Chapter 3: First Blood

The Hummer sped down the deserted highway. It's destination, Chicago, Illinois. "So, this BioCorp, is that where the true Project Samsonite is taking place?" Morales asked, to break the awkward silence. "No, actually, the true project is being held in a separate location. The reason we are going to BioCorp is because I left myself a clue to where the project is.” Professor Walls answered.  Morales looked puzzled, "So, you are, like, heading up this whole thing," he asked, "but, you don't know where... this whole thing is?" Walls smiled, "I guess I should elaborate. The main project is kept top secret, only I and a hand full of government officials actually know the location. My problem is that I have taught myself to forget such things, being as I have been asked to such things before. However, I left myself a clue, which will spark my memory and tell me where this place is." Morales still looked confused, but shrugged and sat back in the seat.

After about another five minutes of silence, Morales again broke the silence. "Let's get some tunes going, fellas!" Pushed the power button on the stereo. The Temptations flooded the vehicle. "Aw, man! What the hell is this?" Morales punched the search button, and after a second of silence, a heavy guitar thrash filled the silent void. Lobo took a sideways glance at Morales, who was banging his head in the passenger seat. "What the hell is this crap?" Lobo inquired. "This, my friend, is real music." Walls, who looked appalled, argued to turn the station. Morales and DePaul took up the defense, and after almost an hour of arguing, the problem was solved with a swift, strong swing of Lobo's hand, which landed directly on the middle of the stereo. "Problem solved!"

***

"We interrupt this program to bring you this breaking news. Rioting is going on in the downtown area of Chicago! We go now to our field man, Joseph Doze, who is at the scene.""Thank you, Sam. The streets are in panic and disorder here in downtown Chicago. A radical group of registered vampires have taken to the streets. Calling themselves the "Blood Brothers," their mission is total destruction of the Lychen population of Illinois! We tried to get an interview, but the rioters seem to be in a trance like state, and know only violence and destruction. There seems to also be prominent members of the Chicago government here, in fact, the mayors advisor seems to be leading the group. I will be here all night, bringing you any developments. Joseph Doze, Channel 5 News."

Mühler pressed the mute button, and the television went silent. "Excellent, this plan is working. Now it's time to initiate phase two." Kramauf and Straus looked a bit frightened. "Phase 2. That's to take our plan to Romanov, right?" Straus asked, sheepishly. "Precisely. It's time the Midnight Society makes good on their promise, to rid the world of the wolf menace!"

***

"To repeat, the streets of Chicago are filled with riots and anti-lychen protests!" The Chauffer jerked to look at the radio. Did he hear right? He pushed the intercom button. "Mr. Heidenreich, sir?" Heidenreich was upset to have his snooze be interrupted, but he answered. "What is it, Derrik?" "I'm sorry sir, but O have to stop, see. We are low on gas, and I have to use the restroom." Heidenreich sighed, "Very well, but this best be quick!"

The limo pulled into the gas station. Derrik, the chauffer, got out and started to pump in some gas. The limo wasn't really low on fuel, he just needed an excuse to get out of the vehicle. He put about $5 in and went inside. He walked up to the counter, "Five on pump 2." The clerk looked at his attire, and took his money. Derrik walked to the back, towards the bathrooms. "Hey!" the clerk shouted, "ya need a key for that!" With that said, he tossed Derrik a silver key. He unlocked the bathroom and went inside.

***

"I still think we could have reached an agreement on the music." Morales said, sulking. "Oh, give it a rest, will you? Jeez, it's just music!" Lobo barked. Suddenly, his ear pieced crackled to life. "Silverwolf, this is Big Bad, are you there?" came the static ridden message. "Silverwolf here, what's the problem?" "You didn't hear? Chicago is under attack, it's got MNS all over it! It's all over the news!" Lobo blushed, and laughed a bit embarrassed. "We, uh, we have some technical difficulties with the radio." Morales scoffed, and was shushed by Walls.

"So, what are you suggesting?" There was a second of silence, and then "Big Bad" came on the line again. "I suggest we initiate Operation: Silverwolf!" Both Morales and Walls looked confused. "Operation: Silverwolf?" Walls asked. "Do it! I'll inform the others, you just do your part. Got it?" "10-4 Silverwolf, operation is in effect, 7:21 am." "Roger." Again, Walls asked about the operation.

