Part 469: Point of View Part 3

7:04 pm
Raven exploded from the floor as he plunged his way from the ceiling of the floor below him. He coughed a bit as the dust from the stucco flowed off of him. He then started to walk down one corridor and the moment he turned, several Liberators found him. They immediately opened fired. The bullets from the distance struck his flesh, ripping it off. More bullets bounced off his metal chassis underneath. Then he started to run toward them; a blue stream of light flowing behind him. He got to the first soldier, then grabbed his rifle and twisted it. The momentum and the force he put behind it snapped the soldier’s arm in three places. Another soldier fired on him at point blank range. Raven ignored it and slammed his foot into his fellow Liberator. The soldier then flew down the hallway as if he was rammed by a semi-truck.

The last soldier was then grabbed by Raven and shoved against the way. The cyborg held him by the neck and glared at him; his eyes glowing a massive blue. The Liberator then looked at the Jaeger Unit’s skin through his overcoat. The skin was a illuminated by another sold blue light. The skin began to craft itself back to it’s original style; as if he was never shot. “You . .you . . .you’re not a Jaeger Unit.” The soldier coughed.

“No, “Raven grunted, “I am Unique.”

“Who . . .who made you?”

“I’m not here to answer your questions, you are here to answer mine,.” The cyborg hissed, “Tell me where Jenny is. The blonde police officer you captured.”

“I . .I don’t know where she is!” the soldier begged.

“DON’T LIE TO ME, YOU VERMIN!!” Raven screamed, squeezing the man’s neck.

“I . . ..swear . . . .” he coughed, trying to breathe, “I . . don’t know . . .where any . . blonde . . .woman is . . . . I can give . . you . . the Spanish woman . . .”

“Spanish?” Raven raised an eyebrow, “Where is this woman?”

“Room . . .422 . . .”

Raven then tossed the soldier down the other end of the hall, like a rolled up newspaper. The cyborg marched down the hallway, even as he could heard explosions echoing below him. A fire alarm could also be heard. He knew it would only be a matter of time before the fire department or even the police showed up. He had to hurry to rescue Jenny and maybe some other people too. There was only one Spanish woman he knew in his life and he couldn’t fathom why she would be here. He prayed he was wrong.

Raven then stopped at the door of room 422. With an easy kick of his right foot, he knocked it down. The door flew off it’s hinges and then slowly fell off of them. The masked man stepped and looked around at the room, which contained only a white-laced cot and a woman in the corner. Her brunette hair was unmistakable as was her face. “Isabella?” he coughed.

The woman looked up from her arms as she hid her face within them. “Raven?” she gasped.

“Oh, my God, it is you!” he walked over to her, “How . . . why did they bring you here?”

The Spanish woman got up and embraced him. She knew him from the Island. They were never the fast of friends but they were friends none the less. She knew that Raven cared for the survivors of flight 815 and the stranded couple fell easily into that category. “Raven . . .I’m glad you are here.” She wept in his chest.

“Isabella, we don’t have much time.” The cyborg said, gently pushing her back, “Do you have any idea where Jenny is?”

“They took her a few hours ago. “ the Spanish woman pointed toward her door, “All I know is that they headed toward the right.”

“Come on.” He said, taking her hand.

Raven then leaded the way down the corridor. At ever door they came across, the Jaeger Unit destroyed it. He had no idea where Jenny was, so he had to check every location. Door after door; he destroyed them all. Still no sign of her. Raven then turned around corner, and then immediately a bullet struck him in his chest. He looked into the distance and saw a soldier that was hiding in a doorway. The look on his face definitely said he was not expecting to see Raven. The cyborg then easily recognized him; he was the man in the back of the truck that detonated his poison capsule.

Karl then continued to fire but Raven shrugged off the rounds. The cyborg rushed him and by the time he was trying to reload; he already grabbed him by the arm. The masked man screamed as he flung Karl down the hallway like a rag doll. The force behind it, severed his arm at the shoulder as his body flew down the hallway. He screamed as he landed; still alive and in agonizing pain. Raven then looked into the room that the Liberator was protecting.

