The wonderful shows Moonlight and Veronica Mars are owned by companies and people other than me. They are just places I go to play.
This is a Moonlight / Veronica Mars crossover. The series starts with Who Are You? This installment follows the last one The Fountain of Youth.
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Josef glances at his watch and then looks down into the open car window.
Shane is smiling back at him. "You meant it when you said you'd get me whatever I needed. These cars are great for this kind of work. They don't crumple like their made out of tin foil."
Josef smiles back and shrugs nonchalantly. "It's easy. If I wake up a dealer in the middle of the night to tell him I want half a dozen cars he doesn't ask why, he just delivers them in hopes I'll buy more. It's almost time. You're sure you have everything set up?"
Shane nods. "Yes, I rigged an exploding blood pack under my shirt. With all these airbags it might not explode, and if not, I can trigger it manually. On set we'd use fake blood but since the hunters might check, we're using the real thing." He laughs. "I think Marie stole it out of your private stock."
Josef snorts. "She would."
Shane gently touches his forehead. "How's my face look?" Shane had called a friend, an expert in movie makeup and with a hefty payday from Josef the woman had agreed to come to the house and apply bruises and light gore to Shane's face for a supposed practical joke. They are sure it will pass inspection in the dark for the few moments Shane might be exposed to the hunters before he is loaded into the ambulance.
"You look like hell and that's good. I know you can do this or I wouldn't have asked." Josef smirks not wanting Shane to see any worry in his eyes. "Just do this right and don't make a liar out of me. If you die..."
Shane knows what Josef is getting at. "Just promise me, you won't kill her even if she comes after you. Find a way to incapacitate her until she gets over her grief."
Josef nods solemnly. "I've got people who can do that but none of us wants it to come to that so you just do this and don't end up dead, at least too dead for her to turn you."
Shane gives him a cocky smile. "Not a problem. I had one of your people sneak in and do a little prep work on the pole, nothing that will be noticed but just the edge I need. The hard part is doing enough damage to the car to make it look convincing. I know just how to hit the pole to take it down, that's the easy part, but the car still needs to incur enough damage to make it all look believable and not damage me in the process."
Josef again looks at his watch. "They'll shut down the juice to that area on signal from a guy we've got watching for you. He'll stay in the shadows and relay to my guy at the power company to shut it down just before you hit the pole. It will still blow the transformer but we won't have to worry about you frying if the car gets tangled in the lines when they come down."
"If you've got somebody at the power company why do all this?" Shane asks.
"Because the hunters have to see a credible reason for the darkness or they'll scatter. We need a good cover and an 'accident' will give us that. Now, I've also got one of our people on the police force patrolling that area. Angie and her partner are going to be close. The partner isn't a vamp but he'll go along with it as an exchange of favors."
"Money?" Shane asks rubbing his finger and thumb together in the universal sign for a payoff
Josef rolls his eyes. "Hell, it would be easier if he'd take the money. No, this guy knows Angie is a vamp and gets off on her feeding from him. She doesn't like to do it, unless it's an emergency. She says it could screw up their partnership but she'll do it as payment for his going along with this." That way I owe her a favor. "They should be able to 'hear' the accident and be on scene not long after you hit the pole. They'll report in so that no other cops are dispatched and in that neighborhood no one is going to be in a big hurry to help out. They'll call for an ambulance and a wrecker, which will both conveniently be in the area. Marie is on board the ambulance dressed as an EMT, just in case, but I really think between your skill, and this car it should all go off just fine."
Shane looks concerned and Josef wonders what he missed. "What's wrong?"
"Do you think it's smart to have vamps on scene? If I understand this right these guys are used to looking for vampires, hunting them. You don't think they'll see them for what they are?"
Josef narrows his eyes and looks into the night for a minute thinking about the people involved. "There's always a chance, but these vampires interact with humans on an everyday basis. They haven't isolated themselves like so many of us. They have to look normal every single day except for Marie and she'll stay in the ambulance. Add in the limited visibility and I think it will be safe enough."
