by Eric S Kim
Lionel had to give him the bad news. “He ran away. Artyom wanted him to leave as quick as possible. Now, he might be on his way to Canada or Mexico.”
“That is very unfortunate. I am sure Mystic Lightning will find him soon. Are any of your teammates hurt?”
“No, I’m the only one who got the brunt of it. But I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Nevertheless, Mr. Hamilton is bringing several people to your station for a health inspection. It will not take very long, I hope.”
Meanwhile, the three Shadow Service Agents took the Varivorian Artillery with them and headed back to their parked vehicles. It took all three of them to carry the storage box, and they almost struggled with the heavy weight. Cliff and Kurt were not amused by the comparison.
Quintana proclaimed, “Shadow Service will take care of it. In the meantime, there is still time to celebrate our victory. I would like to invite you to a special lunch in Santa Ana. There will be steak and your own choice of beverages.”
Nick asked, “Does it include some really cold beer?”
“Of course.”
“Well, damn. Count me in, then.”
Soon enough, everyone else in the squad accepted the invitation. It please Quintana very much.
“Good. They will pick you up at your station at noon. No fancy tuxedos required. Just be yourselves when you get there.”
Lionel replied, “We will be.”
“At this rate, the press would get a hold of this story. That is not true. Hamilton and I are working hard to keep this confidential.”
“Why make it secretive? Shouldn’t people want to know about why the dragons brought us here?”
“Not today.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am positive. Only the most important details will arise when the time is right.”
Quintana pointed at the parked sedans on the other corner of the airstrip. “There is your ride back.”
“Thank you.”
Lionel ordered his teammates to leave the airport. Before they could even make their way to the parked sedans, Quintana stopped Lionel for a moment.
“I do believe you are forgetting something.”
Lionel looked down to find that the sword he had been using in Green Brigalvic was still in the scabbard attached to his belt. He didn’t express any sort of embarrassment as he finally disconnected the weapon from his belt and handed the sheath to Quintana.
The Chairman remarked, “I can sense that a fight broken out in the forest and it forced you to take extreme measures. Am I mistaken?”
Lionel’s countenance remained blank. “I’ll explain later.”
He joined his squad as they walked away from Quintana, who began to examine the scabbard in his hand. Preston had noticed that it took Lionel at least a few seconds to hand the sword over to Quintana. The short delay would have been slightly unusual for an authoritative man like his captain.
7:46 AM
The interior of the NESF Station in Anaheim was an environment that was sorely missed. Preston felt as if he had returned home after being bled dry at a hostile workplace. The sweet respite was a feeling that he had been yearning for. He took a seat on the bench in the locker room. He closed his eyes for a moment. His fatigue almost exceeded its limit in his body and mind. He could just sit there and take a nap.
The distant footsteps kept him awake. Elliott had entered the locker room. He opened his locker, but didn’t do anything else after. He just stood there with a worried look on his face.
Preston had to ask, “What’s wrong?”
Elliott tapped his fingers on the closed locker beside his own. “I don’t think I’m feeling well.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you realize what we’ve just done? We had to leave Green Brigalvic by taking flight. Dragons, Preston. We just rode dragons! Do you know how that’s going to affect our reputation?”
“Hey, come on. We didn’t do it on purpose. We were desperate to get out of that place. And this was pretty much the only way to do it.”
Elliott slammed his locker shut. “Yeah, but the press will find out about it. They’ll talk about how we almost became dragon riders. They can do that, you know. Twisting the story around to get more viewers. They’ll accuse us of doing illegal activities.”
Preston stood up and patted Elliott on the shoulder. “Dude, calm down. They’re not gonna do anything like that. Mr. Hamilton will take care of it. He wouldn’t want us to have our careers ruined because of some misunderstanding. Everyone will find out what we were doing in that forest, and then they’ll think we’re the biggest badasses on the planet. Remember what happened back in Fireside Air Base? It’s kinda like that. We’re getting better at our jobs, and everyone knows it.”
Elliott did eventually calm down. “I guess you’re right. It’s just that I’ve learned to never to do any of the things that everyone in the Dead Zone had been fighting for. Doing the same stuff that the dragon riders used to do is kind of a scary thing. You get what I’m saying, right? I wouldn’t want to make the same mistakes, even by accident.”
Preston have a light chuckle. “Of course. Just relax. We’re gonna be okay.”
As soon as their discussion had come to a close, Sabrina had arrived and informed them that Lionel wanted to see everyone in the meeting room.
7:50 AM
Preston knew that look on Lionel’s face. Those solemn eyes could only signify a discussion where the most crucial pieces of information would be shared. The Blackjack Troopers had gathered in the meeting quicker than expected. Most of them sat down at the table in the center. Lionel became the only person that remained standing. As soon as Cliff closed the door behind him, Lionel took off his black cap and set it on the table.
“No more secrets.”
The younger Blackjacks leaned in, but both Preston and Jerome didn’t.
Lionel didn’t demonstrate a vulnerable state of mind as he solemnly told everyone the truth.
