The elevator door opened with a ding. It revealed a man in his later years now, though well kept, and even more well dressed. With him he carried two small sacks, both being held in one hand, while the other hand holding a slim, and expensive looking briefcase. He stepped quickly out of the carriage, then took only a few steps to a wooden door, that itself opened into a very luxurious office. It's walls were covered in rare paintings, created by artists both old, and new. The furniture was made of the highest quality black leather, save for the desk that rested just a few feet from the interior wall, crafted of thick, and well polished oak. It was the desk that he set his gaze to, though the person that was supposed to be sitting behind the desk, was no where to be seen.

   "Betty?" He called out, his voice giving even more evidence to his age. "I have lunch." He said while sitting one of the brown bags down on the desk top. Still though no answer came from the area, the only thing he noticed was that the door to his own office stood slightly ajar. With a few steps he grabbed a hold of the decorated door handle, pushing it open, ready to call out for his secretary once again. However, no words could come out of his mouth save for a quick gasp as he saw who was in the room with him, sitting in his plush brown leather office chair. While the presence of this new person showing up unexpectantly was surprise enough. It was the large shiny forty five caliber, with a long silencer on it's barrel pointed directly at his head that gave him the most worry.

   "Well hey there Dick!" The man with the gun said with a bright, and welcoming voice as he pulled back the hammer of his weapon with his thumb. He wore his night black hair short, combed, and slicked back over his head, save for the set of bangs that came up of his head just an inch, before coming down to just below his chin, framing his tanned, and angular face. The coat he wore had a high collar on it that was pulled upwards to stand straight, itself covering a form fitting shirt that was the top of a wet suit.

   "Devan?" The man called Dick rasped out, even though when the man holding the gun called him so, a small flash of anger came over him as he knew all to well that Devan knew his name was Richard. "Where's Betty?" Richard demanded as his face contorted, letting his anger be known to the person pointing the weapon at him.

   "Oh she's fine. I sent her out so we could have a nice talk, you and I."  The two looked at one another for a few seconds, Devan getting a wide happy looking grin on his lips as he saw the muscles in the elderly man's arm start to tense and rise. Richard made a fast move, using speed that would betray his elderly appearance. His intention to take hold of the gun that was holstered on his side, and hidden under his coat, in some way hoping he could even the odds with the black haired gunsman sitting in his chair. Devan sat there for a small moment, watching his target's actions in a slowed version of their actual happenings. Then, just as Richard was about to grasp his own weapon, Devan gently squeezed the trigger of his own gun, letting one shot rifle down the extended barrel. The bullet wizzed past Richard's head, missing it by a mere inch, before striking the wall just behind him. This caused Richard to abort his motions of grabbing his own gun, and go into a standing cower, while instinctively moving away from where the bullet struck. Devan's gun let another muffled shot report from the barrel, this time striking on the wall on the other side of Richard's head, making him jump back in the direction he had just came from to avoid the first bullet.  "There any more sudden movements you want to make?" Devan said, his smile still wide, his voice still happy sounding.

   Richard threw his hands in front of him, signaling his surrender, while slumping his body slightly in a cower. "Alright, alright!" He added, taking notice, and even being a slightly bit impressed, that Devan just moved his hand to fire those shots, he didn't even aim. "Just checking to see if you still had the hands you did when you worked for us." Richard said with a small chuckle.

   "You could've asked, Dick." Devan said while placing the gun down on the desk top, then leaning back in the large chair, placing his hands behind his head, while his leather boots came up to rest next to the weapon with a loud intentional thud.

   "How did you find this place Devan?" Richard asked while relaxing his own posture, then stepping slowly over to one of the leather chairs that sat in front of his own desk.

   "Well." Devan started, using his legs to push him back and forth in the chair while he recalled what brought him here. "There I was in Germany, just minding my own business. When I noticed two very suspicious looking fellows had been following me for a couple of days. I decided to follow them around, while they followed me around. Then after about a week, I got bored, and asked them what they wanted, and I must say. They were very helpful and informative." Devan's smile then twisted into a more sinister grin. "Though, I think you should probably take them off this years Christmas list."

   This made Richard let out a frustrated sigh. "Damnit Devan! Those were good men!" Richard shouted in a lowered voice while pushing himself back into the chair.

   "Now when you say good men." Devan started as he removed his hands from behind his head, and made air quotes with his fingers. "Do you mean they were good personality wise? Or that they were good at their job? Cause I hate to tell you, they really sucked at the job part." The last part of his sentence making Devan laugh more to himself.

   "It doesn't matter." Richard said in a defeated tone, as he was not going to engage Devan in one of his verbal run arounds.

   "What, do you want?" Devan said as he took his feet off the desk, making sure that his heels dragged some files that had been sitting there onto the floor.

   "A job." Was all that Richard said, causing Devan to let out a loud burst of laughs as he spun the chair around in a circle.

   "Don't bullshit me Dick. I haven't worked for you Floor Thirteen folks in almost five years." Devan sat there waiting for a response, though Richard did nothing but just stare at him. "Oh." Devan said while getting a serious look on his face that was more to mimic The elderly man's expression. "Well what prey tell would you want me to do that your fine staff here couldn't handle?"

   "I want you to track, locate, then kill Shannon Nyx." Richard blurted out in a very professional, and mono toned voice. The desired effect was not reached however, as Devan let out another long laugh, that eventually made him start to cough as he slapped his hand onto the desk.

   "Ah, man!" Devan said as he reached a finger up to gesture for Richard to wait a second while he finished coughing. "Either your intel team is getting really crappy. Or your mind is starting to slip even more than I thought it was. Cause you know Shannon has been dead for almost two years now? He's been totally off grid."

   "Yes this is true." Richard said, still not being amused by Devan's loud, and rather accusatory tones. "However, we do know where he is, and we, or I, want you to deal with him."

   "Alright." Devan said while crossing his arms, and leaning back into the chair again. "I'll play along for now. Where is he?" This caused Richard to stand up, very slowly as to make sure Devan did not take it as a hostile action.

   "I take it you are aware of the Here to There project?" The old man asked, causing Devan to think for a second, then almost laugh again as he recalled hearing about what had just been mentioned.

   "I take it you mean the silly teleporter thingamajig? Yeah, I had heard about it. Just took it as someone watching a little to much TV."

   "Well however much the project was inspired by vivid imaginations. We did get it to work." This caused Devan's interest to peak, by letting his eyebrows raise. "However, Shannon found out about it as well. He also found out how much resources our supporters had placed into getting a working prototype."

