Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Perishes in Flame
May 2014
Maria,
If you are reading this, then I was successful. I am really sorry for everything. The last 4 months you have advocated for me and I say it’s been an honor to serve alongside you. My death has nothing to do with the way you treated me. I appreciate the kindness you have shown me. But the pain goes too deep. I can’t list everything unless I risk putting you in danger. But above all, I cannot continue without Christian and be a weapon to be used.
My affairs have been set aside. My lawyer's contact information is enclosed. He will handle everything. I have made sure to finish all my outstanding reports and anything I know is written down.
Regards,
Alex
Alex read over the letter before putting it in the envelope.
That’s it then. Just need to get through the rest of the day. Once I am home, that’s it.
Alex put the envelope in his desk. He would leave it out when he left that night. All his affairs were in order. The sparse office didn’t have much of his personal effects. Most of that was still in boxes back at the house. Finally, he would be free. Free of the pain of losing Chris. Free of the nightmares. And Free of the CIA. His Contract said service until Death or 68. He sure as hell wasn’t sticking around that long. He did well in his time. Gomez and his girl were safe thanks to him. But being black ops was not what he signed up for.
He also couldn’t live with Hurting Andy. 2 years in that facility. Andy probably thought Alex was dead anyway. He couldn’t even call him the second he was “free”. Alex just didn’t have the nerve. He looked up Andy’s records and saw that he had married in 2011. He’s got a life now. No need for Andy to take care of him anymore. There is nothing that Andy could do to protect him from the monsters that haunted Alex. They were bigger than Nick could ever dream to be.
A knock came at the door.
“Come in” Alex said, keeping up his mask.
Agent Maria Flores came in. “Hey. You busy?”
“I got time. What’s going on?”
“So my hunch has paid off.” She said with a grin. “With the declassified Stargate data, we were able to get a model to search law enforcement databases for cases that could match known powers.”
“Have you had any luck? Sounds like you may have millions of records?” Alex said. The search for Person X that was suspected of being the cause of the Arcadia Bay anomalies had been fruitless. Smith suspected they may have died in the storm.
“Just came through this morning.” She said, handing Alex a folder. “His name is Tyler Evans. 12 years old. And in foster care. Dad passed away in 2009. Mom was stripped of rights back in 2012 after her boyfriend assaulted the boy, and she failed to show up to any visitation.”
Alex looked at the picture on the file. Cute kid. But the summary wasn’t out of the ordinary. Hundreds of kids in the system had some form of this story.
“Just because he has a dead dad and a shit mother doesn’t mean he is like me. What’s so special about this kid?”
Flores reached over to turn the page. “The night he was assaulted, the boyfriend suffered a mysterious head injury and had memory loss. DCF reports say Tyler had visual artifacts after the attack”
“So the kid fought back and suffered head trauma?”
Flores turned the page again. This time to an FBI investigation report. “There is way more, Alex. This report has Tyler witnessing a sexual assault on another child at the group home he was at. His statements say he witnessed the man enter the room and heard noises. The problem is security footage shows Tyler on the playground at the time the assault took place. Other than that discrepancy, Tyler’s story matched the victim’s”
Alex took a look at the photo. In the file. It showed Tyler sitting by himself. Close to the building. “Ok, a bit weird, but maybe the victim told Tyler, and he took the initiative to help his friend?”
“That’s what I thought at first, and same with the FBI agent on this case. The creep had so much evidence against him that they didn’t bother to follow up on Tyler. But as more files came in there seems to be a lot more. Take a look.”
Alex thumbed through the reports. DCF reports of a foster family breaking up due to infidelity being exposed by Tyler. School reports of cheating on quizzes and exams. Even a report on him bullying another student using their secrets. This fit with most of Stargate’s traits for telepaths.
“Damn, this is one busy kid. So what do you think are the odds of this kid having powers?”
“Model says 82%,” Flores said. “It’s worth a shot. I think you should be the one to interview Tyler. If he is some sort of telepath, he might respond well to someone like him.”
Shit. Alex thought to himself. A kid like me? What if it’s true? Shit, this kid would be in danger. Maria doesn’t understand.
“Alex? What do you say? Go over there and talk with the kid. If it’s legit, let's get to know him.”
“What do you think the council would do with him? Miller did a lot of damage with his attempted revival of the Stargate Project.” Alex was having second thoughts.
“Miller is no longer with the CIA. But what if we have you mentoring those we find? It’s crazy and given this record here, Tyler would be a challenge, but we could handle it.” Flores smiled. “You up for it?”
Well, it can’t hurt. Alex thought. “Sure.”
