Gauntlet - Episode 3.

Episode 3 – Late Birds Loot Little

Perched at the promising portal Dyzon stood poised with his commlink already in hand. A deep chuckle was already building from inside him to fill the car’s cabin with its mirth as the Bloody Bachelor began to laugh loudly. “My apologies,” he sarcastically spat with a soft sneer. “But a late bird loots little my losing lady. The pickings albeit slim are presently picked clean. Better luck next time, though!”

 A string of strong speech exploded from the small speaker that managed to be nearly audible enough for everyone on-board to clearly decipher. Anything but cordial the angry answer was dripping with violent venom. “Horns will have you for this,” the vengeful voice vowed. “That was our task for the taking and you know it! Mark my words; nobody continually cheats Eris Clanless without paying a price. There will come a day when your debt will come due and Dizcords Daemons will be the ones collecting!”

“Wishful thinking to be sure,” Dyzon declared with a giggle. With a wave of his hand he further added to his implied insults before stepping off the train to land skillfully into an empty seat beside Caess. The dutiful diminutive driver took only a glance to ensure everyone was once more back on-board before he directed the trusty transport to pull clear from the Titan Train. In trailing cloud of dust the bold bandits disappeared once more into the distance. Taking with them what treasures they had thieved and leaving only terrorized travelers.

Marshall turned his attention back to the second curious conveyance as it now circled in a slow circuit. If he had overheard everything correctly and these were rival renegade rogues then he figured they had a decision to make presently. Either they were going to try their luck at locating any left-over loot before the Titan Train reached town, or they could turn tail. Some might assume there was a chance that the thwarted thieves would chase after the bandits who seemingly bested them. But there was something in what he had heard that hinted to Marshall that it wasn’t altogether likely to expect.

This Eris person had claimed for whatever reason that robbing the Titan Train was somehow assigned to them. And while no two criminals can be considered to act alike, Marshall knew enough to know that they also didn’t typically permit competition among themselves either. So either something strange was going on here between these two bickering bands of bandits or he just walked into a ridiculous rivalry. Possibly even both; he wasn’t going to rule anything out. He was about to be new in town after all.

The Titan Train slowly returned to a more appropriate pace and as it did the reluctant would-be robbers retreated back the way they came. “We’ll be on back to town soon enough,” the old man said softly. The sudden sound tugged at Marshall’s attention like a leash until he spun around in his seat to face the elderly excavator. “How regular are little experiences like this,” Marshall asked, careful to keep the harsh edge dulled from his tone.

“Those two have been at each other for months now,” explained. “See, one will pull something or other off and then next the other has to. We got ourselves a visit from the Bull-Boys today, odds are now we’ll see something out of them Dizcords Daemons lot soon enough. That Eris isn’t exactly the most forgiving or friendly of sorts. Word is she may be on this side of civilized, or as close as an Uraor can be but she is still one of them savage sociopaths.

Before long I’d wager they’d both be at each others throats like two packs of dusk hounds. You ever seen some dusk hounds tear into something? Well it isn’t exactly a pleasant sight, mind. But I gather someone not exactly familiar with the ways out here isn’t liable to understand the matter. Out here the New Republic don’t rightly reach far enough to have a say in much. As long as they keep getting fed the shipments they seek they aren’t about to nose in on any local disputes.”

“Wait a tick,” Marshall interrupted quickly. “You said the local law, he don’t come out here into this area to enforce anything. So if he can’t be bothered to keep the peace for anyone on their way to or from town, then how much safety is there for anyone who lives there?”

The old miner licked at his dry lips and then squinted to regard Marshall with a serious stare. His expression was as firm as granite and wisdom pooled itself in his marble eyes. “You’re starting to catch on pup. Out here on Newport nobody comes expecting an easy life or a safe one. You work for every scrap you can and make do with whatever this world will let you keep. It’s as simple as that. I’ve been robbed more times then I care to keep a count on and have had my share of hardships. But I still got my life and the drive to dig my way back in and cast my lot again. Who knows, I may strike it rich or I may find myself a final home in the dirt but as long as I have the ability to keep moving forward I am going to. Most folks who come to Newport all have that in common. Especially those who decide to make a try out of the town. That’s why they named it what they did; Redemption. You’ll either find it out here through your own sweat or you won’t. But ain’t nobody never found it for themselves by worrying over who was going to look after them.”

