Episode 25
A thousand and one different thoughts all rallied their way
to rush through the Chief’s mind. He wanted desperately to sigh with relief at
the sight of the creature that had terrified so many. But instead he felt the
growing burden of even more worries. Gabriel had helped to hunt and slay the
beast, and yet now while they should be praised he could see it in the eyes of
those who looked on. What was he going to do about this?
He owed it to Gabriel to repay his steadfast and dedicated
service. The boy had proven himself even before they knew what slumbered deep
inside him. And after it became known that he had been tainted by the terror
they hunted itself he had displayed an ability to resist the creatures cursed
temptations. It was entirely possible that the beast inside him could resurface
overtime to overpower him with disastrous consequences. However a big part of
Chief Gnaeus felt that Gabriel had earned that consideration.
But how could he just openly permit a man now known by the
public to be part monster? How could he maintain the peace if they all saw him
as the man who allowed a potential or perceived predator to prowl freely? He
might as well hand out a license for mobs to form or fill in the blank blame
sheets with Gabriel’s name squarely at the top. There was no way to control
what people would think or do if they believed he was left to roam loose.
The people of Gallu had already been asked to accept a lot
with the current bizarre business. Crazed creatures and deranged dead were
beyond belief for any sane person to accept. And here was Gabriel at the middle
of the matter somewhere between man, monster and machine. Then there was the
whole fact that the Magistrate Council had been involved with everything that
had happened.
“I am going to need every source of strength available if I
am going to safeguard these people now,” Chief Gnaeus decided in a hushed
whisper. He had mostly only intended to talk to himself but he noticed a slight
twitch from Gabriel that marked he had heard him as well. A vague memory
returned like a friendly reminder to tug playfully at his shoulder. It was
little more than a phrase really; probationary member.
That was something that was said to him back when all this
began. It was those precise words that even now seemed to illuminate a course
of action to satisfy so many concerns. Ceremoniously the Chief raised a hand
and put on his best public announcement face. Right now he found himself wishing
he was back behind his desk with a public relations officer at his disposal for
this kind of duty instead of himself. He never did enjoy the public speaking
part of his job.
“I am a man of word,” Chief Gnaeus began in a clear tone
that carried itself to the crowd around him. “I swore when I took up this
office to safeguard the people and interests of Gallu from every threat. To
that regard I have assembled this newly assigned specialized Night-Watch Squad
that has so clearly proven itself capable in its duty. However, I also gave my
word to this man who bears the same good name as the respected Thael Vincent
that he would be granted the chance to prove himself as a probationary member
of the civil defense forces.
Gabriel Vincent has done just that. He has in my evaluation
demonstrated nothing less than a completely trustworthy and admirable
character. In that regard he has earned the right to enlist and be placed
permanently as an active member of the Squad.” The Chief paused briefly enough
to time his bluff carefully. He had played enough cards over the years to know
when he should falsely emphasis his hand and just how to do it without saying
what people would read through his actions alone.
“But, as I said I am a man of my word. While Mr. Vincent has
earned his right to serve and will be allowed to do so he will not go without a
leash. A wise huntsman keeps even the most loyal and skilled hound at his
disposal on a strong restraint. He will be allowed his place on the Night-Watch
Squad where his unique talents can be put to the best possible use. While he
works to help us with his unique insights he will remain under my direct
supervision and custody.”
Chief Gnaeus made a dramatic a gesture as he could of
holstering his weapon as he called for his fellow officers. “Corvan, Novius; if
you would be so kind as to assist me in escorting our colleague here back to
headquarters. It looks like our shift is almost complete.” Both squad members
obediently answered the request with their weapons at the ready to stand on
either side of Gabriel.
As they began their walk back towards the primary post of
the patrolmen Gabriel had to confess he was relieved to not be condemned to a
similar fate as his furry foe. He had always figured the Chief for decent
enough man and he was grateful for the little show his superior had made on his
behalf. But Gabriel was no fool; he also understood the unspoken requirements
of his precarious situation. While he would potentially be permitted to
maintain in the service of the Chief so long as he was perceived as its hunting
hound he would have to forgo certain liberties. Doubtless there would not be
anyone coming to seek his craftsmanship anymore, nor might they be overly eager
to allow him to come and go on his own publicly. Things wouldn’t be same
anymore.
Lost in though Gabriel didn’t realize they had already made
it back to headquarters until he smelled the familiar scent of Dr. Foxfire just
before his eyes spotted the demure doctor. “Good to see you again Doc,” Gabriel
greeted her with a warm grin. But it didn’t take the trained gaze of an
experienced doctor or the keen observations of her heightened senses for Dr.
Foxfire to detect his diminished spirits.
“I already heard,” she confessed compassionately before letting a
sly smile spread along her own face. “And I think I have the perfect
prescription for what ails you.” Gabriel was honestly caught off guard by the
claim and found he was somewhat cautious. He apprehensively raised an eyebrow
as he waited to see just what possible prescription might be appropriate
presently.
“I believe a drink or two would be just what the doctor
ordered,” Dr. Foxfire declared. Her advised solution met at first with silent
disbelief before a series of blinking eyes marked Gabriel’s attempt to process
the peculiar instruction. “But Doc,” Gabriel awkwardly objected. “I really
don’t think now is the time for me to be strolling into The Rat Hole for a
round or two.”
“Sebastian said you might say something like that,” Dr.
Foxfire said. “So he made sure to inform me of the existence of an extremely
secure and utterly secret secondary entrance to his establishment. Apparently
it leads to a hidden area he uses for his own personally preferred patrons. Or
so he claims, so, what about it?”
“Leave it to Sebastian to have himself a hidden hole within
The Rat Hole,” Gabriel chuckled. “Well, I guess if it is Doctor’s orders then
it is in my best health to obey. That is, of course, if it’s alright with you,
Chief.” Still reluctant to return to the rear of his waiting desk Chief Gnaeus
eagerly seized at the excuse to lengthen his absence even if only for a brief
while longer.
“Sounds good to me,” the Chief applauded. “Besides, we could
all use a good stiff drink or two after tonight. Just so long as I am not the
one buying,” Gnaeus quipped merrily. Together they all shared a hearty laugh
before slipping off into the dawning daylight to toast their triumph. They had
just weathered through a long night, and they would need courage to face the
growing dark to come.
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