CHAPTER 13
We all made our way up to the garage, the team heading for the van, and Vector following me to Vlad. The doors slid down as we approached, making it easy to jump right in. Vector actually gripped the roof and swung himself into the passenger seat, a pleased smile upon his face. After I slid in, both of the doors rolled up and closed. I started with introductions.
“Vlad, meet Vector. He’s from Team Eleven and he’ll be joining us for a bit.”
“Greetings, Vector, a pleasure to meet you,” Vlad said.
Vlad’s voice sounds very young, almost childlike. I find I don’t think about it much until he’s talking to other people. It has a different sort of feel in my head. But out loud, the fact that Vlad was a very young dragon becomes fairly clear.
“The pleasure is mine, I’ve read a lot about you,” Vector replied.
“Really? Am I famous already?” he asked.
“Hey, that was my line…and no, it was in my file, buddy.”
“That doesn’t make sense, boss, why would they keep a file on you? I’m far more interesting. It seems much more likely that a file on me might mention you,” Vlad stated.
“He has a point,” Vector agreed.
“Hey, hey, hey, how are you two already teaming up against me here?”
“Don’t get mad boss, many people are jealous of my fame. I won’t hold it against you.”
“Ha, ha.”
“I like him already,” Vector said.
“Thanks. I am the more lovable member of this duo,” Vlad stated.
“Right. Can we come back to reality now?”
“Don’t get mad boss. We both know that Erika spent the night just to be closer to me.”
“Really!? You just met him and already we’re airing my personal life?”
“No sweat, BD, it’s pretty obvious,” Vector smiled.
“No, it’s not obvious because nothing happened. A friend was having a rough time and I was simply there for her…as a friend.”
“Oh, so she just crashed at your place last night, as a friend?” Vlad asked, his voice feigning innocence.
“Exactly.”
“Then why did she sleep in your bed, boss?”
“Dammit, Vlad, not helping.”
“He’s helping paint a more complete picture,” Vector said.
“You want pictures?” Vlad asked.
“That better be a joke!”
I guess my response was a bit more serious than I intended because Vector and Vlad started cracking up laughing. After a bit I couldn’t help but be sucked into the chuckle fest. Once things calmed down, I wanted to make sure that he was joking.
“So, for the record, you can’t do that right?”
“Of course not, boss,” Vlad said, in a voice that was far from convincing.
“Hey Vlad,” Vector interjected, “Before you start telling me embarrassing BD stories, any chance that we can talk a bit about you?”
“Of course, I’m intriguing. Ask away.”
“Your story is extremely interesting. Do you remember anything from before?” Vector asked.
“Bits and pieces. I get the occasional flash or glimpse, but everything really starts with the boss bringing me in here.”
“Fascinating. Were you instantly aware of your surroundings once you bonded with the car?”
“Not really,” Vlad started, “I sort of blacked out after it happened. It was almost a week before I was even strong enough to communicate with the boss.”
“I assumed that I had failed in getting him here in time.”
“Luckily you hadn’t,” Vlad responded.
“Yeah, lucky.”
Vector smiled at our banter before speaking up, “So, after you became aware of yourself in the car, what happened?”
“It was weird. With almost no memory of my life before, I find it difficult to offer comparisons to my current state. But, I felt emptier at first. Like I was barely part of the car, as if I could drift away at any moment. As time passed, I became more and more comfortable. Now, it feels like I belong here. I’m comfy in my skin, as it were.”
“Are you able to free yourself?” Vector asked.
“Nope!” Vlad shot back.
I couldn’t help but sigh and shake my head when Vector asked the question. I knew Vlad and this conversation never goes where one wants it to go.
“Don’t bother, he gets like this whenever I talk about freeing him. He’s stubborn that way.”
Vector raised an eyebrow at me, trying to understand. I was about to explain when Vlad spoke up.
“Someone’s gotta watch out for the boss. You just met the guy and even you can tell that he’s a danger magnet.”
“Hey!”
“You’re right Vlad,” Vector smiled, “I can totally see that. But I’m sure I can come up with some more comfortable accommodations if you like. I know some people…” Vlad cut Vector off.
“Not a chance. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Vlad stated.
“I’m telling you, he gets silly about this.”
“So he does,” Vector nodded, “Do you believe that there is some obligation because BD saved your life?”
“Dragons have responsibilities, and I am well aware of mine. That’s all you need to know,” he said.
“I’m telling you, he’s frustrating when he’s like this. I made it very clear, he doesn’t owe me anything.”
Vector interlaced his fingers, resting his indexes against his chin as he thought, “But you said you don’t remember much from before. How can you have responsibilities?”
“A dragon understands his duty, and that’s all that I have to say on the matter.”
“Vlad just said duty.”
Vector glanced my way and Vlad started laughing. I just smiled and shrugged. What can I say? Acting like mature adults wasn’t really the way that Vlad and I rolled. But, I figured I could still do my best to spare Vector from this pointless argument.
“I’ve had this very same discussion with Vlad more times than I can count. I feel horrible that he’s stuck in my car and is basically alone. But no matter how hard I try, or what argument I use, he claims that he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. Heck, I even offered to let him run free, away from me, enjoying the open roads. He says he wants to be by my side, and that I’m not allowed to get another car or else.”
