Annoying Little Bug

 

???: Hey, Ally, buddy, pal, I have a favour to ask of you.

Alastair: *sorting out papers but looks up*

???: Well, teeeeeechnically it’s a couple of favours. But one of them can wait til you have time *passes over an envelope* You can look at that when you’re all alone and bored stupid, I’m sure. But the main favour really is to do with our codebreaker-turned-field agent.

Alastair: *takes envelope and sighs* Is there an issue with Miss Washington?  

???: I wouldn’t say ‘issue’ exactly While she doesn’t have much experience she seems to pick up on things pretty quickly. If nothing else she’s got imagination. Almost surprised Somnus didn’t snatch her up before we did, heh. But….no, it’s not an issue in the sense something’s wrong with her, but, well, I know I’ll be traveling with her part of the way. But once we reach our destination, we go our separate ways, right? Who exactly will end up accompanying Washington from there? You said something about a team, even if you pretty much outright said they’re practically canon fodder. But you’ve not really said much about it after that. Did they pull out or something?

Alastair: That’s not the case, rather… they were recruited to the other side… It seems that a few agents from Phoenix have been scouting our agents. I couldn’t take any chances, so I disbanded the group. At present I’m in the middle of reforging the new group.

???: Damn….*bites thumb nail* guess she was right after all... I hoped that wasn’t the case, but….Seriously, how on earth is Phoenix getting so many people? Surely there has to be something they’re offering? And I thought you screened these guys? Maybe we need to look at things a bit deeper now. Otherwise we’re going to end up getting ourselves killed. As if dealing with out of control supernatural cases isn’t enough….

Alastair: She? Whom are you referring to?

???: That’s….to do with the other favour. As I said, if you could look it over when you’re bored and alone, that would be great.

Alastair: Very well. You said something about how they’re getting in. How many people do you think are recruited into the agency annually? How many constantly walk these halls…? It’s only been 20 or so years since technology has advanced so well that data and information has been cataloged efficiently. I regret to say that security has been lacking in the past decade *sigh* As many new recruits come in, well, not all of them are properly screened. So like the time when we had the breach, a few ‘bugs’ get through our walls.

???: I’m almost beginning to think that Pandora should take a leaf from a Youkai’s book. A little purge would probably do the organisation some good, if you ask me, but then again, you know my stance on this. Letting dogs run free is just waiting for someone to get bitten, even the hand that feeds them. In the meantime, perhaps we should make sure first and foremost that the science department is on our side. After that, we can have them keep any ‘bugs’ going on a wild goose chance, or even filter through false information to catch Phoenix out. I know there’s a few talented people there Wasn’t there that fairly new CUC guy who often visits them?

On the other hand, if you like, I can have a few….associates….do our own ‘screening’ so to speak?

Alastair: That would be very much appreciated, I’m getting sick of doing things the nice way. But, if I may, ask your ‘Associates’ to do there extermination as discreetly as possible. I’ll tell the remaining agents that they were no longer suitable as agents and their contracts have been terminated.

???: Very terminated, in this case. Heh! Well, I assure you, my associates and I can be very discreet. I’m glad that we can finally do something about them. If our newest team will be coming here, the last thing I want is for them to have to deal with this. I assure you, there’ll be no evidence that any of Pandora or my associates were involved. If they happened to drop off the face of the earth after they ‘leave’, then it’s hardly a fault of ours, after all.

Alastair: *Chuckle* Brilliant. Also, I was wondering, would you be able to lend some ‘men’ to rebuild the new team? We need 15 in total. I want to have a mixed group this time, instead of just mundane creatures…. Humans are too easily influence for my liking, and far too easy killed.

???: You know I’m good for it. I’m sure I can lend that many. Besides, they know not to double cross me. I’ll get them involved as soon as possible. Do you have any specific specialities for the new team to have? Other than being able to play well with others, of course.

