An Imperceptible Ruse Indeed (The Gods' Executioner Series) Page 7

  “Right. They’re coming in from the north-east and they’re about ten minutes out.” Simmons replies.

  “Why isn’t the air force doing anything about this? Shouldn’t they be doing something when they’ve got drones flying over the mainland?” I question.

  “The drones somehow got clearance. We’d have no idea if it weren’t for a friend of the director who found the drones headed towards Adelaide to be bizarre.” Simmons answers.

  We drive down the bumpy dirt road for five minutes before the two predator drones come into view. Simmons pulls over and I hop out before running to the top of the nearest hill. I hold my left arm out as it flushes black and a purple lightning bolt appears on the back of my palm. I lock onto one of the drones as it approaches and I wave my hand downward. A bolt of lightning strikes the drone, but instead of taking a rapid descent towards the ground, it doesn’t really do anything at all.

  Shit! I was not expecting that! Maybe the electrical water torrent will do it? The only problem is that since lightning didn’t do anything, the water would be the only thing doing damage and I doubt I could even hit the plane from here… fuck!

  (Relax, Master. Just shoot them down using your gun)

  “Even with a velocity of 2,300 ft/s, the weight of the bullets will slow them down too much for me to do any real damage, or even hit the drones to begin with!”

  (Trust me. Use Jupiter’s lightning bolt to pump electricity into the gun, and then fire at the drone)

  I do as Airi says and pull my .460 S&W from its holster. The black in my arm floods into the silver gun as the purple lightning bolt resurfaces on the back of my left hand. I take aim at the first drone and fire. Lightning flies out of the barrel of the gun and hits the drone, causing it to explode in midair.

  (I was able to coil the electricity around the barrel of the gun, enhancing the speed of the bullet in the same manner as a coil gun/ Gauss gun: using electromagnetism that pulls the copper bullet towards all sides of the barrel, accelerating it forward. The bullet penetrated the hull, allowing the lightning to effect the electronics. You got lucky and hit the fuel tank before the lightning ignited the fuel, causing the resulting explosion. Do not expect this to be the case every time)

  “Thanks, Airi.”

  I take aim and fire three rounds at the second drone as it’s in the process of turning away after seeing the first drone get taken out. I must hit something important because the drone starts a quick descent towards the ground for a crash landing.

  “I think we’re done here!” I announce to Simmons.

  “I think you’re right, mate.” Simmons replies with a fair degree of astonishment from the base of the hill as I walk back to the Jeep.

  I get in the car with Simmons and we head back to the AUSSIE compound.

  “I’ve gotta ask, mate; does your Cook’s hair match her mappa tassie or what?” Simmons asks on the drive back.

  “That seems a little personal… but yeah, it does; just don’t tell my… uh, Cook, that I said anything.” I reply, catching his meaning from the context; after all, anyone who talks to me about hair is usually talking about Cheza, which is usually follow by a guy asking about her hair matching something.

  “Secret’s safe with me, mate.” Simmons replies with a grin.

  We get stopped at the gate before it automatically opens for us. Simmons drives down the ramp, parks underground, and we take the elevator to the grounds where crews of people are fortifying areas for cover; there are even a few witches and wizards casting spells, which I assume have something to do with protection. I look beyond the fence, noticing the piles of ash and blackened skin flakes where the bodies of the vampires used to be. Simmons and I take the same elevator up to the second floor before giving each other a brief nod and heading our separate ways. I take the sky bridge back to the room, slip in quietly, and strip off my clothes before climbing back into bed beside Cheza and Natasha.

  ****

  I find myself lying on the floor of a black space, a cone of light shining towards me from a large hole in the space as a figure walks towards it. The figure passes through the hole and stops. The figure gives a last look over its shoulder as the hole starts to close and I recognize the figure:

  It’s me.

  I try to call out and move towards the light, but my body is frozen. The hole closes, leaving me alone in complete darkness as it surrounds me, travels down my throat, and chokes me.

  ****

  [December 22nd]

  I jolt awake to find Cheza at my side, hugging my head to her chest. My frantic breathing slows as I calm down.

  “Are you alright?” Cheza whispers.

