Flight

by Jason Cheek

  “Is there any problems I should be aware of?”

  Setting the gear down, Agent Moss looked between the Sergeant and I with a relaxed grin.

  “Nope, I think we already went over everything that needed to be said.”

  “Good, then let’s see if this is going to work.”

  Grabbing up another tomahawk and one of the crossbows and quivers, I began striding towards the blanket covered bodies at the far end of the parking lot as everyone gathered behind me. I even saw the Chief and Agent Foster along with the crew from the temporary headquarters heading over to see what was going on.

  The first body was too messed up to be of any use for my tests, but the second had been killed by an arrow through its head, and still had an undamaged bone plated carapace covering its torso. Kneeling down over the body, I raised the non-rune covered tomahawk over my head as I looked out at my audience, assuming my instructors voice.

  “First, we will try a non-rune enhanced tomahawk for our test.”

  Slamming the weapon down on top of the carapace head, the tomahawk shattered on impact as I felt the crowd around me shift uncomfortably. Without pause, I tossed the useless handle aside, picking up the next tomahawk.

  “Next let’s see how a rune reinforced tomahawk reacts.”

  Focusing my Will into the runes of the tomahawk, the runes on the metal head began to glow red as I slammed my arm down once again. This time, the head of the tomahawk sank to the shaft of the weapon before coming to a stop. Yanking the head out, I repeated the test once again with the same results. Looking up at the officers and agents surrounding me, I met their hungry grins with one of my own. Even Sergeant O’Reilly seemed to have forgotten his interagency rivalry as he suddenly clapped Agent Moss on the shoulder.

  I had just given them hope.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have a winner.”

  Feeling a hand pounding my back, I saw the Chief standing behind him.

  “Good job son. But, what’s up with the crossbow and quiver.”

  “Well, I have an idea that I hope will work. Let’s see if I’m right.”

  Catching Susan and Deanna’s eyes, I nodded my head towards the Scourge body that I’d just pulled to a sitting position. Coming to my side, they quickly braced the Scourge in place as I leaned over speaking softly.

  “Hold the creature from the sides only.” Seeing their questioning looks, I explained further. “The bolt might pass right through the Scourges chest.”

  They nodded in sudden understanding as I picked up the crossbow and bolts. The crowd parted for me as I walked about twenty feet away, before turning around to take my shot. Cranking the crossbow, I slid the bolt into place focusing my energy. Normally, I used the holy power for a single overwhelming strike, but, this time, I pictured the energy as an aura radiating out from me as I whispered a prayer to Ukko.

  “Kanskje.”

  As the ground around my feet literally began to glow, the air took on a reddish sheen as the aura fell into place around me. Looking down at the crossbow in my hands, I saw the bolt glowing with the aura’s power. Raising the sites to my eyes, I took aim and fired.

  SCHLICK

  The bolt slammed through the Scourge, leaving a burning hole where it passed through the creature’s chest. A ragged cheer rose up from the watching crowd as I saw Agent Moss clenching his fist closed in front of him. Cranking the crossbow once again, I backed up another five feet before taking my next shot.

  THONG

  This time, the bolt sank about half of its length into the Scourges chest, before coming to a stop. Frowning, I cranked the crossbow once more as I walked another five feet back. Taking aim, I sent my bolt at the Scourge.

  PSSKT

  The last bolt exploded upon impact in a shower of metal shards as Susan’s and Deanna’s heads jerked away from the Scourge’s body. Shouldering the crossbow and quiver, I gave the ladies a quick nod of thanks.

  “I think that’s enough testing. For now, let’s get to work on the hand weapons.”

  Seeing that the demonstration was over, the crowd broke up as my students, and I headed back towards the pile of weapons still needing to be worked on. The ladies quickly grabbed a copy of the rune sheet, before getting to work as Detective Kurwoski, and the Chief caught up to me before I could join them.

  “God, maybe we have a chance to win this after all!”

  I accepted Beth’s embrace as the Chief walked up behind her.