Jenny slowly looked at him. Her hair was soaked in sweat and the lines under her eyes were gray. Burnt marks were around her neck and upper chest. The wires connected to her suggested she had been subjected to electric torture. The masked man then looked over to the other end of the room and saw an older black woman pointing a gun at the blonde cop. “Make a move toward me, Raven,” Ms. Klugh whispered, “And she dies.”

“I think . . .you’ve done enough.” The masked man grunted.

Raven then shot out his left hand and a several spikes of energy thrust from it. The bolts of blue energy collided with Klugh’s gun, making her drop it in a painful scream. The cyborg then slowly walked around Jenny and began to slowly approach her. His eyes were glowing in a brighter blue than ever before. “WAIT!!” Klugh screamed, “Raven, Wait! You can’t kill me!”

“Why not?” he hissed.

“I know who you are!”

Raven then stopped.

“Yes. Yes, I know who you are.” She held out her hand, “I know why you stare at that photo of the blonde girl on the peer. I know why you volunteered for the service.”

Raven stared at the table, lost in thought. His eyes began to lose their glow. Raven had always been curious about who he was and where he came from. He also wanted to know who the woman was in the photo. He would have given anything to learn that information. “Now that you know that, can you really take my life?” Klugh said, “ Is it really worth the price?”

Raven looked back at Jenny. She stared up at him, with tears streaming down her face. She also knew how important that information was to Raven. The cyborg matched her gaze and when he saw her pain; his eyes began to glow a bright blue again. Then he faded in a blue flashed and shot at Ms. Klugh. The woman jerked and screamed as the cyborg punched her clean through the chest, hearing his fist embed in the concrete behind her. The black woman gasped for her final breath. She gently rubbed his mask as she collapsed her head on his shoulder. “Is it worth the price?” Raven whispered in her ear, “I pay it gladly.”

Raven then pulled his arm out of her and let her limp body fall to the ground. The masked man then turned around and walked back toward Jenny. He kneeled down and began to remove her bonds. The blonde cop slowly curled a smile at him. “I knew you’d come for me.” She whispered.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” He laughed a bit.

“Raven . . .Jack, is . . .is he . . .”

“Jack is fine, honey,” he said, as he removed her bonds by her legs, “ He’s down in the outside lobby waiting for you.”

Isabella looked from the doorway at the bonding between the age-old warrior and the younger woman. She marveled at their unique friendship. Raven then picked her up easily and held her in his arms. Jenny wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. She had to admit it felt comforting to have him carry her like a newborn. “I didn’t tell them anything about you, Raven,” she sniffed, “Not once.”

“I know you wouldn’t, Jenny. You are the toughest girl around.” Raven smiled.

“I’m glad you’re alive, Jenny.” Isabella whispered.

“Isabella?” the blonde woman raised her head, “Where . . .where is Desmond?”

“Desmond is here too?” the cyborg gasped.

“I don’t know where he is-“ Isabella started to whimper.

“IZZZYYYY!!!” Desmond screamed.

“WHAT?” the Spanish woman wailed in a surprise jolt. She never expected to hear her husband’s voice come out of the blue.

Isabella then turned the corner and looked down the hallway. Desmond was leaning against the wall, holding onto his leg while blood poured out. She quickly ran to him, laughing over the fact that he was alive. The Scotsman then limped toward her and hugged her with his free arm; holding a gun loosely. “Desmond, are you all right?” she cried.

“I’ll live, luv,” he sighed, “It’s just a flesh wound. When they came for me, a bloody explosion gave me the chance to overpower one. I got his gun and shot the other, only to have a bullet in my leg for the trouble.”

“It could be much worse.” Raven smiled from down the hallway.

Desmond looked at the mask man and began to limp toward him with Isabella’s help. The Scotsman looked up at him and smiled. “Good to see you still in one piece, brother.” He smirked.

