by Alex Siegel
It was September, but the air was damp and chilly, as usual. It was never really hot in San Francisco, but it was never really cold either. Marina was actually getting bored by the constancy of the weather. She really wanted a good snowstorm to spice up her life.
The team started walking north. They had been forced to park half a mile away, and Marina felt lucky to do that well. Parking in San Francisco was a cruel joke, but some kind of misplaced spirit of ecological correctness prevented new public garages from being built. Perhaps the residents felt they would only encourage people to own gas-guzzling cars in a town famous for its environmental activism.
They passed a tavern with open windows and doors. A news report was playing loudly on the televisions inside, and Marina stopped to listen. The other women immediately halted.
"They put the little girl in the trunk like she was a sack of groceries," a female witness said. "The poor thing was screaming she was afraid of the dark, but the parents didn't care!"
The woman on the television screen had long, brown hair and a narrow face. Her fair skin was buttery smooth. Marina guessed she was in her late twenties.
"And before that," her male companion said, "they slapped her around. She begged them to stop, but they kept hitting her. It was the worst thing I've ever seen! She couldn't do anything to protect herself."
He was shaved bald, and his smooth scalp reflected the lights from the television cameras. A well groomed, dense, black beard went from ear to ear below his chin. His clean, white shirt had a high collar.
"Could you describe the victim again, please," a reporter said.
"Of course," the first woman said. "She was blonde and very pretty. White skin. Eight or ten years old. Kind of delicate. I hope the authorities find that poor child! Her parents are beasts."
Marina furrowed her brow. Interesting, she thought.
A nearby boy spoke, "Lies. All lies. Why can't anybody else see that?"
Marina instantly recognized the voice even though she hadn't heard it in over a year. It was as beautiful as a silver flute playing a classical melody.
She turned and looked down. The boy was about ten years-old but relatively tall for his age. His straight brown hair needed to be combed, but it was still gorgeous. Flawless pink skin made him look like a statue carved from marble. His blue eyes were his most astonishing feature. They glittered in the sunlight like tiny crystals, and Marina knew from personal experience that staring deeply into them could change a person's entire life.
"Wesley," she whispered in a tone of awe. "What are you doing here?"
Wesley smiled. "It's great to see you again, Marina. You've changed so much."
Marina looked at the adults with him. Wesley's protection team consisted of Charles, Atalanta, Yvonne, and Guthrum. All of them were elite fighters, ranked among the most deadly on Earth. Marina had expected to see Carlos, but then she remembered Aaron mentioning Guthrum had replaced him.
Marina was suddenly on edge. Wesley didn't just show up for social visits.
After checking for witnesses, she said in a low voice, "Ladies, this is Wesley, a.k.a. the Voice of Truth, the Beacon of Light, and the Child of Destiny. God has commanded the Society to protect him. We will do everything in our power to do so, even if it means sacrificing our own lives."
Katie, Imelda, Jia, and Corrie stared at Wesley with expressions of wonder. They had heard of the boy, but none of them had ever seen him before.
Marina continued, "These other folks are his personal bodyguards. Some of you met Charles before. He was the legate before Ethel took over. Atalanta used to be his bodyguard before she switched to protecting Wesley. Yvonne used to be a legionnaire in Chicago. We were teammates at one time. Finally, Guthrum used to be Ethel's bodyguard. What happened to Carlos? I never got the whole story."
"He was destroyed," Charles said.
He was very tall and thin. White hair covered his head like a layer of wintery frost. He was wearing a sharp, gray suit which looked expensive but comfortable. He carried a silver cane even though he didn't need one, and it was part of his legend.
Charles was hard to look at, and it wasn't because he was ugly. Actually, he was a very handsome, dignified man. He sometimes called his gift "psychological invisibility." People naturally wanted to turn away and forget he was present. When he used his gift at full power, he could walk among the enemy and be ignored entirely.
"I thought Carlos was immortal," Marina said.
Charles shrugged. "Not quite."
