TQB Ship Polarus, Mediterranean
Barnabas took a small sip of wine and then set the glass on the little table. Both he and Frank had decided to step outside and recline on the lounge chairs. Their discussion was much more pleasant while enjoying the evening air and sounds.
“I have to admit,” Barnabas said, “I didn’t realize the United States government still had people operating against the Forsaken after all of these decades.”
Frank swirled the wine around in his glass and took a sip himself, “Well, they did but they don’t anymore. When Bethany Anne recruited me the position rather disappeared.”
“So, there is no one in the government aware of the UnknownWorld?”
Frank considered that, “I can’t guarantee that. There are plenty of black-ops groups that have helped me over the years. I imagine some members of the groups have long memories and files with hints and suggestions in them. Plus, those that Michael’s group helped over the years, that weren’t memory wiped, are going to remember what happened.” He thought for a moment, “Fat lot of good it will do them, no one will believe the stories except other’s who have been through it themselves.”
“But you fear the government?”
Frank considered his response, “I don’t fear the people, I fear their institutional habits. They tend to grab what they don’t understand and shove it into a dark hole for study. What goes down the hole.” He looked at his glass and then finished the little bit inside. “Doesn’t come back out.”
Barnabas nodded in agreement, “That does seem to be the general reaction when groups of humans get together. It is almost a herd response, I believe.” Barnabas reached over to pull the wine bottle out of the iced bucket. “More?” Frank nodded and held out his glass. Barnabas poured it half full and then did the same to his own glass before putting the wine back in the bucket. “So, what is it you do now that you aren’t trying to track down Forsaken? I understand from Gabrielle that they aren’t a problem in America anymore?”
Frank snorted, “If they are, I’m unaware of it. I still run all of my tracking applications in case something happens. If anything was to happen they are so overpowered now it isn’t even funny.”
Barnabas had lain back in the chaise lounge, enjoying the opportunity to just chat and enjoy the night. “Because of Bethany Anne?”
“No,” Frank answered, “she probably doesn’t even need to deal with any of that any more. She can send either the Guardians,” he looked over to Barnabas, “you do know about her Guardians?”
Barnabas nodded, “I understand she has a group of humans and Wechselbalg who comprise her own para-military group?”
Frank resumed looking at the stars that were beginning to really shine above them. “More than that, but close enough. The main Guardian is Pete or Peter Silvers. He can change to their Procilici form. They also have a marine contingent that works with them. Between the two groups they ratchet ‘refined mayhem and pointed lethality’ up a few notches. I understand that they are working to build new teams of Guardians. However, I imagine she could cover any of that by just sending in one or two of her Own.”
“Her own what?”
“The Bitches.” Frank smiled, he loved being vague and Barnabas was just the person to allow him to lead him down this merry chase.
