Clan Tremere: is one of the youngest vampire clans, having just come into existence during the dark ages. In the little time since then they have made incredible inroads within vampiric society and are arguably the most powerful clan in the modern nights. This is due in no small part to their strict hierarchy, secretive nature, and mastery of Thaumaturgy, all of which elicit suspicion, fear, and respect from other Cainites. The Warlocks stand as a pillar of the Camarilla and are one of its main defenders
Chapter 8:
Caroline Lam stood in the hall where the intruder had been killed. The injured and the dead had been removed but the debris of the fighting was still lying on the floor. Chunks of concrete were scattered over the smooth surface as well.
Caroline had come back here to see if she could be of any help in putting together the forensics. Even though they had a good idea what had happened it was still procedure. "Sorry, Ma'am," the SF standing guard said. "Clean-up is about to start."
"What?" She asked looking around. "It's been less than five hours. What kind of time is that to process the scene?"
The young man looked confused for a second. "Um…there was a fight…the guy is dead, Ma'am."
"Yes but who shot first, where were people standing? A violent incident happened here and we need as much information as possible. Has anyone even taken pictures yet?"
"I…um don't know, Ma'am." The Sergeant seemed to be struggling with something. "I was told we had to have clean-up…"
"Who told you that?" Dr. Lam asked. Whoever had given those kinds of orders better be in authority because if it was just some brain-dead tech that didn't know what he was doing she would have his head.
The SF didn't answer. He clearly was trying to remember the name. Lam looked at him incredulously. Dear lord where were they finding base personnel these days. "Forget it." She said and stepped behind him. "Don't let anyone touch anything till a forensics team gets here."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"And you can tell anyone that Dr. Caroline Lam gave you those orders; the Chief Medical Officer." She added just making sure he didn't forget.
As she was careful not to disturb anything she went to go find a base wall phone and call for a forensics team. As she was looking at where her feet were stepping she saw something dark on the ground. At first she was going to dismiss it as dust but then her peripheral vision caught more of it to the side…and then in other areas. Crouching down she took a closer look. The dark flakey matter was not scattered over the ground like the rest of the concrete and dust…it was located in a select few places. As the Doctor's eyes traced over the scene she noticed a pattern…the dried blood that was still on the ground was scattered in the same way.
Carter found General Landry in his office on the red phone. "Yes, Mr. President. I understand." Landry signaled for her to wait. She silently stood in the door. When the conversation was finished Landry hung up the phone. "Come in, Colonel."
"Sir," Carter said entering. "All the personnel found are being checked out. Security is checking over all the footage from the main gate and the emergency entrance to see if they can find how the intruder got in." Sam had been told about 20 minutes ago by the Deputy in charge that the Kindred were going to doctor the images and make it look like the intruder had come in through the front gate. But that also meant they had to locate whoever was on duty and alter their memory to match up. It was fascinating and horrifying the methodical way the vampires were trying to cover-up their involvement. And somehow they had to get the body out before someone got the chance to examine it.
"Good," The General said. "And good work stopping him. I'm keeping the SGC on lockdown till we can be sure he was alone."
Sam nodded. She suspected as much…it would be protocol. Problem was if the SGC was on lockdown than the Camarilla couldn't get the evidence out…The way it was explained to Sam by the Deputy only a small group of the Camarilla's vampires had the needed skills or ability to sneak into the SGC under normal circumstances…under lockdown that number decreased even more so the Kindred now inside not counting Sam were a total of eight; 4 Nosferatu, 2 Ventrue, 1 Toreador and 1 Tremere. But getting in the pandemonium of an attack was easy for them when compared to trying to sneak back out after everything had calmed down and smuggling a body in addition.
Somehow, Carter had to get the information of who was on duty when they wanted to edit the security tapes. That would be easy. The harder part would be to get the SGC past lockdown. During breaches in security it was standard protocol to lock the base down for 48 hours and that was time they couldn't waste. As things became more under control it would be harder for the vampires to move and do their work…they would be noticed…and that would start the whole cycle over. Sam had to end this as soon as she could.
