First Strike Read online

  Kraft came awake with a start, momentarily confused, wondering where he was. And then he remembered and he sat up, glancing at the dead Hatchling, his eyes narrowing to minimize the glare from the bright sunlight.

  Bright sunlight?

  Kraft peered at the sky, surprised to see the sun well above the eastern horizon. Sunup had been hours ago! He sluggishly stood, a dull ache pervading his body. Squinting at the sun again, he mentally noted the proper directions for north, south, east, and west.

  But he still didn't know which way to go.

  Kraft frowned, facing north, then south, debating.

  And from the south came the clue he needed. A succession of thunderous explosions shattered the stillness of the forest.

  They could only mean one thing.

  Kraft gripped his M-16 and hastened to the south.

  EPILOGUE

  Blade was in his chair, seated behind his desk with his boots propped on the edge, reflecting on their first mission. Despite the setbacks and the blunders, they had succeeded, they had accomplished the mission.

  The Force had been back at the compound for two weeks, the members enjoying a much-deserved rest-and-rehabilitation period. Blade had demanded several weeks off for everyone to recuperate, and General Gallagher had reluctantly complied.

  What would be their next assignment? Blade wondered.

  Whatever it was, they would face the challenge as a team, as a legitimate fighting unit. The confrontation with the Spider had brought them closer together, with one exception. While Havoc and Athena couldn't seem to compliment Grizzly enough, Kraft's resentment of the mutant was stronger than ever. Kraft had refused to talk about his experiences after he'd disappeared, and Blade was curious to learn the reason. Even Thunder, after lengthy discussions with Sergeant Havoc and Athena, had accepted Grizzly into the ranks. Blade recalled the conversation he'd had with the Flathead about omens. Thunder had been drastically wrong. Instead of being a bad omen, Grizzly's presence had been essential to the completion of the mission.

  Speaking of omens…

  Blade suddenly remembered the California flag with the grizzly bear depicted in the center. If he didn't know better, he might be inclined to believe the flag had been an omen for him. But omens were only superstitions.

  Weren't they?

  A jeep rumbled to a stop outside.

  Blade stretched, thinking of Athena. Why had General Gallagher permitted her to recover from her ordeal at the Force compound? Why had the general gone to all the trouble to have a temporary wall installed in the barracks, just so she could have some privacy and enjoy a small room of her own?

  Gallagher's actions didn't make any sense.

  Without any advance notice, in strolled the man in question.

  "Hello, Blade," General Gallagher greeted the Warrior cheerily.

  "You're in a good mood," Blade noted.

  "I should be," Gallagher said. "The governor is pleased at how the mission turned out. Even the Federation Council is happy with the results. And the press has been eating up the story. Having Athena supply releases to the media was a stroke of inspiration."

  "I'd pat you on the back, but your hands are in the way," Blade remarked, grinning.

  "What's wrong with good publicity?" Gallagher queried.

  "Nothing," Blade stated. "Publicize all you want. If it will make you happy, why don't you find a writer and have a book written about our exploits?" He laughed at the ludicrous suggestion. General Gallagher's face seemed to light up. "A book! Why didn't I think of that?" Blade shook his head in disbelief. "I don't care what you do, so long as you leave us alone for another week. I like this peace and quiet. I get to see my family each night. And I don't want anything to ruin it." General Gallagher cleared his throat. "I understand. But there is a little matter I need to bring up." Blade stared at the officer. "Is it a major problem?"

  "I don't see it as a major problem, no," Gallagher said.

  "A minor problem then?" Blade inquired.

  Gallagher shook his head. "No. You see, Governor Melnick has already cleared it, and the Federation Council say they will agree if you do." Blade sat up. "Agree to what?" Gallagher appeared reluctant to broach the subject. "Maybe I should come back another time."

  ''What's wrong with right now?" Blade demanded.

  "I should catch you when you're in a better mood," Gallagher mentioned. "What's wrong with my mood?" Blade questioned irritably.

  "You see?" General Gallagher said. "If I bring it up now, I know you'll blow your top."

  "I won't blow my top," Blade assured him. "What is it?"

  Gallagher shook his head. "No. I'll come back."

  Blade suddenly stood, leaning his clenched fists on the desk. "I want to know what it is, and I want to know now!"

  "Are you sure you won't blow your top?" Gallagher asked.

  "I'm sure!" Blade vowed.

  "Okay." Gallagher smiled at the Warrior. "How would you feel about adding a new member to the Force?"

  "Is that it? You want to add a new member to the Force?" Blade asked.

  "That's it," Gallagher confirmed.

  "What's the big deal? We need a new member to replace Spader," Blade said. "If you have someone in…" He abruptly stopped, insight dawning.

  "I do have someone in mind," Gallagher said.

  "That's why you let her stay here?" Blade questioned in amazement. "You must have planned this weeks ago!"

  General Gallagher grinned. "Then you like the idea?"

  "You're nuts."

  "What's wrong with the idea? Athena would make a great addition to the Force," Gallagher observed.

  "No," Blade said.

  "Why the hell not" Gallagher inquired angrily.

  "Because I said so, and I'm the head of the Force," Blade noted. "We may receive our assignments from you, but I have the last word."

  "Just give the idea some thought," Gallagher urged. "It will grow on you."

  "No."

  "Come on! For me?"

  "No."

  General Gallagher sat down in the chair facing the desk. "I think it's a great idea. And I'm going to stay right here until you agree! There's nothing you can say or do that'll make me leave!" Blade slowly sat down, then reached for the intercom linking his office to the barracks. He pressed the appropriate button, activating a buzzer at the other end.

  "Yes?" Boone responded.

  "Boone, is Grizzly there?" Blade asked. The mutant had been persuaded to take up residence in the barracks.

  "Yeah. He's here. Do you want to talk to him?" Boone responded. "Send him to my office. There's a job I have for him," Blade directed. "Will do." Boone clicked off.

  General Gallagher had a worried expression. "You're bluffing. You wouldn't dare!" Blade leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Try me." Gallagher glanced at the intercom, then the doorway. He nervously licked his lips. "I don't see why you have to involve Grizzly in this."

  Blade didn't bother to comment.

  "Grizzly doesn't have any say in the matter," Gallagher noted. "Grizzly has taken quite a liking to Athena," Blade disclosed. "They're the best of friends. I wonder how he will feel about you wanting to put her life on the line?"

  Gallagher stood. "This is dirty pool."

  Blade glanced at his clock. "He probably won't get here for another minute. If you hurry you'll just miss him."

  "You haven't heard the last of this!" Gallagher promised, then stalked from the room. Blade was still laughing when Grizzly arrived,

  "You wanted to see me?" Grizzly asked.

  Blade stared into the mutant's eyes. "Has anyone ever told you you're a good omen?"

 

 

 
00%); -ms-filter: grayscale(100%); filter: grayscale(100%); " class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons">share