   "Uh huh." Devan interrupted. "Let me guess. He tried, or did kill everyone involved?" He said, making another small laugh as he finished. "Well, don't know what to tell you. I guess some people take it personally when the company that trained them, armed them, gave them jobs, all of the sudden try to kill them."

   "Shannon had become unstable, and a security risk. We knew he was going to go rogue, and we attempted to deal with the situation to the best of our abilities." Richard looked at Devan with a serious glare. "Much like we should have probably done with you, when you went rogue."

   "Hey!" Devan shouted, while pointing a finger at the old man's face. "I didn't go rogue. I quit, and decided to pursue my own ventures elsewhere, there's a difference."

   "Anyway." Richard said, trying to digress the conversation back to the subject at hand. "It is true that Shannon did try to destroy the project. He did so by attempting to kill the head, and father of the technology. Fortunately the good Doctor was able to prevent this by activating one of the devices while Shannon was over it." He then paused to see if Devan had anything to say on the matter. "However, something miraculous happened, in this form of defending himself, We found that Shannon had been sent to a whole other world, possibly another dimension, or parallel universe." This caused Devan to pucker his lips, while letting his head fall to the side as he gave Richard a blank eyed stare.

   "Well thanks for wasting my time." Devan said as he picked up the gun, and pointed it at the story teller's head. "I do have more important things to do today."

   "Wait, wait!" Richard pleaded as he once again threw up his hands in front of him. "I can prove it!" Devan, thought for a moment, then lowered the weapon, still keeping it in his hand. Richard swallowed hard as he took a few sliding steps towards a long flat screened TV that was resting on the wall. There, he opened up a panel that was very well hidden, then pressed several small colorless button, that where held within. The TV flickered on, suddenly showing very colorful, and surreal landscapes. "We were able to completely, and successfully recreate the accident. So much so, that we were able to send in a very small recon drone to take these photos you are seeing now."

   "The hell was that?" Devan said with a shout of excitement as one of the photos showed a very large structure seemingly built into the side of a mountain in the distant background.

   "Ah!" Richard said as he smiled, knowing that he now had Devan's full attention while reaching up to pause the playback. "We are now fully convinced that there is in fact a thriving alien culture on this world. Obviously capable of building great wonders like you see here." The playback continued, showing more landscapes, and even some areas that appeared as suburbs, and even farm lands. The pictures then began to display some very colorful creatures on the ground. Every new still showed the small creatures performing every day tasks. This caused Devan to get a furrowed eyebrow as he looked to Richard for answers.

   Richard cleared his throat with a small cough as he tried to think of a way to explain this next part. 'We also believe, the occupants of this world, may or may not be, small to medium sized, different colored." He paused once again for a moment while clearing his throat. "Horses."  Devan got the same look he had prior to the pictures, while this time adding in a quick inhale, and exhale through his nose.

   "Now Dick, I just want you to know. The more it seems you are messing with me. The more likely it is you are going to get shot, in the face, with a gun." The entire time Devan was talking, the hand holding the gun was waving haphazardly in the air, causing Richard to tense up several times as the barrel pointed in his direction. "Just thought I would let you know. In case you forgot, or something."

   "I know it seems completely impossible!" Richard said with a smile, once again trying to gain Devan's attention. "We didn't believe it ourselves at first, but look!" He reached up and pressed a button on the TV, causing the images to scroll faster, showing even more structures, and small horses on the ground. The images stopped, and the TV turned to static before Richard pressed a few more buttons, then closed the hidden panel again. "The drone's battery was running low, so we sent it to a river, and destroyed it."

   "Well those were fun, and entertaining pictures." Devan said as he stood from his resting place, showing that the coat he was wearing was just past his waist, accompanied by a pair of light cloth black pants. He walked around the desk, his gun now very still, and pointed at Richard. "I didn't see one picture of Shannon though."

   "You're right." Richard said as he decided to stand his ground as the tall and slender framed Devan walked up to him. "We are not one hundred percent sure that Shannon is even alive. That's why we want to send you there, and make sure." This made Devan let out a small chuckle.

   Devan reached up with his free hand, and brushed a few strands of hair that had fallen into his face. "Now Dick." Devan started, putting much more emphasis on the name this time. "I know you have it out for Shannon. I even know you have it out for me. It just chaps your ass that two of your most, talented, most skilled and most successful agents decided to leave, and make your life hell. Now why, oh why do you think I would let you send me to some alien place where I wouldn't be able to get back unless you wanted me to?"

   This made Richard swallow hard as he felt he was losing Devan through his form of paranoid logic. "That is untrue, we have been able to develop a device that will allow you to return to Earth whenever the job is done, or you have found Shannon's remains. Besides, I know you and Shannon had your differences. You had even clashed a couple of times on various jobs if I remember correctly, neither one coming out on top. I just thought you might like to even the score, finally let everyone know who the best was."

   "As much as I just love you stroking my ego, I think there is another reason. I think that you can't stand it that Shannon got away. I think, that you think, that Shannon is there right now, giving away all your dirty little secrets to anything that will listen. Am I right?"

   Richard's face contorted into one of frustration as Devan spouted out the worst case scenario. "And you know that he would. If it were in Shannon's best interests, and a way to make this company look bad. He would let every creature on that world know what we were doing, what resources we had, what technology we used. For all we know, Shannon could be there amassing an army to walk through that portal, and lay waste to everything he sees."

   This made Devan crack a huge grin, and even have to stifle a laugh. "Really? Kinda over dramatic don't you think? And I thought you just said that you had to have a return device to get back."

   "Well that part is true, but who knows what kind of tech this alien culture uses?" Richard now pointed at the blank TV for his own reference. "Shannon could have told them how he got there, and their own scientists could be working on the same thing right now as we speak."

   "Okay." Devan started while clapping his hand onto the gun he held with each syllable. "Let's move on from what I think, to what I know. Now, Shannon may or may not be on this alien world. He is more than likely dead. All we know is, he is not here on Earth."

   "Yes." Richard responded, the word being more of a sigh.

   "And, even if Shannon were there, and alive. He couldn't return here unless he had the device which allowed him to do so?"

   "Yes." Richard said again, really starting to remember why Devan annoyed him so much.

   "Well then." Devan said as he pulled the hammer of his weapon back with his thumb, then pointed it directly at Richard's head. "I think with Shannon out of the way. My job opportunities just got a whole lot bigger."

    For the third time now, Richard placed his hands in front of him in a sudden panic. "Wait, wait! I forgot to tell you something!"

   "Oh, and what would that be?" Devan said as he applied even more pressure to the already compressed trigger.

   "Do this for me." Richard started as he slowly lowered his hands. "Find him, kill him, or find his remains. Just bring back proof that the job is done, and we are willing to pay you enough to ensure that you, and the next ten generations of your family never have to worry about money again."

