The Cthulhu Festival of Chaos

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

~ Lao Tzu

From the author...

The Cthulhu Festival of Chaos is coming soon...

How can Sierra Masters and her team possibly stop fifty thousand followers of Chaos and their fans from their evil intent to open a portal to him, who shall not be named?

Is this a suicide mission and their last one?

How will Professor Silberhutte's revelation impact the team?

*****

The story continued... The Flight to Arkham
Sierra Masters-Steele?

The team and remaining mercenaries departed on the private jet the Professor had rented for the occasion. It was a Dassault Falcon 8X, with a range of over 6,500 miles before it needed refueling. It had a maximum speed of 560 mph.

The other mercs were already at Arkham, deeply embedded in the festival staff. Some were working with security, others with maintenance or general workers.

Sierra was worried. This mission was by far the most complex she had planned. It was also the most critical. She kept replaying each piece of her plan in her mind. Finally, she shook her head sharply, her red hair flying. Enough! She wanted to be with John Steele. After the Professor's revelation the night before, he needed her. He hadn't slept a wink last night.

She found John sitting alone in the last row of seats. Smiling warmly, she slipped into the seat next to him. "Did you miss me, my love?" John smiled in return, and Sierra felt her heart skip a beat.

"What do you think, Red?" he whispered.

She pouted her lips, "A girl likes to hear her man say it, Johnny?"

John Steele looked directly and deeply into her eyes. "Fair enough, Sierra. Then, listen closely. You are my love, life, heart, and soul. I'm tired of playing around, okay? When we return from this mission, you and I will get married and tie the knot—no more excuses. No delays. We set the date. Understand? The paperwork is just a formality. We are married now. You are my woman, and I am your man. Forever. Period."

Sierra Masters didn't trust her voice. Her eyes felt teary as she cleared her throat. "Hmmph. Yes, dear, whatever you say."

Johnny looked at her, startled. "Really, Sierra, you mean it?"

Sierra laid her head gently on Steele's shoulder and whispered, "Of course, I mean it, my love. The paperwork is just a formality. We are married now. You are my man, and I am your woman. Forever. Period."

John Steele smiled, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a bright red jewelry box. "These were my parent's wedding rings. Will you wear them with me, Sierra Masters Steele?"

Sierra felt tears welling in her eyes. Unable to speak, she nodded her head. John slipped a ring on her finger, and Sierra slipped a ring onto his, her hands trembling. Sierra was so happy she feared her heart would burst out of her chest.

For the first time in days, John Steele looked content. He wrapped his arms around his woman, his wife, and soon was snoring softly.

Sierra stared at the ring on her finger a few minutes after take-off. She thought, "Sierra Masters Steele, it sounds perfect!"

The Professor came walking down the aisle, heading toward the happy couple. Sierra directed a mental thought to him.

~~ He is asleep, Professor, finally. Don't you dare wake him up? ~~

The Professor sighed loudly. He turned and started walking back toward his seat.

~~ Of course, my dear. I will talk to him later. ~~

*****

So Many People Who Want Chaos...

After the Festival officially closed at 2:00 am every night, the members of the team and the Colonel and his mercenaries would fall into a troubled sleep.

Their sleep at night was intermittent at best because of all the disturbing sights they had witnessed during the day. The festival grounds were filled with evil creatures from the worst nightmares conceivable, and the team had been prepared for that possibility.

Taking full advantage of the cover provided by the chaos celebration, costumes, and cosplay, foul creatures of Chaos boldly walked the museum grounds side-by-side with many unsuspecting humans.

The team was unprepared for the sheer number of people who willingly embraced and supported the Chaos regime. During the day, the celebration was busy with twenty to twenty-five thousand people. People visited shops and stands, bought merchandise, and shared skills.

There were rows of tents and stands selling their wares—anything from something as simple as a Chaos talisman or a tarot card reading to advanced sorcery training.

Once the sun went down, the freedom of darkness allowed the number of people in attendance to double quickly.

Steele took a long, hot shower each night but couldn't help feeling dirty and unclean. He felt the biggest shock due to the number of families in attendance and the people who brought their children to the event.

Of course, some folks didn't realize what was happening here under the guise of a Festival. But it was apparent to Steele that most humans knew precisely what was going on and fully supported it.

Witnessing firsthand the human beings who wanted what the Agents of Chaos and the Old Ones were peddling cut John Steele deeply to his core.

END