If it is, which it shouldn't be, we could always go out to the Reservation and find shelter with Dyami, the Shaman who you met the other day. He's an old friend of Mom's, and I trust him with my life."

Jaclyn nodded slowly. "okay..." She said "I know its risky but is there a circuitous route to the safe house?"

Carter thought about it for a few moments. "Not really. There aren't that many roads out there. We could try a few trails, but they all lead back to the interstate."

"So the direct route it is." Jaclyn let her gaze stay on the side mirror on her side of the vehicle. "I have been watching behind us but no sign of anyone following us." she tapped the touch screen showing the rear view.

"And I haven't noticed anyone following either," Carter responded. "I think we got away clean." A look of sadness and pain crossed his face. "I hope my mom and friends are okay. I still can't believe HYDRA launched an attack on the Academy!"

"They are Hydra. They dare because they can." Jaclyn replied softly. "We could try reaching out to SHIELD" She suggested.

Carter nodded. "There are secured comms in the safehouse. Also," he glanced over at her, "just like the dorms, it's designed to safely contain and accidentally power usage."

She crossed her arms. "I have not had a flare up in weeks" she groused at him.

He nodded as he replied. "And that's great. Bur thet everyone still has a bad day every now and again. Plus, while Mom built the safe house primarily to keep me safe, when I was younger, it would be useful to keep any Meta safe." As he spoke, he pulled back up onto the interstate, finally getting a feel for the bigger vehicle. You two should try and get some rest. It's gonna be a couple hours, till we get to Kayenta."

"So says the person who was unconscious and bleeding not an hour or so ago." Jaclyn replied. "I am fine. "

Carter chuckled softly. "That's only because of the power of Mom's telepathic message. Besides, Alice fixed me up. But, okay. I'm glad for the company." He looked over at her and smiled.

Jaclyn nodded. "I will need to drive soon enough anyway. She kept her gaze out on the mirror. "I am sure once things die down she will contact you."

He nodded quietly. Though he hadn't heard anything from her since the attack, he could still feel her presence, so he knew that she was still alive.

Kai came up and stood behind Jaclyn’s seat. "How far to go Carter?"

Carter glanced over at Kai briefly, before looking back at the road in front of them. "Ummm..about eighty miles now. Hey, would you mind grabbing me one of those Monster coffees and a bag if the beef jerky?"

"Sure" Kai replied and went to the fridge and cupboards. She returned with the items. She placed the drink in the cupholders. "Jac you said something about ID's."

Jaclyn nodded. "If we have to go further then we will need ID's that Hydra wont know about."

Carter nodded as he listened. "We should work on that when we get to the cabin. Plus, I'll start to teach you what I know about self-defense, in case you're ever attacked and our powers are somehow nullified."

"What...kicking someone in the nuts is not appropriate?" Jaclyn asked curiously. "My brothers taught me how to do that."

Chuckling, Carter replied. "While that is certainly a go-to move, there's more to it then that. However, I'm glad your brothers already started your education in the matter."

"Hmm" Jaclyn frowned and said "Carter... planes."

Carter looked to where Jaclyn was pointing. "Those look like quinjets. S.H.I.E.L.D. uses those! Looks like they're heading towards the Academy!"

"Hope they are S.H.I.E.L.D." Jaclyn said softly and they lasted into silence while they continued. 15 miles out, Jaclyn spotted a rest stop. "Pull in there Carter. We can unhitch your car now."

He nodded as he started to pull I'm. "I was actually thinking the same thing." Once they were parked, he stood up and stretched. "Okay, before anything, bathroom break for everyone. I'll take Artemis out, while you two use the restroom in here." He grabbed the leash and knelt down, calling the happy pup over. After he had her leash attached, the two stepped outside the RV, shutting the door as they went.

Kai looked at Jaclyn. "There are two right?"

Jaclyn nodded. "Go,"

Kai went to the first as Jaclyn climbed over the bed in the main room to the ensuite.

A few moments later, The door opened and Artemis hopped inside excitedly. Carter then entered and called out. "I'm gonna need to go too!"

Kai laughed and pointed to the empty bathroom she had just finished in. "That on is free." She chipped.

"Thank you!" He then hurried inside, his bladder demanding to be relieved.

Kai giggled and petted Artemis while Jaclyn came back out. Jaclyn pulled out the tools she had been given at the dealership to unhook the car. "Tell Carter I am starting the disconnect."

Kai nodded as Jaclyn slipped out of the Rv.

A few moments later, Carter came out and moved over to the kit hen sink to wash his hands. He had heard Jaclyn speak through the thin walls of the water closet. "I'll go give Jac a hand," he said to Kai with a smile, playfully rubbing the top of her head as he passed her towards the exit.

