The Gauntlet Crucible Ch.2

(April 5th, 2044  Chicago, Illinois)  

"Tensions between the People's Republic of China and Russia have increased with the recent border massacres at the village of Kanshak conducted by Russia.  US officials have condemned the massacre, but Russia has warned the US not to interfere.  In other news, New Horizon on Mars, a colony jointly created by Russia, China, the US and the UK, is now experiencing water shortages due to a water main rupture.  The UK and US are preparing V823 Space Cruisers with water, food and medical supplies to ship to the colony.  Prepartions are expected to take two weeks.  This the Universe News and I'm Susan Ryan."

The TV turned off and the room was quiet. There were three men sitting on a blue couch and they stared at the blank screen.  

"New Horizon, water shortages, and border dispute between Russia and China.  Ain't life grand?" said one of the men.  He wore a red T-shirt and black slacks with white socks.  

"My brother is on New Horizon.  I should check with him, make sure everything is okay over there." commented the other.  He wore a yellow jumpsuit that of a mechanic.  

The last of them, the youngest, stood up.  "Well, I got to go work.  Another big day."  He went to his closet and changed into a blue long sleeved shirt, black slacks and polished black shoes.  He combed his hair back and shaved the stubble he grew.  

"I don't get you, Will.  You're 19 and you took on the job of Mall Security? Couldn't you go for something more prestigious, like uhh...work in the company I do?" said the man in the red t-shirt.

Will chuckled, "Because Dave, I don't like sitting in a cubicle."  He put on a black tie and pinned a gold star to a patch right above his left breast.  "Besides, you meet a bunch of intersting characters in the mall.  Many of them are retired veterans working as security and they have some good stories."  

"Correction.  I have an office and I am paid very well for it.  You have to stay in this cheap apartment, while I have a house." said Dave.

"Yeah, yeah rub it in, pompous jerk."  said Will.  He looked over to see his other friend on the computer and checking the Sonic Mail.  "How is he, James?"  

James sighed and shook his head.  "I don't know.  I don't what time it is on Mars.  It could be a while before he sends anything back."

"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to play me some golf.  Care to join?"  asked Dave.

"We have to work Dave.  We don't get paid as nearly as much as you and we can't afford to  take time off." sighed James.  Dave was disappointed, but not surprised.  

"Oh well, catch you guys later then." With that, he was out the door.

"Of course, if he knew our second jobs, he wouldn't think we were so poor.  How did you meet him anyways?" James stood up and streched his back.

"I saved him from being mugged by these thugs.  He's been grateful ever since.  Even though he is a bit annoying, he is still a friend." Will put a tag on his other patch that said "William Holt".  

"Well, odd." James looked out the window and into the busy street.  "Do you like your cover job?"

"Didn't you listen? Yeah I enjoy it."

"Do you like your first job?"

Holt sighed, "As immoral as it is, it does have its moments.  Tell you the truth, being a mercenary pays alot more than I originally thought."

"I wouldn't call it a mercenary.  Sounds too demonized.  I would call it a soldier of fortune."

"Same thing James." Holt remarked.  "Do you think we'll get another contract today? It's been a while"

"Two weeks isn't a while.  Green Sky told us they would contact us when something big comes up."  James and Holt went out the door and down the stairs of the apartment.  

"Green Sky, one of the largest Private Military Contracters out there can't get us a job?" Holt asked.  

"Be patient Holt, they will get us one.  Besides, I have more than enough money right now.  Always could use more though." said James cheerfully.  "Hey, how much do you have?"

"Enough to buy Dave's company. I don't know exact amount." answered Holt calmy.

"That much?! You must not buy alot then..." exclaimed James.  They reached the bottom floor and stepped outside into the busy street.  "I'll check again, if anything comes up, I'll come find you." He jumped into his utility truck and drove away into the traffic.

Holt hailed a taxi and told the driver to take him to Low Pikes Mall.  Arriving  and paying the fare, Holt jumped out and into the massive double doors.

"Oh my god...so busy today..." he commented upon seeing the throngs of people there.  He made his way through the crowds and into a door that lead to a subsection.  Inside was the security office.  In the office were desks with a bunch of paper on them and a bunch of older men sitting by a security moniter wearing the same uniforms as Holt.

"Ah there he is! A little late you know!" said one of the men.  He was in his mid-50s, overweight and was the chief of the guards.

"Sorry sir," Holt apologized.  "I was tied up and have no excuses."

The chief waved his hand.  "Nevermind that.  You're here now and that's all that matters."  He gave Holt a nightstick.  Holt took it and placed it on his belt.  The chief nodded and went to a desk to file some papers.

"Hey Holt, check this out,"  said one of the guards sitting at the moniters.  Holt went over and looked at the many moniters.  "Look at this one." The guard pointed at one of the moniters.  Two security guards were having a verbal confrontation with a group of five teenagers clad in leather.  

"Is that Collin?" asked Holt, squinting and pointing at the guard closer to the moniter.

"Sure is!" laughed one of the other guards.  "That other one is a newbie!  Collin is showing him around and it looks like the newblood already has a matter on his hands.  Ten bucks says it turns into a brawl!"

"I'll only bet if it turns into a brawl!"  As if on cue, one of the teenagers punched Collin in the face.  "Ten bucks says that Collin and the new one loses and needs us!" The other guards were then putting money on the table.  "Hey Holt, want to...where'd he go?" Holt was already out the door and heading towards the fight.

"Hey no fair! We all know Holt's going to break it up!" complained one of the guards.

"Too bad sucker, all bets are final." said another one.

Holt had run up the escalators and up to the clothes department where the teenagers and the two guards were fighting. He saw the new one take a fist to the face and he reeled back with a bloody nose.  One of other teenagers turned and saw Holt.

"Hey we got another one!" he tried to hook Holt, but Holt caught the fist, took the nightstick and hit him across the face.  The other four now were charging straight at him.  Holt clothes-lined one of them and he hit another in the stomach.  The last two managed to land a hit on Holt, but he recovered and threw the nightstick into the face of one.  He then held onto the last teenager's jacket and headbutted him.  The teenager fell to the ground with a bloody mouth and some missing teeth.

Holt panted, recovered his nightstick and turned to the crowd that  had gathered.  

"Nothing to see here ladies and gentlemen.  Go about your business."  The crowd dispersed.  The teenagers were groaning and lying on the ground.  Holt helped Collin and the new guard to their feets.

"Are you alright? What happened?" asked Holt.  Collin coughed some blood out of his mouth.

"These punks were loitering and scaring off some of the customers." Collin growled.  The new guard just stood there.

"How do you like your first day?" asked Holt.

"Uh...uh...fine...s-sir..." he said nervously.  He was two years older than Holt, but was a timid as a child.

"It's Holt." Holt said with a small smile.  "Get out of here before I call the police! I don't ever want to see you here!" he shouted to the teenagers.  They picked themselves up and ran.  

Collin turned to Holt and said, "I'll take ourselves to the medical wing.  Thanks for the help."

Holt nodded and went back to the security office.  He came back and some of the guards looked unhappy and some looked very happy.

"I ruined the bet didn't I?" he asked.  Most of the guards nodded.  "Sorry."

One of them came up and gave Holt a wad of cash, "You helped us win! here ya go!"  

The guards dispersed and went back to their stations.  Holt took a doughnut and took a big bite before watching the moniters again.