Alastair: They need to be durable, mainly. deception: I need them to be able to blend with their environment. We need them to act as ambassadors for the more peaceful missions and adaptable, and above all else they need to be efficient. Do you have any one in mind?

???: A few people. I do have quite a few associates to chose from, after all, but I believe I can have a team set up for you that should meet those specifications. I assume that Washington will end up being one of them? How is she in the idea of working with mystic partners? I know she’s ok with the idea on some level to be working with us, but I’m afraid that you’d know more about her, considering her time in CUC under your good self.

Alastair: Most of the CUC is comprised of both human and mystic beings, so that shouldn’t be an issue. But the jump in environment may be. So, ask the team’s leader to keep an eye on her, just to make sure she adjust easily.

???: Sure. Gotta look out for William’s ‘bumpkin’ anyway. I did give my word, after all.

Alastair: *Chuckle* So how was you talk with Miss Williams? Did you manage to change her mind?

???: Well, that’s all part of the other favour too, dear. But I’m afraid it’s unlikely she’ll be back here, at least for a little while.

Alastair: I had hoped… *Begins to open envelope, takes out a note* A letter from Miss Williams?

***Nadia’s letter***

Hi, Alastair, if this letter made its way back to you, then I’m on my way to my old partner. I think he’s alive and Phoenix is using him. He might be brainwashed or something, I really don’t know, but I’m going to find out. T’s communicator should map out the hotspots that you need to target. I’ll update it when I can and leave a breadcrumb trail for you guys.

So, yeah, I’m going to become a double agent for a while, no backup, betrayal and all on the chance to find my old partner… Pretty foolish, right? I don’t imagine I’ll be coming back from this. As a matter of fact, if ‘he’ is willingly on their side, count deicide to that list.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help to you, but I’ll do what I can from this side.

P.S. Don’t tell T. She’s going to have enough of a time worrying about the mission, she doesn’t need me to add onto that. Anyway, that’s all for now. Bye

???: Well, I suppose you can see why I wanted only you to see the other favour?

Alastair:.... How foolish….

???: Foolish or not, unfortunately it might also be useful to us. I don’t mean to sound cruel or callous, but if we can, even for a short time help to disable the movements behind Phoenix, or even gain some more information, then it might at least help us to even up our footing with them We really can’t keep affording to be one step behind them until the entire place falls down around our ears. Besides, you know what N is like. She’s pretty stubborn herself, if you think about it. She’s going to feel that this is her responsibility, considering how ‘he’ was to her.

Alastair: Her sense of responsibility is the issue; she felt responsible for the death of her teammates and her partner. I knew she found out that there was a chance ‘he’ was still alive and she became obsessed. Her ‘work load’ and ‘late nights’ were ruses to avoid questions of her extra research. I have a feeling that she’s not going to make it back… or at least not as we’ve left her.

???: We couldn’t have stopped her even if we wanted to. She would have done it either way. What could we have done, hogtied her up and left her in the dungeons? Se would have gone mad. Even if it’s hard, even if she may die or be..changed, we couldn’t have prevented this. We did what we could. For now, we’ll have to trust her. But I think it’ll be in everyone’s best interest if we say nothing to anyone else about it. Not even the little Madam. If even one tiny thing slips up or is overheard by the wrong person, it’ll be game over. *Takes back the letter back and pulls out a lighter, setting it on fire*

Alastair: You’re right, *sigh* but at this rate, Pandora will soon fall…. And when that happens, what will there be for the world’s last hope?

???: It’s for the sake of that last hope that this tipbit of information can’t get out yet. If she is found out, then there will be no way of getting inside information on Phoenix in order to prevent them from practically taking us over from the inside. If they do that, well…..that ‘last hope’ really will be gone. Besides, it’s not like this is the only move we have in mind. We’ll get through this, even if I have to go and tear down Phoenix myself. I’m sure roasted chicken would certainly help anyone’s mood.

