"You can't control everything, Jett. No one can. And you'll drive yourself mad trying. So focus on what you can control and be satisfied with that."
Jett glanced down. "Thanks, Arthur."
"For what?"
"For being a good friend. I know it's not easy, being here while I'm out in the field. But I appreciate having someone like you watching my back."
"That's what I'm here for."
Jett grinned and turned, cupping a hand to his mouth. "Mira. Don't touch those!"
She paused in the act of hoisting a plasma rifle. "What — I don't get my own blaster?"
"Not until you're trained, you don't."
"Been trained, yo."
"I'm talking real training, not that VR crap. When I was in the ACU—"
"Aw man, not that again…"
Arthur watched them exchange banter with a small smile on his face. Then he frowned, looking at an emergency bulletin that flashed on the hoverchair's control panel.
"Looks like we have to put that tour on hold, Jett. I'm getting reports of a mob at City Hall."
"For what?"
"Someone murdered the Mayor."
"What?" He dashed to the media center, pulling up the breaking news. "This is bad."
"I'll say. Looks like they're blaming Harrington's death on a vigilante, though the description is sketchy."
"Harrington had a ton of enemies after what he pulled. Could be anyone."
"That's not the worse. I'm picking up blacknet chatter from the Grim Reaper Posse. Looks like they want to make a statement by showing up at the protest and sparking a riot."
"I'm on it." Jett turned to Mira. "Hey, if you want to sit this out—"
She shook her head firmly. "No chance. I'm coming with."
"Fine. Let's go. We'll take the lift topside for some quick recon."
Arthur watched as they jogged away. Sighing, he glanced at his hands, surprised to see them trembling.
Buoyant movement. The sensation of rising. Emerging from the depths.
Tried by fire.
The elevator opened, and they stepped out onto the rooftop. He looked at Spitfire, who scanned the cityscape, batons in hand. She moved like a natural, as if she was born into the role. He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Despite his fears, despite his misgivings, she never faltered, never gave up. Being Spitfire was her choice, something she owned. And he knew she would do it her way. He could only guide her and try to make sure she was protected.
She pointed. "Got fire near City Hall. Looks like someone's already setting things off."
He checked the load on his rifle, making sure to tune the calibration to STUN. It was riot control, not war. Not unless the GRPs forced his hand. Not unless they put Spitfire in danger.
"Okay, Spitfire. The plan is to monitor the crowds. Targets are syndicate soldiers, not people expressing themselves. RCE takes point, but if things get out of hand, it's our play. Got it?"
"Loud and clear, Vigil."
Incognito buzzed over. "Okay, I have the Stingray on standby if you need it. I'm jacked into surveillance with eyes street level and in the sky."
Spitfire grinned. "So cool."
"I'm sending coordinates of hotspots where the GRPs might show up," Incognito said. "Happy hunting to you both; I’m here if you need me."
Vigil glanced at Spitfire. "You ready?"
"Ready."
They leaped into the depths of the city.
Enjoy the Story?
Thanks for checking out Vigiclass="underline" Inferno Season. I truly hope you enjoyed your time in New Haven. I'd love to keep writing these novels, but I need just a little help from you. Reviews help a great deal in spreading the word, which in turn helps sell more books. Which, in turn, allows me to keep writing. It doesn't have to a long process: a simple 3–4 sentence review works wonders. Thanks again for reading. I hope you stick around for the next installment.
All the best,
— BC
About the Author
Bard Constantine is a self-described neo-pulp author. In his own words:
"My stories aren't life-changing. They're not what critics would call fine literature. My stories are throwbacks to the paperbacks you'd stuff in your back pocket and read on the bus, at the park, or in math class instead of doing your algebra. I write adventure stories. Genre-blended, action-oriented pulp fiction with a kick. If that's what you're looking for, then I'm your guy."
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