   "Ah!" Devan exclaimed as the happy smile came back to his lips. "Well hell Richard. Why didn't you say so in the first place?" The hammer of his gun was placed back into it's resting position, as Devan holstered it into it's case that was on his back. "You know I don't have any kids though right?"

   Richard decided to take this opening to lighten the mood even more, now that Devan was completely interested. "Well I guess just more for you then!" The two shared a small, but loud laugh, even though Richard still felt uneasy when ever Devan laughed at anything. It had a tendency to momentarily show his true nature. "Besides, after this. You can just buy as many as you want."

   Devan let off a quick shrug of his shoulders, then slid right next to Richard, while throwing his arm over the elderly man's shoulders. This caused Richard to give off something of a micro flinch, an action he was hoping that Devan didn't notice. "So, Directer Cook." Devan began as he and Richard started walking towards the door. "When do we get started?"

*****

   A book of ancient origin, and design flew across the room, causing Moon Burn to have to side step from being struck in the head. "Where is he?" Luna screamed while slamming her hooves down on the ritual table that was covered in scrolls, parchments, and other writings that covered it's surface. "For three nights I have tried every location spell in Equestria, new and old! Why can't they find him?"  She now, in a fit of frustration, sliding her metal clad hooves across the table, pushing many of the papers to the floor.

   "Princess." Moon Burn started as he had to dodge yet another magic hurled flying object. "I know that you know how these spells work. But I fear I would be doing a poor job to remind you that the locator spells use the inherent magic that is held with in all Ponies of Equestria. Even other races of the world have some small amount of magic in them. Perhaps it would be safe to assume that Shannon, and his race as a whole do not possess such things." This caused Luna to calm a small amount as she placed all her hooves on the ground, with a deep and defeated sigh.

   "And what of dreams Moon Burn." The Princess said in a soft whisper that started to show the sadness she felt. "Do the Humans not dream? Because I have tried that too. All for nothing."

   "I could not say Princess. Shannon never spoke of such things." Moon Burn took hold of one of the books that had been tossed in his direction, then walked slowly over to where his distrait Goddess stood, placing the manual back on the table top, letting a small smile come over him, followed by a chuckle. "I had just started courting Cold Chill, seems so long ago, when I was a young stallion. She and her friends wanted to go on a camping trip, all by them selves. It seemed so ignorant to me, they had no experience on the subject, they just wanted to go because it sounded, fun. Of course I was so in love with the little mare, that I did not object, then two days in, they had gotten completely lost. When I heard that they were missing, I ran as fast as my hooves could carry me, In the process getting myself horribly lost as well." This did what Moon Burn had intended it to do, Luna for just a second, started to let a smile spread across her lips.

   "What happened?" Luna asked with a slightly more upbeat voice.

   "Well, they had read the map wrong, and were only a mile or two from where they were supposed to be. With just a minor correction, they were back on track, and made it home fine." Moon Burn now let out a more hardy laugh. "I however, had gotten completely lost, and turned around. It took search teams over two days to finally find me." This time the two of them shared a laugh, even though Moon Burn's was filled with a tinge of embarrassment.

   "I see what you are saying Moon Burn, and I thank you for the lesson, and amusing story." Luna once again let the sad thoughts of her love out there in the unknown come across her face, the wilds, and even the Everfree, all of them filled with dangers that even the most brave, and prepared Pony could have trouble facing. "Shannon has lived this entire time here with in the walls of the castle, and Canterlot. He knows so little of what is out there. She then reached up with her hoof, and tapped her self on the head a few times. "I just wish I could remember what I had said to him while I was under the influence of those cursed pills." She stomped her hoof to the ground, accompanied with a frustrated moan. "For all I know, I could have told him to jump off a cliff."

   Moon Burn let out a small chuckle. "I do not think you would have done so. Even in your." He paused for a small moment to find the right words. "Confused state." With that, he gave her a deep bow with his head, then started to walk towards the door.

   "Rushing off?" Luna said as she turned her body to watch him leave. "Tired of hearing me mope about?" This caused Moon Burn to stop while still opening the door, giving her a warm smile.

   "Shannon is gone, Chaosia and Chaotica are still in the earliest stages of their recovery, and I think young Shadow Vein has taken the news rather hard, He has missed the last couple of duty shifts, and has not answered his door. I am taking temporary charges from both Sorrow Wing's, and Hammer Fall's troops to make up for the gaps in personnel."

   "Oh Moon Burn!" Luna cried out, trying very hard to suppress a tear as she realized how much trouble had befallen her Guardsmen, in just a short amount of time. "I am so sorry for putting you, and all the Dark Guard through such troubles." After hearing her, and seeing her fight away the emotions, all he could do was raise a hoof, while extending the still light, and comforting smile.

   "No trouble at all my Princess, we are the Dark Guard. Populated by the rarest, and most powerful Ponies in all of Equestria. The loss of a few comrades, only strengthens our resolve to let all know, that we are the best under the Sun, and the Moon." Moon Burn started to walk out of the room, then stopped once again for a moment. "But only if all know that our Goddess Princess is happy and content. So please, become happy and content, anyway you can." He gave her another bow of his head, just as she was returning the smile he had shown her, then left the room, closing the door behind him.

   After Moon Burn had left, Luna returned to her table that had a multitude of books, and other forms of information she had brought up from the castle's library. Most of these tomes were concerning that of different races of the world, and how magic interacted with them. She knew for a fact magics, no matter how powerful, had different effects on creatures other than Ponies, and careful study, adjustments and revisions had  to be made accordingly. The problem with all of this was, humans had never been seen or heard of before Shannon arrived, so no proper magical theory could be devised, everything she was doing was a shot in the dark, and the whole ordeal was becoming more, and more daunting.

   "Happy, and content." A whispering voice filled the room, causing Luna to let out a frightened, and surprised whinny. Her body spun in full circles, while her head pivoted from side to side with wide eyes to see who was speaking. It wasn't until she calmed herself a bit, and took in more detail did she see the possible source of the disembodied voice. In her closet floated two narrowed, and gleaming eyes. They just moved slowly back and forth, appearing to not be attached to any head, or body to speak of.

   "Who is that?" Luna demanded, her look of shock now turning to one of anger. "Come out of there right this instant!" She commanded as she stamped her hoof to the ground, letting her own eyes narrow as she started to prepare herself for any possible threat that may be lurking in the shadows of the small space.

