Blueblood

Story: Blueblood: V5H Exposed

Chapter 5 Life Adjustments

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Adult Readers, Sexual Situations, Sex

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The VUN has to do some adjustments in their lives, some of which Colin has slowly begun to accept. After a century and a half of suffering he begins to realize what they really have NOW.

Life Adjustments

Things at the VUN were not as we feared it could be. It was still early in the game...and it was a game. Colin and I were waiting for the next wrinkle. The hard part was getting people up to speed on this vampire and venom thing. I was a vampire and I still didn't understand all of it. Colin didn't understand a lot either, he claimed. With the President now going to get reports from General Edwards, there was a newer feeling. We were less fearful of what was going to come. Yet, we knew there were going to problems could not even guess about.

I worked with our three Old Ones. They again were learning quickly. What things were called. There were things they had to learn. Time, for instance. They knew sunrise and sunset. The concept of a week, a month or year I had to explain more. They'd been alive for several thousand years. This would take time. I didn't know what they could remember...exactly. They remembered us, but...concepts of the week month and years would be a challenge.

Stan sent me a message he wanted to see me in the lab. I went down to the lab to see Stan working on three devices we used with the Delkenzie program to translate.

"Hi, Stan." I greeted my friend.

Stan looked up and smiled. "I think I have worked out something that will help with Repetate, Iustina, and Ralph!" He held up one of the devices. It looked the same. "I got the idea from one of the movies." He chuckled then looked mockingly smug. "I liked the movie Congo." He grinned. "You said you didn't like it because of the clichés."

"The whole movie was a cliché!" I insisted. "A lost city that was there for thousands of years has a volcano that blows the day that group arrives! It was cliché! Come on. I hate those!"

Stan nodded with a chuckle. "Whatever." He held the device up. "What I liked was the setup that Amy, that gorilla, used to talk!"

I looked at the device. "You created something to do that with the Old Ones?" I asked.

Stan smiled. "I think so." He shook the device. "This should work. It has a scanner to see what they sign. Using a database that will record what the signs are for each and give verbal interpretation!"

"That could work." I agreed. "They do communicate more with expression. They can convey puzzlement and even understanding that way."

Stan nodded. "That's what the scanner is for. It will scan their faces and signs and..." he grudgingly nodded. "It may take some time, but I think that can be used with the signs and the facial expressions!"

I grabbed Stan in a tight hug. "This is great!!" I said feeling excited about this.

Stan didn't break away but held a device up. "Each of the devices needs to be told who they are monitoring and doing the interpretation for, but it should work." Stan insisted.

"Stan! You are a GENIUS!!"

"Tell me that after it works." Stan chuckled. "I even programmed Buddy with individual voices for each to know which is..." he did air quotes, "talking. Giving them their own voice!"

I shook my head. "Whatever we're paying you, isn't enough."

"You want me to insist you do?" Stan grinned. "How much would that be?"

"I don't know, but it wouldn't be enough." I hugged him tightly again.

Stan hugged me back. "You are so appreciative. I wanted to work here." He said letting me go. "Ruben never hugged me."

"His loss." I hugged him again. "Our gain."

I took devices to the Old Ones' room. I was greeted upon my return and I will say one thing. They were humans and I know there are women with the same fascination, but males just seemed to get more infatuated with gadgets. They were trying to figure them out.

"These will help us communicate," I told them as they were looking at the modified translators. "It will give you a voice." Yes, they communicated very well using expressions. All three looked with expressions saying, "how?" "This device...once we get it working correctly will be able to read what I see and it will give you a voice." Again, their expressions said it was unbelievable. Then I thought about my understanding. I understood them! Why? I smiled as I realized because I knew them. I was getting to know them better over time. Colin and I often communicated without using words because of our years together. I wondered how much more I would understand these Old Ones after a few years. I attached the straps to the devices and hung them as I activated each for each of them, telling Buddy which one he was reading. "Now, let's try a simple hello."

They all signed hello and I got three distinct, "Hello." Their reaction to this was startled amazement on each of them.

"Is anyone out there?" I asked to the sky to see if someone was observing us.

"Of course." Colin's voice came. "I'll be right in."

I smiled knowing he was being Colin and watching over me. It took a minute or two before Colin entered the room.

"Hello, Colin." The three greeted.

Colin grinned at them as he walked in to stand next to me. "Hello!"

"Want funny Tom and Jerry," Iustina said as he knew the signs for that.

I chuckled. "You had Tom and Jerry! You've seen them all."

"More?" Iustina asked. "New?"

"Not in a while," I said and nodded. They may not know what that meant. "Many sunsets ago."

Iustina frowned. "Bad." He said to tell me that was too bad.

"Bugs Bunny?" Repetate asked.

"Also, many sunsets ago."

"New cartoons?" Ralph asked.

"Sure, there are thousands of them." I grinned and typed on my laptop.

"Wow," Colin said sitting on the floor with me again right behind, practically no air between us. He loved me! "This is great!" He said looking over my shoulder.

"And we owe it all to Stan." I chuckled waving at the translators. "He came up with this."

"Now, I can understand them," Colin said.

"Colin Devon favorite," Iustina said.

"Devon Colin favorite," Repetate added.

There were things not easily explained by expression. "You want to know?" I asked. Again, asking a question about a question wasn't much help. "Colin is my favorite person, yes."

"Devon is my favorite person," Colin added putting his arms around my middle.

I sighed. "This is going to be difficult, Colin. They will have to develop concepts for me to explain things to them."

Colin grinned. "You are doing so well with them, baby." He hugged me.

I smiled holding his arms tighter around me. I looked at the three. "Do you understand the word, mate?" I was answered with blank looks. "This will take a while." I sighed again.

