I could make the same observations about my own team.
Ethan, Connor, and Tess had been around Haldis for a while, but Shiloh and Mikaela were new. In the past year they’d lost Stuart, Kyle, Lydia, Isaac, and Monroe. Connor wondered if maybe he’d been too quick to dismiss Tess’s theory about Adne and grief. They were all probably due a lot more grieving than they’d allowed themselves.
“Your attention!” Anika stepped into the center of the room. “Thank you for gathering and for your patience. After much debate and discussion, the Guides have concluded that we are needed in the world once again. We’ve spent the past weeks regrouping and have started rebuilding, and while that work continues, your purpose has always been to be in the world, defending it.”
A murmur of approval passed through the group.
“As we make the transition from pursuit of the Elemental Cross to safeguarding the world from occult intrusions, we must be patient, both with our individual selves and with one another.” Anika gestured to the four groups in the room. “The Guides have deemed it wisest to continue using the Striker teams as before to promote continuity within each unit.”
Connor leaned over to Ethan. “Considering how few of the old teams made it through the war, do you really think continuity is possible?”
“Just go with it,” Ethan murmured. “She’s doing the best she can.”
Chastised, Connor shoved his hands into his coat pockets. He hadn’t meant to insult Anika. He’d been feeling good when he and Ethan entered the room, but as he waited for deployment, his doubts had crept back in, souring his mood. The complaint had been borne out by his own frustration and a nagging sense of betrayal. It wasn’t that Connor felt Adne was betraying him. His resentment went well beyond that.
The war was over. His side won. He and Adne were together and he’d thought they were in love.
This was the part of life where things were supposed to be rainbows and unicorns, but somehow that wasn’t happening. Happily ever after, it turned out, was total bullshit, because Connor was miserable.
“While many of the Keepers perished at the closing of the Rift due to the simple fact that they were long past a natural human life span, there are Keepers who survived,” Anika told them. “We haven’t yet determined the level of threat any remaining Keepers pose. It is your task to assess that threat.”
Anika waited until the buzz of reaction died down before she spoke again. “We’ve been able to trace the location of some Keepers by following the one asset they still have: their money. Your Guides have your team assignments. After you’ve gathered the intelligence we need, you’ll return here for debriefing. Are there any questions?”
The room was tense with energy, but silent.
“Remember,” Anika said, “this mission is strictly recon. We have to assess the state of any remaining Keepers before we move against them. Unless you are in immediate danger, do not engage.”
Though the majority of the teams nodded in assent, a few grumbles and snickers could be heard from Pyralis. Holt didn’t even bother to hide the smirk on his face.
Anika ignored her detractors. “I look forward to your reports.”
A low roar filled the room as the teams broke off to discuss their missions.
“So I hear this Guide person has our assignment.” Connor winked at Tess. “Must be some kind of hot shot.”
“Montauk,” Tess replied.
“What’s a Montauk?” Ethan asked. He turned to Shiloh. “Do you know what a Montauk is?”
Shiloh stared at Ethan, trying to figure out whether he was serious.
“It’s a where.” Tess laughed, sparing Shiloh. “In the Hamptons.”
“I thought the Hamptons were a hotel chain,” Connor said, scratching his chin.
“Different Hamptons,” Tess answered, and said to Shiloh, “These two grow on you. I promise.”
Shiloh just nodded.
“Pssst, Connor,” Ethan said very loudly, “I think our new Striker is a robot.”
“Does that mean he has lasers?” Connor replied. “’Cause lasers would be very cool. And deadly. Deadly is always good.”
Tess shook her head, laughing but exasperated. “Forget what I said, Shiloh, just ignore them.”
Shiloh nodded again, but he cracked a little bit of a smile.
“I saw that.” Connor pointed at him. “I saw it.”
“Mikaela,” Tess said to the girl who’d been watching the exchange with wide eyes. “Will you please open a door so I can kick these hucksters out of the room?”
Mikaela sprang, literally, into action, jumping and whirling as she pulled threads to weave a portal. The moment the door took its full shape, Connor plunged forward.
“Tallyho!”
“We’re spies this time.” Ethan was on his heels. “Spies don’t say ‘tallyho.’”
“What do spies say?” Connor asked.
Shiloh said softly, “Nothing.”
Ethan and Connor exchanged a glance.
“I’m not wrong,” Shiloh added. “That’s why they’re spies. The stealth. Also, ninjas. Ninjas can do stealth. And they also say nothing.”
“He’s pretty good,” Ethan said to Connor.
Connor nodded. “Definitely stuff we can work with in there.”
“Stop corrupting my new recruit,” Tess said as she emerged from the portal.
Mikaela followed the Guide and closed the door.
“So this is Montauk,” Ethan said, checking out their surroundings. “Looks nice.”
“It looks like woods,” Connor said.
“Nice woods, though,” Ethan replied.
“If you like woods.”
“All right, that’s enough,” Tess told them. “I know you have lost time to make up for, but we also have work to do.”
“Yes, sir,” Ethan said. “Or do you prefer ma’am?”
“Or Unflappable Director of the Lost,” Connor offered. “It’s just a fancier way of saying ‘Guide.’ Has a nice ring to it.”
Tess rolled her eyes. “There’s a house a half mile due east of here. That’s where our targets are located. I’ll survey the grounds. Connor and Ethan, take the house. Shiloh, you’re with the Weaver.”