Amongst the many foreign visitors to the city of Portland, was one particular woman, who had come for the same reason most of the others had. However, her interest was not in the auction itself, but the thief who had stolen from it.

“This is 087 reporting in, I have arrived at the target destination. Beginning self-scan.”

“No need 087, status has already been confirmed, and you are primed for full measures,” a male voice said, communicating with 087 via a magical link.

The woman with no true name paused. “Full measures?”

“Yes, it is a priority that you locate the thief and the stolen goods. Capture him alive if possible, but dead will do fine so long as his soul is captured. All information has already been sent and received.”

“Yes, but… full measures. The briefing said low-priority did it not?”

“It did, but Director Killian seems to have changed it just after the information was sent out. Would you like me to send it once more?”

“Is it the only change?”

“Yes.”

“Then no. I will require no further update.”

“Very well. I will be on standby 24/7 as usual. Good luck on your hunt, 087.”

“I’ve no need for luck.”

The line was cut, 087 flexed her fingers, and did a quick mental check of everything she had and the first target for her mission. Calculations were worked out in her mind, taking a fraction of the time it would take for even some of the more naturally mentally capable para’s. It was on par with certain types of spirits pertaining to the mind. Once done, she focused, and her body morphed, the skin-tight bodysuit disappearing, and being replaced with normal everyday clothing. Hair grew from her head into a long curtain of golden locks, and emotion lit up her eyes. She smiled, the act not born from joy, but a test to make sure all was in order.

To most outside observers, she looked like a beautiful human woman, dressed in a simple floral sundress, with blue high heels, and a face with hints of makeup. A disguise for the first act. She turned and began walking toward a nearby path of the natural park she was in.

Unbeknownst to anyone, one of the deadliest beings on the Prime had just entered the city of Portland.

****

While a hunter began their hunt, in another part of the city, Nate was finding it hard to find a reason as to why he was still working at his current job. He had thought working the clan case was bad, but the theft was worse, in large part due to his temporary partner, Sivelle, who had about as much personality as a brick in his eyes.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Her coldness was not uncommon for some kinds of fae, nor was the multitude of sneers she threw his way. He didn’t particularly care, but attempting to work with her was a test of his patience as she seemed hellbent on using his resources while not letting him in on hers, or telling him what she was currently doing. She demanded information, but gave no elaboration, and arguing with her led to nowhere. She just used a spell to mute him, and Nate wasn’t stupid enough to put his hands on her or be an asshole. She was a fae sorceress, and a strong one at that. If not for his basic protection she could probably turn him to ice, even with them, he wouldn’t fare well. Sure, he had the enchanted capabilities of a vampire, but she was full-blooded pure fae, and one of winter’s lot. Not to mention, he was an above-average vampire at best, nothing to write home about.

Nate stared at the phone in his hand, contemplating what his next move would be. The hunt for the thief was going about as well as any expected. There wasn’t much to go off, and for some reason, the precogs were having trouble finding out much. He glanced up at his computer screen. He was on a document, noting what little the precogs had managed to find.

“Is that all?”

Nate jumped and glanced back to see Sivelle staring at the screen. “Damn, Sivelle, you ever heard of coughing?”

She didn't bother to reply. “Is this all?”

“Yes. Not much good it’ll do us.”

“A book, fire, and key,” Sivelle said. “And they all saw this?”

“In different ways, but yes. The book, fire, and key are what kept recurring. A few tried to get more, but most of them came up empty. It’s unusual, is what they’re saying. Some suspect the thief is covering his tracks or performed some magic to make it harder to find him.”

“What do you think?”

Nate raised an eyebrow. She usually didn’t give a damn what he thought. “It could be the thief, or it could be something else. Everyone’s focused on the case, but what about the news of underground or the foreign visitors?”

“News?”

“Somethings caught the attention of the criminal element.” Nate had not been put on that case, despite asking to be moved. “It’s odd, since you’d expect them to be quieter what with all the heightened activity, and you can't forget the ender and enforcers.”

“You think it’s linked to the theft?”

“Perhaps. It’s not our case, though you can ask if you can have a look at what the people on it have got. Just make sure to use some manners. You do know what those are, don't you?”

She gave him a blank look, and turned to leave, but paused when something caught her eyes. She leaned over his desk and picked up a piece of paper. “Who is this Richard Halls?”

“Nobody, a POI from my last case.” He reached out for the paper, but she pulled away, her eyes flicking over the page quickly. “A minor sorcerer involved with an orc clan. The target of a hit, and potential link to the death of one, Tyras Gilden of the Gilden clan. Minor note of interest pertaining to his magic, link of unknown type detected by DOSA healer…” Her eyes went distant, and Nate took the opportunity to snatch it away.

Sivelle blinked, and her eyes went back to her normal emotionless state. Nate stared at her. “Back on the Prime?”

She glanced at him, then turned and walked away.

“Bloody fae,” Nate muttered, turning back to his work.