At first Jackson was bamboozled. He didn't know what to make of the situation. This teenager had come to him, handed him a piece of paper and sipped his beer, it was...told you i was going to look different.

"Well," he sat back and looked at her, trying not to look bewildered, "now i just feel old." he snatched his beer back and took a deep swig. He watched a smile form from under the hoodie, just as the doors to the van opened and two large men stepped out. He glanced over his glass and motioned to Gratia that she'd best take a look. By the time the two men came into the restaurant Jackson had his hand around his trusty 9mm ready to spring it out if the men became threatening. Then one of them made a move...

I turned around as directly after Jackson's words. I quickly took my handgun out, leaving the larger one in my belt. It was too bulky and didn't feel right. I kept it barely concealed as I managed a smile at the men. They didn't say much, as they placed the package on the bar.

"Missy, we have a delivery." I giggled madly, and took my seat, placing my gun on my lap.

"Well Jackson, order me a beer." I winked at him and handed him a 5 dollar bill. I had to pick a teenager. I couldn't even smoke. I sighed.

Jackson slipped his gun back into his jacket pocket and took the fiver. He approached the bar and lit a cigarette. HE watched the two men from the corner of his eye as they waited for the bartender to deal with them. One of the men pulled out a small dark object that caught Jackson's attention.

"Can i have another beer at this table?" he left the five on the counter.

"Excuse me sir?" someone put a firm hand on his shoulder, "May we have a-" the speed and fluidity with which Jackson caught the man was incredible. The blow landed straight on the man's nose leaving a trail of crimson shrapnel. Gratia's takedown of the other man was just as smooth. Two shots to the chest. It didn't take long for the driver and a couple more thugs got out of the van.

"I think we should go!"

The man’s actions were fast as he pulled out his gun on me. I was quicker. My gun came from my lap in an instant and I had two bullets in his chest. He fell to the ground as Jackson yelled.

“I have my motorcycle close.” The other men from the van ran in instantly. Jackson took some shots, sending the first man that came in down, hitting the other men. We both shot at the other men as they struggled to recoil, but fell down as our bullets hit their mark. I smiled and looked at Jackson.

“Follow me.” I muttered, grabbing his arm and pulling him along as we jumped over the men and out the door. We went past the two buildings, jumping the fence into the back.

I pointed at my motorbike.

“I’m really tired, can you drive?” I asked, handing him the keys.

Just as the keys landed in Jackson's hands the restaurant was enveloped into a giant red fireball. Glass and wooden pieces of red hot material was flung everywhere behind them. Jackson started the bike and looked in the rear view mirror, out of the destruction sped two black mercedes. Jack was sure they weren't running to call the cops.

the bike started with a loud purr and sped into traffic. Gratia was holding on tight and would occassionally give him updates on the position of the bad guys.

The bike wheezed and moaned as Jack pushed it harder. Weaving in and out of lanes, he was sure they would be able to lose them in no time, but they were persistant, and unnervingly good drivers.

He took a left at a street light then another to complete a 180. they were still there. He nudged Gratia suggesting she fire at the Mercedes'. Gratia seemed to smile before she turned to look back.

I smiled, and held on tight to Jackson as I stood up on my seat. He looked back at me, yelling something, but I ignored it. He started to slow down but I hit him in the back.

“No!” I yelled, “Keep going.” I maneuvered my feet, and swung my body around, sitting back in the seat. I now had my back to Jack, my feet dangling dangerously close to the ground.

"I'll need you to weave around, I'll be wide open here Jack." I took out both my guns as the first Mercedes came into my site. I waved at the driver as our eyes met and I quickly took a shot from both guns, hitting him in the head with both. He fell forward, dead and the car began to swerve. I laughed as I watched the car swerve, and hit the other cars. It hit with such a great force that it ended up hitting the Mercedes behind it. I quickly shot at the engine with all my ammo. The explosion was immense as we took a turn.

Ang Jin
Since Neha has left the game, I'll be using her character as for what she was designed for ATM. I.e. a non-playable character for now.

"You've been sleeping for a while," Neha chuckled, "But now that you're up, we should be going to see Samuel. I've got a surprise for him."
A wicked smile spread across Neha's face as she wore her overcoat.
"Come."

he slowed the bike a little as Gratia returned t her original position. The explosion behind made an almighty roar as metal shrieked at the force of the exploding cars.

Jack drove around for a while before he finally pulled up along side the HQ. He got off the bike and stretched a little bit.

"Well that was fun." he said as he fixed his jacket, "you okay?"

"Let's do it again?" Now she was acting like a teenager. She began to enter the building, Jack let his eyes linger on her for a moment longer. No. No, can...no not possible, not to mention highly unprofessional. He followed her inside with a slight smile on his face, highly unprofessional.

Samuel groaned as time crawled by. It was getting late. It was getting to late.
"Sir?"
"Yeah, Amanda?"
"Gratia and Jackson have signed in the building and are heading your way."

A smile spread across Samuel's face. He grinned and quickly dialed the lady's number.

"We did it, we really did it."

"You seem happy. Is Jason back."

Samuel frowned.
"No, but Gratia and Jack are. Neha and Ang Jin should be here soon, leaving only..."

"Your nasty Raven, and his sidekick. Not to mention Jason, as I know."

"Yeah. By the way, what are your plans? I though we were eliminating Gratia and Neha.
But you withdrew. Why?"

"Time will tell, Sam. Gratia needs to live a little longer."

"And Neha?"

The woman laughed, sitting down.
"Time will tell."

"Come on, honey. I've been waiting."

The woman muffled, and replied:
"Fine. I can't let you kill any of them right now. I'm not sure about their allegiance to Cathexis4U."

"But we were sure about Gratia and Neha a moment ago!"

"Yes, but nobody can be too careful."

Samuel sighed, dragging his chair.
"So when is the launch?"

The woman giggled lowly.
"Good point. June 15th."

"I'll be waiting."

"Everyone will be."

I knocked on the door to Samuel's office and stepped inside.

He bolted from his chair as if pins had stuck him in the rear and for amomnt looked as panicked as a cornered wild animal.

