The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Six

Under Siege

 Lucifer watched indifferently as a score of Trainees filed in and stood in two neat rows of ten. As the senior-ranking Enforcer, he let Satan and Beezlebub have most of the fun, chewing out any Trainee that was out of line or not quite standing right. He would have his time later. For now, let someone else get his jollies… 

      Waving Styx over, Lucifer briefly consulted a map. Hades had already taken out his company, so it was the junior-most Enforcer’s command. Though last in the Enforcer Company, Styx was still up to specs - big, mean and strong. 

      “You got the soft side of the Yard, Styx,” Lucifer stated flatly. “You patrol the section between the tracks and the dirt road. As far as we know, there are no openings in the fence there, so you should have some dull duty. Think up something if you have to. If things really get slow, try having them dig under the fence. Maybe Quaxo will teach the real jerks in your company a few tricks.” 

      “Luce, this is between you, me and the wall.” The Black looked quickly around and did not see anyone within close hearing range. “I’m not too keen on this action at all. There’s a rumor going round that Stealth defected to the Jellicles.” 

      “And your point?” 

      “Have you ever witnessed a training session with that guy?” 

      “No,” sighed Lucifer, now starting to lose his patience. “Your point?” 

      “Quaxo’s a walk down the tracks compared to that guy,” Styx said nervously. “If I’m going to die, I want to see the dude killing me. Quaxo I can see. Even the Boss I can see. You don’t see Stealth until it’s too late.” 

      “Look, Styx. I don’t make the policies, and I don’t make up the orders. The Boss said surround the fragging Dump and that’s what we’re gonna do! Now you get these sorry buncha clowns out there and watch the flipping Yard! Otherwise the death you’ll definitely see will be from me!” 

      The junior Enforcer nodded, and stepped out to where the Trainees could see him. He told them what was expected of them, and then told them to follow his lead. As the group marched out, Satan drifted over to Lucifer. 

      “I just hope Styx doesn’t trip somewhere between here and there,” the Second said with a slight grin. “If he does, the entire company’s going to follow his orders to the letter and fall down.” 

      Lucifer made a rude noise, to which Satan snorted. “Satan? Bring in the next set of losers. Have Shade take this group to watch the Railway side. I hope he reminds them to not watch from the tracks, and get run over by a train. Who does that leave?” 

      “Beez, you and me. Shadow has already been at the Gate.” 

      “Have Beezle take the Vicar’s place. I’m going to bump Shadow. You have the reserve group and you’ll make sure nothing’s wrong. You have a strong second in that group of yours?”

      “Yeah,” Satan said, watching as Shade told his group what they were going to do and where they were going. “His name’s Lucien, and he’s been after a promotion. If any of the juniors buy it on this gig, he’s almost a shoo-in.” 

      “Then split your team into two companies. You take one and make a roving patrol of the first set of warehouses. Let Lucy take care of the area around the Vicarage streets.” 

      “What about the storm coming in?” 

      “What about it?” 

      Satan shook his head. “Right. Don’t ask. Just do.”