Space-Time of Death: an Al Squires of the Protectorate Novel

Ch. 2.1: Ouroboros, the Organization with the Bitching Name

"Tut, tut, Probie," I chided her sardonically as she passed through. "That kind of language directed to you TO won't help your situation."

"Ha-ha," she said dryly as the portal closed behind her "¡Hilarante! Very funny! Can we get going, please?!"

"By all means," I said while gesturing her to go ahead of me.

As usual, the portal brought us to the unofficial entrances and exits of our HQ: to the far-side of our HQ's Bullpen, the unofficial hub of the HQ, where the collection of various forms teleportation devices was located. Seeing as our HQ is partially located within a pocket dimension, it's impossible to enter and exit the place any other way. I say 'partially' because the pocket dimension was built between the second and third floors of a nondescript building, physically located in a nondescript part of Omniopolis. The only physical way to HQ would be to use the old-time elevator in the lobby of said building. Of course, since both floors aren't located in the same universe, the old-timey elevator is in reality a short-range Transmat, or teleporter, that simply looks like an old-timey elevator. However, most people prefer to come and go via the different teleportation devices. Mostly, to keep attention away from its physical location, but I do it for more... personal reasons. If you recall my last (mis)adventure, dear Readers, you'll understand why I don't want to talk about it right now.

As Norah walked ahead of me, I looked back to the portal generator that created the portal we had just used; along with the dozen or so other teleportation devices that were lined up against the wall. Including the old-timey elevator, of course; located center of this line. Given the necessity for teleportation, HQ needed many teleportation units to fill that need. There were a wide variety of teleportation devices: from portal generators and Transmats, to more unique units. For example, the synthetic body docking station; for Demons like Rozz, and other non-corporeal lifeforms who need host-body to interact with others.

Speaking of which, I saw Clint, Mik, Sylvie, and the Prof step through a portal before it closed behind them, while Rozz was just entering a synth body; his human features and preferred clothes appearing on a previously featureless and naked synth. As he undocked his new 'body,' I noticed a look of pure annoyance on his face. I couldn't say I blamed him; having to go through such a process while on off duty instead of going with the others via the portal. Especially while off duty, as well.

Long story short, Omniopolis is one of the few Realms outside of Hell where Demons can be physically corporeal. However, Protectorate rules indicate that Demons are required to use a synthetic host-body whenever they are on Protectorate property. Ironically, even the inventors of bureaucratic red tape are immune to its effects.

"Bloody 'eaven, Al," he swore over to me as when he spotted Norah and I while stepping away from the docking port, sounding more Cockney than usual. "It's bad enough that I 'ave to appease the tophs an' wear a Synthie when I'm off duty, but they had to call an emergency just when I had me the winning hand."

"Part of me feels for you," I said to him with a small chuckle before pointing at Norah, "while another thinks it serves you right after volunteering me."

"Yeah, yeah," he said as he rolled his eyes. "Incidentally, I can tell from the lack of shopping bags in your arms, they got to you before you made it to the shop. You two certainly took your time, didn't ya?"

Norah and I quickly glanced at each other before I spoke.

"Yeah," I said, deciding to partially tell the truth about what happened, "we got hit with a freak fog bank that cleared up not long before we got the message."

"That's weird," Rozz exclaimed, "even for nighttime in the Biggest-O. Couldn't you 'ave used a Transmat?"

"We were on are way to one," I said with a shrug, "but the fog was so thick, that we had to walk slowly through it."