by Eric S Kim
Rebecca smiled. “I can’t wait. Let’s go!”
3:48 PM
At this time, Lionel and Jerome would be the last two Blackjacks to leave the station. Jerome grabbed his trench coat and put it on. He began searching for his father in the station. The front door to his office had been partially open. Jerome could hear two faint voices from within. Lionel and Arnold Murdock held a private discussion in the former’s office. At first, Jerome decided to wait for them to finish. But he heard a few familiar words, which led him to sneak towards the door and listen to what both older men had to say.
Murdock informed Lionel about the whereabouts of the Varivorian Artillery. “We’re going to keep it safe. We can’t say where they’re heading, but it is known to us that nobody will even try to steal it.”
Lionel replied, “That’s good. And what about Lanzira’s Diamond?”
“It’s shares the same fate. It’s being kept hidden by the public. That’s all the information that you’ll be getting from me.”
“It was a rough start, but thankfully we did it.”
“So is it true that everyone in your team is free from injuries?”
“Yes, that’s right. They’re still a little shaken up because of the carnivorous trees, but they’ll remember the better parts of this journey.”
Jerome could hear Murdock lighting a cigarette. “I have to say that I’d be disappointed if tried to use that sword you mentioned.”
“Don’t worry. I stayed smart in that situation.”
“I wouldn’t believe so. I know you, Lionel. If I had been in that situation, I would have been tempted to kill that big blob with that thing just like you. And just like you, a damaged reputation is what I’d get from it.”
“Mr. Quintana told me all about that. He reminded me of the risks.”
“That’s good…though I’m still wary about everything. Ever since the Fail Factions tried to fight back in Southern California, they brought back fractions from the past. It started with the Ivisian Emeralds, and then the Augustine Grenade Launchers, and then the lair in Fireside. Now, I don’t blame Mr. Quintana for reintroducing you to everything that the Nevinoth Riders had once possessed. But I still have concerns. The past has returned to you, and I don’t want you to get carried away with it. I know how much these things still mean to you.”
“I can’t just take them back. I live in Gorvex’s world now. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I took back everything that I left behind.”
Murdock never lost control of his stern attitude. “And that’s what still catches my attention. Sooner or later, you’re going to crack. And you’ll be tempted to join the other side. You don’t want that after everything you’ve earned, do you?”
“It’s obvious that it would be the wrong decision. I can’t just leave my home and my friends…and especially my son. Do you know what it would be like to find out that your own son rejects you for betraying today’s society?”
“I don’t have to. I’m not even married.”
“Listen to me. It’s too late for me to go back. I’ve been out of the business for eighteen years. I have a new life now. I raised my son in this world and I’m not backing out when we need each other the most.”
“I’m proud of you, Lionel. I’ve met plenty of deadbeat dads in this country, but you’re the exact opposite. You’ve raised Jerome well.”
“Thank you.”
Jerome had a feeling that the two of them would be exiting the office pretty soon. He crept away and returned to the locker room. He took a seat on the bench. He placed his hands in his coat pockets. He had heard everything, including the part where Lionel at least tried to express his true feelings regarding his previous occupation.
Jerome just didn’t know what to think. He had learned about his father’s past from a textbook. Everything had changed in the past two weeks. He had learned so much more about his father that he just didn’t expect to be overwhelmed by the new information. He closed his eyes for a moment. The locker room had grown silent. He felt exhausted by the lack of sleep from last night. He rubbed his eyes while yawning. He could have just gone home to go right to sleep in his apartment.
But he straightened up on the bench just as Lionel entered the locker room.
His father asked, “So you’re going to fall asleep in this room?”
Jerome stood up. “Actually, I thought of leaving, anyway. But…well, are you leaving as well?”
Lionel opened up his locker. “Yeah. Mr. Murdock just left the station. We’ll be the last two to leave.”
“I figured that one out already. So, uh, are you going home?”
“That’s right. Is something wrong?”
Jerome shook his head. “No, nothing’s wrong. I’m just in the mood to join you when you get there.”
“For what?”
Jerome almost stumbled in his choice of words. “You know, just relax and spend some time together. I think you need some good company after what we’ve been through last night.”
“You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”
“If I did, you’d find out already. So, come on. I’ll follow you home and maybe we’ll have a drink.”
“Again?”
“Well, why not?”
Lionel smiled. “Yeah…why not?”
3:56 PM
Preston knocked on the front door three times and waited for it to open. When it did, his mother Naomi’s eyes lit up. The blonde-haired woman reached out and gave him a big hug.
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re alive. I was so worried.”
Preston chuckled. “Well, I’m here and still in one piece. That’s should be enough. Is dad here?”
“Yes, he is. Come on in.”
Preston had driven all the way to the city of Newport Beach to pay his parents a visit. It was a good time to see some familiar faces from within the family. Naomi led him inside the two-story house. It was a luxurious interior made possible by the affluent lifestyle in the city. The living room featured a clear view of the distant shoreline. But Preston wasn’t interested in that at the moment. He took off his black cap, which landed on the coffee table. He collapsed on the sofa and sighed loudly in exhaustion. He lay flat on his stomach and wanted to close his eyes for several minutes.
