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I'll save you the trouble of scrolling down - it isn't very short :)
***************************************
The early evening festivities were in full swing as Trabo relaxed comfortably on his own personal lounger with a drink close by and a seductive chameleon even closer. He was hosting a party weekend on his pride and joy - a 164' Benetti Tri-Deck and she was currently anchored close to a secluded bay, rocking gently as the waves of the blue ocean caressed her sides.
His guests were a mix of old and new agents from FUEL. It was a sad fact that in his secret world they were his only companions, the only ones who knew of his existence. Still, this didn’t stop them having fun whenever the opportunity arose and fun was what this weekend was all about. After his near death experience at the legs of the black widow, well his fainting spell anyway, he’d decided that it was time to enjoy the sea and sunshine. He’d given his ten rat crew just 3 hours to prepare the yacht to get underway and they had performed wonders in that short time.
They always kept the yacht clean and well stocked with alcohol but the chef and his cooks had excelled themselves with the stocking up of fresh food for his myriad assortment of guests. It was early evening and, at present, a banquet fit for royalty was laid out for the guests as they mingled and laughed; soft music played in the background and wafted out across the otherwise empty ocean. Other guests were, like Trabo, relaxing in the pleasant company of the opposite sex while some of the more adventuresome ones were diving from the aft deck and swimming in the lagoon.
A piercing scream rent the still air, so high it could almost have been human, and then another, deeper cry, joined in. After a moment of shocked stillness everyone raced to the aft deck and the direction of the noise. Most of the swimmers were frantically hauling themselves out of the water by claw, paw or wing but two of the newer agents, young otters, couldn’t reach the yacht and thrashed about agonisingly. As the otters writhed in the water something could be glimpsed but never clearly seen. These near invisible things surrounded the otters and there was nothing anyone could do for them. Even Paul the eagle couldn’t get close enough to lift them out of the water and stop them from going under. Eventually all that could be seen was a spreading pool of blood that stained the now still waters.
After the otters had disappeared the silence was deafening as everyone tried to understand what had happened, then a wall of noise erupted as everyone verbally expressed their opinion at the same time. Miss Cashpound immediately took charge and ushered everyone inside the main cabin where the rats were dispensing strong drinks and tissues in equal measures. No one argued with the large white owl while she was in full organisational mode but then no one was in a state to argue anyway. Miss Cashpound flew to the pilothouse and put a call in to Dan, the boss. After giving him as much detail as she could she requested that agents Jill and Philip be despatched to the scene immediately. She then returned to the main cabin and ushered everyone to their rooms to get as much rest as possible.
Trabo gently led his companion away and once she succumbed to a restless sleep in their bed he returned to the aft deck. There he discovered Miss Cashpound on watch, preventing anyone from going into the water and investigating. Trabo waited quietly with her for the arrival of Jill, a blue finned tuna, and Philip, who was a hammerhead shark. They weren’t expected until first light but Trabo was not in the mood to rest and the owl had no trouble staying awake and watchful.
Such was Trabos’ confidence in Miss Cashpound that he soon found himself drowsing fitfully against his will until the whine of helicopter blades broke the silence. The helicopter landed perfectly on the yachts’ helipad and Dan alighted. Trabos’ boss was a thickset ape who was normally perfectly groomed. Now, however, he looked like he’d slept in his suit and it looked crumple and stained. His stance silently screamed his anger and anguish at the loss of the two otters but his manner was still impeccable.
“Any sign of them?” he asked Miss Cashpound by way of a greeting.
“No, nothing, and the rest of the night has been quiet too” she replied calmly.
Dan took the opportunity to glance over the side of the yacht but there was nothing to be seen – even the blood pool had dispersed during the night.
“Are you the only two up and about?”
“Yes. I sent everyone else to their rooms and perches to try and rest”
“Good” he replied. “Let’s leave them there. Jill and Philip will be here in about 30 minutes.”
A crew rat silently padded up to them with a coffeepot and just as silently left them to their discussions. Trabo glanced sideways at his boss. Dan always knew a lot of things before anyone else, it was after all his job, but Trabo found something about him today that was disquieting.
“Have you any ideas about what happened here?” Trabo asked Dan.
“Yes but I’d rather not say until Philip has investigated for me”
There was nothing else to say at that point so they each helped themselves to the coffee and waited. Soon enough Philip, gliding gracefully through the blue waters of the lagoon, swam up to the side of the yacht.
“I think you’re suspicions were correct.” Philip directed his comment to Dan. “We’ve detected nothing in the ocean around here for several miles as we swam in.”
“Damn!” swore Dan. “I was hoping it wasn’t true. Sorry to have dragged you all this way but you were the best agents to investigate this. You’d both better get out of here before it gets late.”
“We’ll be out of here as soon as Jill returns. She spotted something caught low in the rocks and has gone to investigate” replied Philip.
No sooner had he finished speaking when Jill could be spied slicing effortlessly through the water and she was obviously carrying something in her powerful jaws. Her head broke through the water as she gently placed her burden on the divers’ shelf. Even from the higher deck the puncture marks could be seen covering the otter from head to toe. Jill bowed her head solemnly and without another word the tuna and the shark headed back out into deeper water.
“Okay” growled Trabo. “Just what the hell is going on here? What did you suspect and why haven’t we been alerted?”
“Vampire jellyfish hav”
“You knew we were headed to thi….WHAT??!!!” screamed Trabo.
“Vampire jellyfish have been repor”
“Vampire jellyfish?
“For crying out loud Trabo just flaming well shut up, stop interrupting and listen!” replied Dan.
