by C C Sommerly
“I’m sorry to hear that.” And he sounded like he meant it. “I had hoped that with enough time you may find more of a kindred connection with the other hybrids and see that here you can also help protect people from demons.”
He cleared his throat and looked ill-at ease as his eyes left my face and darted around the room. There was something he had to tell me that he either didn’t want to tell me or something I wouldn’t like.
“I asked you to stay for more than just gauging your take on the place. There has been a development in your case.”
I was hyper aware of his words at that point, staring at his mouth and even leaning against the desk. This is it. This is my moment. Was I going back?
“Your appeal was granted a trial, but the case was lost. Your sentence remains and you are no longer part of the guard”.
My vision swam and tears threatened to spill down my face. I staggered out of his office with his concerned shout ringing in my ears. I raced for the outside of the Underground. Pitching into the bright sunlight, I ran and ran until my sides were heaving and sweating was blinding me more than the harsh light. I collapsed where I stood, bent over in the dirt and gave release to my pain, frustration and fury.
I don’t know how long I laid there except the light had begun bleeding from the sky. I felt a tap on my shoulder but was too weary from my emotional storm to pick my head up.
“I cannot undo whatever is causing your pain,” said Merritt, “but, I can give you hope”.
Sure, he could. Any way why would he? It’s not like he owed me anything. Why be so nice now when I’d made myself quite unapproachable and downright unlikable.
“How? By joining your little team of demon killers like some sort of misfit superheroes?”
“What I’m about to tell you, well, no one is supposed to know. I’m trusting you to keep this secret because I sincerely believe it will give you some much-needed hope.”
“Sure, I can keep a secret. Do we need to shake, or pinkie swear? Exchange blood?”
Merritt rolled his eyes. “Your word is enough.”
He reached out his hand to me and helped me to my feet. My legs had fallen asleep after me laying on them so long. Merritt waited until I was steady and started walking. I fell into step next to him.
“Doctor Mendel is working on a cure for hybrids, we want people to have a choice. Currently, there really isn’t a choice. You either activate or die. But they have begun human testing. I’m on the list and want my life back.”
A cure? That freaky doctor was working on a cure for his pet project. Why would he do that? It seemed to go against what his supposed “life work” was.
“Is it really that bad having powers or whatever? I mean, until the cure is complete, I have to get activated, right?”
“Yes, you have to be activated, but while powers are amazing and truly the feeling of using your power is something I can’t even begin to describe. He paused before adding, “I think having hope might make it easier for you to handle the transition when you get activated.”
This was more than I expected to hear from Merritt and did in fact give me hope. I already felt lighter and less angst than before he showed up. This news also made what I saw back at the lab a couple weeks ago more understandable. He must have been receiving some of the cure.
“Is that what the doctor was referring to when he thought you were alone in the lab since he couldn’t seem me?”
He smiled, “It sure was and I’m nearly done with my treatments. You knowing makes things easier since you are at the lab so often, it’s likely we will run into each other and I can’t miss any treatments at this stage. And, it cures not only the Super Soldiers, but regular hybrids.”
While this was reassuring at some level, it also worried me. How could Merritt trust this guy to further experiment on him? It seemed risky as all heck. Would he end up in a tube or was that only for the good doctor’s “upgrades?” I just wanted to learn to deal with my new normal and prepare myself for whatever freaky transition I would go through when I was activated. Although, after meeting this whack job, I really wanted to hear how this whole “cure thing” factored into these experiments. If they were creating a “Super Soldier,” then how did that translate into a cure?
“Why is this secret? Does the Boss know because he’s the one that just shattered my word?” I asked.
He turned sympathetic eyes my way and placed his hand on my arm. “We heard the news about the appeal. I’m sorry. For what it’s worth, we are all sorry, even Ruthie.”
Chapter 29
If the Demented lurching towards me didn’t get me, then the demon would. My new squad mates had separated during patrol through no fault of their own. We were sent out to check out yet another Demented sighting, which is how I found myself huddled under a collapsed concrete wall. The rubble was barely high enough to cover me as I tried to crouch behind it.
The horde of Demented continued their mindless approach as the higher demon stalked behind them. He looks nearly human, much like the Demon Delegate, which was an obvious indicator of a higher order demon. I was without my sword as Wiley had bumped into me, lodged it firmly into a Demented’s chest. Wonderful. The fun to be had patrolling just got better and better. A piercing whistle is my only warning of the smoke bomb one of the other hybrids throws.
Racing from my hiding spot, I run towards the direction of the bomb thrower.
“Took you long enough. Maybe next time you can wait until one of them is gnawing on my arm to throw the bomb,” as I hit Wiley upside the head.
“No need to get your panties in a bunch Teagan. We had your back. No Teagan smorgasbord for the Demented today, but there’s always tomorrow,” said Manny.
“Feeling the love, Manny. Now, where’s that helicopter. We radioed for help fifteen minutes ago.”