"You're doing something I don't think that's ever been done with them since they wer e born," Colin said. "They had mothers at least. I wonder if they taught anything to them."

"That was so long ago," I said. "I don't know what they remember. I don't know how to ask yet. Will they be able to answer?" I shrugged.

"Iustina Devon friends," Iustina said using signs he knew.

I nodded. "That's right. We are friends. Repetate and Devon friends. Ralph and Devon friends."

"Mate," Iustina said with a questioning expression. "Colin Devon mate."

I nodded. "Maybe they can understand it. Colin Devon mate."

Colin chuckled. "Frequently."

I lowered my head and shook it. "Colin, I can't explain the term mate as a noun yet, I don't want to explain the verb, that would be impossible right now. Biology!?" Telling him that would also be impossible to explain. I nodded. "Repetate, Iustina, Ralph friends Devon. Colin mate Devon."

Colin ducked his head behind my back chuckling as said as if they couldn't hear. "Frequently."

"They have great hearing, Colin." I reminded him grinning.

Colin brought his head up again. "Yes, but from what you said before, they read expressions. I'm sure my meaning about what I said is loud and clear." He said kissing me on the neck behind my ear.

"They're talking now?" We were all startled as we heard the voice over the speakers. It was the General's voice. "I thought they couldn't."

Colin and I looked at the window even though we couldn't see through the glass.

Colin didn't move, though. He remained as he was.

"They can't naturally, but they can communicate. We just need to translate that." I said. "They talk now because of these devices and the Delkenzie program for languages." I pointed at the devices. "It's still brand spanking new! Developed just now by our other genius on staff."

"Another vampire?" The general's voice suddenly asked by way of the speakers in a way questioning that had this genius was a vampire.

"No, General." I smiled. "He's a former FBI agent. He's still very human."

"General ," We heard George say. "We are trying to solve the vampire problem. We need to find out more about them to see if we can figure that out."

"I want a report immediately." The general barked.

"Really, Scott?" I heard Kevin's voice now. "They aren't your men. They're not even in the military. Try asking them, instead of giving orders."

"Sorry." The general said and we heard the sigh. "Please. Can I speak with you?"

I smiled at Colin. "This is going to be an interesting cooperation."

Colin nodded. "The key is cooperation. They aren't in control...money wise. We need their understanding and help to do things that need to be done. We can't do it easily without them. We need permission for things and no questions." He stood up and then helped me up,

Going into the corridor we were directed toward a conference room. Entering the conference room was Dr. Dexter Harris, Dr. Kevin Curtis, George, John, and General Edwards. I had wondered about Kevin's referral to the general having three stars when he only had two when he was here last. Now, he did have three stars. I had to go through the "be my little general" in my head. Brigadier, major, lieutenant and general were what that saying kept straight. He was a Lieutenant General now.

"Sorry about that just now." The general said pointed at the other room with a reluctant smile. "I am used to working with the military."

Colin nodded with a light chuckle. "I don't think we can pass the physical, general."

The general shook his head. "This is all so..." he struggled with a word, "odd." He waved again to the other room. "Yet, there are three creatures in there that...I can't explain." He shrugged helplessly. "I've seen the research; I've seen the samples. I can't offer any other explanation."

Kevin grinned at the general pointing at his uniform. "He's now an even bigger pain in the ass now."

The general looked instantly angry at Kevin, but his face couldn't hold it. He pointed at Kevin with a narrowed eye. "It's a good thing I like you, Kevin. You just love to push my buttons."

Kevin shrugged not worried. "Because your buttons are so visible! They are right there! And you are so easy to irritate."

I smiled at their little display of pretty close friendship. Just like Stan and Mark! I wondered if...nah, it wasn't my business. It could just be a good friendship.

The general looked at Colin, George, John, and me. "I was given the promotion by order of the President. No one but a four-star general can counterman my orders. There are only twelve of those."

"And the President." Kevin reminded the general.

The general frowned. "Right." He scowled. "The way it will go, I spoke to the President. Dr. Harris will be staffed here. Dr. Curtis will be here on occasion."

"I have other things to do. Just like you do, Scott." Kevin shrugged.

The general ignored him. "You will report..." he stopped. "Sorry, please report to me. I will pass what information you have to the President. I will need reports weekly, if not daily."

Colin nodded. "We understand. However, we were looking to make the President or whomever aware of a threat that has gone on for thousands of years."

I nodded as I said, Colin and I had been together enough that I knew what he was saying. "I warned Colin the military involvement here had a huge chance the government will try to take over. We need the authority to get things accomplished. We aren't asking for one cent in federal monies."

Colin sat back putting his arm around my shoulder. "That's right."

"You will need personnel! Military personnel. Those people are paid by the United States." The general protested not understanding.

"Why?" Colin asked. "Those three in there are kept out of circulation and we have rounded up dozens here in Manhattan and are going out to other cities in the United States and other countries." Colin sat forward on at the table. "What we need is knowledge of what we want to accomplish and the freedom to do it."

I watched John lean over and say something to George who nodded and John walk out.

"You need armed men here!" The general stated firmly. "For security!"

"They are armed," George said. "My fiancé is getting what they are armed with to show you. This facility is protected. No vampire will escape. They would be killed."

It took a few minutes before John came back, I smiled at the gun he was carrying. My eyebrows rose at the new gun.

George smiled at John as he sat down beside him. George looked at the general. "Tell him." He jutted his head at John. "It's your genius that did this."

John smiled at George and looked at the general. "Out in the corridor and even in the room we keep the vampires." John began. "We have ultraviolet lighting. So is this gun."

