FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Wylde Fyre

By Stephen Doyle

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Chapter Seven Some Time Some Place

Silverwind walked along the main boulevard of Atlantis, reassured by the city around him. It's elegant architecture of white and sandstone, with marble cladding and the flourishes of bronze decoration across the buildings, all illuminated by the warming glow of white light orbs that chased away the early evening shadows as the sun slid below the horizon, painting a golden sheen across the ocean that surrounded the vastness of the city on all sides. The reassurance was welcome, as the normally peaceful environs of the city had an undercurrent of unsettled fear in it. Nervous glances were exchanged between small groups, and conversations died out as soon as anyone got within earshot, the groups broke up, or made excuses and headed away, their heads bowed and tails held low. It made for a sad change to the normal way life went from day to day in Atlantis, and the way it had been for as long as he could remember - which meant it had been that way a long time before he'd been alive too. But it was simple to know why it had ended up that way. He looked away from the groups around the plaza, standing apart and alone and up at the impressive central building of the city, the tall, tapering cone, blunt-topped and with a mass of impressive decorations. It was the seat of government for the nation, as well as the centre of knowledge, learning, and culture for Atlantis. Home to the council, and also to the Knowledge that had been passed down to their civilization from their ancient benefactors, the Mu. They had treated it with respect, and handled it as best they thought, spreading the knowledge throughout the world as its custodians; their self-appointed role the spreading of knowledge to others not gifted with it by the Mu. But some resented it, possessed of their own knowledge, its' source and origin unknown. They were interested only in acquiring what they did not have, paranoid as they were. Already other cities or states had been forced back to primitive levels they'd only just emerged from by the Lemurians interference. And no Atlantis, the source of enlightenment was in their sights. And spies were rumoured to be everywhere. Sighing once more, his ears flattened in an expression of displeasure, his tail hanging likewise. It was a sad state of affairs, and as a high-ranking member of the Atlantean Defence Forces, he was exposed to it on a daily basis, listening to the latest estimates of the enemies' forces and strengths, the kind of weapons and machines they may have to use against them, their ultimate goals and expected strategies. It was all a lengthy, stressful, and repetitive guessing game that went in circles without ever seeming to make any progress beyond baby steps at a time, none of which made any effort toward reassuring the people at large. But it wasn't his place to make policy, just to carry it out to the best of his ability, and carry it down to those beneath him, and that their experience and training was enough to see them through. However, for at least today it wasn't something to be concerned with, as today he was meeting his wife-to-be, and nothing else would get in the way of that. The thought buoyed his spirits, and put a spring back into his step as he walked further down the wide boulevard, heading for the lush belt of parkland that surrounded the Centrum, as the great edifice was known. A Flyer passed overhead with the almost musical whistling notes of its' passage, turning to a gentle rushing roar. He glanced upward, keen eyes following the sleek dart-like shape across the sky, eyes watering momentarily, before he shaded them with one hand against the light beating down from the azure expanse. Two more followed, the noise rising in a crescendo, then fading into the distant sounds of the city. A shiver wound down his spine and into his tail, his fur fluffing out briefly. It wasn't cold, so much, as the prickling sensation of... fear or anticipation of something bad happening. He pushed it down, and trotted down the wide flight of steps into the parkland, a smile brightening his muzzle as the scents of flowers in bloom, and the heady odours of tree sap and healthy earth mingled around him. It was an exciting, lively place, even with the overall air that pervaded through Atlantis, and resisted the air of sadness that had fallen over the rest of the city. People still walked arm in arm, or let their children play across the lawns and gardens. He knew where she'd be waiting, of course. The same place she always did, and the same place they'd met. And without fail, as his feet lead him down the paths to the ornamental fountain, in the midst of thick, brightly flowered bushes, he couldn't help but crack into a big, tail-wagging grin as he let his gaze fall upon Nénah's form, as she waited. Her fur was smoke-grey, with black highlights, except the dark auburn fall of her head-hair, which tumbled to her shoulders, contrasting her piercing green eyes. All of this combined with a curvaceous form, a little way over what anyone would call slim, but that was one of the things that made her beautiful to him. Her curves gave her a full bust, and an equally