Promise Kept (Chapter One)

Chapter One1

“Are you coming?” Arlene Granger glared at the phone, despite knowing that her friend could not see her. Her patience was running thin. Rachel Donnelly was half an hour late. Nearby, an elderly couple frowned at the tone of her voice. Taking a sip of her white chocolate mocha, she tapped her fingers impatiently on the coffee table.2

“What do you mean traffic jam? Teleportation is a decade old!” Hastily looking into her purse for some spare change, she shot a beaming smile at the couple.Walking out of the café, she could not help but groan as she read the wind chill displayed on a large plasma screen on top of the Chamber of Commerce. She was already shivering, and her scarf and coat was of little help for the February weather. 3

“Wait, I'm getting my keys. So at the Office then? Ok, I'll be there in 20 minutes. What do you mean that long?! I'm human! We obey traffic laws!” Shaking her head in annoyance, Arlene ended her call and stepped on the accelerator. As she waited at a red light, she wondered about her friend's delay. It was not usual for Rachel to lie, and she knew Rachel was lying because everyone knew that fairies were horrible at lying. While that fact occasionally came between their friendship, Arlene had accepted it by now. It was just part of the package if one chose to be a fairy's friend.4

Turning on her new ECD 3000, the latest entertainment compact device devolved by Net Technology Corporation (NTC), she tuned in to President Mervin's inauguration speech. “Humans, demons, fairies, and angels have come to a new era! This is the 4th millennium! With the passing of the Treaty of Ephemerally and the release of Code 121, I say that this is the perfect opportunity to coexist. We no longer have to fear each other, peace is possible, and unity among all God's creations is surely a breath away.” Smiling at the thundering applause that followed his rather bold statement, Arlene thought to herself, “I was right mother.”5

Precisely 20 minutes later, she walked past the miniature waterfall and gleaming marble tiles. Although she had been working at VIT for a year, she still marveled at the luxurious decoration the building had on display. Ebony desks, crystal chandelier, marble stairways, rotation glass door and a 2000 gallon fish pond surrounded by exotic plants greeted each visitor as soon as one walked past security. Arlene felt a bit of pride every time her fingerprint passed another inspection. VIT was a rising star in the blood industry and assessment of stocks had to be reevaluated every week to concur with rising demands. While the world outside had changed, the world of business had remained the same. It was a dream for her to work at this established company, and through her mother's support and her own ambition, she was finally here.6

Sending a smile toward Shannon Wesley, her sole human friend and today's head receptionist, she paused at the front desk. “Tonight at six? Don't back out this time,” she warned Shannon. Her friend had the grace to smile sheepishly as she promised to arrive punctually. Fingering her long red hair with newly manicured fingernails, Shannon peered through thick eyelashes, “CrimsonX? Are you sure it will be safe?” Waving her hands out in denial, Shannon quickly said, “Not that I'm worried of course. Just precautions...”7

“Don't worry. Like I said, all species are allowed. Hell, even the Supernaturals can enter, not that many would of course. But what are you wearing?” Shaking her head, Arlene did not wait for Shannon's response, “Never mind, I'll be there to help you.”8

Rolling her eyes, Shannon took a look around before asking, “Why isn't Rachel with you? I thought you two were meeting for coffee?”9

“That bitch stood me up! Can you believe her?” Sighing with exaggerated exasperation, Arlene leaned lazily against the counter. “Anyway, she lied about her delay, and you know Rachel, she hates lying. I'm meeting her at the Office right now, but I'll see you tonight.” Walking away, she said over her shoulder, “And stop staring at Matthew! Just ask him out already!” Smiling at the furious sputtering and the cry of “Shut up!” Arlene closed the POD, the newest version of elevator available and affordable only to the privileged.10

Arlene walked into Rachel's laboratory, which they called the Office since that was its appearance. She immediately panicked at the sight of Rachel's unconscious body on the floor. “Shit! Rachel, hey girl! What the hell happened?” Checking for a pulse, Arlene breathed a sigh of relief as she counted the beat intervals. Taking a look at the calendar, she cursed underneath her breath as she pulled her friend to a sitting position. There was a full moon tonight, which meant Rachel was drastically low on energy. Rachel would usually take the day off, but rarely did she collapse.11

Arlene sat uncertainly with Rachel for a few minutes, wondering if she should call for help, but just as she was about to pick up her phone, Rachel exhaled sharply. Observing her companion's pale face and rumpled shirt, Arlene said critically, “You look like shit." 12

“Thanks.” Grumbling in annoyance, Rachel grabbed a pen and circled today's date on her lunar scenic calendar. Shaking her head and brushing her thick black hair out of her face, she gave Arlene a serious look, “How long was I out?”13

“5 minutes tops. What happened? I've never seen you like that before! I mean the last time was when--”14

“I know what happened last time, and I would prefer not to talk about it.” Rachel squeezed her eyes shut, as I f she was in pain. “Look, I'm sorry about today, and I know my temper is short right now, but I need to tell you something,” she took a deep breath, “Victor was here today.”15

“What!” Arlene gave her friend's body a quick scan, “Did he hurt you? Why didn't you tell me over the phone?”16

“No, it's not a big deal. Ok, fine, it is, but...”17

“The last time he was here, he broke your arm. Ervin had to expel him.” Looking around the room in bewilderment, Arlene added, “In fact, where is our boss? Why wasn't he here to protect you?”18

“Arlene! First of all, I don't need protection. Second, Victor is my business. And third, Mr. Pasteur is at a conference meeting with the ISS--”19

“The ISS? Why is he with that committee? I thought the International Society for Species was only for the president of every country?”20

“Will you stick with the topic at hand?! You're thinking of the USS, but that's not the point. Victor was here and he wants me to re-establish our contract.” Rachel gave a deep breath, “By tonight.” 21

