Chapter 26

Keflavik, Iceland

Sunday, October 16th, 2050

Heida and Henrik showed up sometime the following evening after sunset, looking like they hadn’t slept a moment since Friday night. They flopped into the easy chairs near the fireplace with barely a word of greeting. Heida might had nodded off straight away; I wasn't sure, since the bill of her red cap blocked her face from view.

“What’s the news, Henrik?” asked Mr. Maki. We had pulled some of the chairs from the dining room, making a circle around the living room.

“The League’s furious, of course,” said the Icelander. “We’ve just lost more wizards. It’s been a lousy year for the Corps, after that attempted invasion of Sumatra a few months back, to say nothing of the Tower Attack!”

“We do seem to be dropping like flies,” I said.

Henrik fixed me with his harsh glare. “You’re the one who keeps removing them from the census! If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were sabotaging us on purpose.”

“Of course not.” Not since August, at least.

“Soren’s just good at being where the action is,” said Kowalski. It was strange not seeing his shadow in the flickering firelight. A black trace extended out and under the front door, telling me that Buddy was off doing Our Father Below knew what. “I wish I’d been there, man.”

“I’d have loved the backup,” I said. Heida didn’t respond to my bait, confirming that she had dozed off. Or she doesn’t realize she spent half that fight in vapor lock.

“Pfft, you don’t need me,” he said. “You took on the whole Brotherhood by yourself! Two demonkin aren’t a problem for you.”

“Don’t go believing my hype,” I replied. Mariko had done a good job rebuilding my buttock, but I didn’t care to think about that fracas more than I had to.

“Good advice.” Henrik sniffed the air once. “Do I smell coffee?”

“No, it is powdered acorn,” replied Mariko. I was a bit surprised he could smell it over the synthwood. I wondered if he was used to it. Without being asked, Mariko vanished into the kitchen to fetch the drinks. I suspect she didn’t care to hear about League politics, or my military exploits.

“I imagine we’re going back to Japan?” I asked. “It was a nice work study while it lasted.”

Henrik shook his head. “No, because we don’t know how widespread these demonkin agents are. Technically, we can’t discount anybody, including any of us in this room.”

“I think we can trust anybody who was in the Starlight when they were planning to blow it,” I said. “Holy Brothers are fanatics. Demonkin are more self-serving; they don’t die for causes.”

“That tracks,” said Mr. Maki. “He does have the most experience there.”

“Regardless, we’re all being reassigned. The Outreach office is closed, effective immediately. I’m being redeployed to Reykjavik to take the place of the Beckers.”

“That is a shame,” said Mariko, carrying a tray of steaming mugs. I could just hear the glass mugs clattering on the wood, and her right hand wasn’t looking completely steady. “There really are people who need the help.”

"Thank you, my dear.” I tried to be subtle as I stepped in and took it from her. For somebody with a muscle spasm, she certainly loved to invite spills! Pride worthy of a demon; she keeps insisting on carrying on like nothing is the matter.

Henrik continued on as I distributed the drinks. “Asahi, you’ll be joining me until they can bring in a permanent replacement from Ireland.”

He frowned. “I don’t like the idea of leaving my students unguarded.”

“No worries there,” replied Henrik. “You’ll have a bodyguard, though she isn’t making a good impression right now.” He slammed his hand into the chair’s arm. “Corpswoman Bryndísardóttir! Look alive!”

Heida moaned as she raised her head. “Hm, what?”

Her commander’s eyes narrowed. “Good of you to join us! I hope I didn’t interrupt your beauty sleep!”

“N-no, sir.” She failed to stifle a yawn and gladly accepted the last mug from my tray. “Sir, we’ve been on patrols and interviews with the spooks for two days straight. I apologize for being drained.”

“I’ll overlook it this time.” He ignored the sass in her voice and turned back towards the rest of us. “It’s been decided that you’ll stay out your assignment in Iceland at an undisclosed location.”

“For how long?” I asked.

He shrugged. “It depends on how long it takes to flush out any more demonkin who might have been involved in the attack.”

“Is there any sign of when or why the Beckers turned?” asked Mr. Maki. “They always seemed so solid.”

“None yet,” he said. “That’s the thing about demonkin, isn’t it? They’re not organized. Intel is going to go over their whole online history for any signs of disloyalty, check their bank balances for mysterious deposits, anything that could give a hint.”

Heida yawned. “Did you say where we were going yet?”

“No, and you shouldn’t either,” said Henrik, turning towards us. “We don’t want to risk any leaks. You're going to be isolated, but that means you’ll be far away from aid if they do figure out where you are.”

“How far away is far away?” asked Mariko.