plump rear - both things he appreciated as much as any man. But she was as smart as a whip, and had enough personality to spare besides. And, more than anything that amazed and impressed him about her, she'd chosen him. She caught sight of him, and her muzzle split into a warm smile, her tail wagging as he approached, hands held out to fold into his as he pulled her close into a warm hug, their lips meeting for a brief, shy kiss. "Been waiting long?" he asked in his gruff, deep voice. "I would've been here sooner, but work-" "It's all right," she answered in musical, gentle tones. "I know how it is right now. Everyone's worried about what the Guard are going to do. They're all scared the Lemurians are going to attack the city". He gestured to the paths, and they talked as they walked, linking arms. She shivered, and turned her collar up against a cold breeze that had sprung up as the sun sank below the horizon. "Truth is, I'm not sure they're not wrong," he said with a subdued tone. "The places they've attacked so far, they've been virtually atomised, destroyed with almost no trace. If they turned it on us..." "You'll think of something," she said with a smile. "You and your flyers are always at the biting edge, after all; and I trust you more than anyone else to do it. I know you can!" He smiled at her warmly, hugging her close with one arm, and she rested her head on his shoulder as they walked onward, their comfort in each others' company a ward against the fear of the events around them. The sun slipped lower into lengthening shadows, and they paused to watch the last of the suns' red glow slip away, and the lights of the city slowly warm to life, the gentle glow appearing in windows and streets. Nénah squeezed his hand gently, and he did the same, turning to look at her, and smiling, before leaning in close, their lips meeting in a tender kiss, which lasted long moments as the sun slipped away and the night stole in. "I'm hungry," said Nénah with a sheepish smile as they parted. "We should go and get something to eat. And I insist on paying this time. You did before, after all" "What would you elders say," he said with an amused smile. "A lady shouldn't be paying her intended, it's just not proper, especially with my position as a member of the City Guard and of the Flyers at that". She laughed, and was about to reply, a similar laugh on his face too- -and then the city was rocked by a deafening explosion, repeated seconds later by numerous others that crawled across the city, blocks of buildings tearing apart into a tapestry of smoke and flame. "What the- What's going on?" she cried out in shock and amazement as the light of the flames overwhelmed the light of the illumination globes, many of which were flickering. Chime of alarm and ringing bells filled the air as the city slowly began to react to the danger. Silverwinds' muscles were tensed and he stepped forward, wracked with the desire to do something, to head to the Flyers' hall, and launch himself against whatever was striking at the city. "Wait!" called Nénah, tugging on his arm, and pointing at a distant part of the city. "Look there, what's going on?!" Light was concentrated in that area of the city, the buildings lit up in a circular pattern, as if the sun had risen early. The buildings began to lose their regular shape and definition, wavering as if in a heat haze. Explosions and flames erupted amongst the wide avenues and boulevards, before the buildings began to blacken and char, and then, all at once, the light grew brighter, and brighter, until they were forced to turn their eyes away from the sheer intensity of it. When they looked back the area was a forest of charred stumps, smoke rising in a choking black storm front into the skies, its' mass broken only by the shapes of flyers darting in and unleashing their weapons at the ground, spilling jets of fire at the buildings. Already huge swathes of the city were aflame, and the ground under their feet was almost in continuous tremors, with stones tumbling from almost every building along the boulevard. They clung to each other for support, not daring to go near the buildings in case they collapsed. Rumbling crashes gave that away as the fate of other structures all over the city. Screams rose with the bells and chimes now, half-heard over distance, and mingling with the sound of weapons fire and explosions, crimson shafts of light rising sporadically to engage the flyers. Lights dimmed all over the city, replaced with the light of fire, or the darkness of smoke. As one, the message sets clipped to their belts chimed insistently, filling the air with a gentle musical warbling. They exchanged brief glances as they unclipped them, and held them up, the half-circle shapes sliding and lengthening into two, bridging the gap between muzzle and ear, and dampening all sound around them. "Commander," a familiar voice said to Silverwind on the other end of the line. It was the Grand Marshal of the Guard; the commanding officer for all Atlantean military forces, and his direct commander. "The Lemurians have struck at us, completely by surprise. Their capabilities are far greater than we imagined, especially coupled with the sheer number of agents they had amongst us". His voice was leaden and resigned with the words, it