Just Cause: Revised & Expanded Edition by Ian Thomas Healy

Author:Ian Thomas Healy [Healy, Ian Thomas]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Local Hero Press
Published: 2012-08-19T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“The problem with being the world’s policemen is that the world usually doesn’t want policing. American parahumans have characteristically been unwelcome beyond our own borders. Since parahuman abilities aren’t constrained by political boundaries, other countries are as likely as not to possess parahumans of their own.”

-Dr. Lane Devereaux, appearing on Larry King Live, March 4, 1993

February, 2004

Denver, Colorado

“We’re cleared to go to Guatemala,” announced Juice at the first-of-the-month meeting.

“How’d you swing that, boss?” Jack stopped toying with his pen and looked up with interest.

“Sally put together a very convincing argument for further investigation which I relayed to Homeland Security.”

Jack grinned at her. “Good job, Sally. What argument?”

Sally blushed. “I think Destroyer is working with a guy my grandparents fought to artificially create parahuman abilities.” She took a sip from her caramel latte. Between Jason and Jack, she’d experimented with coffee and had discovered a weakness for the frothy sweet beverages. As long as she mixed decaf and regular shots, the jitters didn’t get too bad.

“And the right people at Homeland Security agree with her assessment, which is why they’re sending us in,” Juice said. “There is a catch, though.”

“Always is,” Jack muttered.

“With the complications in Iraq and the terror threat high, Homeland Security isn’t allowing the whole team to travel to Central America. They’re going to let four of us go. The rest stay here on heightened alert status.”

Grumbles resounded around the table. Since the early days of Just Cause, whenever the team split up, missions became more complicated. It was always better to have the entire team present to give the field commander maximal options when making spot decisions.

“Stacey will be in command of the mission, and she’s selected her team. Stace?”

Doublecharge stood. “This will be a reconnaissance mission in a foreign country, not a combat mission. Jack, Jay, and Sally are with me.”

Jack sighed. “Super. I hear the wet season doesn’t start for two more months.”

Sondra touched Sally’s hand. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Sally, because this is in no way a reflection of your capabilities.” She turned to Doublecharge. “I’m going on record as against Sally’s participation in this assignment. She’s an intern, not a full member. This could be a very dangerous mission and she’s been with us only a month.”

“Three reasons.” Doublecharge ticked them off on her fingers. “First, she’s already proved that she’s very capable in the use of her powers. Second, her investigative efforts are directly responsible for us even being allowed to go there at all.” Her eyes narrowed at the rest of the team. “I notice none of you took that extra step. And neither did I, for that matter.”

“Easy, Stacey,” said Juice.

Doublecharge cleared her throat. “Finally, besides Jack and Sondra, she’s the only one on the team who speaks Spanish.”

Sally sank lower in her seat, somehow embarrassed by the attention.

Jason raised a hand. “Stacey, I speak some Spanish.”

Jack snorted. “The menu at Taco Bell doesn’t count.”

“Sorry, Jason,” said Doublecharge. “Sally’s had five years of it. She’s fluent.”

Jason shrugged, miserable.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.