Synopsis of Episode 7....After a disastrous premature end to The Preternautals Party, they are moved to IG1, however trouble soon follows them there. A young woman, Serena is reunited with Templar Linden Warhurst, and a little female Alien, Lacey is rescued from evil vampires by Numan Downly. In shock developments, Lane Hunter is relieved temporarily of his Governorship and Neil Luxmoore is put in his place.
Episode 8...Trinkle & Taryn's Final Farewell...Written by Michelle Murray.
IG1: The atmosphere in the gym became more tense for the animals did not want to leave the women. Little Garfield D leapt into Sandy Edwards arms almost sending her flying. Neil Luxmoore saw no immediate solution to the problem of these unfortunate creatures. Trinkle buried his head in Taryn's bosom while she patted his head soothingly. Sandy approached Taryn with Garfield in her arms with a stony expression on her face. She wasn't at all happy with this turn of events but she did not blame Taryn, but she could appeal to her as a mate to stay with her mates. Sandy stopped one inch away from Taryn and the two cats smiled at each other.
RURAL VICTORIA: The little alien Lacey rode contentedly in the jeep with Numan. Her pains had abated and she occupied herself by decimating Numan's supply of chocolate bars. Numan happened to glance and to his surprise discovered Lacey with a chocolate-smeared mouth; a Violet Crumble wrapper in her hands.
ATOMIC VILLAGE: The shower Serena took was leisurely and hot. Feeling calm, for the first time in as many months, she allowed the water to flow down her body. Turning off the shower, Serena stepped out of the recess and started drying herslef. Her blinds already drawn she made her way out to the living room and turned the TV on and watched a daytime soap opera whilst drying and dressing. Linden hadn't called as yet but she knew he would. In all honesty, Serena was afraid of meeting Warhurst because of her rape ordeal; in general she was afraid of any male. At the same time she longed to be held by him. The phone rang as she sat down to rest.
After terminating the conversation with Serena, Linden rose from his desk and left his office. Instructing his PA to take messages, Linden told him he wouldn't be in for the rest of the day. Striding down the corridor of the Government Building he met his immediate superior Venolan and both men continued down a series of corridors; toward an elevator to The Basement. The Basement was a subterranean torture/execution chamber where dissidents or criminals were sent. Warhurst and Venolan were particularly cruel in their dealings with their victims and this was the 'loose end' Warhurst referred to. A middle aged male was strung up in a Saltine-Box cell and when Warhurst and Venolan arrived; the prisoner knew that this was the beginning of the end. .
L6: Kerryn dutifully reported to Officer Fyfe's quarters with no idea as to how she would be received. Lane Torrens accompanied her after presenting her with Garfield D's gift from all the Protectorates. Kerryn held a doll of one of the cats tenderly; Lane held a few others. The two exchanged various figurines while waiting for Fyfe to appear. Torrens was turning Felix M's effigy aroundscrutinizing it when Fyfe emerged wearing only a towel around his waist.
IG1: Neil Luxmoore was anxious to get the Protectorates off the island for their safety. His was relieved shortly after when a man identifying himself solely as Newcastle made contact and offered to put them up in a safe-house, actually a mansion indefinitetly. Neil was informed the protectorates would be flown First Class tonight at 6:30pm. However a problem remained for him at the moment; Trinkle and Taryn were nowhere to be seen. They were on the beach together enjoying each other's company. Taryn sat near the waters edge with the cat cradled in her arms.
The other animals greeted the news with glee. Scooby and the dogs gave each other high fives while the cats and girls were more restrained in expressing their happiness. Sandy and Taryn watched bemused at Scooby's antics as he jumped his cat friend Felix J. Callisto's concern was for their two air-bulbs.
