A high ceilinged, long room held curved, highly polished tables with high-back chairs circling the layout. The hardwood surfaces supported pens and pads of paper. Water glasses and bottles stood side by side at each place. The sun had set on a balmy day, allowing the cool evening breeze to filter through the room from an open balcony door. Clio, David, Craig, and Breanna watched the milling crowd of delegates waiting for the critical decision-makers to arrive. Looking around a room full of people holding enough power to change the course of time and history, Breanna looked for anything suspicious.

"The key players are entering the building," Tina's voice whispered in Breanna's ear through the communications device.

Tonight there were two mobile command centres, Valencia and Jarred in one, with Tina and Iris in the other. Throughout the building, the other members of their team stood guard.

"Copy that," Breanna muttered, "everything seems to be in order in the main room."

"Fiona ... anything?" Craig said from his point in the room.

"Negative," Fiona responded, "don't pick up any alien frequencies or devices."

"Stroke of genius arranging for no electronic devices to be present in the main room," David chuckled, "bet there are many people who have no idea what to do with their hands after shaking other hands."

"Unless you walk in on what I have," Scott cleared his throat, "I'm not sure how many hands there were."

"Making your evening interesting, Scott?" Tula chuckled.

"Any other way would be better," Scott responded.

"We have activity in the passageway outside the main room," Daisy's voice came urgently, "the key players are moving toward the main room, but I'm sensing high-level enhancements close by."

"David, cover the door closest to you," Breanna said, moving toward the incoming doorway, "Craig cover the incoming key players," Breanna pulled the double door open, "Clio, monitor the room."

Breanna watched the key players turn the corner, moving toward the door. Scott turned the corner at the other end as a side door near Daisy opened, black fatigue-clad men stepped out.

"Iris now," Daisy instructed, extending her hand toward the group. Breanna watched as a shimmer appeared over them.

"David, are you okay?" Breanna asked.

"Fine," David panted, "Iris's connection was unexpected."

Motioning toward the group, Breanna spoke clearly, "Please proceed quickly into the main room."

Scott intercepted one of Darcia's agents, reaching for a gun. The man didn't go down without a fight—the sudden interaction spurring the delegates to walk faster. Reilly appeared out of the nearby stairwell, pushing his hand in front of him. Breanna could only imagine what the terrified and panicked assailants were seeing.

Craig's team met Breanna and the delegates at the double doors taking over their security. Once the doors closed, she turned to face the imminent threat.

"It's an illusion," one of the men grunted, "the delegates are in the room."

"We need to take him down," Daisy gasped, "he is powerful ... mental enhancements. Stronger than Cara."

"Darcia," Breanna growled, "he's linked to Darcia. It's been her plan all along, the genetic changes. The gene linking. DNA enhancements. All to control other people."

Breanna shook her head. All this pain and torture of others so Darcia could rule people who would give her what she wanted, whenever she wanted. Behaviour like this hadn't been allowed when they were growing up, and it wasn't going to happen now. Breanna moved in front of the remaining assailants.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Right past you," the one on Breanna's right said, "and nothing you can do will be able to stop us."

Extending his arm, hand open, he stared Breanna in the eye and then closed his hand in a fist. Breanna waited, but nothing happened. He did it again. Still, nothing happened.

Breanna breathed in, blinked her eyes and flicked her head slightly. The other two watched as he went sailing through the air to crash against the wall, crumpling to the floor. A low groan came, but he stayed where he lay. The middle assailant slowly turned his head.

"You're stronger than I remember," his voice came out on the air like a snake slithering from his hole, "you also are not supposed to be standing right now."

"Ah," Breanna nodded, "the device you coded specifically for me was supposed to disable me? Kill me? Make me vulnerable?"

"It was supposed to take you out of my way," the man hissed, "now, I will have to kill you instead of harvesting your cells."

Breanna moved quickly as the body of the immense man ran toward her. The hand to hand combat was fast, sharp, and probably a blur to the natural eye. Breanna was aware of other groups fighting in her peripheral vision. Scott engaged anyone who came into the area. Craig stood just outside the main door and took on anyone who tried to get into the meeting room; Daisy was doing her fair share as she linked with Iris, who borrowed various skills.

"The second floor is secure," Oran said in Breanna's ear, "we're moving to the third, and we'll meet you on the fourth."

"Your little friends coming to play?" the question was Darcia, but it sounded manic coming from the man in front of her.

