The Shadows of the Beasts: Part Two: the Dominion

Contents

PART ONE

Chapter One: New Players. Old Games.

Chapter Two: Seekers

Chapter Three: Learning to fly.

Chapter Four: Private Little Wars.

Chapter Five: Oh boy! Mayhem!

Chapter Six: Lurkers

PART TWO:

Chapter Seven: Grinds and Ghosts

Chapter Eight: Journeymen (and women)

Chapter Nine: Chosen Paths

Chapter Ten: Directions and Directives

PART THREE

Chapter Eleven: Finishing Touches

Chapter Twelve: Feasts

Chapter Thirteen: Potentials

Chapter Fourteen: Deliveries

Chapter Fifteen: Arrivals and surprises

Chapter Sixteen: Tainted Gifts

Chapter Seventeen: Marching Orders.

Chapter Eighteen: Old Haunts-New Questions

Chapter Nineteen: Party Time.

PART FOUR

Chapter Twenty: Unhappy birthday.

PART FIVE

Chapter Twenty One: Waiting is the Hardest Part

Chapter Twenty Two: Potholes in the Journey

Chapter Twenty Three: Childhood’s end

Chapter Twenty Four: Conspiracies

PART SIX

Chapter Twenty Five: Blips

Chapter Twenty Six: More glitches

Chapter Twenty Seven: Details with a twist of lemon

Chapter Twenty Eight: Jerky Soup

Chapter Twenty Nine: Moving on.

EPILOG:

For Dad-

Well, now you know-

Other works by John Durbin:

By Author House:

The Shadows of the Beasts Book One: The Revelation

By Lulu Press

Splinters of History: The Zonbi Conspiracy

Cover art by John Durbin

To learn more, go to

www.nwidragonproject.com

Book Two: The Dominion.

THE STORY SO FAR:

It was a time of insanity.

Since The Great Disaster, a time when an innumerable number of the world’s people had mysteriously vanished, the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the UEF (United Earth Foundation) had reigned supreme. When a minority of rebellious people saw the peculiar execution of their leader in Metro City, the CEO was confident opposition to his rule would subside.

It multiplied.

For every rebel group, or cell, shattered and destroyed, new ones began to form. The forgotten shouts of justice and honor were recalled in secret places and armies began to form that would have been impossible before The Great Disaster transpired.

Jew stood with Christian. Christian stood with Moslem. Moslem stood with Pagan. Pagan stood with Satanist. And Satanist stood with Jew. All aspects of faith that opposed the One World Church were considered an act against the government. There was only one ‘god’ as far as the UEF was concerned and he was known as the CEO. To acknowledge any other god, gods, or deity spelled death for all who were caught.

Problems continued as the very nature of the earth itself began to change. Orbital platforms thought to be safe in their special circles, crashed into the oceans, leaking their plutonium cores into the waterways of the world. Fresh water was becoming harder to find. Without water, the crops did not grow sufficiently and livestock began to falter. The sea began to suffer from toxic poisons and the potential breadbasket of Utopia turned into a charnel pit as the corpses of sea life lined the shores of the world.

Storms of fire and wind swept the planet at random. Costal cites were flooded and hammered by storms and flaming hail burnt the food stocks that could have fed millions of the citizens. Cities became charred husks from the firestorms in the inlands, and the coasts were abandoned due to the destruction and the rot of billions of corpses from the sea. Earthquakes struck with no warning or pattern, adding to the chaos that gripped the world.

The CEO and his agents stood tall and strong in the midst of the carnage, they became beacons for the citizens to focus upon. Like the god he was said to be (ever since he apparently rose from the dead after an attempt on his life years ago) he offered hope to the world, if it could but endure a little more.

The Asian Block, a rogue country, stood alone against the UEF, but it had suffered also. It had been weakened by the plagues that covered all of the earth.

The global computer, a system that controlled the security and commerce of the world, continued to act erratically as it labored towards completing upgrades that the original builders claimed would make it act and think more like a man than any machine in the history of the science. Glitches and errors were the results of this process. Some suspected the machine to have an agenda of its own, but there was no proof to support these claims.

The Cypher-Chip program grew with leaps and bounds. So far, 84% of all society had the devices implanted into their hands or their foreheads. Only the elect (including the CEO and his staff, the Inquisitors, and production units of Bio-Tech) have been given permission to refuse the implanted information chip. But rumors abound that the CEO is reconsidering this grace and is soon to issue the edict that none are exempt. Only the pockets of resistance fighters and citizens of The Asian Block and Israel are free of the item that many feel is the ‘Mark of The Beast’ brought to life.

