The First Chapter in Book Two of the Street War Series.
The Early Years of Academy Life
NickiUK
Prologue
As the Vixens prepare to have a vacation before they go to the Academy and begin to learn how to defeat the evil.
They all reflect on the last few months. Sandra on the decision to ask Nick was so the right choice, and then to have Claire join. Nibs on the time she has spent with the Vixens and how she and the Vixens are now one of the leading forces behind the Conspiracy and her and her life partners Sandra, Daraus, Blackie and Pixie. Abs on the news that the Vixens and the Hunters are the start of the New Gangrels, a more vicious force dedicated to fighting for the common person. Tina, and her choice to marry the one person to her that meant so much, Anna ‘Abs’ Detric and their two fairy partners.
Chapter 1 — Fixing the Place — As Uthiam said, ‘Lets Fix the Place.’
Jane, Nicolai, and Richard walked out of the briefing room, along with Misty and her crew, Darla, Toma and Gary, Sandra turned and said, “As we are now on vacation, me and Nibs won’t be available until Sumdar as we have an operation tomorrow evening.”
“Well most of us can go and enjoy the retreat and you two can journey up on the Sumdar,” said Paul.
“Yeah, excellent idea,” said Jum, “I say lets get some sleep and then think about the rest of the week tomorrow morning over breakfast at say 08:30.”
The group broke apart Nibs and Sandra both walked out side via the Garage, and they then along with Daraus and both Blackie and Pixie flying about six inches from their shoulders, turned left and climbed the large mound, under which was the Academy’s Xenozoology department’s Labs and stores. When the group had reached the top they turned along it and walked to the small house located in a large dip in the mound. Sat on a couple of easy chairs was Surepthon and Dr Zeus.
When the group approached Dr Zeus said, “Hi Nibs, Sandra, Daraus and I think both your fairy friends are present as well.”
“They are present hovering about six inches from our shoulders,” Sandra said.
“That good, as it was a guess,” Dr Zeus said. Then after a couple of seconds of looking at the shoulders he began to see the outlines of the two fairies he said, “And the theory is proven correct, if you know where they are and believe in their existence then you will see them.”
“At least we were able to help on that theory,” Nibs said, “Your invite was very cryptic Dr Zeus.”
“I know I wanted you to come, All I want to do was to say hello, and thank you for the most beautiful weddings I’ve had the privilege of attending, if not in reality, and please call me Zeus,” Zeus said.
“Thank you,” replied Sandra and checked the grass and as it was not damp she sat down. Nibs soon joined her sitting on the ground, Sandra wrapped her arm around Nibs’s waist and Nibs cuddled into her love’s body.
“I’m surprised you two aren’t getting ready for your vacation,” said Surepthon.
“We would be but for the problem of having an espionage mission to do tomorrow evening,” Sandra said.
“Arh,” Zeus said, “You never did finish the tour of the Zoo and the Lab.”
“No we didn’t,” said Sandra, “We’ll be back anyway, that I’m certain of.”
“We do have tomorrow hun,” Nibs said, “But no, we need to get a pair of dresses for the evening and have time to do our make-up.”
“Do you know where we are meeting Sarah and Uthiam?” Sandra asked.
“No,” replied Nibs, “Ring her tomorrow and find out.”
The rest of the evening was spent chatting and just socialising with the non humans based at the club.
* * * * * *
10:00 Nibs’ PDU Alarm went off and woke the dead in the case of Nibs and Sandra as after they had gotten to bed they spent most of the night up to interesting fun.
Nibs gently nudged Sandra who’s eyes opened and looked into Nibs’, Sandra smiled and Nibs quickly kissed Sandra on the lips and said, “Lets get up and think about getting to Risers and also getting Steven a suit as he’s going to need one for today.”
“Very true,” responded Sandra as she grabbed her blunt and lit it.
Pixie and Blackie both woke up, sat up and Pixie thought said, “God you two are up early today.”
“We know, but we have places to go, people to see and a mission to prepare for and execute all before tomorrow morning when we both will be on IC5 heading for the Forest retreat and Vacation time,” said Nibs, “and boy do I need it, the last few months have been hetictic as hell, but fun none the less.”
Nibs and Sandra both headed for the Canteen where they found Steven waiting for them to arrive. Sandra said, “I hope you’ve not been waiting long Steven?”
“No, about ten minutes,” Steven said.
Sandra and Nibs both turned towards the food run and selected a good sized breakfast and brought another mug of coffee over for Steven as he looked like he was about to drop off.
When Nibs returned and had placed Daraus’ food bowl on the ground, said, “Heavy night last night.”
“No the last few nights catching up on us, both,” Steven said, “She is like a caring deamon there is no off button when she starts.”
“What’s the rest of the Hunters doing today?” Nibs asked.
“Claire told Clare and Abbey about a pair of young people she saw running the rooftops yesterday evening,” Steven said, “I think they are looking at the area with high resolution satellite images and street level recon work.”
“Seriously, where would you want to be?” Nibs asked.
“Here,” replied Steven in a matter of fact tone.
“Ok,” Nibs said, and both Nibs and Sandra finished breakfast and cleared the dirties away. When that was done Nibs said, “Two stops here, Home base then Risers and Face Paint.”
“Where we stopping here?” Sandra asked.
“Computing Lab and then our apartment for my bag of tools, take the whole lot, it’s easier than sorting it here,” Nibs said.
“Ok, how much of the third floor you seen Steven?” Sandra asked.
“Just the Tattoo Parlour,” replied Steven, Nibs stood behind the wheel chair and pushed Steven towards the third floor.
The guard on the ramp said, “Passes please.”
Sandra and Nibs both showed the guard there’s.
“Thanks,” the Guard said and Nibs pushed Steven up the ramp and headed for the computing lab passing the Conspiracy Library.
Sandra said as they passed the Library, “Steven in those rooms is the Conspiracy library based here at the Club, in total the Library has over four million books and countless other documents, and texts.”
“That’s a lot of books,” Steven said.
“It is but it covers nearly all subjects you could think off,” Nibs said.
“What it even has books on surveillance equipment?” Steven asked as Sandra opened the door to the Lab and found Richard standing in the virtual simulator. “What’s he doing?” asked Steven when Nibs pushed him in.
“No idea Steven,” replied Nibs, “and yes it does,” and Nibs smiled.
Nibs picked up a small holdall and selected a digital Satellite transmitter. Nibs also picked up twenty microphone bugs, with thermal recharge capabilities, one nanite bug bomb, and also five camera bugs.
Just as Nibs was pushing Steven out, Richard dropped out and said, “Hi guys.”
“Hi Richard, just getting the bugs for Trivvoth’s,” Nibs said, “can you look at sorting out pass cards for the Hunters and the new members from the Marauders and Hammers.”
“Yeah, no problem, see you next weekend, I’ll meet you in Echo Tech City and then we get the LineTram from Echo Pyramid to Ithian’s Nexus Lab,” Richard said.
“Ok,” and Nibs pushed Steven out of the computing lab and the door closed behind them. Nibs then pushed Steven to the North wing and to the apartment Nibs and Sandra were using.
When the group walked in Sandra said, “Drink, or we waiting until we get to Risers.”
“Wait until Risers, and your driving hun, I’m going to try and get us round to the back of Risers. I have seen the route but is it possible,” Nibs said.
“Check it on foot first I think,” Sandra said.
“Yeah of course hun,” said Nibs as she appeared at the bedroom door carrying her rucksack and Tablet.
Sandra looked questionally at Nibs.
“I think the idea is that me and you are security for Uthiam, and Sarah, Steven is Sarah’s PA and to be a PA you need a link to the outside world, hence the tablet,” Nibs said, “Plus it gives us access to the bugs and camera bugs.”
“If that’s everything then we are ready, lets, depart for Risers,” said Sandra.
“Yeah,” said Steven
* * * * * *
When the group arrived and parked up on the third floor, car-park C at the Harliquanis Shopping Mall, Sandra suggested, “Lets go and see Tony in Demology?”
“Now that is an idea,” said Nibs, “It’s been a couple of months and we’ve not actually been back to see him and let him know how’s things are with the Unit.”
“Sounds like the happenings at the wedding are not the only place the Vixens are well known,” Steven said. as he walked on his crutches rather the wheel chair.
Nibs asked, “Steven is this your first shopping trip as a Gangrel?”
“Yeah I its,” Steven replied.
“I hope Anna don’t mind us taking him to do a bit of shopping getting you the items you need as a Gangrel,” said Sandra.
“I wouldn’t have thought so,” said Steven, “I’ve got to see a different side to Anna than everyone else sees and she is one of the most caring women I know. She thinks of the two of us rather than just me or her.”
“I hope it works of the two of you,” Nibs said as the group walked, with Steven using his crutches, into the stairwell and turned to the lifts and hit the down button.
“So Demology then Gothage, then Risers and Face Paint,” Sandra suggested.
