God, I have had a crappy day… seriously crappy. Hell, "Crappy" doesn't begin to describe it. Anyway, here's another chapter so I can try and forget my crappy day. Nice bit of drama, and another big step for this story…

Yautja, Predator and all related characters and trademarks are © 20th Century Fox.

THE SNARE

"So," Rebecca asked as Drake leaned against the tree, "How long until you can go out at night again?"

"At least a week," Drake answered.

Usually, Drake would clear his head at night, by going out hunting… just cutting some crooks to pieces. But now that his favoured pursuit was no longer an option, he found that sitting under a tree in the park in the afternoon was just as good.

Rebecca leaned over and kissed Drake again as the sun began setting over the city.

After they came apart, Rebecca leaned back against Drake's chest as they both relaxed in the cooling breeze.

"So what's it like living in a space ship?" She asked.

Drake simply shrugged. "Don't really know how to compare it to anything else…"

"Can I see it?" Rebecca asked eagerly.

Drake was silent for a second. "I'd have to ask, I think… I don't think my Dad would be too happy about it…"

Rebecca made a cute, pouting face, wringing a small laugh out of Drake.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yutani looked up from the papers as one of the scientists, garbed in a white coat, entered his office.

"Well?" He asked as he leaned back in his chair.

The scientist stammered for a moment. "We have approximately 13 Monster Squad soldiers remaining, sir."

"I see…" Yutani said grimly. "In that case, we're going to need more. Contact Keyes. Tell him we're going to need more… 'Volunteers'…"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Several blocks away, a man in his late 40's picked up a cell phone.

"Keyes… yes, sir. Right. Approximately how many will you require? …I see. I'll get straight to work, sir."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A group of homeless people were assembled in the old junkyard, huddled around a fire and quickly eating scraps of food.

To their surprise, a fair large, white truck started backing up, and a man in his late 40's stepped out.

"Gentlemen," He announced with a smile, "Christmas has come early! All-you-can-eat, free of charge, from the Borgia Association…"

The back of the truck opened, revealing the sights and smells of freshly cooked meats and vegetables.

"Take all you like," The man continued, "Get it while it's got!"

"Don't go in," One of the homeless men whispered to another. "I've heard about this, man. People have been disappearing from the streets… it's been happening for months!"

The man he was talking to looked up briefly as the others stepped into the truck.

"Sorry, man…" He answered. "Haven't eaten in so long…"

Before the man could do anything, all the others had stepped into the truck, even as he slipped away.

Hidden behind a small pile of parts, he could only watch in horror as the doors were suddenly slammed shut and the sounds of terrified screams were heard.

Keyes smirked as he heard the bodies slump to the floor.

After a few seconds, he opened the doors again and stepped in himself.

Four Monster Squad soldiers stood inside the truck, with the homeless men lying unconscious on the floor.

He picked up the phone and dialled.

"Mr. Yutani? It's Keyes. We've got about 15 new recruits for you, sir…"

And that, my friends, is the source of the Monster Squad! I know the chapter was short, but hopefully it was OK. Thing is: Can Drake put a stop to this?

BTW- a solid gold INVISIBLE PRIZE THAT DOESN'T EXIST for whomever can tell me where the name "Borgia" comes from, and also, SUPER-DOOPER-BONUS POINTS for ANYONE who can tell me where the name "Keyes" is from.

All reviews welcome!