Frazzi of the Galactic Confederation #30

"We'll have the peppered strawberry lattes all around, " the elder vamp ordered.

Vlad's Lads both grinned and Marchell smiled. Apparently this was a favorite amongst the undead.
'You got it, Mr. Newton," Candy winked as she spun and exited our booth.

So the Bishop had a name. And apparently was a regular here. I filed that away for future reference.
"So," began Newton, turning back to me. "I ask you, what brings you to our little planet?"

"I'm a xenosociologist. I'm here to study humans, their society, at least this one, and evaluate man's potential."

The truth so far as it went. I didn't see any benefit in mentioning the coming cosmic destruction.

"Ah," exclaimed the Bishop, "a purely scientific mission. And your friend that was killed was a scientist too?" I nodded. " We have many societies here on Earth. In fact one could go so far as to say they are differing civilizations, all vying for the same time and space, How many of you are there here?"

"Well, that I don't know for sure, but we are being thorough."

"And of all the times, why now."

I really hadn't been expecting a cross examination and I felt sure the vamps weren't really buying into all that I was saying. Perhaps they feared an invasion? I'd have to tread carefully.

"Well, we're really not that close as far as the galactic neighborhood is concerned," I explained. " My world, Flavnia, is part of a Galactic Confederation. A number of worlds have banded together for the pursuit of interests in common, such as research. Electromagnetic signals from your system reached our nearest outpost about 5 of your years ago, after decades of traveling through space. We sent a survey team that mapped your system and began gathering data. Now we're doing a more complete study, first hand."

' I see," Newton nodded. "And now you know that more than just humans abide here. What do your superiors think of that, I wonder?"

"Actually I haven't mentioned it yet. Explaining the actual existence of mythical creatures of the night would be a little...awkward."

The Bishop smiled. "The impossibility of our existence is our greatest defense," he said in almost a whisper.
Ooops. The thought just struck me that, of all the trillions of sentients in the galaxy, only I knew the truth of the undead. Eliminate me and they remain a secret. But they would know of us and our mission here, could cause no end of trouble....

Candy burst through the curtain with a tray carrying our drinks. "Here you go, folks," she smiled, radiating cheer as she passed them out."

"Thank you," Newton smiled as the other vamps nodded acknowledgement of her service. "You are too kind."

"I'll check back in a bit," came her sprightly promise before she left.

After her departure the vamp turned back to me. "Always treat the staff well, " he advised. "It's cheaper than tipping."

The vamps all laughed in chorus.

I was staring into the heart of evil....