Alastair: *Pft, whispers* You’re right, as always. Then let us begin the extermination; there seems to be a bug behind the door.

???: *Cracks knuckles with a grin* This should be fun.

*??? Doesn’t bother to open the door, but instead draws a blade and shoves it straight through. There’s a choked sound from the other side. Smiling, ??? opens the door to find the person on the other side trying to pull himself out of the blade that is jutting through him at an angle.*

???: So then…..should I just finish him…..or extract some information. It’s hard to get rid of that smell of burned fowl, wouldn’t you say?

Phoenix Agent: I’ll… kill you... all… *coughing up blood*

Alastair: *Dark look in his eyes* An annoying little bug, buzzing around my precious Pandora, annoying my mistress, making me work twice as hard to clean my precious Pandora of your presence… If you would kindly, ???, close the door and lets see what information we can get out of this little nat.

???: *Dark smirk* Gladly. *Yanks Phoenix Agent roughly from the sword point, pulling him inside and closes the door behind him *we’ll be sure to have a lot of quality time together.

*Door clicks shut*

[END]

Double Agent

 

???: ..So, now that we’re in a secure place...Let’s drop the act, shall we? We both know you’re not as drunk as you’ve been acting. I thought you said you’d given up on Pandora, yet you’re still keeping an eye on Phoenix?

Nadia:... Well, aren't we the feisty one? And here I was enjoying the flirty side of you.

???: And for someone who seemed oh so traumatised about being on the field, you seem to enjoy flirting with danger.

Nadia: I’m not doing this because I want to, let’s get that straight… *inhales and exhales slowly* But I have unfinished  business that needs to be taken care of.

???: And that’s to do with Phoenix, I’m guessing. Either that or your attachment to Agent T...Or both, if her mission sends her in the path of any of these people. So, which is it?

Nadia: well aren’t we perceptive? Smart and handsome - just my type. But you’re only half right there. Phoenix is more dangerous than you’ll ever know… but that’s not the whole truth.

???: Then why don’t you enlighten me instead of beating around the bush? I enjoy games, but if they are as dangerous as I believe, and that you also seem to be becoming aware of, then it would probably benefit us both to exchange information. You might not be Pandora anymore, but we seem to have a similar end goal, even if the reasoning behind it is different.

Nadia: Though that maybe the case, it’s best if I only tell you in segments, at least for now. Right now, I’m only going by instinct; I’m not sure if I’m even right about this. But I’m going into the lion’s den to find out.

???: ...I see. Then you’re hoping to infiltrate Phoenix as a double agent then? In order to gain as much intel as possible?

Nadia: Exactly, because I think my old partner may still be alive… and working for Phoenix. I don’t want to believe it, but if it’s true, then Pandora is in trouble. I’m a good agent but ‘he’ was better. If they’re using him then Pandora, no, both the worlds of the mundane and the mystic are in grave danger.

???: I see… *taps chin thoughtfully* I didn’t know ‘him’ well, but I do know that, even if it’s unwillingly, if they gain the information that he knew, they would be able to get into Pandora, even through the back doors, so to speak. But the thing is, how willingly is he involved, and how much have they got out of him? *looks back to Nadia* Though I do wonder….how do you know that ‘He’ is still alive? If records are right, people saw his body.

Nadia: You think a simple bullet can stop a demigod that easily? One of Zeus's “bastard” children? Oh come now, ???, why do you think out of everyone, only the two of us survived as long as we did. A low level demigod is still part god. Strong enough to not be fatally wounded by a simple bullet…. But, at the time, I wasn’t thinking straight... something I bet he was banking on. Being left for dead and then picked up... If that was his plan, then…

