Evil Game Master Society

Wouldn’t It be Good Part III - Story Arc #6

Wouldn’t It Be Good

Part III

“But Guardian,” the man said as he continued forward. “What happened?” His eyes widened when he got a better look Nathan’s prone body. “Oh shit,” he breathed. “I’ll call an ambulance.” He pulled out a cell phone and began to dial. Guardian realised that she recognised the man. It was Jon Zandros, a rookie reporter who was making a name for himself by specialising in reporting on Harbinger-related stories.

Flar gently picked up Boreas, wrapped his wings protectively about her and started to move toward Nathan. He looked at Jezebel. ” Are you alright?”

When Jez didn’t reply, Flar looked more closely at her and saw that she didn’t appear to have taken any damage that would require anything more than a bandage.

“Sorry.” Jez replied, a bit sheepishly embarassed. “A little dazed, that’s all. I’ll take care of Nathan.”

Jez moved over towards Nathan, trying to remember her healing mantras properly. Not that it would do Nathan or Boreas any good. When she did manage to do them properly they’ve only ever worked on herself. Besides, she would have to calm herself down before it would work at all, and it’s not like that was going to happen.

Once she got to Nathan, Jez kneeled down to try and decide what was the best method to move him… Or if she should even do that. She quickly checked him over, trying to figure out the extent of his injuries. When Jez touched Nathan’s side just above his kidneys, she could feel the bones had been shattered, and his leg was lying at a funny angle. There might also be internal bleeding, but she couldn’t tell.

Jez knew that Nathan had to get to someplace where he could be looked at more professionally, and fast. If only they had some kind of back-board, so she could strap him own to immobilize that leg.

“Mr. Zandros, an ambulance is not nessasary, if you wish to be of any assistance then please leave the premesis. Flar to leave. Head to the van.” Gaurdian turned to Flar after looking at Jon. Anook can you bring the van closer to us. I fear much movement could be harmful to them.

“If we take the van, what do you think the odds are that the reporter will follow us,” Flar asked once he arrived next to Guardian.

The van drove up to the end of the sidewalk and waited. I cannot bring the vehicle any closer without leaving the road. Nathan and Boreas should be stable enough to move that distance.

Flar carried Boreas over to the van and gently placed her in the back. He turned back to Guardian. “Somebody is going to have to the reporter busy so he can’t follow the van,” he repeated.

“I am trusting you with them Flar. If anything happens to them nothing will stop me, understood?” Guardian looked at Flar with a long steady gaze, then turned around to deal with the reporter.

Pilgrim moved cautiously toward Guardian. “Excuse me again.” He clearly addresses Guardian but he never took his eyes off Flar. “Before we were attacked I was about to introduce myself. I am called Pilgrim and I would like to join the Sentinels. This may not be the best time and place but I am serious about joining.”

Guardian looked at Pilgram. “Very well you can talk to me. ” Anook do you know of a Harbinger named Pilgrim? He wishes to join our group, With that Guardian moved towards the reporter.

There is not much information about him in my files. He is not wanted by any law enforcement agency, nor is he a known criminal, Aidan replied. He.. Guardian, the polic are trying to locate you. There is a young man on top of a building with a gun, threatening a group of people at a small outdoor concert. He appears to be extremely agitated, and the police believe he may be under the influence of some kind of drug. He has killed one police officer, seriously injured several innocents, and says he will only surrender to you.

Flar turned and extended his large clawed hand and in that deep gravelly voice said, “Pleasure to meetcha. I’m Flar. Where’s your funny hat?”

Flar turned back to Guardian and asked,”So you want me to babysit them on the way back home is that what yer sayin?”

Location and estimated time of travel? The Conn Smythe Memorial Square. With current road conditions, you should be there in approximately 15 minutes. I will inform the police you are on your way.

Guardian turned around and looked at Zandros. “May I aquire a ride from you. My services are needed at Conn Smythe Square.” Guardian then turned and looked at Flar and Pilgrim.

“I must leave right now. Flar go with the others and make sure they are looked after. Pilgrim as you stated this is not a good time for a meeting, we will contact you shortly to set up a more apropriate meeting to discuss things.”

“You need a ride? Sure,” Zandros turned to the cameraman with him and spoke to quickly, then turned back to Guardian. “The van is just over on the other side of the Tower.

Guardian glanced over at Flar. “I must leave now. Take good care of Eldritch.” She turned and followed Zandros to the news van.

Flar went over to the van, opened up the back door and looked inside. He saw a backboard strapped to the left wall of the van. He climbed in, got the backboard and returned to where Nathan lay. Flar then began to strap the unconscious mage to it, being very careful when moving him.

“I’ll help you carry him to the van,” Jez offered.

When Nathan was securely strapped in, Flar and Jez carried him over to the van and carefully loaded him into the vehicle. As Jez shut the doors, Flar walked around and climbed into the drivers’ seat.

The drive back uneventful, Aidan giving directions to Flar that took them into an underground parking garage and through a hidden entrance to a tunnel that took them back to the base.

“Jezebel,” Aidan’s voice echoed slightly in the vehicle bay. “Take Nathan and Boreas to the medical centre near the HSTS. It is closest to you, and the preliminary scans can be done there.”

“I can be reached at the Vonnegut Center for Temporal Research” said Pilgrim to no one in particular, the heroes having already dispersed. “Hopefully you won’t need me before then.” Pilgrim watched the others go their own ways. He stepped up to the street and hailed a taxi.

A taxi pulled up.

Guardian squeezed into the back of the news van and they headed towards city hall. Zandros peppered her with questions the entire way, and she replied with noncommittal answers. Soon they could see a huge crowd of people and the flashing lights of police cars.

Almost as if on cue, a gunshot ran out when the cameraman turned off the motor.

“Stay away or I’ll kill all of you,” a crazed male voice screamed out. “Where’s Guardian! You said she was on her way! You lied to me!” Another shot rang out.

Guardian stepped out of the van having discarded what was left of her fedora and trench coat and quickly surveyed the scene in front of her. The Square was littered with the remains of the concert, and she could see bloodstains on the concrete. There were four ambulances off to her left, behind a wall of police cars. Looking up, she saw a man peering over the edge of the top of a building to her right in the darkness, and it appeared he had some kind of weapon in his hands.

Guardian approached the man and looked over him. “You wished to speak to me. I am Guardian.” Guardian’s voice rang out loud and sure.

“Guardian,” the man yelled. “I need your help.” The man stood and she could see he was becoming more and more agitated. “I can’t stop it. I took Super Juice. I can’t stop myself. Oh god it hurts. You have to help me!”

She watched in shock as the man began to glow and begin to scream like something was tearing at his soul. He began to twitch and shake, his arms flailing about, sending the gun flying. The man burst into flames and with a final scream, toppled from the roof and fell. He hit the pavement with a sickening thud and the flames went out as quickly as they started.

Guardian moved quickly over to the fallen body removing the gun and looking for vitals. Anook I need your help. This human has taken superjuice and has fallen down. She couldn’t find a pulse at the man’s throat, and the smell of burnt flesh did nothing to increase his human attractiveness.

It is best that you call the paramedics, Aidan replied. As they have the equipment and training to deal with the situation.

She was about to look up and over at the ambulances when she spotted the scorched corner of a piece of paper sticking out from the remains of the man’s jacket.

Guardian bent down, picked up the piece of the paper, put it in her hand, then turned and looked at the ambulance driver. “This man needs assistance. It is superjuice.” The look on Garudains face was on of anger and sadness all in one time.

The ambulance attendeant swore as he rushed over to the fallen man. He quickly checked for a pulse, then shook his head and swore again. “That’s the sixth one this week we’ve found. I hope whoever finds the guy selling this stuff pumps him full of it and then we’ll see what happens!” The man reached for his radio and called the hospital, letting them know they’d be bringing in a corpse.

Guardian looked down at the fallen body, then stood up and stepped back to let the attendant through. Guardian then looked at the paper in her hands. The paper looked to be a corner torn from the corner of a yellow, legal pad, and had the word “Doc” written on it. Underneath was an address but it was smudged.

“Please put Boreas on the medical bed,” Aidan said when Flar and Jezebel arrived with their downed teammates. When she was in position, a pale green light emanated from a device hanging over her.

“She has taken no injuries that require healing,” he announced. “All she needs is some rest. I will do what I can to speed her recovery.” The light changed to a soft gold colour and passed over her body again. “Place Boreas on the gurney to your left. She can rest there until she wakes up.

“Put Nathan on the bed next.” The green light scanned Nathan. “He has taken several injuries, including a broken hip and severe internal bleeding. The healing process should take approximately five minutes.” The light of the scanner changed to red and bathed Nathan’s entire body. The mage moaned softly and shifted on the bed.

Boreas stirred with a groan, feeling like she had been run over by several Mac trucks. The last thing she remembered was being hit by some kind of energy beam.

“I think I should go and catch up to where Guardian is considering we were just ambushed,” Flar said to Aidan. “It is probably not a good idea to let her be out there herself. After all this could be a trap to get her alone.”

“That could be,” Aidan replied. “At the present time she is in good health and in no danger. It will take you approximately 25 minutes to get to her current location.”

Disoriented, Boreas slowly sat up and looked around the medical center. After her head cleared she recognized the people and then place she was at. _Well at least we got away._ she thought. She noticed that Guardian was not present and that Nathan was undergoing some form of treatment.

“Uh, guys…like what happened.”

“Think you better hang around here for a bit.” Jez said, trying to sound a bit reassuring. “You look worse than I did I do after that last frat party.”

“I have no problem with sitting tight.” Boreas said. “You guys go off and save the world, I have had enough excitement for one evening.”

Flar turned and looked up at the ceiling “You know it’s not unlike talking to the big G your voice…oice…oice…oice coming…ing…ing…ing from…from…from…from above…ove…ove…ove .” he made it like the words echoed.

Flar turned away from Jezebel. “So you going to be okay here Jezebel?” he asked before he left.

“25 minutes?!” Jez replied sounding just a little bit ticked off. “We can’t do any better than that? Everything being equal, I’d like to be the one to beat up on Guardian… I’m not going to let anyone else beat me to the punch.”

She paused and then peered closer at Aidan’s equipment. “You mean to tell me that you don’t have a jet plane or rocket hidden up there somewhere?”

‘There is a flying vehicle in the vehicle bay which you saw on your tour,” Aidan replied. “However, it has neither hover nor vertical take off and landing capability.”

Flar turned to look back at Jezebel. “Guess that’s out for now.” Flar looked thoughtful. “I could probably make better time flying. Feel like a lift?” Flar extended his hand and added “You navigate, I’ll fly.”

“Well take of yourselves, I just wait here and watch over Nathan.” Boreas slowly got up out of the bed and walked over to where the man lay. _Looks like he got hit worse than me_ she thought. _Who were those guys, and how did they know we would be there? Could it have been a trap from the beginning?_ She pondered the grave implications and feared for the safety of her new-found friends who were once more rushing off into danger.

“No, that’s okay.” Jez replied, a bit reluctantly. “You’d probably get there faster if you weren’t dragging me along underneath you. I’ll stay here and make sure Nathan comes through alright.” You may not be setting my nerves on end, Gillian thought to herself. But there’s no way I’m letting you dangle me a hundred feet off the ground.

“Guardian has reported in,” Aidan said. “The sniper is dead. There is no longer any danger to civilians at that location.”

“You got a library here,” Flar asked. “Thought I might grab myself a book and read until something interesting happens.”

Guardian turned to look at the crowd, keeping the paper hidden in her hand. Anook I do belive I have found a …clue. Although I am unsure what to do at this time. Are the others well?

They are healing well, Aidan replied. I will inform the rest of the team of your discovery. I will send someone in the van to bring you back to the base.

Nathan opened his eyes with a groan. He felt like someone had used him for a punching bag.

