They're Back: A Clutch Of Kobolds Are Under The Tree!

I've mentioned the old 'Kobold Rating Calculator' before. It was born out of a single question; just how many kobolds would it take to overrun a player's character? Virtually every player has ran into an angry clutch of kobolds. They've all experienced the same simple truth; while deceptively weak one on one, these critters can get dangerous in numbers fast.

With all this in mind I wrote a simple program to calculate through a very basic simulated combat how many kobolds it would take to overrun that character. The original version had one fundamental flaw however; it was designed under a very strict time-frame that required a certain degree of finality. In short; it was a final project for a college programming course. Much to my own regret in order to complete the project at the time and have it function I had to make certain alterations to its intended objective.

Instead of having it test the player's character against an ever growing horde of kobold combatants it just threw one after another lone kobolds against the character, resetting their hit points each time until the player was finally bested by the monster. This meant that the program did function and did so in a way that to those unfamiliar with the actual premise was concerned made for a completed objective.

However, it is something that has always bothered me ever since and one that quite recently I decided that I perhaps now had the better understanding(and time) to rectify. So with that in mind(and the fact that in two days time I am most undeniably about to be out of commission for the foreseeable future) I would like to share a completely revised take on the Kobold Rating Calculator.

This newer rendition is more to the intended design goal of what the original was planned to be. The user can input their character's name, their own and the combat stats for their fictional hero(attack modifier, damage modifier, hit points, armor class and damage die). Using that information the program then generates a basic no frills fight against a single kobold's combat stats. Nothing is considered regarding range, surprise attacks, special tactics or the like. This is just a simple your attack versus theirs face to face kind of fight.

You can imagine it all happening like this; you find your character trapped all alone down in some dark dungeon or mountain mine shaft with only a single trusty weapon at their side and a growing number of kobolds starting to become aware of their presence. How many can they handle all on their own before they are overwhelmed? Can your 1st level wizard actually challenge more than a single kobold on their own? Can a mighty half-orc fighter lay waste to half a dozen? Now you have a metric with which to measure that along with a means to do it.

This updated Kobold Rating Calculator also features some vast improvements over its predecessor. The most important and obvious of which is that it can increment the number of foes all the way up to a group of 10 kobolds strong(currently, plans are to increase this size limit further if this initial version proves itself to move past this alpha/beta release). Also included within is a hall of fame record similar to the original where the user can record their name and rating. But one new aspect is the inclusion of a combat log where a generated account is made available of a blow by blow as it were of the battle.

There are still, unfortunately, limits that I have had to maintain. Since this first build only is designed to deal with a very fundamental aspect of combat and only scales up to 10 kobolds attack and damage modifiers cap out at 10, armor class at 20, hit points at 100 and damage dice at 2d12. Forgive me if this seems pale or inflexible enough but I thought it best to design this first release with low level characters in mind to start. Over time I do hope to grow this to handle much more powerful characters and potentially even handle much more 'creative' combat as the like with which most players are known for.

The Kobold Rating generated will be a figure between 0(if you die fighting a single kobold) up to 10(for those who slaughter all 10 without meeting their own demise). Should your character die at the hands of, say, a group of 4 kobolds(whether due to bad rolls or simply because you couldn't put up enough of a fight against that many) then it will provide you with the number of those creatures you did manage to beat(that number being 3 in this hypothetical instance).

All in all, this should be considered a work of novelty and humorous entertainment. In no way does the Kobold Rating Calculator provide you with a definitive evaluation of your character's inherent successfulness or failure. The real strength of any character you build lies in the fun you have playing it and the stories you can enjoy telling about it. The number of monsters it can dispatch single-handedly is of little real value. Although, there is something to be said in being able to know exactly how many kobolds you can take down all on your own even if the rest of your party thinks you are a liability in combat encounters...

So, even though it is still early yet(like I said I may not get another chance before hand) let me share with one and all a little gift this Christmas;
The Kobold Rating Calculator(Revised) - Direct Download
*Requires the 4.5 .Net Framework available from Microsoft. Just unzip and runs from the Kobold Rating Calculator(Revised).exe inside the folder.
For this and other programming projects by myself you can check out my Glitched Grimore.

I hope you enjoy the work, and are entertained. And, as always; feel free to report any problems, complaints or opinions back to me.

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 25.

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. 

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 24.

Episode 24

“Alright,” Vedia announced as the squad moved to take up positions on the street. “Here is the plan; Gabriel, you’re going to track this thing until we can locate it. Then, Oliver; you, the Chief and myself are going to help drive it directly into Gabriel. Once you have him cornered you pound him hard and hold him as long as you can. While it is preoccupied with you we’re going to blast it into oblivion. Everyone got it?”

Nobody questioned Vedia’s plan. Instead everyone merely nodded in agreement and Gabriel tentatively sniffed at the crisp night air. The subtle shifts of the weather brought to him a mix of smells. Moist earth filled his noise highlighted by a fresh zing of ozone. It had rained during the day, nothing heavy but enough of a light drizzle to saturate the ground slightly. The aroma playfully toyed at his taste buds and made the air feel so clean in the dying rays of sunlight.

Gabriel closed his eyes and concentrated on letting his senses roam without restraint. Every moment bringing with it another delicate detail that promised to aid him in his deductions. Eventually an obscure musky scent drifted to him that he slowly recognized from their last encounter. It was like a distant whiff of damp fur with a mingled mix of dried blood and stale sweat. He was sure this monster had more than likely made use of its daytime respite to lick its wounds and recover from their previous meeting. But this time things would be different. This time this prowling primal predator was about to face a determined force that was dedicated to its sole destruction.

“This way,” Gabriel growled and strode into a steady sprint that carried him into the distance. Vedia and Oliver immediately followed suit, already familiar with their peer’s pattern. Chief Gnaeus on the other hand grunted to himself before moving to join them. “So, we’re going to be running now,” he lamented quietly. “I have definitely been behind that desk too long.”

It wasn’t easy to keep up at first but slowly his wind came back to him and soon the Chief managed to stay within a handful of steps behind his younger squad members. When they all came to a halt he took casual note that while he was panting heavily both other officers were slightly out of breath as well. Only Gabriel himself seemed unaffected by the brisk pace that they had maintained.

They had come to a halt before an old drainage runoff, where rainwater and the like pooled from the streets to disappear down into the ground. The reinforced grating had been busted open roughly to provide access to the shadow-swimming subterranean sanctuary. “Back up,” Gabriel advised gruffly. His body changing as thick fur of vibrant burnt sienna sprang to life to cloak his flesh everywhere that didn’t already ripple with a steely shine. Ears elongated along with his nose and fingers to take on the bestial body that mixed with that of a man he had come to feel comfortable with.

A deep growl began to gurgle up from inside hammer-held howling hero. As the Chief looked on both Oliver and Vedia took a few steps back to take their positions. He couldn’t help but wonder how anyone could look on at such a transformation and ever see past the experience to see the man inside he had come to respect. With a shake of his head he tried to cast the wandering thought from his mind to refocus his attention on the nature of their task at hand.

