“It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Francis Morgan.” greeted a calm, but commanding voice. It belonged to a woman who was slightly older than I was, but her weathered appearance suggested that she's seen and experienced things way beyond her years. She had short, raven black hair that extended to her shoulders, and wore a white dress shirt beneath her black blazer, with matching dress pants to complete her office attire. She wasn't beautiful, although her petite face would say otherwise, but rather handsome. Even under her clothes I could see the outline of toned muscles, and though she dressed like any other employee, the aura of power that surrounded her was impossible to miss: this was someone of rank.

“Now before you over-think the situation,” she continued, “please hear me out.”

I nodded, still a little unsure about the whole thing. I knew that I could probably take her now that I'm no longer chained down, but something about her made me second guess that idea. And plus, I still wasn't feeling 100%, especially after earlier events, so attacking was probably not the smartest idea. I had to think of something else.

“Good, please have a seat, I just want to talk.” she said, pointing at the chair across from her desk. I took it and allowed her to continue. “I apologize about the way you were treated, and we really do mean you no harm, but after seeing your... unique characteristics, you can understand that we cannot take any liberties about detaining you. In fact, we're actually quite curious about your abilities, and where you came to acquire them.”

I simply nodded again, still trying to figure out a means of escape.

“Ah, before you get any ideas about assaulting myself and my staff,” she said, evidently noticing that I was edgy, “or leaving preemptively, I should inform you that my best men are tracking your every move as we speak, and if we deem it necessary, my staff and I can and will find and forcibly stop your actions in a rather... unpleasant manor. Like I said, we can't afford to take chances.”

Now that got my attention, and I can probably guess how just how unpleasant that “unpleasant manor” would be. That put any plans of escape out of my head. I guess I had to see what this person wanted.

“Like I said, we apologize, but it seems that your earlier behaviours have made that step necessary, although if you cooperate with us this precaution will not be necessary.”

“And let me guess, if I don't cooperate you'll just keep me here as a prisoner until I comply? Wait until I'm half starved and dying of dehydration so I don’t have a choice?”

“I guess I can skip the chit-chat with you.” she said with a sigh, “No, Mr. Morgan, if you do not cooperate with us we will be forced to resort to immediate termination.”

That statement shut me up pretty well, and I could tell she wasn't joking around either.

“Uh, yeah... wouldn't want that, would we?” I said, half jokingly.

“No, Mr. Morgan, it would be unprofitable for both parties. But those are your options: you can either work with us or be executed; you have been deemed too dangerous to leave alive.” Nothing in her demeanour changed, no smiles or frowns, no shift in her seating, nothing. Just the same business face she's worn since I've entered the office. It was as if the thought of having to execute someone was a daily occurrence, but more importantly, something that is entirely within her powers. Which got me wondering just how big an organization this is...

“Wait, what?” I exclaimed, feeling a little more than panicky “So it's either I die or I let your scientists or whatever it is dissect me to see what makes me tick?”

“Oh, of course not! Although we are curious about the origins or your unique ability, it would ultimately do us no good to “dissect” you, so to speak. No, we want you to work for us, as a fellow agent.”

“Ok, just to clear things up, who exactly is this “we” you keep on mentioning? I don't know who you are or where I am, and to be honest, I don't really trust everything you're telling me. For all I know you could just be savouring the moment before you and your lot finish me off.”

“Ah! My sincerest apologies, I forget myself sometimes. My name is Sarah Fortune, the director of the Supernatural Investigations Department of North America, or SIDNA for short, and you are currently 600 meters underground, at the heart of our department. We are responsible for all things... out of the ordinary, if you will. Things that are outside the realms of comfort for the general public; I'm sure that you would understand. And Mr. Morgan, if we wanted you dead, you wouldn't be here right now.” She said as she looked straight into my eyes. I broke eye contact almost immediately, the intensity of her stare was chilling, and it told me that this wasn't someone that I wanted to piss off.

But what she said made sense, or at least as much sense as anything else I've ever witnessed. With my close encounters with the strange and bizarre, it only made sense that there was some organization somewhere dealing with it all, otherwise the supernatural would run rampant. Who know what chaos they can bring to the world? I've seen first hand the destruction that can unfold, and it was pretty obvious that my brushes with the supernatural were pretty tame.

