Justbec
Warrior
Global user (premium)
Registered: 06-2006
Location: Paradise Lost
Posts: 9048
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Preview to a new work in progress
By Sue and I. It's called Spirit Trackers
Here's a teaser.. ok a LONG teaser 
Vincent looked up from his desk and ran a hand through his coal black hair. He sighed and flexed the muscles in his neck and shoulders, then looked away from the report laid out in front of him.
He stood up and walked over to the bed, sitting down and sighing as he glanced at the picture in it's weathered silver frame. He picked it up and stared at the face, wrinkled and careworn and framed by salt and pepper hair, it was an older version of his own.
He looked up and glanced around the small room. Desk, chair, bed and small bedside table. That's all it held because that's all he needed. That and the pulse rifle which was now leaning against the wall. It was so much a part of him that it had almost become another appendage.
He sighed and looked at the picture again.
"Why didn't you tell me it wouldn't get any easier?" he shakes his head. The throbbing was back again, it always started up after a mission and usually lasted for at least 24 hours. The scary part is that he was beginning to get used to it. He replaced the photo on the bedside table and laid back against the sheets, staring up at the ceiling.
A shapeless form began to appear, pulsing and morphing and glowing from somewhere inside.
"Oh no you don't," he thought to himself, then finished the thought aloud. "Not now...I'm too tired...I need to sleep."
He closed his eyes and shut out the thought of spectral forms and shadow figures. Within minutes, he was sound asleep. And dreaming again...dreaming of life without the constant burning drive to search out the unknown. Life as anything but a Spirit Tracker.
Across the hall Cody Hawks sits, cleaning the crossbow rifle that was never far from his hand. He brushes his long blonde hair back and grins, shaking his head “Shut up Vincent, I’ll get it cut when I have time.”
He sets the crossbow down and stands, stretching aching muscles in his back as he paces “I hear you Azarel, and I’m not taking the bait. We’ll come find you when Vincent says it’s time, not before.”
Cody grins and pulls a long, shape knife out of his boot, laying it on the table “And I’m going to enjoy carving you up into little demon pieces.” He glances at the door that leads to Vincent’s room and hesitates, then slowly pulls his shirt off, tossing it on the floor as he lays on the bed “All we need is a good night’s sleep. That’s not to much to ask, is it?”
He closes his eyes, ignoring the voices in his head, smiling despite himself as he falls into a deep sleep.
Vincent opens his eyes and looks around. He can barely make out the features of the room. He picks up the luma watch from the bedside table and looks at its glowing face.
5:30...why do I even bother with this thing? he thinks, I always wake up at 5:30. He sighs and steps into the small bathroom and splashes some water on his face, then returns to his room and the desk.
He sits and picks up the pen. Relax, Murdoch, you'll have your report soon enough, he thinks, with all the i's dotted and t's crossed...as always. Vincent DeSar was nothing if not mindful of his duty...he was bred that way.
He finished up the report and read it back, nodding his satisfaction, then tucked it in the silver folder and picked the whole thing up. He steps toward the outer door and briefly considers knocking on Cody's door but thought better of it. Cody wouldn't be coherent at this hour anyway, he chuckles to himself.
He strides down the hallway and into the maglev, disembarking outside the small office. He steps inside and finds Murdoch crouched over his desk, right where he expected him. He walks over and drops the silver folder on the desk beside Murdoch's right arm, on top of a stack of similar folders. Business was hopping these days.
Murdoch looks up, peering through his thick glasses.
"This should have been turned in last night," he says with a shake of his head.
"You're welcome," Vincent smirks and Murdoch chuckles softly, an almost reptilian sound.
"Did you get any sleep?"
"Some," Vincent nods.
Murdoch lifts the cover of the folder and glances at the first page of the report.
"Lycans again?"
Vincent sighs. "Always. We can't seem to get away from them."
"And the others?"
"I can't escape them...they won't let go," Vincent clenches his hands into fists and slowly releases them. "I need something to eat."
He heads toward the door in the far wall, leading toward the commissary and Murdoch watches him go, a sad look crossing his face.
"They won't let go...or you won't?" he says to himself.
A while later Cody wakes, getting dressed. He tucks his knife in his boot and stretches, looking around. He stiffens and walks to the small window, looking out as he holds his hand to the window “I feel you Azarel. You’re calling in back up aren’t you? Well it will do you no good. Vincent and I are going to find you this time.” Cody flexes his hand seeing the firey red mark on his palm “We’ll find you.”
He sighs and turns away, heading down the hallway to the Commissary. Once inside Cody looks around. He shakes his head as various teams of Spirit Trackers mingle about, some human, some not so human. Seeing Vincent sitting off to the side he grins, grabbing a large cup of coffee and a bowl of very spicy chili, made specially for him.
Cody walks over to the table and sets the tray down “Morning, I’d ask if you slept in but I already know the answer.”
Vincent looks up as Cody sits down “Morning.” He looks at the tray, making a face “God, how can you eat that stuff at” he looks at the wall “7:15 in the morning?”
“Beats that stuff you call breakfast.” Cody shakes his head “No wonder you’re always in a bad mood.”
“I’m not always in a bad mood.” Vincent sighs “Besides, you’re happy enough for both of us.”
“Life’s too short to be miserable all the time.” Cody gulps down some chili “And considering our line of work it’s a lot shorter then most.” He motions “Did you turn in the report to Murdock?”
“Don’t I always?”
Cody grins and nods “That’s why I like you brother, you always have been one for details.”
“Yeah, well one of us has to be.” Vincent looks at Cody “You need a hair cut.”
“I KNEW you were going to say that. Just when have I had time? Besides, I’m liking it this length.”
Vincent almost smiles and Cody grins “Careful Vincent, you smile and your reputation will be shot.”
"Ha ha," Vincent smirks as he sips his coffee, "one of us has to be serious, and God knows it's not you."
Cody considers him over his bowl of chili and shakes his head. "You have really got to learn to lighten up. You're a drag, you know that?"
"And you need to learn to listen. The next time you decide to go into a Were-cave without suiting up will be your last."
"I came out ok, didn't I?"
"Because I was there to get your back. You take too many chances, Cody."
"I do my job...and I'm damn good at it. Not that you'd ever give me any credit."
Vincent puts down his coffee cup and sighs, "I do give you credit. You're one of the best I've ever known. I wouldn't work with you otherwise. But you need to learn not to go off half-****ed." He rubs his temples.
"Headaches again?"
"Always," Vincent nods. "I'm getting sick of this. I wish he'd just leave me alone."
"He can't. You're the only link he's got left to this world."
"And he never did know when to give up."
Cody grins. "There's no such thing in this family. We never surrender."
Vincent smiles faintly. "Even when we should."
Cody laughs and finishes the chili, sliding the empty bowl away “Needed more hot sauce. Crane never could cook for ****.”
“He’s a good cook, he’s just not use to someone who drinks hot sauce like it was milk.” Vincent shakes his head “Or has chili for breakfast. No wonder you are fighting an ulcer.”
“I don’t have an ulcer. Just an occasional stomach ache.”
“Yeah sure. Keep telling yourself that brother.”
Vincent starts to answer but stops, noticing Cody flexing his hand. He reaches over and grabs his wrist, turning his hand palm up “Azarel. How long ago?”
“Since we got back. He’s building up his forces again.” Cody closes his hand into a fist “Waiting for us to finish what we started 6 months ago.”
Vincent leans back some rubbing his temples again “Six month ago he branded you with that mark because we got too careless. I’m not making that mistake again. We’ll go after Azarel when the time is right.” He looks at Cody ”And this isn’t it.”
“We can’t run from him forever Vincent.” Cody frowns “I don’t like running from any spirit, especially him.”
“We aren’t running Cody. But we have another mission to finish first.” He points to the digital calendar on the wall “We’ll have a full moon in 3 days and we still have a LOT of work to do.”
Vincent stands up and smiles, his blue eyes flashing “Come on little brother, for once you’re going to do your homework and be ready.”
“That’s what I have you for brother. You do all the figuring and I do all the hard work.” He dodges a punch and laughs “Well at least I got you to smile.”
They head out of the commissary and along the outer hallway.
"So where are we headed?" Cody asks, his eyes flashing.
"I'm going to check on the supplies, make sure we have everything we need. You're going to the data bank to brush up on your Lycans."
"The data bank?" Cody sighs. "I don't need to read, I need to fight!"
"You need to read first. There was a third being in that cave. You missed it and it almost cost you."
"You got my back."
"I won't always be there," Vincent says and Cody looks over at him with a question in his eyes. Vincent puts a hand on his shoulder. "For once, don't argue...go check out the data files. I want us both ready when we go back."
Cody starts to say something, then stops and nods. "Alright, I'll go."
Vincent nods and watches him go off down a nearby hallway and through the door of the data bank. He clenches his fists, then releases them slowly, breathing deeply, then turns and heads toward the loading bay.
As he steps into the room it hums with life as Trackers come and go. He steps over to a sleek black craft and puts a hand on it. He nods and turns toward the rear of the craft to open the hatch. As he reaches out for the latch, a small green hand darts over his.
"Not now, Aantha," he says and the hand retracts. A young girl with pale green skin and large eyes appears beside him.
"You said you'd take me this time," she says. "You said I could come, Vincent."
"I said maybe," he looks at her and shakes his head. "This one's too dangerous."
"They're always too dangerous," she scowls and he sighs.
