Trickshot

Chapter 1

"Should you really be here? Isn't something of this caliber a bit outside your pay grade?" Donnel asked.

It took a moment for Ryker to answer. He was a new agent hired by the Osiris organization. Donnel was his senior, and after a year of shadowing, Ryker would be allowed to go on missions independently.

"I don't think I have much of a choice." Said Ryker. He adjusted the gun in his holster. "Ms. Bloodsworth said I needed experience if I ever want to move up in the agency. Our associates say you're one of the best so I'm staying. Besides, I'd hate to get on her bad side."

Donnel touched his scarred balding head and fingered his beard. "Who, Mirai?"

Ryker blinked. He didn't know how to respond. Ryker had been observing Mirai for some time now to gauge whether the rumors surrounding the Bloodsworth's were true. The rumors seemed true enough from the few times he was in her presence.

Whenever Mirai was in the room, she commanded respect. She didn't have friends. She had subordinates. The only people who addressed her as a familiar were higher-ranked agents.

That made Ryker think of himself. His name wasn't Ryker, not really, his name was Lukas, and Ryker was his surname. Truthfully, he didn't know why he went by the name Ryker. Most of the recruits didn't go by their surnames. Given names are given with the purpose of creating individuality within a clan. Most people clung to their given name. It gave them power, and it made them feel unique.

Strangely enough, Ryker didn't carry the same sentiment. He felt stronger being associated with his clan, like a composite human carrying on the wills and ideals of his ancestors. He didn't need to be known as Lukas by the rest of the world. He just wanted to ensure the Ryker name continued and didn't die out like the rest of his clan.

"Should you really be calling her that?" Ryker eventually said, breaking his long silence.

Donnel waved his hand. "It's fine, it's just her name."

"I know, but still." Ryker frowned. He didn't expect Donnel to care. Donnel didn't seem to care about much. He usually brought up trivial things or philosophical questions when they went on missions together. "It's about the principle. Ms. Bloodsworth is our senior so when we address her, we should address her respectfully."

Once again, Donnel waved his hand and looked around. "Is she here?"

Ryker knew the answer but checked anyways like a rabbit sticking its head out of its den. "No."

"Then it doesn't matter." Donnel shrugged.

Ryker considered arguing. He heard rumors that Mirai had eyes everywhere. Even if they couldn't see her, she was well aware of what was happening.

It's pointless; Ryker just drop it. He thought. Ryker didn't feel like getting into a needless argument with Donnel. Not that Donnel would really argue. He wasn't the aggressive type, just stubborn like an old mule.

There are more pressing things to think about. Ryker tapped his gun, his mother's gun. She left it to him after she died. She called the weapon trickshot and claimed the gun had been in the Ryker family for generations.

Ryker touched the barrel. It was longer than most. The typical pistol barrel was about six to eight inches. However, Trickshot's barrel was a massive 19 inches. Due to the barrel's length and Ryker's size, he felt a bit of pain from recoil whenever he fired the gun.

Donnel popped a cigarette in his mouth. He lit the cigarette and pushed smoke into the air.

Ryker noticed and exhaled. "Can I try one?"