“We’re going to the land that civilization and culture forgot,” groused Heida.

“You make it sound like we’re going to bloody Antarctica,” I said.

“It’s worse than that,” replied Heida. “If we went to Antarctica, you’d be able to say you saw something interesting. But you’ll get it soon enough.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” said Kowalski. “It’s nice to get away from the city sometimes.”

Heida looked at him like he’d grown another head. “You’re a weird one, Kowalski.”

He frowned, but stayed quiet. Probably the best response.

“You’ll leave in the morning,” said Henrik. “Asahi, you and I will head to the capitol at the same time.”

“What a shame,” said Mr. Maki. “We never even got to see the Rock & Roll Museum.”

“That can wait until your replacement arrives,” said Henrik. “That’s going to take a while, too.”

“Yes, I imagine they’ll want to vet anybody that replaces those blasted Beckers,” I said. As miserable as Heida made our hidey-hole sound, it was a relief to me. After all, I knew that somebody had told those two my real name. No way in Hell they were done with me. Laying low was really the only option.

Heida drained her mug before hopping to her feet. “Well roomies, I guess we’ll be seeing more of each other! Where’s my bed?”

“Oh, are you staying the night?” asked Mariko.

“Don’t sound so disappointed,” she said. “We get started bright and early. It’s a heck of a drive.”

Mariko threw up her hands, her face reddening. “N-no, it is not like that. I was simply worried because we do not have a spare bedroom.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to share with somebody,” she said, giving me a saucy wink. Mariko silently glowered at the blonde girl.

“Cadet Yamada’s room has a queen bed,” said Mr. Maki.

“Wh-what?” Mariko’s eyes went wide behind her glasses.

“Oh, her?” said Heida.

“Do not sound so disappointed,” said Mariko, mimicking her biting tone. “Who did you think they would assign?”

Heida blushed for just a moment. “I guess we’ll have to get used to sharing. There aren’t many rooms where we’re staying.”

“Is it really as bad as you’re saying?” I asked.

“Worse. You’ll see soon.”

******************

Once we bade each other a good night, I found myself unable to sleep. Was I perhaps a little… distracted at the idea of two lovely ladies sharing the same bed? Just a hair. I doubt anybody would be surprised that my imagination was a tad randy. I knew damn well nothing of the sort was going on, but what if it was? I’d never forgive myself for missing out.

I had non-prurient interests, of course. The woman I was dating was going to be alone with somebody who had just confessed to me. Who wouldn’t be a little curious about what they would discuss? Plus, if we were going to be on assignment together for who knew how long in isolation, I was best off knowing if they’d be able to get along in advance. It was the sensible and proper thing to spy on them!

If I were honest with myself, I felt the need to act out a bit after weeks on end of being, ugh, a good citizen. My old techniques to vent steam hadn’t gone well either. I walked over to my desk and checked my hidden stash in the drawer: a few pens, a paperclip, and mug cozy from that greenhouse. I didn’t have much opportunity to practice my kleptomania with so many people watching me. I’m not much of a devil, but I still need to raise a little Hell now and again. A very little Hell, but I’ll take what I can get. Wherever we were going didn’t sound like I’d have much of a chance to do much of anything entertaining, so I might as well have some fun while I could.

Mimic Sight didn’t show me much of interest, except for generally where they were standing at any given moment. No, I needed a better scout, which is what brought me to Kowalski’s door.

“Magpie?” The blond boy yawned. “What’re you doing here?”

I placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to look as solemn as I could. “Kowalski… no, Rafal, we have a mission of the utmost importance. And one that I think Buddy will be more than happy to go along with.”

His face fell. “Oh, so you’re really here for Buddy. Figures. Alright, come in.”

The shadowy being was already perched on Kowalski’s writing desk in a doglike form. I found that Kowalski had taken the time to decorate with some photos of his family. I picked up the largest of the set. “It looks like you’re the eldest?”

He nodded. “Yeah, out of four. Two sisters and baby Ludoslaw.”

“You both take after your father,” I said. “Your sisters are beauties, too.”

“Stay away from them!” I think we were both surprised by his sudden heat. He laughed nervously. “Sorry, just Macy’s only thirteen, and Truda’s eleven.”

I harumphed. “How little do you think of me?”

“W-well, you were going out with Kiyo and she kinda looks young,” he said.

I remembered our chat from the night before, which soured my mood even more than the awful insinuations. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

He nodded. “Probably a good idea, yeah. Sorry, man, I’m just worried about how they’re doing without me. Not all monsters are demons, y’know?”

