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It was less than ideal, this flight from the United States to northern Australia. Cameron Hale looked over at the two members of the House traveling with him: his cousin, Jake Grey, and their friend, Leighton Harper. They were in the cargo hold of a Hercules C-150 bringing Hale Adaptive Technologies equipment to the Sullivan clan in the ‘Land Down Under’.
But they had companions, of sorts, with them. There was serious fallout from Sam Winchester’s testimony to the highest echelons of the United States federal government. Some FBI Agent named Donald Ressler had a team with him. Michael Hale had little choice but to work with the government right now. They officially paid for the materials being delivered and wanted contacts with supernatural nations. It felt like a shotgun marriage.
“Your dad is meeting us there?” Cameron asked Jake. Hard to imagine so many of the Sullivan-Grey clan meeting them in Darwin when they were mainly based in Brisbane and Sydney.
“Your mom will be with him too,” Jake answered as he pulled on his leather trench coat. Convergence had many side-effects, but one of the better ones, at least to Jake, was the tailors and materials available for use in clothing. Judging by how other Houses dressed outside of their areas, Michael deemed it best if the Hales improved from t-shirts and jeans. That was not well received by all members considering so many were young.
Jake’s outfit wasn’t as formal as Cameron’s which was a very posh suit. Leighton was very well dressed as well. It struck Jake as a cross between steampunk and cyberpunk. Very Regency in the design, but the materials were lined with magic and technology. Jake had two guns on him, and an enchanted knife as well. The Hale armory was very diverse. It helped that Cameron was a mage-smith in training.
Leighton moved his eyes to the other group and then stared at Jake. They exchanged a nod and Leighton made his way to the back. He sized up the five men with them. Three were military and the other two, FBI. Leighton leaned on a crate and stared at the Agent-in-Charge. “Well, Mr. Ressler, how many werewolf families have you met?”
Two of the military types moved closer, but a hand signal from Ressler stopped them. “Mr. Harper, we may be playing from behind, but we can catch up.” Ressler had his orders. Convergence was literally rewriting the Earth. New populations were part of cities across the planet. Houston was the city with the biggest changes to it with more than a million and a half new residents in that metro area. That the government could determine. Most likely it was more.
In a few days the Global Conference on Security & Stabilization was going to meet in Washington. There was literally a new world order that needed structure. That also added some urgency to this mission. Ressler had orders concerning that too. There was too much at stake to leave anything to chance and that is why he was on this mission. Also, why the Special Ops guys were with him and under his full command. The White House was not happy.
Leighton looked at the two guys that moved to intercept him. His father had been adamant growing up to never show the full range of skills. Leighton was not that same kid anymore. He was faster and stronger than the wolves now, only losing to superior skills of the alphas, Derek and Michael. But his skill with magic was coming on and that was the true shock to his family.
“We still aren’t sure why you wanted to come with us. This is more of a family trip,” Leighton added as he tried to gauge the five men.
One of the men rolled his eyes. “We are well aware that you are on an infiltration mission, boy. It would be best if you left that to the professionals.”
Shrugging, he walked back to where Cameron and Jake were getting ready. Switching to Greek, he said, “They are in way over their heads.”
Cameron handed Leighton his backpack. “We have more important things to worry about. We aren’t babysitting them.”
Shrugging Leighton glanced over his shoulder. “We still have to keep them in one piece. Or else Michael will be upset.”
The other Agent looked at his boss. “Why are they with us?”
One of the military guys shrugged. “Intel says they are important, and they were in St. Louis, they know stuff. That’s all that matters for the moment.”
“I have my orders directly from the White House,” Ressler said. “Australia is an ally, and they are vouching for the group we are meeting. Observe and report. But, above all, we must learn everything we can. No one is happy in Washington. No one.”
One of the military guys nodded. “Global imaging is having a hard time processing all the changes. Can’t think any of our human allies are happy either.”
Ressler nodded. “We will keep an eye on things and report. They want to create a new full scale threat assessment for the world. This is part of the recon.”
