Episode 4

Rundown of Episode 3....Trinkle is brought to L6, The Terminators attack Melbourne City and Neil Luxmoore is captured by them.

Episode 4- RETRIBUTION...Written by Michelle Murray
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Neil Luxmoore came to slowly to find himself in a large structure. The ground was metal, and the walls were the same but patterned with tiny bolts. He saw other people in the room, captives like himself. His shirt was open at the front bearing his smooth torso; more than one female captive was glancing at him appreciatively. Luxmoore tried to stand, wincing at the pains that lanced through his head. He remembered taking the cat, Trinkle, to Leviticus, then returning to the mainland. The invaders had come upon him too swiftly for Luxmoore to deflect any sort of attack. Taryn would be waiting for him at home and she would be so worried. In the same room with Neil was none other than Lexie Patterson who, at the time of the invasion, had been daydreaming about Trinkle, Lori and the girl she had met - Taryn. Lexie had been driving in her car when the invaders struck and had no time to escape; not that she had been foolish enough when faced with high-tech weapons.
Lexie: (to Neil)"You may as well make the most of it, mate. They've got us for now anyway"
Luxmoore glared angrily at her. He had been pressing against the metal door with the palms of his hands. Lexie's face fell and she sighed inwardly. Not another loose canon! She rose to her feet, walked upto the wall beside him and spoke again; this time her tone was grave.
"Don't do anything stupid, otherwise we'll all pay for it!!"

LUXMOORE HOUSE: Hours had passed and Taryn was not worried. She was absolutely frantic. It was out of character for Neil to ever be late. And even if he was he would always always let her know. Nervously she sat by the phone, imploring it to ring with news, any news. Earlier she had phoned L6 and confirmed he had successfully processed Trinkle and left. A thought came bidden into her head. Her fiancee had been captured by the invaders. Determined to keep that thought at bay, she phoned IG1. He must be there! Taryn prayed. God, let him please be there!
Hunter: "IG1, Lane Hunter speaking"
Taryn found her voice after a pause "I..I'm looking for Neil Luxmoore. Is...is he there?"
Hunter: "Who's calling please?"
Taryn: "Taryn. Taryn Carlton. I...I was expecting Neil home hours ago....", the rest of her conversation became tears; Lane Hunter felt for her. "I thought he might go back there to fill in a report after taking little Trinkle to Leviticus"
Hunter: "I'm terribly sorry, but Neil hasn't been here since...about", a pause while Lane calculated the actual time that Neil had left, "2:45 this afternoon. Is it possible he's been captured?"
Taryn: (fighting a wave of hysteria)"I think he has been"
On the other end of the line, Lane Hunter sensed Taryn's rising hysteria. James Thornton slept soundly beside him, snoring contentedly. Hunter propped himself up for comfort thinking of some comforting words for the young woman who he knew and liked.
Taryn: "Can you come over? You're his boss and you might be able to talk to these Terminators to get him out. Please, Mr. Hunter! Please!!!"
Lane Hunter was quite unprepared for this request and his heart sank at the prospect of leaving the relative safety of IG1. However a second later he decided>
Lane: "I'll be over within the hour, Taryn. In the meantime stay where you are and don't under any circumstances set foot outside the house. Understand?"
Taryn: "Yes..yes I do. Oh thank you, thank you so much"
Lane: "I'll see you soon, Taryn. Bye bye"
Taryn: "Bye" When Taryn replaced the cradle her heart soared with joy.
Lane Hunter, on the other hand, didn't share Taryn's confidence.

TERMINATOR CRAFT: Neil Luxmoore was able to think a little more clearly after fifteen minutes. People had told him that their captors treated them fairly decently but beware of their leader Egan. Lexie Patterson did not trust the newest captive one iota. She had a niggling suspicion about him when he was first thrown into the room by The Terminator, a thin, pale man with shoulder length hair, receding at the front who looked as though he hadn't the strength to punch out a paper bag let alone throw a man Neil's size. Lexie stayed close to Neil, out of sheer curiosity rather than any attraction. Besides something really bothered her about him.
Neil: "Have these men told you what they want?"
Lexie: "No, not so far. We've been treated pretty good though" At this Neil Luxmoore's face spread into a laugh.
Neil outstretched his right arm and waved it expansively across the room "You call this being treated good!?"
"WELL THEY HAVEN'T COME IN AND BASHED US YET!!!!", someone else screamed at him. Luxmoore was still unfazed.
Lexie: "So, who are you?" Neil Luxmoore looked steadily at her and Lexie tried not to falter under his gaze.
Neil: "You want to know who I am? Well I'll tell you. My name is Luxmoore, Neil Luxmoore and I'm......"