"What the hell? How did you get here without my knowledge-or authorisation."

I beckoned Ang Jin to come inside and then closed the door behind him.

"You forget honey, that I am your boss." I smiled at him. "But for now, lets get to the topic. I have a surprise for you."

Samuel brushed his shirt, calming himself. He was expecting this, yet it was shocking.
"Come, say it. I've got a life, you know."

I looked back at Jackson and blushed. He was looking me over. I quickly let it go and walked into the office. I went up the steps and looked at Samuel’s secretary.

“Tell Samuel we’ll be waiting for him in the Meeting room.” I said. I quickly walked into the meeting room, and took a seat at the end. I yelled out in pain as the chair hit my throbbing, bandaged wound. I looked at Jackson and lay my head down on the table. I closed my eyes. I was so tired of being on the run.

A shrill tone interrupted Samuel's encounter.
"Sir, Gratia and Jackson are waiting for you in the meeting room."
Samuel grinned. The positioning was perfect. He looked over to Neha with a naughty face.
"Shall we?"

The meeting room was cold, even with his jacket on he still couldn't suppress the goose pimples running along his forearms. He looked at Gratia to see if she was feeling the same. She was knocked out cold. He smiled briefly at his little joke.

Jack sat down in one of the chairs around the table and looked across the table.Don't even think it. It'll just make things more difficult, almost impossible. You can't afford to do this.

The doors opened, Samuel and Neha came in.

"It's cold in here." said Samuel.

Hello to you too.

The meeting room was cold.

Even with his jacket on he still couldn't suppress what he was definitely feeling.

He looked at Gratia to see if she was feeling the same.

She was knocked out cold.

This time he didn't smile.

Samuel let Neha move ahead, and watched crossly as Ang Jin hurried behind.
"Move it pumpkin."
He said, closing the door abruptly. He looked towards Jackson and Gratia buyoyantly - but was depressed to see Gratia knocked out.
"What'd ya do with Gratia, Jack?"
Samuel asked suspiciously. The atmosphere was suspicious - everyone had moved from laughing to different mood. Or he thought so.

I could hear the movement and the voices but my body didn't want to move. I ached everywhere, specially the wound on my back.

"What'd ya do with Gratia, Jack?"

I laughed on the inside as I heard Samuel's voice.

"Samuel, ever the charmer." I said with a wink, pulling my head from the table.

Samuel smirked, looking at Gratia with a new face. He was not even pretending to be pleasant - he was, no doubt, pretty detached. His only interest was his special lady's arrival. And the magnet to attract them was in gathering all of these people.
"Come, Miss. Suri and Ang Jin. Take your seats."

His face was different and my eyes went angry. I didn't look him in the eye as I got up. I opened the nearest window, and lit a cigarette. I didn't care about the rules, I needed a smoke. I inhaled deeply, only wishing I could hide away and never come back.

Crazy people. I ran into the building and up the stairs. I was late, as always. I left all my things in the car too. I turned but then turned back up the stairs. I could get them later. I moved as quickly as I could to get to the conference room. Hopefully Samuel wouldn't have my neck for this one.

I ran down the hallway, knocking over a few chairs and a small desk.

"Crap," I said, grabbing them quickly and setting them up.

I turned and ran for it again. Finally, I made it to the door. I opened it, and looked in. They were talking already. Samuel looked quite upset with me. I sighed, walked in, and sat.

Samuel turned, clenching his fists with fumes emerging from his eyes. Everyone backed away, including Neha who knew the man of his caliber could became a hound at times.

"JASON!"

"Yes sir!"

"You've made two freakin' wrong things t'day. One, you haven't done your job. And two, you're freakin' late! What d'ya haveta say for yourself?"

Jason remained quiet, knowing arguing him was no good.

"You don't haveta say a thing. Your job is now being handled by freakin' commando agents - curses - and that's not helping the political situation of the country. The French think we did it - curses, curses."

He then walked around the room, blowing into his cigar as he pulled it out.

"Anyway, now that everyone is here, the meeting shall commence. To whom it shall interest - Kevin, James and Raven - are missin'. Profiles on them have been gathered and we find it important for all of ya to know 'bout their real identity."

Meh, double post.

Gratia put her cigarette out on on the window sill, tossing it out the window. She walked back, taking her hood off, giving Samuel a dirty look. She turned away, waving at Jason.

"You know, I heard you were hired on your capability. Nothing less. What an honor." she said with a friendly smile, walking past Jason. She then sat on Jackson's lap gently.

"You don't mind I hope." she said with a wink. She turned forward and looked at Samuel.

"Yeah. I'm sure all they did was go missing." Gratia said snidely.

Samuel narrowed his eyes on Gratia with a slight smile.

"Well, true. We'll be having a heated discussion today, so no bathroom breaks."

He shuffled his papers, saying concurrently:

"I have to add, I was drugged the night of the infiltration. The drug was taken from the building itself, since the building is checked fer drugs, weaponry and similar items after sunset. Moreover, no one left the premises befer sunset. This means it could’ve only been a tall person, since the drug depository shelf is way too high for any sane man."

He grinned at the gentlemen in the room, and then added:

"By the way, Gratia sweetie, you left right after Ang Jin that night, din't ya? You said you had an headache. And Ang Jin - you were the first to leave, true?"

Gratia thought about it. That night she did have a headache, she remembered the pounding migraine that put her to sleep pretty early.

"You know, Ang Jin for that matter the security alarms didn’t tick off because there was a good jumper and martial artist there. The cameras didn’t stop him either because the culprit was too agile. Who else besides a child could have managed that?" she said. She felt a pang of regret saying that to a child, but this was anyones game.

Jack needed a bathroom break, badly, and Gratia was making it even more difficult. He could hear what Samuel was saying but he wasn't listening. he was straining his face and everyone else seemed to see this. Samuel looked at him intensely upset,

"Okay, go." Jack slowly motioned for Gratia to make way before scampering for the door.

After several minutes Jackson returned, with a small smile on his face. he sat down again and said,

"Proceed."

