Synopsis of Episode 9... Neil and Taryn get married, but Neil tells Taryn not to speak to any inmate of IG1, Linden warns Serena about Venolan when she starts her Receptionists job. The Gang fly out to English mansion to safety.
Episode 10...A Warm Welcome......By M. Murray
ENGLAND: The mood in the coach lifted considerably as it sailed through the countryside. Hesitant smiles returned to the faces of the animals and the two girls as they viewed the greenery, a large contrast to the desolation of the capital. Most of them were still jetlagged, and would suffer the effects for a few more days. London felt anxiousfor he had a Negress lover who he had saved from a life of brutal slavery, and he looked forward to re-uniting with her. Consternation crossed his face as he listened to the message on his mobile phone, that hers was "switched off, or not in a mobile service area. Please try again later..." The coach swung from the main road into a roadway behind two massive Victorian gates. The gates opened inward allowing the coach access. The driveway was a mile long and lined with trees, so that it almost resembled a forest. Oohs and aaahs were heard throughout the coach.
Sydenham spoke through the coaches microphone "Beautiful, isn't it folks?"
"Yeah", came the reply in unison. Newcastle and Hurstville monitored the grounds by way of closed circuit television camera's from within the mansion. The coach came into view of one of these cameras strategically placed within the growth of trees lining the driveway. Hurstville picked up an internal phone and dialled the living room where Edgecliff sat. The two female cats, Shang and Xu lounged at his feet.
Edgecliff spoke briefly to Hurstville then stood up "Our newest residents have arrived, my pretties. Come and let us welcome them", the man extended his hands to both cats who accepted them. Flanked by Shang and Xu Edgecliff proceeded to the front door and waited expectantly for The Gang to arrive. The vehicle approached the front of the mansion, slowing down and eventually coming to a smooth halt. The newest residents of this splendid mansion were fairly content, but exhausted from the long journey from Australia. The coach door opened and the first of the protectorates came filing out. No-one noticed London make a hasty dash to the triple garage to where several sports-cars were housed. Minutes later a black porsche sped down the drive-way to the exit of the mansion. The Gang were much relieved to get out of the coach and stretch their legs.
Edgecliff: "Hello and welcome to you all. My name is Edgecliff and I'd like to introduce Shang and Xu", he indicated each cat respectively; Shang on his left, Xu on his right. The two Preternatural Siamese were smiling mischeviously, but benelovently. All of the newest animals smiled back in turn.
Edgecliff: "Shang and Xu are going to give you a brief tour of your new home and show you to your rooms. You can refresh yourselves and rest for a while, until dinnertime when you will meet the other gentlemen", he extended his arm towards the group to where Sydenham and Heathrow stood "you've already met Heathrow and Sydenham here. Nice chaps aren't they?"
"Uh huh", came an agreeing murmur.
Edgecliff studied the group before him intently. He couldn't help but detect a certain degree of tension and sorrow over leaving such a beautiful country as Australia. "Well then, my children, I will hand you all over to the capable hands of Shang and Xu, and I look forward to getting to know you tonight!" He disappeared inside leaving the two Siamese hostesses with the new arrivals. The females approached the group of sixteen still smiling at them, and began the tour, starting with the outside grounds.
AUSTRALIA: The Australian Government was thrown into chaos within twenty-four hours. A military coup occured and this magnificent island continent was turned into a dictatorship and would get much worse. Every government department was affected to some extent and this included Corrective/Protective Services. The New Government intended for all Prisons, including the Island Groups to be holding stations for prisoners of conscience. Taryn Luxmoore looked on desolately as her husband packed an overnight bag to attend a meeting on the mainland with the powers that be.
Taryn: "I don't want you to go, Neil"
Neil: "I've no choice in the matter"
Taryn was trying valiantly to stem the tears that threatened to flow. Both of them knew what this meeting was and who called for it. It had been on the news last night and reports were still coming in. Furtively she rose and approached him. Placing a hand on his arm, Taryn pressed herself into his back.
Taryn: "Let me come with you", she pleaded.
