Acteon Syndicate

Chapter 9: 'The Team'

"How's he doing?" Allis asked.
"He's worried about you, but he knows you're safer with us. On the off chance what you saw was true, I didn't tell him where you are." Annalee handed Allis a small box. "We all got you a gift. A welcoming sort of thing."
Allis opened the box and pulled out a small gold ring.
"If you decide that you'd like to join us in the field, this will allow you to communicate with Rand. Take care not to lose it, and when you wear it, he can hear everything you say."
"Thank you, Annalee." Allis slipped it on. "Now, what's with you and Rand?"
Annalee laughed, "I'd hoped Daniel didn't tell you. As of now, there are some mutual feelings. But, our focus is taking down Ebony. Maybe when that's done, there'll be time for more."
"You know, I can hear you!" Rand leaned over the railing above them.
"Good!" Annalee yelled back. "We were talking about what an ass you are!"
"Are you sure you're not discussing Daniel?" Rand asked with a laugh.
Annalee blushed as Allis faced him. "We're discussing this team and it's ridiculous name!"
"I could get in on this." Daniel stood next to Rand. "Let's head to the conference room."

Allis took her place at the table. "We need a name. 'The Team' isn't cutting it."
Annalee rolled her eyes. "'The Team' is fine."
Rand shook his head. "No, it's not. I like 'Aristotle! And the others.'"
Daniel cut in. "No, no, no. Daniel's Death Bringers."
"If we're using names like that, it should be 'Annalee's Asskickers!"
Rand stood up. "I've got it! We should call it 'Rand!'" He spread his hands as he said it. "All in favor, say I!"
"I!" Daniel yelled out.
Allis put her head in her hands. "While Raniel over there fangirls, we should get serious."
"We need a name that screams 'Kick ass team of people who hunt demons'"
"That's hard to find in a dictionary." Rand commented.
"Acteon Syndicate." Daniel mumbled. "We all have code names that give our position. Uli means leader, Diomedes means death, Inise means innocent. Well, Acteon means hunter."
"I like it." Allis said, excitedly. "Acteon Syndicate."
"It's perfect." Annalee admitted. "Nice job, Daniel."
As Allis stood up, three beeps went off. Rand stood and placed a hand on a blue panel on the wall. A woman's face lit up the screen that appeared from the wall.
"Good evening, team one. Uli, you have a mission. You- Who is this? You were not authorized for a new member."
Annalee stood. "Chief, this is Inise. Human name: Allisaria Grant. She is the innocent."
"You were to find the innocent and bring her to base leader six." She argued. "You disobeyed a direct order."
"Inise was under attack by a Hell Shadow. Due to the intensity of the situation, Inise is safest under Aristotle's care at Ground Zero. As you know-"
"I know who Aristotle is. You are to bring Inise to base leader six immediately, then you are to report directly to me for your punishment, Uli. You will be reassigned. Pack your things."
Annalee hit her fist on the table. "You can't do that!"
The woman frowned. "I can, and I will."
Allis stood in front of Annalee. "No."
"Excuse me?"
"Allis!" Daniel called, voice low. "Don't get involved."
"I refuse to go anywhere." Allis argued. "You need me. If you want me, I'll be here. But, if you do anything to Uli, to Diomedes, or to Aristotle, I'll march straight to Ebony and offer up my blood."
Behind her, Annalee smirked.
The woman pursed her lips. "I am in charge of the hunters organization. You don't have a say, Inise. You can't give your life for these people."
"I can and I will. Faster than you can remove your head from your ass." Allis put her hands on her hips. "I am a hunter now, and I am the innocent. If 'base leader six' is so good at his job, he would have realized that sooner."
She was silent, and she only watched Allis. "Uli, your new mission is to keep Inise safe until Ebony is defeated. While you do that, defeat the Blood Howlers tormenting a school in New York City."
Annalee nodded. "Yes, mother."