What goes bump in the night

Samuel's eyes and hair returned to normal as he listened. "Well, to my knowledge, we are on an island in the Bermuda Triangle. This island is home to the Paranormal Defense Agency, or PDA for short. I am a member of the aforementioned agency, and our job is to defend the common folk from that which lurks in the shadows, seeking to ail them." He either didn't notice or didn't mind the tide ebbing and flowing. "My name is Samuel. May I inquire yours?"
 
Roy had been on that plane ride for some time. Much too long for his liking, and by the sound of the planes engines, for the planes liking as well. As the plane entered the islands airspace it was sputtering like a chain smoker of 63 years at the very end of his stage IV lung cancer. It landed on the run way with a thud and squealed to a halt.


Roy was quickly out of the back, pleased to be back on the ground, the pilot came around. "That was a helluva ride, eh mister?" he asked. Roy just stared at him. After a few heated seconds Roy spoke up, "When will she be able to fly again?" The pilot who had apparently been briefed on Roy's 'special needs' replied. "Well, to be honest sir I'm not rightly sure you should ever fly in her again."


"Oh, don't worry. I won't. But wherever they'll be sending me I'll need that truck." he indicated his brown truck in the back and smiled at the faded symbol on the side. He laughed clapping the pilot on the shoulder.


"Consider yourself an honorary member of the United Postal Service." He continued laughing as he went to go find someone in charge.
 
"Kerza." The woman answered. "....at least, as far as I know. I don't remember much." The water had not been enough. "...excuse me for a moment." She shakily stood and walked down to the water, slipping into it quickly. Kerza went beneath the surface, her swimming notably like a mermaid. She came back into the shallows, surfacing in a flourish of red hair and shining green eyes. Her veins were slightly more pronounced as salt water flooded through them, then diminished back.


----


Haiku was the one Roy found. The people inside of the building had guided him into her private training room. She moved without sound with complete concentration. Her senses alerted her to the fact that there was someone in the room and she went on autopilot. Her two scimitars flashed towards Roy's neck, stopping centimeters from it. "....oh. Oops." She sheathed the swords and looked him up and down. "You're the new guy, right?"
 
Samuel rose, staring in awe at the woman before him. He blinked as he snapped back into his senses. "This...m-may sound like an odd question, but are...are you human?" he asked, his eyes darting around him as he struggled to meet her eyes.


---


Adrian, satisfied with his morning routine, exited his room after showering and donning a fresh outfit. He decided to head to the dining room to get breakfast. Unfortunately, his lack of familiarity with the building ended up getting him lost. As if fate were humoring itself with him, he ended up outside Haiku's private training room.
 
"Yeah I am. And I don't appreciate that greeting." Roy holstered the gun he had drawn on her. It was massive and looked like a deagle and a sawed-off shotgun had a baby. "You have no idea how much of a mistake you just made. So, you're obviously not the one in charge. Honey-buns, if you'd be so kind as to point me to the director's office, or the equivalent, I would greatly appreciate it." He crossed his arms and waited for her to respond. His hand still resting on his pistol and he stared at her with the lazy intensity of a unimpressed wolf.
 
Shepard inhaled slowly through his nose. He was resisting the urge to tap his foot impatiently as he waited inside the White House. His face was kept impassive, never making eye contact with the men in shades and suits around the room. The instant he showed any impatience, any irritation, he would start to fall into "Mr. President's" stride. There were a few people meeting with the president currently, and he also had a LOT of paperwork to go through, as one would expect. Naturally, he was pushing Shepard to the back of the agenda, hoping to make him leave, or at least irritate him enough to break his stride. It was a trick Shepard had dealt with many times... though it wasn't any less annoying after the fifty-dozenth time. Finally, after several hours of people coming to and fro, and Shepard gripping his cane with both hands from his seat, a young woman came up to him.


"Mr. Shepard? The president will see you now."


-------------------------


Muerte stood in front of the large mirror in his room, examining his wounds... or rather the lack of them. He could not remember the last time so few stitches and gashes marked his body, and it was an interesting . . . feeling? He was not sure. He threw on his outfit of black before grabbing two pistols and heading down to target practice. Without a mission, honing his skills was all he had left.
 
Kerza laughed. "Can a human do this?" She raised her hands up, the waves rising with them, then pushed her hands outwards, sending the waves crashing into Samuel.