  “Good work Son. Those things won’t know what hit them!”

  Meeting their eyes grimly, I spoke softly.

  “Let’s just hope they aren’t prepared for us when we get there.”

  The Chief smiled sadly as he put an arm around my shoulder.

  “Son, can you do anything more about it now?” I shook my head no as he continued. “Then don’t worry about it.”

  Returning the older man’s smile, I clapped him on his back as a heavy vibration began filling the night’s sky.

  THUMP THUMP THUMP

  The Chief pointed suddenly towards the southeast.

  “I believe that’s our rides coming in for a landing now!” Looking at his wrist watch he hollered over the rising noise. “Right on time!”

  “Just make sure there is enough room for my students when we load up.” Seeing the Chief’s questioning look, I explained. “The only way these weapons are going to work is if those ladies or I are nearby to charge the runes.” Looking at my students with pride, “not that they were taking ‘no’ for an answer.”

  Smiling thoughtfully, the Chief continued sagely.

  “Son, when women get an idea in their heads, there’s nothing you can do to stop them. It’s best to accept the inevitable.”

  We both smiled at Detective Kurwoski as she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

  “Don’t make me have a talk with the EOC department!”

  Sighing loudly, the Chief rolled his eyes at his Detective when Agent Foster walked up shouting to be heard over the thump of the spinning blades as, one after another, the choppers began landing in the nearby field.

  “Are you ready to start giving out weapons?”

  Instead of yelling over the helicopters, I gave a thumbs up sign in acknowledgement.

  Orders began being shouted out as officers and agents lining up for their gear. Quickly, we handed out weapons as the men rushed to the awaiting helicopters. The last in line was Agent Moss who, upon seeing the left over pile of gear, stopped a couple of his men. Giving quick orders, he had them carry the last of the equipment to the waiting choppers. Moments later, we were all running across the field heading for the last Bell Huey, where the Chief and Detective Kurwoski were waving for us to join them.

  Agent Moss grabbed my shoulder screaming in my ear.

  “Don’t worry about the gear, Sir. I’ll have my men bring it with them once we land.”

  “Thank you Agent Moss. I’ll see you once we land!”

  Giving me a thumbs up, Agent Moss followed his men heading for the next Huey in the line as I headed for my own ride. Climbing in, the Chief closed the door behind me. Tapping the pilot on the shoulder, he gave the signal for takeoff. The pilot’s helmet gave an exaggerated nod as the man turned back to his controls. A second later, I heard the whine of the engine increase as the chopper rose smoothly into the air.

  Looking out the window, I took one last look at the destroyed CTA building, and the emergency vehicles filling the parking lot. If I couldn’t stop them here and now, the Tuonellians would destroy humankind, just like they destroyed my people. Leaning back into the bench seat, I closed my eyes giving a short prayer to Ukko for guidance as I meditated on the upcoming battle.

  Chapter 16

  Location Earth / Florida present day:

  Alex Tommeski swore for the fifth time tonight as he parked on the side of the road, just before the Concession Parking lot next to the Loxahatchee River Center. This was supposed to be the staging area for the current crisis that just had ended the
hot date he’d been on with Julie Graham. He shook his head annoyed as he looked at the empty cordoned off main parking lot, before walking in the direction of the river. Thinking about his ruined date, he swore again.

  Julie worked as a night dispatcher for the Jonathan Dickinson State Park’s Ranger Station, and the two of them had gotten to know each other over the years, since he usually worked the night shift as a Park Ranger patrolling the River. They had been friends for a number of years now, but this was the first time they had decided to take their friendship to the next level. The dinner had been going well, when Alex’s Blackberry started ringing like crazy. Amazed, he read the text message three times, before slamming the smart phone back into its holder. The message was a high priority alert, directing all Rangers to report immediately back to duty at the main River Center. Alex was still debating whether or not he was going to respond to the message, when, a second later, it was Julie’s Blackberry dinging with her own department’s priority alert. The message was ordering all dispatch staff to report immediately back to duty at the Ranger Station.

