“Don’t just rely on your powers!” Smith chastises.
Karmic nods and tries to avoid a living tree vine, but he fails. His apparent apathy toward the training keeps him sluggish, but being a human voodoo doll makes it hard to find the sense of urgency that his peers face.
The last two rookies are the brother and sister team of Kimmy “Stitch” and Jacob “Constructor” Schultz. Both are in their twenties and are physically fit. Kimmy has an impressive bust and long dark hair. Jake has a wide, strong body with twenty-five inch arms and long blond hair pulled into a ponytail.
Kimmy is on medical support for the failing clones. As they are mortally wounded, she places her hands on them and begins to heal their wounds. The bodies literally repair themselves before her eyes. Sometimes she’s able to get there before the clones disappear, signifying a death, but not every time. The clones, for their part, do scream and feel the agony of the combat. Their shouts seem to affect Stitch. She takes it seriously to save them all.
Constructor possesses earth elemental powers. He opens the ground beneath the remaining clones and buries them all, prematurely ending the scenario.
“What the hell, Jake!” Kimmy screams. “You didn’t have to kill them all like that.”
Jake acts unconcerned. “They were clones.”
“You probably shouldn’t say that around me,” Darsh complains.
Darsh stands in armor without a helmet. His head is now clean shaven, except for the full beard hiding his face.
“My clones do feel pain. I hate these scenarios.”
Smith, sensing an argument, intercedes.
“Alright, rookies, go ahead and take a break. Get some water and wait. I’ve got a surprise for you after this.”
The four rookies sigh and quickly slump to the floor. Kimmy distances herself from her brother.
Smith approaches Darsh.
“You okay, DJ?” he asks.
Darsh shakes his head. “It’s not right, man. Why can’t we use the drones like we used to?”
“You know why. Drones don’t have powers. Clones do. Which one do you think the Malignant are more like?”
“You guys need to find someone who can make better sparring dummies. I don’t like doing this to my guys.”
“Your guys?”
“You know what the hell I mean. Plus, it’s embarrassing making them fight at half power.”
“How else will the new guys learn?”
“I don’t remember Votary giving us that kind of break.”
“I do remember all of us complaining about that very fact.”
Darsh doesn’t have a comeback for this.
“Silence means I win,” Smith gloats.
Darsh wobbles for a moment and takes a seat on the floor. Smith is a bit too late to hold him up.
“You okay, buddy?” Smith asks.
“That was a lot of clones. It still makes me dizzy from time to time,” Darsh admits.
“I thought you were good for over three dozen at a time and growing?”
“Not when all three dozen are firing off their powers. Plus, you have to remember Saager, Sahil, and Ajit.”
“You’re naming them now?”
“Only the clones that stick around. They have useful powers. I don’t like sending them to the void and hoping they show up again.”
“I’ll admit they have their uses, but are you good keeping them for so long?”
“I don’t have time limits. As long as they don’t die or bump into Votary, they can stay.”
“Sure, pal, just keep the clones under a dozen for training from here on out.”
“Sure.”
“And let us know when you aren’t a hundred percent. That’s essential information.”
“I said sure.”
The rookies sit huddled together on the training mats and recount the stories of which particular clones they defeated.
“I saved at least six this time. I’m getting faster,” Kimmy boasts.
“Good job. I suffocated twice that, but whatever,” Jake retorts.
Kimmy gives him a face of annoyance which quickly shifts to confusion when Gabriella speaks.
“C’était plus difficile que prévu.”
“Damn it. Someone give her a helmet already,” Amine complains.
“Funny you should say that,” Abel announces.
All eyes turn to Abel, who approaches with Votary and four new complete sets of armor. The armor floats in the air in front of Abel and well in front of Votary.
“Hell yeah!” Jake screams.
“Finally!” Kimmy echoes.
“Excellente!” Gabriella agrees.
They all look to Amine for a likewise exclamation.
“Yippie,” he flatly states.
“You’re no fun,” Kimmy says.
“Not another Votary,” Darsh adds.
Votary stands with crossed arms and full armor. He doesn’t engage in the playful barbs.
“Pay attention to Father,” he demands.
His voice settles the recruits and the other junior Templars. Abel smiles, his good spirit shines brightly.
“You can see that the colors and specifications are as you requested. It looks like we’ll soon run out of unique colors and Templars will have to share,” Abel states.
“Except for blue, right?” Smith asks.
Abel ignores the comment, but smiles. “I’m sure it’s a problem that we all look forward to having. As I’m sure you’re all well aware, more of our fellow Gudz have activated and announced themselves over the past few days. This means that soon the Malignant will reveal themselves again and harvest the planet of any they consider non-ISH. I need everyone to look for possible recruits and let us know immediately. Make sure you get any pressing bucket list items out of the way because soon I’ll demand all your time.”
“Do we have enough clone drones for that?” Akio asks.
“Yes, but it won’t matter. Most people will probably understand unexplained absences at that point.”