“Maybe we all should hear this,” said a voice quietly behind them.
All three of them spun around at the sound. Unheard by them several of the other agents had arrived on deck. Dan pondered this for only a moment.
“You’re right. Get everyone up and into the main cabin. We’ll hold the debriefing there”
Within 10 minutes the main cabin was crowded as everyone listened intently to what Dan had to say. The main cabin was deathly silent as they listened to the reports he’d been receiving at headquarters. There had been hints and suspicions, he said, but nothing tangible until a few days ago. Fish and other sea life had been turning up dead with tiny bite marks on them. One of the fish had been found with a jellyfish attached to it and they had been taken to the lab for research. When they had been parted it was discovered that the jellyfish had two long dark teeth protruding from one of its tendrils and while they were investigating this oddity the fish, and jellyfish, had stirred into life. Even though they were no longer in water they weren’t dying or suffering. In fact the fish had tried to bite one of the technicians who had gotten too close to it and it proved to have the same kind of teeth.
Stunned silence was all that greeted Dan when he finished speaking. The older agents stood around looking pensive while the younger ones tried to decide if now was a good time to change professions.
“Fine,” said Trabo “as they seem to be congregated here, then here is where we tackle them. We have several full dive suits on board, more than enough agents, so I suggest we get a plan together and finish this tonight.”
A chorus of agreement went up at this suggestion. Although the otters hadn’t been with the agency long they’d proven to be capable while on a mission. More importantly they had been very playful, fun and lively and had made friends quickly within the select group on board the yacht. Everyone looked expectantly at Dan who steadily returned their stares before giving a slight nod. “I’ve brought weapons with me for tackling these creatures. Choose six agents and meet me on the aft deck at 7.00 tonight. I suggest the chosen agents try to get some sleep, it’s going to be a long night.”
Everyone tried to volunteer at once and eventually 5 lots were drawn to decide who would go. The sixth member of the team was to be Trabo and no one argued with his right to lead the mission. Miss Cashpound again took charge and cleared out several of the staterooms for the agents to rest in. At the appointed time everyone met again on the aft deck.
The six agents were kitted out fully in the dive suits except the hoods. Before Dan could hand out the weapons a young hyena ran forward and urinated on Trabo.
“What the…” screeched Trabo.
All the agents just stopped what they were doing and looked aghast at them both.
“It’s to protect you against the jellyfish. They recommend that you use urine to protect against them,” explained the hyena, obviously feeling quite pleased with himself for thinking of this when no one else had. Trabo grabbed him by the throat.
“You do that for stings, you stupid dog, after you have been stung!” and with that he flung the hyena across the deck.
“Calm down Trabo, he was only trying to be helpful” said the unflappable Miss Cashpound.
“Helpful? HELPFUL? He just peed on me!”
“It’s okay, it will wash off in the sea”
“Gee, why do I not feel better” he grumbled.
Just then Dan stepped forward and handed out the weapons. Trabo took his and inspected it closely. He hadn’t thought the day could get any worse but he’d been proved wrong again.
“Err… Dan?”
“Yes?”
“Aren’t these plain, ordinary household pliers?”
“Yes”
“What the hell are we supposed to do with these? Trabo asked in disbelief.
“All you have to do is pull the teeth from the tendril and they will be unable to bite anymore. We considered several different ways of dealing with them and this was the best that we came up with.”
Trabo looked astounded at his team of agents. “Okay, lets get this over with” he said resignedly and with that he pulled the hood over his head and dived into the water. His team quickly followed him while the remaining agents all crowded around the deck to watch.
It proved to be a long night. No sooner had they hit the water than the jellyfish surrounded them. The agents spun in the water breaking any hold the jellyfish tried to get but found removing the teeth to be nigh on impossible. Eventually Trabo lost his temper and used the pliers to remove the whole tendril. The jellyfish shuddered and fled as soon as Trabo let it go. He swam amongst his team and the jellyfish hacking tendrils off whenever he could grab on to one of them and showed his team how to best tackle the problem. After that it proved to be much easier and within 4 hours the lagoon was clear of jellyfish.
Trabo and his team tiredly swam back to the yacht where willing agents waited to pull them back onto the deck - where they promptly collapsed. Each of the team had carried a small bag with them, which they had filled with the tendrils. Dan ordered the six bags to be emptied so that a count could be taken. The team, between them, had de-tendrilled 170 jellyfish.
“Do you think we got them all?” asked Trabo wearily.
“I don’t know,” replied Dan honestly “but we have certainly made a dint in their numbers and they will be more wary now they know we know about them”
“Shouldn’t we put out a general warning to the public?” asked Miss Cashpound.
“What could we tell them? Warning, warning – keep out of the oceans – deadly vampire jellyfish will get you! Who would believe us?” said Dan. “No, we keep this within the agency. The public will have to fend for themselves as best they can.”
***************************************
The early evening festivities were in full swing as Trabo relaxed comfortably on his own personal lounger with a drink close by and a seductive chameleon even closer. He was hosting a party weekend on his pride and joy - a 164' Benetti Tri-Deck and she was currently anchored close to a secluded bay, rocking gently as the waves of the blue ocean caressed her sides.
His guests were a mix of old and new agents from FUEL. It was a sad fact that in his secret world they were his only companions, the only ones who knew of his existence. Still, this didn’t stop them having fun whenever the opportunity arose and fun was what this weekend was all about. After his near death experience at the legs of the black widow, well his fainting spell anyway, he’d decided that it was time to enjoy the sea and sunshine. He’d given his ten rat crew just 3 hours to prepare the yacht to get underway and they had performed wonders in that short time.
