The Bloody Ripper (Leopard King Saga)

by T. A. Uner

  Her attendants returned to dress her in a Victorian outfit. After dismissing them again she re-armed herself with a small havoc pistol, a less obtrusive Sect weapon, (she hated leaving her bow and quiver behind, as this was her weapon of choice) and headed for Liverpool Street rail station. This time making sure her service belt countermeasures were activated.

  • • •

  “We’re behind schedule, and the Section Chief is not pleased.”

  The new Master Conductor, Lok, looked at Vampiress abashedly. She could tell that he and the stoker, Rolfe, had little affinity for her. “I am sorry mistress,” Lok said politely. “We’ve been experiencing issues with some of the transport fail-safes that monitor the canisters. My technicians are currently repairing it; rest assured, the problem shall be corrected before our next scheduled departure.”

  Vampiress knew it would be premature to micromanage the new Master Conductor, he had only just been promoted to his new position aboard Blood and had inherited the unenviable task of cleaning up the mess left by his predecessor. The insurrection had caused much distress within Sect headquarters. As a precautionary measure, the entire staff of the previous crew had been executed, except for Rolfe, who had somehow managed to convince the Hollow Men of his innocence.

  But the Hollow Men crew of the previous crew remained. To punish them would admit that The Black Arm, The Sect’s secret police were at fault. The Hollow Men were their proudest accomplishment. With the exception of the failed Florida mission their reputation was pristine. But she didn’t come here to inspect the locomotive, that was just a cover for her true purpose.

  “Then carry on.” The Master Conductor and his stoker bowed their heads respectfully at Vampiress and returned to their work. She left the first box car and worked her way to the end car, or caboose as the humans called it.

  When she opened the door she was greeted by a Hollow Man. He looked at her with its blank expression. Neither Vampire, nor Machine, yet both, she thought.

  “State your purpose,” it said.

  She hated the way they showed no respect to her rank. She was a Senior-level field operative. “I need access to The Sect master computer,” she replied curtly. Not pleased that she had to explain her actions to this creature.

  Vampiress could see the whirlpools behind its red sunglasses. For someone who had undertaken dangerous missions, and fought against impressive adversaries, those whirlpools still made her uneasy. “For what purpose?”

  She felt like pulling out her havoc pistol and vaporizing this being. But that would put her at dangerous odds with Sect Command. “I’m on official business, and I do not have time to sit here and discuss operations. Now, let me pass.”

  “I must have confirmation,” it said. The whirlpools beneath its sunglasses increased in celerity.

  “Do you want me to contact the Section Chief and tell him you are delaying official Sect business?” She waited as it digested her words.

  “No, that will not be necessary, Vampiress,” it said, stepping aside. She pushed her way past it and sat behind the blinking console. Before she started her work she turned around. The Hollow Man was still standing there in his black suit and tie with red dress shirt.

  “I require privacy for my work,” she said. When it did not respond she raised her voice: “Get out.” It turned around and left the end car.

  Fucking freak. Her fingers danced across the console, trying to obtain the information she sought. With her security codes she had been able to access the surveillance drones that kept watch over London. Hidden by their cloaks they were undetectable. She accessed the time index she was looking for and located the image of the man who had followed her relentlessly yesterday. She magnified the image and took a closer look at his face. For a moment she felt her past collide with her present, the imaging sensor told her this man’s face matched the records of one Jackson Mansfield. But it reminded her of Renault, and that cursed day, many years ago, before Reptokk had driven her people from their homelands.

  • • •

  Before she had became a temporal assassin for The Sect, she was an unassuming young girl named Fiolia, living in the Capitol city. This was years before her people had gone to war with Reptokk’s armies.