Ang Jin stood up, outraged.

"What? You guys are way too paranoid. My missioin is to find the criminal! Not be criminal!"

Ang Jin, though he didn't let it show, felt betrayed that his only friends would think that he was a terrorist. Though, the whole 'innocent little kid' image that he put on had to seem kind of like an act. And after all, they had to be paranoid if anyone had any shot at finding the terrorist. But it was still hurtful, all the same.

Gratia looked at him, with a smile.

"Sorry Ang, but you know we have to state the facts and find solutions. One or maybe even more of us is a traitor. Just because you're a child, doesn't leave you out of it." She bent over and gave Ang a hug. She was sorry for what she had said, but she knew she had to say it. She sat back in the seat at the end of the table.

"You know, little Sammie didn't want us to know but the people hired into this organization are thoroughly investigated, and those invited are always under check. Kevin and James told me, before they went missing, that they knew about it." she said winking at Samuel. "Though for all we know they're monitoring Sammie as well."

Ang Jin laughed. "I already did a good job with that. I got some dirt on some of the fiascos that went on during Sir's time in college!"

Gratia laughed hysterically, her chest heaving. Maybe he had something to shame Samuel. She knew it might make her feel better.

"Do tell little Ang." she said with a devious grin.

I didn't know exactly how to respond to Samuel, or the person that just walked by me. I just sat still, puffing on my cigar. I was sure the mission would come up soon enough, and I'd be out of here to go to my job. I hated being late. I always feared I'd missed something already.

Samuel started talking randomly about something and the others talked back and forth. I didn't participate. I waited for the important part. Nothing more I could do, I figured.

It didn't take long for the cigar to go out. I sighed. I had been here for too long if I had time to go through a whole one.

"Well for starters," Ang Jin began. "He smoked a lot, and I mean a lot, of weed."

He walked up to Gratia, and whispered in her ear, "I think that's why he has moobs."

"Ahem."

Samuel banged the table, seeing Ang Jin and Gratia giggle amongst themselves. The distanced Jason and Jackson eyed them uninterestedly, or perhaps the wisdom of remaining quiet had endorsed such an action. He avoided Neha's gaze who seemed to know what he was about to say.

"I wouldn't exempt anyone of us from this witch hunt."
Neha finally said, pulling Samuel closer to herself.
"Not even Sammy."

There was a discomforting smile on her face, and Samuel literally jerked her off, perspiring.
"Ya, that's fair enough. Now, Miss. Suri, d'ya have anythin' else to say?"

Neha shook her head, relaxing her back.
"I want to hear first."

Samuel nodded and picked up the papers, reciting in a mundane tone.
"First, Kevin. Some great things we learnt 'bout Kevin could be taken as a suspicion, or otherwise. For instance, Kevin was rumored ta be the one ta ask meh to check the system for data loss afta the night of infiltration. That's a blatant lie - anyone af you who learned offit should know that it was someone tryin' ta frame Kevin."

He then scratched his chin, continuing:
"It is more valid that he had been the only one af ya fer which the board of directors, including meh, had unanimously voted. Yes Gratia, he was under surveillance and perhaps knew it too, but we are an anti-terrorist organization. Dun't underestimate us."

He finally threw his profile in front of everyone, sighing:
"He was a good man. Caught by the terrorists in Alabama on his way ta French embassy, and now we can't contuct him."

Samuel didn't wait to cry for him and moved on to James.
"A popular refutation to terrorism was that James was checked thoroughly by commandos befer his hiring, thus is a divinely good choice. That was a big, bad lie. Somethin' fatal. Nothin' like that ever happened, if anyone thinks so. In fact, of the three missing men, James is the only one who we have named as a wanted terrorist. Thus, you can no longer trust the guy if he walks up ta ya in near future."

The room was silent.
"I know, Raven was a possible target, but to tackle with common sense - Raven was a psychopath, and to handle him was to handle a veally nasty pack of lions. Even the terrorists din't have the guts to use him. Thus, our friend remains to be a good man with a nasty disease. I did hear that the keyboard keys were cracked 'cause of him, but actually the keyboard keys were cracked because of me."

He stopped, turning red with embarassment.
"I've got anger management issues sometimes."

With that, he threw the profiles of the other two on the table for everyone to contemplate.
"Your mission ratings are with Anna at the reception desk. A better rating means more bonus at da end of this month."

With that, Samuel turned away to leave.
"Wait, Sammy. At least take customer feedback."
Neha said with a wink.

Gratia looked at Samuel and Neha with eyes of annoyance.

“Is that all? You tell us Kevin is innocent, but missing. James is a terrorist, and can’t be trusted. Yet missing. And you’re telling us Raven was so friggin crazy that he couldn’t even be a terrorist?” she was yelling by the end of it. Where was her explanation? Why was someone after her? What the hell was going on?

“Mission ratings?” She hissed, “I don’t care about any mission ratings! I want to know what the hell is going on and why my life was suddenly tossed into the desert. You’ll tell me Samuel.” She said as she opened the door, and walked from the room.

“You’ll tell me what’s going on. I’ll be waiting in your office.” She snapped, slamming the door behind her. She walked up to Anna, grabbing her envelope without much thought. She opened Samuel’s door, and sat in front of his desk. She quickly took a cigarette from her pocket, and lit it.

Her mind raced angrily as she thought of the past two weeks. She’d been on the run… with no explanation. She’d changed how she looked, how she talked and how she acted. Yet they had still found her. With no explanation she had driven down there without any sleep. Nonstop. She screamed angrily, and took a puff of her cigarette.

She didn’t care if Samuel got mad about the smoke in his office. She truly didn’t care.

Jackson looked at Jason. He could see that he wanted to leave as much as he did. When Samuel and Gratia took off he didn't waste any time. he watched Jason leave and then everybody else left. He stayed alone, sitting in the haze of cigar smoke and aftermath of accusations. A terrorist in an anti-terrorist unit huh? What a [cusrse]ing coincidence. How was someone able to even get into this office with all the background checks they do? Jack pondered for a second before also leaving to collect his mission envelope. It read DNC (did not complete). [curse]. Gotta find that snitch.

