Operation

by Tony Ruggiero

  “Yes, most definitely,” Dimitri nodded, maintaining this belief of blood fixation in Johnson’s thoughts. His own thoughts were continuously planning and conspiring about how they would be free once again to roam as they chose. However, he had pushed Johnson to his capacity for one night. To do anymore would overload and confuse him further. “I believe that we are finished for this evening then, Lieutenant?”

  “Yes,” Johnson said. His facial expression seemed conflicted; disappointed and yet relieved. “I’ll have them open the door to the yard. I assume you will want to feed before you meet with Commander Reese.”

  “That is correct,” Dimitri agreed. “We cannot go to school on an empty stomach.” Dimitri smiled. Johnson looked at him with a questioning and yearning gaze. Dimitri saw the look and decided to draw him in further. He leaned closer to Johnson and said, “You are envious of us, aren’t you? Our powers, they attract you?” he asked as his voice sent soothing tones into Johnson’s mind.

  “Yes...yes, they do,” Johnson said, in an almost dreamlike trance now.

  “But to attain such powers, the cost is extremely high. Does this price you must pay not frighten you? Do you not care about your mortal soul?”

  “No,” Johnson answered immediately. “It seems a small price to pay for what one would gain.”

  “So willing,” Dimitri murmured as he withdrew his influence from Johnson’s thoughts. He didn’t want to push him this far yet, not yet.

  “Perhaps we may talk of this again later,” Dimitri said.

  “Yes,” Johnson agreed. “We shall…”

  “I do not wish to be late for Commander Reese. Good evening, Lieutenant.” Dimitri turned away, signaling for Andre and Iliga to follow.

  Dimitri could sense that his influence on Johnson was just about where he wanted him. But he knew that he must be careful to not push him too far or too fast. He also felt a slight twinge of regret and pity for the man…he was so alone and what he sought would certainly be his downfall.

  Chapter Forty-nine

  Reese looked up as his three students entered into the lounge area of their living quarters. “Running a little late tonight,” he said, as he glanced at his watch and stifled a yawn. As had become their established ritual, Andre and Iliga said nothing and quietly sat down as Dimitri turned toward Reese.

  “Lieutenant Johnson and I were discussing some particulars in regards to our training. He is a very enlightening individual.”

  “Yes, I can imagine,” Reese said, trying to keep his sarcasm at bay. “So what were you discussing?” Reese knew Dimitri would not tell him what transpired in their conversations. As always.

  “Little matters of the heart, you might say,” Dimitri answered and smiled.

  At times, Reese could sense the pull of Dimitri’s demeanor. Everything was a question or a statement meant to tempt or to lure him in a particular direction of conversation. Even he had to fight it at times, because he knew what Dimitri was trying to do. He wondered if he did the same thing with Johnson. He chose to ignore the bait and remain silent.

  “So what is our subject for this evening, Commander Reese?” Dimitri asked.

  “Your choice,” he said. “We’ve covered all the basics on history, updated your geography and cultural affairs, and brought you up-to-date on political affairs.”

  “How about some philosophy?” Dimitri asked. “We speak so little on this topic and it interests me the most.”

  “You like philosophy because it gives you a lot of leeway to express your views,” Reese replied. “It is your doorway between what you were and what you are. You use it to draw us in so you can slam it shut with your point of view.”

  “Yes…you know me too well, Commander,” Dimitri said. “I can see your point in avoiding it. If you aren’t capable of discussing an area, just stay away from it.”

  “A weak attempt at rhetoric,” Reese said. “That’s not like you.”

  “You strike deftly and quickly this evening, Commander,” Dimitri said. “I am impressed.” Dimitri bowed his head respectfully.

  Reese shook his head. “When a direct attack doesn’t work, you maneuver from the rear, eh? If not intimidation, you use flattery. You missed your calling. You would make an excellent politician.”

  Dimitri smiled but said nothing.

  “Okay, I’ll give in. You apparently have something very specific on your mind you want to discuss. What is it?”

  “I want to discuss the concept of the freedom of choice,” Dimitri said, as he kept his eyes fixed on Reese’s, probably wanting to see the reaction he had.

  “A very broad area,” Reese replied.

  “A comparison then,” Dimitri suggested.

  “All right, I’m listening. Go ahead.”

  “There are many groups in your society that are segmented and fragmented from the rest. Yet they are offered a form of ‘social protection’ from your government and its many agencies. This protection gives them an unfair advantage over those that do not have the any form of affliction or special condition which warrants similar treatment.”

  “I’m not sure what you are referring to,” Reese said. “Can you give me an example of one of these groups?”

  “Let’s look at the cultural and societal differences,” Dimitri said. “There are laws to protect the religious beliefs of people, the handicapped, minorities, women, terminally ill, gays, AIDS patients and the list goes on and on. Your society adds more of these groupings as time passes. One cannot help but wonder if there will eventually be more of the ‘selected’ groupings then the main group from which they are formed.”

  “And?” Reese asked. He didn’t know where Dimitri was going with this conversation.

