Part Two:
Chapter One:
The next Morning
The sun splashed in on my face, waking me up with a splitting headache. A subtle sound perked me up entirely and I slowly hefted my sword, still in sheath so I could be ready for anything. I saw Crystal slumped over the desk, like she’d been there all night. I found myself wondering why she went out of her way to make sure I was all right. It wasn’t normal for a Charge to watch a Protector. I stirred a bit, cringing from the pain of the bright light, and from various other aches that were beginning to present themselves. I’m not really sure what caused it, but Crystal bolted up with a start, and looked over at me, half tired.
“Are you feeling all right?” Crystal asked me. “You look a little pale.”
“I’ll be fine.” I tried not to sound like it was much of a problem, but my voice betrayed the level of pain I was feeling. I didn’t want to make her worry.
“I don’t believe that Tom. If you’re in pain, or just not feeling well you should tell me.” Crystal said in a voice that was half annoyed, and half concerned.
“Crystal, I’ll be okay, really.” I attempted to reassure her, but I was unsuccessful. “I need you to go with me on this one and not make too much of it.” I added.
“For now. But if you start to look worse, I’ll have to do something.” Crystal insisted. I just nodded my head in agreement.
“Mom told me you were walking around a bit last night. I can help you downstairs for lunch today if you want it.” Crystal spoke in a questioning, unsure tone.
“Thanks for the offer, I’d be happy to oblige.” I replied, beginning to focus my mind on controlling the chaotic pangs of pain writhing throughout my body. “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could you help me to the kitchen now?”
“Why, is there something you need? I can go get it for you.” Crystal responded.
“I should move around a little bit before I get too stiff to do it.” I commented. “Besides, you’ve done way to much for me already, and I’m the one who’s supposed to be looking out for you.” I said as I sat up. Crystal helped me stand, and let me lean on her shoulder as we headed for the door.
In the hallway, Crystal’s father ran into us, and he also helped, the truth be told, I think he was still a little suspicious of my intentions. We made it down the stairs and to the living room where I had to sit down to make Crystal and her father happy, even though I didn’t need to rest. They insisted, and my being the polite person I am most of the time, I respected them and took a seat.
“Is there anything you need while you rest here for a few minutes?” Crystal’s father asked.
“Clipped to my belt was a cell phone. I need it to make my weekly report.” I replied in a businesslike manner, which just felt out of place considering my condition and attire.
“I’ll go get it.” Crystal volunteered and hurried off.
“Is that routine, to make a report every week?” Crystal’s father asked.
“No sir, it’s supposed to be a daily report, but I’ve been granted certain discretions when it comes to my cases.” I tried to keep my tone formal.
“Certain discretions?” Crystal’s father asked, raising an eyebrow.
“The details are confidential. I’ll just say it’s better for everyone when I have some room to do things my way relating to the protection of my Charge.” I was digging myself into a hole and I knew it.
“Really?” Crystal’s father studied me with indifferent eyes, almost as if he was staring right through me. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea at your age, but you seem responsible enough.” He said without flinching.
“Thanks, I think.” I started but Crystal’s reentry stopped me before I could continue.
“Here’s the phone.” Crystal handed it to me.
“Thank you.” I accepted it, and flipped it open, seeing that I had missed a message. It was not unusual for me to not return a call right away, so I doubted anyone was worried in the least about me. It would have to go a few days before the Program would begin the feel that something was up. I decided I’d better check the message before making my report. I could have been asked about something relayed in the message and it wouldn’t do to not know what was being asked. I punched a few buttons and held the phone to my ear, listening to the message as it played.
“Tom, knowing you, you’ve got your phone off so you won’t get this message until tomorrow. When you do get it, you’d better be sitting down. We finally did it. We finally beat the person behind all the drones. Granted a few got away, I’ll bet they try to take out the few Charges still under our care, but I know you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way. When you get the chance you’d better phone in and make what’s sure to be your final report. You know I don’t like to spread rumors, but I’ve heard we’ll be decommissioned by the end of the week. Tom, if I don’t get to see you in person again, It was an honor to serve with you in the Program. Good luck, where ever life takes you.”
I closed the phone slowly. Holding it in the air halfway between the table and my head, I couldn’t seem to think to move any further. Crystal and her father both looked at me, then each other with questioning expressions. Neither one wanted to be the first to speak, but they both wanted to know what was going on. After a long silence, I remained stiff, but Crystal got up the nerve to speak.
“Is something wrong? You look like you got some bad news.” Crystal observed.
“It’s great news actually; there won’t be any more drones.” I said with a dry voice. “After I make my report, I’ll probably get new orders.”
“That means you’ll be leaving right? No more camping outside in the tree?” Crystal’s father asked. “The threat is really gone?”
“That’s right.” Was all I could say. “Let me get the report over with, so we can all get on with our lives.” I flipped the phone open again and dialed the number I needed.
“Instructor, this is Tom. It’s time for my weekly report. Are you ready?” I spoke quickly.