FOREIGN LOCATION: One of the men responsible for flying the Protectorates out to the secure location sat on the verandah of the huge mansion he occupied with at least five other men. All these men had one thing in common: they suffered amnesia and were given single names. Edgecliff was an older wealthy man; a distinguised but somewhat eccentric fellow. Everything, except his vast wealth had been taken away from him by unknown enemies, but what hurt him the most was the fact that his indentity was taken, also it would seem his entire past. The same applied to his friends; Newcastle, Hurstville, Heathrow, Sydenham and London. Where these names came from, or who thought of them was also unknown. At that moment only Edgecliff and Newcastle, a heavy-set, but fit man occupied the house. Heathrow, a dour man in his early forties; and London, a tall thin man with cropped hair and side-burns went to collect the Protectorates. Edgecliff, a gentleman in every sense of the word sighed. It would be very good to hear the sound of young voices again. Edgecliff was almost brought to tears by the animals plight. Then there were the two girls with them. Callisto and Lisa. Edgecliff turned at the sound of Newcastle coming out of the house onto the verandah. The rooms had been prepared for the Protectorates; each cat, dog and girl would have their own room.
Christmas 1997 was a horrendous time for the people in the United Kingdom. The Queen had been assasinated three days before Christmas Day, as had the Prime Minister and the remainder of the Royal Family were under house arrest. Street riots followed and Christmas Day was marred by mass bloodshed. The man now known as Newcastle was a London policeman who could do nothing but watch powerless as rioters were gunned down by Fascist soldiers. Then the Death Squads came. Newcastle did all he could for the British Citizens by directing them all to the Police Station. The atmosphere was calm for a while, then all hell broke loose as the military invaded the Police Station capturing every person including Newcastle himself. That niht he was taken to Military Headquarters, interrogated and tortured terribly. It was there he met Heathrow, another victim, who had been an Immigration Officer up until what Britons called 'The Occupation'. Luckily, a wealthy man, still with influence saved them and took them to his mansion just outside the city of Bath. The wealthy benefactor was Edgecliff.
AIRPORT: The Protectorates arrived at the airport and were met by two men armed with Uzi's. One was a dour fellow about forty with a cherubic face and solid build; the other was tall with narrow features. All the Protectorates followed them and they made their way through to the First Class Departure Lounge. The flight was not for two hours at least so that gave the Protectorates ample time to shower and freshen up. Being the only occupants in this lounge allowed Heathrow and London to bring their new charges round in fairly short order. Soon enough he had the two girls, cats and then dogs in a queue for the shower and stipulated fifteen minutes as a time limit. Only Trinkle remained separated from the rest. Taryn was carrying him around the lounge. Standing at the window they gazed out at the tarmac.
As for Heathrow, it felt like all his Christmases had come at once. He was going to have some fun after all with this good looking bird, and then she could say bye bye to her cat on the plane. Heathrow put his arm around Taryn's shoulders and they walked to the bar.
Heathrow: "Did anyone ever tell you how pretty you are, Taryn?"
The queue for the showers progressed steadily as the Preternatural animals took their turn. Lisa and Callisto were finished their showers and sat together in the departure lounge. Someone placed the two large bulbs CB4 and CB2 by the entrance gate and Callisto raced over to retrieve them. Trinkle was still in the queue at this time. The cat looked around the lounge for Taryn who had disappeared and tears welled in his beautiful blue eyes. Garfiedl D. comforted him as best he could.
Numan Downly arrived at the airport with Lacey in time to see London heading back with Nermal and Callisto to the departure lounge. Lacey curled herself in Numan's arms as he followed the trio. Nermal and the girl ran off toward their counterparts leaving London in their wake. Numan caught up to the Englishman.
In a motel not far from Tullamarine, Taryn and Heathrow felt it's effects as well. In a panic he climbed off her and rushed into the living room as if to reassure himself the world was still as it was. Taryn was sitting up with the sheet modestly covering her bosom. The motel was a four star establishment with all the mod cons. She climbed out of the bed and started to dress. It was time to return to the airport anyway. Trinkle would have finished his shower by now and would be waiting for her.
Trinkle had finished his shower as a matter of fact as was waiting for her. He glanced worriedly for any sign of her, there was none. Questions rose in his troubled mind. Would she leave him like this without a good-bye? It didn't seem likely, not with Taryn, but on the other hand there were no certainties. Tears began to form in his eyes as he padded the length of the departure lounge, he couldn't see her anywhere. That was until Trinkle spied her entering the departure lounge with the dour-faced man. Sighting Trinkle, Taryn ran towards him, and the cat ran toward her. When they were close enough, Taryn and Trinkle reached out for each other and embraced tightly and Taryn swung him around.