Neil: (not pausing from his task of packing) "That's out of the question", turning to face her, his face softened "I can't take you with me, Taryn. Besides I'll only be gone a couple of days", smiling Luxmoore tweaked her nose affectionately.
Taryn sat down on the double-bed silently and watched as he packed. He wore a Prison Officers Uniform, but this uniform was black, with a white shirt, black tie, and there was a five-strip insignia on his shoulder lapel denoting his rank with the Department. A holster with an automatic handgun also lay on the bed; deftly Luxmoore scooped it up and placed the weapon into his briefcase. A laptop comouter was also at his disposal, but Luxmoore declined it on this occasion, electing to take one piece of overnight luggage and a briefcase. This meeting was to take place early tomorrow on the 14th March, and all attendees were required to be at the venue overnight. In the interim, IG1 was to be overseen by Terry Walters who fortunately was on the island, leaving Neil Luxmoore plenty of time to depart.
Neil: "I'll phone you when I get to the hotel", he stood looking down at her holding his briefcase and overnight luggage "I meant what I said about your former friends, sweetheart. Do not talk to them. Now, I'd like to be reminded of what I won't have the pleasure of seeing over the next few nights; open your robe!"
Taryn's heartbeat increased at this demand, and she was overcome with desire. She lay on the bed, and proceeded to slowly, and provocatively disrobe, her head skywards, until her breasts were exposed. Taryn inclined her head so she faced her husband. There was a smile on his face and he laughed. It was a laugh full of lust.
"Yes, ooh yes! I am going to miss you, my darling.", Taking one step closer to the bed, he dropped to one knee and caressed her right breast with one hand.
Neil: "Adios!", his mouth clamped down on her nipple and he ran his tongue around it. He withdrew suddenly, "you sure know how to relax a man!"
Taryn sat up quickly with the kimono robe still open "Bye, Neil, I'll miss you too"
Neil: "Well, Terry has to be de-briefed and then I'll be off", he said this with such a casual air that excited Taryn even more. She knew her body was sensational and she felt absolutely wanton around her husband.
Taryn: (in a silky voice)"I'll be waiting for you, and so will this", what she did then made Neil Luxmoore laugh out loud. He had the urge to put a pair of black gloves on and do the most deliciously outrageous things to her. Both Taryn and Neil were back to reality by rhe arrival of Terry Walters, with Ian Hardy in tow. Taryn blushed, doing up her robe hastily
The three men sat in Neil's office, Terry making himself at home behind the desk. They were discussing various matters. A bag of cocaine, approximately one kilogram in weight lay in the centre of the table. The men were ready to do business; the first item was the Bea Smith problem.
Walters: "I can get rid of her permanently for you"
Luxmoore: "No. The pleasure of dealing with her's going to be mine. If you put her out of action for a couple of days, just enough time for you to do business", he indicated the cocaine, the first of many drugs that were to enter IG1 over the next few days, "Have her done over by all means, but keep her alive until I get back"
Walters's face fell in disappointment at this prospect. He had become a very dangerous man to cross since his Blackmoor days. He was the type of person to either kill one himself, or order them killed if any dislike was taken. Walters wouldn't necessarily ensure a merciful death. Many paid a very high price for going against this man. Which meant Bea and her friends were in for a very stormy time.
Luxmoore: "Arrange a few lines of that for Taryn will you."
With these final instructions Neil departed for the mainland. Hours later, Taryn received Neil's present of the chemical pick-me up, and was grateful for it. Felix and TrinkleII kept her company, even in her drug induced state. However it would not be long before the lonliness crept, like an insidious mist, over her again.
ATOMIC VILLAGE: Linden Warhurst and Serena Annatova enjoyed no such sex games as Neil and Taryn Luxmoore had. Come to think of it, Serena took no pleasure in intimacy at all. Her first day at work went well. Tessa being well pleased. It was also a busy day for both Receptionists. At the end of a long but rewarding day Serena relaxed in her self-contained unit. As yet, she had not been officially introduced to Venolan, and based on what she'd heard from others in the village, she did not relish meeting him. In the course of the day, Serena had spotted Linden, who was almost always in Venolan's company. Fortunately, as to be discreet, Linden ignored her, as he normally ignored the other workers, unless it was absolutely necessary to speak with them; this suited Serena well. Serena switched her television set on preparing to watch the news when a knock at her door came. Concerned she rose from her chair, proceeding cautiously toward the front door wondering who would be calling her at this hour. Linden warhurst entered and stood in the centre of the living room.
