Homecoming
Page 30
“Make it work, LT.” Matt leaned to the edge of his seat as he watched the scene unfold and the Reaper quickly lose altitude and fly overhead of the squad below. “Surely they would have heard that thing, wouldn’t they?”
“Affirmative, OPCOM, we have you,” a staticky voice filled the overhead speakers. “Good to have you back.”
“Sierra One, get your men clear of that thing. We’re about to go live with the Reaper. Cleanup crews are inbound as we speak.”
“Copy that, OPCOM. You’ll have clear shooting in thirty.”
The OPCOM crew watched as the Reaper turned and brought the scene back into view. The two operators were running up the hill toward the approaching drone. The giant troll slowly advancing on them.
Matt shook his head. He didn’t like the close proximity but there was no sense in wasting any more time. “Light it up.”
*****
Dom rolled back and forth under the large troll, careful to avoid the huge foot that continued to stomp down toward him. He did his best to entice the smaller trolls closer until they were within smooshing range, then when the foot began its downward arc, he’d deftly roll to the side to avoid the spray of blood, bone and guts that would squirt out from under the giant three-toed hammer. The few that wouldn’t come closer to him found themselves either being pushed or tackled and rolled closer to the large troll and it’s brainless action. There weren’t many of the smaller trolls left when the familiar sound of the drone approaching broke the night air.
“On your six, boss,” Mac called through his earpiece.
Dom spun and rolled out of the way of the troll, turned and looked behind him. He could just make out the shadowy outline of the drone as it dropped from the sky and began its approach. “Surely they would have heard that thing, wouldn’t they?” He heard Mitchell’s familiar voice break in and out over his earpiece.
“Affirmative, OPCOM, we have you,” Dom replied. “Good to have you back.”
“Sierra One, get your men clear of that thing. We’re about to go live with the Reaper. Cleanup crews are inbound as we speak.”
“Copy that, OPCOM. You’ll have clear shooting in thirty.” Dom turned and, using hand signals, informed his men to make a wide path or get the hell out of the way. He and Ben began making for the top of the hill as quick as their legs could carry them. A loud thump vibrated the ground followed by a familiar scream. The men knew that the troll wasn’t happy and as Dom suspected, the larger one was following them as they tried to put distance between them.
“Looks like we’re gonna have company, boss,” Ben called as he continued humping up the hill.
“He’d better be quicker than us. Look up!” Dom motioned upward with his chin and Ben saw the Reaper coming back in for a shot. The sound of a sidewinder being released and fired from the Hunter/Killer caused both men to pour on one last sprint to try to get a little extra distance.
The troll noted the semi-active radar homing in on it and paused from its chase long enough to look up and stare at the incoming missile. It opened its mouth to yell when its head suddenly exploded, showering the immediate area in a spray of thick bone, ooze, blood, and chunks of flesh.
Dom and Ben crested the hill and dove for a short outcropping of trees just as the body of the beast hit the ground, causing another dust up and small tremor. A staccato of weapons fire later and the few smaller trolls still standing were quickly dispatched leaving the squad with just a few minutes to rest, burn off their extra adrenaline and then set a perimeter.
The stench of dead marine life in the area was nauseating and Marshall found a few smaller chunks that weren’t oozing that milky acid that he was able to bag for the doc. As the men scattered to set up their perimeter, Hammer noted that the acid had dissolved the smaller trolls to nearly nothing. “Cleanup crews are going to have a helluva time finding enough to clean up.”
“Not my job code, brother.” Dave patted his shoulder as he headed off to set his perimeter.
Hammer continued to study the beasts and the area where they had their show down. “Why here?”
*****
Jack waited outside along the edge of the tree line. The large boulder that he felt for sure would be the portal soon vibrated and he stepped back. A soft glow came from a crack along one edge and soon a twilight filled light filled the area near him. He stood in awe as Horith and Kalen stepped through.
