***********************
Blair mentally scolded himself as he reached the park late. He doubted he'd be able to get another meeting if this one didn't happen. He parked the car and got out, walking slowly across the grass. Doors wasn't hard to spot. He was sitting on a bench, trying to appear casual, but Blair could read the apprehension in his stance. Blair walked over.
"Mr. Doors?"
"Yes?" Joshua stood, "Were you the one who called?"
Blair could read the skepticism in the man's voice - and nodded, quickly launching into his explanation before this man could begin the 'Are you crazy' line of questioning. "My name is Blair Sandburg. I'm a student in anthropology at Rainier. I don't suppose you've read any of my research?"
Not surprisingly, Joshua looked at him, puzzled, and shook his head.
"Okay," Blair took a deep breath. "I'm doing research for my dissertation. See, ancient tribes used to have a . . . uh . . watchman called a Sentinel. A Sentinel was someone who was chosen because of a genetic advantage, someone who has sensory abilities beyond that of normal humans . . ." Blair paused. Doors seemed interested but a bit puzzled. //Probably wondering why the heck I'm telling him all this//. Suddenly Blair's cell phone rang. "Hold on a sec. It's probably my partner. He worries entirely too much."
Joshua nodded, but was seriously beginning to question the sanity of the man before him.
Blair answered the phone with an exasperated, "Sandburg."
"Sandburg, it's Simon. Blair, something's happened."
At those words, Blair's heart nearly stopped. "What's wrong? What's happened to Jim?"
"I went by the loft to drop off a file to Jim and I found the door open. The place was wrecked. It looked like it had been gone through."
"And Jim?" Blair forced himself to sound calm.
"There was no sign of him. I'm having forensics go over the place again but they didn't come up with anything the first time." Simon paused, "We'll find him Sandburg."
"I'll be right over there, Simon."
"Okay, Sandburg, but be careful."
Blair hung up the phone, looking worried and bewildered, his conversation with Joshua totally forgotten. He jumped as he heard another beep.
Joshua, eyeing Blair closely, answered his global.
Renee spoke to him hurridly, "You need to get out of there. We've got company. From what I hear, I'd guess they're here for your friend. Meet me at the portal on the other side of the park." She then hung up.
Blair waited until Joshua's conversation was over before speaking, "Look, I'm sorry to have to do this but I have to leave. My partner's been kidnapped," Even as Blair said the words he nearly choked. Blair was the one usually in these kinds of messes. Jim was the strong one, it would take a lot for someone to capture him. And Blair hadn't been there to back him up.
Joshua interrupted his thoughts, "There's a group of Volunteers headed this way. We think they're after you. I'd be willing to be that they are the ones that have your partner. Come with me." Blair started to object, but Joshua added, "If these people have him then they'll get you too. The police can't protect you. Trust me."
Suddenly, they heard someone nearby shouting orders.
"Okay." Blair said quietly, "Let's go."
Blair followed Joshua to a nearby portal where they were met by a blond-haired woman who quickly entered some coordinates. Blair stepped onto the platform as Joshua spoke to her and did the same. "Is she coming?" asked Blair.
"She has to stay behind and scramble the coordinates. She'll be okay."
Blair looked at him uncertainly as the portals activated, transporting Blair into another world.
"Where is this?" he asked, wondering if maybe he had been kidnapped as well.
"Blair Sandburg, meet Augur." Joshua introduced the weird looking man at a computer console. The man looked up from his work long enough to nod.
Blair turned to Joshua, "Where the hell am I and why did you bring me here?"
"Believe me, this wasn't planned. You're here because you needed protection and help."
"And where exactly is 'here'?"
"This is the underground headquarters of the Resistance."
***********************
