The situation with the RIS was getting...complicated. The caverns Dragon founded and built weren't that far out of town, but it was rocky and wooded and undeveloped (Dragon may have "suggested" for it not to be), but there were search parties that came through looking for clues. Dragon and his men were prepared. They had become adept at hiding for centuries. Every heavy foot traveled path was taken care of. We had shipments of food at night, but that didn't mean we couldn't be found. We had to get these people home. The longer we held them, the harder it would be to explain their return. We had moved the CPU for Buddy to a portion of the cave and Stan rigged up something...with a cord and a little satellite dish. It was tiny and almost cute! We had a signal! We did get in touch with George, Dr. Hathaway, and had Dr. Petran all on a call by computer. A four-way video call and with Stan's, and Buddy's help. It was secure. Colin and I were the only ones together sitting on a couch talking on a laptop set far enough away so both of us were seen on the same screen. There was some arguing amongst our learned friends.
"...you have screenshots of the venom and serum." Dr. Hathaway said into her screen. "I agree with what Agent Cojoc said. Being as honest as possible is best. Cover-ups are hard to keep up with. George, you do have the formula for the serum and you have the chemical diagram for the venom. Show that, but just don't say what it does or even call it venom...don't directly say what it is or specifically does."
George nodded. "The venom doesn't last long enough outside a body to show anyone."
"Show what you have. Show the recorded images and footage of what you have. Live examples could be gotten as you have those two Old Ones." Dr. Hathaway said. "You've got excellent documentation on the venom and serum and the chemical breakdown."
"Yes," George said trying for them to see the awesome task he was carrying. "There are parts of the venom even I can't identify yet, and I've studied it for over fifty years!"
"Show that and tell them what you do know!" Dr. Hathaway urged. "You've carried this alone for decades. You're branching out; let us handle some of the burdens. You are a brilliant man, George, but you carried this alone for decades. If something... God forbid...happens to you, we'll have to start over!?"
"I have notes!!" George defended.
"Notes that will be in detail, I know, and it will take several people with advanced medical degrees to go through them for years!!" Dr. Hathaway said emphatically. "I could only grasp the basics of what you showed me, and I have three PhDs!"
"They will insist on knowing what the venom does!" George said a little in protest.
"What it does; is kill." Dr. Petran said simply. "At best, the victim becomes someone that is a part of a continual line of a contagious weapon because that venom the makes a victim who survives turns into a killer! You came up with a way to prevent victims from furthering that line of contagion as a weapon. You have the evidence, and you have a treatment. Proven in fact! Many diseases are still not understood by the smartest people. You understand more about this than anyone!" She argued. "If these learned minds figure it out on their own what it really does, fine!" She said a little hotly.
"This risk of someone using this for other reasons..." George began in a near whine what I and many of us had feared. I knew his fear. I had voiced it many times.
"Is an acceptable risk." Dr. Hathaway interrupted. "Could it be used as a biological weapon? Hell yes. Used to create more vampire soldiers? Sure, that's been tried twice. I know about this by Iilya. It will happen and was, very recently which is why Devon was kidnapped they wanted it for that very purpose...those thousands of years ago when the Old Ones were made using this...whatever...it started to do the very same thing. The secret is coming out. It has to."
"All of those victims here in Romania and elsewhere need to be protected. We know that. Patient confidentiality is very important, but there will be failures." Dr. Petran said. "You can assign numbers to each patient. All of the patients, past, present and the ones in the future...we'll do everything we can to protect their identity, but we will lose some."
George gave a grudging nod and said in exaggerated sarcasm running a frustrated hand through his red hair and blew a breath. "We might as well tell what it does and about the whole damned threat. Just broadcast the whole thing! There are vampires and here they are!" George groaned sinking his head into his hands.
"Do we have a choice, George?" Colin asked simply. "This has become so much more than a few vampires we know about and not known about that are out there...there are thousands of others...spread around the world, hiding. We do a lot, but this is becoming so much more than Holms' Laboratories or the VUN can handle alone." He sighed. "I told Devon; I almost wish the secret was out." He looked at me and I saw something in his eyes...he'd come up with something he knew I wouldn't like. I knew what he was thinking about. We were married. I knew the man. I could practically read his mind through those emerald, green eyes. "In fact, the time has come I think we should...should show them."
I wasn't surprised at what he said. "Show what?" I asked sitting back slightly. "Show them we are vampires. You're talking about more than showing the venom and serum."
Colin nodded and took my hand. "Yes." He turned, looking more directly at me. "I don't mean tell the world, but some...representatives of these various countries...show them Repetate and Iustina and...me."
When he said that, an almost literal dagger of the coldest ice when straight into my heart.
George was now shaking his head more adamantly almost coming through the screen. "No, no, no...that is crazy!"
"This whole situation is crazy, George!" Colin shot back. "We need their help! How do we get their help if they don't know? They won't know if we don't tell them! We have got to change tactics."
I was trying to understand what he was saying. He hadn't said a word about this plan to me. "Am I just to accept this? That's very risky, Colin. You want to come out as vampires to them." It wasn't a question, more of a clarification.
"Just me," Colin said softly. "No one else need be exposed."
I took his hand shakily. "You know that will never happen, Colin. If you do this...we do this."
"I can't make that decision for you, Honey," Colin said softly. "I would never put you in harm's way."
"No, but you will put yourself in harm's way!? You're not deciding for me. I'm telling you," I tapped his shirt covered chest, "if you come out to anyone as a vampire...we come out together." I said firmly and pressed my forehead against his. "We took vows damn it...you are the most important anything in my life. You're my husband. I will not lose you. We stay together."
George was not accepting this. "That is completely insane!! They will destroy you, Colin!"