"That's because you're not a Tracker. You're not prepared."
"Not yet...I will be...some day."
"You wouldn't be so anxious to be one if you really knew what it was like," he says. She smirks.
"That's not true...Cody says it's fun. Cody likes it."
"Cody needs to grow up," Vincent smirks. "And you need to go away...I've got work to do."
"I can help."
Vincent rubs at his temples and sighs. "Not now, Aantha...later, ok?"
Aantha sighs and shrugs, then disappears and Vincent shakes his head. He turns back to the hatch and begins checking through the supplies.
Cody watches as the data bank scrolls across the screen and sighs “Sorry big brother but this is boring.” He pulls out his knife and starts to toss it in the air as the computer chatters about Lycan’s and various werewolf types. Finally Cody groans and hits the off button “Enough already. I know all I need to know.” He tosses the knife into the table and smiles “I know how to kill them.” He pulls the knife out and gets up, heading for the door.
Halfway down the hall he stops, leaning into a small room “Hey Doc? You in here?” He steps in “Anyone? Hello???” Getting no answer he grins and quietly shuts the door “Good old Doc, I can always count on you to be on a coffee break at 9:00 sharp.”
Cody walks over to a locked panel and grins “Come on Doc, what do you think you have here? A bunch of thieves?” He quickly spins the dial, clicking off numbers until it beeps and the door swings open “Thank you Aantha!” Cody scans the row of pills, quickly taking out a bottle and dropping it into his pocket. He looks around then grabs another larger bottle of pills and pockets them before closing and locking the cabinet back.
A few minutes later he steps up to the back of the craft where Vincent is checking inventory “Hey brother, catch!”
Vincent looks up just in time to catch the small bottle of pills “What is this?” He reads the label and sighs “You broke into Doc’s med cabinet again, didn’t you?”
“Relax bro, he’ll never miss them and your headache isn’t going to go away without them.”
Vincent sighs and shakes his head “And what else did you take?”
“Nothing.” Cody smiles “I was thinking of you.”
“Yeah, sure you were. And if I were to frisk you right now I’d find a bottle of Cyclor in your pocket, wouldn’t I?”
Cody smile and shrugs “You’d have to frisk me to find out and you’re not that daring.”
Vincent shakes his head, putting the pills in his pocket “You going to tell me you already finished at the data bank?”
“I’m a fast learner.” Cody sighs and Vincent glares at him “Oh come on Vincent, lighten up will you? I know what I’m doing and I can do my job. I’ve never let you down before have I?”
"It's not me I'm worried about," Vincent sighs and gestures toward the edge of the hover craft. Cody sits and Vincent puts his hands on Cody's shoulders. "They're getting stronger, their power is increasing. The more it does, the more dangerous they get. This isn't run of the mill tracking anymore, we can't just toss it off."
Cody sighs. "I know, I felt it too," he turns his arm and flexes it, exposing a three inch scar on his forearm. "I thought that last one was going to take my arm off." Vincent nods. "But he didn't...we took care of him. We always do."
"You can't just assume. You start doing that and you'll pay the consequences...with a lot more than a little scar."
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"Why do you always have to be the voice of doom? In case you hadn't notice, we're the two best Trackers in this place. With your brains and my moves there's nothing we can't beat. Have a little confidence, bro."
"I have plenty...but that doesn't mean I can't be careful too. And the same goes for you. You never know what you might come up against next."
Cody tilts his head. "You still on about Lazarus? He's gone, bro...grandpa saw to that. He's not coming back."
Vincent sighs. "Tell that to my head." He rubs his temple and Cody reaches over and pats the bottle of pills in his other hand.
"Take a couple and relax...the headache will pass."
Vincent nods and opens the bottle. He shakes out two small capsules and pops them into his mouth. As he does, Cody stands up and walks to the back of the craft.
"So where do we stand?" he says, glancing in the open hatch.
"We're pretty much good to go. Need a couple more lazer torches...I don't want to be caught off guard again. I'll get them from supply."
Cody nods and starts toward an archway in the far wall.
"Where are you off to?" Vincent calls after him.
Cody turns and grins. "Where else? To practice!"
Vincent shakes his head. "Try not to break anything, would you?" he calls after Cody and Cody raises a hand and waves without turning around.
Cody steps into a room, open in the center and lined with supply containers along the walls. He smiles as he starts to stretch. After a minute he walks to a cabinet along the wall and takes out a Pulse rifle, taking the cross-bow gun from his back and leaning it on the wall. He sets the pulse rifle to practice and looks up “Lycan’s, level 6.”
“Restricted.” A metallic voice answers “Level 6 has not been cleared. Your current level is 5.”
Cody swears and steps to the middle of the room and nods “Ok, ok, level 5 then.”
The room goes dark and Cody blinks, forcing his eyes to adjust. Off in the far corners the sound of snarling echo’s as padded footsteps move around the perimeter. Cody doesn’t move, waiting and listening. Suddenly he whirls and fires, grinning as a screech answers him, followed by a thud.
Seconds later he spins as two more furry werewolves rush him. Firing at one he dives and rolls, firing a second time but missing. The Lycan snarls and crouches waiting for Cody to move before pouncing. Cody slowly raises the rifle and looks around, feeling more than seeing a second Lycan moving along the wall.
Without taking his eyes off the first one he reaches for the knife in his boot and nods “Ok boys, come and get me.”
The Lycan’s pounce and Cody throws the knife, which hits it’s mark. At the same instant he fires the pulse rifle, killing the second Lycan and the program ends.
“Use of non practice weapons is prohibited Lt. Hawks.”
“Yeah, yeah, well you invent a practice knife and I’ll use it.” He stands up and rubs his stomach “NOW I’m qualified for level 6.”
“Affirmative. After a 12 hour review period.”
Cody glares at the ceiling and swears “Fine.” He puts the pulse weapon away and retrieves his crossbow rifle then reaches in his pocket, taking out the bottle of pills. He dumps out two and swallows them “Lycan’s always did give me indigestion.”
Vincent looks up from the charts he’s reading “Done with practice already? What happened? The Lycan’s kick your butt again?”
“Ha, ha. As a matter of fact, I kicked their butts.” He smiles “And qualified for level 6. See bro? I told you not to worry.”
“Oh yeah,” Vincent rubs his forehead “I feel a lot better now. Too bad we’re fighting the real thing and not some computer program.”
Cody sits down and sighs “What do you want from me Vincent? I’m doing the best I can, why can’t you ever give me credit for that? I’m not Dad, and I’m not you.” Cody rubs his stomach “I know what we do is serious and dangerous, I’m not stupid.”
Vincent reaches out and puts a hand on Cody's arm. Cody looks up at him and he fixes Cody with an ice blue stare.
"I know you're not, I never said you were. But you're reckless and that can be worse."
"I can take care of myself," Cody smirks.
"Good," Vincent nods and Cody tilts his head.
"What is that supposed to mean? You know you're freaking me out lately...more than usual, I mean. What's wrong with you?"
Vincent sighs. "Nothing, I'm sorry...I just...Dad left me with a lot of weight to carry, you know? I guess I just let it get to me more than I should."
"You've been freaked out ever since that job we did on Plantar. Something happened out there, didn't it? Something you didn't tell me about."
"It was nothing," Vincent shakes his head.
"We're partners, bro. How am I supposed to have your back if I don't know where you're coming from? If you let me in I might actually be able to help."
"If I let you in, you might not be able to get out. It's bad enough one of us has been sucked into this, you don't need to deal with it too."
Cody reaches out and puts a hand on Vincent's shoulder. "I'm your brother...I'm already in this. Let me help...trust me."
Vincent swallows and nods, then smiles faintly. "I'm supposed to be the one taking care of you...older brother and all."
Cody smirks. "Partners...we're supposed to take care of each other...right?"
He raises an eyebrow and Vincent nods. "Right."
Vincent smiles and gets up “I’ll tell you about it later, ok? Right now we need to get the rest of the supplies loaded and head out. With any luck we can be at the Altan Castle before night fall.”
“Bavaria is a long flight, even for this ship. Why don’t we stop over in Berlin for the night?” Cody grins “Maybe visit that little pub with the pretty bar maids?”
“Sorry sport but not this time. We have to get to the castle tonight. It’s going to take a whole day just to find out where the Lycan’s hide out is.” Vincent whacks Cody on the head “This isn’t a pleasure trip.”
Cody sighs and stands up “All work and no play makes for a very dull day.”
“All Play and no work makes and easy meal for werewolves.”
Cody grins and shakes his head “Well at least you’re getting your sense of humor back a little.” Cody looks at him “How’s the headache?”
“Better.”
“Told ya the pills would help. You can thank me later.”
“Come on brat, let’s get loaded and get out of here before Doc finds out you raided his medical cabinet again and throws us BOTH in sickbay.”
Cody laughs and grabs a large case, picking it up “Jeez, what’d you do? Take every torch in stock?”
“That’s extra ammo, including more arrows for your crossbow. You tend to go through them like there was an unending supply of them.”
Cody laughs and they finish loading the cargo then do one more inspection of the ship. Finally they head for the ****pit and Vincent slides into the pilot’s seat “Strap in brother, we need to go.”
“How come you always get to fly?”
“Cause I’m older. Now get in that seat or I’ll leave you to him.”
Vincent points and Cody swears, seeing an elderly man, wearing a white coat heading for them “Damn, Doc. Spoon. Come on Vincent, kick this bucket.”