didn't take much to imagine how much the events had taken out of him. It was his city to defend - his civilization to defend - and he had failed it, letting it be attacked, both from within and outside. Whatever else happened from now on, that would be what he remembered and what he'd be remembered for. Silverwind felt a strong pang of sadness for the man. He had been a mentor, and a dedicated soldier, spending his life in the role, often being opposed for his ideas and views, and playing the role of dissenter to the others voices in the council, passionate in his beliefs and ideas in defence of the nation. And now, it had come to nothing. "Yes sir," answered Silverwind at last, his tone muted and sad, matching that of his commander. "Lady Nénah and I are in the Centrum Gardens at the moment. We saw the initial attacks. We're both unharmed and ready to act-" "I'm glad you're both well," he replied, his voice firming as he spoke. "But the only action you have to take now is to get to the Flyer Halls and get out of here, as soon as you can. Make for Europe, discard your vehicles, and blend in. We'll take care of the rest. You must ensure as many people as possible survive, and that you can hide from the Lemurians". "Sir," Nénah added, butting in and exchanging a worried glance with Silverwind. "What about the Knowledge? It can't be left to their devices-" "It's too late," he said, his voice almost cracking. "It's gone - their agents, the ones who infiltrated the city. They were in the council, in the Centrum. They took the Records, under the cover of the other destruction. The Guard fought them, held them back. But in the process, it was shattered. We have fragments, and they're being sent away, all to different places. But it's too late - the Lemurian agents, they've destabilised the City Heart, and the Island is already feeling the effects. You have to leave, Silverwind, Nénah. You have to leave now, and make sure that some of us, at least, survive". The transmission clouded with static and the screech of interference as an earth-shaking tremble ran through the city, and the mountains in the middle-distance, the necklace of peaks around the city, shuddered violently, sheets of rock visible crumbling from the peaks, giving rise to veins of ominously glowing red and orange that spilled down the mountainsides, and reflected in a hellish glow from the bottom of the smoke clouds. The city was dying. Silverwind hung his head, closing his eyes as he spoke. "Yes sir; I'll take it on as my personal duty. I'll lead them to safety, if it's the last thing I do. And it's been an honour, sir". "We will survive, Commander. One way or another, we will survive. Lady Nénah, your task is similar - take our people, and head for the shores of Africa, spread among the people there and continue our society. At least in some form, anyway; even if it isn't quite as it is here, in our home". "But sir," blurted Silverwind, unable to hold his tongue any longer. "Nénah and I, we were-" "I know," said the Marshal after a long pause. "And I'm sorry. I wanted to pass my blessing to you at the ceremony, for what it's worth. And I know you would've made a wonderful partnership, and family. But the needs of the many, Commander, must outweigh those of the few. We all have our part to play in the grander role" Silverwind couldn't help the bitterness that edged into his voice as he bit out a weary 'yes sir', and hung his head. He didn't want to even meet Nénah's eyes at that moment, but inevitably, he looked across at her, and saw his own feelings mirrored. "I'm sorry Nénah, Silverwind. If there was another way, then I'd find it. But you're the two most trustworthy people I have. And two of the most resourceful, too; I'm sure you'll find each other. And I'll do everything I can to make that happen too. But right now, I need you to do this for me". They held each others gaze, tearful and laden with anguish as it was. Silverwind nodded slowly, sadly, as Nénah spoke. "You know we will sir. We won't let you down". "I know. I'm sorry, again. You were always the best, and I always liked both of you, as more than soldiers. I wish we'd had more time to get closer. I had big plans for both of you. Good luck; I know you'll do well". The line went dead, as the upper levels of the Centrum exploded into an ear-splitting, eye-burning show of light and fire, enough to rival the angry volcano that was beginning to sow ash and smoke across the remainder of the island. The Marshal had been right - there was no choice, no other way. Without words, he swept her into his arms, as the ground shook beneath their feet, and thunderous rumbles of the city tearing itself to pieces; the very land tearing itself to pieces, sounded the death of Atlantis. "I love you," he said simply, roaring it over the sound of their world destroying itself. "I love you too," she screamed back. "Always, and I'll find you again!" "You too! I promise, even if it takes a thousand, thousand years, and as many lifetimes - I'll find you!" The whistling of fliers drew near, and reluctantly, slowly, they drew apart, drawing it out to fingertips, and walking backward, dragging their feet until the sound of the engines was louder than the Volcano and the Centrum collapsing, before running into the clouds of smoke.

