Chapter 3:New Blood
AN:There is a racetrack in this chapter. I based it on the Red Rock Valley course from Gran Turismo 2.
Just before sunrise, Elizabeth pulled into the garage at the mansion on a black metallic Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R with red flames across the cowling. She parked and walked past someone working on a car as the garage door closed.
"How's it looking, Nash?" she asked.
Nash Gorey, now a vampire, looked up and said "It's nearing completion. I'm going to turn in for the day soon. How did the raid go?" He was wearing a black jumpsuit with a grey midsection.
Elizabeth gave a thumbs-down. "Those losers they sent with me couldn't raid a church picnic." she said.
"Sorry to hear that." said Gorey. "At least you came back alive...so to speak."
"Yeah, I need to check in." said Elizabeth.
She walked through a doorway to the house itself. As soon as she entered the foyer, a young, female vampire with red hair dropped onto her back and said "Sneak attack!" She was wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt with a cartoon cat on it.
Elizabeth stumbled a few feet before steadying herself against a table. She quickly realized who her attacker was. "Hello, Laura." she said. "Next time, try that on a human."
Laura dropped from Elizabeth's back. "How did your raid go?" she asked. "Did you get the humans? Huh? Huh?"
"Sorry, Laura." said Elizabeth. "The humans beat us. The men were all killed."
"Awwwww." said Laura. "We'll get 'em next time."
"I'm sure we will." said Elizabeth.
"Is it bedtime yet?" asked Laura.
"Just about." said Elizabeth. "I have to talk with Mr. Riley. You go on ahead."
"I'll be waiting." said Laura. She then ran off towards a door on the lower level.
Elizabeth went to Riley's office. She found him preparing to take sleep. "Well?" he asked.
"Complete disaster." reported Elizabeth. "MASK was there. So was Carl."
"Your backup?" asked Riley.
"Dusted." said Elizabeth. "What did Melissa find?"
"Malcolm Darwood is instituting a plan to cure vampires." said Riley. "If that were to happen, it would take away our advantage over the humans and ruin our plans to conquer them."
"I see what you mean." asked Elizabeth. "What are we going to do to prevent his plan from coming to fruition?"
"Right now, I think we need to disrupt each of the sites where his project is being worked on." said Riley.
"I take it Melissa got the locations as well." said Elizabeth.
"She did." said Riley. "We begin our counterplan tonight."
"I want to be in on the planning." said Elizabeth. "I want revenge on those who destroyed my men."
"Granted. said Riley. "In any case, go get some rest."
"I will." said Elizabeth.
Elizabeth entered the bedroom she shared with Laura. Laura was already in her coffin.
"I still don't understand why we have to sleep in coffins." said Laura.
"Because if the sunlight were to catch us, we'd die." said Elizabeth. "You don't want that to happen, do you?"
"No, that would be bad." said Laura. "Sleep well, Elizabeth. I'll see you in the evening."
Elizabeth tucked Laura in and closed her coffin. She said "Sleep tight", then went to her own coffin and closed herself inside.
Down the hall, in another coffin, another vampire dialled a cell phone.
----------
At the Boulder Hill gas station, a red Acura RSX with a carbon fiber spoiler, aftermarket rims, a Veilside body kit, and a mural of a sunburst on the side pulled in. The driver, a young man with wavy, blonde hair and sunglasses, climbed out and approached the service bay.
"Excuse me, can you help me?" he asked the mechanics.
"Looking for someone?" asked MASK computer specialist Alex Sector. He walked away from the back door to meet the guy.
"I was told to come here." said the man. "My cousin said there was something you could do for my car that would be very beneficial."
"What was this something?" asked Alex.
"A 'Multi-Actuated System Kore' he called it."
"I take it you're Liam's cousin." said Alex.
"Max O'Grady. Nice to meet you."
"Alex Sector. Come on, the others are waiting to meet you."
Alex led Max into the back. "So, who were those guys in the service bay?" asked Max.
"They're just mechanics." said Alex. "We employ them to maintain the cover of our front operation."
"Are they any good?" asked Max.
"Well, they wouldn't be a bloody good front if they weren't." said Alex.
They entered the main command center. Matt, Tony, Julie, and Hondo were waiting for them. Hondo was answering his cell phone.
"Ah, you must be Liam's cousin." said Matt. "Welcome to MASK. I'm Matt Trakker, the guy in charge."
"Ooh, the head honcho." said Max.
Tony approached and said "Tony Whelan, spiritual specialist and parish priest."
"Hey, brother." said Max.
Julie was next. "Julie Gates, FBI agent and vehicle specialist."
"Good to be working with you." said Max.
"And that's Hondo MacLean." said Matt. "Weapons and tactics specialist."
"Whoever this is, STOP CALLING ME!" yelled Hondo into his phone before ending the call.
"And frequent prank call victim from the looks of it." said Max.
"Sorry you had to see that." said Hondo. "Liam talks a great deal about you."