Cameron grabbed his sword, a sword he forged with old blueprints he found among the Hale documents. But he took the design and added in modern metallurgy. He traded knowledge with some dwarfs and the Svartalves for some of their metals from the other side. He had a titanium alloy enchanted blade with some serious runes cast into it. One of the druids he met in Beacon Hills was clear that Cameron could start crafting for customers and demand high prices.
He watched as Jake and Leighton pulled on their jackets. Michael decreed that all members of the family, while representing the family, should look presentable. What was considered presentable was debatable to some members of the family. It was Peter who pointed out the extravagant clothing that the upper echelons of the Courts wore. Jake backed that up with several images. The tailors retained melded styles and materials into a look that could fit in a variety of places. For the most part. Jake seemed to like his new style. Cameron still felt like a college kid. At least he was able to wear regular designer boxer briefs. He’d insisted on that much. His older cousin eschewed any, but Cameron liked to keep things in place.
“I can’t believe we adopted a steampunk aesthetic,” complained Leighton. He had on some black jeans, boots with a heavy tread, an undershirt that was a new weave that could stop some weapons. He had on a long-sleeved shirt and vest, but the duster completed the look. He carried his knife and a gun, but Leighton’s powers had grown immense. He looked over at Jake and frowned.
“You can run around naked at Hale Hall all you want, but Cameron is an aristocrat. And you and I also represent that House when we are out,” Jake answered as he adjusted his long jacket. The tailors from Beacon Village (the town on the other side of the NeverNever as it was called) were amazing. Their leather working was better. What they did with silk was pure providence. “We look good though.”
As the plane landed, Cameron grabbed his bag and headed for the ramp. The team with him raised his concerns, but one thing had become clear, temporal powers of the world respected the newly arrived powers and those that had been hidden. Nothing reflected that more than Peter being referred to as ‘Ambassador’ by even the State of California.
“Hale Hall,” scoffed Cameron as he waited for the plane to stop taxiing. “That place is an absolute monstrosity now.” Beacon Hills, and their family home, looked nothing like it did a few weeks ago. Nothing. A gift from the Goddess herself. They were still trying to figure out all the new areas and extent of the changes.
Hank Grey was the son of the alpha of the Sullivan-Grey pack. They were the supernatural power of Australia. World War II made them invaluable to the Australian Ministry of Defense. A few on the west coast helped search for potential infiltrators and apprehend them quietly. He was a redhead, built like his son, but was a full-blooded werewolf. As disappointed as he had been when it was clear his boy wasn’t going to be either a were or mage, he was still proud of Jake. He had two other sons after Jake and neither one had much common sense. They were wolves though. His line would continue.
Jessica Grey frowned at her brother. “If I had known Cameron was going to be in such danger, I would have insisted father allow him to remain.”
“He considered him to be too much of a Hale to stay. He was raised there. He would be too far behind in training,” Hank replied. “What we did teach him was enough, but he was an aristocrat. The Hales are raised different.”
They stopped their conversation as the cargo plane came to a stop. They waited as the passengers disembarked from the back of the plane.
Jessica’s mouth fell open as she took in the sight of her son. To her mage senses she could see just how powerful her son had grown. Hank did the same as he looked at his eldest kid. Jake was young but had a new sense of maturity. Deadly maturity.
“Hi, mom,” Cameron said as he gave her a hug. “You know Jake, and this is Leighton.”
Hank looked them over and almost said something but watched the other five men come down the ramp. “Friends?”
Jake shrugged, “Something,” was all he said.
The unsaid made Hank move. He offered his hand to the guy that looked like he was in charge. They all had the same feel and smell. “Hank Grey, welcome to Australia.”
“Thank you, I’m Asst FBI Director Donald Ressler.” He offered his hand. He turned to introduce his associates.
Suddenly, they all turned as a figured unveiled near them. A Summer Court Griff stood there, tall and proud. “My Lord Cameron,” he looked around. “And the rest of you. If you will come with me.”
Another veil dropped and what looked like an old-style airplane hangar appeared. Jake ran over and couldn’t keep his excitement out of his voice. “This is from the other side!”
