John I:

There were few times that their stoic captain lost his cool. John watched as Chris harshly shoved Eugene into a truck bound for HQ. His eyes narrowed at the sight of police and bystanders watching them now, caution tape and fences separating them. Benjamin used to this calmly handled the situation, showing his badge to the cops. After a few minutes the crowd dispersed, as did the police cars.

John eager not to be placed in the back once more, took a seat in the middle row next to Ada. Emma rolled her eyes, sitting down behind him. With a quick glance he could see Ada’s demeanor had dropped significantly since the woman got away. Deciding to offer some reassurance, John placed a hand on her shoulder.

”It’s not completely hopeless. We have a lead in the form of good old Eugene.”

Ada didn’t say anything, stiffly she nodded at his words before turning her attention to the window. John retracted his hand, recognizing her need for space.

The drive back was quiet, serving to increase the level of tension between everyone. No one even spoke as they arrived back at their base.

Sturdy old thing it was. Sanctioned by the government meant they had their own perks. The building was six stories tall, and shaped like a cube. A steel gate surrounded it, alongside three towers with guards regularly stationed. John always thought it was a bit much for just one location.

Inside was exactly what he expected. The stares of his fellow soldiers and some of his superiors. They held different emotions. Respect. Friendliness. Disappointment.

“Guess they heard the news already.” He murmured. Chris simply grunted in response.

A woman in glasses approached with a neatly put together stack of files in her hands. She stopped before Chris.

”Captain. Your captive arrived , he’s in the med bay as we speak. Afterward we’re transferring him to the interrogation room.”

“Got it.” Chris’s reply was curt, he walked past her with no further words. The rest of the team seemed to understand.

‘Leave the guy alone for a while.’

John watched Ada walk off as well, headed for the shooting range. Best to leave her alone as well. That left himself, Benjamin, and Emma. The trio decided to grab a bite from the cafeteria.

At their table, Ben breaks the silence as usual.

“Who the hell was that woman?”

John shrugged.

“Dealer. First A.L.F operative we’ve seen in months and she got away.”

”She also seems well informed on their product. Including the next one she plans to sell.” Emma added, looking down at her book. It read “Wonders of BioMechanics.”

John’s eyebrows furrowed hearing that, going into deep thought. Someone well informed. Possible deep connections to the rest of A.L.F.

Benjamin looked to him expectantly.

”Well? What do you think?”

John leaned in closer to the middle of the table, making sure to keep his voice down. His teammates did the same sensing the urgency.

”I think I found a way to properly use our lead. Eugene can prove useful.”

----------------------------------------

Chris II:

Chris slammed a fist into the punching bag, each blow shook the chains. They rattled, threatening to topple under his strength. His bicep flexed with every attack, his forehead beginning to sweat as he delivers a final blow to the bag. The chains made the sound of giving, causing Chris to look at the foundation. It was a little loose. He winced realizing the repair would most likely come out of his paycheck.

The small exercise did little to prevent his ever consuming thoughts about the mission. It was so simple yet the important dealer escaped with both the money and the alleged virus. Thoughts swirled in his mind.

“What did Eugene want the virus for?”

“What did the virus do?”

“Who was that woman?”

His questions remained unanswered as he simply had to wait for Eugene to be transferred to interrogation. For now all they could was wait.

Wiping his forehead free of the sweat, Chris left the gym ignoring the stares of his peers. He saw Ada leaving the medbay, followed by the rest of his team. As he approached they each gave a quick salute.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“What’s going on?” Chris looked to four, eyebrow raised.

“Eugene’s been transferred.” Ada replied, her arms crossed.

Chris narrowed his eyes, confused at the suddenness.

“Already?”

“Simon took him. Said he had enough rest.” John clarified, he stepped forward , a look of determination in the deep blue sea he called eyes.

“I have a way we can get even more info. Especially about that woman at the deal. We need to get those answers before Simon does.”

Chris nodded, motioning for them to follow. He didn’t need to hear the rest of Johns plan, he trusted the man’s judgment. The one way glass of the interrogation room allowed them to see what was happening inside. Simon was practically red in the face, most likely yelling the entire time. Eugene scrunched his face, ignoring him. Chris stepped into the room, followed by John and Ada.

