Chapter 5

Putting his phone on silent and into his pocket Bill mentally prepared himself for the next round of meetings that would take place in the next hour. The first half hour was to be spent speaking on the dwindling Hep V virus and then once those individuals not involved in the current agenda set out by the organization left the room the rest would hash out the latest threat to sups worldwide. Bill was team leader for the Americas answering only to the committee thus given much leeway Bill who never liked to wait for things to happen, but jump out in front of them had an impressive record for getting things done. Often it was remarked of Bill that he had an uncanny ability to see problems before they were problems. Though relatively young for a vampire in such a position Bill was often called upon for his advice on vexing issues that may arise. He did not have all the answers, and often advised the use of caution when it was the very nature of vampires to attack first and ask questions later (if even then). Since the committee was made up of not only vampires, but humans, shifters, werewolves, witches, fairies, trolls, and various other creatures Bill's approach was appreciated by most and taken as a sign that a union between all the creatures of Earth was possible.

"Ah so the golden boy has finally arrived I see. See Pam I told you he would not disappoint."

One elegant blonde eyebrow went up. "You did indeed. Pity though…you may have missed him, but I surely did not."

"Come now Pam is that any way to treat such an old time friend like Bill?"

Arms crossed Bill just let them have their moment before he said, "Good evening Eric…Pam. Now if you will excuse me?" Intent on avoiding these two as much as possible because of the memories they brought with them in which he soon as forget Bill still stopped when Eric called out to him.

"What do you not have time for old friends Bill?"

Looking over his shoulder at the tall blonde Viking Bill merely shrugged, "Times are different now Eric. I am not the same Bill you knew and you are not the same Eric I knew and often times loathed. I have a purpose for my life now. The Bill you knew was lost, searching for something, always in a state of guilt and self-loathing. The only time I felt any sort of peace was when I was with Sookie and had her trust and love, but that is gone now never to return. I am here however somehow and do not seem to be leaving anytime soon so I am going to make my life, or undead life as it were, mean something. Surprisingly it is good to see you and Pam well and successful, but I do have other things on my mind and other pressing matters to attend to. Forgive me if trading barbs with you falls somewhere short of matters that I must deal with tonight." With a nod Bill headed over to the team leader of Europe to see how the current joint operations were thought to be fairing in the minds of the Europeans.

"Well." Pam never at a loss for words suddenly found it difficult to provide her maker with her standard snappy comebacks. Still watching Bill as he reached an impressively tall and well-muscled werewolf by the name of Trenton Pam couldn't help but be impressed. "I must say I have always found Bill to be annoying, but just right now I swear I feel hot under the collar."

"Yes, he does seem to have grown a pair." Eric watched as Bill conferred with the werewolf. "It seems Bill has finally seen the big picture.

"Big picture?"

"Yes, the big picture in that our lives are unique, but not as important as we like to make them out to be." Eric drew Pam's arm into his and led her over to their seats up near the committee's long table. The nearness would allow Eric to reach the podium when it was his turn to speak on the Hep V virus.

"Ummm Eric I hate to disagree with you…"

"Oh really…since when?"

Rolling her eyes while taking her seat Pam merely stated what she knew to be true no matter what her maker may think, "I agree we tend to think our lives are all so important when most often they are not, but sometimes they do matter to the big picture."

"Explain."

"Okay…well take Bill for example since this conversation came about because of him. This committee for the sups would not have achieved as much as it has without the efforts of individuals like Bill and that werewolf over there. The actions he has taken since he was born and then turned have led him to a position to effect true change in our world. Not everyone's life will matter as much, but there are those whose lives do matter."

Surprised at Pam and her analysis Eric gave her a peck on the cheek. "How did you come to be so wise?"

"Obliviously by not listening to you."

"Ah there is my lovely Pam. For a moment there I thought Bill was right and you and he both had changed beyond recognition."

Smiling for Eric was her everything Pam turned her attention to the fairy representative of the One Hope organization who was the opening act for this continuing drama as Pam saw it.