Fed up, Cassian rose from his chair and was around the desk faster than the humans could track. The four gasped and jumped back instinctively as Cassian yanked the phone from Maj. Garrett's hand.
“Let me speak to the President, who I'm sure is very near to you in that underground haven of yours,” Cassian said.
“Whatever you want to say to the President, you can say to me,” Amanda countered.
“I'm afraid that won't do. You see, I need a certain confirmation that only he can give. You don't have the authority to grant my demands. Now please, do as I say... I'm sure you realize by now, you really don't have any other choice,” Cassian pointed out.
“Just one minute.”
Cassian waited with more patience than he wanted to give to the humans. If it took her any longer to get him that audience he was seeking, he might have to do something drastic. The last thing he wanted the humans to think he was doing was bluffing. A few minutes later, the President's distinct voice, laced with concern and integrity came over the phone.
“This is President Goodall speaking. I'm told you want to negotiate terms.”
“Listen carefully, Mr. President,” Cassian said. “This is the one and only line of communication we'll have. My demands are simple. There will be no extraction team, if you send anyone here, they will be met with extreme hostility. Who we do not kill, will be taken hostage. The research recovered from SciTech Labs and Dr. Masterson will remain here until a cure is available--”
“You don't make those kinds of calls around her--”
“It would appear, from where I'm standing that I am in control of this situation,” Cassian interrupted. His tone was ominous and held an underlying layer of preternatural superiority.
The President was taken aback from the harsh command and though he wanted give him a piece of his mind, lives were in jeopardy. He had to see this situation through if they were going to reach their end result. According to his Secretary of Defense, this person was holding all of their winning cards.
“As I was saying, your facility in Atlanta is nowhere near secure enough to offer protection during this time. You have no idea the true measure of the threat you face. These are desperate times and they require desperate measures. My people are no doubt gathering humans to protect them in compounds much like the one we have constructed. So you would do wise not to arbitrarily bomb cities as you will be destroying humanities only chance for survival. We do this because we must. Allow me to reiterate: We have all of the research data and we are your best chance for a solution.”
“I can't offer you a guarantee that we won't bomb St. Louis if the matter gets worse,” President Raymond Goodall said.
“Oh, it will get worse. It will spread across the entire country before the end of the day. You won't be able to stop it by bombing every city. The end result of that is the total destruction of humankind and an annihilation of your resources. Mark my words, this epidemic will spread to Canada and South America within seventy-two hours. This is the reality we are all facing. It's time to put aside inconsequential rules of engagement and do what's best for the people you represent. St. Louis is off limits. That is your only option,” Cassian said. He made certain to speak in a measured tone as to not engage the mortal in a battle of words over the telephone. He needed the government's capitulation, not a declaration of war.
President Goodall was nearly left speechless by the harsh reality of the other man's words. They were the same predictions his many advisers feared, only this man seemed to know a bit more about their situation than he was letting on.
“May I ask, why do you think you're more capable to protect the future of mankind than the government?” asked President Goodall.
“I have a vested interest in saving as many humans as possible. Where they are expendable to you, they are invaluable to me and my people. That truth alone makes us the better option for the safety of the human race. So now I ask you, will there be a war between us, or will you allow us to save you. Let me remind you, if you should choose unwisely, it will be a loss of life unnecessarily on your part and we will still have the advantage. Consider my words and know that they were made with both of our interest in mind,” Cassian said.
The President thought about his options. He couldn't bomb St. Louis, not with everything they needed right there in the city. In reality, he knew he couldn't bomb every city. So many had already been overtaken and the monsters were spreading the virus faster than even the fire of their bombs could contain it. In regards to St. Louis, any attempt to send soldiers to extract their medical crew and the research may be put in jeopardy by the fact that the virus has already breached the city. He also considered the not-so-veiled threat this man issued about engaging him in war. What he would do is make a demand of his own.
“I would like to know who I'm speaking with if we are going to make these concessions,” the President said.
“Fair enough. My name is Cassian.”
“Very good to know. If I may, can I put you on hold?”
“Time is of the essence.”
“I understand.” The President put him on hold and Cassian imagined he was consulting with his team of advisers.
It wasn't before long when someone came to the telephone, but it wasn't the President.
“Sir, thank you for contacting us. I understand you have the research from SciTech Labs and the last remaining scientist?” the stranger asked.
“I do and to whom am I speaking?” Cassian replied.
“My name is Jackson Montgomery, the President's Chief of Staff. He's also my human. But more importantly, I'm Mistress Adaline's third lieutenant.”
“Ah, perhaps I've underestimated Adaline's ability to control her city. Would you have come to the phone sooner, rather than having me converse with your human servant,” Cassian remarked.
“I offer my humblest apologies, sir. I thought it best to keep up appearances, that way when we give into your demands, it won't raise too many questions or much opposition. They would have seen that the President was making the best decision considering the circumstance,” Jackson offered by way of an explanation.
“Does your ability to influence mentally fail you?”