Merritt stalks forward. “You are even mouthier than Wiley when he’s had one too many brews.”
Wiley tipsy and especially drunk is truly a sight to behold. At the local gentleman’s club, Happy Clam, I got to see him in fine form. And nothing bonds you better than drunken shenanigans. I had forgotten how much you learned about your teammates when they dropped all pretenses and were uninhibited in their drunkenness. I was with the Elite Guard for four years and the time tends to dull the exact moment that you begin bonding, but this was the beginning of a new bond with the hybrids — something I wasn’t sure how I feel about. Even if I got the cure, I still wouldn’t be able to go back to the Elite Guard, but I’m not sure that I would stay here if I was cured. Having that cure would give me options that I didn’t have. Bonds made it harder to break away.
The smoke clears out as the down drafts from the helicopter blow it away, along with our cover as the Demented and demon resume their march to intercept us. This was going to be a close one, I thought.
I ran to get my sword from the Demented’s chest.
“You might want to put that shiny thing away Teagan. We need some cover and that shiny bit isn’t gonna cut it,” said Merritt.
“Jealous that mine’s bigger Merritt?”
“Cover us Teagan. And, I’d be more than happy to compare swords later,” said Merritt.
He certainly wouldn’t be doing any comparing. His joking was a surprise considering how prudish he was at the club. The man was straight and narrow, to an almost virginal degree. He drank a single drink and I’m not even sure that he finished it and watched over us the whole night. He wouldn’t know fun if it fell in his lap.
I sheath my sword and drop to a crouch to cover my squad, while they hope aboard the helicopter. Our intel was bad. There were Demented alright, but the demon hadn’t been mentioned. We were under strict orders to not engage demons and since this one had a tattoo; it was protected under the treaty. Fucking treaty. The Boss was gonna be pissed when we de-briefed him. While none of us liked the demons, but the Boss had a hatred towards them that bordered on obsession. His anti-demon rants were a sight to behold.
“Hu
rry up Teagan. Get your butt on the helicopter.” With a salute to Merritt, I jump aboard and strap myself in. I watch as the Demented and demon became clouded in the helicopter’s dust. The demon watches our departure with a hungry gaze that seems to eat away at my soul, and I repress a shiver. Creepy guy. The Demented mill around him like a flock of geese. The demon locks eyes with me and his intent stare fixes onto mine as our gazes hold until the distance between us prevents me from seeing him.
Chapter 30
Back at the Underground, we met the Boss at his office for our de-brief.
“So, you left the demon? And the Demented were acting strange. In what way?” demanded the Boss.
“That is the thing sir. They were acting normal,” said Merritt.
“Normal or strange, which is it, Merritt?”
“What Merritt means, sir is that they were acting like normal people at least somewhat,” said Ginger.
“Explain.”
“They didn’t lurch so much as walk and when they spotted us, they moved with the purpose of intercepting us. They even passed by a stray dog without mauling it and eating it,” she added.
“That is unheard of. Now tell me about this demon. Was he also acting weird?”
“I’m no demon expert sir, but he seemed to be leading them,” added Merritt.
“Leading you say, Merritt?”
“Yes, sir. It was mighty creepy,” he added.
“Did you see any rank insignias on the demon or any other identifying marks. And describe him?”
“Sir, may I?” I interjected.
“Yes, Teagan, by all means, do continue,” said the Boss.
“The demon had a tattoo, showing he is protected under the treaty. He stood between six and six and a half feet. His build was bulkier than Merritt, but not so bulky as Manny. He was wearing a whip and a sword and the bulky shirt he wore probably covered wings. He had a spiked tail blue horns — midnight blue ones that curled back from his head.”
“Midnight blue and what color were his eyes?” The Boss asked excitedly, licking his lips. Now that wasn’t creepy at all. Today was turning out to be quite the creep fest.
“Violet. Like bright purple and almost shining.”
The Boss jumped to his feet, while we all watch. Though he was obsessive about demons, he was usually grace under fire — composed even under stressful situations that would inspire panic in the most seasoned of solders. I had seen him not blink an eye the day Mason was thrown into the obstacle course. This new version of the Boss, had him pacing the floor and muttering. I looked questioningly at Merritt, who looked just as perplexed as I feel. Yeah, something is off.
Stopping mid-stride, he looked at us. “I want this demon captured.”
“Captured sir? That violates the treaty,” bravely questioned Merritt.
“The treaty won’t be worth the paper it’s written on if you don’t get him. I will send out Squad Bravo and Squad Charlie. Bring the demon containment weapons with you. Avoid his tail. The spike on it is poisoned,” as he rolled up his sleeves showing us a gnarled, ropey scar twists up his arm from his wrist and covers most of his arm.
This is a waste of time. There is still the threat of the morpho demons.
“Sir, why can’t I continue with tracking the morpho demon assassinations? I was working that with the Elite Guard. I have experience and ...”
“No, I have another squad out on that. I want you to work with Ruthie, Ginger, and Reese to pursue this demon.”