“You’ve already seen me use that sword and you wonder how I could have done it. The truth isn’t as simple as you think. Nearly twenty years ago, there used to be a team of dragon riders, and it was their duty to keep this planet safe from those that dared to harm it. You might remember them as the Nameless Riders of Yesterday. The Nevinoth Riders. It was their job to guard the world from its most barbaric remnants of society. At least that was what they aimed for.”
After a few seconds of silence, he continued, “I’m telling you this because I used to be one of them. Artyom called me a dragon rider, and he was right.”
A mixed reception had transpired in the meeting room. Nick, Kurt, Victoria, Bryce, Sabrina, Rebecca, Oswald, and Elliott were silent with shock. Everyone else just held a neutral expression.
Lionel didn’t lose his composure. “Woodrow, Cliff, and Hector already know about it.”
Jerome added, “Don’t forget about me.”
Preston tried to smile, but failed to do so. “Or me.”
Lionel sighed. “I was a Nevinoth Rider for one year before Gorvex started to take over. I would have participated in the last stand, but I couldn’t. I had more important things to deal with. I backed away from my career and joined Gorvex’s side. Now, you might think that I was a complete idiot for even attempting to be a dragon rider. The truth is, I thought I did the right thing. I thought I could make smart decisions. It turns out that I…I couldn’t. You’ll have to thank Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Murdock for the coverup. If people find out that I used to be a dragon rider, then they won’t be able to forgive me. This can only be kept as classified information. You can try to tell your friends and family, but it will only lead to the termination of A-X-9. From now on, we are the only ones who know about it.”
Rebecca cleared her throat. “Why are you telling us this?”
“Because you deserve it. Everything that I’ve done, from La Palma to Green Brigalvic, I’ve learned from the past. Our success wouldn’t be possible without my knowledge of the old
generation.”
Woodrow whispered, “I see no black sheep. Just friendly reminders.”
Lionel smoothed his short hair with his sliding hand. “I know this is something that strikes you like lightning, but you’ll have to learn to accept it. It’s my past. It’s my curse. Don’t view me as a lesser human being. Just view me as a valuable life lesson. I’m no longer a dragon rider because of Gorvex and his empire, and that’s all that matters to all of us.”
Elliott slowly rubbed his palms together. “I should be complaining, but I just can’t. I’m not losing respect for you at all. You’re still my captain.”
Victoria smiled. “I’d rather learn from the past than completely ignore it.”
Kurt had already folded his arms across his chest. “I’m just glad that we survived all that bullshit thanks to you.”
Bryce had the same sort of response as everyone else. “I can’t say that I’m losing confidence in this squad. Lionel, as long as you learned from your mistakes, then I got no grudge against you.”
Oswald gave a big grin as his tone of voice grew hoarser. “…Oh, yeah.”
Everyone in the meeting room expressed their gratitude toward their captain, who added, “I’d like to let everyone know that this won’t hinder our chances of becoming Zadith Disciples. There will be nominations, and we will be included.”
Rebecca asked, “But won’t Gorvex find out, anyway?”
“There will be an understanding between me and him. He has gained our trust ever since our assignment in Fireside Air Base, and he will recognize the mistakes I’ve made as a man in his twenties.”
“I really hope so.”
Preston felt more inquisitive than ever. “How come Gorvex never found out about you? Didn’t you say you used to be a Nevinoth Rider for a whole year?”
Lionel didn’t move. “Just because I was one for a full year doesn’t mean that Gorvex had to know it. He did believe that he got rid of everyone that stood in his way. I had to give it all up in secret.”
“So you had a dragon of your own. Where is he now?”
“I don’t know.”
Lionel’s earpiece activated. He received the call and had been informed by Charlie the dispatcher of what lay ahead in the next few hours. He ended the call and told his teammates that they would undergo a health inspection when a group of medics from the Hammerhead Department will arrive in under thirty minutes.
“This meeting is over. Remember what I’ve told you here and never say a word of it when you leave this building.”
SEVENTEEN
12:13 PM
With transportation already being provided by Salvador Quintana, the Blackjack Troopers did everything they could to prepare for this special luncheon. As they took their hot showers, they placed their clothes in the washers and dryers, located in the lower floors of the station. Oswald would be the last to clean his clothes, seeing as how the stains on his shirt could have been created by the Pelkitay Mushrooms that he tried to steal. Nobody wanted to take any chances if he did it first.
Jerome wore the same shirt and pants that he wore since Sunday afternoon. He took off his beret, since no one would be bringing their hats to the restaurant. He stood in front of the mirror in the locker room and straightened his hair. He thought of using gel for it, but decided against it. He made sure that he would be as clean as any invited guest. He even pulled off a small piece of lint from his shirt and flicked it away.
He joined the rest of the squad as they waited in the front lobby of the station. Woodrow would be the last to join them as he decided to wear his usual coat and tie. Most of the Blackjacks discussed trivial matters while Lionel remained silent as he listened in to his earpiece. Jerome could hear Victoria mentioning the newly posted news articles from the internet to Hector, who didn’t seem even interested about their mainstream exposure. In fact, he never was. He would always be the type of Blackjack that tried to keep himself out of the spotlight. He was never in the mood to be seen by the general public. Victoria continued on with her positive attitude, nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Nick had put away his tactical vest and managed to duplicate the casual attire that everyone else had been wearing. He used a lighter to light up the cigar between his teeth. He engaged in his own personal pleasure without anyone else intruding. Rebecca had to wave away the smoke that flew in her direction. Nick didn’t care about her safety. He didn’t throw away the cigar between his little grin.