“Shoot” The voice on the other end, responded.
“Well, it’s been a heavy week, got three drones by Wednesday, and had one more hit me yesterday.” I kept things as basic as I could. “I did sustain some injuries in the attack yesterday, but I’ll be fine given a little time.” I paused.
“You got hammered by a drone? That doesn’t sound right.” My instructor commented. “I’d have sent a replacement over if you’d called in sooner.”
“It was an aerial sir, and no you wouldn’t have. I heard the message already, I know it’s over.” I didn’t like being mislead what ever the intention.
“Oh.” Was all my instructor said before a long awkward pause. “I guess you want your orders then?”
“Yes, please.” I let a little of my frustration out.
“Since you’ve been injured, I’ll send a ride out to bring you back to base. When you get here, you’ll have to prep for the Decomm ceremony.” My instructor said in a stern voice.
“I see.” I replied more casually than I was feeling. “This means I’ll have to ‘take the walk’ doesn’t it?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” My instructor was much better at hiding his feelings from me.
“I’m ready to accept that, but-” I stopped a moment and looked up at Crystal and her father. “I’m going to need some privacy on this one, if you don’t mind.” I waited until they left the room. “Have you seen what arrangements have been made yet?”
“What do you mean by ‘arrangements’ Tom?” My Instructor asked in a tone that I didn’t care for. It was hiding something important, and I wanted to know what.
“Don’t play dumb with me sir, I’m sore, not stupid.” I snapped, louder than I should have. “You know my parents are dead, so I’ll have no place to go back to after the ceremony is over.”
“Oh, I’ll have to check on that, but it may take some time-” Good news usually makes people forget simple things, which is probably what frustrated me the most. My Program Instructor seemed to be forgetting that I was smarter than I looked or acted. I cut him off with a bitter statement before he even finished his lie.
“Can the crap sir. We both know you won’t look because you already know nothing was set up for me, considering what I know about the incident, you’d think this would have all been figured out then.” I stopped myself before I said anything worse. After taking a breath, I spoke in a calmer manner, but still very angry. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that the threat is over, but I’m getting the impression that someone forgot to consider the details, or had no intention of considering them in the first place.” I waited to hear the excuse from my Instructor.
“Well, I don’t really know how to respond to that. You bring up some interesting if not paranoid points.” My instructor said, trying to get on my good side, and failing miserably. “I won’t begin to speculate on what the higher authorities’ in the Program intentions are. I promise I’ll look into your case and have an answer for you when you get here.” My instructor offered.
“I’ll have to accept that for now.” I commented reluctantly before disconnecting the call and turning my phone off. As I flipped it shut, a slight jolt ran through my head. I wasn’t the best at perceptions, but I knew someone was hiding near the doorway listening to me.
It wasn’t worth the trouble for me to start anything, so I just set my phone down on the end table quietly. I closed my eyes, trying to think without any distractions, a near impossibility considering my mind was it’s own distraction at times. After several attempts, I gave up and opened my eyes again.
“So, is there something you’re not telling me?” Crystal asked, her concern though appreciated was something I didn’t want to deal with right away.
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, internal politics.” I commented, with a bitterness that told much more than I wanted to say.
“I’m willing to listen anyway; you shouldn’t keep it to yourself.” Crystal offered.
“This is the one thing I can’t tell you about, even though I really want to.” I spoke softly, standing up slowly. As Crystal moved toward me, I lifted a hand, indicating I didn’t want any help. “This goes beyond the Program into the realms of something very personal to me.” I started to walk toward the door.
“What happens now? You’ll go back the Program for a new assignment of some kind right?” Crystal asked following me as I glanced out the front door’s window.
“No, I go back to get decommissioned.” My dull tone seemed to land heavily on the atmosphere of the room. “By tomorrow morning, I’ll no longer be in the Program.” I turned away from the door, seeing the plain dark car pull up. I returned to the living room slowly, picking up my phone.
“Decommissioned? Crystal asked, as if the word was strange to her.
I was at the front door when the knock sounded, but I let Crystal open it. She stepped back and let me face the cliché “agent” in his dark suit and sunglasses. I just glared waiting for him to speak.
“Tom, are you ready to return to base?” The agent’s deep monotone would have been very intimidating to a stranger, but I knew better.
“Sure thing Larry, let’s go.” I said beginning to open the storm door. I stopped and turned to Crystal for a moment. “Don’t mind him; he’s weird, but harmless. I’ll be back later, that’s a promise.” With Larry’s help, I made it to the car.
Non story notes:
For those that caught it Saturday night, the next ending theme to Inuyasha, Every Heart, played. A beautiful piece of music.
There's one more installment to go with this story, and for those who know where to look(It's not hard to find really) I'll have an "advance reader copy" of the last installment(Which will be posted here nest week) up later this morning. Don't ask me to tell you where it is, I won't point out the obvious.
Happy Reading! |
