Free Red Serpent: The Falsifier by Delson Armstrong Page A

the people? He shook his head and smiled. What did he care what the people thought?
    “Alex,” she looked into his eyes, “I love you and could never even think of being with anybody else. I think now you can put this whole thing into perspective. My parents aren’t against us being together. They’re just a little upset because I’m pregnant before the marriage. They thought you knew and so after your speech they were surprised at the way you behaved. But don’t worry, I spoke to them last night and explained everything to them. They’re still happy for the both of us.”
    “Well, I’m glad about—”
    A large chunk of glass came crashing down on top of him. Angel screamed in shock. People turned to see what had happened. Three men came running over and tried to help him up. “Hey pal,” one of them said. “You alright? Hello?” He snapped his fingers to get Alex’s attention.
    The others gazed up to see what had caused the destruction. High above, a large rocket had smashed through the glass casing of the Regnum.
    Suddenly, the computers that handled the Regnum’s climate conditions, solar and lunar cycles and seasons went haywire. For a second there was pitch-black all around. Frightened shouts of horror echoed throughout the station.
    The lights turned back on and the computers were back on track. John, accompanied by security, appeared at the scene and ran towards Alex and Angel.
    Alex’s head felt heavy. A pulsating pain pounded continuously in his skull and everything seemed to swirl around him. In echoes, he heard his uncle say, “Are you alright, Alex?”
    “Uh...” his head spinning, he said to John, “I think so.” He touched the back of his head and felt liquid slowly trickle down from the wound. Blood. He smiled and fell flat on his face.
    He heard a faint voice say, “Call an ambulance!” Everything turned black.
    The reinforcements John had called for prior to his arrival hurried into their attack positions. The rocket flew towards them. As it got close and slowed to a halt just above the ground John could see Nikolas, accompanied by Imperial guards and Rebel comrades. “Hold your fire!” John commanded, recognizing his old friend.
    Jarad ran to John and said, “John, what the hell is going on here?”
    “I have no idea,” John said, “But I think it isn’t going to be pretty.”
    “But—”
    “Listen, Jarad, just get ready to fight if it comes to it.”
    John lifted Alex up and supported him on his shoulder. The boy was completely unconscious.
    Nikolas and the vampires touched down on the ground. He walked towards John. “Give him to me,” he said. John did as he was told. Nikolas laid Alex on the ground. He put his hands on Alex’s head and closed his eyes. A blue flash of light flickered in his palm and it radiated outward, centering on Alex’s forehead. All around them, the blue light shone brightly encompassing everything. Everyone around, vampire and human, looked at the healing in awe.
    With tears in her eyes, Angel asked John, “Mr. Howe, what’s he doing?”
    John smiled, “It looks like Alex hasn’t told you yet.”
    “What? What did he have to tell me?”
    “I think it would be better if he told you himself,”
    Alex stirred and moaned slightly. He opened his eyes and saw Nikolas. He bolted up. “What?”
    “Easy...easy, Alexandros,” said Nikolas.
    “General Gareng?”
    “That’s right. I am General...well I was a general once. But I am still Nikolas, your father’s old friend and cousin.”
    “How’d you know it was me?”
    “I can sense his blood in you.”
    “What are you doing here?” Alex asked, getting slowly onto his feet.
    “That’s what I want to know, Nick.” said John. He gave Alex a hand.
    “I thought you’d know. I knew this day would come,” Nikolas bared his fangs, “didn’t you?”
    “You mean...”
    “Exactly. They’ve used us for this purpose.”
    Jarad gestured to his men, “Kill them!”
    “No!” yelled John,