Gabriel gripped his hammer in his hand and roared a regal challenge that echoed down into the dark. No one needed words to translate the implied meaning of the message, it was altogether clear. It spoke in a language beyond intelligent speech and what it said loud and clear was; fight me – I dare you.

Chief Gnaeus watched on unsure of how effective this tactic was going to promise to be but already he had his Python in hand, trained on the pitch-black portal. No sound signaled an answer to Gabriel’s demanding dare. No monster appeared to answer with its own animal anger. Everything remained eerily silent on the street as they waited.  Even Gabriel’s ears twitched back and forth slightly as he continually sniffed at the air. The lack of response lengthened until everyone began to question if somehow Gabriel had been mistaken about the tracked scent’s trail.

And then, all at once a furry flurry of teeth and claws exploded like cannon-fire from out of the grim ground to collide with Gabriel. The two bestial bodies blurred into a makeshift ball that rolled along the ground exchanging snapping bites and savage stabs. In the chaos Gabriel’s grip slipped free from his handy hammer and upon finding his familiar friend absent he instead formed a metal mallet-like fist from his empty hand. Where his claws carved at the creatures flesh his fist repeatedly hammered away in thunderous bursts.

A rough scraping against his back announced that Gabriel had managed to find the ground beneath him as he fought the overwhelming fresh ferocity of the massive monster atop him. Bracing his weight he kicked off hard with both legs to launch the savage stalker backwards into the air. The gambit only bought him a few breaths as his foe landed easily enough upon the ground to redouble his attack.

Charging forward into a lunge the creatures claws became makeshift spears that sought to stab their way into Gabriel. His robotic right arm held high in defense the metallic man-beast planted his feet firmly and prepared to meet the attack. Gabriel knew full well the blinding grip of fiendish fury that must completely seize his adversary in its sway. He had experienced it himself and understood the powerful need to crush the thing before you. However he also knew how it stripped you of your ability to reason or think. So when the monster closed within striking distance to deliver its intended blow, Gabriel gave it a simple surprise.

As the adrenaline fueled animal thrust its claws forward it found only empty air awaiting it. Gabriel had sidestepped gracefully to avoid the attack and instead pivoted his stance slightly to the side. The absence of his promised prey threw the beasts balance askew as it stumbled forward. To aid in it’s off balanced momentum a steel-solid strike slammed home into the back of the beast’s skull. Without pause Gabriel followed up the attack with a series of rapid punches that carried the creature further forward and towards the ground.

Gabriel barely managed a step back as he struggled with the temptation to continue his assault before a chorus of blasts broke the growing gloom. As he watched on Gabriel refused to look away until the barrages burned the beast’s body almost to nothing but ashes. While the rest of the Night-Watch Squad stopped to reload and assess the carnage they had wrought Gabriel made a final assurance to satisfy his own lingering doubts. He reached down and mangled every last scrap of anything that had once been the malicious monster until his own breath started to come in gasps and heaves.

When he finally looked up once more it wasn’t just the rest of the squad who now looked on at him. Instead a handful of people had begun to brave the night to step out from the safety of their homes and witness for them selves if their nightmare was over. Where some looked on in horror at what must appear to them to be a new monster marked with gleaming metal and savagely slaughtering the remains of something else. Others watched with eyes that declared that what they saw was their howling hero with wonder and gratitude.

As Gabriel looked around him at the growing gathering he discovered a growing mixture of feelings sparking to life inside him. Pride filled him to finally see the thing that had caused him so much pain reduced to ruin beneath him. But he also felt a surge of worry for the uncertain fate awaiting him. He had given his word to submit to the Chief’s judgment, and keep his promise he must. However he couldn’t predict how the people of Gallu would accept Chief Gnaeus’s decision.

A sense of regret teased at the back of his mind as Gabriel calmed the kindled fury that burned ever in his chest to welcome once more his mostly man shape. He questioned the wisdom of willingly releasing the potently primal power of his bestial body. But he resolved himself to the fact that he could not break his word. So with empty hands and lowered head he presented himself before Chief Gnaeus to kneel.

“As agreed I now submit myself to your judgment,” Gabriel somberly announced. And with so many eyes eagerly awaiting his decision, Chief Gnaeus found his own voice strangely silent.

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 23.

Episode 23

Chief Gnaeus stormed forcefully into the squad room where he had issued orders for the Night-Watch Squad to be assembled and waiting. It was long before nightfall and he was certain there would be questions that they would be looking for answers from him for. He would answer the ones he could but his primary concern was to explain just exactly what his intentions were for the night. And while those intentions were anything but complex, he needed his Night-Watch Squad rallied for the night ahead of them.

“We are going to hunt down that deranged demon,” Chief Gnaeus affirmed angrily as he passed clear of the open doorway with fire in his step. His old disheveled uniform had been replaced by a fresh crisp tactical deployment one with his Python resting comfortably slung along his hip. It did feel so good to be back out from behind that frustrating old desk. He felt a good 10 years younger as his blood was already pumping and he yearned to get out there and take this terrible tyrant down.

“But, Chief,” Vedia objected behind confusion and a raised eyebrow. “What about regulations; you’re required to remain here at your post. You cannot go out into the field. So what’s with the outfit and the ‘we’?”

“As of now,” the Chief boomed with every ounce of thunderous authority he had earned over the years. “I have re-categorized this threat to warrant additional man-power. And as such I can assign any duly capable officer that I deem fit. As for regulations Officer Corvan; you can stuff them. This is bigger than regulations and I am going to see to it that whatever it takes we finish this job. I will not permit some monstrosity to roam loose through the night to slaughter for sport at its leisure. One way or another we are going to stop this thing, tonight.

Now if you don’t mind we have some important matters to get past before we get started,” Gnaeus declared as he placed his hands behind his back and dared anyone to challenge him. After a few moments pause he decided he seemed to be getting his point across and continued. “As I understand it, Mr. Vincent, you have something important to share with me – officially. Is that a correct assessment?”

“Yes, sir,” Gabriel admitted truthfully. “You turn into one of those monsters yourself,” Chief Gnaeus pointed out more precisely. “Yes, sir,” Gabriel confirmed. “And yet you have managed to overcome these tainted impulses to safeguard my officers and innocent civilians?” Gabriel once more nodded and added another “Yes, sir,” for good measure.

“Honestly, young man, I have to admit that I am proud to have known you. You are every bit the man your grandfather was and a worthy legacy of his good name. Thael would have been proud of you. And, for what its worth; I’m sorry to have misjudged you. Can we still count on you to help us fight this thing, Gabriel?”

“The job isn’t finished, sir,” Gabriel explained firmly. “And I do not walk away from a job until it is. So you can count on me until everyone is safe.” A flexed metal fist shined in the light of the squad room as Gabriel slowly studied the steely exterior. “This creature has taken from me as much as it could and left me with this patchwork existence. I would see no one else suffer a similar fate.”