Samuel sighed and followed Gratia. He was not in a mood to act sympathetic towards her but he was ordered so. He bit his lower lip and entered his office, enraged by the smell of cigarette inside.

"Calm down, Georgia. Your case is classified. Some goons were after you, as you may know. We got rid of them. Simple as that."

He said, conveniently sliding his arms around Gratia.

She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. An arm around the shoulder? That didn't quite make sense with his actions.

"Classified even to the one it's pertaining to?" she said, her voice with less venom then before, "You know, you're being very strange." She leaned in closer to him, putting her mouth close to his ear.

"You'll tell me before this day is over, or I'll be disappearing for good." she said in a faint whisper. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, and got up nudging his arm off her.

She stopped at the door. Waiting for some sort of reply from him.

Samuel shrugged, a little nervous.
"I promise I'll give you an answer, Georgia. Just give me two hours."
He tried to form a comforting smile on his face, but to little avail.

"I'll keep you to that promise." she said walking from his door, and quickly leaving the building.

She looked at her Motorbike in the front of the building. She didn't feel like driving. She put her hood back over, and lunched her back. She put her hands in her pocket.

Might as well act like a teenager if I'm going to play the part. she thought with a smile.

Gratia walked forward, slumping her back. She stopped at a cornerstore, buying a new pack of cigarettes and a newspaper. She sat on a bench in the corner, pulling her hood down just above her eyes. She opened the newspaper and laughed at the first article in health.

“Lose weight in 2 weeks!!”

She quickly turned the pages, until her eyes met something that caught her interest.

“Malaysian and Indonesian Governments work with USA, Productive Seeds!”

She then began to read the article.

‘Malaysian and Indonesian governments, also with some help from USA, have developed HYV seeds which are not only resistant to several kinds of pests but also are expected to give 60-80% more yield than the currently used varieties.’

She rolled the paper into a ball, tossing it in the trashcan on the side. She quickly knocked the cigarette pack against the bench, opening it. She took one out, lit it and took in a deep breath. She relaxed her shoulders, just in time to feel a knife to her throat.

“Don’t scream.” She voice said. His accent was thick, but she could tell he was only a child. A punk child, that probably lived most of his life on the street.

“Give me your money.” He said, as he motioned for her to get up. She followed as he led her into the back of an alley. She began to put her hands for her pockets, but instead of taking out her wallet she took out her hatchet. She instantly sliced his wrist with a speed he would never understand. He yelled out in pain, grabbing his bleeding wrist. She quickly sliced at his other hand, sending him falling to the ground.

“I was only kidding!” he yelled, backing away. She took another puff of her cigarette, and looked at looked at him with that motherly stare.

“Shouldn’t you be in school boy?”

He looked at her in shock, his eyes wide with awe. She bent down over him, taking his knife from him, and placing it in her pocket. She rummaged through he jacket finding a wallet and his I.D.

“16 huh?” she asked, handing him his wallet, “I have your name now son. I’d better see you in school by tomorrow.”

She walked off, leaving him to stare into space dumbstruck.

She dropped her cigarette to the ground, putting it out with her shoe. She needed to get back. She wasn’t sure how long she had been gone.

I wasn't sure what my next mission was exactly, but I knew I wasn't doing it well enough sitting on my ass. I was to keep an eye out for James if he ever appeared. Bastard couldn't be trusted.

I picked up my phone and redialed Sam's number. I needed help.

Jack gave himself a second to think of the possibilities. It could be anyone.He delegated himself the task of fishing out the rascal. He decided to follow his fellow agents. Surely i'll see some kind of indication.
Gratia walked passed him, she didn't so much as look at him. Something's up. Here we go.

He followed her outside and watched as she hunched her back and pulled her hoodie up. He stood some distance away and watched as she read the paper. He lurked a distance away, mingling with the crowds, his ball cap pulled down just eniough for him to see her. She stopped by a bench but didn't see the adolescent boy with a knife behind her. Jack wanted to shout but kept his composure. He pulled Gratia into an alley. A moment later Gratia emerged, good girl. She began to walk towards him, he turned away hoping she didnt recognise him. She carried on walking. he went into the alley and saw the teenager, bloodied wrists, bawling on the concrete. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a hundred.

"Get yourself to a hospital."

Gratia walked onwards, going back to her slumping shoulders. She went a few blocks before he picked her phone up, and dialed Jackson's number.

"You're a terrible tail." she said with a laugh. She quickly hung up, not giving him a chance to answer. She spit on the ground angrily. Situations like this could turn friend against friend. She wouldn't let that happen with her and Jackson. She continued forward until she saw Jason. He appeared to be calling someone on his phone. She sat in bench feet from him, waiting for him to get off the phone.

"There is no moment of peace in this life. What did I do in ma past life to deserve this? Buddha, I'm retirin'. Ya hear meh?"

Samuel grumbled as he received another phone call. This time, rather than his lady friend it was his team member Jason.

"No thanks, I'm done with you."

He said out angrily and canceled the call. With that, he finally navigated to the profiles section.

"Silent for eternity. No one will irritate me now."

He grinned as he shove the mobile into the drawer.

Gratia watched as he angrily closed his phone, and stuffed it in his pocket. She took her chance and pulled out her pack of cigarettes, hitting it against the bench so some came halfway out.

“Nothing like a smoke when you’ve just got a bad call.” She said. He turned around and gave her a half-grin, taking one of the cigarettes putting it between his lips. She took out her lighter, and he bent over as the flame came up. He breathed in and took the cigarette from his lips.

“Thanks.” He said taking a seat next to her.

She took a cigarette from the pack, and put it back in her pocket. She quickly lit it, inhaling deeply. She breathed out, and looked back at him taking the cigarette from her mouth.

“What’s your thoughts on James?” she asked, “He was your partner wasn’t he?”

"Trash," I said in-between puffs. "I think I might of even known, though I guess that's because he was always at the scene of some national disasters just as a face, not a worker."

She nodded.