???: Demi-god, huh? Interesting…..this isn’t something that he exactly made known to me. But, at the same time, even if it was known, Demigods aren’t immune to bullets, especially if the enemy is aware of a supernatural being is one of the targets We don’t exactly make a secret that we employ both humans and the mystics. So if this was part of a plan on his end, I’m assuming he would have accounted for such things, in order to truly make us all believe he was dead, even those who knew of his heritage There is a reason that in history, demigods are still mortal, and can still be killed. After all, even gods can be killed, if the right weaponry is used. But on the other hand, similarly, if he wasn’t actually on their side either, being hit hard enough by a bullet might still render a demi-god unconscious. All the enemy would have to do then is find him bleeding and….extract him in a weakened state. *frustrated sigh*

Nadia: Exactly, compared to... well, let’s say Hercules, ‘He’ didn’t have any special talent - well, apart from the fact that he could heal himself 9 times faster than a regular human. So, again, count that as another reason why I doubt he died. But the best of all is this *hands ??? a leaflet*

???: *takes leaflet and scans it over* ….Codes, huh? You translated them yet? I know that you and T are our best on that front - well, were, in your case.

Nadia: They’re lines from poems he used to right. Rearrange the words slightly and they spell out the names, places and other codes, times and dates - one of which was the time and date of when we had our breach... our moves to stop them and how we did it. Scary, right? But that was one of the things I loved about him. His deadliest skill: finding ways in which to trap his opponent, and plan around them. Sending Pandora this was his was to taunting the organisation.

???: And that’s not even the biggest worry either How could he have known the exact movements we took in order to deal with the situation? Despite the breach, which, if this is any indication, he knew the codes to allow them entry, we are not that incompetent that they could hack that much into the system and not know about it. So unless your old partner had a skill he never informed you about, then there has to have been people within the organization itself that was watching what we did….We already looked at all the underlings too. I’d rather not think about the possibilities, but….

No, don’t you worry about that Leave the inside of the organization to Alastair and I. In the meantime, you’re hoping to infiltrate Phoenix. If you’re going to go through with that, you still need some kind of contact to us, in case you need to bail at any point. No longer our agent or not, and you may deny it, but you are still dear to people. T would be devastated if something happened to you. Though to be fair she may also feel that you couldn’t trust her by acting the way you have if she found out too. I hope you know when all's said and done she’ll wish to have words with you. And noggies. And pun you until you cry mercy. That being said…. *hands her the package once more* This isn’t quite the same as your old communicator, It should be far less….recognisable. However, if you ever need any of us, or have urgent information, then it should help.

Nadia: *Slight smile*…. I appreciate it but i have to decline… if I’m going into the Phoenix, I need to go bare. I need him to trust me and if I go to them with even the slightest hint of anything suspicious, then it will fan the flames and that is something we can’t afford. I’m sorry.

???: Geeze...I swear. Fine *takes back the package* I suppose I’ll just have to get it to you some other time. I won’t get caught, but I’ll give you a chance to establish yourself first. Don’t make any moves that might get you caught until then, please. I’ll be sure to leave you a sign only you will understand that my gift is what you’re receiving. Until then, please stay alive. Otherwise I may just have to….punish you.

Nadia: Punish me? I look forward to it, handsome. But, just one last word of warning before I go…. I’d watch the top tears of the organisation. There’s a whisper going around that there’s quite a few of them who know more than they’re letting on. But all that was above my pay grade, so I kept to the gutters, where the key to opening Pandora’s Box lies. It would seem the hidden walls are hiding even more than Miss Povell knows, or would even hope to.

???: Like I said, leave Pandora’s ‘higher ups’ to Alastair and I for now. If you’re going to pull this off effectively, you need to keep your mind on keeping yourself alive and somehow getting the information from Phoenix. Failure in this is not an option. I will not accept your death. There are only a few people I can stand longer periods around. I would hate to see one of those get stomped by gutter trash.

Nadia: How nice, you have have a heart of gold after all. I’m so lucky to see this affectionate side of you, my little troll. And if anything happens, keep checking files 106. I can hack a computer anywhere, so I’ll keep adding things there.

