A Vampire Trilogy: Tides of the Undead

Galian parked the car near Temple Bar, and we walked to the Quay for lunch—or rather for MY lunch. The vampires wouldn’t eat, but would take a Hemo-Heineman if they could. My handsome vampire was opening the car door and extending his arm to help me over the curb. He was just being polite; he knew I had no trouble navigating my own way.

When we entered the Quay, my eyes had to adjust. It was overcast, but there was a glare from the sun hidden behind the clouds, so the pub seemed very dark.

“Bryce is over there,” Galian said as he pointed to my right. He took my arm and led me over to a table occupied by a vampire who looked about 20 years old. Bryce stood as soon as he saw us and waited until I was seated before he sat down. The Irish have a charming sense of courtesy with women without ever making them feel inferior.

Bryce could have been someone I knew in Wisconsin. He was about a 5’10” with sandy brown hair and hazel eyes. He had a slight build that gave him a boyish look, and his impish smile added to that demeanor.

“Hi Delbeth,” he said simply when Galian introduced us. “I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re the one who tamed the bull.” Galian just shook his head as he sat down next to me.

“By the time my friends all meet Delbeth, she is going to think I was the Casanova of Ireland,” Galian complained.

“Well, you were pretty good at it—better than I was,” Bryce admitted.

“As long as we’re in the past tense, I’m okay with the stories,” I concluded. “I just don’t want any disgruntled vampires trying to eliminate the competition. I smiled, but I was serious.

“My friends exaggerate, Del. I am more likely the target anyway.” I could tell Galian wanted to change the subject.

“Bryce, would you explain to Delbeth what we are working on with the computers after we order some lunch.” I told Galian to order me the fish and chips, and excused myself to use the restroom. When I returned, Bryce was telling Galian something that was apparently amusing because they were both laughing. As I approached, both of them got up until I sat down. A girl could get used to this kind of attention.

Each of the vampires had a bottle of blood. Bryce’s blood was the synthetic blood like Kristian drank. We must be vampire friendly, I thought. The waitress brought my food, and it smelled wonderful.

Without more encouragement, Bryce started to tell me what he was developing.

“I have been working on a new computer concept, Delbeth, using a quantum processor. When Ireland was the headquarters for a number of computer companies from around the world, a few of us got together just to play with the idea of using quantum physics in the computer industry. However, when the companies left, they left their ideas behind. That’s the time I went forward with the research and furthered what we had accomplished. When Galian approached me with his program needs, I finally had an application.”

“What program needs?” I asked. I stuffed my mouth with a piece of fish and listened to his answer while I chewed.

“Galian needed to be able to offer total security to the vampires he was soliciting for information and business, and the quantum processor is non traceable. The information he gets can be sent to him and loaded onto a mainframe at the same time, eliminating the problem of interception or manipulation.”

“There’s more, Del.” Galian leaned forward. “Tell her about the brain control, Bryce.”

“This part isn’t completed yet, but early experiments are promising. Galian tells me you have the gift of mental projection, Delbeth.” I nodded that he was correct because my mouth was full.

“I think I can develop a way for you to use the quantum processor to project your mental impulses across great distances—you could send your thoughts across the world.”

My mouth was empty, so I looked over at Galian and brought forth my wisdom of the ages. “Wow! I could think around the world?” Bryce leaned forward.

“That’s exactly what I mean. The only problem, however, is that I would have to place a computer chip in your brain for it to function in all the ways I am projecting.”

“The only problem?” I repeated. “No, Bryce, that is not the only problem. First, you would have to convince someone to have a computer chip in his or her brain.” I looked at Galian and then Bryce. “I hope you weren’t counting on me.”

“Only if you wanted to volunteer,” Bryce continued.

“Gee, thanks, Bryce.” I finished the last of my lunch. Galian was laughing.

“I warned you, Bryce.” Galian said between chuckles. “Delbeth has her own mind and is not easily convinced.”

Bryce smiled. “Perhaps we could glamour her.” I almost choked.

“Don’t even go there, my friend.” Galian shook his head, remembering his own experiences trying to glamour me.

“You’ve given me a lot to think about, Bryce. I hope you will both keep me up-to-date on what you are doing.” I was ready to shop. “And,” I hope you are free tomorrow night. We are having a little party, and we would love it if you would come.”

Bryce looked a little incredulous. “A party?” He looked at Galian. “You’re having a party at Brian’s?” Galian nodded. “Well, I’m impressed. How did you manage that?”

“Don’t ask, Bryce.” Galian seemed weary. “Suffice it to say that Delbeth wanted to celebrate Christmas.” Bryce looked truly surprised—at least for a vampire—and he turned back to me

“Okay, Delbeth. I would love to come—just out of curiosity if nothing else.” Well, what did he mean by that?

“Good, we’ll expect you around 7:00,” I confirmed. “Cedric is meeting me to go shopping, so I’ll let you two continue while I find him. I started to get up and the two vampires followed suit. However, before I left, I reached up to kiss Galian. With that, he took me by the waist and swooped me down for a real kiss. Several people around us chuckled. Oh, good grief. When I was upright again, Galian took out his wallet and gave me a fistful of Euros.

I took the money and smiled at him. “Are you paying ahead, my darling? Or have I already earned this?” As I turned to leave, he swatted me on the rear end.

“Have fun, Del.”