By way of an introduction....... A few weeks ago the subscribers of a newsgroup were asked to write a story as part of a vertual birthday party for a lady known as Kitten. The premis of the "collective story" was that Kitten had been kidnapped from a placed known as "Callahans" and that everyone set out to rescue her. The stories that were submitted were then posted to the newsgroup in episodes as part of a larger story. The subscribers were also encouraged to submit other stories/episodes as follow-ups to the original story. As some of you indicated a desire to read my offering, what follows is the begining (it's to big to send all at once, and you do like suspense) of what I submitted. Puppy's Adventure Puppy decided to spend the first day of his vacation at Callahan's since KG had a class to teach and would be gone all day. Then too, it was a rainy day and the warmth of a fireplace and friends would be a nice start for a vacation. Pup switched to canine form and left home a few minutes after KG drove off in her van. The walk to The Place was uneventful and rather fun as Pup enjoyed walking in the rain. Before entering Callahan's, Pup switched briefly into his energy form to rid himself of water and wet dog smell. Dry and smelling socially acceptable, Pup entered Callahan's and wove his way to the bar. "Hot chocolate, please Mike. And some chocolate chip cookies if you have some." Mike greeted Puppy and placed the chocolate and cookies on the bar. Pup paid for the treats then walked to a table by the fire where he could enjoy the warmth and listen to the day's news. The chocolate, as was usual in The Place, was just the right temperature and the cookies had that just baked softness that only grannies seem to be able to achieve. Pup was starting on his third cookie and contemplating a second cup of chocolate when the French Doors flew open and an arrow flashed past his head and slammed into the mantel. Pup's shields came up automatically as he spun around to locate the source of the projectile. Mike, a frown on his usually smiling face, pulled the arrow from the wood and removed the letter attached to it. Scanning the letter, Mike spoke to the room in general. "Kitten has been kidnapped.....a ransom is demanded for her release....she is safe and will not be harmed...." Mike looked glanced at those closest to him then spoke loud enough to be heard by everyone present. "I will make arrangements to obtain Kitten's ransom, I suggest those present organize search parties and attempt to locate her before the ransom is due." After listening to Mike, Pup made his way to the French Doors and went outside. The sun was shining brightly and the air was warm and clear. Pup switched to canine form and checked the area for scent. Most of the traces he found were people he recognized as being regular visitors to Callahan's. There were a few he did not know, but they came out of the doors and went back inside. Further searching revealed a number of tracks that approached the doors then left the area in several different directions. Most of the trails were made up of two or or more individuals, but one trace indicated a lone traveler. Pup followed this scent for some minutes then stoped abruptly. The scent he was following ended in front of an object he had not seen in a long time. Switching back to human form, Pup approached the arch with caution. The arch was three meters high, two meters wide, half a meter thick and appeared to be made of a single piece of marble. "Now where did this thing come from?", Pup said aloud. "I thought all of these things had been deactivated years ago." "Is that what I think it is?", said a voice. Pup turned around to find a very puzzled Mike standing a safe distance away. "You know what this is?", asked Pup. Mike glanced at the arch then replied. "They used to appear here every month or so." Frowning, Mike stared at the marble structure. "Some poor soul would stumble out of it and the thing would disappear. The people who arrived through them said the things were made by some crazy old man. That's all I know about them. I take it that you know more?" Pup looked at the arch and frowned. "Yes, and I'm going to have to lock this one down so it does not cause any more trouble." Mike scowled at the arch. "It's not going to remain here is it?, he asked. "No, Mike. Somebody might figure out how to unlock it and then all sorts of 'interesting' things would start happening." Pup looked toward the arch. "From this side there is only one destination. I'll lock it on the other side and pick up the trail I was following when I'm done." "Ok Pup. You be careful", replied Mike. Pup waved at Mike, turned, and without hesitaton walked through the marble arch, disappearing from view as he crossed the front edge of the structure. A few minutes after Pup's departure the arch slowly faded from view. When the arch could no longer be seen, Mike began to chuckle. "Knew Pup couldn't resist one of those things", Mike said to the air. "That ought to keep him entertained for just long enough." Mike continued to laugh softly as he made his way back to The Place. ***** To Be Continued ***** Puppy [log in to unmask] http://rampages.onramp.net/~mgiles/