General Lee's Revenge--Karma

Part One, Chapter One: "Spitfire"

(A/N: We don't talk about how long it took to write this. But, here it is, the long-awaited chapter has arrived. And it is a very long chapter so buckle in. For a visual, Diablo is a green, 1972 Ford Ranchero. Also we love the fact that he acts like a teen whose mom is taking too long in the grocery store.)

Grant was busy counting the Defects off as they filtered in, making note of who was present. Caleb had brought to his attention that there was a lot to discuss, but he couldn't find it within himself to figure out how to start. So, for now, he greeted the Defects on their way into the hollow. Caleb was the first one there, and after him was Thunder, who asked where General was.

"I'm not sure," Grant replied plainly.

He heard Thunder growl and turned back around the way he came. "I got a pretty good idea, I'll be back."

On his way out, he ran into the Black Maiden, who scoffed and pushed past him. "Excuse you!" she growled, "Hey, dummy, I'm talking to you!"

Thunder didn't reply and continued on going, either ignoring her or having not heard her. She shook herself as she entered. "That truck, I swear, he has no decency!"

Rig squeezed in behind her after a moment, difficultly fitting through the trees. Grant started in after him, taking his place on the rock where General once stood to look out over the Defects. Tank stalked in a few minutes later, trying not to draw too much attention to himself. He squeezed in between Rig and the Black Maiden, looking up at Grant expectantly.

Grant would've sworn he'd only been running on six or seven cylinders in that moment, but really it was just his anxiety. What was there to say? What could he say? Lord should he have left this to Thunder, he was the Defect for the job, but where had he gone?

He sighed, trying to calm his nerves, and rolled forward with a fierce rumble of his engine to gather their attention. As soon as he did, however, he didn't even get the chance to speak. A battalion of questions and criticisms immediately attacked him.

"When's General comin' back?" Tank asked, revving his engine.

"Where's Thunder?" Rig complained.

"Is he still grieving over her?" the Black Maiden asked cynically. "He needs to get over it, it's been two weeks. We all lost somebody, it's time to move on!"

"Maybe so, but he and Christine were real close from what I hear. I can't imagine how it must feel," Caleb said defensively.

"Listen, guys! I know that I might not be as good as General Lee, but he needs some time off. So from here on out, you're stuck with me," Grant announced, ready to reel backward in the event that someone were to throw something at him.

The crowd drew silent and Tank rolled forward. "Do you know when he's comin' back, though?"

Grant hesitated for a moment before shaking himself. "No, sorry, I don't."

"What about Thunder, I thought he was supposed to be leading us," Maiden snapped, growing impatient with him.

"Thunder's trying to get General back on his feet, he can't be in two places at once."

She scoffed. "And who knows how long that will take." Maiden started rolling towards the rock upon which Grant sat, speaking as she moved. "You need a strong leader, one with answers to provide and to keep us on course. You, mister Grant, are pathetic like your weakling brother. Now Thunder, he would be a wise choice but I ask you, where has he gone?"

No one spoke up and Grant watched her approach and make her way up the rock.

"Exactly, he's run off to coo over General. Both of them have gone soft and so have you four. Weak leaders make weak teams and General is weak. But I am not!"