"I'm Weldon Germann."
"I'm Lisa Shaw."
"I'm Duncan Cameron."
"And I'm Barbara Babcock. Welcome to 'Inquiries'. Tonight,
Weldon Germann has our lead story, an exclusive for 'Inquiries'.
Weldon?"
"Thank you, Barbara. Several weeks ago, I approached the
leadership of the Velvet Shadows, to ask permission to do a
report on their practices. It has been an annual request of mine
for over thirty years. Each time, my request was denied.
"Until this year. My request was answered in a most unusual
way.
"Three weeks ago, I was approached at my home by no less
than four senior members of the Velvet Shadows. I was told that
if I wanted to do a special, to take three days off, and to report to
Government House here in New Hope in the morning. They said
to just bring myself, with enough clothing for three days- they
would provide all recording devices and production staff that I
would require.
"They were true to their word- the next morning, I was taken
by transfer booth to Velvet Shadows Headquarters. All I can say
about where it is, is that it is here on Sagania. I was shown to my
quarters for my stay, and my work began.
"First, a little history. The Velvet Shadows were organized
even before Sagania was raised from the ocean floor. It was
started by General John Smith, the second leader of the United
States Sagan Forces", a picture of the general appearing on the
screen behind him, "as an internal security force in 2026. He
decided that, in order to help contain the nervousness that normal
people felt around Sagans, that we had to police ourselves. The
Velvet Shadows became that police force. Many normal police
forces simply were not equipped to contain Sagan criminals."
Another picture appeared on the screen. "In 2044, before
Sagania was completely organized, future Prime Minister
Frederick DuQuesne, Sr. decided that the Velvet Shadows, as
they came to be named, would be the perfect internal and
external security force. Even now, 70 years later, they still
perform that function.
"You may ask, why do we here in Sagania need such a
mysterious force? Why do we need to take such steps? The
answer is simple- Sagans number <10% of the world's
population, and the majority of them only have very low-level
capabilities- myself, for example.
"The Velvet Shadows are the Sagan police force- if a crime is
committed by a Sagan, and the local police cannot compensate
for the criminal's powers, then the VS are called in by the local
authorities to assist. But, the VS do much more."
"The other purpose of the Velvet Shadows are for national
security. While all Sagans have dual citizenship, both here and
their native countries, many of them regard themselves as being
Saganian citizens second, rather than first. Their native
governments use their abilities to try to get our secrets, and the
Velvet Shadows stop them. This happens on a continuous basis.
Most times, it is a friendly game. Others, it is deadly serious.
"The Shadows guard our country from espionage. It is a
shadowy game, but it is vital for our nation's security. We have a
very open society here, where everyone is encouraged to develop
their talents to the fullest. Sadly, there are many countries who
want to use our talents for their own gain, to become tyrannical
despots, using our powers for their own glory, reducing Sagans to
the status of virtual slaves."
Weldon paused to collect himself. "Sorry. I feel strongly
about this, having come here from Britain almost 50 years ago,
because the other reporters of the BBC were envious of my
precognitive ability. Now, on with this report."
The screen began showing the inside of the VS training
center. "What does it take to become a member of the Velvet
Shadows?" Weldon's voice asked over the video. "It doesn't take
special powers, though they may help. It doesn't take special
skills, though that helps, too. So, what does it take?
Commitment."
The camera pulled back to show Weldon sitting at his desk.
"Commitment. That simple word describes what motivates the
members of the Velvet Shadows that I spoke with. However,
commitment, while it is vital, is not enough."
The scene changed, to show Weldon sitting in a room with
another person. The other person was obscured, so the viewer
could not see him or her clearly.
"How difficult is it for a person to join the Velvet Shadows?"
Weldon asked.
"Very difficult. Out of every 100 applicants, only 8, on
average, make it through pre-screening and enter training." The
voice was obviously distorted.
"What does it take, other than motivation, to enter this hall?"
"Well, physical and mental fitness is a must. Passing a
thorough background check is also required. But what really
helps is to be sponsored by an existing member of the Shadows."
"But, how does a prospective recruit get sponsored?"
Weldon asked.
"The recruit will not know, most of the time. Rarely, a
recruit will have a family member, like a parent or close relative,
who is a member, and will sponsor him or her. That does happen.
Many of us have families, who may or may not know that the
person is a Shadow." the person answered.
"I see. I also know that you train members of other national
security agencies in some tactics- how do you screen them?"
"On a case-by-case basis. They have to be Sagans, tops in
their field, who desire additional training to improve their
performance."
"But, how can you ensure that they will not turn on the
Shadows and penetrate our security?" Weldon asked, with a little
confusion.
"We have our ways." was the answer, a smile evident despite
the distortion.
The camera cut back to Weldon at his desk. "Many secrets
were kept from me during my stay. Now, about the organization
of the Velvet Shadows.
