by Eric S Kim
“Forget it. It won’t matter.”
“Does Lionel know anything about these people?”
Woodrow’s deep baritone voice experienced a lack of change in direction. “You can always ask him yourself.”
The forty-year-old Blackjack set the deck of cards back on the table. “Ready to learn?”
Preston straightened up in his seat. “For the next ten minutes? Sure.”
EIGHT
8:13 PM
Edward Connelly knocked on the door and waited for a familiar face to show up on the other side. The door opened, and Joseph Armstrong’s eyes almost lit up. But the former Failure remained calm and gave Edward a little smile.
“Hey, man. What brings you here?”
Edward replied, “I thought you needed some good company tonight. It’s got to be a pain to be all alone in this place.”
“You must be telepathic or something.”
“No, I’m just really alert.”
Joseph stepped aside and let Edward in. The Red Gemini Hotel in Santa Ana had been built for the sole purpose of giving visitors the finest experience available. Everything about the hotel room appeared as if it belonged to the most important people on Earth. Joseph had received a suite that included a bedroom, a study room, a kitchen, and a restroom with a hot tub. The Santa Ana Center for Social Adjustments (or SACSA for short) had made absolutely certain that Joseph would be given enough material for his rehabilitation. Everything about the hotel had been paid for by the Social Adjustments Department, and Sepulveda had promised to show Joseph a different way to enjoy life.
Edward admired the suite, but he didn’t feel jealous enough to compare his life to Joseph’s. “So how’s it going with your studying?”
Joseph took a seat at his desk in the study room. “I had a little trouble at first, but I think I’m ready for the test.”
“When is it?”
“On Wednesday. I know I have plenty of time, but it’s always a good thing to start early.”
Edward leaned back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. “I hope you ace it.”
Joseph asked, “What does that mean?”
“Ace. As in, ‘I hope you succeed’.”
Joseph almost laughed. “Just making sure.”
The material on Joseph’s desk were rather ordinary. Nothing but books, pens, pencils, and pieces of paper scattered around the surface. It did give the impression that Joseph had studied everything for his chance at redemption.
The one thing on the desk that had nothing to do with Joseph’s studies was a Blu-ray case for a specific film. Edward had already seen it before. It was a documentary on the history of Mystic Lightning Defense, from its formation over a decade ago to its current history. Edward had a favorable opinion for the film as it showed him why the company was entirely necessary.
The state of California, as well as several other states in the nation, had experienced a rapid upsurge in crime. Places considered safe in the past had become victims of death and destruction. The first company that specialized in law enforcement had good intentions, but it ultimately failed to protect the American people. Its weakness led to its downfall.
Then, Virgil Hamilton stepped in. He built his own empire and succeeded. Blackjacks, Kingsnakes, Hammerheads, Mystic Knights, and Shadow Service Agents stopped the increase in crime and brought it down to more tolerable levels. Cities became safe again. California had become a sanctuary for its civilians once more. Mystic Lightning spread all across the nation and became one of the most powerful corporations in the world. Edward appreciated the history surrounding Mystic Lightning. It provided a valid reason for him to join the business and never look back.
He asked Joseph, “So did you like everything you’ve seen at Ironbark?”
Joseph nodded. “It’s a really big place with a lot of amazing animals. Sepulveda did the unthinkable, man. She turned them into big and nasty fighters with a taste for human flesh. I saw the livestream this afternoon. The one with Zedezim and that one woman. Really awesome when he swallowed her whole. Never knew he’d be able to do that.”
“Well, it’s a special skill for him and many other canines.”
“I’m just glad that I wasn’t the one who ended up in the coyote’s stomach. Things are a lot better up here.”
Edward already agreed. “Did Sepulveda show you the whole place?”
“That’s right. I never expected the Animal Kingdom to be so big. It’s like the size of an entire city.”
“Well, not that big. But it’s close.”
Joseph smiled. “To be honest, I can’t wait to work there.”
“So you think you’re up to it?”
“Yeah, There’s a lot to do when you’re a tamer, but I’m still willing. This’ll be my way of saying goodbye to the past.”
Edward was proud of the finished progression in Joseph’s road to acceptance. “Well, what you have to do now is pass the test and have Sepulveda welcome you to Ironbark.”
Joseph picked up a piece of paper and examined the contents written on it. “It sure feels like she knows what she’s doing.”
“Well, of course. She’s a smart woman. She’s dedicated her life to this company, and she’s thriving. Who would ever want to say that she’s a complete catastrophe? She’s got the right stuff to make it all work.”
“I had a feeling that you’d trust her.”
“I always do. I don’t have any doubts about her.”
“Yeah. You two seem awfully close.”
“That’s nothing but the truth.”
“How did she ever find someone like you?”
“I guess it’s just a happy little coincidence.”
“So you have zero regrets?”
“When did I ever mention anything about that?”
Joseph put up his hands as a gesture of defeat. “Hey, I’m not judging you. I’m just saying that it’s a little strange that she’d want to be with a young guy like you.”
