13th Feb – breakfast

"Finally," Breanna pumped her fist in the air, feeling like a school kid getting good grades when finding the large dining room in the rambling mansion. Entering the room, Breaana found the décor fascinating; the beautiful paintings had to be originals. The walls and furniture blended in vibrant colours of red and mahogany coming straight out of an 18th-century brochure. Except for the table. The table was a large round wooden piece in the middle of the room. Unconventional for the setting and beautiful at the same time. Around its correctly laid top sat chatting, chuckling and eating people. Running the room's length against the far wall, Breanna spotted a mahogany sideboard groaning under the weight of many dishes, plates and cutlery and flasks of coffee and hot water for tea. The delicious aromas tantalised her nose and grumbling stomach. Juices of many kinds sat next to trays of glasses. The scene left her simultaneously stunned and appreciative.

Helping herself, Breanna found a space at the table, enjoying the delicious tastes while listening to the company around her.

"Like the table?" Valencia asked.

"I do," Breanna nodded, "didn't expect a round table. Military folk usually have a rectangle table. You know the status quo, hierarchy. This… is different."

Valencia smiled, "I like the revolving centre. I feel like a kid in the candy store."

Returning her smile, Breanna finished her meal. Memories about Michael were vague, but a round table felt familiar, leaving her to wonder if he had changed in the time she was away.

"Everyone had enough?" Michael asked, "does anyone want more to drink or eat?"

Murmurs rippled, heads shook, glancing at each other. Michael met Breanna's gaze, "You want to take it from here, or shall I start?"

"Go ahead," Breanna said, "lay it out for everyone, and we'll go from there."

"Okay," Michael cleared his throat, "earlier this morning, Breanna and I chatted about an opportunity for everyone. It was clearly explained to make a decision, all the details of this opportunity are to be laid before everyone. Then the decision will be made by each of you, as a group."

"It's about Darcia. We know she got away," Jarred said, glanced at Breanna, "no one blames you. Tell us what Darcia intends, and we'll think about your opportunity."

"Ahhh …" Michael nodded, glancing at Breanna, "okay. This is what we have so far."

"So far?" Clio asked.

"Yeah," Michael said, "since last night."

"All very well for you to say we'll consider the opportunity," Fiona said, "but what if there are those who don't want this kind of life?"

Michael opened his mouth to talk, only to be cut off by a rising murmur of comments. Breanna watched him try to speak over the increasing din before sighing and leaning back in his chair. The information wasn't going to get out if they wouldn't let him say anything. They didn't trust him yet. She needed to do something … fast.

"Hey," Breanna called, smacking her hand on the table, making the dishes jump, "we haven't heard what he has to say," Breanna said, "give him a chance before you jump on the "what I want to do" wagon?"

Silence fell over the table.

"Thank you," Michael murmured, "Jarred is correct. Darcia is involved in the opportunity. Yesterday, this group of extraordinary people stopped something the Military knew nothing of. You ended Darcia's work, destroyed her lab," Michael said, "took on and out her soldiers, and for that, we are thankful. However, she will go ahead with the next part of her plan. The servers we got into have given so much information, and we're still sifting through it. The most recent information is concerning. A machine that works on molecular construction."

"Hold up," Hana said, leaning on the table, "are you certain it's a molecular device?"

"Yes," Michael nodded, "we double-checked if something similar was being developed, and there are a few who are coming close to being tested."

"What is it, Hana?" Breanna asked.

"A few days ago, I read about a conference," she frowned, "happening in about two weeks, I think. One of the topics is molecular reconstruction. The article says they'll have a prototype at the conference to demonstrate the concept and how the device works."

"That was on the news last night," Valencia said before taking a mouthful of food.

"According to the clip, the prototype will be on display the three nights of the conference with a demonstration on either the second or third night," Tula nodded.

"We understand Darcia is attending the seminar," Michael said, "personally, I don't think she attends to gain information."

"What else did those servers give up?" Breanna asked, sipping her coffee.

"A lot of medical files on the people under different procedures, as she terms it. Before you ask, they were filled with a lot of medical jargon," Michael said, "we're busy downloading that information to our new division's servers. Hopefully, the new team will sift through it and address anything Darcia plans."