Smith pulled up to the county DCF office. Flores got all the paperwork arranged. He would be playing an FBI agent following up on the assault of the boy’s friend.
“Oh, you are here for Evans!” Ms Marsha greeted Alex. She had a warm smile, but her eyes showed the weight of her job. “Let’s get you settled here. I understand you may want to take him to your office?”
“Potentially, ma’am, he wouldn’t be under arrest or anything, but we are concerned about some inconsistencies that may derail the case.”
“Tyler is a tough one. He is really a good kid, but he is just so guarded and suspicious. But when he wants to do good, he will go above and beyond to help. I hope he can help keep that man behind bars.”
“It’s my hope as well.” Alex hated lying about the reason. That’s all the CIA was. Lies stacked on lies. No matter.
The social worker left the room to get the boy. Alex took a deep breath to center himself. He held the fun memories up front. If this kid is a mind reader, he didn’t need him picking up the crap.
The small auburn-haired boy came into the room. Immediately, Smith sensed something different with the boy. Smith gave a warm smile.
Ms Marsha introduced Tyler. “Agent Smith, this is Tyler, the boy you were asking about. Tyler, this is FBI Special Agent Smith. He had a few questions about the man at Forever Smiles.”
Tyler held a suspicious look in his eye. Smith felt a strange sensation.
“Hi, Mr Smith,” Tyler said hesitantly.
“Hey Tyler, just the man I wanted to talk to. If you don’t mind, I had a few questions about that man that hurt your friend.” Alex smiled. He still felt like he was being probed by something.
“Tyler, would you like me to be present? You have that right.” Ms Marsha asked.
The boy didn’t take his eyes off Alex. “No, I am fine. I would be glad to help get that asshole what he deserves.”
“How are you doing, Tyler?” Alex asked, trying to warm up Tyler.
“I’m fine, sir,” Tyler replied. Those eyes were looking for something. Alex kept his mind clear.
“There is no need for sir here. I’m not big into formal stuff." Alex said, opening the file Flores gave him. “I had some questions, according to your statement you said you saw Mr. Jackson head into the room with your friend. Was that correct?"
"Yes, like I said to the 10 other cops who asked," Tyler said in an annoyed tone. "I saw them go in, and I heard the noises."
"Hmm, I see." Alex Thumbed through the file. "It also says you have had some issues with snooping through your foster parents' things and finding out things you shouldn't. Is that true?"
Tyler raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said I wasn't in trouble. What does that have to do with my friend?"
"Surveillance video shows you were out on the playground when the assault took place." Alex handed over the photo of the surveillance video. "Now I am trying to tie up loose ends. I just need the truth, no lies."
"Like you lied about being FBI?” Tyler covered his mouth and had a wide eye expression.
How the fuck? Alex’s mind flashed to fear. Before coming back. So this kid is special. Alex pressed on. This kid would try something, and Alex was ready for it.
"I see you also got in trouble a few weeks back from copying a test. Though how is still a mystery. Your desk was several rows away."
Tyler looked really frustrated. He raised his hand up, but Alex was ready. He felt the kid trying to enter his mind. Alex pulled up the memory of how he and Flores escaped Arcadia Bay, how he trained with powers, and the formation of the task force. The sensation was strange yet familiar. Alex couldn’t tell what it was from.
The boy sat back in his chair.
"Telepathy, I see. It all makes sense." Agent Smith said, looking at Tyler.
"You… you're like me, aren't you?" Tyler asked, "this wasn't about the case, was it?"
"Correct on all accounts, at least for me, it's telekinesis. Apologies for the secrecy. I hope you understand." Alex said, feeling joy for the first time in a long time.
"I'm not alone." It wasn’t a question. The boy was reassuring himself.
"It appears neither of us are." Alex reached into his bag. He floated a Chococrisp over to Tyler.
"That's so cool," Tyler said, poking at the floating bar before grabbing it. "Thank you sir."
"Call me Alex." Alex reached out to shake his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Alex. For real!” Tyler looked happy. “What happens now? Am I joining the Avengers?”
Alex let out a laugh. “Not quite. My boss wants to meet. If you are up for it?”
“Of course!” Tyler said. Alex could see the attitude change.
“Let me talk to Ms Marsha. Then we will pick up AFC on the way.”
Outside the conference room, Tyler was back to being suspicious of the staff, so no one noticed. Alex shot a text to Flores letting her know. Tyler had a spring in his step when they got to the SUV.
“I really can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it! Is there anyone else like us? Do you know anyone else? When can I meet them?” Tyler was talking a mile a minute.
