Special Police DekaOps

23

As much as he hated this planet, Chatrox was amazed at how many place there were for a person to hide. A faint light coming from deep inside a cave was the only hint somebody was inside. Even then he had to look for it as it was well hidden behind the brushes that were growing deep in the middle of the woods. So far the stories he had been hearing had been true. Now if it was really him. Turning invisible he made his way inside. His initial concern was tripping some sort of booby trap, but if it was him that would be the least of his worries.

He found the source of the light in an inner chamber. The light itself was a rounder older style interior light found on most cargo ships, and it was hooked up to a rather modern looking generator. Dressed in rags and kneeling before it was red skinned humanoid. His right eye and most of that side of his face along with his right arm was cybernetic. Any doubt Chatrox had about it being him quickly disappeared. But instead of feeling joyful he found himself being very afraid. A fear that grew when the person’s head turned to face him, that cybernetic eye focusing right at him. “Leave now,” the person ordered.

Seeing no point in hiding he turned visible and kept a tight grip of the handle of his knife under his cloak, “Nax, the most wanted assassin in the known universe.”

He turned back to the lamp, “That life is behind me now.”

Chatrox cautiously circled around him, “The bosses didn’t know where you disappeared to. Rumors have started to spread that you were devoured by a black hole.

“I started that rumor,” he said plainly. “It started out as an explosion on my ship and grew from there. Now leave me alone.”

Again the Agent didn’t obey, “But to hide out on the most Deka infested planet in the known galaxy. That takes a special type of madness.”

“Much like the type of madness that is keeping you here,” Nax said adding a dangerous edge to his voice. To prove his point he added, “Do you really thing that knife or that device strapped to your chest is really going to help you?”

Chatrox let go of the handle and drew his cloak tighter around him, “Why did you run and hide Nax?”

“I didn’t run,” he replied without any emotion. “I got tired of that life, death after death after death.”

“So you had a spiritual awakening and realized what you were doing was wrong,” Chatrox taunted, realizing the dangerous game he was playing.

“I had an epiphany that the last death would be my own if I stayed in that life.”

“Is the assassin afraid to die?”

“I am afraid of the unknown.”

“Perhaps you should be afraid of the bosses,” Chatrox told him. “No ones truly leaves this life Nax. Not of their own violation. The moment you disappeared and nobody could find any proof that SPD eliminated you there was a very large price placed on your head.”

“And you are here to collect?”, that edge returned to his voice.

“I am an Agent, not an assassin.” Nax bristled and looked like he was about to strike out. “But I am willing to forget I ever saw you.”

“And I can kill you now and not worry about paying you,” Nax threatened.

Chatrox opened his cloak to reveal the device on his chest. “This sends my bio-reading to my personal Igadroid. If those reading ever stop he his to transmit my current location and the reason why I am here on all frequencies. Every Alienizer on the planet will know where you are. And I’m sure more than one will be looking to collect on that bounty.”

“How much do you want?”, he demanded, cybernetic finger twitching.

“You don’t seem to have much,” he commented while looking around. “So I am not looking for money. I want somebody eliminated.” He threw a disk on the ground. An image of a human with short blond hair wearing a black uniform with a red star on his right shoulder hovered above it. “I had a plan in place to eliminate him personally then I started hearing the rumors about you being here. I just couldn’t resist.”

“Who is he?”

Chatrox grinned, “His name is Stevens, and he is a black badge that been a thorn in my side for far too long.”

Nax looked curious, “Black badge? Since when has there been a black badges?”

“Ah yes,” Chatrox remembered, “the black badges came into prominence shortly after you disappeared. Basically put, SPD High Command authorized the formation of some covert units designed to go in where they are not wanted and eliminate us at will. This human leads the unit based on this planet. I do not know where their base is but I have a general area where they have been seen frequently.”

Studying the image Nax said, “I am going to need weapons.”

“Of course,” Chatrox said, “whatever you request, no charge.”

“You must hate this particular human,” Nax comment finally showing some emotion by smiling.

