Excelsis vignette: Retrieve and Exit

“Object retrieved. Leaving the room.” Vesper declared as she started to leave the room. Shift of movement at the edge of her vision.

“Sho, the room has a stone demon inside. Vesper’s going to need help.” Devon pointed out the obvious fact after some last minute research based on Vesper’s video feed.

“That’s just great. Reynard. Gregor. We have a hostile. Back-up and cover Vesper’s exit as well as Victoria.” Sho picked up an assault rifle, equipped with high-powered scope and underslung grenade launcher. Devon have picked up his weapon as well as they both exited the van. Each of the members of Excelsis softly called a brief prayer to their patron saints.

“Getting overconfident again, huh Vesper?” Victoria was on her way out as soon as the situation was broadcast over their team frequency. She’s well away from the mansion after announcing that she's taking a break from a round of singing for the party inside it.

“Not my fault. The intel was half-baked at the last second. I need to get out and leave this stony, ugly pursuer of mine.” Vesper quickly exitted the ventilation duct and onto the roof of the building. An inhuman growl echoed through the duct.

“About time some action we will see.” Gregor got into position and pulled out his twin autopistols.

“This party’s really getting started now.” Reynard mused from a sniper position and noted the rush of dogs and guards as the alarm is sounded.

Sounds of weapon fire echoed in the night air. Screams and exclamations of the mansion’s guests also abound as they try to vacate the premises.

Minutes later after the alarm was sounded, Victoria made it back to the van without incident on her exit. She's dressed in a stunning evening dress that went with her role as a torchlight singer inside the mansion earlier. Devon and Sho waited outside with weapons drawn for the welcome they’ll be giving to Vesper’s pursuer.

Reynard and Gregor made it back to the van as well and seeing Vesper brought up the rear while a large growling form of rock chased after her. Teammates fired weapons at the pursuing form.

They have faith in themselves to get the job done. Whether it be humans or demons and other strangeness.

Just a routine flow of the mission for ones working in Excelsis.

Author note: My friend Vinnie checked an earlier draft of the above mentioned piece. I admitted it was a bit truncated due to the urgent rush of getting it up. The earlier version I showed him has a better flow of things. I'll be putting an improved version of this Excelsis story as soon as I complete it and have it edited by Vinnie.