  “Yeah, I’ll be okay…” I reply.

  “I couldn’t see your dream, but it certainly didn’t feel pleasant.” Cheza says.

  “Yeah, it really wasn’t… so where’s the cafeteria? I could use some food right about now.” I say.

  “Alright, let’s take a shower and go look for it.” Cheza replies and softly kisses me before standing up and walking into the bathroom.

  I follow after her as the shower turns on. I slip off my boxers and step in the shower behind Cheza. We start scrubbing up when a question dawns on me.

  “By the way, where’s Natasha?” I ask.

  “I don’t know; she was gone when I woke up.” Cheza answers and we finish our shower. We step out of the shower and dry off before I realize something.

  “Did you also just realize that we didn’t bring any other clothes?” Cheza asks.

  “That I did.” I reply.

  I grab my phone and Cheza’s hand before touching my triskele. I port the two of us to our house in Washington where we grab clean underwear and my armored, black leather suit from the closet.

  “Want to just grab a bite to eat while we’re here?” I ask as I get completely dressed while Cheza puts on her bra and panties.

  “Sure.” Cheza says with a shrug and we head downstairs to the kitchen.

  “So are you cooking, or am I?” I inquire.

  “Hmm… I think it’s your turn.” Cheza replies.

  “I was thinking ham and cheese omelets?” I suggest.

  “Perfect.” Cheza responds with a satisfactory smile while I get to work.

  Ten minutes later, I set two plates down on the bar table and sit beside Cheza before admiring my handiwork. I notice Cheza blush slightly out of the corner of my eye before turning to look at me and sighing heavily.

  “What’s up?” I ask.

  “It’s nothing…” Cheza replies and sighs again; that’s not a good sign.

  “No really, what’s wrong?” I inquire as I set my fork down and turn towards her.

  “Well, I’m sitting here half naked and I thought you were checking me out only to realize that you were checking out your omelet. That’s very demoralizing… Cole, are you still attracted to me? I mean, we’ve been married for four years and we just don’t have sex like we used to… is this because I’ve gotten older?” Cheza asks in a timid manner.

  “Cheza, what are you talking about? You haven’t aged a day!” I reply as I realize that she really hasn’t aged a day; neither have I, now that I think about it. While it may be the result of living in close proximity, I haven’t noticed any actual aging in Cheza in the four years that we’ve been married.

  “Really?” Cheza asks uncertainly.

  “Really. Now, we should eat our omelets before they get cold.” I respond.

  We finish our meal and Cheza takes the dishes to rinse them off before bending over to place them in the dishwasher. As she’s bent over, I move behind her and swiftly pull her panties to her ankles while I kneel down and get to work. What’s a better way to show that I’m still attracted to the tree than by sampling the fruit…? Wait, how about: what’s a better way to show that I still appreciate the house than by sticking my tongue in the garden…? Why am I having so much trouble coming up with an analogy that makes any sense?

  Cheza’s muscles quiver a few minutes later
and she straightens up. She turns around and kisses me deeply before hopping up on the granite countertop and spreading her legs while pulling me closer. She unzips my suit and pulls it down below my waist before I realize that it’s not going to work if I keep it on, so I take it all of the way off.

  Taking off a skin tight leather suit in a sexy manner is practically impossible for a man; it’s quite similar to having to remove your socks before sex. By the time I finally free both of my ankles, I’m surprised to find that Cheza is still turned on enough to have sex with me. She smiles at me seductively and pats the insides of her thighs, beckoning me towards her. I enter the gate, and the race begins!

  “This is Cap.”

  “And this is Bill. We will be your announcers for this race. The gates open and the horses are off.”

  “The horses are down the first stretch with A Horse Named Slickback 3 in the lead; a Jamaican thoroughbred, he’s favored to win this race, Bill. Portland Murdered is on his tail as Luckysumbitch is in third. Oceancracker is trailing behind in fourth as the horses hit the first turn. Luckysumbitch takes the inside on the first turn, passing by A Horse Named Slickback and Portland Murdered. As they hit the second stretch, A Horse Named Slickback catches up to Luckysumbitch; they’re neck and neck as Portland Murdered starts to fall behind. The horses round the second corner and are on the home stretch as A Horse Named Slickback regains the lead!”