“Like I said he’s been a thorn in my side.”

“I’m going to miss this cave,” Nax said looking around. “It was a place where I finally found some peace.”

“Worry about your peace of mind later,” Chatrox told him, “you have a job to accomplish.”

***

The command room was buzzing with excitement, the field team got a night to themselves and they were all planning to go out. The Major smiled as the stress of their job lifted there faces. Or in Dan’s case concern as apprehension replaced it. Of course the last time he met up with some old friends things didn’t go all that well. Michelle, who was readjusting his bomber jacket, noticed as well. “You sure you want to go alone?”, she asked. “I can get dressed in no time.”

“No,” he said, “they’re just expecting me. I don’t want to drop everything on Barry all at once.”

“Well if things don’t go well over there you can always join us at my folks place,” D.E. said. “They’ve been wanting to meet you guys for awhile now.”

“You can come with us Michelle if you want to get out of here, “Ace said.

D.E. agreed, “Yeah Michelle, my folks would love to meet you too.”

“Sorry guys, that offer was just for Dan here,” she told them while giving him a quick hug.

“Don’t we feel special,” Boomer deadpanned.

“Besides somebody has to get those security updates for the database that Command been barking about done,” She told them. “Now I can get that done without the usual commotions,” she looked slyly over to Dan, “or distractions.”

“And to think I was happy when you two got together,” the Major said as he left he room. “Now you guys are just getting annoying.”

Dan leaned into Michelle, “You, me, his desk later.”

“I heard that!”, Pierce yelled from down the hall.

“Just checking,” Dan called back.

“Terry,” Rev spoke up, “I am still unsure of the protocols for such an event.”

“Just be yourself Rev,” D.E. told him. “My family already knows what we do so there no need to hide anything. And you know my little bro’s been dying to talk to you again.”

“Come on, we better get going,” Boomer said. “We still got to swing by my place and pick up Lisa.”

“Right,” Ace said. “Catch you guys later,” she told Dan and Michelle as they entered the elevator to the building on the surface.

“Have fun,” Michelle told them. Of course she noticed Dan was still standing where he was. “Never thought I’d ever see you get cold feet,” she commented.

“It’s been over a year,” he said. “I can just picture tonight already. They’re going to catch me up on Danielle. Then they’re going to tell me what they been up to. And at some point they’re going to realize I’m keeping quiet about what I’ve been doing.”

“Well,” she started as she put her arms around him, “tell them you’re working for the Major, but it classified. I’m sure both of them will understand. You can mention what kind of characters you’re working with. From what you’ve told me about your old clique I’m sure Barry will get a laugh out of it. And if you want,” she flipped her hair back, “you can mention you’re dating a smart, particularly gorgeous woman.”

“I am?” She reared her hand back like she was going to hit him. “I’m joking I’m joking.”

“You’re lucky you’re still cute or you would be so dead right now.” She put her arm back around him, “I know your ready for this, otherwise you wouldn’t have asked me to look up his current number.”

“A lot of guys can change in a year.”

“And if that was true you wouldn’t have spent an hour and a half talking to him. And if that emergency call didn’t come in I’m convinced you would have talked all night. Go, you’ll have fun, you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

“How did I luck into getting with you again?”

“I beat you over the head until you realized what a great catch I am. Now get out of here I have updates to do,” she said as she headed toward her station.

“Love you too,” Dan said, smiling as he headed for the elevator. “They probably already took the good jeep.”

***

“Here we are guys,” D.E. announced as he stopped the jeep by the curb. “My home away from base.” His parents’ house was a single story, light blue house in the middle of a big yard. An older gentleman waved from the swinging bench on the porch. “Hey dad.”

“Molly they’re here,” he called into the house then came toward the jeep. “Terry, I’m happy you and your friends could come. And I see you had to bring Bobby as well.”

“Tonight is just not my night,” Boomer said.

“I still love you baby,” Lisa said kissing him on the cheek.

