Stella the Zombie Killer

Stella the Zombie Killer Part 11

'What were you thinking?' said Stella to a very pale Gregor. The four of them, Stella, Gregor, Hook and Vine, stood in the rotunda of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Three of them waited for Gregor's answer.

The bio-mech shook his head. 'Thought I could help. Thought I should help.'

Hook and Stella stared at him. 'Not your job, mate,' said Hook. 'You pull your weight. No worries on that score. You don't need to be running about taking on deads.'

'You don't need to be running about,' Stella added not unkindly. 'Look at the state of you. Heart attack'll get you before the deads.' She laughed gently, trying to ease Gregor from his panic.

Vine lumbered forwards. 'You should listen to your friends. Your heart rate is elevated, you are sweating and trembling, you are not listening properly, which means your ears are probably ringing, your breathing is shallow, your mouth is dry and, if it isn't already, your throat will soon be sore.'

Gregor stared at the angel, his eyes wide with terror.

Stella sighed at Vine. 'Thanks, machine man.' She turned again to Gregor. 'Just try to relax. It'll be okay.'

Vine interrupted Stella again. 'Your body is flooded with adrenaline. It would be best if you walked around.'

Stella and Hook stared at Vine. Hook shrugged. 'Makes sense,' he said, begrudgingly.

The two of them helped Gregor to his feet and walked him around the large ringed desk. Gregor's breathing echoed into the high roof but it was gradually slowing. They walked for five minutes, Stella and Hook staying with the tech, assuring him, placing comforting hands on his shoulders.

Vine watched them for a while and then turned his attention to the angel parts stacked on Gregor's work benches.

Stella watched the angel, carefully.

Gregor pushed her gently away. 'I'm okay,' he said. 'Go check on your new friend. Make sure he isn't stealing anything.'

Moving inside the circular desk, Stella approached Vine slowly as if she didn't know what to expect. As if his right arm might suddenly rise and point and shoot a hot red laser.

'You don't need to worry,' said Vine. 'I wouldn't harm you and I can't harm you.'

'I like that you said wouldn't first,' Stella replied.

Vine nodded. 'Trust is difficult. It always was but now even more so. You're taking a big risk by letting me in here.'

Stella shrugged. 'We save the ones we can.'

He looked over at Gregor and Hook. 'Not everyone agrees.'

'We save the ones we can,' Stella repeated. 'What's the point otherwise?'

Vine nodded in agreement. 'They follow you,' he said pointing at Hook and Gregor, 'because you're right and they don't want to have to make difficult decisions. You say you're not the boss...'

'You really have been listening,' said Stella, cutting him off. 'That is very creepy, you know? And where were you when we were fighting those angels? Could've done with some help there. That would've a pretty good way to earn a bit of trust.'

Vine shrugged. 'You're too fast. And I didn't think you would charge them. They were no threat to you, so you could have stayed out of sight.'