The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 43: Newbie (Part 1)

Chapter 43: Newbie

Ardent Friend:

"So the ISPA have a pocket dimension as well," I stated as we reached the oddly placed door in the office. Agent Wester had guided us to an unassuming office in one of the city's many skyscrapers. The sign outside had said OAA Records. While the space had been furnished there was no one present. Then again, being quite late in the night now, maybe they just weren't in. We stood looking at the door in the small office. Master Powell had been sent back to Elastire and Dad remained home.

Agent Wester smiled wryly, "Well we do but it's nothing compared to Elastire."

"Is there anything we should know before we head inside?" Zen asked.

"You're my guests so it should be fine. Although Zen, keep your hood up. You have quite the following and someone will probably recognise you."

Zen nodded and hunched to make hide her tall figure.

"And just how did you get a pocket dimension?" Vanter asked. "It's not like those are easy to find."

"Let's walk and talk. We are already sent a message ahead, so the boss is waiting," Agent Wester approached the door and knocked on it, repeating a pattern in several different places. As he finished the door vibrated and a light could be seen coming from the other side.

I wasn't sure what to expect but as Agent Wester opened the door, the space behind him was probably what I should have expected. We followed him through and entered a circular lobby full of doors along the walls. The vast majority were sealed but a flow of people continued to open and close the doors. Above each one was a destination. Hong Kong, Sydney, Texus and many others.

"Hmm," Ana looked around, taking the surroundings in. A large concierge like reception was set against a flat wall and on either side it, two corridors. Several men and women wearing business attire sat behind the desk, speaking to the people who approached or were clacking away at their computers. All in all, we had seen thirty or forty people already, some of whom were simply chatting in the chamber. "There's more of you than I thought there would be."

"Quite a few," Agent Wester nodded. "We're also actively recruiting. As it would turn out it's a struggle to find anything supernatural but once you get to a certain point, you just keep finding more of it."

"Birds of a feather, flock together," I murmured in agreement with Agent Wester. Before the Merge I had very little to do with the supernatural. I thought that was it. That Areithia was the only power I had to worry about. Now I was more involved, I just kept finding more to it.

Agent Wester led us to the front desk. On sight the receptionist immediately perked up, brushing back her hair and smiling to him.

"Agent Wester welcome back. The Director is waiting for you in her office."

"Thanks Lila," he winked at her and the women giggled. I couldn't help notice Natalia beside me roll her eyes.

We began to make our way down the left corridor, Agent Wester again leading us.

"You're pretty popular," Vanter commented. "They didn't even give us a second glance."

Natalia nodded, "That's because of Wester's Agent status. The ISPA has several hundred employees but among them, we only have 10 Agents."

"Are you an Agent?" Zen asked.

"No," Natalia shook her head. "I'm counted as a specialist. We don't have permission to act freely but work with Agents when called upon."