“I’m just pulling your leg Bobby, you know you’re always welcome here,” D.E. father said. “Just call first.” He looked at the group and took a quick head count, “Hey where is your Captain?”

“He had plans to meet up with an old army friend he hasn’t seen in a year,” Ace explained.

“I totally understand, army buddies are buddies for life.”

“Terry,” his mother came out of the house.

“Momma,” he met her halfway and gave her a big hug. “Have you been eating enough? You look like you lost weight.”

“That’s my line smart guy.” She let go and gave Boomer and his wife a hug, “Hello you two, I’m sorry we couldn’t make it to the wedding.”

“Will you stop apologizing,” Boomer told her. “It was a Caribbean cruise. I’m hoping I can save up enough to take Lisa on one.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Lisa said.

“It’s good to finally meet you Mrs. Kennedy,” Ace said as she took her hand. She was a little surprised when she was pulled in for a hug.

“Dear it’s Molly and Tony,” Molly said. “I get enough of that with people I barely know.”

“Ranzack!”, a young boy shouted as he came running out of the house.

“Hello again William,” Rev greeted the boy.

“Nothing for your big brother?”, D.E. asked.

“I can see you any time.”

“Billy,” Molly said appalled.

“It’s ok Mom,” D.E. said as put him in a headlock and headed for the house, “I’ll take care of it like usual.”

“A pair of nice boys,” Molly said looking at the sky, “that’s all I wanted.”

“So Ranzack”, Tony said as he put an arm around his shoulder and guided him toward the house. “I just have to know one thing. The grill’s already fired up so how do you like your steak?”

“Still mooing,” Boomer answered for him. Ace and Lisa both elbowed him in the side, “Ugh.”

“Rare,” Tony said, “my type of man.”

***

Dan stood in front of the door and just stared at it. For the third time he started to knock but again he stopped. He’d faced off against enemy forces, human and alien. He stared down a countless number of bots. He barely even blinks when things turn into a fire fight. Yet this door was kicking his ass. The Major would be laughing his butt off if he could see him. He was caught off guard when it opened suddenly revealing an annoyed looking blond woman, “Since when is standing outside looking like an idiot been your idea of a good time?”

He smiled, starting to feel a little more at ease, “Hey Paula.”

“Get you butt in here soldier,” she said and gave him a quick hug when she did. Closing the door she announced, “He finally decided to come in.” A small girl quickly ran toward him, “Dani I told you no running in the house.”

She didn’t listen as she grabbed him around the leg, “Uncle Danny!”

“Hey munchkin,” he said as he picked her up. “Man you’re getting big. What have you guys been feeding her?”

“Talk to her father,” Paula said as she took her. “I been wanting to keep her small, but Barry insist on letting her grow up.”

“Oh sure blame the guy in the wheelchair,” Barry said as he wheeled himself to the door. “What’s up man?”

“Not much man,” Dan replied as he took his hand.

“So is that rock you been hiding under still going to be there when you get back,” he joked.

“I got it bolted down,” Dan chuckled.

Dani got out of her mother arms and took her godfather’s hand, “Wanna see what I did in school?”

“Sure kiddo,” Dan said without much choice but to follow her.

“So what are you up too now a days Danny?”, Barry asked as they followed. “It’s like you fell off the face of the planet or something.”

Those nerves suddenly came back, “I’m… working with Major Pierce again actually.”

“There another guy who dropped off the map,” Barry commented. “So what are you guys doing?”

“Ah…”, Dan stalled trying to figure out what to say.

“It’s probably one of those super secret military things,” Paula said. “You remember what it’s like.”

“Here it is Uncle Danny,” Danielle said excitedly. She handed him a painting that was actually pretty good for a six year old. “Do you like it?”

“This is excellent munchkin,” Dan told her. The little girl beamed.

“Dani’s teacher says she the best painter in her class,” Paula said.

“You’re taking after your mother munchkin, that’s good,” Dan said, “because I’m sorry to say your daddy has no talent what so ever.”

