S.T.O.R.I.E.S. Showdown in Saskatchewan

         The three agents for the Secret Transnational Organization for Real Improvement of Earthly Security met in the conference room. They had been chosen for their special talents in the field. Agent Rayne Storm was like a thunderbolt against evil. Agent 4 Provinces was a communications expert, able to talk to people and animals if need be. Agent Weird was an expert in the darker aspects of the world and how to combat them.

         Shortly after, Director Wannabe, chief of Canadian Operations, entered the room. "Agents, we have a crisis on our hands. As you are no doubt aware, the website email experienced difficulties recently. This was not some random event, but was the result of a deliberate attempt to compromise our Computer Operations and Logistical Intellegence Network. Someone broke into out hidden systems. The Story Master and Story Mistress have traced the attempt back into Canada. The C.O.L.I.N. will explain further."

         All four turned to the large C.O.L.I.N. screen. The eerie mechanical voice rang through the conference room. Everybody was used to the S.T.O.R.I.E.S. AI by now, but it was still strange talking to a computer that was self aware. "The attack is the work an Alliance for World Domination cell. A.W.D. was seeking information on S.T.O.R.I.E.S. personel, operations, and equipment. Most of the information was secured, but the locations of some of our training and information storage facilities have been compromised. Over 500 new recruits are in jeopary, as well as countless amounts of valuable data. Swift action is needed if we are to prevent this information from being decrypted and used."

         "The trace gained us the location of the A.W.D. base of operations. It is located in Saskatchewan. We believe that A.W.D. hopes that our efforts to retrieve the stolen data will create tension between Canada and the United States, and that this possibility will slow our reactions. As such, The Story Misstress has chosen you three as the best operatives to deal with the crisis. Each of you has abilities that will enable you to combat the threat without the use of firearms, necessary in Canada. You must get in, retrieve the stolen data, and get out as quietly as possible to avoid creating any kind of incident. While you are not operatives of any national Government, it may be hard to convince injured Canadian nationals, or farmers whose crops have been destroyed of this fact."

         "As always, if you are caught, Stories,Com will mark your accounts as self deleted, and will deny all knowledge of you. Go forth and delete the forces of evil. Write on!"

         Director Wannabe continued. "Agent Weird, the head of A.W.D. operations in Saskatchewan is Valgor, an Abyssal of the 12th circle. You can expect lesser Abyssals to be feature prominently in the base defenses. As such you are the operation commander for this assignment. We can't be sure how long it will take them to decode our files, so there is no time to waste.

         Without further word, the three agents left the conferance room. It could be a tough assignment, going into Canada, where they couldn't carry weapons, but they had faced tough challenges before and always won out. They got their tickets from mission allotments, and headed for the airport.

         The trip to Regina was uneventful. Rayne slept most of the way, Weird studied the habits and abilities of the 12th circle, and 4 Provinces called Agent Hoovsie at her remote barn of operations.

         They got to their previously arranged hotel, and met in Weird's room. He had some books out, and gave a basic breifing on what they would likely face.

         "The twelfth circle deals with weather, particularly it's more destructive aspects. It makes sense one of them would be involved here, since they have the best understanding of electronic equipment, seeing as how it's powered by controlled lightning. We'll need to do something to avoid being electrocuted if we face Valgor himself. We can expect there to be Hell Infernal Hounds and Storm Hawks defending the base and it's perimeter. Fortunately our combat suits should be well enough insulated for confrontations with these. The hunting Knives we brought with us can be enchanted to do some real damage to these creatures. We will still need to deal with the human agents."

         Rayne looked at them. "I don't think they will be a problem. But how are we going to find the base? We can't exactly go around asking people, 'Excuse me, but do you know the where abouts of an evil organization's base around here? You should be able to recognize it by all the demon monsters running around.' We're supposed to keep things quiet."

         "Well," began 4 Provinces, "I think that's why I was called in on this one. There are far better resources than people for information. I just don't like who I'm going to have to deal with."

         Rayne looked at her quizzically. "Why? Do you have contacts here in Canada?"

         "Not exactly. I've had dealings with another international group. We aren't on the best of terms, but I think I can work out a deal. I just don't like dealing with them. You never can really trust them, and it's not safe to turn your back on them."

         Weird looked up from his books. "4 P's, who are you talking about?"

         The normally demure agent shuddered slightly as she said, "The Squirrel Syndicate."

         The next day, the agents went to the grocery store and bought two bags of mixed nuts. Then they went to the park and waited. As it was a business and school day, the park was empty. The sky was blanketed in clouds, and a chill wind blew, causing the three to shiver as they sat. Finally, their patience was rewarded, as a small, bushy tailed, black furred form emerged from the nearby trees.

         4 P's approached the diminutive form, opened the smaller of the two bags, and chittered at the squirrel. It chittered back. They went back and forth for sometime, apparently in deep negotiations. Finally, five more squirrels came from the trees. Each one skittered into the bag, and took two nuts, and returned to the trees. 4 P's rejoined her compatriots. "We meet the Overtail in three hours. I've got the coordinates to the meeting ground. Let's go."