Linden: "I won't be staying, just dropped by to hear how your first day went?"
Serena: "Fine thanks. Tessa's very pleased with me so far. We were very busy today", she approached Linden offering a glass of water "and how are you?"
Linden: "Fine", he accepted the drink from her, sensing her uneasiness "Venolan's waiting in The Building, so I'd better not keep him waiting"
Serena: "He frightens me, Linden"
Warhurst regarded Serena sympathetically, realising too, that everyone, himself included had good reason to fear Venolan. Venolan wasn't exactly the nicest person, in fact he had a tendency to be utterly vicious at times. Everyone strived with immense effort to always be in Venolan's favour; or if they could have the most minimal of contact with him. Warhust drained the glass, and placed it on the coffee table before he replied.
Warhurst embraced her "You've got every right to be frightened. Venolan's not someone to be tangled with; besides you and Tessa End haven't got much contact with him anyway", he paused and continued "however you will be formally introduced to him, sooner or later"
Serena started to tremble and withdrew from him "No, no I can't" Any further protests were cut off by Warhurst seizing Serena's arm; it was then Serena realised Warhursts true motive for his 'visit'. He meant to introduce Serena Annatova to his leader now.
Linden: "Venolan's decided it's to be 'sooner', so lets make this as painless as possible", he held her in a vice-like grip, the embrace no longer tender; as she continued to struggle "Serena, I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have to!"
She ceased resistance suddenly and collapsed against him. There was no point in fighting any longer, and she knew that despite Warhurst's obvious feelings for her, he would not hesitate to hurt her in the interests of the Leader.
Linden: "Get your things at let's go"
Serena: "This man won't hurt me?"
Linden: "There won't be a problem as long as you're the epitome of meekness itself. Don't worry, I'll be there. I trust you'll use the utmost discretion"
Serena was collecting her handbag and keys "Yes, Linden, of course"
Linden moved toward the front door which remained opened during the course of the conversation "Venolan's got a weakness for beatiful young women too, so I shouldn't be overly worried" Holding the door he paused while Serena gathered the last of her things and followed him to the waiting car.
MELBOURNE MAINLAND:
"I'm hungry!"
A broken-hearted Liza Goddard gazed down at the tear-stained face of TC. Morgan Hunter was pre-occupied with the task of searching for food. Most of the food outlets in Melbourne had been raided during the mass riots which had broken out over the metropolitan area. The crisis was worsened by the fact of many restaurants which now had armed guards by their doors and were allowing a select few to enter; the five star hotels were a no-go zone as well. The food from the outlets had been stolen in the melees which resulted in a critical food shortage for all citizens of Melbourne. Morgan's gang hadn't eaten for a good eleven hours, and what they consumed at that time was only one slice of dried bread each. Liza hadn't eaten anything at all, giving her slice to little TC. To make matters worse, Liza had experienced severe nausea for a considerable time each morning for a week now; and she suspected she knew the cause of her sickness. She had also missed a cycle. It was approaching mid-day in Elizabeth St Melbourne City. Morgan and his people gathered outside the remnants of a restaurant. Liza as usual cuddled TC; Biff, Odie and Charlie surrounded the Valiant assisting one of Morgan's men to repair the car. A cry rang out and Morgan emerged, a triumphant expression his his large face. In his hand he clutched a loaf of fresh bread and some bags of chips. TC's other preternatural friends abandoned Morgan's man anticipating more food. TC joined them gratefully taking two slices of bread from Morgan. Returning to Liza, TC knelt beside her after first making sure she had her slice, and starting eating. In addition to the food Morgan also acquired several bottles of mineral water. A vehicle made its way down Elizabeth Street, wending its way through the debris covered road. As the vehicle approached it was discovered to be a black limousine and all of Morgan's people, including Morgan himself paused to watch as it passed.