So now Utopia begins to loose its luster, and the empire of Man shows more faults and cracks every day. Within almost two and a half years, the world had gone from its zenith into a spiral often found in the declining years of empires. The time of celebration and conquest is past, now the citizens’ demand answers of the CEO, their ‘god’. The citizens’ are now calling upon this ‘god’ to end the unjust torments of the plagues and elemental terrors, and to bring back the glory the planet and man once knew.

Utopia stands in near darkness now. The shadows are suffocating and thick surrounding its palaces and mansions. And in that darkness, the truth can be seen ever clearer, as the unfaithful surrender and join and the faithful continue rebellion against the false god. The innocent continue to be seduced and the faithful learn how indispensable they truly are.

This is a story of the faithful; the faithful ones to the True God and the False God. This is a story of traitors. The ones considered traitors to the world and to their gods who find themselves trapped in The Shadows of the Beasts.

Prologue:

It is going to work this time! the ‘high priest’ smiled as he watched his followers work in the near darkness. Eager hands began to drag their sacrifice into a clearing and tie it onto the crypt block. They needed to be away from prying eyes and the laws of the land and the old graveyard provided both.

The ‘priest’ and his followers tried to ignore the open graves around them as they worked. It was a common sight in most graveyards nowadays-graves pushed open as if whoever was inside had suddenly stood up and forced him or herself free of their earthly tomb. And though the thought of zombies walking about was indeed quite cool to the collective mindset assembled, what worried them at heart was the utter lack of animated corpses around them. As with the living, a certain percentage of the dead were missing as well after what had been called: The Great Disaster. The violated graves had not been noticed until weeks after the original shock of millions of living people suddenly missing without a trace, had begun to wear off. The open pits in the more modern cemeteries in the cities had been filled back in and the entire affair chalked up to a prank of sorts.

But out here in the middle of nowhere-in an almost forgotten graveyard, the truth still sat waiting for anyone to inspect.

LET ME GO! the woman screamed having been tied and secured to the stone. She fought as best she could.

Silence the animal! the ‘priest’ laughed. One of the women in their ranks jammed a wadded cloth into the woman’s mouth and then took a bandana to tie it securely into place. The others began to paw at the helpless woman, reducing her clothing to shreds to leave her naked and waiting in the scant moonlight.

The man looked at his followers and smiled. The scent of liquor, drugs and sex hung thickly about them all. He could not recall when exactly their gathering had moved from a party, to a hunt, and now to a ceremony, but somehow the idea got started and now here they were. The ‘Children of the Goat’ (as they had come to call themselves) ready to try yet again for what they sought. They were thirteen strong, just as the books told them to be; they had grown into a sort of family, after all these years.

He could not believe how easy it had been. Normally, this type of ritual would have been nearly impossible to plan. However, in less than an hour, while driving towards a forgotten graveyard; they discovered the woman walking along the road towards town. She claimed her car had broken down, but the ‘priest’ knew better. The cult had prepared properly, and this sacrificial lamb had been provided by their master. It was their master’s hand that stopped her car and sat her feet upon the path to their need. At least that was what his dust-laced thoughts were telling him now.

The group grew louder, anxious, eager-as if more than the chemicals in their veins were urging them onwards. Sitting on top of one of the graves a portable stereo (or ‘boom box’) sat playing the music that was almost a pulse for their hearts to keep in time with.

"The End of Days has passed,

You knew it couldn’t last-

What happened to your power?

As the cosmos rang the final hour

Where is your God Supreme?

He has fallen into dream

And left the Master of this Earth

To judge your total worth……"

The backbeat was impossible to ignore as the band sang out its raw and fractured lyrics to any who was in any shape to listen and comprehend them. The music was helping them now-almost pushing them to a crescendo.

Two wraiths stood with indifferent expressions on their faces as they watched the humans go about the ritual. They had seen this type of behavior before and would probably see it again. The intelligence of man always allowed for expressions of the desperate in spirit and would go to great lengths for power.

These are an ambitious group, aren’t they? one smirked.

Oh yes, but when have you ever found these hairless apes to be anything but? the second replied. They always ask for the same thing: Power over my fellows, powers to set me apart, powers to rule my fellow man… .power, power, power … they never stop asking, and they would have absolutely no clue what to do with if they had it.

What is worse, the first countered, they don’t even know how to ask for it properly. They drink themselves senseless, listen to bad music, don’t even begin to know the true meaning of their chants, and wrong at that, toss some blood around, scream ‘Hail Satan!’, then think the keys to the cosmos should fall into their hands. And Yahweh said we were arrogant?

The second laughed.

Prepare! the priest shouted as he tore his own clothes from his body and stood naked in the moonlight. The others complied and soon ringed their makeshift altar upon their knees-laughing, growling, panting, and moaning. The leader opened his small bag and took out a jar of blood and began to draw crude symbols upon himself and the body of their offering.

