The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

Mai's Opinion: Epic Fail!

24

The morning classes went well, and Ryan, once again, soaked up the information. After that, he met Mai at the Intelligence Gathering Training Room, or IGTR.

Mai sat across from Ryan, the room was dim. As he had gained his seat, a plate of salmon with Brussels sprouts was set in front of him. He glanced over at the bar, which was occupied by a few casually dressed people, as two small men sat at a corner table clear across the dining room. They both were assessing Ryan with polite faces.

"Pick out a topic, any one." Mai said. Ryan had noticed that she could change demeanor, seemingly at will. At times she could be an effervescent teenager, with vibrant charm. Her long hair, when left to drape down at full length, insinuated a desire to look attractive It didn't fall short of its mark.

Yet today, there was a seriousness dampening the girlish behaviors. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, as she wore a plain black T-shirt and jeans. "Just make sure it's something you think a girl would engage in. Those two guys in the corner are Mario and Wes. They aren't operatives, but trainers. They can't read minds but know we can. Our mission is to listen to their conversation and relay the mission to Declan. If we do it successfully, without the people at the bar picking out too many errors, we pass."

"Errors?" 'How could you possibly screw up a conversation?'

"Yes, errors, and if you don't pay attention," She reached over the table and grabbed his chin, interrupting his focus on television sports highlights, as she turned his head to face her. "You will definitely make them. It get's harder when there's more people involved in the conversation. I think you'll catch on quickly. Are you ready?'

Ryan shrugged with enthusiasm, as he blocked out the television screens around the room. "Yeah, I guess."

"They'll wait for our cue. In the field, we won't have that luxury."

"Have you ever been in the field before?" Ryan asked

" No, we'll do that when you're ready. That's why we're training together, to work as a team."

"Right."

"Ready?"

"Sure." Ryan replied, and Mai pointed at the two in the corner.

Ryan started the conversation. "What's your hobbies?"

"Man, I got something caught in my teeth."

Mai was sheepish with her reply. "I don't know if I want to tell you, it's pretty girly."

"I won't judge." Ryan said politely.

"Like you don't judge color of skin?" Mai's expression was slightly harsh.

''you got a tooth pick?

"Okay, I was wrong. " Ryan started.

'Like I carry one on me."

"I wasn't being racist just you know, I don't know...You're right, it's a job. Seriously, just tell me you're hobby. I'm least likely to judge hobbies."

'Are you going to pick at that all day.'

"I collect Doll houses."

"Man, here use my knife.'

Ryan could see the huge knife Wes was handing Mario. "Man, that's dangerous!"

Mai laughed. "I suppose it can be. I mean some houses are heavy. You could throw out your back or something."

Ryan reared his head back. "Huh?"

Mai glared at him, as she thought 'think stupid, you said collecting dollhouses was dangerous."