Special Defense Force

Episode 7: A Day of Rest

I steadied my breath as my opponents advanced. I focused my energy and created my Spirit Sword as the first one attacked. Courtney swung in high and I spun to block it. Our blades clashed loudly and sparks erupted from the energy conflict. I held my ground and created a second blade as Emily dashed in from my right. I twisted and blocked her as well. I barely struggled against them as we battled. I spun and sent the both sprawling to the ground. I ran over and sheathed my blades. I swing my arm down and opened my hand, with a smile, "That was a good round eh?" I helped them to their feet ad Courtney brushed herself off, "Nice moves Bro. I think you may have gotten a little faster these past few weeks." I nodded as Emily flicked her hair back, "Your Spirit Swords seem stronger too." I looked at my hand, "Well, it was hard, but I think I've been able to channel the bad stuff pretty well so far. I can even augment the strength of my normal powers now." They took a step back and Emily crossed her arms, "Can we see?" I looked up at the observation deck and saw Dr. Sarah give a thumbs up. I grinned, "You asked for it."

I held my hand out and the red energy began forming. I closed my eyes and focused. It had been two weeks since my outburst in the wasteland. And my use of the Shadow Force, as I had come to call it, was becoming more defined with every session. I opened my eyes and grinned, "Here you go ladies. Shadow Sword!" My crimson blade sprang to life in my hand ad hummed quietly.

It was a bit longer then my Spirit Sword and held a more katana like shape. I spun it to my side and took up my stance again, "Want to try?" Emily smiled and produced her hand blades as Courtney powered up her sword. I ran at them and we began the duel. My blade sparked as it clashed against them and trailed the red energy as I would swing. I swung at Emily and she caught the blade in a cross black. She grinned, "Got you!" Courtney swung in from behind me, "Your mine now Bro!" I chuckled and sliced through Emily's blades to stop her attack. Courtney's sword bounced away from my strike and I shifted mine back to its normal form. I held it against her shoulder but didn't make contact. I sighed and smiled, "I forgot to mention, one of the first things I mastered was going from the Shadow Force to my normal Spirit power." Courtney chuckled as I resealed my sword, "So I see. Good thing to know." Emily walked over, "That was a good run. But I'm beat." I nodded, "Me too. Shall we get cleaned up and grab a bite to eat?" They nodded and headed for the locker room. I started walking myself but stopped as a thought crossed my mind. I stood there thinking and Dr. Sarah spoke over the intercom, "Daniel, is everything alright?" I looked up at her, "Dr. Sarah, I have a question. And possibly a favor."

I stood in the locker room shower and let the hot water sting my skin. My mind was alive and full as I made my plan, "Start as a whole. Then break them off one by one. Handle the individual assignments and regroup at the end." I sighed and shut off the water, "All I need is clearance." I dried off and got dressed for lunch. I closed my locker and found Dr. Adams waiting nearby. I smiled at him, "Yes sir?" He grinned and handed me an envelope, "No problems with your request Daniel. We just need the signatures on this form." I pulled it from the envelope ad looked it over, "Not a problem. Thank you sir. I think they're really going to like this one." With that said he left and I pulled out my phone, "Hey Emily, would you please get the team together for me in the commissary? I have a mission to discuss with everyone." "Sure. Is everything ok?" I nodded, "I believe so. I'll give details at the meeting." My phone clicked off ad I walked out to meet everyone.

I fixed a cup of coffee and was about to take a seat when I saw the tea walk in. I smiled ad waved as they all sat at a long table. I stood at the head and sipped my cup. I sighed, "Thanks for coming everyone. Like Emily said I have a mission for us. And I wanted to give you the details in person." Sam leaned closer, "What's the job Daniel?" I pulled out the paper from Dr. Adams, "I was handed this document not too long ago. I need everyone's signature on it in order for the operation to go into effect." I laid it on the table and Sharon picked it up first. Her eyes scanned over the page before her jaw dropped, "Daniel, is this for real?" I closed my eyes and nodded. Jayce slapped the table and grunted, "I'm gonna blow a fuse if someone doesn't tell me what's going on!" Sharon stood slowly, ad then hopped to her feet, "We have a day pass to Delta City's Recreational District!" Anna gasped, along with everyone else, "You mean we are going to Temps-Town?! I've always wanted to go there!" Emily looked over the document and then looked at me, "Is this true Daniel?" I nodded and smiled, "Since we have all been through a lot recently the doctors have given the ok for a small day trip. I asked for Temps-Town because of the abundance of shops and fun things to do." Courtney smiled brightly, "What brought this on Bro?" I shrugged, "I just wanted to do something nice for you guys. After the previous incident." Sam leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, "Come on Danno. You know you don't need to do anything for reward or apology. That's what a team does." Bobby flicked a sugar packet at him, "Speak for yourself man! I'm dying to go!" Sam sighed and held up his hands in a laugh, "Ok, I concede. Just saying is all." I nodded, "We have a departure time of ten in the morning. I thought we would all do our own thing for breakfast and have lunch in town together. How's that?" They all nodded. I laughed, "Well, then it looks like we are in the green. I'll see you all tomorrow." Anna rolled over, "Are you turning in already Big Brother?" I patted her head, "No, just going to my room to take care of a few things before tomorrow." She smiled, "Can I come?" I chuckled, "Of course." The others went their separate ways and we both wet to the room.