  One afternoon, her father had taken her and her twin brother, Renault, outside the Capitol for their first hunt. They climbed atop their Bloodbat, Riser, an armored flying bat that were bred specifically for aerial duties, and headed for the red mountains. Uk-rett, which meant “Black Sun” in Kaotikan, its silhouette simmered in its perpetual state of eclipse within Kaotika’s crimson sky. Fiolia had always wondered how a star could still shine despite being obscured by another planetary body, her tutor had once explained the phenomenon to her during one of her astronomy lessons, but she could not recall what he had said.

  She heard a loud sound that sounded like an explosion and gripped Riser’s saddle. “It’s only a patrol craft,” her father had said reassuringly.

  That still didn’t reassure her. It had Maratak markings, and they were a race of Demons that shared a border with her people. An uneasy truce existed between The Sect and the Maratak Confederacy. But that meant nothing in Kaotika, the Maratak were a capricious race with a warlike nature. She remembered how Renault had once explained to her how the Maratak had once been the dominant species on Kaotika long ago, during their expansionist era, when they had built a space empire from the hundreds of star systems they had conquered with their space fleets.

  “It’s an Intruder-class fighter craft,” Renault said. The vessel picked up speed and headed back toward Maratak territory.

  “What if it comes back?” Fiolia asked.

  “Don’t be stupid,” Renault said. “They’re still recovering from their war with the Vastars, they wouldn’t dare go to war with us during their reconstruction.”

  “Renault, don’t call your sister names,” their father said before steering Riser over a forest. Below them Fiolia could see a land bridge stretched over a major river that snaked through a gully.

  “The Eternal River,” Fiolia said in awe.

  “Why is it called that, father?” Renault asked.

  “Legend claims the Kaotikan Gods created it to mirror their immortality. It has also been used to transport goods throughout the land.” Riser began his descent. They passed through a thin mist and for a moment Fiolia could not see around her. It quickly filtered away and they landed in the middle of a large clearing where a careworn path disappeared into a lush rainforest.

  “Make sure you get your supplies, children.” Fiolia hated it when her father addressed her like a child. She suspected that Renault felt the same way, but the boy would never admit it to their father. After they had set up camp she watched her father whisper words into Riser’s ear. The Bloodbat reared its head and took off. Its leathery black wings carrying it up toward the sky.

  “Why did you send Riser away?” Fiolia felt safe with the great creature around. “Shouldn’t he stay and protect us?”

  “My girl, you must learn to rely on yourself. You cannot always count on others for protection. That is why we are here. To help improve both of your survival skills.”

  She didn’t want to be here and didn’t understand why her father placed so much importance on this trip. Their family was firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of Vampire society, her father was a baron and a valued member of the Capitol’s ruling council.

  “What’s for dinner?” Renault asked.

  “Get your bows,” her father told them, “we’ll be catching our dinner tonight.”

  They left the campsite and as soon as they entered the forest the light faded. Only a few stray thin rays filtered through the treetop branches. “It’s dark in here.”

  “That is the purpose of the hunting exercise,” her father said. “If we were to carry a lantern it would frighten game away.” They climbed over a fallen tree and the baron led them into a dense patch of foliage.

  “What are we doing in these bushes
?” Renault asked.

  “Quiet!” the baron said in a hushed voice. “You mustn’t talk. We’re on a hunt, not a leisurely walk through the woods.” They moved about the foliage, careful not to attract attention. Their father soon pointed out a target and ordered Renault to shoot it. It was a green pheasant, known for its tender, juicy meat. Her stomach rumbled, Fiolia licked her lips in anticipation of a good meal tonight.

  Renault nocked the arrow and targeted the bird. You can do it, Fiolia thought. Despite their frequent arguments, she and her brother were close.

  Renault released the arrow. It struck the ground a few paces from the bird, causing it to flutter away. The Baron chided Renault, whose face was slightly flushed. “Now Fiolia,” her father said, “it is up to you to catch our meal for tonight.”

  They carefully navigated through the forest until they reached a brook. Fiolia could see groups of fish swimming in it. She took aim and drew her bow.

  “No,” her father said sternly.