“You weren’t saying that when I was pulling your backside out of that foxhole,” Barry told him.

“Come on Dani,” Paula said taking her hand, “let’s get the table ready for dinner.”

“Ok,” Dani replied.

“I’m glad you called man,” Barry said after they were alone.

“I’m glad I did too,” Dan said as he took the chair that was next to him.

“It’s been a hell of a year Danny,” he said looking thoughtful. “With what happened to Jase, Petey dying and Andy apparently going nuts.” Dan got real uncomfortable real quick and looked away. His friend didn’t notice as he continued. “The Eagles were flying high back in the day. Looks like you’re the only one doing any flying,” he grinned while adding, “Fast track.”

“Not quite so high now a days Hot Shot,” Dan smirked.

“So what are you now any way?”, Barry asked. “Last I heard you were a Lieutenant.”

“I’m a Captain now actually, I got the rank after I joined up with Pierce.”

“So what type of crew do you got working under you now?”

Dan thought about it, “The type you’d expect the Major to put together.”

“The type of crew that’ll make you want to pull your hair out,” Barry laughed.

Dan laughed too, “At first but they grow on you.”

***

Nax, now wearing a black body suit with an extra weapon belt strapped across his chest, walked toward the factory in front of him. This place would be the perfect place to attract his attention. That was the plan: get this Stevens’ attention, do the job and get out of there quick. Not that he was worried about Stevens teammates, he never, ever trusted an Agent. More than likely this Chatrox would try to blackmail him again or sell him out to the highest bidder. Which was exactly why he had his ship nearby and ready for a fast take off. He was going to punch in some random coordinates and hit the nearest star portal, hopefully he find someplace secluded rather quickly.

“Hey you!”, a security guard called out and tried to get in his way. “You’re not allowed here.” Nax made a fist with his cybernetic hand and a spike came out of his knuckle. He jammed it into the guard’s throat and let him drop, quickly losing blood. The guard partner saw that and ran for his life. Pulling a small cylinder off the strap around his chest he tossed it at a tower. It was incinerated a moment later. This would do for a start.

***

After a couple of hours they put Danielle to bed and the adults spent the next few hours catching up. Dan was relieved at how little Barry and Paula changed over the year. He was starting to worry about how much he had changed after joining SPD. If he had they weren’t letting on. Dan was currently watching their reaction after what he told him about his team.

“I still can’t believe you made the youngest woman there your second in command,” Paula said.

“That’s how Danny is,” his friend defended him. “He only picks the people he feels he can trust. In every unit I ever been in with him there was always the guy the brass thought was his second because of rank. Then there was the guy he actually turned to behind their backs. And most of the unit thought that way too most of the time.”

“And the ranked guy never complained,” she asked.

“Well there was that one guy,” Dan answered. “What was his name? Rodgers I think.”

“Oh yeah him,” Barry grinned.

“He was making some noise at first. Then somebody put a homemade stink bomb in his tent while he was asleep.”

Paula’s’ jaw dropped, “You didn’t.”

“Don’t be looking at me.” She looked at Barry.

“Hey I wouldn’t have done anything if my CO didn’t put the idea in my head.”

“I would never do that,” Dan stated. “Besides, if you were actually listening to me you would have put the camel shit in his boots.”

“So what happened, did Rodgers find out?”

“Unfortunately,” Dan answered, “and he had me deal with it. So I gave Barry a very stern talking to, while trying very hard not to laugh because it was pretty damn funny. I don’t know what you guys put in that stink bomb but he had that smell for days.” Dan reached for the coffee pot on the table to refill his cup, Paula beat him to it, “I can do it.”

“You’re a guest in our house Dan,” she told him. “Now sit and relax. So are you seeing anybody at the moment?”

“Yeah, her name’s Michelle, she pretty special.”

“You got a picture of her?”

“Paula,” Barry said.

“It’s alright,” he pulled out his wallet. “Here’s one we took a couple of weeks ago.”

“She’s a looker,” Barry said. “How in the hell did you get with her?”

