(no subject)

[seymoure]

28.

The room was rumbling for several minutes, as the new comrades traded concerned looks.

“Squad 3 to Section 14, perimeter breach,” Blasted a voice over the Public Address system. It did not sound like the battle was going well.

“What do you think . . .” Jeremy started, but was stopped when something hit somewhere and nearly knocked them all out of their seats.

“Black Demon Brigade has deployed,” came a more somber voice than any they had heard thus far. “Repeating, Black Demon Brigade had been sighted within site of the main tower.”

Without warning of any kind, all the tremors stopped.

They heard the P.A. switching on again.

“This is Stonedragon,” the familiar voice came from the boxes on the walls. “Release Rugglestump!”

With that there was a screaming inhuman roar. The sound started beneath them and passed where the plane had been.

That same sound went up and left the structure, joining a heated battle above everyone’s heads.

Within seconds the fighting stopped.

There was a reverse order repeat of the roar, as something returned to the chamber below them that it had originated in.

“Stand down,” came Stonedragon’s comforting tone.

“What the heck is Rugglestump?” Asked Jeremy.

“Dunno,” said Mickey, “But I’m glad he’s on our side.”

The door opened and Mr. Position poked his head in.

“Everyone all right in here?” He asked.

Before anyone could answer they all perceived the same thing. The man was covered in soot, and most of his clothing that had been so meticulous just moments before, was burned off his body. He stood, covered in
burned rags.

“We’re fine,” David said, “Are you?”

“Just got a little close to the action,” The man said, brushing off his lapel, which fell to the floor.

“What was all that?” Demanded Carvine, “Was that because we arrived? Did they see our plane? Were they after us?”

She looked at the McCauleys and added, “Or did they have something to do with it?”

Position tittered lightly, without really bringing all his attention into the room.

“Did those things want them?” The girl demanded again.

“All the answers in good time,” Position said, “First we have to set up some quarters for the four of you. Then orientation and the answers to all . . . well, most of your questions.”

He laughed self-consciously and the soot in his blond hair made a dark cloud puff around his head. He blew at it, and closed the door behind him.

“I’ll bet this was all about you two,” Carvine said sullenly.

“Don’t listen to her,” Jeremy said as he walked to the boys. Once he was close he whispered, “Was it about you guys?”

Mickey shrugged.

All in all, he wasn’t sure if it wasn’t about them.

He sure hoped not.

That was not the kind of popular he hoped to be around here.

(c) 2005 by C. Wayne Owens