Justin stepped from behind the
curtains and approached the podium at the front of the massive amphitheater,
the entire community sat before him, the feeling of excitement was palpable. He
tapped on the microphone to get everyone’s attention. When the crowd fell
silent he spoke.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of Thorn
Valley. We again have faced and overcome a crisis, but this was no ordinary
crisis. It brought together the best and worst of human kind and our kind.”
He said, a questioning murmur went through the crowd. “I will explain that
shortly. Jenner and Dr. Schultz are no more.” He said. The crowd erupted in
applause. He raised his hands to silence them. “We are safer now than ever
before and though there are many who we have to thank for that, there are two
whom most of you are not aware of, one of them had been thought lost to us a
long time ago but has at last returned.” Justin said, applause and cheers had
already started before he had finished speaking. “May I proudly introduce
Jonathan Brisby.” He said and the entire crowd rose to its feet and continued
with its jubilation. From behind the curtain Jonathan stepped forward. He
waited for the jubilation to die down. Justin handed the mike to Jonathan.

“Thank you, my friends. I have
missed you all so much. I am glad I was able to arrive in time to help. I am
sure you would all like to know how I escaped Dragon.” There was a rumble of
agreement from the crowd. “I have an interesting tale to tell, but this tale
isn’t just about me, it involves another. His name is Dante.” There was more
cheering from the audience. “He has asked me to tell his story before he joins
us here before you.” Jonathan then proceeded to tell the strange tale of what
had happened from the time of his encounter with Dragon to the end of the
battle and he then proceeded to explain to them about Dante and his origins and
his connection to them and detailed all that he had done for them. The crowd
was silent the entire time, looks of shock and amazement on their faces.

“As you can see, Dante has
sacrificed a great deal to come to our aid and we believe he has earned the
right to be here. So I ask that you join Justin, my family and myself in welcoming
him to Thorn Valley.” Then Jonathan turned to the curtains. “Dante.” He
said. The curtains parted and Dante slowly walked forward, his eyes downcast,
for fear of the community rejecting him. He joined them at the front. The
applause started slowly, then it grew louder and louder and many even rose to
their feet. Dante looked up at the crowd and smiled. Jonathan handed the mike
to him. Dante looked alarmed at the idea of addressing the crowd. He walked
hesitantly to the front. The noise died down.

“Thank you, I am honored and
humbled that you are willing to let me share in what you have built here. As a
citizen of Thorn Valley I will do my very best to prove myself worthy of your
trust and friendship.” He said and the crowd cheered again. He quickly
handed the mike back to Jonathan, who then handed it back to Justin. Justin
then proceeded to give a detailed account of the events leading up to the
battle and then of the battle itself, giving great praise to Captain Killian
and most especially Rose. Justin then asked them to join him on stage. Justin
noticed that Rose, in keeping with her transformation had traded in her simple
red cloak for a long red dress. When they joined him on stage the crowd
erupted in applause again. Each addressed the crowd and spoke of the battle.
When they had finished the crowd cheered again. Justin held up his hands to
silence the crowd.

“My friends, Thank you and let
the celebration begin!” Justin said and the crowd rose to its feet and cheered
and moments later the crowd began to disperse. Killian patted Dante on the
back.

“Congratulations, citizen
Dante.” He said warmly. Rose hugged Dante.

“Indeed, welcome.” She said.

“Well done, heroes of Thorn
Valley. I think the public awaits its chance to thank you all in person. Have
fun.” Justin said and turned to leave.

“Aren’t you coming?” Jonathan
asked in surprise.

“I have just a little more
business to take care of, then I’ll join you.” He replied.

Dante and Jonathan were mobbed
everywhere they went. It took them both over half an hour to get outside to
where the festivities were being held at the lake side, where there was much
food, music (provided by Thorn Valley’s premier musical group, the Rat-Tones)
and dancing. The food immediately drew Dante, in particular a strange and
wondrous smell, it was something being barbecued. He followed his nose to
where several very large, long heavily laden spits were being turned over open
fires, it appeared to be ribs of some kind. Dante approached. A large rat
with very bright orange fur, dressed as a cook appeared. He grabbed Dante’s
hand and shook it vigorously.