----


Haiku raised an eyebrow. "For now, I'm in charge. The director is on the mainland right now. And I'm no "Honey-buns," Roy Ernest Green." She emphasized his name with a slight growl in her voice. "I've read your file. Now, you can either learn to civility and recognize a mistake made by another human being or I'll show you an ass kicking. Your choice."


----


Neimi came back inside and went into her room. There was nothing to do at the current moment and she had slept long enough. After changing her clothing, she started to head down to the beach.
 
Samuel spluttered as he rolled over backwards as the waves came crashing down. He sat unceremoniously on his rear, completely soaked. His hair hung like drenched curtains over his head, completely obscuring his face. He shook his head flinging water everywhere, and pulled the hair out of his eyes. "N-No, I suppose a human could not," he said as he blinked in surprise. "Then, what are you?" he said, staring in awe.


---


Adrian walked by just in time to hear Haiku speak. He casually entered and scanned the newcomer. Immediately he got the impression of a war veteran. "I feel like I missed something here," he said with his ever-present grin to Haiku, "but when did you want to do our little duel? We didn't get the chance last night. Also, I still want to discuss a wager for our duel. Is...this a bad time?" he said with a slight tilt of his head.
 
Roy looked her up and down and was about to speak when Adrian entered the room. "Nah, don't let me keep you friend." He turned back to Haiku, "Well, miss, seems there's already a line. So I'll probably take you up at some other time." He walked over to Adrian. "Hello mate, name's Roy. Looks like I'll be on your team." He held out his hand.
 
"Adrian," the Russian replied with a nod as he earnestly answered the handshake. "I look forward to working with you." He returned his attention to Haiku. "As I mentioned before we left for France, I would like to place a wager on our duel. Just something friendly to make it interesting, of course. What would you like if you win?" he asked.
 
"I'll be in my truck. Let me know when we get a mission." Roy started leaving the room. "And if there are people I'll be working with send 'em there. I'm not going to wander this island looking for jumpy monster killers."
 
Kerza sighed. "I was hoping to find someone who could answer that question for me. You see, I've been wandering the ocean for about two years alone without any memory before those two years. For the past six months, I keep finding myself coming back to this island. It's like fate keeps directing me back here and made it so I can't leave the Bermuda Triangle. Thus, I'm here to figure out why I keep getting drawn back here and what on earth I actually am."


----


Haiku hmphed. "You're not high up enough on the chain of command to warrant sending people to you. You'll meet people at their convenience or on missions. Lose the attitude because the director isn't going to put up with it. In fact, I'm nice compared to Director Shepard's way of taking care of attitude problems." She then completely ignored Roy and turned to Adrian. "I'm just taking a break from dealing with Shepard's paperwork. Not sure if I have time to duel you or the incentive to either." There was a slight mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she spoke that last phrase.
 
Samuel rose, dripping sea water copiously. "You've been at sea for two years...?" he muttered in awe. "Well, I certainly think the PDA will be able to help...but judging by how you dove into the waves earlier, I would hazard a guess that you cannot be without exposure to water for long periods of time." He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm...a mermaid, perhaps...?" he muttered. Normally he would dismiss such thoughts as folly, but after the recent 24 hours...not much was impossible anymore, it seemed.


He returned his gaze to the woman. "Umm...Kerza, was it? I-I would love to be of service, but I'm unsure as to where to start...I-I suppose I could lead you to meet our commander, Shepard. He would definitely want to know of your arrival," he said, wringing his hands.


---


Adrian's grin widened. "Oh really? I'm sure it wouldn't take long...but if you're scared of me, you wouldn't be the first, so I won't think poorly of you...even though YOU issued the challenge," he said tauntingly, his eyes boring into hers. "Very well. Usually I get people to jump at the chance of getting me to do whatever the hell they want, but I see you're smarter than that. You clearly know better than to fight me. I guess I should let you get back to work..." he said, slowly turning and heading for the door with a lazy wave goodbye.
 
"....why are you stuttering?" Kerza asked bluntly. It bothered her for some odd reason. Was imperfect speech another one of her odd pet peeves?


----


"I only said give me the incentive." Haiku laughed. "What do I get in return for beating you?"
 
Samuel reddened; he wasn't fond of his stuttering either. His gaze dropped to his feet and his hand-wringing sped up. "Er...I don't r-really know...sorry...sometimes I-I can't stop this annoying s-stuttering...s-so..." He shut his mouth tightly; after all, what better way was there to stop stuttering than to stop talking?