I could tell that they were but appetizers when compared to the real stuff because ever since I realized that I could port, I've always felt an all encompassing malaise radiating from somewhere deep underground. Something that shouldn't be there, an entity trapped and waiting, exerting its influence through the cracks in the Earth. So far, every supernatural being I've come across bares a feint, undeniable stain on its being that resonates from that thing.

But what frightens me the most is that I can hear it calling to me, offering me things... And that thought chilled me to the core, because I know that I'd lose myself to it, warped and twisted into something that I am not... And I've seen earlier just how bad that can be. So far I've been able to ignore It completely, but I didn't know how long that would last. Sometimes I just think that I've finally gone insane, that it's not real, but there's no denying the truth, no denying that it wanted me.

And what's worse is that sometimes, just sometimes, I could feel myself wanting it too.

But that earlier encounter was strange. Lately, the whisperings have decreased, almost stopped, as if that Thing was changing strategies. It must have been months since the last time it directly influenced me like that, filling my head with those disgusting images... those... wondrous things...

I caught myself there, and shuddered. That wasn't right. I making a conscious effort to bury that memory deep in my mind, hoping to forget it for good. I had to figure out what was going on, and I've been wandering in the dark for too long. Now, however, I may finally have some answers, maybe this unfortunate turn of events isn't all bad, 'cause if anyone can give me details on whatever it is that's lurking beneath our feet, it's Sarah Fortune and her bunch.

“Ok,” I continued, shaking my head a little as I took in all the implications, “let's assume I said yes to this deal, what would be expected from me?”

“Ah, glad to see you're becoming interested in what we do.” she replied, smiling for the first time, “We would require you to be one of our regular field agents, in other words, you'll be responsible for the hands on work. You will, of course, be briefed about what the details, should you accept, but for now just think of it as assisting the various communities that are plagued with the supernatural. Things can be as mundane as investigating possible paranormal activities, to to more lively cases that involve stopping rogue vampires or exorcizing unruly spirits. Of course you will not be working alone, all field agents operate in pairs, and each of our agents are... gifted like you are, in one way or another. Your partner will naturally offer you guidance during your first few missions.”

Wait, did she just say that all field agents had special gifts like I do? I've always thought that other people like me were out there, but I never thought I'd meet any. Maybe they could give me more insight on the thing dwelling beneath the Earth, or why my abilities exist. “Are you saying that there are other people besides me? I mean, other people who can do stuff like teleport?”

“There are other individuals like yourself, but sadly, you are currently the only one with such an ability, or even something that comes close to it. In some ways, your teleportation is in a category all on its own. And although our agents do not share your talents, they are gifted in other aspects.” She said, shifting from her chair, “Some of the more common abilities include the power to manipulate the elements, or unnatural enhancements in a person's physical attributes, but each person is unique in his or her own way. Explaining them all would take more time than we have, but if you are still curious, I would suggest that you check out the many different talents here in SIDNA headquarters. That is assuming you accept our offer, of course.”

“Ok, I just have a couple more questions before I make a decision.”

“I understand, please ask away.” A bigger smile appeared on her face, and for the first time I saw a change in her unmoving character, she must have realized that I've grown interested in her organization. That or she knows fully well that I can't decline. You know, she'd be pretty good looking if it wasn't for that stone-cold exterior.

“Well, since I wont be allowed to leave, what am I supposed to do? Live here and just disappear from society?”

“Well, in some aspects you would be correct.” she answered, “Although you will be allowed to live where you choose once we are certain of your loyalty to our organization, you are right in assuming that you will not be permitted to leave immediately. As such, we have taken the liberty of setting up a temporary residence for you to stay here in SINDA, and should you accept, we will supply you with everything you will need.

