July 2076
Lionheart Security HQ
Monterey, Pacific Territory
United States of America

“Alright, looks like everybody is here,” Blake said as Alex took a seat next to Shawn, Jimmy, and Cassie on the floor of the giant training area in Blake’s house. He had learned after accepting the contract that the house was also the main headquarters for the company, though several branches existed in the other territories for convenience. That explained the massive size of it, with multiple sets of rooms for those in the company set back from the front of the house. It also explained the heavy defensive armaments and the secure site atop the hill. Blake had known what he was doing when he had the house built.

“I’m sure you’ve all already met our newest recruits,” Blake said, nodding to the group around Alex, as well as another few knots of others who had been picked up by Lionheart. “The rest of you know the drill for missions, but I’m going to share some more details than normal.” 

The lights cut out and a holographic display appeared in front of and above the assembled group. Alex watched as the point-of-view zoomed in to a street map grid. As the view shifted down to street level, buildings rose up from the ground and soon the city of Chicago stood resplendent in the shimmering colors within the holoprojection. There was a murmur, even within the ranks of the hardened veterans, as they regarded the image of the city. The camera focused in on a large building, the recently finished Chicago Convention Center.

“Are we going to a gun show or something?” Alex whispered to Cassie. She seemed on the verge of answering his question, when he heard Blake answer it for her.

“No, Mr. Samuelson, no gun shows for you just yet,” Blake said, half annoyed at being interrupted, half amused by Alex’s obvious lack of knowledge about the important event that was to take place inside the convention hall. Alex felt his ear burn as every pair of eyes focused on him. He noticed a few seemed almost angry that Alex would interrupt Blake, but most had an almost mirthful quality, as if they were sharing Blake’s amusement. Then the unwanted attention was gone as fast as it had appeared. All eyes turned back to Blake.

“We are contracting with the Department of Homeland Security to provide ground level security for the Constitutional Convention, being held at the CCC in Chicago,” Blake said. “This operation is going to require all hands on deck. The President, Vice President, and almost every major congressional member will be in attendance. I cannot stress enough what an honor it is that we will be providing security for the first redrafting of our country’s constitution. And let me make it clear, we are in no way authorized to discuss these proceedings ahead of time. Only two other companies were given contracts for this assignment, and we won’t even know who they are until we arrive the day of.”

“Commander Blake, do we have an intel on the security positions of the other teams?” asked Sergeant Reyes, a wiry man in his mid-forties, from the back of the room.

“We are designated as Bravo Team. Alpha Team will be covering the grounds outside and Delta Team will be in charge of the roof and upper floor access. That means we will be as close to the delegates as anyone on the security staff, so watch what you say and who you say it to,” Blake replied, happy to have his officers asking questions before he had to explain them himself. He glanced across the crowd, searching anyone else who might venture a question. His eyes locked onto someone sitting just down the row from Alex. He looked over to see Jimmy’s raised hand which barely passed over the top of Shawn’s head, who sat next to him. “Yes, Private Sanders.”

“Sir, I’ve been following the news, and it sounds like there is a good chance of rioting concerning the new constitution being drafted,” Jimmy said, somewhat meekly as he realized everyone was watching him. He cleared his throat and spoke a little louder, asking, “Are we going prepared for a fight?” A few of the older officers nodded approval at Jimmy, clearly impressed with his obvious knowledge of the situation, despite his youth.

“We are always prepared for violence, Private, but no, I don’t expect we will have to fight anyone,” Blake replied calmly. “We will be leaving heavy weapons at home, just bring your light gear. Mostly we will be there to make sure no protesters get into the hall and to aid in the safe entrance and exit of attendees.” 

Jimmy nodded understanding and Blake took a few more question concerning various issues, mostly from the rest of his senior officers. Alex reflected on Blake’s tactic of using his officers to ferret out concerns rather than addressing the assembled men and women as if they were in school. The approach struck Alex as a stark change from the way Dempsey had commanded their teams during Basic. Where Dempsey had simply told the recruits what to do, Blake let his soldiers ask their own questions and simply provided the answers. He let them draw their own conclusions, but was willing to correct any misunderstandings. Alex decided he liked that quality in his commander.

“You’ve all received orders for units and assignments for the mission. We only have a couple days to prepare, but make sure to take some time to get out. You may not have an opportunity for free time for a while,” Blake said loudly, coming to attention in front of them. Everyone instantly rose and came to attention as well. 

“Lionheart,” they shouted in unison as they pressed their closed right fists of their heart.

“Dismissed,” Blake said loudly as he saluted them back.

* * *

Neon lights of every color illuminated the night cityscape of Monterey as Alex, Cassie, Shawn, and Jimmy walked through the downtown district of coastal city.The sidewalks were crammed with the bustle of nightlife and Alex got to see first hand that Monterey really was every bit the busy military city it had been made out to be. On the surface it looked much like any other large city, though Alex had to admit Oakvale was small by comparison. But now, walking through the streets, he could see just how many of the pedestrians were dressed in either military fatigues or team fatigues of other mercenary companies. 