"It's a Supersoaker!" The general stated incredibly waving his hands at the "toy" John had. "My son has one!"

"It's supposed to look that way." John smiled. "It's less threatening this way." He pointed on the gun. "Here is a power source used to shine the light." He turned it on and pointed it at the general who flinched, but stopped when nothing happened.

"What sort of weapon is that!?" The general asked.

"One that works very well on vampires." I chuckled at John. "You combine the sun gun with the serum gun!?" I shook my head. "George is right, you are a genius." I looked at Colin. "We have a lot of those here."

"Yes! I combined them better and the delivery system is improved." John nodded smiling.

"What!?" The general balked. "What good is it? It's a toy!"

"Scott." Kevin began softly shaking his head. "A vampire can't be out in daylight. That gun shoots intense rays that repel vampires. Inside it are little pellets that contain this serum. Fired at a vampire, it slows them down." He looked at George. "I assume the lights inside have the same thing."

George nodded. "Only much more intense. It will be like a vampire is outside at noon. He will die and dissolve in minutes." He looked at the general. "There are weapons, but held by agents of the FBI helping us. We needed their expertise and credentials. We have Mark Goddard, Chuck Slaughter, and Shelly Vargas from the FBI and worked with us for years now. One, Stan Martin left because he became engaged to one of the other agents. He's the best computer...anything there is. He works for us now. They would be reassigned because Stan and Mark are getting married." The general was startled again hearing that bit of news.

"We have only used guns a few times," Colin explained. "Each time they were vampires. Bullets work on vampires, too. There was no evidence left behind. No bodies as they burn in sunlight!"

"Taking over is not going to happen!" I said to the general firmly. "We have the protection. We have people here that know what they're doing." I shook my head. "I'm sorry, general, but you don't. Not with this."

"We let you know to help us get to places without all the questions." Coli nodded. "We told you who and what we are. We aren't hiding anything. The President will need to be ready for the other countries to call him to see this is real."

"How do I report to the President if no one's here to make the report?" The general asked.

"We'll send reports," Colin assured. "We need your support, not your manpower."

Kevin chuckled and all but patted the general. "It'll be alright, Scott." He smiled.

I smiled at this. Maybe there was more than professionals working together. The President would not have been pleased how common it was. Go us!! We really were everywhere!!!

"So, our presence here is to what?" The general asked.

Colin smiled. "Knowledge about us." He said simply. "To know we..." he waved at me, George and John, "are not the threat, but there is a threat."

George nodded. "Which is something I was totally against letting people know at first." He admitted. "Trust for us is very difficult. To come and say what we are...goes against our very essence. However, I now see the benefits of telling some. We can't carry the burden alone anymore. Not if we expect to win."

The general nodded. "Fine." He sighed. "Well, I will feel better having someone here." He shook his head. "I will assign some..." he looked at Kevin, "observers here?"

Kevin nodded. "I think would be fine." Then he looked at Colin and George. "Oh, this isn't my facility. Will that be okay with you?"

George nodded. "I think it will be necessary if this is going to work but make sure whoever is sent here, understands medicine because basic science will not be enough."

The general nodded. "I think I know who."

General Edwards finally consented to just three active duty military personnel at the VUN of his choosing. It took two days before those people arrived. General Edwards was Air Force, but the man that showed up was a Navy Commander. The other two were Air Force like General Edwards. The General's control included all military services. A woman ranked as Master Sargent and a Staff Sargent. The Master Sargent was a woman, the Staff Sargent was a man. General Edwards, George Holm, John, Colin, and I met them at the elevator. Dressed in the sharp white uniform for the Navy, he was in his early forties with dark hair that had grey in his temples. The Master Sargent was a woman in her forties, as well. Reddish brown hair was done up due to regulations. The Staff Sargent was an African American man in his mid-thirties. Both of them were in Air Force uniforms.

It was evening when the Commander stepped off the elevator and immediately saluted General Edwards, as did the other two. The Commander stuck his hand out to the general. "General Edwards." He nodded at him and waved at the other two with him. "This is Sargent Davis and this is Sargent McCall. We got here as soon as possible."

General Edwards nodded and shook hands with the two enlisted. "I appreciate your coming." He turned to George. "This is George Holms. He is the doctor and scientist you will answer to. He knows more about this than anyone." He looked at George. "This is Commander William Canaday. He is an excellent doctor and scientist."

George shook the Commander's hand. "I hope we work well together, Commander Canaday."

The commander nodded but had the look of some urgency in his eyes. "I hope so. Please call me Will."

"Very well, Will." George then introduced each of us, including the fact that John was his fiancé and Colin and I were married. Not one ever reacted at that. The new military? Or was it just because none of these people were uneducated? Your guess.

"I read your credentials, they are impressive," Will said respectfully. "This V5H, I saw the breakdown on paper...you say it's not new?"

"No, quite the contrary, it's very old. It is just now coming to the attention of the world." George looked at me. "They are up now, perhaps you can be with them while I show these good people what we're up against."

I nodded. "Sure, George." I looked at Colin. "Care to join me?"

Colin grinned. "I'd love to."

Going to the room where the Old Ones were again, we went in and was greeted by all three. Repetate, Iustina, and Ralph were so...different now. They were relaxed and calm. Their needs were met, so they weren't aggressive now. They even gave Colin the greeting they gave me and Vlad. Rubbing and making those noises of affection that was almost like a purr from a cat.

"...so bizarre!" I heard Commander Canaday's voice as the speakers came on. "Vampires!?"

"So, why aren't they attacking those two?" The woman, Sargent Davis asked.

"Because they already are vampires," George answered. "As are John and me."

