Somewhere, West Virginia, USA.

"Well, there goes the neighborhood." Agent Smith stated as him, Agent Doe, and everyone else in town, watched the migration of people stream into the small town as the sun hit the horizon.

They looked like a bunch of extras to Lord of the Rings. People with pointed ears and flowing robes. People short and stout and with thick beards with bands of gold and silver woven into them. Shorter people that spoke in high-pitched nasally voices and large glasses. There were even people dressed in what looked like giant turtle suits.

Of course that's what the townsfolk would think. To the two Agents it was a very real possibility that these people came from another world like the lizard people, greenskins, and the halflings.

"So much for my report being up-to-date." Agent Smith sighed as he went inside and burned the report he had spent so much time typing out. As he cleaned up the ashes the hotel phone rang.

Johnathan looked between the phone and Agent Smith with a look of curiosity as the Agent seemed greatly hesitant to answer. Agent Smith looked at Johnathan as the phone continued to ring. He walked over and disconnected the line to the phone and it went silent. For a second.

"Damn." Smith cursed as the disconnected phone rang once more despite there being no connection.

He picked up the phone and placed it to his ear. He bit back another curse as the voice of the Director came through.

"Agent Smith."

"Director."

"How is the investigation coming along?" She asked.

"Well, until about a few minutes ago it was going pretty smoothly and quietly."

"Oh? And what, pray tell, changed?"

"I'd tell you but if you're calling then that means you already know."

"Of course I already know. I'm just disappointed it came from our sources in the State Government and not my two field agents."

"What is the State going to do?"

"They're going to send the 111th Engineer Brigade, and the 77th Brigade Troop Command."

"All of them?!"

"What did you expect? The population of some small town in the middle of nowhere just became the largest in the State in a single day. They're even sending the 35th."

Smith tapped his foot in thought.

"Can we stop them? Or at the very least make it so they don't send damn near the entire National Guard of West Virginia?"

"No can do Agent. Even if we had caught this before the Governor's office did, we still would've sent troops in. This became top priority the second a large number of people came over."

"Well what about leaks? We can't keep the lid on this with so many showing up."

"We'll be sending our own task force. Officially they are there as "Federal Oversight". In actuality they are there to aid you in your investigation as well as limit leaks from the National Guard."

"So there isn't anything we can do to stop them from showing up en masse?"

"Unfortunately no. Aerial recon is being deployed to "substantiate" the claim. But seventy-thousand people showing up out of nowhere isn't something to take lightly. When they see that there are indeed an entire city's worth of people, then they will send the rest. But that will be a few days, a week at most. Once they verify, they'll be getting crash courses in crisis response and begin mobilization."

"What about the rest of the Federal Government?"

"As far as the State is aware WE are the Federal response. And we are going to keep it that way."

Smith didn't like this, not one bit. It was hard enough doing their job quietly in even a small town like this. Now they had to worry about not only a population the size of medieval Venice, but now the National Guard.

"What if we-"

"No, Agent Smith."

"We could do it you know?"

"Not in the time we have nor the volume. You should know that disappearing an entire town is hard enough, doing it to a city's worth of people is harder to not only pull off but harder to sell to the public."

Smith huffed in frustration.

"So what's the new mission?"

"The same as it was before. Only this time, you'll be getting a team to back you up. Set up and monitor everything that happens. Keep the NG from getting too close to the less explainable creatures and people. ESPECIALLY keep them away from Entity APL-1."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"You mean-"

"I will not use that ludicrous name! It is a dangerous entity! Not a pet!"

Smith chuckled a bit.

"Since we're talking, would you like my report up till today?"

The Director sighed.

"Very well. Only because this is a secure way of communicating."

So Smith gave the Director his report. Jeb and the kobolds. Morty and the greenskins. The halflings. All of it. There was a pause as the Director processed the information. No doubt already sending various people about to adjust to the new information.

"Is that all you have to report Agent Smith?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Good, continue as planned until our team arrives then procced from there."

"Yes Ma'am."

"And don't call me Ma'am. Makes me sound old."

"You are old."

