Chapter 18

Alan appeared back in the bunker a few moments later amid smirks from the other 4. “You really think it was a good idea that you let her go?” Harman said though he made no move toward Alan.

“I don’t see why not.” Alan replied. “I felt no one there where she was that was in any way strong enough to penetrate our bunker. Besides,” Alan started with a smirk, “I felt she was somewhat turned on by you.”

Harman’s face registered shock causing both Angelika and his sister Truda, to break out in a round of giggling. “Me?” Harman finally managed to get out, an even more severe look of shock on his face.

“Yes you brother,” Truda said after a moment. “You are after all ruggedly handsome. If you weren’t my brother I might try a go at you my self!” This of course caused Harman to back away and the others to almost fall on the floor laughing. “Hey! I’m serious! I happen to like his looks!”

Alan nodded then sat to think, the old man he’d met was the strongest there. The thing is Alan felt that the man was hiding his power. This was a lot like he did when he first started out. Then there was the fact that the man had a familiar feeling to him. It was the strangest thing; Alan could swear he’d met the man before.

Shaking his head he turned back to Harman who was still running from his sister. Laughing a moment Alan still felt that he knew the man nagging at the back of his mind. Shrugging he decided that for now he’d shelf it ‘til he got a better handle on it.

Alan called Varick aside a few minutes later to discuss with him about future strategy. “I know that you are the leader of this group and have been for a very long time. The thing is I am used to being on my own; it’s hard for me to follow what you say. I’m not saying you are a bad leader it’s just that I just cannot always follow like the others do.”

Varick was nodding the whole time he’d pretty much expected Alan to say this. Sighing he knew that they needed Alan far too much to let him go out on his own. Then again they were just starting to gain the power to resist the doctor and his assistant now. Without Alan, Varick knew they wouldn’t be half as far along as they were now.

“I know it is hard Alan, though I cannot give complete leadership over to you, I do wish to share it. I have been doing this for longer than I can remember. Even a little relief would be a welcome change. I know your mother would accept this, as I am sure Truda would. The problem I see is Harman; with him trust is something he is extremely stingy with. I think the fact that you can do something for his sister that he can’t is gnawing at him. He has been her protector for as long as they both can remember. I think he needs to be able to give her something, something that he will feel he has control again with her.” Varick said with all frankness.

Alan nodded he might not completely agree with Varick’s reasoning but he could see the logic in it. Alan sat in silence for a few minutes contemplating everything that Varick had said. Something that Harman could feel he’d gained control over in his quest to protect his sister. Hmmm interesting Alan thought though for the moment there was only one thing Alan could think of. The problem was if Harman was willing enough to go that far for his sister? His only family?

Alan looked over at Varick with a small grin, “I may have a plan, but getting Harman on board might be difficult even for you. Here’s my idea so far...”

Harman had been watching his sister for an hour now; he felt he’d lost so much with her now. Sighing he could see that it was a losing proposition with her. It seemed as if nothing he did now was right. Staring intensely he didn’t notice Alan or Varick across the room watching him as he watched his sister.

Varick nodded to Alan and started to walk across the room to talk to Harman. Finally breaking Harman’s focus on his sister, Varick started to question Harman about strategy. Alan who’d withdrawn behind the wall, smiled as he gently reached out for Harman. It all depended on just how distracted Varick kept Harman. Reaching in Alan started to adjust the areas that he knew would let Harman affect all the effects that would be needed. A full ten minutes later Alan had felt numerous parts that he moved fall into place.

Touching Varick’s mind, Alan waited as the man retreated back to him. “Did you achieve all you set out to?” Varick whispered as he came around the corner where Alan was hiding.

“I think so; I did have to move quite a few things around to get him there. I think all we have to do is wait and enjoy any show that may take place.” Alan told Varick who was nodding.

Suddenly a thought crossed Varick’s mind, “he won’t have an effect on Angelika will he?”

Chuckling a bit Alan replied, “No, I have him tuned to his sister only. Though maybe one day, by then I am sure that it might not be a good idea. All of you are increasing each day, as I said it might not be a good idea then.” Alan looked straight at Varick, “I am sure you remember your sister’s anger.” Varick nodded and shook a bit, who in the hell could forget?

“Do you think he will need a push or a thought toward what you talked about? She is after all his sister; he might find all this repulsive.” Varick asked pensively.