“Yeah, that is an idea,” Nibs said as the lift opened and three early twenty trendies stood in the lift, Nibs and Sandra entered first with Daraus padding beside Sandra’s heel, and smiled at the group, Steven then manoeuvred in and allowed two more people onto the lift. Nibs pressed the first floor button.
The gent of the male and female pair who entered last said, “Ground floor please?” in a polite manor.
Nibs pressed the ground floor button and the lift started to descend to the first floor. When the doors opened the group saw a number of people wanting to get on all of them carrying plastic bags with items in. Nibs, Sandra and Steven got out of the lift and was followed by Daraus. Nibs took from her pouch a lead and clipped it to Daraus’ collar and started to walk towards the entrance. Nibs saw either side of the double doors into the shopping centre, poster’s advertising The Great Harliquanis Mall Sale.
Sandra looked at it and said, “Welcome to CHM hell Nibs, Steven,” and pushed the doors open and the group walked out and headed for the main entrance and the escalators to the first floor and Demology Café.
The Shopping centre was packed, lots of family groups out enjoying the sales. Daraus padded beside Nibs’ heel and stayed there, both Blackie and Pixie both rode on Daraus’ back. The group arrived at the entrance and went to the second floor then on into Demology Café. Nibs took Daraus to the open front area and tied him to one of the chairs and then the group walked into the café proper and saw Tony standing behind the bar serving a family of five, two adults, one male teenager who didn’t look like he wanted to be present, and two younger children, other patrons included a four middle aged couples, three families with small children, and one group of young teenagers. The group walked over and stood in the queue and waited for the order to be filled, and the family to move away from the counter.
When they had the group walked up to the counter and smiled at Tony who saw the group and smiled, he said, “Welcome back my favourite ladies of the Night and I see a new gent of the night.”
“Yes,” replied Nibs, “Allow me to introduce Steven a member of the Gangrel Hunters and also a member of the elite.”
“Arh, no problem, welcome to Demology Café Steven, your usual ladies?” Tony asked
“Yes for me thanks,” Nibs said, and Tony wrote the code of a large Chai Latte, “and a bowl of water for Daraus thanks Tony.”
“Chai Latte for me thanks Tony,” replied Sandra.
“And a coffee for me thank you,” said Steven.
“Right I shall bring them over to you,” Tony said and started to prepare the orders. The group walked back towards the entrance and out and sat at the table where Nibs had tied Daraus to.
The group sat down and both Nibs and Sandra took out their tins and Sandra rolled a blunt and Nibs loaded her pipe. Sandra turned to Steven and asked, “You smoke, don’t you?”
“I have been known too,” replied Steven.
“You’ve not been sorted out your pouch and smoking equipment have you?” Sandra then asked.
“No I haven’t yet,” Steven replied.
Nibs passed Steven her pouch after she had finished loading her pipe and said, “Roll yourself one.”
“Thanks Nibs,” said Steven and got out the blunt making equipment and as Tony walked out Steven started to roll himself a blunt.
Tony walked out carrying a tray with four large mugs on and a bowl of water. When Tony had sat down Nibs took the water and placed it next to Daraus and then took her Chai Latte and sipped it and smelt the aroma of the sweet spices. Tony then asked, “How is everyone, its been a while since you were last here?”
“Yeah it has,” Nibs said.
“Damn I never did find out who Darla got those Naj Blades for, I really should have done,” Tony said.
“You have now,” replied Nibs and showed Tony one of the pair fixed to her hips, “they were brought for my birthday on the 18th Auar.”
“Everyone is fine, and the Vixens have had a massive change in membership over the last few weeks,” said Sandra, “Both Gary and Darla left us, Gary is now commander of one of the new green units that is working from the grounds of Club Millana and Darla so she can become an instructor at command, but we have added five new members.”
“Five new members, what with Gary and Darla leaving that must take you to ten members now,” Tony said.
“No twelve,” responded Nibs.
“How come twelve,” said Tony as a group of three customers walked in, one of them was wearing a leather jacket of the Beeches Hammers Gangrel Unit, the young youth smiled when he saw three other members sat at in the open area out front. “With the addition of you Nibs it took the Vixens to nine members, with Darla, the twins and Gary going and if you added five that means the Vixens number ten, not twelve.”
“It would if the Twins had left with Darla, they are still members of the Vixens, hence the twelve,” Sandra said.
“I see now,” Tony replied, “Darla must be hating not having the Twins around.”
“No,” said Nibs and then Sandra said as if they were one voice, “Darla has a new project in the form of Toma, or a male sissy slave, who will be undergoing training at command,” and Sandra looked at Nibs in a manor as if to say you should have thought of this.
“What should I know hun,” Nibs said.
“The New Bitch Vixens need one more before they can start training,” Sandra replied.
“Yes of course and as Toma is doing it because he’s a Gangrel working at command and wouldn’t need to go with them to there command,” Nibs said.
“So what brings you to here, this first day of CHM Madness,” Tony said.
“Getting a few items of clothes for Steven and also for us as we have an espionage mission this evening,” said Nibs, “Then we are on vacation and fly to Echo Tech City next Sumdar so we can start at the Academy on the Moroth.”
“Congrats on that, Jane and Nicolai both told be the afternoon you lot accepted,” Tony said and sipped his tea. He then placed the cup down took out a small tin and opened that, so he could retrieve a roll up. Tony then sat back and lit it and took a long draw on it and smiled at the friends. Tony then said, “I will very likely be seeing you at the Academy in a couple of months.”
“Oh, how come?” asked Sandra.
“I’m selling my stake in Demology and then moving to Echo Tech City specifically so I can Support Staff the Academy. I hold two Mid degrees in Chemistry and Bio Chemistry and a Higher Degree with research project in Particle Physics,” Tony said, “but that’s not the main reason why. When Jane told me that you guys had accepted the place, I thought here is a group of people that will make a difference and I want to help in making that happen.”
“You got any interested buyers?” asked Sandra.
“Not at the moment, why have you got an idea?” Tony asked.
“Maybe,” responded Sandra and Nibs looked questionally at her. Sandra thought said, “Did Melanine use to run a diner over in West Parks?”
“Yes,” thought replied Nibs, “I still don’t get you hun,”
“Ruth and Carole are now based over here not in West Parks anymore,” Sandra thought replied.
“I still don’t get the Melanine connection,” Nibs thought said.
“Adviser, consultant,” Sandra thought said.
Then the idea clicked in Nibs’ head, “Have Ruth and Carole buy Tony out as they now both run with the Pen Wolf Hound, have Melanine advise on running the place, but also it would give a perfect front for intelligence gathering and help the Pen in getting better known in the alternative communities.”
“Talk to Mel first I think,” Nibs thought responded.
“Yes,” thought replied Sandra.
“Oh yes, what this I hear of a certain couple getting married last weekend,” Tony said.
“Oops, sorry Tony, completely slip my mind,” said Sandra, “We had close to 6000 people watching it and of that 1700 were present at command.”
Tony’s eyes opened in surprise, “1700!” he exclaimed.
“Yeah, 1700,” Nibs said, “We thought we would get four maybe five hundred guests.”
“Ok, I forgive you both, but was it good?” asked Tony.
“It was beautiful, you know Abs and Tina along with Paul and one of the new members Claire also tied the knot as well,” said Nibs.
Tony smiled at the news and said, “At last those two have done the deed, but that is surprising he’s got married.”
“No Claire and him have had a connection for a long while, they just made it official on the evening of the 18th Auar,” said Sandra.
Everyone sat there and watched the world go by. The youth who they saw earlier walked out and asked, “May I?”
“Certinely fellow Gangrel,” replied Nibs.
“Thank you,” the Gangrel said and took a chair from a near by empty table and sat down.
Tony turned and said, “You not got a drink?”
“Yeah I did have inside, I finished it inside, hi I’m Gabrelle, what a horrid name, I much prefer my Squads nickname for me, Arch-Angel because I come out of no where,” Gabrelle said.
“What’s in a name, other than it’s a series of letters strung together that sounds good in our language,” said Tony.
Nibs asked, “Shopping with family?”
“Yeah, god do I want to be fifteen,” Gabrelle said.
“Why, what’s so good about fifteen?” Sandra asked.
“Mum has said, I don’t have to go shopping with her and dad, yeah,” replied Gabrelle with a big smile.
Sandra then asked, “What’s it like in Beeches? We noticed your jacket said Beeches Hammers.”
“Not to bad most of the gangs keep to themselves or pretty much keep to within Central regs, so not much happens,” Gabrelle said, “Nice kicking you gave that gang a few weeks ago. Sarah told a lot of the local gangs too, the Hammers and most wanted to go but no one told us where it was.”
“That is something that Sarah needs to know,” thought said Nibs. Sandra nodded her agreement to Nibs’ statement.
“Well anyway, we four have things to do, shops to go and buy from,” said Sandra as she put her chai latte down empty.
“Hang on hun,” said Nibs, “If you want to see the wedding and highlighted bit of the reception, namely the Rudeashean Drum and Dark Legion play, Go to the main Gangrel Website at net.gangrelstreetgang.grp.”