Hadrian hung up the phone. Putting a hand to his temple he applied pressure and rubbed the beginnings of a migraine away. Lucinda, the Ventrue Justicar, had not been pleased with his report of an incident involving the Stargate Program. People often thought a Prince was answerable to no one within his domain…if only that were true. The Prince still had to answer to the Justicars and by extension their Archon representatives. Lucinda had threatened to send Theo Bell to Colorado Springs to take charge if he couldn't handle running two cities on his own. That he could be sure was an empty threat. First, Theo Bell would only go if the Brujah Justicar sent him and second, sending Bell anywhere near Liam Sage would be asking for more trouble than anyone wanted.
Communications from the SGC had resumed and the Kindred were monitoring all of it. So far it seemed the SGC hadn't had time to investigate yet. They were busy trying to secure the base. That was good because it gave his own people time to work. He was sure that the handful of Kindred he had been able to send would cover up the mess. The problem was getting them out with any remains. The ghouls he had stationed were killed, at least two of them. They would have to be removed as well as the body of the vampire. The last thing anyone wanted was someone to do an autopsy on any of them.
He hoped they could unseal the mountain soon. To that effect Hadrian picked up his phone again. "Mrs. Black," He called his assistant. "Get me the line with Col. Rains of the National Guard."
"Yes, Sire."
Caroline Lam ran to catch up with Dr. Stevens. "Dr. Stevens, I need a moment."
The older man stopped and turned to her. "Yes, Ma'am, how may I help?"
"You did the precursory examination of the bodies both victims and assailant correct?"
"Yes," He said without hesitating. "I did the initial examinations."
"Were there any irregularities with the intruder's body? Anything to indicate he wasn't human?"
Stevens opened his mouth to speak but then seemed to think for a moment. "No, nothing was out of place. There was a great deal of damage to the face and body from repeated gunfire at close range. That accounted for the shattered bones and mangled appearance."
"I see," Lam said. It made sense but was kind of inconclusive for a medical examiner. Something a layman might say."
"I was just asking," She explained, "Dr. Jackson suggested there might be alien origins at work and I was following up. The nature of the attacks to the victims and Dr. Jackson would suggest there was something we haven't discovered yet." Stevens looked at her as if he hadn't heard a word she had said. "Dr. Stevens, are you alright?"
"Yes, sorry, just zoned out for a second there." He seemed to shake himself awake. "I will look into it as soon as I can. Right now I was going to supervise the cleanup."
"Did you order the cleaning of the scene?" Lam asked, perhaps more accusing than she had intended.
"No," Stevens said. "General Landry did. I just got the call."
Caroline was surprised to say the least. Nodding she let Stevens go on his way. Touching her pocket she patted the plastic bag that contained some of the brownish flacks she had collected. She needed to get these tested. It seemed more important than ever now. She also needed to talk to her father and COL Carter if she could find her.
Carter handed the Deputy a piece of print out. "This is the list of who was on duty when you want to say the Brujah entered."
"Good," he said looking around a bit nerves. "Any information on when this lockdown is going to end?"
"Not yet," Sam shook her head. "I made up some reasons but General Landry wants to make sure we stay secure." She saw the disapproving look in the vampire's eyes. "I can't make him agree with me."
"Why not?" the Deputy said with derision. "Go in and tell him what he wants to do. He'll do it."
"It will look suspicious if he just changes his mind without a good reason and frankly there isn't one." Sam defended her self.
The vampire pressed his lips together exasperated. He looked tired…at least she thought he looked tired. She bet all the vampires were using a lot of energy messing with peoples' minds trying to stay unnoticed and that translated as using up blood. Using up blood would also mean that they would be getting hungry, very hungry.
"Besides you can't just take the bodies out right? We need to have them officially transferred or else all hell will break loose." Sam said trying to direct the Deputy's thoughts in another direction.
He nodded his head. "You're right. But our options are growing limited. The evidence is being cleaned up now. I'm going to send about half of the others back…less chance of us being noticed the fewer there are lurking in the halls."
Sam nodded. "Is there any word about the people that were hurt? Dr. Lam gave me a run down but she doesn't know what to do."
"I have our Tremere on it. They should be fine, just some intense mind messing…it was a Brujah so unlikely there was any Dominate, probably only Presence, so some emotional trauma and that like."