"Satan’s time is here

The fools tremble with fear

Lord of all he beholds

Owns the deed to your pathetic soul

His angels do his will

Amongst the human swill

Upon your weakness he will feast

In this New Age of the Beasts…"

This was different somehow. The thought fought its way up through the layers of drugs and whiskey; demanding to be heard. Normally he played this all by ear. All the so called books of ancient lore, he had managed to find in used book shops, were nothing but a sham. They never worked. The spells never delivered the whispered promises, and all their efforts usually spun downwards in a session of drunkenness and debauchery that lasted till dawn.

But it wasn’t his will moving his finger now. He would swear, it if he could speak, the patterns he drew in blood were almost alien to him. He had never seen these things before.

It’s going to work! his thoughts shouted in manic joy.

What are you doing? the first wraith watched the look of concentration upon his fellows face.

Alleviating some boredom, the second replied, perhaps if one of us actually ‘appears’ and explains things to these would-be children of Satan, they might actually be useful for something.

Oh I see. And are you going appear before them, as a being of infinite wisdom and knowledge?

Look at them! the second rolled his eyes now. Do they look like they could even understand such a being? Their minds are so clouded with what they think Hell is truly all about, that only such a vision would even begin to get through to them.

"God has forsaken you

Christ does not know you

Heaven is denied you

Your new masters eye you

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Fall upon your knees

Repent to Satan if you please

His hands are on your throat

Swear allegiance to the Goat…"

The blade slipped free of its sheath and gleamed as the ‘priest’ stepped forward and stood over the struggling woman’s body. With a glance, his faithful ones drew closer still. He wasn’t the only one who was feeling it. It was as if all of them were being coached now. Words began to escape his lips rapidly. The exact meaning escaped the self styled priest, but their intent was easy to figure out. His acolytes echoed the words, adding to the effect swirling around them at this moment. Something was coming.

His hand extended-the blade pointed downwards. Now the horror was blooming on their captive’s face. This was another twist. In the previous times they have done this, the look of realization failed to bloom until after the blade found home. In the past, even their prey had not taken their efforts seriously, sometimes even laughed, but not now. He could feel the horror radiating off of her as he continued the litany. Their voices growing louder in the darkness now as the final moment drew closer.

"Pathetic!

You believed the lies-

Pathetic!

You thought you’d grace Heaven’s skies-

Pathetic!

But you are here with us-

Pathetic!

One of the children of lust-…"

The music droned on behind them. It was almost like the selection was echoing their collective moods now. It was like they all were under a pressure that would soon explode if not released properly. And as his arm rose higher in preparation, the priest knew exactly what that release should be. The blade flashed as it descended-striking their offering full in the chest as a scream of primal delight came from his lips. The others echoed his sentiments as the woman’s blood began to flow.

Showtime. the second wraith smiled as it began to change itself.

The priest noticed the knife glowing as it still sat in the chest of their offering. The others had begun to sample the crimson that flowed freely from the body now-debasing themselves even more as they were still caught up in the moment. He pulled his own hand away and licked his fingers as he watched a glimmer that began to grow stronger, brighter, and larger now. Something was happening now; something new and different than in all his previous attempts.

Suddenly; it was there. Several of his faithful screamed at the sudden apparition standing over the corpse of their offering. The priest fell to his knees and simply stared at the conflagrations of motions looking down upon them all. It was every demonic vision he had ever imagined brought to life before them. Almost stereotypical in a way, he would guess. Wings, claws, fangs and tail-along with other aspects imagination normally applied when debating what such a thing would look like.

Children of the Goat! the thing croaked, as if human words were awkward for its mouth to speak properly, Your Lord is pleased.

Tears began to spill from the priest’s eyes now as the words soaked in.

You offerings have been noticed, your prayers heard, and you actions found worthy. Our Lord has bid me to come to teach you all how to serve Him best, the thing continued.

TEACH US! they began to scream as one. Hands rose, imploring the thing to touch them with its wisdom.

To you all I say this. Our Lord walks this very world even now in the form of a man. His powers are absolute and wait for those who are loyal to join with him. His will speaks out in ways even the most lowly and dullard of men can understand now, so that all may be with him and share the gifts of his kingdom!

YES! YES! the gathering was beside itself now. After so long, so much effort, trying and work-the rewards they had sought was now before them.

Then know this now-that our lord lives among you and is known as the CEO of what your kind calls the UEF. Find him! Swear yourselves to him! Take His mark into your flesh and know the gifts of His kingdom here and now! the thing boasted.