Vincent grins and powers up the ship “Told you that ulcer was going to catch up to you one day.”
“It’s not an ulcer and you should talk, Mr. walking headache. Now will you hurry up and launch. He grounds us and we’ll never get off this rock!”
Vincent shakes his head and fires up the ship, pulling away just as Doc Spoon is about to reach them.
Cody turns as they leave the bay and sees the old man gesturing toward them. He grins and waves and Vincent smirks.
"Stop gloating and sit still," he says as he scans the control panel.
"You taking us into hyper speed?" Cody says, glancing at him.
"No need, we have time and we're a little loaded down. I don't want to risk it."
"Oh come on, bro, live a little," Cody smirks.
Suddenly the speeder dips sharply to the right, edging Cody toward the opening next to him.
"HEY! What are you doing?"
"Just reminding you who's in charge," Vincent smiles as he looks straight ahead. Out of the corner of his eye he notices Cody gripping the edge of his seat. He evens out the control and levels the speeder back out.
"Very funny," Cody smirks. "I thought you didn't like being reckless?"
"I don't...I'm always in control," Vincent smiles and Cody shakes his head.
"So how did you get Murdoch to ok our going back out so fast? He usually insists on 48 hours minimum between jobs."
"He'll be fine with it."
Cody looks at Vincent and raises an eyebrow. "He WILL be? You didn't tell him?"
"I will. I'll explain everything."
Cody emits a low whistle. "Geeze...must be bad for you to push the rules."
Vincent smirks. "Just promise me you'll pay attention this time...no going off half ****ed."
Cody smirks, "Whatever you say, big bro."
Vincent looks out in front of them at the passing landscape and the sun just peeking out over the horizon and shakes his head.
Cody looks out and sighs “Did you pack a lunch by any chance?”
“You just ate breakfast an 2 hours ago, if you can call that breakfast.”
“I know but you know I like to eat when we fly. It makes me hungry.”
“Beats me how you stay so damn skinny with all the crap you eat.”
“I am NOT skinny, and can I help it if I like food.” Cody unstraps “I’m going to go find something, you want anything?”
“Cody, sit back down. I hit turbulence and you’ll end up in the wall or worse.”
“Stop treating me like a f’ing 6 year old Vincent! I’ve walked around this crate a 100 times while you were flying. God, whatever is bothering you I hope you tell me soon and get it off your chest. You’re becoming a royal pain in the ass.”
Cody disappears down the hall and Vincent sighs “And he says I’m a pain in the ass.”
Cody heads for the tiny food area and opens a cooler looking in “Oh great, fruit, juice and milk. GOD no wonder Vincent is always in a bad mood.” He grins and pulls open the bottom bin, moving various fruits aside, finally finding a container in back. He opens it and smells “Ah, Burritos! I knew I remembered to put some on board.”
He takes one out and shuts the cooler then grabs a bottle of hot sauce, dumping it on and taking a bite “Now all I need is a beer.” He looks in the cooler again and sighs “Damn you Vincent.” He grabs an apple and heads back up, sliding into his seat “Here, see I think about you?”
Vincent catches the apple then looks at the burrito “God Cody, you get sick in here and I swear I’ll dump you, right over the Alps.”
Cody laughs and takes a bite “You just don’t know what’s good.” He holds it out “Want a bite?”
“NO. And when you’re doubled over in pain later, you’ll wish you listened to me.”
Cody rolls his eyes and punches up a data sheet on his screen “Whatever bro. Last report on Alton Castle says all current residents have left. Reporting various sightings of strange wolf like creatures roaming the area.” He eats and swallows “You think they are hold up in the caves on the mountain?”
“Makes sense. They need a place where they can hide during the day.” Vincent glances at the readout “Any data on how many we’re dealing with?”
“Nope, all it says is numerous.” Cody takes a bite and shakes his head “Gotta love locals. Numerous could mean 3 or 8. Nice of them to narrow it down a bit.”
“Locals aren’t use to werewolves walking around their homes. It spooks most people.”
“Good thing we’re not most people, huh?” Cody holds up the burrito “Last chance, sure you don’t want some?”
"You keep waving that thing in my face and I'll jettison it AND you!" Vincent smirks and Cody chuckles and takes a bite of the burrito. "God, how can you eat that crap?"
"You don't know what you're missing, bro."
"I don't want to know," Vincent looks down and switches off the screen with the data sheet. "Ok, you were right...you have a right to know where I stand...we stand. I haven't been keeping this from you because I want to, I had to...frankly, I wasn't sure what to make of it. I was beginning to think I'm losing my mind."
"Beginning? Hell you lost your mind a long time ago," Cody grins and Vincent shakes his head.
"Cody, I'm serious. When we were in that cave in the Plantar region, did you hear anything strange?"
"You mean besides the Lycan's howling? Hard to hear anything above that."
"That's what I thought."
Cody looks over at him and raises an eyebrow. "Why, what did you hear?"
"A low rumbling...almost a growl."
"Probably the Lycans."
"This was no Lycan...I know what they sound like. It was continual...and much more ominous. I wasn't sure if you'd heard it. But if you didn't, then I was right."
"About what?"
"It wasn't coming from the cave," Vincent looks over at Cody. "It was inside my head."
Cody stops in mid bite and gapes at Vincent. "That can't be. They can't get inside. Except for demons...and that's only if you let them in."
"It was him...it was Lazarus."
"Vincent, that can't be. Even Murdoch doesn't believe that one. He was killed, like 100 years ago."
"You can't kill the undead. That's what Dad was trying to tell us. That's why Dad followed him...and now he's led him to me."
"Why would he do that? He was trying to keep us away from all that."
"No choice," Vincent takes one hand off the controls and flexes it. "It's in our blood."
"But if that's true..." Cody looks at him and Vincent nods.
"It's only a matter of time before he takes me too."
"He can't...I won't let him," Cody reaches for the knife in his boot and pulls it out, gripping it and turning it over in his hand. Vincent reaches over and puts a hand on his arm.
"Good to know," he nods and smiles faintly. "I'm going to need you to back me up."
Cody looks over at him. "I won't let him have you...he's taken enough from our family already. He's NOT taking you!"
Vincent smiles. "Thanks, bro."
Cody sighs and nods, flipping the knife in his hand.
"Now put that thing away before you break something."
Cody smirks and returns the knife to his boot.
Cody looks at Vincent and sighs “Vincent, I know you think I’m a screw up.”
“I do not, hell you’re a damn good Spirit Tracker Cody.”
“I’m the BEST.” Cody smiles “But that’s beside the point. I know you think I don’t take all this seriously but I do. I swear I do Vincent. And there is no way I’m letting Lazarus or anything else hurt you.” He rubs his stomach and sighs “I’ll have your back, no matter what.”
Vincent is silent for a minute then smiles slightly “Thanks Cody, and for what it’s worth, I never doubted you would. I just want your promise you’ll be careful. Cause I don’t intend to lose you either.”
Cody nods, for once looking serious “Together there isn’t a Lycan, ghost or demon that can beat us Vincent. Together we’re strong.”
“That we are brother, that we are.” Vincent smiles “We’re still a good 4 hours from Bavaria. You want to fly her a while?”
“You’d let me?”
“Of course, it’s not like you don’t know how to fly.” Vincent grins “And I figure between the chili for breakfast and that burrito, even you won’t try any wild moves. Of course if you do and puke, YOU are cleaning it up.”
Cody laughs and takes the controls “Don’t worry bro. I’ll keep her nice and steady.”
“Uh huh, just make sure you do.” Vincent leans back “I need some sleep.”
Vincent closes his eyes and Cody nods “Go ahead, I’ll handle things.” He rubs his stomach “I’ve got your back bro, I won’t let you down.”
Vincent falls into a restless sleep and Cody frowns, looking out “Ok Lazarus, you want a fight, we’ll give you one.” He flexes his hand and looks at the red mark now, faded “So that’s what you’re up to Azarel, you’re joining forces with Lazarus.” He clinches his fist “Well it won’t do you any good. Either of you.”
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3/30/2009, 1:56 pm
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Justbec
Warrior
Global user (premium)
Registered: 06-2006
Location: Paradise Lost
Posts: 9048
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…
Thanks. Catcherlady and I had fun doing it. And there is more.
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3/31/2009, 11:40 am
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Justbec
Warrior
Global user (premium)
Registered: 06-2006
Location: Paradise Lost
Posts: 9048
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…
A few hours later Vincent wakes and sits up stretching “Where are we?”
“Coming into Bavaria, we’re passing over the Alps now.”
Vincent nods, taking the controls “And you look like that burrito is talking to you.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve had better.” Cody smiles “How’s the headache?”
“Gone for the moment. Thanks to the pills you lifted from the Doc..”
“See? I told you they’d help.” Cody looks out the window “Castle Altan coming into range. Think those mountains behind it are where our friends are hiding?”
“Would be the logical spot. But we’ll wait to find out until tomorrow. Tonight we need to unload, unpack and form a plan.” He glances at Cody “And you need something in your stomach besides hot sauce and burritos.”
Cody shakes his head “No way I’m eating out here. I don’t eat broiled bat.”
Vincent laughs “Not even with hot sauce?”
"You couldn't pay me to eat those things!" Cody says and Vincent chuckles.
"I thought you were the one with the iron stomach."