“Yeah, that sounds about right,” said Sandra.
“What’s this about a new net site?” Gabrelle asked.
“Yeah, Sarah is modifying the Gangrels slightly and bringing it a bit more out of the Shadows, the new units your hear about over the next few months are very much in the new mould of the Gangrels. The Vixens are the first of the new units,” said Sandra.
“So the rumours South Stevran Raiders have told us are true then about a new street gang as skilled as the Gangrels and more deadly is true, except its Gangrels instead of a brand new gang,” Gabrelle asked.
Both Nibs and Sandra nodded yes, and got up when Steven put his cup down. Steven grabbed his crutches and followed Nibs and Sandra out into the main shopping mall and towards Gothage.
Nibs led the group again with Daraus walking at Nibs’ heel to the escalator that led down to the main first floor from the area of Demology Café. As the group approached the escalator a group of seven youths, aged around the same age as Nibs and Sandra were on the up side and two of the girls laughed as they saw Nibs and one of their number made some comment that was drowned out by the noise of the shopping mall. Nibs looked at them and then looked back, the image Nibs sent out was of a member of the alternative scene saying ‘humth’ and she then looked away in distain.
Steven looked back at the group and saw some of them look back at the group and look somewhat frightened by the visage. Steven shook his head and thought, ‘No Nibs didn’t just make them scared.’ Steven glanced around and saw that the four male youth all were wearing the same badge on the shoulders of the fashionable tracksuits. The badge was of the South Penisula High Gifters. As the group travelled down the escalator they saw the teaming masses of humanity and realised that this was not going to be fun. Nibs at the bottom of the escalator picked Daraus up and placed him in the carrier, Daraus thought said to Nibs, “Thanks, at least up here I can see what is going on.”
Nibs smiled and gave Daraus a stroke on the head and the group now with both fairies sitting on the steel framework that made up the roof area. Blackie thought said to both partners, “We’ll stay up here and join you when you enter a shop.”
Nibs thought said in reply, “No worries, I wish I could fly over the crowds myself.”
The group walked along the railing protecting people from falling from the first to the ground floor, Sandra saw a large group of Goths and glimpsed the jacket one was wearing and it read, ‘South Pen Strikers’ Sandra tapped Steven on the shoulder as him being on crutches was forcing people to move around him and would also them miss Nibs and Sandra as they both were carrying their pistols.
Nibs looked over and saw the group and said, “They look as if they are heading for Gothage.”
“Yeah, they do, I hate these fecking crowds,” said Sandra.
* * * * * *
After about fifteen minutes of forcing their way through the crowds they reached Gothage, even they had an end of season sale as the signs in the window said.
The group walked through the door and saw red sale signs dotted around the shop, Nibs walked towards the counter and saw Sarah serving a mid teens youth wearing jeans and a Goth Girls Duth Rock t-shirt and Nibs noticed Sarah press the button labelled Gangrel Discount and then she said the price.
Nibs was next in the queue and said, “I’m surprised the see you here today, what with this evening.”
“Hey, hello Nibs,” Sarah replied and then looked passed and saw Sandra and Steven were slowly walking the floor area looking at various items of clothes. “What brings you to here on the first day of the madness that is summer sale season?” asked Sarah.
“Getting some suits for me, Sandra and Steven, as me and Sandra are working as your and Uthiam bodyguards, and security normally wear suits, and Steven is your PA and very definitely needs a suit for this evening and the Gathering,” Nibs said.
“Ok, when you guys are planning on arriving at command?” Sarah asked.
“Around fiveish after we’ve been to face paint and seen Arage and iLleathe,” replied Nibs.
“You guys ready then?” Sarah asked.
“Yeah, when we arrive we are ready to go, we’re up here in a FAV,” Nibs replied, then smiled and headed towards Sandra and Steven, Pixie had flown in and perched her self above the cash register on the camera that looked as if it was constantly moving scanning the store. Nibs arrived as Steven was looking through the t-shirts, and found a couple of new designs some very stylistic Ajar and Jarrzarian Line work. Nibs said, “Very nice, I’m having one of those,” and thumbed through the various designs and sizes until she found one she liked and showed Sandra.
“No, not that design, this one through,” Sandra said and showed Nibs it, “I thought you may like them and selected it before you arrived,” and she then moved and behind her was a mirror built into one of the racks.
Nibs looked at it and said, “Yes I agree, but I still want this one through.”
“Suits for us three,” said Steven, “I see lots of more general wear here?”
“Risers to the Occasion for those,” replied Sandra, “You must have met Mads over the wedding weekend?”
“May have done, the entire weekend and most of last week was one of those mad rushes of things, people, events, actions, and counter actions. Being here and sat in Demology Café, I’ve used the time to think and sort out things in my mind,” Steven said.
“You would remember Mads if you had met her,” Nibs said, “She is quite a character.”
As the group wandered the shop, Nibs took a look and had a listen through Blackie’s eyes and ears. The scene Nibs saw was of a full on fight between two groups of CHM dressed people and sounds were of young people cheering and security trying to force their way through the masses. Nibs saw a group of four Goths near an entrance from one of the car-parks and it looked like a few of the males were not very happy at something. Nibs thought said to Sandra, “Possible problem, check Blackie’s eyes.”
“Ok,” thought replied Sandra, she looked and saw the four alternative scene people being hasseled, Sandra turned around and Nibs was already walking towards Sarah.
“Sarah, an incident is starting between a group of four Goths and others, any way we can get to the opposite side quickly with out going across the masses?” Nibs asked.
“No,” replied Sarah.
“Hell,” responded Nibs, and then thought said to Blackie, “keep the Goths in sight.”
“Ok,” thought replied Blackie.
Nibs then returned to where Steven and Sandra were going through the trousers.
“Can I ask your opinion on these coloured suit trousers with a ruffed shirt from the old films?” Steven asked.
“What for?” Nibs asked as she approached.
“General wear, with similar, but more extreme, for formal wear,” Steven replied.
“We are renound for being a little different,” said Sarah as she walked over. “Sorry, hi Steven, hi Sandra. I hate the Sales. Night mare times, I have at least two Defensive Unit Gangrels sat out side throughout the sales. To stop the CHMs who try and steel, the alarm sounds and that’s it they see the thieves and then proceed to nab them.”
Nibs quietly chuckled to her self over something she thought.
The large group of Goths that the group saw on the ground floor walked into Gothage. The group also included the four Nibs had seen through Blackie’s eyes, the female was livid with the CHMs who had been hasseling the group. She stormed over to Sarah and said, “I want to make an official complaint against the South Griders from South Docks. We saw at least six of them carrying pistols in the Mall, that’s a blatant breech of Central’s rules. Why are those Gangrels carrying?” Samantha angrly stated.
“The reason for those three to be carrying is that they are the guy’s who have the direct authority of Central and the city government to carry pistols,” Sarah said.
“My apologises to you three then,” Samantha said.
“No problem, you weren’t to know,” Nibs said.
“Samantha commander of the South Bay Maulers, Nibola Nibs Calton, and Sandra Patterson, of the Bitch Vixens, that’s a good point how do we address you two, and Steven from the Gangrel Hunters,” Sarah said.
“Good day to you three, and congrats on last weekend, my unit were on operation but we caught the highlights as broadcast on the Gangrel Net site,” Samantha said.
“Either Patterson-Calton or Calton-Patterson,” said Nibs, and Sandra nodded her agreement.
“All three couples I think are of pretty much that mind, joining the names with a dash,” Sandra said.
“Ok,” Sarah responded and she then turned and led Samantha and her group out onto the back area. A few minutes later Sarah returned and walked to where the group was looking through the leather jackets.
Steven said, “I love your jacket Nibs, but this is more my style,” and Steven took down a full length trenchcoat and tried it on and positioned it so the arm was just tucked into the left pocket, and then made sure the coat hung as it would if Steven’s arm was in the arm of the Trenchcoat. Steven then turned and said to Nibs, “Wear it like this and you have a perfect hide,” and then Steven’s left arm appears as if it was carrying a weapon.
Nibs nodded the appreciation of the idea.
Sandra then asked, “how you going to keep it on?”
“Clip it to what ever is beneath,” replied Steven.
“Good idea,” Nibs said, “hide an SMG down there and yeah,” and Nibs nodded at the idea.
“Have you got a back way out of here Sarah, rather than cross that mass of people,” Sandra said.
“Yeah, I was thinking about emailing commands directly, and say rather than coming through the crowds, come the back way and supply a map with the email. Where you guys parked?”
“No, we’re heading to Riser to the Occasion now,” replied Nibs.
“Ok,” Sarah replied. and followed the group to the counter to pay for the items. When they got there, Sarah said, “discount two, Heather.”
“No problem boss,” replied Heather and she rang the prices through the till and after Heather had pressed the sub total button she pressed the Discount two button and the price halved, “176 decks please.”
