Another first day

Ch.22.Leaving.Him.

"Why isn't Leon here?" The question has been heavy on my mind since I received the summon, delivered late last night, a kind man requesting I head up to the major's chambers first thing this morning instead of showing up for our morning shooting drills.

"He's not involved in this assignment, this one's all you, princess." He spits the words, he's mad at me, well, more mad than usual, has been all week, ever since I let some pretty nasty choice words slip during a particularly rough spar, his taunts breaking my usual calm mask, something about being a stupid, useless bitch, turned back on him when I smashed his nose into his face with the sole of my boot.

"We're always assigned together, it's in our-"

"I don't give a damn about your contract, I'm not Colonel, I don't have to abide by those rules." He presses his hand into my shoulder, pushing me down into one of his dining chairs, giving an unnecessary show of intimidation by putting himself above me. We're both well aware he can beat my ass, the only difference is I've gotten pretty good at beating his as well, beating him a little over half the time, pretty evenly matched with him, which only adds to his hatred toward me, even though technically this is what he wanted, for me to not be a waste of his time.

"You-"

"Shut the fuck up and listen." I narrow my eyes, much too tired of just about everything to pretend to be scared of him anymore. I've known him almost two years now, and he hasn't changed in all this time, still just as bitter and violent as the day he drug Leon and I out of bed. "You're going to go in, blow the lab, and maybe make it out alive." I frown, not sure what exactly he's sending me into. We've been sent on so many missions at this point, it's almost not even a big deal, other than this one, since I'll apparently be sent in alone. "It's heavily guarded, lots of bioshit keeping the place airtight. No one's been able to get in, that's why I suggested my finest agent." His smile is sinister, his compliment lacking any real sentiment. He wants me dead, that's why he's sending me in, not because he thinks I can pull it off, but because he's convinced I'll die trying. It's genius, on his part, I suppose, a creative way to get rid of me, his biggest annoyance, without any actual blood on his hands.

"A suicide mission." It's not a question, just the truth, his smile menacing, his plan falling into place. He leans on his small dining table, legs spread out in front of me, looking way too pleased with himself. Fear isn't something that comes very often anymore, my mind numbed from the feeling both because I'm almost constantly in danger, and now I'm capable of handling most situations due to my extensive training.

"Not... Exactly. Though if I were you, I'd end it before it's time to get on that plane. Heard the people down there have a certain affinity for torture." He tilts his head at me, feigning innocence, even as he's letting me know I'm getting shipped off to my death later tonight.

"Details?" He looks displeased at my lack of reaction, his smile pulling down, arms coming up to cross over his chest, his intimidation lost on me, too used to him for his actions to have any effect.

"Brazil. We have a map of internal layout, getting in is on you, I wouldn't recommend the front door. Colonel insisted on the full arsenal at your disposal, so you'll have half a chance, at least. You leave at five, arrive there at nine.The lab is underground, below the city, the locals are all under someone's control, incredibly hostile. Plant an explosive on the mid-level of the compound and detonate once you're out, that simple." It's not, never is, nothing ever goes smoothly for my partner and I, lacking information or surprise threats always popping up in some way or another, causing snags in otherwise solid planning.

"Done. I have negotiations." He sighs, always tired of me asking for things in turn of completing missions no one else will take, not that I really have a choice, Leon and I being the only ones who will lose our heads if we attempt to refuse, though Colonel is always happy to grant our wishes following a job well done.