“No, sir, but not everyone who was listening in are here in this room. We have people via satellite and conference call. I had to clear the room in order to have this conversation.”
Cassian nodded, deciding to cease his argument. He was more frustrated than he'd been in a very long time and his normally calm attitude was taking a rather nasty turn. His eyes panned over the faces of the four humans standing in the corner of the office staring back at him. He could sense their fear as well as smell it. The scent was intoxicating and would have been better relished during the evenings when his hunger could rise to the occasion and indulge. He kept his gaze on them as he continued his conversation. He wanted them to know what his plans were and what he was so that they would understand his motivations and accept them whether they wanted to or not.
“Very well, Jackson. Tell me now, what are Adaline's plans at this time?” Cassian asked.
“First off, may I please say that the bombing of Chicago was not an attack on you, of course, but simply to stop the spread before it grew out of control.”
“Hmm, I'm sure,” Cassian noted dryly. “That didn't yield the desired results, now did it?”
“You must believe me when I say it wasn't as a direct attack on you and your city. We tried to give enough warning and time for you to evacuate your people. It was simply the next step the government would have to take to--”
“Spare me the press line, I find it insulting.”
Jackson cleared his throat and took a deep breath before continuing. “My Mistress doesn't want a war with you.”
“Wise decision on her part. Now, back to business. Seeing as you have the President of the free country, as they call it, as your slave, I'm sure I can count on my demands being met,” Cassian said, bringing the conversation back to its roots
.
“I'll do my best to make sure St. Louis will be off limits. But may I make two small requests... if only to increase all of our chances of survival?”
“And they would be?” Cassian waited.
“For one, please share your research. Surely, it would be beneficial for all of us if we put our scientists on the road to a cure, too. It's not about who saves the world, only that the world gets saved.”
Cassian scoffed. “Are you so foolish to imply that I give a shit about taking claim if and when a cure is created?”
“I...I didn't mean to imply the like, sir,” Jackson stammered as he struggled to correct his blunder. He had heard stories of Cassian, the powerful Master vampire of Chicago. Of his cruelty and ruthlessness towards his enemies. The last thing he wanted to do was make himself his enemy... or his Mistress for that matter.
“Your ill-chosen words would prove that you did, but I have neither the time nor inclination to press the matter. Getting back to what you suggest, I would agree. Our survival is what's important.” Cassian paused, thinking of his options. “I'll tell you what, send a few of your men here. We'll give them copies of what we have. It may take a while as we're still preparing for what's coming. However, once we have the information together, we'll give it to your team and they can return to Washington D.C. That is all you'll get from me.”
“That is very generous, thank you, sir,” Jackson stated. “As for the human element of our concerns, this brings me to my second request, which is why I said I'll do my best to protect your city. I'm going to need another favor from you. The people who were in this room earlier are going to want some kind of agreement as well.”
“And that is?”
“Please allow the President to send a few soldiers there. It would appease the officials here... and secretly, they'll be instructed to follow your orders directly from the President. The government would want to make sure the balls not totally in your court, they need to know that what you've said is real... that you're willing to work with them and save humanity.”
“You have Maj. Garrett as proof to that effect,” Cassian reminded.
“I would have a few more. Surely, you can understand a person in my position's concerns? Both the President and I simply can't take your word for it, even though personally, I know we have an understanding. Being a very public figure with the President of America as my human, I have to placate, if you will. As far as they are concerned, we have no idea who you are and if you actually pose a threat. You mentioned Maj. Garrett, but as far as I know, he is there under duress. If you agree to the President's team being able to work with you, it will help us convince the others to hold off actions against your compound. Like I said, I can't hypnotize everyone and that is all that I can offer you if you wish to avoid a war,” Jackson said.
Cassian smirked. He had to admit, Jackson was playing it very smart. Adaline chose wisely indeed for her lieutenants, at least with this one. “Send in your team, but understand my position. This team will only observe, there will be no extraction of any sort. If in the event that they become a danger to my compound, I will kill them... if they become a necessity...well, you understand.”
“Consider them our gift to you then, for your city.”
“Nothing will be able to replace my city,” Cassian bit out.
“My apologies, sir. I know... it was all that we can offer to show our regret.”
“Very well. I'll do with these soldiers as I see fit, then.”
“In any case, we will require regular updates. For the sake of showmanship and all that.”
“Of course, you will be informed of progress as it happens. Now, are we done?” Cassian asked.
“Almost, I'm going to let the others back inside, if you and my human can play the part for a while longer... just to sell this that would be great.”
Cassian huffed and groaned. One thing he wasn't used to having to do was “placate” or “answer to” anyone. He was a Master vampire, damn it!
“Please,” Jackson pleaded. “For our sakes.”
Cassian sighed. “Oh, get on with it.”
“Thank you. Now I'm returning the telephone back to the President.”
Picking up right where they would have left off had he'd been negotiating with the President, Cassian began his speech. “This isn't an act of terror, but one of survival. However, if I get the suspicion that your team is trying to form an attack, I will neutralize them... is this clear?” He made sure his tone left little doubt to his threat.
