The Scarman Enigma

[|Scarecrow|]

The sleek black aircar landed deftly in front of the elegant Scarman residence. Marcus stepped out of the gulwing door and took in a deep breath. The air was fresh and the sun gleamed down on his face, pleasantly warming his skin. The Scarman residence sat in the foothills of the Hollywood ridges, a range of small peaks due east of Los Angeles central. The small mountain range acted as a barrier between the city and the coastline and thus protected the inhabitants from the planets mean coastal weather patterns. Unlike the old Earth city of Los Angeles, planet Los Angeles had a vicious weather cycle with dozens of typhoons and tornadoes forming out on the oceans on a monthly basis. Thanks to this, most of the cities were built far inland or next to the protective shadow of mountain ranges.

The graceful artistry of the building before Marcus almost took his breath away. It must have cost a great deal of money, as the houses grounds covered at least an acre, which was an achievement considering it had been built into the hill. The house had two floors, the main floor being the ground floor and the second floor being entirely underground. Parts of the house were half built into the hillside so that the back end was totally concealed within the rock surface whilst the front end came out on stilts. A large brickwork landing area protruded from the hill side in front of the houses main entrance, a narrow path flanked by exotic plants and hedgerows leading down to the mountain road below. Small paths lead off around the back of the building, one leading past a long glass window that ran around the left hand side of the building and disappeared around the corner. Marcus could see sofas and chairs inside and guessed it to be the main living area. To the left of the living room a narrow garden ran along the side of the hill, full of bizarre looking plants and colourful flowers. A narrow swimming pool sat in the centre of the garden, covered in shadow thanks to the position of the Californian star.

The front door opened up and a man in a suit exited the building. He walked down the steps in front of the main entrance and greeted the aircar driver. Marcus and his team walked idly out behind the driver, admiring the scenery and shielding their eyes from the sun.
Mr. Scarman has arrived, The driver said, looking aside at Marcus. The second man, who looked like a butler to Marcus, sighed in shock.
He looks exactly like him! The mans accent sounded Bretonian. Marcus gave him a friendly smile and nodded.
Bring them inside, The butler said, turning around and disappearing back through the door. The driver turned around and gestured for the Freedom Fighters to go inside. Marcus had brought a couple of the marine detail along with him for security, leaving the others behind to watch the Thunderhawk.
The driver held up his hand at them. Im afraid your guards will have to wait outside until they are checked,
Understandable, Marcus nodded at the marine Captain, a well built Russian who joined the Freedom Fighters back in their home dimension by the name of Lukas Aleksandr. He nodded back and held up his hand, holding his comrade back whilst the others entered the building.

Marcus was the first to enter, followed by Reinhardt and Manning and finally Serov and Wilder. The entrance hallway was as long as it was grand. The walls were lined with portraits of men Marcus had never seen before in his life and tall mirrors with golden frames. A grandfather clock stood at the end of the hallway with two doors either side of it and a flight of stairs disappeared down into the lower level to the right of the corridor. A number of doorways led off to both the right and the left, leading deep into the multitude of rooms the house had to offer. Marcus looked to his right, admiring one of the pictures. He paused however as another caught his eye. He saw himself, dressed in a suit and tie with a closely trimmed beard and a neatly sculptured hairstyle with his arm around a young blonde haired woman and a young girl. Marcus was mesmerized for a moment before he realized that he was looking at another man with a different life.
Please, make yourselves at home. Marcus was surprised to hear his own voice come from down the corridor. He turned to see himself stood there with a glass of wine in one hand and his suit jacket neatly folded in the other. Your Captain is just through in the living area speaking with my wife.

Senator Marcus Scarman walked down the corridor towards the gathered Freedom Fighters. The look on his face told Marcus that he was as shocked as he felt. He stopped in front of Marcus and looked him all over. To the others it seemed strange seeing the same man twice. It almost seemed unnatural.
Marcus wore his best Admirals uniform, which he had changed into at the airport. His navy blue slacks and his pressed Admirals jacket looked rich in the low light of the corridor. His gold trim and epaulettes glinted along with his impressive array of badges and medals. His admirals stars glistened at his collar, finishing the look nicely.
Well, you do look impressive Admiral Scarman. If you really are my twin, I certainly am proud for you.
We need to talk about that, Marcus smiled and rested a hand on his alternate selfs shoulder. It must have been his imagination, but he could feel a slight tingling in his own shoulder.
Of course, The other Marcus smiled back, Please come through.

He led the others into the living room where two women sat talking and a little girl sat playing on the floor. Captain Wade stood up and saluted as Marcus entered the room. He grinned at her and nodded.
At ease Captain, She smiled back and sat down once more.
Please, allow me to introduce you to my lovely wife Hannah Scarman, Senator Scarman gestured to the beautiful blonde woman sat opposite Victoria. Her hair was cut short, in a neat bob that framed her face nicely and she wore a red summery dress covered with white spots. A pair of strong brown eyes looked over at Marcus and widened as she saw him.
And my beautiful daughter Heather, The Senator then nodded across to the little girl sat playing on the floor.
Marcus looked over at her with a strange yearning in his eye. He didnt know quite what to feel for this child. She obviously took after her mother, the same mop of blonde hair and meaningful brown eyes. She looked up at Marcus and smiled at him.
He looked away, somewhat abashed. He thought of his own young son Matthew, and how much he missed him.
Pleased to meet you, Marcus smiled at Hannah Scarman. Now let me introduce you to my team. You already know Captain Victoria Wade.
Edge smiled at both Hannah and the Senator in turn before Marcus continued. These two gentlemen are Kurt Manning and Klaus Reinhardt; they are under my employ for security purposes. This is General Thomas Serov, my friend and ally and the closest friend of my commander and friend, Fleet Admiral Robert Merlow. The Fleet Admiral expresses his apologies for not being able to attend this meeting but he has pressing matters to watch over on board our flagship. Finally, Id like to introduce you to Admiral Jayce Wilder, also of the Freedom Fighters but with a very interesting story behind him.

It is good to meet you all, Senator Scarman bowed slightly before Marcus and his team. Im sure we will all become fast friends.
Indeed, Marcus moved over to sit beside Victoria as the Senator gestured for him to relax. But there are some pressing matters at hand and also the matter of explaining myself.
I am indeed interested in what you have to say Admiral Scarman, The Senator sat beside his wife and ran his hands affectionately through his daughters hair. The others entered the room and sat down in different seats, making themselves comfortable and taking in their surroundings. The butler closed the door behind them so that they could have their privacy.
Senator Scarman, what I am about to say is quite shocking and you may not believe me at first. I must urge you to keep an open mind.
The Senator nodded understandingly and kept his gaze expectantly focused on Marcus. Scarecrow took a deep breath and began, My name is Marcus Scarman

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