“Guardian appears to have found a clue of some kind,” Aidan announced. “Someone needs to go and bring her back to the base.”

“You look like someone used you for a punching bag.” Jez wisely noted for Nathan. “You have to remember to weave more, that side to side stuff never works.”

Boreas offered a cup of water to Nathan, “Here ya go Professor, you actually came in worse off than me,” she said with a slight wince. Patting the gizmo that had healed them up she continued, “But thanks to Aidan’s wonder-tech you’ll should be fine. So how are you feeling?”

“Guardian appears to have found a clue of some kind,” Aidan announced. “Someone needs to go and bring her back to the base.”

Jez looked at the demon now, “You wanted to give someone a ride? I think Guardian would appreciate the lift… Unless someone wants to let me borrow their car keys and I’ll go get her.”

Flar lept at the chance. “I’ll go…I’ll take the van with you driving, of course.” He moved towards where the garage was located.

For the first time since all of these people have met her, Gillian actually shows a bit of reluctance. Most likely she didn’t expect anyone to agree with her.

“Um, Aidan…?” she said outloud, half expected him to have abandoned her as well. “What’s the penalty for driving around here with a suspended license? Do I get any special treatment for being a super hero?”

“I’m afraid not,” Aidan replied. “Flar, I will guide the van to Guardian’s location.”

As Boreas watched the two make their way out, her stomach rumbled in protest. “Hey guys” She said calling after them. “Could you pick up some grub on the way back? All this fighting kinda took a lot out of me and well…ya know I don’t imagine Aidan’s WD40 supplement is too tasty.” She leaned back towards Nathan. “So Professor, you want anything?”

“Boreas,” Aidan interjected. “The base has a fully stocked kitchen. There is no need for you to have food brought back.”

Flar went to the van climbed in and got comfortable and waited while Aidan drove the van. Summoning a bloody Mary he offered one to Jezebel and waited.

Cracklin’ Rosie sighed. York’s rather quiet tonight, she thought. Don’t know of that’s a good or a bad thing. She flew over the rooftops as she headed downtown to do one last sweep before calling it a night. As she skimmed over the buildings, she picked up reports on the police bands that there was a sniper on top of a building near city hall, and that Guardian had arrived.

Guardian, she thought. Hey, maybe I can talk to her about the Sentinels. She veered off in that direction and poured on the speed. As Roise approached, she could see the lights from the police cars. To her left she spotted a figure on the roof, and as she watched, to her horror, the figure burst into flames and fell. The man’s screams chilled her to her very core.

“Damn, I’m going to be late,” Whisper swore, looking at the huge backlog of traffic. “Murphy’s Law. If anything can go wrong, it will. First, I fall asleep at the computer and sleep through the alarm. Now this traffic. I’m never going to get to the CN Tower on time to meet with the Sentinels. I hope they wait around.” She shook her head and banged her fist against the steering wheel. “And my bloody radio doesn’t work so I can’t find out what’s going on!”

She rolled down the window and stuck her head out, trying to get a glimpse on what was going on. She thought she’d try and catch a break and drive past city hall because it’s usually little traffic at this time of night. Whisper could see the flashing lights of about a dozen police cars and several ambulances. She was about to open her mouth to curse again when she heard what sounded like automatic gunfire, then a scream who’s agony matched the strength of the psychic wave hit her.

Whisper had felt waves like that before, and it was always when someone died under extreme agony, and violence was usually involved.

Guardian looked around her. At the people as they quickly went about there jobs and lives. Oh by the anook they way these people work is so frustrating. And that man, to subject himself to such a lethal drug. How I wish I were home. I can feel you, don’t worry we’ll be whole again. She shifted almost uncomfortably, happy in the fact that she has a piece of Anook with her on her shoulder. All this space is so confining. So open yet so closed at the same time.

Guardian continued to look around her thoughts a whirl.

Oh God… Rosie knew that spontaneous human combustion was a media myth, and a glance at the spot where the man had stood spotted no obvious inflammables. Yet the man had still caught fire. Add to that the law enforcement presence, and Guardian no less, and she knew that her concerns about the seriousness of the situation were more than justified. And now that she had arrived, she could at least offer to help pick up the pieces.

Shifting her control to bring up her defensive screens, just in case, Rosie swooped down next to the figure which she thought had to be Guardian. She decelerated so that she touched down softly, arms at her sides, palms turned outward. “Excuse me,” she said. “You’re Guardian of the Sentinels, right? Come to think of it, that’s a redundancy, but–I was in the neighborhood, and heard about the trouble here. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Rosie almost felt out of place, wearing a black mask over the upper part of her face, with a red leather bomber jacket, open at the collar, and matching low-heeled thigh-high boots, turned down at the top, over an insulated black bodystocking. The back of the jacket has a stylized rose design in a darker shade of red. But then again, she thought, That outfit of leather straps isn’t exactly what you’d seen on the cover of Vogue.

Guardian looked at the woman in front of her and at the electricity arching around her. Anook a situation has arrised, a harbringer with electircal based powers has arived on the scean, she wishes to help, perhaps me coming outside was to soon.

Guardian nodded to Rosie. “Yes I am Guardian, although at this time I do not know of what assistance you can be. I am …..waiting for my ride.”

The first thing you should do, Aidan replied. Is to ask her what her name is. You must remember to do that kind of thing, especially with Harbingers.

“Oh, sorry,” Rosie replied. “I know who you are, but you don’t know who I am.” Gesturing at the electrical arcs around her, she continued, “Call me ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’.” As if for emphasis, she turned around so Guardian could see the rose emblem on the back of her jacket. “And I know how I can help you right now. If you need to get somewhere, I’d be glad to fly you there. You wouldn’t have to worry about traffic, for one thing.”

Guardian had heard about this human before. She had first appeared in the United States somewhere, but Guardian couldn’t remember the specifics, other than she appeared to act as a hero.

Guardian looked at Rosie. “I do not know if you could carry my mass. But I do appreciate the help.” Guardian looked around her. The harbinger’s name is Crackling Rosie Anook. She has offered me a lift. Is there some place I can meet the others. Perhaps she might be a welcome addition to our group.

Get her to take you to the parking lot near the Prince’s Gate at Exhibition Place. We will meet you there.

Gaurdian turned and looked at Cracklin’ Rosie. “Although if you wish to attempt to fly me I would appreciate a lift to meet the others.” Guardian gave Rosie a big lopsided goofy grin.

Rosie returned Guardian’s gaze, eyeing her speculatively. “You’re on the large side, it’s true. But we won’t know unless we try, will we?” She held out her hand.

Guardian took Rosie’s hand and prepared to be lifted. Rosie was able to get her off the ground, but man, the woman was heavy.

Guardian appeared to have no problems with the trip as the two heroines flew towards the exhibition grounds.

Jez climbed into the back of the van, leaving the driver’s seat empty. After all, she wasn’t going to be the one driving… Don’t want to steal Aidan’s thunder.

“No thanks.” she replied to Flar, turning down his drink offer. “So what’s your story anyway? You the bartender for Hell or something?”

“Naw,” Flar said with a grin. “If I were, I’d be doin’ nothin’ but mixin’ drinks, and my sweetie wouldn’t have that.” A distant look crossed his face, and for a moment Jez thought that he looked sad, but then his grin widened, showing a mouthful of sharp teeth. “There’s a lot of things that she wouldn’t have, but I’m working on her.”

The van started up, turned, and headed down the long tunnel towards the outside world. “Guardian has informed me that she has encountered a Harbinger by the name of Cracklin’ Rosie,” Aidan announced. “And that she has offered her assistance. This might be an opportunity to meet her and perhaps make an ally.”

Jez, having lost interest in Flar, nodded to the source of Aidan’s voice. “Okay, I’ll be on my best behavior. But maybe demon boy should stay in the van or something.”

As the van starts up, Jez contemplates climbing out one of the windows and riding on the roof, but thinks better of it. She just thinks it would be *too cool* to be seen sitting cross legged on the roof as it speeds along.

Fifteen minutes later, the van pulled into the parking lot near the Prince’s Gate, just as Guardian, carried by an unknown woman surrounded by crackling energy, arrived.

Following Guardian’s directions, the rendezvous was easy to find. Aside from concentrating on her grip, Rosie enjoyed the short flight. Still, she was glad her mask was in place. That smile of Guardian’s had been friendly, to be sure. But that didn’t make it any less disconcerting. It was nearly enough to take her mind off the woman’s appearance. En route, she beamed another radio message home: “Folks, I think this is for real. You’d better start without me tonight. No need to reply. More later.”

Guardian looked down as they began their descent, her thoughts coming back into focus. She gave Jez her lopsided goofy grin. “Hello, I take it you’re the welcoming committee?”

Rosie set them down nice and easy by the van. Then she stretched her arms and turned to face the others, smiling pleasantly, keeping her defences up just in case. One never knows what to expect.Aloud she said, “I’m Cracklin’ Rosie. The pleasure is all mine.”

Jez swung the passenger side door to the van open and hopped down to the ground. Leaving the door open, she started towards Guardian and the newbie. She didn’t bother to wait for daemon boy to join her.

Jez did her best to smile back at Guardian, all the while thinking… God I want to kick your butt. This country bumpkin in the big city act is getting really old, really fast.

“Yeah, sort of. The only ones able to walk under their own power anyway.” Jez paused, but tried to keep her smile focused despite her words. “Could you stop doing that. It’s really friggin’ annoying. You look like Deputy Dawg or something.”

Guardian’s look switched to one of confusion. “Who is Deputy Dawg? He looks like me? And how are the others?”

Jez turned away from Guardian now and directing her attention towards Rosie. “Jezebel. I hunt daemons, devils, ghosts, and those sorts of things.” She said this loud enough so that daemon boy should be able to hear her, but not loud enough to have to be shouting at the top of her lungs. The statement was mostly for his benefit though. Though he probably already knows what she does and she knows that. “You can call me Gillian though, everyone else does.”

Jez paused and the shrugged, “So what do we do at these first time superhero meetings? Beat the snot out of each other for a misunderstanding, just like in the comic books? Or do we just go get a pizza and get drunk or something?”

Rosie’s smile stayed in place. “I don’t know what the protocol is, exactly. I’ve never met other superheroes before.” She extended a hand. “I hope it’s the latter, though, because I’m a firm believer in ‘make love, not war.’”

Then her smile faded. “That is, except where people like those responsible for what I saw earlier are concerned. Like I said to Guardian, I’d like to do whatever I can to help. Now I hope that we’ll be able to say ‘Cracklin’ Rosie, Get On Board.’” The joke, small as it was, brought the light back into her eyes. “Speaking of signing up, who do I talk to about that?”

Anook this has become a rather frequent question that has been asked in the last few days. We never did have a chance to discuss the protocols involving this. At this time there are three that wish to join the Sentinels. This culture is so bizare.

Many people need an example of behaviour, or a situation, to get them motivated. These people may have been wanting to use their powers for good, but have not had the opportunity to do so. Aidan explained. Those who wish to join the group need to be interviewed, like that reporter did with you after the incident at the convention. I will tell Boreas and Nathan that there is someone who wishes to join the team. Pick a place to meet, Guardian, and I will have the others meet you there.

(to be continued….)

© Lisa Hartjes, 1999, 2006.

Wouldn’t It be Good Part II - Story Arc #5

Wouldn’t It Be Good

Part II

[Just before Midnight, Tuesday, May 11, 1999]

I wonder if I ought to try and talk to them, Pilgrim thought as he folded the newspaper and set it down on the park bench next to him. The Sentinels seem to be making a name for themselves, and it is always safer in numbers. Besides, they might have access to the technology I need…. He looked around. There are a lot of people by the Tower tonight. Lots of tourists, and plenty of opportunities for crooks. Better keep my eye out for trouble.

Bill Pilgrim sat back and tried to look relaxed.