Nibs took out her wallet and took out her new ghost account debit card and passed it over.
Heather took it and scanned the card and asked, “You pin number madam.” Nibs typed her eight digit code in and pressed enter, after a couple of seconds the Ghost account authorized the transaction and the receipt printed. Heather then said, “Thank you,” and handed Nibs the receipt and card.
Nibs took then both and said, “Thanks Heather, you going to the Gathering this weekend?”
“Yes, I should make it,” Heather said as she folded and packed the clothes into a couple of bags.
“Leave then here, and pick then up from command when you get there,” Sarah said, and Heather took the bags and placed them behind the counter and smiled as the group followed Sarah.
Nibs thought said to Blackie, “Return to me, we are taking the back entrance.”
Pixie flew down and landed as Daraus climbed out and landed on the ground beside Nibs. Blackie flew in over the heads of a group of three CHM individuals as they walked in and started to browse the shelves. Heather came out from behind the counter and headed towards the group.
Sarah led the group through the back of the shop and it’s store room and chill out room, where the four who came in were sat smoking and having a coffee.
Jason called out as the group disappeared past, “You going to the Gathering this weekend?”
“Yeah, we are,” replied Steven as he passed.
When the group reached the service area Sarah said, “Down there,” and she pointed left, “will lead you to the main road.”
“Thanks Sarah,” Sandra said and the group turned left and started to walk towards the main road.
* * * * * *
After negotiating the alleys and back streets of South Penusula District the group approached Risers to the Occasions. Sandra tried the door and found it open Sandra pushed and entered. Two CHMs where inside talking to Mads about dresses and alternative scene culture. As the door pushed aside the beaded curtain Mads looked over and saw Sandra, enter to be closely followed by Nibs and Daraus and then a young man she had seen over the wedding weekend, but not actually spoken to.
“Arh, two of the finest examples of the alternative scene culture, Nibola Nibs, and I am guessing, Calton-Patterson, and her lovely partner Sandra. The pair were married last Sumdar, in front of how many guests?” Mads said.
“1700, at command and another 4000 odd watching on net feeds,” Nibs said.
“Hell,” the blond haired one said, “We came here because some friends at the high school said this would be the place to come and ask questions of the scene.”
“Allow me to introduce Steven from the Gangrel Hunters, and the one piece of information Mads forgot to tell you, both myself and my partner are members of the Bitch Vixens Gangrel Unit,” Nibs said, “If the two ladies wouldn’t mind us shopping as we chat, we are in need of some formal items for an operation we three are on this evening.”
“What is it like? Oh, I’m Annabel and this is Leia,” said Annabel.
“Its nice to meet you,” replied Sandra, “What is what like?”
“Bad question I realised that when I asked it,” Annabel said, “Friends say the scene is very much a place where people enjoy what life provides and gives, and yet the films show the scene as a violent dark culture of worshiping evil and calling forth dark forbidden powers.”
“To be honest the scene is a bit of both, the Goth scene is one of dark foreboding places, the dark rituals come from the rest of humanity not understanding and not wanting to embrace that which is different,” said Nibs, “I use to live the world of the corporate Enclave, corporate schooling and would have probably become a corporate wage slave, but due to the caring and understanding nature of my partner here, I am now a member of the one culture that accepts me as me and not what people think I should be.”
“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way,” said Leia, “but were you born a man?”
“Yes I was, we of this community call our selves Trans, a fellow member of the Bitch Vixens is also a male to female trans person,” Nibs replied.
“May I ask, what are you lot looking for?” Annabel asked.
“Suits,” replied Sandra, and both women looked at Sandra in a questioning manor. “As Gangrels one of our remits is to police the youth and gang culture, and this evening we are accompling Uthiam and Sarah, the leader of the Gangrels to an event organised by a gent who we are looking into as he may supply the local gang community with weapons, and probably drugs as well.”
“Sandra and myself are acting as their bodyguards and Steven as their PA,” said Nibs, “so hence the requirements of the suits. If you are interested in learning more about the scene and the culture why not join us the Bitch Vixens at the Gathering next weekend at Gangrel Command. A good few of our friends and members are going to be introduced to the Gang that evening.”
“Your kidding,” Annabel said.
“Why not, it’s the best way of learning is to live the scene and the Gathering is one of the best examples of the scene partying, the program so far is three live bands from various Gangrel Units around Suraban. You must have listened to Dark Legion?” Sandra asked.
“Yeah,” Leia replied.
“They played the last Gathering and Uthiam, Greever and Iffram all use to run with the Dark Legion Gangrel unit before they played a Gathering and their first album went straight in to number one in the album charts and stayed there for eight weeks,” Sandra said.
“No way!” exclaimed Leia.
“Yes way,” said Sandra, “I have one of the original 1000 signed copies given to the Gangrels street gang five years ago. The first world tour they did, the first gig played was at command and both my self and my twin Paul were introduced that evening, as was the last gig exactly a year later.”
“Correct a misnomer of mine, the Gangrels are a street gang and being a member would involve me getting involved in gun fights and such. I admit I know nothing of guns, my dad has a pistol, and has shown me it a few times, but I’ve never fired one,” Annabel said.
“No being a member of the Gangrels does not mean that you will be expected to join in our bread and butter work of providing combat assistance to other street gangs. All Gangrels what ever they plan to do in the Gangrels undergo basic training at Command, its thirteen weekends, and at least two nights a week. During this period you are taught how to handle your selves in both unarmed and armed combat, you will be taught how to safely handle and operate fire arms from pistols all the way through to heavy machine guns you see on some pickups heading for a War Zone,” Sandra said, “the Gangrels are far more than just a street gang, our leader Sarah Cutherlate runs the Gothage clothing stores, of which we have two branches, both here in Suraban, we also,” and Sandra turned around and shook her head at what Nibs held up to her, “design our own clothing range, called ‘From Hell With Love’.”
“And very soon my designs here in Risers along with the High Label from ‘From With Hell Love’ are going to de shown at Suraban Fashion week in one of the four centres, and we will be providing the models taken from the membership of the Gangrels,” Mads said, “and also the hair and makeup in the form of the master and mistress of Goth iLleathe and Arage. They both agreed last weekend to do the makeup for the models.”
Sandra picked a complete suit, black jacket, trousers and a white shirt, with a Black Tie.
Nibs said, “Perfect, have you got two?”
“Of that one I do,” Mads said as Sandra found the other one.
Then Steven turned and said, “Found mine,” and showed the top of a deep rich blue at the top going to a rich red at the bottom of the jacket and from the same red at the top of the trousers to almost black green and massive flares.
Sandra suggested, “Show us it on.”
“Ok, I will do,” responded Steven and headed for the changing rooms at the back of the shop.
“Can I ask how big are the Gangrels?” Annabel said as she looked at Leia and said, “No the colours don’t go with your complexion.
“Ok,” said Leia.
Sandra turned and looked at Leia complexion and said, “No, I agree with Annabel, but this one goes with you complexion,” and Sandra picked up a single shoulder strap and a lace down the arm to the wrist where there was a hole for a thumb. The bodice was lightly boned, and the skirt fell to the floor and had a short skirt train but it also possible to hook up the train, the colour was a rich violet colour top to bottom.
“That looks beautiful, and thank you Sandra, I’ve only just met you and you are providing me with wardrobe hints,” Leia said.
“Once you’ve shown us respect then we show you respect in return, and we freely offer truthful advice to those people,” Sandra said, and looked at Annabel as she took one of the fully boned dresses from the Elman range, and looked not in a disapproving manor but in a I’m not sure.
Nibs looked over and thought asked Sandra, “What’s the problem with the dress?”
“Nothing, but I’m not sure, keep looking and if nothing jumps out and hits you as perfect that one,” thought replied Sandra.
Steven walked out of the changing room and said, “Now that look I like.”
“Yes, that look is so you Steven,” Sandra said.
Leia looked and smiled and asked, “You single by some remote chance?”
“No I’m not and if you come to the gathering you’ll meet my partner, but thank you for the comment,” Steven said. and turned around, then closed the curtain to the changing room.
Nibs walked over to Mads and quietly asked, “Is down stairs empty?”
“I’ll have to check,” quietly replied Mads and she disappeared on the stairs and the stairs creaked and she opened the door and checked the den. Nibs was looking down the stairs and nodded, ‘Yes it is free’.
Nibs then turned as Mads walked back up the stairs and said, “Shall we chill down stairs after Mads and I have taken care of the bill.”
“Yeah,” said Sandra, and then thought said to Nibs, “Can I take it there’s no Pen Wolf Hound members down stairs?”
“No,” thought replied Nibs. Both Annabel and Leia started to walk towards Mads, Nibs turned to them and said, “That included your two dresses.”
“You serious,” responded Annabel, “These must cost a bit.”
“So,” Nibs stated in a matter of fact way.
“Money is a means to an ends, and as most Gangrels know which corporations are ethical in outlook and work practices and will buy mainly from them. Over the last few weeks I’ve been paid close to 300,000 decks for the last few weeks work, and I’m wanting to invest it, and if my investment is buying you two those dresses and then for them to be worn at the next Gathering, then all the better,” Nibs said.
