by Michael Todd
“Thanks, Angie. Honestly, there isn’t much you can do at this point. You might as well stay and enjoy each other’s company. You know downtime is rare in our line of work.”
Angie walked over and took Juntto’s hand. “Okay, but call me as soon as you know anything. Give the team my love.”
“Will do.” Katie hung up.
Angie was about to update Juntto when her phone rang again. She sighed and put up one finger as she brought it to her ear. “This is Angie.”
The general sounded serious but happy. “Angie, it’s General Brushwood. I’m glad to hear you sounding better.”
“Thank you. You sound a bit better as well.”
He sighed. “Just trying to keep up with everything. Gotta keep a positive attitude, or it’ll start to get to you.”
Angie chuckled. “I know that all too well. What can I do for you?”
“I actually called to speak to Juntto.” The general cleared his throat. He almost sounded nervous. “Is he close?”
Angie’s eyes trailed down Juntto’s naked body. “Yep. He’s here. All of him.”
“What?”
“Hold on.”
She handed the phone to him. “It’s the general.”
Juntto sat up. “General, this is Juntto.”
“Yes. How are you feeling?”
Juntto glanced at Angie’s naked cheese-dust-coated body. “I have nothing to complain about.”
“Good,” the general replied. “Listen, I didn’t want to bother Katie with this since she has enough on her plate. I’m not sure if you know, but Brock and the team have been found. Unfortunately, they are much the worse for wear, and I can’t imagine them being ready for combat any time soon.”
Juntto wrinkled his forehead. “Will they be okay?”
“They will be looked after by the best doctors in the world. We will do everything we can for them. That being said, between Brock’s team and Calvin being out of commission, possibly permanently, we need a new strike force. I hate to jump on it this quickly, but unfortunately, the war does not stop or even slow down when our men are injured. In fact, the enemy pounces on these times of weakness.”
Juntto scooted to the edge of the couch. “Yes, as would any enemy. You still have Katie, though.”
“I do, but Katie can’t be everywhere all the time. She is only one—or two—people.”
Juntto narrowed his eyes, cautious but interested in what the man was saying. “What do you need from me?”
“I need to know where you are with all this.”
Juntto thought about it for a moment. “I am willing to fuck up demons any day of the week.”
The general chuckled. “That’s damn good to hear. I was really hoping when I called you that it wouldn’t be a problem. I know you’ve been through quite a bit, and you just got back into the swing of things. Thanks for the assurance that you are still with us.”
Juntto squeezed Angie’s hand and stood up, his face becoming quite serious. “But, General, I have a serious problem. I am only at my best when fully myself.”
He grunted, thinking about it for a moment. “I agree with that statement. There is no denying that a twelve-foot blue frost giant is a hell of a thing in battle. You fill the role of at least a hundred of my soldiers, not to mention that your mere presence in battle seems to scare the hell out of demons.”
Juntto nodded. “Yes, it does. But the problem is, I fear my size may not be enough against the larger demons. I need Juntto-sized weapons.”
“Like what?”
Juntto thought about it for a moment. “Well, I love spears, but I could use something a bit more modern. You don’t bring a spear to a second-level demon fight. You are bound to lose.”
“Okay, okay. Did you like any of our current weapons that we could create to suit your size?”
Juntto gestured to the television. “I didn’t see quite what I’m looking for in your arsenal. I could use something with power, you know? Like a gun that shoots hydrogen bombs, or grenades that turn enemies into skeletons. Something strong and sturdy that annihilates the enemy. Something with lasers.”
The general was silent for a moment. “Uhh, Juntto? I am pretty sure those are weapons from video games. In fact, I am pretty sure I just got one of those when playing Destiny 2 the other night.”
Juntto gasped. “You play Destiny 2? What’s your screen name?”
The general hesitated. “BadAs$General69.”
Juntto laughed. “That is a good one, General. I’ll send you a connection. We can play teams.”