Some of the gathering agreed totally, but the priest noticed a few suddenly blinking and shaking away the state they were currently wrapped in. The apparition noticed this as well and looked closer at the few. Do you question my words?

If, one of them began timidly, the CEO is indeed who you say he is, then where is his Kingdom?

Where are his officers? another spoke up.

This world is not changed into a kingdom in his own image!

You are here to test us! one grew bold enough to stand up now and point. Our lord wants to know how loyal we truly are! That’s it!

Yes! some of the others agreed now. A test!

Tell our lord we are loyal to him alone! a woman screamed. We will never swear allegiance to any but him! We wait for the day when he himself rises up and strikes down the pretender who thinks he rules this world now! Death to the CEO! Hail Satan!

Hail, Satan! the others began to agree.

I think, the first wraith whispered to its fellow, you overestimated them badly.

Agreed, the second said after it quit trying to restore order to the gathering. Now even the priest shouted his agreement. Since the new world did not come with fire and demons apparent and the torments of the damned like the human Dante wrote about-they cannot accept it.

It turned now and looked it counterpart full in the face. Inform them-now.

"Pathetic!

Christ conned you with his lies-

Pathetic!

He laughs while you cry-

Pathetic!

You thought you were so much better-

Pathetic!

Your tears and blood grow wetter-

Pathetic!

Your true Master comes for you-

Pathetic!

WHAT YOU GONNA DO?

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!…"

An hour later, the gathering laid about the graveyard in content bliss. They had celebrated their victory with more liquor, drugs and animalistic sex, and now lay about without a care in the world. Their lord had sent his messenger and they had passed its test with flying colors. Next time, Satan himself might grace their presence and all of this would finally pay off.

They suspected nothing until their cozy place in the darkness exploded into light.

ATTENTION! the voice flared through the loudspeaker. CITIZENS-YOU WILL SURRENDER NOW AND COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS RAISED! THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING! YOU ARE ALL UNDER ARREST ON THE CHARGES OF ANTI-GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES! SURRENDER AND NO ONE WILL BE HURT!

How the hell did they find us? the priest blinked in confusion. This place had been perfect. Slowly he reached up over the altar-his hand seeking the knife he had used earlier. Others of his flock were coming to life and pulling weapons from their discarded clothing as well now.

What’s a test without some commitment? he asked himself. The others nodded their agreement as the sounds of jackboots began to draw closer. He watched as the first trooper emerged from the darkness and took stock of their numbers.

Oh great, he sighed before keying his microphone, we got about twelve of them here. All passed out or high. Send…

Send some others up to assist was what the trooper had begun to say, but was cut short as one of the gathering stood up behind him and caught him tightly in their grip. A flash of steel in the light and the man’s throat had been ruined.

DEATH TO THE MINIONS OF THE FALSE ONE! the woman screamed, moment before gun fire erupted and began to shred her body. Now the others began to assault the invaders, actually pushing them back briefly; so savage was their surprise attack. Knives flashed and gunshots broke the still of the night as the ‘Children of the Goat’ followed their hearts and sought to strike a blow for their lord and master.

It never occurred to any of those in the cult that the vision told its fellow spirits of the human failure, and that the spirits who listened told their own human minions where to find them in the graveyard. Several troopers fell in the attack, but in the end, it was over quickly.

DATELINE: ALPINE, CALIFORNIA

…Local UEF authorities clashed with several armed members of a cult like organization. These people had been suspected of anti-government activities. Based on a tip from an informant, troops surrounded the group in a location known for frequent meetings. Despite attempted negotiations with the members, UEF officials were forced to use limited aggressive tactics to flush the cultists out into the open. Local authorities called the event A regrettable incident. Twelve members of the cult were arrested and one victim of a fatal stabbing was removed from the scene…

Andrew ‘Anton’ Thompson sighed in relief as he finally relaxed. The old garage had been child’s play to break into; once he had established the persons owning the home had been gone for a few days. He considered hiding in the house itself, but moving about inside might draw attention from any who might be watching the place. No, the garage was easier and he was not planning on staying long anyway. Rests, a few winks until dark, and then make his way out of the area. That was the current plan.

He found an old sleeping bag and several old coats waiting inside. Perfect. His legs screamed their relief as he assembled his makeshift bed and lay down. They felt like they were going to fall off and considering he had been running non stop for hours he was not surprised. Andrew laid back in his secure and temporary haven while the events of earlier played out in his head; the sacrifice, the apparition, the party afterwards. He always enjoyed the parties afterwards. There was nothing like getting drunk and laid after a good dose of ‘Hail Satan’.

He hadn’t agreed with the demon either. It made no sense to Anton to join the establishment in order to serve Hell. When Satan himself appeared and made himself known, then and only then would he stand in a line and sign up for membership. Not to this so called miracle man that was running the world now.