“Hey, let’s go down to the water. I still haven’t gotten to go to the beach,” Alex said enthusiastically as they reached a corner and waited for the crossing light to turn green. The street, Prescott Avenue, climbed up into the hills to the left and down to the glittering ocean to the right. Buildings on both sides blocked any view of the hills or water.

“You go, Corporal,” Shawn joked, addressing Alex by his formal rank. “Me and Jimmy have a date with the Mercenary’s Saloon. With power comes responsibility, as my Dad always says, and right now I have the responsibility of buying Jimmy his first beer before we get shipped out.”

Jimmy and Shawn were already moving across the street with matching, mischievous grins on their faces. Alex had never taken much to drinking. His parents hadn’t kept liqueur in the house and his father had rarely allowed himself to drink in front of his children. Alex had sneaked a beer once, but sourness had burned his nose and he had poured it out, determined not to risk getting in trouble for something that tasted so foul. He laughed and shook his head as his two friends made their way through the milling crowd outside the bar and then disappeared into its dark doorway.

“Shall we?” Cassie said, interrupting his private laugh. Her hand slipped through the crook of his elbow and she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. Alex smiled, though he knew his face was quickly turning red.

“Let’s,” he replied and steered them down the street toward the ocean.

“We haven’t had much a chance to catch up, have we?” Cassie asked quietly. “It’s been so busy, getting orders and now this mission so soon after we’ve been picked up. It almost seems like a dream.”

“You’re telling me,” Alex replied. “I figured I’d get picked up and then spend a few years running supply team protection for the army or the government. Instead, we get the job of protecting the assembled power of the entire country. Some first mission.”

“Well, at least we have each other and Shawn and Jimmy,” Cassie said quickly. Then she flashed a smile at him, slipped her arm away, and dashed down the street toward the ocean. “Race you?”

Alex stood rooted in place for a moment. The intimacy he had just shared with her caused conflicting emotions. Whenever she was around, Cassie made him smile more than anyone since the death of his parents. But he knew she was also in his unit and that dating colleagues was frowned upon at Lionheart. Cassie and Sebastian had broken up, as best he could tell, but he didn’t want to push anything. He valued Cassie’s friendship and knew he could rely on her in the field, but he couldn’t help but hope there could be more between them.

“Hurry up, slowpoke!” Cassie shouted and Alex saw she was already rounding the next corner at the bottom of the hill. He pushed aside his worries and sped down the road after her, weaving between the throngs of people moving up the street, like a salmon swimming upstream. He saw her run down past two more streets and then down a large flight of stairs to the ocean that lay below.

“Took you long enough,” she said as Alex bounced down the stairs onto the cold sand of the beach. 

“I never was as fast as you,” he laughed. 

Then he stopped and looked past her. The ocean rumbled as waves crested and crashed down onto the shore near where they stood. Alex realized for the first time that it was colder near the water. He was used to the chilly weather and the fog, but the cold by the water was a crisper, sharper feeling. He looked down at his arms and saw goosebumps and quickly rubbed his hands over his arms to warm them back up. He noticed Cassie was doing the same and he quickly moved behind her and rubbed her arms too.

“So, he can be a gentleman,” Cassie mused and Alex felt her press up against him slightly. “It’s so pretty. I’m sad we won’t get to come back until after the mission.”

“Well, at least we have a moment now,” Alex said. He let his arms slide down and gently rested his palms her her hips. He felt her tense up and she immediately disengaged from him.

“Alex,” she started. Then she stopped and bit her lower lip. Alex could see the conflict in her eyes and felt a mix of elation and sadness. “I’m sorry. It’s just, we have the mission and I don’t want anything to get in over our heads, not yet at least. I’m sorry. I’m going to head back now, but thanks for coming down here with me.”

Alex watched as Cassie turned and ran up beach, up the shoreside staircase. She disappeared quickly into the crowd and he found himself alone. He wrestled with her words. Not yet at least, he thought. It was a bittersweet statement. She wanted to become closer, but was afraid of it affecting their work together. He understood it, of course, but that was the logical half of his mind. The emotional half wished he had just kissed her like he wanted to. Alex turned to watch the waves lap against the shore for a moment, then trudged back up the stairs, following the path Cassie had take when she had departed. 

The streets were even busier than they had been when he and Cassie had come down and Alex had to fight to make his way up the hill towards the main roads into and out of Monterey. He could catch a cab back to headquarters. The wind was blowing harder and the sun was completely down. Alex buried his hands in his pockets and tuck his chin down to keep his face out of the direct wind. 