“No job earns 300,000 decks in a few weeks for people of your age!” said Annabel.
“Ghost work does,” Sandra said, “both me and Nibs hold full ghost licences and all Gangrels hold Provisional Ghost Licences, and when they hit 18 they are pretty much automatically converted to Full Licences. Ghosts like the Gangrel Street Gang and other Gangrel youth groups, because we know the scene, we understand what it takes to put your body on the firing line much better than most street gangs.”
“Why is that?” Leia asked, as Nibs and Mads finished the transaction and Mads then led the group down the stairs and into the Den.
“A lot of Gangrels come from a disadvantaged background, Nibs in the fact she is Trans and would likely find it difficult to fit in and also to find a job, but in the Gangrels we appreciate Nibs for the person she is and the skills she brings to the table,” Sandra replied to Leia’s question up stairs. And follows Mads into the room, Annabel was behind Sandra and then Steven slowly descended the stairs followed by Leia and both Nibs and Daraus along with the Blackie and Pixie riding on his back walked in last and closed the door behind her.
When everyone was in the Den Mads, turned and asked, “What is everyone having to drink?”
Nibs replied, “Coffee here thanks Mads,” and hung up her jacket and took out her PDU and as she walked to the chairs, pressed the net connect button.
Annabel then said, “Thanks, the same as Nibs,” and sat down on one of the single arm chairs.
Leia asked, “Have you got tea?”
“Yes I have,” Mads replied, “and I know Sandra’s drink.”
“You should,” Sandra said as she got out her tin to roll herself a blunt.
“Coffee thanks,” replied Steven as he collapsed into another arm chair and placed the crutches on the ground beside the chair.
Nibs like Sandra took out her tin and loaded her pipe, and took a long drag from it. Nibs then checked what was left and said to Annabel, “Can I offer you this.”
“A pipe,” Annabel replied.
“No, the smoking substance inside,” responded Nibs.
“Why, what is it,” Annabel replied.
Leia smelt the air and then said, “If Annabel ain’t accepting, I’m happy to.”
“No worries then,” replied Nibs and Nibs then passed the pipe to her. Sandra passed her tin to Steven.
“Mads, can you supply a Gangrel smoking pouch and parphania?” Sandra asked.
“Yes I can, including supplying the tin,” Mads replied.
“Would someone tell me please what was in the pipe and what the hell is the smell?” Annabel asked.
“The smell is cannabis, and the substance in the pipe was the same, most Gangrels smoke in some form or another,” Mads said as she walked towards the group carrying a tray.
“Can I ask the two of you,” Sandra said, “what brings you to ask the questions in the first place?”
“The first thing was the comandray you show each other, in the high school both of us go to when ever we see a Gangrel meet another they greet as friends, warmly and never seem to have agendas with one another,” Annabel replied.
“That sounds like Gangrels,” said Sandra, “we take everything as well see it, we try not to pry into people’s past unless they want to tell us, and you only ever get judged on the actions we see. The commandry is from the time spent at Command training, and the fact that you won’t score very highly when you come to test out, with out it. The test out is a live fire exercise in which the unit being tested has to undertake one of the main mission types the Gangrels are known for, except they face three elite defensive units based at command, the highest scoring unit since the training and test out system came into action was the original Bitch Vixens and we are still one of the most highly regarded units on the rosters.”
* * * * * *
Just as the group was about to leave Risers Sandra said, “Can I have an your addresses so we can organise next Savraday?”
“Yes that would be a good idea,” Leia replied, and typed the address and phone number into Sandra’s PDU.
“We’ll give you a ring Darabar or Frodar to organise the weekend,” Nibs said.
The pair turned right and headed towards the main shopping mall, Sandra called out to the disappearing forms, “Another good place to go is Gothage and ask any member of staff, they are all Gangrels.”
“Thanks, will do,” Leia replied and Nibs heard her say, “Those three are really nice, I would have never thought someone would spend 200 decks on a dress they are not going to wear.”
“I know, but it does prove the point that the idiots at school that run with The Hawks don’t stand a chance in a couple of weeks, when they face The Madones, you heard Clowner say they had secured the services of the Beeches Raiders and Beeches Alpha Defence Crew,” responded Annabel.
Nibs then went back to walking to Face Design.
* * * * * *
A few minutes later the six friends where walking down the back alleys and approached Face Design. Nibs pushed the door open and said as she walked in, “iLleathe, Arage you around?”
“Yes we are both up here,” replied Arage and she walked to the railing for the first floor, “Come up Nibs, Sandra.”
“Thanks,” responded Nibs and the group started to ascend the stairs and when they had reached the waiting area they saw a person sat in one of the chairs.
The one iLleathe was washing the hair of looked up as iLleathe finished applying the conditioner said, “Hi,”
Nibs looked at her and said, “Do I know you from somewhere?”
“Very likely, I’m Nicholas we met in the odds and ends shop I run a couple of months ago,” Nicholas said.
“Oh I remember now,” Nibs said.
“This is my female personna Janet,” Janet said.
“Good afternoon Janet,” all three Gangrels said.
Arage walked over and asked “What do we owe the pleasure of your visit this day, thought you both would be on vacation before you start at the Academy?”
“No we have an espionage mission to carryout this evening, everyone else is, they are all out at the forest retreat of Darla’s,” Nibs said, “Did you meet Steven last weekend?”
“No,” Arage replied.
“Well then Arage, meet Steven a member of the Gangrel Hunters, and also a member of tonight’s espionage mission,” Nibs said.
“Well if Steven wants shall we get started,” Arage said.
Janet said, “Espionage mission! May I ask, what type of work do you do?”
“All three of us are full ghosts,” replied Nibs, “Janet allow me to introduce my legal partner as of last weekend, when we got married.”
“Congratulations. You must come out one night, I think you would enjoy the scene. I don’t know how true this is but rumour is that there is an all Trans ghost team,” Janet said.
“Does this ghost team, contain a ghost who goes by the street name of ‘The Mincer’?” iLleathe asked
“I think so,” Janet replied.
“I imaged consulted a full time trans ghost by the name ‘The Mincer’ a couple of years ago, a very angry young female. I was never able to get to the bottom of what made her angry, but I’ve heard similar rumours,” iLleathe replied.
“Another rumour from the local wider LTBG (Les, Trans, Bi, Gay) Scene is that the scene has friends in an elite team and that they ain’t native to the planet,” Janet said, “not actually having seen one I won’t make a comment on the fact.”
Nibs thought said to Sandra, “This is interesting.”
“Yeah, the Pen should be told of these rumours,” thought replied Nibs
Arage asked Steven as he walked over to the area Arage was standing in, “Now what does the young man, want in the way of a hair style and colour?”
“Something to match the smart style of the clothes I choose today,” Steven said.
“Colours?” Arage asked.
“Purples, mauves and similar colours and ruffed shirts and similar,” replied Steven.
“Right,” responded Arage and said, “using the joystick in the arm, choose the colour you want your hair and also the style you want.”
“Ok,” replied Steven and looked at the screen whilst Arage washed his hair.
“May I ask, does Steven have a partner?” Arage asked.
“Yes I do, Anna from the Hunters,” Steven replied.
“Anna, oh was it the young lady with you over the weekend,” Arage asked.
“Yes it was,” Steven replied, “That style and that colour I think.”
“Would either Nibs or Sandra please collect of me the colours, Red 101, Green 14, and Blue bottle 102, thanks,” Arage requested and Nibs stood and headed down the stairs to the main floor, and wandered the bottle racks and found the three colours and returned with them.
When Nibs got back she asked, “How does this work?”
“Easy, one part of each colour mixed together creates the colour wanted by the customer, this side of the business we don’t make that much money from, the hair dye business and the shampoos, Conditioners is where we make the money,” Arage said and smiled and winked at Nibs who smiled back.
“I wonder how Carole and Ruth are fitting in here especially with the Pen?” asked Sandra.
“That’s easy to answer,” Ruth’s voice said from the back area.
“Hi Sandra, Nibs, Daraus and the rest,” Carole said.
“Urhmm,” said Nibs rather loudly.
As Tarack said, “Yeah hello you two, oh fuck,” as Tarack walked into sight at the bottom of the stairs.
Nibs said, “Janet do you remember the rumour about that team you spoke of earlier.”
“Yeah, why,” Janet said and looked down at the ground floor area and saw Tarack, Ruth, Carole and a couple of Pen members Nibs had not seen before.
“What the fuck is going on!” Janet exclaimed.
iLleathe said in a matter of fact tone, “I wish my clients would stop moving so I can style there hair for this evening.”
“Sorry iLleathe,” Janet said, “Would someone mind explaining what the hell is going on.”
“Janet, meet Tarack a non native to Darra Von, his race is Wolfen,” Arage said.
“Janet look at me,” said iLleathe, “What do you see in front of you?”