Isn’t that an understatement. “Sounds like you got them some nicer living arrangements by being in the Corps,” I said. “I’m sure they’re fine.”

He sat down on his bed, which groaned in protest at his bulk. “It’s a bigger apartment, but it isn’t the best neighborhood. I always used to walk them home.” He looked at his watch. “Oh, it’s just about time for me to call home. What can I help you with?”

“How’d you like to do a little spying with your inky friend over here?”

“Spying? On who?”

I jerked a thumb towards the wall. “Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall in there? What with those two in the same bed wearing frilly unmentionables?”

He twiddled his thumbs as his face turned a bright red. “I-it wouldn’t be right.”

I joined him on the bed. “Listen, Rafal. You and I both know that you aren’t completely sexless. There’s nothing wrong with a little voyeurism.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s illegal.”

I tsked at him. “Only if we’re caught. Besides, we have the perfect alibi.” I pointed at the apathetic Buddy. “Who’s to say he didn’t decide to do it himself? He has been known to break in there before.”

“There isn’t a point, though. I don’t see or hear what Buddy does. He’d get to have all the fun.”

“I thought that through. Say, Buddy old chap.” His canine-like ears perked up as I held up my phone. “Have you ever seen one of these before?” The shadowy creature surprised me by opening up his mouth, seizing the phone with his tongue like a chameleon catches a fly.

Why that little… I coughed into my hand, forcing myself to calm down. “Not the phone, Buddy. The picture on it. It’s an old-fashioned ear horn. They’re decent enough at capturing noise; can you make one?”

Buddy looked at me quizzically a moment before holding up his hand.

“Yes, like that, but with a larger opening,” I said. “Good, good. Now hollow it out in the middle, yes, exactly. Then connect it to a tube and run it through your body, and voila! We have a connection back to our room!”

Kowalski stood and inspected his shadow’s handiwork. “Won’t they be able to hear us, too? And it’s a bit big…” He snapped his fingers. “Wait, we can use my earbuds!”

“Ear whats?”

He rifled through his backpack before pulling out a pair of plastic earplugs. “It’s cool you wanted to teach Buddy a new trick, but I think he’d get spotted in a second. We just pair these with your phone, start a call to mine, and mute our volume so nothing comes out of the phone in their room.”

I looked on with envy as Kowalski effortlessly paired my phone to his devices. “Y-yes, that is exactly why I didn’t recommend earbuds.” I hated technology; it made me feel like an idiot. My imagination was dangerously analog at times. I coughed into my hand again.

“You doing alright, Magpie?”

I needed a new tic. Oh, well; I’d regained my composure. “Must just be a chill. Anyway, it sounds like you’re willing to go along with my little scheme.”

“I…” He shuffled awkwardly. “If it’s like listening to my sisters, you’re going to be let down. I think you’re going to do it anyway, and this way Buddy can keep you from getting caught.”

I nudged him in the rib. “Oh how noble of you! I’m sure your imagination is just as randy as mine.”

It was his turn to cough while he composed himself. “I-if anything interesting does happen, then I w-wouldn’t m-mind.”

“That’s the spirit! And speaking of the spirit…” I turned to Buddy, bowing to him. “Buddy, this scheme depends on you! What do you say to a bit of eavesdropping?”

Buddy looked at me with what I thought was contemplation. He looked between Kowalski and I for a moment before his tongue lashed out again, taking the tiny earbuds from Kowalski’s grip. An instant later, he flatted himself and slithered out under Kowalski’s door.

“And don’t steal any underwear this time, please!” begged Kowalski in a desperate whisper.

“Did you see the label?” I asked. “Just for scientific curiosity.”

“I told you, I don’t see what Buddy sees.”

“A pity.” I pulled up a chair and huddled around the phone. Kowalski’s plan seemed to be going off without a hitch, though the sound was a tad muffled. “Where is he hiding, under the bed?”

“I—”

I cut Kowalski off. “Shh, they’re talking!”

I strained my ears.

“… any books written this century?” asked Heida.

“What is wrong with my collection?” asked Mariko.

“Nothing, I guess.” I heard a muffled thud as she put one of the books back in place. “It fits you.” A creaking sound filled the earbuds a moment, making me think she’d sat down on the bed. “Oh, do you knit?”

“Yes, I do! Dad even got me some Icelandic yarn to work with a while back. It is a small world.”

“And getting smaller all the time,” muttered Heida. She got up, her pacing feet reverberating through the phone.

I couldn’t keep from frowning. This is way less sexy than I hoped. “This isn’t as much fun without visuals.”

“Yeah, I just feel like I’m intruding,” said Kowalski. “I shouldn’t have gone along with this.”