“Likewise.” The cyborg replied.

“Desmond, this is Jack’s Jenny.” Isabella pointed.

“Hey, Desmond,” Jenny sighed, “I look forward to having dinner with you away from this crap.”

“I couldn’t have said it better,” the Scotsman patted her on the arm, “Let’s get the bloody hell out of here.”

“FREEZE!!!!” a female woman said, “DROP YOUR GUN AND TURN AROUND SLOWLY!!!”

Desmond then blinked when he heard the woman screaming at him. He was certain he had heard the scream before; a long, long time ago. Isabella stared at her with confusion. She didn’t look like a scientist, nor like one of the Liberation. Jenny then raised her head in the direction of the woman shouting. Even though she had a gun drawn on them, she recognized her easily because of the case with the Rogue Jaeger Unit. “It’s . . .it’s Penelope Widmore.” She coughed.

Desmond then turned around. Isabella remembered the name but never seen her face. Penelope then held her gun toward them. When she saw the face of her former lover, she had to blink several times. She wasn’t sure she could trust her eyes. However, the look on his battered face was also of shock. It truly meant he was the man she had come to love. Penelope started to shake; almost in shock. She let her arm drop, sending her gun to the floor. “Desmond,” she whispered, with teary eyes.

“Long time no see, Pen.” The Scotsman waved; a little teary eyed himself.

Penelope laughed a bit and started walking toward them; her arms held out. Then she jerked twice as two bullets exploded out of her chest. She collapsed onto the floor in a bloody haze. “NOOOOOOO!!!!” Desmond screamed.

The soldiers behind her continued to fire at them. Desmond gritted his teeth and then held up his own pistol; returning fire. The Scotsman screamed in defiance as bullets whizzed about him. Raven quickly turned around; just in time for the metal projectiles to bounce off his back and not hit Jenny. One soldier continued to fire, managing to hit Desmond on his arm. The Scotsman ignored the pain and continued to fire. “IZZY, GET HER!!” he screamed.

Isabella rushed down and then collapsed on all fours; sliding toward her. The Spanish woman grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out of the range of fire. She continued to drag her down the hallway as Raven pushed open a stair way access. He gently set down Jenny on the steps and then ran back to finish the soldiers with Desmond. Isabella grunted as she managed get Penelope into the safety of the stairway. Jenny grunted as she help the brunette pull the woman up to them. She was coughing up blood and her hands couldn’t stop trembling. “Ms. Widmore, hang on.” Jenny begged her.

“This . . .this is my fault . . .I never should have let . . Ben . . .” she coughed.

“Shhh. Don’t talk.” Isabella held her hand over her wounds.

“Your name . . . . is Izzy?” the CEO gagged on the blood in her mouth.

“Isabella.” The Spanish woman whispered.

“You’re . . .his wife?”

“Yes,”

Penelope smiled. She then slowly closed her eyes and took a last breath. She then started to whisper something. Jenny then leaned in to listen to her. The cop then leaned up and then placed her two fingers on her neck. She could not feel a pulse. Isabella closed her eyes and leaned back. Jenny couldn’t help feel sad as well. Penelope didn’t deserve this; she was just an unfortunate victim of evil men using her corporation. Then Raven and Desmond appeared in the door. The Scotsman frantically looked for Penelope and held his mouth open at the sight of her laying limp on the stairs. He slowly collapsed on his knees and held her hand. It was cold to the touch. Desmond then looked to Isabella; she wept silent for the poor woman. “Did she . . . did she say anything?” the Scotsman sniffed.

“She asked if I was your wife and I told her . . .yes.” Isabella confessed.

Desmond shook his head in agreement.

“Jenny, did she whisper anything to you?” the Spanish woman asked her.

Jenny wiped her tears with her sleeve. “All she said was . . .so happy he’s not alone.” The cop replied.