Guardian stepped out of the shadows, wearing her long trenchcoat, collar turned up around her ears, and black fedora pulled down low over her face. She looked around and assessed the area, like some kind of bodyguard. The holes torn in the coat from their battle earlier that evening added an air of danger to her huge appearance.

“It appears to be safe,” she said. “You can step into the lit area, Nathan.” Guardian watched carefully, almost hovering protectively around the mage.

Nathan suppressed a grimace. It was going to take a long time for him to get used to Guardian’s new attitude, but after what happened at Renwith Park, he was certainly glad of it. He had just opened his mouth to ask the woman a question when Boreas came flying into sight.

She was coming full tilt down the wheelchair ramp, deftly avoided a couple that was standing staring at her like deer in a set of headlights. Boreas lept up into the air and did a triple lutz, the air around her exploding into millions of crystals of ice, and she landed perfectly. The crowd was quiet for a moment, then they erupted into applause. Soon, there was a crowd of people around her, asking her for her autograph.

After about two minutes, there was the sound of a small explosion and flames erupted from the ground about ten feet from Nathan, and the air was filled with the thick smell of sulfur. When the flames disappeared an instant later, there was a huge demon leaning against a lamppost, smoking a cigar.

“Hey guys, what’s up,” Jez called out as she rounded the corner. She suddenly scrunched up her nose and pinched it shut. “What is that smell?” Jezebel’s costume had changed - again. Tonight she was wearing tight shiny black leather pants. Her red top was fairly gaudy, embroidered with a fire pattern in shiny red, yellow, and green. The fire is pattern streams around
her, under her right arm, where it emanates from underneath a red and green Kirin. She’s bundled her hair up in a single pony tail behind her, it’s a little off centre, to the left, as she did it herself. She also traded her sunglasses in for a pair of wire rimmed glasses instead. Her outfit was completed with a pair of shoes that looked like a combination of gymnastic slippers and running sneakers.

“Long or short version Jez,” Nathan asked, looking around.

“Um, the long version would be nice.” Jez said to Nathan while nervously eyeing ‘Flar.’ “But I think we only have time for the short version…”

She paused and glanced at Nathan now, “Is he your date or something?” She asked, jerking her thumb in Flar’s direction.

“Him?? He’s not my type… as to the short version, we appear to have a new member of the group,” Nathan replied. “He appeared in the base, caused a small ruckus between himself, Guardian and myself. Things settled down, and we … um ..
met up with Boreas and had a bit of an impromptu patrol.”

“So we show up here… and again we start up a bit of a ruckus…” Nathan grinned.

Boreas looked a little embarrassed, obviously she hadn’t expected so many people here at this late hour. Nevertheless as they gathered round her she became almost giddy with excitement, signing autographs and declining invitations to dates. It had been a long time since she enjoyed this type of reaction. It was unfortunate that she needed a mask now to do so. Every once in a while her head could be seen as she lept up and glanced around for the others.

Picking Guardian out from a distance, she bid adieu to the assemblage with a curtsey and wave and sped over to the alluring amazonian.

Guardian nodded to Boreas and turned her attention back to Nathan, seemingly hovering near him almost protectively

Flar stepped up quietly beside. “Yeah I know what you mean. York really ought to do something about the smell of this waterfront.” He looked up at the sky as if trying to find something. He sighed, then turned to Guardian.

“Is this person supposed to know us or send up a signal or what?”

“Um…yea…” Nathan replied to Flar.

Pilgrim stood and started towards the entrance to the tower. The sudden appearance of a demon caught him off guard. He stopped and stared, wondering what its motives are. He placed one hand on his sai and stepped closer.

The day I consider talking to the Sentinels a demon shows up. This is not a good omen, he thought to himself

At the sound of Flar’s voice, some of the people surrounding Boreas turned.

“Oh my god,” one of the women screamed. “It’s a DEMON!” More people turned and screamed, and soon there was a mass exodus of the area around the base of the tower.

Flar looked innocently over his shoulder for the demon that people are running away from. He shrugged, and looked back at Nathan while keeping an eye on the fleeing crowd.

Nathan sighed audibly. “Oh well… so much for being discrete. Flar, we’re going to have to something about your appearance… as it is, I give the Police about 5 minutes to get here.. I give CITY-TV about 30 seconds. Between your current appearance and the ‘character’ of Guardian’s trenchcoat, we may have a little more explaining to do than we want.”

“A five minute response time on your police,” Flar commented. “That’s quite impressive. And here I thought this world was backward.”

He paused and took a drag on his stogie. “Really, TV reporters are going to be here to interview me? That sounds kinda helpful to me. Police too. I’m great at public relations just let me talk to them it should be a hoot.” Flar smiled broadly at them. “Besides you’re not going to convince people to not be afraid of you by skulking around clandestinely in the shadows doing good deeds. Maybe that’s why the big G sent me here since aside from a punishment. I can’t think of a better reason.”

Nathan closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. I could use a good stiff drink right about now…

“Flar, that kind of publicity is the last thing that we need right now. Yes, I agree that skulking around is not the best idea, however as you have noticed in my own reaction about Magic, we do have a limited viewpoint on things, and we do tend to react blindly when we encounter something that doesn’t fit into our perception of reality.” Nathan looked up at Flar.

“Please, try and see things our way for a moment… we need to be a little more subtle, and allow people to get used to the fact that you may not exactly be from this planet, before they can even begin to handle the reality of your true identity.”

The reaction of various religious types… Oy…. Nathan thought. And most of the extreme ones don’t have even a shred of humour about Harbingers, let alone aliens… and throw a demon into the pot??? I shudder at the thought.

Nathan tried to look around casually, trying to identify any person who appears interested in approaching their group. Only someone truely interested in us is going to approach now.

Guardian turned to Flar. “Perhaps it is best if you don a disguise of your own. Although I find your wings one of your more striking features it seems as though most of the populace does not agree with me. You are scaring them,” she said with her typical monotone voice.

Guardian turned back to Nathan. “Eldritch,” she said with a softer, more subtle voice said. “Isn’t there anything you can do with your demon. He is going to make this rather difficult for us in his present form.” Turning away from Nathan, Guardian looked for Jezebel as well as any trouble that might arise.

My demon??? Oh by the all the levels… Nathan shook his head.

Flar paused and looked thoughtful. “Hey. I think Guardian just paid me an offhanded compliment…lookout the world must be coming to an end.” A broad smiled as another cigar appeared in his hand. “Once the cops show up I’ll just offer them a smoke and a drink.”

“Flar, do you think that they’ll react logically?? When the police get here,” Nathan said. “If you look as you currently do, they’re going to adapt a ‘Shoot first, ask questions if it lives policy’. Do you want that??”

Flar looked at Nathan and laughed very loudly and heartily. “Nathan old boy, if you don’t stop worrying about things so much you’re going to have a stroke before your forty. Perhaps if we stop acting so hidden and closed we might get a better reaction. For example…”

Flar blinked out of sight for a moment, then a huge circle of flames appeared like Hell itself had opened up the ground, and the stench of sulfer filled the area. “I AM FLAR DEMON PRINCE OF KORDAIR. I HAVE COME TO THIS WORLD SEEKING A SOUL,” Flar yelled at the top of his lungs. His voice echoed in the night, and the fleeing people began to scream in terror. He turned to Nathan.

“Who would believe that? It sounds ridiculous,” Flar said with a toothy smile.

Boreas watched in total frustration as most of the people fled. She thought the Sentinel’s were supposed to inspire poeple, not terrorize them. “Just what do you think your doing Flar!” She said. “Do you think it’s fun to scare all those people? I don’t know what they call that from where you’re from, but I call it being a bully.”

Nathan bowed his head, as his body tensed with rage. He may preach order, but his soul is chaos!! This creature can ruin it all, even before it begins!! Slowly he raised his head, his shoulders thrown back, his eyes blazing.

“Flar, I believe that you should be renamed the Demon Dunce of Kordair, and I wish that you would just listen for once. You are not from this dimension, and you do not know the history, nor the tolerances of the peoples of this area. We do, and you refuse to listen to us, and even scoff at our warnings. You see me standing on my feet, and I have not yet had a stroke, and I have seen the passing of two and forty years.”

“You claim that you no longer serve the Master of Chaos, however your actions tonight show that Choas rules your soul. I see why you lost your love, and why she is so difficult to reclaim, for you must master the maelstrom within before you will be redeemed.”

“Listen to me, listen to us. This is our home, we know the history, have lived the history, and suffer from the legacy of our history. There are ways and means to everything…. even redemption…. not everything has to be a big splash, sometimes the most effective strategy is to keep your head down, and eyes open.”

“If you keep up with your current behaviour, I will assist the Police in restraining you, for YOUR safety, not theirs. They WILL shoot first and ask questions later, and I don’t want to get caught in the crossfire, nor do I want anyone else present to suffer from your behaviour.”

Flar turned to Nathan obviously controlling himself, fixed his gaze firmly onto Nathan then took a deep breath. “First off, since I have arrived and met you God cursed hero I have been attacked for no particular reason, told constantly not to do this and not to do that, not to say this and not to say that. I do know your world I have been to a thousand like this one. You and others like you are feared, villified and eventually hunted. If you do not deal with that FEAR you will in time deal with the being HUNTED. I have lived a thousand thousand milleniun and yet you tell me that I don’t know anything. I don’t presume you know nothing just because you are mortal. Yet you presume so much of me. I have known this situation many times and if you do not bring yourselves into prominence you will rise in the shadows, glimmer briefly then fade into the darkness.”

“Secondly you keep refering to me as if I served Chaos in your universe perhaps Chaos is a physical embodiment or perhaps it is the force itself but understand this that chaos is part and parcel of this universe just as much as order is. This GOD you people worship or believe in is real to me for I have met him. Do you presume that he must be what he is to you and cannot be anything more or less than he is. Such arrogance I have not seen in so long. He does as he will and we must play his game . Perhaps that is the way of things and I can accept that it doesn’t mean that I must like it and I still know what I know. I serve THE UNIVERSE and I serve what you call GOD just because I choose to serve him in a way that YOU believe is not as it should be.”

“Thirdly I lost my love Andella because I was attacked by five Demon Princes and teleported to a place she couldn’t follow. I did this so that only one of us need die because she would have died trying to protect or help me. That would have killed her and my child. I acted in a selfless manner to save someone out of love and ended up here to bring a little bit of chaos to your life Nathan, yours and anyone else I cross paths with. I can accept what he did but I don’t like it and think he is a grand asshole for doing it. Even if this is all part of his grand scheme he doesn’t deserve or need your worship. Perhaps you had best deal with the fact that things are not what you want them to be.”

“Lastly as to causing ripples think on this all of you and perhaps learn from what I’ve learned. A lake with no ripples has no movement, no change it leads to stagnation, it leads to corruption. I am willing to be shot by the police their weapons shouldn’t hurt me and if they do you all should begin to worry about how precarious your exsistence is. If I am not willing to be shot at in
an attempt to show them that I come to help not to harm then they will never have the chance NOT to shoot and your children’s children will live and die in the same shadows you now live in. IF YOU DO NOT DEAL WITH YOUR SITUATION YOUR SITUATION WILL DEAL WITH YOU!”

Nathan’s gaze cooled and he smiled wryly at Flar. “Well spoken Flar. We may have to agree to disagree on a few points, but
it is more to do with a differing approach than anything else. Time is the essence of our soul. Our greatest treasure, our worst foe.”

Nathan slowly extended his hand “There are things that I think we need to talk about, but here and now is neither the time nor the place for such talk. I know that there is much I can learn from you.”

Flar extended his hand to shake nathan’s. “Yes you can, Nathan, once you learn to trust me and I’m sure there are things that I will learn from you… Friend?”

Flar then turned slowly toward Guardian, his eyes still glowing. “As for you great holier than thou warrior I am now and will always be more of a warrior then you who fights from fear and blind prejudice striking at all who are not as you think they should be. I do not play at life as you do, I live life.”

