2515: Colonel Cary and the Dancing Jackal

The seedy strip club known as the Dancing Jackal was located at Sun and Ventra ways, C. Thankfully for Nikkitta, a vampire assiagned to infiltrate the place and gather information there, it didn't open until after sun down, and it's crime organization clientele seemed to think the strippers there devoid of possible fault. So she stripped in the dark and often crowded nightclub, learning names and doing her best not to illicit the Dresden Boy's attention. The Dresden Boys, of course, were the syndicate that laid claim to the club, making deals in dark corners and disappearing people just outside.

It was not her favorite mission, and the man that had sent her there was under just as much scrutiny as the club itself. Shell steen, Nikkitta's boss and mentor, had seen to it. Now Nikitta waited. She worked when she was supposed to, trained when she was free, and did everything possible to avoid her former life, the Nikkitta that had eaten food, the people she had known when she was alive. It was a life devoid of mindless amusement, and this was fine by her. She cared only to advance, to rise above the ranks of peons, and to one day leave the life of Sewer City, and sleeping in the crowded undergrounds. Recently, she had gotten disturbing news from Shell. If something wasn't found soon, Nikkitta herself was expected to seduce the Colonel Cary, who was oddly enough a regular at the dancing Jackal. It made her stomach turn to think about, and she tried not think about it as she climbed down into the green and blue glowing water that filled the sewer. It's bioluminecence created plenty of light for her vampiric eyes to see with, and gracefully, she inverted herself, slipping her feet into ankle irons and straightening upside down in the clean water she was now immersed in. She wore only her small black bikini, and her long braided hair swayed to and fro as others entered the water down the line, doing as she did, and preparing for another long day. B chance, Chen was next to her once more, a few yards to her right, and as she closed her eyes in the water, she held back a laugh that would cause her to choke and sputter. He was fully dressed. Again.

( I don't know what to post so continue )

Colonel Cary lived on the top floor of the Firestone building, in a lavish penthouse that was of a size to rival Shell's Town home. His place was elegant but coldly austere, and as he dressed and shaved, news waves blasted from another room. He dressed in plain clothes, for today was his day off. Large, holographic glasses hid much of his face and his clothes were dirtier and more worn than his station normally called for.

Stopping by his electronic sliding door, he slipped on a large trench coat that hid his clothes and the bulge in his pockets, which were filled with cards loaded with platinum credits. He left the building as inconspicuously as possible, and drove to the rendezvous with Troy, which was on the parking lot roof of the building that housed the Dancing Jackal, many floors below. He lurked in the shadows of pillars and other flycars, waiting for Troy to arrive.

When he did, the other man was dressed in his usual attire, a green flashy jacket and light brown pants. He smacked of sleaze, and the bubble gum he chewed only added to the affect. His hair was greased, and hung around his temples in black medium length locks. He flashed the Colonel an asinine grin, and called out to them Alliance official, provoking a cringe.

" Troy!" he hissed in reply. "Yr going to jam us up with that mouth of yrs. Have yu got it?" He asked in a very low voice, as he approached and stood next to the drops dealer.

"Yeah I got it. I always got it, don't I? Ain't no supplier in the 'Verse more reliable, Colonel." Troy produced a large envelope from his nearby fly car, and handed it to Cary. "But yu know this isn't going to last. Not unless yu fix my problem. Any word on who it is yet?"

"I got someone looking into it" Cary replied calmly, handing over a stack of platinum cards and tucking the package under his jacket flap. "Yu'll know when I do. But there's only so much I can do without attracting the wrong type of notice. Yu remember that. Yu tell that boss of yrs to breathe easy till I find the bastard, cause until then, there's nothing he can do." He gave the club owner a malicious grin.

Troy scowled. "I'll tell him yu said that. But the Dresden Boys'll break yr neck, comrade, if yu betray us. Fail us in this endeavor, and we'll find plenty to do to yu. Boss is going to kill someone for this, and it ain't going to be me." And without waiting for a reply, he left, hefting his cards and walking away, towards the building's nearest entrance.

Cary grimaced. He knew already that someone would pay if the Dancing Jackal's problem wasn't fixed in time. He had gotten himself involved with one of the most violent crime orgs on Persephone, and he knew all to well the consequences for upsetting those kinds of people. He turned and headed for his car, ready to get back home, get high, and forget his troubles for a brief while. He would go home, call an escort service, and have some fun on his day off, maybe his last day off ever. The pressure was building, and he needed to let off some steam. He tore into his bag as he drove, and the familiar sight of small yellow objects wrapped in cellophane greeted him. He smiled, a nasty fiendish smile.