*

Sean's senses jolted him back to the present, the scents, sounds, and feelings of the room around him a world away from the odours of burning metals and acrid smoke, and the sounds of a city falling in on itself. He could still feel the heat on his face, the wind in his fur. It had been so real, it was almost jarring to realise he was back in the room, and that this was reality instead of the vibrant images he'd experienced. Slowly, he looked around at the room again, looking at his own hands almost in disbelief. A second thought struck in - Silverwind. He could have been Seans' twin, or at least brother. He certainly did the same job, and the pendant around his neck was the same. It didn't look the same, it was the same one¸ he could tell, just as it was easy to tell that the images hadn't been faked, or recorded in any way that he understood. They were memories, and it was clearly the case, as thoughts and emotions that were part of the situation. Not to mention, the smells had been real, the sounds still haunted his ears, his eyes still watered from the thick smoke. It was a record, of something that had happened, had happened to the city he was sitting in now. And if the pendant was part of that, it meant the others he'd seen had to be too. He'd seen the shape of Nénah's pendant during the journey through Silverwinds' memories, and seen Nina's pendant earlier that day. And if he was somehow part related to Silverwind, then maybe, in some bizarre way, they had found each other again. He shook his head and let his jaw hang, a dry taste of disbelief in his muzzle, wiping one hand across his eyes and then staring at it, still amazed and astounded by what he'd seen. It was almost too implausible, too impossible to believe. His family were descended, somewhere in antiquity, from the ancient race of Atlantis. And that Atlantis, and the knowledge it had guarded, knowledge that had been passed on from some other people. Maybe even some other race, if what he understood from the images was true. Sean wasn't a philosopher, or even particularly given over to musing on life and its nature. It wasn't that he was an idiot, or unintelligent in any way, it was simply that through his upbringing and training, he hadn't dwelt on it. He read, and had curiosity about things; but that curiosity had tended toward the logical, mechanical, and straightforward. His training as a fighter pilot had reinforced that, backed up with his college degree in mechanical engineering. What little he did know of philosophical, religious, or other forms of thought and concepts came from the books he'd read or late-night conversations over copious amounts of alcohol in his college years, or bullshitting in the officers' club in the small hours. This was more than he'd ever expected to deal with in his career. He turned his eye away from the now blank crystal, and looked up at the faces of the others around him, their gazes expectant and hopeful as he met them. Especially, he lingered on Nina's face, his memory awash with the sensations from the memories he'd experienced. Nénah, Nina... if there was a connection between his pendant and Silverwind, and hers and Nénah's, it raised questions; and they were questions he wanted to answer. Her eyes met his, strong and firm, loaded with unspoken words, before Rebecca broke the silence. "I think you'll have questions," she said in a quiet voice.

Some time later, they were standing in what had been the Centrums' square. Rebecca and the scientific personnel had explained that the structure had some technology that had preserved it for thousands of years, holding back the cooling lava until it had solidified into the cavern it formed now. The remaining buildings inside had been preserved, along with their contents over the intervening time. The leader of the Foundation had followed back the ideas, stories, and rumours of the Lost City, and the races and rumours of other cities and lost realms. Over painstaking decades, he and the other senior members of the Foundation had traced back the rumours, the myths, and the legends. But doing so had lead to danger. Attempts on his life, and on his peoples' lives, and on the discreet work he was doing. And when so many of them happen, it ceases to be a coincidence, pointing to someone, or something, plotting against him. But it was worth it, worth the hardship, as they found authentic proof. A crystal, like this one, that showed him the real answers.