"They are split into two groups. The long-stems are the field
agents, with full investigation and arrest powers. They are the
ones who do the actual arrest work, in the field, putting
themselves at risk. The tea roses are the specialists, working in
restricted fields of endeavor. They assist the long-stems in their
work, but generally do not do the actual arrests or takedowns.
"The Shadows are commanded by the Grey Rose- the person
who is the actual operational commander. I have heard rumors
that the Grey Rose is commanded in turn by a Black Rose, but, I
was unable to find out who the Black Rose actually is. I did find
out, and am able to say, that there has only been one Black Rose
throughout the Velvet Shadow's history, and the Black Rose re-
qualifies every year or so. The Grey Rose takes orders from the
prime minister's office, when required.
"The colors and types of roses determine the person's rank in
the organization. A Red Rose is the normal rank for a field
operative, the 'long-stems', while other colors like White,
Yellow, and Blue denote agents in training. Tea Roses, like I said,
are specialists, with a similar color system denoting rank."
The screen cut back to the interview. "What is the main
difference between a Tea Rose and a long-stem, other than
specialization?" Weldon asked.
"The length of their thorns." was the answer.
As different film clips showed on screen, Weldon did a
voice-over. "One team is continually acting as a security force for
the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. Other teams are
forward-deployed at various national capitols, like Washington,
London, Paris, Tokyo, Canberra, Luna City, Port Logres, and
Novy Moskva, to name a few. I do not know all the locations, and
it would be foolish of me to say where they all are. I do know
that they rotate assignments on a three-month cycle, to prevent
burnout.
"The teams are small, no more than ten at any one place.
How they are capable of doing their jobs with so few people is
beyond my ability to comprehend, but, it works. The training is
rigorous and intense, with the final exam being especially
grueling. I am told that there is only two results from a final
exam- to graduate, or die.
"Advancement tests are equally grueling. Remember this,
viewers." The camera cut to a close-up of Weldon's face, his
expression serious. "The members of the Velvet Shadows choose
this life, to serve their country in this fashion. Many times, their
efforts are unrecognized by the public, who live their safe,
contented lives because of their unceasing efforts in the shadows.
You may know a member of the Shadows, and never realize that
he or she lives to safeguard your existence, even to the extent of
giving up their own to protect you and yours. We all owe so very
much to these people who go unseen. Tonight, as you go to bed,
say a prayer for these people who do not live for glory or praise,
but to defend our rights and lives, so we can exist in freedom."
The picture cut to Barbara Babcock, sitting at her desk.
"Next, Lisa Shaw will have a report on the latest rumors about
the Prime Minister's family- are they rumors, or the truth? We'll
find out, right after this." she said, smiling in her best video
journalistic fashion.
As the red light went out on the camera, Barbara Babcock,
nee Feldman, reached up to lightly touch the pin on her lapel- a
red tea rose pin. Only she, along with Weldon, who was sworn to
secrecy, knew who the mysterious person in the interview really
was. In her case, she knew two ways- the first way was that she
was her older sister, Janice Feldman. The second way is that
Janice is also the Grey Rose.
Turning to Weldon before he could leave the set, Barbara
asked, "How did you manage to get your interview requests
through, if we don't know who a Velvet Shadow is?"
Weldon just smiled and said, "I have some connections in
this town, Barbara. Sometimes, they are the right ones." Weldon
left the set and Barbara prepared for the next story. She tapped a
key on her desk, sending a prearranged message to a
predetermined location.
When Weldon arrived at his office, his phone was ringing.
Getting behind his desk, he tapped the 'accept' key. "Hello." he
said.
The screen on the vidphone remained black as a harsh,
distorted voice came from the speaker. "A very impressive story,
Weldon. I'm impressed." it said.
"I'm sorry, but to whom am I speaking?" he asked, slightly
irritated- it had been a long day, and he was anxious to get home.
"Many people consider me a myth, a rumor, a creature out
of legend." the voice croaked.
"I take it that I am speaking to the Black Rose itself?" he said
slowly.
"Right you are. If you're free for lunch tomorrow, I would
like to see you again- it's been a long time. Step into a transfer
booth and dial this number." The voice then slowly spoke 12
digits, a standard booth number. Weldon wrote them down, not
wanting to trust his memory.
"I take it we have met before?" he asked.
"Many times. We have always enjoyed each other's
company. Until tomorrow- and leave your wings at home." The
connection broke at that point. The Caller ID display was blank-
totally blank.
"Looks like an interesting day tomorrow. Wonder what he
meant by leaving my wings at home- I don't have wings!" he said
to himself as he put things away, then headed home.
Late that night, Weldon woke up and sat bolt upright,
awakened by a thought that chilled him, despite his warm bed.