  Seeing the exasperated look on her face after reading the text message a second time, Alex could only laugh as he saw the same frustration reflected in her dark brown eyes. A moment later, her soft laughter joined his explosive guffaws at the bad timing of it all. Smiling, Julie made him promised they would meet up for lunch once the emergency was over.

  Alex settled the bill with their waitress as they walked out the door of the Diner together. They’d even shared a quick kiss, before heading to their separate cars for the twenty minute drive back to the State Park. Smiling to himself, he realized that must mean the date was going as well for her as it was for him.

  After his last divorce, he’d been gun-shy about meeting new women. Over the years, he figured it was simpler to stay alone, but somehow Julie had managed to get him over that hump. Thinking about how good Julie felt in his arms, Alex swore yet again as he walked past the empty parking lot. In all of the years he’d been a Ranger, he’d never heard of a high priority alert being sent out ordering all of the Park’s employees back to their duty stations. Not even seven years ago, when over half of the park was engulfed in forest fires.

  That this had better be something truly important!

  Walking up to the Loxahatchee River Center, Alex was surprised to see all of the park’s boats tied up at the docks near the Center. Someone had even brought up the three pontoon boats that the park used during tourist season. Concerned at sight of all the boats pulled back from their routine patrols, Alex strode purposely to the River Center’s entrance.

  Swinging the door wide open, he saw the whole day and night shifts sitting around the central tables of the Center. For a moment, everyone looked up to see who it was at the door, but once they realized it was just another ranger. They turned back around to their private conversations, disinterested. Looking around for a moment, Alex saw a familiar face at a nearby table engaged in an animated conversation with another ranger he didn’t recognize. Heading over to his long time friend, Alex clapped his hand on Peter Johnson’s shoulder.

  “Hey Pete, how’s everything going?”

  “Alex! Heck, I didn’t expect to see you called back to the office for this.” Nodding to the ranger in front of him, he made introductions. “Sean this is my friend Alex Tommeski. Alex, Sean Harris.” They exchanged handshakes as Peter began explaining who he was to Sean. “Alex usually pulls the night patrol on the River. Last I heard. He had some secret hot date tonight.”

  Alex’s look of annoyance only seemed to egg Sean on more.

  “Seeing that he’s come back so early, it must not have gone well.”

  Ignoring Sean’s gibe, Alex looked back and forth between the two rangers questioningly.

  “Anyone know why they called us all in tonight?”

  Suddenly serious, Peter spoke quietly, nodding towards his friend sitting on the edge of the table in front of him.

  “Sean overheard Assistant Chief Benson when he received the call from Senator MacKay telling him to have all of the rangers, and their boats ready to go within the hour.” Seeing his raised eyebrows, he continued. “Otherwise, they’re keeping everything pretty hushed up.”

  Alex paused suddenly as he registered the growing sounds of chopper blades cutting the air, approaching from far away. Looking around, Alex saw the other rangers look of disbelief as the registered the sounds too. Slowly, the chop of helicopter blades grew louder and louder, until it felt as if the entire building was vibrating from the intensity of the sound.

  It sounded like an entire Air Cavalry Wing was coming in for a landing!

  Alex was the first out the door, with Peter and Sean close behind him. He heard the scrapping sounds of chairs being shoved back hastily as the other rangers began following them out the door. After being stationed on the USS John F. Kennedy for three years, during his stint in the Navy, he recognized the birds by sounds alone, before they were lit up by the lights of the parking lot. Looking back at his friend Sean, Alex swore loudly.

  “What the hell is going on?”

  Stopping in his tracks, Alex watched the Marine Super Cobras as they flashed by overhead in a low Echelon formation. They were coming in on a hot approach heading for the Center’s parking lot. His trained eyes recognized the maximum loadout of Hydra 70 rocket pods the attack helicopters were carrying, when he heard a new sound coming from behind him. Turning around, he was just in time to see the three Bell Hueys following closely behind four EC135 Police helicopters as they came in for a tight landing, on the opposite side of the parking lot.

