The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Chapter Nine



A Brood warrior in marine armour held a twelve-inch blade in a downward grip, serrated on one side and shining sharp on the other. Short of stature, the Brood stood upon a large plastic box, to gain the downward angle needed, to attack anyone, ‘foolish enough’ to use the access port to the hanger.



And, it was the young Brood Taylor assisted, who noticed a shadow move a little, in the light created by the helmet’s torchlight, as they entered the storeroom.



“Taylor!” She shouted, reaching out for the wrist that held the knife, in a tight grip.



Kaira was Brood and stronger, much stronger than an adult human male..



But she was not a warrior and, Kaira had to use her other hand to still the blade’s descent. Then as Kaira used the last of her strength, the Brood warrior fell backwards, as she continued to hold his wrist, which held the knife.



Taylor reacted seconds after Kaira had, directing the rifles barrel toward the two struggling Brood.



He had to do something… quickly and, Taylor did.



He pulled the trigger, discharging a stasis-beam. Upon contact… the effect was immediate, albeit short-lasting. Both were frozen, in motion.



Taylor stepped forward, then knelt by the pair, who he separated carefully, relieved to see that the knife had sliced through Kaira’s clothing and not her flesh.





But Taylor needed to pull the trigger a second time, to provide them with the chance to escape. He could have used the stasis-beam again. But, he chose not to…



Taylor wanted to kill ‘the scum’ who had hurt Kaira, so he did…



Standing once more, Kaira in his arms, Taylor raised the rifle, to point the ‘dangerous end’ at the Brood warrior’s head, as devoid of any emotion, bar hate for his enemy.



He pulled the trigger again, crying out; “How dare you!”



Then feeling a modicum of satisfaction as he left the pulped Brood; Taylor helped Kaira, as she began to regain a conscious state.



“We’re safe?” She quizzed, eyes flickering open.



“Better off than we were, thanks to you…” Taylor explained: “And, given an arduous crawl, perhaps safer again!”

Chapter Eight



In the vast hangar, Juliette stood looking up, at the nose of her craft, deep in thought as she idly stroked the chimera’s matted, bloody fur, a smile on her lips.



‘The Don Quixote’ was an old shuttle, with a stardrive built up from work done for the corporations, as a freelance pilot.



The Outer Fringe was where the corporation’s direct sphere of influence ended, hence the many colonists who had sought refuge there. Yet even now there were certain pilots, such as herself, who located worlds in the explored zone that could be of interest, to ‘certain parties’, back on Earth.



It had been dirty work, as some of the worlds she had located were already colonized.

Marines, death and destruction might follow from her recommendations. But, she had earned the battered ships new stardive.



And now, having played both sides and lives, Juliette had decided it was time to go, while the getting was good.



“I wonder how the kid’s getting on?” she mused aloud, her hands caress bringing forth a deep throaty growl of pleasure from Adam, the two-legged wolf/human hybrid.

COMMENTS

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dabbler
22:32 Aug 27 2014

Fine reading.

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Chapter Seven



As Taylor made his way through the labyrinthine series of tunnels, one hand in front of the other, slowly and very cautiously, at first. Then, he recalled the girls name Kaira and, he became driven and although imperilled, he found cause to smile.



“If only the guys could see me now…” he muttered aloud, thinking back to the previous day and, being belittled yet again, for his lack of courage. And now, here he was, committing himself to save Kaira: that took courage, under these circumstances.



Abruptly the smile left his face, as he recalled that there was no possibility of ‘the guys’ seeing, or learning of his act of courage, as they were all gone, dead.



Juliette had given him the opportunity to survive; yet it had been the thought of his friend that had driven him this far and, provided the impetus he needed.



“Kaira…” he murmured, “I’m going, I’m coming…”



This new him was someone Taylor liked and he was proud of and, that pride in one’s self was something that was new to him…



Finally he found the exit into the storeroom and immediately his senses were assailed by the sound of the Klaxon, with his eyes having to adjust to the emergency lighting once more.



His world of red was shadowed by the tall shelves, which did nothing to assuage his fear. Yet, it was fear to be mastered. And, Taylor was determined.



