Cloud Association: Pretty Boy Psycho

(PART TWO: FIELD AGENT)Happy Anniversary

Wow our safe place is amazing. I take a turn round our new pad admiring how huge it is compared to our poky cabin, which is grinding everyone down after two years of being confined to it.

"Is everything to your liking Mister West?" My contact, Delphine asks as she watches me sliding a hand along a pine bannister. I found her name in my dad's little black book where he keeps his most important contacts. When I flashed some gold, she was quick to show me some secluded properties which were repairable and even more importantly maintainable. From there I picked this rickety wooden brute and she whipped up some architects who turned the brute into a handsome sturdy gentleman.

"I love it!" I hand over the last payment. "My friends are going to be really happy here."

Delphine gives me a rung with four keys attached. "This place is all yours." She taps her nose. "As is my discretion. It has been a pleasure conducting business with you."

We leave the house together. Delphine leaves on her horse whereas I fly off on Sunshine. Last week we finished training with Jordan meaning we're on our own. There is nothing else he can do for us. He's done more than he gives himself credit for. Giving us secret lessons must have been a strain on him.

I land by our cabin where my three friends are sat in deep discussion. That's because Geordie wants us to up our game to progress onto C-grade jobs.

"You're gonna have to quit flying off at all hours whenever you fancy. We need to get serious."

I'm all smiles. "Happy anniversary!"

"What you talking about?"

"Three years ago today we got chosen as field agents."

"So?"

I drag those three into a group hug. They try shrugging me away. I am resilient. "So it's the most special date for us ever right?"

"For you maybe. I'm more focused on our next assignment. They want us to fetch a food supply. The cheek."

"At least it's safe," says Danny.

"No assignment is safe," warns Charlie. "The pickup point is in a moderately risky area."

"I bought you a gift."

"Later. Charlie needs to plan a route."

"But-"

"We've no time for gifts. I want us to fetch logistics' food supplies in record time."

"But-"

"Record time. We won't get close to Yuki dragging our wings with these delivery jobs. Either contribute to this delivery assignment or be quiet."

I stare at Charlie's map of England, at the spot where our house is located. Charlie traces a finger down to Dover as though following an invisible path. Our house is in the countryside somewhere in Surrey. Took me ages to figure out the route from the air. It's only a ten minute flight from HQ which is real ideal for us.

"Danny do you want to see your gift?" I say with my eyes still locked on the map.

"Later yeah. We've work to do mate."

I sway from side to side. "Work. Work. Work. It's just a silly old pick up. The food will be well hidden; won't be wandering anywhere. Our anniversary is way more important."

"I'm taking every job seriously from here on."

"Geordie, I think this job's a set up. I'm sure Thunders have a camp where these co-ordinates lead," says Charlie.

"We've not been given a set up for ages. Why today?"

"It's obvious. Team Cain have been sent overseas. They were protecting us from logistics, now they've gone no one with influence is looking out for us. What do you want to do?"