“Agreed,” the Chief replied simply. “How effective was your alternative equipment Officer Corvan?” Vedia could answer him with facts and figures easily enough, but instead hefted her Phoenix into her hands reassuringly. “I would say they proved to be more than adequate for the task, Chief,” she confirmed with a grin. “Indeed,” Oliver added confidently.

“Well then, let’s get down to business then, shall we?” Chief Gnaeus began to pace back and froth, his hands still squarely held behind him. “We have found a certain pattern forming with these attacks, and if my understanding is correct this beast begins its hunt just as dusk is falling. So, what we are going to do is gear up and make sure we are already out waiting for it to show its fearsome face. Then when it does; we smash it in.”

Gabriel reached down to find his trust hammer still hung at his belt. “I’m ready for work, Chief,” he said easily. Vedia slammed in a few more power cells into her Phoenix and pocketed a fresh handful. “Awaiting your orders, Chief,” she announced automatically. Oliver eagerly rammed a clip into his waiting Thunderbolt and chambered a round. When he answered himself there was no longer any waiver in his voice, no doubt or anxiety. “Just give me a clear shot, Chief,” he said.

Chief Gnaeus felt a measure of assurance as he looked on at his specially assigned squad. When he had thrown this group together he had never expected it to be facing a serious threat, much less handling it this well. He had every confidence that they would resolve this matter completely. “We best be on our toes though,” Gnaeus warned as he stopped pacing.

“I have reason to believe that this thing didn’t arrive here by random chance. It was delivered here by design, and it was done so by the Magistrate Council itself,” the Chief explained. Everyone looked on in silence at the unbelievable news. “If the Council itself is acting covertly against the safety of Gallu then I think it is wise to assume that this is only the beginning. We can take nothing for granted and must keep our guard up. Once this beast is buried we cannot rule out that other threats might still exist.

Do we have any way of knowing for sure that there aren’t more of these dead creatures you encountered before still out there somewhere? Or, Gabriel is there any assurance that we have that you are the only person this monster has so afflicted? I am afraid we do not…” Guilt still wormed its way around in Gnaeus’s middle to bother at him.

“Whatever the answers are we will have to take them as they come. Tonight, I bid us all happy hunting, but I do want to make sure you are all – each and everyone aware of the bigger picture. If the Council has reasons to endanger us then we can expect no outside aid. There is just the Night-Watch Squad to stand against the nefarious nightmares and the people they intend to prey upon. So, let’s go kill us a monster!”

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 22.

Episode 22

Chief Gnaeus sat in his creaky old chair leaning back with his hands cradling his face. His head ached and his eyes were ever so tired of looking at reports. He felt like he hadn’t slept in days and couldn’t see himself finding the time anytime soon. His mug was depressingly empty as he reached for once more and tipped it over to check the contents. Not even a single drop remained to provide even an ounce of relief for his diminished spirits.

A sudden commotion outside managed to redirect his thoughts quick enough to instead wonder just what was going on out there. But it didn’t take long before his door flew open and the answer was standing before him. Or in this case, she was striding purposefully directly towards him.

“I’m sorry sir, we told her you were busy but…” a meek officer apologized before the Chief cut her off with a single gesture of his hand. “Just shit the door, it’s alright,” Gnaeus offered firmly. This was not going to help his headache in the least, the Chief lamented to himself as his door closed immediately.

A pair of slender hands slammed home atop his desk to send a fresh avalanche of reports and case files flying. “You’re going to talk to me Gnaeus,” Dr. Foxfire declared in a tone that blurred the line from demand to threat. Somewhere hidden in the unspoken challenge Gnaeus almost thought he had heard the subtle presence of a growl. Had she just growled at him? Perhaps he had really allowed himself to become far too exhausted for his job of late.

“Alright, what is it Doctor,” the Chief finally groaned as he rubbed at his eyes. “This had better be important, and quick; I am far too tired for this nonsense.” But instead of defusing any of the explosive temper that had just charged into his office he found the fiery form before him even more eager to ignite. Dr. Foxfire was clearly consumed with some gripping concern that stirred him awake like a bucket of ice water.

“I have just discovered that the source of our current predicament was smuggled onto Gallu,” Dr. Foxfire explained angrily. “And the responsible party is none other than the Magistrate Council themselves.” The proclaimed news stabbed at the Chief’s belly to sicken him with all its implications. There was no way the Council could have been involved – it just didn’t make sense. The Magistrate Council was the direct intermediary between the New Republic government and Gallu itself. They were responsible for overseeing the world’s safety and governing its overall well being. There was no way they could have taken any action to jeopardize it.

“What utter madness,” Gnaeus spat back. “This is foolishness; there is simply no reason why the Council would ever be involved in anything of the sort. It would be like slitting them slitting their own throat. Why would they destroy the very thing they are answerable for preserving?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Dr. Foxfire hissed icily. “I’ve been considering the matter quite carefully, and you know what I concluded? Nothing arrives on this world without a full security scan of everyone and everything onboard. And while I am the medical authority on world I am always informed to check for biological matters. However there is one above me who has to be involved for any check no matter how trivial.”

“Just what are you implying,” the Chief demanded instantly, his own agitation reaching a bursting point. He had heard enough of this whole business. “Tread carefully, dear Doctor, because you are dangerously close to finding yourself familiar with a cell for a while.

“It is as simple a matter as it obvious, Chief,” Dr. Foxfire confirmed. “Nothing gets onto Gallu without getting through the routine checks and procedures. But if something did manage to bypass any of such checks then it would have to be waived through by the primary authority overseeing matters; and that’s you. So just tell me, Chief, have there been any such ‘special deliveries’ lately? For compassion’s sake people are dying out there!”

If there had been anything left in his empty stomach, Chief Gnaeus was immediately certain that he would have just lost it – violently. None of this made sense but with each passing second the details were starting to add up. Just recently he had received word through encrypted channels from the Council that asked him for special considerations with regards to a delicate matter. It was supposed to be an off-the-book transaction that he had been assured was private Council business. As his superiors he had no reason to question the issue or object for that matter. All he had to do was flag the marked vessel to bypass the security check point and allow it to land, and then leave.

His head began to spin further away from him until he could barely sit upright. He had willing held the door open for this monster to waltz right into endanger everyone he was sword to safeguard. And for what reason other than because he had been told to do so? “Feverish fool,” Gnaeus cursed himself as his guilt circled full round to lurch in his belly in an endless spin.

“There was one vessel,” he confessed weakly. “They said it was nothing dangerous; just a sensitive delivery that was private Council business. Nothing of this sort has ever happened before. I’ve never had any reason to question anything like this, and if it had been something like contraband or the like I was sure we could handle the issue. The Council exists to oversee us, it is their job to make sure that we are safe and get what we need from the New Republic. Why, why would they ever sabotage something they would have to answer for?”