The sounds of the city seemed muted as he slowly climbed the hill up toward the main drag. The streets already showed increased traffic and the sidewalk was jam-packed with people busily rushing to and fro. Two streets up from the beach, movement caught the corner of Alex’s eyes. He furtively moved off the main sidewalk into an alleyway, keeping in the shadows as he stared into the darkness.

Three figures stood facing each other. Two were tall and sturdy looking, wearing dark clothes and hooded jackets. Each looked to be holding baseball bats in their hands. The third figure was Cassie and she looked ready for a fight. Alex cautiously approached along the side of the alley, careful to conceal his position as he approached the confrontation.

“We’re just asking if you wanna go party, girl,” the first hooded man said, his voice smooth and inviting, though Alex knew they meant something other than a drink and a game of pool.

“Yeah, baby, come on with, we’ll treat you real nice,” the second one said in a gruff tone that reminded Alex of what he had always imagined biker gang members sounded like. “We just want to play a little.”

“I’m seriously not in the mood for this,” Cassie said, annoyed by also wary of the two men who crossed her path. “Stand back or I promise you’ll regret it.”

“Watch out, Danny, she might scratch you with her pretty nails,” the first man barked. His booming laughter reverberated off the dreary walls of the buildings along the street.

“No need to get testy with us, sweetheart,” the one named Danny said. “Me and Gordon don’t mean no harm.” 

He moved toward Cassie, palms down, like she was some kind of animal that might get spooked and bolt. Alex could see Cassie tensing up. She was getting ready to fight. Crouched in the shadows, Alex felt around on the ground. His fingers grazed an empty beer bottle. He carefully palmed the bottle and rose from his hiding place.

“Hey guys, why don’t you leave my friend alone,” Alex said confidently as he stepped out of the shadows a few feet behind Cassie. “We just finished our training and were out for a night on the town before we deploy.”

“Where the hell did you come from, shrimp?” Gordon chuckled. “Stay out of our way and you won’t get hurt. Go home and play with your pop gun.”

“Alex, I can handle this,” Cassie said turning to face Alex, a note of irritation in her voice. 

Then she smiled, a gleam in her eyes as she leaned back onto her right foot. With a spin that looked like it was out of an old kung fu movie, Cassie lashed out with a jumping roundhouse kick that connected with the first thug’s face. An audible crack echoed down the alleyway and he slumped to the ground unconscious.

Cassie landed lightly in a fight stance, facing the remaining man. He looked astonished, but quickly recovered. The bat in his hands whipped up and he held it out like it was a two-handed sword. He glared at Cassie and circled around her, careful to keep just out of her range of a strike. Alex carefully backed away from the confrontation, as if he didn’t want to be a part of it, circling to a position behind Cassie’s assailant. She apparently understood his plan.

“Come on, big boy, your friend didn’t make it one round,” Cassie said in a sultry, sarcastic tone. “Let’s see if you can do one better.”

Cassie feinted in, as if she was going to launch another kick. Gordon, for all his patience, reacted exactly how Alex had expected him to. He sliced up with the bat, a move designed to intercept and shatter Cassie’s knee. But his bat only found air. He had a moment to realize his mistake, but only a moment. The next instant, Cassie delivered a punishing kick to his solar plexus, sending the man spinning backwards. Right towards Alex, who simply stepped aside and smash the empty bottle in his hand over the back of the man’s head. He crashed to the ground, unmoving, to join his friend.

“Thanks for that, Alex,” Cassie said as she nudged each of the men with a toe. “I think they’ll have a cold night ahead of them.”

“Yeah, well, we’re teammates now, right?” Alex replied with a smile. “Gotta back you up when you get in a tight spot.”

“Oh please, I had the situation completely under control,” Cassie scoffed as they walked back toward the main thoroughfare. Alex laughed and shook his head as the melted into the crowd, the two thugs still unmoving in the alleyway.

Forty minutes later, the pair hiked up the driveway to the front of Lionheart HQ. Several senior officers were conversing on the terrace that overlooked the city. They nodded to Alex and Cassie as the two headed for the front door. 

“Alex,” started Cassie as she took a step next to him on the porch.

“Cassie,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry, I got a little carried away. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, the way I feel about you. But I’m not even sure about what exactly my feelings are, or even where this could go. You are one of my closest friends, I don’t want anything to get in the way of that.”

“Maybe when we are done in Chicago,” she ventured softly.

“We’ll see when we get back, then,” Alex said, smiling. Cassie’s eyes shouted gratitude and she smiled back. “One date when we get back, promise?” 

He held up his fist to her, pinky extended, the way he and his sister once had when keeping secrets from their parents.

“Promise,” she whispered with a smile and intertwined her finger with his.

“See you in the morning,” Alex said as he released his grip and pushed the front door open.

“Yeah, sleep well, Scope,” she replied, the smile still present.

“You too, Gemini,” he said as he trotted up the stairs towards his room.

Next Chapter: Ch. 13 - The Convention