“Barry,” Paula shot back. Then she noticed the other picture in his wallet. “We have to get you a current picture of Danielle.”

“I’d like that.”

“So where did you two meet,” Paula asked.

He already knew what they’re reaction was going to be, “I… work with her.” Like he thought they looked at him stunned.

Then Barry started grinning and looked at his wife, “You owe me twenty bucks.”

Dan looked at them, “You’re betting on my love life?”

“No,” Barry corrected him, “we were betting on you finally breaking that stupid rule of yours.”

“It’s not a stupid rule,” Dan said a little defensively.

“Honey, trust me it’s a stupid rule,” Paula told him while patting his knee.

“Mommy,” Dani said as she came downstairs and rubbing her eyes.

“Did we wake you sweetie?”, Paula asked as she got up.

“I can’t sleep.”

“We’ll let’s try again. It’s time for big girls like you to get their sleep. Now say good night again.”

“Good night munchkin,” Dan said as he took a sip of his coffee.

“Get that pinky up mister,” Dani said before Paula could guide her back upstairs. Something in her voice made his little finger go straight up.

Looking at Barry he asked, “Have you ever told her she reminds you of sergeant we used to know?”

“Constantly,” Barry said. His OpsLicense went off. “So I’m guessing that’s you?”

“Afraid so. Is it ok if I take this in the kitchen?”

“Go ahead man. Hopefully they’re just checking in on you.”

“I wish,” Dan mumbled as he entered the kitchen. Making sure the door was closed he switched his License to Phone. “This is Stevens, go.”

That was followed by a, “This is Ops5.”

Michelle spoke next, “Sorry to disrupt the festivities but I just intercepted a report of some sort of disturbance at the Mason factory. I’m getting conflicting reports about it, some are saying it’s an alien other are saying it’s a robot of some kind. The locals already arrived but they can’t find anything about what caused it.”

“I past that on the way here,” Dan said. “I’m about a couple of miles away. I’ll check it out and see if I can find anything. Michelle, see if you can get the locals out of there so they don’t get in the way.”

“Hang on and we’ll join you,” Ace said.

“Stay on stand by for now,” Dan said. “I’ll go in first and scout the situation.”

“You sure that a good idea Dan,” Michelle asked him.

“We don’t even what there yet,” Dan said. “It could be some sort of prank from the sound of things. No point in going full force until we know for sure. Ace, let the other know just in case.”

“Rodger,” she complied.

“Michelle I’ll let you know what I find out.”

“I’ll be waiting for your call,” she said. Dan just happened to turn around and see Barry in the doorway.

“Stevens out,” he said as he lowered his License. How was he going to explain this one?

“And to think I knew you when you were anti-SPD,” he said as he wheeled over to the sink. “So I’m guessing your part of that mystery Deka team that McGee guy keeps ranting about.”

“Barry look…”, he started.

“Maybe,” he continued,” it because I’ve been on a few covert assignments in my day, but I can see a need for one in SPD. I don’t now what changed your mind but after awhile of just watching the news you can see how dumb we were back then. Don’t worry, I won’t tell Paula why you left. Just kick some alien butt and remember you are welcome back here anytime. And bring Michelle, she sounds nice. Actually she sounds like a saint if she willing to put up with you.”

“Thanks Barry, you have no idea how much that means to me. I’ll explain it to you later.” He started to leave but something that been nagging his mind stopped him. “Barry, tell me something, why did you believe me when Jase and Petey didn’t?”

“I know you man,” Barry answered. “If you did turn Andy in you wouldn’t have lied about it. You would have looked us right in the eyes and told us you did it. The other couldn’t look past the rank or something. Now go get that guy and remember we are doing this again.”

“Thanks again Barry.”

“Thank me by helping me build a moat around the house when Dani becomes a teenager.”

Dan grinned, “I’ll even scare away the first couple of boys for you.” Barry laughed then he headed for the front door.

***

“Did Cap seem a little off at the end there to you?”, D.E., who had been listening in, asked.

