From: Ronni Katz Subject: Alliances This FKFIC story (short!) is an explanation as to how the Knighties (and their intrepid leader Nick) managed to get the services of an Enforcer for the upcoming FK War! In my FKFIC story Training Mission Ron the Enforcer and Nick had a bit of a falling out (mostly because Ron *used* Nick as a means of getting his revenge on LaCroix!) but the two Vampires managed a grudgingly acceptable truce that got them to cooperate (sort of) for FK WAR 3. Anyone who was a part of War#3 may recall that Ron the Enforcer was primarily operating on his own - he was not allied with any of the factions. He *chose* to be Susan Garrett s bodyguard and took it upon himself to make sure Dorian kept his hands off her! Well...Susan was Interviewed by the Vampire and survived physically unscathed and, his duties done, the Enforcer departed as soon as he knew Susan was safe. (Actually what he did was go off and party his ass off !) Now Ron the Enforcer (and Net junkie!) is back in Toronto after reading on the lists that *another* War is brewing..... FK WAR#4 Prologue: ALLIANCES The Raven was crowded, it always was on a Saturday night. Mortals and Kindred danced together to the harsh metallic beat of music played at almost deafening levels. Nick saw a few familiar faces as he threaded past the dancers on the floor making his way over to the bar. Miklos handed him a glass of *the house special* the moment he arrived at the bar Janette isn t here, Miklos told him. But there is another who wishes to speak to you... The Romanian turned his head towards a table in a dimly lit corner of the room and Nick glanced over trying to see who was there waiting for him. He couldn t quite make out visually who it was but the person *felt* familiar. Thanks. Nick said as he took his drink and made his way over to the back table. Nick recognized the black Stetson resting on the edge of the table long before he saw the face of it s owner. Romulus - Ron the Enforcer - was back. What do you want? Nick demanded. Take a Valium and sit down, Ron commanded in an annoyed tone. I just want to *talk*, okay? Talk? Or apologize? Ron smiled wolfishly at Nick. Yeah, well, *maybe* I do owe you an apology. I *did* almost get you killed that time I possessed your body. Dragutin didn t warn me that our difference in ages and power levels would play into what I had in mind. Ron paused taking a long drink from his glass of uncut Jack Daniels before concluding, Not that his warning would have made me change my plans.... Bastard. Ron grinned evilly . I m too much like dear old Dad for your liking, huh, kid? Nick s eyes flickered yellow and Ron removed his tinted aviator shades revealing his own wolf-gold eyes. The two vampires glared at each other for a long moment - a vampiric Mexican standoff. It was Nick who got under control first and he sighed deeply as his fangs fell back into place and his eyes returned to their usual blue color. Tell me what s *really* on your mind. I have better things to do than stand here and argue with you. Have you been reading your Email lately? Uh, yeah. I m using my home PC now instead of just hanging around late after work and using the system we have at the station. Why? Why, indeed.... Nick was puzzled by the odd topic of conversation and, his curiousity piqued, he pulled out a chair and sat down opposite the Enforcer. What s going on? What are you using? Genie? Delphi? AOL, why? Just curious....I ve been using AOL for almost a year. Best deal for me - I travel too much to subscribe to anything that isn t both idiot proof and dial-uppable - is that a word? - from just about anywhere in North America. Changing the subject, Ron asked, So...have you been seeing all the saber rattling going on? Yes...another War is going to start on April First. April Fool s Day. Appropriate.... And *you* intend to be in on this one. Yes....and I *intend* to be a part of *your* team. You need all the help you can get, kid. The last time you *helped* me I nearly died! Nick stated rising. And stop calling me kid! Hey, Nick...wait! Nick turned to face him. What? Look....this is my way of trying to make it up to you. I help you out for this War and you forgive me for that little body-swapping maneuver I did on you last fall.... Nick pondered the offer for a moment. He did *not* trust the Enforcer but having someone as powerful as Ron working for him could give his team an advantage. Romulus was LaCroix s equal - at least physically. He doubted the Enforcer could match wits with his Sire. Romulus wasn t dumb - not by a long shot - but the Enforcer s vampiric training had been heavily focused on making him an ideal killing machine. Romulus could bisect people with one stroke but Nick doubted his uncle-in-darkness could best LaCroix in a mental challenge. And Nick had a feeling the upcoming War was going to be more of a battle of wits and wills than one of brute force. But having the services of a *real* brick at his disposal could be *very* useful indeed..... Okay, Nick told him. But you do what *I* say and you will be staying with me, so I can keep an eye on you. Understand? Stay at the High-tech Dungeon of Doom? Ron queried his gold eyes dancing mischievously. Sure...no problem. Nick handed the Enforcer his glasses. Wear these always. Not everyone knows that your eyes have been *permanently* changed - my mortal friends will think you are manifesting your powers if they see you with the shades off. Ron put the glasses back on. Trust me - they ll *know* when I mean business and when I m just screwing around, he stated. But...if it ll make you happy, I ll wear them when your friends are around. Thanks. I ve got my stuff in Janette s office. I ll meet you back at your place. Fine, Nick agreed before turning his back and disappearing into the crowd Romulus donned the black Stetson and grabbed the half full bottle of Jack Daniels. He took a healthy pull straight from the bottle before wandering to the back of the bar where Janette s office lay.... ==================================================== Any questions, criticism, and serious misgivings about having an Enforcer working for the Knighties can be directed to me, Ron the Enforcer at Questinc@aol.com