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Act XX: Savage Connections

Some hours later, after I had dropped off Krystal in Florida with her new agent sportscar, I initiated the wolf trick teleport magic while sitting in my car and was instantly in San Francisco, California, once again. When on foot, the teleport drops me right at Xim's burial site. But when I am in a car, the teleport deposits me in front of the Foo-Ching Martial Arts Studio. I didn't have time to actually visit with them. I had discovered that there was a time difference between Earth and Atlantis. What only seemed an overnight stay for Krystal and I had turned out to be a month's absence on Earth. Yet, Krystal and I had only aged a day.

I returned to Eureka, California, and parked my sportscar at the Xim Complex, then rode my motor scooter in to the Chess bunker in Eureka. I thought it was high time I learned to fly. Watching Krystal pilot the Swan Medusa sort of made me jealous. She had a skill that I didn't have. And I needed to correct that. I spoke with the bunker supervisor about my desire and he put me in contact with a young man named Kirk "Ace of Clubs" Price. Kirk wasn't a Chess agent, nor did he work for PSI. Kirk was a member of an interesting non-profit organization called Mysteries Inc.

I spoke with Kirk and showed him my badge. Then, I conveyed my desire to learn to fly. Kirk was pretty nice about it, and had me fill out an aviator's application and sign a contract stating that Kirk was not to be held accountable for unforeseen accidents while flying.

Then, the actual lessons began.

About ten months later, Kirk and I were pleased when my pilot's lisence became official. I had earned my wings. I bid Kirk farewell and headed back to the Xim Complex.

The next month of Earth time was spent in Atlantis. For the Atlanteans, it had only been a few weeks since my last visit. I gave Jesse his "White Knight" Chess jacket and delivered Xim his original clan uniform. The visit was awesome but it was only an over-night stay.

Once I was back at the Xim Complex, I received a call from Danath Gaul. He was his typically serious self and demanding information on the Bermuda Triangle.

"Jansen Tanner! I just received word that you've been back from your mission for the last year! How come you've not sent me a report on the Bermuda Triangle?"

I grinned.

"Danath... there are forces at work there that should officially remain OFF the main records, for very obvious reasons. Krystal and I both agreed that neither PSI nor Chess should be told on what we saw there. I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

Danath dropped his angry expression and arched an eye.

"How obvious?"

I gave Danath a very knowing gaze.

"Would you want me to reveal to PSI that you're from Gladsheim? What Krystal and I saw in the Bermuda Triangle has the exact same consequences as telling people where you're really from."

Danath's expression paled.

"I see... well... you had me worried sick... I don't need to remind you that you're Chess' best agent... I won't ask you about the Bermuda Triangle again, officially... but some day... I hope you'll tell me some details..."

I grinned.

"I am sure I will. Now, are there any missions you need me to do? My little vacation is over and I've earned my pilot's license. I thought it was high time that I knew how to fly."

Danath grinned back.

"I heard about your little flying lessons. At any rate, you're needed back in England. You were specifically asked for by name not more than four hours ago. The young lady was very persistant that you handle this mission, yourself. Have you heard of the magicianess, Linda Star?"

I blinked my eyes.

"She's only the greatest female magician in the world! Of course I've heard of her. Did she ask for my help?"

Danath winked and disconnected. My eyes were open wide at that! I was finally going to meet Linda Star. But what could she possibly need me for? She had the power to have almost anything, literally, that she could ever want. I was certainly intrigued by the request. I began making preparations for my trip to England.

I decided to take a commercial airliner from California to England, this time. I would have had more privacy on the private jet, but I wanted some company for the trip. And boy, did I ever get it... I was barely seated, when a man approached me.

"Is that seat next to you taken?"

I responded rather calmly, not expecting anything.

"It's free."

I let him in and he sat down in his seat, then turned and gazed directly at me. It was a very intense studious gaze and it got my attention.

"Is there a problem?"

He smiled and pulled out his ID badge, showing it to me.

"Josh Savage and I think you fully know well on who I am and where I am from. Just as I know who you are, Jansen Tanner. You are a very HARD man to find."

I irked. Josh was NOT someone I wanted to encounter right now. I pulled my badge.

