Chapter 38: Decisions

Chapter 38: Decisions

An hour later they were back in the Marriott. It was surreal to enter that spacious, clean, luxurious building after their expedition into the heart of horror, and there blood-spattered and battle-weary appearances drew startled stares from guests and staff alike.

But nobody moved to intercept the thousand armed warriors as they trickled back into the Grand Ballroom, rifles and baseball bats and pistols in hand.

James walked through the crowd, forcing himself to acknowledge greetings and congratulations, to return nods and smile stiffly in return to euphoric shouts, but he felt conflicted.

Was that right? He sought to analyze his own emotional state. No, not conflicted so much as aware of the scope of work before them, the horror being perpetrated against his species, and the fact that Nemesis 2s were out there right now under the other symbols continuing their grizzly work.

That thirty-two other demonic symbols revolved over untouched hives at this very moment, where human flesh was being crafted into walls and Nemesis queens were siphoning souls into their dark gems.

He tried to imagine the anguish and terror of those captured by the demons, and simply couldnt.

But that awareness lay upon his spirit like a lead cape, smothering all flickers of joy from their victory.

People milled about the huge ballroom, set weapons down, gathered by the leftover pizza where Manna bread baskets had been set out as well. Water dispensers were swamped, and James saw that the nine-man teams were sticking together, loose collectives with a vague us-versus-them attitude that spoke to some measure of trust earned in combat.

A good sign.

Serenity and he left Crimson Hydra with the promise of a swift return and made their way to the control area next to the stage where tables covered in electronic gear were being set-up. A half-dozen men and women in military fatigues were connecting computers to servers and other black boxes James couldnt identify.

Probably the ASOCC system Hackworth had promised.

Richard and Jessica were standing and speaking with the leader of the military tech team but excused themselves and strode to meet them as he and Serenity approached.

So much to tell you, said Richard, clearly uncertain as to whether he should smile or be serious. About the military strike, improvements Ive come up with for our next raid -

Did you bring the gem? asked Jessica. And congratulations. Im really thrilled you all made it back in one piece.

Gem, then us, got it, said Serenity tiredly. No, just keeping things clear.

Jessica flushed. Im sorry. Its entirely possible Ive become obsessed with saving humanity from a demonic invasion. Still. Youre right. I really am glad you both made it back alive.

Im just messing with you, said Serenity with a wan smile. Haha, funny Serenity.

Weve got the gem, said James. Its back with my team wrapped up in a jacket.

We should deliver it to the proper authorities, said Jessica firmly. We need to have it analyzed in a lab.

Orrrrr said Richard, dragging out the word, and from Jessicas immediate irritation it was obvious this was an argument theyd been having. Or we examine it and see if theres some benefit our team can get.

Benefit? asked James.

Yes. Look, in any raid or whatever, theres always a big boss guarding treasure. You kill the boss, you get XP - experience points - and then you get loot. Thats the way this works. But all you guys found was a huge black gem, right? So thats the loot. The last thing you want to do is give it away to other people.

This is not World of Warcraft, Richard, snapped Jessica. That gem was quite possibly created with the souls or vitality of thousands of innocent people.

Right, and being shoved up as close to the demon symbol as possible, yeah? Like an offering? Or - and this is my pet theory as of fifteen minutes ago - a battery. Like, what if the symbols are dormant, and require the sacrifice of a certain number of souls to evolve, or open up, or whatever? That would explain so much, including the demons need to place the gem as close to the symbol as they could get.

Plausible, but how does that change our responsibility to hand it over to qualified scientists?

Because, Jess, that means its full of what I like to call power. He annunciated the last word with exaggerated care. Our dudes here run off power too, right? As fueled by your Arete?

Sure, said James dubiously.

So the way this works is that this gem is full of that power. Im guessing. We hand it off to the scientists, well not only never see it again, but most likely someone else will get that reward. Richard shook his head. Thatd be a serious mistake.

Dude, said Serenity. That gem is full of human essence. You saying we should - what? Drink it down?