"How could the Black Rose know? Barely half a hundred
humans know my secret!" he thought. It took him a long time to
go back to sleep, even after checking his defenses, physical,
mental, and magical.
The next day, Weldon prepared for his 6 P.M. newscast, as
usual. He also called upon Duncan Cameron, telling him that he
may have to take the newscast, because of a possible story.
[Roger Waters, his usual understudy, was on vacation for another
week.]
One minute before noon, Weldon entered the transfer booth
at SNH-TV and punched in the 12-digit code he was given. He
appeared in a dark room- the normal overhead light in the booth
wasn't working. The door clicked open, and he felt his way out.
Feeling a wooden wall, he followed it. He soon felt a doorknob-
an antique crystal doorknob!
Turning the knob, Weldon opened the door and stepped
through, entering a room filled with antique furniture, a large
fireplace with a cheerful fire blazing away in it. He looked
around, taking in the bookshelves, the old weapons placed high
on the walls, the standing harp and grand piano in one corner,
and the windows looking out on a snow-dusted landscape. [It is
the middle of February, 2114.]
Recognition of the room finally hit Weldon like a runaway
train, and he sank into one of the chairs, knees shaking. "Raven?"
he called, his normally well-modulated voice shaking.
"Right here, old snake. Took you long enough." the harsh,
distorted voice he had heard on his phone yesterday came from
the hallway. Raven entered, pushing a large covered cart, an old
electronic voice distorter wrapped around her throat.
"My word, old friend! All this time, and you never told me
that you are the Black Rose?" he said, recovering his composure
rapidly.
"You didn't need to know. Besides, consider it revenge for
not telling me your true heritage until I dug it out two years ago."
she said sweetly as she removed the cover from the cart and set a
tray in front of him.
"Point made. Who are the other trays for?" he asked,
indicating the other two trays on the cart.
"Two other guests who should be arriving soon. Let's talk
about your trip to VSHQ." The two chatted for about twenty
minutes before the door to the outside opened, admitting
Stormlord, who was tugging two little girls, who were floating
like balloons, by leashes that are attached to harnesses.
"Here you go, Raven. They both did well today- Naya has
figured out a spell that gives her some directional control."
Stormlord said, handing the leashes to her. "Hello, Mr. Germann.
Good show last night. If you want an interview, ask Raven- she'll
let me know." Stormlord then changed into cloud form, escaping
up the fireplace.
"Hi, Mommy! Had fun today!" one of the little girls said,
descending enough to kiss Raven.
"That's good, Naya. You and Willow come down now and
have lunch." Raven said kindly.
"Okay." The girls settled to the floor. Willow stared at
Weldon, her expression serious.
"Hello, Willow." Weldon said to her.
"You not wear true skin- why hide what you are?" Willow
asked.
Weldon looked at Raven, who just smiled. "I wear this skin
to mix well with humans. If I wore my true skin, they will be
afraid. I like what I am doing now, so, I will wear this skin."
Weldon said politely. Willow nodded, then joined Naya at a
separate table.
Raven looked at Weldon, enjoying his confusion. "Naya is
my daughter, born two weeks ago. Willow is Guardian's
daughter. She left her with Sophie to raise, because Evan cannot
give her daughters. They will age at four times normal rate, being
mature in three years." she said.
"So, Guardian decided to have another. I wonder who the
father is." Weldon said, thinking furiously.
"The same as Lily, 80 years ago. You know who it is, though
he will never tell you that he is the father. He's rather shy about
it." Raven said coyly.
"Is there anything here that you are not involved in?"
Weldon asked over the rim of his teacup.
"Everything casts a shadow in the light. Where there are
shadows, the Velvet Shadows await. Watching, noting,
protecting." Raven said quietly.
Getting up, she walked over to Weldon. "I've laid quite a few
surprises on you today, old friend. You have work to do today,
and I like seeing you at the anchor desk. Duncan is good, but,
you're still the best." She showed him to the transfer booth by
the front door, and Weldon went back to work.
Later, Willow went up to Raven. "Grammy, Mr. Weldon is a
good dragon, right?"
"Yes, he is, dear. Why do you ask?"
"I can feel it. He is not like Casey- he does not like to fight or
scare people. I like him." Willow said simply.
"I like him too, Willow. It's time for you and Naya to take
your naps now." Raven said gently.
"Can we nap in the air? We like floating!" Naya asked.
Usually, Raven made the girls sleep in bed, rather than over
the bed, but, this time, she said, "Okay. This time, because you
were good while I was talking with Mr. Weldon. Make sure your
harnesses are on tight!"
The girls checked their harnesses. "Ready!" Naya squealed.
Raven took hold of their leashes, and the two girls rose up off the
floor, to hover in mid-air. Raven towed them to Naya's room and
clipped them to the bed.