Colin looked back at the screen. "Is that you or the vampire's lack of trust talking?" He moved closer to the screen. "We need allies, George!! This has become bigger than we can handle alone. Think of a better way!" He shook his head again. "You took an oath as a doctor, George...to do no harm, but hiding like we are...we're causing harm! I think..." Colin shook his head, "no, I know we have enough people who can vouch for us and what we're doing now; from three countries. We have three major medical minds from those three countries to also back us up with what they've seen. I think it's time we let the others in on this...secret. It should no longer be a secret." He looked at George. "We'll not tell about you except what you know." He looked at Dr. Petran and looked at Dr. Hathaway. "We will need your help." He looked at George again. "They will need to see the two Old Ones. Seeing them, they will be convinced quicker."
"How will you do this!?" George asked. "When!?"
"There is a United Nations in New York," Colin said simply. "Holms' Laboratories is in New York. New York is where it will be." He looked at George. "This was going to happen; only now...we're controlling it. If we're discovered and it comes out by someone else, then it will be a big problem. I'm doing this." He grinned as I squeezed Colin's hand. "Correction, my husband and I are doing this."
Dr. Hathaway nodded with a smile that said she was glad someone finally got it and was using reason. "We'll be ready."
"As we work out a plan, we'll keep you informed," Colin said. "This won't happen tomorrow or even next week, but soon. We'll need Director Mattingly, Ruben, Congresswoman Chance, Senator Cooke to be in on this, too."
"We'll be waiting." Dr. Petran said. "Now, the last of the discs are being inserted in our new guests. Our latest victims will be ready to return home very soon."
"We're getting things in place," Colin said. "Dragon is speaking with each of them now. Persuading them all...victims and their friends to keep what happened quiet. We'll need letters sent about this...what are we calling this now? If not venom, what?"
"Why not just use the initials I have for the unknown?" George asked quietly as he was mulling over what was going to happen. "V5Hgb? V5H for short." He looked at the puzzled faces of everyone. "Five parts venom is the first part in the blood chemistry and five parts venom to one hemoglobin?" He said as if he were stating the obvious, which for him, it was. "There is more of a breakdown I could do, but V5H is better, but..."
I smiled at George. "I love that name! It's appropriately mysterious." I watched as George smiled for a second and even chuckled once. Then he was back to worrying again.
"We'll send written information about each one and they will be given a website to go to for more information." Colin said and thought, "...as soon as Stan creates one." He looked at George. "Which means Stan has to have that chemical break down of the venom...V5H...and the serum to have on the website."
"We should probably have letters about V5H from Senator Cooke and Congresswoman Chance meaning they need that, too," I suggested. "Authentication letters if nothing else. From Director Mattingly, Ruben and our lovely doctors...about what they've seen and know."
"The governments in each country will want an explanation." Dr. Hathaway said. "England will be ready. Ukraine and France...Germany may not be so easy."
"Remember, our victims are victims," I said. "We'll have to be persuasive in dealing with those that will think they know better how to handle this than we do, which they don't. These people were quarantined for a reason. Protection."
Colin nodded. "We could have the others taken to England." He suggested. "Have them in a hotel and bring the representatives of their countries to come to the hotel and explain things there. The victims can return to their countries with less...of a problem." He shook his head. "Make no mistake, there will be problems."
We ended our connection. Colin sighed, sitting back pulling me back with him as he wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm so sorry, Devon," Colin said softly as his hand came around me and he moved it across my chest tenderly resting his chin on my shoulder and spoke directly in my ear softly. "I should have told you what I was planning before we were on that call."
I turned and nodded slowly at Colin. "I know." I took his hand and brought it up kissing it gently. "I do really love you, Colin."
Colin nodded. "I know that."
I shook my head. "No. I don't think you do. Not really. Words are just so...inadequate. You hear them, but...aren't getting it." I placed his hand on my chest to feel my heartbeat. "Each beat you feel...that's for you, Colin. I exist for you." I sighed. "When you said you would do it alone...my heart almost stopped. I had a real pain in my heart!" I moved closer to him. "I mean it. Really, it almost did. You don't just mean a lot to me. I was scared. You're everything to me. You can not do this by yourself. You telling them you would do it...alone, scared me. You would do it. Alone!? You don't understand. You...do...not...do...any...of...this...alone! Not without me. You still think you're by yourself. You're not, Colin!"
Colin smiled as a tear formed in his eyes and fell. "I think I'm getting it." He pulled me into a kiss, tender and gently his lips brushed mine. "Now, you hear me. My heart also beats for you. I was born in 1815! I was alive, but I never lived until I met you. Believe that. I do understand about that feeling you can't put into words. I feel the same as you. We are one. You are part of me. I do really love you. I just want to protect you."
I nodded and put my arms around him as we kissed a little deeper. "I know, but there's no longer just you, there's us and you forget that. You can't risk harm to yourself without including me. I'll die if anything happens to you, Colin. You're risking being dissected or...god knows what by some...country or people out there. Please promise me...you will not endanger yourself and risk leaving me alone. Please."
Colin nodded kissing me more. "I swear it. I know how that felt when they took you to Germany." He shook his head. "I won't let you go through that. It was agony. I did everything to get you back and broke many laws nationally and internationally to get you back."
"As I will for you. Gladly."
That's when the computer buzzed again. Colin reached over and hit a button and George's smiling face appeared. "Hi, guys." He said softer now. "I got distracted with...shock...all your new plans sort of...I lost my train of thought." He smiled now more. "I have two things to share I meant to, but...I'm beginning trials of the new antivenin and antibody I got from Nicolae's blood. I will keep you updated. Human trials are still a good way away, but it looks promising." He now moved forward a bit more. "The second thing is, I have sort of a cause and effect findings I've worked on and discovered about what happens after we're bitten."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
George smiled. "Well, many have asked and...well...our natures are written in our DNA as a species..." He thought a second how to explain it. Colin and I weren't scientists like George was. "As we evolved...certain necessities were programmed into us by our very DNA for survival. Like the need for...procreation." His eyebrows danced a little saying that one. "Mating?"
"We can mate, but we can't procreate," Colin said simply.