"D, you don't sound good as a guy," Breanna said, shaking her head, "you sound rather common."

The man's features contorted as his fists clenched in rage.

"How did you get this man to allow himself to link to you," Breanna wondered "was he forced? Did you use the necklace? It's a mystery what any man would see in you."

Another bout of fighting flared, movement distracting Breanna for a second. A vice-like hand wrapped around Breanna's neck. "I. Will. Kill. You." Darcia grunted through the man.

"No, you won't," Breanna grunted, "you're too predictable."

Closing her eyes, Breanna pulled all her strength into her hands. Reaching out, she pushed hard enough to move the man through the air forcing him to let go. Breanna landed in a crouch, coughing. Daisy shouted from across the room. Looking up, Breanna saw her coming towards her. Fast. Turning to find another assailant behind her, holding a gun to her head. A blue light flickered, growing brighter. Suddenly Daisy was there pushing Breanna out of the way. Daisy threw the knife, hitting Darcia's man as the gun fired. Breanna rolled sideways, coming up on her knees. There was no Daisy, no Darcia linked man, only the panting of Scott, Reilly and the team defending the meeting room.

Oran rounded the corner, coming to a jolting stop, "What happened?"

"I'm not sure," Breanna said, "we lost Daisy. I thought they wanted me, but she pushed me out of the way, taking her instead."

"What the hell was that?" Craig said, landing a knockout punch.

"No idea. Clio," Breanna spoke softly, breathing heavily, "what is the status in the meeting room?"

"The meeting is going smoothly. It will be over in another half hour," Clio said quietly, "nothing to report from this side of the door."

"Breanna," Michael called, drawing Breanna's attention as she worked with the group, packing up after an eventful but successful meeting, "got a minute."

"Sure," she said, handing her gear to David, "I'll be back."

"You'd better," he smiled, "I'll finish here."

"Thanks," she chuckled, moving with Michael, "what's up?"

"This is Anton Brenner," Michael indicated the man joining them, "he is one of the principal meeting attendants."

"Michael told me about what you and your team did while we held our meeting," he nodded. "I … have met your twin sister. When I first saw you, I thought you were …" he cleared his throat, "I thought you were Darcia. I saw you throw that man across the room," he shook his head, "definitely Darcia's work but not the self-serving attitude of Darcia. We owe our lives and safety to you. Thank you. Darcia wasn't here today," Anton Brenner said, "but I'm sure she was close by and still willing to try anything."

Breanna nodded, "Only happy everything worked out for the best. We keep trying, and if we're the last thing left standing between Darcia and the rest of the world," Breanna shrugged, "it's the least we can do."

"That is why I want your group of specialists to do the security for the World Summit, not only the building security. All of it," he said, rocking on the balls of his feet, "what do you say?"

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Breanna froze, blinked, looked between the two men then stared at Michael.

"What is he talking about?" she asked.

"The World Summit happening in … um … two days, the organisers moved it forward," Michael said. "Both of us believe your team are not only the ones who can accomplish the safety of everyone," he nodded toward Anton Brenner, "we both believe you are our only hope of stopping Darcia."

Breanna observed them, "You're serious, no additional security. The security."

"That is correct," Anton Brenner said, "I think your team can cover everything."

"Mr Brenner," Breanna said, "we are a team of twenty-six. How can twenty-six people cover the type of security you will require for the World Summit."

"Yes. The security is extensive, but I feel your team will be the answer to a lot of our problems," he glanced at Michael, "I'll leave it up to you to chat through the details with the group Michael."

Shaking hands, he walked away. Breanna watched him go before turning to her brother.

"Please tell me this is a joke," she crossed her arms over her chest, "the company that is … was … whatever is happening with them had hundreds of people working this event."

"Yes," Michael said, nodding, "and lots of space for infiltration."

"They're looking for something tighter," Breanna raised her eyebrows in question, "leaving loads of space for someone to get to one of them."

"Can we talk about the logistics back at base?" Michael asked, easing toward the waiting group.

"You've already agreed, haven't you?"

She watched as he sidled to a stop just out of reach. Slowly he turned, meeting her gaze.

"Yes," Michael sighed, "Bre, we both know that this team is the only thing able to stand between mankind and Darcia."

"Maybe," Breanna said, "but how about talking to us first?"

"You would have said no," Michael said, "look, I know you're nervous about screwing up, but we can do this. Besides, this is why this group is in existence."

"We have very little time to get everything together," Breanna said, "how are we supposed to do that in less than two days?"