"New division? New Team?" Clio and David spoke simultaneously.

"What exactly are you on about here?" David asked.

"In the past, we have had agents who tried to stop Darcia," Michael said. "They either came back in body bags or disappeared for a long time only to reappear elsewhere to continue as though they have no idea of their initial mission. Through David going in and coming out still fairly intact, we have learnt of the necklaces and what they can do."

"How do you know that?" Breanna asked, "I was alone with Darcia when she told me, and I haven't told anyone else."

"Sorry, Bre, Cara said, "I was monitoring you the entire time. I heard everything said. Before I passed out, I mentally forwarded the information to David and Clio."

"You can do that?" Michael asked, amazed.

"Oh yes," Cara said, "David was on the conference call last night. I'm guessing he passed it on."

David nodded, "I didn't know it came from you," he looked at Breanna, "but fortunately, the agents with the necklaces had them destroyed."

"On that note," Michael said, drinking coffee, "we have had an influx of people doing bizarre things. Complaining of bizarre things. I suggested they get re-posted. Their files will show a re-post without a destination. They will join this group if found compatible and stable. We hope this group will help them understand their situation and assist with them realising their potential."

An awkward silence hung in the air. Breanna glanced around the room. Some looked pointedly at the ceiling while others attended their drinks with too much attention. Michael sighed heavily, noting the reactions; he shrugged, frustration gazing back at her. Breanna knew that level of frustration.

Standing, Michael cleared his dishes, "I understand by your current reactions my division will continue and do the best we can."

Moving to the sideboard, he placed his dishes on the tea trolley. A few looked uncomfortable at Michael's words while others stared pointedly at the tabletop.

"Come on," David said into the silence, "it helped me being around all of you. From the time I dropped into Breanna's dining room, everything has been strange, confusing and frankly … terrifying. I would have freaked out if it weren't for the conversations after my destroyed necklace. My sanity is still intact because of this group. Each of you experienced the same thing."

A ripple of agreement went around the table. Michael turned from the tea trolley, waiting. He sensed this process was required.

"David speaks the truth, but there's a problem," Fiona said, "these new people, they could be bugged or enhanced into a homing device, just like the three we took into the safe house. Darcia may find us again, and then what?"

"She's already found you," shoving his hands into his pocket, Michael walked to the table, "Darcia was seen in the area last night. I'm guessing she would have struck last night if that's what she wanted."

"He has a point," Tania said, "you have explained what you want us to become, but you haven't explained what you want from us."

"What we face goes further than kidnapping and torture," Michael said, "last night, we discovered Darcia is no longer recruiting. She is sending her fanatics to infiltrate various organisations and military branches. We need a group of people with a skill set that can stop whatever is intended. I have the green light, but I need a decision made."

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"Decision about what?" Clio asked, looking between Breanna and Michael.

"The military requests this group be the new unit," Michael said quickly "we need your assistance to stop Darcia."

"Assistance in stopping her," Kyle said, raising his eyebrows, "as in... terminate her?"

"Yes, if necessary," Michael said, "I have come to realise that although in the past we have been able to put a stop to some diabolical schemes. We don't have the personnel or skill set to go against someone like Darcia."

"If we decide to go ahead with this," Breanna spoke into the stretching silence, "some of us may not come back from it. We do not know what Darcia has planned, whom she has under her control or the organisations she has already infiltrated."

"You make it sound like you are mortal," Michael chuckled.

"We are mortal," Breanna stared at him unblinkingly, "the only difference between you and I, if I can get angry enough, I can punch your lights out … with my mind."

Michael swallowed hard, "Are you serious? What did she do to everyone?"

An uncomfortable silence met his question. Tina shifted as he glanced in her direction.

"May I say something?" she asked. Breanna nodded, "I'm not military or trained with a special skill, but I've been subjected to Darcia's madness. What she did to me, and I'm guessing to others, is not something anyone would want to discuss openly. We all have our demons and dark pasts to face. It's important to remember we are sitting around this table. Safely. Perhaps with extensions of ourselves," chuckles rippled through the group. "But we're together, understanding the odds, knowing what we're dealing with, and not to underestimate the level of insanity the world faces. What about the people out there? What about the human population? Do we enjoy our comforts and allow Darcia to do whatever she wants? Perhaps we can protect what is left of humanity?"

