The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Jason gave a brief nod, moreso with his eyes, than with his head. Yet, it was enough for James; and he grasped hold of the ladder with both hands, to follow Tobias.



Chapter Twelve



The three men had emerged into a small copse and Tobias sat on a boulder awhile to draw his breath, while Father and son walked around him, enjoying the fresh air.



“Quite warm,” James muttered.



“Thought there was a chill in the air meself…” Jason countered, with a smile.



Tobias and James had dressed fully; Jason was still barefoot and bare-chested.



“Frag, there is a chill in the air,” he muttered, his erect nipples a testament to the truth of the statement



“Yes, I can see,” his Father opined, looking at his son with a smirk, as he followed Tobias, who had risen and beckoned for them to follow.



Their host looked over his shoulder and told James, “We haven’t got far to go now…”



“Till what?” Jason interjected, from the rear.



“Until I show you this…” Tobias pronounced as he eased a branch aside, and then walked through some dense bushes.



Before them, in what had been a clearing was a Rodenberry class star-freighter, often referred to as a star-hopper.



Tobias looked to James, then Jason and then explained: “She was left here after my homes construction… now, here she sits. Needless to say, I call her The Forest.”



Nature had taken its toll in the time between then and now and, The Forest was an appropriate name for the small starship, as both Father and son agreed.



The clearing that had been cut for the craft to land had become overgrown and, vegetation had grown around the ships landing gear, with tendrils winding upwards.



“You recall I said there was something special about the coat?” Tobias enthused, slapping Jason on the shoulder.



“Uh-huh,” he spluttered, in answer; wishing once again that the fellow would desist from such contact, quite so often.



Whilst oblivious to Jason’s thoughts, Tobias carried on talking: “Well, the wearer of the coat has control of the ships computer; and, therefore full operational of the ship from wherever…”



Again Tobias slapped Jason’s left shoulder, increasing his annoyance.



“She’s got lots of number’s; but I’ve named her The Forest, as that’s what she’s become part of it…” He told the young man, voice almost wistful: “And now… she’s yours, as a replacement, for what you arrived in… Heck…” he pronounced finally, “It has to be better than that!”