Jackson made his way to his unit’s armoury, across the street from the war school. He already came up with a list of what he needed. For a threat that could teleport, it would be important to be mobile to escape or evade difficult situations. Which meant he needed to travel light, so any equipment that would slow him down or encumber him would not be ideal.
As the reptile went inside, the armourer who also acted as the unit's chemist, weapons smith, and antiquarian. The excited Englishman put his book down and smiled as his reptilian friend walked to the counter. Frank was a well-respected man within the Order. His dirty blond hair began to grey, he had the average physique of an unfit middle-aged man. Even though he looked no older than 34. Born in London, he wanted to show his English pride by showing off his mutton chops, even if it looked ridiculous on him.
‘So, what brought you here this time?’
Jackson handed him a list, his face still as emotionless as it ever could be. ‘For my main weapon, I’ll have a Micro-Uzi, no sight or attachments, four mags of 9mm hollow points, one mag of 9mm angel fire. I’d like a thigh holster as well, please.’
Frank raised a brow, ‘alright, going all in I see.’ He glanced at the list that Jackson had for him. ‘I don’t have any video recorder or audio recorder, you know that right?’
‘What do you have?’
‘Nothing in this armoury that can act as a substitute, if you want, I can lend you my own.’ He looked at Jackson to see if the reptile would give any reply, or at least reject taking his personal items on a mission. Yet, he was left disappointed to see the reptile not showing a hint of emotion or care. ‘Ah, so you want to take mine then?’
‘Yep.’
‘I’ll get it.’ Frank rolled his eyes as he went through the armoury to deliver Jackson’s equipment. Frustrated that he would either never see his recording equipment ever again or they’d be destroyed.
After an hour of waiting, he placed every item down on the counter. ‘Okay, so let’s recap what you want: Three Silenced Spheres, a combat knife that is enchanted to cut flesh without resistance, a belt holster for that knife, talons with a rocket attachment, your armoured navy-blue trench coat with a teleportation immunity enchantment, a blessed combat vest, a grappling hook, the Micro-Uzi with the special ammo, a lighter, a personal first-aid kit to your specifications, and lastly my two personal items.’
Jackson looked over his issued equipment, he examined the Uzi to see if it was operational and to his liking. ‘That is all, thank you.’ He said in a flat tone.
Frank felt that Jackson’s attitude was cold and detached. Far removed from the man he knew before he disappeared for 75 years. ‘So that recruit. Mark, is it? When will he join this unit? Is it 2018 or 19?’ Frank said, trying to start a conversation.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
‘February, 2018. That is if he qualifies and passes the field exam.’
‘Do you think he’ll have a chance?’
‘Maybe.’
Frank chuckled, ‘maybe? For someone who almost killed you multiple times, you really don’t show hope for him.’
Jackson didn’t reply, instead, he focused on putting on his armour and equipment. He hooked his toes through the talons, which are mechanical claws that could slice through concrete. The tools were designed to help the reptile scale rough surfaces, to anchor him, and to be used as a weapon.
But his silence and what seemed to be apathy left Frank in an awkward position, that someone he knew became something completely alien. He never expected him to turn out like that, not in a million years.
‘Well, Jack. What’s the mission?’
‘Hunt down the creature, use electronics to locate threat, neutralise if possible. Currently living in China, luckily no civilians in the area. I’ll be there by the 7th of June.’
‘Do you even know how to use them?’ Frank pointed at the camera and audio recorder.
‘I’ll figure it out.’ Jackson replied as he attached the last of his magazines into his vest. ‘Thanks for your help.’
‘Wait!’ Frank said before the reptile could depart. ‘Surely you have enough time to chat. Play catch up after all of these years, you know.’
Jackson paused, only for him to turn down Frank’s offer. ‘Can’t, the mission comes first.’
‘Ye… yes, the mission always comes first.’
The reptile walked off, even though he didn’t intend his response to come off as bitterly cruel and detached.
Yet Frank waved him off, disheartened at what became of Jackson. Ever since he returned to the Order after being declared dead for almost seven decades, Frank tried to understand Jackson. To what happened in the town of Appleseed, and what they did to him. But no matter what he did, he could never reach out to an old friend who he felt needed help.
If only the reptile could accept it.