“I see iLleathe one of the best hair stylists in Darra Von,” replied Janet.
“Right, guess what, I’m an Elf,” and iLleathe took his hair away from his ears which were pointed and when Janet looked at the face, she did see the differences in the structure, “I was born in to slavery. When I was sixteen, roughly, I was selected to become a warrior slave for my master the High Lord,” iLleathe said.
“Good afternoon Janet,” Tarack said, “I know for a fact Nibs and Sandra wouldn’t have met Urick a coalition Ursa Warrior, Jabb a coalition full conversion cyborg,” then another Dog Boy walked into view, “and Wayne a Coalition Sniffer. We’ll head back to base, chat to you two later today.”
“Done,” replied Ruth.
The rest of the guys then moved out back the way they had come. Ruth and Carole both climbed the stairs and joined Nibs and Sandra. “How are the two newly weds then, have a good first week?”
“Yes thanks, we’re fine thank you, how about yourselves, how you finding it?” Sandra asked.
“Oops I boobed,” whispered Carole.
“No you didn’t but you have to be so careful, one fuck up could spell disaster for everything,” Nibs whispered Nibs.
“Running with the Pen, that’s fun, since we arrived here late afternoon Moroth, we’ve been seeing the area, they run in a large area, all over the north of Suraban,” said Ruth.
“Yeah it is fun,” said Carole, “saw Gareth this morning from Gangrel command. Sarah said she is organising me and Ruth to get some training in Light Powered Armour in a couple of weeks, she says it will allow us two the chance to keep up as the Pen move so fast.”
“Bloody hell, nice firepower,” Nibs said as she saw the pistol on Ruth’s hips.
“Yeah, a modified Coalition laser pistol and a Academy built CP-50 Pulse assault laser rifle,” Ruth said, “You should see the weapons Carole carries.”
“Yeah, a Academy built Wilks Pulse laser pistol, and a Pulse Particle rifle,” Carole said.
Sandra said, “Ruth, Carole a friend of ours told us earlier today that he is selling his stake in the Demology Café in the Harlaquinas Shopping Mall. We thought it would give the Pen a front into the main stream and also provide a place where members of the network can meet and chill.”
“Yeah,” Ruth said, “I was made redundant a few weeks ago and I have been thinking about what to do with the redunency money.”
“We will also ask, Melanine as she use to run a Diner,” Nibs said.
“True she did,” Carole said, and rolled up a blunt, and then said, “I was able to give up baccy last week.”
“Well done Carole,” said Sandra.
* * * * * *
A good hour and a half later Nibs, Sandra, Daraus, Steven and the fairies arrived back at the FAV and loaded the clothes into the back.
Nibs said, “You think you’re up for driving the FAV to Command Steven?”
“I noticed you guys, don’t give a shit who drives,” Steven said, “Yeah why not. I think I had better learn quick.”
“True, my first motor bike lesson was driving from South Central to here,” Nibs said, “Via the sub-surface tunnels and similar.”
“Do you want to teach him or shall I,” Nibs asked Sandra.
“I will,” replied Sandra, “I noticed you connected to the Net when we walked into the Den at Mads.”
“Yeah, I was seeing if any updates were available for my PDU and also to down load a file I saw had arrived from Jackson, one of the ghosts I knew when I was working with Cameron’s raiders,” Nibs replied, and climbed into the gunners seat.
Sandra climbed into the passenger’s seat and said, “It was good seeing Ruth and Carole again.”
“Tell me about it, boy have they fitted in quickly with the Pen,” Nibs said.
Steven climbed into the drivers seat and passed Nibs his crutches and Sandra passed the key card to Steven who inserted it and turned it, and nothing happened. “Why ain’t it working?”
Sandra replied, “It’s one of the anti theft devices, slightly push the accelerator and push the key card in.”
Steven did that and the engine started first time, he then pushed the clutch and two wheel drive reverse and reversed the FAV out of the bay, he then selected first and slowly accelerated towards the exit down ramps.
Soon Steven was accelerating up the Cove bound IC1 on ramp, very quickly he pulled over one lane and was cruising at 120mph, sometimes hitting 130 maybe 140mph.
Twenty minutes later Sandra said, “Next exit Steven.”
“Ok,” replied Steve and checked the rear view mirror and indicated right and moved over one lane and began to slow as they passed the quarter of a mile sign indicating exact places, one of which was the small area of the town called Mercenary Quarter, Seventy two mercenary units have their main recruitment offices in the area. The Gangrel Mercenary home are three housing estates to the North east of Gangrel Command. Steven slowed and dropped down the off ramp and cornered at about 25MPH.
Nibs said, “Nice corner.”
“Thanks, the FAVs them selves help massively,” Steven replied, “they handle incredibly well.”
“I know, if I didn’t love bikes so much I could be tempted to switch to an FAV, but I love bikes, two wheels and the wind in your face. Nothing to stop you instantly dying if you fuck up and hit tarmac at 120plus MPH,” said Sandra.
“I love two wheels, and the mobility I have when on them,” Nibs said.
“I hope some one knows the way from here,” Steven said.
* * * * * *
Ten minutes later the FAV is pulling up to Gate 2 or the gate that handles all extra Gangrel activities. Thomas who was in charge of the gate walked over to the FAV and said, “Business please?”
Sandra showed him her Gangrel pass which he took and scanned through the reader.
“Sorry about that but few people use Gate Two and I generally know all the ones that do,” Thomas said.
“No problem, we don’t generally come to command, and this time its better for us not to be logged as going in,” Sandra said.
Thomas indicated to the Trainee in the booth to open the gate. The bar raised and the road barrier disappeared into the ground.
Steven drove pass the Gate and said, “Why is it better that we aren’t logged?”
“The Gangrel’s currently are made up from two separate factions the main one led by Sarah, and one led by Timothy, the commander of the South East Zone and also Sarah’s rival in the leadership skates, he has resented the fact he got passed over for the leadership. We know Timothy is plotting against us, but with out proof, we can’t do anything about it,” Sandra said.
“Do you remember Adrian?” Nibs asked.
“Yes I do, nice person,” Steven said.
“Yes a very nice person, but he has an advantage that he converted and changed sides so to speak, and with a bit of work we will hopefully be able to place Adrian and his girlfriend into Timothy’s organisation. Where we hope to be able to crack it and take him down,” Nibs said.
“And as Timothy is a zone commander he can view the records of which unit uses what, at command and other things. As the Vixens don’t use command very much at all, the more we use it the more it may flag and things go tits up,” Sandra said.
“Arh, I think I understand you know,” Steven said as he turned into the hanger and drove close to the control panel Sandra got out and pressed L3 button and the lift started to move down, thirty seconds later the lift reached the third level. Steven drove off and arrived at the back entrance to Street command.
Sandra rang Sarah and said after the his were said, “Where are you we are at the back of command.”
“Come through and get changed and meet me and Uthiam in my flat,” Sarah replied.
“Ok, see you in a bit,” Sandra said.
* * * * * *
Nibs knocked on the entrance to Sarah’s flat and heard, “Come in Nibs, Sandra and Steven it’s open.”
“Thanks,” replied Nibs as she opened the door and the group walked in. Sarah and Uthiam was sitting around the coffee table looking at some satellite images which had been just taken.
“There’s coffee in the perculator, Mily in the fridge. I don’t go for formality make it your bloody self,” Sarah said.
“Ok,” said Nibs and headed for the kitchen and the perculator. Nibs soon returned with a tray with coffees on, Sarah and Uthiam had sat back and taken long draws on the blunts they both were smoking. Nibs sat down and asked, “Can I guess by the photos you are looking at Trivvoth’s place?”
“Yeah and the current security he has working the party, it looks like he has ten goons that think they are security, and another eight who will probably be added to it when the guests start to arrive. Something is wrong through, either he confident of his people abilities or there’s something amiss,” Uthiam replied, “was sent the invite and a list of those who have confirmed. You’ve go the VP of record sales from Creation Universal, the head of the music department at Mirror Planetary Group. To name two who are going.”
“Be on our guard then,” Sandra said.
“Yeah I think so,” said Uthiam, “but the one bonus is that Gareth will have the bodyguard unit ready to go should the situation warrant it.”
“When are we going then?” Sandra asked.
“Arrival around 08:30 and aim to depart by 13:00,” Sarah replied.
“Ok,” said Sandra.
“What type of locations do we have set up, remember we need a booster station within 300metres of the bugs,”
“Gareth has already installed a unit 140 metres from the site inside one of the local Cable Boxes. We have a couple of posts set up one watching the front and also set to receive the signals from the bugs, and a second one using an Academy Ultra 26 Laser Mic and white noise filter to listen to the conversations had in the private room Adrian told us about, and so far, and the post has only been up and running for a couple of days. We know he uses as standard a Greecham 4560 Beta white noise generator, but we know he had a meeting with a couple of people yesterday one was called Rakcam and the other one called Sisko, from what was said, it looks like Trivvoth may either have had a few people bio-modified or is planning on having it done,” Sarah said and took another draw on her blunt and then passed it to Steven.