   "As you wish." The voice said with a louder volume. The eyes started to rise, all the way to the top of the lightless door frame, what happened next cause Luna to take a few steps back, as her mouth fell open. The very darkness that was inside the small storage space started to leave it's confines. It oozed out like a thick black oil out of the sides, but the most of it started to creep along the ceiling by the means of long black tendrils reaching out, and pulling the living shades along their path. The glowing white eyes followed in suit, moving up the wall, and across the ceiling, where they stopped in the middle of the black mass.

   "What are you?" Luna said in a low intimidating voice, as her horn started to glow bright. All the while, taking small steps backwards, to put distance between her and the thing on the ceiling, her mind preparing any kind of defensive, and offensive magic that she could think of when dealing with unknown monsters.

   "Do you not recognize me Princess? I am hurt." After the walking shadow finished this statement, a masked pony head popped out from the shade. The mask that was covering it's face had no features, save for the two small, down pointed glowing eyes, and the material seemed to be the same flowing black liquid that came from the closet. A body came out next, upside down, and slowly being lowered to the ground by several large tentacle like appendages that came from the whole of the dark puddle. Luna let the fear induced lump in her throat slide it's way down to her stomach, and while the whole scene unfolding before her was something she had only seen in other Ponies nightmares, it was the collection of pure white braids that made up this Ponies mane and tail that let her know who was behind this unsettling display.

   "Shadow Vein!" The Princess cried out as she finally realized what this monstrosity was that came creeping from her closet. The long black flowing arms by this time had sat the masked Pony onto the ground, Shadow Vein letting out a small chuckle as he heard his name being called out.

   "At your service." Shadow Vein said in a voice that Luna could recognize now, though it seemed to have an echo to it, like her Guardsman was speaking from across the room into a small megaphone. The Dark Pony then bowed his head, while placing one of his front hooves under him, causing his body to mirror the motion of his head.

   "What has happened to you?" Luna asked as her body began to relax a small amount. "What is all this?" She said as she looked up at the still flowing, and waving ooze on her ceiling, making several gestures with her hoof.

   "I have evolved, my Princess. Through the discovery of my Lovelies here." By this time, the tentacles had let Shadow Vein go, and had retreated back up to the mass from where they extended from. Not before each one of them seemingly giving the Pony a long, and rather sensual touch.

   "I don't understand." Luna said in a curious tone, taking small steps towards the new Shadow Vein, something in her mind still telling her to keep a distance.

   "Neither did I, at first." Shadow Vein started as his horn began to glow a dim grey, causing the formless mass to quickly flow back to where it had been birthed in Luna's closet. "I believe it was fear that kept me from what I truly am. The fear of the very power I held within myself. It was only when I had been shown what true horror was, that I was able to gain the courage to look into the very darkness I wielded. Do you know what I saw there Princess?" Luna just shook her head with a look of confusion at the question she was given. "I saw only myself." He continued, knowing he would get no more of an answer from her than that. "The only thing that dwelled inside the dark power I have, is me, nothing more. With that knowledge I was able to understand it perfectly, and make it my own. Now I have awakened, I have been, reborn. Greater than anything I could have possibly imagined."

   Luna stood there in awe of what she was witnessing. Never before had she seen a Pony go through such a change in such a short amount of time. While just a few days ago, this was her newest, and youngest recruit. He was almost completely unaware of the goings on in the world around him at any given time, and now he swore to her in so many words that he had truly come to know himself for what he was meant to be. His stance was more confident, his voice lower, and lack of the youthful innocence that was there before. Yet something still had her worried, the mask he wore reminded her all to much of Shannon, the expressionless cover that only allowed a constant stare to be seen, and he lacked the charm the Human had. While Shannon could stand before any obstacles and simply through the use of a few well placed words, bring any to his way of thinking. Shadow Vein still spoke with his own words, and the ones that did remind the Princess of her Human lover, seemed forced, and unwarranted.

   "Now, as I was saying." Shadow Vein continued, taking little notice of Luna's look of deep thought, and observance. "Happy, and content. These seem so easy to accomplish when you say them in such a way. Though I think it would be hard for you Princess to accomplish such things, in your current state of mind."

   "And what of my current state of mind Shadow Vein?" Luna said, now resuming her role as ruler, and his superior. Trying her best not to let the sudden display of power get her to act uneasy around her subordinate.

   "Hmm well, he did leave you. Did he not?" There was a kind of verbal smile in his question. Almost as if he knew something that she did not, and was unwilling to say.

   "Shannon absolutely did not leave me Shadow Vein! He is simply taking care of matters that would require a more, subtle touch." As she said this, Luna took several steps forward. While Shadow Vein may have become more powerful in the last few days of his absence, he was still much smaller than she was, and by her looming over him in such a way, she felt it necessary to remind him of the fact.

   The black masked Pony was completely unmoved by his Princess's aggressive movement however. "Yes, but that will never be known for sure until he is found, and while you will have to forgive me for eaves dropping. I do believe you are having a rather hard time in that particular area."

   "That is my concern." Luna said while unknowingly lifting her nose into the air while doing a small high step back towards her table.

   "It can be mine as well. If you will allow it." Shadow Vein said, as small pools of the darkness he now controlled formed under each one of his hooves, and he slid as if on the slickest of ice towards the opposite of the table to face her.

   "What do you mean?" Luna asked while taking notice of his newest form of transportation. "Your concerns right now should be to aide Moon Burn with the nightly duties." Once again she imposed her size on him by lifting her head upwards, while looking down at him. "You may have found some new form of power, but you are still just as young as you were a few nights ago. Nothing will change that, only time, my little Shadow Vein."

   This caused Shadow Vein to let out a barely heard huff of frustration, while even the once unmoving eyes of his mask narrowed a small amount in response to the insult he was just given. "That is where you are wrong my dear Princess." These words almost making Luna fly into a fit of lecturing on how to address your Alicorn Princess properly. "You see, where your magics have failed, mine are made to take bloom. Take how I found Moon Burn and yourself so easily, without the smallest need for clue, or verbal investigation, and how I slipped inside without your even knowing it. These are just a few of my new strengths, let me use them for you. I can find Shannon, I can bring him back here."

   Luna couldn't help but ponder the effectiveness of Shadow Vein's new gifts. While rather disconcerting when first looked upon. There was the truth that he did exactly what he said he did. He found where She and Moon Burn were talking, then came in, and observed completely without detection. She wanted Shannon back so bad, and she figured even a blind, and deaf Pony could easily see that on her face, hear it in her voice. She had to know what she said to him that night in the hospital, she had to know why he left without even the smallest farewell. Most importantly of all, she had to know what he was planning, as to protect him from her sister. All of these thoughts and more came rushing out of her in a deep long exhale, as she looked Shadow Vein directly in his blank, glowing white eyes. "Then do it, find him. Bring Shannon back to me, and know that you will forever have my undying gratitude, and favor."

