The Vampire & the Rebel (Completed)

Part 1: Chapter 1

"Are you actively trying to push the humans to rebellion?" Councillor Davidson nearly shouted at me. His handsome face was an intriguing mixture of incredulity and outrage, his anger and shock warring under the nondescript brown hair that was slightly messy from the sheer force of his protestations.

I blinked back at him innocently. "Of course not." Human rebellion was obviously against all of our interests.

"Well, that's what you're doing, Councillor Vienne! You're old enough to understand how feral humans will react if you push them too far. Once cornered, they'll eventually attack."

I inhaled and exhaled deeply, as if it were necessary, although it had been many centuries since I had any need for such mortal means as mere oxygen. I also ignored his comment about my age since it was beside the point, although perhaps under any other circumstances I would have made him eat his words with those sharp fangs of his.

After all, it was rude to refer to a lady's age, and a female vampire doubly so.

"My bill is not intended to corner the humans, councillor. It is intended for scientific and organizational purposes only."

He scoffed at me loudly, the perfect union of his disbelief and aggravation. Across the raised debate floor of the high-ceilinged assembly hall, his blue eyes stared into mine. Davidson's well shaped lips were set in a thin line and his pleasing eyebrows were drawn together. That sweet fusion of handsome vexation really was a good look for him, as he stood proudly alone like a gladiator facing off in a coliseum.

"I simply want the means for us to study and better understand the migratory habits of feral humans. It's no different than back when humans used to tag wild animals for study. I have a keen interest in preserving the human population, because, as you know, they are the bedrock of our civilization."

My eyes flicked over the rows of our fellow councillors who were watching our debate in the ornate chamber, before turning my attention back to my opponent. I smiled respectfully as I waited for his response.

"This is obviously another backdoor attempt at controlling the free human population," Councillor Davidson announced. It was rather amusing how invested the young vampire was in the debate, as if he felt something silly like empathy for the poor little wild humans.

Eventually, he would learn that those sorts of fanciful ideas would not get him very far with the council.

"Nonsense. My only interest is in science. Why is it that you are so set against science, councillor? I know new understanding can be frightening, but such discoveries are the only way that we can progress forward."

He nearly sputtered.

The magistrate interrupted our debate. "We're going in circles at this point, councillors. Closing remarks."

I smiled sweetly at my handsome opposition. "Shall I go first, or would you like to?"

Closing last could be an advantage, but I doubted I needed it.

"After you," he said, clearly willing to grasp it in a last ditch effort to rally his losing cause. Davidson had his ideals, but only a few decades of council experience to back them up.

I nodded and turned my attention back to the assembled councillors.

"Honourable councillors, today I have brought before you Bill 471Fii, which seeks to increase our knowledge of feral human behaviours through an organized brand and release program. This effort will in no way ultimately harm the feral population, but will rather help us better understand their migratory patterns throughout the year. Please join me in voting for the furthering of scientific discovery."