"Well, I can't say I miss him." She returned her attention to Wesley. "What's going on? What do you mean by 'all lies'?"
"Those people on TV don't want to save the girl. They want her to die. Your job is to rescue and protect her."
"Are God's enemies involved?"
Wesley nodded. "They're afraid of what she'll become."
"And what is that?" Marina said.
"I don't know yet. I'll see her destiny when I meet her. All you need to understand right now is you have to get to her before the bad guys do, and the clock is ticking. Save her and bring her back to your headquarters. That's the only place where she'll be safe."
She had no choice but to take him seriously. The Voice of Truth always spoke the truth. It wasn't exactly a commandment from God, but she would obey just the same.
Marina looked at the television again. The news report had ended, and a commercial was playing. The purpose of the fake story was now obvious. The enemy was trying to rouse the public to find the girl for them, and if Marina didn't move fast, the plan would probably work.
She sighed deeply. She lacked Wesley's prophetic abilities, but she didn't need them to see where this mission was headed. A bloody war was about to be fought, and the mysterious girl was the prize. As usual, the Child of Destiny was a harbinger of chaos and death.
"We're not going to figure this out standing on the street," she said. "Let's head over to my headquarters where it's safe. We'll introduce everybody and come up with a plan. Where are you parked?"
"No." He shook his head. "We have to stay here a little longer."
"Why?"
"Because we're supposed to meet somebody."
Marina clenched her jaw. She was remembering why Wesley was such a pain in the ass. He never bothered to explain things clearly. He simply made vague statements and expected everybody to abide by them.
She checked for witnesses again. "Then we might as well do some introductions now," she said in a very soft voice. "This is Jia. She's one of our hackers. Imelda is our mechanic. Corrie is responsible for science and forensics. Last but not least, Katie is my legionnaire." Marina pointed to each team member in turn.
A marvelous smile lit up Wesley's face. "Very nice to meet you." He shook their hands.
"Katie," Atalanta said, "you look soft. How long have you been in the Society?"
She was a Japanese woman, but she was tall enough to play professional basketball. Dense, black hair was braided into two ropes on either side of her head. A loose, gray sweat suit covered her body, but Marina knew her muscles were thick, solid, and literally rock hard underneath. Marina also expected Atalanta was carrying a full arsenal of weapons including her famous katana.
"Just eight months," Katie said.
"You're still a rookie. Don't get in my way."
Katie swallowed. "Yes, ma'am."
Marina remembered why she didn't like Atalanta. She had always been a pushy bitch, and apparently, her time with Wesley hadn't improved her personality.
Marina smiled at Yvonne who she liked much more. "Welcome to San Francisco. This will almost be like the old days."
"Yeah." Yvonne grinned. "It's weird seeing you as a commander. No offence, but I never expected you to last this long. You came so close to death so many times when we were legionnaires. It's like you wanted to die."
She was a short woman with frizzy, blonde hair which stuck out oddly. Her red skin was puffy, and her eyes were bloodshot, but her face still had remnants of natur
al beauty. Her muscles were so swollen, they looked inflated with air. A gray dress with long sleeves failed to hide her freakish physique.
"Maybe I did back then," Marina said.
She gave her old teammate an awkward hug, and it felt like holding a bag of hard rubber balls. No part of Yvonne was soft.
A Chinese man came walking up the sidewalk. His steps were hurried but graceful. He started to go around the group, but then he abruptly stopped and stared at Jia.
"Jia?" he said. "Is that you?"
She raised her eyebrows. "Yang?"
"Right! You remember me."
"Of course, I do." She smiled. "I'd never forget you. You look great!"
He was wearing a brown business suit, but Marina could tell he had a muscular body underneath. His black hair was a little wild and wavy. She liked his round, handsome face.
She was deeply concerned though. The names of members of the Society were closely guarded secrets. This chance meeting was very dangerous.
"Who is this person?" Marina said.