---


Adrian stumbled slightly when Haiku, of all people, actually laughed. He about-faced and leaned against the wall next to the doorframe, scratching his cheek with his index finger idly. "Hmm...well, I don't really know what you would want. Like I said though, if you win I'd do whatever you wanted me to. To be honest there isn't much you can do to me to humiliate me. I've been through the KGB after all, they make 'em tough," he said with a chuckle and a wink. "But...I'm sure you could think of something. Anything, It won't bother me, just name it. Assuming you win, of course."
 
Shepard made his way into the oval office behind the young woman. His eyes glanced around the room behind his sunglasses, making note of the men in black outfits standing at the walls. Three of them. The newly elected president was behind his desk, looking through a few papers as he seemingly ignored the man dressed completely in black that now stood before him. The woman offered a chair, but Shepard waved a hand and stepped into the center of the room.


"Mr. President, congratulations on your inauguration."


The man finally looked up from his desk, with a smile that did not reach his eyes


"Mr. Shepard, your appointment was rather sudden."


"You could hardly have been expecting me to not appear, could you Mr. President?"


"No, perhaps not. Let's not beat around the bush, we are both busy men and we both know why you're here."


"Then I shall ignore the rest of the pleasantries."


Shepard's pointer finger tapped against the top of his cane, something of a habit of his when he began 'negotiation'.


"The United States of America has always directed a portion of its military expenditure towards our... Organization. Yet you intend to reduce that, which I simply cannot allow."


His eyes travelled around the room without moving his head, a skill he had spent years learning from the previous director.


"Cannot? I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter good sir. The previous president, weak fool that he was, may have allowed you to bend our country to your whims... but I will not. The bill that is being pushed through officially shall reduce needless expenditures in our military, and you are one of those needless expenditures."


Two of the men reached inside their jackets as the president spoke, though they did not produce anything yet.


"Now, I trust you are able to show yourself out? Or shall I have these men escort you?"


Shepard let out a sigh and gripped the front of his hat between his thumb and forefinger.


"I can certainly show myself out. Merely understand that the loss of funding results in certain expenditures of our own having to be removed. Say... our protection of your country."


The president stiffened slightly, but did not move


"We are quite fine without your protection good sir."


"Of course you are."


Shepard lifted up his cane with one hand and began gently hitting the center of his palm with the head


"When the veangful spirits of Harlem Massachusetts rise from their graves again, I'm certain your local police will be perfectly capable of exorcising them. When a werewolf pack migrates down from canada, I'm certain that the M.P. will be properly equipped to handle such a threat--"


The president was starting to grow paler as Shepard listed off several different happenings that were recorded supernatural incidents in U.S. history. The agents around started to look at each other with wary glances


"And that Kraken we dealt with about seven years back in the Gulf of Mexico, If she had any offspring your Coast Guard would be perfectly fine wouldn't it? We mustn't forget the possibility of 'Jurassic Park' happening again, after all not all data was recovered or confirmed destroyed. But your officers are prepared to fight a T. Rex in San-Fransisco of course. And of course, if another Efreet comes through your security disguised as an man of middle-eastern descent, your border patrol will recognize him as well."


Shepard was smacking his palm slightly faster as he continued to speak, and was now walking towards the door. The president was about as pale as one could expect a human to become without having a medical condition or being dead. Shepard smiled as he stopped in front of the doors, ready to leave.


"Yes, I'm quite certain the funds you've denied us will enable you to ensure the safety of your own country. Why I wouldn't be surprised if I never hear of any disasters from your leadership at all. Goodbye, Mr. Presi--"


"WAIT!"


Shepard gave a small smile, his hand halting halfway to the doorknob as the voice came to his ears. Behind him, the president had strewn some of the paper off his desk. He had clearly stood up rapidly as he spoke, his face was white as a sheet.


"That--I--"


He swallowed a few times


"Those events... how often--"


"Even I cannot predict that, Mr. President. These events, by their very nature, defy all manner of science. It could happen once in the next ten years, or ten times over the next year."


The president swallowed again and slowly sat down.


"... I'll discuss the bill with the senate. You'll have your funding... same as normal..."


His voice was audibly shaking as he spoke, obviously afraid. Shepard turned his head and gave a polite smile.