Smith heard the Director guffaw.

"And you aren't?! Quit being insubordinate and get back to work Agent Smith."

"Yes Ma-"

CLICK

"Rude old bitty." Smith quipped playfully as he set the dead phone back on its base.

Johnathan just stared at Smith.

"How-"

"Trade secret Agent Doe. You'll find out when you're older. In the mean time. Its business as usual until reinforcements arrive. So go pull up a chair and observe." Smith stated as he dragged one of the worn hotel chairs out and sat on it while he watched the sheer number of people walking about along the main street of the town.

-----

Time must be different here than back home, because that was NOT "20 minutes", thought the Duchess as she entered the town the deputy had pointed out to her. She and her people were drained. Mentally, physically, and emotionally.

This worlds sun was past its peak when they came to this world. Now it was just nearing the horizon to the west as they reached the town. The chill air didn't help, especially the turtle people from the isles. The moderately sized enclave that live- HAD lived in Daele grumbled and groaned the whole walk. Both the temperature difference and the long journey didn't agree with them.

Everyone had dressed for a spring that, just a few hours ago, they were sure they weren't going to see. Now it felt like they had missed it entirely! But the sight was still something to behold.

Sure it wasn't a grand city like Daele... was. But it was still shelter, and it was still a wonder to see. Buildings made of faded red brick or what looked like solid stone and glass. A road made from a faded black stone. Lights that didn't look like they needed fire. Not to mention the multitude of metal carriages about! She couldn't see any horses in sight and she wondered how they were pulled.

A sentiment shared by many, but especially of Dylan. He was looking around the new town with wide eyes. Scribbling on his notepad furiously as his eyes darted back and forth over everything new they saw. He wasn't the only one shocked and awed. Though some looked less than impressed by the simple, even rough, conditions of the town.

They weren't sure where to go, but seeing a slightly taller white colored building decided to head there. Perhaps that was where they could inquire with whoever the ruler was, the Duchess thought.

As they neared City Hall, the Duchess glanced about and observed the people of the town. Everyone she saw was human, many were old and tired looking. But even the younger people she saw had a tired and worn look on their face. These looks barely changed as they watched and stared at the migration.

There were no offers of support or aid from the townsfolk. Judging from the condition of the town, they probably didn't have much for themselves let alone her people, she thought sadly. Her honor guard stayed close to her as they made their way through the street.

As she reached the steps of City Hall a commotion was heard and a portly man, a gangly nervous looking man, and several other, equally rounded, men shuffled out and greeted her. Or what might pass for a greeting around here.

"Who are you and what is going on here?!"

The nervous looking man stuttered a response.

"T-t-t-the Sh-sh-sheriff l-l-l-l-"

"Cease your infernal stuttering Greg and get to the point!" The Mayor snapped.

"The point is Gerald is that these people arrived looking for shelter." The Sheriff stated as he climbed the stairs, his two deputies flanking him.

The Mayor cast a suspicious eye on the sea of people that filled out one of the few roads Somewhere had. They were starting to coalesce around City Hall as they tried to get close enough to hear what was happening. Though many were still amassed at the edge of town where the town ended and the landscape changed to that of fields and hills.

"Oh are they now? Pray tell how we are supposed to shelter them Sheriff? How are we supposed to feed them? Hmm? Did you think of that before inviting these people to our town?"

"You're right Mayor. Our town is under enough stress without adding more people we can't take care of." The Sheriff answered plainly.

"There we have it! You all will just have to-"

"That's why I called the Governor and he's sending the National Guard to aid both the town and these poor people."

"YOU WHAT!?" The Mayor rounded on the Sheriff so fast his jowls still shook from the motion.

The Sheriff stepped up to the Mayor.

"We needed help before these people showed up. Now we DESPERATLY need help!"

"So you call the Governor!?! Are you mad!?"

"No! I care about this town and I'm not going to see it die because you're too scared of the past!"

"There's a damn good reason we are and you know it!" The Mayor hissed.