Josef once again glances at his watch. "It's time, get going." He says as he taps the roof of the car.
Shane nods and drives off into the night.
Josef watches the car speed away. "Do this for us and I'll owe you a favor too." he says softly. He grins as his imagination hears Marie tell him he'll be lucky if it's only one.
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Mick and the two other vampires sit in the dark shadows of the large magnolia tree that looms above the house further darkening the area from what little light there is in the rundown neighborhood. He glances across the roof at Gabriel and Derrick. The three of them are sitting on the roof of the house, directly behind their target. Over the years the neighborhood punks have done their work well. There isn't a working streetlight for blocks. The only real light is coming from the three houses in front of them. Mick is more than a little thankful there is no moon tonight. The twinkle of the stars is even blurred from the cloud cover. The only thing that could have made it better was a good down pour but those are few and far between in L.A.
Mick motions to Derrick and using the sign language of men who move silently through the night, they begin to point out to each other the danger inherent in this adventure.
Gabriel watches them for a moment and begins to laugh quietly. The two younger vampires scowl at him. Did the two of you forget that there are easier ways of communication?
Mick smiles. Forgive me if I don't usually have this luxury. He sends back to Gabriel. Can Derrick hear me or are you going to have to relay everything back and forth?
I can hear you. Derrick says with a grin.
Good. Mick exclaims. He points at all three houses. Do you see what I see? He asks
Derrick nods. Yes, they must have a lot of men if they need all three houses.
Mick nods grimly. Now that they are on sight they begin to make plans on how to accomplish their tasks.
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When Elliot and Shea had determined how many men they needed for the assault on Kostan's home it was well apparent that they were going to need more room. Luckily there was no problem renting the two houses on either side. This had once been a nice neighborhood, the houses large, but these days it was very deserted. The empty houses had afforded a local gang places to take up residence and they didn't like the hunter's intrusion. Early on when there was only a half dozen or so of them, the gang had made it clear they were going to be a problem. Shea had laughed with honest enjoyment at the prospect of teaching a lesson. He and a couple of his men had 'persuaded' the gangs that it was wise to move on. Shea laughed when he'd told Elliot how surprised the gang members were at the ease they had been bested by such a small force. They were a pushover compared to the hunter's usual prey.
Everyone in the compound hears the loud boom at the same time. Second later the lights flicker and go out. "What the hell?" Elliot says in exasperation and anger.
Shea gropes around in the dark for a moment and then his phone lights up. "Shit. Give me a minute. We've got a stash of flashlights in the armory."
Elliot nods. "I'll go with you. We're going to need to get someone to pass them out to the men. We also need to pass the word for everyone to be prepared. This could be an attack."
As the two men cross the yard, Ian runs up to them, flashlights for them in hand. "I was on my way to the house to take my watch on the cameras when the lights went down. I've got Andre handing out the flashlights."
"Good work. Take a couple of men and make sure everyone is fully equipped. With all the influx I'm not sure if the guys who got in last night have all their gear yet." Shea tells Ian
Ian nods and runs off.
Shea watches the young man go. "It's a shame he doesn't have more of a killer instinct."
Elliot shrugs. "He's a good support person but you're right, he's never shown the inclination to do any killing." The truth is most of their tech people were like that. He sighs "but that is why you have support people and field agents."
The two men walk towards the street. "It appears that the whole neighborhood is out." Shea observes.
Elliot snorts. "How can you tell? There is never any light around her, except our own."
"True...but the boom...I wonder what that was." Shea says with unease.
Elliot nods. "I don't like it. There is no wind or inclement weather. What could have brought the power down? Why don't you take a cruise around the neighborhood and see if you can find out what happened?"
Shea nods "Good idea. I've got a police scanner in the car, I'll see if there are any reports." He quickly heads for his car. Once he pulls out of the driveway he flips on the police scanner. It doesn't take but a minute and he hears an ambulance driver answer the call for a wreck involving a car and a pole. He only hears the tail end of the address but he figures it won't take that much time to find it, he'll just look for the flashing lights. He begins to cruise the neighborhood. He flips open his phone and calls Elliot "The scanner says there is an accident. Sounds like someone wrapped a car around a pole."