"You tell me what you need, and I'll get it," Michael said, "it's as easy as that."

"Breanna," Clio called, "we're ready to go."

"We'll discuss this back at the base," Breanna said, stalking off to help the ambling group move gear to the vehicles.

Michael watched her go. Breathing in deeply, he exhaled slowly. It wasn't only the need to pull a miracle out of the bag. Intel regarding the attempt on Anton Brenner's life was filtering in. The assailant was one of Darcia's fanatics. An employee of the previously appointed company to cover the security. He faced the problem of a sister who took umbrage at his supposed overbearing actions and keeping high profile people out of the firing line. That was the ultimate goal. Darcia seemed to be gunning for them, which made it more difficult.

Rolling his shoulders, Michael moved to help the group. He loved his sister, and usually, he would give in, letting her have her way, but this was not something like ice cream, a fancy dress or a pair of shoes. People's lives hung in the balance. His little sister was the only one to make sure they stayed safe and whole. If it meant she didn't talk to him for a month, he would make sure she toed the line this time.

"This time, I'm not backing down," Michael muttered, lifting a bag in each hand, "one way or another, we will get through this, and so are these people."

Calla, Rose, Iris and Tina sat subdued in the van as the group's chatter hummed around them. Jonathan sat quietly, checking his phone from time to time. Daisy's loss was felt, like a rose that was to bloom on a bush, but the bud was missing.

"We meet in the tech room in twenty minutes," Breanna said.

The others nodded before moving toward their quarters. Following Michael down the passage and into the tech room, Breanna pushed the button to close the door.

"What made you agree to do this?" she asked.

"Sit down, and I talk to everyone when they arrive," Michael said, pulling documents out of the folder, "you'll understand then."

"Are you sweeping me aside here?"

"Breanna," Michael ground out, "sit … down."

Breanna sank into a nearby chair, staring at her brother, noticing the tension in his shoulders, how he shuffled papers briskly and sorted sheets of information. Breanna pushed her ability for truth out toward him.

"How serious is this?" she whispered.

"Relatively," he said distractedly, "I'll fill everyone in when they arrive."

"Michael, if you're going to lie or avoid the truth," Breanna rose slowly, "do it with someone else."

Michael leaned heavily on the table, hanging his head, "I'm sorry."

"Tell me what is going on," she said, "how serious is this?"

"Very," he sighed, "we're being used because Anton Brenner had an attempt on his life," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What?" Breanna gasped, "when did that happen?"

"Yesterday," he muttered, "we'll chat about the rest when the others are here."

"We didn't have a choice about this, did we?"

"Not really," he said, "Breanna, let me get all out in one go … please."

"Okay," Breanna sighed, "sometimes it's easier that way."

She walked toward the conference table, looking across the scattered sheets fanning the surface. Idly she took in details of documents, information sheets and photos. A face in the picture depicting Anton Brenner under attack by a black-clad figure caught her attention, pulling the image from the rest, looking at the assailant's form. She knew those broad shoulders, the build of the man. The page had four pictures — one by one showing the details of the attack by two men. The last photo had a face looking back, and Breanna knew that face. She had worked with that face, fought in the same team as that face.

"Tank," she whispered, tracing the lines of his face. She noticed his eyes were crueller, meaner glint. He had never been a nice person or someone others enjoyed having around. Carefully she replaced the paper as memories flooded her mind, dark, dangerous, scary memories of her time with a man who loved to kill for fun.

If that was Anton Brenner's attacker, she understood why the change had happened and how it suddenly occurred. The tech room doors slid open. A chattering, bantering group of people entered. Breanna blinked away her thoughts and swallowed against the fear clutching her throat.

"What is this about?" Tula asked.

"Have a seat. Michael will let us know," Breanna said quietly, finding her own space against the nearby wall.

Michael slowly rolled out the facts, "Yesterday afternoon Anton Brenner was approached by this man," he clicked a little red button and the face Breanna had seen, "it was not a normal daylight attack. It was an attempt on his life."

A low-level murmur rippled through the room.

"Breanna, that's Tyler," Valencia whispered hoarsely, pointing at the second man.

Breanna nodded, sighing deeply.

"You know this man?" Michael asked, sending a sharp gaze between the two women.

"He's... he was my brother," Valencia muttered, "did you know about this Bre?"

"Just learnt about it," Breanna sighed, clearing her dry throat, "and I'm as surprised as you that Brenner lived."

