War:  A Newbie Employed
Time:  During the Trial ("Law & Order?")
by Erin MacLean


Erin sulked in one corner of the living room at Merc Central.  It was
great to finally be in Toronto for her first war and to meet all her
fellow Mercs. But since she was new at this, she was not exactly in high
demand.  What could she do to prove herself? 

The phone rang, and Erin looked around nervously before answering.  She
didn't want to step on anyone's toes, and Mercs could be a little... 
competitive... when it came to business opportunities.  Since no one else
seemed to be around (most everyone was at the trial), she picked the phone
up.  "Hello?" 

A muffled voice spoke.  "Erin MacLean?" 

"That's me," answered Erin excitedly.  A call for *her!*

"Don't get worked up," the voice said sharply.  "Everyone else is at the
trial, you are the only Mercenary we can get in touch with." 

"Oh," replied Erin, deflated. 

"I have a case of Sno-Balls." 

Erin sat up straight, every Merc nerve in her body tingling.  This was
*it.* Her first job, commissioned by someone who knew her price.  "What
can I do for you?" 

"The Guild has kidnapped a woman known as Maureen the Mad."

Erin's smile faded.  "You'd better make that two cases.  On second
thought, *three.*"