???: Heh, don’t get used to it. And believe me, this heart is certainly not golden. But I digress. I’ll keep an eye on the files. I just hope that your dear ‘friend’ isn’t likely to hack them himself, otherwise we might have...more issues than we’d like to deal with.

Nadia: His life belongs to me. If he tries anything, I’ll relieve him of his burden and then mine as well. Hopefuly that will then erase my sin. *gets up to leave* oh ‘n’ please don’t tell T what I’m doing. I’m going to see her at graduation, then I’ll become MIA. That’s all she needs to know.

???: Alright…..though I think you might be underestimating that Bumpkin of yours. But if, heh, rather when she finds out, it won’t be from my lips, that I can promise you.

Nadia: *Chuckle* T’s more than a capable agent, she just inexperienced. And when she does find out… she’ll be prepared for it. I’ve made sure of that. *waks off*

???: *Sigh* I have a feeling that this really is only the start of things….Even now, I get the feeling…..*Shakes head* One step at a time. I think Alastair and I need to talk….

[END]

Schemes Behind the Scenes

???: Well, this looks as though it’s got the chance to become….very interesting.

Alastair: It seem so…. I never expected Miss Williams to leave like that. She didn’t even collect her belongings.

???: It makes you wonder then, just how ‘final’ her leaving will be. We’ve already seen it, haven’t we? She talks big, but she still gave all that information to Washington. She tends to be a little impulsive, I’ve found, where emotions are involved. It makes me wonder what she’ll do next. Its almost a shame that I’ll be heading off on missions again, soon. I’ll love to see how it plays out.

Alastair: Reminds me a little of your ‘young’ charge. Doesn’t it not? Anyway, why are you here? I would have thought you be guarding the girl with your life. You’ve left her alone for a while now….

???: There’s a line between guarding and babysitting. My ‘charge’ is hardly weak, nor is she powerless. I know her skills and power, and you should know by now that she is one of few I would have watch my back. Even so, if I hovered over her constantly, ‘saving’ her from any threat, then how can she become strong in her own right? She hasn’t truly needed me in a long time.

Alastair: Who’s the Tsundere now? But even so, she’s about to face a world unaccustomed to her. Are you not curious of the outcome? Or will you just observe though the eyes of your subordinates?

???: Friend, that is not the definition of Tsundere. I am not denying my fondness for her through dismissive, violent actions. But curious or not, if I turned up too soon? What makes you think that she would trust me any longer? *Leans forward* Think about it, if I turned up as soon as she discovered the world, revealing my links to it, she might believe I groomed her towards the life. She would never trust me at my word. So, for her sake, I will wait. I will allow her to learn to trust in a new teammate, to gain her own footing. As harsh as it is, that is how she thrives. But it won’t be a permanent situation. I will come to her when she is ready to face another ‘shock’ and not before. *Leans away with a smirk* Besides….What makes you think I wont be seeing things through my own eyes as well? You know I’m far more resourceful than that, Alastair.

Alastair: I know, because I can read your  ‘presence’. Your ‘doppelgänger’ has a different signature to you. But I guess your right. However, are you sure that its more that friendship between the two of you? Or is it something more?

???: Don’t….Joke about that. I’m not amused.

Alastair: *Dark chuckle* My apologies. Master ???. Well, while you’re here, go check on miss Williams. It’s about 10:30 am, so I’m guessing she’s in a less than reputable bar around now. Do you mind talking to her and giving her this?

???: Mmm….well, I was intending to pay her one last visit anyway before I escort Washington and head to my own mission. Might as well play delivery boy while I’m at it.

Alastair: *Chuckle* Then I bid you adieu.

???: See you, Chuckles.

*Leaves Office. About 20 Minutes Later: Black Betty’s Bar*

???: Woooow, Here I thought you couldn’t get worse, but I think you dropped the ‘functioning’ from ‘Functioning Alcoholic’ somewhere.

