“What Billy envisioned was simply a way to keep track of who was partnered with whom. If you want to split up, that’s your business. If you want to get together, that’s your business, too. The only reason we have formal weddings is so we can celebrate when two people declare their love for each other.”
The mayor took Mayra’s and Mark’s hands in hers, held them there for a moment, and then put the couple’s hands together.
“Do you, Mark, swear to provide for and protect Mayra, loving her as you love yourself?”
“I do,” Mark replied, twisting at the waist as he was standing awkwardly. Too many people in too small a space and most of them were wet.
“Do you, Mayra, swear to provide for and protect Mark, loving him as you love yourself?”
“I do,” Mayra said, trying not to make faces at Mark, who looked uncomfortable and out of place. He was used to having more room, as she found when they started living together. He was fanatical about having everything in its place, but allocated far more space to certain items than she thought they deserved.
She wanted to move into a bigger place and that was another reason for a formal marriage. The mayor controlled the housing that was closest to the diner. Mayra also liked being a bride as much as Mark liked being a groom. It had been a long time coming, but she thought it had been worth the wait.
Felicity held her hand up again. The guests quieted.
“I challenge all of you to celebrate being alive first and foremost, every day of your lives. There was a time, not long ago, when that wasn’t a given. Terry and Billy helped us get to where we are today, where we can step back from our daily chores and join these two for a party in their honor. I give you Mark and Mayra, the newest couple in North Chicago!” Felicity shouted boldly.
The cheering started and it took much yelling before enough people cleared from the office for the new couple to be able to move.
“I’m glad you could make it, Colonel,” Mark said, offering his hand.
Terry took it, and they shook. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
“To the chow hall!” Mark bellowed, earning himself a punch in the ribs from his new wife.
“To the diner!” she yelled.
It had stopped raining even though the clouds hung heavy. Terry looked at Char, Cory, and Ramses, Kim and Kae, Marcie and Felicity, and even Sue and Timmons. For that moment in time, all was right with his world.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
North Chicago
Auburn showed up at Claire’s Diner shortly after the wedding party and mob of guests. The younger women took to the kitchen, blocking the entrance despite Mayra’s efforts to get back there to coordinate. They agreed that she could set up dinner, but for the lunch celebration, it was on them, which was easy because most of the food had been prepared the previous day.
Terry picked up William and thrust him high overhead. The toddler giggled, so Terry did it again.
The comm device in his pocket buzzed.
“Fucking Akio!” Terry blurted, before giving William back to his mother. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry. It’s not his fault. This is my war.”
“It’s our war, butthole,” Char added. The new warriors, Kim, Kae, Marcie, and Ramses shook their heads, but their ears perked up as they tried to listen to Terry’s conversation.
“Akio-sama, I’ve been waiting for your call,” Terry said when he activated the device.
“You need to go tonight, to San Francisco. We feel that he may be looking to relocate. You’ll have to watch the port and any blimps that may leave the area, while also conducting a search. I will be there in an hour to collect a platoon to take with me to Germany,” Akio said, not mincing words.
“We’ll be ready, Akio-sama. I would like two minutes of your time alone when you arrive. After that, we’ll head out,” Terry said in a low voice, trying to cover his mouth as he talked.
“In an hour, Terry-san,” Akio replied without answering.
Terry stood and asked for everyone’s attention.
“Congratulations to Mark and Mayra! May they live long and happy lives,” he projected throughout the dining hall. People cheered and clapped, but he waved for silence. “FDG personnel, report to the barracks in fifteen mikes, ready for a long-term deployment. It’s go-time people.”
Terry gave the warriors fifteen minutes to celebrate, then it was all business.
No cheering met his announcement, but the warriors immediately started making their way toward the exit. At least they’d gotten to eat first. Char and Cory both stood.
Terry shook his head vigorously. “No, this one isn’t for you…” he started to say.
Char grabbed him by his collar and pulled him close to her. “Why in the fuck would you say something that stupid? We’re going and that’s the end of it. Who else from the pack needs to go?”
“Sue, Timmons, Gene, and Joseph,” he said. “Butch and Skippy need to stay here, help the community by using their senses to look for enemies from the Unknown World. They haven’t trained with us for long enough yet to be helpful in the field.”
“Sounds good, lover,” Char said, smiling. “What would possess you to try and leave me behind? Are you having an affair?”
“What?” Terry exclaimed, completely befuddled. “Where did that come from? What kind of leap of logic was that?”
“I just want you to know that you will never completely understand me, so you better keep asking me if I want to go as opposed to assuming you know what’s best for the whole planet.” Char gave her grandchildren a few final baby kisses while keeping a firm hand on Auburn’s shoulder.
“You keep doing what you’re doing, and I’ll make sure that your wife comes home to you,” she reassured him.
“I know you will, Char. It’s for the greater good, right?” Auburn asked.
Char and Terry both nodded. With one last back-slap, they left the diner behind, with Kim, Kae, Marcie, Ramses, and Cory in tow.