         The trio rented a car and drove out of the city to a large copse of trees not far. They waited in the car until 4 P's indicated it was safe to approach the meeting ground. None of the agents wanted to offend the Overtail, although they weren't quite sure why.

         The copse was ominously silent, as if nothing lived within. In the middle was a small clearing, with a large flat rock at it's center. And upon that rock, sat the Overtail. He was a grey furred squirrel, Perhaps a foot from head to tail. 4 P's indicated that the agents should bow. When they did so, the Overtail gestured with his paw for them to approach.

         4 P's placed the larger bag of nuts on the rock in front of the Overtail, and scattered the remainder of the smaller bag around the clearing. The Overtail's mouth opened, revealing his tiny teeth, and he licked his lips. Then something happened that made both Rayne and Weird jump.

         "You know our customs well, City Builder." said the squirrel. "Why have you come to the Syndicate?"

         4 P's approached, and knelt down so she looked the Overtail in the eyes. "In this place, other City Builders have come. They bring with them, those from beyond. We seek them. We seek to drive them out of this place. But, we know not where to look. Your eyes are far seeing, and your mind far knowing. We seek your aid."

         "Your request is good. We do not like those beyond. Their Flame Dogs are bad for the trees and for my people. We, too, seek to drive the out. You know our ways, you know our speech, and you seek the same end as we. We are not your friends, but we will be united in this. I will give you the information you seek, and my people shall be there when you drive the invaders out."

         Rayne looked at the strange squirrel and asked, "Isn't this going to be a bit dangerous for squirrels? We appreciate your help, but there's no point you guys getting killed."

         The Overtail began to squeak. It almost sounded like light chuckling. "We have many allies in the green, City Builder. Worry not for our safety." It then turned it's eyes back to 4 P's, and began a complex series of citters and squeaks. Then it waved it's paw.

         4 P's stood and said, "We got what we came for. We've been dismissed. Let's go." Her face was ashen as she stepped away from the rock, and it's small inhabitant.

         The three returned to their car, and 4 P's gave directions. First they stopped at a roadside diner for lunch. 4 P's began to regain a semblance of calm. "I hate dealing with the Squirrels. You never know what thoughts are lurking behind those beady eyes."

         They drove North the rest of the day, to the forests of Saskatchewan. They stayed in Prince Albert. Their goal was located in Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park, in the forest there. 4 P's had all the information needed. They just hoped that the Syndicate would live up to it's end of the bargain.

         Weird performed his rituals on the hunting knives, so that they would be able to quickly dispatch the other worldly agents of Valgor. They had to interupt the work when hotel staff came mistakenly to their room. Someone had complained about the noise from the room next to them. Once the confusion was dealt with, along with the young man's winks and nudges on seeing the three in the room together, the work proceeded smoothly.

         Early the next morning, the three checked out and headed for the forest. Unlike the Syndicate meeting grounds, the woods here were vibrant and noisy. Insects buzzed, birds chirrped, and forest creatures rustled the trees. But in the heart, there was a evil festering, one that would be cut out.

         They knew a small depression in a hill was what they were looking for. They knew they were getting close when they started seeing scorch marks on the trees and ground, a good indicator of both the Infernal Hounds and Storm Hawks. They proceeded with the utmost caution.

         It was Rayne who first heard the growling behind them, and she grabbed the other two and pulled them to the ground as a jet of fire lanced past them. Leaping to her feet, she saw the red tinged mastif. The thing reeked of sulphur. She charged, and slashed at it with her hunting knife. The beast leaped back, and then forward again, trying to lock it's teeth around her waist. She danced away from its slavering jaws, and drove the knife deep into one of its eyes. The beast fell, whimpering, and dissolved into a cloud of hideously scented smoke.

         They continued on, knowing they were getting close. Then, something dropped from the canopy above. The three agents scattered. Looking at what fell, they saw three ragged birdlike creatures, that disolved into a vile smelling goo. Weird said, "Storm Hawks, but what killed..."

         He was interupted by the sound of flapping wings above. It sounded like a lot of birds were up there. 4 P's looked up. "Seems the Overtail was right about having allies. Let's go."

         They got to a break in the trees and saw the hill with the small cave. They also saw a dozen uniformed men walking around the area.

         Rayne surveyed the situation. "It looks like they have some pull with Parks Canada. We may have to keep a closer eye on that. But now, how do we get into the base? We need some kind of dis..."

         Just then, three bears emerged from the trees. The armed men looked at the three bears, and tried to shoo them away. This only seemed to anger them, and they reared up and roared.

         "Perfect!" Rayne called, and she charged at the distracted men. Weird and 4 P's followed her.

         The battle was chaos. Rayne tore through the men with punches and kicks. The bears lumbered in and locked the men in great hugs. 4 P's and Weird held their own as well. Soon, not a man was left standing, and no alert had been called. The bears padded back into the woods, and the three agents entered the A.W.D. base, after collecting the weapons for their own use.