By the time Lane Hunter was in transit in the Island Hovercraft, he was bitterly regretting his decision to leave the Island. Perhaps it was something to do with knowing what separation from a loved one was like. Or was it to do with Taryn herself? When first told of Luxmoore's disappearance, Hunter felt elated. Neil Luxmoore had been a thorn in his side from the very start with his harshness and cruelty toward the inmates. Despite this, here he was on his way to see a girl who was desperate for reassurance and help. Hunter glanced down at the black water, churning violently under the motion of the hovercraft. There was no going back now.

L6: Nermal the kitten was in a licking mood. Trinkle had been brought in shortly before by Kerryn who placed him gently in his bed and drew the sheet over him. The small grey kitten went up to the sleeping Trinkle and gave him a tiny lick on the side of his neck. Trinkle, under sedation stirred briefly then went back to sleep.

Sometime later, Trinkle woke up. The sleeping pills given to the preternaturals were never very strong. The cat sat up in bed and looked around the darkened room. Other beds were also occupied by other animals who slept soundly. A terrible lonliness came over Trinkle seeking to overwhelm him and he started crying yet again. The cry was different this time; more desolate, as if he was cut off from the rest of the world. In the other beds, at least eight pairs of ears thickened and smiles vanished in response to Trinkle's distress. Felix J awoke, followed by his brother, Nermal, Garfield, Sassy and all of the animals padded over to the white newcomer. Trinkle started repeating a name over and over again; almost like a ceremonial intonation. The other cats and dogs knew it was something more than that.
"Was Taryn your friend?" asked one.
Trinkle: "She was my best friend!" The voice belonged to Garfield D. For the first time Trinkle really took notice of the other cat. He was bright orange! Orange! His tears dried up gradually. The orange cat, who's name was Garfield D introduced himself. Soon all the others introduced themselves, some at the same time. Trinkle became confused, but he was no longer distressed. It would take him a short while to remember all the animals names; but the one name he would remember straight off would be Garfield, because he was such a noticeable colour. The excited babble of the animals woke Kerryn. She sat up abruptly to discover all of them around Trinkle's bed.
Kerryn: "What's going on down there?"
Felix M stepped out from the crowd and scurried over to Kerryn who climbed out of bed to join them.
Felix M: "We all heard Trinkle crying for his friend"
"His girlfriend's name's Taryn!", chortled Freddy M. Felix M took Kerryn by the hand and elbowed his way through to a smiling Trinkle. Felix was very sombre.
"Trinkle", said Felix, "This is our nanny, Kerryn. She and Glyn take care of us. Kerryn, this is-"
Kerryn: (affectionately cuffing the black cat across the back of the head "I know who this is", she reached out to stroke Trinkle's cheek "and he's going to get some sleep because I am going to chase all you off to bed!. Go on shoo!" There was happy babble as the cats and dogs moved toward their beds. Kerryn turned her attention once more to Trinkle, pulling the blanket over him as he snuggled down a smile on his face.
Kerryn: (petting his head) "Sweet dreams, little one"

TERMINATOR CRAFT: The Terminator, Egan lay slumped against a black crystal desk. He awoke with a headache and as he gazed at the monitors, he tried to remember where those people came from. Why was the city burning? The monitor Egan gazed into showed the Terminators current captives. There were several people, both women and men; but one particular man he paid attention to. The man was tall, with dark hair and a handsome but thin face; and he appeared to be arguing with a young dark haired woman. By the woman's gesture, the debate was violent. Egan sprang into action when the tall male seized the woman and began to throttle her. He flew out cape flying behind him...

Luxmoore held Lexie's neck in a vice like grasp, and the others could only watch horrified.
"YOU BAS-TARD!", Lexie gurgled.
"Filfthy whore!", muttered Luxmoore. Confusion reigned when Egan and two other Terminators burst in and promptly rescued Lexie from Neil Luxmoore's death-grip. Lexie gasped for air under the concerned eye of the anaemic Terminator who reportedly rendered Luxmoore unconscious. Luxmoore struggled valiantly, but vainly as Egan and one other; a heavyset bald man with a dark goatee beard, chained him to a wall in the massive room. In the next few moments-deathly silence. Deathly silence immediately after a soul-less scream of agony. The scream came out of Neil Luxmoore. The others discovered why; Egan held a tazer out towards Luxmoore's face. On his chest was a long deep cut that bled quite profusely. Luxmoore's face was the colour of ash. Egan decided this man would have to die - but not at the moment.
Egan: (indicating Luxmoore)"No food or water to be given to this man!" Lexie Patterson felt a chill surge throughout her that had nothing to do whatsover with air-conditioning.