Sean sat as this was relayed, in bits and pieces, from Rebecca and details filled in by the others from their own conversations of this kind. He leaned against a long-dead tree trunk, looking in dazed awe at the city around him, and listening as a history he couldn't believe or imagine was explained to him, and his world shaken violently. "Then the Foundation is just for research," he said finally as she fell silent, finished in her explanations. "It's the conspiracy you're after. Not even that," he added after a moment. "The Lemurians and their people, they're behind it still. They've been trying to do... something, isn't that right? They're the ones who took us on in Tajikistan, and who were in the convoy. That's why they were unmarked, and had all that nice gear on 'em, right?" He looked up at Rebecca, who nodded sharply. "Yes. That was them. They've had centuries to insinuate themselves into positions of authority and now they're all over the place. The extent of their plan as we know is to take control of the governments, of the militaries and of society overall. They've got people almost everywhere to try and do it - we're not even sure who we can trust outside the foundation. They want the Lemurians back on top, and they've been planning it for centuries" "An' I take it they haven't changed their minds much from the Lemurians of old, in how they feel about other peoples?" "Not really, no. I think they're more the other way. What little information we have about their plans indicates that they're looking for... something. We're hoping that the intelligence you recovered will give her some indication of what, or where to strike next". He sighed and leaned his head back, patting down his fatigue pants for the tube he knew was in there somewhere, and the half-smoked cigar that was somewhere in it. He drew it out, and using the same battered Zippo he'd carried with him since he'd joined the USAF, he lit the cigar and puffed it to life, drawing the breath in and holding it as he considered what the Rough Collie had told him, and more, the... visions... he'd received from the crystal. "Sean," said Nina, lowering herself down beside him. "When I was told about all of this, I was completely confused too. It's not exactly easy to swallow. It sounds like something from a crappy TV movie, a bad paperback thriller, or a terrible piece of internet fiction, but it's true. I saw the city, I smelt it and heard the sounds" she hesitated, her arm sliding out and her fingers weaving into his own and holding loosely, as he squeezed her hand gently in an almost instinctive gesture. "It was a hell of a shock. I couldn't believe it was real. But they I thought, 'why not'. It explains so much, makes a lot of things make sense about the world. And I like the idea of there being an ancient, wise, civilization, don't you?" "It is pretty fucking cool," he admitted with a small smile. "And looks like we're related to them, too, which is even more awesome in itself; knowing that I'm descended from something like the Atlanteans," he looked around the city-cavern, and then back to the group. "The images," he said after a moment, sucking in a mouthful of the cigar, and letting out a smoke ring. "Did every see the same thing when they looked into it?" "Some of us didn't see anything," answered Taia with a soft smile. "Seems like not all of us are the Chosen Ones, boss." "Yeah, some of us are just simple old humanimals, with no fancy backgrounds," added Red with a grin. "'Course, not that it means we can't do our share of fancy things anyway". "Wouldn't doubt it for a minute," answered Sean, with a grin in return, his tail wagging gently. "'Specially since I already seen what you can do." "To answer your question though," continued Rebecca, her tone even and calm, but still smiling softly like the rest of them, "No, those of us who did see something, all saw something different. It was all of Atlantis, of course, but from different perspectives or different places". "What did you see?" asked Sean, his curiosity peaked. His ears twitched a little as he looked at the collie. Her eyes cast down, ears drooping and her arms folding around her. "Something very personal; a warning, you could say" she answered, her eyes still looking to the ground. "It was enough to convince me, though. Of everything, and the part I have to play in fighting back against the Lemurians pulling the strings, for the Foundation, and whatever they've got planned". "I saw..." began Nina, and frowned, before continuing. "I saw something powerful, something similar to what you saw, but..." she hesitated, and the others all exchanged glances, before she continued with a slight sigh. "Remember what happened in the tunnel on the way here; with all the lightshow and spooky voices, and all that jazz? Well, it wasn't too far off from that. The crystal glowed up like a damn hurricane lamp, and I wasn't just transfixed, like you were, I was... well, drawn to it, hypnotised almost... And I don't even remember half of what I saw, other than the occasional dream - or nightmare - and sometimes, when I touch my pendant, or some other Atlantean artefact, I have a, 'flash' I suppose you could call it. And then I do the whole spooky voice act again". She shook her head ruefully. "So yay me - I got to be the mouthpiece of Atlantis, ain't that great?" "Well, if you're the mouthpiece, then that makes me the asshole," quipped Sean, winking at her, and succeeding in drawing out a smile. He glanced at Taia, who gave a tight smile and nodded, and Max gave him a sharp nod too, and the same smile. Sean's expression grew serious, and he gave a quick flick of hand and fingers, following with his ears flicking backward briefly. Between the squadron, it was a signal: Danger Close. Sean was confident of the three of them to get through anything, and to do whatever was right. But in a situation like the one they faced with the Foundation, with so much leeway and power under the control of an NGO, and against an essentially omni-present enemy, they would be in a dangerous situation until they could assure themselves otherwise. As for Red and Nina, he didn't doubt them, and trusted their judgment. But until they could have a heart-to-heart, they were outside of the box, much to his sadness. "So what now?" he asked, breaking out of his silence, and looking to Rebecca. "Now that I'm in for the ride - where do we go from here? Is there a plan of action, some mission to perform?" Rebecca straightened up, shaking her head and her muzzle showing a smile that wasn't in her eyes. "Well, I promised that we'd use our resources to help you out, and I'm going to hold up my end of that. And we've got to get you all flight-tested, trained and checked out on your planes too. But I think we ought to have you prodded and poked about a bit first, of course, Colonel". "Oh good," grumbled the fox, his ears flattening to his skull, and muzzle wrinkling up around the cigar. "An' I was hopin' it'd be something fun too. Still, if it helps with me being half-blind and a wreck, then I've got not complaints. And do I still get a rank?" "Not yet," added Nina with a wink. "But you'll change your mind later, I bet". "Thanks for the reassurance, there" he said with a raised eyebrow, before looking back to Rebecca. "Well, time to go?" "I think so," answered the collie with a nod. "Just one place for you to go before we go back to base. There's someone I think you have to meet. And someone who wants to meet you, too".