"Check it out. Make sure it's real." Elliot tells him.
"On my way." Shea says as he disconnects.
The three vampires watch as the car pulls out. Gabriel makes a move towards the edge of the roof and Mick shakes his head. Gabriel quietly swears. We go now while they are running around confused.
Mick shakes his head. No in fact it's better if they are settled down so we know exactly where they are. I don't like surprises. Do you want to be standing in the middle of the yard if a generator kicks on? Not only that but they probably think this could be an attack so they are more apt to be looking in the shadows. We stick to the plan and wait. He flips out his phone and Guillermo answers knowing from the number it's Mick. "We just pulled up to the scene. Our boy did good. The pole is over and the front end of the car is in the air on top of the stub of the pole."
"One of the hunters is on the way. If he shows up, make it look good." Mick says as he hangs up.
Guillermo motions to his 'EMT' crew. Marie starts to get out of the ambulance and he stops her. "Stay here. I'll check him over quickly and we won't mess around if he's hurt. If he's not, we need to draw things out a bit for show. I don't want you freaking out. Trust me I'll get him to you right away if he's hurt at all."
She nods and flashes her eyes at him. "See that you do." she bites out.
Derrek smiles grimly in the dark as he glances at his watch. He knows Mick is right, that they have to wait but he's as antsy as Gabriel. He may not always get along with Serena; hell he may want to wring her neck most of the time but that doesn't mean he wants anything to happen to her. For a time, she was a very good sire to him.
There are flashlights starting to light up around the compound but not enough that they can't dodge them. It's a good sign that there probably are no generators. At the fifteen-minute mark Mick gives the signal and the three vampire leap down from the roof. The six-foot fence that boarders the two yards is no more than a minor annoyance.
Mick taps his watch. Both Derrick and Gabriel nod, then the two men go to find Serena. Mick moves towards the two building in the yard hoping that's where they are storing their weapons cache. If not out here, then he's going to have to figure out a way to get into the main houses and that is not something he's looking forward to.
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Gabriel closes his eyes for a moment and reaches out to feel Serena. When he has a fix on her he motions for Derrick to follow him but Derrick having a strong connection to his sire, whether he wants it or not, is already moving towards where he feels her. The two men move through the shadows of the fence to the back corner of the yard not far from where they crossed. Derrick looks confused for a moment. He feels her close but other than a pole there is nothing in this section of the yard. Then he sees Gabriel looking at the ground. Derrick crouches down and fingers the lock. He looks up at Gabriel questioning
Gabriel holds up his hand stopping Derrick. Serena?
Gabriel, is that you? Where are you?
A better question is, are you below me in what, a bomb shelter?
Yes. The bastards drugged me and snatched me right off the street. I woke up here. Are you going to free me?
I'm not sure. Are you hurt?
No, just starving. There is blood in the refrigerator down here but I'm afraid to drink it. I'm sure it's drugged...
Gabriel nods to Derrick. Can you pick it?
Derrick grins and then nods. Keep watch.
Gabriel quietly snorts but watches the darkness for guards.
Derrick flips out a case containing a set of locksmith grade lock picks. He smiles in the darkness as he goes to work. It only takes a moment and the lock pops open.
Gabriel smiles when he hears the click of the lock. Derrick slowly opens the steel hatch, trying to keep the sound to a minimum.
I'm coming down. Gabriel tells Serena
No, just move aside and I'll come up.
No. Stay where you are. There are problems. Gabriel turns to Derrick. Hand me the pack.
Derrick shakes his head. I'm going with you.
You can't. Someone has to keep watch and besides, do you really want to tell her she has to stay here?
Derrick silently snarls but nods. She'll never listen to me. He takes the messenger bag strap over his head and hands the pack to Gabriel.