The Griff nodded. “Indeed, young master, it is not a structure most on the other side would build, but there are echoes across dimensions that reflect each other.” He waved his hand and a magical construct of a globe appeared. “We know of your mission. We cannot interfere because our Court still sits mainly in the NeverNever, however, many fae journeyed here and formed this new Court, the Neon Court. Most of these fae were from Beyond, sundered in the Fall.”
“Why are you telling us this?” asked Asst Director Ressler. “Do you have a way to make contact?”
The globe changed and several cities were highlighted. “Boy, you are new to our ways. But we know many of yours. The world changed. Singapore is one of points of migration, like Houston, but it has more uniform peoples. Houston is a free-for-all mix now.”
Ressler made eye contact with one of the military guys and got a nod in return. He was going to say something, but Jessica Grey glared at him and that kept him quiet.
The Griff pointed to a building in Singapore. “That is the where the Neon Court gathers. The Jade Court has withdrawn after their losses in parts of China. Queen Titania bids you to stop any war the Neon and Jade Courts might start.”
“My lord,” started Jake, but was cutoff by Cameron.
“Lord Griff, how would you suggest we handle this?” Cameron didn’t know Court politics, that was Peter’s job.
The Griff shrugged. “If the Elder Griff were here, he would say to follow your instincts, however…given you are young and impulsive perhaps ask questions before resorting to violence.”
Jake cleared his throat and pointed at one of the golden lights that was moving on the globe. “What is that?”
“One of the returned gods. They are on the move. Much has changed.” With that the Griff nodded and vanished, leaving them in an empty field next to the runway.
“That was abrupt,” said one of the military guys.
Hank Grey nodded and started heading to the docks near the landing strip. He walked down to the water and pointed down to a dock not far away. “You’re taking that into Singapore. Water is the only way to sneak in.”
It was an old fishing trawler and there were two men waiting.
One of the military guys whispered to Ressler, “What’s with this ‘My Lord’ shit?”
Jessica walked over and smiled at the man. “My son’s father is from a family that traces their direct roots back millennia. That bloodline was born of magic and the Moon. They were made by the Goddess. Never feral, always in control, and gifted. That age and Grace is acknowledged by others.”
She paused and looked Ressler in the eyes. “I hold you responsible for their safety. Anything happens to them and House Hale will go to war. Do you have a God,” she smiled, “Sorry, Gods, on your side?”
She glared at the other man and stepped away.
“Noted,” Ressler said as he continued down the path. He walked up to Hank. “Why this boat?”
The captain stepped up and rolled his eyes. “Because this boat won’t attract any attention. It will be allowed into one of the small fishing quays and then you can get into the city. There is a dispute as to who rules the city right now. This is the only way.”
The trip from Darwin to Singapore was choppy. The oceans were still adapting to all the changes. Weather patterns were out of their seasonal flow. The military and FBI guys watched as Leighton stood at the ship’s bow as they crossed out of the Timor Sea and into the Banda Sea. He whispered words into the air and threw some trinkets into the sea.
“An offering for the local water deities,” said Jake. “For smooth passage.” He turned to look at the men. “You may think you know something, but Powers, great and lesser, are back. With luck we’ll get through to Singapore in one piece.”
Leighton nodded at them as he went below deck. “The magic here is different,” he told Cameron. “Our friends are getting nervous as well.”
“Understandable,” Cam responded. “Our local contact is ready, but I’m worried he’ll sell us out.”
“Plan B, then. Instead of the fishing village near the airport we make for that engineering section on the northside of the island.” Leighton frowned at the thought. “Its further from our destination point though.”
The Neon Court set up shop in the Marina Bay Sands Singapore, the beautiful hotel with the roof pool that spanned three buildings. The gardens next to the hotel were also part of the Court’s holdings. Satellites pick up major changes so there was no maps available of what exactly changed on the ground. They were to expect the unexpected.
Jake talked to the boat’s captain and had him increase their speed. Instead of arriving just before dawn at the fishing village to blend with the early departing boats up, he wanted them to arrive just after dusk and sneak into the engineering building, they knew about. Everything was a matter of timing now.
