Split Between Stars

Safe Haven

For the fourth time in three days, Danny woke up in an unfamiliar place. His eyes snapped open and he sat bolt upright in bed. For one wild, disorienting moment, he thought he was back at Space Corps, that his rescue had been a dream. He tensed himself to fight, to defend himself.

But as he woke up and began thinking rationally, he began to notice differences. Slowly he was reassured that he had escaped, that this was not the same room he had been confined to in uncertainty and fear. 

He took shallow panting breaths as he absorbed his new surroundings. 

He was in a more comfortable bed than any he had ever known. The mattress seemed to fold around him, shaping perfectly to his various aches and pains. Several wide windows looked out into open space and twinkling stars. Soft carpet spread across the floor, and various items of furniture were positioned throughout the room. A dim, warm light shone through the cracks around his door.

Danny eased out of the bed, his bare feet sinking into the soft carpet. His abused muscles protested at the movement. Danny did his best to ignore the stiffness and pain as he stood up fully. Slowly, painfully, he made his way over to the door. 

To his surprise, the doorknob responded as he turned it. He wasn't locked in anymore. Danny eased the door open silently, peering around the doorframe. 

A warmly lit hallway met his eyes. Sitting across from his door was the silver haired man who had rescued him. He was reading quietly until he glanced up and saw Danny. 

"Ah, good to see you up and about," he greeted, standing up and coming over to Danny. "You had me worried for awhile."

Danny looked at him closely for the first time. He was tall and thin, but had wide shoulders and seemed to be powerfully built. The man looked almost human, but had a few unmistakable differences. His eyes glowed a soft, deep red like sunlight on blood. His skin was pale, and just barely translucent enough to see hints of his veins. And when he spoke, Danny could see his sharp incisor teeth. 

"Who are you?" Danny asked, reluctant to come any closer. 

The man smiled kindly and extended his hand. 

"My name is Vladimir Masters. I'm a philanthropist and a sympathizer to your plight. Sorry about the rough first introduction. It wasn't easy getting you out of Space Corps's grip."

Danny shook Vlad's hand, a faint memory of his violent rescue returning to him. Could this man really have done all that Danny remembered he did?

"Thank you," Danny managed.

"Well, I'm afraid you don't look too good my boy. You must be hungry. I doubt that Space Corps was overly concerned with your care while you were with them."

For the first time, Danny realized he was right. His stomach growled helpfully, reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything in days. 

"Why don't you go back to your room and take a shower? I'll have some food brought up for you, and then we can talk some more. I have some people you'll want to meet."

Danny nodded, light headed from exhaustion and hunger. A hot shower and the promise of a good meal sounded like heaven. He turned back to his room and headed unsteadily toward the bathroom, unsure of who Vlad was or what he wanted. Unsure, but grateful.