Chapter 9

John Whitford had prepared for almost anything in the months leading up to New Year's Day 2000 - computer collapse, electrical failure, even a breakdown of civil authority. His isolated home in central Kentucky had its own generator, and he'd stockpiled weapons, ammunition, food and water to be able to ride out almost anything. There was even a small cave that he could use if it became necessary to hide. When the clocks ticked over and nothing obvious happened, he'd been almost disappointed that all his precautions had been unnecessary. It was ready, though, and he’d kept it up to date over the years, especially after 9/11 and the anthrax scare just after that attack. There was always the chance of another disaster. He'd gone to bed on the last day of 2012 - and when he woke up the next morning, he discovered that there had been something he hadn't anticipated, after all.

He spent New Year's Day pacing back and forth from the cable news to the bathroom mirror, tracking the reports on the transformations and then going back to stare at his reflection. He'd enjoyed playing the part online, but he'd never thought he'd actually become his character. The resemblance was too close to be anything else, though. He was now a huge bipedal wolf, gray-furred, with a white chest-ruff. Blue eyes looked back at him from the mirror. Judging by the news reports, the last thing he wanted to do was to go on the Net and get tracked down by the government roundup. Eventually he decided to wait. He'd prepared for a disaster, and even if this wasn't the one he'd expected, he could still ride it out one way or another.

Four weeks later, he was still waiting. He'd been lucky, no one had come to look for him - yet. Congress had passed the Paranormal Draft and Registration Act in the immediate aftermath of the White House attack, which meant that sooner or later there would be a legal roundup of those who had evaded the first sweeps. He was watching the morning news, debating whether or not he could make it to Canada, when the first reports of the Norfolk Fire hit the airwaves. A bat in a modified naval uniform was shown rescuing a baby from a burning high-rise, and a military press conference was shown immediately afterward. The spokesman at the podium was a Marine Brigadier... and one of the Changed was in his entourage. A white wolf, with black-tipped ears and golden eyes, wearing the uniform of a Naval lieutenant commander. John watched, hoping but afraid to believe it - but when she came up to the podium to answer a question, he caught a glimpse of her tail. White, also with a black tip - and somehow he knew. This really was the friend he'd had online, changed into her persona just as he had been – she’d told him she had been in the Navy. Canada dropped out of his travel plans without his even realizing it. “Norfolk - how can I get to Norfolk?”

* * *

Lowe blinked at the email. * I’m me. Are you really you? RSVP. Graytail. * Could it be? Do I -want- it to be? The answer to the second question was yes, she decided. They’d been friends for years online. Maybe ... maybe it was finally time to meet. The reply she sent was equally simple. * Yes. Where and when? I can bring the Buffalo, so you know it’s me. Jandi. * The next reply came an hour later, from a different email. It included an elaborate set of driving directions that ended at Big Bone Lick State Park in Kentucky. * It’s closer to me than the Peaks of Otter. Send me a cell-phone number. Follow the directions on the 30th. I’ll call you before you get there. Graytail. *

Gabrelli didn’t like the idea at all, of course. “How do you know it’s not a trap, or some stalker who saw you on that broadcast?”

Lowe shrugged. “I don’t know for sure, Lisa. But I don’t think it’s likely. We’ve known each other online for years, since before 9/11, in fact. If he wanted to stalk me, he’s had plenty of time before now. And the messages look like his work. He knows our in-jokes and the personal touches. Besides, it’s worth the risk. He always said he was a top-notch programmer and marksman before the Change. Even if he wasn’t, he probably is now, and even without any other special abilities he’d be worth having on the team.”

Gabrelli nodded. “That’s true, at least. The Changelings do seem to have come up with what they wanted to be, didn’t they?” She sighed. “But you’re changing the subject. Why all the subterfuge? It’s straight out of a bad Hollywood spy movie.”

Lowe grinned. “Because he’s not a spy. Bad movies and Tom Clancy novels are the only tradecraft he knows. He probably wants to make sure I’m acting on my own, and give me a chance to get away if I’m not.”

Gabrelli sighed again. “Amateurs. All right, I’ll pass it on to Boyer with my approval. You can argue with her and Sterling if you want.”

* * *

CNN: 27 Jan 2013. Disastrous fires have broken out in Mexico City, severely damaging the area around the National Palace, Mexico’s Capitol Building. A fire at the National Cathedral has been contained, but the loss to the priceless artwork inside is incalculable.