They always kept the yacht clean and well stocked with alcohol but the chef and his cooks had excelled themselves with the stocking up of fresh food for his myriad assortment of guests. It was early evening and, at present, a banquet fit for royalty was laid out for the guests as they mingled and laughed; soft music played in the background and wafted out across the otherwise empty ocean. Other guests were, like Trabo, relaxing in the pleasant company of the opposite sex while some of the more adventuresome ones were diving from the aft deck and swimming in the lagoon.
A piercing scream rent the still air, so high it could almost have been human, and then another, deeper cry, joined in. After a moment of shocked stillness everyone raced to the aft deck and the direction of the noise. Most of the swimmers were frantically hauling themselves out of the water by claw, paw or wing but two of the newer agents, young otters, couldn’t reach the yacht and thrashed about agonisingly. As the otters writhed in the water something could be glimpsed but never clearly seen. These near invisible things surrounded the otters and there was nothing anyone could do for them. Even Paul the eagle couldn’t get close enough to lift them out of the water and stop them from going under. Eventually all that could be seen was a spreading pool of blood that stained the now still waters.
After the otters had disappeared the silence was deafening as everyone tried to understand what had happened, then a wall of noise erupted as everyone verbally expressed their opinion at the same time. Miss Cashpound immediately took charge and ushered everyone inside the main cabin where the rats were dispensing strong drinks and tissues in equal measures. No one argued with the large white owl while she was in full organisational mode but then no one was in a state to argue anyway. Miss Cashpound flew to the pilothouse and put a call in to Dan, the boss. After giving him as much detail as she could she requested that agents Jill and Philip be despatched to the scene immediately. She then returned to the main cabin and ushered everyone to their rooms to get as much rest as possible.
Trabo gently led his companion away and once she succumbed to a restless sleep in their bed he returned to the aft deck. There he discovered Miss Cashpound on watch, preventing anyone from going into the water and investigating. Trabo waited quietly with her for the arrival of Jill, a blue finned tuna, and Philip, who was a hammerhead shark. They weren’t expected until first light but Trabo was not in the mood to rest and the owl had no trouble staying awake and watchful.
Such was Trabos’ confidence in Miss Cashpound that he soon found himself drowsing fitfully against his will until the whine of helicopter blades broke the silence. The helicopter landed perfectly on the yachts’ helipad and Dan alighted. Trabos’ boss was a thickset ape who was normally perfectly groomed. Now, however, he looked like he’d slept in his suit and it looked crumple and stained. His stance silently screamed his anger and anguish at the loss of the two otters but his manner was still impeccable.
“Any sign of them?” he asked Miss Cashpound by way of a greeting.
“No, nothing, and the rest of the night has been quiet too” she replied calmly.
Dan took the opportunity to glance over the side of the yacht but there was nothing to be seen – even the blood pool had dispersed during the night.
“Are you the only two up and about?”
“Yes. I sent everyone else to their rooms and perches to try and rest”
“Good” he replied. “Let’s leave them there. Jill and Philip will be here in about 30 minutes.”
A crew rat silently padded up to them with a coffeepot and just as silently left them to their discussions. Trabo glanced sideways at his boss. Dan always knew a lot of things before anyone else, it was after all his job, but Trabo found something about him today that was disquieting.
“Have you any ideas about what happened here?” Trabo asked Dan.
“Yes but I’d rather not say until Philip has investigated for me”
There was nothing else to say at that point so they each helped themselves to the coffee and waited. Soon enough Philip, gliding gracefully through the blue waters of the lagoon, swam up to the side of the yacht.
“I think you’re suspicions were correct.” Philip directed his comment to Dan. “We’ve detected nothing in the ocean around here for several miles as we swam in.”
“Damn!” swore Dan. “I was hoping it wasn’t true. Sorry to have dragged you all this way but you were the best agents to investigate this. You’d both better get out of here before it gets late.”
“We’ll be out of here as soon as Jill returns. She spotted something caught low in the rocks and has gone to investigate” replied Philip.
No sooner had he finished speaking when Jill could be spied slicing effortlessly through the water and she was obviously carrying something in her powerful jaws. Her head broke through the water as she gently placed her burden on the divers’ shelf. Even from the higher deck the puncture marks could be seen covering the otter from head to toe. Jill bowed her head solemnly and without another word the tuna and the shark headed back out into deeper water.
“Okay” growled Trabo. “Just what the hell is going on here? What did you suspect and why haven’t we been alerted?”
“Vampire jellyfish hav”
“You knew we were headed to thi….WHAT??!!!” screamed Trabo.
“Vampire jellyfish have been repor”
“Vampire jellyfish?
“For crying out loud Trabo just flaming well shut up, stop interrupting and listen!” replied Dan.
“Maybe we all should hear this,” said a voice quietly behind them.
All three of them spun around at the sound. Unheard by them several of the other agents had arrived on deck. Dan pondered this for only a moment.
“You’re right. Get everyone up and into the main cabin. We’ll hold the debriefing there”
Within 10 minutes the main cabin was crowded as everyone listened intently to what Dan had to say. The main cabin was deathly silent as they listened to the reports he’d been receiving at headquarters. There had been hints and suspicions, he said, but nothing tangible until a few days ago. Fish and other sea life had been turning up dead with tiny bite marks on them. One of the fish had been found with a jellyfish attached to it and they had been taken to the lab for research. When they had been parted it was discovered that the jellyfish had two long dark teeth protruding from one of its tendrils and while they were investigating this oddity the fish, and jellyfish, had stirred into life. Even though they were no longer in water they weren’t dying or suffering. In fact the fish had tried to bite one of the technicians who had gotten too close to it and it proved to have the same kind of teeth.