George nodded. "I know! I'm telling you...there are some...like you that broke that need to mate as many do. I compared yours, Devon, and others that are gay against ones like my venom changed DNA. Knowing you won't, but come on, don't you want a child? You still seek companionship because that's what we do as humans, but your tastes are different. Yet the desire of a child...I mean a combination of the two of you? Don't you want one? Part of you and Colin in a single being? I know I want one with John!"
"That won't happen," I said.
George sighed. "I know. What I told you in the beginning, the venom rewrites your DNA! You become the source of your venom! Because of the rewritten DNA!" He thought of a way to explain things better. "Like the desire for the taste of foods or...meats like Colin's love of good steaks or the rewritten DNA for blood, which even you, Devon, said it smelled like a good steak to you. Delicious. That need is written in our DNA! The need for these things is written in our very DNA. So, is our desire to find that perfect mate. There are things like enzymes and hormones to the brain that cause development in the brain of embryos that guide the development of the parts that are used for sexuality. The point is...the need to have sex is also in the DNA! Yours has been rewritten by the venom. So was mine! Now the need to find that perfect mate has...changed...like our desire for certain foods...our taste for getting what we need changed...that perfect mate in some cases, like mine, is simply not there anymore, but the desire for a mate is!" He smiled. "I never considered myself as gay before I was bitten. You were before! I don't know that Wayne was...but you said he's involved with Amasis!" He looked from me and Colin waiting for a response. "Don't you get it? There is no programmed target anymore! Men are hunters, using our eyes to see the big boobs...which told our ancient ancestors' influenced brains she's a good prospect as she could provide good amounts of food for the offspring are looked for. The curves, like big hips, as in they have room to have children, but in us, that isn't there anymore. The need for that perfect woman to bear offspring is gone! We know we can't have children! We live a long, long life and reproduce by bite, not sex, so no need for the perfect member of the opposite sex!. Now, we focus on the person! Our tastes have changed because we know, we know down to our very DNA we can't reproduce at all! That's what I have with John!"
I smiled. "So, becoming a vampire does make us gay." I thought of Robert's assertions and gave a quizzical look to George. "Aren't you worried about...finding the cure then? Won't it reverse your love for John Burke?"
George snickered. "I think you and Colin found the perfect mate in each other no matter if I can prove this or not. I know I did with John. We're not going on instinct anymore. What you two have is very real. What John and I have...is very real. I love John. He is the perfect mate for me. Even if I get my old DNA configuration back, he will still be with me, because I love him! He loves me."
I smiled nodding. "I've seen you two together. And human sexuality is more than causality and effect of DNA. There are psychological influences as in traumas and behaviors of others to influence."
"But the building blocks we base our decisions on have changed our decisions," George said again. "No, there is no one thing, but this...is a big one. I've studied genetics and I can read the double helixes better than most and I know there is a rearranging of the nucleotides, reprogramming of us! We become these predators genetically constructed and enabled to do that. Even as vampires, we sought others for more than blood." He smiled. "And don't count out two men having a child." He waggled his eyebrows. "We contain all we need to have a boy or girl...the x and y are in us. We just have to figure out how to bring them together and bring it to term. We could see a little person made up of you and Colin one day." He growled. "If you live."
Colin smiled at the screen. "We'll do everything we need to make sure we do."
"Well," George began, "instead of the United Nations. There will be a conference of medical doctors from around the world in New York. Perhaps if you showed them first, then the people from the UN? They could persuade those in government better."
"You're going?" I asked.
George nodded. "I'm a featured presenter!" He said proudly. "Hematology. Various blood disorder treatments."
I chuckled. "Of course, you are. You're brilliant, George."
"We love you, George," Colin said smiling at his and my friend. "You know that."
George nodded. "I do know that. I just worry about you, okay? I love you, too. So, hear me when I panic as I can."
"We're your family," I said.
George nodded. "Yes, you certainly are."
"Thanks, George," Colin said. He kissed me gently. "My DNA says we need to go to bed."
"It does?" I said smiling at Colin.
"I didn't say we'd go to sleep." Colin looked at the screen. "Perhaps you need to as well, George."
George chuckled. "That's not a bad idea. It will surprise John. See you later, guys."
Colin offered to pull me up. "I need to connect with you."
"I'm not arguing with you." I waved. "Let's go!"
Colin and I did let the others know what we planned to do and there was the expected response. "Are you out of your mind?" "You can't!" and "You'll be killed!" and many others. That was everyone's general consensus. I mean everybody. Edwin, Matt, Amasis, Wayne, my mother and Willie, Stan, Mark, Chuck, Shelly...all the new ones made during the Halloween Transylvania event. Everyone!
"Stop!!" Dragon commanded loud and again was using his "influence" with his resonating voice. Then he frowned turning to Colin and me. "Now, let them explain this completely mad sounding idea."
"Thank you, Dragon." Colin griped to our friend. "I think." Colin took my hand. "This whole thing...started when we realized there were many of us out in the world, vampires that didn't have any support or help." He shrugged. "Really, when I started this, I didn't expect to find as many vampires out here." Colin smiled and laughed. "I was shocked. I knew there were others...here and there...maybe a few hundred. Our new natures are programmed to hide, so I did. We did." Colin shook his head. "Stay in the dark and don't trust anyone. I've told you what we know about the Old Ones. We have two in custody in New York. We have a brilliant man working with them because they hold the original venom and yet...they may hold what's needed for a cure." There were murmurs among the new guests. "That could still be some time." Colin quickly warned them. "It was in the 1950s my friend understood what we are and what caused us to become...vampires. I lived in Hell for over a hundred years! Waking up at sunset and seeking blood. I don't anymore. Then he found the serum. It's a treatment which we've told you about. It gave me a life back and will give you a life back. You now have the serum discs that will keep you from becoming a vampire. However, understand, you are a vampire and will always be until George finds that cure. You've been told this also, you must stay on the serum, or you will become a danger to everyone around you from friends and even family." Colin was now beginning to walk as he spoke. I could almost see him lecturing in front of a classroom! He was sexy to me. I was hopeless when it came to Colin. "In the next day or so, we are sending you home." He nodded as the many were now speaking more to each other, excited to be going home. "Yes, I know." Colin waved them down as he smiled at this new surge of joy they were getting. "Make no mistake." He turned. "You are vampires." He said gravely. "Those with the vampires, your lives have changed. Because of that...they won't age." He pointed to the crowd. "Look at the one that was bitten. See them now. In twenty or forty years...they will look exactly the same as they do now. You will age. That will be hard for you." He sighed. "We came out in the world to help those...like me and the others...have a life back and have a place in this world again. That task became so much more than we can handle. This is a big job! To make things easier...the other countries need to know what happened and what they can expect." He waved at the new ones with us. "That will be hard to accept. You didn't believe it at first and some of you were the ones bitten! You were there!" He took a deep breath again. "Now, you will not be able to speak about what happened easily..."
