“The company planned to give you a week to collect as much information as you could.”  Mr. Blare took a moment to compose his next sentence.  “In regards to your...'diet'...as you put it...I have full confidence in your ability to find suitable resources.”  He followed up quickly raising his finger to make a point.  “However, please remember it is imperative that you drawn no unwanted attention on yourself.”  Mr. Blares eyes met Demi's.  “You are quite resourceful and I leave it to your discretion.”<br/><br/>Once Demi stated she was prepared, Mr. Blare said, “Excellent.” and stood up rather abruptly.  He opened the door and led her down a long corridor to the portal room.  “After a week, we shall re-engage the portal to allow you to return.  Of course, given your capability, you can return earlier should the situation require it.”  Mr. Blare placed his hand on Demi's back in a rather fatherly fashion.  “Ah!  Here we are.”  He leaned over for the retinal scanner and stated his name for the voice recognition panel.  A female voice, likely Thelma's, verified Mr. Blare's access into the portal room.<br/><br/>The room was fairly large to accommodate the ring shaped 'portal'.  The room was high enough to accommodate the top of the ring.  Windows lined the second story where technicians could monitor the 'portal' as well as anyone entering it.  Mr. Blare nodded to one as they entered, and they set about initiating the opening.  Mr. Blare turned to Demi and smiled again.  “Well, this is where I must leave you.  Good luck.  I shall see you in a week.”  He paused just long enough for her to reply and then returned back from the door they entered.<br/><br/>A large, digital clock, with red numbers nearly a foot long came to life on one of the walls.  It read 60 seconds which was announced by one of the other male technicians.  The clock began to count down as various hissing and grinding sounds started.  At least half a dozen cables were attached to the 'portal' supplying it with the enormous power it required to open a rift into another dimension.<br/><br/>One of the technicians leaned over his mike to ask, “Are you o.k., Demi?”