Exterminators Infected (The Exterminators Book 1) (3 page)

Marshall stopped the laughing. It was replaced with a grin. “Listen dude, your silly expectations about doing work for you is crazy. We don't even know what it is. Not to mention I don't even know who you are. However, I'd like to know the real reason you called us in here,” replied Marshall, but all Carl did was made sure eye contact was there. “Also, I would like to know why these guys are here. Why am I here? Who are you? Last thing is what was that letter thing, and how was it destroyed?” Marshall’s questions finally came to a halt. The boys looked to Marshall and then to Carl who had a wide smile on his face.

“That’s enough from you, young one.” Carl's voice was harsh. He didn't want to come across as a mean guy. However, he had to make sure they understood he was in charge. “When you speak to me you will treat me with respect. Do you understand? Some of your questions should be answered though. I will start with what you will be called. Exterminators are now your code names. They are the title you will be given.” All four boys looked at each other and then back at Carl. “You will learn of what that is in good time. Next thing Marshall asked was why you three are here.” Carl looked at the remaining three boys. “Well, to put it quite simply, you will all be partners.” The boys looked to each other, disbelief on all there faces. None of them could see themselves working with the others. “A Unit” He finished.

No one liked the idea of being partners with each other. Especially since some held on to old feuds. Marshall especially didn’t like it since he seemed to have a problem will all three but Carl spoke before he had a chance to retaliate. “My name is Carl and I will be your commander or general, whichever you would like to call me. In our terms, I would be your supervisor. The label that is given to us is titled “Bora” which means leader, teacher, or commander.” Peter's eyes widen. It almost sounded like he was thrown into some fantasy world. He usually lacked emotion but he felt somewhat excited about what he was hearing. The other boys were still more confused and cautious. “Once you read the guide the information I'm giving you will make far more sense.” Each boy looked towards the wall of the house to see four silver cases. The cases made the scene look like some top secret military secret. The boys wanted to all get up and look at them but waited until they were commanded. “You may go retrieve one of the cases. Please do not open until instructed.”

Each boy stood up and slowly made their way to the wall. They all took a look at the cases. After realizing that all of them were the same, each boy grabbed one; right away noticing how light the cases were. Whatever was inside wasn't very big. After sitting down again with their cases in front of them Carl began to speak, “Please open your cases to find three items inside.” Each opened their cases to reveal the three very items Carl just mentioned. The most noticeable one was an item that looked very similar to a handle or hilt of a sword. Its black covering over the dark gnarled wood made it seem very comfortable and easy to grasp. The bottom had rings attached with a small crystal on the end, which was protected by a see-through shield of some sort. “That is the first and most important equipment you will receive today. It’s called a Rod and this will be your main weapon in fighting.”

“A Rod? I can see the resemblance, but sir...,” Peter said while tilting his head. He was trying to finish the question but was too absorbed in studying the new item he had just received to focus his thoughts. After a moment Peter looked back up to finish the question but saw all the boys were now looking at him. He hesitated before finishing. “You said these are weapons. This look like a piece of wood with a crystal attached to it. I mean even you said it's just a rod.” The boys gave a slight chuckle, and even Carl let one slip.

“A name given long ago, young one. The power is unimaginable, uncontrollable even, if you don't know how to use them correctly.” The boys all took a look at their new weapon again. “To make sense to you boys, they are tools that can transform into anything you want.” At first the boys looked at the object, speechless. Then Marshall once again came out laughing; the other boys started asking questions.

“A sword?” asked Peter.

“A gun?” asked Nick.

“Money?” asked Fred.

“Are you guys serious!? You believe this crap?” Marshall didn’t believe a word coming out of Carl’s mouth. Carl was not offended by the words, he just smiled and nodded.
“Why do you always have to get so worked up?” Nick asked.
“'Cause I can. You got a problem with that?”
“I'm starting to have one.” Marshall didn't like the tone Nick was responding in.
“I just want to know if this really can become money. 'Cause I sure as hell can use some right about now,” Fred interrupted.

“Well, not money, but yes a gun or a sword is very possible,” Carl responded. Marshall just shook his head and laughed. Though not as loud spoken as Marshall, the boys were agreeing more with his point of view. That is when Carl came in telling them the downside of the object, “You may only change the object once a night to whatever you desire.”

“Once a night? Well, why’s that?” Fred asked, puzzled. The way the Rod worked was beginning to intrigue all the boys except Marshall who sat there laughing at the weapon. He eventually flung it on to the table and looked outside the window. Despite trying to act as if he didn't care, he was still listening closely.

“I will cover that later. First let's take a look at what else you got in those cases,” Carl spoke mysteriously so the boys listened. They each picked up the next object, which was a dark black belt. “The belt which you hold now, and I have all your sizes so don’t worry, will go with your other object.” They all then looked to the little black device with three colors on it. Red, green and white which were the only three buttons on it. It also had a small screen where words would pop up. “As you can see, there are three buttons. Red is to turn on Stealth mode, while green is to stop it. White is one of the most important ones. After each mission, when you eliminate the species, press the white button to tell the station you’ve completed your hunt. Soon after, a crew will come by, so be patient. They will clean up the mess with their equipment and take care of anyone injured. This is very important so please listen very carefully.” Carl finished and the boys nodded, as they understood. Marshall just threw the device onto the table without a care.
“So basically a beeper. Thanks 1999,” Marshall joked.

“You may call them beepers. Let me assure you though that they are far beyond just that. They are one of the most important tools you can have on a mission.” Carl stopped for a few seconds to take a few breaths and get some questions in before continuing.

The boys all took a second to check this new equipment. Understanding most of it was simple but what to use them for was still a mystery. “So what do we use them for in the end result, though?” inquired Fred, who was messing around with the Rod.