***
Lieutenant Boris and Company Gunnery Sergeant Lacy had assumed leadership of the platoon that was tagged to deploy with Akio. Terry wanted the most experience available to set up and execute the on-site missions. The two had the platoon formed and waiting on the edge of the LZ before Akio arrived.
Aaron and Yanmei stood behind the warriors. Akio had specifically requested they join him.
The Weretigers were the most agile and Terry could see how Akio would prefer having their skill-sets. Aaron wanted to stay clear of combat. With Akio, he had a better chance to avoid being in a fight. As far as Terry knew, Akio was the single most powerful being currently on Earth.
He usually took care of the most dangerous things, leaving the humans to their own devices.
Terry, Char, Sue, Timmons, Gene, Joseph, and Cory were there with the newest platoon. Fu was clinging with both hands to her Werebear. Terry and Char made eyes at each other as the big man was turning into a blubbering mess.
Then they looked away in shame. They didn’t have to leave their loved ones behind.
Terry moved close to Gene and crooked his finger at the big man to get him lean his head down.
“Can she keep up?” Terry asked.
“I will carry her if I have to,” Gene said, instantly sobering.
“Keep her out of the line of fire, my friend,” Terry said as a compromise. He felt he had no choice but to fight the war, but he did have a choice as to who could deploy. During the Napoleonic campaign in Europe, the British Army allowed a group of wives to travel with the army. There were also prostitutes, but Terry didn’t want to think about that.
Some of the old FDG hands watched from the barracks, jealous that they weren’t deploying, but the colonel had issued the no-nonsense order and told the rest that they would get their chance soon enough. They seemed to think that it would be one battle with a quick victory.
Terry and Akio understood that it would be an expensive war that could take decades.
The cost would be paid by the b
odies and souls of those who fought.
If bringing Fu along would make Gene that much sharper and more committed, then it was a good choice. For a reconnaissance, they would not be engaged in a full unit assault.
Unless they found Mr. Smith, and then they’d put her on the pod and button it up while the rest of them stormed whatever stronghold the Forsaken called home.
“Where’s Clovis?” Char asked as she realized the coonhound wasn’t there causing trouble.
“He’s with his Uncle Auburn,” Cory said coyly. Terry shook his head. He expected that Clovis would require relationship repair when Cory returned.
Akio’s pod rapidly descended from the northwestern sky.
Terry ordered the group that was going to San Francisco to mount up. Their pod was under shelter as the roof was complete, but the hangar walls and doors were yet to be installed.
Terry remained with Boris and Lacy as the others headed for the new hangar.
“You know the deal. Accomplish the mission and bring our people home.” Terry stood shoulder to shoulder with Boris as they watched the pod slow to a hover, then continue to touch down.
“Of course, sir. We’ll be fine. I wish you the same. Success with honor,” Boris replied.
“Integrity before all things, and if you get a chance to shoot at a Forsaken, shoot first and don’t miss.” Terry shook the lieutenant’s and the first sergeant’s hands, then stopped for a final word with Aaron and Yanmei.
“I know what you’re going to say,” Aaron said. Terry raised an eyebrow. “Keep your head down and kill the Forsaken before they kill you.”
Yanmei smiled, glancing at her former servant. They hadn’t seen much of her since relocating to North Chicago. Terry had been right about the power of free will.
“She’s coming with us,” Terry told Yanmei, shrugging one shoulder. “We’ll take good care of her.”
Terry walked away before the Weretigers could reply.
The ramp had lowered and Akio and Yuko were walking off. Terry made a beeline for them, while signaling for Boris to load his people.
Akio angled away to give him and Terry more privacy, while Yuko waited. By the time Terry arrived, Akio knew what he wanted to talk about. Terry knew that he knew, so he bowed in greeting and waited.
“My pod doc was damaged and although we believe it is restored, there could be issues which create a significant risk. We’ve tested it on animals and not all of them survived the process, Terry-san,” Akio explained. “And time. It takes a great deal of time. For three of them, it could take three to six months each.”
“In my heart, I know that they’ll survive, become what they were meant to be—the core of a new worldwide military, the FDG on a global scale,” Terry said softly.
“The FDG on a universal scale, Terry-san. Your gift is justice. I would have never allowed Joseph to live, but you saw what could be. It makes me hesitate, and I’m not sure that is a good thing. I need you, Terry Henry Walton, to do what’s right for all humanity, no matter where in the universe they may be found,” Akio said cryptically.
“The whole universe?” Terry asked, unsure of where the conversation had gone, but if that was the case, then it was more important than ever to have a solid foundation of the long-lived with special abilities. Their war wasn’t against humanity, but against those from the Unknown World who would pervert civilization.
He couldn’t allow that, just like he couldn’t allow armies of humans killing each other.
He brought the balance because he carried the biggest stick on Earth.
“Please consider my humble request, Akio-sama. I understand the risk and believe it worthwhile.”
“You say you understand the risk, but you don’t think it will happen. Which two of the three are you willing to sacrifice? Consider it carefully and when this operation is over, we will meet again. Nothing will happen without their approval. We don’t enhance people against their will,” Akio explained.
“Of course not,” Terry agreed. “Until we meet again, Akio-sama.”
