Return of the Fallen Angel: Book 1

20

The Black Watch loaded into the shuttles. Their faces showed the same determined confidence they'd shown the last time they went to battle.

Four weeks of training the Legion, the Black Watch, and the Army of the Rose had left their ammunition stores depleted. Kita had no choice but to move up her plans. Tonight, they'd raid an ammunition factory to get finished cartridges, machinery, and materials.

Tina stood next to her. She wore a set of armor similar to Kita's, except in peril white. Her thigh pads held a pair of daggers and rows of different types of crossbow bolts. Her crossbows attached to her bracers. Vanouse had come up with automatic loaders. A cartridge of twelve bolts looped around her wrist like a big bracelet.

Harper had cleared her for the mission, as long as she didn't participate in close combat. Omega had done some work nanite work on her in preparation. She was similarly constructed to Kita. He'd even given her back her sonic boom and the acid she had loved so much.

"You think you ready for this?" Kita asked Tina.

"Yeah, just nervous. This is totally different than anything we ever did before."

"And it's still very much the same fun game," said Snowy.

"Later you will have to explain to me how this is a game. Intelligence is a game. Killing makes my stomach hurt. It didn't used to be a game for you..."

Snowy shrugged. "Reality is a harsh teacher. Three years lost in the wilderness taught me that. Like your sister I do what I'm good at, what I'm made for."

"You could be in a lab somewhere, you very good at that," said Vanouse. He'd repainted himself black. He'd removed the spikes and tusks, opening up more area for weapons. A small rocket pod taken from a helicopter sat on a shoulder. On the other was a modified tank barrel that he could move independently.

"So could you, but you seem to like this just fine," said Snowy.

"I don't believe I share the same lust for it you and the other apocalyptic angels have."

"What's that mean?" Tina asked.

Snowy explained the four horsemen to her and how Zidin had given the Angels the nickname.

"Very appropriate," said Tina. "I don't think I'd fit in though."

"I hope not," said Vanouse. "I think you're much more the Angel of Mercy."

"Ah, thanks," Tina said with a smile, "but I'm sure I will end up doing some killing of my own."

"Mercy doesn't always mean saving or keeping alive. Usually it's meant as an end to suffering. Your sister causes it," Kita gave Vanouse a nasty look, "and you end it."

"I think I understand what you mean, Vanoon, Vansoo, Vanhorse, sorry. Why don't I just give you a better name that's more fitting to you," said Tina.

"Such as?"

"How about Paladin? You're a big white knight who seems to favor my point of view."

"I like it, but I don't think I should paint myself white. I'd stick out to much."

"Ok, goodie-goodie and her pet Paladin, let's get aboard the shuttle. That goes for the rest of you dark-souled eternally damned beings," Kita said with a laugh.

Going up the ramp, Tina stuck her finger into Kita's side. Kita squeaked and gave Tina nasty look.

"I said I was good. I didn't say I was nice," Tina said sticking out her tongue.

***

Located deep in the heavily wooded old growth forests of Champaign, the ammunition plant couldn't have been more isolated. A small detail of guards had been easily dispatched. The nearest major garrison was over three hours away. More than enough time to get everything loaded.