Dragon leaned toward Colin. "They shouldn't be able to speak about it at all." He muttered. "I gave them each very strong...suggestions."
Colin chuckled and nodded, patting Dragon on the back. "Yes, thank you, Dragon." He turned again. "To have the quickest and positive results, Devon and I are telling them... a chosen few people with these other countries... using controlled exposure. We will not tell anyone about you specifically. However, they will know because you are the latest victims and victims of this attack."
Willie shook his head. "But you're telling them what you are, son."
Colin nodded. "To help them understand that this attack doesn't have to be a tragedy. Before I got the serum, my life was a tragedy, but not now." He smiled at me. He held his hand to me, which I took. "We offer them proof. Us. Help beyond the FBI, MI5 and even the RIS will just be needed."
"Daddy," Gabriella began softly, "are you sure about this?" She asked shaking a little.
Colin nodded. "We need help, baby girl. You know that. I say controlled exposure. Meaning, we can control what they will see, where and when they see it. Doing it in a group will lessen the problems from one. Everyone will see at the same time and no one country or people will have the upper hand. We have people of our own to protect us. We should do it at the VUN in New York."
Not letting Colin go, I nodded. "Now, we should refer to it as Holms' Laboratories when dealing with the medical eggheads," I suggested. "I agree with Colin, we need further cooperation from these people. If it goes well...we'll have it."
Colin shook his head. "Every fiber in my being is telling me I shouldn't do this. I should hide and keep being a vampire a secret. I'm working against the venom I still have. Yet, there is no choice and I know I'm right."
Mom nodded. "You don't have to do this alone..." she said, "...others will stand with you...as vampires."
Willie looked bothered, not upset, but he didn't like his wife's statement. "Betty."
Mom shook her head. "No, William." She said. "This venom may change what we do...but a mother's first instinct is to protect her child. That's not the vampire in me talking, but a mother...it's in every creature on this planet. No venom can change that. My instinct is to protect my child. I have two right there about to do something potentially dangerous. I'm Colin's and Devon's mother, I want to protect them."
Colin smiled more. "I know, Mom, but I think Devon's and my exposure should do the trick." He shrugged. "It could be dangerous." He brought me closer and put his arm around me from behind. "We are doing this." He said kissing the back of my head. "I am hoping for there to be reason with these people, and it should be good. If not..." he shrugged leaving the rest unsaid.
"Don't worry, Mom. We'll be together." I said to her but put my arm around Colin's waist. "We'll protect each other, we'll be fine."
Dragon walked closer to us and quickly joined by Gaius. "You are sure about this?" Dragon asked.
Colin shook his head. "Not sure at all, but I can see no other way."
Gaius grinned. "And you say you don't want to be a leader?"
"I don't want it," Colin said simply.
"Neither did I." Dragon admitted. "But you are. Self-sacrifice is just one of the duties we feel we must do."
"We're heading into a new world," I said to Dragon. "Why not start things off with a bang?" I bounced a little.
"I don't understand." Dragon confessed confused.
"Be completely honest," I said.
"I am always honest." Dragon frowned. "So, is Gaius." He said with no doubt in his voice. "How are we not?"
"It's up to you, but..." I waved at them. "Kiss Gaius." I pulled a chuckling Colin closer. "I do with Colin open and honestly."
Dragon's eyebrows rose. "For hundreds of years, we just didn't...it just wasn't done!"
Colin smiled. "It's a new world. Humor Devon." He leaned closer to Dragon. "But make sure it's real. He can tell if it's not."
Gaius grinned at Dragon who was looking still uncomfortable from conditioning as a child, dedication to a church. He was dedicated in history. "It's okay. I know you love me. You know I love you. We're good." He said putting a hand on Dragon's arm. "It's okay."
Dragon gave a shake of his head in...frustration? Surrender? He suddenly grinned. "Devon's right." He turned, pulling Gaius close to him suddenly and kissed him hard. Not the Hi, good to see you kind of kiss done by some, but the pull him close. Arms going around each other and a damned good, deep and near probing kind of kiss which Gaius returned liking what was happening very much, right up there on the raised portion in front of everyone! Dragon broke with Gaius slightly. "No more hiding, about anything. I love you, Gaius."
Gaius smiled grandly. "I love you, too, Vlad." Dragon even smiled when Gaius used his real name.
Dragon looked at Colin and me. "Better?" He asked resting his head against Gaius'.
"Much!" I nodded. I looked and saw Robert shaking his head as he and the others clearly saw. Dragon had kissed Gaius off to the side once or twice a little chaste, but this was just...out there. I walked over and leaned in between Marty and Robert to speak only with them. "I have it on some pretty good scientific authority...being a vampire does make a person...not gay, but open to other people...it doesn't matter the gender." I said softly. "But I was gay before I became a vampire, but I still love Colin now. Being a vampire should make me straight? I'd say it hasn't." I shrugged. "Anyway, if it does with Marty." I grinned at Robert. "Not to worry, Robert. You'll do fine with gay sex...you'll get used to it." I patted Robert on the shoulder and returned to Colin, Dragon, and Gaius.
Marty laughed heartily at Robert's widened eyes and shocked face as Robert moved ever so slightly away from Marty.