Jia looked at the group around her. She seemed to remember she wasn't alone, and she blushed.
"Just somebody I met when I was a teenager, ma'am," Jia said softly. "I helped him when he was in trouble."
Yang looked back and forth between the two women. "You did a lot more than that," he said in a thick Chinese accent. "You were a real hero! Who are your friends?" He had a suspicious expression.
Wesley stepped forward. "Don't worry about us. Talk about yourself. What's your background?"
Yang looked down at the boy. "Huh? Why?"
"Because Marina needs to know." Wesley glanced at Marina.
She was stunned. He had used her real name in front of a complete stranger, and it couldn't have been an accident because Wesley knew better. She realized Yang was the person they had waited to meet. The Child of Destiny was living up to his name.
"You'd better tell her everything," Jia said softly.
Yang took a step backwards. "What's going on?"
Atalanta briefly lifted the edge of her shirt to reveal two guns and a knife strapped to her belly. Her abdominal muscles stood out sharply. "The boy gave you an order. Talk."
He took another step.
"Don't you dare run from me," she stated in an icy tone.
"Hold on!" Marina said. "Calm down."
Yang crossed his arms and put on a stubborn expression. "I'm not afraid."
Charles vanished. A few seconds later, he appeared directly behind Yang.
"You feel that prick in your back?" Charles said. "That's a six-inch blade. Don't move."
Yang looked over his shoulder. "How...?"
"You're wasting our valuable time. Start talking."
Yang looked at the group. He was putting on a brave show, but Marina could see his anxiety. Jia pleaded with her eyes.
"I guess I don't have any secrets," Yang said. "I grew up in the Shaanxi province of China. I got a degree in chemical engineering, but after I graduated, I joined the People's Liberation Army. I served for two years."
"By choice?" Marina said.
"Yes. I've always had a passion for the military, but the PLA turned out to be less fun than I expected. When I was a civilian, I went to work in a factory that recycled computer parts. I used my knowledge of chemical engineering to find ways to neutralize toxic chemicals. After just a few months, I discovered chemicals were leaking into the ground water. Babies in nearby villages were being born with defects."
She nodded as she remembered Jia telling the same story.
"I told the factory manager," Yang said, "and he framed me for a crime to make me go away. I escaped from jail and smuggled myself to America. That's when I met Jia. It was one of the best days of my life."
Jia gave him a dreamy smile. Oh, no, Marina thought. She's still in love with him.
"She used her skills as a hacker to bring justice to the factory manager," he said. "She also produced immigration papers for me. Are you still that good with computers?"
"I'm even better now," Jia said. "It's my job."
"Jia!" Marina said. "Stop telling him things."
"Sorry, ma'am." Jia blushed.
"I joined the Marines so I could become a U.S. citizen," Yang said. "I just got out after six years of honorable service."
"Were you a good soldier?" Wesley said.
"I don't like to brag, but I was highly decorated."
"Where are you going now?" Marina said.
"My new job as a security consultant. This is my first day."
She nodded and turned to Wesley. "Has he satisfied your curiosity?"
"The question is, are you satisfied?" the boy replied.
"He seems like a good guy. So?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Wesley looked at Yang. "Marina is the commander of the San Francisco cell of the Gray Spear Society. You'll be working for her. Your title is legionnaire which is a fancy way of saying 'trained killer'."
Marina clenched her fists. "Damn it," she muttered.
"We can go to your headquarters now. We're done here."
Yang appeared confused. "What's going on?"
"Just come with us," Marina said. "I'll explain in the car."
"I'm not going with you. I don't even know you. I'm leaving."
He started walking, but she stepped in front of him and blocked him.
"No. You're coming with us, and from now on, you'll address me as 'ma'am.' Neither of us asked for it, but it's done. You're part of my team, and by the way, the penalty for disobeying orders in the Gray Spear Society is death. We take our duties very seriously. As a veteran soldier, I'm sure you understand."
Yang's eyes widened. "You're crazy."