The young man slammed down his visor, raised his rifle to hip height, then took a deep breath and Taylor made his way through the storeroom, as he exhaled slowly.



Then, with his heart beating faster, Taylor grasped the door-handle, turned it and opened the door, while he inhaled and, very slowly exhaled.



His apprehension abated a little when a quick glance to the left and right showed a quiet corridor, bar for the incessant nose of the klaxon. Not one of the marines, colonists, or senate guard lying on the floor moved. All were dead and, the gas had dissipated. And, he could a moan.



Both hope and doubt filled Taylors heart, as he stepped over the corpse of a marine and, he crossed the corridor.



Another body lay in the doorway, killed in a vicious knife-fight Taylor surmised, looking at the wounds in the marine’s left side, where the armour was its weakest.



Crossing the main room he quickly found Kaira’s parents. Both were on the couch adjacent the wall on the left; one had died first in a bloody manner, then the other had joined them, after despatching the marine. It mattered not in which order events had transpired; the couple had died in a loving embrace.



A tear falling he turned from the scene, conscious of time passing and, Kaira’s lack of presence, Taylor began to search the small apartment anxiously.



Suddenly the emergency red lighting flickered and ceased, at the same moment that the klaxon ended….



And then… he heard the sound of moaning and, he was in no doubt about what he heard, causing Taylor to call, “Kaira!”



He turned his helmet light on directing the beam around the room, listening in the silence for further sound. Finally he heard what he hoped to hear: “Help!”



Rapidly moving furniture and a small carpet aside, Taylor found a brass pull, that he used, to open a rectangular space, just big enough for a small woman, such as Kaira.



He looked down and smiled… then, Taylor caressed the girl’s face and assured her, “We’re getting out of here…”



Slowly sentience retuned to the wide-eyed young woman and she said in a small voice, “Is that you Taylor?”



“Yes,” he replied, adding; “Your folks wanted you to live, didn’t they? ”



“Yes, Kaira admitted, trying not to look at her parents.



Helping Kaira to sit, he asked her, “Do you think you can walk?”



The teary-eyed young woman drew her legs up, flexing her muscles.



“I think so,” she told him, still trying not to look at her dead parents, in their bloody embrace.



“Well, we have to get out of here… now… so, let me help…” He entreated, and then added, “Please?” He knew well how stubborn his friend could be.



He had no need for concern though, as Kaira acquiesced to his request, allowing Taylor to help her stand.



“C’mon Kaira, we have to get out of here, now…” He reminded her, his left arm around her waist and his cheek next to hers.



The pair stepped into the corridor, now quiet and dark, his helmets light guiding their way, as they made their way toward the storeroom.



And, Taylor found himself almost ready to smile; he’d had the courage needed, to find Kaira and, they had a chance of escape.



Yet, the sound of the klaxon still irritated him: the incessant noise also preventing him from hearing the box fall, prior to him entering…

Chapter Six



Eventually the tunnel ended and Juliette turned herself to pushed a grill out, before easing out . She stood, turned and took the rifle that he pushed out first.



Then Taylor squirmed out himself, using both hands on the outside of hole to squirm himself out, which was difficult, due to the bulk of his body-armour…



Standing next to the young woman he looked about the hangar, half-filled with star-ships, either side of the vast space.



The lighting was good and bright and, there was silence: no klaxon.



“Independently powered?” Juliette mused aloud and then reasoned, “A commercial enterprise? Of course its Independently powered.



“So what now?” Taylor interjected.



“Now? We find where they parked my ship and leave this place… don’t we?” The brunette responded tersely, thinking ‘stupid question.’



Then a snarl caught both the attention of both of them and heads turned, to see red eyes emerge from the dark of the tunnel.



A long now and slavering white teeth followed, as the beast exited the tunnel and manoeuvred itself into a crouching stance.



“Well then, here’s my old friend…” Juliette told Taylor, as she made her way toward the beast, a bright smile on her face, her right arm extended, right hand held palm uppermost; “Hello fellow…”



Standing like a man, a very hairy, muscular man, with talons for fingernails and, the head of a wolf, a large snarling wolf; with red eyes that blazed with an inner and outer fury.