"Jansen Tanner, White Bishop of Chess. And unless you want to meet up with a fate worse that pissing off Circe, I'd suggest you forget you saw me today."

Josh wasn't buying it.

"Now look... Leia hired me to find you and now I have. I'm bringing you back to Rocky Falls as soon as this plane lands. Besides, we're already in flight. You have nowhere to go."

I grinned, putting my badge away.

"I have been invited by Linda Star to come to England and if you try to prevent me from going there, I'll have to pull a desperate maneuver. And you won't like it!"

Josh pulled out a set of handcuffs and had me handcuffed to himself faster than I could react.

"Let's see you pull a desperate maneuver now!"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"You asked for it!"

I initiated the wolf-trick teleport magic. Josh and I were teleported off the plane and into the Chess bunker in Arad, Romania. Josh was surprised by the change in surroundings and more surprised when my fellow Chess friends apprehended Josh and removed the handcuffs from our wrists. I then confronted Josh with a very stern look.

"I won't say you didn't ask for it but now you know how hard catching me is going to be. Don't EVER try handcuffing me again. This is just ONE location I can teleport to. The safest location. If I didn't care what happened to you, I would have taken you to one of the other locations. Now, let's get something straight, Josh Savage... You're a good detective, but I'm on an official mission. Unless you want me to have you confined here in Romania, you'll allow me to get back to work. If you want to tag along, you can, but don't ever pull a stupid stunt like that again."

Josh smiled.

"You sound like my father. Okay, we'll both go to England. But I am sticking to you like glue. Don't you even think of losing me anywhere or it won't be just me looking for you. I'll bring your sisters in. Comprende?"

I nodded my head and had my fellow Chess friends release Josh. In a way, this was turning into a crazy day. I hoped it didn't get any worse. Josh Savage was NOT someone to pull strings on. Josh and I had lunch in Arad, then we both caught the Chess private jet to England. Josh was impressed with the jet's interior decor but he mainly kept me in his sights at all times.

When we arrived in England, Josh and I reported to the Chess bunker in London. I checked in, and had Josh checked in as a Chess Contact. An official ID was made for Josh and an explanation was given on what it's usage included. Josh was beginning to see that I had no intention to dump him off anywhere. Then, we hopped into a Chess issue sportscar and drove off to Linda Star's private estate.

Before arriving at the estate, I called Danath on the Via Satellite video phone and told him what had happened with Josh Savage. Danath laughed and remarked that if Josh could control a Tanner, then Josh would be hired on the spot. I growled and Josh laughed. The call ended and Josh remarked on how amusing Danath was. Then, we pulled into Linda Star's driveway.

Linda's London residence was quite breathtaking. I say breathtaking because it would take more breath than I have to describe it all here. And we have a lot more agent history to cover.

---

She blinked her eyes.

"Does Jansen know that someone is reading his agent history?"

---

Josh and I were led into Linda's private staging hall, and we were left there. Linda hadn't arrived yet. I could only imagine what was going on. Josh looked like he was on edge. Then, it happened. Linda appeared on stage in one of her classy entrance explosions. Josh had his gun out and on the ready. I was glad I didn't carry a gun. Good agents don't need guns.

Linda's smile faded when she saw Josh's gun.

"A little nervous, are we? You can put that away before you get hurt, Mr. Savage."

Josh irked, uncocked the weapon and put it away. Linda then turned to me.

"Good, you came. I was almost afraid you wouldn't. Your presence was requested by a mutual friend. And because a good magician always values their friends, I felt it necessary to grant him his request."

Linda came down off of the stage as I stood to greet her properly. Yes, I bowed and kissed her hand, lightly. Linda smiled, and pulled out her magic wand.

"Jansen Tanner. About a year or so back, you were competing in a ridiculous scavenger hunt in the United States. On your return trip to Arizona, you were delayed by something. This something was injured and you put the hunt on hold while you helped this something. Your assistance took three hours out of your precious time."

I blinked my eyes as my mind shifted back to that day... I was driving back and saw...

"A jackrabbit. He was injured and I stopped my car, tended to his injuries, and carried him back to his rabbit hole."

