The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

A Rebellious Plan

When they arrived at the arcade, Ryan was surprised to see Mai. She was captivated by a game, as she clutched imaginary objects. Although she wore a headgear that partially blocked her face, Ryan couldn't help but crack a smile at his Asian partner.

Her face, at least the portion that was still visible, was so determined, which underneath that well mannered facade, made her a tiger when the objective was in sight. He didn't know why, but it was attractive, not in an infatuated or loving way, but as a person you would want to save the world with. Ryan now understood why Mai was his partner.

Edge VR arcade was closed on Monday's, and Declan, who was good friends with the owner, decided it would make the perfect meeting place - seeing how the owner owed Declan a favor. Mai and Ryan could relax and have fun, while Declan was brought up to speed and formed a plan of action.

After admonishing Mai's actions, showing her the DMF tapes, Declan had handed her the Edge Arcade's keys, asking her to meet Ryan and the instructor there. That had happened before Declan showed up at Ryan's apartment. Clearly she was enjoying her alone time.

Declan cleared his throat as they neared her. "Miss Lee."

Mai broke from the game, and peeled the headgear off with a smile, "Hey, how's it going?" Her expression bubbled, as she turned towards Ryan. "We're a media sensation. It's kind of cool!"

Declan wore a stern face. "Miss Lee, it's hardly cool. Damaging the anonymity of this insti..."

She shrugged as she interrupted, "I know, but you said the TALONS cover up is making it disappear. It was kind of fun watching people go crazy about us."

Ryan smiled, because beyond all the cowering and guilt, there was an excitement, a bit of euphoria, when watching people in awe of the aftermath Ryan had caused. "I know. I mean, I feel bad, but in a way, watching everyone geek out at our job..."

"Your job, is to stay out of the public eye, Mr.Dart. Now on to the business at hand." Declan nodded towards Mai, "Miss Lee you have something to say."

Mai pursed her lips, her posture was professional and resolute, "Yes," She nodded to her instructor, then turned towards her partner. She took a deep breath saying, "Ryan, I know you've been meeting with Esmeralda."

Ryan froze, he concentrated on cross country skiing and then said. "What? Why would I do something like that and not..."

"Not tell us?" Mai raised her brows. "Because you're protecting her."

Declan interrupted, "You also believe deep down, what she's doing is right. Which, as it stands, might cause the director to consider you an even greater risk to TALONS security. Your breaking protocol. Meeting with Roque agents is grounds for expulsion."

Ryan swallowed, they knew, and hiding it now would just betray their trust. "You guys, she's helping us with this investigation. She still is. Tomorrow I'm supposed to meet with the Research team that was supposedly dead."

"They're alive?!" Declan and Mai asked in unison, with animated faces of surprise.

"Hang on, that's not the best part. I know he's supposed to be in Jail, but I'm meeting with Esmeralda's brother also, they're going to help me nail Scam Likely for good."

Declan's face was of silent concentration, If what he's saying is true, we could stand to gain a lot. Rid the world of the United States' most dangerous villain.' "How does he want to do that?"

"I'm not sure."

"You need to meet with them. Keeping this quiet from the director will be tough."