Edward was a little tickled by that remark. “Just view her selection as the result of her great taste in men. After all, I was meant to be a part of her life. I belong to her, and that’s the only thing that matters.”
“It sounds like you wouldn’t want anyone else.”
“Of course. But then again, she wasn’t the only woman in my life. There was one before Maribelle.”
“Who?”
“Florencia. Florencia Sanchez. She works as a branch manager at a bank. We used to date two years ago, when I was eighteen. This was right before I met Maribelle.”
“And it didn’t work out?”
“Well, let’s just say that there were some complications. I had to break up with Florencia about a year later. Maribelle would be the next best thing for me.”
“I’m guessing that you have no regrets.”
Edward didn’t respond for a few seconds. “I did…once. But then, Maribelle proved me wrong. I’m glad she did.”
Joseph must have already recognized it as a fact, since he replied, “If that’s true, then I hope you have a great future together.”
Edward accepted the compliment. He shifted his attention to the window in the study room. From outside, the city of Santa Ana had been illuminated with its artificial lights on the streets and buildings. The cloudy sky prevented the moon to reveal its brilliant surface, but the luminous bulbs below were suitable replacements as they offered the city a clear glimpse with their various locations.
Edward asked, “Do you mind if I stay a little longer?”
Joseph sat up straight in his chair. “No, not at all. It’s good to have a friend around here. I don’t really like it when it’s quiet.”
Edward took off his jacket and set it aside. “Well, you’re lucky that I’m here.”
8:47 PM
Most of the younger Blackjacks had already gone home after eating their dinner. But Preston had decided to stay in the station for just a little longer. And when he did, he began to search for a teammate. He had
found Jerome in the locker room, taking out a few items from his own locker. Preston joined him and did the exact same thing alongside his teammate. He needed to say something. He just had to open his mouth and say it.
As soon as Jerome closed his locker, Preston kept his voice at a low volume, even as it echoed across the room.
“I didn’t have to lie like that. But I guess it’s the only thing to do.”
Jerome froze for a moment and didn’t say a word.
Preston sighed. “Well, I’ll see you later.”
Before he could even leave, Jerome finally gave a response. “Wait. I’ll give you the address to my apartment.”
Preston asked, “What for?”
“I have to show you why things like this are happening. You obviously don’t have to go, but you’ll soon find out why I’m keeping secrets.”
Preston’s curiosity had reclaimed its undamaged status. “Alright, I’ll be there.”
He followed Jerome as the two of them left the locker room.
8:52 PM
Hector had given the news. “Everyone else has left. We’re the only ones here.”
Lionel took his time in the lounge. He had taken a seat in one of the sofas and popped the cap off of a cold bottle of beer. Just one sip and the refreshing taste helped sooth the tension in his thoughts for a least a little while. But he knew that it would be temporary. The remaining Blackjacks had put away their weapons. Hector, Woodrow, and Cliff joined their captain in the lounge. They had no interest in being entertained by anything on television. Instead, they waited for Lionel to express his most recent concern.
He took another sip of his beer before finally stating, “I’ll admit it. I don’t think Jerome will be free from my consequences.”
Hector had taken a seat on an armrests. “If news of this does spread, how long until the Failures find out about you?”
“I can’t give an estimation. All I know is that I’ll be concerned a lot more now than I ever was back then.”
Woodrow took off his necktie and placed it on the coffee table in front of him. “The rodents that breed will be the most valuable on the other side.”
“I thought he’d be safe. I know he can defend himself. He proved himself to be worthy in this squad and he never disappointed me. He’s an excellent Blackjack. But now, I’m starting to wonder if he should really be studying overseas.”
Cliff grunted. “I can’t imagine him being a doctor or something like that. That’s got to be boring as hell.”
Hector added, “Come on, Lionel. He’s better off as a sniper.”
Lionel already agreed. “They’ll chase after the both of us. They won’t give up in their brand new mission. Their mission to execute every single traitor in this country.”
“You really don’t see yourself as a traitor, do you?”
“Of course, I don’t. But they will still discover the truth and go after me and my son.”
Woodrow leaned back in his seat. “Maybe this would be the perfect time to bring in some special reinforcements. Tell Sorivo to assist you in any way he can.”
“That would be an easy decision. But this is not a job for dragons. We can’t risk the lives of reptiles.”
Woodrow’s solemn tone of voice never changed. “Some of them will be eager to help a hero like you. It’s a healthy balance between two powerful spirits as they band together. Caring for the offspring is a result that’ll deliver a father’s grand celebration without certain defects.”
“I can understand that. But my original choice still stands. The dragons have other things to worry about.”
Cliff popped open his own bottle of beer. “Well, I’m glad I don’t have any kids. All I have to worry about is paying my bills.”
His deadpan delivery almost made Lionel want to fire him on the spot. But he knew just how painfully honest Cliff would be at times.
“Just try to see this through my own perspective.”
Cliff shook his head. “I’d rather not. But thanks for trying, anyway.”