I smiled as I heard the usual questions asked and answers given. The evidence was right before their eyes. They didn't have a choice, but to believe.

We, our family, again gathered for a meal again in Colin's and my apartment. I loved that everyone was here. I missed them. The usual chaos of many conversations going at the table as food was brought and dished out. There was an easy comfortable togetherness, a closeness that just could be felt.

Willie grinned as Colin was piling his plate with food. "At least this hasn't affected your appetite."

My mother's eyes widened as she nodded with a chuckle. "I don't think anyone could eat that much and not gain weight. Not even a vampire."

Colin looked up innocently. "What do you mean? I always eat like this." He took a forkful of meat sticking it in his mouth and munched happily. "It just tastes so good!"

As relaxed as it all seemed so far, there was always the fear that something would go wrong. This many people now knowing, with no ties personally with a vampire they loved, there could be problems. We all knew that.

"This whole..." Shelly began, "telling people hasn't been bad?"

George shook his head. "No, it hasn't. I think if we had tried this before the serum it would have been much worse. We showed them we have being a vampire under some control. The ones we've told are calmer about it."

Colin shrugged a little. "Just like with you, Chuck, Mark and Stan...you came around."

"Yes," Stan nodded. "We saw the evidence. We could hardly deny it."

Mark bumped Stan's shoulder. "It was Buddy you fell in love with."

Stan grinned. "Well, sure! It's an amazing computer. You never were afraid of them." He pointed at me and Colin. "You believed in what they were doing and it is the right thing."

"Things are pretty good," I admitted. "I think we need to plan for something else now." I grinned at them. "We have several weddings to plan." I waggled my eyebrows. "There's Vlad's and Gaius' wedding," I looked at Stan. "Yours and Mark's and then George's and John's."

"Not necessarily in that order." Colin chuckled.

Vlad nodded as he was helping himself to some of the food. "Well, Devon did promise to show us Wentworth Manor."

"Nicolas, Helga, and their children are coming, too?" I said more as a question.

"Yes," Gaius smiled. "Helga wants to return to Romania afterward."

"She's going back?" Colin asked a little disappointed.

"Only to pack." Vlad chuckled. "They don't want to leave now."

Gabriella laughed. "I knew they would."

I worked with the Old Ones at night to help them gain a better understanding of language. I napped in the early morning. Colin still worked on the computer to keep things businesswise going. I had gotten so used to sleeping with Colin, it was not the best sleep I got without him, but...we had different things to do at different times. We did sleep together; I mean as in slumber. We also had our lovemaking, but I missed Colin. He was there, don't misunderstand that. He would have forgone the computer and all that, but he had things that were time sensitive he had to do. I understood that.

I was awakened as I felt a familiar brushing of lips on the cheek and those lips traveled down my face toward my neck. I also caught the familiar scent. There was that cologne I loved, but it was all Colin. I didn't even have to open my eyes; I knew where he was. My hands traveled up his chest and my arms went around him, pulling him down to me and held him close.

"Hi," I said softly to him.

His chuckle rumbled in my ear softly as his arms encircled me. "Hi." He stretched out over me. "It's a little earlier, but you need to come downstairs."

"Oohh." I moaned a little, then was awake. Was something wrong? "Is everything okay?"

He chuckled again kissing me lightly again. "Yes, everything is fine. Just throw something on, you'll want to see this." Colin said.

"You're not saying why." I nodded. "Okay." I got up, having showered before I went to bed, I brushed my hair and teeth, then put some clothes on.

Colin escorted me to the elevator with our hands joined as usual. We went down a few floors to the reception area of Holm's Laboratories. That was the main entrance for anyone coming to these offices, be it the Holms' Laboratories or the VUN.

Ursula stood in front of the rounded reception desk and was talking with two well-dressed men in dark suits and as I got closer, my eyes widened when I finally recognized who they were. Ursula smiled and commented to them and walked off to do...what she needed to.

"Robert! Marty!" I practically yelled rushing over. They both looked at me and grinned as I came quickly.

"Hi, Devon!" Marty greeted with a big smile and held out his hand which I bypassed, hugging Marty tightly. Colin was smiling, but he was shaking Robert's hand and giving the "bro-shoulder bump" to Robert. I let go of Marty and then I hugged Robert. No shoulder bump for me.

I pulled back to look at them. Marty Davis and Robert Cummings looked nothing like they did in Romania. They were traveling college graduates there for the big Transylvania Halloween event. They were now dressed in business suits and hair combed and neat. Their youth was still there, but the maturity was there as they looked...professional. Robert had his light-colored hair highlighted with those blonde-white streaks while in Romania, now it was a darker blonde, but combed and groomed well. Marty's dark hair was also combed and neat. "I almost didn't recognize you two!" I held their arms out as I looked at what they wore. The dark-colored suits; dark navy for Robert and black for Marty. The white shirts were so white they almost glowed. Robert wore an electric blue tie and Marty's as electric red. Sharp!

Marty grinned. "Well, I had to come, my disc needs replacing." He pointed to his arm. "I had a couple of replacements since Romania, but..."

"...and you invited us to come," Robert said smiling as he finished Marty's sentence. "Where better to have it done than here?" He waved at the surrounding personnel and offices.

I nodded. "I meant for you to."

"So, this is okay?" Robert asked. "Our coming here?"

"Yes! Of course, it is." I replied. "I hope you plan to stay."

"You mean in New York? We'd like to." Robert said sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "I was sort of a pain in the ass, back in Romania...so I wanted to be sure."

"You had a human reaction." I shrugged. "It happens. When did you get here?"

"Yesterday," Marty said. "We have a hotel room not far away." He thumbed over his shoulder to mean Manhattan.