         The cave itself was small and dark, and had an scent of freshly turned earth to it. The trio turned on flashlights, and saw several mounds in the small natural chamber. Rayne looked at them and said, "Looks like we weren't the first to find this place." She shook her head sadly.

         The rear of the cave was covered in deep shadows. Weird was tipped off when the flashlights failed to lighten things up. He reached into the darkness, and his hand touched nothing. He motioned the other two forward, and passed into the shadows.

         The other side was an earthen passageway that appeared to have been carved out naturally. It twisted and turned along, but electric lights strung near the top of the passage showed that this was not just an animal den. Rounding one corner, the three ran into a pair of armed men. Rayne made quick work of them with two well placed kicks. She didn't want to alert the rest of the base.

         Continuing down the passage, they came to areas that looked to have been more recently dug, and by a more precise hand. They came to a cross, and looked to Weird for guidance. He brought out some odd equipment, a silver needle suspended in a pyrimidal structure. He spoke a few gutteral words, and the needle pointed straight ahead. Without another word, he went down that corridor, the other two following closely behind.

         At the end of the passage was a larger room. The room was floored with metal plates. Similar plates were attached to the walls and ceiling. There were a number of chairs and a large table, all made of metal, around the room. Hover just above the ground was Valgor.

         Like most of his kind, Valgor looked like a man. He could blend in to any crowd if he didn't hover above the ground. He was of medium height and medium build, and looked absolutle plain. The sparks flying from his eyes told of his true nature, however. Here was the 12th circle Abyssal. He looked at the three agents and laughed. He was hooked into the wiring powering the lights, but he let it fall, and the hallway was cast into darkness. The only light was from the unholy arcs from Valgor's eyes.

         The three fired on him with his minions' own weapons, but he just held up one hand. A discharge of electricity knocked the bullets away from him. This fight would have to be hand to hand. The three began to close on Valgor.

         When they were in the room, they heard a loud "CLANG" behind them. Turning, they saw two guards had just closed, and now barred the entry door. The three were trapped, although it didn't seem a problem.

         Then they saw Valgor begin to crackle, and the scent of ozone filled the air. They realized their mistake. They were now trapped in a well grounded room with a monster that could fire bolts of lightning.

         He did so, and all three threw their weapons and dove away. The guards, not quite understanding what they had signed up for, raised their weapons, and were hit full force as a substantial part of the discharge was drawn through their metal weapons. They fell, charred, to the floor. Sparks continued to arc from them to the metal plates beneath them.

         Valgor looked a bit disappointed. "I had hoped to catch at least one of you in the blast. I really hadn't counted on your suits being insulated. Still I can't say I'm sorry about the effect, they really were the most profoundly stupid people. Now, where were we?" He began launching smaller bursts of elctricity at his foes.

         4 P's was taken by one, and then a second when she fell to her knees. Rayne and Weird could see her chest rise under her combat suit. But that wouldn't last long if Valgor weren't taken down quickly.

         Rayne took the chance and charged Valgor, knife ready. As she swung, his body erupted in a storm of sparks, and small bolts arced from him to her knife. She was held in midair in a halo of lightning. Valgor waggled a finger at her as if rebuking a small child. Then the halo vanished, and she, too, fell.

         As Rayne charged, Weird looked for anything he could use. He picked up a chair, and as Rayne fell, he hurled it with all his strength at Valgor. It struck him in the chest and bolts arced from him to the metal. He screamed and rose higher off the floor, breaking contact. That was it! He could be beaten.

         Weired ran to the table and pushed it towards Valgor. As he did he shouted, "You've been a bad little Abyssal, Valgor. Time you were grounded!"

         Valgor launched a massive bolt at Weired, but the metal table attracked it. His hands got singed as the electricity carried, but his insulated gloves saved him from anything worse. Then he reached Valgor and drove him into one wall with the table.

         Valgor screamed once again. His cries echoed off the metal walls, but were drowned out by sounds like repeated thunderclaps as all his energy discharged in the span of a couple of seconds. He seemed to be absorbed into the walls and table, reduced to electric impulses that were torn apart and spread around the room. Bolts blew into the wiring and the lights began to explode, and finally all was cast into darkness.

         Getting his flashlight back on, Weird checked on his comrades. They were scorched a bit, but they would live. He got them up and moving, and they searched the rest of the underground complex. In one room, they found a computer hooked to a generator. It was a simple matter to destroy the files it was attempting to decrypt. There was no net hook up, or any other way for the computer to communicate beyond it's monitor, so the data was safe, as were the S.T.O.R.I.E.S. agents and archives.

         The three were careful on their way out of the forest. They remembered the Overtail's words. They weren't his friends, but they had a common enemy. Now that Valgor was gone, they had no guarantees of safety. Best to be cautious and not arouse the anger of the forest. Someday perhaps, all creatures could learn to live and work together, but that day was far away. Still, if S.T.O.R.I.E.S. could fight off gunmen and demons, maybe it could even negotiate peace between man and nature. No one knew what the future held, but one thing was sure. The Agents of S.T.O.R.I.E.S. would be there to meet it head on.