The situation

“We have a situation in Universe Thirty-five. It’s causing ripples in the multiverse. I need the Alpha team in London,” said the director loosening his tie.

He placed a folder in front of the man on the other side of the desk.

“Here are the specifics. It’s a straightforward assignment. Remove target from location A and take to location B,” he continued. “As usual, you are forbidden from disclosing the existence of the multiple universes or that you are part of the Multiverse Protection Unit.”

Alpha Leader skipped the pages detailing the mission and looked for the target’s photograph.

“Oh,” he exhaled reading a seven-year-old newspaper headline: ‘Prosecutor and wife murdered in front of daughter.’

“I think she has suffered enough,” Alpha Leader closed the folder abruptly.

“I agree,” said the director unlocking the filing cabinet. His plump fingers moved quickly through the files.

“Delta team has already prevented two attempts on her life.” He put two more folders on the desk. “In places where her parents have been killed just like in our world and technology is not advanced enough to detect other universes. Universe Thirty-five is just like those. I’ve included a detailed report from the Research Division.”

“Any chance you have a summary, sir?”

The director sighed.

“A three-man team is looking for her. Their advanced weapons and technology leave a signature every time they travel. This causes the ripples.”

“She will need protection across all universes,” Alpha Leader said. “It’s a lot to think about.”

The director nodded.

“If this works, the Research Division says the ripples should settle.”

“Have everyone called in,” said Alpha Leader.

Alpha Leader moved the curtain aside just enough to make room for his small binoculars. Dust and rancid cigar smoke hit his nostrils. He fiddled with his black cap, moving it lower then higher on his forehead. He wore it out of habit. The cul-de-sac was minimally lit.

“Is this the smallest flat in Universe Thirty-five?” said Alpha Four sucking in his stomach to squeeze past Alpha Two, the team medic, into the kitchenette.

“Hey, doctor,” Alpha Four said to the man who was a head shorter than him, “you need to go on a diet.”

“Since you can bench press all of us,” replied Alpha Two, “why don’t you start?”

“This place is perfectly positioned for surveillance,” said Alpha Leader covering his smile with the cap. Despite their apparent annoyance, the two men were best friends.

“Is there any movement?” said the doctor slicing his sandwich.

“All quiet,” Alpha Leader replied.

Three quick raps on the front door made them all turn. Alpha Two picked up the knife. Alpha Leader and Alpha Four pointed their guns at the door. They moved forward. Three more knocks. Alpha Leader opened the door.

Alpha One put his hands up.

“It’s only us, sir.” He walked in, followed by Alpha Three.

“There are no microphones or cameras from any other universe,” said Alpha Three.

“Good,” replied Alpha Leader.

He opened his mouth to speak again but a wave of nausea rose from his stomach. His feet were glued to the ground.

“What is happening, doctor?” groaned Alpha Four. When he looked up, Alpha Two was on his knees.

“They’re here,” said Alpha Three clutching his stomach. “This was a ripple. That team has crossed into this universe.”

Alpha Leader nodded.

“We’ll review the plan in an hour.”

“The target is Caroline Bennet,” started Alpha Leader.

He placed his tablet on the coffee table. The woman’s holographic photo appeared. She wore an emerald-green turtleneck top which highlighted her blue eyes.

“Our mission is to take her from her house in this universe,” Alpha Leader continued, “to be placed under MPU protection.”

“Research Division,” continued Alpha Two, “says that every time those men cross into another universe the place experiences strange phenomena. What happened to us earlier might be just the beginning here.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Alpha One took over. “Caroline has a strict schedule.”

“The only deviation,” interrupted Alpha Three, “was two evenings ago when she changed her walking route.”

“Why?” said Alpha Four.

“She went to the pharmacy,” said Alpha Two. “In this universe she takes prescription medication. She has depression and can’t sleep.”

“We take her tomorrow evening after she takes her sleeping pills,” concluded Alpha Leader.

“Target is leaving the house,” said Alpha One watching Caroline Bennet through his rifle scope. “All clear.”

He adjusted his position to locate the men moving through the darkness. He saw Alpha Four picking the lock on the door.

“Twenty-eight seconds to pick a lock in a low-tech universe. You’re losing your touch, man.” Alpha One chuckled.

“Correction,” he heard in his left ear. “Twenty-eight seconds to pick a lock in complete darkness.”

Alpha Two put on his night vision goggles and went in the house first.

Five minutes after the woman started her walk, three men were hiding on the ground floor of her house while two more were surveying the neighbourhood.

Alpha One and Alpha Three watched Caroline’s every move after she returned.

“Alpha Three to Alpha Leader.” The words were but a whisper in the man’s ear.

“Go ahead, Three.”

“The target is in bed.”

“Understood,” the Leader replied. “Let’s make sure she is asleep for this. Start the thirty-minute countdown now.”

The men’s wrists vibrated softly when the countdown reached zero. They made their way up the stairs. The bedroom door was ajar. Alpha Leader pushed it softly, just enough to let the men squeeze in.

“Doctor, you’re on.”

Alpha Two armed the tranquilizer injector. The serum would keep her in a deep sleep while crossing into their universe. He slowly reached out to put it on her neck. Alpha Two was ready to press the plunger, but he jolted to a stop.

“Sir, you need to see this.” He switched on the bedside lamp.

Alpha Leader was just in time to see the woman’s limp hand fall on the bed.

“She has no pulse, sir.”

The men stood around the bed in silence.

“Pills,” said Alpha Two.

All pairs of eyes focused on the nightstand. Alpha Two opened the first drawer and picked up a bottle.

“It’s empty. Her sleeping tablets, Alprazolam.”

He reached inside again and picked up two more bottles.

“They are empty too. She purchased them three nights ago.”

Alpha Leader groaned. He took out his phone and speed dialled the only number in its memory.

“We have a situation in Universe Thirty-five. Good evening to you too, director.”