"Where is he?" asked Max.
"Sleeping." said Tony. "He had a rough night last night."
"I'll take you to him." said Hondo.
Hondo led him to the sleeping quarters.
"Not that it's any of my business," said Max "but do you want to tell me what that call was about?"
"In the past few years, I've been getting calls." said Hondo. "Someone, I assume a vampire, has been calling me and taunting me with all kinds of reports on our developments. He tells me about the agents who get turned, about plans that go wrong, about men we lose."
"Do you have caller ID?" asked Max. "Why don't you ignore his calls?"
"Because he gives out useful information every other call." said Hondo. "In fact, he told us about a counter to Malcolm Darwood's vampire cure plan last night."
"Malcolm Darwood?" asked Max.
"You see him on the news last night?" asked Hondo.
"No, I was street racing." said Max. He then realized what he said and asked "You're not a cop, are you?"
"Malcolm Darwood announced on the news that his company was enacting a plan to research and cure vampires." said Hondo. "Deep Throat told me the vampires were planning on destroying this plan. Like a guy with half a brain couldn't figure that out."
Hondo opened a door to a room and revealed Liam sleeping on a cot. He was using his bomber jacket as a pillow.
"There's your cuz." said Hondo.
Max leaned in close and yelled "Liam!"
Liam burst awake and looked up at Max. "Max, you're in early." he said as he checked his watch.
"I drove all night." said Max.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you're a vampire too." said Liam. "Hondo, are you giving him the tour?"
"A little." said Hondo. "I still have to introduce him to a few guys. Of course, Gloria and our mechanics are out testing a new vehicle."
----------
At a racetrack out in the desert, Gloria stood next to a flatbed truck and worked the controls for the platform.
"Jeesh, Enzo." said Buddie Hawks as he leaned against the truck. "Could you have put any more garlic on that?"
"As long as it keeps the vampires away." said fellow mechanic Enzo Castaldi, a short man with black, curly hair, a moustache, and an Italian accent. He was opening a Tupperware container filled with pasta and wearing a blue and yellow jumpsuit.
"Even with the excessive garlic, it smells good." said Gloria.
"Si, si." said Enzo. "A nice little something from the old country...like the Wyvern."
"You got that right." said Gloria as she looked over the Wyvern. It was an orange Lamborghini Murcielago with a wide spoiler on the rear and yellow tribal graphics on the side. Bronze-plated DBL-G 15 rims were mounted to the wheels.
"I think we did a nice job on her, Enzo." said Buddie.
"I know we did." said Enzo. "Belissimo."
"Well, here goes the first test drive." said Gloria.
She climbed into the driver's seat and fastened her seatbelt. After starting the engine and driving the car out of the pit area, she took it up to sixty. She eased it into the first turn, then brought it back to a hundred.
"She's fast, I'll give her that." said Gloria. "I think I'll take a second lap to get a definite feel for her."
"That's shorthand for 'I like this car'." said Enzo.
"Okay, Gloria, but I have to warn you about something." said Buddie. "There's a second car entering the track. Watch out for it."
"Got it." said Gloria.
Gloria raced through the final turn and roared towards the start/finish line at one hundred and eighty. As she approached, a silver Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren tore out of the pits. After matching the Wyvern's speed, the driver flashed the headlights.
"Okay, let's see whatcha got." said Gloria.
The two cars raced into the first turn at around ninety. The SLR actually managed to close the gap by a half-second.
The cars then weaved through a chicane, then passed over a bridge and raced into a high-bank turn at over one hundred and thirty. The track curved back and crossed the bridge it had just passed under.
The two cars entered a tunnel resulting in a deafening roar from their engines. After exiting the tunnel, the cars went into the final turn at a hundred, then went full throttle on the main stretch. That's when the SLR finally overtook the Wyvern.
"Whoa." said Buddie. "That driver's good."
"She took down Gloria." said Enzo.
After one more lap, the two cars entered the pits and parked. Gloria climbed out of the Wyvern and approached the SLR.
"Nice driving." she said. "Came out of that last turn faster than I could."
The SLR's door opened and a woman with long, brown hair climbed out. "Thanks, but I completely messed up that chicane." she said. "I should have been able to take it maybe ten miles per hour faster. Oh my goodness, you're Gloria Baker!"
"Caitlin Horowitz?" asked Gloria.
"Who's she?" asked Enzo.
"She's like the Danica Patrick of the Speed World Challenge." said Buddie. "She started a few years ago and has been steadily rising in the ranks."
"Ah, I don't follow Speed World Challenge." said Enzo. "That is why I don't know."
"It's been said that Gloria is the reason she got into racing." said Buddie. "I've also heard that her cousin was the victim of a vampire attack and you can guess the rest."
"Si, I think I can." said Enzo.
"So, what are you doing here?" asked Gloria.