*

Emerging back into the warm sunlight and fresh air was a relief, after having spent the last few hours underground. Even if the once-proud city hadn't been particularly foreboding or spooky, it had at least been dark, and somewhat sad to behold. Not to mention the air down there had been stale, and cold. The warm mid-Atlantic sunshine and the warm breeze chased away the air of loss and sadness of the mausoleum city, and replaced them with a sense of energy, vigour and determination. The bunch walked down the same paved, straight road away from the dock to the tunnel entrance, this time emerging from the trees into the open air, and the smell of the sea greeting them. Rebecca beckoned Sean closer as they stepped onto the dock where the Catalina was moored. Taia, Nina and the others hung back as she showed him to a small launch tied up to one side of the pier. "Time to go and meet the boss," she said to him with a smile. "He wants to meet you personally - I think there's some things you and he need to discuss. Don't worry - we'll be waiting. And he's not that bad. I promise". "Y'all are just fulla encouraging, ain'tcha? All right, all right. I'll see ya back here when they bring back my pine box". "I mean it," she said firmly, folding her arms and looking at him over the top of her ever-present sunglasses. "He's a good man." She gave a gesture toward the small boat that waited, while the others waved. He shrugged and clambered into the motor launch, which then pulled away from the pier, and headed across the water, bouncing lightly on the gentle waves. The shapes of his friends receded as the big ship they'd seen at anchor earlier grew. The little launch swept gracefully around to the rear of the ship, pulling up alongside a set of boarding steps hanging from the upper decks. Sean realised after climbing aboard and walking through the elaborate wood-panelled corridors complete with plush thick-pile carpets and polished brass fittings, that he felt massively under dressed for meeting the man in charge of the whole foundation. After being directed to the correct deck and cabin, he shook his head in wry amusement, his tail curling gently, and ears flattening back. He'd let the 'military' look he'd once had slip a little while in the hospital and as a result, his hair had started to get a little shaggy and ragged around the edges. Equally, he wasn't in any kind of uniform, with a loose, tropical-weight grey T-shirt with an F-15 silhouette on it, and urban camouflage combat trousers. His boots lacked the shiny gleam they'd had during his USAF service too. He wasn't exactly the model of spit-and-polish (but he never had been), and while it didn't bother him too much; it wasn't the greatest way to make a first impression. With a groaning whine, he tried to smooth down the salt-and-pepper streaked dark hair on his head, whipped by the wind on the boat ride, and gave up before knocking on the door sharply.