“Or else?” Vector questioned.
“Oh, Vlad’s the jealous type. He told me flat out he’d destroy any other vehicle that I tried to use instead of him.”
Vlad just started laughing like some cartoon supervillain.
I shrugged, “What are you gonna do?”
Vector nodded, “Apparently, you’re gonna drive a dragon.”
“I normally let him do most of the driving. Makes him happy. Right, pal?”
“Right, boss. Speaking of which.”
The team van was pulling out of the parking lot and Vlad started to follow. In accordance with my happy dragon protocols, I let him drive. It would make it easier to have a conversation with Vector anyway. Even in DC traffic, this drive shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes. Vlad pulled out of the garage, took a left on Fifteenth Street and then another left onto Constitution Avenue. Before I could start talking with Vector, however, he had a bit more to say to Vlad.
“Well, I shall respect your wishes in this matter. However, should you ever want to reassess your position or maybe even talk to others like you, just give me a call.”
I wasn’t about to let that one go, “Wait. You know dragons?”
Vector shrugged, “I know a dragon. Not a big deal.”
“Awww,” Vlad whined, “I’m not the first dragon you’ve ever met?”
“Sorry my friend, you are not.”
“I ask again, you know a dragon?”
“I do,” Vector replied, “She’s quite fond of napping under the Palace of Westminster.”
“We do love to nap,” Vlad said.
“Apparently the so
und of Big Ben is quite soothing. Although you’d never know it above ground, the harmonics resonate through the tunnels under the Palace and turn the chimes into a very pleasant hum.”
“Okay. So, why do you know a dragon?”
“Like you, I’m lucky in the friends I keep,” Vector winked.
“He’s right, boss, you’re totally lucky to have me in your life,” Vlad replied.
“Oh, I’m totally something all right.”
Again Vector just smiled and shook his head at us. I couldn’t help but wonder a bit more about dragons. I mean, if they really are huge lizards that breathe fire, it would seem very unlikely that they could completely hide from the public. If they were around, I did like the idea of Vlad being able to make friends or talk with his fellow dragons. Heck, maybe it would even convince him to free himself from the car. But, that seemed like a longshot at best. He was way to happy and content right where he was. I met Vector’s eyes before I started speaking again because I wanted to make sure he wasn’t just messing with us.
“So, are there really a bunch of dragons running around?”
Vector looked like he wanted to make a joke, but then he paused, glanced at Vlad’s dash, and seemed to reconsider, “No, there aren’t a bunch. Sadly, I don’t think that there are many dragons left. But, of those that remain, a few live in our world.”
“Like your friend under the clock?”
“Belle, her name is Belle. And yes, I do see the humor in that,” he smiled.
“You said there are a few living in our world?”
“That we know of, yes. There are a pair in China, one in Japan, and of course, there’s Benton in Chicago.”
“There’s a dragon in Chicago?”
“Oh yes. He lives under the city,” Vector said.
“Boss, we should totally take a road trip.”
“Sounds like a vacation plan to me, pal.”
“While I doubt either of you would heed my warning, I would suggest caution. Benton is a very old, very large, and very powerful red dragon. Few have ever gotten an audience and lived to talk about it,” Vector warned.
“Right, but who wouldn’t love us?”
“You tell him, boss,” Vlad agreed.
“Just making it clear that you should approach with caution. I’m sure Team Five could give you more information on him if you want,” Vector said.
“We might just give them a call. Now, why don’t you share the story of how you met Belle?”
“I’m not sure there’s really that much to tell, but okay,” Vector agreed.
“Yay, dragon stories,” Vlad cheered.
We all had a brief chuckle before Vector continued, “It was one of my first cases with Team Eleven. Some goblin teenagers decided they wanted to make a name for themselves and screw around with the mechanism that controls the clock bells. As I said, Belle is a big fan of those bells, so she wasn’t happy about it. She put in an anonymous call to the GHOSTs and we headed out. While I was running through the tunnels under the Palace, I almost bumped right into her. Due to her large size, she is limited on the tunnels that she can use. I was taking a shortcut to intercept the goblins and I ran right up and over her nose. It wasn’t until I was springing through the air that I even realized there was a dragon under me. So, I hollered a ‘pardon me’ in her direction and continued on my way. After we stopped the goblins, I let the team take them into custody, while I headed back down into the tunnels. She wasn’t in the same place, but eventually I ran across her. She was waiting for me actually. Wanted to thank me personally for saving the chimes. After that, we just sort of became friends. I visit her a few times a month and we play…well, it started off as chess. I’m not sure you’d recognize it anymore. We sort of upped the difficulty level a bit, to keep things interesting.”
“Wow. What’s she like?” Vlad asked.
“She’s beautiful. Even in dim lighting her white scales shimmer like pearls. She’s young for a dragon, a few centuries maybe, so the horns on her head are short and rounded. Her eyes are twilight blue and her enormous mouth is almost always turned up in a smile. Of all the things that you notice about her, giant wings folded over her back, huge talons at the ends of her hands, and a tail that seems to stretch on forever, it’s her smile that you remember most. She really is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Her positivity is only matched by her brilliance.”