“Ah well that brings me to the next subject. Why are you called Exterminators and why did I just give you all these tools? This may be hard to understand but what you will be hunting are beasts. Some are very well known beasts such as dragons and Cyclops. Then there will be others, which you won’t know, such as Rockus, or Ruks for that matter. We titled all these monsters under the code name “Unknowns”. They are very real, just not in our realm. It may sound strange but these beasts can break though. How you ask? Because some are strong enough to break through the realm of the living. It's also because we have enemies who want to bring these creatures to our world. Believing they can create a new world or tame these monsters. I will assure you, these animals are very dangerous. A mission’s dead line is the day you get it and it must be completed in that day. Otherwise, we will send out an elite hunter, otherwise known as a Protector. I don’t take excuses and neither does this place so I advise you to do what you’re told.” The words sunk into the boys’ heads.

“So, in other words, this is really a game of life and death?” asked Peter. Carl answered with a nod, which made Peter slightly excited. He liked reading about this stuff. Now he might actually be apart of it.

“This isn't a game. That's one of the most important things to learn from today. You won't come back if you die. There is no restart button. No, this is real life. Meaning you can get hurt and if not careful end up dead.” The boys began to think twice about the deal. “I am not saying it’s helpless to fight at your level, though. The book that is also inside the case will help you. It’s a guide and it will show you great strategies to beat the Unknowns you will encounter. It's years of killing these things that those plans are made from. So you have the best hunters writing those. You'll be fine if you study them and hunt the monsters carefully.”

Marshall got up, brushed himself down, grabbed his case, and walked to the door. “I’m leaving. Thanks for the souvenirs, but this stuff is bull anyway. I don’t have time for this. I got school in the morning. This fantasy stuff can wait for another day.” Despite not believing, Marshall still took the case. The door slammed, making Peter jump back into reality. His mind lost in the thought process of creating weapons to kill Unknowns. Peter noticed Marshall was gone and felt relief flush over him. Carl on the other hand was angry.

“Don’t worry about him. When he needs help he’ll come to me,” said Fred, getting Carl’s attention. “He always does, even though we aren’t friends anymore. Well, continue. Any more information we need? Like how we’ll be getting these missions? 'Cause I don't even have a cell phone yet.” Fred changed the subject quick. Carl looked towards Fred and smiled.

“Right, good question. Always wear the Beeper, which will then give you a mission. It's not a simple message you will see. Instead the message will be shown to you. In good time you'll come to understand what that means,” Carl said, the boys now paying close attention. “Once the Unknown is found you will get a message, trust me you’ll know when the message is there. Once given the mission you will have until the end of that day to complete it. After that our Protectors will be sent out to hunt the monster. You could get the mission anytime on any day. I suggest you read your books so that you find all the information you will need about the things you’ll go up against.” The boys all looked at the book, analyzing a few pages then turning back to Carl.

Carl took a look at his watch again and began to speak “I’m sorry, but I must go. If anything comes up I will mail you like I did today or send you a message through the Beepers. Please remember to wear it tomorrow since that is when your jobs could begin. I have faith in you all…even Marshall. Have a good day now,” said Carl as he got up from his seat and walked to the closet door. He opened it, gave everyone a smile and a wave goodbye, then closed it.

“Well…that was new,” said Nick, looking at the three new things in front of him. Fred began to put away the items so Nick followed. Peter was already packed, but kept out the book. They all got up after gathering their stuff in their cases and left the house. It was getting dark out when they began their way home.

“Guys, this is crazy,” said Fred with a confused look. “I mean I've seen plenty of movies and cartoons about aliens…” Before he could continue Peter interrupted him by pointing out that they are monsters, not aliens. “Okay, monsters, creatures, aliens, whatever! These things, whatever they are, I thought can never really be out there,” ended Fred. Nick nodded in agreement but Peter disagreed.

“I must say, I believed some of what was spoken. The thing I don’t understand is, why us kids? I mean, why not adults?”
“Maybe because adults would try to get these guys arrested for thinking this is ludicrous,” Fred said.
“I see that. Still it seems weird to pick up a bunch of seventeen year old kids to try and take on these so-called monsters. I mean, this sounds like a really dangerous job. I'm kind of freaked out,” Nick responded.
“Do you think any of it's real?” Fred asked.
“I don't really know. If it isn't, that was a pretty awesome set up for a prank,” he said laughing.
“Guy seems cool. A bit weird though.” Fred said about Carl.
“Yeah, gives off that teacher vibe. We didn't even start school yet and I felt like I was in a classroom.”
“A dirty small room counts as a classroom now?”
“Well I did say “felt like” and not was one,” Nick said pushing Fred jokingly.
“Well guys, this is my way,” Peter said pointing towards the left side. “I’m going to read some of this book. Maybe you all should too. We can try to get some answers. I’ll see you at school. Bye,” Peter said and walked away. The others waved and began to walk again.

“Man, it’s like living in a video game. If this stuff is really going to happen, then I bet we’re going to have a lot of fights,” said Fred smiling and Nick agreed. It was a bit scary, but they found it to be more exciting. “Imagine what we will be fighting.”
“Dragons!”
“Cyclops!”
“Big Foot!”
“Unicorns!”
“Unicorns?”
“Yeah, the thing with the horns and wings.”
“I know what it is.”
“Then why'd you ask?”
"I'm just saying...why unicorns?” Nick asked with a laugh.
“Dude, whatever! I'm just imagining what we'll be seeing. Fighting. Killing. It's crazy!” Fred felt his blood rushing. He was getting more and more excited by the moment.

“We don’t really have to imagine,” answered Nick as he stopped at the corner. “It’s all in the book. Well, I gotta go this way, so I’ll just see you in school. It’ll be my first day but I’m pretty good with directions.” Fred nodded.