Status One: Agent (Book One)

CHAPTER TWO

Gena heard the seething mind behind her a second before Sasha fired and veered out of the way.

The Crim attempting to sneak up behind her took the hit and went down his own weapon falling from his hand.

She secured the red-haired man with the thick beard with magnetic cuffs before she moved to Sasha's side. "That was close. Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I see you're still alive. Not sure how though."

"They've got more new tech. We need to find out where they're making durofiber cutting knives. I didn't even hear a thought in that guy's head before he cut me. I think they've figured out a way to hide their heat signatures too. I've got nothing on my display from him."

Didn't you learn anything from me?" He sucked in a loud breath through his teeth as she pulled him to his feet. "You can't rely on your telepathy or your tech." A fine sweat broke out over his pale face as he held on to her and the shelving behind him to avoid stepping on his broken ankle.

"Come on, oh wise one. You took a beating yourself."

Gena used the comms to signal for medical and more agents to pick up the guy she'd left unconscious on the floor.

"You let that blond guy get too close." He said through clenched teeth.

"I know, I know, I got sidetracked. My best friend was sort of lying injured on the ground." Gena gave him what felt like a chastised look before his expression changed and he shook his head. He gave her a half-smile that dimpled one cheek, but she could see the effort it took and she mentally reached out to a member of the team to hurry.

Soon a med team was at their side with a hover bed and attending to Sasha's injuries. One by one the rest of the squad found them and came to check on their team leader. They'd developed a rhythm over the years that Gena relied on. They hadn't lost anyone, she knew, but Sasha would still ask for a report from his squad. He didn't rely on her technologically enhanced telepathic abilities, it was his way.

"Report," Sasha said. He was lying down but there was still some command left in his voice.

Amir Passi spoke up. "Several agents injured, none in critical condition. Two Crims in custody." The agent said standing at attention as they all did, including Gena.

"Good work, Agent Passi, can the Crims be redeemed?" Sasha asked.

Something passed over his features that looked like disgust but he gathered himself again. "They're in processing, but it's doubtful."

"Great job everyone, you've got better things to do than stand around. Let's wrap up this crime scene, dismissed."

They scattered and started congratulating each other all at once. Hoffman and Run both gave her a pat on the back. She bumped fists with Kylie. They'd done good work and Gena felt proud to be among them. Today, they'd prevented their enemies from making off with most of the medical equipment. Two captured Crims meant they might get some answers about what they were planning in the future.

The medics put his leg in a brace this time too, promising he'd be back to work before long. Sasha had broken his leg before in two places. It had healed in a matter of weeks. For now, he had a slight limp but he'd have to keep it elevated at night. He refused to ride back to the transport on the hover bed, instead, he walked and Gena deliberately slowed her pace so they seemed to be meandering instead of shuffling.

"Great job, Agent Sorel," Sasha said turning to Gena and holding out a hooked finger to her.

"Same to you, Agent Vandermann," Gena said as she hooked her finger around his.