“Buddy, let me answer your questions first before asking more questions.” Alex chuckled, “Well, I know there were other people that existed, but I have never met another like us before today.”
“Oh that’s cool… Hey, can you fly?”
“Nah, that would be a cool thing to do though, wouldn’t it? No more traffic. Can drop in on bad guys.” Alex pulled out on the main road.
“What is going to happen to that creep, Jackson?” Tyler was more serious.
“Last I heard, he is looking at least 30 years in jail.”
“Good. I hate him”
“Can’t blame you, dude.”
“I sensed the cops may have been upset that I lied about seeing it. Was that wrong?” Tyler asked.
“Thankfully, the creep had so much evidence stacked against him, your statement wasn’t needed. The prosecution believed your friend told you. Still, powers or not, it was very brave of you to stand up for him.”
Tyler gave a smile. “Thanks.”
They pulled into the parking lot of AFC. Alex heard Tyler’s stomach growl.
“Someone’s hungry?” Alex teased. “Come on. You can get what you want. The government is paying.”
“Really? Anything?” Tyler was being suspicious again. “Even if it’s not on the kids' menu?”
“If you think you can handle it, go for it.”
They went inside to order. Tyler settled on the chicken sandwich deluxe and some sides. The boy was hungry.
“Dad used to take me here. He would always order this and let me have a bite. I used to return the favor and share my kids' meal.” Tyler took a bite out of his sandwich. “I miss him… What’s your family like, Alex?”
Alex didn’t know how to respond. Tyler looked at him. “I don’t have a family I’m still in contact with.” Alex admitted. “My dad and grandparents are gone, and my birth- Mother and I haven’t spoken in years.”
“You have a sister too?” Tyler asked.
“You are good.” Alex said. Tyler grinned. “I haven’t even told my colleague about my sister. She would be a little older than you are. But I haven’t seen her since she was 4.”
“I’m sorry,” Tyler said.
“No, it's fine. Life just happens. I’d like to hear more about your dad. He sounds like he was a fun guy.”
Tyler reminisced about his dad. As he was talking about him, Alex reminisced of his own dad. About how Alex was never given the opportunity to say goodbye or even go to the funeral. Tyler stopped and looked at Alex.
“Wow, your mom never let you go to the funeral?” Tyler said. “That’s messed up…”
“Wow, I will need to watch where my mind wanders around you, don’t I?” Alex joked.
“Sometimes it just happens. I wasn’t doing it on purpose, I promise!”
They finished their meals and hopped back in the car. As Alex pulled out of the parking lot, Tyler said. “You hold a deep sadness in you. Sorry, it’s just something I’m sensing. I know it’s a secret, I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
“Yeah, the last few years have not been great to either of us, it seems.”
“Yeah powers are cool and all but this sucks. I miss my dad, and for some dumb reason I miss mom too. Is that crazy?” Tyler asked
“Kid, when my mom kicked me out, I still missed her. Still hope she’d come back to get me and say she was sorry. I don’t think it’s crazy at all to want her back.”
“Did you see her again?” Tyler asked.
“Once. She came for my grandparents' funeral. I thought she wanted to at least get to know me. When she found out she was cut out of the will, she went right back to being a monster.”
Tyler was quiet for a few moments. “I think my mom would be the same. I was always close to dad. We’d go on trips all the time. Mom was always too tired to go.”
“I’m sorry bud,” Alex said.
“It’s ok. In fact, I’m still really happy I get to meet someone like me! I think you are really cool, Alex!” Tyler said smiling.
The radio station started playing Saint Elmo’s Fire.
“Oh my god. Dad loved this song!” Tyler said excitedly. “Can you turn it up please?”
Alex turned up the radio. Tyler started rocking out. Once the lyrics kicked in, Tyler started singing. He was surprisingly good for his age. Alex tapped along on the steering wheel.
Maybe someday if you feel the pain,
You’ll find you're all alone, everything has changed
Play the game you know you can’t quit until it’s won,
Soldier on, only you can do what must be done,
Tyler looked at Alex and continued.
You know in some ways you're a lot like me, you’re just a prisoner, and you’re trying to break free!
Something inside Alex changed. That morning, he had been so certain in his decision. But instead of coasting through his last day on earth, he now had a boy in the passenger seat who was excited to finally not be alone in the world. More importantly, Alex knew with him not here, this boy would be at the mercy of the same government that pushed Alex to the brink.
Soon be home, only just a few miles down the road
I can make it, I know, I can
You broke the boy in me, but you won't break the man
Alex couldn't help but smile. Miller may have nearly broke him, but Alex was not going to let them hurt this boy. Alex Joined in on the Chorus.