Leighton informed their ‘companions’ that the itinerary changed. He didn’t add any details. Trust had not been established with them.
Two days later, one of the military guys tapped Leighton on the shoulder. “We’ve turned too soon, we’ll come upon Singapore from the southwest instead of the east.”
“Yes,” was all that Leighton said as he went below deck. The sun was getting low on the horizon as they started crossing the Singapore Straight.
Agent Ressler dropped his bag on the deck as they rounded the western edge of the island nation of Singapore. “We were supposed to come in from the east and arrive right before dawn.”
“You were informed that things changed,” Cameron responded. “We’re passing under Second Link Bridge now. We’ll be getting near our docking point in half an hour. Have your men ready to disembark.”
Jake watched the land to his right for any signs of, well, anything. It felt like they were crawling in the water as the parkland and darkness of the island unsettled him. He could see the lights of the next bridge in the distance, but it was approaching too slowly. Taking a risk, he veiled and opened up a little secret he brought. He was a spy after all.
The Johor Causeway Bridge loomed closer. Everyone was on deck with their equipment, ready to leave and get to the mission target.
The industrial sector started becoming more prominent on the Singapore shoreline. Leighton pointed to several old, docked cargo vessels. “That’s where we get off, gentlemen.”
There was pier right before the vessels and Cameron jumped off first, followed by Jake and then Leighton. The Military guys came next with Ressler following last.
Jake booked it down the pier and quickly crossed a parking lot. He inserted a keycard into terminal at a close building which housed a few engineering firms. The doors unlocked just as the rest of the party arrived. “Showers are in the basement. Move.”
One of the military guys paused. “Showers?”
“A week with a bunch of men who haven’t showered on a fishing crawler, mate, we stink and it’s going to interfere with the mission,” Jake responded. “Things we don’t want to get a jump on us can smell us long before we see them.”
It took twenty minutes for them to all clean up. Jake went first and Leighton last so they could monitor everything.
The military guys traded barbs as they cleaned up. As they worked one walked over to Ressler and said, “The Conference starts soon. They want an update.”
Nodding, Ressler smiled, “They’ll have one soon.”
Leighton lingered near the showers as Cameron finished changing. He knew Jake was securing them transport. There were plenty of trucks in the area that could be ‘borrowed’ for them to get across town. The full party finished getting ready and made their way outside. The tropical air was heavy even after sunset. The breeze didn’t help much but the change of clothes and wash down at least made them all feel refreshed.
“Oi,” called Jake from outside the wall. He pointed the back of a covered truck. “Let’s move. We’ve a whole island to cover.”
Ressler and three of his men climbed in the back. Leighton and Cameron joined them. The other FBI Agent went up front with Jake.
“Been awhile since I drove in Singapore, mate. I hope they drive better at night than they do during the day.” He drove down the street and turned onto Admiralty Rd. He needed to get around the main parkland area and to the south of the island.
As he turned onto the BKE to get across town, there was a gun pointed at his head.
“Looks like I’m in charge now ‘mate’ we’re taking a detour.”
Jake nodded and followed the instructions to a different route that put them near the botanical gardens. Jake kept both hands on the wheel so the agent could see them. The drive was tense, but Jake remained calm. The lights around the curve gave away the waiting three black SUVs that had “government” all over them. Jake smiled inwardly. Predictable.
Before coming to a stop, Jake threw open his door and rolled out. He tucked his shoulder and hit the pavement hard. His veil held and he was concealed from all eyes, both natural and electronic. The Agent was forced to grab the wheel and bring the truck to a halt. He couldn’t see where Jake went.
Three of the waiting men came running up. “Who was that? We didn’t get a good look.”
Cameron and Leighton were ‘escorted’ from the back at gun point. Cameron rolled his eyes at the scene of a handful of guys in suits waiting for them. He said nothing. He knew he didn’t need to.
Ressler walked to the front. “Nothing will happen to you if you do as we say. Your people will make sure that humans continue to control this planet at the conference scheduled to start in a few hours. You will vote with the United States and its bloc. That’s all that is required.”