He waited, awash with a mix of curiosity and anxiety, before a voice on the other side of the door beckoned him in with a deep, smooth baritone. The wooden door clicked open, and Seans' eye was greeted by the face and features of an older male rough collie, perhaps around his fifties, or sixties. He had the signs of age on his face; the greying muzzle and hair, lines around the eyes and thinning fur, but he had a confident manner and firm tone. His eyes were locked firmly on Sean as he sat behind his desk, silhouetted in the bright sun from outside. "Mister Blade," he said, his face remaining still and calm as he looked over Sean. "Please, take a seat. I've been looking forward to meeting with you. I would've come to Rammstein myself, or even met you at the base, but I have been busy." Sean didn't miss the intonation there, and quickly took the offered plush seat, marching stiffly across the room to the desk. As he did, it was hard to miss the decoration. Plaques and framed certificates for education merit contested for space with framed and preserved minor artefacts. A pedestal topped with a Perspex case holding a cracked version of one of the crystals held his attention for a moment, before he dragged his eye to the boss again.

The canine leaned back slowly in the chair and studied the fox for a moment, his hands clasped together as he studied the younger man. "So," he said slowly with the hint of a smile creeping onto his aristocratic muzzle, "Despite being shot down and heavily wounded, you still found the wherewithal to recover intel from the enemy that has them frantically making plans and cover ups. Impressive work, can I expect more from you?" "I aim to impress," replied Sean evenly, meeting the collie's gaze as he raised himself from the high-backed leather chair, and with the aid of a cane, moved around the desk to a small drinks cabinet concealed within a globe, mapped with the continents he recognised and a handful more besides, fascinatingly enough. "And so you did," he replied as he opened the top, and gestured to the collection of bottles and glasses. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said as he prepared two measures of Johnnie Walker Blue from a bottle in the cabinet, his thin-fingered hands shaking as he did so. "My name is Marcus Stewart," he said, regarding the fox as he handed him the drink, the ice clinking in the thick glass of the tumbler as it settled. A heartbeat passed and Sean's face lit up in surprise. "Rebecca's Father?" "Indeed," he replied with a nod, sinking into the chair with a shuddering motion, and sighing in relief. "I'd say she rather gets her looks from her mother." Even as the old man said this, Sean studied his features and saw the same noble profile, the same cut of jaw and fine bones, and the same piercing, cold blue eyes in his face, always the same despite the expression. "I imagine you've got a lot of questions? Lots of why, who, where and how, about all manner of our operation here". The older man took a sip of his drink as he watched the fox for a reaction. Sean's ears flicked as he thought, taking a sip of his own drink at the same time. The room was silent aside from the ticking and tinkling of the antique desktop Orrery, which span and cast reflections across the room as the sun caught it. Again, like the globe, it showed a strange constellation of planets, not quite the same as the known ones, but not fantastically different. "A few," said Sean after a moment, raising one eyebrow. The older collie gave a slight hint of a smile. Sean shifted in his seat and his expression shifted. "This is an impressive set up," he said after a moment. "All you've done here, the organisation you've created over years, from nothing but rumours. Finding all the truth behind it, and bringing it into the world; not to mention the amazing tech y'all have got". He paused, regarding the Collie, measuring him with a gaze. "It seems like a lot, though," he said after a moment. "A lot of power¸ for an organisation that doesn't report to a government, or a constitution and makes its' own policies and plans without any oversight; seems like it's a surefire way to megalomania to me". The collie shifted and chuckled softly, before stifling a wheezing cough with one bony, grey-furred hand. "You certainly don't hide your opinions, do you, Colonel?" "Well, sir, seeing as how I'm no longer part of the military world, I thought I'd get into the spirit of the civilian world and not keep my mouth shut". "I have no interest in taking over the world, or disposing any governments. And I'll be sure you're introduced to our official observer from the United Nations, and allow her to address any of your concerns. You may have met, actually, as he used to be an RAF pilot. He's a very efficient, and very affable young man, as well as being most effective at his job". The older collie stood from the seat, turning to face the window, and gazing out, the slatted blind casting shadows across his face as he looked out to the nearby island, bathed in sunlight from the almost