While the toothless traveler’s words lingered with Marshall the Titan Train finally began to come to its rightful stop. A sharp signal marked the massive mechanical beast’s ended journey, at least until its next trip back. And as it did the passengers all began to shuffle their way to depart. But Marshall found himself oddly distant as he moved through his own motions. Automatically he reclaimed his stored baggage and ensured all his belongings still securely strapped together. His mind was still hung on the old man’s words and how they had reached into him.

They had named this town Redemption, and people had been flocking to it for one reason or another to try and find it. He figured for most that meant finally finding a worthwhile life after making it to Newport. But so far all he had seen was people still looking for their dream. Maybe things would be different once he had a look around town. “Yeah, how much does one old miner know anyways,” Marshall decided before stepping out the door.

Gauntlet - Episode 2.

Episode 2 – Enter the Bull-Boys

“Come on, let’s hurry this thing along, I could use a drink,” Wynt declared as he impatiently entered the rail car. His ruffled hair was still speckled with windblown dust that lent him the look of a spooked critter fresh from its hole in the ground. Arriving just behind him was a well muscled man, obviously athletic with refined ripped arms that could easily be classified as cannons. “You always need one, you’re a drunk,” Briscole reminded harshly.

As the two thugs moved forward to take their positions a third gracefully appeared with practiced ease. He moved with the casual dignity of an experienced performer and bore the smiling mask of a manipulating master. Many a man had cursed that face, and even more women cooed at the promised charm. This could be none other than the bloody bachelor himself; Dyzon Naez.

With a cold calculating care Dyzon raised a small commlink with his right hand and keyed the transmitter. “We’ve landed Caess; you know the drill, make for the engine and ensure they don’t get any ideas.” Still parked behind the controls of their rolling ride the short slate-skinned Kry-Santhian signaled his understanding with a quick grunt. His sharp ruby eyes keenly kept their focus on maintaining the moving orbit alongside the loud locomotive. Caess had to concentrate on the tedious task not merely because of its potential peril, but for his own personal problems. He often found the distraction demanded by such devices too tempting for his curiosity, like most of his race he suffered from a certain obsessive compulsion with regards to gadgets and things technological. Coupled with the inevitable gawking glares of its passengers peering out to examine his ruby studded stone-like skin was almost more than he could handle. No matter how many times he had managed to meet the challenge it always tested him.

Dyzon watched on as his cunning cohort pulled ahead as instructed and then once satisfied proceeded with his plan. There was a certain familiar thrill that he always enjoyed that came with the experience. “Greetings boys and girls,” Dyzon began with a warm welcoming smile. “We’re the Bull-Boys; no doubt you’re familiar with our well-known exploits. So I’m not going to waste anyone’s time on the usual warnings, or the nasty business of making my point perfectly perceived. Just provide my associates with any valuables you happen to have and you’ll be around to swap stories at supper.”

Every eye seemed fixed on the dramatic figure as he spoke in a perfectly measured tone and moved forward like he was commanding a stage. Before him both Wynt and Briscole were already passing about as they picked over each passenger. They moved forward in a crude circuit that made sure not to miss a single seat or the potential pilfering therein. In short order they cleared each car before moving to the next and at each opportunity Dyzon gave the same little speech.

No one moved to stop the bandits nor did anyone refuse their right to rob the rail riders. In fact several young ladies and a few married ones begged to be taken along with their purses by the notorious bloody bachelor. By the time the bold bandits were about to enter Marshall’s car he found himself almost beyond restraint. Impulsively he reached beneath his jacket only to curse his carefulness. He had safely stored his weapons before boarding to avoid any unwanted attention while he traveled. While he had had no reason to expect any need for them or any reason to fear any official issues with carrying them he preferred to avoid the matter either way. Now he wished he hadn’t been so cautious, not to mention naïve enough to think the ride would be uneventful.