He whispered to himself, “I should sleep here tonight.”
But then, he heard footsteps growing louder. He opened his eyes just as his father Richard entered the room. Preston gave his father even as he still lay on the sofa.
“I really need some fruit punch.”
Richard took a seat on his recliner. “Your mother’s getting some right now.”
Preston finally sat up straight despite his lethargic state. “Good thing she always knows what I want.”
Richard smiled. “I’m really proud of you. I had a talk with Hamilton this morning on the phone. Of course, he only provided the most basic details. I don’t know what happened out there, but I have a feeling that you got the real meat of the situation.”
Preston shook his head. “Sorry, Dad. It’s still confidential. I can’t say anything or else I’ll be kicked out of the squad for good.”
“I understand. With a very important assignment like that, I wouldn’t want to give too much away, either.”
Naomi arrived with a glass of fruit punch. She handed it to Preston, who took a long sip. Even as an adult, he still enjoyed such a cold and savory drink.
Richard continued, “But tell me…were there any troubles in wherever you went?”
Preston leaned back on the sofa. “Nothing much. Just some big bad monsters and some big zombie douches. I almost got eaten once, too.”
Naomi, who sat down beside her husband, looked genuinely concerned. “That’s got to be terrifying.”
Preston slowly shrugged his shoulders. “We fought back with the right stuff, so it’s no biggie.”
Richard seemed transfixed in his own thoughts for a few seconds. “All of that, and you still managed to escape without any
injuries.”
Preston chuckled. “Really awesome, isn’t it?”
Richard stood up and gazed out the window, apparently observing the calm and colorful seaside. “I would have expected a milder environment, but Mr. Quintana makes you go straight into the jungle. He really counted on A-X-9 that much. Not to say that it’s a bad thing, but I still do have my concerns. If this sort of risk becomes a recurrence…I’m not sure if I can handle the fear of losing you.”
Preston suddenly stopped drinking from his glass. “Well, it’s not gonna be like that all the time.”
“Preston, you’re still young. Being a Blackjack Trooper is enough. But when you’re being selected for secret missions and doing the impossible, your mother and I would have to stay up all night wondering if you’ll ever come back in more than one piece.”
Naomi added a hint of sarcasm in her tone of voice. “Parents have feelings, too.”
Preston already understood. “It’s gonna be okay. I’ve learned a lot on how to survive. And if Mr. Quintana wants out to do something in the Dead Zone, or even out of the country, then I’ll be able to adapt. I mean, I wouldn’t want you to be scared when I’m out there. I can take care of myself in a lot of ways. And besides, I’m part of the most kickass team available today. We really don’t know how to say yes to death. You get what I’m saying?”
Richard nodded. “Yes, we do.”
Naomi was amused. “So you’re willing to do this sort of thing again?”
“Hey, of course. I have a feeling that we’re going to have some really fun adventures out there. And I’ll be one of the first to wait in line for it. This is even better than just being on the streets.”
“Uh-oh. You already don’t give a crap about your own job.”
Preston laughed. “I don’t mean it that way.”
Richard patted his son on the shoulder. “Well, whatever happens. We really hope you’ll always make it out alive.”
“Hey, I was born to stay alive…and I got to thank you for it.”
Richard checked his watch. “Stay around for a little while. We can have dinner together.”
“After eating a big steak for lunch, I’d be fine with just a peanut butter sandwich when it’s dark out.”
“Well, we’re having some Italian food for dinner. You wouldn’t refuse your mom’s chicken piccata, can you?”
Preston raised his eyebrows. “…Maybe.”
4:03 PM
Bryce, Sabrina, Rebecca, Oswald, and Elliott may have found the right car dealership in Anaheim. Three of them had already selected their sedans after being satisfied with the test drives. Bryce and Rebecca still searched through the wide variety. This specific car brand had become quite popular among the Blackjacks, and choosing the most appropriate automobile could become quite tricky if not dealt with seriously. Rebecca could only keep her focus on a nice-looking sedan for some time, but she decided to wait until Bryce would confirm his own purchase. He had given a blue-colored sedan a chance. His investigation included encircling the vehicle with a careful stare before checking the price.
Rebecca almost laughed. “Why would you do that? We’re not the ones paying for it.”
Bryce replied, “Yeah, but I’d be worrying a lot about repairs and insurance and things like that.”
“Oh, you’re sounding like a downer right now. Be like the rest of us and enjoy this moment.”
“I already am.”
An employee had arrived and asked them if they wanted to give the red sedan a test drive. Bryce informed him that he would have to see if the interior design impressed him. The employee waited when both Blackjacks got inside the sedan. Bryce acted as the driver with Rebecca being his passenger. Rebecca waited for him to make his decision. He checked everything in silence.
Rebecca felt comfortable in the leather seat, and hoped that Bryce would share the same feelings. “Well, what do you think?”