  “Does it not make you wonder if perhaps there is no single factor by which to judge humanity?”

  “What? Are you saying that there is no normalcy or standard by which to judge people?”

  “There is—the one that was created by early men. The mold of what they perceived the normal society to be. But, as time passes, this norm is being slowly erased by the numerous categories society keeps creating.”

  “I see some of what you say,” Reese said. “However, what you see as a degeneration of society one would just say is a better understanding of what comprises society.”

  “So, what you feel is that society as a whole is becoming more conducive to the various differences that make up the population of the world?”

  “Perhaps,” Reese said. “But it depends on how you use this interpretation that makes it a feasible discussion for understanding your point. You obviously have something in mind—what is it?”

  “Simply that I can argue from this standpoint that myself and my men are just as worthy of one of these select groups as any of them that already exist.”

  “Really,” Reese said, incredulous. “How interesting—but not possible. There are too many controversies about your existence that contradicts the norm.”

  “Do not close your mind so easily, Commander,” Dimitri said, his voice becoming forceful. “Many of your groups are comprised of those that have the unfortunate circumstance of becoming something different by an act of fate beyond their control. Perhaps they are injured, or born with a birth defect or some form of genetic deficiency that caused their behavior to be against the established norm.”

  “I will agree to that to a certain extent, as long as you don’t take too many liberties with the concept,” Reese said.

  “See,” Dimitri said as he pointed at Reese. “You are setting conditions based upon the established norms. Your prejudice blinds you to accepting any other facts.”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Reese said, “but go on—make your point.”

  “Are we, my men and I, not a victim of circumstance beyond our control?”

  “That’s a stretch.”

  “Is it?” Dimitri asked. “In your society, you allow those that have used substances, drugs and alcohol for instance, a chance to redeem themselves. Those that ha
ve become ill from many of those choices they have willingly made, you give them a form of dispensation. You also allow those with different sexual attributes to be accepted.”

  “The issue of will, the self-decision aspect, comes into play with many of those categories you mentioned. That does not apply to you.”

  “Really? Open your mind, Commander. Look at us. Are we not just guilty of a maligned thought that at the outset may have looked attractive; its failings not so important at the time of our creation? Then, after it was completed, it was too late to change our mind and retrace our steps over the threshold that we crossed.”

  Reese hesitated for a moment before he spoke. “None of the categories you mentioned kills in order to survive.”

  “We do not have to kill people in order to survive.”

  “Wait a minute,” Reese said. “You yourself said that at times you fed on the less desirable people that wandered your way, the vagabonds, dregs of society that were cast out.”

  “Yes, that is true. It is another example on how society has set the conditions of our existence upon us.”

  “You are claiming that society has made you what you are?”

  “To an extent, yes,” Dimitri said. “So tell me, Commander, how different is that from man and the select groups he has created?”

  “These groups you suggest, they are not killers.”

  “No, perhaps not directly,” Dimitri agreed. “But what of the wars, the carnage of the third world countries and the so-called righteous acts of the major powers? Has not man killed man under the guise of world peace?”

  “Unrelated,” Reese countered. “Different circumstances.”

  “Not really,” Dimitri countered. “What of your inner cities then? Some of them are considered murder capitals. Yet we offer these killers acceptance if they change their ways.”

  “There are problems. Our culture has spawned our own creatures,” Reese conceded. “But how does all this apply to you and your men?”

  “We are no different than all these others,” Dimitri said. “We are a product of your own culture just as well as those of your inner cities. We are no different than anyone else in these categories, except that we receive no help, no protection from the government.”

  “You’re really stretching it,” Reese said, although he knew his voice sounded slightly less convincing then it had earlier.

  “All I am saying is that we deserve what the world has to offer,” Dimitri said. “We should be offered a chance to take our position in society like all these other groups have been given an opportunity and not to be used as pawns in a game that man plays against man.”

  “This is ludicrous,” Reese exclaimed. “You’re suggesting that society accept vampires as just another part of our society.”

  “Yes.”

  “Crazy, but I’ll humor you. Tell me, if you were free to go and do whatever you wanted, what would you do?”

  Dimitri smiled and spoke softly. “What we have been doing all these years, survive. But survive in our own way, quietly and away from those that would pervert us for their own personal gain.” Dimitri paused, and then said, “We may be creatures now, but part of us were men once and still are; we have a need to feel...useful.”

  Reese looked into Dimitri’s eyes and for the first time, he thought he saw human eyes and not those of a creature. He also noticed that Andre and Iliga were looking at him now with what appeared to be keen interest. Normally they showed little curiosity in their discussions.

  “An interesting point,” Reese said, breaking the silence. “You made several assertions that would prompt further discussions and consideration. I would even—”

  Reese stopped as he heard someone enter the room. He turned and saw Johnson. By the anxious look upon his face, Reese could tell he had some news.

  “Commander,” he said coolly to Reese. “I hate to interrupt but I need to speak briefly with Dimitri.”

  “No problem,” Reese said. “We’re done for the night and it will be dawn soon so I will let you two discuss what you need. Good night.”