   Shadow Vein's horn began to let off a small light of magic, then without warning, several great tendrils shot from the closet that he had come from. They wrapped themselves around his upper body, around all four of his legs, and one even around his neck. then just as fast as they shot out, they ripped the small Dark Pony from the scene, causing him to disappear into the shade of the lightless room, all save his two glowing eyes, that stayed, floating there in the shadows. The whole speed, and ferocity of the event caused Luna to go wide eyed once more, and even jump back as she was completely taken by surprise. "Worry not, I will do as you task. You are my Princess, my Goddess." Shadow Vein's eyes then slowly vanished into the darkness, before whispering a few more words that Luna for some odd reason, did not like hearing from him. "My Worship."

*****

   Moon Burn had just finished giving out the night's duties, and patrols to the newest members of the Dark Guardsmen that had to be brought in to replace the sudden drop in numbers of his own troop. It really wasn't until he, and those that he had borrowed from his fellow Guardsmen did he realize, he was the only original one left at the moment. Stress really wasn't a factor for him however, the Dark Ponies that he did conscribe were not new recruits by any means. Each one had been in the ranks for at least four years, and each one knew his or her duties within the castle, and it's surrounding areas like the back of their hooves. There was the lack of the personal connection there though, he had built up quite the relationship with Chaosia, Chaotica, Shadow Vein, and even Shannon to a degree, and he couldn't help but feel something was missing as his new members left the room with their assignments without saying so much as two words to him, or one another.

   Hammer Fall's members were wearing their armour, something he had successfully discouraged within his own company. All save for Shannon who insisted on wearing his shoulder plates like a badge that let all know his position, and station. To Moon Burn though, it was just a darker version of the Royal Guards armour, and in wearing it, he felt he was in some way trying to emulate them some how, as if the Dark Guard had to rise to be on the same level as Celestia's Guardsmen. Perhaps when he was younger he fell into the need to don the armour, it's black articulated plates, the heavy crested helmet that was very uncomfortable to wear, add on to the fact that most of the time it limited a Ponies vision, and even reaction time. Now though, in his more experienced years, he new that in his line of work, doing the things he had to do sometimes, armour just made noise, and slowed him down.

   Before leaving the assembly hall where he had given the orders to the troops, he had to navigate a list of the Ponies he had just managed, and in looking at it, it made him let out a laugh towards himself how the newer generation that had joined the ranks in recent years had so fallen away from the traditional naming scheme his parents, and even himself held so dear. Crimson Strike was fairly traditional, that particular Pony had a short cut mane of a dull red, while he specialized in more martial ways of dealing with situations, and tactics. Then there was one that he couldn't ever guess until the Pony in question told him what she could do, for her name was simply Dawn. After asking the Pegasus about it, he found that her parents named her thusly because when she was a foal, they said 'she moved faster than the break of Dawn.' Often times Moon Burn would wonder about Shannon's name, he wasn't ever sure how the Humans named their children, he must have thought it was just a random collection of letters that were put together to make sense some how, because through all his years, he had never heard of an item or event known as a Shannon Nyx.

   With the list and quill being manipulated by the Dark Unicorn's magic, Moon burn checked off the final names from the roster, then rolled the scroll up, and placed it in it's holding space. He was just about to leave the hall to begin his own duties for the night, until another Dark Pony came running into the room. "Excuse me Sir." The Pony said as he reached Moon Burn, giving a slight bow with his head. "But you are needed at the hospital, there has been a situation that needs your attention."

   This peaked Moon Burn's concern quite a bit, though he did not show it as he finished placing his writing tools away. "And the situation is?" He said in his normal, calm tone of voice.

   "It seems one of the twin Dark Mares has gone missing." The Black maned Earth Pony stated.

   "Gone missing?" Moon Burn said as he raised an eye ridge. "If I am not mistaken. Chaosia, and Chaotica were both bed ridden and immobile. How could one go missing?"

   The Guardsman just shook his head. "I really don't know Sir. The doctor on duty was rather frantic about the ordeal. Plus the other twin was also quite upset, and the Doctor was having to try to calm her as well. He simply asked me to come retrieve you." Moon Burn just nodded his head, and without saying a word started into a quick step towards the door, being followed by the messenger that brought him the news.  

   The doctor had finally gotten Chaotica to calm down, granted with a moderate dose of sedatives, but mostly gentle words, and his soothing voice. He and his nursing staff were still completely baffled by the sudden disappearance of the other twin, as she seemed to have just vanished into thin air, leaving nothing more but the casts, and bandages that lay in a pile on the bed she once occupied. He examined Chaotica once more before giving orders to the nurse mares that were in the room to get word out that there was more than likely a very sick, and wounded Pony on the loose, and to let everypony know she needed to be found. He himself was about to leave the room, before two more Dark Ponies stepped inside.

   "What has happened here Doctor?" Moon Burn asked as he stepped into the room, looking from the now empty bed, to Chaotica, then back to the Doctor.

   "Well." The Doctor started while moving out of the way as not to be bumped by the large black stallion as he entered the room. "As you can see, we are down one patient." He said while pointing at the empty bed with his hoof. This prompted Moon Burn to step over to Chaosia's bed, and with a slight bit of magic, start to rustle through the unravelled bandages, and pick up one of the leg casts that still had the tinge of medicine inside it as he put it up to his face, and looked inside.

   "Forgive me if I am wrong Doctor." Moon Burn said as he placed the objects back down. "But I would assume from their injuries, it would take much more time than just a few nights to heal all the damage these two had been subjected to."

   The Doctor nodded his head while looking over at Chaotica who was laying on her side now with her back turned towards them. "You would not be wrong. Never in all my years of medical practice have I seen such a thing happen, at least nothing concerning a normal Pony."

   "Normal Ponies?" Moon Burn echoed. "Are you saying these two aren't normal Ponies?" He finished with a slight up turn with his eyebrow.

   "Not at all." Said the Doctor as he was more trying to cover his bases, and not insult the large stallion, or his kind. "It's just the Dark breeds are rare, not much is know about them. While the Earth and Pegasi types are more like their colorful cousins. The Dark Unicorns magics aren't fully understood at this point. They are more inclined to be compared to Alicorns magics. Not as powerful of course."

   "Of course." Moon Burn mimicked again with a sigh. He gave one more look at Chaotica, then started walking towards the door. "I will relay this to Princess Luna. If there is nothing else Doctor?" The Doctor silently shook his head back and forth, causing Moon Burn to in turn give him a small nod, then stepped towards the door.