Its fur was matted with the blood of man and in its left hand, the creature carried the lower half of a right arm, the hand, as if it were being shaken.



Taylor looked at the creature before him, with open mouth, as Juliette stepped forward, her right arm held out, the palm of her hand uppermost.



He was going to raise his rifle, but it felt leaden and, his arms felt like rubber.



He was going to swear, to give voice to his fear, yet he had no voice and watched quite incredulous, as Juliette began to stroke the side of the beasts face.



Then Taylor watched with incredulity, as her gentle caressed garnered a positive response, as jaws shut and eyes closing a moment.



Then it opened its eyes and, Taylor could almost swear than it looked relaxed.



Then he watched spellbound as the beast opened its eyes, then sniff at Juliette’s hand. He watched the creature’s posture relax somewhat and then. He saw the beast lick at her face. Giggling, Juliette wiped at her face, then looked over her shoulder and grinned at Taylor.



“See, he remember me…” Juliette told him, still giggling.



Taylor wanted to say, ‘No you didn’t…’ But, before he could say anything, Juliette beckoned him forward.



At that moment Juliette spoke, “Come let him see you’re a friend, not an enemy. After all…” she told him with a grin, “You can see what he does to his enemies…”



Taylor gulped, then set his fear aside and approached the chimera in the same manner as she had, with hand shaking more than he wanted and his palm sweaty.



At first the creature seemed as wary of Taylor as he was of it, a guttural sound emanating from its throat. Then it stepped forward and sniffed at him, before backing away slowly, shaking its big head from side to side.



“No… that’s not good enough…” Juliette murmured, watching fear flit across the young man’s face once more.



“It’s good I carried some snacks,” she told Taylor with a bright smile, as she reached inside her jacket…



Juliette drew a candy bar from a pocket, which she passed to him, “Here, take this…”



He took the proffered bar and held it in his hand, “You sure about this?”



“Uh-huh, it’s his favourite snack…” she reassured.



His trepidation greatened as a the creature neared once more and, it’s face lowered with a long tongue licking outward, to pick up the candy bar all-in-one. Then the beast stepped back, chewing.



And his apprehension diminished as he watched that same tongue swept wound it large mouth, looking momentarily satisfied.



Then, as the creature backed away after devouring the candy bar, Juliette said to him, “I call him Adam, because he was the first of his kind I’d encounterd,” she told him, between making trills with her tongue, that the beast responded well to, rubbing the left side of his head and much of his shoulder against her hand.



It was apparent he sought her attention.



“They were made to eliminate the need for paid soldiers, to combat colonists in their way…” Juliette informed him, a look of disgust on her face.



“But what are you going to do with it?” Taylor queried anxiously.



“It’s him and, he’s coming with us, of course,” Juliette responded, surprised that he might ask the question at all.



“Huh?”



“He will die, with us…” Juliette responded.



“What do you mean, die with us?” Taylor asked, the words flowing into one another.



“Keep your voice quiet, eh? He understands more than you’d imagine…” Juliette informed him.



Taylor gulped, feeling suitably admonished.



Juliette continued talking, passionately; “Like early Brood, Adam was designed and made for a single mission… Now… He won’t live much longer.



As she finished talking there was real sadness in her voice, as she stroked the creature’s fur.



Wide-eyed, Taylor simply said, “Oh.”



“Just think Taylor, they have a lifespan that ends when their mission does…” she continued quietly, as Adam continued to rub the left side of his head against her hand.



“Okay then…” Taylor responded quickly, “But Juliette, are you sure you can care for him, while…?”



“Look at him?” Juliette answered, “What do you think?”



“Hmmmm, point made…” He told her, watching the demonstration of affection demonstrated by the pair and suddenly he thought of Kaira, she who he had left behind: “Well what now?” he asked.



Juliette looked at Taylor scornfully, “I told you Taylor; we find my ship and go.”



