Chapter 1: The Walkyrie and the Slenderman.

It was a cold night in Chicago – one of those misty nights when cats silently cross the street, their sharp, dark silhouette floating in the surreal emptiness of the road. There was no wind at all, and apart from the occasional dog barking at one of the aforementioned cats, there was not a sound to be heard for the inattentive ear. But Christina was no inattentive ear. Quite the opposite, in fact. Apart for her slow, heavy footsteps on the cobblestone, she could also hear those of her friend, Charlie – much lighter and furtive. Charlie was walking just a few steps from her, the hood of her hoodie casting a shadow on her face - but Christina knew she was listening and watching, too. They were a strange, enigmatic duet to be seen in the night: Christina's tall and buff silhouette made an interesting contrast with that of Charlie, who was also very tall for a woman, but much leaner. If someone had spotted them, they could have mistaken them for a Walkyrie walking side by side with Slenderman. Christina focused again: somewhere in the distance she could hear a very loud television set, probably one of these half-deaf elderlies who have no idea that watching variety shows so loud at that time of the night was close to indecent. Christina didn't like it. Christina preferred silence. Or Nina Simone's voice. In a street behind them, a car drove by, but didn't turn in their direction. They absolutely, completely alone. Which was probably a good thing, considering who they were about to meet.

The oddly assorted pair made their way into a shallow street and stopped by the entrance of a tiny, obscure pub, that none of them would ever enter if it weren't for their host. Charlie and Christina glanced at each other.

"You sure this is the place?" Christina asked, and Charlie nodded.

"Affirmative. Can't say I'm really surprised, remember that one time she asked us to meet her at this abandoned amusement park?"

"I'd rather forget it. At least we might get something to drink this time. I could do with a pint."

Charlie smiled at her friend and associate and pushed the door, revealing what looked like a tradition Irish pub, with wooden tables and benches, a television broadcasting a rugby game, and of course the heavy smell of whiskey, beer and cigarettes. No one seemed to notice them, as everyone was focused on the game and from time to time would bark insults at the unfortunate television set. Christina's scanned the area, and when she found who she was looking for, she touched Charlie's shoulder.

"She's here."

Charlie followed her eyes, and identified their contact. They made their way to the table and sat in front of the young, smart-looking woman who was amiably, but mysteriously smiling at them.

"Miss Pauling. What a pleasure to see you again." Charlie said, pushing her hood back and smiling at their employer.

"The pleasure is mine, ladies. How long has it been? Two years?" Miss Pauling replied, visibly pleased to see them, but keeping it ever so professional.

"And a couple of months, yes. So, how are things with your mercenaries? Still giving you grey hair?" Charlie asked.

"The mercs are fine, it's more the robots that I am worried about. Which is the reason why I asked you to meet me…"

"Oh yeah, thanks for bailing us out, Miss Pauling. I'm not entirely sure how we would have gotten out of this one if it hadn't been for you. We owe you one." Miss Pauling smile at Christina's intervention. Those two always seemed to catch up incredibly quickly, even when she was making efforts to remain anonymous. But when two of her secret mercenaries were in jail for a dozen of burglaries, she didn't really have the time to cover up her trail – especially when one of them was an expert in tracking and hacking.

"We heard about the robots." Christina continued. "Spy has been in touch."

"You two are the strangest pair of friends I have ever seen." Miss Pauling sighed, much to Christina's amusement. "Anyway, so you know about the robots. The BLU team has joined forces with them – those who haven't been butchered, I mean. The RED are the only thing left between the bots and Teufort, and I'm afraid they will not last long without assistance."

"Your RED are tough cookies, Miss Pauling." Charlie jumped in, rising an eyebrow. "If your men are overwhelmed by the number of robots, I doubt that the two of us will make any difference. Unless you found something…?"

"In a way, yes. Unfortunately I can't tell you all the details, but your… unique set of skills could help us a great deal. But you'll have to go to Teufort and remain there for as long as the operations will last."

Christina and Charlie looked at each other, as if communicating with each other without having to say a word. Miss Pauling had always admired that in them. They had been working together for so long, a glance sufficed to say it all. A very strange duet indeed, she thought. Christina was like a Viking – the tallest, strongest woman Miss Pauling had had the opportunity to meet, in a way she reminded her of Heavy. But whereas Heavy specialized in heavy weapons and didn't move much, Christina was a proper athlete. She was nothing like the gentle, bear-like giant from Russia. More like… yeah, a Walkyrie. Or any sort of super-strong Scandinavian deity, really. A female version of Thor, maybe? Anyway, it looked like she could break Charlie in two anytime; Charlie was athletic in her own way, but definitely not muscular. She was skinny, pale, and knew perfectly well that she wasn't a fighter like Christina, which is why, when they teamed-up, she elected to be the brains. Christina was a very intelligent woman, but Charlie was more quick-witted and cunning, and liked nothing more than puzzles and challenges. Very strange women indeed.

"Well, I think we both have reached the same decision." Charlie finally said after a few seconds. "When do we get to Teufort?"

"Next week." Miss Pauling smiled, not the least surprised. "I need to get your contracts and uniforms ready. Your weapons will be shipped there for your arrival."

"Pleasure to work with you again, Miss Pauling. It had definitely been too long."

"I agree. All the details of the mission will be revealed to you when we meet again in Teufort. Here are your plane tickets – don't be late."

When Miss Pauling left the pub, she couldn't help but feel relieved. She was not a woman who was easily shaken, but the latest events had taken a dramatic turn, and the Administrator had put more pressure on her shoulders than ever. Maybe these two wouldn't change anything. Maye they would die at the hands of the bots like some of the BLU had. But as the Administrator had pointed out, there was too much at stake to not take the risk. At this exact moment, Miss Pauling's mobile communication device rang. Speaking of the devil…

"Administrator. They said yes."