by Eric S Kim
“What would he be doing there?”
“The people from Shadow Service have provided some crucial information. Otis Cooper may have visited the forest to have a meeting with a man named Artyom Trutnev. Trutnev is believed to have originated from St. Petersburg, Russia. It took at least three days to uncover the truth, and now Shadow Service has found the right answers. Trutnev has been living in Green Brigalvic for quite some time now.”
“Then, he is officially insane.”
“Trutnev is hiding something in that forest. That may be the reason why he decided to live there.”
“What is he hiding?”
Quintana’s expression grew solemn in just a few seconds. “He has collected several items that are considered to be very improper to keep in public. They are weapons used by those that we now call ‘The Nameless Riders of Yesterday’.”
Lionel understood. “The Nevinoth Riders.”
Quintana gave a slight nod. “That is correct. And do you remember the name of their artillery?”
“The Varivorian Artillery.”
“Yes. Swords, axes, spears, crossbows, and anything else that no longer belong in this world. Artyom Trutnev is keeping them safe in Green Brigalvic.”
“So all this time, these weapons are close to home.”
“I know the news is shocking, but the truth will always hurt no matter what. Anyway, it is widely believed in Shadow Service that Hugo Rutherford will leave Idaho and head straight for Green Brigalvic to retrieve these weapons. He will pay Otis Cooper a visit, because Otis appears to be the so-called gatekeeper to Artyom’s home. If they encounter each other, then Hugo will obtain the Varivorian Artillery and use them to his advantage. There is no room for poor judgments. These Fail Factions had brought Kin-Kelin alive with blueprints. Imagine what they can do with swords and crossbows.”
Lionel processed the new information without a skeptical form. He could only imagine how such powerful weapons were kept safe on American soil all this time. But his patience didn’t fall apart. He stayed composed as he said, “So this is where we come in.”
Quintana smiled. “At least you are catching on earlier than anyone else. And the answer is yes. I want you and your squad to find Otis Cooper and bring the Varivorian Artillery out of that forest.”
“I hope there’s a way to keep it from being a suicide mission.”
“Do not worry of what lurks in the woods. You will bring the essential equipment required for this mission. Mystic Lightning will not be the company that treats their employees unfairly.”
“So you and I are the only ones who know about this?”
“Hamilton and the three agents from Shadow Service should be included. Nobody else will even dare to be informed of this important information. It is top secret after all.”
“When do you want us to start?”
“As soon as possible. Call your squad and have them meet at the station.”
“Will do.”
Quintana placed the manila envelope on the coffee table. “You will need all of these.”
“And where will you be?”
“I will keep a close watch. If there is an emergency, then I will provide immediate support.”
He pulled out a small item from his pocket. It was a small red button on a metal casing. A half-spherical glass protected the button from an unanticipated press.
“Use this for when the situation grows desperate.”
Lionel took it without objections. “I have a feeling that some of my teammates won’t be prepared for what I’m going to tell them.”
“Just try not to exaggerate.”
“Listen, there are only five known plants that are considered dangerous. Zatrad, Worm Trees, Clapping Birdtraps, and the rest I forget. We still don’t know what else lurks in there.”
“But if you find a brand new species, all you need are your bullets and grenades to keep them away.”
Lionel put the little red button in his own pocket. “I must say that I appreciate the fact that you believe in us so much.”
“You have already proved yourselves worthy. Your reputation is a good reason why I am still confident.”
“Well, don’t worry. We will bring back the artillery, and we will return unscathed.”
“I already see it as a good promise.”
4:45 PM
Lionel was the first to return to the NESF Station. He unlocked the doors and waited until the other thirteen Blackjack Troopers entered the building. They wore their usual black and gray attire and didn’t demonstrate a negative attitude for an abrupt visit on a Sunday afternoon. Lionel didn’t give anyone else an easy access through the front entrance. He made certain that nobody else would join their meeting. And when the last Blackjack arrived, Lionel felt relieved to learn of the complete absence made by the press. Since the incident from last night, there would be a bigger chance of the press to interfere.
The Blackjacks were alone and completely devoid of inquisitive journalists. Lionel locked the front doors and gathered his teammates in the meeting room. The blinds remained closed as he waited until everyone quieted down. Woodrow Lockhart, Cliff Mitchell, Hector Conroy, Victoria Hernandez, Kurt Nguyen, Nick Fairbanks, Jerome Tyler, Preston Hatchett, Bryce Etheridge, Sabrina Sinclair, Rebecca Norwood, Oswald Tomlinson, and Elliott Hashimoto sat down at the table. Lionel sat at the front.
“You’re all going to have to cancel your plans for tonight. Mr. Quintana has given us our first mission.”
There were various reactions from the other Blackjacks. Some quickly whispered to each other with excitement, while others leaned in with silent curiosity.
Cliff, on the other hand, began to slouch in his seat. “I was already looking forward to my brother’s barbecue.”
Lionel replied, “Well, I can promise you that you will receive a meal that’s a lot more appetizing than that.”
“Hey, don’t you dare look down on my brother’s beef.”
Jerome rolled his eyes while Sabrina snorted from stifling a laugh.