I gave him a sideways look. “You’re a good man, Rafal.” Boring, but good. Then again, those tend to go together. “Yes, go ahead and call off—”

“What is your relationship with Kasasagi, Heida?”

“Never mind, this just got juicy.” I leaned in closer, my ear nearly touching the phone.

“Whoa, where’d that come from?” demanded Heida. “I don’t see where that’s your business.”

“I… I should not have said that,” said Mariko. “But he is dear to me, and I know you two are…”

“Knocking boots?”

“You are?” whispered Kowalski.

“Hush, you!” I hissed.

“I am… not familiar with that expression,” admitted Mariko.

“Screwing, do you know that one?” said Heida, her voice dripping with condescension.

“Y-yes, of course,” said Mariko. “Are you?”

“Yeah, we are,” said Heida. “Drives you crazy, right? I’ve seen the way you look at us. Bet you’re just dying of jealousy.”

Mariko was quiet for a long moment. “He can do as he likes.”

“But you’d like him to do you instead.” Heida giggled. “Hah, got you! You’re so easy.” The bed creaked again as the tall woman sat down again. “Does he know you like him?”

“You are not upset that I am after your man?”

“Psht, no. You’ve known him a while, right?” They went quiet; Mariko must have nodded. “Then if you like him, why aren’t you two together?”

“The time has not been right.”

“The time? Lady, the world’s ending. We don’t have time.”

“If you rush intimacy, then it is not as special,” protested Mariko.

“I thought you were a prude,” she said. “You didn’t answer me; does he know you like him?”

“I… yes, I have told him.”

“Did he know before the Beckers tried to kill us?”

“Yes, if he was paying attention.” True enough, even if I had wanted to deny it. “I have told him now, though.”

The bed creaked again as she settled back into place. “He chose me as his date. You’re not a threat to me. Go ahead and have your schoolgirl crush, though. It suits you, like your sexless nightgown and your ancient books.”

“I think you are more bothered than you let on,” protested Mariko. “Otherwise you would not try tearing me down!”

“Either way, let’s drop it. We’re sharing a bed tonight, after all. No need to fight.”

“You started it!”

“Maybe, but now I’m done. I won.”

The bed creaked again as Mariko got up. “I do not feel like sleeping. I might go read a book.”

“Alright, but don’t wake me on your way back in, ‘kay? It’s been a day.” The bed creaked again as Heida settled in.

After some rustling about, Mariko padded her way down the stairs. Kowalski and I both held our breaths as she went, but she didn’t seem to notice the trail of shadow linking the two rooms.

I hung up my phone. “That wasn’t as much fun as I hoped.”

Kowalski sighed. “Yeah. At least they didn’t notice Buddy.”

“He was on shockingly good behavior,” I said as he flowed back into the room. Buddy resumed his perch on Kowalski’s writing desk, his eerie white eyes vanishing as they closed.

“I don’t know if you can call spying on our teammates good behavior,” said Kowalski in a reproachful tone.

“Don’t act so high and mighty,” I said. “You were hoping we’d hear something juicy, too.”

“I… yeah. I shouldn’t have done it.” He began pacing a moment before stopping. “I guess I did hear something interesting. Are you stringing along poor Ms. Yamada?”

“Absolutely not,” I snapped. “I told her not to waste her time on me, but she insists on waiting on me.”

“That sounds like a good problem to have,” grumbled Kowalski. “You have more girls throwing themselves at you than you know what to do with.”

“Trust me, that’s a new development,” I replied. “It’s also less fun than it sounds. Talk with Takehara sometime, he’ll back me up.”

He sighed again. “I wouldn’t mind just getting the one, but to hear Heida talk about it, there’d be more girls on Mars than wherever we’re headed.”

I rolled my eyes. “Rafal, do you know what people respond to? Confidence. If you can fake that, then you’re golden. Might help you with your shadowy friend there, too.”

“How do I fake it?” he asked, looking utterly sincere.

“Take a hard stand on something,” I replied. “If you want or need something, don’t be afraid to fight for it.”

“Then get out,” he snapped, looking sheepish a moment later. “Please. I still need to call home, or they’ll worry about me.”

“See, that’s the ticket,” I said. “Do a little more of that and you’ll get on just fine.”

“Also, the next time you come to my door, you’d better want me and not Buddy,” he said. “I’m not just his keeper, okay?” He flinched a moment after his declaration. “Was that too much?”

I couldn’t help but smile at the mood whiplash. “A tad, but you’ll get the hang of it.”

I bade him a good night before slinking back to my room. I was tempted to check on Mariko, or Heida for that matter, but I figured I wouldn’t want to test my luck any further.