"Don't get lose in thinking he might be good."

She puffed on hers and then looked out towards the street.

"You have quiet the reputation now," I mused, "Always finding a way to get in trouble, so I'm told. Any good war stories?"

She laughed, looking back at me with a smug confusion. "I think we all have many."

"Share one then." I said, wanting to pass the time.

Ang Jin had a habit of dropping in to people's conversations at the worst of times. When he saw Gratia and Jason smoking cigarettes, he leaned against the wall, trying to act cool.

"Hey, Gratia," He said in a laid-back tone. "Can I take a drag?"

Gratia looked at Jason, and got lost in her thoughts as she thought of all her adventures. She remembered the first time she had met Samuel. She had been barely twenty at the time, and she had worked as a teller in a bank at the bad side of town. They got robbed more times then she could remember but every time she took control of the situation. She had a way with words and an even better way with her kicks and punches. That was before she even considered using a gun. When she had only used her kick-boxing, her reflexes and more importantly her hatchet to protect herself. Samuel had seen her potential that day, after another robbery. She had seen it as an easy task that time, the robber had only been a teenager. A stupid one at that, she doubted he even knew how to use his gun.

"Hey, Gratia," she heard Ang say in a laid-back tone. "Can I take a drag?"

She was snapped out of her thoughts, and she let out a loud laugh, turning Ang’s way. She gave him a wink, and walked over to him. She took the cigarette from her mouth, nearly at it’s end and handed it to him.

“Take one puff and I’m sure you’ll never go back.” She said with a smile. He looked at her with wide eyes, probably shocked she had even given him the cigarette. He put it to his lips and took in a deep huff. He instantly coughed. His face went red as he dropped the cigarette to the ground, as his body shook from the coughing fit.

She put her shoe over the cigarette and snuffed it out.

“I told you.” She said with a wink, “Don’t get like us, smoking will kill you.”

He gave her a grin, and she ruffled his hair with her fingers.

She sat back on the bench next to Jason, “When I was about twenty, I worked at this bank. It was before I even joined the Cathexis4U. I was never much of a fighter, but I was always there to defend. If that makes sense.” She stopped and looked as Jason nodded. She took another cigarette from her pocket, and lit it as Ang squeezed in between them. She ruffled his hair again, and quickly lit the cigarette, taking a quick inhale.

She blew the smoke out as she went on with her story, “That bank was so dangerous. It was robbed regularly and I wasn’t sure why it even stayed where it was as long as it did. It was a school day. I remember that because I had pity for the young man that robbed us. He couldn’t have been more then 14, I’d have to say. He looked so confused with that gun in his hand. He was alone, and I was positive he had never held a gun before that day. He came to my desk, and pointed the gun at my head.” She paused for effect, taking another puff.

“There was nothing between his gun and my head as I pulled the money from my drawer. I could see directly into his eyes, I could see that fear. That uncertainty. I talked to him, like I would have talked to my own brother. I was always good at advice. He seemed to listen for a while, but for some reason he got riley. He turned to shoot at one of our customers, who thought it was a joke. I knocked the gun from his hand and I jumped on him. He didn’t fight me though. He just looked at me, and he cried.”

Her mind was brought back to that day. His name had been Bryan, and he had gotten into a lot of trouble over that. Not only had he robbed the bank, but the gun he had was stolen. She had fought hard with him the entire way, she wanted to save him from what only she could see as a life of crime. She took a puff of her cigarette.

“I guess, a lot of my misadventures are a battle of the mind as well.” She said with a blush, “I’m sure that’s not that kind of story you were expecting. Anyways. You tell me one of your ‘war’ stories.”

Jackson walked up to the conversing couple,

"Am i the only one who is concerned about the infiltration of our organization?" He looked at Gratia,"Just looking out." She didn't buy it by the reaction on her face he could tell she knew what he was doing.

"Does anyone have any ideas?"

Gratia looked over at Jackson and tossed her cigarette on the ground. She dug her heel into the cigarette, snuffing it out.

“I think our dilemma is at an end. Though if it’s not, we’ll be seeing that shortly, I’m sure. Maybe James was the only terrorist.”

She took another cigarette from her pocket, just playing with it in between her fingers as Jason began to speak.

"I think there are more out there that Sam isn't telling us about." He paused to inhale and exhale from his cigarette, "He seems like an untrustworthy person, I think."

She held her tongue as she had the instant impulse to snap at him, and tell him he was wrong. He wasn’t though. Samuel had lost her trust, no matter how much she cared for him. She got up from the bench, and grabbed Jason’s shoulder.

“Let’s take a walk.”

She walked forward, leaving the other two to talk it out amongst themselves. He followed behind until they were a few blocks down the sidewalk.

“I think you’re right. You haven’t seen the things he’s been doing to me. It makes me suspect someone else is pulling his strings.” She said in a whisper.

Jason whispered back, smiling. "Pulling his strings? Or doing it himself?"

She looked at him and bit her lip, “May be so, but these things…” she trailed off and thought of the gun to her head, “He said someone was making him get rid of me. It concerns me.”

"I've dealt with diplomats in the Gulf like this. Although I'm sure he's working with someone, I still think he's running the show." He paused for a moment, as if to speak.

"Unless." He trailed off, "Well, unless this is all just a ploy to separate us all."

“By breaking the trust between us all?” she asked.

"Think about it," he said using hand gestures. "We're the best there is and we're being pitted against each other like mad dogs."

He quickly added, “I don’t like it.”

She nodded and knew he was right.

“I have a talk due with Samuel. He has something important to tell me. After that, I think it’s time we had our own little chat with Samuel.”

"I think we should scope the area first." He said, "I'm sure Sam has got goons waiting day and night for anything like this to happen."

“So we just wait and watch?” she asked.

"When's your meeting?" he asked.

She looked at the time on her phone. “About thirty minutes.”

"Let's scope out the area now. See if we can find all the hiding spots. We're smart, we can find them."

She nodded and they took off towards the office in silence. As they turned the corner, just a block from the office they could hear the gunshots from behind them. They quickly fell to the ground as the bullets whizzed past them.

