Arcane Ops

by T. R. Cameron

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  A sense of palpable relief had hung over the ARES HQ in the days since the battle at the warehouse and the subsequent fight in the head witch’s ritzy condo. They’d all taken varying amounts of time off or engaged in essential tasks that had fallen by the wayside as they battled the Remembrance. Diana and Rath had spent a couple of days in DC with Bryant and Lisa, then she’d ensconced herself in a room with Kayleigh and Cara for a day to work on an after-action summary of the most recent month fighting the Remembrance. They’d have to do a more extensive one to close the chapter on the organization, but everyone agreed that the task could wait a while.

  She’d visited Nylotte in the kemana, and her teacher had apologized—actually apologized—for not seeing the potential hazards of her involvement. The Dark Elf had moved between regret and anger when she described the appearance of the dark witch Iressa and the need to defend herself from the woman’s sudden attack. In retrospect, they probably should have considered the possibility, but they’d been so focused on what was in front of them that it had never occurred to anyone. Diana doubted the witch would leave the Drow’s thoughts anytime soon, however.

  An hour each day was devoted to working with Fury on imaginary battlefields of his creation, absorbing what he had to teach her about swordplay tactics and strategies. Her body moved, teaching the muscles, but most of it occurred in her mind. Nonetheless, when she was finished, she was always sweating and trembling as if every stroke of the virtual battles had been real. She had also joined Cara for several training sessions with Nylotte now that time permitted, and they were both learning to find the line between effectiveness and energy expenditure that worked for them. Both her teacher and her sword promised that, over time, she would be able to store power in the artifact for later use.

  Today was the first time they would all be in one place since the event, and Diana had reserved the back room at Stan’s again. Somehow, it seemed fitting, despite Cara’s contention that celebrations and champagne were synonymous. She yelled for Rath and Kayleigh as she located her car keys. The troll raced in with Max on his heels, laughing as the dog snapped at him. One of the best things about the house was the large backyard where the two of them could tussle when they felt the need. The tech emerged from the basement, looking as happy and relaxed as she’d been in ages.

  “Did you win?”

  She snorted. “Of course I did. But the competition during the daylight hours is weak.”

  Diana nodded, having no idea what she was talking about but happy that she seemed pleased. “Cool. Or whatever the kids say these days. Let’s get a move on.”

  They climbed into her Mustang Fastback, the troll took his place on the booster in the admittedly tiny back seat, and she started the engine. She drove as cautiously as required but also put a little extra speed into turns and straight runs for the sheer joy of it. When they finally reached the restaurant, Kayleigh was hoarse from telling her to slow down, their diminutive companion was laughing giddily, and she had burned away what was left of her stress. They entered through the rear door and found that Stan had provided a curtain rather than only the rope to keep their celebration private.

  A table with heating trays stood loaded with barbecue and sides, and they filled their plates. Everyone did the same as they arrived, and the group ate with deep satisfaction, seated around a large rectangular table, and shared laughs and tales of their past adventures. Finally, Tony and Deacon stood on their seats and called for everyone’s attention. The tech said, “We have gathered here to put the recent past behind us. And there’s only one true way to do that. Awards!”

  The investigator jumped down and opened a box to reveal a number of cheesy trophies with stars on them. The assembled group laughed, and he turned to them with a grin. “First up, for constant whining on someone else’s behalf…Kayleigh!” Amidst the cheers, she walked up to collect her trophy with a look in her eyes that promised agony for Deacon. He seemed unimpressed and announced the next award.

  “For the most elegant design in battle vehicles since the Transformers…Hank!” Applause thundered from everyone, clearly sincere, and he stretched to take the award from where he sat, looking both pleased and uncomfortable in equal measures.

  Tony bellowed, “Best at opening doorways in unconventional ways…Anik!” More laughter followed as the demolitions expert made his way to the front.

  The tech grinned. “Best gunslinger impersonation, including the ridiculous mustache…Tony!” He laughed off the jeers as he accepted the award from his fellow presenter.

  “Biggest techno-weenie on Earth…Deacon!”

  Kayleigh shouted, “Well-deserved!” and the others laughed again.

  Diana leaned over to Cara. “I’m a little worried that they’re leaving us for last.”

  The other woman nodded. “We should make a run for it.”

  Tony calmed everyone and fixed them with a somber look. “But seriously, now, a few more. First, for conduct far beyond the line of duty and putting himself in harm’s way for the benefit of the team…Sloan.” Their respect for the man was obvious in their applause, and he seemed to take it to heart.

  Deacon added, “For caring far beyond the line of duty and truly watching over the place where we live…Rath.” The troll ran forward and flipped dramatically, making the onlookers laugh, but the emotional weight in the room doubled with the reminder of his efforts to help the local Griffins. The man continued, “And for accepting her position in the crosshairs when our enemies tried to kill her not once, but twice, while we waited for the right moment…Cara.” Diana felt tears of pride welling in the corners of her eyes as her second in command went to accept her trophy. Dammit. I could not be prouder of these people.