"Ares!" said a man as the red haired demon walked through the ship bay onto the captains deck. " Did you find him?"

"Indeed, but he's in worse shape then we imagined. He doesn't care about the world anymore and is living his life as a mindless dog." Ares spoke harshly of his King. Although it was Krimson's choice to leave.

"Everyone has their own way of dealing with things you know." He spoke thinking about the past when Krimson threw down his Katana and walked out on his people. It was a sad day for the World of Finsternis. Their King, who had defended his people for centuries leaving to the stars never to return. The world was turned upside down, invasion of Alliance rule took over, and civil war broke out. A fleet of ships left Finsternis to find it's King and persuade him to eliminate Alliance rule and take back what is there.

(Flashback)
"Lord Krimson!" A demon dressed in old mid evil armor with a side arm, and a sword on his back chased Krimson down a hallway. Krimson stopped and looked back at the man and glared.

"Stay away from me!" Krimson shouted in anger he threw his crown off his head and then his Katana. Moving to the back of the castle he walked to his ship. The Royal Ship Finsternis was the pride and joy of the Finsternian world. The demon chased him to the bay doors.

"Father please, reconsider!" the man watched as Krimson walked away and the bay doors closed behind him. Shielding his face with his arms as the ship began to take flight. The lonely demon watched as green beauty flew into the sky and vanished.
--------

"No one knows why he left the day my mother died." as the man said that Ares looked away knowing full well why. He was there the day Liriel had been slain, and the day Lucy left him, he watched as they left earth and made their home on a dark planet, he married a demon as it was intended and then she died protecting him during war. He knew all of Krimson's pains.

"Lord Damien, I will try to convince the King once more." He said looking at the silver haired demon who resembled the late Prince Damien who Krimson had no choice but to slay. With that said Ares left.

Cary popped two of the lemon flavored drops onto his mouth, letting the chemically taste be absorbed into his body. Soon he had women dancing attendance on him, and all his vices sated.

***

Nikkitta began to make real progress with learning about the club's patron. Two fellows in particular seemed to stand out to her the most. One, a man by Grey Summers, wall tall and handsomely athletic. He had a crooked smile and a way with words. To Nikkitta, he seemed out of place, and inauthentic. She caught him trying to dumb down his language, to appear slower than he was, and he seemed forever interested in making money, never content to get drunk or blow cash like most of the Dresden Boy's after a payday. He was driven, too driven, she thought. The second fellow was quiet, always in the corner, always watching. She had never heard him speak, for when he did it was always too low to make out. Another, burly fellow often spoke for him, but why she could not fathom. He was older, stocky and had an air of authority that one often found in Aliiance patrolmen, or criminal masterminds.

Her briefing had lacked a crucial element. She had not been told what she was looking for. Still, she felt the answer had to lay with at least one of these two men, and she would tell Shell as much the next time she saw her, which was schedualed to be the next evening. But she needed to know what Cary's game was, and there had been nothing from Nightmare. She hoped he made progress, and soon.

Nightmare had been on Cary's tail ever since he left his home. The best thing of his race they could shadow step or meld into shadows. He ran quickly behind Cary's vehicle as he made his way down to the rendezvous point. He descended down following the man landing he moved over to a pillar and basically plastered himself to it.

Placing a camera on the edge of the pillar, he shadow stepped making no noise he placed another. Finally he placed a third one above him. The most noise he made was the sound of a rat squeaking. He watched as his contact came, he shadow stepped away from them and opened his control panel and watched the transaction take place. He recorded this footage and everything that was said. Watching the man known as Troy leave he watched Cary closely. Watching the man look his direction all he did was flash his eyes at him within the darkness and he was gone. Next was to find Nikkita.

Walking through the streets he watched as people whispered things about him. He didn't care he had grown used to their criticism. He figured the best place to find her would be to wait outside the sewers for her. He made his way over to that area and saw a few vampires outside taking watch. He stayed around the corner of the entrance and waited patiently.

Nikkitta rose and toweled off quickly. She was to see Shell before work, and she was grateful that she had at least something to report. She dressed in tall gray leather boots, a short tank op and a short leather jacket above her shorts. Her hair she combed and braided, her fingers deftly working the pale light of blue and green orbs. She fastened her weapons on, and made her way down the hall. She must have risen late, a consequence of forgetting to feed before repose. The others were gone as she climbed the metal ladder, and she waved the gaurds, who were impatient to go, away. She made her way to the street, her soft brown eyes dull. She would not bother to go home first. She would go strait to Shell's

He had watched the others and still stared at the entrance. He knew she had to come out sooner or later. His tracking locater was off line so this area was safe for a while. Finally he saw her head peaking out of the manhole cover and he gently tossed the container holding the precious data inside for her. He still wasn't sure why he was doing this for them, maybe it was because they were lesser demons, something just like him.