Stunned silence was all that greeted Dan when he finished speaking. The older agents stood around looking pensive while the younger ones tried to decide if now was a good time to change professions.
“Fine,” said Trabo “as they seem to be congregated here, then here is where we tackle them. We have several full dive suits on board, more than enough agents, so I suggest we get a plan together and finish this tonight.”
A chorus of agreement went up at this suggestion. Although the otters hadn’t been with the agency long they’d proven to be capable while on a mission. More importantly they had been very playful, fun and lively and had made friends quickly within the select group on board the yacht. Everyone looked expectantly at Dan who steadily returned their stares before giving a slight nod. “I’ve brought weapons with me for tackling these creatures. Choose six agents and meet me on the aft deck at 7.00 tonight. I suggest the chosen agents try to get some sleep, it’s going to be a long night.”
Everyone tried to volunteer at once and eventually 5 lots were drawn to decide who would go. The sixth member of the team was to be Trabo and no one argued with his right to lead the mission. Miss Cashpound again took charge and cleared out several of the staterooms for the agents to rest in. At the appointed time everyone met again on the aft deck.
The six agents were kitted out fully in the dive suits except the hoods. Before Dan could hand out the weapons a young hyena ran forward and urinated on Trabo.
“What the…” screeched Trabo.
All the agents just stopped what they were doing and looked aghast at them both.
“It’s to protect you against the jellyfish. They recommend that you use urine to protect against them,” explained the hyena, obviously feeling quite pleased with himself for thinking of this when no one else had. Trabo grabbed him by the throat.
“You do that for stings, you stupid dog, after you have been stung!” and with that he flung the hyena across the deck.
“Calm down Trabo, he was only trying to be helpful” said the unflappable Miss Cashpound.
“Helpful? HELPFUL? He just peed on me!”
“It’s okay, it will wash off in the sea”
“Gee, why do I not feel better” he grumbled.
Just then Dan stepped forward and handed out the weapons. Trabo took his and inspected it closely. He hadn’t thought the day could get any worse but he’d been proved wrong again.
“Err… Dan?”
“Yes?”
“Aren’t these plain, ordinary household pliers?”
“Yes”
“What the hell are we supposed to do with these? Trabo asked in disbelief.
“All you have to do is pull the teeth from the tendril and they will be unable to bite anymore. We considered several different ways of dealing with them and this was the best that we came up with.”
Trabo looked astounded at his team of agents. “Okay, lets get this over with” he said resignedly and with that he pulled the hood over his head and dived into the water. His team quickly followed him while the remaining agents all crowded around the deck to watch.
It proved to be a long night. No sooner had they hit the water than the jellyfish surrounded them. The agents spun in the water breaking any hold the jellyfish tried to get but found removing the teeth to be nigh on impossible. Eventually Trabo lost his temper and used the pliers to remove the whole tendril. The jellyfish shuddered and fled as soon as Trabo let it go. He swam amongst his team and the jellyfish hacking tendrils off whenever he could grab on to one of them and showed his team how to best tackle the problem. After that it proved to be much easier and within 4 hours the lagoon was clear of jellyfish.
Trabo and his team tiredly swam back to the yacht where willing agents waited to pull them back onto the deck - where they promptly collapsed. Each of the team had carried a small bag with them, which they had filled with the tendrils. Dan ordered the six bags to be emptied so that a count could be taken. The team, between them, had de-tendrilled 170 jellyfish.
“Do you think we got them all?” asked Trabo wearily.
“I don’t know,” replied Dan honestly “but we have certainly made a dint in their numbers and they will be more wary now they know we know about them”
“Shouldn’t we put out a general warning to the public?” asked Miss Cashpound.
“What could we tell them? Warning, warning – keep out of the oceans – deadly vampire jellyfish will get you! Who would believe us?” said Dan. “No, we keep this within the agency. The public will have to fend for themselves as best they can.”
You're a strange one, I'll give you that. Excellent idea, I hope we'll see our saviours again soon enough.
I've no complaints. I like the way Rickoss writes and it's still nice to know you enjoyed it some - even if, being the judge, you were forced into reading it :D
A Dirk type character is not a bad idea (he has better adventures than Indy). Give it a try. It can be quiet good to fall back on.
The whole idea of Trabo came about because I was talking to someone on here about his fear of spiders - Trabo is an anagram of Borat. I never did thank him for giving me the basis of my character :}
A Dirk type character is not a bad idea (he has better adventures than Indy). Give it a try. It can be quiet good to fall back on.
The whole idea of Trabo came about because I was talking to someone on here about his fear of spiders - Trabo is an anagram of Borat. I never did thank him for giving me the basis of my character :}
I had to read it, I'm the judge :) I've read FUEL now, and I prefer this. Seems more developed, and definitely involves me more. It was in my top 3 for a while, and then I switched it with Rickoss' at the last moment. Erm...sorry, heh.
I should've guessed he was a a chameleon, really, what with the seductive wench he's chosen.
I've actually though about creating a character in a SSC that I can use in other SSCs. I like the idea. I was thinking an Indy/Dirk type though, not a chameleon, heh.
I should've guessed he was a a chameleon, really, what with the seductive wench he's chosen.
I've actually though about creating a character in a SSC that I can use in other SSCs. I like the idea. I was thinking an Indy/Dirk type though, not a chameleon, heh.
