The Impact (Book II)

The Docks

Bars, I found, were an excellent source in finding out just how much the demons knew about angel movement and if the demons were planning anything. Demons didn't like to fight straight out; we preferred guerilla tactics. Usually, they worked in our favor, but only added to the angels' staunch belief that we were nothing more than cravens. Imagine their surprise when they encounter an Optima General who were relentless.

Guttural voices cursing at one another in a mixture of Latin and English was the first thing I heard as I meandered to the hole in the wall bar. Its neon sign hung at an odd angle and no longer lit up. A group of Human-Turned-Demons was gathered around the entrance, drinking beer and eyeing any pretty demonesses who walked by. I paid them no mind as they catcalled me when I walked past them into the bar. For good measure, though, Belua snapped his teeth at them. They shut up.

No music played, only the raucous chatter of the hundred or so demons filled the building. I hopped onto the bar stool and flashed four laminas between my fingers at the bartender. He looked raptly at me.

"Do I have your attention? Good. C'mere." I gestured for him to lean forward as I did the same.

Eagerly, he obeyed, his glowing eyes leaving the coins to meet my gaze. I smiled. "Now, what can you tell me about this sector? Know anything about angels?"

I waved the coins a little when he frowned. They regained his attention and he said, hushed, "Don't know anything about any angels, matrona, but I did hear they have an underground movement over near the docks. A lot of disappearances and murders in that area, if you get my meaning. Rumor has it they ain't part of Heaven but are allied with them. General Tavor has been cracking down on the movement, but his men can never find their base."

Now that was interesting news. Dust Cloud never mentioned anything of an underground movement separate from Heaven. I wondered if Joel approved or was also gunning for them.

I gave him two of the coins and added two more at the apex between my middle and ring fingers. "And what about Tavor's men?"

After he bit the two coins to test their authenticity he grinned at me. "Most disciplined lot I've ever seen. They don't abuse their power."

"That's nice and all, but I'm more interested in if they have any plans to attack."

"I don't know, matrona, but the soldiers come here often for drinks. I try to stay out of my patrons' businesses."

Realizing that would be all I'd be getting out of him, I handed over the remaining laminas and ordered a whiskey sour.

Sipping from my drink, I began the long, and often boring, task of listening for anything the angels could use.

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It was well into the night when a group of soldiers just finishing their patrols came into the bar. My brain was buzzing pleasantly but it felt like it had been doused with cold water the moment I saw my family's crest on their biceps. They were laughing and shoving each other playfully as they sat behind me and ordered a round of drinks. The bartender happily brought their drinks over to them and I sharpened my sense of hearing to better focus on their conversations.

"...Lots of Sector E refugees...the General ain't too happy 'bout it." A lieutenant was saying.

"That traitor, Melanie, was supposed to be in that sector. The Angel of Death laid waste to the area; she's probably dead."

I smirked into my glass as I took a gulp.

"Truth be told, I think the General is more concerned about the angel base in this sector. Still can't find their main hideout; just a bunch of dead ends."