Benjamin I:

When Ada told them about the plans clearance, Benjamin had to practically brace himself from standing and cheering with excitement. He had to maintain an image here as the oldest. Still he gave a toothy grin at the confirmation.

“Christmas must be coming early this year, two missions back to back? When’s the last time we had anything like that?!” He slapped Johns back, annoying the man.

“One year, eight months and five days ago.” Emma responded quickly, giggling at the two.

The girls quickness always impressed Ben, she was a talented one that much was certain. A little meek but reliable. He’d never been any good with the technical aspects of this job, but one thing he was good at was shooting.

Their captain had entered the room, causing all of them to straighten up. Chris despite being six years his junior rose to high ranks. Ben always respected the man. His leadership, his skills and his discipline.

“Captain.” Their voices spoke in unison.

Chris nodded, standing before them.

“I’m sure you all know we’re heading out. But I figured I’d tell you all this now.”

They all exchanged looks, wondering what he could be talking about.

“We’re gonna arrive a bit early for this one. A day or two. FreeTown doesn’t have a lot of ground to cover so we’re gonna get familiar with it all.”

A collective sound of agreement filled the room. Ada was the first to speak directly.

“Guessing that part wasn’t cleared with the directors?”

“Affirmative.” Chris replied.

Ben smirked, laughing loudly. Even their captain had his roguish moments.

“So get ready, we leave soon.” Chris continued, already walking away.

Ben didn’t need to be told twice.

He rushed to his quarters, closing the door behind him. Pushing the empty beer cans off his desk with a disappointing stare. He’d have to stop one day. Grabbing the phone from his desk, he dialed a number on it. After a few moments it went through.

“Hey sweet pea, just wanted to call and check up on you.” His voice went down several volumes, tone shifting to a friendlier and gentler version of his usual brash and loud self.

The familiar sound of his daughter entered his ears. Of course as always she was asking when he’d return home.

“Soon. Got one more job and I’m all set. We can go out for ice cream how does that sound?”

The offer distracted the girl from her fathers current absence. Ben smiled hearing her cheer and laugh on the other line. It pressured the man. It made him want to leave more than anything. But duty came first. It always did.

“I have to go now, but I promise I’ll be back soon okay. Okay, love you.” It took all his will to press the hang up button. He dropped the phone onto the desk, his hand shaking.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Damn it.”

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Jaene IV:

Jaene was back in the comfort of her dimly lit lab. She spun in the chair, taking it all in. She waited for the robotic voice to call out when the samples were ready.

The door slid open, familiar white jackets ushering into the room.

“Maria. Joseph.” Jaene said, annoyed at their sudden appearance.

Maria had a bit of Jaene’s respect. She was brilliant with genetic engineering, and kept to herself mostly. At least that’s how she presented herself. Jaene saw her ambitious nature easily. The woman’s web of braids serving as a physical metaphor to her real motives. The amount of secrets she held were probably endless. Apart of Jaene wondered if the only reason she saw through her was because she too held great ambitions.

Joseph on the other hand had none. He was lazy, and barely competent. He leeched off of Maria’s success, their romantic relationship not a secret to the rest of the lab. He was used for deals often, as his charismatic persona and good looks lured in customers.

Maria took a seat beside her while Joseph, went through some files. Pretending to be working. Jaene wanted to roll her eyes out of her head. His entire existence was fake.

“I hear you’re heading out.” Maria stated.

“I am.”

“The Virus Y isn’t ready.” Maria said matter of factly.

“Our boss says otherwise.” Jaene replied curtly. She paused to regain composure. She hadn’t meant to snap so easily.

Maria hummed before continuing.

“I’ll have to ask Erik later on.”

Jaene clenched her jaw at the way Maria used her fathers first name. Not only was it unprofessional but she clearly did it to try and provoke her. Clearing her throat, Jaene relaxed.

“You do that.”

Thankfully the familiar robotic voice sounded, signaling her the samples were done. She moved past Joseph, the oaf still standing there pretending to be busy. Opening the cartridges, cold mist came from the chamber. Twelve vials prepared for transport. She put the tray inside a metal chamber, sealing it shut.

“Now If you’ll excuse me.”

She left the lab, a triumphant smile on her face as she left the two scientists behind. Or perhaps just the one.

It felt good to show them the disparity in their status. Even if she didn’t feel superior.

Emma I:

Emma for once laid down her books to view FreeTown around them. It was a nice town, streets not too busy. The highlight was the local park. The sapphire blue river, the large oak in the middle. Kids played, teenagers made out on the benches. It was a sight straight out of a movie.

Emma caught up to her teammates, able to catch Chris’s words.

“I got us reservations at a hotel. We’re gonna rendezvous there everyday until the deal. Any findings will be reported when we meet.”

Emma listened intently, observing their surroundings. She squinted seeing a car parked at their destination. She’d seen the same car enough times. Speeding up her pace to catch up to Chris she whispered to him.

“Captain. I think we’re being followed.”

Chris didn’t react continuing to walk as if he didn’t hear her.

“CIA most likely. Chaplin must’ve sent his own men in.”

Emma marveled at his disciplined, how he managed to stay calm and identify their tailer.

“What do we do?” She asked.

“Nothing, we keep moving as planned. Just keep an eye on your back when you go out to investigate.”

“Roger.”

Once they all settled into their respective rooms in the hotel, Emma got to work. Cracking open her laptop, she began typing furiously fast. Eugene was instructed to come early as well but keep a low profile. Watching his recent activity she saw he did just that. Checked into a hotel four hours ago. A few blocks away from them. According to his intel, the meeting would take place at the mines. Apparently the workers are paid off allowing illegal deals being made inside.

Emma felt a little annoyed they’d let this guy off the hook. Despite his help he was still a criminal.

With a sigh she closed her laptop, and called some room service.