Free The Apostates by Lars Teeney Page B

arm back and landed a blow across the face of the lieutenant with the sole of the shoe. He continued the onslaught against the lieutenant’s head until he felt satisfied that it had compromised the skull’s structural integrity. Rodrigo, looked down at his handiwork, dropped the shoe, turned and walked awkwardly away with one shoe on his left foot. His asymmetrical walk led him to his armored vehicle where, within awaited a shower and his fresh uniform.
    The Inquisitor entered the armored vehicle via a rear hydraulic ramp, which lowered to the ground. He entered a small living quarters equipped with a bunk, workstation, mini-bar and small bathing area with a basin, toilet and shower. Rodrigo peeled off his bloody spandex, then reached into the shower to warm the water. Rodrigo felt reinvigorated. He felt like he did some good to make an example of the two officers. That was the only way he understood to keep L.O.V.E as a crack organization; show them tough love. He stepped into the shower and scrubbed off the spattered blood that had pelted his face and arms. He rubbed the soap and lathered up his hands and washed his body. As Rodrigo was shampooing his head, he was pinged, which triggered his retinal H.U.D. It was an incoming transmission from the Minister of State Security. Rodrigo willed open the channel. It was Kate Schrubb on the other end.
    “Greetings, Inquisitor Rodrigo. I received
your initial communication about the incident. Do you have any other
information to add?” Kate inquired.
    “Minister, yes. I investigated the scene myself and concluded it was Apostate operatives that attacked. It seemed they hit while the commander had most of his detail away for a brothel visit. But, not to worry, I took...corrective actions,” Rodrigo reported as he stepped out of the shower and dried himself with a towel. He tied the towel around his waist.
    “This is encouraging news. It seems your
information was correct. With the increased frequency of enemy contact it would
indicate that they are very close to your position,” Kate surmised.
    “Yes, I surveyed from the top of a small
mountain. I believe that they are just to the south of my location. Most likely
right around the Great Lake,” Rodrigo finished drying himself then put on a
fresh pair of undershorts followed by uniform slacks.
    “Alright, Inquisitor. If you were to lead an assault on their position what would you need to make the operation successful?” Kate asked anxiously.
    “In due time, Minister. First we must
observe and gather intelligence. Head Ranger Frank will oversee the recon ops.
Once he reports to my satisfaction I will get back to you on material and
personnel estimates. Does this sound fair?” Rodrigo was stern. He finished
buttoning up his shirt and threw on his decorated uniform jacket. “I need to
wait for my informant to contact us with an update as well,” he added.
    “Fair enough, Rodrigo. But, remember, we
need these Apostates taken down before the B.A.G. Our citizens must be focused
on the festival and not living in fear of terrorists. It needs to be L.O.V.E.
who brings them down, not my brother,” Kate insisted.
    “Yes, Ms. Schrubb, it’s all in my timetable,” Rodrigo concluded. He was now fully dressed and picked up his lion head
cane.
    “Very well, Rodrigo. I leave the matter in
your capable hands,” she disconnected.
    Rodrigo looked at the lion head on his cane. Under the chin of the head on the knob was a trigger. He checked it meticulously. Rodrigo sat in his workstation. He called up old satellite photos of the Great Lake region on his retinal H.U.D. He poured over the old, low definition, black and white images and newer Internet age photos. Rodrigo noticed numerous old towns that had since been abandoned. He further noticed old naval bases and currently inhabited cities and towns. His eye was drawn to a pre-war oil refinery. From what he could tell of the photos it was a sprawling complex with many structures