It was an obvious statement to make; yet Taylor was hesitant.



And suddenly he surprised himself.



“You find the ship and get big and hairy safe and secure… I have something to do…” Taylor told Juliette, suddenly feeling conscious that he had to ‘man up’ and make an effort to follow his gut.



Juliette’s story had brought forth memories of the Brood family, with the daughter he had grown to know. ‘Past tense already, maybe…’ he mused, still having no difficulty in recalling her long limbs, dark skin, wide eyes and bright, white smile.



Taylor looked around, then told Juliette; “By the time you get powered up, I’ll be back… alright?”



“A girl?” she asked, an eyebrow arched, a light smile on her face.



Taylor nodded, ruefully. He was scared; yet for once flight turned to fight and, he decided to act.



“Yeah, kinda…” he admitted, “Just can’t go without looking… you know?”



“Yes,” Juliette conceded, “ I know…”



Then looking at the two lines of small starhips, Juliette said quietly, “I can’t wait too long… what if?” Her words trailed off. The question did not need to be asked, nor answered. He understood.

And, Taylor grinned as he shouldered his machine-rifle and made to leave the vast hanger, to enter the warren of tunnels once again.



“Then you’ll be Adam’ Eve, till he passes…” he drawled.



Juliette saw the humour and returned the grin, as Taylor entered the tunnels and began to crawl…



“Take care,” she muttered, quite sure she would not see him again.



Then, as Taylor made his way back to the storeroom, he briefly wondered if he’d see Adam’s snarling face again… or, Juliette’s delightful derriere.



‘Yet, that’s not to be thought of again,’ he reminded himself, shaking his head: ‘After all, I have a mission to see through…’

Chapter Five



Juliette opened the door and entered what appeared to be no more than a store-room, with shelving in the middle of the room and to the left and right side, piled high with cylinders and boxes, of several different size and colour.



She turned her head to look at Taylor who had also entered the room



“I thought you said there was an access port here?” The brunette quizzed, looking as puzzled as she felt.



Taylor grinned: “Look, over there…” he told her, pointing to a sheet of metal, bolted to the wall. One would hardly notice it until it was shown.



Juliette crossed the room and knelt to inspect the plate.



“Only the top two bolts have depth, the others were left there for show. Neither have thread. Just lift the plate way and…” He informed her.



“Access to the hangar?”



“Yes.”



“So why?” She asked curiously, moving the plate away from what appeared to be a well-lit circular tunnel, big enough for them to manoeuvre on all fours, singly.



“Why what?” Taylor asked, as Juliette set the plate aside.



“Why did you come here to use this?” She quizzed, peering ahead into the tunnel.



“A girl, Brood, from across the corridor...” He explained shyly. “We used to come here, then use the tunnel to get to the hanger, where we’d…”



“Make out?” Juliette guessed, as she clambered in the tunnel.



“Yes,” he admitted ruefully, wishing that he could have done something, anything, to help his friend, when the marine’s arrived. Yet all he had done was save his own skin.



“So which way?” Juliette called back, after a short distance.



Entering the tunnel himself, Taylor replied; “You’ve come to the only junction. Take the tunnel straight ahead of you, the other branches lead into the complex…”



“Was this a smugglers route?” Juliette mused, glad to be away from the red lights and the annoying tannoy.



“Huh?” Taylor retorted, staring ahead and, trying not to be to be fascinated with the view before his eyes.



Then as he passed the branches right and left, Taylor caught the same odour that had assailed his nostrils earlier.



‘The creature?’ He panicked.



Taylor wriggled and turned, to see where a threat might arise, yet saw nothing.



So, he continued to follow Juliette…

Chapter Four



Taylor blanched wide, as he looked to the blood and gore, being careful to follow in the brunette’s steps.



“I guess it’s true,” he mused aloud, “In war, there are no winners.”



Again Juliette paused a moment, to turn her head to look at Taylor with a wide grin as she reminded him; “There are…”



So saying, she patted the right front pocket of her trousers, where she kept the roll of credits, “Now, you said after the second door, didn’t you?”