“She sounds amazing,” Vlad sighed.
“Most dragons are,” Vector replied.
“Please don’t encourage him.”
Vector shrugged and Vlad snickered. We passed the Capital and the Supreme Court and then Vlad turned right onto 2nd Street. Down two blocks and we made a left onto East Capital Street, continuing towards the stadium. I figured it was time to talk a bit about our plan.
“Well, as much as I’m sure Vlad would love for our entire day to be dragon talk, we probably should discuss the meeting.”
“Awwww,” Vlad whined.
“Sorry pal. Another time. So, I assume you’ve had previous dealings with lycans?”
“I’ve had my share. Is there something in particular that you want to know?” Vector replied.
“Not really, just wanted to make sure this wasn’t your first rodeo. These things move fast. Be ready to move when I do.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. Although, if the wolves get out of hand during the meeting, I don’t think we’ll have to do much other than watch. It sounds like The Circle is pretty good at dealing with these issues.”
“I’m more worried about before and after the meeting. If the shit hits the fan, be ready to follow my lead.”
“Okay,” Vector raised an eyebrow, “Is this because I’m the new guy or did I give you some reason to believe that I might pause when the fight starts?” Vector asked.
“Honestly, you’re not the one I’m worried about. You’ve met ‘em. They’re a good bunch, but when things get dangerous…let’s just say that we’re probably going to be on our own.”
“You don’t think very highly of your team, huh?”
“They just have a lot to learn about combat. Freddy means well, but he has no idea how to handle a crisis. Kara is smart, and she’ll do what she can, but as you know, her spells take a bit of time to get running. Danny really wants to prove himself to me, which almost guarantees that he’s going to do something stupid. Which leaves Erika. She’s the best of the bunch, but there is a lot going on now. As you know, she’s a shifter. So, whatever is in the air messing with the lycans is also messing with her. I’m worried she won’t quite be herself today. Hopefully I’m wrong.”
“Fair enough,” he nodded.
Vlad took a right, a quick left, another left, and a quick right as he made his way around Lincoln Park. We were almost there. But I had said what I really wanted to say in private. My team’s confidence didn’t need to be shaken anymore by my thoughts on their current combat capabilities.
“I’m sure it goes without saying that I’d appreciate it if this stays between us.”
Vector nodded, “Of course. I understand. Your team is even more inexperienced than most starting GHOST Teams. You shouldn’t feel bad about being cautious.”
“I don’t. Keeping them alive is my job. But since you brought it up, any idea why they’re so green?”
“Politics at its best. Your country sort of forced the issue about getting another team. If I had to guess, I’d say there was a bit of spite during its creation.”
“Sadly, that makes way too much sense.”
“But don’t give up hope. They wouldn’t have even made it this far unless they could do the job. They might be green, but that doesn’t mean they’re useless,” Vector stated.
“Now you sound like Dutton.”
“He’s a pretty smart guy.”
“He does seem to know his stuff.”
“I would hope so. He was a Knight of Team Five,” Vector said.
“What? Seriously?”
“Yup. I’ve heard some
stories.”
“When we have more time, I’d love to hear a few of those stories. In the meantime, we’re here.”
Vlad turned right in front of the stadium and looped around and into the back parking lot. The stadium was old and it looked it. There were a few banners on its sides advertising DC United, the major league soccer team. But aside from that rare splash of color, the stadium itself was white and grey and fairly unremarkable looking. The paint was faded and chipped, falling off in various spots around the edges. The sides were covered in long, white, wooden slats, which reminded me of bars and gave the whole thing the appearance of a giant prison. There were a few cars in the parking lot, but none of them stuck out as unusual. Most likely stadium workers doing whatever it is they do when there isn’t a game in town.
Pulling around the back, there was a tunnel entrance that led right into the stadium and onto the field. It’s how they used to get the tractor-trailer in back when the Diesel was rushing for the Skins. There was a short stocky guy standing next to his white pickup truck, waving us into the tunnel. Vlad headed in first, with the team van right behind us. There was plenty of space off of the tunnel to park as we weren’t heading onto the field. But, by bringing our vehicles inside, we could avoid the view of the public. As I said, Vlad and the team van are not built for stealth. Vlad backed into the end space, putting us in position to leave fast and first if needed, and the hum of his engine powered down. I was about to get out when Vector stopped me.
“Oh, one last thing before we head out?” Vector said.
“Yeah?”
“What’s the story with you and Erika?”
“Shut up.”
Vlad immediately started laughing and Vector joined in. I waited a bit to let them finish before I got out of the car. I didn’t want the team hearing the commotion and asking what was so funny. So once they quieted down, Vlad opened his doors and we jumped out. I patted Vlad on the hood as I made my way over to the team van.
“Okay pal, keep an eye on things up here. We’ll be back soon.”
“Will do, boss.”
The team fell in step behind me and we all headed further down into the side tunnel.
G.H.O.S.T. Teams (Book 2) Shifters Page 12
