SHADOWS ANGELUS II

PYRO DREAMS

*ring*

"Officer Hemelshot speaking, how can I help you?"

"Lorraine, it's Lieutenant Brogan, can I see you in my office please?"

Here it comes. "Yes, sir."

"Sir, if this is about Officer Tsanthos's car... or the house, I can explain."

"Oh no, nothing like that, have a seat Lorraine."

"Yes, sir."

"So, how's the hand?"

"Ahh... what sir?"

"Oh, my mistake, never mind. Anyway, I'd like to state we've all been highly impressed with our performance here and in return have decided to promote you to Sergeant."

Promotion? Me? "Thank you, sir."

"And with your promotion comes that transfer you've been wanting, to [mumble]."

"Pardon, sir? Where?"

"Moose Jaw."

"Ahh... where, sir?"

"Moose Jaw. It's in... give me a moment... Saskatchewan. Nice place I hear, I think you'll like it there."

"But, sir... that's in... Lieutenant Brogan, that's in Canada!"

"Right you are, now if you'll sign here, we'll get everything settled and see you off."

"But isn't there a position here in Angelus I could take?"

"Ahh... no."

"Do I have to take this promotion?"

"Yes."

"And can't I stay here with the Crash Team?"

"No."

"I don't have any choice in the matter, do I?"

"Correct."

"But Lieutenant, I think I can do some good here!"

"No, you can do good in Canada. Sign here."

"Lieutenant Brogan, I'd like to speak with Captain Gaines."

"Of course, let me give him a call."

"Hello Sergeant Hemelshot, show's the hand?"

"Pardon, Captain?"

"Sorry, my mistake. So, you needed to see me?"

"Yes, about this transfer..."

"Oh, Moose Jaw, I think you'll like it there. Small, out of the way, peaceful, just the place for someone of your talents."

"But I..."

"Oh, don't look so sad, Sergeant Hemelshot, we'll miss you too, won't we Lieutenant Brogan?"

"Of course we will."

This is pointless.

"Captain, if you don't mind, I think I'd like to speak to the Director."

"You sure about that?"

"Yes!"

"Well, no need to get hot under the collar. We'll give her a call. Director?"

"Sergeant Hemelshot, congratulations on the promotion. How's the hand?"

"Pardon?"

"Sorry, thinking of someone else. You wished to see me?"

"Yes, I understand I'm being sent to some place called Moose Jaw in... Saskatchewan, Canada?"

"Why yes. Beautiful place as I understand. Somewhat cold in winter, but I think you'll be able to handle that, right?"

"But Director... I... I sort of like it here."

"Well, I'm sure you do, Sergeant Hemelshot, but this is for your own good, you know."

"It... what?"

"Look, you and I both know your father's shady dealings are going to get all of us in trouble, so this seems the best course of action, correct?"

"I... I don't know what to say to that."

"How about `thank you'?"

"Yes, Lieutenant Brogan is correct, ‘thank you’ will do nicely."

*beep* *beep* *beep*

With a start Lorraine Hemelshot awoke, opened one eye and cautiously peered around her bedroom. That had better been just a weird dream and not some sort of premonition.