"That may be true," Marina said, "but it doesn't change the facts."
He looked at Jia. "What's going on?"
"Please," she begged, "don't fight us. Everything will be explained, but not out on the street. Marina will kill you if you don't do what she says. You're in a lot of danger."
"I'm being shanghaied?"
She walked over and took Yang's hand. "Trust us. Trust me. This is for the best."
He looked into Jia's eyes, and Marina could easily see he had feelings for her, too. Their young love had never been quenched.
Marina looked at Wesley. Fucking Child of Destiny, she thought. He's been here for fifteen minutes, and he's already messing with my team.
"OK," Yang said softly. "For you."
Marina sighed with relief. "Finally. Let's go."
"We came in our own vehicle," Wesley said. "We'll catch up to you. What's the address?"
She described the location of her headquarters. He and his protection team walked off.
Marina started walking and let everybody else trail behind. She was fuming. She was the commander here, damn it, and Wesley had acted as if her opinion didn't matter. She deserved at least some token respect.
She glanced back to make sure Yang was following. Jia was leading him by the hand as if she were worried he would get lost. He'd better make a good legionnaire, Marina thought. If not, I won't take the blame this time.
She forced herself to calm down. She had important issues to deal with such as finding the mysterious girl. She couldn't afford the luxury of being angry at Wesley.
The team finally arrived at the van. It was brown, and there were no windows on the sides or back.
Katie had the car keys, and she unlocked the doors. Marina went to the bench seat in the back where the darkness suited her sour mood. Katie drove, and Imelda sat up front with her. Jia and Yang took the middle seat, still holding hands. Corrie was forced to sit in back with Marina, but the scientist kept her distance.
Once the car was moving, Yang said, "Will somebody please tell me what's going on?"
"You tell him, Jia," Marina muttered.
He looked at Jia expectantly.
"It's simple," she stated in her soft voice. "The Gray Spear Society works for God. We fight His enemies and protect the world from their inter
ference."
He raised his eyebrows. "Are you talking about the Devil?"
"Not specifically. He has lots of enemies. They exist outside the universe and are constantly trying to disrupt the master plan. They contaminate..."
"Have you lost your mind? This is nonsense! I've been abducted by a cult."
"I know it sounds crazy," Jia said, "but it's real. You're going to see things that are physically impossible, like when Charles became invisible before."
Yang furrowed his brow.
"Listen," Marina said impatiently, "just follow my orders, and you'll be OK. That's all you really need to understand for now."
"And what are your orders?"
"I'm not sure yet, and address me as 'ma'am'. I won't remind you again."
Yang appeared dubious. "Yes, ma'am. I have one question. Are there any men on your team?"
"Yes, of course." Marina smiled. "We were just having a ladies' day out."
Katie navigated the narrow, crowded streets of San Francisco until she reached the highway. She drove west on Interstate 280 which cut across the southern edge of the city. Walls and trees on both sides of the highway blocked Marina's view of the area. The only landmark she could see was the tall, three-pronged antenna tower on top of Twin Peaks.
Eventually, the van reached Highway 1. Marina's view opened up as she approached the Pacific Coast. She saw the blue-gray waters of the ocean, and a recent storm had raised impressive waves. They battered the shore with the force of bombs. People were still walking on the beaches though, and she saw a large group of kids trying to build a humongous sand castle. Their parents were helping out with shovels and buckets.
Katie drove south and soon turned off at the Pacifica exit. The small town of Pacifica was wedged between two mountains covered in low trees. The surrounding land was effectively a national park and would never be developed.
"Where are we going?" Yang said.
"Headquarters," Marina said.
The town consisted of small homes built close together to make good use of the available space. Everything was made of wood painted cheerful colors. There were no stoplights and few stop signs. The rough, cracked pavement on the roads wasn't even painted. Instead of standard lawns, many residents made creative use of native vegetation, and there were a lot of trees. It was a community with a very casual and free-spirited approach to just about everything.