Cameron stared at the FBI agent, keeping silent. He saw Leighton grinning out of the corner of his eye.
“Why are you so happy, pretty boy?” mocked one of the military guys that accompanied them. “You are expendable.”
Leighton rolled his eyes and got hit in the mouth with a hard fist. Straightening up, Leighton widened his grin but said nothing.
At that moment, Jake unveiled next to them, along with three other men and quickly took down six of their captors. Jake fired two tasers which incapacitated two agents. His buddies also handled some of the newbies. Leighton moved swiftly and broke the wrist the of the other FBI agent while Cameron took out two others that were holding them. Leighton walked over to the guy who coldcocked him. “That’s what’s funny, tough guy.” He shot him in the thigh. “It will only keep you down for a few weeks.”
Jake recovered the small drone he launched before they docked. He grabbed a gun and shot two of the military guys in the thighs and the third in the shoulder. He pointed to his friends. “Mind wipe all of them. It was an ambush by one of the cartels still operating in South Asia.” He grinned at them. “Pity you won’t remember this.”
Smiling at Cameron, Jake grabbed his stuff and pulled a roughed-up Ressler by his jacket. “You are still coming with us. Not because you earned it, but so you can see what is actually happening. Know this, if my mum knew what you pulled, she’d have your testicles on a necklace in under a minute.”
Ressler shook his head, but said nothing.
One of Jake’s associates came over and handed him some keys. “It’s down the block. A nice heavy black Mercedes fit for a lord and his escort.”
“Very funny, mate,” said Jake as he shot the finger at his former coworker. “You still owe me two favors. Stay in Singapore just in case.”
Leighton trailed the other three as he made sure they weren’t followed. He made sure that their FBI Agent wasn’t armed as he climbed in the front with Jake and left Cameron with their unwanted guest in the back.
“I was to be a hostage. Who ordered it?” Cameron asked. He didn’t expect an answer, but he had to at least ask. He looked at his watch. Peter could be walking into a trap in a few hours. That made time very limited and increased their urgency.
“It was from someone in Washington. That’s all I needed to know.” Ressler sulked as he looked out the window. “Can you really mind-wipe people?”
Jake looked in the rear-view mirror at the Assistant Director and nodded. “Mind-mages can do lots of things. You don’t know what you don’t know. This is now a learning trip for you and yours. You will debrief with Assistant Director Adams, she’ll understand.”
Ressler sighed and nodded. “The Attorney General signed off on this mission. That means the White House knew.”
Not waiting any longer, Jake floored it and wove in and out of traffic. “This car handles like a dream. You should tell your uncle or cousins to get a fleet of these.”
“Peter would have a cow,” snarked Cameron. “Though it does feel nice to be chauffeured around in the back of a nice Mercedes.”
“Don’t get used to it,” deadpanned Jake.
“I don’t know, we are actual aristocrats. Acting like it from time to time is what we’ve been told to do repeatedly,” Cameron countered. “They made us change how we dress outside of the house.”
“Turn there.” Leighton used his phone to guide them to the Marina Bay Sands. “Traffic doesn’t look to be too heavy, though we can’t pull up to the hotel anymore. Looks like they have the roads barricaded.”
Jake nodded and pointed to a keycard in the console. “Parking pass for the Marina Bay Financial Center. Close enough to make it on foot without getting too much notice. My buddies warned me that things changed.”
It didn’t take long to find the parking access and to ditch the car. It was the middle of the night and Leighton kept looking around. “So much magic is in the air around here. It has that weird touch to it of the other side.”
“Mate, two Courts are vying for control in the city. I’m shocked it is as low-key as it is.” Jake also kept his awareness fully extended. “Though I don’t like the lack of visible security over here.”
Making their way along the waterfront, they crossed a parking lot to get close to the front of the onetime hotel. It too had changed at looked more like a garden palace. The light from the rooftop was iridescent. It made the whole area glow.
Leighton stopped first and the rest of the party followed suit.
“You perceive us,” came a voice from nowhere.
