Agent (Book 1)

Chapter 9-Lynn

9

Lynn Kramer

Agent: 53

Mission: Being Determined

Location: ACA Headquarters, Quarter 1

Date: August 25th, 2089

Time: 1700

One day many years ago, when I was boiling with fever, my mother made me a bowl of soup. Granted, it wasn't the best bowl she had ever made (quite bland really) but as I ate it, my mother explained what the ingredients did for each other.

"They're working together, you see," she said, grazing my cheekbone with her hands. I remember just how warm they were. "They complement each other. That's how you make the good food. And some things don't go together so well," she admitted. "But all foods must work together to achieve something. There is not one thing that doesn't help another."

And I suppose now, that our current situation isn't much different. Of course, it isn't my ideal choice, Hood and I as partners. But I find myself growing more and more accustomed to the thought. Maybe I'll find the time to apologize for acting so snotty about the Mission Trial. Perhaps we can mend this into a strong alliance. I don't know. But at this point, I've got little to complain about.

As soon as 1400 rolls around, I'm in Rap's office, waiting for Agent Hood so we can begin. Rap gives me a diligent nod while he finishes straightening a few papers, and smiles.

In this moment, all I want to do is tell him how grateful I am. Did he do it out of favoritism? Or because he thinks I earned it? I just smile back. He seems to understand the gesture.

When Agent Hood finally comes in (He doesn't look as bad as yesterday; the circles from under his eyes have faded and a bit of color has returned to his face) Rap gets right down to business.

"As we know from your computer chip, Agent Hood," he says. "The Kings are going to attack Division 9 next. That being said, we have no idea where they've been operating from or what their motivations are-—"

I stop him for a moment. "Wait," I say, thoughtfully. Oddly enough, he hasn't said anything about my eavesdropping the other day. He's probably used to me by now. Enough to know that eavesdropping is just in my nature. "How do we know this computer chip isn't just a set up? They could be leading us on to think they're going to launch an attack when they really aren't." I shake my head. I can imagine what it'll feel like, when we realize that Division 9 doesn't really need our help and we're instructed to abort. How devastating, if my first real opportunity is wasted because of some false information.

Rap opens his mouth to explain, but it is Hood who answers. "And what if they are going to attack Division 9? What choice do we have? Let all those people die?" He shakes his head at me. For some reason (which I should've just ignored) this irks me, and I turn towards him.

"I didn't ask to go on a mission that'll just get canceled," I say, firing. We're facing each other now and his blue eyes glare into mine like an endless pool. I don't drop my gaze.

"Stop it, both of you," Rap says, breaking it off. He gives me a long, cold stare. "I don't know what's gotten into you two, but if you can't deal with each other than you might as well leave now. I'm not gonna waste my time getting you to cooperate." His voice is filled with an authority I didn't know he had in him. And oddly enough, it shocks me into silence. Neither one of us replies.

"Now, as I was saying, if Division 9 is The King's next target than there are hundreds of lives at risk here. While it would certainly be useful to track down their headquarters, the people must come first." Rap's voice is filled with something flaming hot, and I put my head down. How dare I fire back at Hood again. How dare I break what little we had yesterday.