Kalen immediately grasped Jack’s hand and pulled him to an embrace. “Is it true? We get to kill more vampires?”
Horith leaned back through the boulder and waved others through. Grimlock and two other gargoyles crawled through the large opening. Where the two elves had walked through without difficulty, the gargoyles had to squeeze through, pulling their massive bodies through the opening with much struggle. Grimlock stood at his full height and Jack once again was awestruck by the massiveness of the being who stood in his presence. The two others were dwarfed by Grimlock yet were much larger than your average human. The smallest of the gargoyles made Apollo look small.
Jack had to shake his head and remember Kalen’s question. “Uh, no, not necessarily. We’re going to have a force ready, but we’re hoping we won’t have to kill them.”
Jack saw Kalen’s face fall but Horith quickly slapped his brother’s shoulder. “Not to worry. Vampires are quick to anger. They will surely do something unwise.” His eyes met Jack’s and he gave a quick wink. “We are here for you, Chief Jack.”
“I appreciate that, fellas, I really do. But to be honest, I wasn’t expecting you.” Jack didn’t notice the smaller creatures crawling through the boulder behind the gargoyles and quickly surrounding the group.
“The Wyldwood stated that you were in need of warriors. My brother and I volunteered immediately,” Kalen stated matter-of-factly. “We told you that if you ever needed us, we would be there for you. You are considered a part of our tribe now, Chief Jack.”
Jack felt a pride swell within that he couldn’t describe. He knew how selective the Greater Elves were in who they allowed into their world, but to be adopted into the family?
“My kin and I are at your disposal as well, Hunter.” Grimlock’s deep, gravelly voice seemed to reverberate in his very bones.
Jack looked up at the huge ebony skinned gargoyle and suddenly felt that no matter what the council might throw at them, this force would be enough to handle any…his eye caught the smaller beings surrounding them. “And who is this?”
The three smaller beings stepped into the moonlight and Jack finally got a chance to see who had crawled out with the other warriors. They appeared to be gnomes, but unlike any he had ever seen. “I am Kissum. This is Bartholomew.” The gnome pointed to the smallest of the group. “This is Gnat.”
Jack eyed the three gnomes a moment then turned to Kalen. “And they are?”
“Warrior gnomes.” Kalen didn’t seem to be joking.
“Warrior…” Jack’s voice trailed off as his mind rolled the idea around of anything that small being a warrior.
“Gnomes,” Kissum reiterated. “And ye’d be best to keep it mindful.” The set of his little jaw reminded Jack of a pissed off midget wrestler.
“Uh…look, guys…”
“Do not prejudge, Chief Jack,” Horith interceded. “Gnomes are not known as a warrior race, but the few who are, are fierce.”
“And well trained,” Gnat squeaked.
Jack squared his shoulders and eyed the motley crew. “Well then.” He scratched at his chin as he considered the new addition. “It would appear that I’d better rethink my plans.”
Grimlock pulled his two associates to the forefront, “My brothers, Gideon and Azrael.”
Jack looked up at the two gargoyles and fought a shiver. Gideon had a thick, red hide that almost appeared like saddle leather. Azrael almost appeared human but with large bat like wings and huge claws. His pointed teeth and oversized facial features gave him away as something other than human, as if the wings and claws weren’t enough to dis
suade the idea. “Good to have you with us gentlemen.”
“A pleasure to serve,” Gideon bowed. Azrael eyed Jack warily before giving a slight nod.
“Why don’t I get you guys settled in for the night.” Jack turned and headed for the castle before Horith stepped in his way.
“Chief Jack.” Horith nodded toward the gargoyles. Jack shook his head in confusion. “They can only be out at night. During the day, they sleep the stone sleep.”
Jack quickly turned and looked to the gargoyles who all had expressions of impatience. “My apologies. Truly…I wasn’t thinking.”
“Think naught of it.” Grimlock pushed passed the others and headed toward the castle. “Let us retire to a more comfortable area and go over your plans.”
