Here Be Heroes, page 12
part #2 of Epik Adventures Series
As he finished the count, Shaman blasted around the corner between the dragons. The enormous cavern they entered lit almost immediately from the dragon’s flame pouring forth.
Shaman almost tripped when he saw the cavern. Hundreds of feet tall with dozens of entries, the cavern looked like it could hold Castle Central inside without towers or walls touching. Settled within the space, thousands of Hellake and hundreds of Night Fang looked up at the troupe’s bold entry. Besides the sheer number of Hellake, the form they had taken astonished Shaman.
Looking like living solid black cutouts, the Hellake’s all wore a humanoid form. Features in the blackness of their faces could not be made out, but arms, legs, and heads were all shaped like humans of differing sizes. In each fist of the Hellake, an ebony sword glittered in the hellish light of the dragon flames.
The Night Fangs reacted first, their supernatural speed taking them into combat almost faster than the eye could follow. Maybe, Infraction, and Fubar placed themselves to defend the dragons who were burning the figures wholesale. Shaman moved through the formation taking out any Night Fang that got in his way.
Within moments, the troupe were completely surrounded. Shaman bellowed at the betrayal of Lord Antioch as his dripping blade cut through yet another snarling undead to engage his first Hellake. Not as fast as the Night Fang, the Hellake were much stronger, and their carapace required a direct hit to take them down. Syrreth and Ator moved to face opposing directions when Doc sent out, Syrreth make sure you press against Ator. I have to be touching him for this to work. Shaman, you and the others take the sides. I am going to charge up the dragons.
Charge the dragons? She could do that? Shaman thought as he worked with Maybe on the right flank to keep the enemy at bay. His bellowed orders kept Infraction and Fubar defending the left flank.
The flames of the now super-charged dragons incinerated the enemy as fast as they could attack. Sweeping their heads from side to side, both dragons kept a wide swath clean in front of them, limiting the area Shaman and the others had to defend. Even then, the dragons could not do this forever. The betrayal of Antioch’s promise of assistance had surely doomed them.
Resigning himself to take as many with him as he could, Shaman called to the spirits to give him the strength for a good death as he crushed and burned through the ravening hordes of Night Fangs and smote the incensed Hellake. He watched as a blade cut deeply into Maybe’s side only to heal as the blade came free. He would make them pay dearly for their betrayal! Shaman thought, as another Night Fang perished beneath his cudgel.
Then the unexpected happened. From the entries on all sides of the cavern, Night Fang attacked their opponents. Several minutes of slaughter went by before the mass of Hellake and Night Fang reacted to the new threat. From that point on, the enemy grew disorganized as they began to fight everything around them, even each other. Mop up occurred quickly as the organized Night Fang forces methodically wiped out the Hellake forces along with the rebel Night Fangs. Moving to the entrance they had come in through, the dragons and the Special Forces personnel took a needed breather.
As the battle came to its bloody conclusion, a figure detached from the butchery to approach.
“You all lived. How . . . unfortunate,” Lord Antioch stated.
“Yeah, I couldn’t help but notice you were a little slow on the uptake there, Auntie.” Shaman sneered.
Unperturbed, Antioch answered, “I had promised to enter after you had gained the attention of the Hellake forces. Some took a while before joining the fray. All promises have been kept.”
“Right,” Shaman said, drawing out the word. “And we can leave unmolested now?”
“I never promised that,” Antioch replied, eyes burning with hate.
“Escape formation! Now!” Shaman bellowed.
Immediately, the dragons moved into the preplanned formation as the others took their places on the flanks. The only difference in the formation they had used battling all night was the direction Syrreth and Ator faced as they pushed against each other. Ator faced the cavern while Syrreth faced the exit. They had not practiced making sure Doc could touch Ator to super-charge him while he walked backward, so it took several moments for them to find comfortable spots to move together.
With Ator flaming any that neared and Syrreth flaming anything between them and the cave entrance, they slowly made their way back to the surface. Strike teams of Night Fang that attacked from the side entries were effectively dispatched by the pair of warriors on each side. The plan worked perfectly until they reached the entrance.
The moment we move into the open, they can surround us again, Ator sent to Shaman and Doc. Move the humans away from the entrance while I ensure the enemy does not bother us soon, he sent to Syrreth.
Shaman, Doc shakes in her ties, Syrreth sent, worried about her bonded. I think she has overextended herself. The silly pinkie does that a lot.
Stay just a moment longer then join the others. You will know when, Ator sent determinedly.
Drawing in a huge breath, Ator belched flames hotter and wider than Shaman had ever seen. The flames melted the rock, which flowed down the cave to the lower levels. After several minutes of abuse, the rock rumbled as the structure became unstable.
Go now, Syrreth! Ator sent, roaring.