The Feathered Serpent smiled as he watched the news reports in his scrying pool. “Much better this time, Rico. Much. Shall we try Washington again? They have guarded the palaces of their leaders, but their military leadership is still unprotected.”

* * *

Stardancer was recovering from her latest experiments when Roberto San Andrea asked to see her. She sighed. “I locked those posers out of the building for a reason, Dorrie. What does he want?”

Dorrie Wisczinski, the executive secretary, was the only non-mage still allowed in the building after one of the administrative staff had nearly caused a disaster by interrupting a spell at the wrong time. She liked Stardancer, and shared the witch’s opinion of San Andrea. She was also aware, having access to the security clearance files, that he’d been born Robert Sanders before he’d gotten into the magic business. “I’m not really sure, ma’am. He sounds apologetic, and he’s carrying a big book.”

Stardancer grimaced. “I suppose it can’t hurt. I’ll be down in a minute.”

San Andrea swept a bow as she lifted the spell and let him into the lobby. “I come bearing gifts, milady witch. Well, a gift, at least.”

She looked at the man skeptically. “If you’re trying to get on my good side, it’s a bit late in coming. I always knew you didn’t believe in the Art before, and I know you haven’t got any power now. You’re a con man, a fraud, a womanizer, and a monumental pain in the backside. What do you want?”

San Andrea winced, but rallied. “Harsh, milady, and I fear I must admit that there is some truth to your words. But things are different now, and even if I am a fraud, I am not a stupid one. Before the Change, I did try to research some of the famous adepts mentioned in history and legend. I have here a book that was supposedly the property of Cagliostro.” The book was oversized, bound in black leather, dusty and altogether ancient in appearance. “When you began having success, I looked through my collection again, and discovered that this one may indeed be the real thing. If you will observe….” He set the heavy tome down on Dorrie’s desk and flipped it open. The pages within shimmered with light, each word shining with power. “This time, I think the rumor is correct. It was just ordinary writing before.”

Stardancer’s eyes went wide. “Most of the others have just traces of this. How long have you been sitting on this, you louse?”

San Andrea gave her his best hurt look. “I’ve only had it a few months, Stardancer. I brought it over as soon as I realized what it was.”

The witch picked it up, reverently. “This may be a copy of Merlin’s Grimoire. There are hints in some of what we have. Thank you. I really mean that. This should save us months of experimenting with the scraps and pieces we’ve recovered.”

San Andrea smiled. “I’m glad you appreciate it. Dare I ask how tangible your thanks might be? Treasury bonds, gold, cash, a date?”

Stardancer snorted amusement. “Still out for the main chance, eh, San Andrea? Don’t push your luck. If you’ve still got your receipts, we’ll reimburse you for it.”

He smiled. “Just kidding. Good luck with it.” The smile faded and his eyes went cold. “And I really mean that. After what happened at the White House? I've seen the pictures from New Orleans and Norfolk and Mexico City, too. Good luck, and good hunting. You’re right – I’ve never done much useful with my life, and if this is going to be my one chance at a contribution, I’m happy to make it. Someone has sown the wind. Help them reap the whirlwind. Blessed Be, milady witch.” He handed a letter to Dorrie. “My resignation. This is a real facility now, not a government boondoggle for charlatans. I know the way out.” He turned then, and the door spell shimmered as he stepped through it.

Stardancer watched him as he walked back to his car. “I didn’t think he had it in him. For once, I’m glad I was wrong.”

San Andrea smiled as he pulled out of the parking lot. Not bad. I get paid handsomely for doing the right thing, for once. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. “The delivery has been made.” The voice on the other end was the same as before – indeterminate as to gender, nationality, perhaps even species. “We thank you, Mr. Sanders. The second payment will be deposited in your account before the end of the day.”

* * *

Lowe eventually won the argument with her security staff. They were still nervous about it, of course, but they’d acquiesced to the expedition. “And no following me around in helicopters. At least not too closely. If it’s a trap, I can sense them before they spring it. How do you think I made it to Little Creek from Blacksburg while they were setting up roadblocks back on New Year’s Day?”

Boyer grumbled. “You’ll stay in touch with us?”

The wolf nodded. “Of course. I don’t think there will be any problems, though.”