Andrew had wandered off to relive himself just before the UEF soldiers arrived. He watched from the shadows of the trees as the violence began. Denise had started it by slicing the trooper’s throat, and then mayhem had broken loose. Andrew was smart enough to know they were doomed, so he had retreated back into the woods rather than run forward and join the others. Someone had to survive and spread the word among others like them.

The UEF would know he was gone when they searched the van and found his registration in his wallet, and him missing from the body pile. He didn’t even try to go for his vehicle; he just took off running into the night. That had been four hours ago, and now he stretched out on the concrete floor-allowing his aching muscles to relax. He wondered what his next move should be, but sleep took him quickly, leaving the wondering for much later.

PART ONE

UPDATE:

FROM: MAIN TECH

TO: ALL RELATED DEPARTMENTS

SUBJECT: PROGRAM #00-3.3-6-2.4-00 / B.E.A.S.T.

SENTIENCE PROGRAM UPDATE:

TOTAL LOAD TIME: 730 DAYS FOR TOTAL INSTALLATION -

CURRENT LOAD STATUS: 711 DAYS, 4 HOURS, 23 MINUTES, 10 SECONDS-

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETION: 18 DAYS, 19 HOURS, 36 MINUTES, 50 SECONDS-

END UPDATE:

Chapter One: New Players. Old Games.

Marion Yulican, The Master of Ceremonies spoke into the PA system. Marion climbed the steps, shook his hand, and accepted her new ID and diploma. Robert Yyonts, he continued after she left the stage.

A very large group, one of the recipients who had already received his awards observed to no one specific.

Thank the CEO we are down to the Y’s now. If I don’t get out of here, I am going to burn up! replied another.

Rebecca Zifferal, The MC intoned.

Yes, whispered another in the row behind. Why all this delay? Inquiring minds want to know. Several of the surrounding classmates snickered.

Marsha Zonnerman. The MC handed out the final ID and diploma. He then turned his gaze to the group and smiled softly. The seated individuals stood up at attention. Not a whisper or a joke was heard amongst them. Ladies and gentlemen, he addressed the rows of occupied seats behind the people at attention. I present to you the 9th class that has earned the title of Inquisitor. Graduates, repeat after me.

The assembled group of graduates faced the MC. Their hands assumed the traditional stance for the original American Pledge of Allegiance (with many right hands in the group showing evidence of Cypher-chip implantation.)

I swear to uphold the laws and edicts set forth by the United Earth Foundation. The assembled group parroted the words.

I swear to renounce all previous ties with government, state, culture, family, and religion that may interfere with my duty as an Inquisitor.

I swear upon the World Church and its divine wisdom that there is only one true representative of faith that is recognized, worshipped, and beloved by myself. And that is The CEO.

I swear to uphold his laws and to bring before him those who refuse to honor and obey. They will be educated, absorbed, and if necessary, punished for disobedience.

I swear by his name that I shall never falter or allow personal feelings of past loyalty to any one, and thing, or any group to hinder me in the quest for the truth.

Congratulations, Inquisitors. The MC smiled. The hall erupted into applauds as the graduates congratulated and sometimes hugged each other. Moments later, the MC spoke again.

All that is left is the presenting of the Award of Excellence. Given to the Inquisitor who has demonstrated drive, determination, self-sacrifice, an indomitable will, and the desire to be the very best he or she can be. Ladies and gentlemen, new Inquisitors, it gives me great pleasure to present the Grand Inquisitor herself, Rita Kimmel.

The hall erupted into cheering again as she stepped from behind the curtain after a second’s hesitation. Her outfit was new, and though she was five months pregnant, she refused to look anything less than professional. Her heels clicked her way across the platform to the podium, which she used at once for visual cover. Kimmel was extremely self-conscious about her appearance now and refused to give in to the torrent of emotions that was flooding her. Excess hormones, nothing more… She chided herself, as her feet-long accustomed to high heels, cried out in discomfort.

Welcome all, she began. Our winner of the Award of Excellence will come as no surprise to any. Before he even joined the Academy… she paused as the crowd was distracted. Something was happening off to her left by the doors. Kimmel made a sharp motion with her hand, and two giants appeared from opposite ends of the stage and stood ready with their attention glued to the site of the commotion.

A moment later, Kimmel released a sigh of relief as other giants (almost twins to the ones on the stage) entered the chamber and took flanking posts by the stairs leading up to the stage. The crowd erupted in shock and amazement as a familiar figure in his trademark blue suit entered the room, followed by still two more guards.

The CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the UEF (United Earth Foundation) entered the hall and began to charm the assembled guests as he made his way to the stage. Kimmel could not suppress a small smile at the site of him as he played the crowd. Her hand drifted down to the small bulge in her stomach (hidden behind the podium) and rested there on top of his handiwork.

He climbed the steps as the crowd continued to applaud and honor him. He paused to shake hands with first one, then the other of Kimmel’s personal bodyguards, then turned to face his ‘number two man’ in his order. They embraced politely for the crowd as he whispered softly to her.

I thought you were supposed to be relaxing, my dear? He whispered.

Your orders of protocol made it impossible for me not to be here, she reminded him. He glared at her for a split second, and then smiled at her for the world to see.

If the Grand Inquisitor would not mind, he spoke aloud in that clear voice the world had come to adore. I think I shall claim this one. Kimmel nodded her consent and stepped back from the area and took a seat on the platform.

As she began to tell you before I rudely interrupted her, the crowd laughed appreciatively at his jest. "Our winner of this class has already been a legend amongst his own. Even before he entered the Academy, he had already proven his worth as a neighborhood informant. He is a good friend to the UEF, and a good neighbor to all loyal to our cause.

It was through his diligence and dedication, that the ring of operatives in Metro City was broken less than two and a half years ago, and its evil leader was the first of many to taste the brand of justice they themselves brought upon their own…heads.

The crowd laughed again at his sense of humor.

"He did more public service until he reached the age to enter this facility. And upon entering, he has set his mind to the solitary task of learning all, becoming all, and being the all we have come to expect from our first line of defense against the fanatic, the heretic, and the unwilling. The Inquisitors. Who under the leadership of Grand Inquisitor Kimmel has cut a path across the planet and into the hearts of our enemies?

But, he paused for effect, their job is not yet done. More serpents seek to rear their heads against us, so more Inquisitors must be lifted up to help those who have held the lines so far. The Inquisitors are no different than us, Citizens of Utopia. One World?

ALWAYS NEEDS ONE MORE! The crowd screamed the proper reply to his mantra.

And one more has come! Inquisitor Thomas Thorpe, come and let us honor you.

The applause was deafening as the young man stood up and made his way through his fellow graduates to approach the podium. He climbed up and nodded to Kimmel. She returned the nod and felt a wave of nostalgia. She remembered when he first came before her in an ill-fitting suit and a chest full of puppy love. She never expected that boy to turn into such a dynamo of a man for the cause.

He clasped hands with the CEO and smiled broadly under his gaze. The world leader could feel the rise of the Cypher-Chip (Series Mark 4.7) resting beneath the skin on the back of his new Inquisitor’s hand, and his own smile increased. He released his grip and picked up the medallion from the podium and placed it around Thorpe’s neck regally. The crowd continued to honor them both. Thomas looked into the man’s eyes and sighed.

Use me, sir, he almost swooned, I am yours to command.

There is work in the Mid West, if you wish it- Thomas. The CEO almost purred the words.

Wherever it is, I will go. Whatever it is, I shall do it.

There is unfinished business in your old home town. I despise loose ends, Thomas. Trouble still rears its ugly head there and we both know is cause. I am giving you a World Court Order to carry out, Thomas. When you came to us, it was to be a package deal of two people, my good man. But only one half of the package arrived here, and I always expect what I am promised. Inquisitor Thorpe, I either expect the renegade Carl Jordan to be sitting here in the next class at the Academy and his little party of rebels turned in, or their heads hanging next to those of their friend’s on Metro City Hall. Do I make myself clear, Inquisitor?

Crystal, sir! Thorpe beamed in joy as he accepted his commission from the very lips of his god.

So, what exactly keeps the spirits away? The stench of these in-scents? The man laughed at his joke while the diviner tried not to roll her eyes at his comments.

Shuffle the deck again please, she asked politely.

I did it twice already, he complained.

Third time is the charm. She glanced at the clock to see how much longer she was going to have to deal with the man. Part of her cursed her partner for placing the coupon ad in the paper in an attempt to drum up more business. However, more business meant the jokers and the not so serious coming in to the shop. Perhaps expecting to see who knew what walking around or sitting on the shelves like something from a horror movie. He had already asked her ‘Where are the skulls?’ several times now. She did not find it humorous before and the joke was still not finding the funny center of her brain.

The man laid down the deck after giving it a halfhearted shuffle as he was asked. Now what?

Now, we begin to see what your past and future looks like and how things in your immediate future may go. 3:15 she noted to herself. Fifteen more minutes and she was done with this one. She smiled softly as she began to turn the cards.

So someone was telling me that the tarot has been around forever? he asked-mispronouncing ‘tarot’ as ‘tare-rot’.

Yes it has, she checked the spread. But it is pronounced ‘tare-row’, like row, row, row your boat, and not ‘tare-rot’.