  Suddenly, the cordoned off parking lot made a whole lotta sense. Alex’s southern drawl came out strong as he looked back at the other two rangers excitedly.

  “Hee-yah, it looks like things just got a lot more interesting boys!”

  By now, all of the rangers had come out to see what was going on. Alex gawked like the rest of them as black armor wearing CTA agents, and SWAT officers began jumping out of the helicopters, except for the last Huey which seemed to be filled with hot women. They were an odd group, to say the least, but Alex didn’t mind. He was enjoying the flash of thighs as the women climbed out of the helicopter, when Pete caught his attention.

  “What’s your take on all that?”

  Before he could answer, Sean clapped them both on the shoulders.

  “I don’t know, but take a load of that guy.”

  Looking in the direction Sean jerked his chin in, Alex saw the biggest looking man he’d ever seen climbing out of the back of the last Huey. He towered a good foot above the rest of the men standing near him, and his shoulders looked as if they were five feet wide! The strangest part was that the man was decked out in a complete suite of black Samurai armor, looking like he’d just stepped off of the movie set of the Last Samurai. The weirdo even had swords strapped to his back too. He was just turning back to Pete with some smart ass comment, when the words died on his lips as he caught sight of the man’s shocking yellow eyes.

  He could actually feel the barely controlled rage radiating out from the large man even on the other side of the parking lot! The glowing eyes filled him with a mixture of fear and awe that literally rooted him in place for several seconds. Looking out the corner of his eyes, he saw the man was having a similar effect on Pete and Sean. Finally, the feeling passed, and Alex was able to force his gaze away from the strange man, looking at the officers standing near him.

  “What the hell…?”

  Looking closer, he suddenly realized that all of the agents and SWAT officers had crossbows hanging from their shoulders, along with a machete or tomahawk strapped to their belts. Not one of them carried a modern assault rifle or pistol, but he saw various hand grenades strapped to the front of their flak armored vests. Also, each one of them had some sort of high tech night vision equipment worn on top of their heads, ready for use!

  He was about to laugh at the ridiculousness of what he was seeing, when he noticed their
faces. That’s when he realized just how serious the situation must be. He’d seen those focused determined looks on Special Forces Units, just before they loaded up for a particularly difficult mission. On closer scrutiny, he realized that most of the officers looked as if they’d been through a serious battle already. Their uniforms and body armor were ripped up, and covered with patches of dried blood and dirt.

  Whoever the armored man was, the rest of the agents and officers seemed to defer to him, which was significant in a group like that. Highly trained combat units like those didn’t have any patience with crazies, unless it was one of their own.

  The whine of the helicopter blades began to die down as the pilots switched off their engines. Once the Cobra pilots joined up with the waiting group, they all began walking towards the River Center. Alex did a double take at the older gentleman in deep discussion with the Samurai, and some suit as they approached. What the hell was Chief Darden doing here? As they approached, the old man stopped in mid-conversation, nodding towards the gathered rangers.

  “Rangers, please follow us back into the River Center. Time is of the essence for this operation.” Looking at one another questionly, the rangers fell in behind the new arrivals, following them back into the building.

  The River Center didn’t look like much. It had been built around nineteen eighty-five using concrete block construction, which was needed to withstand the occasional hurricane that hit Florida every few years. The stark white blocks just helped to reinforce the sense of bare essential construction that most government buildings seemed to share. The structure looked the same on the inside and the outside, including the heavy latex white paint covering the walls. Every few years, someone would throw a fresh coat of the thick white paint to keep the place looking somewhat fresh, but there wasn’t anything that could hide the concrete block walls that made up the place. It was built to serve as a special events room for the twelve rental cabins that had been built nearby, but mostly it was used by the rangers for their meetings and parties. The handmade wooden picture frames held snap shots of various park events, hosted by the rangers over the years, and were the only decorations inside the place, except for the American and State of Florida flags to either side of the stage.