She’d recovered her old Impala after running out of gas on New Year’s Day, and was rather enjoying driving it again. It was a bit thirsty by modern standards, but it was old enough to be steel and chrome where newer vehicles were sheet aluminum and plastic, and the security people were happy enough about the extra protection it provided. Rural Kentucky was a pleasant area, even if she did get occasional strange looks from other drivers; the official government plates installed for the occasion did nothing to alleviate suspicion here in the back country. Combined with her dress blue uniform, they did keep any local sheriffs from trying to stop her, though. Her phone rang a bit less than half-way into the trip. “Jandi? Is it really you?” The voice on the other end was deep, and had the same guttural mushiness as her own. The distortions caused by speaking English with canine lips and tongue seemed to be a constant.

She chuckled. “It was the last time I looked. And you’re really Graytail now?”

He answered with a laugh. “Sure am. And was that ever a shock. Are you alone?”

“As far as I know, and that’s pretty far now. I’ll tell you when I see you – security issues, y’know. There’s a lot that’s not on the airwaves.”

“I’m not at all surprised.” There was a brief pause, then the voice continued. “If anyone’s following you, they’re invisible. You’re coming up on the real turn-off. Take the next right, go two miles, and look for the driveway posted ‘No Entry. Trespassers will be violated.’ Turn in there and follow it back to the house.”

“Got it. Be there in five.” She cut off the cell phone and talked to the back seat. “If you’re hiding back there, Commander, I’ll be very unhappy with you.” No one answered, and she shrugged and made the turn, keying the mike on the radio beside her. “Contact made. I think it’s legitimate. Code gray.”

John watched as the Impala made the turn, then cased his binoculars and started back down the hill. Well, this is the moment of truth. I’ve known her for fourteen years. Let’s hope I don’t say something stupid now that we’re finally going to meet.

* * *

Lowe turned into the driveway, gravel crunching under the tires as she drove up through the woods covering the property. A final turn brought her to the house, two stories tall with white siding. Her empathic sense was picking up only one person inside, nervous and eager, but with a strong overtone of affection. She shut off the engine and keyed the mike again. “I’m here. One person inside, emotional signature is appropriate. Signing off for now – I’ll check back in when we’ve met. If I don’t call back in two hours, come running.”

The only answer was two clicks, as pre-arranged. She got out of the car and walked up to the door. The doorbell rang when she pushed the button, and the mind inside the house reacted, even more nervous than before for a moment. The voice she’d heard on the phone answered the chime. “Come on in – it’s open.” She opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

He stood there, big enough to need to duck through the doorways, gray and white, dressed in denim cutoffs and a sweatshirt that looked painted on. Even his scent matched his description. “Hello, Graytail.” She smiled, canine-fashion with her tongue lolling over her fangs.

"Hello, Jandi." He stood there for a heartbeat, then moved forward, quickly. Lowe didn't react at first, his emotions indicated no threat at all, and then he was holding her in his arms, his muzzle locked to hers in an approximation of a human kiss. Her eyes went wide in shock for a moment, and then she responded, her tongue twining against his. They stood embraced for what might have been a minute, or might have been an eternity, and then he released her with a tender smile and took a step back. "I've been wanting to do that for years. My real name is John."

Lowe took a little longer to recover. “I... yeah, me too. Though I was planning to wait a little longer. That was... intense. Physical and mental for me, now. I’m Janet – I suppose Jandi works just as well if you prefer.”

The big wolf grinned. “I thought that would be a good way to break the ice. No awkward silence while we debated what to say next. I had a whole list of questions to ask that no one else would be able to answer, but... I don’t think I need to ask them now.”

Lowe chuckled. “Where we met online, what was our last conversation before New Year’s, who were our friends and who were a bunch of total pains in the anatomy, that sort of thing?”

John nodded. “All that and more. But your reaction was really all I needed. But come, sit down, get comfortable.” He led the way to his living room and sat down next to her, then looked at her curiously. “What did you mean by physical and mental?”

“Some of us are more than just physically transformed. Have you noticed any unusual abilities since the Change?”

He shook his head. “No. Nothing that isn’t due to being bigger and wolfish.”

Lowe shrugged. “Some of us did, though. I –” She paused and tapped a finger against her temple. “-became empathic. I can feel the emotions around me. You are the first one I’ve met who focused on me with love. It was a bit overwhelming.” She sighed. “I don’t know if it will survive getting to know each other in person. But we can try, can’t we?”

John nodded again. “We certainly can. We already know we think alike. I suspect we can get used to each other’s bad habits, too.” He grinned, and stood up again. “Anyway. Let me show you around the place.”

Lowe smiled. “I’d love to see it. Let me call in first, and tell them I’m fine. If I don’t, they’re going to come crashing in on us in a couple hours.”