  Tony gave her a solemn look from the other end of the table. “And for being a thrill-seeking maniac who clearly wants to be a superhero…our fearless leader, Diana!” The crowd whooped and hooted, then raised their bottles in a toast to her. She raised her own. “To you all. The best team anyone has ever had the privilege to lead.” She paused to let that sink in, then added, “Except for Tony, whose ass I will now kick.” He laughed and jogged toward the exit, where she caught him and gave him a hug. “Great work, Stark. That was exactly what we needed.”

  He mimed spinning pistols and holstering them, and they returned to the party.

  On another planet, Lechnas and Iressa sat together near the fire once again. The witch had arrived with a sense of trepidation covering her like an aura but had marshaled her reserves when she saw him seated calmly and waiting and had slid into the chair beside him with something approaching her usual confidence. The offer of whiskey had been quickly accepted and seemed to bolster her spirits.

  He spoke slowly and kept his emotions hidden. In truth, he had anticipated that their people on Earth would fail, although he had hoped they would at least cause a little more trouble before their elimination. “So. The witch failed us.”

  She looked up with a startled expression that she quickly covered up. Yes, us. There was relief in her voice. “She did. I intervened, of course, but could only do so much. It gave her a fighting chance but in the end, the enemy leaders foiled us again.”

  “And the rumored demise of the first target was apparently in error.” That mistake was his. When Pesharn did not return, he should have known the attempt failed—or, at least, assumed it had. Instead, he had trusted in his sources in the government agencies, who turned out to have been manipulated with false information. Even the most competent can misstep from time to time.

  Iressa nodded. “Yes. There was no inkling of the truth of that situation.”

  Lechnas leaned back and took a deep and appreciative sip of his drink before responding. “But, on the positive side, they believe they are now safe and that the threat has passed. We will let them enjoy that illusion for a time. Our actions will be subtle at first, using only those we can absolutely trust. But within the month, Stonesreach will fall, the city above
will burn, and those leaders and all their people will beg for death at our hands.”

  The story doesn’t end here. The team continues to go after the bad guys in Agents of Vengeance. You won’t want to miss the exciting conclusion to the series!

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  Author Notes - TR Cameron

  Written August 18, 2019

  Every book makes the ride that much wilder. Thank you for coming along with us!

  Thank you for reading the seventh book in the Federal Agents of Magic series, and for continuing on to the author notes! I am grateful every single day that you make it possible for me to share this story with you.

  I spent this past weekend at a commitment ceremony / big party to celebrate my best friend’s wedding last year. It was awesome, but also offered a lot of time for reflection.

  Since finding my home with Martha, Michael, and LMBPN, what was a sometimes-scary solo pursuit has become a joyous adventure. The way the pieces came together was so unlikely that it feels like it was meant to be.

  A few years back, I applied for a new job. I was excited for it, I saw it as a step forward and something I’d be good at and something that would increase the long-term security for my family. The downside was that it was going to require me to give up a lot of the freedoms I’ve worked pretty darn hard to attain for the last decade and a half or so, and if we’re thinking about it broadly, for the last thirty years. Even as I applied, I was still torn about whether to take or not if it was offered.

  It might have been worth it. But, fortunately, I didn’t get it. I didn’t even get interviewed, which was a clear lack of perspective on their parts, but I digress.

  At the time, I was a little upset. But then I decided if that wasn’t my path, I needed to figure out what was.

  I don’t recall what keyed me in to the existence of self-publishing, or the desire to turn my love of story into a writing career. It might actually have been the Kurtherian Gambit, but it’s in a foggy rear view and I can’t make it out. But the moment I discovered it, it felt like fate’s hand at work.

  So, I read a few things, listened to a podcast, sat my rear end down in the chair at 4am and started writing. After a week, I realized that I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. Tell a good story, sure. But all the behind-the-scenes stuff that’s important to make that story work? I had some learning to do.

  I learned. I wrote. I threw stuff I loved away and tried again. And I think (hope?) I’m still improving with each new chapter I write.

  What’s the takeaway? That old saw that when one door closes another opens – more proof that it’s more true than it is false.

  Something new and cool is on the horizon, and I look forward to sharing it with you when it’s ready for release!

  If you want to chat media, the books, or whatever else, I check in pretty often on Facebook. Just search TR Cameron Author to find me. Or, less reliably, thom@trcameron.com.

  Now, back to plotting book 8, where Lechnas and Iressa… well, you’ll have to wait and see.

  Until next time, Joys upon joys to you and yours – so may it be.

  Author Notes - Martha Carr

  August 21, 2019

  The temperature is down to the mid 90’s in Austin, Texas – The Fall season must be approaching. A little Texas humor, but also true. School is back in session here and I’m only two weeks away from turning 60. I swear, I feel like I’m about 30 years old. My author buddy, Craig Martelle paid me a high compliment by saying, “I don’t know what 60 should look like, but you don’t look it – and you don’t act it either.”