   "Moon Burn." A small and shallow voice came from Chaotica's bed, causing all to stop, and look in that direction to see the mare still on her side. "Can I talk to you, alone?" Chaotica asked, while remaining motionless. Moon Burn gave each Pony in the room a quick gesture, telling them with out words to leave the room. All did so save the doctor, who tried to remain so he as well could be part of the conversation. Though he quickly changed his mind as Moon Burn gave him another more intense stare. As soon as all had vacated, leaving just the stallion, and broken mare. Moon Burn took hold of the door, and gently closed it while walking over to where Chaotica could see him.

   "This is all my fault." Chaotica stated as Moon Burn reached her bed side. "If it wasn't for me, none of this would have happened." She felt as if she would cry again, though the drugs the doctor had given her were now more than in effect, and her body was starting to go numb.

   "That is complete nonsense." Moon Burn said with a friendly smile as he reached up and ever so gently lifted her head to fluff the pillow, then adjust the blankets. The whole scene making him recall memories of when he had to comfort his own child when he was distraught.

   "It's true. If I hadn't lost my temper, and run off, forcing Chaosia, and the Princess to come look for me. Then we wouldn't be here."

   "Well." Moon Burn said as he settled on his haunches. "I think it was a bit of luck that your sister and Princess Luna did show up when they did. Else you might be in worse condition than you are now. I know for a fact that Hydras can be rather mean compared to other beasts of the world."

   "There wasn't." Chaotica said, almost completely undermining the whole lie her Princess had fabricated to protect her, and Chaosia from what would happen to them if anypony found out what actually happened in that dark forest clearing. Though the sudden stop was almost for nothing as Moon Burn raised an eyebrow at her two small words.

   "There wasn't, what?" He asked as his voice lowered in it's tone.

   "Nothing, I don't know. My head is spinning." The little mare figured that if she could blame what she had just said on the drugs she was given, it might be enough to stop him from becoming to curious. "Have you heard anything about Shannon?" She quickly asked, hoping to derail him even more.

   "No, nothing yet. He has for all intensive purposes, vanished." Moon Burn saw this was about to make her start asking more questions, so he decided to stop her by asking one of his own. "Chaotica. What has happened to Chaosia?" This made her stop the train of thought she was on concerning shannon, and placed it on the sudden disappearance of her sister.

   "I have no idea." She said while shaking her still braced head. "I had only spoken to her a few times since we arrived here. She was always slipping in, and out of consciousness." This made her start slowly chewing on her lip as she recalled the emotions of worry for her sisters injuries, and fear of what Chaosia was going to say and do to her once they had a moment alone together. "Oh Moon Burn we have to find her!" She said in a small shout.

   "And we will, trust me." Moon Burn answered as he reached up and placed his hoof on her forehead in a gesture of reassurance. "You must rest now. You, unlike your sister are still here, and need to recover."

   "Rest? I can't rest!" Chaotica said as she pushed his hoof away. "Chaosia is gone, Shannon is gone. Everypony is gone, and it's all because of me!" This made Moon Burn chuckle as he took noticed that the eye that wasn't bandaged over had started to droop.

   "Shush now, rest." He said again, this time with an inflection that almost made Chaotica think he was talking to a small child.

   "Fine, but you will tell me about anything that happens, right? Anything at all." By this time, she had started to surrender to the warm feelings that now flowed through her. So much so, that she almost felt like laughing, though she was able to contain the impulse.

   "Of course I will." Moon Burn stated as he rose to his hooves, gave her one last small smile, then turned to walk out the door that was now opening due to the Dark Stallion's magic.

   "Moon Burn." Chaotica said in a attempt to get his attention once more. Which she did, as he turned to look in her direction. "Am I a fool for feeling the way I do, you know, about Shannon?"

   Moon Burn didn't even think on the matter for more than a second before shaking his head. "No, it is never foolish to try to find love where ever you can, in who ever you can." He then gave her a stern, yet still friendly look. "Being a fool is trying to find, or hold on to something that just isn't there."

   "And I guess hoping that something will grow there is foolish too." Chaotica said as her mouth contorted into a lopsided grimace.

   Moon Burn let out a small laugh while shrugging his shoulders. "I honestly couldn't tell you young one. Hope, like love, is one of the most wonderful, and dangerous things to play with. You are smart however, I think you will figure it out eventually. Or go completely mad, one of the two." While she didn't think it possible at the time, this last little joke actually made her give off a tiny laugh.

   "Thanks Moon Burn. I'm glad you came by." She said as she laid deeper into her bed, and shut her eyes. With that, he gave a generous head bow, then turned around and left the room, while using his magic to both shut the door, and dim the lamps that lit the room.  

*****

   The Griffon driving the cart let out another loud, and saliva filled laugh as he was finishing his story. "And then I told him. I don't care if she is a Pony. If she can fit that many glasses in her mouth, she can stay as long as she wants!" This causing the rather overweight bird creature to bellow out even more laughs, while at the same time starting to cough a bit, as he reached over and gave his traveling companion a quick slap on his back.

   "How very amusing." Shannon said with a sigh as he recoiled from the strike, trying not to get to angry that the loud Griffon struck him, again, but also dug his claws into his back. He could only figure that Griffon hides where a little thicker than his, and his newest traveling partner hadn't taken this into account. This newest Griffon was the third that Shannon had traveled with in the past week, and as far as he was concerned, the most obnoxious. He took it as a necessary evil however, as he knew where he wanted to go, he just didn't know how to get there, and the creatures of this world were more trusting than they probably should be.

   "You bet it's amusing!" The Griffon named Helk laughed out. "You know what's really amusing though?"

   "No, but I am sure you are going to tell me." Shannon said while not looking at the driver.

   "These Ponies, they may seem all nice and cute, but they have a very. How should I put this, deviant side to them." Helk stopped for a moment to see if he was going to get a response or reaction from his new Human friend. He got none however, and decided to continue his story. "I mean, if you look at them, there are probably ten mares to every one, maybe two stallions. There's just not enough to go around, and some of these mares are more than willing to get it whenever they can. You know what I mean?" Helk let out another laugh, followed by yet another slap to the Human's back, causing Shannon to grind his teeth together, and try not to let his disapproving growl be heard. "Well anyway, you won't run into many Ponies where you are going. Minotaurs, pretty rough crowd. Why did you say you were going there again?"

   "I didn't." Shannon said while he was looking off to the horizon. trying in some way to catch a glimpse of his destination. It was only after a few seconds did he start to see great pillars of smoke in the oncoming mountains.

   "Your kind must not talk a lot." Helk said, not taking any notice that Shannon's attention was pulled elsewhere. See, us Griffons. We are all about talking, family, flocking together. Getting to know one another, if you now what I mean." He said as he raised his eye ridge up and down several times in quick succession while at the same time, poking Shannon in the ribs with his elbow.