"Why do you worry about this?" Dragon asked with his arm still around Gaius. "About Gaius and me...those two."
I smiled nodding. "Because it is so important. No one should ever be alone. Like them, friends are important, but having someone that means something more is more important. Who they choose is up to them, but they should never discount the possibilities." I watched as Marty was scooting closer to Robert who was equally scooting away. "I think they'd make a cute couple, but it's up to them." I chuckled. "Besides, teasing Robert is fun."
Stan didn't switch off the dampening field, but we did send messages to each using their own personal email or contacting with three that had no email but used addresses they knew. Telling their family and friends back home they would be there in three days. We told the recipients this was a thing concerning biological security and explanations would be given. Senator Cooke and Congresswoman Chance were sent the information about what we were now calling V5H. Full disclosure of the formula and serum breakdown given to all as needed. We got information about the various countries including a letter to the Prime Minister of Romanian from Colin from Holm's Laboratories. The same information to the appropriate offices for each was sent in their own languages (thanks to the Delkenzie program) with promises there would be more information given.
Vasil Cojoc was there as we told everyone what was happening. "Okay, this is good. Do not worry about returning these people. They were our guests in Romania, we'll make sure they get home." He assured. "There is one...Fane Jacobs. He's in charge of the...rescue and investigation." He looked at Dragon. "I know he'll want to find you. You don't exist."
Dragon chuckled. "Yet here I stand!"
"No, you don't. There is no database that can find you. The facial recognition program has been running since the attack and they have a good picture of you. All records...drivers' licenses and no documentation exist on you." Vasil said simply.
"I do not fully understand about this...database but I can handle authority figures." Dragon said calmly. "I'll make myself available to this Fane Jacobs."
"We need to get Lucian and his friends out, too." I reminded Colin.
"We need to do that before we take them out," Colin said pointing to the others there.
"Why not while even?" I asked. "The authorities will be busy. Our plane can arrive, even if it's observed, but we got Repetate and Iustina out, we can do it with Lucian and his friends. We have Vasil and Sorin to help if needed to distract those with the RIS...our people in New York know what to do. Lucian and the others with him will be a little cramped in the container but will stay safe." I smiled. "We'll move them at night as we did with Repetate and Iustina. Put them in the container and have them take off while we get these people to the square."
Colin nodded with a chuckle. "See? I married a smart man!" He pulled me again next to him kissing the side of my head.
Going down to the cell where Lucian was being held...he at least now was lounging as he lay reading, not just staring into space. Someone brought them a deck of cards and the others were in a game, but not Lucian.
"I didn't hear you had decided to die," I said to Lucian who looked up. "Do we go forward?"
Lucian sat and yes, he smiled. It wasn't a deceptive smile. He was still sad, but I sensed no attempt to lie to me. "I will admit. I still hurt." He touched his chest. "Here." He sighed. "I don't want to die...at least...not right now. I miss Iilya very much."
I nodded but smiled at him. "I know you do, but I'm glad you want to live...for now. Tomorrow night, we'll be moving you to a hangar, you'll be put in a special container to protect you from the sun. You'll be a little cramped. I've flown in one...it's not bad. You'll be taken to New York and held at the VUN there. There you will begin the serum."
Lucian nodded. "Okay."
"I'd like to trust you," I said.
Lucian smiled. "But you can't right now." He nodded. "I get that. Trust has to be earned. How about I give you something to build on?" He got near the bars of the cage. "We will give you no trouble. When we don't cause trouble, maybe that can help earn that a little of that trust." He looked back at his friends. "Am I right, guys? No trouble."
The other looked less enthusiastic but nodded.
"Say it!" Lucian ordered, even I was surprised at how the others responded to this order. He had authority with these men. "Nici o problema."
"Yes." They said immediately. "No trouble. Nici o problemă."
I nodded. "If you do as you say, it's a start."
Things worked pretty well. Sorin and Vasil were there when we had Lucian and his friends escorted out the evening we were to send them to New York. People from VAN-US and VUN-BG were escorting them to Unirea, a small town south of Transylvania that had a private airport. Instead of a hangar, they were loaded directly into the plane, which was sent by Ruben Chance, Senator Cooke, and Congresswoman Chance so no trouble there.
Documentation was given to Vasil who would hand it to any authority that asked, so the loading was with the container already in place. It was secured and they took off as soon as they were ready with six guards from New York to keep watch with sun and serum guns. The frustrating part was all the delays. Copies were sent to all those needed. The Senator, Congresswoman, directors of the different agencies and we had to wait for them to read and reply sending signed documentation. Stan said he'd have printed copies for us to take, the hard copies would take a little longer.
"Printed?" I asked.
Stan nodded and tapped the CPU. "My little Buddy here has a printer as well...not everything should be on those tablets. They'll have a hard copy in their hands." He said proudly.
It was the next day when we all got everyone together and left the cavern and made our way to the square. Vasil had told this agent Fane Jacobs with the Romanian Intelligence Service to be there for some...new developments. I saw a man, a little older than Vasil or Sorin just at sixty maybe, but going bald. Still in good shape to do his job. He and four other men were there. His eyes widened as he saw all these people coming into the square. He walked a little forward and we heard. "ce naiba?" He said in Romanian. We wore our translators all the time, so we understood what the fuck in English. He walked over with angry determination. "Explica asta!" He shouted at Vasil and Sorin.
"They can understand Romanian, Fane," Vasil said smiling but spoke in English. "However, for this investigation, perhaps you should use English, too. We all understand English."
"Okay, explain. These are the missing people!" Fane pointed to the others. "Who are all of these others?" He looked at Colin. "You, I know. I've had the PM Tudose asking about you!"
"Asking for what exactly?" Colin asked calmly.
"They got calls from the United States, France, Germany, Ukraine, and Great Britain because of emails sent by you! So, the pressure just increased and now all of you come waltzing up!?"
