Chapter 35: Charlie’s Angels
The interior of the offshore oil platform was nearly shrouded in shadow as the fading sunlight struggled to illuminate through overlapping pipes and metal grates. The day’s light fled the emptied structure and Coop was prepared to do the same. It was the end of a long day in a series of long days, but Coop had successfully completed his quest. He was ready to return to Ghost Reef and upgrade the settlement.
The Endless Empire’s challenge to his ownership of the civilization shard remained, so he needed to get back and defend his position as Champion. Coop eyed the timer as it ticked down; there were still over 70 hours left. The idea of letting the timer expire so that he could just focus entirely on his own progression didn’t even cross his mind. He’d already internalized his responsibilities to the settlement and its residents.
Coop approached the edge of the fifth level of the platform to confirm that the ship was still there waiting for him. The sun was setting in the distance, streaks of red and orange covered the western sky like the withering flames of a dying bonfire. Coop leaned over the railing and found the ship rolling gently with the ocean swells in the dimming light. He knew Charlie and Camila wouldn’t leave without him, they’d already come this far to help him when they believed he needed to be rescued from the island, so he saw no reason to doubt either of them.
However, it didn’t seem like he would have the luxury of enjoying the sunset with his reliable friends this evening. The crew of the ship were all gathered on the upper deck where they appeared to be reaching the conclusion of a conflict.
The Outrider was crouched low on the balls of her feet, dual wielding daggers, and positioned defensively in front of the prone Honorguard and his discarded shield. She was facing the sneering Puppeteer who stood confidently upright with both of his arms spread. Both of his hands were extended toward the Outrider with all five fingers splayed out like he was controlling a marionette, though the threads were invisible.
Further behind the Outrider and her Honorguard partner was Camila. She was also knocked down, with her back leaning heavily against the wall of the elevated rear deck. Her legs extended forward, flat against the aged planks, with her ankles locked together by the invisible threads of the Puppeteer. She had a swollen knot on her otherwise unblemished forehead where she had clearly received a heavy blow.
Coop identified Charlie by process of elimination as there was one more figure that had been completely wrapped up in so much thread it formed a white cocoon. She was suspended against the wall next to Camila, and even though she kicked and struggled to free herself, she was completely bound from head to toe.
On the oil platform, Coop was hundreds of feet above the ship, but he was more or less directly above. It wouldn't take a very long spear throw to target the deck, bypassing the stairs and ladders down to the platform and saving plenty of time. He dismissed his sword and summoned his ethereal spear, keeping his shield.
Leaning precariously over the side he tested the wind, gauging how he would join the party. Coop would keep everyone in front of him until he was sure of the situation, so he would aim to land directly behind the Puppeteer. It was clear that Camila and Charlie hadn’t been a part of any plot to kill him or steal the settlement, but he couldn’t be certain of the rest.
Since Coop was fashionably late and would be making a dramatic entrance, he took a moment to change his armor’s color scheme while he lined up a shot. The armor went from his standard dull gray metal and earthy brown leather to shiny gold and bronze. His shield and spear matched, interwoven with swirls of gold in the shield’s round surface and bands of gold and bronze along the spear. He let his spear fly and the gold tips caught the remnants of the smoldering sunset.
The spear whistled through the air until it smashed into the wooden deck. It landed closer to the Puppeteer than Coop had meant to, but it wasn’t like he was making a stealthy approach anyway. The spear impacted the deck like a meteor. The wooden planks of the carrack buckled, throwing shards of wood into the air, pausing the fight, and drawing everyone’s attention.
The Puppeteer spun around, eyes wide, startled by the sudden explosion in his blind spot. He turned fast enough to see Coop materialize out of the mist like he was an avenging golden angel, descended from the heavens, just casually stepping through a doorway. His expression warped into one of bewilderment as Coop leveled his spear. The Puppeteer opened his mouth to speak, but Coop didn’t show him any mercy and stabbed him through the neck, killing him instantly. He was the only one Coop was sure he needed to kill, so he didn’t hesitate.