Steven said, “Thanks, what do you want me to do?”
“Just be around, the story is that Sarah has only just taken you on and are new to the industry generally, which should mean they will be slightly more helpful and explain things,” Uthiam said, “Who’s making contact with Sophie?”
“I’ll ring Adrian and see if she has phoned yet,” said Nibs and took out her PDU and walked a short distance away and rang Adrian.
Who answered, “Hi Nibs, how’s you and Sandra?”
“We’re ok, has Sophie rung yet?” asked Nibs.
“No, we arranged an early time today for this reason, I was going to tell her to look for Uthiam,” responded Adrian.
“Ok, I’ll let you go then,” said Nibs and hung up, “Uthiam, Adrian is going to tell Sophie to look for you.”
“Right,” Uthiam said, “Lets chill before the party.”
* * * * * *
Nibs drew the Limo up to the front of Trivvoth’s and both her and Sandra got out and handed the keys to the gent dealing with the cards. A gent opened the door to the Limo to allow Uthiam, Sarah and Steven out. Nibs moved to the back of the Limo and opened the boot and removed Steven’s wheel chair and opened it and Steven collapsed into it and collapsed the crutches and clipped them to the side of the chair. Stood at the front door was a gent and on his arm was a very pretty lady. Nibs pushed Steven up the ramp and down the short run to the house.
“Welcome Uthiam, Sarah, Steven to my home and party, please enjoy yourselves,” Trivvoth said.
As Nibs passed the female, she saw a wanting in her eyes. Just inside was a couple of late teens serving glasses of Chatar to every guest.
The girl on the right asked, “Drink madam?”
“No thanks,” replied Nibs, “I have to drive back this evening.” The waitress smiled at the answer. Nibs followed Uthiam and Sarah towards the back of the house.description Both Nibs and Sandra’s ears and eyes were alert and constantly on the move and watch. When the group had reached the back garden they saw a large pool and surrounds lovingly looked after by the garden crew. On the lawn was a bar and beside that was a buffet, mingling around, were a few women.
One walked over the Uthiam and Sarah and quietly said, “Are you Uthiam, Adrian told me to look for you.”
“Arh, Sophie,” said Sarah, “we are working to release you, but we will need you to help in the gathering of evidence. The pair behind is Steven and the person you spoke to last Frodar.”
“Thank you,” Sophie said and moved past Uthiam and Sarah and approached Steven and Nibs.
Nibs stopped as Sophie approached, Nibs smiled at her. “Good evening miss,” said Steven like Nibs smiling a pleasant smile.
Sophie mouthed, “Thank you for caring.”
“Your welcome,” said Nibs, “I just hope we can help you become free.”
Sophie turned and walked towards the main house.
Steven pulled on Nibs arm and Nibs bent down. Steven said when Nibs’ head was lower, “Nice woman.”
“Yeah, I agree,” Nibs said then Nibs thought said to Sandra, “remember what Adrian told us about his friend who, he’s not seen since he joined the Gangrels.”
“Yeah I do, you remember his name hun?” Sandra thought replied.
“Johnson I think,” Nibs thought said, “Blackie where are you?”
“On the first floor looking for a way into the sealed room and also getting some idea on the layout of the building,” Blackie thought replied.
A gent had stopped with Uthiam and Sarah and had started to chat to them, Nibs heard everything as if she was next door. Nibs saw Sandra head off in the direction of a block of toilets.
The gent was from Music Principles and Sound, Promotions company looking to sign a few big names to perform at a new venue building built in the South east of the city in South West Ridge District, the planned completion date is late 2068, with the first concert with in three months of the venue opening.
Nibs pushed Steven over and took a step back, Sarah then said, “No Nibola, you are head of security and this concerns you as well.”
Nibs nodded to Sarah and stepped forward and after the gent had explained the idea to Nibs and Steven. Steven opened the Tablet and entered the possible dates for the gig into the tablet.
Nibs asked, “Who would be running the back stage security as Dark Legion have there own crew and security detail?”
“We employ our own security company, may I enquire the experience you security detail has?” Charles asked.
“Yes, all the people who work the security detail are specialists in security operations and they all hold full ghost licences,” Nibs said.
“Ok,” Charles said, “I don’t think the firm I employ can provide that level of experience.”
“Few can,” Nibs said, “and the point,” and Nibs slyly winked at Sarah who picked up on the wink and nudged, Pixie hovered in front of Steven and indicated no, “The Gangrel Security group are some of the most professional security forces the planet has seen. Some people who have employed them say they are as good as Sec Com.”
“If that is the truth, that’s some claim you make,” Charles said.
“It can be backed up by live video footage of the forces securing three Sec Com Combat operatives during the last stages of the Wacker War,” Sarah said.
“Oh, I remember the footage from Digital News,” Charles said, “Impressive to say the least, I would love to know where the heavy armour originated from.”
* * * * * *
Sandra entered the loo just after Sophie did, as Sandra entered a group of three women, all in the employ of Trivvoth, departed after she heard one of then saying, “having fun Sophie,” Sandra heard the sneer in the woman’s voice and took a mental image of the person.
Sandra found Sophie fixing her blusher and other make up, Sandra walked up beside her and said, “A message from Adrian, he loves you.”
“You too!” exclaimed Sophie, “How many are here?”
Sandra thought said to Pixie, “To me Pixie now,” and then Sandra said to Sophie, “eight in total.”
“Eight, I counted five earlier,” Sophie said.
“Some members may not look like they should not be members and some only visible to those gifted,” Sandra said as Pixie flew in and landed on the window sill in front of Sophie. Sandra then placed her hand over Sophie’s hand and said, “A gift from me to you Sophie, The Gift of True sight,” and before Sophie appeared Pixie, and Sandra then said, “meet one of the other two members only those gifted can see.”
“Ok, I had a guess the Gangrel’s were special when I saw the net feed from the Club, I can’t wait to see Adrian again.”
Two other females from the staff walked in chatting. Sandra turned towards the door and departed as if nothing had happened, Pixie flying just above her shoulder.
Sophie turned around and walked into the loo and sat down and thought, ‘Was that a fairy I saw? No can’t be they don’t exist do they.’ Sophie then heard the action of a card cutting a line of Rim-de and then she got up, flushed the loo, then she walked out and washed her hands. As she exited one of the pair snorted a line. Sophie walked out and turned towards the swimming pool and saw Blackie fly out of the house and hover beside Nibs’ head. She thought, ‘May be I was wrong, maybe fairies exist.’
* * * * * *
One of the security goons walked over to Nibs and Sandra and asked, “Are you two carrying?”
“We are and we are not,” Nibs replied.
“What the hell do you mean by that,” the security goon said.
“I mean that we are carrying but not in the way you think, we are both experts in armed and unarmed combat and we both carry weapons to that end,” Nibs said.
“Arh, ok,” the security goon said and then said under his breath as he turned away, “Two people to be avoided.”
Nibs looked at the disappearing form and thought said to Sandra, “did you hear what he said under his breath?”
“Yes I did,” Sandra thought replied.
Nibs then spots Trivvoth walk from the house to the garden.
“Our host has arrived,” Sarah said, as Trivvoth walked and chatted with the president of FTT Music, one of the largest record labels on the planet. “Interesting the chair of a AAA corporation, I wonder what brings him here.”
Sandra thought said to Blackie and Pixie, “Get the fuck out of here now,” and then to Nibs, “I’m sensing the same type of evil eminting from him as I got off Timothy’s group.” Both the fairies shot off into the sky and flew away towards where Gareath was. Sandra then whispered in both Uthiam and Sarah’s ears, “Be very careful around him, I’m getting the same evil from him as I get from Timothy.”
“Ok,” both of them replied.
Nibs thought said, “Can you keep your form Daraus?”
“Yes, he can’t beet the metamorphis, Angel people have the ability to hold both forms simulanteously,” Daraus said.
“What about us hun?” Sandra said.
“What about us, let him see, let him be warned that we do exist and we are not scared to look him in the face, hun this war is not just about armed battles, its also about winning the war before it starts with espionage and intelligence,” Nibs said, “and remember we are security he’s not going to be looking at us, Sarah, Uthiam and Steven are the main people here.”
“True,” thought replied Sandra.
Trivvoth approached and said, “Uthiam from Dark Legion, the bands manager Sarah Cutherlate and her PA Steven, Mr Funnitsu the president of FTT Music.”
“The pleasure is ours sir,” Uthiam said.
As Trivvoth moved the VIP on Nibs was glared at by one of the body guards, Nibs looked at him and smiled.
Nibs thought said, “I think I was made as someone to be warry of.”
“If not you then definetly me,” thought replied Sandra, “my only question is, is Trivvoth hosting or is he in bed with the guy, as if he’s in bed with the guy, that brings a whole new level to the game.”
“I would agree it has taken on a new very much more deadly edge,” Nibs thought replied.