"You're checking out of it today," Colin said firmly with a smile. "Bring your things here. You should stay here, and not just in New York. You can live where you like, but...you might be more comfortable here at the VUN."

Robert looked at Marty and smiled at me. "Well, we weren't sure..."

"Colin's right." I nodded. "You both need to be here."

Robert was happy to hear that. "Okay." He looked at the other people working down here. Answering calls and working on computers and the quiet, ordered commotion going on. "So, this is Holms' Laboratories?"

Colin nodded. "Just part of it. George came up with many treatments from everything from Hemophilia to Leukemia and Lymphoma. Holms' Laboratories, with the partnerships with some drug manufacturers, are sending out medications and treatments for many diseases of the blood." Colin explained. "That is the basis of where we really started. We began getting those out and that helped pay for a lot of what we do at the VUN. There is also our computer manufacturing..."

Robert seized on that. "Are you planning to market that more?" Robert asked quickly but smiled. "Sorry, I interrupted, but I saw the computers you used. They were faster than any I've seen. They could be a lucrative marketable product. I searched and can't find any out in the world."

Colin smiled as he put his arm around me as we walked. "Mostly we used them for our needs." He explained. "Our computers are completely compatible with most computers out there. In fact, they can hack into everyone's computer so far. Stan has come up with programs that seem to knock down any barriers. That's just Stan, but the computers can do the job. The language program for the Delkenzie software is loaded here but works by satellite to every computer networked. We are working on a lesser...Language Buddy for public use." Colin smiled. "Perhaps you, Robert, would like to see about that?"

Robert's eyes grew. "That would be wonderful!" He said excitedly. "Those things will be HUGE!!!"

Colin nodded. "All the computers used here are ours. Using normal components, but has our processors and memory chips and devices." He waved as we walked through the office work area. "Almost all down here are working for Holms' Laboratories. Upstairs is where the VUN is. We'll show you."

Colin explained a lot of the business of Holms' Laboratories and how big it really was as we strolled leisurely through the corridors. Robert and Marty were looking at everything. We led them to the elevators and took him up to George's lab. The two were not prepared for how complex George's lab was. I say again, George's lab was orderly and dimly lit as most of what he did was on a computer and monitors. He had fixed lights he used to see more details like loading specimens. A vampire had good eyesight, so bright lighting was unnecessary. That, and most of what he worked on was light sensitive, so bright lights would harm what he worked on and looked at.

I was pleased that John and George were working in the same place. George in his long white lab coat was looking at a monitor at something that he blew the image up to see more details. He tapped on the screen and a portion got larger so he could see more. John was working on the new combination sun and serum gun.

"George," Colin said to George. One more time, George was so tunneled and didn't seem to hear anyone or anything. He was concentrating.

John looked up smiling at us he saw us come in and then turned to George who wasn't responding. He rolled his eyes and walked over and leaned in kissing George lightly on the cheek near an ear and said something to him.

"What?" George asked John who waved back at us. George turned to see us and his eyes grew, as did his smile. "Oh, sorry." He waved at the screen. "I get so focused..."

Colin chuckled with a nod coming to George giving him an affectionate hug. "We know, George." He waved at Marty and Robert. "Do you remember these two?"

George looked and nodded. "Oh, yes, of course!" He came over shaking their hands. "Are you joining us now?"

Marty nodded. "We'd like to."

I looked at the image on the monitor. I'd seen venom in blood and how it reacted, but I noticed something different with this sample. "Is this Nicolas' blood, George?"

Now George was smiling even more. "No, it's Jan's." He looked at Colin and waved our attention to the monitor screen. "Gaius' grandson's blood, but there are similarities to Nicolas' blood including type which Rica doesn't share as he was his their mother's. You can see that!"

"He has the same antivenin and antibody," I said.

George nodded again getting excited again. "Yes, it's not as strong as the venom he inherited from his father wasn't as strong, to begin with, but they are there." He waved at the screen. "It has many of the same properties. The inherited venom and the body's making of the venom are there but under control!" He grinned at the screen. "I was seeing the reaction of ultraviolet light on his blood! I am studying it at very slow progression."

I saw Will Canaday come in, also with a long white lab coat on (why is that the dress code here?), but was wearing his uniform underneath. He stopped. "Oh, hello."

George walked over to Will. "Will, these are two from Romania I told you about that we rescued when Iilya and Lucian tried to convert more to becoming vampires."

Will stopped looking uncertainly at Marty and Robert. "Are they...?"

George chuckled. "One is and one isn't."

John nodded. "Can't tell, can you?" He asked Will with a chuckle.

"No," Will admitted.

"Now, you understand a little more about what we want to do," George said.

Robert nodded seeing the uniform. "So, you have the military here now?" He said shaking Will's hand.

"He's sort of a...liaison officer between us and the President," Colin explained. "We need that support to do what we need to do."

"He's a doctor and scientist," George explained to them. "He and other scientists around the world will be helping me to find the cure and help with others that are vampires."

Marty shrugged. "You did it in Romania and England. It just makes sense."

We had Marty and Robert with us at dinner. We took them to Vamps before they were to be taken to their hotel and checked out of there and into the VUN. As they left to do just that I turned to Colin.

Looking at him, I felt it again. Here was a human being I loved more than anyone. More than I thought possible. I knew he loved me. I came up and hugged him which of course, he gave the hug back. Feeling his presence, solid, warm and...just there. It was more than lust, it was more than love. He was part of me. I really did feel my heart beat faster and more intensely.

"Are you doing anything for the next hour or so?" I asked Colin as he bent in allowing my nose and mouth near his throat and ear.