Terry bowed and headed for the hangar.
When both pods were loaded, they took off and ascended quickly, one to the west and one to the north.
It was nighttime in Germany and Akio wanted to arrive in the dark. Terry would use the hills for cover as he landed away from curious eyes and approached the new metropolis on foot.
Char wanted to know what he talked about with Akio, but he wasn’t ready to share it yet, because he hadn’t broached it first with those who had the most to lose.
He looked at them, warriors in the FDG, and they were going to face the enemy.
***
Mark, Mayra, and Felicity stood outside Claire’s Diner and watched the pods ascend. Mark was itching to go to the barracks and make sure those left behind weren’t taking it too badly. He knew what it was like to watch the others leave time and again.
He wanted to check their training schedule.
Mayra watched him closely, intuitively knowing what he was thinking. “You want to go to the barracks?” she asked her new husband.
She’d been around the FDG for the past twenty-five years. She didn’t know why they were so anxious to throw themselves in harm’s way and why they were upset when they didn’t get that chance, but she understood that was how it was and accepted it.
“Is it that obvious?” Mark replied as he watched the pods disappear into the distance. “But you need help here and today’s our wedding day.”
“I have all the help I need and this is me. If I need more help, I’ll grab the hungriest and bribe them with extra food. Go on now, but don’t be late coming home.” She winked at him before turning toward the front door to the diner.
He smiled before jogging away, leaving Felicity standing by herself. Auburn was still inside with her grandchildren. She decided to go back in and collect them. Everything was wet, so she was uncomfortable being outside.
Felicity stopped when she heard the wolf pack approach. The yips and splashing of their paws were unmistakable. She waited, hoping that Ted was with them.
The wolves appeared first, one of the older ones running ahead of the pack while the betas ran next and the alpha in the rear to guide them and help if needed. Ted jogged casually behind the pack.
The wolves ran past Felicity, filling the area with wet-dog smell. Ted walked up to Felicity and stopped. She didn’t know why, but her heart jumped in anticipation, even though she expected he would say nothing important and then leave without saying good-bye.
She looked critically at him. He seemed thinner. She touched his cheek and his neck, convinced that he was losing weight.
“I need your help,” he said without elaborating.
She cozied up to him, surprised that he didn’t shy away. “What can I help you with?” she asked coquettishly.
“I am not eating like I should or sleeping enough. I need you to help me with that so I can best do what I need to do,” Ted replied emotionlessly.
“And I need your help with something, too.” She fluttered her eyes at him, but gave up when she realized he had no idea what she was doing.
“Yes. You move in, take care of my needs, and I’ll take care of yours,” she added in a businesslike tone, hoping that would resonate with him.
He held out his hand. “Deal.”
She looked at it and started to giggle. He was sealing their deal for a physical relationship with a handshake.
How quaint; how adorable; and how soon can I get you back to my bedroom? she thought.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Germany, Territory of the New Schwabenland
The pod was concealed in a narrow channel that a river had cut sometime in the distant past. The platoon had covered the pod with boughs and other foliage before moving to a secondary staging area.
They didn’t want to be colocated with their transportation because if they came under fire, they could have a hard time loading up. By setting an egress route to the pod, they could con
trol the avenues of approach and save lives.
If they had to escape while under fire, then saving lives would be paramount.
Neither Boris nor Akio thought it would be needed, but that was irrelevant to tactical military planning. Preparing for options wasn’t the same as expecting them to come to fruition.
They also needed space to set snares, and pick wild fruits and vegetables in order to add to their rations and extend their time on site.
Akio didn’t know what the timeline looked like. As they’d approached, he hadn’t felt any Forsaken or Were. That gave him comfort as much as it worried him.
Aaron and Yanmei elbowed in close to Boris after he directed the preparation of an expeditionary camp. Half the platoon prepared defensive fighting positions while the other half set up tents, established a dining area, and dug a latrine.
Akio didn’t have to ask the Weretigers. He knew that they hadn’t sensed anything.
“Recon?” Aaron asked.
“Yes. You two head south, loop north, and return from the east. Yuko and I will go north and loop west. We will go tonight. In the morning, Lieutenant, I would like you to extend your perimeter three hundred meters in every direction. Send patrols to ten kilometers looking for any signs of human life. We may be here for a while and it would be best if we remained hidden.”
Boris nodded in the darkness.
“Be back by dawn,” he told the Weretigers. Akio was dressed in his usual black fatigues, so when he backed up, he disappeared into the darkness. Aaron and Yanmei moved beyond the perimeter, coordinating with Boris to get the password: “More beer.”
Aaron wondered if Boris knew that Germany was the originator of the German Purity Laws for brewing beer. German brewmeisters and German beer was the hallmark of the profession.
And then he wondered if anyone remembered. “If we run across any bottles of beer, we must take them home to TH,” Aaron told Yanmei.
She wrinkled her nose. “Why would a grown man drink such a vile concoction? And how are we supposed to carry them?” she asked while checking to see if they were far enough away to remove their clothes. Yanmei started to strip, and Aaron joined her.
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