Dr. Foxfire watched sharply as the Chief wrestled with his own guilt as some measure of understanding lit behind his eyes. In some part of her she sympathized with the Chief. He had blindly acted on their request that resulted in the deadly situation they now dealt with. While he had no way of knowing what to expect, he was now primarily responsible for dealing with that very problem. It was asking a lot for someone in his position to accept that something like a man-turned-monster was on the loose but it was something else to know that you basically invited them in.

“Chief,” Dr. Foxfire called to him in a soft delicate tone that lured his closed eyes to open and look to her once more. “We still have to deal with this matter, Gnaeus,” she advised gently. Obediently the conscience-stricken Chief nodded his agreement solemnly as he took a moment to try to collect his thoughts. For whatever reasons the Magistrate Council had seen it fit to covertly conspire to engineer this emergency. And they had used him to do it.

With a somber seriousness Chief Gnaeus reached over to unlock a desk drawer that hadn’t seen the light of his office in a long time. Nestled under a sleepy layer of dust was the familiar presence of his old sidearm. It had never been standard issue even back in his day – in fact he had been written up a handful of times for insisting on carrying the weapon. But he had always been able to count on this formidable friend. Unlike the current standard sidearm’s his officers used this old Python was made to pack a serious punch. He had sent many a man free from his feet when they were unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of his ignored warning. But neither it nor he for that matter had seen anything but the rear of his desk in years. Did either of them still work?

Curiously he clicked the weapon open to check the inserted power cell’s charge and found to his surprise they were still active. The feel of his old Python once more in his grip solidified his decision with absolute finality. “I’m going to hunt this beast down and put an end to the danger it poses,” he vowed with an iron will. “This is my mess and I aim to clean it up, personally.”

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 21.

Episode 21

“I need a small favor,” Dr. Foxfire whispered softly. Setting across from her in a dimly lit corner booth of The Rat Hole a gruff man nodded his understanding. Of course the wily she-fox had called him for a favor; she never reached out to him unless there was something she needed. He had known her for many a year, he had even helped scrounge the necessary elements together to make her escape to a quiet sector of space so long ago. You might say surviving in any situation was his specialty. It was one of the little ironies he enjoyed as many a customer came in need of his services to ask in hushed tones amid back alleys for ‘the coyote.’

If only they truly knew just how true that moniker really was. Perhaps if they had even a hint of how aptly he had been named. But he was getting distracted again from the matter at hand. The dear doctor had caught wind of something that had ruffled her fur or sparked her curiosity and either was a dangerous thing to toy with in his estimation. “So what has managed to get your tail in a twist this time?” He asked impatiently and took another draw from his almost empty glass.

“Daniel, you know I never call on you arbitrarily,” Dr. Foxfire began to explain. “But certain events have transpired that demand I look into them. Things that could threaten to reveal my past and jeopardize a lot of innocent lives. Including your own, I am afraid.” She noticed her cautious companion was quick to raise an eyebrow at the proposed danger to him. It was a safe bet to effectively lure him into helping her Dr. Foxfire had always been able to rely on. Daniel may be a shameless scavenger with a notorious reputation for doing just about anything for the right money, but the one thing he held higher than anything else was his own well-being.

“Well, since you put it that way,” Daniel declared with a weak cough to clear his throat as he playfully regarded his glass. “I think I am going to need another drink and you are definitely picking up the tab this time.” The attempted humor failed to mask the somber seriousness behind his eyes as his full attention turned itself directly towards Dr. Foxfire. “What’s up, doc,” he finally asked when his second full glass arrived to rest before him. But instead of drinking it, Dr. Foxfire made a mental note of how her old acquaintance merely held it in his hand and rolled it around.

Something about her implied query was worrying him that much she was sure of. Yet if it was the concern of someone involved or just his usual desire for self-preservation she couldn’t say. But either way she needed to know the kinds of information that he might have access to. If someone had smuggled something onto Gallu then Daniel Latran would be the one person sure to know.

“Come on, Dan,” Dr. Foxfire implored with her best ‘I-am-not-amused’ stare. “We both know if someone wants anything to leave or arrive without questions that they talk to you. And there is no way in the entire outer rim that a ship could land here without its passengers or contents undergoing a standard security check. Remember the kinds of things they check for? Dangerous pathogens, illegal goods, wanted criminals and the whole lot; nothing gets off until everything checks out. So I want you to just go right ahead and tell me who would want to transport a feral shifter to Gallu just to release him on its people. Let’s part the veil here and now; people are dying and if I don’t find some answers the trail just might lead back to us with a whole mad mob behind it. And you don’t need me to remind you how quickly such a gathering can jump to conclusion about those of us with furrier dispositions.”

Suddenly Daniel’s throat was impossibly dry. He knew he never should have taken that job in the first place, it had never felt right to begin with even if the payoff had been a stack of hard coin high enough to make him forget such hesitations. As much as he hated to admit it the foxy doctor had a good point. If a shifter had gone savage and been released on a backwater world like Gallu it would only be a matter of time before word got out. And then anyone even remotely hairier than generally accepted would bare the brunt of the blame. Not to mention the corresponding vengeance of anyone with even a measure of suffered loss.

“Alright, alright,” Daniel said simply with both hands held out before him as if he gestured for the whole world to pause for him. He nervously licked at his lips and closed his eyes to try and recall as much of the details as he could manage. Typically he tried to avoid as much of the specifics as he might to preserve his own ability to claim ignorance later. But on occasion he came across a job that even he couldn’t completely remain untouched by. And when you were getting paid in the manner that he was it was far too foolish not to keep an eye on the turning gears lest you find yourself crushed by their movements. He really hadn’t managed to stay alive and kicking this long in his line of work without learning from his experiences.

“A coded com channel is how I was approached, you know the routine. At first it was just a nameless middleman wanting a meet to offer me a job. Seemed simple enough, but simple often leads to skinned hides so I entered into everything extra wary. The whole matter was altogether hush-hush all the way down to them paying me in hard coin to avoid the issue of traced funds. There was no names, no records just a word to ear arrangement. They wanted me to help ensure a package was safely delivered to Gallu and no questions would be asked along the way to complicate matters. That was it.

Which, I have to admit puzzled me. Usually if someone wants my services it is for the entire deal – including getting whatever it is onto the world and reporting the jobs completion. But this one they just wanted me to make sure it arrived to Gallu orbit, not onto the world itself. So I naturally expected competition, especially with the pay I was receiving. I mean think about it, if they were just paying me so well to do the easy part they must have someone else on site to finish the job that would have to be getting as much or more. And I despise competition.”

Daniel definitely did enjoy painting himself in a brighter light, Dr. Foxfire decided. But she needed the condensed version of the tale right now. “Skip to the important bits Dan, before I accidentally forget that you have on occasion done some decent things in your life,” she advised. It didn’t take an overly clever coyote to see that the doctor was seriously stressed by the situation. So Dan quickly agreed that perhaps it was a good idea to bypass the sweeping strokes and get to the point.