“What's happening tonight?” 22

Rachel and Arlene snapped their heads toward the door and gave a nod of acknowledgment at the sight of their boss. 23

“Mr. Pasteur, did the conference end early?” Rachel asked, shooting a look of warning at Arlene.24

“Rachel, how many times do I have to tell you? It's Ervin. Surely a simple name like that is not incapable for an intelligent fairy like you to remember.” Giving a tired sigh, he continued, “Alright, I'm not here to argue with you. Whatever you ladies are planning, just make sure you get your job done first.” Crossing over to the windows with his long stride, he set his briefcase on the table and took off his jacket. Loosening his tie, he said, “Actually, I'm here for Report 207. Is it complete?”25

“I'm sorry Mr. Pasteur but, unfortunately, the lab results showed inconclusive calculations and all data had to be reexamined for mishaps. At the latest, I will have a complete analysis by Tuesday.” Rachel pulled out a file from her drawer and gave the black folder to Ervin. 26

Raising an eyebrow, Ervin asked, “How is security? Did Alexis ask for anything?”27

“Mr. Anderson requests for an additional five million for the current project. I have a copy of his reasonings and predictions on my Fliptec, would you like me to send it to you?”28

“There's no need, just see to it that the funds are made available. How about your project? Has there been any improvement?” 29

“2,078 samples have been collected. All are under scan for potential clotting, but at the rate they're multiplying, I should have a concrete answer in two weeks. Although from the progress so far, I doubt this batch will be any more successful than the last. This new blood is just not strong enough, and with the increased security in blood banks, fewer information is made available. I have to admit, with the amount of investments and the high expectations, I had hoped for better results.” Rachel gave Ervin an apologetic smile.30

“Well, let's just wait for now. Besides,” Arlene smirked at the smile Ervin gave Rachel, “you're my most important investment.” Turning to Arlene, Ervin scowled at the grin on her face, “And how about you Arlene?”31

“Unlike Ms. Fairy here, my project was a complete success. Get your lawyers because VIT is about to make another patent.”32

“Great, that's what I want to hear.” Looking at his phone, the latest model of Fullscreen, Ervin rushed to the door, “Got to run, and Arlene make sure you're on time on Monday.”33

“I wonder why he bothers. You haven't been on time since your first week here.” Rachel said as soon as the door closed.34

“One week was all I needed to climb the social ladder. Rachel, we are his top scientists; VIT's current financial state is because of us. If I want to sleep in, I sleep in. As long as I can give good results, Ervin doesn't care. Telling me to be on time is just a reminder that he's still the boss.” Giving a sly glance to her colleague she added, “Are you jealous? Because I can assure you, he is all yours.” 35

Rachel scoffed, but refused to fall for the bait. Picking up her suitcase, she headed for the the door. 36

'Hey, wait! Rachel, I was kidding.” Arlene raced after the fairy. As they walked back out into the sunlight, a middle aged woman caught their eyes. From her attire and rather arrogant posture, they didn't need to see the hidden cameras to realize she was a reporter. Rachel quickly began the incantation for teleportation.37

“Hey, that's not fair! I thought you didn't teleport!” accused Arlene.38

“And I thought you always knew when I was lying.” Rachel fluttered her eyelashes innocently. “And no, darling, you can have Mr. Pasteur.” 39

“Wait!” Grabbing Rachel's arm, Arlene asked seriously, “What are you going to do about Victor?” 40

Pausing in the middle of her incantation, Rachel looked Arlene in the eye. Surprised by the coldness in her friend's gaze, Arlene released her grip. “I'm going to refuse him.” 41

“Be careful.” 42

Rachel nodded and disappeared. Arlene chewed on her lips, worryingly. Her friend was in trouble, but there was little she could do. For the moment, her hands were tied. Although she only knew Rachel since she had begun work at VIT, Rachel was her first confidant. Throughout much of her life, Arlene had never cared for anyone besides her mother. As she tried to calm down her nerves, she was not certain if she cared for this new feeling. 43

“Ms. Granger? How do you feel about the President's inauguration address? As a leading scientist in VIT, do you think your role in producing synthetic blood should be a question of ethics?”44

As much as she would have loved to run, her reputation and image were on the line. Gritting her teeth, Arlene pasted a smile on her face and resigned herself to an hour of torture. 45

*****46

“I can smell her.” Richard Eberly said nonchalantly. Giving the board a second look, he carefully placed the queen next to his opponent's rook. The hologram blanked out for a second, before the computer advance the movement of its pawn. 47

“She's on the other side of the continent,” giving his comrade a strange look, Clark Anderson swirled the glass of merlot in his hand. Uncrossing his legs, Clark walked toward the oak bookshelf pressed against the wall. Skimming his hands along numerous hard cover volumes, he stopped at Paradise Lost.48

“Not literally. It's like the smell of a forest; even after it's cut down, you can still smell the scent of pine. It's tantalizing.” Richard's wings rustled as he set his knight against the computer's bishop. He was two moves away from checkmate. 49

“You know, I never liked Milton's depiction of Satan.” Clark took a sip of his wine. “When are you planning to claim her?” At one point, he would have begun that question without the "when" but after 27 years, he doubted the angel would wait much longer. Taking a glance at him, he wondered if Richard was loosing his sanity. All angels fell, it was just a matter of time. They were never meant to last this long, but God was vindicative. Many had already clipped their wings, and some had went on to meet their maker. Eternal youth and immortality lost its charm after the first thousand years. 50

“Soon.” Richard smiled and for a moment, Clark thought his brethren had regained a bit of his humanity. The moment was quickly lost as Richard's bishop forced the holographic king to kneel. “Checkmate.” 51

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