Desmond stared at the body of his former love. Even in her last moments, she was happy that he wasn’t alone. The Scotsman then took her hand and gently kissed the back of her knuckles. An explosion rang out from the top sending down small bits of debris on them. “We can’t stay here.” Raven told his friends.

“Goodbye, Pen.” Desmond whispered as he struggled to get to his feet.

Raven picked up Jenny again and led the way down the stairs. Desmond held onto Isabella as they followed. The group quickly made their way past many flights. More smoke and debris echoed from above. As they finally reached the third floor, they all stopped when they heard a roar from above. Desmond and Isabella gasped considering they only heard the roar a few times. Jenny had heard it more often on her side of the Island. “The Polliwog?” she exclaimed.

“Yeah,” Raven smirked, “He teleported.”

“Why is he here?”

“He’s my backup.” The cyborg said as he kicked the last door.

The group had arrived at the main lobby which was covered in glass and the bodies of fallen Liberation. To the far distance corner by the side exit rested the body of Ecko. Desmond immediately recognized him as did Isabella. “Bloody hell.” the wounded man whispered, “I was hoping the old man found his piece of heaven.”

“He did.” Raven sniffed.

The Jaeger Unit continued on through the lobby, stepping out from some of the broken glass. To his amazement, the majority of the outside was covered in bodies of more Liberators. They were all smoking as if they were scorched by a flame thrower. Raven carried Jenny out among them, as Desmond and Isabella limped out after them. They walked for a few more seconds until they were able to be recognized by their friends in the distance. “RAVEN!!!” Jack yelled.

The cyborg smiled over that Jack made it out alive. Kellye then rushed up to them to make sure Jenny was okay. After a few feet, Desmond and Isabella were greeted by Marita. “Salutations, sister.” The Scotsman smirked as he embraced her.

“Is there anybody else missing?” Raven inquired.

“John . . . .” Mia sniffed, “Our boys haven’t come back yet.”

The cyborg approached her and then gently put his hand on her shoulder. “John, Tony and McKay are the best of the best, Mia.” He assured her, “Regardless, I will do a sweep of the building. To make sure if they get out okay. Besides . . .I can’t just stand by and leave Ecko’s body in there.”

“If you would be so kind, brother.” Desmond piped in, overhearing their conversation, “Could you perhaps . . .bring Penelope out of there?”

“Of course.” The Jaeger Unit said, understanding completely.

The moment Raven made his move to head toward the building, the screech of tires got his attention. Mia then turned sharply at the small access roads surrounding the Hanso Building. More large SUVS, vans and two hummers came out of the roads, coming to abrupt halts around them. The Lakota winced at the prospect of facing more Liberation. She reached down and pulled a pistol out of a dead Liberator’s hip holster. Hal armed himself again as Sayid, Kellye, Ana-Lucia and Jin stood with them. Bursting from the vehicles and vans came more soldiers. Mia then blinked; these men did not look like Liberation. All of their uniforms, body armor and weapons looked professionally made. It didn’t look stolen or salvaged, as the reputation of those terrorists dictated.

The soldiers stopped abruptly, pointing their rifles at the group of survivors. Men in suits came out from the SUV’s and started walking toward them. One of them kneeled down and examined the charred remains of one of the soldiers. “What the hell did this?” he whispered.

“Please put your weapons down!” one of them said, “We’re not here to hurt you. Please, I need to speak to Tony Largo!”

Marita then raised an eyebrow. “Who are you?” she asked.

The older man approached her. He looked like he was in his mid 40’s and judging from the look on his face; he has seen combat easily. “Ma’am, I need to speak with him.” He coughed, “Is he among you? Is he wounded?”

“My husband is still trapped in the building. WHO are you?”

“You’re his wife?” the soldier said smirk, “I never thought the Keyman would settle down. Mrs. Largo, I need you to get your people into these vans as fast as possible.”

“Why? What’s going on? Who are you and these men?” the Latina demanded to know.