"I like to come here to unwind." said Caitlin. "The track owner is a longtime friend. He's a little sympathetic due to what happened to my cousin Adam."
"I heard about that." said Gloria. "I'm sorry we weren't able to help him."
"I can still applaud you for trying to prevent that from happening to others." said Caitlin. "You're sparing people the anguish that my family went through. I can tell you that's not pleasant."
"I know what you mean." said Gloria. "You're not sure if those you care for are fighting with their vampirism or deliberately spreading it."
"That's what I'm afraid of." said Caitlin. "If there's one good thing about Adam's turning, it's that it's inspired my family to become more faithful. Adam was without his Star of David at the time. We think it might have saved him."
"I see you still have yours." said Gloria as she pointed to the Star of David hanging from Caitlin's neck. "Does that work as well as a cross?"
"In theory." said Caitlin. "Thankfully, I've never had to test this theory."
"You know, we're constantly looking for new team members." said Gloria. "You've got serious skills and clear motivation. If you're up to it, do you want us to give you a call?"
"Only if I get to drive that." said Caitlin as she pointed to the Wyvern. "I love Lamborghinis. While the other girls had posters of George Michael on their walls, I had one of a red Countach."
"You've got good taste." said Gloria. "I'll check with my superior and see if there's a place for you."
"Thank you." said Caitlin. "I'll see you later."
----------
"Next up is the vehicle bay." said Hondo.
"Alright." said Max. "I've heard a lot about you guys. I'd love to see some vintage 80s sheetmetal."
"Well, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed." said Hondo. "Over time, we decided to update the vehicles."
He led Max into the vehicle bay. In front of them were the MASK vehicles.
The Thunder Hawk had been updated to a 2002 Camaro, the Firecracker was now a Ford F-250 Super Duty, the Rhino had become a Kenworth T-2000, and the Firefly had been updated into a Lotus Elise. All of the vehicles had retained their original paint jobs, however, and the Hurricane was still a '57 Bel Air.
"I see your vehicle hasn't changed." said Max.
"Can't really improve on a '57 Chevy, right?" asked Hondo.
"Well, those are the originals." said Max. "Where are the new ones?"
"Over here." said Hondo, pointing to a row of cars.
"This is Tony's car, the Angel." said Hondo as he pointed out the Impala from the previous night.
"Your cousin drives this, the Tempest." said Hondo as he pointed to a green fourth-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse. A full body kit complete with spoiler and carbon fiber hood was mounted to the car. The wheels featured chrome TSW Mondello rims and the sides featured yellow rectangles with white arches.
"This is Julie's car, the Orca." said Hondo. He pointed to a black Mazda MX-5 with a white lower half and a Bomex body kit. The rims were black O.Z. Leonardos. A scoop was mounted on the hood and a carbon fiber spoiler was on the trunklid.
"This car, the Bumblebee, is driven by our mechanic, Enzo Castaldi." said Hondo as he pointed to a yellow Lancia Ypsillon. The car had a custom body kit, black dual stripes on the sides, and bronze BBS RK rims.
"Our computer expert, Scooter, drives this vehicle." said Hondo as he pointed out a red metallic Chrysler Pacifica with gold katakana on the sides. Gold iForged Illusion rims were mounted to the wheels. "We call it the Naginata.
"And here's yours." said Hondo. In front of them was a pearlescent silver Chevrolet HHR with chrome Centerline Excel wheels, purple splash graphics, and a carbon fiber spoiler.
"Nice!" said Max. "What do you call it?"
"We call it the Ape." said Bruce. Max and Hondo looked to see him approach. "Liam's cousin, I assume. Bruce Sato, designs and engineering."
"So, you're the guy behind these." said Max. "Nice work. So, which one's yours?"
"I'm retired from combat." said Bruce. "I'm strictly part of the design team now."
"So, who's replacing you in the field?" asked Max.
"That would be me." said a Chinese man about Max's age. He was wearing blue jeans and a grey t-shirt with a trucking company's logo on it. "Wei Chang, heavy equipment specialist."
"Looks like we're gonna be working together." said Max.
"This is Liam's cousin, the new bulletstopper." said Hondo.
"Wha?" asked Max.
"Hondo's just kidding." laughed Wei. "He means 'fangstopper'."
"You're not instilling me with a lot of confidence." said Max.
"Don't worry about it." said Hondo. "Let's go see about getting you a mask."
----------
At a parking lot for a train station, Darwood and Gilford waited while standing around a black Cadillac XLR.
"When is Mayhem getting here?" asked Gilford.
"I don't know." said Darwood. "He just said to meet him here around this time."
It was then that they heard a dull roar. They looked up to see the revised Switchblade landing. The vehicle was now a civilianized Kamov Ka-50 Hokum.
While that was happening, five more vehicles raced into the parking lot. Four of these were the updated VENOM vehicles, the Jackhammer (a Ford Expedition), the Stinger (a 2005 GTO), the Iguana (a Hyundai Santa Fe), and the Buzzard (a McLaren F1). Like the MASK vehicles, they had also retained their original paint schemes.
