by Jack Parker
Fear looked at me as if I grew an extra head. "To start: get rid of that look, it's really disturbing. Second, you know that I don't start conversations. Hell, I hardly enjoy talking to people."
"But you enjoy talking to me, right?" I grinned.
My friend mock glared at me. "That ass whooping is really starting to look far more attractive than any woman."
I rolled my eyes, and leaned back in my seat. "Fine then, but don't come crying to me when your testosterone levels go spiking up, and you've got no chick to find and release it with."
Fear literally bolted up from his seat, but was quickly pushed back down as the armored vehicle began to move.
The compartment shook a bit, but otherwise was stable.
Fear then leaned towards my ear and hissed. "I'm going to kill you!"
I cracked a smile. "Hah, you go do that, though it'll be you who will pay for my funeral."
The Assassin merely glared at me before he punched me rather hard on the arm, and looked away.
I grunted and rubbed my arm. I winced a bit at the slight pain, but it was so worth it just to get Fear to react.
The rest of the drive went by in silence. I had no idea how much time had passed, though to me it seemed like an eternity.
Throughout the ride, Fear and the other agent shared timid looks with each other.
I shook my head. Fear was very skilled as an Assassin, but when it came to women, my poor friend was helpless.
Finally, we arrived at our destination, and the sliding doors opened from the outside.
As we were closest to the exit, Fear and I got out first, and observed our surroundings.
I looked up and was met by the sight of an extremely tall, yet elegant building. My breath hitched in my mouth. It was the Shroud.
It was my first time ever at the Shroud, so I was taken aback by its stunning appearance.
Damn, I took back all of my remarks about the Swiss: they certainly knew a lot about architecture.
The Shroud had a cylindrical base that rose up to over 4000 feet; even bigger than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and that was just less than 3000 feet.
All of the thousands of perfectly cut windows were tinted a nice navy color which sparkled like sapphires in the early autumn sun.
Equally tall tower like structures extended out from its four sides. Those were probably observation posts on the lookout for potentially hostile aircraft.
All in all, it was extremely impressive and I was not disappointed.
Apparently I wasn't the only one who was impressed as several of the other agents gathered around to observe the building in awe.
The Irish agent stepped out of his vehicle, and whistled appreciatively at the sight. "Damn, she's a beauty."
There was murmuring among the agents as they agreed with the statement.
The man in the cameo suit got out of his car, and walked towards the front of the gathering. "Alright agents make your way inside and follow the signs; they will guide you to the briefing room."
With that said, our rather large group made our way inside the spectacular building.
I was a bit unnerved by being around so many high ranking Seeker agents all assigned the same mission. The only other time that was done was during the initial extermination of the Phantoms.
We did as we were told, and followed the very helpful signs.
They led us through the main area which was just as stunning as the outside, with a forestry of greens planted all around, and a nice canal ran underneath our steps.
An elegant waterfall ran along the walls and met in the center where it poured down into the canal.
The more we saw, the more I wanted to just stay here and not leave.
Business was business, though, and we passed by the scenery towards the briefing room.
We turned into a corner, and walked all the way down the hall to a pair of double doors plated with steel.
The man in the cameo suit squeezed through the crowd, and slid a security clearance card through a slot by the doors.
Instantly, they both opened to reveal a large, well-furnished conference room.
We stepped inside, and seated ourselves among the numerous rows there were placed there.
Fear sat beside me, while agents Cian and Arrow sat on my other side.
"God damn it. I hate briefings." Agent Cian commented.
His partner gestured him to be quiet, which earned a swear from the Irish man.
I turned to my other side to face Fear only to see him stare at the female agent who sat on the opposite side of the room.
I grinned. "You sure you don't want to talk to her?"
Fear whipped around, and glared at me. "Shut up!" He hissed.
I rolled my eyes but chuckled in amusement.
For an Assassin, he sure made his interest painfully obvious.
Oh how I loved my friend!
The man in the cameo suit stood in the center, and automatically the murmuring stopped.
The room was then enveloped in an apprehensive silence.
Agent Zero observed every person in sight with those intense eyes of his before he spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming on such a short notice, however we are in dire times. We're all aware of just how real the Phantom threat really is." He paused as he took in the general reaction. He continued. "The Directors have place an order that all high ranked Seeker agents be sent to the Shroud and protect it at all cost. There have been rumors going around that this is a possible Phantom target. As such, we can't take any chances with this severe threat."
Agent Cian snorted quietly. "Severe threat my arse." He murmured.
Thankfully we were too far back for Agent Zero to have heard that.
"As a precaution, you will be divided into small groups to efficiently cover all parts of the Shroud and the surrounding areas. Each group will be assigned a team leader who will give you your specific orders and will report back to me. Any questions?"
No one answered.
