by C. G. Cooper
“Right to business, as they say.” He headed over to a cabinet behind his desk. When he turned to face me, he held a rocks glass with some dark liquid filling it halfway. “You sure you won’t have some?”
“No, thank you, sir.”
He shrugged and took a seat, taking a sip before beginning his pitch.
“Do you ever think about the old days, Ryker, back to the days when we had every conceivable amenity we might want or need?”
“Yes, sir.”
Where was he going with this?
“I dream of those days, Ryker. I really do. I remember the taste of sushi in Los Angeles, the hummus in Greece, the music of lapping waves on the shores of Bora Bora. Did you ever make it to Bora Bora, Ryker?”
“I never had the pleasure, sir.”
Commander Logan shook his head sadly.
“That’s a shame. Well, back to why you’re here. As you already know, I am the Commander of VIP Security. While that may seem like a ho-hum tasking, it is quite important. VIP protects not only the council of nine, but they assist in the security of our resources - including the Jack Daniels distillery.” He raised his glass to me, smiling. “I have been in command of VIP since its inception. In fact, as a former member of the council, I was instrumental in creating VIP. I saw the need and I filled it. My background as a bodyguard of the who’s who of Hollywood helped, of course.” His eyes drifted off as if he was reminiscing about naked starlets and the splendor of the mansions. “But, I also think that VIP can play a more vital role in The Tennessee Zone’s resurgence. What do you think about that, Ryker?”
“I’m not sure I’m qualified to give my opinion, Commander.”
“Come now, Ryker, man to man, if you were in charge of VIP, where do you think you would take us?”
I saw the slippery slope ahead, and I did my best to head in the opposite direction.
“From what the other commanders have said, sir, I think you’re the best man to make that call. I’m just a rookie.”
I thought he was going to press me for an answer. Maybe he wanted my opinion. Maybe he wanted to take my idea and claim it as his. Who knew? The guy seemed as out of place here as a peacock at a weapons range.
“You’re right, of course. I have many ideas that would make VIP the elite of the elite. Our men and women are superbly trained, eloquent, and strike an imposing visage. Do you think you might like to be part of something like that, Ryker?”
I somehow bit back the guffaw and said, “I’ll have to discuss this with my family, sir. I’m sure you understand.”
He looked disappointed for a split second, but he recovered quickly.
“Of course, but of course. One of the things we value in VIP is family. Take all the time you need. And, in the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call on me.”
It was a dismissal, and he was already on to whatever task he had laid out on his desk. I stood formally, did a sharp about-face, and left the swanky office.
I didn’t need time to think. I’d already made up my mind. Now, if only I could convince my wife.
Chapter 19
Jane was surprisingly supportive. After I laid out the entire courtship, detailing each conversation, and then my objective viewpoint of what each job might hold, she came to the same conclusion.
“You have to join The Squads. It’s you, after all.”
When she said it she tried to sound happy, but I detected the sadness there. Jane was one of the few people who remembered who I was, who I’d been.
“I really think this is for the best, babe. I mean, you don’t want a grumpy husband who complains about his job every night, do you?”
She moved across the room and draped her arms over my shoulders.
“I just want you to be safe. Can you at least try to be safe?”
I nodded. “Of course I will.” But I knew it was an impossible thing to promise. If I’d only known the depth of my unconscious lie, I never would have made Jane that promise.
The General was happy but not surprised by my decision. He was another of the few who knew who I was, after all. I was perfectly suited to do what his teams did.
“I’m glad to have you, Ryker,” he said, shaking my hand formally, and pointing to a tablet that required my signature, handprint and retina scan. “By the time your new file is built, and by the time you’ve healed, you’ll have all the necessary clearances. The only people in this place with more access are the council and the three commanders. I usually tell my new team members not to let that go to their heads, but I don’t think that will be a problem with you.”
“No, sir, it won’t.”
“Good. Now, unless you have anything else, we’re scheduled to meet with the council in ten minutes.”
The General prepped me before we stepped into the council chamber.
“They just want to say thanks for what you did at Camp Cumberland, and then I’m sure they’ll have some questions for you. Think you can handle that?”
“Yes, sir.”
The carpeted chamber was all solid walls and muted sounds. The General stopped at the end of the table and I followed his lead.
“Good morning, General,” a slight man said. “Thank you for bringing Ryker with you.”
“My pleasure,” said The General. He didn’t seem to be too impressed by the gathering, more like they were his peers. It would be a learning experience for me.
The man turned to me. “My name is Deaderick, and you will learn the names of my colleagues in due time. There will not be an examination after this visit.” The others in the room chuckled dutifully. With a patient smile the man continued. “We’d like to thank you for your help at Camp Cumberland, Ryker. I speak for the entire council, and for all the patriots in The Tennessee Zone, when I say that your heroics are much appreciated.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said awkwardly.
“I know it’s not much, but the new quarters are a small thanks for what you’ve done. I hope it is adequate.”