"Tina has a good point," Breanna said, "what we are and what was done to us would turn the most seasoned stomach. Darcia knows no boundaries. Has no limitations to what she is capable of or to whom she will do it. The line of right and wrong does not exist within her world."

"Understood," Michael nodded, "this is the reason we need your help. If you decide to be our response group, you will have a base of operations. Breanna said everyone seemed to enjoy Mexico. We have a place there being kitted out with all the amenities you may require to do the job. There are extra rooms for anyone who decides to work with you or needs protection," Michael inhaled deeply, "we are that desperate."

"We haven't said yes, and a location has already been picked," Clio muttered, "typical."

"Picked and prepared," Tania added.

"What if we say no?" Reilly asked, "you have done all that work for what?"

"If you say no..." Michael rocked on his feet, "then a team of normal humans will take your place, and we will simply have to recruit continuously as they get picked off."

"Nice way to make us feel guilty," Valencia muttered, folding her arms at her waist.

"That was not my intention. It's the reality of what will happen," Michael said quietly.

"Stopping Darcia was why we went into that facility in the first place," Scott said thoughtfully, "I don't understand the reluctance to complete what we started."

"We did complete what we started," Oran said, "we shut down the facility."

"Yes, but we didn't stop Darcia," Scott countered, "she is still out there."

"She wouldn't be if her department closed her down correctly," Oran said, "why is it our responsibility?'

Breanna waited a moment before filling the silence with her quiet words.

"All good points," Breanna said, "we have choices to make. Not only as a group but personally. The rule of making a choice still stands."

A chirping noise filled the silence. Michael frowned before retrieving his mobile.

"Do any of you know many people have been given those necklaces?"

A negative response rippled through the group.

"Too bad," Michael said, focusing on the replying text, "those necklaces can control or kill the people wearing them. It is going to be difficult to know who is and who is not standing with Darcia."

"Whoever she got to design those necklaces definitely knows their subject," Breanna said, "I've seen what they can do, and it's not good. But there is a way of finding out what you need to know."

"What are you saying?" Michael asked, looking up from his phone.

"Darcia somehow knows if her released experiments are still alive should the necklace be destroyed," Breanna said, "she has to track the events somewhere. If we can find where the information is ... we can find out who stands with her willingly."

"That's a start," Michael said, continuing to text.

Breanna glanced around the table, "I agree with Scott regarding our intentions," she said. "The facility is gone, but Darcia is still able to level up on her plan, meaning we will be doing this again in the future."

"Are you going to do this?" Tina asked.

"Do what?" Breanna met Tina's curious expression.

"Stop, Darcia," Tina replied.

"Yes," Breanna said, "what happened to us can happen to anyone. Her insanity has gone on long enough. If she will not stop … someone has to make sure she is stopped."

"Breanna's right," David said, "it was difficult for us … enhanced and trained. Imagine what will happen to human agents."

"Mincemeat," Clio muttered.

"If the decision to stand against Darcia is affirmative, you have to realise she will not be alone," Breanna said, "those who wear necklaces are her army. Yesterday revealed her pattern. Strategy. Front line distraction while she goes for the goal."

"Does that mean you are going to form a team and assist us?" Michael asked, looking at Breanna.

All heads turned to her waiting for her answer. Clearing her throat, Breanna released her abilities, feeling the expectation of making the decision. It seemed natural, but everything achieved so far would be destroyed if she did.

"I didn't say that," she said standing, "Michael has brought a matter with potential worldwide fallout to our attention. Each of us has a decision to make. Not only about stopping Darcia but what we will do with our abilities."

"You're saying that if we decide not to join the team, we can walk away," Valencia said.

"Same as Mexico. If that is what you truly want to do," Breanna nodded, "no hard feelings from anyone. We will always be there for each other, and we will wish you well."

"Just like that?" Tina said, "no monitoring, no feedback, just leave."

"Yes," Breanna said.

