“I do indeed. Log this under general reference?”
“Please. But this can be on the record,” I replied, sliding her another slip.
“Oh, very good.”
Vincent looked at me quizzically, but said nothing. We waited patiently for the material. Patrons looked at us with curiosity, but did not approach. They were all military and thus well aware of our records and of Vincent’s volatile nature. They steered clear, but remained watchful. My lover noticed but ignored the glances.
Miss Kraus brought around a small cart of books and periodicals.
“Those are news and culture magazines from the past two years,” I said. “I thought you might like to catch up.”
“Thank you, Colonel,” he replied quietly. I heard the fondness in his tone. “I think I know a good spot for reading.”
I followed him to a corner of the floor I had never visited. There was an old, overstuffed settee under a huge window.
Vincent smiled wistfully. “I used to study here. I think it’s big enough for both of us.”
It was, but we were pressed against each other. Vincent swung his legs over one arm of the settee and rested his back against my side. Of course, I allowed this. I smiled when he nuzzled me briefly without thinking. I could rest the books on my lap and scan the pages. And it felt good to touch him.
We quickly lost ourselves in our reading. I had some thick tomes of government decrees. The print was fine to say the least. Even with detailed reference numbers, the pages were difficult to find. When I found them, I understood why. I was deeply angered by what I read, but I couldn’t react then. I scanned the pages into the recorder and proceeded to the next passage while Vincent read intently.
I’m not sure how much time passed. The window was not in direct sunlight, and I didn’t want to jostle Vincent’s sprawl to dig out my watch. I was half way through my citations when I heard a cart being pushed our way. Miss Krause appeared from around a corner before we could move. From the surprisingly tender expression on her face, I knew we didn’t have to.
“I thought you’d like some tea,” she said softly.
I smiled in surprise. Vincent swung his leg around to sit up. It was good to see that he was surprised as well. We accepted the refreshments graciously. There was a fragrant jasmine tea and spice cookies as well. Vincent stared at Miss Krause’s rigid, treating figure.
“We’re going to be gallant again,” he said after a bite of the cookie.
“I daresay,” I replied. I could tell by Vincent’s expressive face that he had no more idea what prompted the unexpected kindness than I did. So we just enjoyed the snack then returned to our reading.
By the time I finished, I was riled. My researched confirmed a lot of suspicion and rumor I had hoped wasn’t true. The knowledge strengthened my resolve. It made me ready for the fight ahead.
“You finished?” Vincent asked. His voice was enticingly sleepy.
“Yes. You want to eat or work out?”
A wicked smile spread across his face.
“What do you think?”
“Let’s take these carts back then figure out what’s happening at Central Command.”
“Hogan’s Alley?”
“I think level two or three should do it.”
“Three,” Vincent said decisively. His smile was even bigger and more devilish.
“Remember that you’re supposed to be taking care of me,” I cautioned.
“I promise not to wear you out – at the course,” he said mischievously.
We returned the carts to an appreciative Miss Krause. I wondered anew at tender glances from the woman. Then, I noticed the monitors behind her counter. One of the screens had a clear view of that settee. So much for concealing our relationship. I wished I had seen what she had. I realized that I wanted photographs of Vincent and of us together. I would have to buy a camera.
“Thank you, Miss Kraus,” I said. “You have been very helpful and kind.”
“My pleasure. Please, come back soon.”
“We will,” Vincent promised with a wink.
I pulled out my cell and signaled Remak. “How is the lay of the land?”
“They know you are coming to Central Command,” she replied. “It is preferred that I pick you up and bring you through the secured entrance.”
“Why?”
Remak actually sighed before answering. “Your fans are amassing at the front gate.”
“There’s a mass?”
“It’s quite a number of people, sir. Word got out that you and Hardcase were in the area. They want to see you both,” she replied.
“Command wants us to keep a low profile?”
“It was not a direct order, but that is my understanding.”
“Come prick us up at St. Alban’s courtyard,” I said. “We’ll be warming up. And have Hogan’s Alley set for level three.”
“Yes, sir. Twenty minutes.”
Vincent looked up at me expectantly.
“Let’s warm up in the courtyard. Our fans await.”
He frowned at that, but followed without comment. The Library’s courtyard was largely deserted most of the time save for the odd staffer on a smoke break. We put our rucksacks down and took off our fatigue jackets. We both wore the black training fatigues of our squad. They were looser fitting and designed to move. I knew our shirts would go before we actually sparred. I wore a turtleneck beneath the fatigues while Vincent always fought in his signature tight black tank tee.
“You look great, Blitz,” he murmured appreciatively.