cloudless sky. "And as powerful as we may seem, we are but a drop in the ocean compared to the forces our enemy can array against us; both physical threats and those of a political nature. There are a few people outside the foundation I can trust; it's essential to have a few of them, of course, or else we would never have enough money or resources to achieve what we have so far. However, make no mistake: This is a battle to restore freedom for the humanimal race, culture, and society from the control of the Lemurians, and against whatever plan they are building toward. Not to insert our own control in its' place" "What do you think it is they're doing that's so bad?" asked Sean, taking a place beside the canine, and looking out. Marcus shook his head, but kept his muzzle sealed, lips pulled tight and ears flattened. There was no answer, but Sean could tell he knew something. "Anyway," said the collie after a moment. "There will be time soon enough for this kind of matter. Especially once you've settled in and read all of the briefing materials and passed all the classes. Although from what word gets around, I hear you are already settling in well? Organising a party already, and getting your place fitted out. Very enterprising, I'd say" "You know about the party? I've barely even invited anyone!" "I hear things" the old man answered with a craft smile. "I'm sure it'll go well." "I hope so". He paused the last of the whiskey burned down his gullet with a warmth nothing to do with the hot interior of the ship, and the ice clinked as it settled in the empty glass. The fox regarded it as he considered the strange meeting, and the man who headed up the mysterious foundation. The melting ice cube was a little like him, he thought. Molded and shaped into a regular, conformal shape, placed into a situation where it did it's job, and now slowly losing that shape as it was put into a new place; the situation surrounding it gone. He didn't intend to melt away to nothing, though. "Sir - Marcus - was there anything else you wanted to discuss with me today? Not that don't I appreciate this chance to make contact, or the very fine whiskey, especially, sir. I'm pleased to see we have a taste in common". "At least two, if the cigar smoke I smell on you is your own, Mister Blade. I did primarily want to meet with you simply to see how you are faring, and for you to meet me. But yes, there are other motives. We have begun studying the intelligence you recovered, and it has already lead to several objectives we are pursuing. One immediately, with some associates I have come to know and trust undertaking a job for me. I'm hoping once they return safely, you'll be able to meet with them and work together. And that may lead to a mission for your unit, also." "We aren't ready yet, sir; with all due respect. We haven't trained on this equipment, or formulated any tactics, or studied the procedures you want us to operate under yet. I have no doubt my people are the best, or even that Dart and Red are anything other than excellent; but without training-" "I'm well aware of that, Sean. You'll have time for your training, and whatever other training you decide you need. But there's already plans going into motion, so we shall have to move quickly." He locked eyes with the fox, a brief expression of sadness flickering across his heavily lined and aged face as he looked close up at the pattern of scars radiating from the black leather patch over the foxes' left eye. "Nonetheless, enjoy this evening, and I hope it gives you the chance to get to know the people you'll be working with". The elderly Collie opened one of the drawers in the ornate dark wood desk, drawing out a small wooden box and placing it into Seans hand with both of his own. Sean looked down as he did, registering the thin bony fingers, and the skin and fur stretched tight. Age showing through, despite the fierce intelligence in his face and eyes, and the strength in his voice; there was no mistaking that Marcus was more than met the eye at first glance. "Please, for your party, with my compliments. Think of it as a welcoming gift"

Sean didn't open the box until he was back on the boat to the island, musing over the conversation and the meeting. Inside the velvet-lined mahogany cigar box were six individual hand-rolled Cuban cigars, each one nearly as thick as a babies' arm. He held one of the long cigars under his nose and inhaled the heady smell, smiling warmly. They were rich, sweet, and earthy; perfect cubanos. "Damn," he muttered softly. First Johnnie Blue, and now Cuban Cigars? Maybe I should start hitting on Rebecca, since the old man's been giving me the good treatment. Though it only adds to my thinking: This is too good to be true. He replaced the cigar in the box, well intending to smoke at least one of them at the party later, and tried to let the clear sea air chase the doubts from his mind as the boat angled in for a gentle stop at the floating pontoon, where the team waved as he approached.

TO BE CONTINUED

Glossary:

NGO: Non Government Organisation