Taryn Carlton and a Preternatural cat named Trinkle spent the remainder of their time together tickling and kissing each other. It was approximately 6:25pm, five minutes before the plane was due to leave and Taryn knelt by Trinkle's first class seat. The other Protectorates sat in other seats enjoying various flavoured milkshakes that were laced with a mild sedative, unbeknownst to them. Soon they would be sleeping peacefully. Taryn held little Trinkle's hand. They gazed at each other for the last time. Taryn stood uneasily. Trinkle reacted by crying out in anguish. Taryn, tears falling from her eyes bent down and kissed the cat one last time.
TO BE CONTINUED.......
Sandy: "Do you want to stay here with us?"
Taryn: "I don't mind", uncertainly she turned to Luxmoore "That'll be OK with you?"
Luxmoore: "For the meantime"
There were sighs of relief, at least all The Gang would remain together but only with Sandy and Taryn as they would find out shortly.
Luxmoore: "All of you except Edwards and Miss Carlton can go about the normal work routine", there came groans and protests at this but the women filed out after saying bye to the Protectorates, leaving Sandy, Taryn and Lane with the Protectorates. Lane Hunter approached Taryn and the cat in her arms.
Hunter: "How are you, little fella?", he caressed Trinkle's cheek and chin tenderly.
Trinkle: "Good thank you"
Lane turned to Taryn. His hand lightly traced the bandage on her cheek "Looks like you've been through the wars, love", this was said sympathetically, a touch of bitterness in Hunter's voice.
Taryn smiled at Hunter trying to reassure him while Trinkle started examining her bandage, a frown on his face. "I'll be OK, now I can spend some time with SuperCutie here" her attention was turned to the cat in an effort to divert his attention from her injury.
Hunter: "Good luck, Taryn" Walking out of the gym then, Taryn looked on at his retreating figure knowing she would never see Lane Hunter again. Neil too had disappeared, presumably to arrange for baggage to be sent to their quarters. Ernest Craven was forgotten after the melee. The Protectorates had to be encouraged to get back on the cardio-machines. Sandy did this with aplomb. Like a mother hen she rounded up the J cats, the M cats the dogs, Nermal, Callisto, Sylvester, Lisa and including Trinkle and Garfield set them on the machines. Taryn placed Trinkle on a bike, next to Felix M and all the others were assigned to the Stair-Climbers and Treadmills.
Taryn sat down beside Sandy. "You've done wonders with them. Look at them, they're so happy"
Sandy: "Yes, they are. I only wish Katie was here" The women fell silent. Katie was Sandy's daughter although sandy didn't speak much of her these days, so Taryn had no way of knowing what became of her; and was too afraid to ask Sandy.
Numan: "Whoa! There goes me dessert!" he patted his thigh, an invitation for Lacey to rest on it "you're gonna be a real little con artist aren't ya?" Lacey's mouth widened in a conspirital grin. She cooed softly, rubbing her head against Numan's abdomen. As he drove he stroked her head tenderly. Shortly, Numan would be travelling past the Atomic Village set up by The Templars, where Serena would meet Linden Warhurst.
"I'm sorry I couldn't speak to you earlier", Linden's voice came through the line clearly "How about I pick you up tonight and we go out to dinner? We've got a lot of catching up to do"
Serena: "I'd like that very much, Linden. It's been so long"
His voice was silky, seductive "Hmmmm..too long, Serena. Lets make it 7:30pm, I've got some loose ends to tie up, it might take me a while"
Serena felt herself grow warm, "7:30's fine. I'll be waiting"
Linden: "See you tonight, Serena darling"
Serena: "I'll look forward to it. Bye bye"
Linden: (very sensually)"Bye"
Torrens: "I've brought Kerryn Walker, sir"
Fyfe: "That'll be all, thank you, Mr. Torrens" There was no room for debate, the order was final. Torrens and Kerryn said silent goodbyes to one another with their eyes. He placed the dolls of Scooby and Felix M tenderly into Kerryn's hands then left. She was alone with Len Fyfe and she had reached the point of no return. Hurriedly she placed the gifts back into their box. Fyfe came up close to her and caressed her face with his hand. His lips sucked on her neck and throat hungrily.