As the Mayor and the Sheriff bickered, the Duchess, flanked by two of the Delta Guard, walked up the steps and bowed to the two men. The heavily armed and armored men made the councilmen and deputies nervous, causing the latter to put their hands on their holsters.

"I am sorry if our presence puts too much strain on your town. If need be we will leave at first light."

"Good! You can-"

"STAY! We are good and honest folk and we won't turn away those in need!"

"If it helps alleviate your burden. We do have some wealth that we still retain. We can donate some as thanks for your hospitality."

The Mayor, and councilmen, perked up at that.

"Wealth you say?"

The Duchess touched a hand to a ornate necklace she had. Silver and aquamarine. She unclasped it and held it out.

"I could not ask my people to do what I would not. So accept this as my thanks."

The Mayor's eyes went wide and he licked his lips as he reached a fat hand out to snatch up the exquisite jewelry. But he was stopped by the Sheriff who stood between the necklace and his meaty hands. The Delta Guard tensed at the movement put did no more once it was apparent it wasn't a threatening motion.

"That isn't necessary. If you wish to show thanks then please. Enjoy what the town has to offer. Food, a few hotels and apartments you and yours can stay in and any other services and amenities you find. Please. If you wish to offer thanks, then offer it to the people of the town itself."

The Duchess smiled and withdrew the necklace before bowing.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Me and my people will do our utmost to repay it and do our best to be civil guests in your town!"

"Of course! If need be there are other places that might be able to shelter your people. We have some space at the station. The railyard probably wouldn't say no to housing some of your people. As I said, we have room and board in several parts of town that wouldn't say no to any new business!"

The Sheriff and the Mayor bickered quietly while the Duchess turned to address her people.

"Good people of Daele! We have come far from our home by the sea and have faced many hardships in these past weeks! But now the people here have been generous enough to offer us shelter! Offer us Sanctuary! They only ask that we reward that kindness at the many shops and vendors around the town! So go and find a place to rest and fill your bellies and get warm!"

With that, the great flood of people murmured curiously and excitedly as they formed various groups and began to explore the town as the message was carried through the mass of bodies. As the Duchess watched, many group heads came to her.

The scions of the dwarven banking clans and the remnants of the nobility, elvish and human, walked up to join her. As did the heads of the various merchant houses, smithy and artisan guilds. Even Alban pulled Dylan away from running off to fulfill his duty as the leader, and half, of the Artificers Guild. The Great Sage of the tortle enclave grunted as she walked over with the rest of the leaders before sitting down on the cool grass nearby with a relieved sigh.

"What're we ta do now yer Ladyship?" One of the dwarves asked as he ran a bejeweled hand over his golden beard that was woven with emerald imbedded silver bands.

"We do as I stated. We find places to rest and recover from our journey. Tomorrow we will meet again with the leaders of the town and work out the rest."

One of the elves sniffed his hawkish nose as he gazed at the town.

"Are we really to stay in such a place so... pedestrian?"

"We aren't really in a position to argue my Lord. If it is not to your liking then you are free to keep walking in hopes of finding someplace more suited to your tastes."

The elf sniffed indignantly but remained where he was. One of the merchants spoke next.

"What should we do then? We have no place to work our trades."

The other merchants and various guild leaders nodded in affirmation.

"For tonight, just find food and shelter. I'm sure that these people will have need of, and greatly appreciate, your work. As I have stated already. Food and shelter first. Everything else will be settled tomorrow."

The leaders all grumbled and murmured but did little else as they split off to find their own places of rest. The Great Sage groaning and grumbling as she forced herself to stand and return to her people. Though the dwarves and Dylan walked over to the Sheriff and Mayor.

"Excuse me lad? What were tha' 'bout a railyard?"

The Sheriff broke the mutual glaring between him and the Mayor and turned to the stout man.

"The railyard. Its on the north of town. Follow the main road here and take a left at the library. Can't miss it."

"Well thank ye lad. But uhm? What is a railyard?"

"Well, its a place where trains are stored and maintained, its also where freight from our town is, or was, shipped out of and to the rest of the country."

The dwarves hummed in understanding.

"One last question lad. What is a train?"