Kai mock kicked at him and then waved him off.

Jaclyn was already unlocking the bolts on the tow cable.

When Carter came around to the back of the RV, he helped Jaclyn finish up. "Okay, so...as my car can go faster than your RV, maybe I should zip ahead a few miles, to ensure it's clear, then radio back to you what I see. What do you think?"

Jac wasn't really sure but she nodded anyway . "Okay but no stupid risks ok?"

He nodded as he replied. "Agreed. No stupid risks. He heads back into the camper and grabs one of the three walkie-talkies. As he steps back outside, he says, "I'm on channel 4." He then tried the device.

Jaclyn nodded and grabbed one from Kai and turned it to the channel. "Kai will be in charge of it."

Carter nodded again. "Go ahead and get back inside and let's get going."

Jaclyn coiled the ropes and such and stored them in the under-storage and then she climbed back into the van and with Kai in the passenger seat, she started it up. She waited for Carter to go first then she followed.

Once everyone was set, Carter took a final look around, before climbing into his Camero. Firing it up, the throaty engine rumbled loudly. He then put it in gear and, after backing up from the camper some, started towards the rest area exit. He saw Jac get the RV going in his rearview mirror. He tucked up his radio. "Alright, as my acceleration is higher than yours, I'll get ahead of pretty quickly. If you see any issues behind you, let me know immediately, and I'll drift back to deal with them, okay?"

"Okay," Came Kai's response. "Drive safe."

"You too!" He flashed his brake lights at them, then drove normally, roughly a mile ahead of them.

For the next ten miles, there was relative quiet between the two vehicles. Suddenly, Carter called back. "How are you two doing back there?"

Kai came back. "All good. No one behind us, the odd car but they turn off or over take. Nothing bad."

Jaclyn had her hood up, hiding her two toned hair just in case there was a description of her out there.

Even though they couldn't see him, Carter was nodding as he listened. "Good. Now, in about three miles from where you are now, you should start seeing signs for Kayenta. Follow them. In about forty minutes, we are gonna be getting into Navajo Nation, so the local law enforcement with change from Arizona Highway Patrol, to Navajo Reservation Tribal Police. There is going to be a rest stop at the beginning of the Rez, pull over there. We will continue on together. I just need to inform the Tribal PD who we are and where we are going. And don't worry about them saying anything, once we get on Tribal Land, no one will be able to come after us."

Kai looked at Jaclyn who nodded. "Tell him all good."

"OK, Jac says we will pull off where you say. Are you sure we will be allowed?"

Carter's voice replied. "Yes. Mom has an understanding with all of the native tribes. In times of crisis, they will open their borders to any Meta or ally from Drake."

Kai replied. "Ok, see you at the rest stop."

Up the road, right where Carter said it would be, was the rest stop. His Camero was in the parking lot, and he was leaning back against the trunk. A tall man, clearly a member of the Navajo Nation, by his hair and facial features, was standing next to them. Nothing seemed amiss. As Jaclyn steered the RV into the lot, Carter started towards her, pointing to a large spot for her to park in.

Jaclyn parked the RV where he indicated and warily unlocked the door so Kai could exit.

Kai, with Artemis in tow, exited the RV while Jaclyn turned it off and grabbed her jacket which she shrugged on as she followed them outside.

"Jac, Kai, come here," Carter said with a smile as he walked towards them. As he did so, the tall man did as well. He had a friendly face that had clearly seen many seasons out here in the desert. "Allow me to introduce you to a good friend. Jaclyn, Kai, this is Chief Chayton of Kinyaa'áanii Clan. He's the local sheriff around here." He then looked at Chayton. "Chief, these are my friends, Jaclyn Morrison and Kai Irving. Mom rescued them a few weeks back, and now, I'm perfecting them."

The Chief removed his stetson revealing his jet-black hair, and gave both girls a gentle and friendly smile. "Any friends of Carter and his mother, are friends of mine. It's a pleasure to meet you both." He dipped his head respectfully, even though he was clearly older than all three of them combined. "While you are on Navajo Land, you will be safe."

Kai smiled back. "Thank you" she said.

"Yes, thank you Chief." Jaclyn replied with her custom politeness. She was always polite. "We do hope that it will not be an issue, our being here."


Chayton shook his head with a warm, grandfatherly smile on his face. "No need to worry yourself, young lady. The Navajo people and Carter's mother, have a long and trusted past. Any who are part of her tribe, are members of ours." He then looked over at Carter. "The cabin is ready for you all. My son and his men will be in the area, as long as you require any assistance."

Carter nodded, then bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Chief. I'm jot sure how long we will be here, but we will make sure that we don't cause any trouble."

Chayton nodded again. "I'm sure you will. Now, feel free to continue on your way."