Fyfe: "You're beautiful. Do you know that, Walker? Beautiful and mine!" Kerryn sensed a brutality underneath Fyfe's ardour.
Kerryn: "I'll do anything you want, just don't hurt me", she broke free and started backing away "Don't hurt me!"
Fyfe intentionally allowed her to disengage herself, he wanted to see for himself what kind of girl she was. It was obvious she was frightened and in a way that pleased him. Still clutching the box Kerryn put as much distance as was humanly possible between her and this man. He was considerably older than Lane and much more powerful. Len spread his hands out in a gesture of acquisence as he moved toward her.
"I'm not going to hurt you", he made to approach her again. Nodding toward the lounge, Fyfe gestured for her to sit down. Kerryn complied with his request and gave no visible reaction when he sat quite close to her.
Fyfe: "I've made no secret of my intentions. You can live very comfortably here with me, but you'll have to keep to your side of the deal", Fyfe reached out and touched her stomach tenderly "I'm even considering removing that intestinator inside you. Those things are mighty nasty sometimes"
Kerryn: "I know; they're very painful", Kerryn shuddered at the memory of a random 'sweep', that was the night when little Felix and Garfield came to her aid.
Trinkle: "I'm real glad you're here, Taryn. I'll miss you"
Taryn: (kissing him)"I'll miss you too, my darling"
Trinkle: "My friends like you a whole lot"
Taryn: "Hmmmm.", she rose from her sitting position and extended her hand for Trinkle to hold. Assisting the cat to his feet they walked hand in hand toward the cluster of buildings. The rest of the protectorates remained in the gymnasium under Sandy's supervision. Little Trinkle was contented for the moment totally oblivious to the threatening storm clouds. Lightning crackled in the sky sending them both running into the admin block where they met Neil. Sharon Cameron smiled sympathetically at the two as Neil ushered them into the office. No trace of Lane Hunter remained, Taryn noted with some dismay as Hunter's desk ornaments were stored away. He directed them to a lounge-suite and sat down and embraced Taryn.
Neil: "I've got some good news for you, Trinkle. Would you like to hear it?"
The cat's face brightened "Me and the others can stay with you and Taryn?!"
Neil raised his head regally "No", hurriedly he continued upon Trinkle's crestfallen expression "you and your friends are going to fly First Class with Qantas Airways to a secure destination.What do you think about that??"
Taryn: "First Class, Trinkle, won't that be exciting??"
Trinkle was neither excited or pleased at this news. His mouth twisted as he tried to retain his composure "I...I guess", was all he could say. Taryn herself was distressed at the thought of losing Trinkle again, but forced herself to be cheerful. "My little cat's flying First Class with his friends. Ooohh, just imagine how spoilt you're all going to be"
Neil: (grinning)"Spoilt rotten" he stood up "Taryn'll take you back to your friends now, little buddy, and I'll arrange for you all to leave for the airport now" Neil tenderly held one of the cat's hands to his lips and kissed it "you've made Taryn very happy these past few days and we'll never forget you"
Taryn: "Never"
Trinkle: "I love you!"
"Yes, they'll be in the cargo hold", Taryn informed her. Most of the Protectorates were settled except little Felix M, who was a bit of a concern for Sandy. Little Lisa Simpson promptly took stock of the situation and comforting her feline friend. Trinkle, re-united with his friends was happy due to Taryn accompanying them to the airport. Taryn found herself surrounded by several smiling animals, mostly cats, on the journey to Tullamarine International.
Newcastle: "They'll be here tomorrow"
Edgecliff: "Ah, that's excellent" he turned to face the heavyset readhead who donned a bathtowel around his waist "I suppose they've taken the guns"
Newcastle wearily spread his palms toward the other man, as if he were reasoning with a recalcitrant child "Edgecliff, you know precautions have to be taken"
Edgecliff: "Yes, I know that, Newcastle", the older man turned his back to take in the view of the trees that camouflaged the estate in this pretty part of England; a country all but torn from the seams by a fascist government.