Suddenly a container came flying towards Nikkitta , at a speed that caught her off guard and from a nook that was dark and had escaped her notice. Maybe Nightmare was as good as he claimed. She could not wait to see what was on the record, and even Shell automatically took a back seat. She took the recording into her backpack, slung over one shoulder, and made her way to her nearest hideout, the old apartment that was so tiny and crowded, that could not accommodate a coffin under any terms. She watche dwhat was on it, and was impressed. This was what she needed, exactly. She grinned to herself, and shot up a gram or two of blood. She longed to be free of this vice, and once or twice fantasized that Nightmare would be the key, the thing, to set her free, but she was not one to reach for fairy tales and she knew better than to hope for privilege beyond her own duty.

Time had gone by, and she had reconciled her attraction to the strange man with the things she needed done. She thanked her lucky stars that he had not made a move on her, allowing her to keep the distance needed.

Reitis would scoff, and really she would too, but something about this mercenary set her off, his cold indifference awakening feeling of sympathy that she had never before felt. She hated these feelings, and suppressed them at every turn. Also, the mercenary was coy, arrogant and bullish, things Nikkitta had no patience for. Still, she was not one for romance, and this, this infatuation with a distant figure egged her on, motivated her without any need for consummation. She imagined his thoughts, however dangerous and dark. She loved it, with all her cold interest, and found such a creature fascinating. Beyond that, she was impressed. He had tailed her and had known so much about all of them, almost by default. it was amazing, at the very least.


Still, he was not being paid, and would not be rewarded until he actually contributed. Nikkitta pushed her erotic thoughts away, and focused on what she really needed: Results and secrets. What were Carry's vices? Why did he care what happened to the Jackal?

She took a deep breath, and kept walking wondering if Nightmare was going to follow.

Unlike all the other times when he walked out in the light letting his Alliance Mercenary badge show now he wore a cloak over his armor and his face to keep his identity a secret while they walked. The last thing he needed was to be cought by some Alliance dog and taken in for questioning. This way if someone were to say something to him he could run and not be traced.

Following her to the small space he watched her play back the log and kept a look out for anyone that did or could have followed them. He longed for the day he could rid himself of the armor he confined his body in and live freely once more. The only bad part of that fact was the Alliance had all abnormal or high powered beings in labs testing on how to use their powers. If he were to reveal himself for a set period of time the Alliance could trace him at any hideout Shell had. The only way to keep that from happening he would have to give Shell a piece of his sealing technology so she could hopefully create him a place to stay.

He doubted the mercenary guild would allow him to stay in his apartment knowing he worked for a vampire crime syndicate. Then again it was a job, whoever payed the most was all he really cared about.

"Well how is the Data?" He asked following her to what he assumed was shells hideout. He didn't worry about being disarmed. Although he didn't know how her boss would take a 6'7" man wearing a dark cloak following her into the hideout would go.

They now stood in Shell's doorway, the darkend shadows of the luxurious townhouse, Nikkitta had reviewed the data while walking and now turned to Nightmare, a slight smile splayed on her lips.

"Informative. I think it may be just what we need. I see yu've found me, once again. Yu've taken the time to follow me all the way here. Did yu wish admittance? Shell would insist yu feed, of course. It is a matter of tradition, of trust. I'm not sure yr up to it, given yr condition...." She let her words trail off, even as she scanned the few passerbys. Money afforded privacy, and Shell's street was a fairly desolate one, compared to the burgeoning avenues of the rest of the city. Her eyes then trained on his, looking for clues to his thoughts.

Hearing the words feed he looked away for a moment. "I haven't fed in 12000 years." He finally gave away part of his age. He was old, he was considered an Elder of his species. Not wanting to enter he compelled himself to step forward towards the door. If he fed there would be no restricting his power. He was weak from lack of blood consumption, stronger then your average human on this space port, but not as strong as a full blown vampire. His days of surpassing and being able to control the lesser demons were at there end.

"Explain my condition to her I will, if she still insists I will have to leave. I would at least like her to know what I am." His eyes flashed red down to her. He could tell she was different from the first day he held the gun to her face.