Shut it behind me, just in case. I'll let you know when I need to get out.
and I'll let you know if we have company. Derrick sends back
Gabriel drops through the hatch not bothering with the ladder. It is so dark in the shelter that not even his eyes can see through the inky black. He flips on a flashlight. ah, that's better.
Oh Gabriel. Serena cries in his mind as she wraps her arms around him. I'm so glad to see you.
He gives her a moment to collect herself and then leans back.
Come on, I don't have much time. When we found out where they were holding you I had to make sure you were alright. I was afraid they were torturing you for information.
She snorts. I'm fine. These men are stupid. They put me in a hole with only one entrance.
He quietly chuckles. They can't get in here without you killing a few of them before they can get you sedated. That fits with our guess that they weren't expecting to see you. They were watching Beth and saw an opportunity to take you and took it.
She nods. Exactly. They didn't think ahead very far. Gabriel I'm so hungry.
He smiles. I brought provisions. He opens the pack and hands her several packs of blood. Drink up but listen...
Serena wrinkles her nose at the blood packs but decides she was too hungry to be picky.
Above them Derrick watches the darkness for movement. He hears men approaching. They talk as they walk across the yard and he knows they are coming to make sure the lock is secure and this isn't a rescue attempt. With a speed that a human couldn't see he presses the lock home once again and quietly jumps back over the fence, moving quickly to the deeper shadows.
Gabriel looks up when he hears the click. We have company?
Yes, they want to make sure no one has come to free their prisoner. I've hopped the fence so I'm safe. Once they've gone I'll get you out. Serena?
Serena smiles to herself, pleased to hear Derrick's voice in her head. You came for me?
He hears the smile in her voice and scowls. He cares for her but he doesn't want to care too much, not again. Someone has to keep Gabriel out of trouble. That task fell to Mick and I.
Despite hearing him try to dissuade her of the idea of him being there for her she knows better. She knows he still cares, she scowls to herself, even if he doesn't want to.
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Vanessa smiles as he sees Josef come through the door to Logan's suite. Josef smiles at Sarah. "There you are."
Sarah gets up and crosses the room to him. "I came up to keep Vanessa company." she tells him as she moves into his arms.
"And me." Coraline says sweetly.
Sarah ignores Coraline deciding Veronica had the best attitude and just pretend Coraline isn't even there.
Josef tips his head and smiles at Vanessa. "And I see you've been maneuvering things to your liking."
Vanessa laughs quietly. "Me? I don't know what you're talking about."
Josef snorts. "I find it interesting that Derrick suddenly knew that Gabriel was going after Serena. That was fortuitous having him come back to the house at the right time."
Vanessa shrugs. "He was already coming back. Veronica had rethought her earlier decision and had changed her mind. He was bringing her home."
Josef looks into the distance in mock concentration. "So Veronica changed her mind, what about...the other party?"
"Funny about that." Vanessa says with a smile. "I had pretty much the same conversation with him, before he once again passed out."
"Interesting." Josef says with smile glad that Logan had come to his senses. "That doesn't explain though, her location at the moment. I spoke to her father and despite Derrick's assertion that she was headed up to Mick and Beth's wing she never made it that far. "
"Really?" Vanessa answers dryly.
"I told him I was sure she had just fallen asleep in another part of the house." Josef glances at the door to the freezer room. "Gabriel isn't going to like it. I told him I wouldn't interfere."
Vanessa smiles darkly. "And you didn't. I did, and you can be sure he'll know it. There are some things that would be better if we all stayed the hell out of them. I will make sure he understands that also."
Josef smiles softly at Vanessa. "Thank you."
She nods silently a small smile playing across her lips.
Josef turns to Sarah, a suggestive smile on his lips. He edges her towards the door. "I need a beautiful distraction."
Sarah laughs lightly as she feels him moving her out of the room. "Ok, but this time you have to be the naughty nurse." She tells him with mischief in her eyes.
Vanessa laughs as she watches a laughing Josef scoop Sarah up and kicks the door shut on his way out.
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Done and done and done….