  As Reese rose to leave, he saw the folder that Johnson carried in his hands. The folder was marked ‘TOP SECRET.’

  As the door closed, Reese heard Johnson’s voice, “We have an assignment. We leave tomorrow at dusk.”

  So it begins, Reese thought.

  Chapter Fifty

  The military aircraft landed on the private runway at SOCOM headquarters in Florida in the dark of the early hours of the morning. A flurry of activity ensued: passenger vehicles met the plane, forklifts and other heavy equipment offloaded the shipping containers; the passengers were escorted to a secure building on the perimeter of the airfield. Within this building, General Stone waited inside a conference room.

  Johnson and Dimitri entered the room where he waited. Navy SEALs took their usual positions: two inside of the room and two outside to maintain their double watch on Dimitri, in the event they needed to activate the collar.

  “Welcome to SOCOM, gentleman,” Stone greeted them. “Please have a seat and we can get started.” Johnson and Dimitri sat at the conference table as he opened a folder.

  “Our intelligence has located the leaders of several major cocaine distribution networks that route the drugs through Haiti on their way to the United States. These leaders, along with other top level associates, are holed up in Haiti for a limited period of time. This is our moment we have been waiting for, gentleman.”

  “Local authorities?” Johnson asked.

  “Not worth a damn,” Stone snorted. “There is almost one hundred percent corruption in all the enforcement agencies there. As soon as the bulk of our forces pulled out, the gates opened and all the scum of the Earth flowed in. All that we have is our intelligence networks left, and those only because we pay more than the opposition. The situation is pathetic on the island, but we can’t officially do anything without being accused of internal meddling.”

  “So that is where we come in?” Dimitri asked. “We shall become the judge, jury and executioner.”

  “Basically, yes. You,” Stone said, indicating Johnson, “will take in the team and eliminate the entire group. We figure that at least three of the targets are the top officials that hold several organizations together.” He handed over three black-and-white photographs. “Eliminate them, and the organizations will crumble into internal fighting and probably be taken over by another group. This will become a game of dominoes as we go along: one leads to another until we get to the last one.”

  “What’s the area like where they are?” Johnson asked.

  Stone drew out an aerial reconnaissance photograph and laid it on the table in front of them.

  “It’s outside the city of Monte Christi, along the coast. It’s an old fortress that was converted into a large private residence that actually serves as a distribution center for the drugs. Take out the leaders, blow the place to hell and get out. It will be well-guarded, but with the stealth that the team has, you should be able to get in undetected.”

  “Of course,” Dimitri agreed. “We are as quiet as the night.”

  Stone looked at Dimitri curiously before continuing. “Access from the sea will be the way in and out. We have a converted fishing boat standing by for our use. Take a day and familiarize yourselves with the layout and develop your plan as you travel there. You will be flown through the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, only stopping for fuel and then air-dropped the following night to the ship that will be off the coast, ready to go in. The ship will bring you back to Puerto Rico where the plane will be waiting. All the details are in your package.”

  “Equipment?” Johnson asked.

  “Everything you need can be obtained from our private stock here; all unmarked, unserialized and untraceable. I’ve already put the equipment together and it is being loaded on your plane as we speak. Take a look at the list and see if there is anything else you need.”

  “Yes, sir,” Johnson acknowledged. “We will—”


  “We will need to feed soon,” Dimitri interjected. “Have provisions been made for that?”

  “You will not feed here,” Stone said sharply, then gave him a vicious grin. “You will wait and feed on the targets. It will add to the hunt, will it not, Dimitri?”

  Dimitri did not answer.

  “Sir, that could be messy and hard to explain,” Johnson said.

  “My point exactly—the messier, the better.” Stone slammed his fist onto the table. “We want to put the fear of God into them. Make them tuck their tails and run home with stories that will make them think twice about coming back. And there will be no explaining because no one is going to claim that the blood was sucked out of the assholes.” He paused looking at Johnson and Dimitri. “Who the hell is going to believe any story about vampires?”

  Dimitri and Johnson sat quietly.

  “Is there a problem with this?” Stone asked, as his gaze focused on Dimitri. “Because if there is, we can activate those collars and end this now.”

  Dimitri locked his eyes onto Stone’s with no emotion in his face and simply said, “There is not a problem, General. It will be done.”

  “Good, then. I’ll see you when you get back. Good hunting and kill every one of the sons of bitches. Spare no one, no matter how much they beg for their life. Don’t even think about any prisoners. Is that clearly understood?”

  “Yes, sir!” Johnson replied sharply.

  Dimitri said nothing, only smiled.

  Chapter Fifty-one

  The four figures came ashore in a raft and made their way off the beach. Their target was less than a mile away. At a quick pace, they would arrive in less than fifteen minutes. The plan had been well-rehearsed and the need to speak would be avoided at all costs. As they set off, traveling off the road and hiding in the sparse shrubbery, they hoped they would not be seen until they were at the small fortress. Each person was dressed the same and carried identical equipment in their black backpacks and watertight bags. Johnson signaled the direction they were to head in and they moved off.