I can't believe I forgot to reintroduce Trabo! He's a chameleon that I first wrote about in another of the comps - FUEL. Strangely enough I like him :)
Too wordy? Shame - I like words. Maybe that's what Clazon and FFF meant as well :(
But thanks for reading it you two.
Too wordy? Shame - I like words. Maybe that's what Clazon and FFF meant as well :(
But thanks for reading it you two.
Reminds me of a modern Brian Jacques story.
Interesting's a good word, it keep my attention easily. Always fun to see someone going off at a different angle. Can't really go wrong with talking animals, that's what I think. I liked it - good traditional-type of story.
I think there can be no better two words than the combination of "Seductive chameleon" :)
Oh, and what animal was Trabos, exactly? Or is that meant to be a mystery?
Interesting's a good word, it keep my attention easily. Always fun to see someone going off at a different angle. Can't really go wrong with talking animals, that's what I think. I liked it - good traditional-type of story.
I think there can be no better two words than the combination of "Seductive chameleon" :)
Oh, and what animal was Trabos, exactly? Or is that meant to be a mystery?
Phew. That ever so slightly warped my mind - like Beatrix Potter meets the A Team.
Perhaps a little longwinded. Some of the interaction between the creatures was humorous in places. Overall, I'd say interesting - using that word both positively and negatively.
Perhaps a little longwinded. Some of the interaction between the creatures was humorous in places. Overall, I'd say interesting - using that word both positively and negatively.
I'll save you the trouble of scrolling down - it isn't very short :)
***************************************
The early evening festivities were in full swing as Trabo relaxed comfortably on his own personal lounger with a drink close by and a seductive chameleon even closer. He was hosting a party weekend on his pride and joy - a 164' Benetti Tri-Deck and she was currently anchored close to a secluded bay, rocking gently as the waves of the blue ocean caressed her sides.
His guests were a mix of old and new agents from FUEL. It was a sad fact that in his secret world they were his only companions, the only ones who knew of his existence. Still, this didn’t stop them having fun whenever the opportunity arose and fun was what this weekend was all about. After his near death experience at the legs of the black widow, well his fainting spell anyway, he’d decided that it was time to enjoy the sea and sunshine. He’d given his ten rat crew just 3 hours to prepare the yacht to get underway and they had performed wonders in that short time.
They always kept the yacht clean and well stocked with alcohol but the chef and his cooks had excelled themselves with the stocking up of fresh food for his myriad assortment of guests. It was early evening and, at present, a banquet fit for royalty was laid out for the guests as they mingled and laughed; soft music played in the background and wafted out across the otherwise empty ocean. Other guests were, like Trabo, relaxing in the pleasant company of the opposite sex while some of the more adventuresome ones were diving from the aft deck and swimming in the lagoon.
A piercing scream rent the still air, so high it could almost have been human, and then another, deeper cry, joined in. After a moment of shocked stillness everyone raced to the aft deck and the direction of the noise. Most of the swimmers were frantically hauling themselves out of the water by claw, paw or wing but two of the newer agents, young otters, couldn’t reach the yacht and thrashed about agonisingly. As the otters writhed in the water something could be glimpsed but never clearly seen. These near invisible things surrounded the otters and there was nothing anyone could do for them. Even Paul the eagle couldn’t get close enough to lift them out of the water and stop them from going under. Eventually all that could be seen was a spreading pool of blood that stained the now still waters.
After the otters had disappeared the silence was deafening as everyone tried to understand what had happened, then a wall of noise erupted as everyone verbally expressed their opinion at the same time. Miss Cashpound immediately took charge and ushered everyone inside the main cabin where the rats were dispensing strong drinks and tissues in equal measures. No one argued with the large white owl while she was in full organisational mode but then no one was in a state to argue anyway. Miss Cashpound flew to the pilothouse and put a call in to Dan, the boss. After giving him as much detail as she could she requested that agents Jill and Philip be despatched to the scene immediately. She then returned to the main cabin and ushered everyone to their rooms to get as much rest as possible.
Trabo gently led his companion away and once she succumbed to a restless sleep in their bed he returned to the aft deck. There he discovered Miss Cashpound on watch, preventing anyone from going into the water and investigating. Trabo waited quietly with her for the arrival of Jill, a blue finned tuna, and Philip, who was a hammerhead shark. They weren’t expected until first light but Trabo was not in the mood to rest and the owl had no trouble staying awake and watchful.
Such was Trabos’ confidence in Miss Cashpound that he soon found himself drowsing fitfully against his will until the whine of helicopter blades broke the silence. The helicopter landed perfectly on the yachts’ helipad and Dan alighted. Trabos’ boss was a thickset ape who was normally perfectly groomed. Now, however, he looked like he’d slept in his suit and it looked crumple and stained. His stance silently screamed his anger and anguish at the loss of the two otters but his manner was still impeccable.
“Any sign of them?” he asked Miss Cashpound by way of a greeting.
“No, nothing, and the rest of the night has been quiet too” she replied calmly.
Dan took the opportunity to glance over the side of the yacht but there was nothing to be seen – even the blood pool had dispersed during the night.
“Are you the only two up and about?”
“Yes. I sent everyone else to their rooms and perches to try and rest”
“Good” he replied. “Let’s leave them there. Jill and Philip will be here in about 30 minutes.”
A crew rat silently padded up to them with a coffeepot and just as silently left them to their discussions. Trabo glanced sideways at his boss. Dan always knew a lot of things before anyone else, it was after all his job, but Trabo found something about him today that was disquieting.