“I am a warrior, demon,” Guardian replied. “To this I do not deny. I do not fight for fear. I fight to protect those who can not protect themselves. I am adjusting to this new situation, and to a new life that I have no hope of understanding. So if I am relying upon what I was taught to find some glimmer of my past and who I was, then that is my fault. But at least I am willing to adjust and learn about my surroundings, no mater how scared or lost I feel.

“The face of my enemy has changed, just as I have changed and if I were to fight with blind prejudice, I would have fought both you and Nathan to the death to defend those beliefs. But as you can see ‘Flar’, I am willing to accept that things work differently here, but I am and always well be a warrior, it is what I was destined for.” For the first time Guardian’s voice held a hint of fear and sadness as she said the words quietly before turning to look at the stars a lost look on her face.

Flar looked at her and smiled. “Proud words and filled with strength. I know full well how hard it is to be cast from your home to be in a place that you do not know, surrounded by things you do not fully understand. I do not know what destiny our lives will find but I am honored to share it with one as true as you even if you’d rather spit on me. A warrior must face his enemy and right now your group greatest enemy is ignorance. YOU found the way to overcome that let us help others learn the way to overcome it” Flar extended his hand towards Guardian once again in a gesture of friendship.

Pilgrim moved quickly through the wave of exiting bystanders. As he got closer he was struck by the fact that he is an unknown element to the Sentinels. Since paranormals aren’t known for their powers of reason Pilgrim, decided to slow down and take his cue from them. The last thing he wanted was to be mistaken for the demon’s partner and have to fight the very people he had hoped to join.

Everyone suddenly noticed something rather odd. A young woman, probably in her early twenties and wearing a York University jacket, was approaching the assembled Sentinels. Actually, she seemed to be heading directly for Flar, clutching a bunch of books to her chest.

“Umm….” The woman stopped about five feet from the demon. “Excuse me. Are you…. Flar?”

Oh oh… How does she know him?? Nathan’s concern was plain on his face.

Guardian turned to look at the woman to see if she was the one that they were waiting for. After seeing that she wasn’t, Guardian continued her survey of the nearby area, but kept an eye on the woman and Flar.

Boreas watched as the young woman approached, as she did she searched her memory trying to recall if she recognised her from campus or not but couldn’t remember her. I can’t believe it. She’s interested in Flar’s autograph? Boreas thought incredulously.

“Hey, Someone’s gonna have to like do something about this chasing all the fans away business. Ya know, I perform better in front of a crowd.” Boreas said to the group out loud in a half kidding manner.

Flar turned towards the woman while looking at the others. “See. The chicks of your world are already falling for me…yeah I’m Flar Demon Prince at large what can I do for you sweetie?”

“Oh brother,” Boreas said.

A huge look of relief flooded the woman’s face. “Thank heavens,” she said as an angelic smile crossed her face. “I wasn’t sure if I interpreted my vision correctly. I’m not always right, you know. Anyway,” she continued with a little wave of her hand that nearly caused her to drop all her books. “I’m here to help you. You see, He sent me. Well, He didn’t *really* send me. I mean, He didn’t appear before me as a burning bush, and I didn’t hear His voice or anything, but He sent me a vision. I saw you here, with the Sentinels, and I knew I was supposed to help you. Why He chose me, I don’t know. After all, I’m only a second year university history student, and I’m planning on studying theology, and how I’m supposed to help you atone for
all the nasty things you’ve done I have no idea, but I guess He’s got some kind of plan for us.

“Anyway, I’m supposed to, or at least I think I’m supposed to, help you stay on the good side and help you deal with life in this dimension. You know, I didn’t really believe there were such things as other dimensions until now, but I guess you’re living proof of that. He did tell me you were from another dimension, and He’d have no reason to lie to me. After all, He is
the one that sends me the visions and…” The woman stopped in midsentence and blushed a brilliant shade of red. “Oh, forgive me. My name is Monica Howden.” She held out her hand while trying to juggle her books so they didn’t fall to the ground.

Nathan looked skyward Penance indeed.

“So,” Flar said to Monica. “You think the Big G is sending you visions that mean your supposed to help me redeem myself? Ha!” He looked up at the sky. “Why don’t you redeem me by redeeming yourself, you old judgement maker?” Flar laughed again. “So how do you think you’re going to help me, sweetie? Actually you can help me by telling me if you’ve seen anybody strange around who looks like they’re waiting?’

A stricken look crossed the girl’s face. “I can’t believe you’re talking like that. I mean, He’s given you another chance. Would you rather be dead than having been given the opportunity to go back to Andella?” She hugged the pile of books tighter. “Maybe I was wrong. I can’t help you.” Her eyes filled with tears. “This was all a mistake. I never should have come.”

Monica turned and fled, disappearing into the crowd.

Boreas watched the girl disappear. The whole encounter had taken on a surreal quality to her. One thing was for sure, Monica was definitely better off not getting involved

Nathan looked up, watching the sky above, half expecting a bolt to strike Flar. Would serve him right, given all the headaches he’s given us tonight. “Satisfied now?”

Guardian looked at Flar. With a very cold voice Guardian said, “I do not understand the principles of what has just consipired, but if she was sent to guild you ‘demon’ you should be greatful towards her and listen to her. You are more of a child then a ‘demon prince’ as you once stated. If you are to be one of us then you must learn to act as a warrior and a adult. So knock off the games.”

Anook what is the time? I do not see the person we are here to meet and the demon has stired up some unwanted attention.

It is 11:57 pm, Guardian.

Guardian turned and headed towards the base of the CN Tower pulling what was left of her trench coat around her, looking for the Gillian Anderson look alike.

Gee and to think I came from a dysfunctional family, Boreas thought inwardly. She then skated off after Guardian. “Hey wait up!”

Pilgrim decided that it is time to introduce himself, even though he’s not very comfortable with the demon. Especially with all his blathering about redemption.

He’s a demon, he cast his lot with Satan, thought Pilgrim. He saw Guardian move off alone towards the tower and he decided to intercept her. Concentrating, Pilgrim stepped toward the tower. The world around him slowed almost to a standstill as he strode over to Guardian. To the casual observer he was but a blur until he came to rest next to his objective.

“Excuse me, my name is Pilgrim. If this is not a bad time I would like to talk to you about joining the Sentinels.”

Guardian started and whirled around and made a move to attack but held herself back.

Boreas skated up next to Guardian and Pilgrim. “Hi, I am Boreas.” She then proceeded to bob and weave around Pilgrim, giving him a really close examination. “Pardon me for like asking, but you sure don’t look like Gillian Anderson.” She said giving Guardian a questioning glance.

Boreas saw Flar leap and begin to fly up when out of the corner of her eye she could see what looked like a distortion in the air to her right. Before she could do anything a huge blast erupted in the midst of the group.

Guardian went flying, landing about 24 feet away with a thump. Pilgrim landed a few feet away and lay there, stunned. Boreas was knocked to her knees and Flar was knocked 60 feet into a wall. Eldritch fell to the ground barely conscious.

Guardian felt like something burning slipped into her mind and plucked something out.

Pilgrim lay where he landed, shaking his head and getting his breath back.

Shaken by the blast Boreas rose to her feet and looked off to the right where she thought she saw some kind of distortion in the air. In the cold of the night she was able to see heat emanations, hopefully the attacker left some behind. “What the hell was that!” She said to no one in particular.

As her eyes scanned the area she saw footprints on the ground, and then she spotted what could be a figure crouching down behind one of the solid concrete benches. But…. All she saw was the infrared signature. She couldn’t see anyone there!

Flar picked himself up off the ground and looked around. “Is everybody alright,” he called out loudly. “Can anybody see the person who’s going to soon be needing a full body cast.”

Guardian stood up quickly and surveyed the area around her. When she spotted Nathan on the ground, Guardian moved quickly over to him, standing over him protectively.

A burst of flame came from Pilgrim’s left. The flame hit him and he felt as if he nearly had the wind knocked out of him again. Looking in that direction, he could see a person in body armour crouched down behind a bush that almost completely hid him.

Nathan felt something burning slip past his mental defences into his mind and pluck something out.

Two grenades came flying from behind Guardian and Nathan, one landing right at their feet, the other off to their right. They exploded in a burst of light and heat, and Nathan felt like the very air in his lungs was being ripped out of him and he lay there stunned, gasping for air.

A beam of what only could be described as ice hit Boreas from her left. She screamed out in pain and her entire body writhed in agony as she fell to the ground.

Another grenade was thrown at Flar from his right, landing behind him and exploding harmlessly.

A burst of flame when shooting past Jezebel from her left, burning her shirt.

Flar quickly looked around again and could barely see an armored figure crouched down behind cover in the direction of where the attack on Boreas came from. He jumped in the air and flew at the figure, barely hitting it with his claws.

“I think you punks should give it up now before it gets bloody,” he growled menacingly.

Pilgrim willed his body out of sync with local time. He stood and moved ghost-like toward the man in armour behind the bush. Halfway there a grenade landed at his feet and exploded.

Flar was hit from the left by a freezing ray and was knocked back almost 25 feet, hitting a tree and falling to the ground.

Boreas was hit by a burst of flame that sent her flying over 40 feet, and it was obvious from the way she landed she was deeply unconscious.

Both Guardian and Nathan were hit by beams similar to the ones that hit Boreas, sending Guardian flying. She hurtled through the air and came to a sudden halt when she hit a lamppost, smashing it in half and landed on the ground stunned amidst the wreckage.

Jezebel was hit from behind by a freezing ray and hurtled through the air, landing stunned over 35 feet away.

Flar felt like something burning slipped into his mind and plucked something out.

He slowly got to his feet looking a bit shaky. “That wasn’t bad punks, but that wasn’t good enough. Guess I’ll have to hurt you now” Flar jumped up in the air and flew at the armoured figure he had attacked before. His claws raked his target’s shoulder but didn’t harm him as he flew past.

Almost immediately afterwards he was hit by a freeze ray and knocked 30 feet, landing in a bunch of bushes.

Grenades came flying through the air at Boreas and Jezebel, exploding at their feet. Jezebel dropped to the ground.

Eldritch’s unconscious body was hit by a burst of flame and went flying almost 25 feet, hitting a concrete bench and falling to the ground with the sickening sound of breaking bones.

Pilgrim was hit squarely by a freeze ray off from his left, but it passed through him without harming him.

A burst of flame hit Guardian’s prone body, knocking it back almost 40 feet into the bushes.

Pilgrim wheezed as he got his breath back. He looked down at the armoured figure in front of him, saw the man touch his belt and disappear from sight. As the man disappeared, he felt something burning slip into his mind and pluck something out.

Guardian and Jezebel stirred, shaking their heads.

Flar, Jezebel, Pilgrim and Guardian could hear the sounds of running, but couldn’t see anyone moving around them.

A second passed, and there were no further attacks on the Sentinels.

Guardian suddenly noticed the CITY TV film crew, standing about 100 feet away in the shadows of the tower, watching the entire scene in amazement.

Flar got to his feet with ease, looked up at the sky and growled. “You old bastard” He turned toward Guardian.

“You better look at Eldritch I think he is badly hurt.” Just then he noticed the camera crew. Flar smiled broadly and waved to them then moved to where Boreas lay. Her costume and exposed skin had been battered by the attacks, and she looked like a burned ice cube. Whatever was in that freeze ray hit her really hard, and she was deeply unconscious.

“You assholes better run,” Flar yelled. “You came out on top in round one. Your ass is mine next time we meet.”

Guardian moved quickly over to Eldritch a look that could only be described as pure anger and failure on her face.

“Guardian!” A young man wearing a CITY TV jacket and holding a microphone started walking towards her. “Who attacked the Sentinels? Can you tell me what happened? Who’s the demon? Is he the newest member of your team?”