“Back at you, Hardcase,” I smiled. “Let’s begin.”
We faced each other about an arm’s length apart and began our warm-up. We used each other as a focal point as we breathed and stretched. I felt my muscles tingle and come alive as energy began to course through me. I felt the energy arcing between us. I watched Vincent center himself and relax into the meditation. His eyes were intent upon my face. He was considering my state of well-being. I eyed him back with defiance. That got me a smirk.
“That’s a lot of attitude on your face, Colonel. Sure you can take me on?”
“I can handle you, brat.”
“We’ll see, old man,” he replied as a horn honked. “I think that’s our ride.”
Remak was indeed just outside the courtyard, She, too, was eyeing me carefully as we piled into the car.
“I am well, Lieutenant,” I said quietly. I’ve been cleared to workout. In fact, can you take these certificates to the Joint Command’s Secretary.”
“Yes, sir...six weeks more?”
“It’s necessary.”
“Yes, sir,” Remak replied though I knew she didn’t understand. “Hogan’s Alley is set for level three.”
“Thank you. And we’ll be getting out a block from the main gate,” I said.
“But, sir...”
“Trust me, Ouida, it’s in our best interest to remain in the public eye.”
“They can’t lock us away if we stay on the news,” Vincent said. “You should fire up the jumbotron.”
Vincent’s voice was different. He was already focused on the spar, but he could still follow my strategy.
“We’ll meet you and the squad at the Base Bistro afterward,” I said as she came to a stop. “Keep those rucksacks close.”
“Yes, sir! Have a good spar.”
“We will.”
As Remak pulled away, we assessed our options. There was a large crowd near the main gate, but it thinned out considerable along the walls on either side. After a moment of scanning the area, we faced each other. Vincent’s expression made me want to moan out loud. His eyes had the same intensity as they did when we made love.
“Vincent, you know that I am well,” I said seriously.
“Yes, I know that. I feel that, Rik.”
“We will fight as always.”
“Keep each other in sight, but fight for ourselves.”
“Unless one gets into real trouble.”
“You remember that
as well, Blitz.”
It was a rare battle mantra for us. Very rarely were Altereds so close that they were moved to sacrifice themselves for another. I was moved to feel that level of devotion from Vincent and pleased that he could feel it from me.
“I’ll tale the left side of the gate. Is Hogan’s Alley in the same place?”
“Yes. I’ll take the right side. Let’s hit the Alley together.
Vincent nodded. We took a very deep, cleansing breath. The atmosphere around us began to change as we gathered power. My lover smirked into his battle expression.
“Don’t hold me back,” he said beginning our final mantra.
“Give me good luck.”
“Never look back.”
“Go!” I shouted.
Initially, we ran to build adrenaline that would mingle with the captured energy from around us. Then, we began handsprings to build height in each bound. By the time we reached the edge of the crowd, we hit the ground with the balls of our feet. The energy field pulsed downward against the ground propelling us high in the air. I could hear the crowd cheer as we somersaulted mid-air, clearing the wall easily and landed lightly and gracefully beyond the gate.
“It’s Hardcase with the Colonel!” one of the gate guards exclaimed. “This is going to be good.”
Hogan’s Alley for Altereds was dangerous at any level. Three was in the lower range of difficulty, but it could still cause serious injury if the Altered’s focus was off. I did not watch Vincent’s first encounter. I would see it in the post-mortem. I heard the first explosion he caused, but I had a battle bot shooting at me. I easily sent the energy back ‘killing’ it. The attacks increased in frequency after that. It felt good to fight again without debilitating fatigue. By the time we reached the clearing at the end of the alley, I was hardly winded.
Vincent’s hair had come undone during the battle. He was magnificent in his fierceness. I didn’t let him think. I pelted him with energy blasts, sending him scrambling. My lover was far from deterred. Vincent came after me. He kept me moving, but was far from giving all he had. A final flurry of moves and counter moves sent me bounding just outside the perimeter of the clearing. I didn’t hear the battle bot arm behind me. I only realized one was that close when Vincent leaped to intercede. His movement triggered two more bots. These would have re-armed from our earlier pass at the default level of 10. His leap put us back to back. I felt energy arcing between us and used it to shield us both.
“Halt!” I shouted to end the scenario.
A loud buzzer sounded all bots and walls withdrew. We relaxed when everything disappeared. I turned to face Vincent. He was disheveled and panting slightly. It took all of my self-control not to seize him and kiss him senseless. Vincent read my thoughts. He smirked at me before bowing respectfully.
“Good spar, Colonel,” he murmured before straightening.
I bowed to him. “And to you, Major. Well fought.”