Lionel had already forgotten Cliff’s words. “Here’s what’s going to happen. We will fly to Northern California, where we will apprehend a civilian named Otis Cooper. We need him to give us clear directions as we enter the woods. More specifically, Green Brigalvic National Forest.”
Elliott’s mouth was agape. Oswald faked his shock with a goofy-sounding gasp. Preston slowly tapped his fingers on the table. Rebecca gave Bryce a look of concern. Victoria took a deep breath, and Nick cracked his knuckles with simple elation.
Woodrow remarked, “There is no paradise for creatures that provoke that shadowy realm. And yet, Mr. Quintana is eager to make the sacrifices.”
Lionel shook his head. “We’re going to be okay. I know that forest has a bad reputation, but we have to keep our enemies away from that place. Hugo Rutherford is planning on entering that place because there are things in that forest that are quite useful to him. And we can’t let him take these things. We have to retrieve them and bring them back to Orange County.”
Kurt raised his hand. “Just what the hell is in that forest, anyway?”
“Weapons used by the Nevinoth Riders. You may know them as the Varivorian Artillery.”
Preston straightened up. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, I am.”
The younger Blackjacks still whispered amongst each other, while the older and more experienced Blackjacks said nothing at all.
Victoria asked, “So all of those weapons were here the entire time?”
Lionel replied, “I know it’s a big surprise, but we can’t afford to linger on this new discovery. We have to bring these weapons back to Mystic Lightning.”
Elliott pulled at his shirt collar. “I’ve never seen this forest before. What’s it like?”
Preston shrugged his shoulders. “Well, from what the movies tell us, it’s a pretty screwed-up place that has lots and lots of things that want to kill us.”
Lionel added, “And that’s why we have t
o be careful when we get there. We can’t bullshit our way into this. We take the artillery, and the Fail Factions will not succeed yet again. Some of us may not survive, but the sacrifices will always be remembered.”
Bryce scratched his head. “And if we don’t die, what do we get out of this? Money? Free meals? Hookers and beer?”
“Mostly the first part. Imagine receiving another check worth a half-million dollars after leaving Green Brigalvic without a scratch. Tax free, of course.”
Nick laughed. “I’m already in. And if you guys wuss out, then I’ll be glad to take your checks off your hands.”
Kurt pointed his finger at Nick. “Don’t you dare. Count me in on this, too.”
It was Bryce’s turn to have his say. “I’m next.”
Rebecca immediately stepped in. “I with you guys, too.”
And so did Sabrina. “Hey, don’t leave me out of this. I’m already ready for it.”
Soon, the other Blackjacks accepted their new roles, giving Lionel confirmation to leave Southern California as soon as possible.
“Good. Mr. Quintana expects the best out of us. So let’s show him what we’re capable of. We’re leaving in thirty minutes. Prepare yourself for our little trip to the woods.”
Nick rubbed his palms together. “Let’s kick some sweet tree ass!”
5:11 PM
One of the Blackjacks had decided to change their attire for their mission. Woodrow had put away his suit and instead wore a pair of black denim jeans and a standard black t-shirt. He kept his cowboy hat on his head. No one complained, as it was indeed a good idea to keep his suit away from unwanted wear and tear.
Everyone gathered their belongings and made sure that they would bring the most appropriate tools for the job. Preston used a standard backpack to place his own possessions in. He, Jerome, and Rebecca spent their time in the locker room checking their supplies. They acted as if they participated in a standard routine, though Preston knew their true sentiments. Seeing as how Green Brigalvic had become their destination, there would be no way to keep their doubts and fears suppressed throughout the trip.
Jerome decided to put away his trench coat while Rebecca sat on the bench and tied her brown hair in a ponytail. Preston’s smartphone began to vibrate in his pocket. He checked to see who called him. It was his mother. He was about to accept the call, but he knew how completely confidential this mission had to be.
He let the phone vibrate as he asked his two teammates, “Uh, what should I say to someone if she asks about our top secret stuff?”
Jerome stopped what he was doing. “Who’s calling?”
“Um…my mom.”
“Don’t tell her anything. Just tell her that you have to go away for a while and that you’ll be fine.”
Preston cleared his throat. He stood near a corner and said, “Hi, mom.”
“So what’s happening? Aren’t you going to visit us today?”
“Sorry, but something’s come up. I have to some things to do with the other Blackjacks. It’s nothing serious. It’s just something that we have to do. It’s an important job.”
“What are you going to do?”
“It’s classified. I can’t say anything about it. I don’t think anyone should know about it.”
“Ah, one of those types of jobs. Is it really that serious that you won’t even tell me what it is?”
“I’m afraid not. Dad didn’t tell you anything about it, did he?”
“So far, he didn’t mention anything about you leaving to do some kind of escort mission or something.”
“Then I don’t think he’s supposed to know.”
“When will you be back?”
“I don’t know. Maybe tomorrow morning. Maybe later. Maybe not at all.”
Preston immediately regretted saying the last sentence.
“It really is serious.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m not going to make any dumb decisions when I get to where I’m supposed to be. I’ll come back home when I can.”
“Please be careful. Your father and I will be waiting. Try not to get into trouble, okay?”