CITY COMMAND POST: Though Taryn Carlton and Lane Hunter had no way of knowing Lexie Patterson's plan to save Neil Luxmoore's life; they felt fairly confident he and the others would be released without harm. That was the impression that General Gary Conway of The Army gave. Conway, a young man, was also very competent at his job; his manner enforced this. He had black hair, piercing green eyes and a round gentle face; and he was tall; a lot like Neil, Taryn thought. Army personnel milled around the only two civilians with Conway who told them of The Terminators history; also of Egan's problems. Taryn was sympathetic to The Terminator's plight; Lane Hunter considerably less.
Hunter: "Look at this place! Christ knows how many people are dead because of this psychopath!" After the words came out, he regretted saying them. Not so long ago, Hunter himself was the subject of a somewhat psychotic episode involving the late Marie Winter. General Conway glanced disapprovingly at the older man's outburst.
Conway: "There may be a way we can free the remaining captives without harm. I understand that Leviticus is holding a total of fourteen preternatural animals?"
Hunter: "No, I think it's thirteen"
Conway consulted a manilla folder he had picked up from one of the many desks around the command post.
No...", he murmured still studying the file "There are fourteen as of tonight...They've got a seven year old male cat joining them by the name of Sylvester. They also processed an eight year old male cat by the name of Trinkle" Conway briefly showed Taryn and Hunter composite photographs of the two cats. Sylvester's photo revealed a cheeky grin. They both saw a black and white cat about Trinkle's size, or perhaps he was smaller. One could not tell precisely from photographs how tall (or small) Sylvester was.

IG3: Pandemonium reigned at Terry Walters Island Prison. Screams reverbertated and the entire place seemed to shake with them. In the staff room sat a small preternatural animal. Sylvester, a cat, was alone, except for a pretty young inmate, assigned by Walters to look after him until the pick-up came from L6. Despite the environment little Sylvester found himself in at that moment, he was relatively content as he wolfed down cookies and a mug of milk prepared by Liza, the young girl. Sylvester was the size of a six year old child (4ft3 inches) and was slim with a white body punctuated with large black spots. His slim tail was about seven inches long, white with a black tip. Sylvester habitually curled his tail around to the front of his thigh every time he sat down. He told Liza that it was comfortable for him to do so. Of course, Liza was enchanted with the small cat, especially since he was preternatural and she could communicate in the normal fashion with him. Liza, who had short brown hair tucked up into a small but attractive bob was not far off her twenty-first birthday; tall, at around five ft ten she was slender with a small tanned face with sparkling brown eyes; lips were full, but not overly large. The girl prayed for a delay in L6 coming, for minding this child-cat was a reprieve from daily life, no existence in this hell-hole. Indeed she was fortunate that Walters chose her to baby-sit anybody under Department Protection, one of many rare privileges that Terry Walters granted - if any. Another thing bothered Liza as well. she was due for release any day now, having signed the release forms; it seemed she was between a rock and a hard place. When she got out of IG1, Morgan Hunter would be waiting for her, and she certainly didn't look forward to that.

TERMINATOR CRAFT: Hours passed that seemed to Neil Luxmoore like an eternity. Still strung up against the wall Luxmoore tried to find any physical comfort he could by stretching. He was struck by surprise by the kindness of the other captives, who risked similar fates by offering him their water and food. One lady of mature age went as far as making a makeshift bandage out of a piece of her skirt - also known to Lexie as none other but Nancy McCormack; affectionately nick-named St Nance! The Terminators had already released Lexie as a goodwill gesture to the people of Melbourne. Luxmoore rested his head against the wall and tried to pray to a God he had rejected a very long time ago.

CITY COMMAND POST: 2:00am came and went and Lexie stayed with Taryn and Lane Hunter. Gary Conway had a plan that involved the Preternaturals. He would get them to plead on the the captives behalf, who would be released unharmed within the next hour anyway; but Neil Luxmoore's case had to be argued. Trinkle, alone could accomplish this, for The Terminators usually bent over backwards to make the animals happy. In this case, since Neil and Taryn knew Trinkle, the little cat was in a position to save his life. Co-incidentally this was to have been Lexie's plan. After consultation with Taryn, Lane and Lexie, Gary Conway set the wheels in motion.