Richard spread his hands. What Im saying is that this is a war, and we need every edge we can get. Educated guesses based on a lifetime of seeing how these things play out. Also, think of it this way: if you could ask those people what theyd prefer to see happen with their essence, do you think theyd rather it be wasted in a lab, or used to empower their avengers who plan to go right back out and kill more demons?

James rubbed his heavily callused palm with his thumb. I hear what youre saying, Richard, but He shook his head slowly. You werent there. You didnt see the things we saw. What was done to those people. Even if youre right and that gem contains power we can use, I dont I mean, I cant use it. Not given what it is, and how it was harvested.

What I should do is go into the NYCEM to talk to military folks and politicians about the gem, how their attack went, and share data on what weve discovered about working together. But He hesitated, then his resolve firmed. Im not going to. Im going after our second symbol. There are good people right now in need of our help. Were low on Aeviternum points, so well play this one more cautiously, but the Second Waves going to be coming in, and this is our last chance to grab a gem and extract more folks before the site gets swarmed.

Nods, frowns, people turning to glance at each other.

You all dont have to come. Youve earned the right to rest up and catch your breath. But if youre ready for more levels, more power, and kicking some more demon ass, Id love to have you along.

Hell yeah, someone shouted.

Put me in, coach! yelled an old lady.

Were leaving in fifteen minutes, James called out. If youre down for round two, I dont know, move to the left side of the ballroom. If you want to wait this one out, move to the right. Good? Good.

He walked off the stage and handed the microphone to Jessica. Guess Ive made my decision.

Indeed. She switched the mike off and handed it to Cindy. Ill be heading to the NYCEM with the gem. We also need to maintain cordial relations with Major Hackworth, at the very least, and while youre in the field my time is best spent there, regardless. Im looking to hire another five assistants and need Commissioner Morgan to sign off on my new title, Deputy Commissioner.

Promoting yourself? asked Serenity.

I have to. Waiting for James to sign off on all the docs Ive got lined up is holding back too many important developments. This way we can expedite matters.

You should be the CEO, far as Im concerned, said James.

Theres only one CEO in government, said Jessica, and hes in the White House. But thank you. I appreciate the sentiment.

Richard rubbed at his bristly scalp, buzzed down out of necessity due to his hair loss. Well, OK, Ill stay here and make sure the ASOCCs up and running ASAP. Cindy, you get a handle on that Red Bull cooler situation I asked you about?

Cindy lowered her chin to stare at him over her librarian glasses. No, Star Boy. I havent.

Damn. He snapped his fingers. How am I supposed to work without a constant supply of sugar and caffeine? No, dont worry about me. Ill find a way to survive.

Cindy blinked primly at him and turned to James. If youre heading out in fifteen minutes, Ill hold off on collecting the new leveling information till you get back. Which is fine, that gives me a few hours to make sure everythings as it should be. How many people are planning to spend the night? Jessica told me she only reserved three floors.

Only, said Serenity.

I dont know. Most people here are locals, so James shrugged. Grab another couple of floors for the folks who arent from Brooklyn?

Ill take care of that, said Cindy, looking to Jessica for confirmation. You head on down to the EM.

Sounds good, said Jessica. Look into dinner if possible, see what the Marriott kitchens capable of producing and then just call everyone and anyone whos still delivering. These people are going to come back hungry. Richard -

Star Boy.

- have an updated version of the guidelines on the site by the time we reconvene for our evening debrief, say at p.m. Ill share what I learned from the government, and well review plans for tomorrow as well as how people can get room keys. Everybody clear?

Yes, Deputy Commissioner, said Serenity, snapping a salute and grinning.

Youre the best thing that happened to us, said James. Thanks, Jessica.

Thank me once the apocalypse is over. Good luck, everyone.

May the Force be with you, said Richard.

Peace out sign, said Serenity, looping her arm through Richard and turning him away. Lets find the hotel bar. Weve got nine minutes.

James chuckled. So much was going on and all at once that he felt almost gratefully overwhelmed. It kept him from fixating on one thing at a time and growing panicked. We need to check in on Herman.

Fuck, we should hire him. The DRCs gonna need a drinks guy.

Done, said James. Ill get Jessica on it when we return.

Perfect. Serenity beamed. Now lets go hunt down a Singapore Sling.