“How bad are the Malignant?” Jayden asks. “Do the ten of us really stand a chance?”
“Hell, yeah we do,” Smith answers. “We have home field advantage.”
Karen enters the room in her police uniform.
“Did I miss it?” she asks.
“You’re just in time,” Smith states.
Karen gives Smith a fist bump and a hug.
“Good,” she says. “I know people think I live in that stall now.”
“Amen to that,” Smith says.
“Templars, stand in line,” Votary commands.
The rookies stand and form a line. Each owns a massive smile as the four armors float in front of the new owner. A large purple set with stars and black holes along the left shoulder and arm hovers in front of Gabriella.
“C’est tres belle,” she says.
A forest green set floats before Amine. A white suit with red piping is presented to Kimmy.
“I really want to update my status right now,” Kimmy says.
“You can’t,” Votary states.
“It was just a–” Kimmy starts before being silenced by several disapproving stares.
Jake smiles longingly at the dark brown armor in front of him.
“Is this the darkest brown you got?” Jake asks.
“Just as you asked,” Abel responds.
“Yes.” Jake slurs the single word.
Smith stands before the proud rookies as an even prouder parent.
“I know the past two months have been rough, but I hope you all agree they were worth it.”
Karen chuckles. “Two months? Wow! I got mine on the first day.”
The rookies laugh at the joke.
“She’s serious,” Darsh informs. “Not even Gudz
are above nepotism apparently.”
“Votary allowed that?” Nijigen asks.
“Exceptional circumstances,” Votary says.
“Merci beaucoup,” Gabriella says.
“Votre accueil,” Votary answers.
“How are you not dressed yet?” Jayden asks.
The rookies waste no time suiting up. Modesty is quickly forgotten as they strip to underwear, then put on the recent gifts. It doesn’t take long until each is modeling his or her new look.
“I feel more powerful already,” Constructor says.
“Great. That’s all we need,” Stitch teases her brother.
“So, what now?” Karmic asks.
“I’m glad you asked,” Votary responds. “Each of you will be paired up with a senior Templar for a few real-world missions.”
The rookies anxiously wait for their partners. Each likely hoping not to end up with Votary and his strict style of teaching.
Votary doesn’t keep them in suspense for long. “Port, you’ve got Seal Pup. Karmic, I like you with Compel. Lottery and Stitch have a good thing going, no reason to mess with that.”
“Damn it,” Constructor mutters under his breath.
“I can hear you,” Votary says as he taps his helmet to remind the rookie. “You only have yourself to blame. You’re the most spirited horse, so you need the most breaking.”
Jake takes off his helmet. He purses his lips to keep from adding to his troubles.
“Any chance for a mission tonight?” Port asks, benefiting from her helmet’s translator.
“Soon, Port,” Smith answers. “First we’ve got some cake to eat.”
“Yeah!” several shout.
Karen points an accusatory finger at Votary. “Make sure you stay away from it. I don’t need my calorie-free and delicious magic Abel cake disappearing again.”
“I don’t eat cake,” Votary says.
Abel materializes a magnificent seven-tier cake. He begins cutting pieces for the Templars.
“We can get cake later if you like, Votary,” Abel offers.
“I’m fine, Father.”
“Please don’t leave. It’s a party. Just consider yourself allergic. There’s some Augmented Cola in the fridge.”
“No thank you, Father,” Votary responds.
The other Templars indulge in the sugary deception. Abel and Votary are the sole holdouts.
“I get him, but you don’t want any, Abel?” Jayden asks.
“I have to get to mass.”
“Really?” Jayden asks.
“I like to hear the stories,” Abel admits.
“I know you do, Father,” Votary says.
“Should we all become Catholics? I mean, if you’re going, it kind of feels like a sign,” Akio says.
“If you know what’s good for you,” Port jokes.
She takes her helmet back off to take another bite, then replaces it as she chews. It’s a tedious practice, but necessary to be a part of the conversation.
“If you want to accompany me, you may,” Abel says. “Or you can come with me to mosque on Friday or the synagogue on Saturday. It will always be your choice.”
Abel leaves the room, followed by Votary and Darsh. Darsh shoves the last few bites from his plate into his mouth as he moves.
“Now where are you going, DJ?” Karen asks.
Darsh stops. “Unlike some of you, I prefer to earn my civilian paycheck. I’ve got to go to work.”
“Driving cabs agrees with you?” Smith asks.
“It actually does. I get to set my own hours. If I see any trouble on the streets, I can step in, and I can easily keep a clone in the driver’s seat if I need a nap.”
“Best power ever,” Amine declares.
Karen looks at Jayden with a challenge in her eyes.
“Now that Mommy and Daddy are gone.”
“Not again, Karen,” he says to her.
She smiles devilishly. “Again.”
“What’s it gonna prove?”
“It’s good training.”
“I sense a power battle,” Smith announces. “I’ve got my girl Karen.”