Suddenly a large fae unveiled in front of them. She glowed with the same iridescence as the roof. “The Lady felt your approach. Though the city is closed to other Courts, the Lady will see you, Lord of Wolves.” She looked them over and nodded. “Your companions will accompany you.”
They were escorted to the front of the hotel. Their backpacks and weapons were confiscated. One of the fae stopped and looked at Cameron’s sword. “This is a design and make we’ve never seen.”
“I forged it,” Cameron answered.
The lead fae stopped and looked at the sword. “You are an artificer. Such skill and craft we did not think existed in this realm. Our Queen will find this most enlightening.”
The lobby was elegantly appointed, full of beautiful flowers and plants. It too had an iridescent glow. Their party split into three groups as they went up elevators to the rooftop garden.
Cameron held in his awe as he took in the absolute beauty of the place. The pool was still there with several people swimming, it helped illuminate the area. A dais formed in the back where many fae were gathered. The gardens were gorgeous, and the fragrance was overwhelming.
The Lady of the Neon Court stepped down from the dais and walked around the Hale party. “Your exploits are known to us. Your Duke is currently…indisposed but that doesn’t mean you are to be ignored, my lord.”
Stepping forward and bowing, Jake motioned to their group. “My Lady…” He wasn’t allowed to finish.
“We know of your mission as well, Master of Assassins.” She laughed at the look at Jake’s face. “You do not perceive yourself as such, but it is a title with great respect.” She paused before waving her arms as she wove magic out of the air. A flash of light filled the air near the edge of the garden.
“That is the skybridge to our Queen’s palace in Tokyo. Safe passage is granted to and from her throne.” She motioned to the portal.
Jake looked back at Cameron and nodded. With that Jake took the lead and entered the portal first. After a moment’s disorientation, he took in the view of Mt Fuji in the background and Tokyo all around him. He kept moving so Cameron, Leighton, and Ressler could step off the bridge.
“That was a trip,” snarked Leighton. “Fantastic view though.”
Several fae gathered and one motioned for them to follow it. The view of the throne room was breathtaking. It didn’t look like there were any windows, but it was perfectly quiet.
“Welcome to the Neon Court, Lord Cameron Hale.” The Queen was an iridescent beauty sitting on a throne made of light. “We know of your mission. The Jade Queen in Shanghai is…not accustomed to sharing territory.”
Again, Jake stepped forward, but the Queen’s upraised hand made him stop.
“Tell us, Lord Cameron, how you crafted such a weapon? We did not know such skill existed here.” She motioned to the sword being held by a valet.
“I traded some knowledge of our metallurgy with the dwarves and Svartalves. And I found some ancient texts in the Hale archives that talked mage-smithing.”
The Queen rose from her throne and towered over the Hale party. “Your Duke will return soon, so our seers say. Things will change even more so after that.” She paused and raised her arms to weave a spell.
“Our power is a combination of urban sorcery and energy that cities create. There is a new energy that we found and use. It’s reflected in your nightlife.” A portal opened and settled before she closed it again. “We just built a new skybridge to your Las Vegas.”
“Your Majesty,” started Leighton, but he quickly shut up at her glance.
“We will not move against the Jade Court in the cities we share. We will not seek to expand our influence until after the Change. But we seek Signatory recognition. Your uncle can make that happen.”
At the wave of her hand, all their items were returned to them.
“There is a meeting soon and the Unseelie Accords will be brought up,” She laughed as small fairies danced in the light of her throne. “Those are our terms, Lord Cameron.”
Two valets walked over and handed her a box. She opened it and smiled. Motioning, they handed the box to Cameron. “A gift for the Lady Cora. Jewels I’m sure she has, but snake jewels are a rarity. They will conform to any pattern she wishes. Emeralds for a House of Summer stock and platinum for reflection of the Moon.”
The portal opened again. “If we meet again, it will be at the battle of all battles.” She looked at Ressler and frowned. “Know this, treachery is not abided by allies. You are warned.”
Next thing the party knew they were at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Jake looked down at their very fancy Court attire and frowned at the bustling crowds of the Vegas Strip. They really stood out. “How do we explain this?”