“Long story short, I did my own deductive digging and came up with only one thing. The group that hired me was none other than the Magistrate Council itself,” Dan answered and then made his drink vanish in a single swallow. “And now I think it is best if I turn tail to get myself clear of this whole system for a bit. Care to join me doc?”

“No,” Dr. Foxfire said absently as she tried to make sense of this new piece of information. “No, I think I still have some work to finish here first.” There was someone else out there in the night doing his job as promised and she had agreed to do her best in return. She owed it to Gabriel to stick around to help him. Because if anyone could stop this thing without becoming a monster themselves she had faith that it was that miraculous man.  

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 20.

Episode 20

Gabriel chased the fleeing beast as his own inner animal surged out of control. He lost all track of thought to it, impulse and reflex had come to dominate him now. As he pursued his prey it suddenly spun on him and slid itself backwards at him. The deceptive tactic proved to catch him off guard as the cunning creature made use of its own good arm to rake a vengeful deep gash across Gabriel’s good leg.

Immediately he turned to repay the fresh source of pain and found his foe already on the move again. Only this time every step in following led him to more piercing agony as the wound reluctantly refused to heal. Frustration and frenzy tossed Gabriel about inside himself until he was virtually lost to the forces. A violent rage thundered through him with each stab of pain that echoed every step. Kill it; his mind demanded. And that was exactly what he intended to do.

But as he tried to get closer a strange flash of light barely missed his foe. The jerking fuzzy form had narrowly avoided the strike that trailed from something down the street. Something had tried to take his kill from him Gabriel realized. And that made him even angrier. They would pay for this, this was his prey. He alone had the right to kill it.

With his claws raised high he charged forward ready to deliver his compensation for the challenge to his dominance. He would rip this lesser creature to pieces and then he would end his other opponent. This power felt so good and he would prove to everyone that they could never stand against it.

As he drifted amidst the sea of anger a long buried memory surfaced to confront him. He was a boy again and setting in his grandfather’s workshop. Everything was as clear as the day when he went in there to ask him the only question that had ever tormented him endlessly as a child. “Where is my father,” he had tearfully asked his grandfather pleadingly. And that is when his grandfather had gave him the only answer he had ever been offered. It was the most important thing he had ever been told and he had taken it to heart to shape the foundation of the man he became.

‘Son,” Thael had said as he laid his hammer softly down on the bench. “The only answer I can give you is that it wasn’t his fault, it was mine. The only real rule about becoming a man is one I never seemed to be able to teach your father. Marcus wasn’t a bad person; he just never could grasp that one simple lesson. Every man is responsible for what he does. It’s just that simple. That’s all, your father little Marcus, he just never understood that. I tried to get that through to him for a long time but as he got older it became harder and harder. I had hoped that when you were born perhaps he would start to figure out that he was responsible for taking care of you and your mother. But sadly I was mistaken that he could ever change.

The fact that he is gone isn’t your fault boy, and please don’t blame your father either. He just never managed to grow into the man I tried to help him be. If anything it is my failure, not his.” That talk had always brought bake so much pain for Gabriel. Because in part he never could think back on it without seeing his grandfather hacking and coughing in weariness lying in his bed. Thael Vincent had outlived his daughter-in-law and his grandson was the only one there for him. With a weakening grip he held out his old trusty hammer to Gabriel and said his final words. “This old friend has never failed me just like I never failed any task I put it to use on. It still has some work left in it, so take it son; put it to good use and make me proud.”

As he closed his eyes to welcome the rest he had so richly earned Gabriel whispered his own goodbye to his grandfather. “It was never your fault; some boards aren’t cut out for the job. You can try to make them work all you like but sometimes they just fail you. Rest well, your job is done.” The first time he lifted that old hammer it had felt so heavy in his hand and in his heart. He had sworn then and there to never fail his grandfather, to become more of a man than his father had ever been.

And yet here he was his hammer raised back and vicious claws ready to take the life from someone valiantly trying to defend another. He would not allow this thing inside him to warp who he was. Gabriel refused to break his word to his grandfather upon his deathbed. He had sworn to be a better man than his father and that was exactly what he was going to be.

Gabriel locked on to his unshakable foundation and planted his will firmly upon it. His name resonated within him and as he spoke the words to himself he rejected his own first name like a bad taste. “I am Gabriel Vincent,” he declared. “I am the Grandson of Thael Vincent and worthy heir to his great name! I am no monster, I am a man. And now, I have a job to finish.”

His vision cleared and his senses returned with a snap as he reined the beast back under control. Gabriel looked down into the eyes of Oliver and spoke the words once more with conviction. “My name is Gabriel Vincent, and if you’ll excuse me I have a job to finish.” His hammer once more held at his side the mismatched metal man turned to look for his previous opponent.

Waiting for him was the wary warrior wolf itself circling in the distance already testing its healing arm. Everything was different now; both of them could sense the subtle change in their situation. Growling through bared teeth the snarling stalker was clear in his intentions to claim his waiting prey. But waiting in defiance this time Gabriel stood prepared to face him.

“Go ahead you flea-bitten fur ball, try it; I dare you. Because I am not going to quit, you’ll have to get by me.” Gabriel declared while his hammer bounced playfully in his hand. A smile formed on his face as he marked a pair of soft clicks behind him. “And allow me to introduce you to the rest of the Night-Watch Squad,” he added grimly. Right on his cue two blasts of energy screamed past him to reach their mark. The beast bellowed out a whimpered howl of pain as the potent strikes seared at its flesh to ravage him. But before a second volley could threaten to add to its growing torment the creature rushed frantically in a retreat to seek safety.

With the monster gone the shuddering sobs began to slow behind Oliver to be replaced by wordless gratitude as a gentle touch reached up for comfort. Wisely Gabriel returned to his less unsettling shape to minimize any further trauma being inflicted on the shaken survivor. But instead of the fear he expected he saw in the waiting face a measure of hope. He couldn’t help but think as he looked into those eyes that his grandfather would indeed have been proud.

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 19.

Episode 19

With a gentle squeeze Oliver let fly his first blast from the Thunderbolt’s barking barrel. The slug’s super-dense mass broke down in a flash to accelerate into a hyper velocity stream of heated light that traveled directly towards an oncoming revenant. A condensed bean of white matter plowed into the creature like the impact of the weapon’s namesake. The brutal blow sent the unnatural thing free from its feet as the majority of its chest vanished against the destructive force.

“Nice shot,” Vedia complimented as Oliver chambered another slug and took aim again. Another revenant found itself unfortunate enough to cross within the waiting crosshairs of her Phoenix. The crackle of released power rippled through the air to ride its way into the foul fiend with a concussive crash. Thermal energy devastated the decayed flesh as it ripped its way through to burn the baleful body.