He grinned at me as his hands ran over me. "I think so." He chuckled. "I think my husband and I need some time alone together...to connect." He said as his lips touched mine gently. "Shall we go?"

I took his hand and led him to the elevator to go to our apartment. Once there, in our room, clothes were shed and the caresses began. Lips to lips, the pressing of skin to skin and passion was reignited in a flame that only got brighter, not a burst, but just slow and steady burning brighter. We did connect again, making love slowly and deeply. There was nowhere I didn't touch on Colin. There was no place I didn't kiss on Colin. Nor was there a place on me that wasn't touched and kissed. It was sex, yes, but the most important thing. It was love.

After we both climaxed...no panting or gasping needed. We were solid again. My hand in his hair and arm around him. "I love you, Colin."

"I know," Colin said softly as he kissed me. "I love you."

"I know."

We got Marty and Robert set up in a couple of rooms we used for personnel. Amanda was in one when she was first brought here as a new vampire. It wasn't an apartment, but Marty and Robert weren't guests and not yet employees. If they wanted one later, they would get one...or two. I bet it would be one. They may or may not become more than just friends, but that was their choice. Rob had a degree in Business and interested in helping to manage a business. Marty had a degree in Science and was more into making things more Earth-friendly. We were giving them preference because of what happened in Romania? Of course, we were. Marty had survived the attack of a vampire and was now a vampire. That gave them a preference! Was that unfair? You bet it was, but Marty was bitten and Robert was there. That wasn't fair.

The Holiday Season was now in full swing in New York. It was not forgotten at the VUN either as decorations were going up all over the building...except for Ralph's, Iustina's, and Repetate's room. They predated any of the seasons except for the Hebrew ones...maybe. They are thousands of years old!

One more time, we as a family gathered to share a meal with our family, except for Nicolae, Helga, Rica, Gina, and Jan...everyone was there. We had begun to do that every week now to connect as a family. We told each other what our plans were for the upcoming Holiday as dinner was served, having brought it from Vamps. Dishes were put out and there was a lot of help to get things ready to eat as it became delightful chaos. There was a comfortable familiarity with everyone here.

Amir smiled a little shyly. "Shelly invited me to visit with her family this coming holiday." He shrugged pointing at Amasis with his fork. "Dad's going with Wayne to Scotland for the Holiday...I'd be in the way there."

"This is not true, Amir," Wayne said quickly shaking his head. "I said they'd have to make room. Katie and Sean have a five-bedroom house..."

Amir grinned. "Well, yes, but Shelly and I aren't married, so if I came, I'd have to bring Shelly and...well...Karen would share her room with Kelly, but...you two have the guest room, but Shelly wants to spend Christmas with her family. I was invited." He said simply shrugging.

"Son..." Amasis began, "we'll be fine if you come and fine if you don't. We'll all be back." He assured.

I chuckled as the wonderful drone of the conversations filled the room as everyone was helping themselves to what there was to eat. "Wayne, have you told them about Amasis?" I asked.

Wayne shook his head. "Nooo. I told Katie and Sean..." he grinned. "Kelly was so excited to find out her grandfather was a vampire...imagine what Kelly's reaction would be if she found out Amasis is a former Pharaoh." His eyebrows bobbed.

Colin chuckled as he munched on his second steak. "She couldn't tell her friend Darleen!"

"Yes, the very agony!" Wayne said dramatically as he agreed laughing.

Colin looked at Vlad and Gaius. "You two are coming to Charleston." It wasn't a question or invitation, just as a confirmation. "Along with Nic, Helga, Rica, Gina, and Jan?"

Gaius gave a shrug and nod. "If you have enough room."

Gabriella gave a slight, hushed chuckle. "Daddy has enough room....believe me. You'll love Wentworth Manor." She looked at her father. "We're still having a Christmas Party, aren't we?"

"Of course," Colin nodded. "It's a tradition now." He brushed his shoulder against mine as he kissed me lightly on the cheek. "All traditions are going to happen...including Devon's."

I gave a mock grimace. "You said you didn't mind those!" I looked up at Vlad and Gaius. "I do have some...odd traditions." I bumped Colin lightly but wondered about Vlad's and Gaius' traditions. "Are there traditions you two have? We'd be happy to include those. Mine are a bit childish, but..."

Vlad looked a little thoughtful. "The world changed a lot since I celebrated the Festival of Christ." He shook his head. "My last Christes Maesse as a regular man has changed over the centuries. I'm open to whatever's new and current." He sighed regretfully.

Gaius swallowed and then said. "I did visit with Nicolae and Helga when they celebrated...not as often as I liked, but..." he admitted. "It will be nice to celebrate with them for the first time...as more of a man."

I could only understand a little. They had both thought they were evil before. "No special menus? We'll include whatever is desired. We just need to know what that is. We want you to feel included and at home with us." I said. "Do you celebrate the Old Christmas...on January 6th?"

Vlad gave a consenting shrug. "I don't think it matters, as long as we observe the day." He laughed a little bitterly. "I thought I was damned for so long before, so I didn't celebrate at all. This will be the first I've celebrated in centuries."

I smiled sympathetically. "You know that's not true now, right?"

"I'm getting there." Vlad nodded sipping his wine.

"It's really happening." Colin sighed happily. "Things are happening now for us...a lot of new things. Before, we were isolated and cut off because of the venom. We stagnated for decades and centuries." He grinned at Amasis, "or for millennia. We didn't talk to each other. How could we? Now, we are."

I nodded. "And it's thanks to George."

"Hey, now..." George began to protest again, his naturally red complexion getting redder.

"No more modesty, George," Colin said smiling at our friend. "Devon's right. What you've done is nothing short of a miracle. We couldn't be doing this without what you did."