  “What’s this!? Oceancracker has started turning purple and six inch fangs are jutting out of his mouth, Cap! OOH! Oceancracker sprinted forward in a burst of speed before jumping and kicking at Portland Murdered, decapitating the jockey! The out of control horse flew into the stands before exploding and killing dozens of patrons! Oh, the humanity!”

  “Oh, the entertainment, Bill! This is the most excitement I’ve seen at a horse race since the commissioner banned juicing and ride-by-shootings in 1913!”

  “I can’t believe my eyes, Cap! Oceancracker just shot a beam of light out of his mouth towards Luckysumbitch, narrowly missing and hitting A Horse Named Slickback instead!”

  “I guess that’s one horse that really lives up to his name, eh Bill!? Ha ha!”

  “A Horse Named Slickback and his jockey have both been turned into a grouping of about two dozen chickens. Oh my stars, Cap! The two dozen chickens have apparently acquired a thirst for blood and have started going for the jugulars of the spectators! Blood is filling the stands as Luckysumbitch bobs and weaves to dodge the bolts of lightning and the flames that are erupting from the mouth of Oceancracker.”

  “Luckysumbitch crosses the finish line in a blaze of glory and makes his way to the winner’s circle as Oceancracker roars in frustration and disagreement. He just bit through the neck of Luckysumbitch! Ooh, he just tore the head off and tossed it into the stands! Looks like one lucky fan is going home with a souvenir, isn’t that right, Bill?”

  “They’re got me, Cap! The chickens are drinking my blood! AH! THEY’RE EATING MY FACE! THEY’RE EATING MY FACE!” *Gurgle Gurgle*

  “Well, I have to go save my partner. This is Cap, signing off. COME AND GET SOME YOU FEATHERED SONS OF BITCHES!” *Blasts from a shotgun*

  *Feathers flapping*

  *Blasts from a shotgun*

  *Demonic bu-caws*

  *Blasts from a shotgun followed by shotgun clattering onto the floor*

  *Cough* “They’re dead… but not without sacrifice. I’ve sustained heavy injuries and I’m slowly bleeding out. Don’t tell my mother I was killed by a chicken… tell her I died at the hands of a rabbit!” 2

  “Cole… what are you… doing?” Cheza asks while breathing heavily as I snap out of my inner monologue to find that we’ve both finished.

  “Uh… I don’t really know… let’s go take a shower.” I say and withdraw from the ‘bank’.

  We head upstairs and take another shower to wash the sweat off of us. Cheza and I are drying off when I hear my phone ring. I rush downstairs and grab my suit to answer my phone.

  “Hello?” I answer.

  “Hey bro, do you have the time to stop by? Alice is hungry and it seems she’s a picky eater.” Jason requests.

  “Sure; Cheza and I will be there in a few.” I reply.

  “Thanks, CT!” Jason says and hangs up.

  I head back upstairs and inform Cheza of our side trip while pulling on my suit. Cheza quickly pulls on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before grabbing my hand. I touch my Haglaz rune and port us to the kitchen of Jason and Reyna’s house.

  “Thanks for coming, Cole. Alice just woke up from her nap and she’s really cranky.” Reyna informs us.

  “No problem; anything for my niece!” I reply with a smile and head upstairs to Alice’s room. I knock softly before entering the room.

  “Uncle Cole?” Alice timidly asks, but with a ravenous look in her eyes.

  “Hey sweetie; are you hungry?” I inquire.

  Alice launches herself across the room and latches onto my neck; I guess her azeman strength is only guided by instinct at this stage because this girl normally can’t climb onto a couch by herself, let alone launch herself ten feet through the air. I can’t believe things got this bad when she’s only gone without feeding for a day. I let her drink 0.75 liters to make up for yesterday before cutting her off.

  Alice’s instincts tell her to keep feeding and when she realizes she’s not getting any more blood, she reels back and bites into the opposite side of my neck. I let another 0.05 liters trickle out in an effort to wean her off. Alice bites into my neck again and I repeat the trickle of blood. I don’t let any out on the next bite and Alice starts frantically biting at my neck, tearing it apart.