Hector took off his black cap and put it aside. “Alright, let’s say that more and more Failures will be on their way here with only one thing in common. How are we going to protect Jerome even if there’s a large demand for executioners?”
Lionel replied, “It’s a hard concept that even I don’t think there’d be a good solution.”
“Well, let’s just hope that it never happens. Jerome is a good man. As long as he knows nothing about it, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
“That’s the thing. He already knows about me.”
Woodrow leaned forward. “How?”
“He got it from a textbook that’s been lurking around here. He knows what I used to be.”
“Do you know of his true opinions?”
“I can’t really say. All I can tell you is that he promised to keep it all a secret. So far, he hasn’t tried to inform the authorities or rat me out to the press or even spread some silly rumors.”
“He’s learned the value of absolute silence. Important for when the horizon closes in.”
Hector wasn’t impressed. “You know what’s going to happen, don’t you? His curiosity’s going to skyrocket. And pretty soon, he won’t even want to stop talking about it. Learning that your own dad used to be a dragon rider is never going to be a simple thing.”
Lionel slowly sighed. “He’ll understand why I did it, and why I chose to abandon it. He’s smart. He’ll see that the past is better forgotten. The future is what’s important, and he and I will share it without regrets.”
Hector was the type of person who would only demonstrate his glee, however minimal it would be, on rare occasions. And this wasn’t one of them. He didn’t smile. He just said, “I hope nothing bad ever happens. The future is bright with the both of you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
Hector started to appear in a gloomy state of mind. He looked down at the floor like a lonely vagabond. “It makes me want to feel the same way.”
Lionel already understood. “Hector, I’m sure your dad thought it was the only right decision for him. He did the best he could when Gorvex took over. He loved you.”
“I remember that evening very vividly. It happened so fast.”
After a brief moment of silence, Hector straightened up. “Regardless, I hope he’s safe out there. And if he’s…if he’s not here anymore, then I hope it was quick and painless. That’s about the only thing I can say about it.”
Woodrow nodded. “You don’t have to suffer.”
Hector stood up from the armrest. “I’m done for the night. I’ll see you all again on Wednesday.”
He took his black cap and left the lounge.
Cliff whispered to Lionel, “We should check on him for the next three days or something.”
Lionel disagreed. “He can take care of himself just fine. He’s strong. He won’t give in to sadness that easily.”
9:17 PM
Ordinary features were prevalent in Jerome’s apartment, but that was not what Preston’s sharp focus had apprehended. He took a seat in the living room and waited for Jerome to keep his promise since their short discussion in the locker room. Jerome had taken off his beret and his trench coat as he brought what appeared to be a textbook. He sat down beside Preston and began to flip through the pages.
“No secrets in here.”
Preston looked down at the open textbook. Jerome had stopped at a certain page. He pointed at an image on the bottom right. It was a colored photograph of a dragon and a young man standing next to each other in an empty field. The dragon had a brown saddle mounted on its back. The young man had a grenade launcher it his hands. Both figures stared at the camera when the photo had been taken.
Jerome asked, “Do you recognize the man?”
He brought the textbook closer to Preston’s face. Preston spent his time identifying the man in the photograph. And then, he realized who he stared at. The young man was a younger version of Jerome’s father.
/> Jerome told him the absolute truth. “My dad used to be a dragon rider a long time ago.”
Preston didn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. His eyes almost widened. He finally exhaled after a few seconds of silence in the room. He couldn’t look away at the photograph. He almost tried to deny it, but Jerome’s words were repeated in his mind. He slid his fingers across his blond hair and asked, “Where did you get this book, anyway?”
Jerome brought the textbook away from Preston and replied, “That’s not important now. This book reveals a lot of things that I didn’t know. My dad used to work for a private company that specializes in crime fighting. Humans and dragons worked together to keep this world safe and secure.”
“Does it say anything about Lionel specifically?”
“No. All it says is how the riders fight crime with their dragons. There are three photos of my dad in here, but he’s just standing around and smiling at the camera. It doesn’t show him doing anything else. But I can tell that he’s a rider. Look at his fingers. He’s wearing a ring. It’s a very special ring. It represents his occupation.”
Preston reexamined the photo. He did spot a ring on Lionel’s index finger. It was silver-colored, with a small gemstone engraved on the surface.
Jerome continued with the brief history lesson. “It’s called a Forizan Ring. This proves that he used to be a Nevinoth Rider. Also, notice the gemstone on the dragon’s chest. That’s what happens when a Nevinoth Dragon is chosen to be with a rider. That gemstone can be made out of diamonds of any color. It’s unbreakable, and it keeps the dragons from leaving their first and only profession.”
Preston consumed this new piece of history with slight hesitation. “So Lionel used to…he used to be one of them. The ones who tried to kill Gorvex eighteen years ago.”
Jerome closed the book. “I’m not exactly sure what happened back then, but Lionel did mention something about being protected by Mystic Lightning.”
“Wait, so he knows that you know?”
“It happened last week. He confirmed it to me when I paid him a visit at his house.”
