Mythlands: THE HEIST

Jurisdiction

The Day After

Big Bruin took another sip of coffee. 'The monkey won't crack?'

His partner Ariel was almost shuddering with rage. 'Nay, the arrant wretch doth resist mine earnest entreaties to reveal the malefactors who did bribe him with coin and suit. Methinks tis time to put the simian to the rack!'

'Now, now Ariel, you know we don't do things that way, these days.'

'Fie upon the age then Bruin, for the true varlets behind this mysterious breach and theft shall surely go unpunished. But, wait ... hold. Ye say that we may not use methods tried and true in the time of good Queen Bess?'

'Yes. It's the 21st century now.'

'Then what of the tele visual hero who by my sooth gets things done and none may gainsay him! I speak of Master Jack Bauer of course!'

'That's television. Mortal realm television.'

'Feh, let us engage in the tactics of Master Jack and by Od's teeth, within the hour we can raise a militia of roaring boys and track down the flichers and hence be revenged. Say it will be so Bruin, my friend and we shall set aright these events and restore the computery goods and chattel to our Lord, good Master Tortoise.'

Before Bruin could respond to the fey, a gutteral voice cut in. 'I'm afraid that will be quite impossible.'

In the doorway a crab headed man in a black suit stood, flanked by two similarly attired beings - one with the head of a scorpion and the other with a fishes head. All three water signs were wearing dark glasses.

'Cancer! You'll apologise for interrupting the lady and get the hell out of my office.'

The Crab shook his head. 'Not going to happen. Zodiac's taking over this investigation.'

Big Bruin stood. 'Your so called 'private security firm,' operates under me. In case you'd forgotten, I'm head of security at MCI!'

Cancer's features remained implacable. 'You've failed to come up with a lead in 24 hours and therefore The Tortoise has assigned jurisdiction to Zodiac. In case I haven't made myself clear, you and your people are off the case.'

'What! This is an outrage! I'll take this up with The Tortoise himself!'

'That is your prerogative Sir. In the meantime, we require you to turn over all your files. Have them delivered to the office next door.'

'Hold cur! Next door be mine own office!'

'Not for the duration Ms Ariel. You'd be advised to play ball with Zodiac. We will not brook any interference in this matter and if you do get in our way ...'

He left the threat hanging and the three Zodiacs exited.

'Bruin ... what does this mean?' Ariel's voice was lacking her usual certainty.

Big Bruin leaned his fists on his desk and hunched his head. 'It means that this is more serious than we could ever have imagined. If The Tortoise has unleashed the Zodiac, then he wants results and doesn't care how he gets them. In the meantime ...'

'Aye?'

'We're off the case.'