“More than adequate, sir. Thank you.”
“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some things to discuss with The General.”
I nodded to the council, and I did an about-face.
“Wait for me outside,” The General ordered.
I waited for almost an hour. When he finally emerged, The General’s normally placid face was furrowed in thought. He motioned for me to follow, but he didn’t say a word until we were almost back at his office.
“I’m sorry to do this, Ryker, but you’re gonna have to cut your recuperative leave short.”
That I didn’t expect. Jane wouldn’t like it since we’d already promised the kids that I would play stay-at-home dad for a while.
“What happened, sir?”
The General shook his head. “It’s complicated. Why don’t you go spend time with your family first, enjoy lunch with them, and then come see me? By then I should have my thoughts together.”
“Aye aye, sir.”
Lunch was over, and we’d dropped the kids back at school before I said anything to Jane.
“But, Ryker, you promised.”
“I know, but it’s not like I asked for this.”
She gave me an accusatory look. Of course I hadn’t asked for this specifically, but I had voluntarily joined The Squads.
“When are you going?”
“I don’t know if I’m going anywhere yet.”
“Come on, Ryker, you must know he’s sending you somewhere.”
She was right, but I was still holding out hope. Maybe it was an emergency that could be addressed from HQ.
“Why don’t I go find out what he needs before we jump to any conclusions?”
Jane nodded, but she wasn’t convinced. I didn’t blame her. My thoughts were already on how much ammunition I should pack for the trip.
“There’s a problem in Boulder,” The General was saying, toggling a map on his screen. “We thought we had things under control, and I sent a Squad out to
confirm, but they haven’t made contact for three days.”
“And that’s not normal?”
“Sometimes it is. We try to spare air time as much as we can. Despite what you’ve seen around here, there are still limits to the tech we have on hand. Every overage has to be approved by the council.”
“So, how do you know something’s wrong?”
The General grimaced.
“The council got word from Boulder about a new uprising. When they authorized me to contact my team, I got nothing. Now that’s not normal.”
“How can I help, General?”
“I can’t believe I’m doing this. You don’t even know how The Squads operate yet. Do you even know that our squads are more like fire teams, five men to a squad?”
“No, sir.”
“Of course you don’t!” he flared. “Goddammit! I’m not mad at you, of course. I’m mad at Logan. He’s the one who begged me to send my guys out there. It was his responsibility.”
I let him cool off for a minute and then asked, “Sir, how would you like me to help?”
“I’d like for you to run up to Commander Logan’s office and put a bullet through his head.” He looked up quickly. “I shouldn’t have said that. Forget you heard it.”
“Forget what, sir?”
He glared at me until his eyes softened. Then he laughed.
“Dammit, Ryker. It’s good to have you with me, son.
“It’s good to be here, sir.”
Chapter 20
The General wanted me to investigate the disappearance of the missing squad. The plan was to take a team and leave that night. If all went favorably, we could be back in a matter of days.
There were regular shipments that flew to The Zone’s outposts, and there would be another flying out in five days. Our mission would not be considered completed simply because we either found the missing team alive or found them dead. I was to continue the search for problems in either case. Basically it was an open-ended mission.
I hated goodbyes. Jane attempted to put on a brave face, while our kids cried.
“I’ll be back soon,” I told them. A small lie, probably.
“Stay, Daddy!” screamed Charlie, one of his rare tantrums boiling over.
“I can’t, buddy. I need you to be a big boy, okay? Will you help Mommy while I’m away?”
That calmed him somewhat, but it did little to quell Sybil’s and Andrew’s tears.
“I love you, Daddy,” Sybil said.
“I love you,” Andrew said, clinging onto my neck.
When I arrived at the pad in the middle of HQ, the team was waiting for me next to the sleek black aircraft that would be flying us to Boulder. To my surprise, I recognized one of the three team members.
“O’Mack, what the hell are you doing here?” I asked, clasping the man’s hand. I’m embarrassed to say that I hadn’t asked about him since returning. Honestly, I thought he was dead, and I didn’t like dwelling on the dead.
“They had me cooped up in the infirmary. I had to beg The General to let me come.”
“Well it’s good to have you.”
“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t miss my second flight in twelve years, especially if I get to sit next to The Hero of Camp Cumberland.”
“Fuck you, O’Mack,” I said. We understood each other. I’d saved his life, and the best way to avoid that conversation was to make light of the fact it’d happened.
I turned to the two other team members who were watching us with open curiosity. There were one guy and one girl. Not a girl, a woman. I’d never served with women before, despite the gender equality in the service. It had just never worked its way to my unit.
“I’m Ryker,” I said, extending my hand to the female.
“I know who you are,” she said not in an antagonistic way, just matter-of-fact. “My name is Pozy.”
“And I’m Wallace,” the man said, a little too eagerly, like he was meeting a celebrity. “Great to meet you, Ryker.”