"Then ask questions," Vasil suggested. "They are all fine. See?" He waved at the ones from the attack. "They are all here. Did that phone call from the US or England tell anything? They were in quarantine. They were exposed to V5H, a new weapon someone used. They had to be secured before released to make sure they didn't and couldn't pass it on to anyone." He handed some papers to Fane. "If you didn't know. Here are the documents that say that, signed by Senator Cooke, Congresswoman Chance, Director Chance of the FBI, Director Mattingly of MI5, Doctors Hathaway of England, Dr. Holms of the United States and our own Dr. Petran. The chemical breakdowns of V5H and medicine to treat it. These signed documents were scanned and printed, but the hard copies are on the way."
Fane was looking at the documentation and everyone there...his eyes narrowed as he saw a face he also recognized. "You!" He walked up to Dragon. "Who are you? Why is there no record for you?"
Dragon smiled. "People call me Dragon."
"You were on stage that night! What did you do?" Fane demanded.
"I stopped the attack...or at least slowed the current one down." Dragon said simply, but then looked closer at Fane. "But..." then he did it again! His voice took on resonance as he spoke quietly to Fane in Romanian. "Nu sunt omul pe care-l caua. Nu sunt o consecinta." My translator told me Dragon said he was of no consequence and not who they were looking for to Fane Jacobs.
Fane got this blank look, like under a spell and said almost monotone. "Nu omul pe cae-l caut. Nu ai nicio consecinta." Basically, what Dragon had said to him back.
Then Dragon added. "Du-i pe oamenii ăştia acasă." He instructed Fane to get the people home.
Suddenly Fane Jacobs smiled. "We've been bombarded with calls and emails...we need to get these people home!"
I shook my head at Dragon as I moved closer to him. "You have got to teach us how to do that, Dragon! That was so...Jedi Mind Tricky!" I smiled.
Dragon smiled at first, then frowned. "So what?"
Colin shook his head and waved off Dragon's question. "It's a movie thing." He pulled me close to him. "My husband's just full of those. He'll explain later." He kissed me. "I'm sure." Then he pulled me into a kiss. "I love you."
I nodded. "I know. I love you."
"I know."
I smiled as Fane Jacobs simply...accepted what Dragon had said and was hurrying to get more information from the ones he knew had been taken that night. He used a radio and soon there were other cars and vehicles to take our new friends back to send home. Then he walked over to Colin and me.
"So, tell me...how are you involved with this?" Fane asked. "You're Colin Wentworth. You were doing that...language translator thing."
"Yes, I am, but I'm co-owner and CEO of Holm's Laboratories...we deal in the medical field. We knew of V5H. We just happened to be here when these...terrorists attacked...and had the treatment for it." Colin said. "I am an investor with Delkenzie...the man that owns it and can verify that. I've bought into it."
Fane Jacobs frowned. "There's a connection somewhere." He smiled, but even I got the impression he wasn't done.
"He's an agent," Vasil said to just Colin. "Making connections is part of who he is." He shrugged. "Maybe Dragon should talk to him. Suggest he not pursue this?"
Colin shook his head and replied as quietly. "What will they find out if he does pursue this?" He asked. "He has a job to do." He looked at Vasil and Sorin. "Can they hold us on suspicion or something?"
Sorin gave a reluctant sort of half-nod and shake of his head. "Weeell...."
Vasil shook his head. "No!" He said correcting what Sorin was starting to say. "You guys are too high profile. The Prime Minister won't allow it without evidence. Trust me."
Colin nodded with a smile. "Well, there you go."
We watched these new vampires and friends as they were being questioned and organized to go home. The good part was two of the victims we'd gotten to with the serum quickly didn't show any sign of changing at all. Continued scans would happen for a while to be sure there was no venom at all in their blood, we just wanted to be sure. The venom didn't last long out in the open and apparently, it didn't last long in the blood if it wasn't used. As our new...vampires and friends or family were loaded into some vans...I walked over to Robert.
"How are you doing?" I asked him.
Robert nodded. "Fine." He grinned at me a little. "Sorry if I was a pain in the ass at first."
I smiled. "Well, you weren't that big a pain...not the good kind anyway, but that was understandable."
He rolled his eyes. "Here we go again with the comments and innuendos." He shrugged. "I don't care that you are gay, I'm just...not."
I chuckled. "Not every person that becomes what we are is either, but you and Marty were friends before. He will need a friend back home. Can he count on you?"
Robert nodded and looked at his friend as he was talking with an officer as he got Marty's information. "Yes. He and I became best friends a while back. He's still my friend and I'll be there."
"Don't lose that." I reached into my pocket and pulled a card out. "This is our number, emails, and information. I meant it. Holms' Laboratories is more than just pharmaceuticals and science. We need minds there. We're based in Manhattan. We can find you a good job there...if you want."
"Really?" Robert smiled looking at the card. "You really meant it when you said that before?"
"Absolutely. You have it in with one of the owners...and his husband and know our secret." I grinned. "So, yes, really." I nodded.
"Thanks!" He smiled more. "Robert Cummings is the name. He's Marty Davis...or rather Martin Davis." He said putting his hand out.
I shook his hand. "You know I'm Devon Wentworth. You know Colin Wentworth."
He nodded smiling more now looking at the card. "Yes, I do. I'll be in touch after we get back. Thank you." He said and walked over to Marty to give his name and information to the officer.
I walked back to Colin as he spoke with Gabriella and Alex.
"...can't be done here." Gabriella was saying.
"There are the other vampires that were in on the attack we didn't get," Alex said. "Shouldn't we look for them?"
Colin gave a shrug. "I don't know." He smiled as I came over. "What do you think? Do we stay and look for these vampires?"
"Oh, yeah, base a decision on my say so," I growled. I threw my arms out. "I don't know. Why ask me? I don't know everything!"
Colin chuckled and pulled me closer to him. "You have good instincts. Tell me what you think."
"What I think is without Iilya or Lucian...they have no leadership. Sort of a ship without a rudder or power. They won't even have Dragon." I saw our friend who was speaking with Gaius quietly. "They will have no direction. I also know that can be equally dangerous. If one person comes up with a plan they may follow that leadership. We need a VUN-EE which we were going to do."