The black limousine contained businessman Neil Traeger and his chauffer. Traeger, a tall man in his forties with a sallow face, brown eyes and black hair barely glanced out the tinted window at the group of men, one woman and four preternatural animals and returned to his work without another thought. He was not in the least affected by the food crisis; having at least a years supply of food and drink secured at his home in Toorak. A ruthless man, in every possible sense he was currently dealing with Australia's new fascist regime; his company would profit quite handsomely from the contract with the new rulers. The comapny was currently supplying the military with 'smart weapons' known as STL's. These STL's were cells of computer programmed metal which could be ordered to torture, kill or maim. The most frightenening aspect of these weapons was that they eclipsed nuclear wepons; thus rendering nuclear weapons obsolete. When Blacklight Corporation first began producing these STL's, experiments were carried out on some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the community. The elderly, the infirm and those who were intellectually handicapped. Whilist Neil Traeger did not participate actively in the experiments, he was as much to blame for the atrocity, due to the very fact he was well aware of what was happening to these victims.
The STL's were indeed a fiersome spectacle to behold. They were large masses of metal, black in colour and at least one-hundred inches thick of a rectangular/square shape. The sizes of these weapons varied from, the size of a city to pocket size. Even the forms in which they can be used varied; from javelins to hand-held extenders. Each STL cell was controlled by a computer. The only time in which they were safe was when they were inactive. The briefcase on the seat beside Traeger contained one STL cell that was inactive. Picking the briefcase up carefully Traeger proceeded to open it. He gazed down at the cell almost lovingly, envisioning just how much more wealthy he would become by selling these magnificent objects. Also he had a desire to see the effects of the STL first hand, and this one would do perfectly. He smiled as an idea. Picking up the phone he dialled the number of an exclusive escort service.
"This is Neil Traeger. Send one of your women over for two hours to the following address....."
Feeling very satisfied, Traeger leant back and closed his eyes.
UK MANSION Next day: After the tour given by Shang and Xu, and the sumptous feast that followed in the evening, the Preternaturals and two girls retired to their rooms. They felt really welcomed by their hosts and hostesses, but as was natural they pined for the country they left. Trinkle, alone in his room gazed out of his window into the English darkness. He had been quite happy in the company of the other animals, girls and men but now, depression closed in on him. He wondered what Taryn might be doing now and longed to be in her arms, to hear her voice and to see her pretty face just once more. Alas, this was not possible. Tears rolled down his cheeks and he sobbed loudly.
Trinkle: "I love you, Taryn and I'll miss you!"
The fretting feelings Trinkle was experiencing were quite normal and all the animals would fret for a short while. Although not for any particular person, but for places familiar to them. In this instance it would be Australia. The other animals were too tired to be very depressed. Scooby, Shadow and Nermal fell asleep the moment their heads hit the pillow; all their friends fell asleep not long after. Shang, after bidding goodnight to her sister ambled down the carpetted corridor towards her room when she heard the sound of crying. Concerned, she stopped and looked around. Taking two steps backwards she found herself outside Trinkle's door. Shang knocked softly as not to alarm him.
Shang: "Trinkle?" Due to her accent which was mildly heavy, it sounded like she was saying 'Tlinkle' Gingerly she opened the door to his room, which was unlocked.
Shang: "What is the matter?"
Trinkle: "I miss Taryn"
Shang recognised the name. During the dinner it was all Trinkle could talk about, and some of the younger cats joined in. Another name mentioned was Kerryn their former au-pair, and every dog and cat remembered her fondly. In Trinkle's room now, Shang embraced the smaller cat in an attempt to comfort him.
Shang: "Don't fret, Trinkle. You have a new life here and new friends" Thoughts of parting from loved ones, in Shang and Xu's case, Edgecliff and his men never entered her mind until tonight. It was a most disturbing prospect for her too. Gently she guided the younger male cat to the bed and tucked him in.
"Goodnight, Trinkle. Xu and I are glad you and your friends come to UK"
Trinkle: (drowsily) "'Night, Shang". Little Trinkle fell asleep instantly. Shang, satisfied slipped quietly back to her room.