During the solo, Alex noticed Tyler motioning his fingers like he was playing the Piano. Tyler looked over and smiled, bouncing to the beat.
Just once in his life, a man has his time
And my time is now, I'm coming alive
Tyler drummed on the dash. Both of them belted the next chorus.
I can hear the music playin', I can see the banners fly
Feel like you're back again, and hope ridin' high
Gonna be your man in motion, all I need's this pair of wheels
Take me where my future's lyin', St. Elmo's fire
Alex parked at the building as the song finished.
“You’re a pretty good singer, kid.”
“You’re not bad for a dinosaur.” Tyler joked.
“Just when I was starting to like you.” Alex teased back, “I noticed you doing the keyboard parts. Do you play the piano?”
“I had lessons for about 6 months before dad died. Mom canceled the lessons and sold my keyboard for extra cash… I still watch lessons on YouTube though! I just wish they would let me have a keyboard.”
“That’s rough. It looks like we are here.”
Alex shot a quick text to Flores letting her know they arrived.
“Alright, are you ready?” Alex asked.
Tyler just sat there staring at the building. Alex could see fear in his eyes
“Tyler, is everything ok?”
He shook his head, “Sorry, it’s just a feeling. They aren’t taking me away, are they?”
“No, no. Buddy no. Of course not. Right now it’s just to meet with my Colleague and a specialist who wants to confirm a few things. We will be taking you back tonight when we are done.”
Tyler eased, looking at Alex. He could sense Alex was telling the truth. “If they do try?”
“They won’t like the outcome. Nothing bad will happen to you with me there. I promise.” Alex was for certain on that.
Tyler smiled. “Ok, let’s go”
Flores greeted Tyler warmly and introduced Doctor Benowitz. Once Tyler sensed he truly wasn’t in danger, he quickly warmed up.
Flores tried a guessing test. “What number am I thinking of?”
“12”
“Now what color-“
“Lavender, it’s a special tint you got at Home Depot for your living room. Your mom hates it”
Flores smiled. Tyler giggled.
“I told you he was good.” Alex said laughing.
“My, my. I can’t believe this. This boy exceeds anything Stargate found.” Doc said taking notes. “Tell me, son, what do you see when you use this power of yours.”
“When I see people out and about I see this aura around like earlier when I was talking with Alex I saw-”
Alex thought Tyler was going to tell everyone his plan.
“-a glow of golden yellow around him when he found out about me.” Tyler finished.
Phew.
They spent almost 2 hours talking with Tyler. He went over everything that had happened since he got his powers. Tyler enjoyed having people really listening to him. Towards the end, Doc said he had a lot to read up on and thanked the boy for his time and looked forward to seeing him again.
“Tyler, it's time we get you back to Ms Marsha.” Alex said checking the time.
“Hey Alex,” Flores said. “I need to head that direction anyway. I’ll go ahead and take him back and have a talk with Marsha. Can you get started on your report to Sheppard? He wants a meeting first thing to discuss our little superhero here.”
“Ah, man!” Tyler said. “I still have so much to ask.”
“It’s ok buddy. That paperwork is just so we can help you.”
“Will I see you again?” Tyler held the same suspicious look he had this morning.
“Of course,” Alex said, smiling.
“Do you promise?” Tyler’s eyes searched into his soul.
Tyler must have been suspicious of Alex’s letter no one knew about. Alex took a deep breath.
“I promise we will see each other again. I promise that I will do everything I can to help you. Ok?”
Tyler ran to hug Alex. “Thank you!” Tyler was tearing up. So was Alex. He felt a strange sensation as Tyler hugged him. Tyler pulled away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to read you, but, Christian seemed like a good man. He’d be proud of you!”
“Thank you, Tyler,” Alex said, trying not to cry right then and there. “Have a good night!”
“You too Alex!” He said before turning and leaving with Flores.
Alex got into his office and closed the door. He started crying. He felt so stupid for wanting to end it. But he had to be strong. This boy would easy pickings to someone like Miller. Alex couldn’t let that happen. He was powerful enough to stand up to Miller and his allies at that awful lab. That boy, not so much.
Alex took a deep breath. He knew what needed to be done. Alex tossed the letter in the shredder with his powers and logged into his computer.
Before quitting time, Alex had 5 pages of a proposal. It boiled down to the task force taking over Tyler’s case and any other person found. They work to study and grow his abilities while keeping him in a normal environment. He attached the document and sent it.
There was only one thing left to do now.