D&D

PlainWalker

By R.P. Matthews

Chapter 1: Session 0

We all wonder… when we die… what do we leave behind? Everyone, at some point in their life, longs to make an impact and have their praises sung for years to come. Its every man's dream to be remembered. We want to have a legacy or leave some lasting impression. Some men strive their whole lives to achieve such lofty goals. Those monoliths of perseverance are praised amongst an elite pantheon of humanity.

The rest of us are left to wallow in our obscurity. To be known by only a small family and a few close friends before fading away. It is our fate to be lost to the annals of time…nameless ghost to our own history…

Unable to contain himself any longer, Gabriel started laughing. "…I'm good with that," he mumbled before placing the magazine back on the rack. The article "Humbled by Time" had caught his eye while he waited for his order. The Books-a-Million Café always had weird products on display to entice buyers. They certainly passed the time and didn't lack for comedic value. It was written by some Sociology Professor who apparently had way too much time on his hands. Probably never experienced hardship since learning to wipe his own ass.

"Some men strive their whole lives to achieve such lofty goals," he quoted suppressing another chuckle. "Guess I'm just fucked."

"Excuse me?" a voice asked. The barista behind the counter was holding his drink out, expectantly. The expression on her face, however, was clearly offended. Damn, did I say that out loud?

Embarrassed, Gabe smiled apologetically. "Just thinking aloud," he said dropping the cash on the counter, "keep the change." A $2 tip for a $3 cup of coffee, should've brought a smile, but the barista continued to frown. Even as she pocketed the tip, she continued to look at him disapprovingly. There was no telling what annoyed her outside of his language. He didn't quite match the bookstore's usual clientele. Amongst the 'teens' and 'twenty-somethings' without a matching piercing or hair dye between them, his high-and-tight haircut stood out. Could've also been the SiG .320 tucked into his leather belt. Hell, maybe it was his Captain America shirt.

"Do you need anything else?" the barista asked haughtily. She was definitely in her late teens and the café must've been her first job. Quality Customer service usually came with experience.

Smiling again he saluted with his coffee. "I'm good." Picking up the Timothy Zahn novel off the counter, he turned to leave. Inspired by his purchase he couldn't help the quote that came to mind. "May the Force be with you." The girl actually clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"That's creepy," he heard another patron say, "How old is that guy?"

Sighing, he left the café area to find a place to sit. It was such a peaceful day, he decided to wait outside. Sitting, he sipped his drink while starting in on his new book. Try as he might though he couldn't get into it. The crack about his age and the judgmental glares were irritating.

Gabe was used to his subordinates commenting on his age, but that was typical banter. They all respected his seniority. He also outperformed them in their morning Physical Training despite having nearly two decades on them. But they all passed their bi-annual APFT so he couldn't really complain. They also came to him for advice on personal matters so he must be doing something right.

"Hey, Sergeant!"

Speaking of my subordinates. Gabe looked up to see a wry blonde man, with a nose that could plow a field. He started to wave when he saw Specialist Kyle Bonness wasn't alone. Right next to him walked a thin woman with long muddy brown hair and glasses that looked they could see into the future. A bit homely, but she had a nice figure. He had to applaud Bonness's taste. Stop being dirty, you old grump.

Gabe managed to collect himself by the time they made it to the table. "Your late, bud," he said setting his paperback on the table. "Had time to go shopping."

Kyle smirked. "You know you can download those digitally right, Sergeant?"

And miss the feeling of actual paper between my fingers? "Forget that noise," Gabe scoffed. "I am a man of culture," he added in mocking indignation.

"Nope, just old."

"I prefer vintage, or seasoned."

"Still means 'old.'" Kyle ducked, Gabe's halfhearted attempt to slug him. Still smiling he said, "Sorry, we ran a bit behind."

Gabe couldn't help but wonder what would cause them to be a full thirty minutes late. The lecherous thoughts came and went, and he realistically assumed it had taken Kyle's girlfriend time to get ready. Gabe's ex-wife had been much the same.

Ignoring the impulse to rub the spot where a ring had once been, Gabe asked, "So, what'd you want to talk about?"

Kyle winced as the girl elbowed him in the ribs. "Oh!" He flushed as if just realizing he'd forgotten something important. "This is Megan by the way."

Gabe smiled and nodded by way of greeting. Megan returned the smile and shook his hand. "Kyle's mentioned you a few times," she said, "Nice to finally meet." She didn't lack confidence, that was for sure.

"I can finally put a face to the name," Gabe responded, feeling a mischievous grin tug at his mouth. "You're famous around the Battery."

Megan scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. "Famous?"

"Yeah, but I'm sure some the rumors are exaggerated."

"Rumors!?" Megan exclaimed looking both appalled and annoyed, "What rumors?" She rounded on Kyle only to find the Specialist was doing his best to conceal laughter. "Kyle!?"

"It's a joke," he said jovially, "He's just teasing you." Megan's outrage quickly turned to embarrassment. Bonness wrapped an arm around her. Despite a pout, she didn't pull away. "Be nice Sergeant." Though he was smiling there was no mistaking the warning. He must really like this girl.

Smiling, Gabe apologized. That was a tick of his, masking his nerves with bad humor. He couldn't help but wonder what this little meeting was about. Picking up on the vibes between the couple, Gabe wondered if Kyle was looking for marriage advice. Normally he'd try to talk his younger soldiers out of such commitments, having experienced the more negative aspects. But this was Bonness.

Even with that nose, Kyle Bonness was a squared away guy and it isn't like Megan was a complete stranger. They'd dated after High School and were still together. After two years of Kyle's enlistment she still hadn't left so she had potential. Not to mention, after passing his Promotion Board Bonness was about to become Gabe's peer. So, he didn't lake for brains or maturity.