“Especially for Sophie,” Sandra said.
“This stay’s between us two and maybe Sarah and Uthiam, not Steven,” Nibs said.
Steven pulled Nibs down and asked, “Where’s Blackie and Pixie?”
“Sandra has sensed the presence of an unknown evil and as we aren’t sure how powerful the magic is that hides the fairies, we’re not risking it,” Nibs said, and then thought said to Sandra, “can you aura check the two security goons.”
“Done,” thought replied Sandra, and then after a few seconds thought said, “Blue, for Mage right hand side, and a yellow on then left. I have no idea what yellow means.”
“I wonder if he’s not detected us but detected my Naj Blades,” Nibs thought said.
“Possibly,” said Sandra.
* * * * * *
About 10:00AN a large circular ring was rolled out on the large lawn beside the swimming pool and into it walked an announcer who said, “Ladies and gentlemen. Honoured guests, I bring you this evening’s entertainment, Three major fights in the tradition of the Suraban Street Fighting Circuit I bring to you all the way from a village in south Deum. One of the most hazardous waste lands on the entire planet, few people live there, and even fewer venture, Greeash the Terrible and his opponent a female unmatched in fighting skill, a holder of multiple black belts including the fabled art of Hibbian. Madam Zeatto.”
From both sides of the house the fighters emerged, Nibs looked around and saw a few people on the Balcony built between the two wings of the house. Nibs glanced at each and saw two people whom he had seen yesterday. Nibs thought said to Sandra, “Look at the balcony, see the tall one and the coloured human. They both with Metzza yesterday. I don’t think he’s made me, but you never know.”
“I doubt it both of them went and faced Vixen Bravo,” thought said Sandra, “I guess fixing the place has gone out of the window.”
“Yeah, somewhat,” Nibs thought responded.
Daraus thought said to Nibs as he was sitting on Steven’s lap, “The guy is hiding ten Magickal Tattoos on his legs, I can’t determine which ones though.”
“Ok,” thought replied Nibs.
The fight in the ring started. The male was good, but the female was superior, she knew the body to a degree few people did.
Nibs watched her fight and saw few obvious openings, and said to Sarah, “She’s good.”
“They both are,” said Sarah.
“The male is out classed in the skill stakes, but may be able to withstand the punishment she’s dishing out,” Nibs said.
Sandra looked around and saw a few of the company officials looking as if they were enjoying the entertainment. She then looked back and saw the Mr Funnitsu walk out and greet the pair from yesterday and the other fighters.
Nibs bent down and quietly said to Steven, “activate the web cam and turn it so its facing the balcony and video record the scene, I don’t give a shit about the battery, we are not fixing the place today. Judgement call on my part, but it’s too risky.”
“Yeah I gathered that, by the fact you sent Blackie and Pixie away,” Steven said.
A one of the females wandered up to Uthiam and Sarah and asked, “Would you like to place a bet on the outcome?”
Uthiam replied, “No thanks.”
Sarah smiled at her and made it very plain she should go away. Sarah then quietly said, “I hate it but it not enough to anything, it’s a private party and as long as the house can cover the debt no incident has occurred.”
“But what happens here means he probably does other schemes and gambling is more than likely to be at the top of the list,” Sandra quietly said.
“You are beginning to sound more and more like Nibs, Sandra,” Sarah said. Sandra smiled at the comment and went back to watching and listening.
After a good twenty minutes of fighting, with the bout going first to the female then to the male and back to the middle them to the male where Nibs was estimating it was now. The Female landed a superb three kick combo and the last kick landed against the targets temple and he span away to land a good couple of metres away. Nibs looked at the balcony and saw the tall gent chatting to Mr Funnitsu. A small gent dressed in a similar fashion as Toma does, walked over to the gent, who said, “Thank you, the language he heard the gent and Mr Funnitsu was similar to the one Nibs has listened to during the cult raid. Nibs thought, ‘Dragonese,’ then Nibs thought said to Daraus, “can you understand Dragonese?”
“A bit, it’s like life skills, we learn as we go and I have a limited understanding so far,” Daraus thought replied.
The announcer returned to the ring and said, “Ladies and gents, I bring you a champion of street fights in Naban and the Gladiatorial games held in Mantranna the new capital of Naban. Rakcam, and his opponent a master fighter, skilled in the combat arts of South Aticca Jal-ruuk.”
Both the fighters appeared and walked to the ring, Rakcam confident of his abilities, Jal-ruuk unsure of what his opponent could do, Nibs guessed and thought said to Sandra, “Watch and learn, we will be facing Rakcam in battle at some point. The fight was very one sided with Rakcam, breaking his opponent’s neck. Sandra thought said to Nibs, “I’m getting a strange aura, a green and light red one.”
Daraus said, “Sorry for listening on your conversation, but you say green and light red, can up be more accurate.”
“A leaf green and a light red, not quite pink, but still had enough red to show it being red,” thought replied Sandra.
“Thank you, Rakcam in a metamorphosed Fire Dragon,” Daraus said, “pass any aura colours you don’t know through me, I know most of them and can determine by my own abilities what the colours I don’t know are.”
“What does yellow mean then?” Sandra then thought asked.
“Psionics, the shade normally indicates what the gifted person is, deep deep yellow, normally means either a Mind Melter or a Mind Bleeder mid yellow, generally meant you were gifted with technology understanding. Light yellow, normally means you have been gifted but it’s weak,” Daraus said.
“Not quite mid yellow, but more darker than light,” Sandra thought said.
“Sounds, like a weak Psi-Assassin or maybe a Psi-Stalker.” Daraus thought replied.
* * * * * *
After a couple more hours of socialising and watching the odd street fight, Rakcam walked over just as the group were preparing to leave and said, “I hear that you two a masters of armed and unarmed combat.”
“You heard right,” Nibs said as all five looked at him and Sisko as he walked over and stood beside Rakcam, “as your master Metzza knows all to well. Now we don’t want to make a scene do we.”
Daraus said in Rakcam head, “And I am more than capable of forcing you from your metamorphis. So nothing more will be said of this, oh and the change would be permanent, I may look small but never underestimate the power small things have,” and the voice left Rakcam head.
Rakcam knew immediately that the voice wasn’t lying when he said that, he had been able to breeze passed his mental defences and the ones provided by the Medal of Dominance, and smiled at the group. As the group turned the corner heading back for the where the cars were, Daraus removed the visages of the group from both Sisko and Rakcam, so all each could remember was they had seen and chatted to two of the enemy and they had been spotted and identified.
Daraus thought said to both Nibs and Sandra, “I removed the visages of all of us from both their minds, he knows he was made and that his enemy made him, but he just can’t remember your faces. Nibs climbed into the drivers seat and drove away from the site and headed back for Command, just before the junction for CW23 the group swapped vehicles and both Sarah and Uthiam drove back to command in an normal car and Nibs, Sandra, Steven, Daraus and both Blackie and Pixie climbed into the FAV they had borrowed, Steven sat in the drivers seat.
Sarah said, “See you next weekend.”
“Yes oh as well as the four introductions we are also bringing two guests we met today at Risers, they are called Annabel and Leia, and we told them to go to Gothage and ask questions,” Sandra said.
“Ok. Thanks for the heads up, what do they look like?”
“Annabel, long red hair, and Leia, short dark blond bob style.” Nibs said.
“Ok, I’ll let the crew know and we’ll look out for them and make sure they are made to feel welcome, you think they may join?” Sarah said.
“I think so, but don’t push Sarah, you may have the gift of the gab, but people who turn themselves are more loyal to the cause, than those turned by sales sepal,” Nibs said.
Steven started the FAV and turned south and joined the CW and headed for Coast Side IC1 and the club.
“Enjoy the evening Steven, even though we never did bug the place,” Nibs said.
“Yeah, and what happened tonight is standard for the street fighting scene?” Steven asked.
“No, fights are normally more open affairs with lots of punters, illegal gambling is an element of street fighting that the scene can’t shake,” said Nibs, “I know this because I have always been very interested in street fighting and the circuit.”
* * * * * *
When the group had arrived back Nibs and Sandra dropped him off out the back, Anna walked over whilst Nibs got the wheel chair out and placed the clothes in it.
Anna said, “Taken my Steven shopping without me, have you.”
Nibs and Sandra smiled sweetly and innocently, and Anna said, “I hope you enjoyed it hun.”
“I did, it gave me time to think and understand,” Steven said, and the when Nibs had climbed into the driver’s seat turned and said, “See you Savraday then.”
“No, Frodar. We are back for the school’s Graduation Ball,” Nibs said.
“Well anyway, enjoy your vacation,” Steven and Anna both said and turned and walked back into the apartment and up to bed. Nibs and Sandra drove up to the club in silence both of them mulling over things and the events of the evening and how this may be used to the advantage of the Conspiracy.
Nibs and Sandra both fell asleep in each other’s arms, Daraus curled up and the foot of the bed and both Blackie and Pixie asleep beside Daraus.
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