“That doesn’t solve our weapons problem. Those weapons are in the games. They’re created and drawn by an artist, not a military factory.”
Juntto wasn’t catching on. “Exactly. I need Juntto-sized weapons, General. In the meantime, you point me in the right direction, and I will smash.”
The general sighed. “Right, Juntto-size laser guns. I will see what I can come up with. In the meantime, make sure you either are close to Angie or you have your phone on. There is sure to be an incursion any day, and I want you to be my first point of contact. You will roll in with my guys, but you won’t be military. You can remain under Katie’s supervision.”
Juntto nodded. “I’m ready.”
6
Katie’s jet raced through the sky on its way to the base. The guys were comfortably situated in a makeshift med area in the main part of the plane. They had switched planes once they were back on American soil. Katie decided she would much rather go back in her jet than the giant mobile med plane. The guys were in rough shape, but they had two medics with them. Besides, her jet would make better time than the clunky mobile med plane.
She looked out the window as they flew over the desert. They were already very close to her base. I need you to think long and hard. Do you have any idea what that creature was? That information could save these guys and anyone else she attacks.
Pandora clicked her tongue. I honestly have never seen anything like her before. A crazy spider bitch who managed to fuck up Brock’s entire Special Forces team? She’s an anomaly to me. Not to mention as the former queen of the Damned, I should have heard of her but I never even got a whiff of anything that powerful and dangerous.
Katie gritted her teeth and shook her head. She couldn’t have hidden this entire time. Is she a demon?
Pandora sighed. I honestly have no idea. I have to say, though, if she were a demon I would have known about her. Lucifer would have had to put in a ton of work to keep her hidden from me. She sucked the energy out of demons, so I doubt we would keep her locked up in hell. Don’t want to keep the bitch right next to a food supply, right? They may be assholes in hell, but they aren’t stupid.
Katie clicked on her seatbelt as the plane began to make its descent. Then could she be something else? Some creature from another dimension? Something they maybe created here on Earth?
Pandora groaned. I mean, it’s possible. Anything is possible at this point. There is something about her—something vaguely familiar. I’m just not sure what it is. I’m sorry I don’t have the answers that you need.
Katie held the arms of the seat as the jet touched down on the runway. When it came to a stop, the ground crew opened the door and pulled a rolling staircase up to it. She stepped into the light and squinted, shielding her eyes with her hand. At least we are home now, and Brock and the others will get the help they need. I knew all along he was alive, no matter what the rest of them said.
Pandora cleared her throat. Understand, that wasn’t a jab at you or the team. It just looked hopeless from the outside.
Katie nodded. I know, and if it had been anyone else, I probably would have thought the same thing. I would have told myself I was crazy for even thinking they could be alive. Maybe it was the angel powers boosting my intuition, but I knew it was true. All I know is, we are not done with her. I will find her, and I will fuck her up.
Katie walked down the steps of the jet as a security detail from the base readied the
mselves to carry the guys off the plane. Her friends were there to meet her. Stephanie broke free of Timothy and Korbin and wrapped her arms around Katie. “It’s so good to see you. I’m sorry this has happened. We all know how much Brock means to you. I made sure the med wing was all set up. The doctors helped me get everything we would need to take care of the guys.”
Katie kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you.”
Korbin gave Katie a strong hug. “You look good, kiddo. And hello, Pandora. We haven’t forgotten you.”
Damn straight they better not forget me.
Katie turned to Timothy, who was looking at her with a tilted head. He put his hands out and pranced to her, giving her a pat-hug and a kiss on each cheek. “Girl, you go out fighting demons in lava and rescue four soldiers, and you still look like a million damn bucks. I just don’t know how you do it. You need to share your secrets because this bitch is feeling like an overworked hag.”
Katie laughed, shaking her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. You look amazing.”
“You are flattering me. Don’t stop.”
Katie laughed. “How have you guys been faring out here?”