  “Why father?” she asked, lowering her bow.

  “It is too easy, in a real emergency situation you may be leagues from the nearest lake or river. Then what would you do? No. We continue on, for bigger game.”

  “Not unless we starve to death first,” Renault whispered into her ear. Fiolia did her best to squelch a giggle.

  After fording the brook they crossed into the woodlands again until they came upon a trench. Fiolia’s eyesight was sharp and she swore she saw animal movement, she nocked an arrow and fired into the trench.

  “No!” her father said, but it was too late, the arrow struck whatever she had spotted and an explosion tore the trench apart, hurling all three of them backwards. Fiolia cursed her eagerness. What was that? Her father brushed himself off and checked on both his children to see if they were alright, while chunks of rock and burnt wood ejected by the blast lay scattered around them.

  “You should be more careful, my girl,” he said. “Your exuberance nearly cost us our lives.” They had suffered some minor bruises and cuts but nothing their Vampire metabolism couldn’t handle. Within a few moments their regenerative healing abilities had restored them to full health.

  “Father what was that?” Renault asked.

  “Laser mines.” The Baron dusted his tunic off and exhaled. “Left over fromThe last Vaster-Maratak conflict. This forest was once a major battleground between them.”

  Vampiress remembered her history (for once!) the Vastars had tried to annex this territory from the Maratak Confederacy during the last conflict, while trying to gain control of the Eternal River. Maratak sappers had designed a series of intricate trenches and mined the disputed territory, thus preventing a major Vastar advance. Despite being creatures of light, the Vastars were not as experienced in conventional warfare as the Maratak. The battle had reached an inconclusive stalemate, causing the Vastars to withdraw from the area.

  “I guess we can head back to our camp father?” Renault said.

  The Baron gave his son a rancorous look but then his face softened. “I am disappointed that you would let one setback come between you and your appetite, but luckily for you two, I brought field rations.”

  As they made their way back toward the brook, the Baron stopped and listened around him. When Fiolia saw the look on her father’s face she knew something was wrong. “Don’t speak Fiolia,” he whispered. Up ahead Renault had not noticed that his father had stopped and was surprised when three armored Maratak Patrol Guards suddenly appeared in his path.

  “Renault!” the Baron said, not looking the least bit intimidated by the three newcomers, who towered over the surprised Renault.

  The three Maratak eyed them suspiciously. “What are you doing here?” the lead one barked. Fiolia figured him for their leader. She placed her hand on the hilt of her dagger but her father grabbed her wrist and shook his head.

  “I should ask you the same question.”

  The Maratak let out a snort, Vampiress could not see its face, protected underneath its battle helm, but its black curved horns featured prominently through the large slits in the sides of its helmet. “This is our territory, Vampire!”

  “Since when?” the Baron replied haughtily. “According to our intelligence reports this section is still under arbitration, therefore we claim hunting right privileges as stated in our truce.” Fiolia studied the three creatures before her, they looked at one another and spoke in a gruff language before laughing. She hoped her father’s arrogant attitude against these three would not get them killed. But Baron Verchase was not a man to be pushed around. That was what worried her.

  “That rule is no longer in effect,” said the lead Maratak. “So you and your companions will have to come with us, you are all under arrest for espionage!” He nodded to his charges before one of them tried to slap restraining cuffs on Renault. Her brother may not be an expert marksman, but he was lethal with a blade, as soon as the Patrol Guard tried to cuff him he found an opening beneath the Maratak’s helm and sliced open its throat. Globs of green blood started rushing from its throat before it dropped the cuffs and cried out.

  Fiolia watched as her father ran toward the second Guard. Within the blink of an eye he had grabbed its wrists and hurled it into a tree. But in that time the head Guard had knocked the knife out of Renault’s hands and had the boy in a headlock. Fiolia drew her bow and nocked an arrow, the Maratak, having superior eyesight, saw what she was planning and tightened his grip on Renault. “You fire that arrow at me you little cunt and I’ll break his neck.” Despite possessing Vampire strength, her brother was still no match for a pure-bred Maratak soldier. She found it maddening that again another stalemate had occurred on this accursed land.

