Free Hybrid: Project Vigil by Samuel Bohovic

obviously raised.
    John laughed. “Army Reserve? You guys don't even know how rifle looks like.” Then he started to walk towards the door.
    “Who are you then? If you are so cool.”
    John didn't even turned his head to answer he just said. “1st SFOD-D * .”
    Cashier most likely doesn't know what that is. All John knew about his military classification was that he is member of Delta and should have rank of Corporal. Bikers still looked at him it already started to annoy him. He thought a little insult wouldn't hurt. So as he walked past them.
    “What's up ladies? Do you like my muscles?”
    Soon he heard heavy footsteps behind him and smell of cigarettes flooded his nostrils.
    “You just called me and my fellas ladies?” Voice came from behind.
    “Hey! Turn around when I talk to you!”
     
    John felt adrenaline build up in his blood just like before good fight.
     Claire said in his head. John turned around to face the origin of the voice.
    “What is it m'lady?” They stood just few feet from the car, John wished he had his pistol. 'Weapons don't give you 100% chance of victory they just give you better bargaining position.' He remembered when Gillian said that once on shooting range.
    “You want me to hit you?” Biker was trying hard to intimidate John.
    “I want you to try, but I warn you. It could hurt you a lot.”
    “What can you do to me?” Asked biker amusingly and swung his fist aiming for John's face.
    John caught his hand mid air. “This.” Then he used his artificial arm to deliver punch to man's jaw. John let the fist he held go just milliseconds before he hit. That sent the man flying. Two other bikers went after him. John took first one down with elegant leg sweep.
    Second one grabbed John's arm. John grabbed him too and smashed him against a concrete column. The police officers were looking elsewhere.
    “You aren't going to arrest me?” John asked them.
    “No, 'bout a damn time someone kicked their asses.”
     
    John sat back to car and drove away. John felt satisfied. Maybe he just made new enemies. Over years he had many enemies. None of them were lucky enough to survive. This country looked so calm and peaceful. Green forests, cold streams, rocky mountains.
    People here had no idea who just moved into their lands.
     
    They stopped few miles away from Breckenridge just before dawn. John needed Caroline to drive the last part. So John waited for her to wake up. Suddenly he couldn't resist the thought that they lied to him. He reached for pistol. Checked the rounds...real. He grabbed Caroline by front of her shirt to wake her up. Aimed at her head and yelled.
    “Where is she?! Where's Gillian?!”
     
    He woke up from the dream. His face and hands were covered with sweat. He must have fallen asleep while he waited for Caroline to wake up.
    “Damn it keep your shit together John.” He said for himself...
     
     
    * Refers to fictional Geth-Quarian conflict
    * Popularly known a s Delta Force 1 st SFOD-D is official name
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 9 – Home
     
    It took Caroline almost an hour to wake up. John decided to check his C.I.A. I.D. card.
    'Agent Sgt. John Blackburn'
     
    “I guess I was promoted. Hope I'll be paid better.“ He said for himself.
    
    “Damn it!”
     
    It was 9am Saturday 1st of June. Caroline drove them slowly through the town. John could see people everywhere. Walking, buying groceries or just talking.
    “We should buy some food too. I don't plan on starving.” Caroline parked in front of supermarket.
    “Do you want to go with me?”
     
    John put the sunglasses on. “Yes I want.”
    He noticed that everyone was wearing short sleeve clothes and he wore lon g sleeves to cover his arm and he also had gloves and jeans. That can attract some unwanted attention.
     
    They walked towards supermarket. John took time to observe every person within twenty feet and with his