“The ball is in your court, Cassian. However, if I receive a warning that you aren't being completely forthcoming, then I will have to neutralize you—regardless of what's at stake.”
“Don't be so quick to make that threat, Mr. President. You have no idea of the true gravity of what's at stake. I'll be expecting your team to arrive shortly.” Cassian said, then he ended the call.
“That was rather bold of you,” Maj. Garrett said. “And why were you talking to the Chief of Staff?”
“That doesn't concern you. We can't have you foolish humans destroying your only hope for survival, now can we?” Cassian shot back. He was pleased to know that he had secured the safety of their city.
“What are you?” Felicia asked, unable to hold her tongue or curiosity any longer. “You talk like you're something other than human.”
“I'm something far better than human. I'm a vampire,” Cassian said.
Felicia's initial reaction was to give in to her scientific brain and scoff at the notion, but with everything that she'd witness; the dead rising and killing. Men flying and using mental compulsion, she was going to take his word for it.
Cassian scoffed. “You don't want to believe it's true, but you can't deny it, either.”
Felicia flexed her fingers, opening her now sweaty palms. She was terrified, but at the same time, intrigued.
“Where are my men?” Maj. Garrett demanded. “Did you kill them?”
“And if I did, what would you do?” Cassian retorted. The audacity of humans never ceased to amaze him... as if they were worthy of their own sense of entitlement.
“Did you?” Maj. Garrett asked again with the same amount of assertiveness in his tone.
“No. Humans will no doubt be in short supply in the coming days. They are safe,” Cassian said.
“In some freaked out way, it's all starting to make sense,” Vincent said, cutting through the tension in the little office.
“What's starting to make sense?” Felicia asked.
“The base compound,” Vincent began.
“Explain,” Maj. Garrett said. He made sure to keep his eyes on Cassian as he listened to Vincent.
“You say you're a vampire, right?” Vincent directed his question to Cassian, who nodded. “What if the base compound we received came from a vampire?”
“Do you have a sample of this compound? I would be able to tell,” Cassian said.
Vincent shrugged one shoulder. “If you gathered all of the samples I asked you to gather from the lab, and if it wasn't destroyed, then yes.”
“There were some vials and bottles that had been destroyed. I gathered everything that was left,” Cassian said, with a quick nod.
Vincent frowned. “Then let us hope the base compound survived. Where is all of the research?”
“It will be in the location where you'll be working. Best to keep that separate from the rest of the humans, wouldn't you agree?” Cassian arched an eyebrow.
“It'd be safer in a high security lab,” Vincent countered.
Cassian laughed. “You think so?”
“You don't?” Vincent studied the vampire before him. A part of him wanted to rebel, tell him that it couldn't be true. That such creatures didn't exist and that the current state of affairs has a scientific and logical explanation that would have nothing to do with creatures from some CW or HBO TV series. However, facts were impossible to dismiss. Cassian had flown, ripped the heavy steel door off a helicopter, hypnotized them and they
had already witnessed his speed and strength when he was at SciTech Labs. What stood before him defied everything he thought to be true and it left him teetering on the very edge of sanity and mind-numbing fear. Well, to be completely honest, the mind-numbing fear, he was feeling quite acutely. It was a challenge for him not to piss his pants, although he had wanted to when Cassian entered the helicopter from out of nowhere. Had the vampire not captured him under his control so quickly, he might have embarrassed himself.
Cassian studied the human, reading his thoughts as they pinged around inside his brain. He gave them all credit for not arguing with him about the legitimacy of his vampiric claim. Besides, they would soon learn when night came, just how real he was.
“You ask me if you'd be safer inside a location such as the CDC?” Cassian posed the question.
Vincent nodded. “It has state of the art technology and access to an array of specimens and biological antibodies and antigens that would be at my disposal. Bringing us here has limited my resources drastically. You say you want to save us all, how can you by kidnapping us and forcing me to come up with a cure under these unstable and insufficient conditions?”
“You're a fool if you think the CDC facility would protect you from what's coming,” Cassian said, stubbornly ending any further conversation on the matter.
“Maybe you're just realizing you made a mistake,” Vincent shot back.
Cassian's laugh started low in his chest, until his lips parted; smiling and then it became more boisterous as if Vincent has just said the most hilarious joke.
“Did I say something funny?” Vincent asked, frowning as his agitation began to build.
“Apparently, you did, hence my reaction to your seemingly never-ending stupidity.” Cassian sighed and shook his head.
“Regardless of what you think of me, what I say is true,” Vincent protested.
“What part? That I made a mistake I'm not willing to admit, or that you think the CDC facility is a safer location?” Cassian cocked an eyebrow.
“Both,” Vincent boldly stated. He swallowed hard, Adam's apple visibly bobbing as the stern stare from Cassian began to unnerve him even more than he already was. Maybe arguing with a vampire wasn't the best idea.
The Dead War Series (Book 2): Desperate Times Page 6