“Dante, I’m ‘Salsa’ Bob. Its
great to finally get to meet you. I don’t know what you think of the food
here, but I’m cooking up something here that might be more in line with your
pallet.” He said and went to the ribs and cut off a big chunk and put it on a
plate that he then offered to Dante. Dante was hesitant.

“What kind of ribs are these, if
I may ask?” Dante asked suspiciously.

“Rattlesnake, the barbecue sauce
is my own secret recipe. This disagreeable fellow came in over the side of the
valley and caused all sorts of trouble, but Brutus, by himself killed it. I am
told it was an amazing battle to behold.” He replied. As Dante looked closer
he noticed that Bob was not entirely orange, around his eyes there was what
seemed like a mask of black fur with a line of similar color that circled his
head, like an outline of a pair of goggles with a strap. When Bob noticed his
stare, he smiled.

“About the orange. I am a
chemist by trade, recently I had a little accident in the lab and ended up
looking like this. Its not permanent, luckily.” He said and laughed.

Dante took a bite of rib, they
were quite good.

A short time later after he had
explored the buffet, he made his way to where the majority of the people were
dancing and sitting on the grass listening to the music. He soon found where
some of the Brisby family sat. He saw Tim, Jenny and Mr. and Mrs.. Brisby.
When Rose saw him she waved for him to join them.

“Is everyone making you feel at
home?” She asked as he sat down.

“Yes.”

“See, even at the beginning I
told you they’d love you.” Jonathan said.

“So, where are the others?”
Dante asked.

“Martin and Teresa are dancing
their hearts out with their future spouses, I haven’t seen Cynthia yet and for
that matter where is Justin?” Rose wondered.

Justin sat at his desk looking
over the reports Tim had given him. He found it hard to imagine the life that
the prisoners had endured. The violence, the suffering. When they had been
captured they expected to be killed because they were impure. They expected
the people of Thorn Valley to treat them the way Jenner had treated them.
Would he be able to convince the citizens of Thorn Valley that the other colony
needed their help? It was one thing to ask the citizens to risk their lives to
protect their own people, but could he ask them to risk their lives to free
this other colony from its bondage. It was indeed fortunate that no defenders
had been killed, if there had then there would have been cries of blood for
blood and the prisoners might have been in a worse position than they were in
now. It wasn’t fortune that no one was killed, it was impossible.
Nicodemus, somehow you had something to do with this, you’re still alive aren’t
you? You cheated death just like Jonathan, Jenner and Dr. Schultz. I don’t
know how you survived. I helped free your body from the rubble, you were dead
and so was Jenner and believe me I made sure of that. Where are you old
friend? He asked himself, suddenly there was a knock on the door. He
looked up in alarm as the door opened. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw
that it was Cynthia Brisby and not Nicodemus. Cynthia had traded in her
fatigues for a long white gown with a wide blue ribbon near the top that was
tied into a huge bow behind her back. She walked up to his desk, which was
shoulder height to her, she folded her arms on top of the desk and rested her
chin on her hands and looked up at him with a big smile.

“Why haven’t you joined the
party yet?” She asked.

“There were just some things I
had to take care of. By the way, congratulations on winning the gold star.”
He said. She smiled.

“Thank you.” She said and then
after a moment’s pause. “You wouldn’t have had anything to do with that would
you?” She asked.

“Absolutely not, you earned it.
We both know it.” He assured her with a big smile. She beamed with pride.

“Enough with work, this is the
time to celebrate. We’ve all gotten happy endings. We won, Dante got a new
home and now I even have my father back, isn’t that wonderful?” She said.
Just for an instant she saw a flash of pain in Justin’s eyes.

“Yes, it is. I wasn’t
exaggerating when I said that he was like a brother to me. By the time we had
escaped from NIMH all our families were long gone, so all we had were each
other. Your father and I were the youngest of the escapee’s and the most
similar in personality. I was devastated by his death, don’t forget, I saw it
happen. That image haunted my dreams for years. But now that he’s back I’m
overjoyed that you and your family can all be together again.” He said, but
she could hear the hint of strong emotion in his voice. She smiled sweetly,
walked around to him and to his great surprise she climbed onto his lap, the
way she did when she would sneak into his office to keep him company when she
was little.