"The WLC is not just located within us four." Morales nodded, "Right, of course." Lobo continued, "There are five base stations located in each section of the contiguous America, one in Alaska, one in Hawaii, and two in Canada. Each station is prepared for the big operation, that is, each person stationed at the bases are deployed to fight against the vampires." Morales looked amazed and confused at the same time. "So," he said, trying to make sense of it, "We are pretty much like an army?" Lobo nodded. "Cool, I'm a soldier!" Lobo chuckled and shook his head, "Only you, Morales..."

***

"Joseph Doze, here, bringing you breaking news on the vampire riots. It seemed about five minutes ago that the rioting would subside. Chicago P.D. and Riot Team were sent in at 7:00 this morning, one half hour after the riots began. They contained the rioters, no one was injured or killed, and so far, only three men are in custody. Their names have not been released yet. Now, however, something has sparked the rioters, and they are back in the streets. Police are outnumbered, and this reporter is in the middle of it all! I will stay for further developments, Joseph Doze, Channel 5 News. Back to you Sam."

The anchorman looked a little worried, "Thank you, Joseph. We hope you stay safe out there. The riots are still contained in the downtown area, mostly a business district, but with a few housing areas is, again, under siege by a group of vampires called the Blood Brothers. Our man in the field, Joseph Doze, will keep us updated throughout the night if need be. For Joseph Doze, I am Samuel Philbern, Channel 5 New, signing off. God help us, folks!"

***

"So, how do you suggest we get to New York?" Straus asked, hoping it would take awhile. He did not look forward to being in the presence of the most powerful man in the Midnight Society. Mühler looked at Straus as if he were crazy. "Why, private jet, of course." He led the tow other men to a small air field he had reserved in O’Hare International. The hanger was #13, a perfect number for the MNS. The jet was pure black, with a white owl painted on the front, the insignia of the Midnight Society. "Time to fly, boys."

***

Romanov was a large, bulky man. He was not fat, but had muscles galore. He sat in a dimly lit room, in a plush red chair. The light barley lit any of the area where he sat, and the shadows on his face made him even more menacing than he already was. Romanov smoked a Cuban cigar, and was fiddling with his lighter when three men, led by Romanov's assistant, Nathaniel Godwin, entered.

"Misters Straus, Kramauf, and Mühler to see you, sir." Godwin said, with a slight trace of an English accent. "Send them in." Romanov's voice was deep. So deep that it sounded as if he had smoked all his life. He talked slowly, except if he was angry or excited about something. Godwin stayed in the room. "You are dismissed, Godwin." Godwin bowed, "Thank you, sir." He turned to the three men he led into the room, "Good evening gentlemen." He turned quickly, and left, the door slamming behind him.

There was a long period where Romanov simply sat in his chair, as if he had forgotten that he had company. Finally, he turned his chair to face his guests. "Ah, Mr. Mühler, it is nice to see you again." Mühler smiled and shrugged. "We must see each other more often." Now, Romanov turned to Straus and Kramauf. "Senator Straus, let me say, I voted for you. I think you are doing a tremendous job in Illinois." Straus stuttered, "Th-Thank you, uh, sir."

"We are not here for pleasantries, sir," Mühler broke in, "Have you heard of our progress in Chicago?" Here, Romanov smiled. "How could I not? It has been all over the news." "Yes, we believe that this can change everything, sir. We propose that we start a national militia. One that will strike fear into the hearts of all Lychens living in America. Then, we can focus on international affairs!"

Again, Romanov smiled. "The problem is that, not only are you scaring the Lychens of Chicago, you are scaring EVERYBODY!" Romanov got out of his chair. "That is not what we at the Midnight Society want." "But... we are," Romanov grabbed Mühler by the collar of his shirt. "You dare question me?" He hurled Mühler across the room. He landed, sprawled across the floor, knocked out from the impact.

"Now you, Mr. Straus," Straus squirmed, trying to get out of the reach of Romanov. "Do not worry, I just want to apologize." Romanov put his arm around Straus' shoulders, and led him to a wall which was covered with pictures. The photographs were of Romanov with former presidents and national leaders. "I have seen many things in my life, and I know much about this world. Fear is a great weapon. You have shown that with your little army. However, I want it destroyed. It is getting in the way of the Midnight Society's major goal. That is, acceptance and trust with America." "How do you suggest we... destroy the militia." Romanov shook his head slowly, "I am not going to spoon-feed you. Be creative."