Chapter Four
Assembling the Team
Calhoun strode quickly into Game Central Station, Vanellope following closely at her heels. Kohut was straight ahead by the far wall, the Surge Protector beside him.
"So let me get this straight," said Calhoun, stopping in front of the two of them. "Felix left the arcade?"
"That's what I said, sarge," said Kohut. "He was running towards the wire that leads to the power socket, and then headed towards the corner of the station. Next thing anyone knew, he was spouting off nonsense about finding his master. I tried to calm him down, but…he bolted."
"Right past me," said the Surge Protector. "I tried to stop him, but he just shoved me out of the way. He went into the arcade's wall."
"Why didn't someone follow him?" Vanellope asked.
"I tried," said Kohut. "He was way too fast…gone in seconds, it seemed like."
"Well," said Calhoun, "it must be mind control."
"Wait," said the Surge Protector. "Why would you say that?"
"All the usual signs are there, from what you boys are describing," she said. "If nothing else, that bit about 'finding the master' ought to be a dead giveaway."
"The sarge knows her clichés," said Kohut. "I'd trust her."
"Who'd do that, though?" the Surge Protector asked. "The last guy we had with that sort of technology is gone."
At this, Vanellope glanced briefly towards an empty socket in the power strip.
"Something must have got past your gaze," said Calhoun. "Something from outside the arcade. Something tiny, that'd be easy to miss."
"Which leaves us with a whole world out there to explore," said Kohut. "How'll we ever find him?"
"If he's even still there to be found," said the Surge Protector.
"Now that's a fear I will not give in to," Calhoun replied. "Not when I haven't even tried to find him. I need to go through that wire."
"If I let you through," said the Surge Protector, "I'm taking an awful risk. You're an essential part of your own game. If you die…"
"You don't need to tell me," said Calhoun. "But he's my husband."
"And our coworker," said a voice to her left. Calhoun turned to see Ralph heading towards the group, with Gene following him.
"We just heard all about it from Clyde," said Ralph as and Gene he arrived beside them. "If you're going, so am I."
"And I as well," Gene added. "I won't have it said that I sat back and did nothing when a friend was in trouble."
"That's three of you," said the Surge Protector. "An even bigger risk."
"And I'm going too," said Vanellope, a look of firm resolution on her features.
"I'm afraid I can't allow that," said the Surge Protector. He held up a finger to silence Vanellope's protest. "Ralph and Gene are part of Felix's game, and if Felix isn't found, their game's broken. They've got every reason to go through that socket. As for Sergeant Calhoun- whatever the risk to Hero's Duty, this is her spouse we're talking about."
The Surge Protector paused for effect, before adding: "Why should I take any more risks than I have to? We don't know what lies beyond that socket, and I don't want you getting hurt…again."
"Let her come, Surge," said Ralph.
"No can do, Ralph," Surge replied. "I've said my piece."
"But I haven't said mine."
Sergeant Calhoun turned to look at Vanellope.
"Felix is my friend too," Vanellope continued. "And there's more. I think if I don't go with you guys, I'll never forgive myself." She blinked. "I don't know why, I just do."
As before, I know exactly what you're feeling, Calhoun mused. And this time, I think you know, too.
Calhoun turned back to the Surge Protector. "Ralph's right," she said. "Let her come with us."
"Sarge?" said Kohut, "are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Kohut, you keep the troops in line till I get back," said Calhoun.
"I'm still not so sure this is a good idea," said the Surge Protector. "What does Gene say?"
The Mayor of Niceland straightened the flower in his lapel. "To be honest, it's a bad idea," he said. "But as I'm outvoted, I acquiesce…provided Sergeant Calhoun takes full responsibility for her safety."
"I'll do what any mortal can," said Calhoun.
"And I promise I'll do what I'm told," Vanellope replied.
"Only make promises you can keep," said Calhoun. "Anyway, I'd recommend you stay with one of us at all times. Usually, that'll mean me, but if it has to be somebody else-" She gave Gene a meaningful look.
Gene snorted "I won't knowingly let any of us die or get lost, if that's what you mean," he said.
"And you know I'm always one for a group effort," said Ralph.
"Like when you helped Don look for the Christmas tree?" Gene remarked. "Oh right, you didn't."
"Oh sorry, I got busy," Ralph replied, embarrassed.
Gene harrumphed, but said nothing.
"Whatever happens, don't fight amongst yourselves," said the Surge Protector. He looked at Vanellope.
"I'm going to let you go, but it's against my better judgment. Just…don't die."
"I don't plan on it," said Vanellope.
"I never planned on having SANG get past my defenses," said the Surge Protector, "but it happened." He took Vanellope's hand in his own.
"Stay safe," he said as he de-materialized.
"I'll say the same thing," said Kohut. "To all of you, actually. I've no idea what's out there."
"None of us do," said Ralph. "We've been through this."
"Right then," said Sergeant Calhoun. "I suggest you boys make any final goodbyes right now. We leave in an hour. And while I'm sure we all plan on coming back…"
Her voice trailed off. There was no need to finish the sentence.
"Right," Calhoun said again. She turned to Kohut, who saluted. "My cruiser still in good repair?" she asked him.
"We've got it in tip-top condition, sarge," he said.
"Good," said Calhoun. "I'm going to fetch it. Assemble the men. I want one last word with them."
Within the staging area of Hero's Duty, Calhoun surveyed the assembled marines. They wore looks of rapt attention that she knew were genuine.
No disrespecting their sergeant- not for these men.
"Right, boys," Calhoun began. "As you've probably heard, my husband went a little bonkers and went skedaddling for parts unknown. I've got to go and fetch him back before this arcade re-opens. I may or may not be back in time for Christmas, but we'll keep our priorities, won't we? The mission comes first, even if it takes until the 28th.'
'I'm sure you all know the risk. If I die, our game is basically busted. I don't intend to die, but if I don't come back…well, keep your chins up, and no wallowing in angst like sissies." Calhoun cleared her throat. "That is all."
Every marine saluted simultaneously. Calhoun grinned. "That's right boys," she said. "Efficiency, loyalty, honor- all marks of a good soldier. I've full confidence in you boys to keep this place in good order till I get back. Obey Kohut in all things, and keep making the corps proud. Dismissed."
As the marines filed out of the staging area, Calhoun slung her hoverboard over her shoulder. No wallowing in angst. Hah, I love motivating them like that. You can't do that with everyone.
She thought of Vanellope. An additional responsibility on my part. I've got to worry about her, on top of worrying about Felix. But…it just wouldn't have been right to leave her. She's got her own problems, and if doing this gives her a fresh purpose, who am I to deny her that? I just hope she doesn't get too hyper.
Calhoun smirked. Who am I kidding? She probably will go a little crazy. Just so long as she stays with the group-
She shook her head. "Time to go."
With that, she boarded the train that would take her to Game Central Station.
I'm coming, Felix. Wherever you are…I'm coming.