As the revenant fell to the ground Vedia immediately primed her kinetic charger once more and moved to train her aim upon another target. Already Vedia felt a sense of pride at how effective these weapons were proving as opposed to their standard issue side-arms. But for every well placed shot they both made to bring down one of the approaching abominations another seemed to come into view. There was no way of knowing exactly how many of these things there were to contend with. And while they dealt with the disgruntled dead the sounds of growls from behind them told them Gabriel was still otherwise engaged.

Staring up through the shock and tear stained cheeks that had plastered her hair to her face a terrified young woman wailed at the madness unfolding before her. While she watched on, tucked behind trembling knees tightly curled into a ball a second horror joined her shattering sense of a sane reality. This new monstrosity shined in the moonlight with patches of metal mixing with its furry flesh.

For Gabriel the growing sounds of desperate fear from behind him fueled his fury and drove his determination to defend them. A part of him began to wonder whether or not this vocal victim could understand that he was fighting on their behalf or if they even cared. Would they simply fear him as well if he proved victorious? He didn’t have any way to know for sure but as another series of swiped and slashes scrapped along his left side all such thoughts left him. Replacing the contemplation was a stinging pain that violently tore its way through him. Brought with it was the overwhelming rage that accompanied the fact that this animalistic opponent had hurt him.

Impulsively Gabriel’s hammer lashed out to respond to the sudden suffering as it slammed to strike a series of pounding pummels. Each echoed blow met breaking bones that quickly began to re-knit themselves. Confusion caused chaos to ignite its way through his mind as he reeled at the realization he wasn’t causing any lasting damage. In the face of this frenzied foe he seemed to be stumbling. He hesitated to swing his hammer again and instead attempted a clumsy thrust with his own claws.

But where Gabriel was acting on conscious thought he found his adversary easily responding brutally with primal instinct alone. The Doc had been right, this shifting savage had grown so completely comfortable with its own nature that it didn’t need to think about what to do. Like some wild predator it merely acted by reflex alone. The time Gabriel was taking to think everything through was beginning to cost him as another assault left his abdomen bloody with a fresh stream of warmth before his own body could race to deal with the burning sensation.

As a flurry of fangs and claws continued to lash out at Gabriel he could hear fresh cries of terror from behind him. He had to do something before this crazed creature managed to tear him to pieces. The beast inside him begged for release against the shackles of self restraint. It howled in the face of the horror and promised to destroy it. But with every step closer to being unchained Gabriel found his own fear of lost control rallying against it.

A sharp shriek pierced the night as the painful presence of snapping jaws clenched down upon his shoulder and claws shredded at his skin. Gabriel could feel the chains of his conscience shatter in response. An explosion engulfed his insides as rage roared through him and he seized upon it to ride it upwards. His hammer smashed solidly into his foes skull to stagger it with a stunned shock. Immediately his open hand found an opportune grip on the beasts flailing arm and held it fast. A second savage swing connected his mighty mallet with the lethal limb with a loud shatter that was quickly followed by a sharp snap from his own jaws.

Dangling at its side the barbaric beast retreated back several steps as its arm slowly started to try and repair the terrible trauma. Distant sounds of Vedia and Oliver struggled to reach Gabriel’s ears as he found his focus squarely centered on his adversary. Even the cries from behind him now seemed muffled as he moved to give chase. The only goal gripping his mind in its sway was the need to destroy this thing before him completely. Only then would he be satisfied.

Vedia rushed another cell into her Phoenix and risked a look back just in time to see Gabriel moving to pursue his chosen enemy. “What is he up to,” she found herself asking as her brow furrowed with concern. “He’ll leave them defenseless if he ventures from his position! Oliver, I’ll cover you why you make for that survivor. Keep them secure,” Vedia ordered as she squeezed off a quick blast before priming a second.

“On it,” Oliver answered and immediately threw himself into a dash to take up Gabriel’s vacant location. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now,” he reassured the frail and frightened figure. Oliver had to appreciate the sense of irony of the moment as he heard himself trying to console someone confidently. Perhaps he was cut out for this assignment after all.

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 18.

Episode 18

Once more the sun was setting low in the sky and Oliver and Vedia were once more readying themselves for another patrol. Vedia slammed home another power cell into the waiting Phoenix’s chamber and double checked it was packing a full load. She had reviewed the weapons specifications back when they had encountered the off-world mercenaries and knew full well how power hungry it could be. It made use of an under barrel kinetic charger that allowed it to be primed to deliver a doubly condensed blast but at the cost of additional drain on its power source. The Phoenix could drink down a power cell quick, and as handy as a micro-gen cell could be the time for it to recycle its charge could mean death in a battle. Vedia much preferred to keep a steady supply of cells to keep her little blasting beast well fed.

Moving to inspect her other offensive option Vedia gently laid her new rifle upon a table and reached to examine something quite different. They all referred to it as a ‘Heat Axe’ but in truth it was little more than a broad blade with a piercing point on it’s backside held at the end of a long shaft. It could be handled easily enough with two hands but its weight quickly pointed to the incorporated tech built into it. The axe was not something they ever used as weapon itself, instead it was just something they used when the needed to force their way past an obstacle or make an emergency entrance. Its blade would superheat with thermal energy to allow it to cut through metallic and other dense substances with ease. Just the kind of thing that should do nicely in a pinch should she require to face something up close.

“Make sure to load up on all the mass slugs you can carry for that thing,” Vedia advised as she slipped the axe to hand at her back. “That Thunderbolt should be able to rip one of those things apart, but like this little Phoenix here it is dependant on its ammunition. While I can keep pouring in cells you are going to have keep providing that Thunderbolt with those super-dense mass slugs. Just keep that in mind while we are on patrol and you should do fine.”

Oliver tried to make a mental not to remember that as he started to look around him to double check just how much ammunition he had been able to scrounge up. He had to hope Vedia was right about these weapons because he could still picture his last encounter and didn’t want to repeat that feeling of helplessness. “And what am I supposed to do with this fusion torch anyways,” Oliver asked hesitantly.

Vedia simply blinked back at him at first. “Oliver, I believe you just answered your own question. But just so we are clear let’s review, shall we? It is called a what, exactly?” “Well, it is a torch, ma’am,” Oliver answered quickly. Vedia instantly followed up with another question to further form her point. “And you use a torch to…” Oliver now felt completely foolish, it was just that simple. “You torch things, ma’am,” he admitted with a lopsided grin. “Precisely, all you need to do if another of those creatures gets in close is turn that fusion torch their way and let it get introduced to the focused beam intimate-like.”

A metal tapping came from the doorway to grab both officers attention like a teacher calling for class. “Hope I am not intruding,” Gabriel politely proclaimed. “But it looks like there has been another attack, we just got the call.” The metal mottled man casually reviewed the new formidable firearms laid out and couldn’t resist a whistle. “Looks like you two are loaded for Ursian,” he declared with a chuckle.