   "What's that over there?" Shannon asked, not taking notice of the Griffons's last statements.

   "That over there?" Helk said as he looked where Shannon's attentions were. "Well that's them. The start of the Minotaur Nations. Probably, just under a days travel from here. It looks closer I know, but they burn massive effigies sometimes, they put up smoke that can be seen from half way across Equestia, on a clear day." At that point the creature pulling the cart started to act up again, causing Helk to have to yank on the reigns while shouting something in his native tongue. "Don't know why he has been acting up. Guess he just isn't used to seeing your kind." This caused Shannon to look down at the animal pulling the wagon. Some odd cross between a bull, and some kind of dog like creature, very odd looking, but very strong. Though Shannon was happy to see at least one creature in this world that was just an animal, and didn't try to talk to him.

   "Only a day from here?" Shannon said with a smile on his voice. "Well I think it is perhaps better we part ways here then." Shannon then pulled out a flask of liquid that he had on his side.

   "Really? I can take you in the rest of the way you know, it's on my way." Helk said with a look of confusion on why any thing would want to go into Minotaur lands after a full days walk.

   Shannon just rose his hand, and forced something that could be considered a friendly smile. "I have troubled you enough Helk." Shannon then offered the flask to his Griffon guide. "Where I am from. It is customary to offer those that aided you with a drink from your own flask. So, drink this."

   "Well far be it from me to argue with customs." Helk said as he took the flask in his claw, popped the cap, then took a long, generous drink. Almost immediately after, he let out a cough as an odd look came over his face. "Yikes, that doesn't taste like water. You put something in this?" After saying this, the griffon started to cough once more.

   "Indeed I did." Shannon said as he took the flask back, placing the top back on. The Human then leaned forward while placing his arms to rest on the top of his thighs, while at the same time clasping his hands together, all the while listening to the avian creature start to cough even more, forcing him to take a drink from his own flask. "I had been trying to think of a way to bring you to your end without making it look like the same way I had brought the other two Griffons to their deaths, I have traveled with over the course of these last few days. You have to avoid patterns you see if you want to make something look like a random act of violence. It wasn't until you showed me that particular plant that could be used as a vision inducing drug, unless taken in large quantities."

   "You poisoned me?" Helk rasped out as his coughing had become much more violent, to the point where he had to fall from the cart, trying to land on his feet, only to crash down on his beak. Shannon followed his actions, by leaping down from his seat, then slowly walking over to the hybrid creature, bending at his knees, putting all his weight on his toes while his arms and hands resumed the positions they were in on the cart. "Why?" Helk said in between coughs, his natural instinct to try to get away, though his wings were flapping at random intervals, and he couldn't seem to find the strength to leave the ground.

   "I needed your help. Though the help I needed was of a kind I am sure you would have not given willingly." After Shannon said this, Helk made an attempt to lash out at the person that had just killed him, though his aim was off by mere centimeters from cleaving the Human's face with tensed claws. Shannon in no way made an action to avoid the attack, or even look worried that an assault was made. "I am on a mission you see. A mission bestowed upon me by a Goddess most divine. It seems the Minotaurs rudely insulted the gracious offer to become allies with her, and all Ponies of Equestria. So I have come here to, remedy the situation." Helk's breathing had become distant, and shallow now. He laid there on the ground, his chest moving up and down as he grasped for air that would not come to him. His wings still giving off gentle flaps in an effort to flee his fate.

   "However." Shannon continued as he watched the light start to leave his former traveling companion's eyes. "During my holy journey. I had learned that relations between the Minotaur Chieftains, and the Griffon Skylords are very strained at the moment. So I simply decided to take advantage of this. traveling along the Minotaur borders, with various Griffons, each one coming to an unfortunate end, and any person that would find them would more than likely think it was from some Minotaur thugs, or bandits. Now add that on top of the fact that all races of this world have constant skirmishes with the Dragons, and I plan on having a little private discussion with the Minotaur ambassador when I get their lands. The Minotaurs will have no choice but to return to my Worship, and that light loving sister of hers, and beg for the alliance to be reborn, with more favor in the Ponies side I might add."

   "Monster." Was the only word Helk could breathe out as he was forced to listen to this tale of treachery that was being forced upon him by this murderous creature. Until his wings stopped flapping, his eyes came to a slow close, and the last bit of his breath left him.

   Shannon let out a short sigh as he reached down and grasped the shoulder of the dead Griffon. "Your name will never be spoken, and your contribution to the betterment of my Worship's great power will never be known. Just know you have my undying gratitude for all that you have done in her service." Shannon fell to his knees, then bowed his head while closing his eyes. "May our Divine Moon forgive all the sins you have committed in this life. May she bring you to Darkness, so that you may know the loving bliss, of Night Eternal."

   After he spoke his prayer for the Griffon, Shannon reached down and removed the bag of bits that Helk carried on his belt. He then stood to his feet, and walked over to the beast of burden that was pulling the cart, unleashing it from it's bonds, and slapped it on it's hind quarters, causing the animal to let out a loud holler as it ran off. He climbed into the cart, and proceeded to open chests, rummage through belongings, and even taking and throwing things over the sides to make sure it appeared as if Helk had been robbed. After this was done, and Shannon was pleased enough with the false crime scene. He took several more flasks of water, and a few other provisions, before walking into the direction of the large, black smoke pillars in the distance, that beckoned him to his final goal.

*****

   Devan, and Director Cook walked down the long hallway of the supposedly abandoned building that housed the means of Devan's departure from this world. Several times Devan had mentioned how under whelmed he was by the lack of decoration, or any sense of style. These were remarks that Richard simply ignored, and dismissed as Devan trying to get under his skin again. Before long the two arrived at a door that had two well dressed Floor Thirteen agents standing on either side, one of them reaching to open the door as the pair approached, the other giving Richard a small report on the progress those inside had made since his last visit.

   As soon as Devan stepped into the large room, he let out a whistle as he looked about, taking in all the details of the huge collection of computers, monitors, and many other devices that he did not pretend to know what they did. It was the gargantuan arch that rested against the back wall that caught his attention the most though. "Well, that looks pricey." He said as many of the scientists in the room had taken notice of their presence.

   "You have no idea." Director Cook said as he saw the smiling Doctor Balens approaching.

   "Ah excellent! You have finally arrived." The Doctor said as he reached out his hand to take Richard's in a hardy hand shake. He made the same gesture towards Devan. The black haired man just stood there for a moment, blinking his eyes several times while staring at the overly happy scientist, who after a few seconds quickly put his hand down.