As she asked the question, Taylor realised where they were…



As they approached yet another junction, Juliette’s eyes narrowed and she turned to look at Taylor, “These corridors are endless and, that noise is…”



Taylor could guess what she intended to say; so he chose to interject, “We’re nearly there. One more left turn here, then onward two doors… the third houses the access port… alright?”



Taylor could be specific: he had haunted those who had lived at the room after the one that they sought, on the right side, not the left.



A family had lived there, a family of those from Brood stock, who had found freedom on the Outer Fringe, in the colony. And, even now Taylor recalled the long-limbs of the eldest girl, two years older than he was. ‘Kaira.’



When the marines had landed Taylor had seen her family die, without her presence.



‘Perhaps she survived…’ Taylor thought hopefully; ‘after all she was Brood and they are meant to be hardy and…’ He was kidding himself, he knew: the chances that she had lived through this corporation takeover were slim – yet, he lived.



He neared Juliette, who stood motionless, listening, smelling.



“There’s something in the air…” she stated simply.



“You mean, other than the smells associated with the dead and the dying you mean?” Taylor asked, with wry amusement; his eyes fixed on Juliette’s hair, rather than the bloody bodies he stood amongst.



His sarcasm was not lost on Juliette, but she chose to ignore it and, instead, she added;

“The creatures near here. It’s been marking its territory…”



Taylor gulped and his hands gripped his weapon tighter.



“Do you think it’ll still recognise you?” He asked, a quaver of fear to his voice.



Staring at the callow youth, in a marine’s battle armour, Juliette grinned, before answering, “You’d best hope that Adam does recognise me… otherwise…”



And, she left the rest of the sentence hanging, as she approached their destination.

COMMENTS

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Harls
01:55 Aug 04 2014

I want to know what happens next.

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AngelicaRose
05:37 Aug 04 2014

Very nice my friend :)

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Chapter Three



They walked on through the corridor, passing rooms where the open doors showed bloody victims of the assault on the colony, as the red lights and klaxon continued to unnerve them.



“Damn things,” Juliette muttered, “they’re a distraction, when I don’t need one…”



Taylor led the way, his knowledge of the complex important to them now.



“You said that you brought something else?” Taylor queried, his gun barrel pointed ahead, his eyes darting to the left and right.



“A Wilsorm…” she confessed.



“A Wilsorm?” Taylor repeated, incredulous at what he had heard. “They’re creatures of legend, of myth; of stories told to tell children…”



“And very real,” the woman told the youth, in a quiet voice. Juliette knew the beast’s worth and had transported it carefully; even forming a bond with it, as it had been she who had fed it, when few would go near it, such were the legends of it’s ferocity.



And now The Wilsorm was loose amongst the colony, seeking out any who were not tagged, in the bloodiest of fashion that modern man could imagine, such was the beast’s primal nature.



He gulped.



“And, this one likes me…” she informed him, mischievously.



“You have to be kidding!?!” The young man shouted, then immediately put both hands over his mouth. ‘A Wilsorm liked her? Sheer lunacy.’



They had paused a second and, as they began to walk once more, Taylor asked the question he needed to; “You were kidding, weren’t you?”



Juliette looked over her right shoulder, to look at Taylor with a grin on her face, “Well I’m saying something you’re doubtful of, so let’s see whether I’m telling the truth, or not eh?” She watched him blanche at the prospect of her being wrong, before adding, “So do we carry straight on then?”



This time they appeared to have arrived at a crossroads and, she knew not which way to go…



Again Taylor gulped at the thought at the thought of what may happen if the Wilsorm might find his throat, or worse; then he pointed forward and stammered, “Ahead…”



Juliette turned her head back as she thanked him, a wide grin on her face.



“I guess we’ll find out…” Juliette smirked, glancing left and right: “Weapon on stun, not kill, alright?”



She paused a moment and then added, “You don’t kill it, alright?”

It had been a request, yet to Taylor’s ear it had sounded more like an instruction. And, she was not his Mother…



“Yes Ma’am,” he muttered, following Juliette as she led him around the bodies of a great many men, of both sides.