"Why are you surprised?" Craig asked.

"There are two men there. Tyler was in the first team I ever worked," Breanna sighed, "he disliked the restriction, the rules, the orders. Tank, the second man, is known for killing for fun."

"Tyler had an issue with authority," Valencia added, "he enjoyed making life difficult for everyone. The only person he thought of was himself."

"Sounds like a fantastic person to have on a team," Craig muttered, "did someone shoot him accidentally?"

"Having to deal with him daily... it was tempting, but no," Breanna shook her head. "Valencia shot her brother a few years ago, we thought he was dead, but obviously, Darcia patched him up. Our team was on a brutal and deadly assignment when working with them. On returning, we learnt both Tank and Tyler had not made it back. It was surprising as both enjoyed the thrill of the kill. We were a newly constructed team, learning to trust each other and understand strengths and weaknesses. No one missed either of them. We moved on without a thought."

"What are they doing on that shot then?" Oran asked, "it doesn't make sense to reappear all this time."

"If you add Darcia to the equation," Michael said, "it makes perfect sense. The attack wasn't successful because someone took a video of it, and the flash from taking photos disturbed them."

"Brenner is fortunate to have nosy people around. If these two get off on killing, they would be the perfect super soldier for Darcia," Reilly said quietly into the room's deafening silence.

"Both are as crazy as Darcia," Breanna spoke to the room at large, "they will be anything she needs them to be."

"What were Tyler's specialities before he joined Darcia?" Trevet asked.

"Almost anything," Breanna shook her head, "he could devise capture plans. Plans of attack. Logistics and combat manoeuvres. He was talented."

"This is the reason the big shots were talking to you?" Craig looked at Michael's strained face.

"Yes," Michael nodded. "They have requested we cover all the World Summit security."

Carefully Michael laid out the request and information received. The gravity of the situation filled the room; when Michael had finished speaking, the stunned group of people stared at each other.

"There are just over twenty of us," Cara said, "you're asking us to fill a job of a two hundred strong team."

"Yes," Michael nodded, "this group of people are the only ones able to stand between Darcia and the world."

"Breanna," Cara spoke from where she lent against the wall, "are we going to do this?"

"Since you have arrived or joined this team," Breanna pushed away from the wall, "we have had a choice. We still have a choice. Irrespective of what we see or think. If we do this, we do it to protect innocent people. The people we are protecting are not just the people attending this event," she pointed to the papers on the desk, "but the people we drink coffee with at the cafés, shop with, chat to on the beach or sit next to on the pier. The man in the street will not know peace if Darcia gets her hands on any of the people at the World Summit."

"What are you saying? We can choose to walk away?" Kyle said incredulously, looking around the tech room, "is this a game?"

"No," Breanna shook her head, "this is no game. We have a choice to defend the innocent and weak, or we can let Darcia have her way, with no resistance."

"If any of us walk away from this, the rest is as good as dead," Kelvin said, "Darcia won't bring her B team to this."

"What do we do, team? Meet them head-on and keep these people alive, or do we let them fend for themselves?" Breanna asked.

"We have never left the defenceless to fend for themselves. Why start now?" Reilly said quietly.

Agreement filtered through the room.

"Okay then," Breanna nodded curtly, "Michael, you have a security detail for the World Summit."

"Good," he nodded, a tight smile on his lips, "we have work. Instead of it being next week, it's in two days."

A frustrated scream rattled the walls and shattered the windows. Grown men ducked and scrambled to get out of the way of the flying debris, except a tall, muscular man standing in the middle of the room. His short-chained necklace hung uncomfortably around his thick neck.

"She was supposed to be incapacitated," Darcia snarled, "why did your device not work? You said you knew her the best out of your old team. You were supposed to help me get her back into my facility."

"I cannot answer that question," the muscular man said, looking straight ahead, not meeting Darcia's menacing gaze. "I did not have the device with me at all times. The gas could have done something to it when entering her body," he said, "there are simply too many variables I am unaware of, and therefore cannot answer."

"My chosen company is no longer doing the security for the Summit. We need another plan. We attack when everyone is inside," Darcia's, attention snapping to her goal with narrowed evil, unfocused eyes, "I want maximum damage."

"What about the subtle control of the leaders?" a lean, blonde woman near the doorway asked, "I thought you wanted to own the people who made decisions."

"That was my amateur goal," Darcia hissed, "now I will make the decisions. It is time to come out of the dark."