"Even my stomach has its limits. You want to land her?"
"No, go ahead. Take her down just beyond the castle, near the woods. But do NOT take out any trees, we can't afford any more damage!"
"Hey...I'm not the one who flew us through a clock tower...that was all you, bro."
Vincent smirks and shakes his head. "I had no choice...you do. Be careful."
"Do you ever stop being the responsible one?"
"Someone has to," Vincent smiles and Cody smirks. He brings the speeder down and lands it smoothly in a clearing surrounded by trees.
"That good enough for you?" he says, looking over at Vincent and grinning.
"Stop gloating and help me unpack," Vincent says and steps out and walks around to the rear hatch.
"Where are we supposed to stow all this?" Cody says as they pull out their supplies. "I am NOT carrying all this crap...you're the one who packed it all, you can lug it!"
"We don't have to take it all," Vincent says as he he checks his pulse rifle. "We're close enough that we can get back here if we need to." He puts the rifle back in the hatch and Cody raises an eyebrow.
"You're not taking it with you?"
"No, and you're not taking your crossbow either. We're going into town, to get the lay of the land, we don't need to scare the locals...they're scared enough as it is. We'll come back and prep before we hit the mountains."
Cody glances at his crossbow and sighs. Vincent opens up a pack and takes out a map and pair of lazer torches. He hands one to Cody.
"Just in case," he nods and Cody smirks, but takes the torch and tucks it in his pocket.
"Alright, let's go. And remember, we're here to do a job, not meet women."
Cody smirks and they start walking toward the nearby village. As they approach it, they make their way to what is obviously the main street. Vincent glances in both directions, then points to a building with a sign hanging in front of it painted with a boar's head.
"There...the local pub. We'll get everything we need in there...food and information."
"Oh great," Cody sighs and rolls his eyes. "You know I can't stand German food."
Vincent smiles and pats him on the shoulder. "Would you rather have fried bat?"
Cody smirks and they head toward the pub and step inside.
Several people turn and look at them, then turn back to their mugs and food. Vincent motions to an empty table and they sit down.
“I don’t like this Vincent. We’re unarmed and in unknown territory.”
“We’re in a Pub Cody. Last time I checked Lycan’s didn’t drink Ale.”
“Ha, ha. They may not drink Ale but they do like to drink blood.” Cody looks around and shakes his head “And just what are we suppose to learn in here?”
“Depends on the questions we ask I would guess.” Vincent smiles “Besides, I’m hungry.”
A hefty man walks over and nods, speaking in German “Sie sind nicht von um hier.”
Vincent nods “Kein sind wir Amerikaner, hier auf Geschäft.”
Cody sighs “Can we have a couple of beers?” He rubs his stomach “And some food.”
The man looks at him, seeing the medallion around his neck. He turns to Vincent, seeing a similar one “Sie sind Geist-Jäger.”
“Yes, we are Spirit Trackers. Do you speak English?”
“Ya, I do.” The man looks at them “You have come for the werewolves.”
Cody rolls his eyes “So much for getting a lay of the land bro.”
Vincent smirks and looks at the man “Perhaps. But at the moment we are looking for a meal.”
“AND Ale.” Cody adds.
“I will get you both. We have a stew, it’s late and that is all we have.” He smiles “It is quite good.”
He turns and leaves and Cody groans “Great, probably stewed bat.”
Vincent looks around “Apparently we were easy to make.”
“Of course we were Vincent. This town is over run with Werewolves. It’s not exactly a Tourist spot at the moment. Anyone coming here either lives here or is tracking Lycans.” Cody shakes his head “We should have brought our weapons.”
The man comes back with two mugs of Ale and two bowls of stew, setting them down “Do you require anything else?”
“Information.” Vincent hands him a wad of folded bills “You know who we are. Do you know where the Lycan’s are?”
“Know? The whole village knows.” The man shakes his head “They come when the moon is full. They come from the caves high up in the mountains.”
"And when was the last full moon?" Vincent asks.
"Just over two weeks ago," the man responds. "The attacks were much worse that night."
"How so?" Cody asks, looking up from his stew.
"There were more of them...3, 4, 5 at a time. All over the village. No place was safe. No-one will walk outside after dark anymore."
"Increasing in number, that tracks with what we were told," Cody says and Vincent nods.
"And you expect to eliminate them on your own, just two of you?"
"We can handle it," Cody nods and the man shakes his head.
"I would not want to be you."
"Machen Sie sich keine Sorgen, wir machen Ihren sicheren Ort wieder, Sie haben mein Wort," Vincent says.
The man sighs, "Von den Mund Gottes Ohren."
He turns and walks off and Vincent sighs and takes a bite of stew.
"What did you tell him?" Cody asks.
"That we'd make the village safe again. You have got to brush up on your languages."
"I know the only language that counts...the language of weapons," Cody smirks.
Vincent shakes his head and Cody takes a drink.
"So where do we go from here?"
"Back to the ship. We'll get some sleep, then get our stuff together and start up the mountain. We should make it almost all the way before night fall."
"Why are we waiting until tomorrow? Why not go tonight?"
"Because unless I'm mistaken tomorrow will be the next full moon. A Harvest moon."
Cody raises an eyebrow. "For once, I wish you were wrong."
"So do I. But you know what the harvest moon means...Lycans gain strength. We need to be prepared."
"It's going to take us forever if we have to lug all that crap you brought," Cody smirks.
"We'll take what we need. And no going off on your own this time, Cody. We need to stick together. Understood?"
Cody sighs and takes a drink and Vincent brings his hand down on Cody's arm and grips it tight.
"Understood?"
"Ok, ok, understood," Cody gapes and Vincent lets go. Cody shakes his head as he rubs his arm. "Would you chill? You're becoming a real drag, you know?"
Vincent smirks. "Eat your stew."
Cody eats, not talking and finally Vincent looks at him “Alright, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m eating, just like you said.”
Vincent sighs and pushes his empty plate away “I know you Cody, what’s bothering you?”
“What’s bothering me? YOU are bothering me Vincent. You’re scaring me, it’s like.” Cody pushes the plate away and frowns “It’s like you’re expecting to die or something.”
Vincent swears and rubs his face “I’m not expecting to die Cody. I’m being realistic. We’ve been pushing our luck for the last year now. You almost bought it the last time we came up against Lycan’s. And I almost bought it on our last mission. I’m just being careful, and praying you will be too.”
Cody nods “I will Vincent, I’m not in a hurry to die, I just hope you aren’t either.”
Vincent chuckles and reaches over, messing up Cody’s hair “I’m not, you have my word on that. Now let’s get out of here and back to the ship. We are going to have a long day.”
They toss some money on the table and leave, stepping out into the darkness. Cody shivers despite himself “Jeez, they ever hear of street lights around here?”
Vincent pulls out the small torch and flips it on, lighting the area around them “You have to be the only Spirit Tracker in the business that’s afraid of the dark.”
“I am NOT afraid of the dark. EXCEPT when my older brother makes me leave my crossbow in the ship.” Cody shakes his head “We get jumped now we’ll be the main course on tomorrow’s menu.”
“Relax, we should be safe enough tonight.”
“Should be? Oh thanks.”
Vincent chuckles and motions “Come on. We’ll get back to the ship and you can curl up with your crossbow all night.”
“Ha, ha.”
They start walking and suddenly Cody stops, grabbing Vincent’s arm “We aren’t alone Vincent.”
“Where?”
Cody eases the knife from his boot “Left, 50 yards, maybe more.”
Vincent nods and turns slowly, holding the light up “Something just moved off into the woods.” He walks that direction “This way.”
Cody rolls his eyes “ONE knife against werewolves is not odds I like Vincent.”
Vincent kneels and holds the torch to the ground “A scout, looks like a young one.” He stands back up “Let’s get to the ship, quick.”
“Gee, you think?” Cody smirks “And next time I’m bringing my crossbow regardless of what you say.”
They make their way to the ship and check to make sure that everything's where they left it.
Cody picks up his cross bow and fingers it.
"So we leaving early or what?"
"No," Vincent shakes his head. "Not necessary. If that was a scout, it won't be back. We spotted it, it had to have spotted us."
"Great, that just means they'll know we're coming," Cody smirks.
"Not much we can do about that. For now, we need to get some sleep," Vincent gestures toward the ship and Cody raises an eyebrow.
"In there? There isn't even room to turn around in there!"
"No choice...it's a lot safer than sleeping out here."
Chance sighs and shakes his head. "Ok, but I'm taking this with me," he raises the cross bow and heads toward the door of the ship. Vincent shakes his head, then reaches in and retrieves his pulse rifle and follows.
They settle down and fall asleep, Cody stretched out in the back and Vincent across the two seats in the front. At daybreak, Vincent sits up and stretches. He looks around and sees that everything is quiet, then steps outside. After checking the perimeter of the landing area, he returns and grabs Cody by the ankle, shaking him.
"What the...?" Cody sits up and looks around groggily. "What's going on?"
"Time to leave, little brother," Vincent says. "We've got a hike ahead of us."
Cody grumbles and starts to lay back down.
Vincent smirks and turns to walk toward the hatch. He yells back as he goes. "You don't get up in the next two seconds and I'm laying you out as live bait!"
He walks to the hatch and starts packing supplies in two back packs. As he's finishing one, Cody walks up, crossbow strung across his back.
"We don't even get to eat first?" Cody yawns and Vincent hands him a pack.