Its spelled tare-rot, he countered.

English is a funny thing.

So, besides ‘tare-row’, what else do you do, sweetie? The man’s interests turning from the card spread to the redhead who was trying to divine them for him. You don’t just sit here all day flipping cards for the rubes that walk in, do you?

Kathryn ‘Autumn’ Cavender smiled at the badly handled flirt. No, I also work on potions and spells.

Well, I could suggest a different kind of potion, the man persisted. Say a few cold beers later?

Do you want to know your future or not? She tried to put him off politely and bring him back to the subject at hand. The man seemed nice enough, but was coming on a bit too strong for her likings.

So what do you do outside this place? He persisted.

Gather things for the shop, roots, herbs, plants. A lot of things are needed to make certain potions and have to be gathered at certain times of day in special places.

What about night time?

Autumn looked pointedly at her guest now. She had tried being nice and it wasn’t working. She leaned closer as if sharing a conspiracy secret with him. In the graveyards, she whispered, adding a touch of chill to her voice, Under the moonlight certain mosses have to be harvested along with the proper items and offerings at hand.

Offerings? His persistence wavered for a second. You mean like in the movies? Where the cut open some animal and do this ritual of sorts.

Autumn simply held a gaze on him and smiled very thinly. Want to come one night?

Actually I was thinking something more conventional. He kept looking at her eyes now-hoping to see the joke hiding behind her words. She kept her gaze firm and level as her fingers caressed the forgotten cards on the table.

*Ding* the small timer went off at last, telling her the session time was finished. Does that mean we are done? he asked. She nodded-still holding his gaze. You didn’t tell me anything.

No, she thought to herself, you wouldn’t let me tell you anything because you were too busy thinking with the wrong head. But her lips said, That happens sometimes when the subject becomes too broad and question filled, she apologized. We could continue, but that would take you past the allotted time frame your coupon gives you.

Doesn’t matter, he laughed and stood up from the chair. A bunch of nonsense anyway. Autumn bit her lip and calmly stood up as well. She was not going to split hairs in an argument with this man. She walked to the register and began to punch in the cost of the session minus the coupon.

Credits or card? she asked.

Card. He pulled his wallet free and dug out his Money Card. I thought everyone was on the scanner system for the chip by now.

We are in the middle of a six month grace period for the transition, she explained. Actually, we are waiting in line for the Tech’s to come out and install the new scanners to our system.

Hell being a little shop. He shook his head.

Autumn nodded her agreement as she swiped his card through the scanner slot and pressed SEND on the keypad. A few moments later, a sharp buzzing noise came from the device.

What’s wrong? The man asked. It’s saying my card is no good?

I don’t think so. Autumn made a clear showing of canceling the transaction for the man’s peace of mind and started again. She took the card and swiped it a second time and again, the buzzing noise. What the hell? Tess?

Yeah? A voice replied from the backroom. What’s wrong?

Register is on the fritz again.

Congratulations, Thorpe.

Thomas turned to face the voice. He smiled again as he shook the hand that was being offered. Thanks, Morgan. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Oh really? The girl smiled and adjusted her glasses. Well now, you can remember that when you get to the top.

So where are you being sent to?

DC, she pouted. They told me some fancy name for my post, but it boils down to data entry.

No way!

Once again, I have Thorpe to thank for my pain. Morgan smiled. Well, not really. But when they found that information locked away in a rusting file cabinet underneath the Pentagon? They began exploring everywhere and was finding information never committed to disc or drive by the room full. Some can be scanned in, but others have to be manually processed into the Mainframe.

So they made you a typist? I can’t accept that! He shook his head and tried to ignore the obvious. At five foot even and scarcely weighing one hundred pounds, Morgan Daniels did not look the part of an Inquisitor. She was more mouse than menace. That was the behind her back opinion of the new Inquisitors concerning her. However, she graduated in the upper third of the group and should be off to a section of importance in the organization and not doomed to the position of file clerk.

Sad, but true, she sighed, what plum did the CEO hand you up there on the podium?

Home, Metro City, he smiled.

Ah, the villain returns to the scene of the crime? Morgan jested. Thomas stiffened at her words for a moment.

…Cosmo is gonna die because you had to have money… The ghost of a half remembered conversation drifted through his mind. He shook himself mentally to chase the thought away. Oh yes, believe it or not, there is still unfinished business there from that time. I guess he figures who knows the situation better than one who was involved in it when it happened.

Well, Thomas, remember your friends in low places. Morgan smiled weakly and offered her hand again.

Morgan. Don’t. I had nothing to do with your assignment!

I know, she admitted, can’t a girl be a little envious?