“Everyone does,” Akio says. “She’s got the amplified powers. You four always like to rub that in our faces.”
“Yeah,” Kimmy adds. “I thought hazing was a thing of the past.”
“Who the hell said that?” Karen asks.
“It sure as hell wasn’t me,” Smith answers.
“You make me look like a jackass every time,” Jayden pleads.
“You have to develop your powers. The Malignant won’t take it easy on you,” Karen says.
“Like you do?”
“He’s got you on that one, Karen,” Smith admits.
“He’s just lucky that Votary doesn’t get her hands dirty as much. It would be much worse with her.”
“Just do it, Jayden,” Amine says. “They aren’t going to back off until you do.”
“Thanks for having my back,” Jayden says.
“Just man the hell up!” Jake shouts.
“Fine.” Jayden sighs.
“Yay!” the assembled cheer.
Karen and Jayden face off against each other.
“What are the boundaries this time?” Jayden asks.
“You can do anything to me to defend yourself. I’ll give you a full minute to set your trap and will then retaliate. You keep me under your power and you win. If I take over, I win.”
“Wait,” Smith declares. “Let me get my camera ready.”
“No cameras,” Port warns.
“Relax, it’s internal to the ship,” Smith declares.
Jayden rotates his neck a few times and cracks his knuckles. Once he looks fully loose, he points at Karen. He puts much conviction into his voice as he takes control of her body.
“Hop on alternating feet.”
A smile goes across Karen’s face as she begins to hop. The rookies seem shocked that Jayden actually got her to do something, but Smith calls the bluff.
“She’s faking.”
“Women always do,” Jake adds.
“Only with you,” Amine quips.
“Shut up and let me concentrate,” Jayden demands.
He points at Karen’s mouth. He seems to put all his energy into keeping her from speaking. It’s a futile gesture.
“Give up and fall in,” Karen commands.
Jayden instantly obeys and stands at attention. Karen circles Jayden.
“Pick your nose,” Karen orders.
Jayden obeys.
“Any requests?” Karen asks the other Templars.
“Find out who he thinks is sexiest,” Jake quickly offers up.
“Nice suggestion,” Karen admits. “Who do you fantasize about?”
“Gabriella,” Jayden admits.
This answer seems to surprise all and produces laughter. The older woman doesn’t act insulted. Although she still wears her helmet, she pretends to fluff her hair and adjust her bra.
“It’s not his fault,” Port admits. “Men have been telling me that for fifty years.”
“Gross!” Jake exclaims.
Kimmy smacks him against his head. The armored hand and bare head is an unpleasant combination.
“Anything else?” Karen asks.
Embarrassment fills Jayden’s eyes. Smith notices the look.
“That’s enough, Karen. Embarrassment is good, but don’t cross over into humiliation.”
Karen releases Jayden from her thrall.
“Sorry, Jayden,” she says and offers a hand to shake. “I apologize for taking it so far.”
“It’s cool,” Jayden says as he shakes her hand. “I accept that your dick is bigger than mine.”
The Templars laugh and slap Jayden on the b
ack for being such a good sport.
Claire sits in the back seat of a luxury car. She catches her driver, an impressive man in his late thirties, looking at her through the rearview mirror.
“Just speak your mind, Brock,” Claire says.
Brock Richter clears his throat. “You shouldn’t have told everyone about your new house on your show today.”
Claire rolls her eyes; this again.
“My audience likes to hear the personal details.”
“Your audience sends hate mail and death threats on nearly a daily basis.”
“That’s why I have you and Benji. A bodyguard during the day and police protection at night.”
“I’m sure he would agree that you shouldn’t challenge these people. They know you’re tied to the Templars. There are a lot of people who would like to use you to get to them.”
“Yeah, and those same people know that vengeance on my behalf would be swift and merciless.”
“You sure of that?”
“Seal Pup said it straight into the camera.”
“You better hope the bad guys have as much faith in their intent to follow through as you do.”
“If someone was going to threaten me, it would have happened by now.”
“Maybe, maybe not.”
Brock pulls into a gated community. The guard greets them before allowing admittance.
“Good evening, Brock,” the guard says. “Today’s the day?”
“Assuming Sergeant Tanner got everything delivered.”
The guard looks back at Claire. “Good evening, Miss Kennedy. Welcome home.”
Claire smiles. “Thanks, Joey. I’ve waited many years to hear those words when referring to a neighborhood like this.”
“Don’t we all.” Joey smiles.
He gives another wave as Brock pulls forward. Claire returns it.
“I like him,” Claire announces.
“He’s a bit too old to be useful. He’s nothing but a deterrent.”
“That’s agist,” Claire accuses.
“I prefer the term pragmatic.”
Claire’s car drives through the neighborhood and stops in front of an impressive mansion. The building is nine thousand square feet, with stone white pillars, a fountain in front, and a pull-through driveway.
Sleepers and Scouts Page 2