"There's food in the pack, eat as you go."
He closes the hatch and puts one of the packs on his back, then picks up his rifle and slings that over his shoulder. Cody smirks and opens the pack.
"You call this food?!" he gapes as he holds up an apple.
"You can't travel on chili and burritos," Vincent says and he begins walking.
Cody smirks at him and flings the pack over his shoulder as he starts to walk.
“I can’t travel on this either. Hell birds don’t even eat this.” Cody shakes his head and puts the apple back in the pack “First thing I see moving I’m killing and cooking.”
Vincent grins and points “Ok, look. Bats.”
“Oh you are real funny Vincent. God I hate morning people.”
They start up the mountain and Vincent looks back “Come on Cody, I know you can move faster then that.”
“I’m moving, relax.” Cody catches up and looks ahead of them “Nice place for an ambush brother. And we’ll reach it just as the sun starts to set.”
“THAT is why I’m trying to get you to move your ass. If we hurry, we can be there BEFORE sunset and get ready.” Vincent starts walking faster “Who knows, we might even have time for a meal.”
Cody smirks but doesn’t answer, picking up his pace to match Vincent’s. Finally after almost 3 hours of hiking Vincent stops and takes a drink of water “We’re making good time now.” He passes the water to Cody “We should be to the caves well before sunset.”
Cody takes a drink and nods “We’ll need to be if we want to set up and NOT be dinner.”
Vincent takes out an apple and takes a bite “Eat some food, we’ll take a five minute break.”
“I would if you had of brought any.”
“Eat the apple Cody, I don’t need you having stomach pains 2/3rds of the way up this mountain.”
“My stomach will be fine.” Cody looks up at the caves high above “Don’t worry about me.”
“I wish I didn’t have to.” Vincent takes another bite “But you attract trouble like a magnet.”
Cody rolls his eyes and starts climbing “Finish your lunch bro. I plan on getting to those caves in time to fix a real meal.” He looks back and smiles “I wonder how broiled Lycan tastes?”
Vincent catches up with him and puts a hand on his arm. "Don't even kid about that. You know what happens if you make contact with them."
"I know, I know...you let them in, there's no getting them out. Jeez, chill bro."
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3/31/2009, 12:29 pm
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Justbec
Warrior
Global user (premium)
Registered: 06-2006
Location: Paradise Lost
Posts: 9048
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They continue on in silence for a while. Eventually Cody glances over and sees Vincent’s jaw tensing.
"You sensing something?"
Vincent shakes his head. "Too early for any activity but we're getting close. I can feel it."
Cody reaches for his crossbow and brings it around to his chest.
"So how are we going to do this? If what the guy in the pub said was true, we're going to be outnumbered...BIG time."
"Yeah, but fortunately Lycans aren't big on brains. Hopefully we can make them think there are more of us, force them back on their heels. The key is to keep them up here, away from the village."
Cody nods. "We could set off a couple of C-2's...the smoke would back them up, make them easier to pick off."
"Not a bad idea," Vincent nods, "now you know why I keep you around."
Cody smirks. "Ha ha. They are not getting away this time. I'm getting sick of chasing these bastards."
"Which is why we're going for their straps. Destroy those and they can't come back."
"We have to get them off their waists first."
Vincent nods. "That's the idea."
"So where are these caves?" Cody says, look ahead of them.
"There," Vincent points to a spot directly above their heads, about 30 feet up.
"There?!" Cody gapes. "How the hell do we get up there?"
Vincent pats him on the shoulder and grins. "Keep climbing."
Cody shakes his head. "I knew there was a reason I hated Bavaria."
Vincent chuckles and watches as Cody starts climbing, then follows, keeping Cody within reaching distance.
After another long and strenuous climb they reach the opening of the caves and Cody stop, letting Vincent climb up next to him “Well, we’re here. And we still have a few hours of daylight left.”
Vincent nods and sets his pack down opening it “We’re going to need it. How many arrows do you have for that bow?”
Cody smiles “Enough, and before you ask, yes they are all silver tipped.” He pats the crossbow “See? I did research them before we left.”
Vincent rolls his eyes “Even Aantha knows you need silver to kill Lycans.”
Cody turns and looks at him “Gee, then maybe you should have brought her along instead of me.” He gets up “I can do this alone you know.”
“Now it’s YOUR turn to chill little brother. I was joking. Lighten up, will you?”
“Sorry, I get in a bad mood when I’m hungry.”
Vincent chuckles and pulls out two pouches handing one to Cody “Wolfsbane.”
“You really think that legend is true? That this stuff will kill them?”
“Worth a try at least. Legend says if it touches their skin they will die within seconds. I for one would love to see that.”
“Me too but we’re going to have get pretty close to use it.”
“It’s a last resort, do NOT get that close if you don’t have to. I don’t really care to have a Lycan for a brother so stay away from their teeth.”
“I will, you just do the same.” Cody takes out several C-2 Canisters “How many you want to use?”
“Two should be enough. We need to keep them in this cave. If they get past us they can be down this mountain in a third of the time it will take us.” Vincent looks in “No matter what, we can’t let any out.”
Cody nods, looking at the cave “Why don’t we just blow this sucker and bring the whole mountain down on them?” He waves “I know, I know, cause it will bring it down on us too. And rocks don’t kill Lycan’s.”
“Now you’re learning.” Vincent pats his rifle “We’ll be ready for them when they move.” He looks up at the sky “Going to be a clear night, we’ll need that. The more light the better.”
Cody surveys the C-2 and torches “Ok, now what?”
“We wait, as soon as the sun sets we’ll move in. With any luck we’ll catch them off guard.”
“Yeah but our luck sucks Bro.” Cody leans back against a rock “I hate waiting.”
"You never were big on patience," Vincent opens his rifle checking on his ammo.
"You do know a pulse isn't going to do much against Lycans?" Cody says. Vincent looks up and grins.
"It will with the right ammo." He slides out a cartridge and holds it up.
"Silver casing, nice," Cody nods. "Didn't know they made photons like that."
"They don't...it was a special order. You know Nescor, if it fires or can be fired, he can make it."
"Amen," Cody grins. Vincent slides the cartridge back in his rifle.
"So can I ask you something?" Cody says and Vincent nods. "When did you start feeling Lazarus again? I thought everything was quiet."
"So did I, till that last job. Something about that cave...from the minute I walked in there it started up again, worse than last time."
Cody looks over at the cave opening, then back at his brother. "You going to be ok to go in there? I can do this alone, you know."
"I'll be fine," Vincent nods, "and I'm not letting you do it alone," he smiles faintly. "But thanks."
"If you start having problems, tell me this time."
Vincent nods. "Deal."
They sit and wait, with Cody digging some food out of his pack and eating, until finally the sun begins to set. Vincent grips his rifle and stands.
"Alright, we'll go in together, then split up...take each side of the main opening. Toss a C-2 canister directly to the back of the cave, then move in."
Cody nods, fingering his bow, and edges toward the cave opening.
"And little bro," Vincent says and Cody looks over at him. "Be careful."
"Always," Cody grins and Vincent smirks and shakes his head as they start inside.
Cody takes a canister and looks at Vincent, nodding as he pulls the plug and tosses the canister. Within seconds they hear a low growl, followed by movement. Cody signals to Vincent silently, and inches along the wall, his crossbow ready.
Vincent moves silently along the other side, watching the smoke and darkness but also watching Cody. Suddenly three large Lycans jump from above landing directly in front of them. Though wolf like in appearance the Lycans are huge, standing upward at almost 7 feet. Large canine like fangs encase a deadly mouth as they snarl and growl at Hawks brothers.
Deadly claws extend out as Vincent fires and dives. The clawed hand swings inches from his head but the bullet hits it’s mark and the Lycan falls with a thud. Vincent rolls and looks up seeing Cody aim his bow and fire. A second Lycan howls in pain and falls to the ground but the third turns toward Cody as he loads another arrow.
Vincent rolls to a sitting position and yells “Cody! Down!”
Cody dives just as Vincent fires and the Lycan spins, fangs dripping salvia as blood pours from it’s chest. It tries to grab for Cody but falls, landing just inches away.
“Are you hurt!?”
Cody sits up, rubbing his stomach “No, it didn’t touch me. Thanks to you bro. I owe you one.”
“Yeah, well I’m sure you’ll get the chance to pay me back real soon.” Vincent pulls a strap off the dead Lycan “Grab the other one.” He tosses it on the ground then gets the second one, waiting for Cody, who tosses his on the pile. Vincent aims the pulse rifle and fires “That’s three.”
Cody nods, no longer smiling “Yeah, and a whole lot more to go.”
"Not necessarily...the man in the pub said there were 5 attacks."
"I doubt he was exactly keeping track," Cody smirks and Vincent nods.
"Let's just keep our eyes and ears open."
Cody nods and they continue toward the back of the cave. They come to a point where the cave splits in two directions. Vincent stands and tenses, tilting his head slightly.
After a few seconds, Cody looks over at him. "Anything?"
Vincent shakes his head. "Too many echoes...hard to tell."
Cody lifts his bow. "Then I guess we split up."
Vincent sighs and nods. "Be careful...don't take any chances."
Cody smirks and heads down one passage as Vincent heads down the other. Vincent edges along, peering into the darkness and letting his senses acclimate. Suddenly, he hears a low growling. He pauses and shakes his head. The delay is just long enough to allow a large Lycan to spring from a nearby rock and pounce on him.