Without anything to hand Marshall looked around him at all the other passengers. If he attempted any form of action with only his bare hands it was all too likely that any one of them could pay the price. And that was something he refused to risk. He swallowed the unpleasant idea of allowing these predators to prey upon the passive passengers with a slight shiver and lowered his head.

“Keep your head down,” that is what the old-timer had told him to do. If Marshall couldn’t stand up and stop these thugs, he certainly wasn’t about to give them the satisfaction of another coward added to the crowd. Let them pick over the rest with a grin as they watched them take their treasures from them. He wasn’t about to reward them with another fear filled face.

“Hey, wake up you, didn’t you hear me,” Wynt probed with the pointed tip of his gun to poke at Marshall’s shoulder. “It looks like it’s your turn friend; cough up your coin empty ears.” Without any hurry Marshall slowly raised his head to look up at the demanding desperado. His brown eyes barely peeked out from beneath the brim of his hat to question the un-intimidating figure before him. “First of all, I am not your friend or the friend of anyone who is obviously as rude as yourself,” Marshall responded rapidly. “Secondly, as I understood your well-spoken superior’s speech you’re only interested in items of worth; which I for one am woefully without. So if you don’t mind I am going to return to my business and leave you to complete yours.”

While Wynt blinked in response to the brash bluff of bravado Briscole begged from behind for him to hurry himself up. “What is taking you so long booze brain,” the mountain sized man complained as he stuffed a fresh handful of things into a bag. “Oh be quiet you has-been heavyweight,” Wynt answered angrily. Disappointed and somewhat dazed by the unusual reaction Wynt decided to spit at this strangers feet before he leaned in to reply. “No worries mister, I am sure we will catch you around sooner or later and catch up,” he promised. As the looting lot all turned to exit Marshall welcomed the relief from the bandit’s bottle breath with wordless thanks. The strong stench alone was near enough to make him recoil but he had been determined not to be the first one to blink.

Again as Marshall looked on at the nefarious near-do-wells backs he longed to do something to stop them. But all three of them he easily enough noted were all armed and he sadly was not. Still stewing over the fact Marshall managed to catch Dyzon’s final flourish and the two locked eyes briefly. “Well it has been rewarding for us and hopefully entertaining for you as well,” the theatrical thief mused. “Until we meet once more let me simply say; safe travels to us all.”

Still smiling Dyzon bid his farewell with a tip of his hat towards Marshall and winked. “Always a pleasure to meet a man with spirit and steel, something tells me we shall see each other again.” Admittedly Marshall relished the idea of getting the opportunity to cross paths with these Bull-Boys under different conditions. “Who knows, it’s a big broad world out there,” he replied resolutely.

“Shepherds and Stalkers,” Dyzon suddenly stated squarely. “They both stick close to sheep stranger. And while this world may be massive, there are only so many sheep to be found. Yeah, I’d wager that we will meet again.” Before he could complete his exit a second speeding shape came into view in the distance racing towards the Titan Train.

As Marshall watched on out his window a single thought filled him. “Alright, now what,” he asked himself silently. Obviously routine was anything but what a trip by Titan Train was on Newport.

Gauntlet - Episode 1.

Gauntlet

Episode 1 – The Thunder Rail Titan Train

The World of Newport was about as hard a place as they come. From the very moment the first explorers arrived to investigate the freshly discovered world they found awaiting them an unforgiving landscape. While it was rich with valuable minerals and natural resources it was quickly proven to be just as reluctant to yield them to just anyone. Vast mountain ranges of ageless stone rippled throughout the endless sweeping lands. Only the occasional scattered seas of sweeping dust or cracked and crag-riddled bordering badlands offered any variety of view.

Travel across Newport was immediately the first major concern among the initial colonists as they found traversing its expansive environment difficult to say the least. The very rocky and mountainous terrain that promised a wealth of riches also came to be synonymous with the cursed claim; “foolish to fly.”  Its skies were soon declared to be suicidal to fly due to unpredictably violent storms and an unreliable impact the dense terrain could have on an aircraft's guidance systems.