Things in England generally, were deteoirating rapidly. The country appeared to be regressing to how it was last century. All of a sudden, workhouses proliferated in every major city. The poor lived in the most abomnible conditions among open sewers and surprisingly, at least from the British citizens point of view, the infamous Tyburn was re-opened as was Newgate Prison. It was in the area of Whitechapel that London searched for his lover; he did not find Janina, but he found someone else entirely.
Entering one of the many taverns on the waterfront, under an overcast sky, London made his way through the crowd toward the bar, wondering to himself whether he had passed from the twentieth century to some nightmare landscape in a distant past. To the back of the tavern there came a high pitcjed squeal and a tiny white preternatural cat was revealed crying loudly whilist in the grip of a gang of ragged clad urchins. Without thinking, London pushed his way through the throng, at the same time lifting what appeared to be an extendable object. The object careered toward the boys connecting with their bare arms. In the melee that followed the little cat found herself liberated and crawled under a table; as her rescuer swung the metal object willy-nilly. The weapon must surely have caused a considerable degree of pain, for those who were already struck did not rise again for quite awhile. The cat wore a red dress, with a bow tied around her left ear. Her eyes were an amzing blue; and although she was not aware of it, her brother Trinkle was safely inside Edgecliff's mansion. As was the case with all cats, Misti's eyesight was found to be most superior; and she examined London's weapon closely from her vantage point. It was a conglomeration of rectangular shaped metal cells that were at least twenty inches thick and tar black. The handle of the weapon, an STL Extender, was bedecked with red lights, indicating the weapon was active. The man who rescued her stood surveying the now silent crowd, but little Misti, a kitten, gazed awe struck at the object and noticed the lights turn green. Instinvtively the cat raced into London's arms, and knew she was safe from now on. London, for his part, wended his way through the crowd of moronic people Misti securely in his embrace. When they went outside, Misti began to cry, but these were tears of relief.
London: "Be quiet now. It's OK, it's OK, no need for tears", this was said in a soft tone of voice. Approaching the black Porsche the cat was gobsmacked at the sight of it, and cooed with delight as London eased her onto the passenger seat, before tossing the STL onto the back seat.
London: "My name is London and we are going to search for a lady I love very much. Her name is Janina; and then, my darling, you will both live in a wonderful mansion"
Over the next few hours London and Misti searched the rookeries of this new England, which was not-so-brave, and often very violent. London pulled up near a massive hulk, a sense of dread enshrouding him. He knew Janina was here somewhere and it became imperative he liberate her; for this hulk was second to Hell; if not Earth's version. This area was notorious for slavers and murderes. Leaving Misti in the safety of the vehicle London alighted, STL in hand and observed the people, mainly men around him. These men, all rich and depraved were here for one reason, the sexual degradation of slavery of their female victims. It was here London was able to blend in, for there was to be a sale of these unfrtunate females. From the hulk, a tall, slim Negress was being pulled by the chains that bound her; almost nothing remained of her clothing due to her captors repeatedly torturing her; her entire body was covered in bruises, and the most piteous site was her bald head, except for a few patches of hair that hung from it. Despite her appearance, Janina was beautiful. This factor was among many which attracted London to her. Despite many bruises, London recognised her. He had brought a large ampount of money, for the sale of any human being, especially women came at an outrageously high price; but as mentioned before the buyers were wealthy and depraved. Janina's screams of pain cut through the dank air. An arm shot skywards through the crowd of men.
"She's as good as bought", beamed one of her captors.
London's competition was easily taken out of the equation by an STL jab to the neck. The fat fellow collapsed and died whilst London quickly claimed her. His progress was very slow and he ended up carrying her the rest of the way to his car. Misti, safely cocooned inside, was instantly alert at London's return, and became afraid on seeing Janinia's condition.
London tapped the passenger side door "Misti, open the door"
In spite of her fear, the cat did so and climbed onto the back seat. Reaching into the glove compartment, London took out a first aid kit and proceeded with Misti's assistance to wipe excess blood from Janina's body. The tiny cat leant between the two front seats patting the woman with the bandage. The woman gazed at her surroundings, her vision blurry. As far as she could determine, a male and a white animal, possibly a cat were ministring to her. The face of the animal was partly obscured due to her white hand holding a wet cloth. Soon after, as was relatively normal with people usually in Janina's condition, she fell into a delerious stupor. This frightened Misti, therefore the small cat spent the rest of the journey curled up in the backseat of London's car.