   "Doctor Everet Balens, this is Devan Crey." Richard started as he made a gesture towards both men as he introduced them to one another. "He will be our agent on the other side for this mission."

   "Outstanding!" The Doctor exclaimed as he turned and walked back to the station he was at before the two arrived. "You simply have no idea how excited we all are here to finally get to send a live test subject through the portal." Devan still had nothing to say, though he wasn't really sure he liked the title 'test subject' very much, and was hoping they had gotten past the testing phase by this point.

   "I am going to get your kit that you will use to aide you on the other side." Richard said as he walked over to the other side of the room, where another agent was standing in front of a heavy metal storage locker.

   "So." Doctor Balens said as he pressed a few buttons on his computer screen. "You are going to try to find that madman that tried to kill me?" This caused Devan to stop looking around and put his attention to the Doctor.

   "No, I am going there to kill the madman that tried to kill you." Devan said as he reached the computer station the Doctor was at, causing Everet to tense up a bit.

   "I see." He said while swallowing rather hard. "You must forgive me. I just do not see the lure of killing for money. It just seems more important things could be done with one's skill set." This made Devan laugh out loud while slapping his hands together, causing all in the room to momentarily look in his direction.

   "Oh you thought Shannon was paid to kill you?" Another loud laugh came out as he finished these words. "See, let me tell you something about Shannon Nyx. He doesn't kill because he's paid to. He kills, because he likes to." Devan then gave the Doctor a long wide grin.

   "That's enough Devan." Richard said in a calm voice as he set a large duffle bag on a table, and unzipping it.

   "That's why you lost control of him you know?" Devan stated as he walked over to the table where the Director was. "You never understood that about him. You never understood any of us."

   "Now's not the time Devan!" Richard said in a commanding tone, not knowing why now of all times Devan wanted to bring up the past. The two men gave each other a passing glance, and Richard was sure Devan was going to stick his tongue out at him. He did not however, and he reached into the bag and pulled out a small hand sized device that had several blinking lights, and a back lit screen displaying all kinds of information. "This is the return device. It can be activated with in one hundred yards of the portal area by simply pressing this button." Pointing at a large red button, this caused Devan to reach out and take the item from the Director's hand.

   "What this one?" Devan said as his index finger pressed down on the button he was just shown. What happened next was an unexpected, and brilliant display of bright swirling lights, and random arks of blue and purple electrical arks that flew from the now alive, and loud arch way. Panic also filled the room along with the light show, as many of the personnel that were near the portal as it sparked to life, dove away, and to the ground. Just as quickly as Devan had taken the device from Richard, the Director snatched it away from Devan, hitting the same button to bring the archway's power display to a close. "That was awesome!" Devan said with a laugh.

   "Jesus Devan, would you pay attention?" Richard scolded as he placed the device down on the table with a loud bang.

   "Alright then. Let's get serious." Devan said as he took in a deep breath, and wiping the smile from his face. "Let's see what we have here." He then grabbed the bag and pulled it to him, while looking inside. "Good lord! What, am I moving in? What is is all this crap?" He laughed out again as he poked though the contents of the duffle.

   "This is a standard off world survival kit. Our R&D department says it should have everything you need to sustain a prolonged experience on an alien planet." Richard said in a tone of great pride. Devan however, was unimpressed, and was trying not to burst out laughing, so much so that several snorts came through his nose, while he had sucked his bottom lip into his mouth.

   "Really? An off world survival kit?" Devan said as he made air quotes with his hands. "Have you ever been off world?" This made Richard let out a frustrated sigh, as his now some what decent mood, was about to be killed. "Yeah, that's what I thought." Devan smiled as he pulled out some kind of canister from the bag. "See this?" He asked, waving the object in Richard's face. "This is crap." He then tossed it over his shoulder where it made a loud clatter, causing Doctor Balens to let his mouth drop open as he saw the expensive tool fly. Devan pulled another object from the bag, a very slim lap top. "See this? It's crap too." Over the shoulder it went, hitting the ground in the same area as the previous tool. Director Cook now had placed his hand over his face, and was shaking his head as Devan proceeded to remove contents from the bag by tossing them about. "Crap, crap, crap, this is crap. Don't know what this is, but it's crap. Crap, crap, and more crap." By the time Devan had finished his little tantrum, the bag was completely empty, all of it's contents now scattered about the room. The only things left were a few items Devan had placed on the table.

   "Are you done?" Richard said in one of the most annoyed tones of voice he could remember. All Devan did was get a huge teasing grin on his face, as he nodded his head up and down. Richard then looked at the few items that had not been launched that sat on the table top. "Four clips of ammo, two pounds of C4, and a hand full of detonators." Richard and Devan looked at each other again, Devan still keeping the previous grin from before. "And you think this is all you need to survive in an alien world? No rations, no mapping technology. Nothing that might help you analyze what food to eat, how safe the water is?"

   "Nah, I'm good." Devan said as he reached down and took the items from the table, placing them in various pockets in his coat, along with the return device. "You can keep the duffle too. Not my color." Once again Richard shook his head. "So we ready to do this?" Devan spoke up in a loud voice, while clapping, and rubbing his hands together.

   "Ready as we will ever be I suppose." Director Cook said as he motioned Devan towards the portal with his hand. He then looked over at Everet who had a very intense look about him, all the while furiously gliding his fingers over keyboards, and touch screens. "We are ready, aren't we Doctor?"

   "Yes, yes, of course. Just running some last second calculations, and minor simulations. Now, Mr. Crey" The Doctor had rushed over to Devan's side, as he walked up to the arch.

   "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go away." With that, Devan once again pressed the button on the controller in his hand. This brought the archway back to life, in the same fashion as before. Though this time, the crowd in the room were more expecting of any loud events, due to Devan starting the portal without warning before, and tossing many metal, and plastic items about. "Later!" Devan said as he made a half hearted wave to those behind him. Then without fear, or the slightest hint of anxiety. Devan simply walked through the dancing lights, and bouncing lightning as if it was something he had done a million times before. As soon as he was through, the portal closed behind him, while a computer voice in the background let all know that transport was complete.

   "Do you think he will succeed?" Everet asked as he ran his hand over his totally bald head.

   "I don't know." Richard sighed out, while rubbing the sides of his nose with his thumb, and index finger. "I hope they both fucking kill each other." Director Cook then cracked his neck from side to side, spinning around and walking towards the door, where he stopped momentarily while looking at one of the agents. "We will give him the time allotted. Then we move with the contingency plan." The agent nodded in response, then the two walked down the halls of the building, back to the long black car out front.

Next Chapter

Shady Paladin

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