He spots it at the last second and rolls out of the way, bringing up the pulse rifle and firing. The Lycan howls and falls back as the shot finds its mark. Vincent scrambles up and grabs the strap. He edges further along but finds no sign of any other Lycans. He reaches a dead end and shakes his head, then turns to head back out, still holding the strap in one hand.
As he walks back out, he suddenly stops and brings his hands up to his head. He closes his eyes and grimaces. A rumbling, hissing noise fills his ears and grows louder and louder...
"AAAAAAAHHHH..." he shouts and falls to his knees.
"Vincent?" Cody is beside him, shaking his shoulder and Vincent looks up. "You ok, bro?"
Vincent, sweat pouring down his brow, nods slightly. "You?"
"Fine...got two more. There's no sign of any others."
"The straps," Vincent gasps.
"Destroyed them," Cody nods. Vincent holds up the one in his hand and Cody gapes. "Did you get bitten?" He kneels down next to Vincent and checks his neck and arms.
"No, he didn't bite me," Vincent says. He holds out the strap. "Toss this."
Cody nods and takes the strap and tosses it a couple of feet away. Vincent struggles to his feet, aims, and blasts it. He puts a hand against the wall to get his balance for a second, then nods.
"Let's get the hell out of here."
Cody nods and they head back out, stepping out into a bright, moonlit night.
Cody grabs Vincent’s arm and eases him to the ground “Vincent, are you hurt?”
“No.” Vincent winces “My head, back there in the caves.” He shakes his head “I thought my head was going to explode.”
Cody sinks to the ground next to him “You scared the **** out of me. I thought that thing had tagged you.” Cody reaches in Vincent’s pocket and finds the bottle of pill, dumping two into Vincent’s hand “Here, take these, they'll help.” Cody looks him over again "You're sure you didn't get bit?"
"I'm positive Cody, I'm alright." Vincent quickly downs them then looks at Cody “What about you?"
“Don't worry about me, I'm fine. The other two didn’t get close. I was able to hit them before they made a lunge." “I wasn’t talking about the Lycan.” Vincent motions and Cody shrugs “I told you, Lycan’s give me indigestion.” He scans the area “I’m pretty sure none got past us. And I double checked the cave, I counted 6 in all.”
“That should be it. I’ve never heard of a pack much bigger than that. And if any were Alpha’s where ever their Beta mates are they should revert back to human form now.”
“Yeah, let’s hope so. You feel up to moving or do you want to rest?”
“Rest.” Vincent holds his head “We both need to.”
Vincent lays back against a rock and closes his eyes “I just need a couple minutes.”
Cody looks around, rubbing his stomach “Sure bro, grab some sleep. I’ve got our backs.”
Vincent doesn’t answer and Cody sighs, getting up quietly “I do not like this.” He takes two laser touches from his pocket and pops one, setting it near Vincent. He lights the other and swallows “I’m just going a few feet away Vincent. I’m still not comfortable with that cave to our backs.’
He walks to the entrance and holds the light up, listening. Dead silence answers him and he slowly inches in a few feet. As he does his stomach burns and he swallows, moving back out as something swoops out of the cave “Bats. God I hate bats more than Lycans.”
Vincent opens his eyes and looks around, his eyes adjusting to the darkness and the faint glow from the lazer torch. He sits up and Cody comes walking over.
"You ok?"
Vincent nods faintly. "How long was I out?"
"About a 1/2 hour," Cody looks around. "There's been no other signs of activity, I think we got them."
"Good. Then let's get the hell out of here."
"What, now? In the dark? Why don't we wait till it's light, it'll be easier to climb back down then."
"Because I don't want to stay here that long. We need to get some distance between us and it."
"What?"
"The cave," Vincent gestures toward it as he stands up.
"I told you, we got them all. The cave's empty, except for a few bats," Cody glances toward the opening and swallows.
"It's not the Lycans I'm worried about," Vincent says, "Come on." He starts down the side of the mountain and Cody shrugs and follows. They climb for a while in silence until they reach the ridge below the cave.
"Ok, that enough distance for you?" Cody says, panting. "Whatever was in there can't reach you from here."
Vincent pauses and leans against a large rock. "Sorry, didn't mean to freak you out."
"You didn't...well, ok, maybe a little. What the hell happened in there?"
"I heard it again," Vincent says, clenching his fists. "Rumbling and hissing. It was so loud I thought my head was going to split in two."
Cody puts a hand on his arm. "Maybe we ought to talk to Murdoch, he might be able to help."
Vincent shakes his head. "Murdoch doesn't believe me any more than you do."
"I didn't say I didn't believe you!"
"I know, but I see it in your eyes, I'm not crazy, Cody...I know what I feel, what I hear."
"Ok, I believe you but what are we supposed to do about it?"
"I don't know," Vincent shakes his head. "We do need help, but Murdoch isn't it. There's only person who can understand this."
Cody nods, "Drosser. God he freaks me out."
Vincent smiles. "That's because he sees right through you."
Cody smirks. He puts a hand on Vincent's shoulder. "Ok, I'm not happy about it, but if he can help you, I'll go talk to him."
"WE'LL go talk to him," Vincent nods. "But first we have to get back."
Cody nods and they continue down the side of the mountain. They reach the ship just as the sun rises.
Once there Cody takes Vincent’s pack and pulse rifle and walks around to the back, packing them. He glances back at Vincent who is leaning against the ship and shakes his head, reaching into his pack and pulling out the bottle of Cyclor. He downs two then walks back to the front “I’ll fly us out, you stretch out in back and sleep.”
“Since when did you start giving the orders?”
“Since you started seeing double and looking like you’re going to pass out.” Cody sighs “Besides, I might as well be good for something.” He motions “Go on. I promise I’ll keep things nice and level.”
“What about the town? We should let them know it’s safe.” Vincent rubs his forehead “And you can get some food.”
“I don’t want any food right now, and the town will figure it out. Murdoch can notify them when we get back if necessary.” Cody looks at him “The sooner we’re away from here the better you’ll feel.”
Vincent hesitates then nods “Alright, but I can fly.”
“Just go back and lay down will you? Trust me to do something as simple as fly this crate.”
Cody walks around to the pilot seat and Vincent sighs, climbing into the back “I do trust you Cody, you know that.” He lays down “And after we see Drosser you’re getting your stomach checked by the Doc.”
Cody glances back and smirks “Only when you get your head checked brother, and not before.” He punches a course into the console and flips the engines on “Now, be a nice passenger and stop yapping.”
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4/1/2009, 12:54 pm
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Catcherlady
LIR
Global user (premium)
Registered: 06-2006
Location: At the ship's wheel
Posts: 9929
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Re: Preview to a new work in progress
Vincent lays back and sighs “I’m going to remember your lip and when my head quits hurting we’ll discuss it.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m quaking in my boots bro.”
They take off and within minutes Vincent is asleep again and Cody eases back in the seat, rubbing his face “Drosser, just my luck. Man gives me the creeps.”
Some time later, Vincent wakes up and steps to the front of the ship, slipping into the co-pilot's seat.
"Have a nice nap?" Cody asks.
"Fine. How far out are we?" Vincent says, glancing through the front window.
"About an hour," Cody says, checking one of the gauges.
"How many of those things did you sneak into my fridge?" Vincent says and Cody shrugs.
"Just the two..." he turns and gapes at Vincent. "How the hell did you know?"
"If the smell weren't enough of a sign, you've got crumbs all over your lap. You know you're going to kill yourself with that crap."
"Well I guess you're feeling better," Cody smirks.
Vincent smiles. "Yeah, sorry about that. Man, I didn't used to have any problem with caves. Unlike you, I actually LIKE them."
"I don't mind them...it's the bats I hate."
"So you threw her into auto to invade the fridge?"
"Relax, we're on a set course, no obstacles. And I was only back there a few seconds. And since when is it YOUR fridge?"
"Since it was installed on MY ship."
Cody smirks and Vincent shakes his head and smiles.
"For the record, bro...you are good for plenty. I wouldn't trust anyone else out here with me. I mean that. I'm sorry if I make you feel otherwise."
"It's ok, I'm used to it," Cody smirks, then chuckles. "I just hope Drosser's got some answers for us."
"Yeah," Vincent stretches his neck from side to side.
"Speaking of answers, you'd better answer the comm...Murdoch is calling."
"Lovely," Vincent sighs and presses a button.
"Did you think I wouldn't notice your absence?" Murdoch's voice sounds and Cody chuckles.
"I'm sorry, Murdoch, it was necessary. We had unfinished business."
"So I saw in your report. You still needed to be checked out first...it's too dangerous to go back out without having a full scan."
"We're fine, Murdoch," Cody quips, "When was the last time someone scanned you?"
Murdoch chuckles. "So how did it go?"
"Fine," Vincent nods. "Six more...we got them all...and destroyed their straps. They won't be back. You might want to let the local authorities know."
"You didn't tell them?"
"We...sort of had to leave in a hurry."
"That's not like you. Are you alright?"
"We're fine...," Vincent looks over at Cody and smiles. "Both of us."
"I'll expect a full report on my desk within 24 hours of your return."
"You're welcome," Cody smirks and Vincent chuckles.
"You'll have your report. Our eta is about 45 minutes."
"See you then. Base out," Murdoch signs off and Vincent deactivates the comm.