The only vehicle of the surviving VENOM agents missing was the Piranha. In its place was a purple Ford Focus with white and yellow lightning graphics, a Kaminari body kit, and Work VS-SS rims.
The ground vehicles surrounded the XLR and the Switchblade landed in the open space next to it. The VENOM agents exited their vehicles.
"You should have a very good reason for calling this meeting, Darwood." said Mayhem.
"I do." said Darwood. "Last night, one of my laboratories was destroyed. The culprit was none other than Melissa Cale."
"So, she too is working for the vampires." said Mayhem. "Is she one of them like Warfield, Gorey, and Malloy?"
"Indeed she is." said Darwood. "I know what she came for. She came for the plans to my anti-vampire program. She probably doesn't suspect that I know that she stole the plans before destroying the lab. She probably thinks I still assume the destruction of the lab was her only goal."
"What do you want me for?" asked Mayhem.
"The vampires are most likely targeting my project on its many fronts." said Darwood. "This will be our best opportunity to take them out. MASK is currently involved with fighting the vampires, so defeating them can be done as well."
"Have you noticed that my forces have become very understaffed over the years?" asked Mayhem. "We're not exactly in a position to defeat anyone. Our best bet is if MASK and the vampires mutually decimate each other, then clean up afterward."
"That is why I am proposing that we bring in some new operatives." said Darwood. "You and the Contraworld will provide the equipment while I use my connections to find the men who will use it."
"What makes you think we can muster that kind of equipment?" asked Mayhem.
"Miles, my good man." said Darwood. "It's no secret the Contraworld has been massing its forces to fight the vampires. They have the equipment, but not the manpower. If we can marry said equipment with any operatives I can find, victory is almost assured."
"You drive a hard bargain, Darwood." said Mayhem. "What do you propose while you amass these troops?"
"For now, I'd like you and yours to protect my project." said Darwood. "I'll tell you where that is taking place and you can show up."
"It's a deal." said Mayhem. "We'll be there with bells on."
----------
Scooter tapped away at his keyboard. Finally, he looked at the screen and said "Yes!"
Meanwhile, Buddie and Enzo pulled into the garage in the transport truck with the Wyvern on the back.
"How'd the test go?" asked Matt.
"Gloria gives it a thumbs-up." said Buddie.
"And where is she?" asked Matt.
Gloria pulled in behind him in the Shark, which was now a Porsche Cayman S. She parked and climbed out.
"I heard the test went well." said Matt.
"Sure did." said Gloria. "I ran across someone who might be able to help us too."
"Who's that?" asked Matt.
"Her name is..." said Gloria.
"Matt!" said Scooter as he ran into the garage. "I managed to hack into Fox Industries' computer network. I got the plans for Darwood's anti-vampire program."
"What can we do with that?" asked Gloria.
"The vampires are going to try to disrupt the program." said Matt. "If we can be on the scene to protect the program, we just might be able to see it through."
"Should we get the others?" asked Gloria.
"Definitely." said Matt.
----------
Later, the agents had gathered in the briefing room.
"Unbelievable." said Max. "I joined the team this morning and already I've got an assignment."
"The vampires were probably trying to recruit for this last night." said Tony.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure by now you've heard about Malcolm Darwood's plans to fight vampirism." said Matt. "What you might not have heard is that the vampires have begun to take steps to put this plan on ice."
"My anonymous source said as much." said Hondo. "Without knowing who he is, I can't verify his information."
"Hondo's right." said Julie. "For all we know, they might be trying to draw us away from our headquarters for an attack."
"That's why I'm planning on dividing our forces for maximum coverage." said Matt. "There are three locations mentioned in Darwood's plan. Those are a research center, a branch office of Fox Industries, and a lab at Boulder Hill Community College. Darwood is sponsoring a research program there as part of his anti-vampire project."
"Who's where?" asked Liam.
"Just in case we're being lured away from the base," said Matt "Buddie, Enzo, and myself will keep watch. Gloria is in charge of the group at the research center. She will be backed up by Tony and Liam. Hondo will guard the branch office. Julie and Julio will go with him. Finally, Alex is in charge of the final group at the college. Naturally, Wei goes with him, as will the new guy, Max."
"Looks like you're giving me the orders, Mr. Sector." said Max.
"Call me Alex. The other agents do."
"Before we go into battle," said Scooter "I'd like to give out some equipment."
"Cool." said Max.
"Nothing too serious." said Julio. "It's just a tracking device which should help find their lair."
----------
"We're trying to put together a group to fight the vampires." said Darwood. "I think your skills would be perfect for that group. What do you say, Mr. Kelly? Will you join?"
"Are you crazy?" asked the nervous, brown-haired man he was talking to. "You're suggesting we go up against something that could kill us in a heartbeat?"