"C'mon," the younger man said, standing, "Let's chow while we talk." Gesturing to a restaurant across the parking lot he added, "You like Italian right, Sarge?"

Jeez, he planned this! Gabe suppressed a laugh. Kyle had arranged a meeting at one of Gabe's favorite hangouts near one of his favorite places to eat. The kid certainly knew how to butter him up. Polishing off the last of his coffee, Gabe stood to follow. He watched as Megan curled up next to Kyle. They were good kids.

Though all three of his senior enlisted passed the Promotion Board, Gabe had chosen Kyle to be his replacement. The title of Team Leader to go along with his stripes. The paperwork wasn't done yet, but the Lieutenant and Captain had all but confirmed it. Kyle wasn't aware of it but now seemed as good a time as any.

Well, I guess I should offer them my congratulations.

That was when the scream split the air.

Eyes wide with abject fear a woman and man were running towards the bookstore. Crimson dripped off the man's arm. Kyle and Gabe opened their mouths to ask what was wrong when a third person walked out from behind two vehicles. Gabe's heart catapulted into his throat. The person, face covered, clad in all black was rushing toward them. Sunlight caught the edge of metal in their hands.

"Knife!" Gabe shouted. His hand shot to his hip, but Kyle and Megan blocked his shot. The attacker was now barreling right toward the stunned couple. Pulse hammering in his head, he moved without thinking. Shouldering them aside, he drew his weapon. Years of drill and range shooting brought the pistol clear of his holster. The thug never slowed. In a single smooth motion, the weapon came up. He was nearly on top of them. Rear site lined up with the front, centered on the assailant's chest. Pulling the trigger, not squeezing it…

Click… Shit!

Panicking Gabe tried to chamber a round, but the attacker was already on him. "Fucking Fascist!" the man yelled.

Pain, the likes of which, Gabe had never felt, exploded from his side. As the lightning and warmth rippled the length of his body, it threatened to send him into shock. Gasping he grabbed the hand still clutching the knife lodged in his torso. The attacker tried to pull away, but Gabe held firm. The man froze as he felt something press against his gut.

There was no click this time. The man might have screamed, but it was drowned out by the weapon's report and the ringing in Gabe's ears. The SiG barked repeatedly, tearing into the thug's soft tissue until the slide locked to the rear. The man fell, ripping the knife free. Gabe gasped again clutching at the sudden gout of blood.

"Sergeant!" Bonness yelled, but Gabe had already hit the ground.

The pistol clattered to the asphalt as he curled up to the wound. Wh-what the hell? He was sweating and squeezing his eyes shut against the agony. It felt like a fever wracked his body. This heat…I can't stand it! A puddle of warm liquid soaked his shirt and pants. The scent of copper and ammonia was thick in the air. Had he pissed himself? As he looked down a cloud of dread coalesced within him. A dark red stain was expanding across his clothing. It hurts… so much… blood… His vision swam as more warmth streamed down his face. Denial warred with sick realization. This can't…be happening…

"We need an ambulance! Quick!" Kyle called out. Behind him, Megan was on her phone. Their voices sounded so far away and yet it was as if they resonated within his skull. It stung to listen.

Rolling over onto his back he was able to get a better view. "Be quiet…" he gasped through clenched teeth, "you're… too loud?"

"Sergeant! Hang in there!" Bonness said desperately. Removing his shirt Kyle applied direct pressure to the wound. Somehow the pain was fading, but his body still hurt.

Gabe's fingertips and toes were starting to tingle as he shivered uncontrollably. Now… I'm freezing…? If the sun was so bright why was it so damn cold out. Clouds danced around the edge of his vision. Am I… gonna die?

The realization, which might've caused panic instead, brought on a bit of clarity.

We all wonder… when we die… what do we leave behind? So, what was he leaving? Soldier's who barely knew him outside of work. Aside from Kyle most of them only knew the stripes and not the man. There was his ex, but she was too polite to say she hated him. Amanda didn't have to worry, he hated himself enough for letting her go. An apartment full of unfinished projects ranging from professional to…inappropriate. Its every man's dream to be remembered, but there were some things he didn't want to be remembered for.

Reaching out he gasped, "K-Kyle." The man leaned in clutching at the bloody hand. Were those tears in his eyes? Get it together, man…I-I need you to focus. Gabe pulled the future Sergeant closer so only they could hear. Weakly he whispered, "…P-promise me… something…" Kyle sniffled before nodding. "At apartment… my… my hard drive… make sure it's destroyed…"

The young man made a noise somewhere between a laugh and a sob. "You can do it yourself!" he pleaded with a quivering smile, "Just stay with us!"

"Please…" he sighed with a waning smile. It was bad enough he was dying due to an amateur mistake. The least the guy could do was preserve his dignity.

"Sergeant…" Kyle sobbed looking ashamed, "All I wanted to do was show off Megan to you."

Figures. Even as his life stained the pavement the world had to remind Gabe of how much he was missing. "Jeez…" he gasped, trying and failing to keep a firm grip on Kyle's hand. "It's… okay… Don't worry about it." Meeting Megan's tear-filled gaze he said, "Just make sure… you have a happy life together…" They both slowly nodded. "And take care… of that hard drive." Kyle opened his mouth to speak but only a sob came out.

A sense of calm draped across his body as even the cold began to fade. Never thought I'd kick the bucket… alone at thirty years old. The noon sun was growing bright but none of its heat made its way to him. Maybe if God gives me a second chance… I'll do things differently. The pain was gone. The fever was little more than a memory. Not even the dread and panic remained. Maybe I'll find the right girl…

"Sergeant!" Kyle shouted clutching at his limp hand, "Gabe! Hold on, Gabe!"

Shut up, man… Just let me… have some… peace and quiet…

"Gabe! GABE!"