Page 14 of Metatron
“I thought you were in charge.”
“I am. However, it seems he is better suited for the theatric displays. When it comes to actual planning of combat situations, then I will be more involved.” The basement door closed behind them.
He’d extinguished his HALO before stepping outside, and the dim alley didn’t provide much illumination to see her expression.
“I hope by ‘involved’ you mean you’re planning to teach us some strategy, because I’m going to be honest with you. I’ve only ever been involved in small operations. None of us have ever been in a full-scale war.”
“Everyone has a first time.” He still remembered his. An established and popular colony on a beautiful planet used by the angels on Heaven as a vacation location. So many of them chose to remain that Mesopotamia became known as the second Heaven, until roving space pirates found it.
When the invasion occurred, Metatron had only recently left the creche and been elevated to his position. His first mission dropped him in the thick of the conflict, a violent chaos that frightened. He remembered his wide-eyed panic at the bodies on the ground, dead and bleeding, the pirates, looking savage with their tusks and scimitars, covered in gore barreling for him. Only his training saved his life.
His arm swept his blade in automatic defense, shearing through flesh then stabbing the pirate in the chest. He still remembered the surprised look in his opponent’s eyes before life vacated the body.
That was only his first kill. By the time the conflict ended, the blood and guts of those he’d laid to permanent rest smothered his skin and caked his feathers.
“Where do I even start to prepare?” she asked.
“Firstly, I’d suggest finding a location that can assemble an army. Somewhere defensible and hidden, where the knights and new recruits can train out of sight of the enemy.”
“A place like that might be hard to find in the city,” she mused aloud. “But I think I know just the place where we won’t be disturbed.”
“Along with a location, you’ll want to muster weapons. Bladed is best for close fighting, but you’ll also want long-range. And not just firearms. Crossbows and other missile types are recommended.”
“You’re kidding, right? Bows aren’t something that can be quickly or easily learned, not to mention expensive to source.”
“Slingshots can be effective with the right missile and, given the ease with which they can be made, a good alternative to outfit everyone with.”
Her nose wrinkled. “A slingshot? Isn’t that a kids’ toy?”
He blinked at her. “You let your children play with them?”
“Slingshots aren’t really considered weapons.” She shrugged.
“And yet, fire a rock with one and it will tear through a wing, bringing imps and demons in reach.” He pointed out the obvious before continuing. “You’ll want to gather supplies of all types, food, clothing, anything needed to survive a siege. You’ll want to have these stashed in numerous locations should one place be compromised.”
“If the feds noticed us stockpiling guns and bombs, they’ll start asking questions.”
The term had him frowning. “Who are these feds?”
“Government officials. The kind of stuff you’re asking for might trigger some alarms. What are we supposed to say if a terrorism task force comes poking?”
“Tell them the truth, that you are preparing to save Earth.”
“Ah yes, because they’ll totally believe me.” She rolled her eyes. “You saw how hard they were to convince inside.”
His lips pursed, but before he could reply, an imp plunged from the sky!
Chapter 5
Nothing like having a serious discussion interrupted by a monster. It dropped from above, its wings tucked as it arrowed with claws out, all the while hissing through its fangs.
Tron didn’t even flinch. Heck, I’d have sworn he knew it was coming the way he smoothly pulled his sword, the blade of it gleaming as it swung and sheared through the flying body. The demon hit the ground in two pieces, and I gaped. Tron showed impressively fast reflexes for a big guy.
He glanced overhead. “Give me a moment.” He shot up into the sky, his wings furled at his back, and yet he managed to clear the roof line of not only the church but the three-story building alongside. A mighty leap that left me gaping.
I couldn’t see much of what happened next, but judging by the screeches, demons died. When Metatron returned, he appeared uninjured and unruffled. Pun intended.
“How many were there?” I asked.