"Thank you, Mr. President."


With that, Shepard left the room, a smile on his face.
 
Roy returned to his truck. He jumped in the back and started closing the door but thought better of it. He started working on a potion with full view of everyone. He knew no one would be sent there but it didn't concern him. If any hunter worth his salt would notice the new truck in the middle of the complex. He'll just wait.


"Where did I put that bamboo?"
 
Kerza let out a high-pitched tinkling laugh with a twirling spin. "Silly! Don't be scared of me!"


----


Haiku smiled. "....perhaps I can say you owe me a favor of my choice in the future if I win?"


----


Neimi stopped on her way down to the shore, her eyes fixed on the truck. Her nose twitched, taking in the smell of a new person. "....hello...?" She approached the truck, unsure of what she was going to find.
 
Samuel gave a weak, nervous chuckle at Kerza's statement. "I-It's not so much that I'm afraid. Well, I AM scared but I'm a bit wary of just about everything, so I-I'm used to it." His hand-wringing slowed down as he calmed himself somewhat. He lifted his head to meet her gaze, which wasn't easy. "I-I wish I could control th-this insufferable stutter, but I-I can't really help it. I stutter a b-bit when I'm nervous, I apologize." He gave a half-smile in apology.


-----


Adrian stroked his short beard contemplatively, and finally shrugged with a wide smile. "Ah, what the hell. Why not? I accept!" He offered his hand to shake. "Tonight at sundown, on the beach. Sound good?"
 
Haiku hesitated. For some reason the thought of touching him....she blinked rapidly and silenced her thoughts. "Acceptable, I guess. But what did you want from me if you win?"


------


"Well, stop it!" Kerza's eyes suddenly brightened. "I know! I'm going to take you on a trip....under the sea!" Her hands did small flicks and suddenly the water flew up, surrounding Samuel in a bubble. "Just hold on! Well, guess you can't inside the bubble because then you popped it. So just sit down and try having some fun with me!" Her enthusiasm seemed childish almost and her laughter and smile were infectious. With those words, she dove into the ocean, the bubble following a feet behind her.
 
Adrian let his hand hang for a few seconds before dropping it to his side. "Hmm...well, I'd like to know more about that mask of yours, and why you wear it," he said with a kind smile. "If I win, I want you to tell me your story. I want to know what's got you down!" He said with a warmhearted chuckle. "Sound good?"
 
Haiku froze, eyes slightly widening. Her hand went involuntarily up to her mask. "....a d-deal is a deal, I g-guess." This was not what she expected. She quickly looked away and crossed her arms defensively.
 
"Excellent!" Adrian exclaimed, and immediately checked his watch. "It's about 12:30, so we still have plenty of time for last minute training...and this time I'm going to do it in my room so you can't spy on me," he said tauntingly with a wink. "Sundown should be around 9 o' clock tonight. Don't be late!" he said, and turned to leave.


-----


Samuel was on the verge of a minor panic attack as his bubble drifted after Kerza. "A-are you sure about this? I-I don't think this is such a good idea, Kerza, I'm perfectly happy on land..." he muttered as his bubble started to sink beneath the waves. He shut his eyes tightly as they dove, and for almost a minute he remained that way. Slowly he opened one eye, and peered out...and immediately opened his eyes wide in awe, his mouth agape in wonder. Fish of every color of the rainbow swam around him as seaweed waved lazily with the tides. It was a beautiful sight that left Samuel speechless as he took in his surroundings.
 
"I, sir, am never late." Haiku blinked once more and returned to normal. "I go by a system. To be early, is to be on time. To be on time, is to be late. To be late...well, you'd better never get to that point." Haiku hmphed and stood, waiting for Adrian to leave.


---


Kerza laughed, which was quite a feat for being underwater. "Isn't my world beautiful?" She had a specific place in mind, a reef not far from here made of the old remains of an ancient ship. As they drew closer, colors exploded in the form of coral, fish, mollusks, and other flora and fauna found under the sea.
 
Adrian's grin widened as he stopped at the door. He turned to look over his shoulder. "Noted. I'll most definitely be early, then," he said, and strode off down the hallway and into his room, where he would remain for several hours until dinner.


-----


Samuel turned to her, finally smiling widely. "Its...incredible!" was all he managed to vocalize in his amazement. His eyes darted to and fro, taking in everything around him as they drifted.
 
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