BXBX NOVEL Chapter 48: The Calm Before
"I know I've been busy this past week," Olivia began, breaking the silence. Her tone was serious as she stared them in the eye. "I've actually been gathering money in anticipation of a situation like this."
Ezra and Gen exchanged glances.
"As we agreed," Olivia continued, "the first step in our plan to unite the two gangs is to create a new gang for them to unite under. Given the existing rivalry, neither gang will willingly come under the other. We need a neutral ground."
Gen suddenly jumped up, her delight evident. "Wait! I've got just the thing!" she exclaimed before rushing into her room.
Ezra raised an eyebrow at Olivia, who simply shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. They both knew Gen well enough now to trust her instincts, even if they were occasionally impulsive.
A moment later, Gen reappeared, holding several black leather jackets. She handed them out, one by one. On the back of each jacket was a beautifully stitched image of a spider, the details of its dark body catching the light.
Olivia examined the jacket, her brow furrowed. "What's this?" she asked.
Gen grinned proudly. "Our gang insignia."
Ezra couldn't help but chuckle. "And when did we decide this?"
"Right now," Gen replied, her grin widening. "The spider symbolizes unity and strength. It's perfect."
"Are you sure? Or you just wanted something with your symbol on it. Don't think I don't see the resemblance to the spider tattoo on your body." He laughed.
"Perfect, my symbol, same thing." Gen waved away his comments.
Olivia cleared her throat, then addressed them both. "I've also been working on something else. I've put together an elite strike team of humans who will be our hands during the day. They'll be the core leadership of our new gang."
Ezra's eyes widened in surprise. "An elite strike team? When did you manage that?"
Olivia met his gaze, her expression serious. "They were expensive, but they're loyal. We need people who can operate in the daylight, handle sensitive tasks, and gather intelligence. This team will be crucial to our success."
Ezra leaned back, processing the information. It was a lot to take in, but he trusted Olivia's judgment. If she said they needed it, then, they needed it. "When do we meet them?" he asked.
Olivia stood up, her movements smooth and deliberate. "Tonight. We're meeting our new crew of humans tonight."
**********
The Matten coven left the penthouse, Olivia's car gliding smoothly down the road as they headed to the discreet location where their new crew awaited. The night was calm, the full moon shining down upon them.
Gen clicked on the radio.
"Yes, people. That was song number two on the top ten list. 'I'll be your unicorn' by the girl group A X E."
"This song again." Gen muttered. "It's bloody everywhere. That's enough to make you hate it."
The radio continued. "For the number one spot, we have Wayfarer with a beautiful hit single titled: Oh My Dwarf. However, the future of the song is currently uncertain as the music regulation committee is reviewing the song on charges of racism."
"Now, that's bullshit." Gen cried. "Dwarf isn't even a race!"
"What?" Ezra leaned forward. "Of course it is. We've got the three standard races. Human, dwarf and elf."
"In books. Not real life. In real life, dwarves are just humans who are shorter than everybody else. That's it." Gen argued, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "That means the whole song review has no leg to stand on.
Ezra chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, Gen. You've read the same fantasy books I have. Dwarves have a distinct culture, skills, and, of course, their height."
"Didn't they register themselves as a new race or something years ago?" Ezra raised an eyebrow.
"Everybody knows that's bullshit."
Their banter continued, easing the tension of their mission as they made their way through the city. They soon arrived at an old warehouse, its exterior unassuming and blending into the landscape.
Olivia led the way, her confidence evident as she approached a side door and revealed an high-tech security lock. Something this building shouldn't have. She punched in a code. The door opened with a soft click, and they stepped inside.
The interior of the warehouse was surprisingly well-organized. They made their way to a room at the back, where their elite strike team was gathered. Ezra immediately noticed an open window, the cool night air filtering into the room.
Olivia stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "Everyone, meet Ezra and Gen. They're the other members of our team."
Five humans lounged around the room, their posture relaxed but their eyes alert.
"First, we have Marcus," Olivia said, gesturing to a tall, muscular man with a buzz cut. "Marcus is a combat expert, formerly with special forces. He's our frontline defense and attack specialist."
Marcus nodded curtly, his eyes scanning Ezra and Gen with a professional intensity.
"Next, we have Sarah," Olivia continued, indicating a petite woman with sharp eyes and a confident stance. "Sarah is our strategist. She has a background in military intelligence and is an expert in tactical planning. She fought in the Uranium fields."
Gen whistled, impressed. "That's cool. Always wanted to go there."
"I wouldn't advice it ma'am." Sarah offered a brief smile, her eyes calculating and assessing. "It's hell on earth."
"Over here is Ivan," Olivia pointed to a burly man with a thick beard and an assortment of tools hanging from his belt. "Ivan is our tech and demolitions specialist. If it involves technology or needs to be blown up, he's your guy."
Ivan gave a friendly wave, giving the aura of a cute cuddly bear, his demeanor not matching his rugged appearance.
"Then there's Lena," Olivia said, nodding towards a lithe woman with short, spiky hair. "Lena is our infiltration and reconnaissance expert. She's a master at getting in and out of places unnoticed."
Lena winked at them, her confidence apparent.
"And finally, we have David," Olivia finished, pointing to a man with a calm, composed expression. "David is our medic and support. He has extensive medical training and can handle anything from battlefield injuries to strategic planning."
David inclined his head in acknowledgment.
"Sarah, bring out the maps." Olivia nodded. "Let's plan."
Just as Sarah nodded and turned away, a sharp crack rang through the air. Ezra felt a searing pain as something fast pierced his forehead, blood spraying from the wound. The sound of the gunshot reached them half a second later, echoing through the warehouse.
Time seemed to slow as Ezra staggered, the room blurring around him. The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was the shocked and horrified faces of his companions.
What the fuuuuu.....
Thud.