Nadia: Don’t act bran’ new and it’s almost lunchtime, I can have a scock as a starter, so fuck you.

???: Riiiiiiight. Well, whatever. No business of mine if you want to mess with your liver. Pretty sure some supernatural thing out there might think alcohol marinated liver is tasty, for whatever reason. Not that I’m here to lecture you on bad habits. What you do in your free time has nothing to do with me.

Nadia: Shut up, ??? I may be tips, but I don’t need a lecture form you of all people and I’m still a priiiitty goo’s shot even when drunk, so what do you want?

???: Pretty sure I just said I wasn’t here to lecture you. But fine, maybe I wont give you my present then, Little Miss Hack-a-Lot. Such a shame, and it was such a nice little gift…

Nadia: A nice gift’d be paying for my dink like a gentleman. ‘N’ I’ll hack you in a minuet. I’m done hacking - I’ve given me gift to p’otect T ‘n’ I’m done now. The rest comes from you guys. Not in my bus’ness any more. Just make sure she comes home saf’ ‘n’ sound… Kay?

???: True enough. You aren’t part of Pandora any more. But that just means I’m no longer responsible for you. And, because of that, well… *slides wrapped package over to Nadia* What would I know of a few missing things that may or may not end up on your person? And whether you use it or not, well, not my problem. I would honestly have nothing to do with it. Whether you end up using it, binning it, selling it….Well, that’s entirely up to you, isn’t it?

Nadia: Sait it before, say it more: you wont come to you when my puppy frys…

???: Can’t say I’d be interested in fried puppy. But you don’t have to listen to me. Hell, you don’t even have to like me. All I’m doing is giving you an…opportunity. Do you let history repeat itself, and continue to dive further into the black abyss of despair, or do you take fate into your own hands? Isn’t that the thing about humans? They never like being tied down by inevitability. It’s an admirable quality. Heh….but looking at you right now? I barely even see human. But, As said, what you do is entirely your choice. Be it to drink yourself into an early grave, fry a puppy or save your best friend. The paths lay out before you. But the first step in any direction is entirely up to you.

Nadia:  What’re you, hisoratheez? But wanted to ask you some’ing… what would you do if I switched sides….? *dark staire* What would you do if I said that there was someone in fis room who’s out to scout me for the ovfer side… What would you do if I was finking of saying yes?

???: Easy enough. If you did, I’d hunt you down and kill you. But in return, let me ask you a question: What would you do if that someone ordered you to take a gun and shoot the brains out of your ex partner? Could you do it? Kill T? Just on someone’s say so? Of course, if you say yes….I could just put you out of your misery right now.

Nadia: *Slumps over the counter and looks up at ???. Chuckles* I dare you. And you should probably get rid of the man who’s coming this way. He’s been scouting agents for a while now. You’ll need someone on the inside of Phoenix, to drip feed you info. If you’re sending T out there, I’ll watch out for her in the shadows, while you deal with the front lines.

???: Awww, you’re worried? I wouldn’t. I think the situation will be sorted right about….Now *the approaching Phoenix Agent collapses* Oh dear, it would seem that people really need to know there limits, wouldn’t you say? Its terrible when they just don’t know when to stop.

Nadia: *faint chuckle* speaking of limits… hey, why don’ you take the advantage and take me home ‘ansome? *Flirtatious smile.*

???: I’m sure that I can do something like that, sweetheart *Offers arm* Shall we?

Nadia: Well, aren’t we the gentleman? *Chuckle* I like it. *Links arm and both leave*

[End?]  

Prelude to the Mission

 

 

Alastair: Good evening, Miss Washington

Tara: *looks around a moment and sighs, muttering* Guess I should have known she wouldn’t…*shakes head before acknowledging Alastair* Evening, Al. So...is this the big debrief?

Alister: … Yes… But before that, I would like to give you this and formally tell you that miss Williams has left the agency.