Envious, of this poor devil? the CEO had approached from behind and sat his hands on Morgan’s shoulders, causing the girl to jump a bit. I am afraid I am going to be working the proverbial life out of Mister Thorpe here for a long time. Four months from now he may be considering you the one to be envied, my dear.

Sir, Morgan composed herself, I meant no disrespect…

None taken. I am sure when the Inquisitor here begins unearthing the plot, that more of the information you are being sent to catalog will be even more valuable in our quest. So you see the two of you will still be working together. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to speak with Inquisitor Thorpe.

Yes sir, Morgan replied. She watched the CEO and Thomas step away to a more open part of the meeting hall.

Before you say anything, Thorpe, I want her in DC, the world leader cut to the chase. Don’t doe eye me and say you weren’t even thinking it. There will be a staff at your disposal that you are free to select, but none of them will be her.

I don’t understand, sir.

You should have listened closer to Kimmel’s lectures when she was here, he scolded Thorpe. As the Inquisitor in charge, you are expected to send your people into potential hostile situations. Now, we spend time and money to assure ourselves the best people are available for the job. But one lucky shot, the CEO placed a fingertip to Tommy’s brow for effect, can undo everything. If you start being protective of your staff, they will do you no good in your quest.

I understand sir, and I am not debating that. But, Morgan is quite competent.

Oh, I know. I saw her test results and her progress reports.

Then respectfully requesting, Sir, isn’t there something more active she can be doing besides filing?

Hmmm, I will see what is available. Even I, in my long experience, realize that the most amazing things can be found in the most unassuming packages. Oh, and one more thing, Thorpe? Lions do not mate with lambs. I suggest when you get back to Metro; you set your sites a tad higher.

A beaded curtain that hid the back from the view of the front parted, allowing a flamboyant looking woman to emerge to join them; like a fancy gypsy in appearance with an infectious smile, she stood next to Autumn and looked down at the register.

It’s a temperamental old thing, she apologized to the man waiting. Let’s try it once more and see what the problem is. Tess tried the process as well and got the buzzing noise again. Hmmm… she quickly grabbed a pencil and jotted down the letters and numbers that appeared on the scanners screen. Must be a system malfunction, dear. If the card wasn’t good, it would be a whole different error message appearing. Never seen this one before, so I am going to have to call it in and see.

I do have some credits, The man checked his wallet and pulled free a couple of bills, but not enough I’m afraid.

That’s quite alright. Tess took the offered credits and began to write him a receipt for the transaction. Consider it an additional discount for the delay we have caused you. She ripped his copy free and handed him the receipt and his card. He thanked her and started to make his way out of the store.

Maybe I see you around one night? Autumn leaned over the counter and stared at him some more.

Uhhh, you never know. He opened the door and let it slam behind him, causing the chimes to jingle loudly.

What was all that about? Tess was flipping through the error code manual now trying to see what the letters and numbers meant.

Oh, someone wanted to go play one night and I suggested a way we could. Autumn tried not to laugh.

Horror movie buff?

Indeed.

Oh, you little scamp! Tess admonished her. One of those types who expects Satan himself to be sitting in here on a pile of bloody skulls and six, six, six everywhere. All imagination and no common sense, I swear!

He seemed okay, but…

Well, a good date would hardly kill you once in awhile. Tess kept thumbing through the manual. I have never seen this one before. I guess I am going to have to call it in.

Inquisitor Daniels? Morgan turned to see Kimmel approaching her. Congratulations. I knew you could do it.

Thank you, ma’am, she replied softly. It was your recommendation that got me into the Academy to start with. I am glad I did not fail your trust.

What is wrong, girl? You made it and joined the elite.

Do the elite get to fight rats as they search for missing files in bunkers?

Sometimes, but I see what you mean. Kimmel watched Thorpe and the CEO continue their conversation. Were you hoping to be sent to Metro with Inquisitor Thorpe?

Well, I was hoping for something more active than data processing, she admitted. I know all the new ones have to ‘pay their dues’, but some of us are getting to play in situations much closer to what we were trained to do than I am.

As you can see, my own field work is going to be limited in the near future.

Kimmel was wearing a suit cleverly designed just for her, to hide her obvious condition, but up close it was very apparent what the Grand Inquisitor was talking about. Morgan remembered enough in the days when her entire family was still here to notice the pregnancy. The baby? Is this? I mean-was this..?

Planned? Kimmel finished for her. "Yes, and wanted. Now I will be taking three new Inquisitors and personally training them in higher office works, political sciences, and other areas not normally touched upon by the average Inquisitor. Interested? Your scores and records speak for themselves, but any field assignment is going to have you sitting in the office making copy and fixing coffee. No offense,