"VUN...Eastern Europe." Colin nodded with a grin.
"The VUN is needed here," I said simply. "We're not taking Dragon's men and women with us. They could do that." I looked over at Dragon, who true to his word, kissed Gaius with no thought as to whether anyone was watching or offended. I smiled at that. "But Stan will have to teach them how to use Buddy." I looked back at Colin. "And do we have that webpage now? The one we can communicate with so everyone knows what's going on?"
"We've been busy," Alex said smiling. "I know Stan has been very busy."
"I agree," Colin said nodding. "He's leaving the FBI, by the way."
"He can't!" Gabriella said alarmed. "We need him!"
Colin nodded. "And coming to work for us! He'll get a nice salary, more than he makes now. Since he and Mark are getting married, they knew this was the only way. I know all the things Stan does and does it well...never once complaining. We won't lose him or Mark." He assured. "We're a good team working. We're not breaking it up."
"Shelly and Chuck?" Alex asked.
Colin gave a little nod. "I'd hire them with no problem. We needed their FBI status. Over here that really doesn't help us, but their expertise is needed. I'd give Mark the money to match Stan's if he wants...all of them. I don't know how that will go with the FBI. I'll talk it over with Ruben when we get to New York. I don't want to lose any of them."
"We'll keep Shelly." Gabriella smiled pointing as Shelly and Amir were standing close as they were comfortable with each other. "We keep Amir, we have Shelly."
I bounced. "Now, the only one to find someone for...is Chuck!"
Colin chuckled. "Your specialty should be matchmaking instead of counseling!" He waved at Chuck who was in a conversation with Amasis and Wayne. "Not everyone wants to be in a relationship."
"You are not often...but you are so wrong about that." I said smiling, but firmly. "We're human beings...we're social creatures. People are alone most of the time because they can't locate that one person. Even those that go from one to another just for sex really want a relationship but have other issues...or they don't feel worthy...there are people that choose to be alone, which I can not understand. When that right person shows up, they abandon any thoughts of wanting to be alone."
Colin nodded. "You really believe that?"
"Look around you! Mom and Willie...that was right. Gabriella and Alex here...that was right. Stan and Mark...after we slapped Stan in the head to see what was there...that was right. Amasis and Wayne..."
"They just started a relationship!" Colin pointed out but smiled.
"Oh, come on, Colin! It's right, you know it!" I smiled back. "George and Burke...they're right. One other couple I know is right. Us!" I smiled as he nodded.
Colin cocked his head. "Anybody else?"
"Robert and Marty."
Gabriella's eyes widened. "Robert's straight! He said so over and over again he isn't gay."
"He said it too much!" I smiled. "Shakespeare? Methinks the lady doth protest too much?" I watched their heads shake. "I do more than watch movies, you know? I read! Books, too, not those novels or like that, real books."
Colin chuckled. "Okay, you think he's saying he's not because...is because he really is?"
"Depending on how he was raised and where..." I smiled. "They are friends, very good friends that lived together for several years! By choice! He and Marty traveled thousands of miles alone together. Robert's continued protests that he isn't gay...sort of makes me know he's thought about it before and in denial or he wouldn't have brought it up at all. With Marty's reprogramming and whatever..." I shrugged. "They could be open to it. Maybe." I bounced again smiling at them.
Alex smiled. "You can't argue with his logic." He said bringing Gabriella closer to him. "He's right about us."
Fane came up again. "So, Mr. Wentworth..."
Colin and I both looked. "Yes?" We both said.
Fane looked a little...odd at that, then he nodded. "You two are related...by marriage...to each other." He said to clarify.
"Why not?" Colin asked.
"Marriages like yours...just don't happen here," Fane said simply.
"Because you won't let them happen here," I said. "Unions yes, marriage no."
"Which is a debate that's been going on over thousands of years, we're not going into it now," Colin said calmly, but giving a look that was challenging Fane to press the issue. "You were coming to us because...Agent Jacobs?"
The agent just let it go. "How long are you going to be remaining in Romania?"
"Business is going well, but we don't need to stay much longer," Colin said. "I'm trying to determine if you want us to leave or stay."
Fane smiled, but he was suspicious. "You're welcome to stay as long as you need to, Mr. Wentworth. I just wanted to know if you'll be around for...questions...if they come up."
Colin nodded. "And they will come up," Colin said knowingly, but his eyes narrowed at the agent. "I have a way of seeing what people say and don't say. I can tell when they're evasive or not telling the truth. I can tell by you...you think we did this somehow."
The agent smiled again, but yes; I could see Fane suspected us. "Then a few questions isn't going to hurt, but clear you of my suspecting you did anything." He held the papers out. "This...V5H...you knew about it and even had a treatment. How did they get this...V5H?"
"It's rarely given, but not hard to come by," Colin explained. "I've had it. So has Devon. We're still under treatment for it before we even got here, but we didn't bring it here."
"You didn't want to test any new treatments?" Fane asked. "Maybe make new victims that have to go on treatments to make more money."
"Colin nor George would ever do that!" Gabriella said angrily immediately. "We don't charge to treat any victims."
Colin held his hand up to her. "He's just doing his job, Gabby." He looked at Fane. "Other than your suspicion, do you have a reason to think this?"
Fane shrugged. "I have nothing about anything." He said simply. "Asking questions gives answers."
"Contact Dr. Laurel Petran," I said. "She knows of the V5H...or is she a suspect, too?"
"And Dr. Hathaway in London, Dr. Holm in New York who found the V5H and came up with the treatment," Colin said.
"And Director Mattingly in London with MI5, or Ruben Chance a Director with the FBI in New York, Congresswoman Chance and Senator Cooke..." Alex offered.
Fane raised his hand and nodded. "Okay, okay...all these people know, but I still think...but I can't help but think you're all connected. Two are named Chance."
"We are," I said simply. "There are many that have had it...by the way." I pulled Alex over. "This is Alex Chance."