"Alright. I'll see about getting the transfer's made."
"Good, and do what you can about ending the lockdown. Soon."
Caroline Lam went to the lab to drop off the sample she had collected. Taking a technician to the side she told the young woman to run a series of test to determine what the sample was but to label it under her name as part of the monthly work ups. The tech had been a bit confused but nodded saying she would do it. It was a strange thing for her to do but her gut was saying it was the right call.
Next she checked on the infirmary. To her relief people were recovering, at least those that had been found in the dazed state. The injured marines were not doing so good. Once their condition could be stabilized surgery could be an option. She checked with one of the nurses asking if they knew anything about why the need to clean up the scene of the attack was so urgent. The nurse said she hadn't heard of any clean up. That made Lam extra glad she had taken that sample when she had.
Caroline was going to go talk to her father but decided to detour by the morgue. It was cold in the dark room but she had been down there more than once. It was an unfortunate part of being the Chief Medical Officer on the base. Looking up where the bodies were placed she pulled the cabinet open holding the intruder.
Dr. Caroline Lam opened the cabinet and pulled the sled out then gasped. The thing lying on the slate was thin and weathered like a mummy. Its skin was so tight on its bones and sunken in that it barely was recognizable as human. Looking at it for less than a moment and Caroline's eyes were focused on its mouth. The lips had drawn back showing the teeth…Two elongated K9s were obvious. "What the hell?" she said to herself.
"That is unfortunate." A voice behind Dr. Lam said. She spun around and saw for the first time a tall thin man in dark cloths wearing a long white lab coat. He stared at her with hard dark brown eyes. "You were not supposed to see that." He said.
"Who…who are you?" Lam backed away from the sled. Something in her guts was telling her she was in danger but running would be pointless. The door was behind the man as was the wall phone.
"I heard you were asking about the scene of your colleges' terrible accidents. It seemed appropriate to follow along and see what was going through that pretty head of yours."
"Whoever you are, if I scream someone will hear me." Lam said. She didn't know if that was the truth but it was all she had. She didn't panic…at least that was what she was telling herself she wasn't doing. Her back was against the wall. "How did you get in here?"
The man looked at the body then back at her. His lips curled into a creepy smile. "Intelligent questions. All the more the pity that your intellect is what has led you to this most unfortunate of situations. I do enjoy talking with a fellow practitioner. There are so few who are aware enough to challenge the claims of their contemporaries. I should have talked to you instead of that sheep Stevens. He did just what he was told; like a well trained pet."
Talk…what was he saying. Lam's mind tried to put it all together. This guy had done something to Stevens, to clean up the evidence. That means it wasn't her father unless this guy got to him too. "Well, I'm glad I challenge the status quo'. No point in being on the frontier of medicine unless you question what we already know." Need to figure out how to get past him.
"It's an admirable trait but that also means that its going to be a lot harder on you." That was it. Lam made a dash to try and get around the man. He was quick to and cut her off but not before she grabbed a lamp off the desk in the corner and brought it down on the man's head. He grunted and stumbled back. She dropped the lamp and ran for the door. She had just grabbed the door knob and then shrieked when what could only be called a small fireball hit the door by her hand showering her hand with flaming sparks.
Spinning around the man had already recovered and grabbed her with one hand and pulled a long, black dagger from his belt. Caroline stopped moving when the tip of the blade came right up to her eye…it was black like obsidian. The edge was pulled away and then her vision was filled with the man's purple eyes and they stared right into her soul.
Sam came into General Landry's office. "Sir, you called for me."
"Yes, I'm lifting the lockdown." Sam was surprised but didn't speak out. "Dr. Lam just called letting me know that in her medical opinion it would be best to release the injured marines to the hospital while we keep our medical resources focused on the other individuals that were affected by the intruder. I also got a call saying that the National Guard is ready and able to take responsibility for the bodies of our Intruder. They can hold onto it till identification can be made." He let out a loud breath of air. "This has been strange to say the least. I want you to focus on what the intruder could be after. Once we have his identity that should make it easier."
