Jake sat down with his party and said, “Al right here's the situation. We are going to a place that has many wonders.” Pete replied, “You found the city of glass right? That's what this is about?” Jake winced, “Yes but let's keep that between us. There's a good chance others will put two and two together, but we need to keep our cards close to our chest. With one traitor there could be others.”
Pete questioned, “How did you know about the traitor, where did you get evidence?” Wiz laughed, “He didn't, he was bluffing to get them to out themselves. Isn't that right?” Jake winked and touched the tip of his nose and they all laughed. Wiz continued, “What are we going to do with his anyway? If we leave him much longer with Vincent the blacksmith he's liable to kill him... Not that I would lose any sleep about that.”
Jake said, “Yeah me neither, For now, do you happen to have any suppression collars? I have something called zip ties that will work as manacles for now. I figure at minimum we could use him as forced labor if nothing else.” Wiz lit up I do! He summoned a collar from storage and handed it over. “I have kept this around for studying but you can use it.”
With that solved Jake continued to explain the situation to Wiz and Pete. He left out any sensitive information for operational security. As their conversation came to a conclusion refuges started to trickle in. Jake asked Alley, “How many people can you teleport at once?” She replied no more than five.” “Okay start with Pete, Wiz, Vincent, and our prisoner. Go with them and get things on that end organized. Then return here and take groups as they come in. I'll stay here until everyone is back to make sure this side stays secure. I assume there's a place you can stash everyone?” Alley replied, “Yes, the facility is completely self-sustainable. There are employee apartments, hydroponics, and even an underground reservoir.”
Alley nodded and kissed Jake deeply. Jake shook hands with Wiz and then Pete. As Jake shook Pete's hand he said, “Pete, I'll need you to help organize everyone on the other side, and Wiz, once you get settled in I'd like you to get up to speed with Alley as soon as possible. Time is not on our side.” They each nodded in turn and Alley teleported them without delay. As they disappeared Jake shook his head and thought, “That will take getting used to.”
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Almost immediately Alley was back. Jake turned to the new arrivals and said, “Everyone listen up! Form groups of five and Alley here with transport you to safety.” A disgruntled-looking man spoke up, “Who are you and what's this all about, my wife just pulled me out of my shop and said we are in danger and have to go. I'm not going anywhere until I get an explanation.” Jake smiled and said, “Sure no problem, just come over here with your family and let me introduce you to Alley.” Once they approached Jake nodded to Alley and said “Do it.” The family disappeared and Jake shouted to the others, “We do not have time to hold your hands! We are moving. Anyone who stays here will die. Now form up in groups of five!”
This continued until there were just a couple of groups left. Just then a commotion could be heard at the barred entrance and Jake heard, “Open up in the name of the crown!” Jake shouted back, We are having a private meeting in here. We will come out in two minutes.” The voice responded, “You are all under arrest, you are under the suspicion of seditious activities. Come out now and your cooperation will be taken into account!” Jake said, “Hold on I have to get the key, I'll be right out.” With only two groups left Alley appeared and said, “Hold on Jake I am out of energy I'll need a minute to recoup so I can get the others out.” Jake sighed, “I don't think we will have a minute.”
Jake called to the remaining refugees, “Move to the back of the room. Alley stay with them, I'll hold them off for as long as I can.” Alley blanched, “But what about you? I cannot leave you here.” Jake replied, “I'm not asking you to, just get these families out first then come back for me. I have a few tricks up my sleeve, just be as quick as you can.”
Jake started piling up chairs in front of the entrance as pounding reverberated throughout the chamber. He then dowsed the chairs with lantern oil. Alley disappeared with the first group and Jake lay prone on the floor with a clear firing sight line at the door. The door shook violently and an ominous crack was heard. Jake aimed with his rifle and calmed himself. The door shook one last time before the plank barring the door gave way. The chairs started to be shoved inward and Jake opened fore at an arm that reached inside. The boom of the round being shot inside was deafening. Jake did not let up, however. He fired shot after shot and the forms trying to get in retreated. Jake cast a beam of flame into the chairs and they ignited with a whoosh. Thick black smoke started filling the room. Jake Held his breath and watched the portal while waiting for ex-filtration. As the smoke started to burn his eye he just hoped that Alley would return in time.