Vampire Masters of Mercury [Bulays and Ghaavn 8] - Tara Loughead

Vampires Masters of Mercury

Tara Loughead

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2010 Tara Loughead

For Gene Colan and Marv Wolfman

"Nightwalkers and Streetwalkers?" There's a difference?

"Yes, the former is a higher class of vampire, the latter a lower class of prostitute."

"A higher class of vampire?" Ghaavn asked. Is that possible?

"Yes, because these are 'alf human and often enjoy killing those suckers," said Bulays.

"They specifically asked for us, too."

"Good to know our reputation precedes us, even in the strangest places." Bulays grinned.

Their trip to the Solar System's innermost planet continued, with Buck at the helm of the Northhound.

*****

Earlier, Lady Gerald had asked them to come in to the Ministry. "I have a diplomatic mission for you," she explained.

After having been given further detail of the Mercury outing, Bulays said: "I'd really rather 'it something, Lady G."

"Yes, well that is always a possibility, Bulays, my dear. After all, no-one can locate your cousin."

"Your cousin?" Ghaavn raised an eyebrow at his partner.

"Bulayd."

*****

"Our contact is here," Ghaavn said. They stood outside a large, ornate, red, brown and orange masonry building in the Exotic Sector. The Twilight Belt of Mercury was home to many strange people, things and merchants, and the Exotic Sector was home to the most far out of those.

Ghaavn pressed the doorbell.

When the door opened, a woman stood there. Raven haired, scarlet eyed and very large breasted. A fact that could well be seen thanks to the deep plunging décolletage revealed by her crimson shirt. Full, black lips, fishnets, black bikini briefs and thigh high boots made her outfit seem sexually provocative. This was at odds with the blank expression on her face as she bade them welcome. "Please, come in, you are expected. My name is Hannah Kang." She indicated some chairs. "Do have a seat." The partners did so, the atmosphere in the room very warm, even cloying. She sat down in front of them on a plush red velvet stool. Two others flanked her. "These are my partners, Blake Unida and Francesca Dreyk."

These women, Ghaavn found easier to read. The younger woman to her right was shy, almost sullen. Collar, black lace jacket, pants and bra also gave her an exotic allure. The older woman to her left was a classic. If the Mercurian encyclopaedia had a picture of 'Evil Vampire Elder, female' then they could quite happily use her image. With short black hair, high, pointing eyebrows, the raised collar of what could have been a gown, if it continued rather than her just being clad in underwear and fishnet stockings, and a leather midriff wrap. Topped off with a superciliary smirk, she was the complete package.

"The Thermpires of the Twilight Belt have a problem, which is why we have asked for your help," their hostess began. "There has been a series of attacks, with two fatalities. This, for us, is very rare. Residing in the Twilight Belt does of course weaken us, but still...our dilemma is in what to do about it. We could hunt the killer ourselves. However, if she turns out to be human and we engage in open violence in this manner, it may turn our fellow residents against us." She paused to look Ghaavn in the eyes, still strangely expressionless. "If we ask the Patrol for help, and they catch the perpetrator, could we get a conviction?"