“Mr. Morgan, you will find that many agents and workers alike willingly choose to set up a permanent residence here in headquarters, and the option is naturally extended to you as well. This facility was initially designed to house the general populace in case of a nuclear war and the subsequent fall-out, and you will find that it is fully equipped for long term stay. As such, SIDNA headquarters is fully self-reliant and will accept all major forms of currency, and until you start your job as a field agent any expenses you require will be provided to you. As for your situation back on the surface, our team has already taken care of all the necessary actions to remedy any enquiries about your sudden disappearance.”

“Wow... you guys sure thought ahead, eh?” I said, a little taken back at how any of that was even possible given how little time I was actually here.

“Of course, Mr. Morgan. You will see that our resources are more than sufficient.”

I could see that this SIDNA was a pretty powerful organization – probably drains a nice chunk of our tax dollars – but still, something didn't add up. It must have taken them days, if not months to set up all of this, and there was no way I was unconscious for that long. You cant just cover up disappearances without any warning. Either they have people employed who can see into the future, or they've been monitoring my activities closer than I thought, and at that moment I really wasn't sure which one of those possibilities seemed more likely. Everything was too planned out, and it was clear that they were hiding things from me. Not that I'm all that surprised, being a secret organization and all, but it made me curious nonetheless.

“So I guess that's it, with an offer like that I can't exactly say no. So yeah, I'm on board if you'll have me.”

“Wonderful!” Sarah Fortune, the director of SIDNA, finally said. With that she reached in a drawer for what looked like one of those new touch screen phones. With it she dialled a number and called for an associate, and almost immediately a short blonde woman holding two plastic bags walked in. She wore the same thing that her boss did, but with the way she presented herself, the two outfits looked worlds apart.

“This is Kelley McMuller,” Fortune said, “she'll be responsible for helping you with any issues that may arise, as well as taking care of the matter of your residence.”

“Oh, so good to finally meet you, Mr. Francis Morgan, or can I call you Frank? I know that this is a workplace and all, and that I've just met you, but calling you Mr. Morgan all the time sounds so stuffy, and business politeness can only get you so far in life! Well, I'm assigned to help you with anything that you need, so just tell me anything that's bugging you or ask me any questions you might have.” She scrunched her face and continued, “Oh, here I am telling you something you already know, silly me for mentioning it again but just to be on the safe side, if there's anything that you're worried or curious about, do let me know. I'm sure you're pretty shocked and all about this whole situation, heck, anyone would be if they were in your shoes – I'd be just about ready to faint if I were you – so you might be a little shy, but don't hesitate! Oh gosh, I hope you're not about to pass out, although it would be totally understandable if you do, and I have some ice packs in the back that I can grab for you, if that'll be of any help. Oh, and here, I brought you some cream puffs as a welcoming gift, I just hope-” She reached into one of the little bags she was carrying and pulled a little plastic container out. She really did bring cream puffs, delicious looking ones as well.

I just stared, jaw gaping wide, at the 5'2 bundle of sunshine, unable to comprehend her behaviour after talking with her boss for so long. If Sarah Fortune had the personality of an ice burg, Kelley McMuller was the Sahara Desert. She even looked like someone who was all parts nice, with long blonde hair held in a ponytail, a round, rosy face with a petite nose and lips curled in an eternal smile, showing a row of perfect white teeth. She must have taken notice of me staring, because she stopped talking and that big smile she wore started to fade along with her dimples. She fidgeted with her fingers, looking genuinely concerned.

“I uh, yeah. You can uh, yeah you can call me Frank, and cream puffs sound great.” I said, as that was all I could manage, still wondering if such a person could possibly exist.

“Oh, wonderful! I hope you don't mind the lemon filled ones, they were they only ones I could find in such a short notice. I personally love them, but you know, if you don't I'm sure I can find you something else. You just wont believe what you can find here! Oh, but if you're still not feeling well I can go grab those ice packs for you. I'm sure that you'll be fine but just on the safe side-”

“Although your enthusiasm is much appreciated, Kelley, I do have work to do, and I assure you that Mr. Morgan is fine. Now if you wouldn't mind showing Mr. Morgan to his room...” interrupted Sarah, looking a little more than annoyed.

“Oh, here I am blabbering on again! If you'll follow me, Frank, I'll show you to your room. Oh you'll just love it!” she said, giving her boss a little bow before leaving the room, with me following close behind.