“Have you any ideas about what happened here?” Trabo asked Dan.
“Yes but I’d rather not say until Philip has investigated for me”
There was nothing else to say at that point so they each helped themselves to the coffee and waited. Soon enough Philip, gliding gracefully through the blue waters of the lagoon, swam up to the side of the yacht.
“I think you’re suspicions were correct.” Philip directed his comment to Dan. “We’ve detected nothing in the ocean around here for several miles as we swam in.”
“Damn!” swore Dan. “I was hoping it wasn’t true. Sorry to have dragged you all this way but you were the best agents to investigate this. You’d both better get out of here before it gets late.”
“We’ll be out of here as soon as Jill returns. She spotted something caught low in the rocks and has gone to investigate” replied Philip.
No sooner had he finished speaking when Jill could be spied slicing effortlessly through the water and she was obviously carrying something in her powerful jaws. Her head broke through the water as she gently placed her burden on the divers’ shelf. Even from the higher deck the puncture marks could be seen covering the otter from head to toe. Jill bowed her head solemnly and without another word the tuna and the shark headed back out into deeper water.
“Okay” growled Trabo. “Just what the hell is going on here? What did you suspect and why haven’t we been alerted?”
“Vampire jellyfish hav”
“You knew we were headed to thi….WHAT??!!!” screamed Trabo.
“Vampire jellyfish have been repor”
“Vampire jellyfish?
“For crying out loud Trabo just flaming well shut up, stop interrupting and listen!” replied Dan.
“Maybe we all should hear this,” said a voice quietly behind them.
All three of them spun around at the sound. Unheard by them several of the other agents had arrived on deck. Dan pondered this for only a moment.
“You’re right. Get everyone up and into the main cabin. We’ll hold the debriefing there”
Within 10 minutes the main cabin was crowded as everyone listened intently to what Dan had to say. The main cabin was deathly silent as they listened to the reports he’d been receiving at headquarters. There had been hints and suspicions, he said, but nothing tangible until a few days ago. Fish and other sea life had been turning up dead with tiny bite marks on them. One of the fish had been found with a jellyfish attached to it and they had been taken to the lab for research. When they had been parted it was discovered that the jellyfish had two long dark teeth protruding from one of its tendrils and while they were investigating this oddity the fish, and jellyfish, had stirred into life. Even though they were no longer in water they weren’t dying or suffering. In fact the fish had tried to bite one of the technicians who had gotten too close to it and it proved to have the same kind of teeth.
Stunned silence was all that greeted Dan when he finished speaking. The older agents stood around looking pensive while the younger ones tried to decide if now was a good time to change professions.
“Fine,” said Trabo “as they seem to be congregated here, then here is where we tackle them. We have several full dive suits on board, more than enough agents, so I suggest we get a plan together and finish this tonight.”
A chorus of agreement went up at this suggestion. Although the otters hadn’t been with the agency long they’d proven to be capable while on a mission. More importantly they had been very playful, fun and lively and had made friends quickly within the select group on board the yacht. Everyone looked expectantly at Dan who steadily returned their stares before giving a slight nod. “I’ve brought weapons with me for tackling these creatures. Choose six agents and meet me on the aft deck at 7.00 tonight. I suggest the chosen agents try to get some sleep, it’s going to be a long night.”
Everyone tried to volunteer at once and eventually 5 lots were drawn to decide who would go. The sixth member of the team was to be Trabo and no one argued with his right to lead the mission. Miss Cashpound again took charge and cleared out several of the staterooms for the agents to rest in. At the appointed time everyone met again on the aft deck.
The six agents were kitted out fully in the dive suits except the hoods. Before Dan could hand out the weapons a young hyena ran forward and urinated on Trabo.
“What the…” screeched Trabo.
All the agents just stopped what they were doing and looked aghast at them both.
“It’s to protect you against the jellyfish. They recommend that you use urine to protect against them,” explained the hyena, obviously feeling quite pleased with himself for thinking of this when no one else had. Trabo grabbed him by the throat.
“You do that for stings, you stupid dog, after you have been stung!” and with that he flung the hyena across the deck.
“Calm down Trabo, he was only trying to be helpful” said the unflappable Miss Cashpound.
“Helpful? HELPFUL? He just peed on me!”
“It’s okay, it will wash off in the sea”
“Gee, why do I not feel better” he grumbled.
Just then Dan stepped forward and handed out the weapons. Trabo took his and inspected it closely. He hadn’t thought the day could get any worse but he’d been proved wrong again.
“Err… Dan?”
“Yes?”
“Aren’t these plain, ordinary household pliers?”
“Yes”
“What the hell are we supposed to do with these? Trabo asked in disbelief.
“All you have to do is pull the teeth from the tendril and they will be unable to bite anymore. We considered several different ways of dealing with them and this was the best that we came up with.”
Trabo looked astounded at his team of agents. “Okay, lets get this over with” he said resignedly and with that he pulled the hood over his head and dived into the water. His team quickly followed him while the remaining agents all crowded around the deck to watch.
It proved to be a long night. No sooner had they hit the water than the jellyfish surrounded them. The agents spun in the water breaking any hold the jellyfish tried to get but found removing the teeth to be nigh on impossible. Eventually Trabo lost his temper and used the pliers to remove the whole tendril. The jellyfish shuddered and fled as soon as Trabo let it go. He swam amongst his team and the jellyfish hacking tendrils off whenever he could grab on to one of them and showed his team how to best tackle the problem. After that it proved to be much easier and within 4 hours the lagoon was clear of jellyfish.