Syrreth quickly moved away as Ator began to glow with the internal heat building up within him. Doc had passed out on Syrreth’s scaly back with the final push to keep Ator charged just before he exploded as he exploded, causing half the mountain to crumble in upon itself directly on top of his molten body.
Two weeks later, a worn and wounded Special Forces crew carried a comatose Doc and Shaman into Castle Central with a farmer’s wagon bringing in a barely mobile Syrreth behind them.
Correspondence
Semester 2, Term 8
Epik Special Transfer Training
Arch Mage Haversham
Training Coordinator
Castle Central Complex
Crystal Prime
Dylan Boucher
Chief Executive Officer
Office of the CEO
The Corporation
Crystal Spires
Corporation City
Null World
Dear Sir,
I regret to inform you of the death of the elder dragon Ator. His death deals a heavy blow to our cause as well as to human draconic relations. Doc came back from your mission in a coma from overextending her abilities, and Shaman remains shell-shocked from the death of his bonded. After receiving the reports from the others (attached), I understand the need to use our people for the war effort but mourn the cost. I continue to attempt healing Doc and Shaman, but so far, my best efforts are to no avail. Please talk to Philip about possible healing strategies as I am at wit’s end.
Respectfully,
Arch Mage Ignazio Haversham
Training Coordinator
Castle Central
Crystal Prime
Cyndi L. Salsprit
Chief Marketing Officer
Office of The Chief Executive
The Corporation
Crystal Spires
Corporation City
Null World
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:Alex Morgan - Cap
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Alex,
These are dire times we live in. Please consider yourself Officer in Charge of the Epik assets, both human and fiscal. This is a temporary duty until a determination is made on Shaman’s health, at which time, a decision will be made on whether to make it a permanent position.
Even with the devastating loss of Ator and the possible loss of Doc and Shaman, your team’s efforts have blunted the Hellake plans for attack. Please convey my heartfelt thanks to each of your team members for a job well done.
Strength and Honor,
Cyndi Salsprit
Chief Marketing Officer
Office of the Chief Executive
The Corporation
Victor L. Grantham
AmCon Contract Specialist
The Corporation
Crystal Spires
Corporation City
Null World
Sophia Boppersdotter
“Raptor”
Special Contract DRW19776-JH7765-003
ACGST Training Facility
Crystal Prime
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Raptor,
With the unfortunate losses in Epik, you have been designated as the contractual point of contact for AmCon. This assignment will be considered temporary until a final determination has been made and the appropriate adjustments to contract are written and ratified by all parties.
That said. Epik did what no one ever expected. They acted as key figures in stopping a three front Hellake invasion. We are so very proud of each of you. You have each exemplified all that the special transfer program hoped for. Thank you for your dedicated service.
Sincerely,
V. L. Grantham
AmCon Contract Specialist
Phillip Brongniart
Chief Physics Officer
Office of the Chief Executive
The Corporation
Crystal Spires
Corporation City
Null World
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
FROM: Phillip Brongniart
TO:Epik Special Transfer Unit
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Events transpired that I had not expected, but the battle continues.
Everything shows that the Hellake were not destroyed, only held at bay. This gives us some time to develop our plan of action to better our chances.
Get Syrreth, Doc, and Shaman to Mount Rejek to speak to the ancient dragon Rejek. He may be able to help. He knows more about magic than any creature living, and he has shown he is willing to work with us. He is the dragon the founder of the Corporation worked with when he first got accidently transferred to Crystal Prime. If you don’t contact Rejek, all three injured Epik members will waste away until death takes them.
Other duties pale beside the need for you to go to Mount Rejek. Do not delay as I do not know how long we have before the Hellake return in force.
Our hopes rest on your shoulders.
Phillip Brongniart
Chief Physics Officer
Office of the Chief Executive
The Corporation
From Mail Center
American Conglomerate
Marshal’s Office
Protective Custody Unit
The Robertson Project
Palm Avenue
Hibiscus Island
Miami, FL
Shadow
Special Contract DRW19776-JH7765-003
ACGST Training Facility
Crystal Prime
Luv and kisses for Valentine’s, Grandma!
Everyone is settling down to our new lives here in Miami. We’ve had a bit of squabbling, but I think someone would complain if they got chocolate cake on a golden platter. Cousin Marni thinks she might be preggers, but Aunt Trudy says Marni just wants an excuse to eat for two. That guy Stefan came by, but he didn’t look so good. When Daman and Chris pressed a bit, he started crying. Imagine that, Grammy, a full-grown man just crying like that. Aunt Iris shooed them boys away and finally got the story.
Are you okay, Grammy? When we heard about your people getting killed and all, course, we all got to worrying. Was this fellow Ator a good friend of yours? I remember John Redwolf from when he come by the house. He was big and scary looking. If they got him, are you safe? Please be careful, Grammy.