As Gratia got up he gave her a soft pat on the back and said,

"I'm gonna loaf around for a bit, get my thoughts together." She nodded silently and proceeded down the street.

Jackson knew that somebody had the answers and by the way Gratia had stormed into his office earlier led him to one conclusion, one of them knows something. He fidgeted in his pocket for a moment and then pulled out a small earpiece which he put in his right ear. HE switched it on and heard a conversation,

"...makes me suspect someone else is pulling his strings.” That was Gratia.

"Pulling his strings? Or doing it himself?" Jason's voice was a faint whisper in the background.

“May be so, but these things…he said someone was making him get rid of me. It concerns me.” Betrayal 101. Jack had always had the suspicion that Sam thought of them as disposable assets and he never liked it and now he finds out he was trying to kill Gratia. Hey! Dont make it personal! Just do what you know best.

“I have a talk due with Samuel. He has something important to tell me. After that, I think it’s time we had our own little chat with Samuel.” So to Samuel we must go. He pulled out the earpiece and began to walk down the street, when he heard the unmistakable sound of gunfire. He stood for a moment deciding. You know what you have to do and its not in that direction. #$%^ it! he moved towards the gunfire, pulling his collar up to conceal his face and a firm grip on his 9mm.

I shot up from the chair and slowly turned around.\

A masked man stood behind me. gun pointed at me.

"So what's the deal man," I said.

"Nothing, ma'am, but I'm afraid you're going to have to make your last wish. Cos next 5 mnutes. And you're dead."

Gratia could feel the bullet graze her shoulder as she landed on the ground. Just a scratch. She rolled to her side, and lunged for the side of the building. Jason followed behind, as the got to the corner, just in time for bullets to hit the cement wall with a clay-shattering sound. Fragments of the wall fell in front of them, sending dust into their nostrils.

She could hear the yells of the men from behind, as more gunshots were fired. It appeared, they were being shot at them. We had an ally. I looked back at Jason, only to see he had all ready turned the corner. The shots from his gun echoed, as she ran after him with her handgun out. She cocked it, and looked over the corner. The men were all ready dead, with Jackson in the back slinking off. She gave him a wink.

She walked off towards the office, leaving Jason to follow me. Her arm throbbed painfully, but she ignored it as she entered the office. She had something to talk to Samuel about, and he was going to tell her immediately. She walked past his secretary without as much as one word, and opened his door.

“Afternoon beautiful.” Gratia said placing my gun on my lap, as she sat in a chair in front of his desk. She lifted my feet onto his desk, crossing them as she pulled a cigarette her pocket, “Speak boy.” She gave him a wink. That’s what he was, a dog. He was pulling her around, just like a mutt.

I stared at the man, going numb.

Then I did the only think that would buy me survival. I popped two buttons of my shirt open and screamed.

"That's it, Samuel. We'll have to do something."

"Do what? Everything is as awesome as ever. They're dying, and that's all we ever wanted, honey."

"But there is an issue. Neha and Gratia are not supposed to die yet."

"And why not?"

"They have to survive."

"I asked you why!"

"Because I say so. Now suspend shooting. I've already lost Ang Jin and Jason, when they should be alive."

Samuel finally gasped.

"You mean...they were terrorists?"

"Yes, that's precisely what I mean. We killed the terrorists, Samuel. That's why I want you to do something worthwhile and stop the firing at once."

The mobile went dead. Samuel hurriedly walked to the door and handed a paper to the same man who had asked him to kill Gratia.

"Stop the firing."

The man nodded. In the next five minutes, Cathexis4U was silent. The man trying to kill Neha was begone. Agents was scattered around the place, looking for evidence. Samuel hid his mobile sheepishly and saw Neha barge towards him.

"You...what is the meaning of this!"

She grabbed him by the collar and then kicked his private parts.

"I want answers."

Samuel winced, and Gratia's barging into the building didn't help either.

"What's happening, Samuel?"

Her voice was cold and discouraging.

Gratia’s heart raced as she turned the corner with her gun held out. She winced as she saw the blood coming from Jason’s body. She ran towards him, only to fall back as the bullets shot past them both. He was in the middle of a one sided battle, and she knew there wasn’t much she could do without risking her own life.

She looked over the corner and watched as he shot expertly at the men, she could see Ang coming out of no where. They were back to back, the bright crimson on their clothes glistened as they were surrounded. Shots rang from both parties, as the men surrounding them fell. She could see Jackson far off on the otherside just as dumbstruck as she was.

Gratia finally run around the corner, shooting at the remaining men as her two colleagues fell to the ground. She looked at their faces as they gave a last breath, and she kissed Ang on the cheek. A tear escaped her eyes as she slowly backed off. The bodies of dead men littered the ground. They had been brave, they had died with honor. She looked down at Jason, but quickly turned away. She needed to talk to Samuel, she would let the sadness come later.

She looked back at Jackson, who didn’t do much but stare. She gave him a weak smile and walked ran off to the office at full speed. She wanted to know what the hell was going on. Not only had her life been in danger, but now two of her beloved colleagues were lying dead on the ground. Something had gone wrong. She entered the building, and stormed through to Samuel’s office angrily.

HE fired twice and watched an awesome display of crimson fireworks spawn from the neck of one of the gunmen. He took cover behind a corner to reload. As he his back was pressed against the wall he could here the ricochet's of bullets which were never going to hit their target. He smiled thinly as he came out of cover and saw two men taking cover behind an old vehicle. Their heads were visible through the window, too easy. Two shots smothered the glass in red. It was then that time seemed to slow for him, a sight which should never have got to him.

Jackson watched as Ang and Jason made their last stand. See you have just wasted four perfectly good clips. Jackson saw their last moments as the many red blotches on them grew wider. He looked over at Gratia and her reaction was what he had expected. She smiled at him weakly before making an abrupt exit.

Jackson knew she was going to Samuel's office, hell that's where all the surviving agents were headed for answers and Jack was no different. He began to head toward the office, trying as much as he could not to look like he'd just been in a shoot out. He reloaded his guns for good measure and holstered one, keeping the other concealed in his left hand as he attached a suppressor. As far as he was concerned, a room full of angry hired killers wasn't the safest of places.