At the mansion the other Protectorates participated in various activities. Lisa Simpson, determined to impart her knowledge of reading, writing and mathematic talked Felix M into taking a lesson in the mansions library. Felix already knew who to read, write and add up, but Lisa, was determined that he would be the first preternatural genius. Felix was a curious creature who thirsted for academic knowledge. The library was quite large with volume upon volume of books lined up on shelves that surrounded them. The cat and girl sat at a long rectangular pinewood table, with two large books spread out around them. One of the books, a science publication was spread out in front of Felix; the page he studied consisted partly of text and a diagram of the human body. The door to the library opened and Newcastle entered.
"Hello, you two"
Lisa and Felix glanced at the man "Hi", replied Lisa.
The man approached them "What are we reading then?"
Felix: "A book about the human body"
Newcastle, attired in a kimono robe leaned over them at the diagram depicting the body's setup.
Newcastle: "It seems we have two future doctors", he quipped and the the Protectorates giggled "You'll be able to perform a tracheotomy if anyone of us chokes then eh?"
Felix and Lisa laughed harder and remained in a state of merriment long after Newcastle left them to their own devices. The other members of the extended family were having fun in the more physical sense. Most of the activity centred around the mansion's indoor swimming pool where Edgecliff lazed in a deckchair supervising. The dogs and at least four cats swam in the pool taking care to stay in the shallow end. Sassy, the J brothers and Freddy M, split into teams of two played water wrestles; Sassy on Freddy J's shoulders, wrestled Felix J who sat on Freddy M's; whilist the four dogs swam happily around them, splashing them at will. Garfield, Nermal, Desiree and Sylvester sat along the pool's edge cheering. Of course Shang and Xu sat each side of Edgecliff. Elsewhere in the mansion Trinkle challenged Lacey to a game of monopoly in the living room. The tiny alien proved a worthwhile oppononent who had won at least twice thus presenting a challenge to the cat. The game was suggested by one of their protectors, Hurstville, who persuaded them, in order to take Trinkle's mind off the lady in Australia. This proved successful even if it was for a reasonably short time. The swimming pool, measuring twenty-five metres was heared to a comfortable twenty-six degrees celcius. The ones already in the pool shrieked with joy when the two air-bulbs were thrown in. Soon all eight cats were in the water, in a line bobbing up and down as the objects floated toward them. The sound carried through to the library where Felix M and Lisa studied. Felix stretched and closed the book. Lisa glanced questioningly at the cat as he proceeded to return the book to the shelf.
Felix: "C'mon, Lisa, let's join the others"
At first, Lisa was reluctant but decided it was more beneficial to persue something more recreational and physical. She in turn put everything in it's proper place. She and Felix held hands as they made their way to the pool. Trinkle and Lacey didn't notice them go past. A few minutes passed until London burst in with arms laden; Janina in one and Misti cradled in the other. The woman was in a state of collapse. Naturally, Trinkle, being curious ventured out to see what the commotion was and was more than a little surprised when confronted by the sight. His surprise turned to delight when he established eye contact with the small cat in London's arms; he just knew that Misti was of his own blood. The cat in London's arms struggled to reach Trinkle. Trinkle approached London, mindful of the tall woman in London's other arm. However, much to Misti's chagrin, London did not release her immediately; instead he gave instructions to Trinkle.
"Run ahead to the main bathroon and prepare two baths, one for the lady, and one for the little lady-cat here" Janina's corpse-like eyes rested on the cat standing before her, her face just as expressionless. Eye contact was made and Trinkle involuntarily shivered. Scurrying the cat moved toward the bathroom, a room nearly as big as the living room. He noted that Lacey was no longer in the living room, but that didn't concern Trinkle. Moving swiftly and efficiently the small cat turned the hot and cold water taps on to both of the baths and inserted the lugs. London appeared seconds later struggling with the black woman and cat. Easing himself he lowered Misti beside one of the baths to Trinkle.
...
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