Vincent flips the comm off and shakes his head “He was calmer then I though he’d be.”
“He’s probably waiting to blast us when we land.” Cody yawns “He likes to do it in person.”
Vincent smiles a little and motions “Lean back and grab some sleep, I can take over.”
“I’m alright. We’re too close to base to sleep. I’d just be falling out good when we landed.” Cody stretches “IF you had bothered to pack anything with Caffeine it would have helped.”
“You manage to eat and drink enough crap as it is. You don’t need me helping. Besides, there’s water and juice back there.”
Cody rolls his eyes “Yeah, I noticed. I would kill for a soda right now.”
“Its’ a long shot but I’m guessing you’ll live without one.” Vincent looks over at him “And in case I didn’t say it, thanks for having my back at the cave.”
“You did and you’re welcome. I didn’t do anything special. You had your end under control.” Cody flexes his arms “But you did scare the crap out of me by passing out like that. I thought for sure you had gotten tagged.”
“I felt fine and all of the sudden it was like my head was going to explode.” Vincent sighs “Fortunately there was only one Lycan around at the time.”
Cody nods and frowns “You think Drosser can help?”
“He’s our best chance.” Vincent motions to Cody’s hand “He needs to see that mark too. Azarel marked you for a reason, he’s keeping tabs on you.”
Cody clinches his fist and shakes his head “Let him, next time we meet I’m finishing this thing once and for all.”
“Next time we meet, it will be on OUR terms, not his.” Vincent rubs his forehead “Or Lazarus’s.”
Cody nods and sits up some, flipping a switch “Base is coming into range. Home sweet home.”
Vincent chuckles “You’d better hope Doc Spoon isn’t waiting on the landing pad for you.”
Cody smiles “If he is, I’m ducking out the back and you can talk to him. He likes you.”
“I should drag your ass to his office. It would serve you right.”
Cody shakes his head and smiles “But you won’t cause if you do he’ll haul you in too. All I have to do is tell him your headaches are back.”
“Do and I’ll tie you up and leave you in a cave for the bats to feed on.”
Cody grins and brings the ship in for a landing, easing into one of the spots in the docking port.
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4/1/2009, 6:23 pm
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Justbec
Warrior
Global user (premium)
Registered: 06-2006
Location: Paradise Lost
Posts: 9048
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…
He looks out the window and sighs. "No sign of Doc."
Vincent chuckles. "He'll catch up with you sooner or later."
They head back to the door and Vincent pops it open.
"So are we going to see Drosser first or what?" Cody asks and Vincent shakes his head.
"That can wait. I'll check in with Murdoch...you go get some sleep."
"You need sleep too," Cody says as they step out into the docking bay.
"I know, I'll get it, don't worry."
Cody smirks. "Yeah, your usual 4 hours."
"I'll be fine. Go...or do you want to go see Murdoch with me? He'll make you spend the next six hours in bio scan."
Cody gapes. "Ok, ok, I'm gone." He steps to the back of the ship and pops the hatch, removing his crossbow. "But not without this. Good luck, bro."
Vincent nods and Cody heads off. Vincent sighs and shrugs and heads in and down the hall to Control and walks inside. Murdoch looks up from his desk as Vincent approaches.
"Do you ever leave that chair?" Vincent asks with a smirk and Murdoch chuckles.
"Don't change the subject...how did it really go?"
"Everything went fine, just like we said. All Lycans contained, everything under control. We just left without notifying the locals...I know that was a breach of protocol...it's my fault. Won't happen again."
Murdoch peers through his glasses and tilts his head. "You look pale...and troubled. Something else happened?"
"Nothing you need to be worried about. I'm just tired, that's all."
"We'll see what the scan says."
"Not now," Vincent puts a hand up.
"You know the procedure...and where's Cody?"
"He's crashing...we're both fine, we don't have time to waste being scanned."
"It is not a waste...it is necessary."
"I'd know if anything was wrong with me, so would Cody...and you'd be the first to know. I'll get a full report to you in a few hours."
"Vincent..." Murdoch starts but Vincent walks away and Murdoch sighs and shakes his head. "I hope you both know what you're doing."
Vincent crosses the hall and steps into the data bank. He sighs and stretches, then walks over to one of the screens and punches in a code. The screen comes to life as a mechanical voice begins to read.
"The Great Vampire Scourge, 1887-1912. Transylvania, the Romanian empire. Joseph DeSarvenaux was the premiere voice in the battle against the undead, though his findings went largely unheeded at the time, written off as the rantings of an obsessed man."
"Obsessed?" Vincent sighs, "For good reason." He leans forward and continues to read.
"You know you're going to go blind reading that stuff," he looks up to see Aantha standing looking over his shoulder. "You read that file so much you should know it by heart by now."
"Thanks, Aantha...I appreciate the concern," he smirks and goes back to the file.
"Why do you care about all this old stuff anyway? What does some crazy old guy have to do with you?"
Vincent sighs and shakes his head. "Too much."
"Did you get the rest of the Lycans?"
"Yep...all six of them."
"Six? That's a big pack. Where's Cody? He get hurt?"
"He's sleeping and I really should catch a few winks myself," Vincent turns off the screen. Aantha pouts.
"You're sending me away again? You said I could help!"
"You want to help? There's actually an important job you can do for me...keep an eye on the ship. My rifle's in the hatch. Do not let ANYONE near it, k?"
Aantha smiles and nods. "Ok...I'll keep everyone away!"
Vincent smiles faintly. "Thanks brat. I'll catch you later."
He walks out and Aantha watches him go, then disappears and reappears next to the ship.
Vincent heads to his room stopping to look in on Cody who is sound asleep, where he landed on the bed. Vincent smiles and shakes his head “Boots and all.”
He heads to his room and lays down, falling asleep instantly.
A couple hours later Cody wakes up and sits up, looking around, sweat beading on his forehead. He swallows and slowly gets up, taking the bottle of pills and popping two before walking to the window “Relax Azarel, your time is coming. Just leave Vincent out of this. He’s not the one you want.” He clinches his fist and closes his eyes “Thought you were a tough guy, what do you need Lazarus for? Can’t handle us alone?”
“Who are you talking to?”
Cody spins, reaching for his crossbow and a Baker steps back “Whoa, unwind kid, it’s me!”
“Damn it Baker, you know not to sneak up on me!”
“Who’s sneaking. I was walking by and heard you talking.” The tall man leans on the door frame and looks around “First sign of a tracker losing it is when they start talking to themselves you know.”
Cody smirks and runs a hand through his hair “Yeah well I hate to disappoint you but I’m not losing it.”
Baker grins “Good to know, you and Vincent are two of the best we got.” He pushes off the door “So how’d it go and who were you talking to?”
“It went fine. Bagged 6 Lycans and destroyed their straps. And I wasn’t talking to anyone.”
Baker nods looking at him “You look like hell. You had a bio scan recently.”
“You stop by for a reason or just to annoy me?”
Baker chuckles and shrugs “Just making conversation, no need to get hostile.” He looks at the clock “I gotta jet anyway. Baxter and I are due to launch in a few minutes.” He grins “We’ve got a premo assignment this time. Some zombie types down in New Orleans. Man I can’t wait to get some decent food.”
Cody nods “Sounds fun. Just don’t get eaten ok? We’re short handed as it is.”
Baker laughs and waves “Take care kid. See ya later.”
He leaves and Cody shakes his head “Both of them are going to end up dinner for a zombie, I know it.”
Cody steps into the hall way, debating whether to grab some food at the commissary or wake Vincent. He decides for the commissary, wanting to let Vincent sleep. As he gets there he peeks in, smiling “Empty, just the way I like it.”
He goes to a cooler and opens it, looking, finally deciding on a soda and a bag of chips. He sits down at one of the tables with a computer and punches in his clearance. Once in he sighs and types in ‘Archives’ then ‘Lazarus’.
Vincent opens his eyes and sits bolt upright, looking around the room. He takes a breath and lets it out slowly.
"You haven't gotten me yet...I won't go that easily," he says, then rubs his head and stands up. He steps over to the desk and quickly fills out the report on their latest mission. He tucks it in a silver folder and carries it down to Control.
He steps in and finds the room empty for once. He walks over to Murdoch's desk and drops the folder on top of the pile.
"So you do leave this place afterall," he smirks as he glances down at the desk. His eye is caught by two files neatly stacked in the center of it. One has his name on it, the other Cody's. He lifts his and opens the cover, then does the same with Cody's. He tenses and shakes his head. "Oh no you don't, you little control freak."
He replaces the files and hurries out. He goes to Cody's room and finds it empty and swears softly, then heads back to the main hall and into the commissary. He finds Cody at a table, feet up on a chair, finishing up what's left of a bag of chips.
"Hey bro...I thought you were still sleeping."
"Good thing I woke up, come on," he gestures then heads toward the door. Cody jumps up and follows him out.
"Whoa, what's going on? Where are we going?"
"To see Drosser. We've got to get a handle on this thing NOW."
"What's the rush of all a sudden?"
"Murdoch pulled our personnel files. He's going to take us out of rotation."
"What?!" Cody gapes. "He can't do that! We've got the best record of any team in this place."
"I know, but he's still in charge...and neither one of us has had a scan in at least six weeks. He's going to insist that we do it or bench us."
"Little creep," Cody smirks, then shrugs. "Ok, so we get scanned. It's a pain in the ass but at least then it would be done."