Burke grinned at his fiancé from his place beside George.

"I didn't do it alone." George clarified. "We'd still be hiding in the dark if it were up to me."

Colin looked at our now crowded table. "You are right, too, George. It's been a group effort...really. Since the turn of the last century, we have come out of the darkness and not hiding anymore. Now, with the help of new discoveries and technology, we're talking and trusting. A lot of that is due to Stan's genius with Buddy. Mark, Shelly, and Chuck who work tirelessly...we are making progress. Everyone at this table...our friends and family in England and now Romania has made it all possible."

"And we won't stop," I said.

Colin nodded. "That's right. We go forward." Colin said. He stood holding his glass up. "I propose a toast; to the VUN International." Everyone stood and clicked their glasses together and drank the toast.

Conversations resumed and it was almost noisy. If Gaius' grandchildren had been there, it would have been.

"Where are the grandchildren, Gaius?" Mom asked.

Gaius smiled as he thought of them. "Helga insists she takes care of the family herself. They are having dinner at their borrowed home. Something about being in a foreign country, she feels that they need to stay a family. She insists they have a meal together." He shrugged. "It makes sense. They will come with us soon to Charleston, so..."

"Helga and Nicolae seem to be settling in, Gaius." Mom said smiling. "Do they still want to go back to Romania?"

Gaius shook his head. "No, not really." He smiled as he thought of his grandchildren. "My grandsons are happy not having to go to school, Gina misses her friends. Helga has come to see it as a good thing and Nic...just needs a job. He's feeling a little useless here for now."

Colin's eyes widened. "Useless!? What are we here? Do we not have jobs!?" Colin asked Gaius. "He can work right away if he wants to. He needs to know he is more than just a possible cure for our being vampires. He's a man! He needs something to do. Give his life a sense of purpose."

I smiled at Gaius. "I suppose they do feel like they're on vacation...of sorts." I looked at Colin. "There are people who work here that have children."

Colin nodded a slow nod as he thought. "I suppose, but they aren't vampires." He waved at Gabriella. "Or they are older or...like Gabriella, it's complicated! Sarah's children are grandparents now themselves!"

I raised my eyebrows and agreed. "I know, the age thing still gets to me. My point is..." I said to Colin, "Gaius has three grandchildren we have here. They need friends. They need to go to school...to socialize so they can grow up!"

"The immigration things won't be a problem," Stan said. "There are some powerful people who have given permission for them to stay in the United States. Nicolae will need protection. As a result, Helga, Rica, Gina and Jan will need protection."

Mark put his glass down he'd been drinking from. "Vlad and Gaius have not been identified as vampires. With the growing attention of vampires in the world...they are safe...for now. I don't worry about spies right now, but if they find out why Nicolae is here...and his connection to Gaius...it could be very dangerous."

Colin considered this again. "Well, I'm sure Stan can find the right program online to keep them up with their schooling." He grinned at Stan who was nodding already. "We just need to find them a secure outlet to socialize."

I looked Wayne. "It's too bad Scott, Kelly and Karen is over in Scotland. They'd be great to have as friends. They have the same secrets, so no breach of security. Then Kelly would have someone share with about her vampire grandfather." I said and then I frowned. "Of course, you two could operate from the VUN-GB," I said simply. "You could move the family to Scotland or operate from Thornwood. Edwin would love the help."

Colin didn't quite choke on what he was drinking, but put the glass down hard and shook his head surprised. "What!? No!" He said adamantly looking at me. "They can't. Move!? We just got them here!"

"Yes," I said patting Colin on the back as he coughed and swallowed. "Are you saying that because it would be a problem for them or for us?" I asked grinning knowing the answer.

"Both!!!" Colin stated loud...nearly shouting. "I don't want them to leave here!"

"Good! I don't either!" I said just as loud. I waved at Vlad and Gaius. "We won't lose them, but they are free to go and do what they have to." I then waved at Mom and Willie. "Mom moved out with Dad. Gabriella moved out with Alex! Things..." I began carefully, "change."

Willie smiled at us. "We're in the same town." He shook his head. "We just moved out of Wentworth Manor." He said simply. "Hell, we're together most of the time anyway! You will never be rid of us." He took Mom's hand. "You won't lose Vlad and Gaius if they stay or go. We are all connected."

Shelly was enjoying this as she listening. "Besides, for the next few months...those two..." she waved at Vlad and Gaius, "along with George, John, Mark, and Stan will be planning weddings. They will not be gone."

Wayne was enjoying the conversations as well. "Is anyone from your families coming to the wedding, Mark?"

"Certainly." Mark nodded. "Stan's mother and sister are coming. My mother and father are coming. I don't know about my brother..."

"They know what you do?" Wayne asked. "I mean more than the FBI." He waved at Colin and me as he continued to eat. "Who you work for?"

"I work for the FBI." Mark shrugged. "They know something is big, but not what."

"Excuse me," Gaius mockingly stern, "back to the Vlad and Gaius subject." He grinned. "Is anyone going to ask us?" He motioned between Vlad and him. "How we feel about where we want to go and why?"

Colin chuckled. "I guess we should ask. It is your lives."

"Thank you." Gaius gave a quick nod of appreciation. "Vlad and I are staying," Gaius said simply but looked a little uncertain about what he was thinking about. "I missed so much of Nic's life as he was growing up..." he smiled sadly, "because of this venom. I have three terrific grandchildren and they grow up so fast. I hate to lose a single moment with them."

"You shouldn't have to." Colin agreed. "Life here...is going to be challenging for them if they stay." He smiled at Gaius. "Just know...whatever you two decide...you will always be welcome here. I hope you stay but will understand if you don't." He grunted. "I won't like it if you leave, but we'll still be family."

