ETERNAL

-24-

After two days.

" here. This is the final survey result...... " Gemini placed the blue color file.

" I thought you guys drop the research of suspect cities " Pond said leaning on his chair.
Joong shook his head.
" we didn't.... it just took some time to organize the whole document.. " Gemini said and sat right next to Joong.
" but not anymore. We have to be quick. It seems like Racheal is chasing the same clue  "  Joong said making Pond sigh.
" thats what I meant... we were never a team at the first place. He never considered us as his mates. "
Not a single one out of two who got questioned , was able to answer. Its not like they had fully put their faith on Racheal for being a part of their mission , but still they all expected unity. Which Racheal broke.

" Phuwin ? " Joong asked while drinking the whole glass of water in one gulp.
"  sleeping. " Pond said in an apologizing tone.
" its fine. Its been little bit tough last few days. "
Another silence , tensed air got filled in the whole meeting room.

" This is getting too much "  Gemini said in a frustrated tone.
" its literally us four now " he continued
Joong tried his best to avoid the burning stare of the younger which was directly landed on him.
" I understand . Lets - "
" how long ?" Pond asked with the same rage.

Exactly .... how long. First thing they have to do is get Fourth into the mission again. But it can't be happened unless Racheal is here, as a part of their mission. Little by little other teammates also got cornered , Racheal knew how to manage the human resources according to his plan. Eventhough Joong is the team leader ,he is quite ashamed of himself for not being able to stand against Racheal. Why? For many reasons.
Racheal is a well honoured trusted senior of FBI. He is indeed an important role in head director's side. He is much experienced and an elder by age than Joong.  Standing against him will could even lead for a team dismiss. So he bared the whole thing as its rather good than loosing all members. Dismissing a special agent team is something common in their field. If the upper hands' decide that the certain team won't be helpful or useful they won't hesitate to dismiss the team and send them to different agents as newbies.

" give me few weeks..... " Joong said after a long silence.
Gemini stood up saying,
" I'll be going.... see you all tonight "
With that he just left.
Pond started at the closing door with a heavy heart. Gemini was the last person they expected to get upset by Fourth's case.
Not any of them thought Gemini would be affected by it this much. Morever Joong knows , eventhough no one said it out, all did expected much effective response.
Everyone hoped Joong would stand up against Racheal but deep down they all know the reason Joong resists it is all for their own good.

Joong placed his head on his hands, and squeezed his eyes. His eyes are burning due to tiredness , working without a break for past few days, only sleeping about 2 hours , gathering and organizing all the clues and reports. Not to mention forgetting about his own health and comfort he did them all for his team. Trying hard to turn everything back to normal pace.

" stop being hard on yourself. Instead share your problems , we'll find a solution together " Pond said patting Joong's back and stood up.

..................................................................................

Gemini straightly entered to the hacking room without even seeking permission , knowing very well his uncle is there.

" Uncle .... " he talked as soon as entered , indeed Racheal was there standing . About to head someone and there was a small bag in his hand.
" yes Gem, " Racheal talked putting the small paper bag inside his pant pocket.
He walked towards Gemini with a small smile.