"And what do you think those scans would show?" Vincent stops and looks at him. "Between your hand and my head, God knows what would come up. He finds something and we'll be benched for good."
Cody swallows and clenches his fists. "So what do we do?"
"Talk to Drosser...hopefully he can help."
Cody sighs and nods. Vincent puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes, then nods and they head down a long side hallway and up a flight of stairs.
Cody looks back and frowns “Even if we talk to Drosser, how’s that going to get us around Murdoch? He’s not going to clear us to take another mission OR leave here.”
“If Drosser can give us something to go on we’ll bug out without telling Murdoch. With any luck he is gone for the rest of the day. He’s got to sleep sometime.”
“Yeah, right.”
They stop in front of a small office and Vincent knocks. “Come.”
Vincent looks at Cody who sighs and opens the door. An older man, about Cody’s height looks up from a stack of books and smiles “Well, I was wondering when you two would show up. How long have you had the headaches Vincent?”
Vincent stops and stares at him “You knew?”
“Of course.” The man looks at Cody “And how’s your stomach Cody? You know you have the beginnings of an ulcer. You don’t start taking care of it and Doc Spoon’s going to have a chance to play surgeon again.”
Cody swears and falls into a chair “God! I HATE when you do that! You creep me out Drosser.”
Drosser chuckles and motions to the other chair “Have a seat Vincent.” Vincent does and Drosser looks at him, or through him as he and Cody fidget.
Finally he takes his glasses off and rubs his eyes “I felt Lazarus too, I knew it was only a matter of time before you came to see me.” He motions to the stack of books on his desk “I’ve been researching the past files and data. But answer my question Vincent, when did the headaches start?”
“Before this last mission. They seem to be a lot worse when I’m in a cave.”
“Because Lazarus can draw strength there. You’re in cave searching out evil, he knows that and uses it.”
He turns to Cody “And your hand, Cody. You got careless with Azarel, didn’t you?”
Cody frowns and shifts “No. We were out numbered and out gunned.”
Drosser motions and Cody hesitates then holds out his hand. The older man takes his hand and turns it “No wonder the two of you are running from bio scans. Even without headaches and this you’d both fail.” He chuckles and lets go of Cody’s hand “You both look like ****.”
Vincent sighs and rubs his forehead “We’re not here to win a beauty contest. Can you help us or not?”
"You already know the answer to that," Drosser says and Vincent sighs. "The only one who can help you now is your father."
"Dad's dead," Cody says, "so unless you've figured out some way to talk to the dead, we're out of luck."
Drosser ignores him and continues to stare at Vincent. "What has he said to you?"
Vincent closes his eyes, then opens them. "To keep my guard up. To keep them at bay. He says if you let them in, you can't get them out."
"Lazarus is counting on that," Drosser nods.
Cody looks from him to Vincent, brow furrowed. "You spoke to Dad? How?"
Vincent looks at him. "I didn't speak to him, he spoke to me. He's not dead, Cody...he's in there...the spirit realm."
Cody swallows and clenches his fists, then reaches for his stomach. "Then how can he communicate with you?"
"Because somewhere a door was left open," Drosser says, glancing at a large crystal ball on a stand beside his desk.
"You really believe that old wive's tale about the doors to the spirit realm sucking people in?" Cody shakes his head, "Those are just fairy tales they used to try and scare us."
Drosser turns and fixes him with an icy stare. "And that is why Azarel will win...because you let your guard down."
Cody tenses and Vincent puts a hand on his arm but looks at Drosser. "It's not his fault, Cody was just a kid when Dad left. How was he supposed to understand?"
"He is not a child now," Drosser says with a sigh, "and if he doesn't learn to see, he could lose everything."
"I'm IN the room guys," Cody says, shaking off Vincent's hand, "and I can take care of myself!"
"Not against this foe," Drosser shakes his head and looks at both brothers. He puts a bony hand on each one's shoulder. "You must work together if you are to succeed. The only way Lazarus can be turned back, and Azarel with him, is by finding that door and slamming it shut...and that takes two."
Vincent nods and Cody sighs.
"But where do we start?" Vincent asks.
"At the beginning," Drosser says and Vincent swallows. Drosser steps over to a large, glass enclosed case against the wall and lifts the cover. He reaches in and then turns around and holds out a wooden stake, carved to a deadly point.
"You'll need this," he nods and Vincent hesitates, then takes it from him. "The door must be firmly shut or Lazarus will take more than your soul."
Vincent closes his hand over the spike and takes a deep breath. "He can try...but he won't win."
"Be careful...both of you. And listen."
Vincent nods and he and Cody head out. As they go back down the stairs, he tucks the stake inside his black leather coat.
"What did he mean by that last part...listen? To what?"
"To whatever we hear," Vincent says. "We can't afford to brush anything off."
Cody glances at him, looking at the bulge in his coat. "Do you really think that thing will do us any good? You'd have to be on top of a vampire to use it."
"It's the only way to be sure," Vincent says and Cody shrugs.
They reach the bottom and Vincent turns, putting his hands on Cody’s shoulders “We’re going to have to leave here and find Lazarus. I need you with me Cody, I can’t do it alone and neither can you.”
“I know that, what’d you think? I wouldn’t come along? You’re my brother Vincent, and all the family I have.” He swallows “We stick together like always.”
Vincent smiles and nods “Like always. We’re going to need supplies, lots of them. I’m afraid your exercise room is going to be the only place we can store stuff.”
“That’s alright, that program was starting to bore me anyway.”
Vincent nods “Alright. We’ll split up, we can get more done that way. I’ll head for the armory, you get us some clothes, and food. And keep your eyes open for Murdoch. He finds out what we’re up to before we clear base and he’ll shut down the gate.”
Cody nods “I’ll steer clear. I’ll meet you at the ship in half an hour.”
Vincent nods and they take off, with Cody heading for their rooms. He grabs a bag and tosses several sets of clothes in, then does the same in Vincent’s room. As he finishes he winces and bends, holding his stomach “Not now. I don’t have the time for this.”
Meanwhile Vincent has made his way to the armory and scans it, making sure it’s empty. He looks around and grabs the last 4 remaining cases of silver pulse bullets, then grabs 4 cases of Silver tipped arrows, tossing it all on a cart. Next he loads grenades and C-2 canisters then looks around. “That will have to do, we’re running out of time.”
He pushes the cart to the loading bay and Cody reaches out, pulling him to the wall “Security. Murdoch must have sent them to watch the ship.”
“How many?”
“Just two. They’ll be easy to take out.”
Vincent nods and looks around “Where are the supplies?”
“On the ship, I got here before them. I was coming to give you a hand when they showed up. I got clothes and food for a week. After that we’re on our own.”
“I’d ask what kind of food but I know better.” Vincent waves “You take the one on the right. And don’t hurt him, just put him out of commission for a while.”
Cody smiles and nods “You got it Bro.”
They inch along the wall and when Vincent signals, they grab the guards, knocking them unconscious and moving them out of sight. Vincent grabs the cart and motions “Cody, get this stored while I start her up.”
Cody nods then looks at Vincent “Vincent,” He rubs his stomach “Dad really spoke to you? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Later little bro, later. Get that stowed before Murdoch misses his guards.”
Cody starts stowing the supplies and a green form appears in front of him.
"Not now, Aantha, I'm busy," Cody says.
Aantha watches him and tilts her head. "Where are you going? That's a lot of supplies. It must be far."
"It is. We've got a big job to do."
"Take me with you, I can help."
"Not now brat, not this time...too dangerous."
"Murdoch isn't happy with you...he's got the whole place looking for you. What'd you do, mess up his records?"
Cody smirks. "Something like that. We can handle him."
Vincent steps around to the back of the ship. "You ready?" He sees Aantha and sighs.
"I watched the ship, Vincent...I didn't let anyone near."
"Good job, brat. I appreciate it."
"Take me with you...let me help you. This is a big job, you need more than two."
"You told her?" Vincent looks at Cody and Cody smirks.
"He didn't have to...I can tell from all the supplies...and weapons. It's a big job."
"It is, and much too dangerous. We don't want you getting hurt. I need you to understand, ok?"
Aantha sighs, then nods. "Ok. Will you be ok?" she looks from one to the other.
"We'll be fine, brat," Cody smiles. "Aren't we always?"
"Don't worry...everything will be ok," Vincent nods as Cody closes the hatch. Cody puts a hand on Vincent's arm and nods toward the main door.
"We've got company."
Vincent turns and sees Murdoch coming down the hall with several security guards.
"Crap...we'll never make it out in time," Cody shakes his head.
Vincent looks at Aantha. "Can you help us? Cloak us, just long enough for us to get out."
Aantha smiles and nods. "I can do it! I'll hide you."
Vincent nods and winks at her and she smiles. He looks over at Cody. "Come on, bro, let's move."
They climb on board and into their seats.
"This will never work," Cody says, looking out as Murdoch and the others approach the loading bay. "She's never cloaked anything this big."
"There's a first time for everything," Vincent says as he powers up the ship. "Only one way to find out." He punches the controls and heads the ship out of the docking bay. They fly out and Cody checks the data screen.
"No warnings issued and no sign of the gate closing," he nods and smirks. "What do you know, the little green monster actually did it."
Vincent smiles and nods. "Good work, Aantha...we owe you."
"So where are we going?"
"You heard Drosser...the beginning. That means Romania."
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4/11/2009, 11:56 am
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