Trabo and his team tiredly swam back to the yacht where willing agents waited to pull them back onto the deck - where they promptly collapsed. Each of the team had carried a small bag with them, which they had filled with the tendrils. Dan ordered the six bags to be emptied so that a count could be taken. The team, between them, had de-tendrilled 170 jellyfish.
“Do you think we got them all?” asked Trabo wearily.
“I don’t know,” replied Dan honestly “but we have certainly made a dint in their numbers and they will be more wary now they know we know about them”
“Shouldn’t we put out a general warning to the public?” asked Miss Cashpound.
“What could we tell them? Warning, warning – keep out of the oceans – deadly vampire jellyfish will get you! Who would believe us?” said Dan. “No, we keep this within the agency. The public will have to fend for themselves as best they can.”
***************************************
The early evening festivities were in full swing as Trabo relaxed comfortably on his own personal lounger with a drink close by and a seductive chameleon even closer. He was hosting a party weekend on his pride and joy - a 164' Benetti Tri-Deck and she was currently anchored close to a secluded bay, rocking gently as the waves of the blue ocean caressed her sides.
His guests were a mix of old and new agents from FUEL. It was a sad fact that in his secret world they were his only companions, the only ones who knew of his existence. Still, this didn’t stop them having fun whenever the opportunity arose and fun was what this weekend was all about. After his near death experience at the legs of the black widow, well his fainting spell anyway, he’d decided that it was time to enjoy the sea and sunshine. He’d given his ten rat crew just 3 hours to prepare the yacht to get underway and they had performed wonders in that short time.
They always kept the yacht clean and well stocked with alcohol but the chef and his cooks had excelled themselves with the stocking up of fresh food for his myriad assortment of guests. It was early evening and, at present, a banquet fit for royalty was laid out for the guests as they mingled and laughed; soft music played in the background and wafted out across the otherwise empty ocean. Other guests were, like Trabo, relaxing in the pleasant company of the opposite sex while some of the more adventuresome ones were diving from the aft deck and swimming in the lagoon.
A piercing scream rent the still air, so high it could almost have been human, and then another, deeper cry, joined in. After a moment of shocked stillness everyone raced to the aft deck and the direction of the noise. Most of the swimmers were frantically hauling themselves out of the water by claw, paw or wing but two of the newer agents, young otters, couldn’t reach the yacht and thrashed about agonisingly. As the otters writhed in the water something could be glimpsed but never clearly seen. These near invisible things surrounded the otters and there was nothing anyone could do for them. Even Paul the eagle couldn’t get close enough to lift them out of the water and stop them from going under. Eventually all that could be seen was a spreading pool of blood that stained the now still waters.
After the otters had disappeared the silence was deafening as everyone tried to understand what had happened, then a wall of noise erupted as everyone verbally expressed their opinion at the same time. Miss Cashpound immediately took charge and ushered everyone inside the main cabin where the rats were dispensing strong drinks and tissues in equal measures. No one argued with the large white owl while she was in full organisational mode but then no one was in a state to argue anyway. Miss Cashpound flew to the pilothouse and put a call in to Dan, the boss. After giving him as much detail as she could she requested that agents Jill and Philip be despatched to the scene immediately. She then returned to the main cabin and ushered everyone to their rooms to get as much rest as possible.
Trabo gently led his companion away and once she succumbed to a restless sleep in their bed he returned to the aft deck. There he discovered Miss Cashpound on watch, preventing anyone from going into the water and investigating. Trabo waited quietly with her for the arrival of Jill, a blue finned tuna, and Philip, who was a hammerhead shark. They weren’t expected until first light but Trabo was not in the mood to rest and the owl had no trouble staying awake and watchful.
Such was Trabos’ confidence in Miss Cashpound that he soon found himself drowsing fitfully against his will until the whine of helicopter blades broke the silence. The helicopter landed perfectly on the yachts’ helipad and Dan alighted. Trabos’ boss was a thickset ape who was normally perfectly groomed. Now, however, he looked like he’d slept in his suit and it looked crumple and stained. His stance silently screamed his anger and anguish at the loss of the two otters but his manner was still impeccable.
“Any sign of them?” he asked Miss Cashpound by way of a greeting.
“No, nothing, and the rest of the night has been quiet too” she replied calmly.
Dan took the opportunity to glance over the side of the yacht but there was nothing to be seen – even the blood pool had dispersed during the night.
“Are you the only two up and about?”
“Yes. I sent everyone else to their rooms and perches to try and rest”
“Good” he replied. “Let’s leave them there. Jill and Philip will be here in about 30 minutes.”
A crew rat silently padded up to them with a coffeepot and just as silently left them to their discussions. Trabo glanced sideways at his boss. Dan always knew a lot of things before anyone else, it was after all his job, but Trabo found something about him today that was disquieting.
“Have you any ideas about what happened here?” Trabo asked Dan.
“Yes but I’d rather not say until Philip has investigated for me”
There was nothing else to say at that point so they each helped themselves to the coffee and waited. Soon enough Philip, gliding gracefully through the blue waters of the lagoon, swam up to the side of the yacht.
“I think you’re suspicions were correct.” Philip directed his comment to Dan. “We’ve detected nothing in the ocean around here for several miles as we swam in.”
“Damn!” swore Dan. “I was hoping it wasn’t true. Sorry to have dragged you all this way but you were the best agents to investigate this. You’d both better get out of here before it gets late.”
“We’ll be out of here as soon as Jill returns. She spotted something caught low in the rocks and has gone to investigate” replied Philip.