“A little,” Ace admitted.

“Do you think he got caught?”

“What? No,” she quickly dismissed it. “Cap’s too good for that. Even if he did he’d find a way to cover it up.”

“Wow Ranzack,” Billy suddenly exclaimed, “You’re really good at this game.” They looked over and say Rev playing a video game with him. Then they noticed his score.

“He’s a little too good,” D.E. commented. “I thought we helped him break that habit.”

“We better nip this in the bud now,” Ace said, “Or Cap’s gonna put our butts in some slings.”

***

Like he thought he did pass the factory on his way here. By the time he pulled up a regular police patrol car was starting off, “Thank you Michelle”. Dan studied the place from the jeep. Something happened here alright. Yellow police taped blocked off a hole that was roughly larger than a human, and it looked like that creator was rather new. But no visual signs or trace of the person or persons who did it. He was starting to think this was some sort of intergalactic college prank, then he saw the chalk outlines on the ground. Making sure nobody as watching he quickly crossed the road and climbed over the fence. He rotated his shoulder slightly after landing, Rev may have given him the green light but it was still a little tender. Dan pulled out his License to do a scan of the area but was getting some type of interference, “What the hell?”

“Stevens!”, a voice made Dan look around. Seeing nothing he looked up and saw a red skinned alien with cybernetic parts standing on top of a water tower. “My Name is Nax, and I have been sent to kill you.” Dan vaguely recalled a Nax from the database as he went over his options. “Now before you get any ideas about calling your comrades I should tell you that my client has surprisingly intimate knowledge about SPD frequencies and right now all of them are being jammed.”

Dan took a quick glance at his License, it told him the same thing. Somebody who wanted him dead and had that kind of inside info about SPD? All of the clues added up to one thing, “Chatrox.” Looking back up at Nax he shouted, “So why haven’t you done the job yet. You had me as soon as I entered the lot from that vantage point.”

“I never cared about the far away kill, it never seemed honorable. I prefer to look my target in the eyes as they die as a show of respect. Besides you Deka are more interesting to hunt after you suited up,” he grinned sinisterly.

Closing his OpsLicense he switched it over to change, “Then I’m not going to disappoint. Emergency! DekaOps!” Dan was surrounded by a red digital field as the Dekametal formed around his body in a flash of white light. It changed into black body suit in a burst. A dark red stripe went down the middle of his body from his shoulders to the top of his boots, on the left side of his chest the red and black formed the outline for a number one. A backpack solidified on his back and the D-Shot appeared in a flash. “Face on!”, Deka metal flashed over his head and formed a dark red helmet.

Dan drew his D-Colt and started running to the side as Nax aimed his blaster. They both pulled the trigger on their respective weapons. Energized slugs passed each other on their way to their intended target. Nax moved to the side to avoid getting hit while the ones after Dan hit the ground behind him. The assassin changed his aim to hit the ground in front of him. Dan leaped forward to avoid the shots, rolled as he landed and brought his D-Colt back up. Nax was gone. Quickly checking the ground and seeing nothing he looked back up at the catwalk around the tower. He saw movement and fired forcing Nax back. The alien smiled to himself, “This could be fun.”

Seeing a truck behind him Dan quickly went for cover while keeping his eye on the tower. Both of them exchanged another round of fire while trying to figure out a way to get the advantage. Nax grabbed another cylinder off his belt and used his electronic eye to pinpoint his aim and threw it. Dan saw it the air, “Shit,” and ran as the truck behind him exploded as soon as it landed. Dan turned around to see Nax sliding town the water tower’s ladder. Then he stopped mid way and fired at him. Dan barely just got out the way as the shots whizzed past him. Seeing he was close to the factory he made a run for it. His luck was going to run out eventually if things stayed out in the open.