All my Love,
Jenny
Just so as you know, Uncle Jesse got to laughing at Aunt Iris carrying on over Stefan and all. Said she was latching on to the wrong cart. What did he mean by that, Grammy? No one here will tell me.
Doc
Special Contract DRW19776-JH7765-003
ACGST Training Facility
Crystal Prime
Missive 1:
Notice of auction.
Your bid of $7 for a brand new Mark XXVI luxury automobile has been accepted. Please enter your remittance to www.notascamhonest.com/auctioninfo to pay for your purchase. We will hold your bid for twenty-four hours before moving to the next eligible bid.
Auction Hawse
A better way to get my money
Mail Drop 3377
Missive 2:
Jo Bob’s House of Meat
Hey Carol. You haven’t picked up your W2 for last year. Since I can’t find you, I am sending everything to the database to look up your location using your SS#. Don’t know why you quit like that. You in some kinda trouble?
Jo Bob
Mail Drop 12297
Missive 3
Dear Winner,
I found a lottery ticket, and after a lot of research have come to the conclusion that it is yours. While I wanted to turn it in myself, I could not bring myself to do it. Your luck won the ticket, so you should have the two-billion-dollar jackpot.
I don’t mean to be like this, but I was looking for a bit of a finder’s fee for the winning ticket. Not much compared to the huge money the ticket is worth, say 25K? Let me know when you want me to stop by to pick up the cash and drop off the ticket.
Congratulations,
Sum Yun Guy
Mail Drop 9971
Text only addendum
John, snap out of it! - Terri
Chapter 3 – Moving Pieces
Office of The CEO, Crystal Spires, Corporation City, Null World, March 3, 2281
Things were moving at the headquarters of the Corporation. Within the luxurious confines of the executive conference room, the officers of the Corporation gathered to determine the best route forward.
Dylan Boucher looked around the table at the growing number of people in the inner circle. What had started as simply he and Phillip Brongniart with a new system they knew would change the future of the world, now had several new members and drew most of the considerable resources of the Corporation. Cyndi Salsprit had joined them over fifty years ago when Dylan had realized the scope of the information gathered was beyond their ability to deal with.
The new members of the group sat obviously uncomfortable and with a vague sense of shell shock. Hopefully, they would get over it soon; there wasn’t time to coddle them. Dylan couldn’t blame them much, though. Watching the forecasted holographic possibilities from the forecasting software in full resolution had an effect on everyone. Watching the civilization one had lived in be destroyed in a matter of weeks tended to be a bit of a shock.
“Carson, Terri, Chadwick, are you ready for this?” Dylan asked as he looked into their eyes for indications of shock. While Terri had come from intelligence giving her some indication of the horrors that were possible in this life, Carsen and Chadwick had come from more accounting type areas. crystal resources and human resources to be exact.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Boucher,” They responded almost in unison. Not a good sign. That meant they were running on automatic while they absorbed the new information. Dylan needed them at their best. Might be better to take care of some other things while they got used to the idea that mistakes could end up with the future as shown by the forecasting software. The total number of people that now knew the truth of matters numbered six and were in this room.
“You will each report to the transfer station for transfer. Get you affairs prepared for your return in approximately two days. You will be staying with Arch Mage Haversham. Cyndi can assist you with any questions you may have,” Dylan told the new members.
Terri looked at Dylan, a spark of fire beginning to show. “How could you let me work as Chief Intelligence Officer without this basic information? This new data changes the game plan completely.”
“I know, Terri, and I wanted to tell you, but every scenario we ran where we expanded the number of people that knew what was going on dropped the percentage chance of survival drastically—until now, that is. The Hellake will invade. There will be millions of dead on Null, we can’t get the number below that. We are working to keep the number of deaths down millions from billions or even complete extermination. We also have a high percentage chance of surviving as a race only to become feed stock for the Hellake. The forecasting software could be wrong. There could be a glitch, but knowing as you each know how well the software works do you really want to take that chance? We are walking a fine line here and we need your help, we can’t do it all on our own anymore.” Dylan explained.
“Why are you transferring us to Crystal Prime only to bring us back?” Chadwick asked, obviously still trying to wrap his head around the situation.
“By transferring you to Crystal Prime and back, we reset your bodies to prime condition. At your present age and physical condition, you may flag when we need you most. The transfer allows regained youth and vigor. Chadwick, you yourself have had to have three hearts replaced. You have a genetic problem that will be repaired completely upon transfer.
“Please understand the risks we take adding you to this group. If the knowledge got out that transfer gives eternal youth, there would be riots of people that wanted to transfer, with good reason. We just don’t have the resources to transfer people wholesale. That is why a specific few get this benefit. Please do what you can to deserve this boon,” Dylan explained, his visage harsh as if he tried to implant fidelity through sheer willpower.