I had noticed earlier...Chuck wasn't as happy as everyone else was. He was fine, but thinking about something...it was troubling to him. "Not to be the wet blanket here." Chuck began slowly and almost hesitantly. "This is still early in this whole..." he waved at the surroundings, "VUN and being so out there as vampires and all..." he frowned, "but there are some real dangers coming. Spies is just one concern. The less...considerate countries and other powers will be coming for this. They will not be operating on any rules of engagement or consideration."

I nodded. "We understand that. Rafa Morsi proved that and Fredrick Hoffman."

Chuck snickered a little but held little humor and he wouldn't look at Colin or me. "They weren't as...motivated as others can and will be." He shook his head. "These new people that come...they will be...the men that tried to get your secret to create an army...these new guys are practically like Navy Seals or some specialized militia compared to a bunch of boy scouts when they come." He frowned. "Rafa Morsi's group being the cub scouts compared to this new adversary."

Colin nodded and sat back. "What precautions are you thinking we need?"

Chuck gave a shrug getting a little more worried. "Against the unknown threat? I have no clue." He said seriously. "I've seen the guys that work here." He shook his head at all of us. "They are very good. Many are military trained and do a good job. I think they could be ready, but they must prepare for..." he thought, "sneakier attacks. This won't be a regular attack if there is one. I will bet everything...there will be." He shook his head again and looked at Colin. "Don't be angry." He warned before he spoke. "I know how you see things, Colin. I heard about what you said to that doctor who said you have the Fountain of Youth." He looked at George. "And you, too, George. The reality is...what you have now..." he plunged on. "It a very good thing!"

"What!?" Colin shouted.

Chuck waved at Colin helplessly. "See!?" He slumped back in his chair.

I put my hand on Colin's arm, taking Colin's hand and squeezed it. "Wait. Hear him out." I said calmly, but I knew what Chuck was saying. It was what I tried to warn Colin and George about before but got such resistance.

"You have what many will do ANYTHING to have!" Chuck said standing up pleading for Colin to hear him and understand. "You will not die!"

"We can die!" Colin shot back defensively.

"Yes. You could die." Chuck repeated. "Not will die." He nodded. "Yes. This Manhattan! Taking the streets, you could have an accident! That doesn't mean you will have one. I know...you each suffered for decades, centuries and longer in some cases." He looked at Amasis. "You are not now!" He leaned over the table. "Hear me!" He pleaded again. "There was no choice for any of you. Not really." He looked at me. "You, Devon, chose to be bitten...I know...but why? Because Colin would be alone one day if you didn't." He looked at my mother. "You chose, as well; because Willie would be alone if you didn't." He waved at the table. "You had some suffering, I know...but not like you, Colin, George or any other vampire here. Look...this table is loaded with food...which you can eat! Your senses have gotten stronger. You're like..." he thought, "superhuman now." He waved at George. "You came up with a way to make you not suffer. Your serum changed the venom and is making the venom work for you instead of having you work for the venom. You don't get sick and you won't necessarily, naturally expire. Colin...George...you are billionaires! You have a practically infinite amount of years to live! As long as you're on the serum, you can make more and probably will. These others that come are going to want that for themselves as well."

George was shaking his head. "I didn't want that." He said softly. "I wanted to make us human again."

"I know." Chuck nodded and then shook his head. "No, but the venom is not what it was!" He pointed to Colin. "You...are stuck in the past." He held his hands up to stop Colin from saying anything. "I know, it was bad. I heard you. I can't know how bad it was, but that was the past. What you have now is so..." he shook his head as he thought how to say it, "beyond....so fucking good!" He said emphatically. "You aren't suffering now!" He ran his hand through his blond hair and blew a breath of frustration to get his point across. "When I came here...I was all for it." He turned quickly assuring. "I still am. I am. Stopping those things from ruining those innocent lives...yes, I will do whatever it takes to stop them, but you have what almost everybody wants!" He said. "You live, you eat, you love and from what I've seen and learned, that will go on quite a while." He chuckled. "I've given this a lot of thought. Imagine someone like Iilya getting what you have. Or god forbids...someone like Hitler!" He said raising his voice at the name.

I nodded. "I have thought it, too," I said quietly looking at Colin. "The world could benefit from some of this."

Colin looked at me in shock. "What!?"

"It's what I told you in the beginning, Colin," I said quietly. "Chuck sees it. We don't get sick. We don't have a set number of years. Those two things are exactly what the world wants." I saw Colin as he was beginning to get it...at last. "Yes. I know you can't really do it, but...without considering what you went through from the 1850s until a decade or so ago...think of what you have now."

Chuck was nodding, glad I understood. "You better believe it...there will be those out there that will do anything to have the venom and the serum."

Colin shook his head as he thought. "We didn't ask for it." He said softly. "Even if I could forget what happened...I'd still undo it."

"All of it?" I asked unsure about what he said.

Colin didn't understand but looked at me and understood. "No, not about meeting you...marrying you...never!"

"But if it hadn't happened, we would never even know each other." I pointed out.

Colin pulled me into an embrace. "I told you before. If I had to go through those decades again, with all the suffering...I'd do it willingly to get to you. Believe that."

Chuck leaned in again. "Do you understand now? This is the Holy Grail, Lottery Win and Fountain of Youth all rolled together!" He saw Colin's face filling with horror and disbelief. "Please, understand this." He pleaded again. "They will do anything, Colin. Steal, kidnap and kill to get what you have."

I heard Colin swallow as it finally sunk in. He understood. "What do we do?"

Chuck nodded. "We'll just have to prepare for the worse."