Chapter Sixty-Eight - Paperworker

Chapter Sixty-Eight - Paperworker

Chapter Sixty-Eight - Paperworker

The Family is many things, but most of all, its a place for the buck to stop.

--Agent Argent, 2032

***

I jumped off my warmech and landed in a crouch, boots muffling any of the noise I should have made dropping to the ground like that. My coat flapped a bit, so I straightened it as I stood up. Crackshot, nice to see you again, I said.

Miss Stray Cat, he said with a nod. Pleased to see you too. Didnt know youd be here when they sent me over, but Im happy to see you again.

You know her? the girl with the ice-themed gear asked. I think she pitched her voice low enough not to carry, but that didnt really matter to me.

Crackshot and I have a bit of history, I said. Was it me or Gomorrah that gave you the name? I asked.

Ah, that was you, he said with a grin. Pleased with it so far too. So thanks for that. And yeah, Miss Stray Cat helped me a heap when I was just starting off. Still havent spent all the points I made during that big wave.

I nodded along and buried my envy. Id made some points back today, but I was probably going to leave Burrlington with about the same amount Id gone in with.

Then again, that might change. Some of the gear Id bought was going to generate some small trickle of points as long as the city kept up its defences. In any case, that was a worry for later. So, whore your friends? I asked.

Oh, right, Crackshot said. This is Shiverin. He gestured to the small woman standing next to him. She blinked, raised a hand, then waved, all with quick, jerky motions that came off as extremely nervous, like she was some sort of human chihuahua. This is Rod. He gestured to the chick in the racing outfit who nodded once. And thats Hairy.

Hairy smiled at me, and I decided to studiously ignore him.

Well, welcome to Burlington, I said. Things have been... all over the place, honestly, but overall, not that bad. Is one of you the underwater specialist? I asked.

I got four head shakes there. Family mentioned that someone called Drowning Man was heading over from the other end of the great lakes. Supposed to be here tonight or tomorrow morning, Crackshot said.

Thatll do it. Theyll have their work cut out for them. Theres a fuck-huge hive in the lake. What do you guys know about the situation here? And are you four... taking over from here, or am I just getting my hopes up for some time off?

Crackshot rubbed at the back of his neck. Well, were supposed to be under Drowning Mans command. I think hes coming over with his own team to take over from there. Dont know how the handoffs supposed to work though. The battalion heres all Family-related folk.

I could feel a fresh headache coming on already, and part of me could already picture what was going to happen.

Good news all around.

I brought the mech to a stop in front of the mall and climbed out of it, this time being a whole lot more careful while unplugging myself from the mechs control system. Surprisingly, doing things the right way didnt lead to sudden massive headaches, which was nice to know.

By the time I dismounted, Lucy had come down and was waiting for me by the entrance. Cat! she cheered.

Instantly, all of the sour thoughts Id been having were wiped away, and I found myself smiling like a moron. Hey, I said as I jumped off the side of the mech. Look, I got a warmech! I said while unclasping my helmet and removing it.

Lucy laughed as she pulled me into a hug. You did. And its already messy and covered in dents. If I ever buy a car, youre not allowed to drive it.

I scoffed. And here I was going to let you ride my giant cat mech, I said.

If I want to ride a Cat, then I have plenty of options, she purred, and my smile turned from moronic to goofy for a moment. How did things go?

Not bad, I said. Bunch of Family troops just arrived. Our reinforcements.

Arent they early? she asked.

Maybe, but I wont let them know it, I said before stealing a kiss. Hey, I was thinking, maybe we could head home?

Right now? she asked.

I nodded. Sure, why not?

Lucy laughed. Why not? Cat... It was her turn to steal a quick kiss. You cant just drop a heap of responsibility on a girls lap, then ask her to run off into the sunset with you right after. At least give me a few hours to make sure the Kittens here will be fine?

Ah, yeah, I guess that makes sense.

She grinned. Youre the best. But youd be even better if you lent me Myalis to help with all of this paperwork.

Im afraid you cant lend me to anyone. On the other hand, if you help her yourself, I can assist you in assisting her.

Which meant doing some of the paperwork myself.

The shit I did for Lucy. Unbelievable.

***