Guardian turned quickly standing over Eldritch body, shooting the reporter a deadly look of non amusement. In a very cold voice. “This is not the time for you to be here, please leave now.” The last words having a bit more of a bite to them. Anook, Nathan is hurt badly, as well as Boreas and Jezebel. There are reporters here, what do I do?

Get them to the van, Aidan replied. The medical centre at the base will be ready to receive them.

“But Guardian,” the man said as he continued forward. “What happened?” His eyes widened when he got a better look Nathan’s prone body. “Oh shit,” he breathed. “I’ll call an ambulance.” He pulled out a cell phone and began to dial. Guardian realised that she recognised the man. It was Jon Zandros, a rookie reporter who was making a name for himself by specialising in reporting on Harbinger-related stories.

Flar gently picked up Boreas, wrapped his wings protectively about her and started to move toward Nathan. He looked at Jezebel. ” Are you alright?”

When Jez didn’t reply, Flar looked more closely at her and saw that she didn’t appear to have taken any damage that would require anything more than a bandage.

“Mr. Zandros, an ambulance is not nessasary, if you wish to be of any assistance then please leave the premesis. Flar to leave. Head to the van.” Gaurdian turned to Flar after looking at Jon. Anook, can you bring the van closer to us. I fear much movement could be harmful to them.

“If we take the van, what do you think the odds are that the reporter will follow us,” Flar asked once he arrived next to Guardian.

The van drove up to the end of the sidewalk and waited. I cannot bring the vehicle any closer without leaving the road. Nathan and Boreas should be stable enough to move that distance.

(to be continued….)

© Lisa Hartjes, 1999.

Interview with a Demon - Story Arc #4

Interview with a Demon

Flar watched Guardian leave, then looked towards Nathan. “She’s got spirit, I’ll give her that. As for you, Nathan is it? Well Nathan old buddy, I haven’t the slightest idea where the heaven I am. All I know is that the fabric of magic here is much weaker than I’m used to. Can’t seem to get a hold of it. Well, at least I’ve got my cigars and a light.”

Flar’s fingertip bursts into flame and he relit his cigar. “So Aidan and Nathan, where am I? Assuming you know and where can I find the bad guys so I can start building my power up so I can get out of here and back to the little miss, not that you guys are all that bad company mind you but she is the best and I happen to love her too!”

“You are currently on the planet Earth,” Aidan replied. The holographic projector on the table sprang to life and the image of Aidan’s face appeared. “Your statements on interdimensional travel seem valid, however on this world, true interdimensional travel has yet to be fully documented.”

“Nathan,” Flar said, looking at the mage. “So, where did you learn that type of magic? Can he do anything cool like summon a storm, volcano, tidal wave or maybe an extra dimensional gate.”

Nathan just looked at Flar dumbfounded. Can I do what??? “My magic is… more limited than that, although what you are asking about sounds dangerously like Chaos magic.”

“Oh, and Aidan. Can you relay a message to Guardian telling her that there are no hard feelings from my part. That was a pretty decent punch and if she knows where some of the bad guys are and would like to go kick some butt I’m up for… Oh and it’s alright if you hate me cause I’m a tough guy, I can handle the pressure, but Flar Demon crusader from hell will ride into the darkness and chaos and kick some butt with you. I’ll trust you at my back and maybe I can show you a thing or two about kicking chaos butt.”

The image nodded. “I will do so.”

“So Nath old bean, are there anymore people in your little country club of heroes or are you the only one? Maybe you can tell me over some grub interdimensional travel always makes me hungry” Flar put his arm and wing around him and smiled broadly.

Flar waited for a moment, the sighed heavily and sat down on the edge of the table.

“So Nathan. Are you a freelancer or part of some group?”

“I’m part of a group… We’re called The Sentinels,” Nathan replied.

“Where exactly on Earth am I,” Flar asked.

“You are in the city of York,” Aidan replied. “It is the capital of the province of Ontario, Canada.”

“Aidan, do you have some files I could read about the world with stories about the other parabeings you have on this world?”1

The image of Aidan nodded. “They will be made available to you.”

“So Aidan, are you a real shy guy or are you some kind of Robbie the robot thing?” Flar grinned.

“I can assure you that I am neither shy nor a robot,” Aidan answered. “Circumstances dictate that I interact with Nathan and the others through a variety of audio and visual interfaces, rather than in person.”

“Is there anything old Flar needs to know specifically about your Earth here?”

“What is it that you feel you need to know,” Aidan asked Flar in return.

“So is there anything that you need done or should I just wander outside and become a wandering knight in red armour?”

“If I’m going to go out there on my own could I please do it on a full stomach,” Flar said. “Fighting makes me hungry.”

“I will have some food brought here in a moment,” Aidan answered. “While you are waiting, the files you asked for can be accessed on this computer monitor.” A placemat sized piece of the tabletop slid back. A keyboard and monitor angled up and into a usable position.

Flar sat down at the table, almost dwarfing the chair he was sitting in, and began to read through the files. After a short while, the door to the conference room opened and very obvious robot rolled in carrying a tray filled with food. It placed it on the table next to the demon and left the room as silently as it had entered.

“The mummy from the Andes and the earthquakes in Peru are related,” Flar announced when he was finished reading. “So send the mummy back and I suggest you watch for natural occurences that coincide with the earthquakes such as tides and moon status. Also check out the number of days between quakes.”

“Perhaps the fire was not just an accident. Perhaps the drug that is in LA is here now. I’m thinking this new drug “Super Juice” grants super powers and first time users can’t control the powers. If one developed fire powers perhaps he lost control”

“That what was stolen from the various places I think may be magical in nature or that maybe the thief is using the things stolen as his way of getting in, maybe Nathan you might like to look into it.”

“Stolen What?? What are you talking about??” Nathan’s curiousity overrode his unease around Flar. Nathan moved over to where Flar was going over Aidan’s reports, and tried to identify what he’s talking about. He saw the print out of the news story about the “Break Out Thief”.

Flar looked over at the image of Aidan. “Can I get a map of York and directions to Renwith Park? I want to see if I can find your group member Boreas. She seems to know how to track down criminals in a park. I want to go after this Rosedale Rapist so I can catch him and drag his dark soul screaming into the endless abyss…” Flar grinned at Nathan. “Just kidding.”

Nathan just rolled his eyes. This is going to be … interesting..

“I will contact Boreas and see if she is avalable,” Aidan offered.

“Then with your permission. I’ll go,” Flar finished.

“Flar,” Aidan said suddenly. “Unless you have the ability to alter your appearance, I do not recommend you go out in public without some kind of disguise. I am unaware of the status and commonality of parabeings and Harbiners in your world, but beings with powers, especially those looking as you do, will cause no amount of fear and ill sentiment among the normal populace.”

“Lot’s of yelling, screaming, you know the sort of thing… exactly what we need when were trying to keep a low profile..” Nathan looked at Flar.

**********

Melissa was just dozing off in front of the tv when a chime sounded from the computer behind her, causing her to start awake.

“Melissa, do you feel up to a patrol tonight?” Aidan’s voice came from the speakers. “A suggestion has been made to go after the Rosedale Rapist.”

Weary-eyed, Melissa looked around to see where the voice was coming from, afraid that someone had snuck into her place. Then she realized it was only Aidan coming over the computer speakers.

“Aidan, we got to do something about these little announcements in the futurrraaaahhhhh…” She yawned as she stretched out on the couch. Looking around it was just getting dark outside.

“The Rosedale Rapist is it?” She got up and headed over to the computer. “I guess I am up for a patrol before the meeting tonight. Got any hot leads?”

“Not really,” Aidan replied. “But the newest possible member of the Sentinels wants to meet you and go after that criminal. It is safe to assume that Nathan and Guardian will be accompanying him, and they will meet you at the north entrance to the park.”

“Like Pulling out the gig guns eh? I’m five by five with ya big A!” Melissa turned and headed to the washroom where she started the shower. Over the noise of the rushing water she shouted back, “Listen I am gonna take a shower first, suit up, then head on out. So inform the guys that I’ll meet them in about forty-five, kay.”

“I will pass along the message,” Aidan replied.

**********

“I have spoken with Boreas,” Adian announced to Flar and Nathan. “She will be meeting you at the north entrance to the park in forty-five minutes.”

“Have you given any thought as to how you are going to get to the Park,” Aidan asked the assembled heroes. “I would recommend using one of the vehicles in the vehicle bay. Guardian will meet you there.”

“Sounds like a good suggestion,” Nathan replied.

When Nathan and Flar arrived at the lower most level of the base, Guardian was there, waiting next to the van. “The vehicle has been started and we are ready to depart. I would recommend that you drive, Nathan.”

Well, she is at least being civil… Nathan thought to himself.

She climbed into the back of the van, and the others could see that it had been reinforced to be able to handle much heavier weights without hindering performance. “To exit the base, follow that tunnel,” she said, indicating one to the left of the van. “It will take us to the surface a distance from the base. The most efficient route to the park will appear on the viewscreen.”

Nathan tried to hide a boyish grin. Wow… neat toys Aidan…this would be a definite asset if we needed to getaway from somewhere… quickly.. On the way out, Nathan played with the steering, trying to find out how responsive the van was. The van swerved suddenly, and Nathan narrowly avoided smashing the vehicle into the wall of the tunnel.

Once the group was underway, Flar looked over at Nathan. “Nathan, I can see that your universe here is a little bit low on the knowledge of magic. You believe that the spells I talked about sounded like Chaos magic. Now you are starting to sound like Guardian. You immediately class things as Chaos magic.

“I’ve been studying magic off and on since the beginning of creation. Magic is everywhere it is part of everything it is a free floating moving unconfined force in the universe it is the universe and the universe is it. When beings such as yourself and myself direct it to do a specific thing for that time it is ordered. Magic is chaos it does as it will destroys as it will, creates as it will. It allows people to control it to their ends.

“What I suspect you really mean is that it sounds like magic that will harm people or things. Magic is not evil or good by nature it just is. The same magic can be channeled to harm or to heal. It is a matter of knowledge as perceived by the user and intent by the user. A storm though destructive also helps by bringing rain, a bolt of lightning that may cause damage also has the potential to run a cities power supplies for weeks. The winds spread seeds to expand the growth of things. It is part of the natural order of the universe that you perceive here. A forest fire though destructive at the time ultimately in time the forest renews itself as good if not better. Though a volcano may destroy many things even kill people but there are benefits to it.

“First off look at scientists who will study it so that perhaps in the future they will be able to predict when a volcano will occur and save lives. A volcano at seed can create a new island that in time will become a habitat for birds, reptiles maybe even animals.

“Humans have a tendency to view anything that is destructive as being bad and yes in the short term that may well be the case. However, when something is destroyed that does open the door to many other things to be created. People may use magic in your world to harm and that is wrong. It infringes on others rights to live and grow the way they want. Each person should have the choice. People like this Rosedale Rapist may be part of CHAOS or they just might be human.

“Mankind’s greatest strength has always been his ability through free choice, stubborness, and adaptibility to overcome anything that they must fight. With one exception he always loses to himself this Rosedale Rapist is an example of man losing to itself. Mankind can make the choice to do harm or heal, to do good or evil. It is up to man how magic is used. I asked you what type of magic you could cast leading up to the dimensional gate, something that would let me go home. I guess however your not powerful enough. You know I do miss home and Andaella most of all.” Flar got a somewhat far off look on his face

“So what about you Nath…you got an old ball and chain at home?” Flar grinned broadly as he summoned up a cigar and lit it. “How about you Guardian? Anybody you play tentacles with?”

Nathan kept his eyes on the traffic and the displayed map. “Not in a long, long time Flar.” He paused for a few moments before continuing. “Flar, I only commented that those sounded like Chaos magic… I am an apprentice mage… nothing more.. I know that there is still plenty to learn… I have no hubris…. at least not anymore….”