L6: 3:00am A hour later, one of General Conway's representitives arrived at the massive prison of Leviticus 6 and within ten minutes Trinkle was awoken from a peaceful sleep; the first he'd had for a while. Quietly and swiftly the Army man spirited Trinkle without disturbing the others. The cat was still half asleep when Kerryn and Torrens waved him off.
"He'll be back within the hour, Maam. We'll take good care of him. Please don't worry", said the soldier re-assuringly. Evidently he was accustomed to dealing with distraught people as he was now with this young girl who was drawing a blanket up around the cat's shoulders. Lane Torrens stood silent behind her. Kerryn kissed Trinkle on the forehead tenderly. Kerryn Walker did not voice her grave reservations on this attempt to save the life of a man reputed to be a sadist. Neil Luxmoore's fearsome reputation had preceded him over many places This proved that, despite Leviticus being a Maximum Security Installation, the Prison Grapevine was alive and kicking. Messages and news of incidents at other prisons got through to L6. Disjointedly she wondered how much lower they could go to use an innocent animals to save the life of a savage in human form.

Meanwhile the Army Officer had Trinkle in his arms and was heading purposefully toward an awaiting Hovercraft. The cat, still half-awake dozed peacefully against his shoulder and didn't seem upset by what was going on. Moments later, Trinkle stretched within the comfort of the mans arms. The soldier found himself gazing into the cat's brilliant blue eyes.
Trinkle: "Where we going?"
The soldier stepped gingerly into the Hovercraft which was manned by another soldier, a private. nly after securing Trinkle next to him did he answer.
"Someone who loves you very much needs your help. There's a man in very serious trouble apparently and only you can save him"
Trinkle became alarmed "Save him?"
"It'll be OK, Sprinkles"
"My names Trinkle, not 'Sprinkles'" the consternation on the cat's face was replaced by a devilish smile. The soldier embraced the cat affectionately.
The other animals slumbered at L6 unaware that Trinkle was no longer among them.

COMMAND POST: Taryn, Lexie and Nancy anxiously awaited the arrival of Trinkle. Lane Hunter and Gary Conway had left with an escorting Terminator to check Neil Luxmoore's progress. The women could see the distant ocean through the gaps of the city buildings and it was in this direction Taryn glanced now with unease waiting for her beloved Trinkle.

TERMINATOR CRAFT: Lane and Gary were taken to meet Egan in the early hours of another March morning that was set to be another scorcher. Neither man wished to be here. An agreement was made between the two not to mention anything about the cat until the last possible moment. In the meantime, Lane Hunter would do some pleading of his own.
"I know Neil Luxmoore personally and I concede he is somewhat difficult. He's a very strong willed man who'll fight if he's threatened. I also know he has a very good side and there's a young woman who he loves very much. The young lady concerned loves Neil too" Lane Hunter had finished what he was saying just as Egan raised his hand for Hunter to stop speaking.
Egan: "and this young lady?" The Terminator glanced at Hunter and Conway in turn.
Hunter: "She's at the City Command Post waiting-"
Conway: "..for Mr. Luxmoore's release" Lane Hunter cursed silently. He had nearly revealed the cats impending arrival. It was Gary Conway who'd rescued him from a very sticky situation. It was well known The Terminators were particularly fond of the Preternatural Animals and, if Egan were to suspect one of them was being manipulated to suit certain persons ends; then Neil Luxmoore's life would be taken immediately. As it was, one little cat was being manipulated. Conway hoped that this Neil Luxmoore was worth it! That he was worth taking Trinkle out of a protected environment and exposing him to danger whether it be real or perceived.
Egan: "I don't understand why she isn't here pleading, as you are, on her man's behalf"
Hunter: (glancing at Conway)"General Conway advised against her coming with us. You see, Taryn, has been through a very rough time over the past year and-" Hunter's voice trailed away when he spotted Luxmoore on the closed circuit TV on Egan's desk. He was chained against the wall, with arms stretched out to each side and his feet were held tightly in place by a metal clamp. Egan regarded the somewhat distinguished man with a mix of cynicsm and sympathy.
Egan: "You're shocked, Mr. Hunter. Of course it looks much worse than it actually is. I assure you, Luxmoore's quite strong, very strong, judging by the way he tried to strangle one of the other captives-since freed"
Hunter: "Neil's been at it again...." he murmured. Hunter held Egan's gaze and implored once more "please, Egan, spare this man's life - for Taryn's sake"
Egan: "Is this man really that important to you, Lane?" There was a pause before Hunter answered.
Hunter: "Yes, Neil Luxmoore is an extremely valuable person"