But officer Corvan wasn’t laughing; she seized up her rifle and pocketed anything in sight in a flash. “Come on Novius, let’s hit the streets we have monsters to mutilate,” she commanded confidently. “Ready to roll,” Oliver replied with a chambered round, an edge of courage sparking to life in his tone. “Lead the way Mr. Vincent,” Vedia added as she strolled up to stand before him. “But let’s try to keep your other side out of sight until we arrive on scene and even then only if it is absolutely necessary, understand?”

Gabriel found himself curious by the request but after finally getting to once more see the outside of a cell he wasn’t about to question it. He needed his freedom to help tackle these terrors; there wasn’t anything he could do from inside a cell. “Yes ma’am,” Gabriel confirmed before turning to hurry off like a hound on the hunt. The Night-Watch Squad was once more on the prowl for pernicious perpetrators of panic and pain.

As they ran through the darkening streets that Gabriel was navigating their way through Vedia could feel her own eagerness growing to test herself against these creatures again. Even Oliver seemed to be keeping pace with them without his former reluctant slower step. They moved through blocks and side streets to follow Gabriel’s lead until the he padded to a stop with his hammer already in hand. Vedia and Oliver immediately followed suit to bring their own weapons to bear. With a crack Vedia primed the kinetic charger under her barrel until the weapon purred with the hum of waiting power.

Laid out upon the ground was the grizzly remains of what they could only deduce had to have been another victim. A trail of terrible tracks lead off down the street and the scent of fresh blood filled Gabriel’s nose. “This way,” Gabriel offered as he concentrated on the lingering smell and moved to follow it. “Keep your eyes peeled,” Vedia advised and took to cover Gabriel’s left side. Before she could even order Oliver to take the right she noticed her squad-mate was already in position as they all three cautiously continued.

Awaiting them was the howling horror itself, its ferocious form bent over what could have been a fresh kill or something intended to be. The baleful beast rose to regard them with it cruel gaze to stand up upon its hind legs, its open jaws still dripping with saliva. It was just as Gabriel had described, Vedia decided as she took everything in with a momentary flash. This thing was something like what Gabriel had shown them when he transformed, some abominable alteration that was neither man nor beast.

A savage and sinister snarl sailed to life to challenge them defiantly from the creature’s lips that was echoed by a faintly detectable whimper. The sudden sound made Gabriel’s ears perk up and instantly he understood – they had interrupted this things idea of sport. He must have another poor soul cornered like some helpless prey. Fearless the fuzzy foe turned his own eyes toward the source of the noise and an almost grin began to form on his gruesome face.

“No more,” Gabriel growled and threw himself into motion to block the beast. As he moved he felt his flesh flow to form once more into his own mixed shape. This time when his right arm moved to block a savage swipe he found the brutal barrage repelled. His left hand quickly slapped aside a separate stab aimed at his middle and a furious roar punctuated the creature’s frustration. It seemed determined to remove this new obstacle keeping it from its waiting quarry just as Gabriel was resolute in resisting it.

As the two mighty monsters began their brawl Vedia cursed her inability to line up a clear shot. “I can’t take a shot without hitting Gabriel,” Vedia reluctantly confessed. “Heads up, we have company,” Oliver advised and gestured behind them. Moving towards them they could make out the familiar appearance of revenants that seemed to be drawn to them by something. “We’re going to have to leave that fur ball to Gabriel, we’ll have to deal with these things,” Vedia commented as she took aim. Oliver couldn’t help but agree himself with both what Vedia was saying and what Gabriel had. “No more,” he vowed beneath his breath and his finger brushed the waiting touch of his trigger.

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 17.

Episode 17

The armory was proving to be one disappointment after another as Vedia combed through every potential resource they had available. Their standard issue pulse pistols had been found to be a complete waste in their last encounter, and most everything else was looking to stack up likewise. Why couldn’t they have even a few pieces of powered armor around here, or even a light mecha or two? Some armor plated firepower sure would be a welcomed sight right about now.

Instead Vedia was only finding riot staffs, stun grenades and other common gear. Not one single weapon that would be of any more help in their task than their sidearm’s already had been. Vedia kept replaying the events in her head and looked for anything that she could use. Their projectiles had pierced the target easily enough but to no effect. It hadn’t felt any pain nor did it have blood to lose. However when Gabriel had stepped in his claws had shredded the creature like it was made of paper. Its flesh could be torn to pieces and indeed destroyed. But it had taken the furry fighter time to rend it to ruin before it fell before him. Perhaps if they could inflict damage on a more massive scale they could provide a similar result.

Vedia cursed her own weakness in the field; she had failed them with her own lack of tactical judgment in the face of their adversary. She had also walked out into a dangerous situation without a more effective arsenal of options to draw upon. Never again, Vedia swore as she redoubled her efforts. Where had Oliver gotten off to again anyways? The rookie had offered to help her in her hunt for more potent weapons. But now he was nowhere to be seen.

“Don’t tell me you have decided to run off and hide again Novius,” Vedia warned as she turned to look for her fellow squad member.  Instead of focusing on where he might have gone to search for further gear she decided it wiser to direct her attention to areas of the armory that were isolated or out of sight. “The impound section,” Vedia declared to herself with a grimace.

As expected she found the phobic patrolman nestled into a nook with the sounds of what could only be sobbing. Her nerve was already failing her before she could even approach her apprehensive peer. The sight stripped her of every agitated word she had considered loosing his way.

“Come on, Oliver, everyone has trouble their first time out,” Vedia tried to console him but instead she discovered she didn’t really even know what to say. “You have to forgive yourself; the Chief is counting on us. We have seen one of these things; you and I know what they can do. It is up to us to come up with some way of fighting them before nightfall.”

“Why,” Oliver spat the question out at her like a bullet, catching her completely off guard. “I would just end up running away again like the coward I am. I’m not cut out for this Vedia; I’ll just let everyone down and probably get you killed.” As Oliver confessed his own self doubts it was Vedia who seized on a singular notion with which to object to the matter.

“Who was it who spotted the monster first,” she asked simply. “Which one of us was it that fired off the first shots only after issuing us a warning? It was you, Oliver, you did that. So you were a little jumpy at first, this isn’t exactly the kind of thing they train you for in the program. But when we were facing that creature you did your duty and again during the report you backed me up. You could have told the Chief everything that was omitted but you didn’t. I wasn’t exactly perfect out there either you know. I marched us out there with complete disregard for any backup gear or for the squad.”

Vedia reached out with her hand to awkwardly place it upon Oliver’s still trembling shoulder. “We all deserve a second chance, and Gallu is going to need its Night-Watch Squad. So what do you say Officer Novius, you willing to help me give it another shot?” With a sniffle Oliver wiped at his nose briefly before he could nod his head in agreement. “I suppose I could give it a chance, but we are never going to find that kind of firepower in here. Vedia, you are talking about some heavy artillery and we’re just a backwater world. We don’t have access to that sort of stuff.”

“Actually,” Vedia interrupted with an upturned finger. “You have given me an idea or two. Do you recall that group of petty freelance thugs that passed through a few months back?” “Yeah,” Oliver admitted somewhat confused at where she was going with this. “And do you think we still have those confiscated guns locked up her in impound,” Vedia continued. “Well, I would imagine…” Oliver confirmed before being cut off again.