Korbin shrugged. “It’s been quiet, which is good. All the defenses are set up, and the front gate is being installed in a couple of days. We went with concertina on the top. It won’t stop the demons, but it’ll slow them down. Joshua came up with a way to make it out of the special metal. Makes it difficult to install since we gotta leave it up to the non-infected, but it will be a major asset.”
Katie nodded. “Good. That sounds good.”
The soldiers brought the guys down one by one and rushed them to the medical bay. All four of them were still asleep, and hopefully, they would stay that way for a little while. The longer they rested, the better chance their bodies had of healing.
Katie let out a deep breath and looked at Stephanie. “How is Calvin?”
Stephanie smiled. “Why don’t you grab your stuff and come inside? You can see for yourself. I’m sure he will be thrilled to see you.”
Katie nodded with a tight-lipped smile. “He better be.”
The joke broke the tension, and they headed into the building. Everything was running like clockwork inside; even better than the last time she was there. That felt like forever ago, and Katie had to remind herself it only been about a week. They made their way down the hall to the med unit. Everything was bright white and chrome, and there were several more people there helping.
Korbin nodded to a station where a few doctors were speaking quietly. “The general sent us some bodies, too. He knew we wouldn’t be able to care for five people without a bit of help.”
Katie waved at Dr. Alice Cromwell, who smiled and waved back.
They led Katie down the hall to a room at the end. Korbin stood to one side, letting Katie go in on her own.
Calvin was sitting in a chair by the window, his body frailer than the last time she had seen him. Katie smiled at the sight of him. “Hey, there. ‘Bout time you got out of that damn bed.”
Calvin saw her and grinned, the gesture accentuating his bruised and battered face. He lifted himself slowly out of the chair. Katie ran over and grabbed a pair of crutches from the bed. “I’m assuming you need these.”
Calvin put out his arms. “Not to hug my partner in crime.”
Katie smiled and hugged him gently. She pulled back and looked at his shiner. “You look terrible.”
Calvin chuckled and took the crutches from Katie. “You’re not looking too hot yourself.”
Pandora cleared her throat. I don’t care if he is a demon short, I’ll still kick his ass.
Katie smirked. “You’re stuck with crutches?”
Calvin looked down at them. “For now. It’s a hell of a lot better than having to be rolled around in a fucking wheelchair. I told Joshua to add some metal spikes to that bitch and send me to war. They refused.”
Katie laughed. “I think I support their call. Sucks to have crutches, though. I had them when I was eleven. Pain in the armpits.”
Pandora snorted, pushing through in Katie’s voice. “This is Pandora speaking. I took over this broad for a moment. I have a question.”
Calvin put up an eyebrow. “Well, hello, Pandora. I saw your wings. Very nice.”
Pandora smiled. “Thanks. I think they suit me. So, back to my question.”
Calvin crutched to his bed and took a seat. “Oh, boy, this should be a good one.”
Pandora laughed. “So, do you need those crutches when you’re horizontal?”
Calvin leaned his head back and bellowed. “No, I have a good woman who will do the physical work for a while. Definitely don’t need a crutch for that.” He chuckled and grabbed his side in pain.
Katie pushed Pandora back. “Okay, that’s enough, you two. Can’t have Calvin getting overly excited here. I’m still in the damn room. Pandora, act like an angel.”
Pandora snorted. Yeah, that was never part of the deal.
Calvin pulled his legs up on the bed and threw the covers over himself. “I missed you two. I heard about Brock, and I’m sorry. How are things looking?”
Katie glanced over her shoulder at the hallway. “I don’t really know yet. We just got here. They’ve been sedated to try to help the healing process. Luckily Pandora had her angel wings going, so even though the creature got her, she was able to get her energy back really fast. Can’t say the same thing about any of the guys.”
Calvin shook his head. “It’s a damn shame. Those guys are heroes. Brock has been part of the fam since the first time Korbin was here.”