“I’ll make it.”
Preston turned around to see Jerome and Rebecca finishing up with their preparations.
“I got to go. I’ll take to you later. Bye.”
He hung up. He continued on placing certain items in his backpack.
Rebecca asked, “So that was your mom, huh?”
Preston zipped up his backpack. “Yeah, that’s right.”
“She doesn’t know anything about it, does she?”
“Nah. I don’t think both of my parents know about it.”
“Good. That reminds me. I should talk to my parents as well.”
Jerome warned her. “Just don’t tell them what it really is. You do that and everyone will have to call their friends and family and tell them why they’re leaving Orange County. Soon, Fail Factions might even grow suspicious as to why an entire Blackjack squad is absent on a Sunday.”
Rebecca still pressed the numbers on her smartphone. “I hate it when you’re paranoid.”
“I’m just being careful.”
“Of course, you don’t have to call anyone. Your dad is already here.”
“That’s why it’s so easy.”
5:56 PM
Everyone had left the NESF Station and were now on their way to Skywood Airport, where two private jets provided by Mystic Lightning waited for them on the runway. The squad separated into two groups: seven in each jet. Preston joined both Lionel and Jerome as they entered the first jet. Hector, Victoria, Nick, and Elliott completed their group. The two jets took off without any journalists taking notice. Preston gazed out the window. From the other side, the earth took part in a smooth acceleration as it grew smaller in size. The Blackjacks would be leaving Southern California and entering the state’s Central Valley a short time later.
Preston rested comfortably in his seat. He sat next to Elliott as they started to discuss the possibility of finding some pretty nasty things in the heavily guarded wilderness. But Lionel interrupted everyone in the jet. He informed them on what they would do when they reach the small city of Skidmore, located a few miles east of Redding.
“Otis Cooper owns a brick and mortar bookstore on the northern side of the city. When we get there, we have to make sure that nobody else is in the building. We will discover how he manages to enter Green Brigalvic without supervision and come back out unharmed. Since surveillance drones are only out during the daytime, he will most likely visit the forest after sundown. If we have to visit the bookstore all at once, don’t try to crowd the place. Give him room. Keep him calm. Everyone understand?”
The other Blackjacks nodded in agreement.
“Good.”
The captain used his earpiece to give the same information to the Blackjacks on the other jet.
TEN
6:45 PM
The Sacramento Valley makes up the entire upper half of California’s Central Valley. Redding is one of its six main cities. Located on the northern side of the Sacramento Valley, Redding is not as large as Sacramento. But with a population of over one-hundred-thousand people, it is hard not to deny its status as a small but flourishing suburban city. And when compared to a much smaller city like Skidmore, everyone would expect the Blackjack Troopers to roam the streets of Redding instead of the city situated alongside it. At the moment, Skidmore did not have its own Blackjack Squad to protect it. It didn’t have to, as its low crime rate prevented it from being the next city to delve deeper into law enforcement. It only had five-thousand people residing in it, but it held a good reputation and never faltered during the crime wave that affected the nation more than a decade ago.
The Blackjack Troopers had made it to Redding safely. The two jets landed safely in Davison Municipal Airport. Once on the ground, the Blackjacks had found the vehicles provided by Mystic Lightning. Because of the city’s low crime rate, only Kingsnake Officers and very few Hammerhead Investigato
rs had resided here. Squad A-X-9 got inside the SUV’s and drove away from the airport. The four SUV’s came in different colors and didn’t have any sirens or any Blackjack insignia painted on its surface. The general public would most likely think nothing of these current automobiles as they wouldn’t be convinced that Blackjack Troopers would even be present in the city.
Lionel led his teammates further into the city of Redding. Only a handful of small skyscrapers were seen in downtown. It would take some time for them to reach Otis Cooper’s workplace in Skidmore. First, they would have to find a place to eat.
6:58 PM
They parked their vehicles in front of a local fast food restaurant. Nick had called the manager on his own smartphone and reminded him that the Blackjacks were here. Nobody had to even enter the building for their meals. Nick provided the basic details to the manager. With an entire Blackjack squad right outside his door, the manager would have his food prepped much faster than usual. In addition, everyone working at this time would be paid a special bonus by Mystic Lightning if they did their jobs well. The manager, who received the call from Mystic Lightning before the jets landed in the airport, agreed to feed the visitors.
As the rest of the Blackjacks waited in their parked SUV’s, Lionel sat silently in front of the steering wheel. Jerome sat beside him in the passenger side while Bryce and Oswald sat in the back.
Lionel broke the silence by saying, “Otis’s bookstore closes at ten o’clock. So we have plenty of time for surveillance before we get inside.”
Bryce asked, “And we’ll be able to reach the forest before midnight?”
“It’s the best estimated time available.”
Jerome took off his beret as he relaxed in his seat. “So, uh…Green Brigalvic. Have you ever been there?”
Lionel was being sincere. “Never have. People rarely visit that place now. And if they did, it’s not for recreation, but for research.”
“I’ve seen the documentaries, and I still can’t figure out how all those plants were able to mutate. I guess it’s because of all of that sorcery that happened a long time ago.”