Nikkitta buzzed the doorbell, and soon a soft electronic clicking could be heard, along with the sigh of pressurized air. The door slid to the side, disappearing into the wall beside it, and reaveling a rich and warmly decorated interior. Nikkitta walked forward, and once more Shel was no where insight, but this time, she did not draw her weapon. She rounded a corner and there Shell stood, her long brown hair pinnedup, her thin lips painted a bright red. She wore a dark green dress without sleeves, simple and yet reserved. Shell looked to Nikkitta for answers, and her lips pursed with the inconvenience of it.


"This is our newest associate" Nikkitta explained. "Nightmare has brought us the information we need on cary. And I have the information that Cary was looking for."

"Is that so?" Shell asked.

He stood there watching Shell he finally got to see the notorious mastermind in person. Feeling no need to hide himself from them, he took his good down letting his black hair spill out around his eyes. His green orbs looked at Shell as if he was trying to stare into her Soul.

"Thats not exactly correct, Miss Nikkita." He spoke softly, " My name is Krimson Shadowheart, proud decedent of a long race of demons who live several star systems away." He looked at Nikkita for a moment. " I figured its only polite to give my full name, however I would prefer to be called Nightmare." Upon removing his cloak Shell could see his Alliance emblem and his glowing runic armor.

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Shell and Nikkita both new of his former employer, and so the glowing emblem came as no surpise. Nikkita, though, could not help but blink at the reveal of his full name, and it's implications.

Shell smiled smartly, and her hands flew to a nearby object, which revealed from it's black velvet cover, turned out to be champagne and iced flutes.

"A toast then. To our new Nightmare, one we are very glad to have." She offered, handing Nikkitta a full glass and offering one to Krimson. "Does he...." She gave Nikkitta and questioning look, and Nikkitta hesitated.

'He does, but it creates complications when he does."

"Ah I see." Shell responded, looking the man up and down with new interest.

Eyeing the both of them when the champaign came out. He took a glass and kept it in his grasp firmly. He wasn't sure of this Shell woman, sure this was mainly his idea. However it didn't change the fact he felt somewhat uneasy. Seeing Shell ask something, he figured it was if he drank blood.

Sure, maybe several thousands of years ago. He feared consuming the substance. His power would increase to the point that no technical advanced machine could repel its magnitude. Over the years he developed a resistant to the urges compelling him to feed.

After the toast Nikkitta relayed the newest information to Shell, who seemed pleased.

"I know there's more to this than Cary's corruption, Shell. I beleive there to be an Alliance operative undercover in the Dresden boy's operation. I think he ought to be neutralized, to protect both our own and Cary's interests." Nikkitta offered.

"And yu nightmare, what do yu think?" Shell asked, making Nikitta angry. After all this was her case! She had been the one working undercover for six hours a night. She had been the one relocated.

He had been thinking about Cary for some time. Looking to Nikkitta suddenly, when she spoke of bringing in the boy. That wouldn't be a very good move. Cary would know someone was up to something if his contact was captured right after their little meeting. Bringing the boy in is necessary, however to soon may rise suspicion.

Hearing his name called he turned to look at Shell. " I'm not really sure what Cary is up to, however killing the Dresden boy right after their one only meeting. Perhaps it would be best to keep him alive for now to unravel the entire story. " That would be the best plan, killing someone with little info such as what they gave them would be pointless.

"I'm not talking about taking down a drug dealer. We need Cary to keep his job or else we'll be doing this all over. But while yu were dealing with Cary I was learning the club. I'm telling yu, there's a undercover alliance agent there, and that can't be good for Cary's career. It might ev en be what he's looking for."

Nikkitta left the meeting blissfully well fed. Between what Nightmare had given her, and her meetings with Shell, she had not touched blood lust in days. But it still hadn't been enough to get the bad taste out of her mouth. Nightmare had argued, but the agent need to be eliminated.

Nikkitta pulled her long coat tighter against her as she walked. It had started to rain and she was in a crowd of ponchos that glittered and sang, some giving off jingles or popular songs. Hundreds of people walked with her as the rain ran down her neck, matting her hair to her pale face. She turned her head upward, and let the cool, refreshing drops hit her lips, her tongue. She turned with the crowd, again and again, the numbers never letting up, the building always towering high above them, edifices of plastic and polyurethane. Eventually she arrived at her old, her real, apartment building, and it was here that the throng thinned. She stepped away from the flow of foot traffic, and ran up the steps to her building, ignoring the strange look from the low rent door man, and brushing past him to get inside. Up on her floor, her old identacard opened her gray utilitarian door, stenciled with unit and section, with a soft swish, revealing the closet sized space within. She went to the drawer below the lower bunk to her left, pulled it open.

There were guns. And ammo, lots of ammo. She would be missing work tomorrow. In fact, she didn't think she dance there ever again.