"Precisely." said Darwood.
"Do you have something that can destroy them easily?" asked Kelly. "Because that's the only reason I can think of that you'd try such a risky endeavor."
"We're working on a few things." said Darwood. "You'll be in good company with your fellow operatives."
"Every fiber of my being says 'no'." said Kelly. "But they also tell me you're not a man who takes 'no' for an answer."
"They are correct on that." said Darwood. "Is that you saying 'yes'?"
"I guess so." said Kelly.
"Now, I need a man who's good with armor." said Darwood. "Unfortunately, my contacts are coming up short on finding one. Can you recommend somebody?"
"Oh, you definitely want Richard Bates." said Kelly. "He's a little crazy...and a little sadistic...and a little bloodthirsty. But he's the best when it comes to breaking through stuff. In fact, if you were to call on him, I might not feel so apprehensive about this."
"You have yourself a deal." said Darwood. "Now, how can I get in touch with this Bates?"
----------
Meanwhile, a muscular, blonde-haired man leaned against an old Chevy Blazer. The roar of engines could be heard in the distance. Within a few seconds, an '87 Chevy Monte Carlo SS raced down the road next to him and came to a halt. A blonde-haired woman climbed out, snapped her fingers on both hands, and high-fived the man.
"Way to go, little sis!" he said.
A few seconds later, Gilford drove past in Darwood's XLR. He pulled in next to the two and climbed out.
"Ha ha, you lost to a girl!" chided the man. His sister quickly hit him in the stomach.
"Okay, I'll admit it." said Gilford. "You're a better driver than I am."
"So, do I have the skills for your little project?" asked the woman.
"I would say so." said Gilford. "Your brother is coming too, I assume."
"What do you say, Calvin? Are you in?" asked the woman.
Calvin nodded and moaned "Mmm hmm." while rubbing his stomach.
"Now, I'm also looking for a seasoned martial artist." said Gilford.
"I know just the guy." said Calvin. "We got into a little action in Reno. The job didn't go so well, if you catch my drift, so he went back to more legitimate works."
"Does this man have a name?" asked Gilford.
"You know, strangely enough, he doesn't." said Calvin. "I think he was the only man on Earth who doesn't have a name. Of course he has a name, doofus. It's Dennis Paulsen."
----------
In the computer lab...
"Okay, these are the tracking devices I was talking about." said Scooter. "Matt wants you to plant one on a vampire's vehicle if you get the chance."
"Then what?" asked Max. "How do I activate it, I mean?"
"Oh, it's already activated." said Scooter. "Hopefully, we can use this to track them back to their headquarters and get them."
"Sounds complicated." said Max.
"Not really." said Scooter. "Since the research you're protecting is inside a building, one of the vampires will have to leave their vehicle to get it."
"So, I just have to plant it and forget about it. Gotcha." said Max.
Matt entered. "Max, are you ready to leave?" he asked.
"Just about." said Max. "Scooter explained the bug to me. Don't worry, I'll do my best." He then left.
"Good." said Matt. "Scooter, can you keep tabs on it?"
"Well, it's complicated." said Scooter.
"How so?" asked Matt.
"To maximize battery life, we had to reduce the range of the listening device." said Alex.
"That's right." said Scooter. "The listening device has a broadcast range of two miles. On the other hand, a decent satellite can pick up the tracking device anywhere."
"In order to listen in," said Alex "Scooter is going to have to get within that range with the Naginata."
"Are you sure you want to take that risk?" asked Matt.
"If I didn't, I wouldn't have joined MASK." said Scooter.
"I guess you have a point." said Matt.
"Relax, he'll be fine while the sun's out." said Alex.
----------
"Mr. Weller, we need someone who is highly intelligent." said Darwood. "Everyone else on our side is seriously lacking in that department."
"I hope they're physicly fit because I'm seriously lacking in THAT department." said the blonde-haired man with glasses he was talking to, Charlie Weller.
"I can see that." said Darwood. "So, are you in or not?"
"I am." said Weller. "I've got some killer ideas that'll blow your mind."
"I sure hope so." said Darwood.
He got up and left. On his way out, he took out his cell phone and called Gilford. "Marcus, it's Malcolm. Weller's on board now. How's it coming with Paulsen?"
"Not as well." said Gilford. "He's nursing an injury from a tournament and can't help. However, he's recommended someone else. I'm going after him now."
Carl was doing internet research at the library. "Riley has numerous holdings in the area." he said to himself. "His headquarters could be anywhere. It's not like I have no time."
He left the library. Just then, Gilford pulled up in the XLR and lowered the top. "Excuse me, is your name Carl?"
"Who are you to ask?" asked Carl.
"My name is Marcus Gilford. I work for Malcolm Darwood doing...special consultant work."
"I heard about his plan to fight vampirism." said Carl. "What does it have to do with me?"
