Zlata, you cold-hearted fiend, chucking me in with Stillwater. Joke’s on you—she does not like me. Guess I should find her and say, “I am on your team now.” How did I meet her before? Oh yeah, I winked at her. Not sure if that would work again, and I need a little professionalism. How can I explain that I am on her team? First off, can Zlata do what she did? I can be so dumb sometimes. Just need to—

“You there!”

Great, I found Stillwater. Not so great, she looks a little murderous. What have I done now? Time to bend over and take it. Remember, just go limp.

“Yes, Officer Stillwater, can I help you? Actually, I was commanded to find you.”

She looks a bit taken aback by my statement. Good, it might be my lucky break.

“Commanded? Do you know what happened in the Commander's office?” She grabs me.

Buy me dinner first!

“You ... You were the last one to see Axel—I mean, the Commander.”

Wow, she has a firm grip. “If you let me down, I can explain.”

Loosening her grip, she is a lot stronger than me. “Explain.”

Subtle or blunt? By the look of her, blunt is the best way. “I have been commanded by Acting Commander Zlata to join with your squad.” Saluting her, the best way to mollify her. “Where do I meet the rest of the team?”

That is a lovely shade of purple. “Acting Commander—Zlata? No way! There are three senior Sergeants, and she is the most junior of the three!”

Well, that went down just as I had hoped.

“Come with me!”

It was more like being dragged than me wanting to follow her. Wish she would loosen her grip on my Jack; she might bend the plates underneath. Where is she taking me?

Now I meet my second favourite person—Desk Sergeant Saul, that damn paper pusher Gnome. His scarlet hair does not match his personality, but there have been times that I have stirred him up.

“Saul, what is this about Zlata being the Acting Commander?”

“Nice to see you too, Joan. Was about to go home when this filth-storm happened.” Looks over at me. “Who is this, then? He looks familiar.”

“He is my new squad member, appointed by Zlata! How can this be? It should have been you or me.” Stillwater is a senior officer? But she is so young. “Did I miss something, Saul?”

Can see no love lost with Saul. That smirk will have to be wiped off. “Well, that is what happens when you don't come to the meetings. Axel made Zlata his second. In the case of an emergency, like this one, the command structure will not be compromised.”

“I will be talking to Zlata later. You, Solo, was it? Come with me.”

Don’t know what is actually happening. “Sure, Office Stillwater. So, it is a real assignment? I mean, I am with your squad?”

Stillwater just ignores my question. “This way. No talking.”

Saluting with one finger at her back. Where are we going—jail? Come on. I understand that you are pissed, but I have not done anything wrong this morning. Well, in the last hour.

As she leads me past the turn to the jail, a cold shiver runs down my spine. Not in the mood to be in with all those criminals. We head to the stairs.

“Just to run through what is expected of you in my squad.” I am being talked to. “First, you will obey my commands at all times.”

Hitting the second flight, how deep are we going?

“Sure, Officer Stillwater.”

“Second, there are two other members of the squad: Gunnar and WayWocket. You will obey them as if their orders come from my lips.”

So, pecking order is as follows: Stillwater, this Gunnar and WayWocket, the dirt, the worms in the soil, the faeces of the worms, and me. “Sure thing.”

As I follow her, it is remarkable where the events of the last couple of days have brought me. I could be floating face down in the lake instead! How far is this place? I would try to make conversation, but her vibes are ice-cold. Best thing to do is just keep my mouth shut and keep walking. The smell of mildew and mould is horrid down here. This is the second flight of stairs we have taken so far.

“Um …”

She turns to look at me. Her expression says, just do it, just say, ‘How far?’ and I will break you!

Message received loud and definite, scary lady.