“Cynthia!” He said in
embarrassment. She looked up into his eyes.

“Justin, I want you to remember
something always.” She said.

“What is that?”

“Jonathan Brisby is my father,
but you Justin will always be ‘daddy’ to me.” she said and hugged him
tightly. He sighed happily and wrapped his arms around her.

“My little angel.” He
whispered, a tear running down his cheek. After a long while they broke their
embrace.

“I’m sure their wondering where
we are.” Justin said as he lifted Cynthia up and placed her gently on the
ground. When he stood she reached up and took his arm and together they left
to join the celebration.

Dante sat and watched the
festivities in silence. What now? He asked himself. His thoughts were
interrupted when Cynthia stepped in front of him, she held out her hand.

“I dare to dance with the
little white mouse.” She said boldly. He looked up at her in stunned silence
for a few moments, seeing her for the first time without the grime and grease
paint, she looked...beautiful. He nervously looked to Jonathan and Rose, they
just smiled. He rose to his feet and Cynthia grabbed his hand and drew him
amongst the dancers. She took his other hand and put it on her waist and together
they slowly began to dance. Dante could feel his heart rate skyrocket. Why
do I feel this way? Do I actually feel that strongly about her? I’ve known
her less than three days. Love at first sight? What am I saying, she’s a
rodent! But...so am I. I want to stay here in Thorn Valley, but how deeply do
I want to be one of them? If this is really how I feel about her then there is
no turning back. He thought desperately to himself. She giggled.

“Dante, are you nervous?” She
asked coyly.

“Uh...What makes you say that?”
He asked nervously.

“Your ears have turned bright
red, that’s something else you’ll have to get used to. They give away your
emotions every time.” She said. He looked embarrassed.

“I saw you stand alone against
an entire army. You stared death in the face and made it blink with not the
least bit of fear or uncertainty. Yet, here with me, my hand in yours, your
heart is racing...I’m very flattered.” She said. He looked into her big brown
eyes. Could she actually feel the same way about me? He asked himself
and as if in answer to his question he saw to his astonishment that her ears
began to turn deep red.

From her cell Mercy could hear
the sounds of music and merriment. The smell of food even found its way into
her cell. She glanced at the bread and water that had been left for her. She
listened sadly to the joy of the defenders as they celebrated their victory.

I could have been one of
you. She again lamented. A short time later the guards opened the door.
Timothy Brisby entered, in his hand he held a basket of food.

“I bring this, compliments of
Justin.” He said and put it at her feet.

“Thank you, sir.” She
responded, he left moments later. Eager to return to celebrating our
defeat, to deliver this, so that Justin could rub my face in his victory. She
thought. She sat looking at it for quite a while, but eventually the enticing
smell made her lean forward. What if its poisoned? No, Justin would not do
anything so subtle, what he has in store for me will not be behind closed
doors. She thought. She hesitantly tasted the many strange and exotic
foods, they were all very good. I suppose that for a last meal it might as
well be something better than bread and water. she thought.

Rose was happy. She had her
entire family together and she was even young enough now to enjoy them, in fact
she now looked and felt as young as she did the day she had first met Jonathan,
who himself still looked as young as he did the first day they met. She hugged
him tightly.

“Would you care to dance, my
love?” He asked. Rose was on her feet in an instant. She helped him to his
feet and they held each other closely as they danced. They had been apart far
longer than they had been together. Each had secretly worried that the other’s
feelings might have faded over time, but to their relief, if anything they were
stronger than when they had been together before. All was right with the
world, Rose saw that even Killian, who had only days before lamented his
loneliness and isolation now had his hands full in the company of several
attractive young ladies, all vying for his attention and she smiled as she saw
Justin and Isabella blissfully dancing in each others arms.

The festivities lasted well into
the night and into the early morning. For most of the residents of Thorn
Valley the day started considerably later than it would normally have. The
interview with Mercy that Justin had planned for that morning had been
postponed to the afternoon. Mercy found herself strangely calm. She spent
part of the morning brushing her fur and brushing the dust off her robe so that
she could at least face her fate with a little dignity. A short time later the
door was opened and again Timothy Brisby appeared. The expression on his face
was a deadly serious one.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

“I am ready.” She replied and
followed him out the door. A short distance away she heard noise coming from
the cell, she glanced back and saw that the contents of the room that had been
removed to make room for her were being put back inside. Mercy felt a lump in
her throat. As a prisoner I came into this world and so shall I leave it as
one.