Jack watched the gargoyle for a moment then fell into step behind him. “Right. Straight to business.”
*****
“Surveillance still reports that it’s all quiet.” Sheridan fell into the seat across from Apollo. “Have you decided which you’d prefer? A night or day attack?”
Apollo seemed to ignore him as he continued to wire the radio detonators. He slowly tweaked the connections then set the unit aside. “Whenever they’d least expect it,” his reply seemed as absent as his interest in dealing with Sheridan at the moment.
“How will you know when that is?”
Apollo stopped what he was doing and placed the device aside. He gently set the small screwdriver down and turned his full attention to Sheridan. “They have a team out now, correct?”
“Yeah, but we don’t know when or if they’ll…”
“Then as soon as the other team departs to go to Jacks’ sounds like a good time to me, don’tcha think?” Sheridan stared at him a moment before realizing what he was saying.
“While they’re physically drained and at their lowest in manpower.” He nodded. “But I thought you wanted to take out as many of them as we could.”
Apollo gave him a toothy smile that made Sheridan’s blood run cold. “Oh, we will. Your team will have it much easier because the hangar will be running a skeleton crew.” Apollo twisted in his seat and pointed out the window of the office. “That tall wolf out there? The one with the Yankees’ ball cap? Yeah, well he’s a pilot and can handle a chopper. So guess what I plan to steal as soon as I send the crews out to the fast boats?”
Sheridan smiled and nodded. “Hit them by sea and by air. Bloody brilliant.”
“Not really.” Apollo picked up the device again and slid the rear cover back on. “Simple tactics. Hit them big and hit them hard. Flatten the bastards fast and easy and get the hell out of Dodge.”
A knock at the door brought both men’s attention to the man standing there. “Surveillance crew just radioed in. A team of three individuals just left with large packs and they were making like they were leaving the base.”
Apollo winked at Sheridan. “That’s our cue. Get your crew together.”
Sheridan pushed up from the chair and nodded to the man at the door. “Prepare both assault teams. We leave in fifteen minutes.”
“Aye, sir.”
*****
Gus, Pedro and Jimmy had their gear packed and ready to go. Once the red light outside the OPCOM went out, Pedro stuck his head in and pulled Tufo aside. With a quick ‘good luck’ the three men were on their way.
Gus volunteered to drive the Humvee to the helipad where the unit pilot was standing by to take the three to Texas. A quick trip by air, and with luck, the men would be standing on the island by daybreak.
Pedro sent Jack a quick email to let him know that they were en route and requested that their ride and the boats be standing by upon their arrival. He hoped that Jack checked his email before they got there or they might have a long swim.
“Not sure what happened on that op, but the colonel was sweating. I’ve never seen the man sweat before,” Pedro commented.
Gus gave him a sidelong glance as the helicopter lifted from the ground. “You sure it wasn’t just hot in there?”
Pedro shook his head. “No, they all looked pretty frazzled.”
TD had settled in and was leaning against the bulkhead. “Frazzled. Now that sounds like a psychobabble term if I’ve ever heard one.”
Pedro kicked his feet out from under him. “You know what I mean. I think something on Third Squad’s op might have gone south.”
Gus sat forward and looked concerned. “Any losses?”
Pedro shook his head. “They didn’t say, but they weren’t running any helmet cams on the screens.”
Marshall grunted. “The op was over. They probably took them off.”
Pedro grunted. “Right. How often do you remove your helmet in the field?”
Marshall shrugged then thought about it. He suddenly opened his eyes. “The major didn’t say anything?”
Pedro shook his head, his headphones shaking loosely. “Nope. He just wished us luck.”
Jimmy looked to Gus who shrugged. “I don’t think they would have let us go if there had been anything serious.”
Jimmy sighed and settled back in for the flight. “I hope not.”
*****
Paul sat upright in his chair and sniffed the air. “Do you smell that, brother?”