"Yes, Sir. I'll make sure the body is transferred to the National Guard and stay for its identification."
Landry nodded and Sam left. That was almost too easy. She suspected one of the Kindred had gotten tired of waiting.
Sam walked next to several gurneys being taken up to street level. The bodies would be loaded into SGC vans and then driven to the nearest National Guard Base for containment till a government coroner with the proper clearance could establish identity.
They entered the motor pool and were met by the Deputy and 3 other vampires. "We'll take it from here." The Deputy said.
"I thought we were supposed to transport these bodies to the National Guard Base, Ma'am?" One of the men handling the gurneys asked behind her.
"That's okay. We are authorized," The deputy was looking into the man's eyes. The other vampires had smoothly closed the distance till they were arms lengths from each of the other individuals. Sam watched in morbid fascination as the humans' heads lolled and their eyes went half lidded. The Kindred took the bodies and signed a release form giving it to one of the men.
The Deputy stayed close instructing the now dazed humans to go back inside. When they all did as they were told he blinked and swayed on his feet a bit. "Too much…" he muttered under his breath. He pinched the bridge of his nose and grimaced. Recovering he turned to Sam. "The Prince wants to see you as soon as possible. Can you come now?"
"Sure, I was going to go with the bodies anyways."
Prince Hadrian sat behind his desk. The computer was showing him a report on the latest intelligence they had on Sabbat movements. Could this attack have been the first of an all-out assault when the sun came down? No that didn't make sense. One vampire couldn't take a military base…not unless it was immensely powerful with Dominate…or just killed everyone. The Sabbat had not become a threat by being stooped.
There was a knock on his door and Mrs. Black came in. "Sire, Liam Sage, is on line 2."
The Prince nodded and waved her to close the door. Picking up the phone Hadrian hit the line button. "Liam," he projected calm. Phone conversations could still be monitored even with the sophisticated scrambler making his office virtually impossible to listen in on one could never be too careful. There was also no telling where Liam was or if his end was secure. Experience would suggest Sage would not call unless it was urgent or he was sure it was safe but again assumption was the precursor to disaster.
"I heard that a Sabbat agent was killed inside the SGC."
The Prince made a note to find out who had that information and how it had gotten back to Liam. "Where are you now?" He made no mention of the attack indicating he did not wish to continue the line of thought.
"Northern Texas. I'll be taking a helicopter in a few minutes so I wanted to check in first." Sage got the point a moved on. "I'll be bringing a prisoner for further interrogation."
The Prince wasn't surprised, "Whom?"
"Bishop Juan Carlos."
"I'm not familiar with the name."
"He was the newest Bishop appointed to Dallas? I also have photos of a Tzimisce nest. Can you do something for me?"
"What?"
"Start looking into missing people. No one specific but numbers, populations that won't be missed; low income families, homeless. That sort of thing."
"You think they've been recruiting?"
"Not yet. They won't start making shovelheads till right before they attack."
"I understand. Get back here quickly."
"Yes, Sire."
Hadrian didn't bother asking what Liam's condition was. If Liam said he could get a helicopter and didn't ask for help there was little reason to offer aid. And Texas was still Sabbat land so any Camarilla aid would be costly anyhow. "I'll make sure you can land at the airport. A car will be waiting."
"One more thing, Sire." Sage said before Hadrian could hang up.
"Yes,"
"Carter, is still alive?"
Hadrian shifted the phone to his other hand and suppressed a smile. "By the reports, yes. She killed the agent herself. You should be proud."
There was silence on the line. "Liam, are you there?" Alexander asked.
"I'm still here, Sire. Just trying to imagine it. I'm guessing your ghouls are in poor condition…my condolences. I know you care a great deal for your servants."
That last bit was tinged with disapproval. Hadrian was far too old to be fooled by such things. And the Lasombra were well known to disapprove of ghouls even when they had to use them themselves. The Keepers were strong believers that humans, even enhanced ones, getting involved in vampire affairs was as useful as dropping babes in snake pits and showed pour character. "They did their duty. I couldn't ask for more."
"Understood. I'll be back in a few hours."