She thought sadly. She followed
Timothy nervously as he led her to the main entrance. Brutus followed in step
behind them. She was awed by what she saw. What little she had seen of the
community through her master’s magical viewer had impressed her, but to
actually be here to see it in person was truly overwhelming, especially
compared to the squalor and privation of the majority of the citizens of
Jenner’s community. As they neared Justin’s office Mercy watched with silent
horror as they walked along the carpet that was still stained with the blood of
the traitorous Captain Owen. At last he led her past several guards, through a
large door, into a reception area with a small desk and filing cabinets.

“A word of advice, if you do
find it necessary to make a reference to someone without the NIMH genes, whatever
you do, do not call them feral, lower or lesser creature, dumb animal or
impure. The term we use is ‘Natural’ and it is spoken with respect, as my
mother has proved to all that blood is not the measure of a persons worth.”
Timothy said.

“Yes, sir.” She replied.
Timothy opened another large door that led into Justin’s office. She timidly
stepped into the large room and saw that behind a large desk sat Justin,
looking at her gravely, around the room sat Captain Killian, Dante, an
amazingly rejuvenated Rose Brisby and Jonathan Brisby and Mr. Ages. Timothy
sat near his parents and Brutus stood in front of the now locked door. Mercy
stepped to the center of the room, her face downcast.

“Mercy, you are here to give an
account of yourself and to stand judgment. Who are you and where do you come
from?” Justin asked. She composed herself, took a deep breath and still
keeping her eyes down, she spoke.

“I was born at NIMH, my mother’s
name was Mercedes and father was named Hale. They along with four others had
become lost in the ventilation system during the escape. They were recaptured
and returned to captivity the next day. Dr. Schultz, now with his funding cut
and his creations on the loose, developed a plan, He took the survivors and paired
them off in the hopes of their reproducing. Eventually each couple produced
offspring. I was the first born into captivity. All the offspring were given
a series of injections by Dr. Schultz, but for the most part that was all he
did to us. There was no testing, no further experiments, nothing. But that
changed, at least for me early in my childhood. Late one night he entered the
lab, but his eyes had a frightening glow and he held his hand us as he walked
along the line of cages, then he returned to the one that contained my family,
then he opened our cage and took me away from my mother and father, he gave me
an injection and I lost consciousness. When I woke later I found myself in a
cage in a strange, dark, cold place. I sat alone and hungry in my cage in the
dark room for the next two day. Dr. Schultz then appeared. He asked me my
name. Mother and father had always told me to play dumb around the humans, but
I was to frightened to disobey, so I told him. He smiled and fed me. He then
made me an offer which I dare not refuse. He told me that I could serve him
willingly or unwillingly. He said that if I refused he would destroy my mind
and train me like an animal for his purposes or I could serve him willingly, in
which case I would be allowed to live outside of the cage, outside of a
laboratory and I would be taught to read and to learn and would have a small
measure of freedom. Up until that point in my short life my universe consisted
of a cage in a windowless lab at NIMH and nature to me was a small potted plant
that had sat on a filing cabinet. He asked for an answer. So, terrified,
helpless and completely alone I exchanged my steel cage for a gilded cage, I
agreed to serve him. He opened my cage and put me in the palm of his hand and
we left the lab and went outside.” At this point Mercy’s voice choked with
emotion. “And then for the first time in my life I saw the sky, sunlight, I
saw trees and I heard birds sing. It was the most wonderful thing in the
world.” She said and smiled, but the smile instantly faded away. “But there
was a terrible price to pay for that. The purpose he wanted to train me for
was simple. Track down the rats and mice that had escaped from NIMH. As he
trained me and developed my powers he also taught me like a student. I learned
many things under his tutelage, I saw that I had a gift for medicine, but my
grim purpose left little opportunity to develop that gift. I spent the rest of
my childhood hunting you. It was not easy, the trail had been long cold. My
powers were pushed to the limit time and again to find you, following your
every step. The grocery stores in the city, the farms in the country, then to
the Boniface estate, where you stayed an inordinate amount of time. As we
neared our goal, Dr. Schultz pushed my abilities to the limit of my endurance.
After more than two years of searching we finally tracked you down to the
Fitzgibbons farm, by that time I was physically and mentally exhausted, I was
unconscious for most of what happened at the farm, but my next memory was of
waking in the presence of a terrible creature, Jenner, covered in blood and
dirt. Some how he had learned of my existence and had stolen me from Dr.
Schultz. He wrapped his hands around my throat and for the second time in my
life I was given a terrible choice to make. The choice was to serve him or
die. I agreed to serve him. After all, if you’ve already sold your soul, what
difference does it make which devil you serve? I treated his terrible injuries
and nursed him back to health. He took me to his colony. I delivered the
babies of its prisoners, I treated the sick and dying. I turned a blind eye to
the suffering of the lo...natural...animals that were kept as slaves and did
everything possible to make our colony prosper and to help prepare for war.”
She said softly.