Agent Zero nodded his head. "Make your way to the lined tables by the doors to grab your assigned posts where you will be stationed at until this issue is resolved. That can range from a mere couple of hours, to perhaps months, if not more. If you have any loved ones out there, I suggest you say your farewells A.S.A.P. Dismissed!"
After doing as instructed, we all left the room, and scattered about our own ways.
Me, Fear, and a couple of other agents, including the female from the armored vehicle, made our way towards the rooftops where we were stationed.
I summoned an elevator, and tapped my foot lightly as I waited for it.
It came quickly and we all squeezed inside.
None of us knew what we would encounter during the mission and as we took the elevator to our designated post. I couldn't help but feel like something bad was going to happen.
Chapter 26: A Secret Admirer
The elevator doors opened to reveal a breath taking scenery.
As we stepped outside, we were hit by the fresh scent of cut grass, falling water and the sorts.
I looked around me in amazement, and decided that the Shroud was officially the most beautiful building I've ever visited.
Fear walked beside me, though he didn't pay attention to the surroundings.
All too soon, our group stopped in the main area of the garden like place, and Agent Zero came. "All right group D listen up. This will be your post for the duration of this mission. Things for you to know are the following: there are anti-aircraft weapons on each corner of this level, and several more are placed on other levels, as well as neighboring buildings. Next, you are not to leave your post unless instructed or once your shift is completed. Third, do not engage any enemy that has been dropped by parachute or any other means until reinforcements arrive. You'll have no idea how many friends the enemy brought, especially at night. Unless you want to meet your maker sooner than you should, you are to obey these orders, no exceptions. Any questions?"
Giv
en that the instructions were pretty straight forward, no one spoke.
"All right then. At least your group have god damn ears and know how to use them," Agent Zero murmured to himself. "Get to your posts!"
With that, the group dispersed and went to their respective areas.
My area was toward the south where the city center was visible.
I signed as I walked over to my post. It was going to be a long day…
________________________________________
Several hours have passed since I started my shift, and nothing happened.
The only interesting moment was when I overheard two agents mentioning that they couldn't contact HQ.
Within that hour, the Seeker authority present with us appeared agitated.
Agent Zero was moodier than when we first met him; he snapped at an experienced Assassin who glared at him indignantly.
It was obvious that something was happening, and it left me with a bad feeling.
As I shifted my weight from one leg to another, I felt just about ready to rip my hair out from sheer boredom.
I immediately straightened my posture when I saw the woman Fear fancied walk by my station.
We made eye contact, and studied each other casually.
The red-head nodded in greeting, before she walked past me.
I continued to stare at her until her figure disappeared behind the corner.
Grinning widely, I activated my earpiece, and switched to Fear's private channel. "Hey Fear, I just met your girlfriend."
"I've been single since last spring," Fear replied.
I sniggered. "Not for long," I said. "She's got it all; nice body, very mysterious allure, and she has her eyes set on you."
There was silence as I heard light breathing coming from Fear's end. "You're talking about that woman from the car, aren't you?"
I nodded my head eagerly, despite Fear not being able to see it. "The very one. Don't try and deny that you're not attracted to her."
"Actually I was about to say that women are manipulative minxes who'll step all over you."
I smirked. "Afraid that she's a dominatrix? Isn't that what you're in to?"
Fear let out an impatient growl. "I like a good challenge, though now is hardly an appropriate time. We're in the middle of a war in case you've forgotten."
My amusement was replaced with sobriety. "I know, which is exactly why you should take this last chance you've got to enjoy life as much as you can. That includes finding comfort in the arms of a woman."
I could practically hear Fear's eyebrow rise in question. "I assume that's what you did with Agent Moore?"
A soft smile plastered itself on my face as I remembered our shared night. "Yeah," I answered. "It was incredible."
My friend let out a short laugh. "So when is the wedding?" He teased.
I snorted ungracefully, and paced around my post. "Don't change the subject, Fear. We're talking about your needs that only a woman can satisfy."
That time Fear laughed in good humor. "I can't believe you're trying to set me up."
I grinned once more. "That's what friends do; we look out for each other." I stopped pacing. "So will you consider my suggestion? I won't stop bugging you about it until you give in."
Fear let out an exasperated sigh. "I'll think about it," he said.
I nodded in satisfaction. "Good man. I'll let you go now. How about we storm the nearest bar and drink the night away?" I asked.
"Sounds good. Let me know when you've found a place."
"Will do," I replied, and severed the connection.
I sighed lightly, and resumed my focus.
________________________________________
My twelve hour long shift finally came to an end as the next group of agents took over.
Needing to unwind, I asked an information officer where the nearest bar was, and left.
It turned out that the bar, which I didn't even bother to try to pronounce, was just down the street from the Shroud.
From what the officer told me, it was decent, and there was even a disco mixed in with it.
I found myself at the bar around 8pm drinking a very nice brandy while checking out the scene.
Young people danced on the floor, while some of the older individuals sat in the booth laughing away.