Edgecliff: "I was only pondering their mental state"
Newcastle: "They'd be used to them I'd imagine. They've been stationed in a Maximum Security Installation in Victoria Australia for the past month. They can't stay in Australia much longer without getting very badly hurt - or killed"
Edgecliff became melancholy "What makes you think they'll be safe here. You know what's happened"
Newcastle lowered his eyes considering his torso "Yeah, I know what's happened"
Taryn: "Why don't you have a shower, sweetheart? You'll be on the plane for quite a long while", she glanced over her shoulder at London, the tall man, approaching them. Trinkle's friends were still queuing up for the showers. London extended his arms out, gesturing to Taryn to hand Trinkle over.
Taryn began to move away from the window, the cat still in her arms "C'mon, baby, I'll let you go and have a shower! Boy, are you getting heavy!", she said light-heartedly. This brought a brief smile to Trinkle's forlorn face as he climbed down and walked the rest of the way hand in hand with Taryn to the queue of cats.
Taryn knelt down and caressed Trinkle's cheek "I'll see you after your shower"
Trinkle: "Will you come on the plane with me?"
Taryn: "I don't know, honey"
Trinkle: "Please?? Please, only until it's taking off", he clutched her hand "please, stay with me, Taryn"
Taryn swallowed feeling a lump catch in her throat.
Heathrow came up and stood beside her gazing out at the tarmac "Noisy lot", he commented wryly.
Turning a tearstained countenance toward him, she attempted a smile half heartedly "Yes, they are. They're very special"
Heathrow: "My name's Heathrow"
Taryn's expression changed to one of curiosity "As in 'Heathrow Airport'?"
Heathrow: "Yep. I should say, Heathrow's not so much my name, but the name, to term it loosely, that I was given. Mght have something to do with the fact I worked for Immigration at Heathrow Airport" he came a little closer to Taryn "so that's my story. What about you?"
Taryn: (distracted) "Me...Oh, sorry, I'm Taryn. I came with the Protectorates"
Heathrow: "So I've noticed. I thought London was going to have to pry you and that cat apart"
Taryn: "He isn't the first", laughing she continued "my fiancee thought he'd have to too" Heathrow's face fell at this news. Damn it! He knew it was too good to be true. Why didn't he have the brains to figure out that a bird as gorgeous as this was already spoken for. Taryn noticed his change in demeanour too. It wasn't that he might have turned nasty, more sad than anything else, gauging from his expression. He became deliberately aloof.
"I'm very sorry, miss"
"That's alright, Heathrow. Heathrow?"
"Yes, Taryn"
"Trinkle, the cat in my arms, asked if I could accompany him on the plane. He's very frightened you see..."
Heathrow's demeanour changed once again, to that of a predator as he came to stand right in front of her "I'll see what I can do. Erm...can I buy you a drink?"
Taryn had reached the point of no return, but this was for Trinkle and no-one would ever need know what transpired between this man and her "Yes" That simple word meant more than a casual drink and Taryn never imagined herself to use her feminity this way - not after what happened to her. After all, nice girls didn't sleep with men, but these weren't nice circumstances, and she had slept with Neil before marriage. Besides, she reasoned, this man, Heathrow wasn't all that un-attractive.
Taryn: "Neil's always telling me how pretty I am"
Heathrow: "Neil? That 'is name?"
Taryn: "Yes. You can get me on the plane cant you?"
Heathrow laughed deeply, his hand reaching out to stroke Taryn's thigh before moving upwards "Yes I can and I will" Taryn smiled nervously at him.
Garfield: (embracing Trinkle)"She wouldn't leave you. Maybe she's gone to the toilet or something"
Trinkle: "Wish she could stay with us forever"
Garfield: "Yeah"
The door leading to the showers opened and Nermal emerged. Garfield playfully pulled the kitten's tail and raced in, in anticipation of a nice warm shower. The animals had never been on a plane and naturally, some wme were excited. Callisto was spotted dragging the bulbs back to the lounge seats. One of their minders, London, intercepted the girl.
London: "What say we take those things and check them in?"
The girl backed away from him distrustfully, almost buried by the large objects. London hadn't dealt much with children at all, let alone a child that had been traumatised. Out of his peripheral vision, London sighted a small grey cat running over, most likely to the girls aid.
London knelt down so as his face was level with Callisto "I'm not going to hurt you, child. Those things", he pointed to the bulbs "were supposed to be checked in to the plane's cargo hold, because they're much too big to go in the cabin where the people fly"
Nermal and Callisto accompanied London as he took CB2 and CB4 to be checked inn.