Hadrian hung up. He was interested in what Liam had found. He hit the button for his assistant, "I need some seekers looking for information. Missing persons in Sabbat controlled territory from the south. Look for populations and stats on groups going missing."
Liam threw the disposable cell phone away after making his call. Looking around he limped back to the car he had procured and opened the trunk checking on the beaten and battered prisoner inside. He checked making sure the stake was still firmly stuck into the Bishop's chest. Unlike popular myth stakes didn't kill vampires…at least not outright. Damage to the hart caused paralysis.
Carter killed the agent? He didn't think so. The moment the Prince had said that Liam figured they were talking about two different agents. It was a good idea. Bring a fall guy to cover your escape. Liam had done that himself on many occasions. Among the Hand it was a standard trick. He wondered what the agent had been after truly. He could only guess that the vampire had gotten it and now that the sun was down was long gone.
Sage, closed the lid then spun around pointing a sawed off shotgun at a Kindred. "Nice try," Liam said. How the hell did he find me?
The vampire made no hostile move, but that didn't mean anything if he could use a discipline that didn't require movement. "Are you, Sage?"
"Who's asking?"
In answer the vampire raised his arms slowly as if surrendering. Both palms were visible and Liam could see a crescent moon branded into the vampire's right hand. Liam lowered his weapon but didn't put it away or let his guard down. "The Sabbat will always support the Hand." Liam said echoing one of the Sabbat's major pillars.
The vampire nodded and smiled a bit at the respectful words. He's new to the sect if he is getting off on the Hand's reputation, Liam thought. "I'm supposed to give Liam Sage a message." The vampire said. Liam didn't answer. This guy may not know what Liam Sage looked like and if he was sent here to in fact kill me he would want confirmation first.
Liam kept his senses sharp looking for any sign of a attack. "I'm Sage."
The Black Hand nodded. "Right, than here is the message: we're coming, seven palms and one. Needless blood need be shed if one who knows will clear a path. The Gladiator will do what he knows is right if you deliver our message."
Liam blinked at that. The Black Hand smiled seeing the recognition on Sage's face. "Yah, scary thought isn't it." He smiled even wider. "So, why haven't you showed me your palm brother?"
Liam didn't move, "I will deliver the message." He started backing around the car towards the driver side not taking his eyes off the other vampire. The Black Hand looked a bit confused like he wasn't expecting this. He sniffed the air probably catching the smell of the Bishop's blood in the trunk of the car. "Who's the Gladiator?" The vampire asked taking one step towards Sage.
Liam raised his gun back up with one hand and opened the car door with the other. "The Prince of Colorado Springs and Denver." He fired the gun aiming at the ground right in front of the other vampire. The Kindred jumped back not expecting the reaction which gave Liam enough time to get in start the car and slam the accelerator. If he was lucky this guy wasn't going to have Celerity or any friends waiting in backup.
Daniel was by Vala's bedside when she woke up. "Vala," he said. She looked at him for a second as if she wasn't really seeing him but then blinked and recognition came to her face.
"Wow, Daniel, you look awful."
Daniel glared at her half-heartedly. "How do you feel?"
Pushing herself up Vala took stock. Two arms, ten fingers, two legs, ten toes all working. "I feel – fine. What happened?"
"You were attacked by someone. He used something to put you and several others into a comma like state. You don't remember anything?"
Vala thought about it. "No, I was just turning on the lights to my room and then just black."
"Just black," Daniel echoed. "Well I guess that's a good thing. He did something to me but I remember it being a lot more painful. Not even sure what it was."
Vala rested a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Just being here." She smiled. Then she looked serious again. "Where's Samantha?"
Daniel looked around. "I don't know. Actually come to think of it, she has been anywhere but the infirmary." Daniel recalled hearing that she had fought with the intruder and saw the injuries the other marines had sustained…But Sam had never come in as far as he could tell. "I'll go make sure she is okay."
Vala nodded and Daniel stood up to leave.
Carter had never been to the Prince's offices before. The gym yes, but his office was something else. It was a solid stone building, large thick slabs made up its exterior and she noticed narrow windows all around the side. It reminded her more of a medieval castle with a modern afterthought. She wondered if this place was meant to be a place of business or to withstand a siege; perhaps both.