"I had V5H," Alex said. "They are my..." he thought of a way to describe the family connections, "cousins."
"That's how we got Congresswoman Chance and Ruben Chance, Ruben first was involved," Colin explained. "There is a connection there. I had it and got treatment. Alex had it and they wanted treatment for him, that's the connection there. Senator Cooke is totally disconnected from this, but he knows about the V5H." He walked closer to Fane. "You have the breakdown of the V5H and the treatment in your hand. I consider myself a learned man, but none of that...gobbledygook means a damned thing to me...and I had it. Do you understand any of it?"
"No," Fane admitted.
"Take it to someone that can understand this..." Colin waved at the sheet of paper, "stuff and ask them." Colin said. "If you know more about it, maybe that would help you ask the right questions to find out."
Fane frowned looking at bit exasperated. "I know how to do my job." He defended.
Colin raised his hands to stop him. "I'm not saying you don't, but it makes sense, doesn't it? We'll be here at least a week or more. How does that sound?"
"Fine," Fane said not angry, but still frustrated. "I'll be in touch." He grumbled as he walked away.
"Nicely done." I took Colin's hand and turned to Alex. "But we," I waved between Colin and myself, "are telling we have the V5H, not you." I said to him.
"He doesn't know what the V5H is!" Alex chuckled. "He sure as hell won't know what it does."
I nodded moving closer to Alex. "I'm your father." I grinned at him. "Do as I say. No more telling you had the V5H."
Alex's widened a little and then he laughed and gave a grudging nod. "Yes, I guess you are. You married my wife's father...so..." He grabbed me in a hug. "Sure thing...Dad."
Looking around now, the town square only had those with the VUN here now.
"Let's go home," Colin said bringing me into a kiss. He looked over at Dragon and Gaius. "Let's go Dragon, Gaius...come with us. You're part of us now. Family stays together." He waved at them to follow.
"Family? You mean me!?" Dragon repeated with his eyes widening a little. "You say, you think of me as family!?"
"You are! Both of you...you and Gaius are welcome members of our family." Colin nodded and smiled. "Didn't you understand that?"
"We are friends I know, but...family?" Dragon asked again softer.
Colin grinned pushing me slightly toward Dragon. "You explain it to him, you're better at it than I am."
I chuckled. "There are some...there are vampires...way more than we imagined, but every now and then...a few stand out." I began. "All of the ones from England are vampires. We love Edwin and Matt and the others. Wayne is from England, he's family. There are the ones...like Burke, Willie...who is now my step-father and I call him Dad now, Amasis and Alex...they come to mean so much more to us. We make them a part of our family. Everyone needs family. You need family. Gaius has a son and family, Colin has Gabriella who is natural family, I have Mom, she's natural family, Alex married Gabriella and Willie married Mom, but they were family before, but...we...Wayne and Amasis...now you and Gaius are different. However, the bonds are stronger with us. I feel it with you and Gaius. Don't you feel that connection?"
Dragon looked away. "You know what I've done? You still want me in your family!?"
"Sure, we do...you and Gaius." I nodded. "We love you both."
"You never killed without a reason," Colin added. "Not as a vampire just for blood or killed when human without reason. You said that and I know you told the truth. You both are good, good men. We'd be honored to have you in the family." He put his hands on my shoulders as he looked at Dragon and Gaius.
"I told you," I said smiling. "You are welcome in our home...any time. You and Gaius. I meant it."
Gaius smiled at Dragon. "I'll always be at your side, Vlad. Whatever you decide, I would like to be part of this family."
Real men don't cry. Really? Who came up with that bullshit? Dragon was every bit a real man who wasn't rubbing his face near his eyes clear a loose eyelash. Sand in his eyes maybe? Then he walked over and grabbed Colin and then me in a hug and kissed us both on the cheek. "Let's go home, then."
"Being coupled saves of bed space, too." I pointed out as we headed back to the house we rented. "I wonder if either of them snore." I said as Colin rolled his eyes, but drew me closer. "It happens, even you can snore."
Colin raised his eyebrows. "I never hear me. I don't believe you." He grinned.
Eva's eyes widened as she saw everyone come back. "Is everything alright?" She asked using the translator. "You've been gone a while. I heard about what happened that night during the Halloween event."
"We're fine," Colin told her. "If we need more groceries, we'll get more. It's morning so..."
"I can get whatever you need, but everyone here is staying?" She asked about the crowd now here.
"One additional couple, but yes." Colin nodded. "You remember Dragon and Gaius."
"We met briefly." Eva nodded. "You're a couple?" She asked surprised.
Gaius nodded as he put his arm around Dragon's waist which Dragon didn't seem to mind. "We are." He said proudly.
"Do you think we have room?" Mom asked.
Chuck offered. "I can sleep on a couch, it's just me. I have a double bed."
"That issue needs to be addressed soon," I commented lightly. "But that works, if you don't mind."
"Nah." Chuck shrugged. "It won't be the first time."
"No!" Stan said quickly. "Since George and Burke went back to New York, we've moved into the room that they left, Mark and I can move back to where we were with Buddy. We'll be comfortable there."
"And there we go," Colin said to Dragon, Gaius, and Chuck. "Nobody sleeps on a couch, Chuck. We're good!"
Things now were very good. There would be questions we'd face from Agent Jacobs, we knew. Eva and another woman cooked some good meals in the past and now we were melding into a real family. The newest member would be fine now. Dragon, or Vlad was feeling less pressure to lead. Gaius was happy to be with Vlad. Colin and I sat together, and I looked at the many at our table. Vampire or human, we were a family.
Colin smiled at me as he ate. A meal at the table, no sandwich now. "I see it again." He said to me.
"I like this. We did well." I said waving at the others. "See what we've done!" I laughed. "I wanted to meet the real Dracula. Now, he's a part of this family. Gaius, too. This is great!"
Colin leaned in kissing me. "I love you."
Pressing our foreheads together. "I know. I love you."
"Yes, you do."