Samuel had not prepared for this. All three agents - even his fave Jackson - waited for a respectable answer from him. He looked around and slowly loosened Neha's grip on his collar.

"I don't know. I'm quite dumbfounded myself."

"Liar. I know what's going on, Samuel. And we've all had enough of this. Who's with me?"
Neha turned to Gratia who threw a flick of hair back and nodded. Jackson too gave an unwelcoming smile. Samuel grinned nervously and felt his insides churning.

"Why would I want to hurt anyone of you, huh?"
Samuel cried, but his voice was fragile. Gratia came forward, her eyes boiling in rage.

"You killed Jason and Ang Jin, you realize that? You killed a remarkable soldier and a kid!"
Neha suddenly blew up and pulled out her gun.

"You killed Jason? Oh, this is it Samuel. I will spill the beans in front of everyone, I swear!!!"
She placed her gun against Samuel's ear, who was still in hope of survival.

"I didn't kill them, I promise!"
Jackson calmly watched the show, since he was sure Samuel wouldn't die yet. What surety - he really didn't.

"Drop the gun, sweetie. You want answers? Here, you have them."

A lyrical voice floated in the air. In walked a charming young woman with long braided hair and wearing a nice Thai dress. Everyone turned around to see her.

"I'm Sumaira, Military spy of the US Army - and Cathexis4U's President. And today is the last day for many terrorists in here."

Samuel was relieved - she was finally here.

Name: Sumaira
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Nationality: (must be from the list of countries at the start!) Indian
Spiritual beliefs: (you can invent your own, open category) Muslim
Fighting proficiencies:[weapons (up to 3) and skills] Excellent skill with two double-edged katanas, superb aim with a shotgun, and handheld pistol
Personality: Suave and unphasable. In terms generally fearless, with a take-no-crap personality
Appearance: Long dark brown waist-length hair, fit yet petite physique
Biography: Born in Dabra to a father only, and never experienced real, humane luxuries. Was trained from a very young age, and at the death of her father at a age 17, packed and moved to America where she enlisted in the military.

Samaira lodged her pistol back into her ankle brace. With a loud click she managed to stick it in pretty firmly, but kept it quite loose in case anybody wanted to start some funny business. Not that it mattered anyway, she had her Browning close at hand if someone really had a case of the laughter bug.

"Drop it kid." she hollered at the overly flustered Neha, and yanked Samuel from her firm grasp. He was in a state of sudden happiness, a smile drawn across his face, and Samaira could tell that she had probably gotten him out of some pretty thick gravy.

She motioned for him to stand beside him and he followed direct orders fervently. With Sam at her side, she turned to the confused bit of people standing in front of her, likely starved for answers - answers she had.

"He killed them both!" Neha said, going for Samuel again. Samaira gave a whack at her hand and guarded Samuel, for the time being.

"Now, I know you all came here looking for something. I am quite aware that.."
she looked to the floor, a sudden rush filling her face. She raised her eyebrows to make it pass, and continued,

"That Jason and Ang Jin have been shot out there."

She looked at them all.

"You two," she pointed an accusing finger at Jackson and Gratia.

"You were talking out there, weren't you?"

They gave her the affirmative.

"Now I want you people's motives in the hunt."

They stared at her, and then to eachother.

"Now!" she shouted at them, and gave Neha a suspiciously nasty glance, then to Samuel, and back.

"Now I want you people's motives in the hunt."

They stared at her, and then to eachother.

"Now!" she shouted at them, and gave Neha a suspiciously nasty glance, then to Samuel, and back.

Jack was totally taken by surprise, for the first time since he could remember he was absolutely speechless for the briefest of moments. But his face remained calm and he gave no indication that he was affected by the question. They were always gonna suspect you, you knew that from the start.

"Well as Cathexis4U's President, you know very well what we were doing out there." said Jack as he calmly sat down on a nearby chair, "Because quite frankly, an association of this size shouldnt have to worry about infiltration. The way i see it you let some of the not so friendly agents in, in case your plans blew up," he spread his hands out wide, "like now."

Jackson's calmness seemed to have unnerved Gratia who looked at him as if he owed her answers too. He shrugged and looked to Samaira with a slight smile.

"Well as Cathexis4U's President, you know very well what we were doing out there." said Jack as he calmly sat down on a nearby chair, "Because quite frankly, an association of this size shouldnt have to worry about infiltration. The way i see it you let some of the not so friendly agents in, in case your plans blew up," he spread his hands out wide, "like now."

Jackson smiled slightly at her.

Samaira looked at Gratia and back at Jackson, chuckling.

"You best believe I know well what you were doing out there." she said

"And I'm flattered that you do. But I didn't ask for your sarcasm son. I could very well kill any of you right now, and I know who I want gone," she glared at them all again.

"But I asked you plainly, what are your motives, and I want us all to hear them from you."

Gratia knew she didn’t like the woman all ready. The hate filled her entire body. She didn’t show it in her glare, she tried her hardest to keep it in. Emotion wouldn’t be needed right now, too many guns and lives at stake. She looked with angry eyes at Samuel, and glared back at the women with her emotionless stare.

“Motives? I was out there for a smoke and talk from friend. I’ve had a rough week. My motive? To calm down. When that shooting started, there was no way to wedge myself into that battle without a third corpse on that street. Enough blood has been shed and enough bull**** let out. We want to know what’s going on.” Her voice was steady, but loud.

Samaira turned when she heard Gratia start to speak.

"Motives? I was out there for a smoke and talk from friend. I’ve had a rough week. My motive? To calm down. When that shooting started, there was no way to wedge myself into that battle without a third corpse on that street. Enough blood has been shed and enough bull**** let out. We want to know what’s going on."

"Ah," Samaira said

"A smoke. Guess I missed out on some of the fun."

She fiddled with the barrel of her gun and lowered it to her feet, keeping her strong grasp on it, for safety purposes.