“Those threats you delivered,
were they your words or his?” Justin asked in icy tones. There was a long
pause from her.

“He gave me the knowledge about
you, but they were my words.” She replied meekly. There was now a long pause
from Justin.

“What did you do during and
after the battle?” He asked.

“I waited in the back with
Three, I had been instructed to care for any of the full blood wounded of Thorn
Valley. However when the battle went against us Three fled with the remains of
the army. I wanted to flee as well but I couldn’t bring myself to leave the
wounded behind and that was my undoing.” She said sadly and then fell silent.

After a short time Justin spoke.

“Is that all you have to say for
yourself?” He asked.

“Yes, sir.” She replied.

“Brutus, take her into the other
room.” Justin said as he got up and handed a note to Brutus. Mercy walked out
of the office and into the other room under the unfailing glare of Brutus, who
handed the note to another guard. That guard quickly ran off.

The moment the door was closed
Rose began sobbing.

“So much guilt, so much shame,
so much pain.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“Was she telling the truth?”
Justin asked. Rose was so overwhelmed she could only nod. Jonathan held his
wife close. Justin looked to Mr. Ages.

“Have you made a decision about
what we discussed yesterday?” He asked.

Mr. Ages looked thoughtful for a
few moments.

“Yes, I will do as you ask.” He
replied.

“Thank you, Mr. Ages.” Justin
replied with a smile.

“I have always wondered how Dr.
Schultz tracked us to the farm.” Killian said.

“Fiendish, using one of our own
kind against us.” Timothy said.

Dante stood silently, he didn’t
want to feel this way, but he couldn’t help it, a part of him actually felt
envious of Mercy, she had been raised by his father had spent more time with
and had learned more from him than he ever had and in a sense he had treated
her better than he ever treated his own son. Thanks a lot dad, one last
painful reminder of what you did. He thought ruefully. Rose regained her
composure and began to speak.

“She has spent almost her entire
life hunting you down, serving those who would rob you of your freedom, all the
while despising herself for it and wishing she could have shared in that same
freedom. Now that the hunter has become the hunted, she stands before us
condemned in her own heart for her deeds, she now waits patiently, with her
head on the block waiting for you Justin to swing the axe.” Rose said sadly.

“What are you going to do?”
Jonathan asked.

“Wait and see.” He responded.
“Brutus, bring her inside!” Justin shouted. Moments later the door opened and
Mercy was marched to the center of the room. She looked at Justin’s grim
expression.

“Mercy, do you have any final
words in your defense before I pass judgment on you?” He asked gravely. In
response she closed her eyes and hung her head in shame.

“No, sir. It is to late for
words, to late for apologies...” her voice trailed off. “And to late for
Mercy, in every way.” She said in despair. She heard Justin get out of his
chair and stand before her.

“Mercy, look at me.” He said
gently. She looked up. Justin could see tears forming in her eyes. “I have
given these matters much thought and I have considered many punishments
appropriate for your actions so that justice might be served.” He said. The
tears began running down her cheeks, then to her astonishment he smiled.

“After much thought, I decided
that nothing would be gained by satisfying justice. So Mercy,...” He said and
crouched down so he was nearer to her eye level.