"Our plan needs security." said Gilford. "We need people who are motivated to protect this project from the vampires. They've already destroyed one of our labs and killed a guard. We're more than certain they're working for Riley, the head vampire responsible for what happened to your village."
Carl gave him a look.
"That's right, we've done our homework." said Gilford. "We have a dedicated hacker who did some research on you. He even found out you were using that computer at the library. That's how I was able to track you down."
"If I were to join your cause," said Carl "would I be called upon to eliminate some vampires at any time?"
"More than likely." said Gilford.
"You can tell Mr. Darwood I will help him." said Carl. "Just tell me when and where."
"Tomorrow at the Fox Industries building in Boulder Hill." said Gilford. "I'll tell security you're coming."
"I'll be there." said Carl.
----------
As night fell, the vampires were awoken.
Elizabeth opened her coffin and sat up. "Not a bad day's rest." she said.
Minutes later, she, Laura, and Malloy were in Riley's office. Malloy now wore a red jumpsuit with black stripes.
"I hope you're all properly rested." said Riley.
"When you sunburn really easily, there's not much else you can do but rest." said Malloy.
"The plan is to wait another couple of hours." said Riley. "Then, the humans will be less rested. That's when we perform a raid on one of the labs and destroy the research."
"Did you say ONE of the labs?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes, I said one." said Riley. "MASK has most likely spread their forces a little thinner. Attacking these forces should be no problem, so I thought we didn't really need a large force."
"So, it's just us then." said Laura.
"Exactly." said Riley. "You are to attack the laboratory at Boulder Hill Community College."
"Any ideas on the protection there?" asked Malloy.
"Not yet." said Riley. "Take some backup with you and you'll be fine."
"Alright!" cheered Laura. "We're gonna show them!"
"Pick your men carefully." said Riley.
Laura got up and left the office with Riley.
"I'm a little concerned about Laura." said Elizabeth. "Is she old enough to drive?"
"She was turned at twenty-four." said Malloy.
"I was referring to her mental age." said Elizabeth.
"Don't worry." said Malloy. "She'll do fine."
----------
Hours later, the Rhino and Ape were parked in Boulder Hill Community College's parking lot.
Wei was the only one awake. Alex and Max had both gone to sleep. Wei checked his watch, then shook Alex awake.
"No school." muttered Alex as he drifted awake. "Oh, is it time for my shift already?"
"Already?" asked Wei. "It's two in the morning. We're practically the only ones awake here."
"Not quite." said Alex as he pointed to the gymnasium. "One of the frats decided to hold a party tonight. Not the brightest move, but what do you expect from a frat?"
"Well, wake me at sunrise or when there's some action." said Wei as he started to curl up and go to sleep.
"Wait." said Alex.
Wei sat up. "It's about flippin' time." he said as he watched a pair of vehicles approach.
He pressed a switch and his mask slid over his head.
"Wake Max." said Alex.
Wei nodded, then pulled the truck's air horn.
"I said 'Wake Max', not the whole college." said Alex.
"It's a community college." said Wei. "No one lives on campus."
Max quickly woke up, saw the vehicles, and pressed the mask button. "Are those the vampires?" he asked.
Alex took a better look at the vehicles. "No, dash it." he said. "It's VENOM."
The vehicles turned out to be the Jackhammer and Rax's Focus. Dagger and Rax climbed out. The MASK agents followed suit.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" asked Dagger.
"We're protecting Darwood's anti-vampire project." said Wei.
"We'd just about ask you the same thing." said Max.
"Who's your new guy?" asked Rax.
Max started to respond, but Alex cut him off with "We don't use our names around you."
"Beat it, we got this one." said Dagger.
"Mayhem sent you two?" asked Wei. "I doubt it."
"Maybe you should let us back you up." said Max.
"Us get help from MASK?" asked Rax. "Dream on!"
Just outside the campus, Elizabeth led the way on her motorcycle. Laura was close behind in a pearlescent gold/black Audi TT with Celtic artwork across the sides in white. The car also had an ABT-Sportsline body kit and Lowenhart LT8 rims.
Malloy was just behind them in a Honda Civic Si. The car was painted in green/black pearlescent and had yellow lightning bolts across the sides. The car was affixed with an Extreme Dimensions Raven body kit, an Extreme Dimensions Bomber spoiler, and Enkei SCO3 rims.
A van brought up the rear carrying a dozen vampires.
"There's the college." said Elizabeth. They entered the parking lot and slowed down when they saw the MASK and VENOM vehicles.
"Oh no!" said Laura. "What are THEY doing here?"
"Relax, we knew about MASK." said Elizabeth. "VENOM's not much of a problem, though."
Unfortunately, Wei's use of the air horn attracted some attention from the frat party. A few students went outside to investigate.
"Okay, here's the plan." said Elizabeth. "Malloy, the troops, and I will battle MASK and VENOM while you enter the lab and capture the research."
"I'll do my best." said Laura.
"Now, move out." said Elizabeth.