Numan: "Got another one for you", he presented the alien to London who attempted to receive her, but Lacey wasn't going to have a bar of it. With a shriek she gripped Numan's sweatshirt with all her strenth. Numan petted her soothingly as she wrapped her legs around his waist. London's hands were still outstretched.
Numan: "It's OK, sweetheart, it's gonna be alright. This guy's gonna take care of you".
Lacey's response was to bury her head into Numan's chest. She bayed loudly and giant tears fell from her eyes staining Numan's top. Raising her eyes she gazed imploringly at the soldier to not be separated from him; her long mouth pulled down at the corners. Although she couldn't talk, she was communicating with her mind.
"I don't want to leave you"
Numan: "I don't want you to leave either, Lacey, but it's the best thing for you. Look", he pointed in the direction of the departure liounge where the animals could be seen milling around the seats. Lacey turned in Numan's arms to look at them "they're your friends now, babe" The alien gazed at them for a moment then turned around to face Numan.
"Take me in there"
Sighing heavily Numan acceded to her silent request as she climbed to perch herself on his shoulders. Several of the animals turned their crious attention to Lacey. Felix M recognised the soldier and ran to greet him.
Felix: "Numan!"
Numan: "Hi there, Felix", the black cat leapt into Numan's arms in greeting. Lacey and the cat gazed beningly at each other. Turning his palm upright, Numan bade Lacey to climb onto it, Lacey did so and now was in close proximity to the cat. Numan introduced the two.
"Lacey, this is Felix, one of your new buddies,", turning to the cat "Felix, I'd like you to meet Lacey, the newest member of your family"
Felix M and Lacey greeted in other with silent smiles. London and Numan glanced at each other hopefully. They both thought along the same lines. Their advantage would be if the other Preternaturals came over to join Felix. . Much to their happiness, the others did so, first Scooby, then Felix J, the two Freddys, Sassy, Delilah. Muted conversation as they surrounded the men and Lacey. Numan signalled to Felix M to take Lacey and a smiling Felix extended his arms.
Felix M: "C'mon, girl" He smiled in welcome, with outstretched arms. Suddnely the earthquake hit them, and everyone looked around fearfully. Lacey squealed and jumped into Felix's awaiting arms. The animals ran toward each other and embraced for comfort. For those few seconds, the entire world seemed to be shaking - it then stopped as suddenly as it had occured.
Trinkle: "I knew you'd never leave me"
Taryn: "No, sweetheart, I'll always be with you", she pointed to his chest "in spirit"
Trinkle rested his head against her shoulder "I want you to come with us"
Taryn: "I can't come with you, Trinkle"
Trinkle started to cry and this caused Taryn to cry as well. By now Lacey was comfortably ensconed on Felix M's shoulder and the black cat walked towards the other cat and the young woman. Lacey's interest was peaked as she studied Trinkle. She sensed a deep sadness within him and empathised. A short distance away, Felix stopped, not wishing to intrude on Trinkle's private moment; he was farewelling his special friend and there would be time aplenty for bonding later. The two slipped away to join the others leaving Taryn and Trinkle to their final goodbye.
Taryn: "You are one of many special animals, my darling cat. You'll bring joy to anyone who'll look after you, as you have brought happiness to our lives" There was a smile on Trinkle's face at these words, but it was a sorrowful smile.
Trinkle: "I gotta be the luckiest cat. I met so many nice humans, all girls-"
"and boys!", Taryn interjected with mock indignation
Trinkle laughed "Yeah! You, Lexie, Chrissie, Sandy, Bea, Kath, Lorelei and Lane and Neil"
Taryn nodded " Uh huh"
Trinkle: "I got a good memory huh, Taryn?"
Taryn Carlton smiled, rubbing her forehead against Trinkles "You sure have, sweetie, you sure have"
Taryn: "Goodbye, my darling Trinkle. God be with you", turning around to Heathrow ho was ready to escort her from the plane she said "Look after them"
Trinkle (crying)"Bye, Taryn! I love you! I love you!"
Taryn almost ran down the corridor that lead from the aircraft to the departure lounge. With a broken heart she watched as the plane took off, and Trinkle and his friends flew out of her life forever...
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