“I’d wager that that PR-17 Phoenix and the Thunderbolt would work nicely at devastating some fiendish flesh,” Vedia explained as she rubbed absently at her chin. “But Gabriel did warn us that the beast that attacked him could close in on you deadly quick. So we best make sure to scrounge up something a little handier for close quarters. I’ve got it,” Vedia crowed with excitement.

Turning to bolt off, the plotting protector paused to ask her dazzled cohort another question. “You’ve had the training for maintenance, repair and emergency rescue right?” “What has that got to do with this,” Oliver snapped back at her before deciding to just go with whatever mad plan she was forming. “Yeah, I have had it,” he acknowledged finally.

“Good, then you’ll be comfortable operating a fusion torch,” Vedia exclaimed. “I’m going to get my hands on one and the Heat Axe from emergency response, they should prove more than sufficient. You open up impound and break out that Phoenix and Thunderbolt. See to it their both in good working order and gather everything up to meet me in the squad room.”

Once Vedia was long gone Oliver found a quietly muttered ‘but’ slip from under his breath. “No use in arguing with the air,” Oliver decided. “I better get to work, maybe if I am lucky she will explain what she expects me to do with a torch.” At least she wasn’t ordering him to go find himself a hammer!

Metal In The Moonlight - Episode 16.

Episode 16

“I need to know what happened, I need to know everything,” Dr. Foxfire insisted immediately. A jade fire burned behind her eyes and there was intensity to it that Gabriel could fathom. Where his own fury drove him to fight, the Doc’s must fiercely force her to engage her curiosity and compelled her to test her mind. He could appreciate just how powerful that instinctive need could be, and he wasn’t about to be seen as an obstacle to her answers.

“Whoa there sunshine,” Gabriel chuckled as he rubbed his head with his right hand only to flinch at the still awkward sensation. “They shot me Doc; those officers actually shot me after I risked my neck for them!” Without missing a single beat Dr. Foxfire interrupted Gabriel with a lightning fast question that struck surgically to the heart of the matter. “They witnessed you shift didn’t they?”

The long query was enough to deflate Gabriel without another word. He lowered his head and took a breath before answering even though they both already knew the truth. “Yes,” he admitted mildly, the word hung in his throat thickly. “Then you got off lucky,” the Doc pointed out. “Because the more likely outcome of the situation could have been far worse, your wounds will heal rapidly. But even you are not immortal or invulnerable.” With a slight jerk of her neck Dr. Foxfire redoubled her focus back to her original course of questioning and cast aside the current avenue of conversation.

“Again, tell me what happened. I need to know what you came across!” When Gabriel returned her driven stare he found it even far more engulfing than before. It actually gave him pause to collect his thoughts before speaking again. He could face down another monster or three in a darkened alley before he would rather submit himself to her interrogating gaze much longer.

“Alright,” Gabriel relented with closed eyes and his hands held up to plead for a moment. “We started out the patrol with nothing really of note at first. The officers noticed something unidentified in a trash bin and went to investigate. I advised them that our quarry was far too large to be found in the garbage but they were already keyed up enough to be suspicious of anything. The rookie got spooked and fled, forcing us to track him down. When we found him he was down this alleyway terrified like some child hoping the street lamp would protect him from the things of the dark.

It was then that we encountered the monster. The thing came at us from behind but it wasn’t anything like what attacked me Doc. This creature reeked of death to me, and it seemed determined to get its bony claws on the two officers. It screamed some horrible sound that petrified both the officers with fear and only managed to enrage me further. What was that thing Doc?”

 When Gabriel had finally recounted most of the details of what had happened it was Dr. Foxfire’s turn to explain a few things. Things were progressing fast enough that she needed Gabriel to understand more of what they were facing if they were going to have any chance of combating it. She still wasn’t sure how the Chief would react to the news of Gabriel’s unnatural nature, but if decided to put their faith in his behavior they would have to be ready.

“They are typically referred to as revenants, and by and large they are an unsavory lot. The creature that attacked you is what you might call a breed of shifter. There are others, each different but bearing some similar traits. Among some of them is the unique characteristic that is responsible for your own altered existence. You see, because of my own actions to preserve your life I managed to also give the same transmitted traits the opportunity to reshape you. If you had slipped further from the land of the living the process could have potentially gripped you in a different way and produced a revenant.

Either result isn’t exactly a common outcome from an attack; there are any numbers of variables to factor in. But the short answer is that usually a victim is consumed enough that there isn’t enough tissue left for the process to even take hold. However our new sinister savage isn’t hunting for food anymore. Now it appears they are moving to engage prey for sport or pleasure. The more victims it attacks in this way the odds increase that they will not be consumed, but instead merely mauled until they lose interest.

If revenants are being created they will seek out any sources of flesh to feast upon and attempt to sate their appetite for vengeance. A revenant will only feel the motivation to slaughter as it was so slaughtered until they can destroy the source of their unnatural life. They will not know fear or pain, there will be no reasoning with them. You will have to shred them to pieces or cause severe trauma to their body enough to destroy them. They like the creature who created them will be susceptible to your natural weapons along with some more primal methods like fire for example, and believe it or not some materials are specifically effective.

But the one major thing to consider here is that every night we run the risk of more revenants being brought violently to life. And not only that, like I already warned; we also face the chance that other shifters could be created like you.”

“You really are just an endless delivery of good news and smiles, aren’t you?” Gabriel added sarcastically. “Don’t forget though,” Dr. Foxfire responded sternly. “Once you find the creature responsible you will have to fight it with everything you have. It will be comfortable with its form, it will be as fast as you are and just as strong. Both of you will heal rapidly from most wounds but each of you will find the sting of your claws and teeth doubly effective. You will have to be careful, because chances are that no one will be able to help you.”

♦♦♦

Instead of a beep from his desk the Chief was alerted to a frantic-paced knock upon his door urging him to answer immediately. “What in a blasted black hole is it?” Gnaeus demanded through a headache that was irritating him to no end. He didn’t have the patience left for these distractions. When the door slid open a panting figure was standing there leaning on the edge of the opening and shoved a handful of crumpled papers his way.

“You need to see this, sir,” he offered raggedly.  More grim news awaited Chief Gnaeus as he scanned over the incoming reports. There was an increased number of missing or deceased that pushed his stress level through the roof. He was out of options; he would have to send Gabriel and the others again tonight. They had already dealt with one creature perhaps another outing would provide better results. Whatever he did he had to do it quickly before the Magistrate Council decided to get involved. Something told Gnaeus that if things managed to spiral any worse and he would find himself squarely in the crosshairs of blame by the Council. They would have his head for sure and there was no question about the matter.

Perhaps this handyman had it in him to use this curse of his for their benefit, at least for now. They could always deal with him later, after this emergency. But for now they just might need him.