“You are forgiven.” He said
gently. Her mouth fell open, she tried to speak but she could find no words.

“One condition though, you must
spend the rest of your life living up to your name, I have discussed this with
Mr. Ages, our head of medicine, he has agreed to become your mentor and to help
you develop your gift. Welcome to Thorn Valley, Mercy.” Justin said. She
desperately wanted to believe what he was saying, but it had to be a cruel
joke. She gazed at his earnest face and sincere smile and it began to sink in
that he was serious.

“What of the others?” She
whispered. Justin stood.

“Like you, they have been
prisoners and slaves all their lives, they have known nothing but violence and
cruelty, it is now far past time that they know what mercy and compassion feel
like.” He replied. She still couldn’t believe this was real, she expected at
any moment to wake up back in her cell. “And we will go to Jenner’s colony, we
will end its legacy of evil, we will free the prisoners and end their
suffering. We will bring them here to Thorn Valley, not as our prisoners and
not as our slaves, but as our brothers and sisters. So that at last all the
children of NIMH may be gathered together, without fear or oppression, to live
in peace and with dignity.” He said. Mercy found herself so overcome she
again couldn’t speak. Looking into Justin’s eyes she suddenly realized that
she didn’t hate rats anymore. She heard the door open behind her.

“Perfect timing. Mercy, your
welcoming committee is here.” Justin said.

“Mercy!” She heard a male and
female cry out simultaneously, almost in anguish. Mercy turned and stumbled
back against Justin. At the door she saw two mice, male and female, surrounded
by several small children.

“Mother? Father?” She gasped.
They all ran to her and embraced. Mercy looked up to Justin.

“But how can they be here?” She
asked in astonishment.

“You have Timothy Brisby to
thank for that, he returned to NIMH and freed his captive brother and those
that had been recaptured after the escape.” He replied. Mercy looked to
Timothy, he just smiled. Justin and the others left the room, leaving Mercy to
be reunited with her parents and to be introduced to her brothers and sisters.

Mr. Ages returned to the
hospital and the rest went to Justin’s study.

“That was magnificent, Justin.”
Jonathan said. Justin smiled.

“Thank you, Thorn Valley was
created to be a place for second chances and new beginnings.” He said.
Killian sat silently, lost in his thoughts.

“What’s wrong, Killian?” Justin
asked.

“Knowing how the other colony
was created and knowing that the army we faced was filled with the children of
Jenner and the others, how many of my brothers and sisters did I slay during
the battle?” He asked sadly.

“Not a single one.” Timothy
replied. Killian looked up in surprise.

“How can you be sure?” Killian
asked.

“I asked Mercy that very
question during her interview. It seems that Jenner produced only one
offspring at his colony, a son named Oscar. Mercy was adamant that he was left
behind at the colony.” Tim replied. Killian looked stunned at first and then
smiled.

“I have a brother.” He said in
astonishment.

Rose could feel great sadness
from Dante, greater now than the time in Justin’s office when Tim and Jonathan
had spoken.

“Dante, are you all right?” She
asked.

“No, I am not. In the last
couple days it seems everyone has been reunited with loved ones, you Jonathan
and Rose, you have your children and each other, Justin you got your best
friend back, Killian got a brother and a son. Mercy, she was actually raised
by my father and meant more to him than I ever did and she gets her entire
family back, but for me, mom’s dead, dad’s dead and their not coming back. No
brothers or sisters, all I have left is Uncle George, who is not an uncle but a
friend of the family and Aunt Rita who raised me but never loved me. That is
all I have now.” He said sadly and got out of his chair. “If you’ll excuse
me, I think now I really do want to be alone for a while.” He said.

“I am sorry Dante, I wish I
could have done something for your father, but he was beyond mortal help.”
Rose said sadly.

“I know, you did give me a
little bit, I did learn that his dad experimented on him too and he did love me
and mom at one time, but he lost that as he lost his mind” Dante said and left
the room.

Dante wandered the community for
several hours, he tried to avoid people as much as possible, he went to the
dark and out of the way places. Eventually hunger drew him back to
civilization. He waited till after meal time to sneak in and load up on what
was left over. While he was eating, Tim appeared.