Sam was escorted along with the Deputy up to the top floor. She noticed from the outside it looked like there were maybe 4 floors but the elevator showed at least 8. Sublevels?
They came out into what looked like a normal office executive floor where several conference rooms were and spacious offices. At the end were big doors that read CEO on them. Kind of dramatic but also somehow appropriate. Carter and the Deputy went forward till Mrs. Black, who was a short woman of Latin persuasion stopped them and went ahead to poke her head into the office. Sam could tell by instinct that the woman was not Kindred…so she must be a ghoul.
Speaking of ghouls Sam looked around and noticed that the other desks where assistants would be had Hadrian's black polo-shirt body guards. They sat behind desks typing but their attention was clearly on her and the Deputy. No doubt they had weapons close at hand should their master need them.
Mrs. Black came back and said they could go in.
Carter stood at attention while The Prince remained seated. The Deputy was more at ease but he did a half kneel blowing his head low while doing it. "Sire, I am here to report that we successfully removed all evidence of the Sabbat from the SGC. Records will confirm that he entered through the front gate with forged identification. I have also implanted the memory of seeing him in two of the three security guards at the time we set his arrival."
"Very good, Deputy." Hadrian said from behind his large dark wood desk. "You may go and report to the Sheriff. I will speak with him later about upgrading security measures." The Deputy again did a quick not fully kneeling gesture and turned to leave. Sam was now alone with the Prince. It felt some what intimidating.
Hadrian looked at her. His eyes were pale green. In the dim light they seemed to glow. "You can let down your mask, Colonel." He said. Sam tried to smile but said she was fine. Her normal face was just as real to her as the vampire one. The Prince nodded, "Understandable. Give it a few years and your feelings my change."
"Sir...Sire," Sam had to remember the proper form of address. "Um, permission to speak freely."
He looked amused and waived his hand, "Granted."
"Was this just a first wave? Do we expect more attacks?"
"First lets confirm this was an attack. From what I'm hearing this was more information gathering. But yes we should expect further aggressive action sooner rather than later."
"Then, Sir, I must ask that we do something further to protect the SGC if it is a target. Just myself and the security measures taken were not enough. I got lucky."
The Prince nodded. "There is a decanter on the table by the couch. Bring it hear as well as two glasses."
Sam was surprised but then awkwardly did as she was told. The Prince took the glasses and Sam then realized it wasn't brandy in the decanter. Hadrian poured them blood. He slid one to her. "To your victory." He drank from his glass.
Sam reached for the cup smelling it…the coppery smell was there but it was so cool not cold but room cool. Strange how that made so much of a difference. She brought the cup to her lips and drank…WOW. New sensations went through her mouth right into her brain. Almost instantly she realized how tired she had been after the fight and in need she was. But just that little bit was so filling so strong. She swallowed all of it in the second gulp.
She blinked surprise. She hadn't had such a strong reaction to blood in a long time.
"I'm sure Liam must have told you." The Prince said. "Quality beats quantity. If you wish to truly become powerful you have to be selective of who you feed from. That blood is from a athlete training for the next Olympics. Never polluted his body with drugs and maintained a healthy diet all his life. That makes it rare and his blood powerful."
"I had no idea." Sam said. She felt kind of light headed but her senses were now so sharp and the room was showing so clear…it was amazing. Hadrian smiled some more. "You are a Ventrue. Being selective is one of the ways we stay alive. But there is work to do. Sit and tell me everything. Leave nothing out. The slightest detail can be invaluable."
Note: I wanted to point out here that the Kindred are tough…very tough but they are not invincible. Often their policy of trying to hide and work in secret is also a hindrance as much as an advantage. For example they could only get a small group in when the SGC was locked down and they were aided by the initial panic that followed as people were running around trying to figure things out. What is amazing is that only a small group could get so much to happen without being noticed at all…till things start calming down and people start looking around and wondering who was that just now?
Anyway hope you liked.
Looking for help: if anyone knows the Black Hand Brands its members' right hands. I've heard the brand must be magical or else it wouldn't stay…is it also invisible to anyone outside the sect or can anyone see it. I've heard both?