Nax realized what the human was thinking and let him enter the building. It only made thing more interesting. Cautiously he made his way to the door the Deka just smashed through. Heavy machinery was everywhere, and something about it was interfering with his eye. Outside the occasional flash of a heat signature he wasn’t getting anything. He pointed his blaster at those flashes but didn’t fire. No point in wasting bullets needlessly. Meanwhile Dan was hiding behind one of the metal presses looking at the pad in his left hand after he threw the sky probe into the air. “Come on where are you?”, he muttered to himself. Eventually Nax entered the picture. He looked right at the probe and smiled. Raising his blaster he shot it. Dan stopped paying attention to the pad the moment Nax spotted it and looked in the general area of where the probe was and saw it explode. “Got you,” Dan said as he got out of hiding and ran to that area.

Nax looked around quickly figuring the human was close by. He turned around to see the human come at him firing. Returning fire he was able to hit the Deka several times while he took a hit to the shoulder. He nodded approvingly as the Deka got to his feet and came at him again. “It’s been awhile since I took on a warrior,” and ran in too. Neither fired their weapons but when he was close enough Nax raised his. Dan rolled foreword, ducked a punch from the alien free hand and kicked the gun out of his hand as he turned around. Dan raised his sidearm quickly but Nax was faster as he grabbed him by the wrist with his cybernetic arm and squeezed. Resisting as hard as he could his hand eventually betrayed him and opened up dropping the D-Colt to the ground. Nax threw him to the side and kicked the D-Colt away. “Let’s see how you are warrior to warrior.”

“Let’s rock.” Neither waited to get in position before going hand to hand. Both were able to counter the others’ punch, kick or throw. Dan tried to avoid that cyber arm more than anything since he had no idea of what it could really do. Nax was amazed this Deka was able to keep up with him. They locked up and looked at each other. “You talked about being honorable,” Dan said. “So why kill innocent people?”

“A necessary evil,” Nax explained, “to get your attention.” He pushed Dan away and reached behind his head. “This has been fun, in fact I wish I could battle more people like you,” he pulled out a sword that had a faint energy glow around it, “but regretfully this must come to an end.” Dan backed up with each swing watching as it sliced through the machinery around them. Jumping to the side unexpectedly Dan unlatched his D-Shot and fired a round off quickly. Nax dropped to the floor as a hole was blasted in the machine behind him. He got up and ran for cover as Dan primed another shot and fired. Much to his dismay he lost track of the Alien pretty quick. Slowly walking through the factory he looked and listened for any sign of the assassin.

Hearing something drop behind him he looked up and saw the alien prepare to drop down on him. The blade came at him and on instinct he put the D-Shot up to block the strike. His weapon was no match for the blade as it cleanly sliced through it. Briefly looking at the exposed insides of his weapon he dropped them and backed up reaching into his pack, coming out with his D-Rod in his right hand and his D-Knife in his left. Nax nodded in appreciation as he put them in a guard position. Again they stared at each other for a moment before circling each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Energizing the D-Rod he swung it only to have it blocked. They went into another dance as energy flashed left and right, up and down and clanging metal filled the air. Dan got in a slash with his D-Knife that cut through his shirt and into his flesh. Nax got angry and slammed the blade down, Dan blocked it with the D-Rod but with a quick circular motion Nax disarmed him. A kick to the gut bent Dan over and a knee to the head knocked him down.

Looking like he was holding his back he reached into this pack one more time and pulled out his hold out D-Shooter, unleashing all four shots at the blade above his head. One of the shots hit something in Nax’s cyber arm that caused his hand to pop open and drop the sword. Dan quickly got up and went at him, forcing him back from the assault. Making a fist Nax popped the spike slashing it across his opponent chest sending sparks flying in all directions. A hard side kick to the chest forced Dan against another metal press. Yelling Nax aimed the spike right at his head. Dan moved and he impaled the hydraulic line and he was sprayed by the contents. Trying to free himself he didn’t see Dan spin around behind him. He jammed the D-Knife right into his cybernetic eye. Nax screamed in pain as he knocked Dan away, freed himself and pulled it out, a black liquid spurting out.