Linda smiled.

"That's right. He wasn't just a jackrabbit, Jansen. He was a wererabbit. He told me that kindness like yours should be rewarded, but he had no idea on how to find you. So, he contacted me and told me about your deed. And he told me what he wanted to give you. I think it's a fine idea, and possibly more powerful than you deserve. But, the wererabbit was very insistant upon your having this, so I am now going to give it to you."

Linda's wand shot some sort of spell all over my body. I could feel it sinking in, mixing with the wolf-trick... That's when I realized that I had gained another magical spell.

"He wanted me to have magical powers?"

Linda smiled.

"The wererabbit wanted me to grant you the Moon Door power. This is the ability to open a door of moonlight at any location where you can see the moon. The door's destination can be to any place on Earth that does not have direct sunlight shining upon it. During daylight hours, you'd have to use your other teleport magic."

I smiled.

"I wish I could personally thank him. This is a fine power. And you're right, Linda. It IS more powerful than I deserve. But I'll accept it as a gift from a friend."

Linda invited Josh and I to accompany her for a night on the town in London. We attended a performance that she gave, then we hit The Count's Nightclub and The Nightshade. We were allowed to spend the night in Linda's London residence. When the morning came, Josh and I had breakfast at Brandy's Dockside Cafe. It was being covered by Linda Star, of course.

As we were finishing breakfast, I was approached by a large male anthropomorphic sea otter wearing the clothing of an ancient mariner. He tugged on my jacket sleeve.

"Are you an agent of Chess? If you are, I want to hire you."

Josh's eyes arched a little as he heard the sea otter talk. I turned to the cute otter guy.

"That's right. I am Jansen Tanner, White Bishop of Chess. How can I help you?"

The sea otter mariner smiled, his whiskers twitching.

"Great! I am Skaldi, son of Aegir. I am the Norse god of aquatic music. I need Chess' aid in a matter than I myself cannot interfere with. If you can aid me, a permanent ally you will have gained in me, plus, I will make it entirely worth your while. Do you say Yea or Nay?"

I about said "Nay", then I remembered what angry gods can do to a person. Nay equals horse. I didn't want to change into a literal harvest stallion.

"Aye, I will take your mission, noble Skaldi. What is this matter that you cannot interfere with?"

Josh looked to me, with a questioning gaze.

"Do you get this sort of thing often, Jansen?"

I smiled, in return.

"Just about every day, Josh. As a Chess agent, I accept it and proceed onward."

Skaldi led Josh and I off to his skiff, then rowed us to his sailing ship. Remember that breathtaking statement from earlier? Well, it applies here too, if you know what I mean...

---

She irked, beginning to wonder if she'd been caught.

"Somehow, Jansen knows that someone is reading his stuff!"

---

Josh and I were led aboard, and Skaldi had his all sea otter crew set sail. Josh was kind of surprised by all this, but he noticed that I was taking it all as a normal event. So, Josh started prepping himself towards trying to take it as normal, too.

After a few days, the anchor was dropped just off of a slightly chilly green island. Skaldi joined us in the skiff, and rowed us to shore.

"There is a race of fauns living on this island. They make ale and grow cabbage plants. Recently, a sea storm washed an ancient seed up on to the island. The seed took root and it's vines began to take over the island. What I want you to do is locate the main bulb of the vine monster and kill it. I don't care how you do it. The end result must be the rescue of these people. They are important to this region. I wish you luck."

Josh and I went ashore, then Skaldi rowed back to the ship to await our success. Josh looked to me and grinned.

"Gardening work."

I grinned back.

"I imagine that if a god is asking us to do this, then it isn't a simple plant. It is probably a very evil coniving plant form. We can't leave anything to chance."

Josh and I headed inland, and soon, we both saw the chaos that this vine plant was causing. It's vines were alive and fully capable of grabbing people. I hummed, and called Danath about this. After Danath heard what was going on, and the exact details of the request, he had Chess Emergency Kit 4A sent via teleport to our location. Josh and I unpacked the package, and were surprised on how Ghostbuster-like the equipment was. We got equipped, and headed into the vinyard chaos that lay before us. Zapping the vines took on a whole new meaning; as a vine got hit with whatever was in the canisters, the whole vine shriveled and died, all the way back to it's stalk. After a couple of hours of close calls, we finally located the main bulb.