“We may have forgotten more than we know, and perhaps your arrival is a chance for us to remember long forgotten lore.”

“I would appreciate it,” Guardian said in a cool voice. “If you would not mention anything you saw back at the base. As the public would run screaming in terror at your appearance, they would want to try and kill me, should they learn of my true nature.” She looked down at herself. “That is why Aidan fashioned this… ’shell’ for me to use.”

Nathan glanced back at Guardian in the rear-view mirror. “You need not worry about that… your secret rests safe with me, although I do think that you should inform the rest of the team about this sooner, rather than later…. and under a little bit more controlled fashion than how I learned of it.”

Nathan glanced back once again, and smiled sympathetically at Guardian.

**********

About 40 minutes after leaving the base, the van pulled into a parking spot near the north entrance to Renwith Park. At this time of day, there were more people leaving than entering the park.

After a few moments, Boreas skated up to the gate and stopped with a twirl. She looked around and spotted a large van painted in primer gray, recognising it as the van she had seen parked in the base.

Flar sat patiently in the car smoking his cigar, and he called up a Bloody Mary, which he began to sip. “Well, I guess this is yours and Guardian’s show, so lead on McDuffs.”

Boreas skated over to the van in lazy circles with her hands behind her back. She seemed to leave behind a trail of fog, kind of like what you’d see when you breath out on a cold night. She peered in the window to see just who had been sent to help out.

One of the back windows rolled down and Boreas could see a huge demonic head poke out.

“Are you Boreas,” the demon asked. Boreas could only nod, her voice refusing to work.

“I’m Flar. Pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand out the window with a smile. “Demon Prince at large.”

All Boreas could see were the huge fangs in that in that ghastly grin as the clawed hand reached out towards her. As she backed away from the van she couldn’t quite make out the words in her shock, something about being “being pleased to eat her.” The ambient air temperature dropped noticeably as out of reflex to protect herself Boreas drew in the more energy about her.

Eyes still focused on the hideous hellspawn she gathered her courage in and said, “Stay…Away…From Me!” She paused to look around to see that there were no innocents nearby all the while wondering what had befallen her comrades who were supposed to be in the van.

Oh … Damn!! Flar!! Nathan quickly rolled down his window. “M… Boreas, its Nathan!! Get in the van!! We can make introductions then.” Nathan turned to look at Flar. As he rolled up his window, his exasperation with the “Friendly Demon” clearly visible.

Boreas looked at the van, a little wary. “Nathan, do you realize what’s in the van with you?” She frantically pointed at the demonic head, but made no further motion towards the van.

“Could you possibly be a little more discrete?? As I said before, people are not going to take to kindly to your appearance… your kind doesn’t exactly have the best PR.”

Why do I get the sinking feeling that helping him is going to be almost a penance for the rest of us?? Nathan held back a sigh of frustration.

Nathan audibly sighed. “Not really, but I’m learning quickly… It’s okay, I’m here with Guardian, and he’s … well, mostly harmless….. I think”

Guardian reached over and pulled Flar back in to the van, closing the window. “You must learn restraint Demon. Or I will have to teach it to you.” Guardian’s voice had a hard edge to it with a hint of uneasiness.

Flar will look at Guardian “Oh you touched me. Now I feel all tingly. I love it when a woman threatens me with bodily harm. It makes me feel loved.” Flar took a puff on his cigar.

“Till I can access enough energy to change forms,” he replied to Nathan. “There is not much I can do about the way I look, and if we want to go anyplace I don’t think a trenchcoat an fedora are going to hide my natural charms. It might work for a turtle but it won’t work for me.” Flar sat back and rested his head in his hand.

Nathan turned to look at Flar quizzically. “Energy?? What kind of Energy??”

Guardian looked at Flar. “Why would it not work for you? It is what everybody were’s when they are trying to hide their appearences.” With that Guardian reached behind her an pulled out a huge trench coat and a fedora with a pair of black aviator sunglasses and put them on.

Boreas noticed that Guardian was also in the van with the demonic creature. A flood of questions. Was there some kind of trouble here? Was THAT the Rosedale Rapist they had caught? It was hard to believe that no one got a good look at it, but perhaps they kept that information out of the papers so as to not cause a panic. Regardless she was going to have to find out what was up with her newfound friends and if they were in any sort of danger here.

Overcoming her initial fright, she skated back towards the van ready for just about anything.

Beneath the pale yellow lights illuminating the park entrance, Boreas cautiously approached the driver side door where Nathan was apparently seated. Her breath visible in the cold night air. She was visibly tense and ready to bolt at a moments notice.

“Would someone please explain to me what’s going on here?”

Nathan noted Boreas skating towards the van, and opened up the passenger side door for her.

“Boreas, this might take a few minutes, so hop in, and we will try to answer your questions.” And probably give you a few more to think about as well, Nathan thought wryly.

Flar looked at Guaridan. “So Guardian, have you ever had an original thought? One that wasn’t bred into to you?”

“I have had many original thoughts demon, and they are mine,” Guardian replied in her usual cold voice.

Boreas cautiously entered the van, noting the new figure seated in the back. With a nod and slight wave she meekly spoke, “Uhm, hi…I’m Boreas.” Turning to Nathan, “So you were gonna explain what this is all about?”

“The Demon is a member of our group….Supposedly sent by your god to redeem himself.” Guardian replied in an even colder then normal tone fixing her sunglasses on her face. “Are we all ready to……Investigate?”

Boreas Looked incredulously at the figures in the van. “D…D…Demon?” She said and noting Guardian’s tone took a cautious step back. “Are you guys crazy?” Her expression gave no hint of sarcasm.

Guardian was about to make a comment when she saw a large, well-built man dressed in dark clothing cross the street about 60 feet away and head into the park. There was something about the man that disturbed her. Perhaps it was the way he walked or the way he carried himself. Whatever it was, it didn’t seem right.

Nathan just smiled at Boreas “Probably, but that has nothing to due with Flar.”

Guardian abruptly opened the door of the van and stepped out, quickly adjusting her trench coat, black aviator glasses and fedora. Guardian then moved towards park.

Without turning back Guardian spoke in a quiet voice. “Bedw……Evil is here…”

Boreas looked a bit shocked as Guardian exited the van. In fact this whole situation seemed entirely improbable to her…Demons…God…Chaos magic? What had she gotten herself into with this bunch. And now Guardian was running off after who knows what?!? She looked over at Nathan, who seemed to be the only normal person around, but that wasn’t quite true now was it? He seemed caught up in this whole mess as well.

“Okay, next time…just drop the explanation. I don’t want to know?” She then looked over at the demon. “Just got one question for you buster…you’re not gonna, like, harm any of my friends are you?” She had a fire in her eyes that seemed to be in opposition to her nature.

“I’ll remember that…” Nathan replied.

Nathan adjusted his robes, and whispers. “Show time folks… Flar, Boreas, we’d better cover Guardian…. no knowing what she’s about to get us into…”

“How about a whole mess of trouble. I didn’t see that person too clearly, let’s just hope it’s not some dad returning home from work, or worse yet an undercover cop!” With a heavy sigh Boreas stepped out of the van. And here I thought to be the bait she mused to herself.

Flar leaped out of the van and followed Guardian. “Really? That’s cool. Let’s go see what you call evil,” he said with obvious doubt. Flar then continued after Guardian, looking around as he walked. He saw a man moving furtively through the shadows, and two young women jogging through the park away from where he was, wearing headphones.

Guardian briefly looked at Flar with a look of annoyance in her face and then turned back to follow her ‘prey’.

Nathan quietly eased the drivers door open, and after making sure he had the keys in his pocket, locked the door. After it closed with a quiet metallic ‘click’ he waited momentarily for Boreas then followed Guardian.

Guardian walked deeper into the park, following on the heels of the man she saw. Now that she had watched him for a while, he didn’t seem to be Bedwyr. That didn’t matter to her, because he must be about to do something illegal. Only criminals moved the way he did. After all, didn’t the murderer on Law & Order last night skulk through a park just like this one in the same manner?

As Nathan and the others caught up to Guardian, Nathan suddenly felt dizzy and stumbled. As the world spun around him, he saw a beautiful young woman in a black costume attacking him and his companions. His head began to clear and the vision vanished.

Boreas looked at Nathan with concern. “Are you all right?”

Nathan eased himself to the ground, and sat for a moment, summoning the memory of the vision once more.

Getting to his feet, Nathan looks at Boreas. “I just had the strangest experience… a vision that we being attacked by someone in a black costume… we should hurry up and alert Flar and Guardian.”

Flar continued along behind Guardian. “Did anyone else see that guy skulking around in the bushes and shadows over there?” Flar pointed with a hitch of his thumb.

Boreas looked over and saw the thermal image of a very large man movign through the trees.

Guardian looked at Flar with a scowl on her face. “Don’t talk so loud you will alert him to our presence. He is undoubtly after the two females running. Hu….People are so predictible.” Guardian’s mind went over several of the television shows she had watched that laied out in the same manner thinking to her self. Why is it if they can make television shows like this that they cannot prevent such predictible actions from happening? Guardian focused her attention on the man once more ready to take him down once he made his move. After all one must catch the criminal in the act of a crime to have them properly prosecuted.

Flar waited for a moment, then continued to follow Guardian deeper into the park. He was able to keep track of the figure in the shadows for a while, then it disappeared from sight.

Guardian crouched into the shadows, hiding herself quite well for having such a large frame, then became compleatly mothionless as she watched the man she followed into the park.

“Okay Guardian you go get him,” Flar whispered. “I’ll go apprehend the guy in the woods.” Flar stealthily moved towards where he last saw the man. As he passed Boreas and Nathan, he spoke to them quietly.

“I’m going to check out the other one I saw in the trees over there.” He pointed at the bushes.

“Hold Demon, Spawn of Hell!” A powerful young voice came booming from nearby. Everyone could see a young man dressed in crusader-style armour, wielding a sword along which white flames licked. “Prepare to be sent back to the Abyss from whence you came!”

Boreas looked at Flar with a grin. “Friend of yours Flar? Oh don’t worry…we’ll not interfere.”

Guardian turned to look at the newcomer frowning deeply at this intrusion.

“Oh, eeeek it’s a crusader. I AM SO SCARED.” Flar turned to look at Boreas.

“Well Boreas, you certainly had me fooled. Here I thought you were just sweet and innocent. Not to worry though I won’t let him send you back to hell.” He looked back at the young man. “Don’t you people have anything better to do? Why don’t you go take Jerusalem or something!”

“Scared you should be, evil creature,” the young man cried out. “For I am Acolyte and I have sent dozens of your kind back to the foul pits of Hell.” Acolyte pointed his sword and a ball of white flames flew at Flar, hitting him.

Flar felt like his very soul was being torn apart, leaving him stunned with the pain.

“Oh, I am sweet and innocent all right Flar, I mean from your perspective isn’t everyone?” Boreas said with a grin, then as the crusader lashed out at the demon her expression turned to one of shock.

She quickly got between the young man and Flar, “Excuse me, Sir Galahad, but would you kindly put that sword down and explain yourself?” She hoped that he had some modicum of chivalry.

Guardian looked at Flar and then looked at Nathan. It seemed for the first time since Nathan or Boreas had ever known Guardian that she seemed hesitant and unsure of what to do.

Acolyte took a step forward, the sword in his hands held with experience. “Young mistress, please move aside. The foul creature must have placed you under some kind of spell, else you would not be defending him.” He took up a defensive posture and waited.

Boreas couldn’t believe what she was witnessing this night. She had thought her life as a Harbinger strange, but now she had just stepped into some bizarro fairy-tale. She saw only one way to diffuse this situation quickly and that was to throw herself into the roll!