The MASK and VENOM agents continued arguing.
"I don't see why you even need to be here." said Wei. "It's not like VENOM has a reason to fight vampires."
"Hey, I can give you THREE reasons!" said Dagger. "Namely..."
"Dagger, don't mention that three of our agents are now vampires!" said Rax. "Like I just did." he moaned when he realized what he said.
"Uh, guys." said Max. "We've got company."
Elizabeth and Malloy raced over in their vehicles.
"It's the Nightbird and the Nightwolf." said Alex.
"The Nightwolf?" said Rax. "So, Malloy's come out to play."
"Let's do the same." said Dagger. He pointed the Jackhammer at the approaching vehicles and activated the transformation sequence. The hood slid up over the windshield, the grill dropped to reveal a pair of guns, and the rear of the cabin elevated to become a gun turret with a pair of cannons.
Wei and Max followed suit. Wei activated the Rhino's transformation sequence. The diesel stacks lowered to become cannons, the grill moved forward, and the sleeper cab pulled back to reveal a missile launcher.
"How do I change this thing?" asked Max.
"Red button." said Alex.
Max pushed the red button on his dashboard. "Oh." he said as the Ape transformed. The passenger compartment rose and a pair of weapons pods extended from the sides. Each weapons pod had a pair of guns and a rocket launcher. The spoiler elevated to become a radar scanner.
"Time to show them the Caribe." said Rax as he activated the Caribe's transformation. The hood rose slightly to reveal a pair of guns while the rear windows extended to the sides to reveal rockets.
Max looked at the transformed Caribe, confused at the simple result. "It's more impressive in the water." said Rax.
"Looks like a fight." said Malloy. He transformed the Nightwolf. The front end extended forward a little, the sides flipped up to reveal cannons, and the trunk section flipped up to become a missile launcher.
Elizabeth then transformed the Nightbird. The cowling split to become wings, the front fork retracted to reveal a pair of laser blasters, and the motor assembly rotated to reveal a jet engine and missiles.
"Oh great." said Wei. "I knew we should have brought anti-air units."
"Can this thing take on aerial threats?" asked Max.
"Yes, just pull back on the joystick." said Alex.
"I thought he trained with that last month." said Wei as the Ape's cannons aimed for the sky.
"He did." said Alex. "Doesn't appear to be a solid learner."
Max fired on the Nightbird while Rax and Dagger engaged the Nightwolf.
"Hey, guys." said Malloy. "How have you been? Mayhem still dishing out orders?"
"What do you want, Malloy?" asked Rax. "If you're here to destroy Darwood's research, you're gonna have to get through us first."
"We'll see." said Malloy.
While the battle continued, Laura parked her car next to the doors and exited.
"Now, to get that information for Mr. Riley." she said.
She pulled open the door and entered the building.
"What are we supposed to do?" asked Wei as he noticed Max and the VENOM agents were dominating the firefight.
"There's really not much we can do." said Alex. "Malloy's tied up with Rax and Dagger and Max has a hold on Winters. Hold on." He checked his computer. "Uh oh, it appears we have a group of innocents out there."
"Vampires in pursuit?" asked Wei.
"Definitely." said Alex.
"Can't do much in the Rhino." said Wei. "We'll have to go out there on foot."
"Then let's go." said Alex.
The two then jumped out and ran through the battlefield to the area they saw the innocents. It turned out that some of the guests from the frat party that had ventured out to get a closer look were now under attack by the vampires that were backing up Elizabeth, Malloy, and Laura.
"Let go!" yelled a young man to the vampire engaged in handlock with him. Another student who looked like he was on the football team (probably because he was) tackled the attacking vampire, then joined his fellow student in escape.
Rax realized Dagger was holding his own against Malloy and broke off the attack to see what Alex and Wei were going after.
"Hey, where are you going?" asked Dagger.
"Something's happening over here." said Rax.
A female student tried to escape a vampire by climbing on top of a six-foot high wall. The vampire had her foot, so she couldn't escape. Wei changed that by ramming his shoulder into the vampire's back. After the vampire was knocked to the ground, the girl escaped.
"Nice move." said Alex.
"Thanks." said Wei.
"No!" yelled another student. He was trapped between two vampires.
Rax pulled up in the Caribe and climbed out. "Stiletto, fire!" he called. A series of darts fired from his mask and hit one vampire in the back. After he crumpled to the ground, the student elbowed the other in the stomach and ran.
"Help me!" yelled a female student as she was surrounded by two pairs of vampires.
"Shall we?" asked Wei.
"Let's." said Alex. "Jackrabbit, on!" He flew into the air and grabbed the girl out of harm's way.
"Now that she's safe..." said Wei. "Dragon, fire!"
A gout of flame shot from the mouthpiece of his mask. The vampires who were attacking the girl were incinerated.
Dagger was watching the happenings. "Copycat." he muttered.
"Are you alright?" asked Alex.