I made a show of stumbling as we left the field. Vincent immediately wrapped a supporting arm around my waist.
General Braun appeared in front of us as we reached the commercial quadrant of the base. Vincent’s state of dishevelment and my leaning on him painted a picture we intended.
“I hope you have not had a set back,” Braun muttered at us. “The Doctor did not want you to push too hard.”
“We did get a little caught up in the hunt,” I conceded. “But we aren’t as bad off as we look.”
“Perhaps, but you should return to convalescing. We need you back whole,” he admonished.
“I’ll have Lt. Remak drive us back after we’ve eaten, sir,” I said.
“We really need to eat, sir,” Vincent added.
“Right...carry on.”
We both managed a credible salute as the man left. Vincent’s arm tightened his arm around me. He leaned in close to my ear.
“Never mind him, Rik,” he murmured. “And we do need to eat.”
“Yes, Vincent,” I replied dryly.
We made our way to the Base Bistro where Lt. Remak waited just inside the door.
“I’m fine, Lieutenant,” I said before she could speak. “We’re fine. Did you secure a table?”
“Yes, sir,” she replied. “Right over here against the wall.”
“Very good,” I replied. “What’s the special?”
“Chicken pot pie, sir.”
“Sweet!” Vincent exclaimed. “We’ll be having that and some good, dark beer.”
Remak looked at me with a raised brow.
“He’s in charge of the food,” I said with a shrug as we seated ourselves. Vincent sat next to me rather than across the table.
“We need the calories,” he explained. “We’ve depleted our reserves.”
The rest of the squad piled into the bistro then, including Raden who looked as crazed as ever. His tiny intensely blue eyes glinted at us. He was spoiling for a fight with anyone who was willing to give him one. His thin, wiry form seemed coiled to strike. It was time for some war exercises. I’d have to arrange that as soon as possible.
“I wish I had known you planned to spar, Hardcase,” Raden said with a scary grin. “We coulda made it interesting.”
“It was only level 3,” Vincent scowled as he pulled back his hair. “I don’t want Auerbach locking me in a medical ward because you’re bored.”
“I wish we’d been at the right hole when that thing popped out,” Raden said. I was expecting him to rub his hands together.
“What holes?” Vincent asked.
“Two dozen craters appeared within days of the attack,” I explained. “We sent a platoon to each crater with at least one Altered and a science team. All of the sites saw some action.”
“But Blitz got the mother lode including the return of Hardcase himself,” Raden said snidely.
“I don’t think six weeks in the hospital can be called lucky,” I muttered. “But then I don’t like actually being in explosions.”
Vincent grew thoughtful over the beer set in front of him. “I didn’t know about other ships.”
“Hardcase,” I said softly. “There was nothing you could do.”
The server distracted everyone for a while. Our squad was notorious with their food orders. They often changed their minds and back again before it was settled. I had a moment to speak with Vincent.
“You knew where that ship would come out,” he whispered.
“There wasn’t enough coverage, if I was wrong,” I replied quietly. “I was the only multiple available and I’m a better strategist. I had to be the one.”
“You thought I’d be there,” he realized.
I nodded. “The craters’ readings were similar to the vortex that took you. They were strongest at that crater.”
He smiled wickedly at me. “You’ll have to explain that later.”
I glowered at him.
“The more things change,” Raden remarked. “I guess you have two years of fighting stored up.”
“Whatever,” Vincent muttered.
He sipped his beer with relish. I had mine as well. It was cold and had a pleasant bite to it. I sighed as it slid down my throat.
The meal was actually pleasant. The rest of the squad piped up lightening the table chatter considerably. Vincent laughed often at the antics he’d missed. I really enjoyed the potpie. Vincent prodded me into having dessert with coffee while I talked about having some advanced skirmishes to blow off steam. I spoke in general terms about designing drone ships like the behemoth to train against. In the meantime, I gave Remak the go ahead to set up maneuvers to keep the squad busy. She was pleased to be given the added responsibility.
“Is it me, or has Raden gotten more squirrelly than usual?” Vincent asked once we were in the car.
“He always had too much energy for his body,” I said. “I think he misses the constant state of war we had until two years ago.”
“He needs almost constant challenge,” Remak agreed.
“Work your evil magic,
Ouida. I have faith that you can run him and the squad ragged,” I said playfully.
“Yes, sir,” she smiled.
“Oh, man,” Vincent laughed.
“Do you need to stop anywhere for provisions?” Remak asked as we reached our neighborhood.
“No, we’re good for now,” Vincent said. “If you were coming later in the week, I could learn more stuff.”
A Soldier’s Passion Page 9