At first early settlers and pioneers alike were forced to be content with a crawling pace as they struggled to navigate their way around the treacherous terrain. Small sparsely populated outposts gradually began to form, each one dependent on the delicate chain that tethered it to the next to ensure its survival. Over time minerals and other valuables began to flow to make their way back in a tedious trickle that frustrated the appetite of everyone longing for its riches.

And then there came the Thunder Rail and the salvation of the Titan Train. With funding from the New Republic itself a small local industrial businessman promised to ensure a steady stream of harvested riches. Riding along arcing currents of raw power that roared through the aptly named rails the Titan Trains proved themselves in short order. Little more than enormous engines that acted as potent power plants the Titan Trains carried with them massive loads of people and provisions alike. New faces flocked to Newport in surges to seek their fortune, the chance at a new life or simply the challenge of exploring its environment. All thanks to the single simple solution that the Thunder Rail provided.

Even now as Marshall Lawson looked out his window to survey the brutally beautiful landscape he felt a sort of awe at the accomplishments made here on Newport. It wasn’t even midday yet and already the bright sun had risen to ride high in the sky to cast the passing peaks in its bright beams. Cascades of color shimmered in sunlight that was at once marvelous as they were menacing. As gorgeous as the growing ground was you couldn’t help but look on at it and be reminded of how defiant it was to those who sought to dominate it.

And yet, here he was riding along in a mighty machine that cut across the distance to connect what once had been thought impossible. Marshall reflexively reached up to brush aside a few falling strands of amber from his forehead before replacing his hat. It was an old habit he had never been able to shake even as he often recalled when his hair wasn’t even long enough to require it. Everybody has their habits he could easily admit, without such traits people would be rather dull by all accounts.

Even for such an expeditious mode of transit as the Titan Train was it was still a rear-tiring experience in his opinion. But then as far as backsides go, Marshall had never been blessed with a well-padded one. The notion prompted him to once more reposition himself as it crossed his mind to irritatingly remind him. If he had to remain planted in one of these seats much longer he feared the threatening tingle in his toes would spread to lay siege to his lower limbs. He would much prefer to be up and moving but according to his fellow passengers who were more familiar with the trip he had been advised it more prudent to stay setting until they stopped.

Desperate to take his mind off his numbing nether Marshall returned his gaze to the passing scenery. Eyes of warm walnut washed over the swiftly sweeping skyline and scanned about as he tried to lose himself in the landscape again. But a peculiar passing presence was caught in his peripheral vision that teased his eye to turn it towards the train’s rear. Marshall had to shield his eyes from the sun at first before he could make out just what it was that seemed to be approaching the rear of the robust rail rider.

By his estimation it looked to be some manner of squat and crude roller driven transport since it looked to be leaving a growing cloud of dust in its wake. But for what reason would anyone dare to try to chase a Titan Train in something of that sort? Before he could puzzle over the possible answer a fellow passenger took interest in his examination and promptly provided an explanation.

“Don’t tell me you bought your ticket without being told what to expect,” a particularly toothless old miner mentioned. “Just prior to reaching town train’s always have to start to slow. And about as regular you get some of the lawless locals who take the opportunity to try and thieve what treasures as they can.” While Marshall watched on he noticed true enough a slowing pace to their speed that was quickly matched by their pursuing pirates.

“Just keep your nose down lad, and mind what they strutting say,” the elderly excavator advised. “They just pick over what easy coin they can and then soon enough we’ll find ourselves finishing our journey.” A thousand and one questions surged to fill Marshall’s mind about the matter. He couldn’t fathom how anyone could simply accept the fact that as routine as the Titan Train traveled back and forth likewise was it regularly robbed.

“What about the local law,” Marshall asked dryly, his eyes still firmly focused on the vehicle that was now pulling alongside them. “Outside the town’s limits,” the old man explained further. “It’d be suicide for him to try and enforce anything out this far. Right here is what you call a claim-less country. Only thing considered worth protecting is the mines and the miners working them mostly. Those with interests see to it they stay secure but out here in the empty it’s anything goes. So nobody bothers with the in-between, you just learn to look at the lost coin as something like a traveling tax and go on with your day.”