Throwing her arms around the brave knight, “Oh noble knight, I thank thee for thy aid, for tis true this foul beast didn’t mean to take my maidenly virtues.” I can’t believe I am saying this she thought to herself. “But now you have come along and saved me from that terrible plight. However I must implore thee not to harm this foul hellbeast. Show mercy sir knight, for it is the only means to aid other ensorcled friends of mine, and without it’s help, they may not be long for this world.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I would beseech thee noble sir to release him to the care of that powerful mage over yonder who dids’t summon him to aid my friends.”

Shaking a little she added, “But I would appreciate an escort out of this forboding forest kind sir.”

Acolyte roughly pushed her away and Boreas could almost feel the power surging through him. “Foul witch,” he exclaimed, bringing his sword to bear on her. “You traffic with demon-summoners. Forgive what I am about to do, but it is for your own good.”

He suddenly lashed out with his sword, narrowly avoiding hitting Boreas with the flat of the blade.

Flar gets to his feet. “Alright panty waist, that was pretty good. Now I’m gonna rip your heart out,” he growled and his claws came up ready to fight.

“You threats do not scare me, evil monster!” Acolyte’s armor began to glow with the same fire that lit his sword.

Flar appeared in front of Boreas. “Stay behind me Boreas, he’ll have to go through me to get to you. This chivalrous moron needs a lesson in manners and I’m happy to oblige.” Flar cracked his knuckles and continued. “Manners 101 coming up, asshole!”

Boreas withdrew over towards Nathan and Guardian. “Well I gave it my best shot…so much for chivalry.” She said in mock exasperation. It did not appear that she was taking the conflict between Flar and the Acolyte all that seriously.

She leaned over towards Nathan, “So tell me the truth…this is your doing right?” She said with a half-grin

Acolyte charged, hitting Flar in the midsection with the flaming sword as Flar caught his attacker on the shoulder. Flar reeled backwards, stunned. The blow to his gut knocked the wind out of him, but the moment he touched Acolyte’s armor he felt like his hand was on fire and it spread like a wave through his body. He fell to the ground, white flames crawling along his body for a moment then fading. Acolyte turned and pointed his sword at Flar, a burst of white flame shooting out and enveloping their fallen comrade.

Guardian stood where she was watching the conflict. Perhaps there was more to this demon then she let herself believe. He had done what she herself was about to do and that was to protect Boreas. What do I do? Oh by the Anook why does this have to be so difficult?

Oh blast it Anook said he was a team mate and Boreas tried to help him, Gradsigs!

Boreas looked over at Nathan, concern evident in her eyes. “Uhm…I don’t get it. He seems to be a white hat…but then he was rather rude to me.” She started to move over to the armoured assailant again. “Okay, Acolyte stop right there!”

This story arc is incomplete, due characters leaving and loss of archived messages.

© Lisa Hartjes, 1999-2001.

Wouldn’t It Be Good… - Story Arc #3

Wouldn’t It Be Good…

[Tuesday Night, May 11, 1999]

The sky is beginning to darken as the Sentinels gathered at their base, having answered a message from Aidan that they needed to meet. As each member arrived, they were ushered to a meeting room with a large oval table and large, comfortable chairs, and each place had a sheet of paper set at it.

Having managed to arrive fairly quickly for once, Jez’s boredom set in as she waited for the others to arrive. Luckily - for everyone else in the room - she did manage to find something to keep herself occupied without irritating anyone, hopefully. Her diversion was not so lucky for the piece of paper that was laid out for her to use. With much concentration, as was evident by the amount of tongue sticking out of the corner of Jez’s mouth, she slowly folded and spindle the small sheet of paper. Ten minutes later the piece of paper resembled a one winged ostrich. Or was it a prancing, three legged horse. Well, whatever it might be, she quite proudly set it in front of herself and pushed it a few more inches towards the middle of the meeting table.

As the other team members arrived, Jez was leaning her head sideways against the surface of the table, admiring her creation from various angles and perspectives.

Guardian looked at the paper figure that Jez was so intently examining from were she was standing. In her usual monotone voice. “Why are you looking at the piece of paper. Wouldn’t scrunching it up be more effective?”

“What and ruin a perfectly good snail!?!” Boreas paused for a moment. “It is a snail, right Jez?”

Jez glanced at Guardian with a mildly irritated expression. She then tipped the paper animal forward slightly with her fingertip and added some sound effects, “Mooo.”

Biostorm sat in the background and tried to keep a straight face as she watched Guardian deal with humans. She looked over at Nathan and says, “A Snail?!? Please, anyone could see that it is a cow.”

Nathan looked up in confusion at Biostorm. “A wha… sorry… I wasn’t paying attention.”

In the table top was set a large piece of the same material that the bases of the small holographic projectors that each has near their computer are made of. Aidan’s image floats above the table, and he had a look that could only be described as slightly amused and curious.

“As you all may know,” he said as everyone was seated. “There was a bit of excitement at the convention centre on Sunday afternoon. Several things have arisen out of that event.”

Once Aidan started speaking, Jez appropriately redirected her attention to his image. She didn’t lift her head up from the surface of the table though. Instead she seemed to have his image framed through her paper animal.

“First, the Sentinels were introduced to York. It was a bit earlier than had been anticipated, but I must say it was an opportune time. The target of the kidnapping that Guardian helped stop was Duke Otto von Wichten. He is the son of the Prince of Brechtelstein, the ruler of that small principality that has been thrust into the forefront of the technology race by the discovery of the metal durillium.”

“I have learned that both the RCMP, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Prince himself all wish to thank Guardian for what she did. It turns out that the people who were attempting to kidnap the Duke were mercenaries belonging to a group called the Wolf Pack. There are outstanding warrants for all members of the Wolf Pack for a variety of crimes, ranging from murder to aggravated assault to grand larceny.”

“As I mentioned earlier, there was another event which arose out of what happened Sunday. There was an ad in the Classified sections of the three major newspapers in York, and I think you will all be interested in it. The ad has been reprinted on the sheet of paper in front of you.”

The reverse side of the paper had a printout that read:

“Looking for the Guardian Sentinel of the convention and friend.
Gillian-look-alike wants info. Please call 416 555-7211.”

Boreas turned towards Guardian. “Hey Guardian, wasn’t that the girl who was also involved in the altercation? I think she was trying to help. You don’t suppose she’s a Harbinger do you?”

Guardian turned to look at Boreas. “At this time I have no information that would lead me to believe that she would be a Harbinger,” she replied. “Nor do I have any information that would lead me to think that she is not a Harbinger.” She looked back at the image of Aidan. “What course of action would you recommend that I take in regards to the ad?” Guardian asked in her usual monotone voice.

“It would be advisable,” Aidan answered. “To contact this woman and see what it is that she wants. There were no visible signs she was involved in the conflict in any way other than her attempting to assist Boreas with the wounded security guard. I can provide you with a phone line which would be secure and untraceable.”

Gillian finally lifted her head from the table and looked at Guardian with a confused expression, “How does she know what I look like? You’re not carrying polaroids of me or something are you?…” She didn’t really wait for a reply from Guardian, instead she pointed towards Guardian’s ration of paper. “Are you going to need that?”

“Jezebel, the article is not referring to you but to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Gillian Anderson.” Guardian face shifts into a deep frown.

“Oh, she meant THAT Gillian.” Jez replied, doing her best to sound knowledgeable on the subject. Truth be told (by the expression on her face), she hadn’t the foggiest idea who this Gillian was.

Jez shrugged and then did her best to nonchalantly snag another piece of paper, grabbing the sheet in front of Boreas. She began to fold the paper, apparently ignoring everything that was going on around her.

“Soo… We either have a friend or a foe…. or someone in between … like another reporter. But who is the ‘friend’ she’s referring to??” Nathan looked at Guardian curiously.

Looking at Aidan, Guardian replied to Nathan’s question. “Boreas was also at the convention in her secret identity. She helped look after one of the downed guards. And as for the phone call if there are no more questions then perhaps it would be an appropriate time to make the phone call.”

“I guess she could be referring to me.” Boreas said with a shrug. “I am sure you have done a thorough background check on her like you did with the rest of us Aidan. If there is any information you would like to impart on us before this call, I am all ears.”

“I have done some checks,” Aidan replied. “The information will not be relevant until the woman’s intentions are made clear.”

“If no one has any objections,” Aidan said. “The call will be a conference call.”

“Dialing.” The assembled team could hear the phone ringing.

**********

Nicole sat staring at her computer screen. Captain Trask was about to be vapourised by the Argestian assassin, and she had no idea how to save Trask. What about Irdith. Would she be down in that section of the ship….. Her train of thought was interrupted by the ringing of her telephone.

This shall be interesting… Nathan eased back in his chair, his eyes closed, waiting.

Shit. Nicole reached across her desk and picked up the phone. “Hi! You’ve reached 416 555 7211. No one is available to take your call at the moment; but if you’ll leave your name and number we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank-you,” she said in her best friendly monotone.

A smile tugged at the corners of Nathan’s mouth. Just our luck, or waita minute… Nathan sat upright, scribbled something furiously on the pad of paper in front of him and held his pad up for all to see. - NO BEEP!! IT MIGHT BE HER! -

None of the others in the room seemed to noticed what he had done.

Guardian looked at the Aidan with a befuddled look on her face. “How is it that she is answering the phone if she is saying that she is not there? This makes no sense.” Anook, why are humans so confusing.

Jez couldn’t fight the urge to shake her head at this, despite her “not paying attention” attitude

The look on Guardian’s face intensified. Mimicking the woman’s pleasantness with her own voice Guardian, she spoke. “Hello this is Guardian of the Sentinels. I am sorry but I am unable to talk to you as you are not home.” Guardian paused trying to think of what to say next. Anook, what is the appropriate response?

Boreas leaned over towards Jez and whispered, “Am I the only one who thinks that putting Guardian in the role of spokesperson may not be such a hot idea?”

“She makes a good politician though.” Jez replied in a normal tone voice. She reduced her voice to the expected whisper. “Totally and completely removed from regular reality.”

Boreas suddenly blanched at Jez’s louder than expected response. She then tried to look nonchalant all the while suppressing a grin at her muffled jape. She wasn’t sure, but she suspected that more than one member could overhear hushed conversations at the table. Jez as always appeared to be apathetic about such concerns.

An answering machine is a device which plays a recorded message, then the caller leaves a message after a tone is played, Aidan explained. Most humans usually hang up when they think they have reached an answering machine. However, in this case, there has been no tone. It is possible that the woman is attempting to make the caller believe they have reached an answering machine. If the woman does not speak, tell her to call (416) 555-5586 at her earliest convenience.

Nicole sat up straight, Captain Trask and the Argestians forgotten in her excitement. “You’re Guardian!? The one from the convention? Ohmigod, I can’t believe you called me!”

Having returned to her project at hand, Jez can’t help but shake her head again. “A meeting of the minds…” she mumbled under her breath.

Nathan shrugged, placed his pad back down on his desk, leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes again. Young…. and excitable…. and why would she be so…. excited to actually talk with Guardian…

Yeah and after she tells her friends, every wacko and nutcase is going to be taking out ads in the paper. Boreas smiled to herself.

“Yes I am Guardian. You wished to speak to me?”

Meanwhile Boreas casually reached over in front of Jez to pick up the obvious snail origami. She then proceeded to draw eyes and antennae on what she considered to be the “head.” Afterwards she drew spirals on each side of the “shell.” Placing the pen down again, she inspected her work, tore off an offending third appendage and dropped it down in front of Jez with a satisfied smirk.

Jez paused, in mid-fold, to watch Boreas contribution to the project. A puzzled look started to appear on her face as the eyes and antennae took form. The confused expression grew deeper as the spirals on the “shell” were added. Jez sat, stock-still, and stared at the “snail” as it was dropped back in front of her. Her eyes slid sideways, but her head did not move, to look at Boreas out of the corners of her eyes for a second. Her eyes then slid back to the snail at hand as she slowly moved her head around it and looked at it from various angles again.

With a shrug, Jez decided not to comment, and went back to work on her new project.