"And I'm guessing that friend was this guy." she pointed at Jackson sitting on the couch.

"Don't play dumb with me." she scowled "I saw you out there shooting at my men. That goes without excuse." she tightened her grip on the shotgun.

Jackson casually pulled out his suppressed 9mm with his left hand and let the couple rest in his lap.

"Samaira, is it?" he didn't wait for the answer, "Usually someone is already dead by the time they get a hold on their guns, as was the case with your men earlier, but you i dont know, i think you have answers so i'll wait." The room was quiet, Jack's smile widened even more,

"I believe that you came in here holding that shotgun intending to kill everyone?" he giggled and looked at Gratia while pointing at the weapon, "Unless you have some ammo hidden on your bodice it's...highly unlikely." the smile faded, "But if you must know, i was out making sure that the people i trusted 'could' be trusted, and i have found no evidence otherwise."

Jackson was on edge, the feeling of the pure adrenaline flashing through his veins hightened his senses. He could feel the corrugation on his gun's grip and the cold metal as he slid the safety off quietly. This was a defining moment for him. Staring down the chamber of no less than 200 small metal pellets that would splatter his brains in Samuel's beautiful office.

For all his confidence Jackson had a small hint of uncertainty, something that said that this crazy woman could actually pull the trigger before him, and that wasn't good.

Jackson spoke,

"Samaira, is it?" he didn't wait for the answer, "Usually someone is already dead by the time they get a hold on their guns, as was the case with your men earlier, but you i dont know, i think you have answers so i'll wait.
I believe that you came in here holding that shotgun intending to kill everyone?" he giggled and looked at Gratia while pointing at the weapon, "Unless you have some ammo hidden on your bodice it's...highly unlikely." the smile faded, "But if you must know, i was out making sure that the people i trusted 'could' be trusted, and i have found no evidence otherwise."

"You're naive my friend." Samaira smiled, and held the Browning close this time. She couldn't get too cozy.

"Is it really always so that a weapon," she held her gun high "Indicates wrongdoing? Is it not just the case as well that someone must have started the entire shooting incident? Why, the first person involved in this crime did not necesarily have to see someone dead, just to bludgeon another."

She looked at Neha and Gratia.

"And is it really so that, your counterparts are really all that trustworthy," she said sarcastically.

"You've already lost two."

Samaira approached Jackson closer where he sat.

"You don't know who to trust." she said.

"And I want those I know I trust," Samuel looked around at everyone, a small smile on his face, as he knew where he stood.

"By my side, and I want everyone against me, gone. I assume you know where you stand, wherever that may be."

Gratia sat in her chair and listened. Her temper was high, yet she was the only one that didn’t have her hand on her gun. She knew it could be dangerous for her, but she knew better then to bring another gun into the fray. She looked at Samuel, his eyes met hers only for a few seconds before he quickly turned his gaze. She looked at the women. Her eyes were strong, she almost smiled.

She looked back at Neha, she looked upset. She had all the right to be. Finally, she looked back at Jackson. One of her best friends. She hated herself for what she had to do.

She began to stretch out, and in a sudden movement she grabbed her gun. She swiftly moved, pulling the trigger four times, as a pair of the bullets each pointed themselves at the heads of Jackson and Neha.

Hearing the gunshots, nurses run into the room and grab the two injured. for the time, the drama stop and for about fifteen minutes they operate on them with the limited knowledge they have. Jackson succumbs to the injuries, while Neha is miraculously saved.

Samaira stood outside the office, waiting to see what would happen. She was completely dumbfounded that Gratia would have the audacity to shoot at them. It was just too soon, if the girl really wanted anwers, she was barking up the wrong tree for it. On the other hand, she didn't even know where the girl was.

A nurse came running out of the room frantically, and stood by the door searching the area up and down.

"Looking for me?" Samaira asked. the nurse shook at her voice, and turned to her quickly, placing a hand on her chest.

After blurting something about how startled she'd gotten, she informed Samaira of the news; Jackson was dead. A shame he hadn't gotten to explain himself more, it might have spared him, until she could settle her head.

"At least Neha is alright."

She was told she was in critical condition, but Sumaira didn't care, at least she was alive. And now she had a little more to deal with before she cleared anything.

She went back into the office and asked for Gratia. One of her men dragged her out, with a distorted look on her face. Like she still wanted to kill.
Samaira picked up her shotgun from the table she'd left it on after the shooting, to be safe. She stared at Gratia, and her asked her what she could possibly do now.

"You thought you had it all, you terrorists." one of the men took his gun out of its holster.

"You were clueless - all of you. You clung to people you thought you knew. Well it's over. You've shot and killed your own terrorist companion Jackson, and you cried over my counterparts, Ang and Jason. I killed them thinking they were one of you fools."

Samaira looked to the other room.

"Thankfully my other companion Neha survived, despite your friend."

Gratia yanked at the man holding her back to escape.

"You know you were only in it for the money. Now you've wasted your life. And your friend James can't help you either. He's gone and the rest were my men. You fooled yourself-"

A gun cocked.

"You fooled me." a voice said. Sumaira turned to see Samuel approaching, gun in hand.

"You said you were on my side."

He held it out, stepping slowly with a limp, and a sweat-filled face. Samaira didn't believe what had become of him.

"Sam-"

She had spoken too late. He'd already pulled the trigger. The bullet went whizzing past Samaira's eyes to the window, the glass shattering to the floor. Nervously, Samuel tried again, but there was only a click. He dropped it without looking down and began to back away - he knew what was coming.

Samaira picked up the large shotgun, cocked it, and without a second thought blew Sam away. Gratia looked on in horror.

"Like I needed the filthy terrorist anyway." she said.

A sudden silence filled the room, and Samaira cocked her gun again. Suddenly, Gratia stamped her captor's foot, releasing her of his grip and grabbed the bayonet from his holster. Like a mad woman, she approached Samaira with it, screaming.

And Samaira blew her away too.

Throwing the gun onto the couch, she looked to a few of her men.

"Get Neha and take them away," she said

"We're outta here."

~ Fin ~