After much consideration, Bryce finally had an answer. “Oh, It feels good. Really good. I think I’ll take it.”
Rebecca smiled. “This really does kinda fit you. I’ll be your first passenger when you take it out for a drive.”
Bryce adjusted the rearview mirror. “Good thing we were able to sort it all out at Fireside. I still don’t know how Lionel brought that big dragon ghost back to life, but I’m not gonna complain about it.”
Rebecca could still remember everything that transpired in the abandoned airfield. “Yeah, he sure knew how to bring that dragon out in the open. I’m pretty sure he knows a lot of things that we don’t.”
She almost didn’t realize that she had changed her tune.
Bryce asked, “I think I just found out what you want to talk about.”
Rebecca wasn’t in the mood to make her confession. “We can talk about this later.”
“I’m already curious. You’re really not happy about what happened in Green Brigalvic. It’s got something to do with Lionel’s past, or am I wrong?”
The four windows in the sedan remained closed. Rebecca wouldn’t have been convinced to express her true feelings to anyone in the squad. But Bryce became an exception.
She slowly rubbed her palms together. “Everything that Lionel said to us this morning…well, it’s like he’s a completely different person now. I mean, the way he used that sword against Artyom. It was like he turned into someone else. You get what I’m saying? I wouldn’t expect him of all people to be a dragon rider a long time ago. The things he did in La Palma makes sense now. The truth changes everything, and I still don’t know how to handle it.”
“Hey, he did say that he learned from his mistakes. I, for one, can believe him one-hundred percent.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think I buy that part. I mean, if he did learn, he wouldn’t be using a sword to slice Artyom’s head off. Or even that grenade launcher when he took down Seth Singletary.”
“I can pretty much tell that it was a last resort. There really would’ve been no other way to do it.”
Rebecca folded her arms across her chest. “I’m worried. I thought I’d trust the captain on this, but I really can’t. What if he wants to be a dragon rider again and goes against Mr. Quintana, or something like that? This stuff could still happen.”
“Let’s just find out what happens later on.”
“So you don’t think Lionel can do something wrong?”
“I haven’t seen anything that makes me think the captain is a complete psycho. I can’t say that I trust him entirely, but I don’t think he’d go through all that trouble just because he’s had second thoughts. He’d be a real idiot to try and bring back dragon riders. Nobody wants that anymore. Gorvex doesn’t want that anymore. Lionel is smart enough to just shut up about it and act like everyone else.”
Rebecca sighed. “I sure hope you’re right.”
“You do trust the captain, don’t you?”
“Well…”
“Come on. If I can trust him, then so can you.”
“I’ll at least try.”
Somebody suddenly tapped on the window, which almost made Rebecca jump. The employee had still waited for them to make their decision. Rebecca had forgotten all about him. Bryce opened his car door and informed the employee that he wanted to test drive the sedan.
Rebecca added, “I’ll join you.”
Bryce kept the car door open. “Shouldn’t you start finding your own car while I’m at it?”
Rebecca grew gleeful. “I already picked it out. I want to see if this one will suit you just fine.”
“So you already want to be a critic. Not a good sign.”
Rebecca laughed. “You know me. I’ll stay quiet. I promise.”
“Let’s just hope that you’ll just sit back and let me enjoy this while it lasts.”
“I already am.”
4:11 PM
Lionel asked Jerome if he wanted anything to drink, to which the latter declined. The older man left the kitchen with a cold bottle of water. Jerome suspected that his father opted t
o play it safe for the rest of the day. They joined together in the living room. Jerome remained seated on the sofa. He set his trench coat on the armrest and waited for Lionel to start up a discussion, however trivial it would be.
His father asked, “So did you already decide what you’re going to do with your bonus?”
Jerome sat up straight. “Everyone else wants to buy a new car, so I might do that someday.”
A half-smile appeared on Lionel’s face. “The funny thing is, everyone is excited except for Preston.”
“Yeah, five-hundred grand would be pocket change compared to what his whole family makes in a year. I envy him sometimes.”
Lionel set his water bottle on the coffee table. “Don’t try to hide it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know why you want to spent some quality time together. It’s not because there’s nothing else to do today. Be honest with me. It’s because you want to learn more about something that I used to do.”
Jerome didn’t try to hide it any longer. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to learn about a family history. I can’t escape it. Everything that happened in the last two weeks makes me want to explore a little further.”
“I’m giving you a fair warning. You probably won’t like what you want to hear.”
“I’m not going to judge you. I just want to know more about you. You kept these things away from everybody, and now I just want to hear about it a little more. I never saw this side of you before, and I’m willing to bet that I won’t regret the things I’ve learned. Wanting to know the things your dad has done really is a good thing, don’t you think?”
Lionel gave a little smile. “You’re not wrong.”
“At least tell me about your dragon. What was his name? How did the two of you meet?”
“Are you sure about this?”
“I’m positive.”
Lionel slowly leaned back in his recliner. “His name was Tannitari.”
Jerome repeated the name by himself. “Pretty catchy. Go on.”
“We knew each other for a year before I had to let him go.”