Chapter 48: Big axes work, yo

Chapter 48: Big axes work, yo

James awoke.

He lay in a queen-sized bed, the sheets clean and smooth, the mattress indescribably perfect. Serenitys couch hadnt even come close to this decadence.

Something was ringing. His phone on the bedside table. 5:00 AM flashed over and over on the screen.

Wiping at his face, James swiped the alarm off, then sat up. A hotel room. The Marriott. Thats right, hed come up here around two in the morning for a few hours sleep.

He felt like crud, his eyes gummy, his mouth stale, his body weary and his mind heavy with fatigue.

Turns out three hours werent enough to get him in fighting trim.

Fuck, he muttered, and swung his legs over the side. Today was going to be big. He didnt want to burn an Aeviternum for nothing, but he felt like five-day-old steak that had been runover by a Zamboni.

The very thought of facing the ball room full of new Blue Light members and making the pitch again with the way he felt made him vaguely nauseous.

James blinked and sat up straight. The fact that it was taking him this long to even make a decision made the decision for him. He burned the Aeviternum, and immediately sweet, replenishing energy coursed through him, burning away his aches, easing the pain in the back of his skull, the crick in his neck, the heavy feeling in his face.

And made him want to palm his own face. He should have set the alarm for just before dawn, spent his final remaining Aeviternum, then had his full amount replenished by the start of the new day.

What a waste.

Still, he felt incredibly invigorated. He leaped off the bed, strode into the bathroom, and had a quick, scalding shower. Emerged in a plume of steam to dump the contents of his duffel bag onto the bed and selected new gear to wear.

He texted Jessica and Richard while brushing his teeth, called Serenity while pulling on his boots, and at 5:09 strode out the room to make his way down to the ground floor.

The ballroom was nearly empty, but Jessica was there, talking to three military officers and looking fresh and sharp despite her rumpled clothing and careless twist that held up her blonde hair. She must have spent Aeviternum.

He strode over. Good morning.

Major Kelly, said one of the officers, and all three snapped off salutes.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

James blinked at them, taken aback, then nodded. At ease?

Captain Morales, said one, a spry, wiry man with fierce focus and a magnificently hooked nose. Were coordinating the delivery of the weaponry with Warrant Officer Miles to the designated locations, but Colonel Hackworth instructed us to give an overview of the Browning M-2 here once your people are ready.

The captains dubiousness was obvious.

James looked at the men on the stage who were setting up two massive looking guns, each almost six feet long, huge belts of 50 caliber bullets feeding into the chamber.

Good thinking. How many will we get per team?

Two as requested. We had to request extra from the Marine Corp Reserve on Barren Island, but we got it done. The captain was obviously proud. Weve also made some improvements on your suggestions. Well have air support over each symbol, allowing us to call in aid if necessary, as well as deploying Bradleys, Strykers, and Abrams to the sites. Those are en route already.

Excellent, said James. Will Blue Light symbols get support as well?

Yes sir. The exact deployment is available for your review. Were emphasizing direct contact weaponry for the benefit of leveling but will not hesitate to destroy the enemy by any means if our forces are in danger of being overrun.

Sounds good, captain. James wanted to add something but had nothing more to say; he resisted the urge to wipe his palms on his hips, and instead turned to Jessica who picked up on his discomfort.

Major, Ive reviewed the deployment plan and it looks good. We can do a presentation to all of Blue Light once weve processed and signed them up, but its going to be tight.

James liked him immediately.

Hello everyone, said Cindy. This is Olaf Christenson, recently arrived from Minneapolis.

Minneapolis? asked Serenity, incredulous. Thats like

Twenty hours away? Olaf grinned. A good drive, yes. I took my brothers car when I heard Jamess message.

You drove twenty hours to get here? asked James.

Yes! Your message was very inspirational. I thought to myself: that is where the good fight is happening. New York City, with James Kelly. There were lots of demons to kill in Minneapolis, but, well. He moved his head from side to side. I thought: New York City is where everything big happens. I wanted to be here, to help. So I came.

James chuckled. Well, I like your attitude. You know how to use that axe?

My axe? Olaf reached up and touched its blade. Ya! I am a professional medieval Viking reenactor and HEMA instructor. Historical European Martial Arts. I spend most my time following my favorite bands, traveling home to Norway, working the festival circuit, yes? It never pay much, but I had a good time. Met lots of good people and did axe-work all over. Then the demons came. Olafs smile broadened. I get to use my axe even more. Very fulfilling. I feel like I have been preparing all my life for this to come.

Joanna stood with her hands on her hips, grinning. Well perhaps you can teach the rest of us how to swing an axe. The ammos going to run out one day.

Of course! Long sword, throwing axes, halberd, I have trained with them all. Not easy to learn, but with practice, you too can become a medieval demon slayer.

Whats your rank and Benediction set? asked Bjrn.

Mendicant 9, Shield of Faith, said Olaf. I had to stop leveling to come. But now that I am here, I am sure I will catch up quick.

You all right with going Circle of Protection? asked James.

Ya, no problem.

Then it looks like we have a deal. Welcome to Crimson Hydra, Olaf.

The Viking stepped in and clasped Jamess forearm in what was probably some old school warriors grip and beamed. I am very excited. We are going to have a very good time.

Serenity shook her head in wonder. You guys serious? We got ourselves an actual Viking?

Not a real Viking, no. Olaf stepped back. Vikings were raiders. We are defending our homes, so I am but a Norseman. He smiled. Also, my axe is not standard. But I like the big axes, and they make a better impression at festivals, so.

Big axes work, yo, said Denzel. Ill be happy to stand behind you while you swing it.

Very good. Olaf looked around the group inquiringly. Your names?

They introduced themselves one by one, and Olaf nodded, his blue gaze sharp.

And you are James Kelly. You look different without the fur coat!

People change, said James. Guess Im changing, too.

Jessica stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand. Hello everyone, if I can have your attention upfront. Im Warrant Officer Miles. It looks like weve sworn in everybody and are now right on track to learn how to use the M2, or Ma Deuce as it is affectionately called.

All eyes turned to the two massive machine guns resting on their tripods on either side of her.

Were going to do this training in groups of ten to fifteen, so if you have Smite, and especially if you have Deadeye, please come to the stage when your team is called. Lets start with Hydra, Bugbear, and Dragon. Thats all members of teams Crimson, Ivory, and Ebon. Please come to the front. Its time to learn how to fire a 50-caliber machine gun.