“Yeah, I do. Hang on a sec.” Nicole hit “save” on her computer. “Hi, again. I saw your interview in the paper the other day and I have a question for you.” Nicole took a deep breath. This was going to be weird, but she decided it was all or nothing. Guardian hadn’t mentioned a telepath in her interview; maybe they needed one. “May I join your group?”

Nathan blinked once.. twice, then rubbed one hand across his forehead. He then looks about the group, a look of disbelief on his face.

“I’ll take it from here guys…” Jez announced, with a smile. “Okay, what we’re going to need is our standard twenty-page application forms filled out in triplicate. Unless you’re an alien, of course, in that case you can use the EZ form. Submit those to us and we’ll need about a month… We’d have to loose one copy, bury one in the backyard, and feed the last copy to the Blugblatter beast in the basement. Then we’d have to have a meeting, kick the idea around a bit… Maybe we’ll do lunch and interview you there.”

“Unless you wanted to be my sidekick,” Jez continued, her smile now a smirk. “In that case, you’re accepted.”

Jez paused and then glanced at the faces of her teammates, “Ummm…. Of course, I don’t speak for the rest of the team.”

“Thank god.” Boreas said in a low voice to those around her. She then leaned back in her chair and after stretching her arms out, placed her hands behind her head. This should be an interesting spectacle to watch, she thought as she relaxed a bit. I wonder how Guardian’s going to handle things?

Nathan smiled back at Jez, and wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. The smile widened as he noted Guardian’s perplexed look. Guardian certainly hasn’t had much exposure to sarcasm. Wonder if she had a sense of humour before…

Guardian looked at Jezebel with a look of perplexion on her face. Anook, why was I not informed of this process?

There is no such process, Guardian. Jez is attempting to be humorous.

I fail to see the humor in this. Guardian looked at Jezebel and then said out loud. “Our comrade is attempting humor. Please ignore her comments. Why is it you wish to join our group and if you do what special…..talents do you possess.?”

Jez has certainly found herself a ’straight-man’… Nathan thought to himself.

“Attempting humor?!” Jez replied in disbelief. “I thought I was being funny… Ignoring me only makes me worse, by the way.” Jez’s smile grew slightly, “Of course, I was serious when I offered the sidekick position. I need a straight man for my act.”

Nicole smiled. “Tell your comrade that Blugblatter beasts are rarely satisfied with only twenty pages of application form. Forty would be more appropriate; although raw haunch of arrogant female — especially from one that keeps her Blugblatters in the basement, they need lots of sunlight and fresh air, you know — is quite the best option for the feeding of such a creature.” Nicole shrugged and leaned back in her chair.

Ah! Jez thought with an amused expression. Finally a challenge! “Medic! Medic!” Jez started groaning from her seat. “I’ve been mortally wounded!” And, as long as you’re not another she-beast amazon with no sense of humor… Jez’s thoughts went on. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.

“Seriously, I want to join your group for a variety of reasons. Curiosity. I need some excitement in my life.” Nicole smiled and added, “Plus I have an unalterable conviction that you need me. As for my special talents; I would rather not discuss those over the telephone. Why don’t we meet somewhere to talk about my… qualifications?”

Biostorm mentally questioned the idea of destiny, but kept her opinions to herself. When the suggestion of a meeting came up, she thought about it for a moment and then wrote something on her pad. She displayed it for the rest to see. “Trap?”

Jez leaned over slightly to face Boreas, “I thought I was the token spoiled brat for this team…? This girl sounds like…” At that, Jez went silent and concentrated on the telephone again, a brooding look covering her expression.

“Sounds like what Jez? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a little competition,” Boreas said with a wink and a smile.

Jez failed to respond to this, which, in and of itself, would be considered odd. What’s more noticeable is the fact she seemed not to even hear Boreas. She just continued to stare blankly ahead of her.

Boreas sat up in her chair. “Sounds reasonable to me guys.” She then whispered, while covering the mike, “Unless you think it’s some kind of trap?” She then looked over at the Aidan construct, “I guess you have as much stake in this as any of us. Do you think we can trust her?”

“Based on the information I have,” Aidan replied. “There is no reason to believe she is being insincere. I will, of course, seek to obtain further information on this person to verify this.”

“Sounds like a plan to me guys,” Biostorm said. “Lets say we set this meeting up someplace that is both neutral and out of the way.”

“Um, Aidan don’t you have one of those spider thingies spying on her?” Boreas tried to sound sincere as she baited Aidan.

“Yes Boreas,” Aidan replied in a deadpan voice. “I have a construct spying on every person that is alive at this moment.” Anyone looking at the hologram could almost swear there was a flicker of amusement on his face.

Guardian looked at the image of Aidan. “I would suggest meeting at the base of the CN Tower tomorrow night at midnight.”

Jez took on a sullen demeanor, not even acknowledging the jokes and barbs of her comrades. One might even think she’s taken a certain amount of insult to the conversation.

“CN Tower, tomorrow night.” she repeated as she started to stand up. “Sounds good to me. I don’t know about the rest of you, but tonight I plan on catching a movie.”

Jez then moved casually around the meeting table, looking for the newspaper that the classified ad came from. She was disappointed to see that there was no paper in sight.

Nicole, who had been glancing through a magazine throughout the last exchange, started and said, “CN Tower, tomorrow, midnight. Excellent. Come alone and unarmed, I suppose. I’ll be there.”

Nathan hesitated, but nodded somewhat reluctantly at Guardian’s choice. Hmm…. don’t know about that choice, but nothing better comes to mind. We could possibly use the surroundings to our advantage, in case things aren’t on the up and up.

Guardian looked at the other around the table after the phone was hung up. “If that concludes this meeting I have things to attend to.” And with that Guardian walked out the doors at a rather quick pace.

“I guess we’re done here,” Nathan says more to himself than anyone else. He looked around the room, then stood, walking out of the room and out of the base.

Guardian headed down the hall to the elevator and walked in to the seemingly waiting elevator. After a relatively short trip Guardian stepped out of the elevator and headed to the entertainment room. Walking up to the VCR, she pushed a button to call up the tape inside she took the tape heading down the hall towards her room.

Walking into her room Guardian then put the tape in on of the many VCR’s in her room and sat on her bed and hit play.

Nathan returned to his apartment, and being restless, did small chores all about. It is not until several hours later that he realized what he is doing. He sighed. I think the time is right for a little soul exploring…

Making sure that everything is securely locked up, Nathan went upstairs. Once settled, starts to descend in the depths of a trance.

**********

Jez left the base and headed directly for the CN tower to look around. About 45 minutes later, she was wandering the area at the base of the building. She had no idea what she was even looking for.

“Hey! Jillian!” A male voice interrupted her musings. She looked around and saw a teenager waving at her with a big grin on his face. It was what’shisname, the guy from school that she was kind of seeing right now.

Gillian spun around quickly and immediately assumed a fighting stance. The last thing she expected was someone to be spying on her when she was doing her spying… Seeing who it was, she relaxed her stance slightly, but only slightly. She still wanted to look as annoyed as she was feeling.

“Oh god help me…” she muttered out loud not really caring who heard her. “It’s Gillian. GGGGGGillian. You could at least remember how to say my name.”

To the casual listener, both his pronunciation and Gillian’s sounded almost the same. Of course the casual listener might not notice that Gillian couldn’t, for the life of her, remember what his name was.

“And will you please stop saying my name out loud like that?” she went on to say, still with the same annoyed tone of voice. “I’ve only been in business for two days and you’re going to give away my secret identity already.”

She finally relaxed her fighting stance now and just stood looking at the well-meaning boy like a mother scolding her child. “You shouldn’t be here anyway. I’m in the middle of a dangerous investigation and I can’t keep you from getting hurt while I’m at it.”

Gillian can’t help but wonder why her life seems more and more like a bad movie she’d watch in the middle of the night.

“Dangerous investigation? In business? What the heck are you talking about?” The young stopped where he was standing and stared at Gillian in confusion.

Gillian’s expression softened a little as her annoyance faded quickly. She couldn’t keep herself mad at him, after all, he was still sort of cute. She started walking towards him now in a normal enough way, it was the easiest way to smooth out of her tense fighting stance.

“You can call me Jezebel.” she said with a proud smile. “I’m a super-hero now.” Of course last week she planned to be a rock star. The week before she had aspirations for painting. The week before that she was planning on being a writer… So forth and so on.

“If you don’t believe me…” she said, seemingly recognizing his disbelief (or assuming him to be so). “You can tag along for a bit. But if things get hairy, don’t expect me to bail you out of it…”

“A superhero? Cool,” he replied, then a look of excitement crossed his face. “Really? You’re a superhero? Do you know Guardian? She’s, like, so cool! I mean, she got shot in the back by a plasma rifle and it didn’t even phase her. Could you get her autograph for me?” He began to dig through the pockets of his coat, looking for something to write on.

The stun of the unexpected verbal attack takes a moment or two to fade from Jez’s frozen face. A snappy, witty comeback failed to come to her, so she said the only thing that came to her mind before she even thought about what it was.

“I took her down.” she mumbled out, and the added, “It was a training exercise, of course… But I beat her…” Beat her to the ground, anyway, Jez thought with a mental shrug.

“Look, I don’t have all night to stand around talking you know…” Jez said quickly, tying to change the subject. “You don’t know anyone who looks like that Gillian woman on TV, do you? You know, the one on that Z-Files show. Or was it X-Cars…? It’s one of those sci-fi shows I never watch…”

“You mean Gillian Anderson? No, I don’t know anyone who looks like her. Why?” A satisfied grin crossed his face as he pulled out a small notepad. “Cool. Here,” he said, holding it out to Gillian. “Could you get her to sign this? Oh, and can you get her to write ‘To Max’ on it?”

Yeah, whatever.” Gillian replied with an offhanded shrug. She took the pad from Max and tucked it into her pocket, never again to see the light of day.

“Well, I need to find this girl and I don’t really have any leads other than we’re supposed to meet her here tomorrow.” Gillian looked around absently, trying to think of anything that might help her locate this thorn.

“You don’t have today’s newspaper do you? I need to find an ad in there… It might have the telephone number to find this girl…” Gillian looked back to “Max” now. “How would you like to meet Guardian? If you can snag me a ride back to around the Don Valley Parkway then maybe I can get her to talk to you?”

“You can take me to meet her? Cool!” Max paused. “But isn’t a superhero base supposed to be, like, secret? I mean, you can’t let just anybody know where it is. What if your archenemy created a new Supercharged Ionic Blast Cannon and wants to you your base for target practice? You want him to be able to blow up your base and endanger thousands of innocent people?” Max looked at her in almost indignant disbelief.

“Well,” Gillian said with a shrug. “You’re not going to tell anyone, right? Then don’t worry about it.” It’s not like I was going to take you to the front door, you dope, Gillian thought while still smiling and waiting on the potential ride.

“Yeah, but we’d have to take a cab,” Max replied. “Don’t you remember? My car died a rather spectacular death when Leech robbed that bank last week. I don’t have any wheels.”

“Probably a good time for me to start looking into the ‘Jez-mobile’ or something.” she said with a shrug. “Maybe another time then…” She could always get a cab on her own, so she didn’t need him for that. And the idea of putting Guardian on the spot wasn’t worth suffering through any more of this.

“I’ll get you her autograph…” she said, with the best smile she could offer. “And depending how well our date goes tomorrow night, I’ll see if I can get her to pay you a visit.” Of course, up until that last sentence, they didn’t have a date tomorrow

night. Without waiting for a reply, Gillian turned to leave.

“Where are you going now,” Max asked, catching up to her.

“I’m going home,” Jez replied with a shrug. “There’s nothing going on here and I know I’m never going to find this woman…” She paused and then shrugged as she turned around, “You don’t have any better ideas, do you?”

Max shook his head. “No, sorry. So, do you want to go see a movie or something………?”