A Chance Meeting - Chapter 01 Jed Black heard a shot ring out as he was heading home through the half-lit streets of Motor City. From the volume of the sound, it was just around the corner. Jed was good at judging such things. He'd been a sergeant in the War. He broke into a run and came around the building in time to see one of the 'others' slump to the pavement. Dark blood oozed from the large hole in it's ugly grey head. It looked dead, but with them you could never be sure. They mostly lived outside the city, but lately they'd been getting bolder...or desperate, and coming in. "I hope you ain't aimin' ta rob me buddy, cos I got a real itchy trigger-finger just this now," said the man who'd fired the shot. He had a strange accent. It was impossible to tell where he was from. His wild hair was brick red and he was dressed like a pit-runner in high boots and a lined coat. It was cold down in the pits, and often wet. He was pale too, like a pit-runner. "Hell no, man." Jed stopped short and held up his open hands. "I heard the shot. I was just around the corner on my way home. I hope that was SP-P32 ammo you shot that thing with, else he's gonna get up here again in a minute." What he meant was a hollow-point bullet loaded with the industrial poison P-32. P-32 was highly caustic and looking down again, he saw the flesh had begun to melt away around the hole. "Ah, never mind then!" "Not still alive cos I don't know what I'm doin'!" The man answered. He extended his free hand under his gun arm, never taking his eyes off the thing in the street. "Name's Red. What's yours?" Jed laughed deep in his throat as he gripped Red's hand, "Black - Jed Black. Nice to meet you...Red." "Don't expect you'll get more than that from me. I'm just Red - alright?" "Suits me. Long as I don't have to call you 'Hey you' we're good. I haven't seen you before. You new here?" Jed asked. "Just arrived. I'm supposed ta meet some people, but not for a few days. They're out 'there' somewhere," he said, meaning out beyond the city. "You're kiddin'?!" "'Fraid not. Guess they wanta see if I make it ta their place in one piece. Can't blame 'em. You live around here?" Jed pointed across and down the street. "Just up there. You're welcome to stay with me, if you want. Nothin' fancy, but it's safe...more or less. Safer than down here, at any rate. I got some brews and a little food, if you're in the mood for eating." Red lowered his gun and stared hard at the feral zombie-like thing that was once human lying in the street. The P32 was doing its work. Most of the flesh was melted off the head now and there was a nasty liquid gushing from its ears and what was left of its mouth. "Sure. That'd be great, Jed Black." Red shoved his gun into the back of his chaps and gestured for Jed to lead the way. "Yer right - I'm a pitty. You a vet?" "I am. Managed to get out in one piece, which is more than I can say for most." Even though there was little or no traffic this time of night...or ever...Jed looked both ways before crossing the street and heading back toward what he called 'home'. The only traffic there was anymore were CPs - Corporate Police cruisers, who drove like the proverbial bats out of hell. They didn't ever really seem to care if they hit anyone or not. It wasn't them, so why worry? "We make a strange pair," Red laughed. His voice was deep and raspy. "That we do, but long as you're not gonna rob me or slit my throat in my sleep...well, chances are you wouldn't get away with it...but I don't mind helpin' out a stranger now an' then." Red gave him a quirky, skewed smile and threw his arm around the vet's shoulders. "Ya don' know me very well, Jed Black." His laughter was just a bit sinister. "But no - I appreciate yer hospitality an' I aint one ta kick a gift horse in the face." ***** This is a sort of side-story/continuation of the story begun with 'Doctor Feelgood' and his pretty but lethal ladies. It's not done yet - just been on a little hiatus. If you recall, the Doctor and his troupe had been transfered to Motor City when last we left them. They are currently staying in a safe-house outside the city taking a little rest and relaxation before they start working again. Jed Black is played by Conor. Red is played by Ezza. Thanks for stopping by dear friends and if you felt like reading, thanks again! Your comments and favs are always appreciated. Have a wonderful Wednesday!! Ray