Marlina wasn't a morning person. She had a rule not to talk to anyone, or, do anything  really, until she had drunk a large mug of strong coffee. Therefore, when she woke late on a Sunday morning, and felt that something was different she didn't really give it much thought.

As she lay, trying to muster the strength to get out of bed, she noticed that her ceiling looked odd. She looked at it long and hard, but couldn't figure it out. A faint nagging sensation of worry tugged at her, and she frowned mildly. What was different. The door opened and a strange woman came in. She was strange because she was half horse. A centaur. Huh. She smiled, and handed Marlina a mug of steaming coffee, which she drank, gratefully.

When she had emptied the cup, she look around, and her eyes widened in shock. So that was what was different. She was lying in what looked like a hospital bed, in a small cave. Her eyes widened in shock, and she screamed. How had she not noticed she was in a flipping cave?!?! The centaur waited patiently until Marlina was finished screaming.

"Hello, Marlina. My name is Ariana, or Agent Phaige. What you're experiencing is completely normal." 

Marlina stared. "You're a ... a"

"A centaur, yes I am." Ariana finished impatiently. If you would follow me, everything will be explained. She turned to leave, but Marlina interrupted her. 

"No thank you." Ariana turned around, slowly.

"Pardon?"

"I don't think I will follow you, but thanks for the offer. You see, I have absolutely no idea where I am, or who you are, or what I'm doing here, but this bed is actually really comfy, so imma stay here a while, if that's ok with you?"

Arianna sighed deeply. "I could be doing so many other things, why did I pick this job?!" She muttered to herself, and then, with great effort smiled at Marlina. "I don't care how comfortable you are in that bed, if you get up and follow me right now, you will get answers," she turned and left, without another word. Not seeing much of a choice, and not wanting to have to face an angry horse lady, Marlina followed.

As she stepped out the door, her jaw dropped in awe. The small cave expanded into a huge cavern, around the size of a football pitch. The ceiling glowed, a pale bluish light. However, it was what the cavern contained that caused astonishment. It was like a primark shop clashed with an armory, everything from sparkling dresses to maces hung from hundreds and hundreds of racks. One wall was lined with computers, with around two hundred workers chatting happily. The other wall contained a massive wooden door, almost as tall as the cave itself. Arianna led Marlina over to a table and say her down.

"Now. Let me explain why you are here. The company you work with, S.W.O.R.D, have recently made a portal into other dimensions, and are sending scouts to check them out. You have been chosen for this particular expedition. As I have said, I'm Agent Phaige, and this whole place is basically a between-dimensions .. ... uhm, thingy. We're here to equip you with things you might need for your expedition. Any questions?"

"Yes, actually .. "

"Well I'm sorry but we're on a tight schedule, and I've no time answer them. Follow me please."

Marlina followed Ariana in a daze as they made their way over to the clothing racks. Ariana rummaged around, making a total mess, and handed Marlina a revolver, a few daggers, a sword, and a rucksack. "The bag contains food, water, medicine, the usual. Oh, and you may need this." She presented Marlina with a coat. It was black, made of a leather-like material, and went down to around her knees. "This will adapt to any extreme weathers you may encounter, and also offers quite strong protection."

Marlina shook her head. "One thing I'm not getting here, why did they pick me, of all people?"

"Oh, they didn't pick you, you volunteered." Arianna replied softly. 

Marlina paused, and the shrugged. "Ok, yeah, that sounds like something I'd do. But why can't I remember getting here?"

"Oh, that's just a minor glitch, they'll sort it out."

Marlina shrugged halfheartedly. "Ok, let's do this."

They walked over to the huge door. "Now, when you step out this door, we have no idea what you will encounter. You must be prepared for anything."

Marlina nodded. ''I'm ready, I guess."

When she stepped through the door, her eyes widened in awe. She was standing on a hilltop, viewing a spectacular sunrise. The sky was filled with beautiful shades of purple, pink and blue. When she looked behind her, the cave was nowhere to be seen. Instead, there was an immense stone moss covered archway, covered in intricate carvings. It was filled with a shimmering silver substance. Well, at least Marlina would be able to find it easily when she wanted to go back. She took a deep breath, shouldered her bag, steeled herself, and marched off down the hill, to new adventures.