Carter nodded, then looked over at Jac. "Okay, just follow me. The cabin is about another forty minute drive from here."

The girls followed Carter's lead and bowed to the Chief and got back in the RV, Kai carrying Artemis. Jaclyn kept her gaze on the Camero and followed Carter keeping a safe distance.

Carter kept the speed slow and easy, as Jaclyn didn't know where they were going. There were a few tight spots for the RV, but finally, after almost forty minutes, they came to a locked gate. When Carter stopped at the gate, a small drone appeared, floating by his driver's windows. He reached out and typed in a code on the keypad on the front of the drone. After a couple beats, the drone vanished again, and the gate lowered into the ground. Once the way was clear, Carter waved them on and drove through the opened gate, leading the girls up a wooded driveway.

Finally, they reached the house. Carter drove over to a medium-sized barn, whose main doors were sliding open. He turned around, then backed into the barn, leaving plenty of room for Jaclyn to do the same with the RV.

Jaclyn's reversing took a bit longer as she was not fully used to it. She was glad she did not have the car in tow any more. When she had finished parking the RV, she opened the door, and Kai and Artemis got out.

Artemis sniffed around the barn and then dashed over to Carter.

Carter knelt down as the pup came bounding over to him. "What do you think about all this, huh girl?" He scratched her behind her ears, smiling warmly as he soaked up his affections. Finally, he stood up. "Okay, rule number one while we are here...while we are safe from HYDRA or any other evil group, we do still have to content with the local wildlife. There are scorpions, spiders, snakes, coyotes and even some wolves and various raptors. Artemis is not to be let out alone or off her leash. And Kai, you stay close to the house or barn as well. There's also a mountain lion that roams this area. At night, no one leaves the house. Understood?"

The girls nodded, neither really in the mood to argue anyway. "Understood" Kai replied.

Carter nodded in reply. "Good. Now, let's get inside, and I'll try to reach the Academy." His tone indicating worry for his mother, friends and home.

Kai followed Carter easily, Artemis at her feet.

Jaclyn however looked around a lot as she followed, cautiously, not so confident.

Carter looked back as they walked the forty feet to the house. "It's safe right now, as we just pulled up. The critters will start to reemerge in an hour or so, after things have been quiet for a while."

Jac nodded almost robotically, but she shoved an ear bud into her ear, needing the music in her ears suddenly.

When they reached the door, Carter flipped open a hidden computer access point. There was a handprint identification screen. Carter placed his right hand on the screen, and some of his suits nanites spread out on the screen. There was the sound of door locks disengaging, the the front door popped open a little.

Carter removed his hand from the screen and closed the lid. He then stepped over to the door, and held it open for Kai and Jac. "Ladies first," he said with a smile.

Kai went in and Jac gave him a smile and followed her inside. "Thanks Carter."

He nodded to her, then stepped inside after them. Once they were inside, he closed the door, and it locked automatically behind them. "Okay, there are two bedrooms upstairs, each with their own bath. You both can have those. I'll sleep down here on the fold out couch."

Kai headed up but Jac shook her head. "No, it's ok, you can control your powers, you need your sleep more than me."

Carter grinned softly, then moved to stand in front of Jaclyn. Reaching out, he took gentle hols of her hands and lifted them up between them. "Jac," he started softly as he looked into her eyes. "The whole house is designed to contain a Meta, who is having difficulty holding their powers in check. Also," he lifted her hands up higher, and softly kissed her knuckles. "I want you to have the more comfortable bed. Besides, I'll be fine down here." He gave her a gentle, handsome grin.

She was not sure about this at all. "Carter... " she said, "I have a really bad feeling about all of this."

Smiling softly at her, his eyes filling with compassion for her, he replied honestly. "Jac, I promise, we are safe here. This home, what it really is, is not on any official documentation. The only ones who know about it, are us, Mom, and the Tribal Nation. HYDRA may have its tentacles in a lot of organizations, but they have never been able to infiltrate any of the Tribes. Every single time they have tried, they have been found out moments after they step on Tribal lands. So, we are safe here. And, should someone be lucky enough to get this far, I will burn them to a cinder before they get close enough to harm you or Kai. Even Artemis." He said with his handsome grin.

Jaclyn was still not 100% convinced but she allowed the subject to drop. "okay." she said, dubiously.

"Go ahead and go rest," he said softly. "Things will look better after."

Jac was hesitant, so she slowly began to climb the stairs.

As Jaclyn started to the stairs, Carter could see she was still unsure. "If you need anything, I'll be right here. I won't go anywhere or do anything outside of the cabin, without coming to let you know." He gave her a soft smile, one that seemed to hold a special warmth just for her in it. "Try to sleep. You and Kai are safe here, I promise."

"okay shall try" She replied.

~truncated~