“Please, Mrs. Largo, I will explain everything later but we don’t have the time-“

“THEN MAKE THE TIME!” Mia screamed, walking toward them, “Tony is not the only one trapped in the building. Are you going to get our husbands out or aren’t you?”

“You still haven’t said who you are!” Marita pointed out.

“BAUER!!!” someone screamed behind them.

The soldier turned as did Marita and Mia. Approaching them fast was a man in a business suit. He quickly removed his sunglasses and looked like he was about to pop a blood vessel in his face. Mia didn’t need the lack of sunglasses to know he was a government operative. She already knew him, despite the fact that his hair was just a tad whiter. “Inman.” She whispered.

“Bauer, we don’t have time for pleasantries.” He hissed, “Get these people onto the vans.”

“I’m not trying to strong-arm them, Inman, “ Bauer grunted, “These people have already been through enough.”

“And if we don’t get them out of there, they are going to go through MUCH WORSE.”

Mia looked at Inman with contempt. She remembered how he treated them on the battleship that saved them from the Island and from the looks of things, much hadn’t changed. The government man then pulled a small capsule out from his jacket, marked Rolaids. He promptly flopped two into his palm, then shoved them in his mouth. “You couldn’t wait, could you?” he said to Mia and Marita, “You have to go get involved. I was so close to getting more than a Journal about the Liberation. Once again, you have screwed me.”

“They had our children, Inman!” Mia yelled, “What the hell did you expect?”

“What did I expect?” he said, approaching her before Bauer stopped him, “I EXPECTED . . .you to call the cops! But NO! You people . . . for some crazy reason, you people believe you can take on the world!” He took a brief moment to look around at all the bodies, “And it looks like you are succeeding. STILL.”

“Then I guess we should continue to do you job, Inman.” Sayid squinted at him from the sidelines.

“I’ll deal with you later, Jarrah.” He groaned, “In the meantime, do what Bauer says. Let his people take care of your wounded and get the rest of them on the vans. We have to leave this place shortly.”

“What about my husband, and Marita, and Taylor’s?” Mia demanded.

“LOOK, WOMAN!!” Inman screamed, looking like he was about to have a heart attack, “ We’ll get your men out of there. Right now, before the cops, the fire department, the local news and the rest of the DAMN WORLD GET HERE . . . .I want all of you on those vans!”

Mia felt like spitting in the man’s face. However, he did have a point. She wanted to leave this horrible place. She had no choice but to trust him at his word that they would wait till John, Tony and McKay got out of the building. Then she saw the soldiers move to the left. Raven heard everything but it didn’t change the fact that he was going to get his friend out of the building for a proper burial. “ Excuse me, sir!” Bauer screamed, “I can’t let you go back into that building!”

Raven stopped as the soldiers surrounded him. “Let him go, Bauer!” Inman called, “Besides . . .you couldn’t stop him if you wanted to.”

Raven looked back at the CIA agent with a glare. Inman looked at him and then motioned for the cyborg to go on. The soldiers opened a gap and he ran through; moving as fast as he could into the building. Jenny held onto Kellye and Ana-Lucia, watching her friend leave. She then looked over to Inman, who was fishing out the same Rolaids capsule. “You knew?” she asked, implying about Raven’s uniqueness.

“I’ve always known.” He said popping in three more antacids and walking away.

The survivors began to follow the soldier’s orders as they started to march toward the vans. Ana-Lucia and Kellye helped carry Jenny while Marita and Isabella helped carry Desmond. The parents of the various kidnapped children followed them to the medical vehicles. Mia paused for a moment while they wrapped Locke in a body bag and then started to carry him off. She wiped a tear, not knowing how she’ll move onward without her adoptive father. Then an explosion echoed above her. The Lakota turned, still holding her daughter and looked upward. The building was even more on fire than it was a few minutes ago. She looked upward and thought she saw a helicopter leave; but couldn’t tell for all the smoke. More fire and more smokes shot from the multiple windows. “Is daddy okay?” Shelley sniffed.

“I don’t know, baby.” She hugged her daughter