“Why?”
“Do you really have to ask? I think that given your history; you should do well to stay away from that investigation.”
So, I could be around demons, Demented and even go on patrol, but I couldn’t follow up on this? I don’t see why not? How was this less risky? I wondered.
“Teagan, I know this was a lot for you, but I think sitting and stewing in your room would be far worse. You are a woman of action and inaction isn’t healthy for you. This is part of being with the squad, so treat this as a learning experience. While, we do capture and even kill rogue demons and demented, we also provide investigations into these things. As hybrids, we are uniquely qualified to deal with these things. Some of the hybrids have mind powers that can be very helpful in these cases and offer an advantage that humans don’t have.”
“I’m still human.”
“You were never human nor will you ever be.”
He is wrong. I am human until I force myself to be activated. I wasn’t so sure about losing my humanity despite what he said about me never being human. I am still human, but if I went through activation, I’d be like a superhuman, an upgrade, but that didn’t mean I lost some of my humanity. I had spent my entire life as a human, with humans, and dedicated my life to protecting them in the military.
“You think we’re better, that you’re better than humans? Why protect them at all? Why not just create a race of hybrids and leave the inferior humans behind? They will all activate, so no worries about them becoming Demented.”
“You forget yourself. Just because I am open and forthright with you doesn’t mean I’m not still your superior. I will take many things, but not disobedience. You don’t have to like my decisions, but you will respect me and obey my orders, or you can leave the squad. I’m sure there is a position as a bar tender or custodian that you can take up. Or, you can go back to the humans and see how long you last when they are baying for ‘the slayer’s’ blood, knowing that each breath could be your last.”
There really was no choice. I was hated out there and who knew what kind of powers I had. I would need training once I got activated and that was only something I could get here. Besides, he is right, and the choice of mission really didn’t matter much in the scheme of things. I can either accept my place here and my role as a hybrid — whatever that would entail, or I could not worry about any missions as a civilian supporting The Underground.
Chapter 31
I visited the armory for more rounds and got to see the device for demon containment. I always wondered why we had these demon containment devices if we never intended on capturing one. We also had them at the Elite Guard tucked away and collecting dust in some storage shed. Guess here we’d be breaking one in. We loaded the group all three squads into the military-style helicopter, camouflaged to blend into the terrain. It was a tight fit, but it was better to stay close on a demon-hunting mission — as with any other dangerous mission since there was safety in numbers.
Demons were known to have god-like powers, which made sense if the hybrids also had superpowers. I still didn’t know what powers the team possessed since they wouldn’t use them in front of a demon. Demons had powers like telekinesis, fire throwing, and other things previously only imagined or experience in books of movies. While they “claimed” to be open and wanted to live peacefully, as the Delegate had said during his son’s funeral, I didn’t buy it. My Catholic upbringing made it darn near impossible to believe the demons were anything besides what they were represented to be by the Bible. I wondered how forthcoming they were about their intentions and most certainly were transparent about the extent of demon powers.
None of us knew what powers the “blue horn” demon since not a single one of us had encountered one before. And, it didn’t launch any attacks when we saw it earlier, so we couldn’t vouch for the powers it might have. Based on what the Boss said, his tail was poisoned, but the rattled man wasn’t giving us much more than that to go on. You’d think with the demons-relations committee, that was formed shortly after the treaty was signed, that humans would have a more comprehensive knowledge of demons, their powers and any weaknesses. It was times like this that showed how woefully incomplete and utterly lacking our information was.
During the out brief, the Boss reinforced protocols for the mission. “Don’t get touched by the tail. It contains a fast-acting poison and if you are lucky to get back here, we have a limited number of anti-venom. We could run out of it before everyone is treated.”
So even with demon DNA running through a hybrid’s veins, it didn’t seem to help protect them from other demon’s poison. I found that interesting in an entirely morbid way as images of people fighting over a last vial of anti-venom sprang into my head.
The Boss continued, “This demon type is known to be a vicious fighter, strong, agile and unpredictable. Try to use the element of surprise to contain it. You will only get one chance.”
The hybrids and I sat in the helicopter, all amped up and ready to engage the enemy. As we neared the last spot where the demon and Demented were. Some of them were fidgeting with nervous energy. We went back out to the valley that we saw the demon. There was nothing. No Demented. No demons. Nothing.
We spent several hours circling the area and found nothing. It was one big failure and the Boss was gonna be pissed.
Chapter 32
To say the Boss was disappointed with our failure to capture the demon was the understatement of the year. He went positively nuclear and even melted his desk with his mage fire. He got so upset that he didn’t notice the flames covering his hands and melting the desk he was leaning them on. After Reese used a fire extinguisher to put the desk out, Merritt ushered us out, as the Boss continued to throw a complete tantrum. This was supposed to be our commanding officer and he scared us off with a hissy fit.
I get that people lost their cool at some point, but it was unsettling to see him melt something and be so completely lost to his emotions, that he didn’t even notice the burning desk.