Wanting a companion, I took out my phone and sent a message to Fear inviting him to come over, before I placed it back in my pocket.
As I had my hood down, I noticed that several women stared at me with lust visible in their eyes.
I wanted to shiver as I could only imagine what they were visualizing in their sick minds.
One woman in a cocktail dress mustered enough courage to come and sit beside me.
She smiled seductively as she crossed her legs to expose more skin. "Hello there." She said in a low, accented voice. "You are a Seeker agent aren't you?"
Oh wow, I thought. How much brain power did it take for you to figure that out?
As much as I wanted to speak my thoughts, I decided to play it cool. "I am." I confirmed.
"What brings a Seeker agent here?" She smiled.
"That is strictly confidential." I replied calmly.
"Oh, I see." She attempted to give me a sexy look as her light green eyes shined in the low light. "Well, I have a situation that could sure use your help." She leaned forward, which gave me a better view of her cleavage. "It can only be fixed by the best."
By that point, I was really close to rolling my eyes. "Sorry ma'am, I'm off duty."
The slut, err woman, pouted. "Oh come now, it will not take long." She said as she rubbed her thigh against mine.
I sighed. "Look, I'm not interested. Even if I were, I don't have the money to pay for you."
My comment caught the blonde woman's attention for she leaned away, and stared at me in shock. "I am not a hooker!" She said rather loud which caught the attention of people around us.
"Could have fooled me." I replied back.
That seemed to have pissed her off for she stood up abruptly, and glared at me. "I am not a hooker." She replied fiercely.
It was then that a group of five hot blooded young males came in, and stood behind the woman. "What is going on?" The leader said with his thick accent.
"This man called me a hooker." The woman, replied.
The leader of the group looked at me with a cocked eyebrow. "Is that true?"
I stared back at him carelessly. "Well considering the way that she's dressed, and how she was practically throwing herself at me, I don't see why any of you are surprised at her title."
The woman's glare intensified, and she was about to slap me when the leader grabbed her hand and held it down. "Now sweetie, let the men handle this." He cooed at her.
I wanted to throw up then and there.
The blonde woman smiled at him seductively before she focused her death glare on me again.
The leader of the group turned to face me as well. "Apologize now." He simply said.
I shook my head. "Why should I when it's true?" I asked.
The other four men cracked their knuckles in hopes of intimidating me.
I inwardly rolled my eyes at their display of hormonal stupidity.
"If you don't apologize, then we will beat you until you do."
"I don't mind seeing some blood." The woman commented as she smirked.
I snorted. "Well if it means that you're not pregnant, then I suppose it is a good thing for you." I retorted back.
My remark caused her mouth to drop as she stared at me in disbelief before she looked away in frustration.
I chuckled, but I was cut off by the group leader as he grabbed me by my collar.
He snarled at my face. "You do not talk to our women like that!" He shouted.
I cocked an eyebrow arrogantly. "Your women, huh? Are you all sex buddies or something?"
A vein visibly throbbed on the leader's bald head as his grip on me tightened. "That is it. We are going to teach you a less
on!"
I sighed before I rolled backwards, and used my weight to push the leader over me and into the area behind the bar.
He crashed into numerous bottles, and swore in whatever his language was as he staggered up while he tried to regain his balance.
I slid over the counter, and kicked him where it really hurt. I then rammed his head through the glass cover where the other bottles were.
He cried out in pain, before he slid down and curled in a fetal position on the floor.
I straightened my back, and saw the other men in a fighting position, each of them had a knife out.
I sighed again, and pressed one hand against my forehead. "Guys, do you really want to continue with this? All you'll get is pain."
The men ignored me, and continued to stay in their position. One threw himself at me.
I stepped to the side, and punched him hard on the nose which caused him to pass out.
I stared at the others. "Alright guys, is this what you really want to mess with?" I asked as I pulled back my cloaks to revel several sharp combat knives.
The remaining gang members froze, and visibly gulped.
One was actually smart enough to drop his knife and run.
The other two glanced at each other, then at me, before they too ran out of the bar.
Satisfied, I relaxed my position.
I then turned to face the blonde woman who was looking at me with her mouth open and shock evident in her eyes.
I slightly smirked. "There's more where that came from babe." I mocked.
Without a word, the blonde woman took her coat from a nearby hanger, and stomped out of the bar.
I couldn't help but grin at the situation.
As I looked around, I finally noticed the crowd of bystanders staring at me in shock.
I stared back at them coolly, yet I felt slightly embarrassed by the attention. "It's ok." I said after some silence. "I'm a Seeker agent."
With that, the crowd murmured amongst themselves, and nodded their heads in acceptance.
They went back to their own business, and the earlier fight was forgotten.
I sat back in my original seat, and massaged my temple with one hand, while I gestured the bar tender to give me another drink with the other.
The man gave it to me and smiled. "On the house." He said, before he turned his attention to other customers.