Fate: Day 1

Chapter 2

     "So how do you think we did?" says a wincing Okumara sarcastically as he holds an ice pack to his knee.
     "I don't know about you guys, but I feel kinda out of place here." replies Tucker, "It seems like almost everyone else here has already had a lot of training or experience in the fighting field." he continued, looking around the cafeteria.
     "I think we did great!" says Peanut as he hops off toward the food counter to get a second bag of nuts.
     "It's all kinda overwhelming for me." continues Okumara, "I mean just two days ago, I was hunting down a petty jewelry thief. And now I've learned that I have some special gene and am on a secret spy team."
     "I know how you feel," says Cipher, "but I think this is going to be fun. Just think about all the tech and resources we will have access to if we make the team."
     "I guess that's true." admits Okumara, "At least Peanut's having fun." he says, turning to see him standing on a table stuffing an inhuman amount of well, peanuts, into his mouth.
     Across the cafeteria, Kiden plops down next to a sore looking Theodore Larson. "So," he starts, "what made you join this rinky-dink team anyway? A man of your... talents could be making a lot more money in other lines of work if you know what I mean." he asks, raising his eyebrow mysteriously.
     "I figured if Kal was dumb enough for this team that I'd be just fine." Theo said with a mischievous grin.
"And how'd that go for you?" continues Kiden.
     "That was a rookie mistake. If you knew me, you'd know I rarely make those." Theodore replied with a grim look on his face.
     "Don't get me wrong." Kiden says, putting his hands up in defense, "Everyone here is very skilled in their own right. I just don't know if we can all function as a team."
     "I feel the same. I mean it took like 5 minutes to take us all out. If that was a real mission, I'm not sure all of us would have made it back in one piece." says Max from across the room.
     "I think we're gonna need a lot more training if we want to survive any real missions," says Adriel as he starts into his food.

     "If I'd been leading the team, we wouldn't have lost Larson so quickly." says Knight with the sound of annoyance in his voice as Max sits down next to him and Kal.
     "Are you sure?" counters Wattson, "Cause you did a great job at getting taken out quickly on your own!"
     "How was I supposed to know the batons were rigged?" Knight yells back.
     "If you'd listened," says Wattson getting louder, "you would have heard Tucker's warning!"
     "I'm always listening." says Knight, "Always listening, watching and paying attention. That's what I do! If anyone else was doing that, they could've caught on to the batons BEFORE it was too late!"
     "Whoa!" interjects Max with a loud voice, "You two need to chill out. You both did exceptionally well and exceptionally bad. Now we just need to get better."
     "I know we do," continues Knight, "That's why I'm always training. You guys work on a plan. I'm gonna go get some food and cool off."
     "Come on, Adriel," Max whispers as Knight walks off, "If anyone is going to get this crowd of misfits up and running it's going to be you. I've known you most of my life, and you were born to lead. Knight is just jealous cause he's not in charge."
     "I can still hear you." Knight says from the food counter, "You're the one I hired to give me my enhanced senses, remember? Jealousy has nothing to do with it. I'd just rather anyone but Adriel lead. He's not capable."
     Wattson continues his conversation with Max, "I just underestimated how hard it was going to be able to keep everyone in line. I mean, it took two seconds to lose someone."
     "I don't think anyone expected that to happen." continues Max, "We just need to come up with a plan. I mean, it's just a training program, right? Even the mysterious Kal Skirata can't last long against all of us."
     "Alright, I think I'm beginning to form a plan now. Help me for a second." says Wattson, grabbing a pad from the table.

     "So what did you do wrong?" asks Kal Skirata as he walks up to the food counter.
     Knight starts, "I didn't do anything wrong--"
     "There's your problem!" Kal interjects, pointing toward Knight's chest "You're too cocky. You rushed ahead and didn't listen to your teammates."
     Slapping away Kal's finger, Knight responded, "That program was made to work against us."
     "And what do you think a real mission is going to be like? Huh?" questions Kal, "Are the bad guys always going to play fair? You're smart, and you're one of the few people that I'd rather not face one on one. You already have the skill. But you have a team now. You need to slow down and listen to them."
     "I work alone." says Knight, leaning against the food counter, "Back when I was the Watchman, I may have worked with someone every once and a while, but they were experienced, we got the job done quickly and without conversation. I even would have worked with you.  But most of these guys are new. They have no idea what they're doing."
     "Then help them!" says Kal, "You all need to learn to play to your strengths and help each other. You're right, the batons weren't your fault, but you made a critical mistake. While you rushed ahead, the younger members almost got taken out. Think before you act."
     Walking away, Kal continues, "You may not be leading, but you could be a real influence on this team. Tell everyone to be ready at the same time tomorrow."
     "Sure thing..." Knight says dejectedly, "will do."
     "Oh, and one more thing." Kal says as he turns to leave, "Try not to pick anything up!"