“Please, mister,” a young mother pleaded in the hushed whisper of someone used to talking around little ears. “Nobody wants any trouble, just hand them anything of value they ask for and we’ll all be on our way. Questions and the like will only earn their ire.” Despite all the requests to ignore the matter and respond like the rest of the cattle, Marshall could only feel a repulsive bitter taste rising in the back of his mouth. This was wrong. These people were being preyed upon like sheep and they were just going to allow it.

Suddenly a sharp sound signaled a message from the crew came from overhead to silence everyone. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the emotionless voice began as it greeted their waiting attention. “We ask for your patience and cooperation as some folks are inspecting the train. Kindly comply with their requests and they assure us that once their business is concluded we will be allowed to be safely on our way. Thank you.”

“Unbelievable,” Marshall managed to mutter through tightly gritted teeth under his breath. As he looked around everyone else seemed to regard the news as commonplace as being told to look for the town drunk at the nearest bar. “Trust me,” his aged advisor added with a wink. “Be over before you know it.”

Newport And The Promise Of Redemption.

Well, as of now my latest tale Metal In The Moonlight has been available for about two days. However, to be honest I had already been working on some notes for my next story even before I finished it. I have managed, albeit entirely by accident, to fall into a sort of routine it seems and ironically enough happen to be enjoying it.

You see I adore telling a good story. Always have. And what I began on a whim as a simple project to spend time on for my kids has grown to become a staple of my day. Without that small measure of time to write on a forming story in my mind each day I think I would be lost of late. My day just doesn't seem complete without putting a few pages down. I have even noticed a particular pace in my writing recently that has me finishing stories around the same time each month, which is quite rewarding to say the least.

So, I thought I would take a moment to thank anyone and everyone who has enjoyed any of my work so far. I would especially like to say how much I appreciate all those precious peers who have gratefully agreed to give my most recent endeavor a fair shake and share their thoughts. Naturally I am giddy with restrained delight as I set back and wonder at whether or not they will like it, love it or even loathe it. For me that is a big part of the experience. It is the endless looming question of how something I wrote will be received. And as unsettling as a bad response can be it is rewarding in its own way to consider the fact that someone actually reacted to your work. All to often as a writer you're left to ponder if your little trivial tales are floating about in the empty aether without being experienced by anyone.

That said, if you haven't had the chance to measure the metal of a man who is a mixture of machine and perhaps part monster give Metal In The Moonlight a shot. Join the Howling hero as he hunts for horrors, but make sure to keep a hammer handy. You never know what nightmares await you out there in the night.

And if you're looking for a different flavor to delight you could always give one of my other stories a shot. They are all available through Smashwords, and every one of them completely free. You can even find many of them at other distributors such as Barnes & Noble, Diesel eBooks, Kobo, Bilo and Sony eBook Store. Explore the neon-lit night with Lexel as she tries to help Zero an escaped experimental robotic dog find freedom in Neon Knights. Join Camden and Trinity, orphans who dream of better days as they find themselves stumbling into sinister plans to overthrow the kingdom and prove themselves heroes in the process in Luck of The Claw. Or delve into dark with the brightly brave boy Jack as he battles his own fears to stand against the terrors of twilight in A Light In The Dark.

For those of you who might be curious about the next story currently being crafted, here is a little look;

Some Heroes aren't born, they're made by the simple decision to pick up the gauntlet. Marshall Lawson was raised believing in heroes but when he never found any he decided he would just have to do. But with nobody else believing in heroes anymore does he have what it takes to challenge those who break the law? Or will he become just another punchline?

On the hard and unforgiving world of Newport there is the promise of rich rewards for those who dare to seek them. Such allure has snared many to seek Newport in search of new life, potential wealth, or the challenge of unexplored dangers to conquer. Its scattered settlements lay isolated and alone at the mercy of those who prey upon the weak. Especially the frontier town of Redemption; where a gauntlet is about to be thrown. 

Stay tuned for the exciting adventures of Gauntlet!

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!”