“Well, within a few hours of Korbin being here. They retired not long after.” Katie walked to the window and peered out. “Speaking of retiring, have you given any thought to what you will do next?”
Calvin opened his mouth to reply, but he was interrupted by Timothy running into the room. He tried to stop, but his patent leather square-toed Calvin Klein shoes had a slick, flat sole. He slid into the room, out of control, so Katie put out her arms and caught him. She stood him upright. “Slow down, you’re going to kill yourself.”
Timothy put his hand to his chest. “Girl, I just about broke my leg coming down the steps. There is an incursion in New Orleans.”
Katie looked at the phone on the wall. “That call out?”
“They all do.”
Katie picked up the receiver and dialed the general. It rang a few times before he finally picked up. “General Brushwood.”
“General, it’s Katie. I’m at the base, and Timothy just told me there is an incursion in New Orleans. What do you need?”
The general was calm and collected. “You deal with what you got going on over there, though I appreciate you being on the ball like that.”
Katie was confused. “No matter what is going on here, I can’t just take the day off when there is an incursion.”
Calvin switched on the television. “Holy shit.”
Katie backed up, staring at Beelzebub on the screen. The giant demon broke through the roof of the Superdome and began his terrible assault. “Uh, General?”
The general groaned. “Yeah, he ate some really prominent football players, then left. The rest were pulverized, or are currently getting pulverized by a rush of demons.”
Katie shook her head. “I’ll get the plane ready.”
“No need. I’m pretty sure I have it covered. At least I hope I do. A new tactical team was mustered when I heard about Brock. As much as I hoped he was still alive, I had to prepare for something just like this. I hope you understand.”
Katie looked down at the floor. “I understand. The world doesn’t stop when we are not functional. In fact, this is the time to double down, especially if they know the majority of the team is incapacitated.”
“Exactly. And I also wanted to give you a bit of a breather.”
Katie exhaled, relieved. She pursed her lips, suddenly very curious. “So, who is heading up this team?”
Juntto was normal-size
d, so he could fit on the military plane. He looked like Brick Bazooka from Small Soldiers, down to the cropped blond hair and dog tags around his neck. Even his smile looked slightly cartoonish. The other soldiers kept staring at him, trying not to get caught looking. They were walking around the back bay as the plane made its way toward New Orleans.
A large table was bolted down in the center of the floor and covered in weapons. The sergeant pointed to a tactical shotgun. “You interested in using anything here?”
Juntto picked up the shotgun, but it barely fit in his hands when he was Brick Bazooka. He knew it would never work for a twelve-foot-tall frost giant. “The general promised me Juntto-sized weapons.”
The sergeant nodded. “He told me he had. Unfortunately, the process to make something like that is pretty extensive. Right now, they are in development.”
A few of the other soldiers began to load up on weapons and ammo. Juntto stepped back and watched them. “So, what is this New Orleans all about?”
One of the soldiers chuckled. “It’s fucking amazing. They have this huge holiday, Mardi Gras. It’s technically Fat Tuesday, the last day you can eat before some big fast. But that isn’t really what they focus on. You walk down Bourbon Street, and there is a massive parade. Food everywhere, and music, costumes, and shows.”
Another soldier smirked. “That’s not the best part. The most important thing is that women will show you their tits for beads.”
Juntto looked at them curiously. “Beads?”
“Necklaces with beads on them.”
“You give them beads, they show you boobs?”
The guys laughed. “Yep. Pretty amazing.”
Juntto was conflicted. On the one hand, he loved the idea of a sea of tits as he ate food and drank tequila. On the other, he was dedicated to Angie and had no desire to be with anyone else. He cleared his throat and looked down, kicking idly at the deck. “You know, maybe we kick the demons’ asses really quickly. Then we stop by Bourbon Street for a moment. You know, just to explore.”
The soldier nodded, understanding completely. “Yep. I got you. To make sure there’s no demons there, right?”