Rufus was already up and to the door of his study. “Wait here. I’ll find out what’s going on.” He slipped out the door and went silently down the hall. He could hear multiple voices coming from the library and the light bouncing against the hallway wall sent a chill through his veins. When one of the occupants turned to the side and Rufus saw the silhouette, he froze. Gargoyles! In his castle!
He forced himself to slowly withdraw back down the hallway until he heard Jack’s voice rise above the others, trying to get them all to settle down. Rufus paused and forced himself to calm. Slowly he approached the double doors leading to the library and pushed them open, making himself known.
Immediately, the smell of the elves hit him and he felt his mouth begin to water. To his credit, Rufus showed no emotion. Nor did he react when he saw the three very large gargoyles standing in his library. “Good evening.”
Jack quickly stepped between Rufus and the others. “Everybody, this is our benefactor. Mr. Rufus Thorn.” He watched the expression of the others and was satisfied that there would be no trouble here.
“Thank you for receiving us in your home, Mr. Thorn.” Grimlock bowed at the waist.
“We are here to assist, sir,” Horith added.
Rufus calmed nearly instantly and allowed Jack to escort him deeper within the library. “Thank you, gentlemen.” He noticed the gnomes sitting atop the table and Rufus immediately bowed to them. “Your presence honors me.”
Kissum stood and returned the bow. “We are the honored ones.”
Rufus took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Please forgive me. I wasn’t expecting you or I would have seen to your needs before your arrival.”
“That’s my fault,” Jack interjected. “I didn’t know that the elves or gnomes were coming. I thought that only a few gargoyles would be assisting in the operation.”
Rufus raised a brow at that announcement. “The ‘ace’ you mentioned?”
“Actually, no. The teams are on their way. Consider these guys another ace.” Jack couldn’t help but smile.
“Hmm,” Rufus excused himself, but asked for Jack to step out with him for a private word. Once in the hallway, Rufus narrowed his gaze. “I would very much appreciate it, if in the future you might give me foreknowledge before bringing a mortal enemy of vampires into my home,” his voice was a whisper, but the anger he felt could not be disguised.
Jack stepped back and gave Rufus a confused look. “Rufus? These guys are volunteering to come to our aid. To face the Vampire Council, not you.” Jack hooked a thumb over his shoulder, “The gargoyles are the air support I needed to get men on the roof. The others? They volunteered because they consider me family. They’re here to fight for you. They believe in the Lamia Beastia’s message.”
Jack nodded. “Gotcha, no more surprises. Full disclosure.”
“Thank you.” Rufus turned and headed back to his study, an uneasy feeling settling in his stomach.
*****
Laura’s body ached from the lack of rest, but her mind refused to shut down enough for her to get any sleep. She continued to watch Mick through narrowed eyes. Every now and then she would shift and reposition herself to get more comfortable and hoped that she gave the impression that she was asleep. So far, he’d sent no more messages, nor had he done anything else that seemed suspicious. She began to wonder if perhaps she might have just imagined the entire thing when she watched him lean over in the seat and study Jennifer. She was apparently asleep again.
Laura relaxed her eyes once more and could just make out him glancing at her as she breathed behind him. He continued to fly as though nothing was wrong, and Laura continued to watch him.
It took him another twenty minutes before his hand slipped down and she noticed that he was working the switch again. She felt like kicking herself for allowing him to literally get the slip on her. She had been lying right behind him and watching him and she still didn’t notice him doing it until he was nearly finished.
She didn’t even get a chance to figure out what he had sent before he pulled his hand back up and gripped the wheel again. It took everything she had not to simply sit up, grab his headphones and choke him with the chord. She even contemplated pulling him to the carpet and just asking him flat out, ‘who are you messaging?’ but if he didn’t deny it…then what? Would he get violent? Would he land at the nearest small field or flat road and boot her out of the plane?
She sat up and stared at him. She said nothing and made no covert moves. She waited. Boring holes into the back of his head with her eyes paid off. He turned and glanced at her. “Oh, you’re up.”