  “Do it!” Renault said. “Shoot!”

  She paused, afraid of hitting her brother.

  “Fire the arrow, daughter!” her father urged.

  Fiolia froze. It was not like her to have this sort of thing happen to her, she who had been indoctrinated since birth to lead. But now, with her brother’s life in her hands, she felt indecisive.

  “Remember your training!” her father said. Indeed. She took a deep breath and lined up the Maratak’s head inside her bow crosshairs. I can do this. I can do this. But before she could release the arrow her father leaped at the Maratak, she released it and it streaked through the air. Her aim would’ve been true had her father not interfered. He threw himself at the Maratak, who seeing he was caught between the arrow and the Baron, ruthlessly utilized Renault as a live shield. The arrow burst through the boy’s throat, tearing it to shreds as bone and gristle flew. The Maratak hurled Renault to the ground right before the enraged Baron grabbed it by the throat and twisted off its head. Fiolia dropped her bow and ran toward her brother’s motionless body.

  “Renault! Renault!” she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. She cradled his head as the ground soaked up his blood. Despite his Vampire regenerative abilities the wound he suffered was much too severe, and they were leagues from the closest infirmary. “I’m so sorry!” she said. Renault tried speaking, only gurgled words dripped from his lips, that and thick blood. He tried mouthing something to her as their father looked on, horrified.

  She pressed her ear against her dying brother’s lips. “It’s not your fault,” he said, “father….should…not…” A few moments later, he was still. Vampiress returned to the present. She had a mission to complete, and couldn’t let her emotions deluge her judgment. Besides, four Sect traitors remained at large in this timeline, on the streets of London, that needed to be eliminated. She cleared her mind, wiped the tears from her cheek and exited the end car.

  Three

  September 8, 1888

  When the second victim surfaced London became gripped by fear.

  Robert and Swanson were under fire by Anderson. Unable to pinpoint Nichols’ killer they couldn’t prevent another woman−Annie Chapman, also a prostitute — from being killed. Her remains had been found by a carman on Hanbury Street. According to the coron
er’s autopsy she was suffering from syphilis and tuberculosis at the time of her murder.

  But this did not ease the situation. Now with London obsessed with the “Leather Apron” killer, Scotland Yard had every Police Constable keeping watchful eyes on any suspicious behavior. The restlessness caused by the two murders resulted in the first arrest of a John Pizer: a Polish Jew who worked in Whitechapel as a bootmaker. An overzealous Police Sergeant named William Thicke was the arresting officer, but Pizer had a strong alibi(he was with relatives at the estimated time of the murder) and was soon released.

  Majors had given Robert a new experimental Halogen flashlight, to aid him in his investigation. Robert’s only desire was to solve this case.

  Unfortunately he would not get his wish.

  {2}

  It was common knowledge Section chief Ambrogio had no love for Vampiress.

  One of the main reasons was her father, Baron Verchase who had blocked Ambrogio’s promotion to Section Chief twice — due to Ambrogio’s lack of aristocratic bloodlines — causing his delay in rising the ranks of The Sect. It was only after he was able to obtain a reprieve by the Viceroy’s office that his career was able to resume without hindrance — Ambrogio’s second cousin was a close friend of a powerful lord.

  So when Vampiress was assigned to his section he felt it appropriate to settle an old wound that ran deep within him. He could not touch the Baron, but with careful planning, his daughter might fall prey to his plan.

  But even if she wasn’t Verchase’s spawn, Ambrogio would find a way to eliminate the woman. She was almost as arrogant as her father, and her insubordination and recklessness had almost jeopardized their mission.

  It had all started with the first Whitechapel murder. One of the main reasons for their incursion into this time period of Earth’s past.