  “Sweetie…” I sadly say as I hug Alice close to me. Alice seems to snap out of it and starts crying.

  “I’m sorry, Uncle Cole! I’m so sorry!” Alice wails.

  “No, I’m the one that’s sorry, sweetie; you wouldn’t be in this state if I had just dropped by yesterday.” I softly reply and tenderly pet the back of her head.

  “But your neck!” Alice exclaims through her tears.

  “Don’t worry; I’m fine. See?” I say as I feel the skin of my neck knitting itself back together.

  “CANDLES AND BARRY WHITE!?” I hear Cheza shout from downstairs; that is really not good. I listen as Cheza storms upstairs and I prepare for the worst. Alice sniffles as she stops crying.

  “Cole… would you care to explain what occurred here a few nights ago?” Cheza asks through gritted teeth.

  “Alice drank too much of my blood and vomited into the toilet without knowing that Jason had put saran wrap over it so the blood bounced back and soaked us, causing us to need a bath. Alice said we needed ‘bath time candles’ and ‘bath time music,’ so she got those while I prepared the bath, thinking that it was best if Jason and Reyna fixed that misconception. I shuffled my song list and it happened to land on Barry White as Alice got hungry and bit into my neck again. Then Reyna and Jason came in, Reyna thinking the worst while Jason understood immediately.” I quickly explain while glossing over the details so I don’t get stabbed.

  “Chezarei, nothing was going on between them; you really should’ve let me finish. While the situation looked really bad, the explanation was perfectly reasonable.” Reyna explains from the doorway and my phone starts ringing.

  “Hey Cole, we need you and Rei back here ASAP.” Natasha tells me.

  “We’re on our way.” I respond and hang up.

  “Let’s go.” I tell Cheza and set Alice down.

  “We’ll see you guys later!” I announce as I grab Cheza’s hand and touch my Haglaz rune.

  Chapter 8: Tanks… Why did it have to be tanks? 4

  We arrive in the reception area, startling the director’s werewolf receptionist. Before she has the chance to use the intercom, Natasha opens the door and ushers us into the office.

  “When I requested assistance from The Agency, I never expected that Feros and the Night Ice Queen would show up. We just received word that the vampires
are coming in with about ten, Japanese model Type 10 tanks. The buildings are resistant to explosive bombardment, but they won’t hold up forever.” Director Gracie says.

  “The vampires don’t see the obvious problem with bringing slow ass tanks into a battle that involves beings with supernatural speed?” I ask.

  “From what we’ve seen on the satellite images, each tank has roughly fifty vampires accompanying it, so getting in close to destroy the tanks will be a challenge since we are lacking in long range weaponry with enough firepower to destroy a tank.” Director Gracie explains.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem; I have a plan. When’s the ETA on the tanks?” I inquire.

  “Twenty minutes; they’re rolling down the main road as we speak. I already have all of the witches and wizards working on fortifications for the buildings and the fence.” Director Gracie answers.

  “Alright, Cheza and I will go get ready. Just let us know when they arrive and keep the troops inside for this one; we don’t need to accidentally get shot while we’re running around out there.” I reply.

  “I’ll keep you updated.” Natasha says as I grab Cheza’s hand and port us to the room. Cheza strips off her jeans and t-shirt before slipping into her suit. I unzip the left sleeve of my suit and toss it on the bed.

  “So the plan is for you to hose them down while I use the water to freeze them?” Cheza asks.

  “Pretty much. The top armor and treads of any tank are the most vulnerable so aim for those. I’ll also be hosing down the barrel of the tank, so make sure to freeze that as well. There will also most likely be a mounted .50 caliber turret on the top which we should definitely avoid; our suits don’t provide all that much protection against .50 caliber bullets.” I inform her.

  “Got it.” Cheza replies.

  “They’re almost within range. You two should get out there.” Natasha thinks.

  “Well, it’s show time.” I tell Cheza and we make our way down to the grounds of the compound.

  By the time we pass through the front gate, the tanks have already started fanning out into firing positions. There are large groups of vampires with bronze auras around each tank, along with three more that are faintly visible inside of the tanks.