"No, I'm afraid of heights." said the girl.
"Sorry about that." said Alex. He started for the ground when something caught his eye.
Elizabeth flew in on another attack run. This time, Max scored a hit on her engine. "Gotcha!" he cheered.
Elizabeth checked her instruments and discovered her engine was giving out. "Malloy, my engine's out." she said. "I have to put down. Over."
"I read you." said Malloy. "Get out of here."
Alex returned to the ground and released the girl. "You should be safe now." he said.
"Hey, when I said 'I'm afraid of heights'?" she said. "What I meant was 'Thanks for saving my life.'"
"All in a day's work." said Alex.
"There's still a few vampires left." said Wei.
"We've got another problem." said Alex. "While I was bringing the girl back to Earth, I saw the Night Bandit next to the door."
"You mean the Val is involved?" asked Wei.
"Guys, I'm down a target." said Max over the radio. "The guy in the Exped has the guy in the Civic. What do I do?"
"We have a report of another vampire sneaking into the building itself." said Alex. "She might be after Darwood's research. I'm going to have to ask you to go in and stop her, but don't kill her. You need to plant the bug on her car and let her return to base."
"Roger, I'm on it." said Max. He jumped out of the Ape and ran for the door.
"Wait, you didn't have to do send him into the building." said Wei.
"Yes, I did." said Alex. "She's after the research and we're tied up with the other vamps."
"No, that's not it." said Wei. "While you were asleep, I went in and got the research. I hid it in the Rhino's ATV."
Alex looked at Wei, then at the building. "Oh blast." he said.
Max ran up to the Audi, started to reach for the bug, then looked to the entrance of the building. Instead of planting the bug, he entered the building.
He snuck through the building, tracking Laura. He walked past a display case for trophys which was broken open. Two of the trophys, both of which were shaped like people, were arranged in a passionate embrace.
"That's either the work of the vampire," said Max "or a student I'd really like to know."
He continued sneaking down the hall until he found a door that was open. He quietly made his way up to the door and looked inside. The room was completely ransacked.
"Whoa, she went to town on this room!" whispered Max.
"Sneak attack!" called Laura as she pounced on Max from a hiding place.
Max stumbled around with Laura on his back for a few seconds, then performed a judo throw. She was thrown across the room, but she took his mask with her.
She got back on her feet and looked at him. "You're cute." she said.
"Uh, thanks." said Max. "So are you in a macabre sort of way."
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"It means you are pretty cute if a little scary." said Max.
"No, what does 'macabre' mean?" asked Laura.
"I...don't have my dictionary with me right now." said Max. "Where's the research?"
"What does it look like?" asked Laura.
"You're asking me?" he asked. "Are you saying you didn't find it?"
"Maybe." she said. "I don't know what I'm supposed to be looking for."
"Max, can you hear me?" asked Alex over the radio.
"Go ahead, Lex." said Max.
"Are you alone?" asked Alex.
"Not at the moment." said Max. "What is up with this girl? She acts like a child."
"Hey, stop being mean!" said Laura.
"Oh, I see you've met her." said Alex.
"She hasn't found the research." said Max.
"I know." said Alex. "It was moved to, uh, a different room."
"Got it." said Max. "I'm pulling out now."
"Careful of that lass." said Alex.
"Careful of her?" asked Max. "She doesn't seem like too much of a threat."
"Back in the eighties, we had a motto." said Alex. "It was 'Illusion is the ultimate weapon.' She might be more threatening than she looks."
"Um, okay." said Max. "Could I have my mask back?" he asked Laura. "I have to go now. Nice talking with you."
"Are you off to find the research?" asked Laura. "Maybe we can go together."
"Not this time." said Max. "Perhaps later? See ya."
He turned to leave, but Laura had other ideas. She pounced on his back again. "Sorry, but you have to help me find that research." she said.
"I just told you." said Max. "I can't help you find it. It's against my mission."
"I can fix that." said Laura. She extended her fangs, then sank them into Max's neck. He let out a scream combining terror and pain. He also had his radio on.
"Max!" yelled Alex into his own radio. "Max! Bollocks!"
Wei looked at him in shocked guilt.
Elizabeth looked over the Nightbird. She managed to get it back into drivable condition. Her radio came to life.
"Liz? Liz? Are you there?" asked Laura.
"Go ahead, Laura." said Elizabeth.
"I looked for the research, but I couldn't find it." said Laura as she stood over Max's unconcious body. "But I met this guy working for MASK and gave him a bite. Is that okay?"
"That's great." said Elizabeth.
AN:In case you haven't guessed, the new VENOM agents in this chapter would have been the Foxes in MASK 2. Just a reminder as to who they are:
Frank Kelly-Blades.
Cassidy Lucas-Flash.
Calvin Lucas-Gearbox.
Richard Bates-Rocks.
Charlie Weller-Dr. Frankenstein.
Thank you. We shall go on.