Lionel turned off his earpiece and finally informed his squad that transportation would be arriving in just a few minutes. Everyone exited the station before Lionel locked it with his keycard. Charlie the dispatcher had already gone home for the day. Everyone waited outside until they would be picked up by Quintana’s transportation. Jerome continued to make sure that his clothes remained spotless. Everything that happened in Green Brigalvic National Forest had almost caused his track record to begin a losing streak. He always enjoyed a polished exterior. He would never dare to make a mess of himself.
Elliott suddenly pointed his finger at the street. “I think they’re here.”
A long line of luxury sedans had entered the parking lot. They weren’t the usual automobiles used by civilians. They were the ones that had been frequently selected for the elite. Each one of them conveyed a luxurious design fit for the upper class.
Nick whistled. “I need one of those in my life.”
He turned to Preston and jokingly said, “Maybe you could buy me one. How about it?”
Preston slowly shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, anything can happen when I’m around.”
The line of luxury sedans were parked in front of the Blackjacks. The drivers waited for them to get inside each of them. They split into groups of three as they became the passengers for the day. Everyone departed from the NESF Station and were now on their way to Santa Ana.
12:36 PM
They had reached the steakhouse located just several blocks away from Mystic Lightning Headquarters. From the outside, it looked to be an exclusive place. Jerome could just imagine the high prices for the food. He and the teammates exited the luxury sedans and had as the manager of the restaurant escorted them into the building. The press were nonexistent. There had been no reporters or cameramen who wanted to give live interviews. Quintana and Hamilton must have done a fine job keeping this entire mission a secret. Information would have been leaked, and every news corporation would receive the truth because an employee from Mystic Lightning just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
When the Blackjacks entered the steakhouse, Jerome was impressed with the furnishings. This would definitely be the type of place members of the elite would be dining in. The Blackjack Troopers would be stuck in an incongruous dimension. The tank tops that Kurt and Sabrina wore, and even the cargo shorts that Preston wore, would never be considered as the more appropriate choice of clothing for a place like this.
The manager led the squad to the room where Salvador Quintana, Virgil Hamilton, and Arnold Murdock had waited for them. They sat at a long rectangular table with plates, napkins, and silverware already arranged for use. They stood up at the same time and welcomed their fourteen employees. The restaurant employees closed the doors behind them. Several bodyguards working for both Quintana and Mystic Lightning stayed near the entrance to prevent any trespassers from eavesdropping.
Hamilton stepped forward and shook Lionel’s hand. “The Varivorian Artillery are safe. You and your squad have done a hell of a good job.”
Lionel nodded. “I appreciate the compliment.”
Murdock was next to shake Lionel’s hand. “I’m glad you’re all alive.”
Murdock was currently the Commissioner of the Blackjack Department. He held the responsibility of keeping the troopers fit for duty. He never failed, seeing as how people had rarely threatened to resign under his leadership. He took his work seriously at all times. He was a stern figure, basically one of the most dedicated members of Mystic Lightning Defense.
Quintana d
idn’t have to shake Lionel’s hand as he did it earlier at the airport. “Join us. We are about to order. What would you people like to drink?”
Cliff immediately said, “How about some beer?”
“This place also serves wine.”
“Give me a beer. None of that fancy crap. Just the good ones.”
Nick shared the same appetite. “I’ll have the same. And make sure it’s cold.”
Lionel, Woodrow, Hector, and Kurt wanted beer as well. The other Blackjacks either ordered soda, lemonade, or iced tea. The three servers mentioned that, since the Blackjacks wanted the brands of beer not selected by this particular place, they would have to purchase most of the drinks (particularly the beer) from a store on the other side of the street.
Quintana appeared amused by the hard facts. He smiled as he said, “Make it quick.”
Two of the servers left the room in a hurry. The one who stayed spent his time making a list of everything that the Blackjacks wanted to eat: ribeye steaks, sirloin steaks, pork chops, lamb chops, lobster tails, and more. When they finished, the server let out a heavy sigh before he read through the entire list back to the Blackjacks. Cliff gave him a thumbs-up as a good sign. The server left the room as the Blackjacks took a seat at the table. Quintana, Hamilton, Murdock, and Lionel sat on one edge of the table, leaving the other short side empty. The other Blackjacks sat at both long sides of the table.
Quintana had already taken off his coat and remained seated. “Is everyone comfortable?”
The Blackjacks lightly expressed their true thoughts.
Kurt replied, “This place looks fuckin’ expensive. Are you sure we’re not paying the bills?”
Quintana chuckled. “I can assure you that everything is being paid for by me.”
Elliott rubbed his palms together. “Man, I’m feeling a little jealous. If I was a billionaire, I’d probably do the same thing for all my friends.”
“Just be thankful for what you have. Money does not always solves every problem you face.”