Trying to keep on his blind side he tried to take Nax down. Unfortunately that left him open to the spike. He was caught with a back hand that spun him around. Dan forced a leg out and kicked his opponent in the head. There was enough force behind it to knock him back a couple of feet. Dan got to a knee as a black and pink and a black and yellow clad individuals jumped over him and kicked Nax back even further. “Sorry we’re late,” Ace said. “We came as fast as we could after Michelle said she couldn’t get into contact with you.” Dan said nothing, he and Nax just stared at each other one more time. Disappointment etched the alien’s face. If he had to be honest with himself, Dan was feeling it too. Both of them wanted to finish this one on one.

“I think Cap did most of the work already,” Boomer commented.

“So let’s finish it then.” Ace pulled out her OpsLicense and held it up, “Target orders.” After a minute the X shined brightly between them, “Eliminate target.”

“Delete me if you must,” Nax said standing up and pointing at Dan, “but he does it.”

“We do not…”, Ace started.

“Stand down Ace,” Dan ordered sounding fatigued. They looked at him as he stood up and walked foreword. Holding out a hand Ace slowly put her D-Shot in his hand. Locking in his OpsLicense he pumped the grip and primed the shot.

“From one warrior to another,” Nax sax tiredly but standing tall, “thank you.”

Dan nodded and took aim, “Strikeout!” In moments Nax was no more.

He sat down and deactivated his suit as Ace and Boomer did the same and gave him some time alone as they searched the factory for the equipment he dropped and what was causing the jamming field. Boomer came up with both halves of his D-Shot, “Yeah that’s coming out of the paycheck.”

“So where are the others,” Dan asked as he got some of his energy back.

“D.E. brother keeping Rev busy,” Ace said as she and Boomer exchanged glances. “And D.E.’s mom had him cornered asking when he was going to find somebody and settle down. So we were the only ones able to get away.” She gave him a concerned look, “So what was all that about?”

“I’ll explain later,” he said. Rubbing his neck he told them, “I was running out of trick there so I think I owe you guys one.”

“You can pay me back by teaching me how to box,” Ace told him.

“You want to learn how to box?”, he asked.

She shrugged her shoulders, “Why not?”

“Cap,” Boomer started to say.

“No,” Dan quickly said.

“I didn’t get a chance to say anything.”

“I said I owed you guys one. She beat you to it.”

“Well that’s not fair,” Boomer complained.

“You’re right,” Dan agreed, “let’s hear it.”

“I was wondering if we could get one of those robotic dogs like the other units have. The ones that turn into a cannon.”

Dan thought it over for exactly two seconds, “No.”

“Why not?”, Boomer demanded.

“I’m allergic to dogs,” he answered as he got up and headed for the exit.

“You said you had a dog growing up,” Boomer reminded him.

“I’m allergic to robot dogs,” he amended. “And I’m taking the good jeep.”

“This really isn’t your night is it,” Ace joked.

***

Dan knew he should have headed back to base but he had one extra stop to make first. Pulling up in front of the house he saw the rest of his team and D.E.’s family standing outside. “Cap what are you doing here?”

“Just thought I stop by and say hello to your parents,” he explained.

“So you’re the guy holding the reigns on my boy,” Tony said as he extended a hand. Dan took it, “Good grip you have there son.”

“Thank you sir,” Dan said. “I’m not blowing smoke by saying Terry one of my best men.”

“He better be,” Tony laughed, “runs in the blood don’t you know. Say, are you alright son, you look a little beat.”

“There was a situation, but it’s taken care of,” Dan explained. “I hate to great and run but I have to get back to base and file a report about that situation. Ace and Boomer should be pulling up pretty soon, but you can take your time getting back if you want.”

“You got it Cap,” D.E. said.

“Nice meeting you sir, ma’am,” Dan said as he headed back to the jeep. He paused before turning on the engine, thinking about Nax. He wondered about what other assassins where on planet or on their way here. He’d have Michelle check it out when he got back. Some how he didn’t think they’d be as honorable as Nax said he was.