by: Jim Caswell

Andrew Cauley sat at his desk, adding yet another name to his long list of targets, wondering whom exactly had tipped him off about the gargoyle in New Orleans. As he debated the extent of the overabundance of mystic creatures, Harvester informing him of another report of werewolf activity interrupted his musings. Agreeing that it must be eliminated, Helsing was put somewhat at ease when told that it was found in Iowa City, a city that didn't have any reported heroes in residence.

Two hours later, Harvester had set the mental trap, luring the werewolf to a deserted warehouse just before midnight. Helsing, Shaft, Z, Final Factor, and Sliver strode into the building with a level of confidence they had not earned in some time. As they entered the prearranged location, they were surprised to find the werewolf already chained to the wall. The three ex-military personnel instantly fell into flanking position, knowing a setup when they saw it.

It turned out to be too little too late. As Z, Final Factor, and Sliver fell onto formation, twenty armored soldiers stepped out of the shadows, guns being leveled at the Slayers. A voice from behind one of them simply stated, "Hello, Samuel. You've been a bad boy."

Helsing had seen Sliver wade into a pack of werewolves with a grin on his face and walk out with a song on his lips. The one thing he had never seen was fear …. until now. Having recognized the voice, Sliver was screaming about not going back - that he would rather die. The chilling voice promised that it could be arranged if Sliver didn't cooperate. Z and Final Factor began to move toward their ally to provide support, only to be stopped by the voice saying, "Mr. Zargood. Mr. Logan. You both served this country faithfully. Now you are both soldiers for hire. I've done the research. Stand by the Slayers, and you will never be employed again, if you get out of here alive. Come with me, and you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams."

With this, the elderly gentleman stepped out into the light. Both men looked at him, questions forming on their face. Almost in unison, "It can't be. You look so much older, Slade."

"Mistaken identity, gentlemen. You think of Arthur. I'm not him. I'm better. Goalies, take him."

As Helsing stood there, he watched as five of the armored men stepped forward. He had expected to see Sliver disappear from sight, or fight, or do something. Instead, the man stood there, head hung low and defeated. Harvester enquired what was going on, obviously unaware of the ambush. Helsing's internal debate was resolved quickly, realizing that these men were not the creatures he had dedicated himself to destroying and that he was now, officially, severely out-manned. Z and Final Factor looked back at him, mentally expressing their apologies, not realizing that Helsing knew the truth; they were mercenaries who were dedicated to the money he paid, not to the mission. His sole statement, as the soldiers began to move out, was "what of the werewolf?"

The leader turned to him and smiled. "Whatever you wish. Agent Vincent served his purpose, and knew the dangers of volunteering for the duty. Do what you do, but know that we were never here. Ever say we were, and you will become the slayee."

© Copyright 2003 - James Caswell