*Hands Tara the package*

Tara: Why bother telling me? I kinda already guessed this would happen anyway. No point trying to rub salt in the wounds - not that there are any. But sheesh, you make it sound like she died or something, doing this all formal like. I’m not going to start morning her if she wanted to get out of dodge. So, yeah, she’s gone. I’m sure she’ll enjoy the peace and quiet and lack of puns now. So, mission?

Alastair: I didn't mean to anger you, Miss Washington-

Tara: I’m not angry!

Alastair: -I’m just doing what is called for in this situation… but you’re right

???: Then beating around the bush is the last thing needed right now, wouldn’t you say? If you could open the package, then we can get started.

*The package contains: a C37 Pistol, aka ‘The Reaper’, the Vover X5: the latest hoverboard, a B rank classified document and a map*

Alastair: Hmm… She went overboard…

???: All that protesting and she did what you wanted her to do anyway. I don’t think I’ll ever understand humanity... *Slightly annoyed*

Tara: Awww, so she did care. Nice. Hey, hang on a sec….*lifts hoverboard to face* was this that one she nicked- I mean….obtained back during that thing with Phoenix?

Alastair: Yes. However, it seems to be modified. Usually, the board only go 40mph, but this one appears to have double the power and also a cloaking device. *Chuckle* She must be extremely worried to give you an unauthorised hoverboard.

???: Can I have one?

Tara: *Hugs board* This one’s mine! Go get your own one! *sticks out tongue* Still, this is sweet! I hope this does mean that she trusts me to come back, even if she did bail on me...Though….speaking of bailing, she was going on and on about how I’m not ready and I’m going to die, yada yada, but then she goes and pulls off these documents, too? Geeze, mix signals, much? Always knew she was Tsundere.

???: *Chuckle* You weeb! And I was wondering when you were going to get to that subject. -.-’

Alister: I thought that, when I transferred her to this department, i retracted her card and restricted her search field to ‘D’ rank only. There’s no way she’s-

Tara: *Bursts out laughing* Seriously, dude? You really thought that you could just ‘restrict access’? Uh, hate to break it to ya, buddy, but did you forget she was trained as a high class Hacker? You know you don't need a card if you can just hack the codes. Why did you think she would do well in a department that, you know, deals with info and researches stuff? I thought you were the smart one. Hahaha!

???: Hey! What does that make me? The dumb one? *Nogies Tara*

Tara: The pretty one?

???: Well, can’t argue with that, heh.

Alastair: Ahem! On to the document. I shall read Miss Williams’ letter, as it contains the information I would be debriefing you about step by step:

**Nadia** Ok, if you’re reading this, T, then I’ve left already…. Sorry for acting like a coward or whatever, but I’m not going to watch the people I love get hurt… not again... and this mission... well, you already know the dangers, so I won’t go over it.

But, since I can’t be there in person, I may as well do my best to increase your odds of surviving this. I’ve marked out places on the map where you are headed. If ???’s around, you might as well leave with him, as your cases coincide with group 626.

But unlike him, you’ll be the first one on call. There’s been a ton of activity in Izumo Japan…. Well, it’s not surprising: it’s a supernatural hotspot. But that’s not the interesting part. And I say that with all the sarcasm in the world. It’s the fact that, in area x33, there was some sort of seal and a lot of ‘youkai’ - god I sound like a weeb…. Well, a lot of youkai have been drawn there.

Here’s a map to that location. Investigate from the shadows and, if anything seem off, get the hell out of there and contact, ???. DON’T BE A HERO! You’re on your own, so you can’t afford to be Miss Tough Guy, got it?!

Tara: Uh….Out of the two of us, I don’t generally act like a hero. What does she take me for, an idiot. I kinda like, you know, being alive.

???: I think she’s just worried about her ‘Precious Bumpkin Tara-chan’, but let’s continue on.