"What if we decide we want to do something beneficial?" Clio asked, "the reality for many here with nowhere to go is needing a safe place to stay, nor do we know of anyone who will accept us."

"If you decide not to continue with the current course," Michael said, "you are welcome to live here. It is big enough, I'm not always at home, and as far as your abilities go, you can still use them for everyday living or perhaps find a job. Your options would be as far as your imagination."

"That's extremely generous, Michael," Breanna smiled, "for those who wish to save the world, Micheal has given an offer for us to create a team. A group of people who will go up against the odds that are too high for the human race to defeat or contain," Breanna looked at Michael, "no offence."

"None was taken," Michael smiled.

"Basically, we would be called in for situations like Darcia," Scott said, "if the normal human defences don't work, we'll be the last call?"

"Looks that way," Breanna said.

"When does this decision need to be made?" Tania asked, "we need a timeline for those of us who linger in decision making," she glanced meaningfully at Hana, who rolled her eyes.

"If you do decide to join the team, you'll need to let me know tomorrow night. If combat is not for you but still want to be part of the team, we have positions requiring non-combatant enhancements. If you decide to lead a normal life. We will take Michael's offer and settle you here. All decisions need to be in tomorrow evening."

"This team," Oran said, "what kind will it be?"

"Full combatant," Michael answered, "you'll have anything required to ensure you can get the job done. If you want a category, we don't have one."

"Tell me if I have this straight," Oran frowned, "we have a choice to form a tactical unit, go on missions to stop mad scientists and regularly save the world."

Breanna laughed, "Yes, Oran, that's the choice."

"Alright," Oran said, clapping his hands and rubbing them together, "finally something worthwhile thinking about."

"Out of everything said and discussed, that is what you took away?" Cara's looking at her twin in disbelief, drawing grins from the group.

"I heard everything," Oran nodded, "but that's all it took."

Cara shook her head, "If that's it, can we clear the table and go to the difficult task of games and deep thought processes?"

Everyone turned to Micheal.

"Yes," he said, "go… enjoy."

"Sweet," Kyle said, hurriedly collecting crockery and cutlery, "game time."

Conversation mingled from topics of pool game challenges, invites to go swimming, and play tennis to requesting cooking lessons. Amazed at everyone's ability to snap between intense to playful to everyday tasks, Breanna watched them leave the room. Each had worked hard toward doing so, and secretly she was proud of how far they had come.

Silence settled around Breanna and Michael.

"I feel like I've just had a discussion with a bunch of kids, and no one is really interested in being serious," Michael shook his head.

"They are," Breanna chuckled, "it's not a decision to make lightly."

"What do you think they'll say?" Michael asked.

"Guessing correctly is not one of my abilities," Breanna shook her head, "you want to know what is on their minds; you'll have to ask Cara. But you may get a garbled message. She sometimes hears them all at the same time."

"If they decide to do this," Michael waved a hand, "will you lead them?"

"Whoa!! That's a responsibility I don't know I can take on again," Breanna whispered.

"Again?" Michael asked, "you led a group of people before?"

Breanna nodded, remaining silent. She didn't want to tread that painful path.

"What happened?" Michael asked softly.

"Let's just say," Breanna cleared her throat, "that it didn't work out ... for any of us."

"Didn't work out …." Michael's voice trailed off, "... you lost someone."

Breanna nodded, "I don't want to talk about it."

Turning, she left the dining room, heading toward the library, needing space to think.

Standing silently near the doorway, Valencia stepped out of her hiding place into the light of a nearby floor to ceiling window. Sadness in her eyes as she watched the retreating back of her best friend. She started as Michael stopped next to her, speaking quietly.

"Did you hear her last statement?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, "but don't ask me about it; she seldom speaks of her past."

"Does she speak of her past at all?" Michael watched Valencia.

"In the time that I have known her," Valencia looked thoughtful, "I don't think she has ever spoken of her life before Darcia."

"She's hiding something," Michael muttered, "guess I'll have to do some digging. Thank you, Valencia."

Michael took the left branch of the long passageway. Valencia watched him walk away, pondering what signs she missed in the years of knowing his sister, a tenacious, feisty, capable, caring woman.