Boss

Chapter 8 of 9

May 19, 2025

Acknowledgments

Boss was first published in For a Few Credits More: More Stories from the Four Horsemen Universe (The Revelations Cycle Book 7) by Chris Kennedy and Mark Wandrey.

I’d like to thank Chris Kenedy, Mark Wandrey, and all their fans for letting me play in their universe.

BOSS

Scott Moon

THE CATHEDRAL

LIKE the automated farm, the Cathedral was located well beyond the influence of Nemis City. The thick walled structure stood at one end of a massive plateau. Veins of red and yellow minerals streaked through the rock where it had been carved and shaped on an industrial scale. Corrosion resistant alloys and carbon bonded concrete linked manufactured structures that were not part of the raw stone.

Nimbus clouds arrayed themselves on the horizon like an armada touched by the dying day. This part of Calista was harsh and the changes of a landscaped abrupt. The desert gave way to robust cornfields and other staple crops. Networks of arterial canals nurtured the plants with snow melted from distant mountains.

At the center of the fortress was a gothic church with elaborate stained glass windows glowing in the harsh sunset of Calista. Johnny saw the colorful spire from kilometers away.

“That’s close enough,” Johnny said.

Davenport, helmet removed for this part of the trip, nodded and carried out the order.

The Ogre Fist Company settled down for the night to observe the fortress town around the Cathedral. Over the years, a warlord known as Bloody Ambrose had built a system of modern defenses.

“I see fixed energy and kinetic weapons on every tower of the wall. I assume no man’s land is a minefield,” Davenport said as he lie prone with binoculars next to Johnny on a hill top.

Johnny made his own assessment. “Don’t sound so dire. What are a couple of high intensity laser batteries, heavy machine guns, and missile racks to guys like us?”

Davenport shifted uncomfortably.