  I’ll be off to Niagara Falls for a long weekend on the actual day because – why not? I’ve never seen them and seems just weird enough for a Nerdette like me. Check that one off the list of natural wonders to see!

  I’m looking forward to my 60’s, mostly because my 50’s have been the best decade of my life despite loss and struggles and large challenges that were mixed in with great and wonderous changes. It was mostly because I learned how to be happy despite circumstances and operate within a community instead of muscling through every adventure on my own.

  I used to think happiness was dependent on circumstances – I mean that makes sense, right? If times are tough, happiness seems rash or ignorant or maybe even a form of denial. But it’s still possible.

  For me, it takes reaching out to some trusted friends who are grounded in the same philosophy and listening more than I speak. I’m reminded of what’s going right in my life and encouraged to take note of where I’m sitting, what I can see around me, what is the scent in the air, how does my body feel right this minute? That’s called mindfulness and for me, it’s been a game changer. I’ve even learned how to apply it to what I’m eating (and fortunately, not eating so much).

  That part about community – I grew up in a chaotic household where it was more – every man, woman and child for themselves. Asking questions was an opportunity for ridicule and abuse from others. I learned how to observe and be silent. But I kept a child’s perspective all the way up to my 50’s – that all I observed was all there was. Even though intellectually I knew there are a million different views to any topic, I operated as if mine was the only one – without realizing I was doing it.

  It was at the beginning of my 50’s that I started to ask more questions like, how do you do this, or what do you mean and found out – I don’t know a lot of things – and it was welcome news. I became more curious – again – like I was five years old once more – and my internal optimism grew and surpassed my need to look for approaching trouble.

  It also meant I was showing people more of who I really am, which led like a series of falling dominoes to finding my tribe of people who like me for who I am – and weeded out those who really didn’t and needed to move on to another circle of friends. Everything became easier, even during the tough times because judgment was decreasing in degrees all the time. It still is and is a welcome relief.

  That’s why I’m looking forward to my 60’s so much. I spent so many years holding back, being quiet and not finding out about all the things that interested me because I was so busy trying not to be noticed – to stay safe. But these days I’m flinging myself out there, even when I’m afraid or awkward or anxious and learning all kinds of cool things – in community – with a lot of great people (a lot of them are you guys). Imagine what the future holds… More adventures to follow.

  Author Notes - Michael Anderle

  August 28, 2019

  THANK YOU for not only reading this story but these Author Notes as well.

  (I think I’ve been good with always opening with “thank you.” If not, I need to edit the other Author Notes!)

  RANDOM (sometimes) THOUGHTS?

  You can buy too much junk food.

  I’m in Shanghai, China after a trip on a train that took about 15 hours. In preparation for this trip, my wife and I went to a grocery store run by a French company in Beijing China. It was similar to (in the US) a small Wal*Mart.

  The store was laid out in a very long rectangle, taking up a floor beneath a strip center. We walked in one narrow side of the rectangle and had the WHOLE strip center to walk to get to the fruits / vegetables / meat.

  Needless to say, I didn’t make it past the junk food (chips) aisle before I was trying to figure out which chips I needed to take with me on the train.

  I mean, salty is one of the main food groups, isn’t it?

  So, the next main food group is sweet and that meant…more junk food!

  Our little basket started filling up, fast.

  So, eventually we made our way to the middle of the food area in this store, and there were pink banners that I read ‘Imported’ on.

  AH! Food from m
anufacturers I recognized. Chips Ahoy! (in the basket) – Lay’s Potato Chips (in the basket). I had to make two trips to take back foods I thought I recognized, but wasn’t sure, in order not to be stupid about buying food I did.

  I grabbed Skittles, Snickers… the sugary craze went on and on…

  Then, being mature adults, we started to look for something ‘not’ junk. Well, actually we didn’t start looking until we found the peanut butter. Then, it was a freaking FULL store search effort to find grape jelly and plastic forks and knives to make our sandwiches with the bread we found.

  We found close-enough jam but never found any plastic ware. All of the forks / knives / spoons were metal. Not exactly something I wanted to buy and have security take from me so we didn’t buy any.

  This trip was easily an hour or more trying to find the food ‘just right’ for the 15+ hours on the train.

  A train that left at 8:00 PM at night.

  In the end, we lugged two very large plastic bags of food from the store to the hotel, then to the train station, then through two security gates with scanners. We finally reached train itself where the food took up a lot of space in our tiny little compartment.

  We ended up eating 1/2 a small plastic tub of popcorn and some skittles and sleeping most of the trip.

  Oh, we also opened and drank two waters.

  AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

  One of the interesting (at least to me) aspects of my life is the ability to work from anywhere and at any time. In the future, I hope to re-read my own Author Notes and remember my life as a diary entry.

  Shanghai China, in the Executive Lounge Shanghai Marriot City Center.