CITY COMMAND POST: Tension mounted as the Hovercraft carrying little Trinkle had arrived and the soldier carrying him, wended his way through the area toward the Command Post. The soldier, whose name was Numan Downly managed to keep Trinkle in good spirits but sensed the little cats mood was changing to one of fear and anxiety. Numan was six foot tall and of athletic build with light brown crew cut hair framing a lean, tanned face with close set emerald eyes. He like Gary Conway and The Terminators were aquainted with the Preternaturals and were very fond of them. Numan also carried out mercenary work. He was none too proud of this at times, but bills had to be paid; Numan was a realist. The soldier's heart ached when Trinkle started weeping in his arms. He saw the sky to the east lightening, and from it's pinkness it was going to be another scorcher. At this point in time Numan Downly, although opposed to killing, would have cheerfully lined a bunch of meteorologists against a wall and shot them! This unseasonal heat was beginning to bug him.
Numan: "It's OK, little fella", he stroked the cats head with infinite tenderness. From the Posts vantage point Taryn spotted the cat in Numan's and leapt joyously to greet them.
Taryn: (arms outstretched)"TRINKLE!" Trinkle ceased crying and his expression, much to Numan Downly's pleasant surprise and joy, changed into the biggest smile one had ever seen as Trinkle jumped into Taryn's arms. Squeals and cries and kisses continued non-stop for five minutes between the girl and animal. Taryn was again seated and Trinkle on her lap. Once again cat and girl gazed lovingly into each others eyes.
Taryn: "I've missed you, Trinkle, and I thank you (kiss) so much (kiss kiss)for coming to help"
Trinkle: "What's wrong, Taryn?"
Taryn: "Well, it's like this, Trinkle......" the girl began to explain, in simple and gentle terms to the cat what the situation with Neil Luxmoore's capture was and what was required of Trinkle in order to release Neil unharmed. Lexie and Nancy knelt either side of Taryn and the cat to clarify things. When Taryn was through explaining what was required, Trinkle seemed to have understood that he was supposed to have heard of Neil's plight by chance.
Lexie: "Are you OK on this, Trinkle?"
Trinkle turned a solemn face toward Lexie "Uh huh, I think so" Taryn embraced him tightly. The cat looked like a life sized doll sitting on Taryn's lap. Lexie Patterson relieved Taryn of the cat and took it upon herself to carry him around the immediate area- that is- until Numan Downly came again to take him to the Terminator Craft.

TERMINATOR CRAFT: Lane Hunter stood helplessly by Neil Luxmoore who was still chained up, although Lane's confidence grew that Neil would be released. Hunter offered up some water he carried in a thermoflask and the prisoner sipped greedily.
Hunter: "Taryn, Gary Conway and I are working for your release and we've got another ace up our sleeves", he spoke quietly "We've brought over a cat named Trinkle to plead on your behalf, so you're home and hosed" Neil Luxmoore, in his semi-conscious state heard part of this. Hunter studied the other up close. Despite what Egan said, Luxmoore looked pretty damn bad. His face was a mass of bruises with one eye gued shut and all around his torso, arms and hands were long slashes with caked on blood which had dried. The Terminators had crucified, was that the correct term? Yes, they had crucifed him. The irony hadn't escaped Luxmoore either.
Luxmoore: "How's Taryn?" His voice was weak and he leant towards Hunter to be heard.
Hunter: "Taryn's OK, but she's worried about you. Trinkle should be here-"
Luxmoore:"Trinkle??"
Lane took a deep breath and explained once again Trinkle's part in the plan.
..................

Both Egan and General Conway rose, almost out of deference when Numan brought Trinkle in the room. The soldier set the cat on his feet and departed. Egan motioned the car to come forward. Trinkle did so and was directed to the vacant chair. Desperately, Trinkle wished Taryn was with him.
Egan: "Hello there, Trinkle, how are you?"
Trinkle: "Very well thank you"
Egan smiled encouragingly "You're also very nervous I see. How are the other's, the two Felix's, Freddy's?..."
Trinkle: "They're good too. They're my new friends besides Taryn and Neil"
Egan: "and is it Neil you've come to see me about?"
The child-cat swallowed nervously. This was to be the climax of the whole show> He hoped he could save Neil, because they were very kind to him and poor Taryn would be sad forever if..if..
Trinkle: "I come to ask you to please let Neil Luxmoore go free so Taryn and him can be together and marry and have babies and um,...um be happy!"
Egan regarded the cat for a second then broke into a laugh "Well, how can I refuse a request like that. Your request is granted, Trinkle"..............................

TO BE CONTINUED