“Dante, I’ve been looking for
you for ages, I have something to show you.” Tim said with a smile. Dante
quickly finished eating and followed. He lead Dante to a door in a residential
wing of the community.

“What is this?” Dante asked.

“This is your place.” He
replied and opened the door. Inside it was four furnished rooms, the total
floor space was about the size and shape of three shoeboxes, but the room was
rat height.

“This place should be good for
you.” Tim said.

“This is great, thank you. I
think its actually bigger than my dorm at college.” Dante said as he looked
over the place. In the bedroom, sitting on his nightstand was a metal urn and
next to it was a gold ring.

“Is that what I think it is?”
Dante asked. Tim looked uncomfortable.

“Yes, those are his ashes.” He
replied. Dante looked around and saw that his duffelbag had been brought
here. The shotgun and bandoleers were resting on a chair and to his surprise
the garbage can with the weapons was sitting in the corner.

“How did that get here? That
was in the car.” Dante asked.

“Dad brought your car here, if
you had just left it in the park it would have been discovered and traced back
to your father and we didn’t want anything with your father’s name attached to
it anywhere near Thorn Valley.” Then Tim paused. “Sorry.” He said.

“No problem, I understand
perfectly. So the car is here?” Dante asked.

“Yes, its really neat to be able
to get a close look at it now that its our size, all your gear is here as
well. Except your computer, the science people commandeered it as soon as they
laid eyes on it, if you want I can get it back right away.” Tim said. Dante
smiled.

“That won’t be necessary,
consider the computer my gift to Thorn Valley.”

“The science people will be glad
to hear that, I think it would have required Brutus with all his strength to
pry their hands off it. They have already built a signal booster/receiver to
surf the Net.” Tim said.

“Hey, I wonder if I got any
e-mail?” Dante asked.

“Let’s stop by and see, I’m sure
the people in the lab will be interested in meeting you.” Tim said and led
Dante out the door.

Justin was in his office doing
paper work when Tim and Chief of Science Lilandra, carrying a laptop computer
under her arm burst into his office. Mouse and rat both had looks of alarm.

“Justin, we’ve got a problem.”
Tim said gravely.

“A big problem.” Lilandra said.

“What’s wrong?” Justin asked
with concern.

“The problem is Dante, he was
reading an e-mail he received, then he slammed his fists on the table and fled
the room. I haven’t been able to find him, the guards at the front gate said
he stormed past them and disappeared into the valley.” Tim said.

“What does the message say?”
Justin asked.

“I only read a little bit of it
but I think you should take a look at this. Its from Dr. George.” Tim said.
Lilandra put it on the desk and quickly showed Justin how to use the program.
It didn’t feel right to Justin to read someone’s personal correspondence,
especially if that correspondence was from Dr. George. But they seemed to
think it was important enough to warrant the intrusion into Dante’s private
affairs.

Dante, I don’t know if your
even alive now. After what happened at the lab, I can only hope that you have
escaped the clutches of those vermin. Words cannot describe how sorry I am
that you have become involved in our personal hell. I hope you can forgive me
for revealing the truth to you. I should have just destroyed everything and
left you in the dark. You probably would have hated me for that, but in the
end I think we all would have been better off. The legacy of this project is
like Frankenstein’s monster, not simply content on destroying its creator, it
first destroyed all that he held dear and only then came after him. I have watched
as all that I valued has been destroyed. Now only Julie and myself remain, how
long till its our turn? The project destroyed everyone even remotely connected
to it. I am sorry to have to tell you this and add to your grief and your
problems but I regret to inform you that your Aunt Rita passed away two days
ago. She died in her sleep. It was during a very strange night, Julie and I
were in the lab when we both had the strangest dream. Your dad was there, you
were there, Rita was there and there was a weird giant rodent with a red cape
and a glowing red stone and we were watching your dad’s life in flashback.
When the dream ended we found ourselves back at the lab. Julie got up and she
walked out and I haven’t seen or heard from her since. Please let me know if
your still alive. You were the hope for all of us, we all wanted you to rise
above our fate and escape the curse that we brought on ourselves for what we
did. You deserved a better life than the one you got. Again I ask you to let
me know if you are safe.

George

Justin looked up from the
screen.

“Tim, drop everything. We must
find Dante.” He said urgently.