The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

Ryan's Busted

Mai and Ryan had just completed the first phase of their first mission. Ryan was particularly proud that his plan had worked, maybe not to perfection, but it definitely worked. His only question, one he wasn't going to ask Mai quite yet, was 'where was the SD Card?' When in the security room, Mai was asked to empty her pockets. Ryan knew, while pretending to have an episode, that he saw Mai stash the card in her pants pocket.

As they hurried out, Mai asked, "Why did you show them you're real ID? That could Ruin you."

"Because I knew random outbursts were on my record."

"That's actually smart." Mai said. "The only thing is that SCARE, if they learn the SD card was intercepted, can hack into the security computer terminals."

"Well, that won't be for a while yet. With any luck, Scam will likely be locked up and SCARE will be destroyed before then."

"Let's hope you're right." Mai said under her breath.

* * *

As they exited the museum and headed down the concrete staircase, Ryan froze as he saw Declan and Director Johnson standing on the curb next to Ryan's Four Runner. The director was very disconcerted, as he shot Ryan a scowl. Mai pulled the SD card from her phone.

Ryan, who sensed he was in a lot of trouble, noticed his partner pulling the SD from her Samsung Galaxy. "So, you put the SD card in your phone when you made the call?"

"I had a feeling they might search....What's wrong?"

"Why were they driving my car?" Ryan asked fearfully, as his stomach became a churning cement mixer.

"Because that's the only TALONS transportation in the city right now. They arrived on an airplane and took public transportation into downtown."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ryan felt defeated, as he could tell by the director's face that something very bad had happened. The teenaged agents marched down the staircase and met the two men waiting for them.

Mai smiled at the Director, handing him the SD card. "Get Rich Quick Scheme intercepted."

The director flashed a genuine smile at the girl. "Very good Lotus." He then presented the Four Runner keys to Ryan. "Your driving," His gravelly voice sounded vicious, as he headed towards the backseat behind the passenger.

Mai looked at Ryan with a wary and questioning face.

Ryan looked at her apologetically and released a huge sigh. "I didn't know they were going to use my vehicle."

"Why what's wrong with it?"

Ryan hung his head and made his way to the drivers side. He didn't want to answer.

He glanced at Declan, who was slowly making his way towards the driver's side backseat. His mentor gave off an air of disappointment as well.

When they were all inside the Four Runner and buckled up, Mai and Ryan in the front seats, the Director said, "Agent Dart, take us to the airport. It's already up on the Nav system, just follow directions."

Ryan gave his best professional nod, and said, "Sure thing."

Once they reached the Interstate, Director Johnson sighed heavily and then asked. "Agent Dart, can you explain to me why I blew up a parked car?"
Ryan was horrified, but tried to be cool. "They were parked in a handicap spot sir...best guess."

For the first time, at least as long as Ryan had known him, Declan sounded angry. "That's not funny Ryan."

The director continued, "This is a Government Vehicle Agent Dart. Who told you that modifications were allowed?"

"No one, but nobody said they weren't either."

Declan broke in. "You could have asked for permission."

The director continued. "Who made the modifications?"

"Damon." Ryan said.

"I'm not familiar with a company named Damon."

"Damon's not a company, he's a friend."

"This Damon, did he charge for his services?"

"$7,000 dollars."

"To put missles on the car?"

"He did more than that." Ryan bragged, "he fitted this thing with ejection seats. It can fly for a short time. It can shoot out smoke screens and oil slicks out the back end. It also has a Nav system that can drive itself and take me on the best route to escape."

"He did all of this for 7,000 dollars?"

"Yes."

"Interesting. Mr. Dart, I have a mind to take you off this case for not following Protocol. However, no real protocol exists and, if this Damon is as cheap as you say he is, this might be a great find. Plus, and more importantly, your mind is needed on this case."

Ryan let out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank You sir."

"That doesn't mean there won't be repercussions when your done with the mission." Declan still sounded very angry.

"For now, I'm working with Senator Garrison to fully reimburse the owner. Also, we have to have a phony cover up story for the media." The Director's thin, gravelly voice caused Ryan's stomach to twist in knots. "Agent Dart, you really caused quite a bite into the budget. I need you to show me the controls of this vehicle."

"I really don't know them yet, sir." Ryan tried to sound as professional as he could. Yet, how do you tell your boss that you're driving around in a dangerous vehicle and don't know how to control it? "Damon finished the car on Thursday and visited his grandmother today. He didn't have time to show me."

"First off," The director said firmly, "I want you to know how to control this thing by the end of the night. No excuses. Find a way. Secondly, you two will be staying in a hotel downtown, with adjacent rooms. Tomorrow, you head for Mackinaw City, Michigan."

"That's a long drive." Mai slumped.

"Yes, Scam Likely is fearing too much terrorist muscle in Chicago will spell doom for him. So he's spreading out their operatives."

"What's in Mackinaw city?" Ryan asked.

"A place known as the Dixie Saloon." Declan answered. "We're trying to find out the drop point before then, but we can't get the subject isolated or in close enough range to read his mind."

"Can't you just focus on him?" Ryan asked.

"Problem is we don't know how to focus on him, you'll be going in blind. You won't know the appearance of either subject." Director Johnson's professional voice rolled on. "Your best bet is to wait for a man with a Middle Eastern appearance. It shouldn't be that difficult. Their lunch, with our best guess, should be around two Sunday afternoon. You'll have to be there when it opens."

Mai snorted, with a snarky, under her breath, comment. "We don't even know who to wait for or when they'll show up. No difficulty at all."

"No doubt." Ryan said.

"Also," The director announced. "You two will be the only TALONS agents in Mackinaw city. Declan and I need to stay close to SCARE's center of activity."

Declan cleared his throat, gaining Ryan's attention. Through the rear view mirror, Ryan could see the director's face show signs of struggle. The chubby bald man then choked out the next sentence. "I have full faith in you two."