“Stand down Simon. This is our case.”

Simon halted, turning around to meet Chris’s gaze. His eyes spoke volumes. He wanted to keep going but he couldn’t defy a captains order.

“All yours.” Simon raised his hands stepping out from the room.

Chris took a seat across from Eugene, who looked up in interest.

“Finally the real soldiers show up.”

Chris didn’t entertain him. Simply opening the file on the table, reading out loud.

“Eugene Forman. Age 39. Suspected of Illegal Weapons distribution and now BioTerrorism.”

Eugene rolled his eyes.

“You did your homework congrats. Can I get my phone call now?”

Ada stepped forward but halted when Chris held his hand in front of her. Eugene smirked at this. He felt in control. John spoke up behind Chris.

“Father to Clara Forman. Age nine. Attending price city elementary.” He spoke calmly, taking back the control. Eugene didn’t like the mention of his daughter, his hands shook with the restraints on.

“You watch your fucking mouth blondie.”

John didn’t relent.

“What were you buying from the A.L.F dealer?”

“Fuck off!”

Chris had to stop Ada from approaching the man again, his gaze speaking the command for him.

“How about this. You tell us what we need to know, and you keep custody of your daughter. Don’t cooperate and we’ll have you arrested and she’ll be sent to foster care.” John placed a hand on the table, leaning over to Eugene. He repeated his earlier question slowly, his stare warning the handcuffed man to make the right choice.

‘Harsh.’ Chris found himself thinking but ultimately he agreed. This was necessary, they’d be here all day if they tried to pry answers out any other way.

Eugene clenched his jaw, deep in thought. His face was now red with anger. The blatant black mail opened his eyes to the situation. These weren’t some cops he could swindle. They were the real deal. The man sighed.

“I was buying a sample of their latest work. Think they called it the X Virus or Virus X. One of the two.“

Chris didn’t let Johns opening go to waste.

“What does it do?”

Eugene struggled to find his next words but a glance to John made him concede.

“When it infects someone it’s meant to increase their physical abilities. Enhanced strength, speed, endurance, etcetera.”

Chris turned to meet John and Ada’s gaze, the reality of the situation dawning on them. He turned back.

“Who was the woman? Your dealer?”

“Don’t know. Never met her. She was working to keep her face a secret too. Not much about their top dogs is known really. All I know is she’s the head researcher. Sent to advertise her product personally. It’s why I agreed to meet there.” Eugene was spilling by now, so Chris pressed on.

“Her boss. Know anything about him?”

Eugene pondered for a moment.

“He’s a weird one. Only met the guy once. Didn’t say his name. Didn’t bother hiding his face like she did.”

“Describe him.” John said.

“Probably six foot. Short brown hair like your friend here.” Eugene pointed to Chris before continuing.

“Combed back though. All fancy. Had shades on. Trench coat. Bit pale. No facial hair.”

Ada was writing this down already, Chris already put a mental note to do some digging regarding their leaders appearance. John whispered in his ear, realization dawning on Chris’s face. It could work. Chris met Eugene’s gaze.

“We have a proposal for you Eugene.”

Eugene perked up at this.

“We’ll let you go. On one condition. You were supposed to meet that woman again right? Buy her newest product. Well you’re gonna meet with her again. Set the meeting up any way you can. Give us the location and let us do the rest.”

Chris watched the mans face contort as he spoke.

“Hell no! You’re gonna get me killed! I ain’t doing it.”

“Full custody of Clara, and your charges dropped.” Chris stated. His cards were on the table. Inwardly he groaned at the added paperwork.

Eugene froze, his voice lowering to complete a complete mute. His brow furrowed as he battled internally. Finally he sighed, his arms going slack against the table.

“Done.”

Chris raised an eyebrow at the change in demeanor but nodded.

“Good, you’ll be released tomorrow. Make your call, set the meeting. We’ll be in touch.”

With that Chris stood from the table closing the file. The trio left the room, seeing a waiting Ben and Emma. Emma cheered, while Ben clapped his hands.

Chris looked to Ada. Her tension ceased. A hint of smile threatened the corner of her lips.

Things were finally looking up.