It was grossly huge and worse, it could speak. And it was making grossly, disgusting kissy slobbering noises, asking us not to kill it. It was being so annoying that Josh told it to shut up. We sprayed the ground all around the bulb, then we closed the circle, with the fluids, and coated the bulb in the canister fluids. The bulb begged us not to kill it, offering us anything to prevent it's dying... then it offered to send me back to Rocky Falls. Josh growled at that.

"If I can't do it myself, then a putrid disgusting plant is surely not going to do it!"

Josh stabbed a hole into the bulb and poured gasoline into the hole and then, Josh flicked his bic! The bulb screamed as it died in fire and pesticide! After it was all done with, Josh and I dug up the bulb and wrapped up the disgusting thing in tin foil. I then made sure all the fauns were okay, before helping Josh carry the damned bulb down to the beach.

Skaldi was waiting on us with the skiff. Once the bulb was officially off the island, Skaldi then had permission to get involved. He sent the disgusting bulb straight into the ever burning recesses of the realm of Surtur! Afterward, Josh, Skaldi and I sat on the open beach, catching our breath. Skaldi grinned at me and pounced me, hugging me tightly!!

The fauns served us a dinner composed of cabbage stew and fresh ale. It was all they had, but it was good, none the less. The fauns played some of their music for us, and honored Josh with a medal. Josh glanced my way, finally realizing how tough my life must be.

The celebration extended into the night, and I passed out in Skaldi's arms. When I next awoke, we were back aboard Skaldi's ship, sailing back towards London. Josh was sitting nearby, fingering his medal and being very quiet. I turned to Josh and smiled.

"This is the quietest I've ever seen you, Josh. What's the matter?"

Josh turned to me.

"You've been really busy, haven't you? Not just with Chess but with everything. It's a Tanner thing, isn't it?"

I grinned and nodded my head.

"Now you know why I haven't been home. I'm constantly doing something. One mission ends and another almost always takes it's place. I save lives all over the world and I often get a moment's rest at my Xim Complex just south of Eureka, California. And when it's not Chess, I am growling over that damned bastard, Cassander Vulcan. He robbed an animal cemetery in Kenya of it's ivory. If I ever get my hands around his neck, it will be the end of Cassander Vulcan."

Josh hummed.

"You do know, then, that Vulcan is in Rocky Falls, trying to acquire the Tanner properties for a huge industrial complex, don't you?"

I cursed when I heard that. And if Josh thought he'd heard it all, then he got surprised that day. I must have invented new vulgar words to use on Cassander Vulcan and I ranted on for the rest of the trip. I was completely out of breath when we arrived in London.

Skaldi kissed me on the lips and swore his aid to my services from then on. Then, Josh and I reported in to the Chess bunker. No sooner had I filed my reports, when I got tackled and hugged by White Bishop Luke "the star of chaos" Masaki. I grinned and hugged back. Josh nodded his head, when he realized that I had yet another mission.

"Jansen... I am going to let you go, this time. I won't tell Leia about this little excursion. But the next time we meet, no matter where we are... if I get the drop on you, you come home. Agreed?"

I smiled at Josh.

"You're a good man, Josh. Just remember how slippery I can be. And be warned: Shane is on my side."

Josh grinned and departed the Chess bunker.

---

She hummed as she finished reading.

"Jansen teamed up with Josh. Who would have thought that Josh got to go on some Chess missions? But more importantly, somehow, Jansen knows that his agent history is being read. I am almost afraid to continue reading. They could be tracing me right now..."

She glanced out the window, noticing that the rain had stopped.

"Speaking of tracing... I better make sure that the super studly butler from the Vanlyone mansion will be bringing any liquor to the wedding. He certainly seems to drink enough of the stuff. The Coors brewery would be drank dry if he got a hold of the place."

She ate some more popcorn, then drank some more of her cola, and continued reading Jansen's agent history. She was almost sure that Jansen knew she was reading this file.

---