I’d have to keep an eye on him. His personality was anything but calm and collected. Those were traits I prized in team members, especially when the crap hit the fan.
“Where’s our fifth member?” I asked the others.
The pilot replied. He was tall, lanky and had the swagger of a race pod driver.
“We’re picking him up on the way. The General’s orders. If you guys are ready, climb aboard. We’re packed to the gills, so you’ll have to hold your gear on your person.”
The ride was smooth, but I missed the ability to look out a window. The only person with a view was the pilot. I would’ve liked to have seen HQ from the air. I liked knowing the exact lay of the land.
Once we’d leveled off and the craft was placed on auto, the pilot came back from the cockpit.
“Hey, I thought you might like to see what’s out there.” He handed me a helmet that looked identical to his. “Put it on; it fits to your head.”
I’d worn similar helmets before. I nodded my thanks and put the helmet on. It was lighter than the ones I’d used in the past, and it changed its contours to fit my head perfectly. The pilot tapped the side of the helmet, and I was greeted with a myriad of colors, like a computer booting up. A couple of seconds later, the helmet had synced with the aircraft’s system, and I was looking through the lens of a camera mounted somewhere beneath the plane’s fuselage.
“You can toggle between cameras,” the pilot explained. “Just tell it what you want, for example, rear feed, and it’ll change it up. Feel free to play with it. The Viper is on its own for a while.”
“The Viper?” I asked.
The pilot patted the metal wall.
“This is a Viper.”
Then it all made sense. The aircraft was roughly triangular in shape, like the head of a viper. Fitting name considering its impressive firepower.
“How does she fly?”
The pilot grinned.
“Like a gem. I wish we had ten more, along with the pilots to fly them.”
That made me think about The Tennessee Zone’s capabilities and assets. How many Vipers did we have? How many troops did we have? More questions for another day.
I played with the helmet for a few minutes and then handed it off to O’Mack, who needed more hand-holding than I did. Tech didn’t come naturally to him, and it made me realize that aside from our time together at Camp Cumberland, I didn’t know a thing about him.
Pozy and Wallace didn’t want a turn. This was old news to them.
“How long have you guys been with The Squads?” I asked them, once again setting the helmet on my head and adjusting the screen so I could watch the landscape below while also watching the two new team members.
“Came in the same class,” Wallace said. He turned to Pozy. “Two years?”
Pozy nodded.
“I’ll bet you’ve seen some shit,” O’Mack said.
“Some,” Wallace said. “Dissent has been increasing during the last couple of months.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. There hadn’t been time for a full briefing. So much of what had happened in the last ten years was still a mystery to me. It would take months of reading just to catch up. It was like enrolling at a school three-quarters of the way into the calendar year.
“More violence. More attacks. Sometimes they send us out to pick up the pieces. Sometimes we just do a flyover. It just depends on what The General wants.”
“What is his deal anyway?” O’Mack asked. “Why do they call him The General?”
Pozy spoke for the first time since boarding the Viper. “Nobody knows. He’s a good soldier though, probably the best The Zone has.”
O’Mack laughed and slapped my back. “Shit. Didn’t you know we have the Hero of Camp Cumberland on our side now? Ain’t much my boy Ryker can’t do.”
I knew there was some sarcasm there, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that was why I’d been sent. Was there anything else going on that The General hadn’t told me? What other inf
ormation was he keeping close to his vest? Was he not disclosing information that would be helpful or critical to know for the success of this mission?
Chapter 21
We picked up our fifth team member on the outskirts of old St. Louis. The only reason I knew that was because the helmet alerted me, along with providing a perfect aerial view of the pickup zone.
To my surprise, we didn’t land. Instead, I watched as the pilot dropped some kind of canister at the end of a line down to the ground. I watched as the black-clad man below climbed into the canister, and then I heard the whine of the winch bringing him up to the aircraft.
The pilot didn’t wait, gunning the engines and taking us higher. Then I saw it, to the south. A sudden flash; then a loud PING sounded against the hull.
“We’re taking fire,” I said.
“No problem,” the pilot replied, like it was just another day in the Army. “This baby’s hull can withstand any kind of small arms fire. If you see a missile or warbirds, then we need to be worried.”
He was right. Even though I waited for it, and I saw another volley hit the Viper, nothing happened. One reason I preferred land travel over that of flying or being on a ship was at least I couldn’t fall out of the sky or sink. I wasn’t afraid of much, but those two scenarios made my top two least favorite possible ways to die.
“Ryker, grab the back hatch, will you?” the pilot asked.
I stood and went to the door leading to the cargo hold. It was locked from my side, but upon looking into the retina scanner, it hissed open.
On the other side of the door my fifth team member was waiting. He was short, like dwarf short, or was it elf short? I always got those mixed up. He was still extracting himself from what I now realized was a blast proof retrieval pod, used for hot extracts.
He looked up, and I stared dumbfounded into the eyes of a child. Seriously, the kid looked to be no older than sixteen.