No sooner had he finished speaking when Jill could be spied slicing effortlessly through the water and she was obviously carrying something in her powerful jaws. Her head broke through the water as she gently placed her burden on the divers’ shelf. Even from the higher deck the puncture marks could be seen covering the otter from head to toe. Jill bowed her head solemnly and without another word the tuna and the shark headed back out into deeper water.
“Okay” growled Trabo. “Just what the hell is going on here? What did you suspect and why haven’t we been alerted?”
“Vampire jellyfish hav”
“You knew we were headed to thi….WHAT??!!!” screamed Trabo.
“Vampire jellyfish have been repor”
“Vampire jellyfish?
“For crying out loud Trabo just flaming well shut up, stop interrupting and listen!” replied Dan.
“Maybe we all should hear this,” said a voice quietly behind them.
All three of them spun around at the sound. Unheard by them several of the other agents had arrived on deck. Dan pondered this for only a moment.
“You’re right. Get everyone up and into the main cabin. We’ll hold the debriefing there”
Within 10 minutes the main cabin was crowded as everyone listened intently to what Dan had to say. The main cabin was deathly silent as they listened to the reports he’d been receiving at headquarters. There had been hints and suspicions, he said, but nothing tangible until a few days ago. Fish and other sea life had been turning up dead with tiny bite marks on them. One of the fish had been found with a jellyfish attached to it and they had been taken to the lab for research. When they had been parted it was discovered that the jellyfish had two long dark teeth protruding from one of its tendrils and while they were investigating this oddity the fish, and jellyfish, had stirred into life. Even though they were no longer in water they weren’t dying or suffering. In fact the fish had tried to bite one of the technicians who had gotten too close to it and it proved to have the same kind of teeth.
Stunned silence was all that greeted Dan when he finished speaking. The older agents stood around looking pensive while the younger ones tried to decide if now was a good time to change professions.
“Fine,” said Trabo “as they seem to be congregated here, then here is where we tackle them. We have several full dive suits on board, more than enough agents, so I suggest we get a plan together and finish this tonight.”
A chorus of agreement went up at this suggestion. Although the otters hadn’t been with the agency long they’d proven to be capable while on a mission. More importantly they had been very playful, fun and lively and had made friends quickly within the select group on board the yacht. Everyone looked expectantly at Dan who steadily returned their stares before giving a slight nod. “I’ve brought weapons with me for tackling these creatures. Choose six agents and meet me on the aft deck at 7.00 tonight. I suggest the chosen agents try to get some sleep, it’s going to be a long night.”
Everyone tried to volunteer at once and eventually 5 lots were drawn to decide who would go. The sixth member of the team was to be Trabo and no one argued with his right to lead the mission. Miss Cashpound again took charge and cleared out several of the staterooms for the agents to rest in. At the appointed time everyone met again on the aft deck.
The six agents were kitted out fully in the dive suits except the hoods. Before Dan could hand out the weapons a young hyena ran forward and urinated on Trabo.
“What the…” screeched Trabo.
All the agents just stopped what they were doing and looked aghast at them both.
“It’s to protect you against the jellyfish. They recommend that you use urine to protect against them,” explained the hyena, obviously feeling quite pleased with himself for thinking of this when no one else had. Trabo grabbed him by the throat.
“You do that for stings, you stupid dog, after you have been stung!” and with that he flung the hyena across the deck.
“Calm down Trabo, he was only trying to be helpful” said the unflappable Miss Cashpound.
“Helpful? HELPFUL? He just peed on me!”
“It’s okay, it will wash off in the sea”
“Gee, why do I not feel better” he grumbled.
Just then Dan stepped forward and handed out the weapons. Trabo took his and inspected it closely. He hadn’t thought the day could get any worse but he’d been proved wrong again.
“Err… Dan?”
“Yes?”
“Aren’t these plain, ordinary household pliers?”
“Yes”
“What the hell are we supposed to do with these? Trabo asked in disbelief.
“All you have to do is pull the teeth from the tendril and they will be unable to bite anymore. We considered several different ways of dealing with them and this was the best that we came up with.”
Trabo looked astounded at his team of agents. “Okay, lets get this over with” he said resignedly and with that he pulled the hood over his head and dived into the water. His team quickly followed him while the remaining agents all crowded around the deck to watch.
It proved to be a long night. No sooner had they hit the water than the jellyfish surrounded them. The agents spun in the water breaking any hold the jellyfish tried to get but found removing the teeth to be nigh on impossible. Eventually Trabo lost his temper and used the pliers to remove the whole tendril. The jellyfish shuddered and fled as soon as Trabo let it go. He swam amongst his team and the jellyfish hacking tendrils off whenever he could grab on to one of them and showed his team how to best tackle the problem. After that it proved to be much easier and within 4 hours the lagoon was clear of jellyfish.
Trabo and his team tiredly swam back to the yacht where willing agents waited to pull them back onto the deck - where they promptly collapsed. Each of the team had carried a small bag with them, which they had filled with the tendrils. Dan ordered the six bags to be emptied so that a count could be taken. The team, between them, had de-tendrilled 170 jellyfish.
“Do you think we got them all?” asked Trabo wearily.
“I don’t know,” replied Dan honestly “but we have certainly made a dint in their numbers and they will be more wary now they know we know about them”
“Shouldn’t we put out a general warning to the public?” asked Miss Cashpound.
“What could we tell them? Warning, warning – keep out of the oceans – deadly vampire jellyfish will get you! Who would believe us?” said Dan. “No, we keep this within the agency. The public will have to fend for themselves as best they can.”