**Nadia** Anyway, if you scan your communicator over the map, it should switch to my old settings; it will act like a personal navigator if you lose your way. Also I’ve given you my gun, that piddly thing they’ve saddled you with was heartbreaking. The C37 Pistol ‘The Reaper’: she’s high powered and silent. You won’t need to reload her as long as you have your shot. she generates a high speed plasma bullet, powerful enough to grill though titanium. Keep her on you at all times, even when you’re resting. You never know what’s around the corner.

And, one more thing: only trust Alastair and ??? with info. If anyone else asks for information, lie your ass off. I don’t trust many of the superiors and the search that Alastair did, he only did that with the subordinates. The leaders were exempt from the searches. I know why he did it, but still be on your guard.  

Alright, that’s all I have to say. Your orders start as soon as you scan the barcodes… Good luck, agent…

Huh….. I never thought that I’d be saying that to you of all people, or this will be the last time… I just hope you come back safe.

*end of letter*

Tara: Part of me is really greatful to her….but part of me alo really wants to punch her as well. I know she’s often worried about me, and believe me, I’m really glad she’s giving me her gun and advice and all, but it also feels like I somehow got another mother too. *folds up letter.*

Alastair & ???: PFT!!! Hahahahahah

Tara: Well, I suppose even if it does make me feel like I’m her kid (as much as I really want to punch her for the babying), I guess I get why she’s all Mama Bear, considering her old partner and all. Just kinda wish she would stop projecting on me. I might not be the best agent, but I’m not average, either. I know when to be careful. And if that doesn’t work, well, I’ve always been stubborn, right?

???: *mutters* I think that stubbornness is what she’s worried about

Alister: *Jabs ??? in the ribs* then prove her wrong with this mission. If *chough chough* WHEN you come back safe and sound, then you can wave it at her and put some of her worries at bay.

???: You’re acting like she’s going to come back?

Alastair:...

Tara: Whether she does or she doesn’t really doesn’t bother me. But I’ll show her that, if nothing else, she can count on me coming back. I’ll out-stubborn death if I have to, but I’ll definitely be coming back, if only to show her that I’m capable. By the way, I heard that, ???. I think you’re getting the wrong idea of my ‘stubborn’ thing. I’m not stubborn enough that I’m going to just recklessly throw myself off a cliff or something.

???: Now I have that image in my head: you trying to be badass, getting cornered and then flinging yourself off a cliff while flipping off your enemies. Ahahaahhhahaha!

Tara: I thought I tolds you that I’m not a moron. I know the difference between Stubborn and all out stupid. As much as N likes to call me a Bumpkin, it’s not because I don’t have brains.

Alastair: No, it’s because of your lack of experience in the field, and the fact that, for the most part, you are on your own. That is the cause for concern.

Tara: Don’t you think I don’t know that? Or that I’m not freaking terrified? There’s a freaking reason I’m saying what I am. You know, the whole being that, to able to do something amazing, part of it is believing you can do it. Unless you forget, you yourself said I don’t have a chance of coming back alive. So if you don’t freaking mind, I’m going to show you guys a freaking miracle, and when I come back I expect you guys to at least remember that morelle will be a lot freaking higher if you don’t take the piss out of the one going into the mission when she freaking tells you that SHE WILL NOT DIE!!! GOT IT, ASSHOLES!!! *flings hands into the air* GAAAAAAAA!

???: It’s true what they say: the more you hang around them, the more of that person's traits you adopt.

Alister: I was beginning to suspect you would comment that she sounded similar to an Anime Character just now

???: You watch anime?

Alastair: You realise that I do have a life outside of the office

Tara:... *Punches both of them in the stomach* Screw. You. Both. To. Hell. *Goes to leave. Pauses. Punches them again and leaves in high drudgen*

???: *on the floor* And here I thought she was the pacifist one...

Alastair: Well..they do say ‘You can’t judge a book by it’s cover’

*Both wince on the floor*

[END]