Coffee-Shop-File-Drop'n'Stop

[Mr. Black]

February 14th, 2012
06:05
A Coffee shop in the Hong Kong metro area.

There was little more spy-like than sitting somewhere and pretending to be totally normal while being the exact opposite of that. Oh, how glorious it was to be sitting and reading the Hong Kong Press while sipping over-priced psudo-Anerican-Itallian coffe in some greedy coffee house that caters to those who really wish they were different. It was truly marvelous to just sit and pretend you are the same as all of these special fucking snowflakes. One gets to order a fancy drink that sounds so unique, yet, is just a fancy name for coffee with milk. To read the news as though any of it was really relavent and somehow affected your life. To be lost in the throws of celebrity drama when one's own life was in shambles. GODS OF HELL IT WAS AMAZING! Then again, for someone who did not have the luxury of being just another drone in this world it seemed like a healthy release. However, so many of these people wished so hard that they were something greater. They would come to this coffee shop, or one just like it, and pull out their lap tops. Go on-line and forget about the normal world around them. become someone else, assume the internet persona. Each type of life had it's own merit, though Black suspected that his, while more meaningful, was much more hollow. He had to spend nearly every moment of his life in disguise and became excited when he got to pretend to be normal. Perhaps that was the problem. he never really got to be normal. he never had been normal, and likely he would die special. His life would end in some classified file marked "EYES ONLY" and he would disappear like so many spooks before him. His body would be incinerated and everyone would deny they knew him. How he longed to be remembered by someone. To have his own grave plot or urn on a shelf....... oh well, no time for that bull shit! It was game time! He was here waiting to make contact with a little sweet ginseng shoot by the name of Wei Qing Wong. She was another member of the circle and his equal in everything but Asian-ness, to which she bested him quite handily. Then again, he had a penis and she didn't, at least as far as he could tell.

Black was wearing a very simple and intentionally worn suit. The jacket was grey and the pants were a slightly mismatched shade of gray. He selected that suit for its symbolism and for the obvious camouflage it provided in the place crowded with haggard investors and corporate tools. here he was, just another man sipping an Americano and reading the paper. He had a pair of thin framed glasses on his nose and a slightly askew tie around his neck bearing the image of a few ducks, one breaking free from an egg. Ahh, to burst from one's shell, such a lovely thought, though the tie was hideous to be sure. His hair was doing it's normal blond swoop thing. it was annoying. he didn't know why it did that it was stunningly hard to change. Oh well, he'd just ignore it and hope everyone else did too. He was twirling a chromed pen in his left hand while scanning the paper on the table in front of him. He squinted as he found one of those pesky Chinese symbols he wasn't exactly sure of. he had done quite a lot of interpreting and reading this "simplified" nonsense and still came across a few he did not know from time to time. Luckily for him he was smart enough to interpret from the context and move on. Then again, the simplified Mandarin was hardly simple. If anything, some of the more complex Chinese was easier to read. Damn Mao, dictators always got it wrong, at least at some point. This was Mao's failing. this gods awful "New Chinese" Guh, he should have learned Cantonese and just ignored this over-hyped BS. "No, no, Black. it'll be good know!" they said, "You'll need it!" they said.... they were right. STAY FOCUSED! It's thirty five seconds to meet time and you are mind shouting about Mandarin! FOCUS!

Like that he was focused. He knew what he was looking for though doubted that she would recognize him in his highly ordinary disguise. Cleverly though, they had pre-decided on a signal. He was to click his pen three times and then announce in a sour tone, "There is just not enough cream." while looking disappointingly at his coffee. he would also say this key phrase in Japanese, a language they both spoke and would not seem to out of place in a Hong Kong cafe. though the tonal patterns of the great Chinese language were not present in their little cousin's speech, the language itself would be tough to notice in such a crowded place. Most would just over-look it, unless they were specifically listening for it. Black was ready just as what he was waiting for walked in the door. The little demon-possessed fire-cracker he'd been waiting on. He could take this time to not only get the files he needed but talk to someone in the same business as he was, the information trade. Maybe share a few trade tips and gab about celeb gossip. Never-the-less he made the signal as she entered. CLICK,CLICK,CLICK, went the pen top and then, in a loud enough for her to hear but not louder, "There is just not enough cream." Now all that was left was for her to get her coffee and come sit down. Then they could begin this little meeting.

[Wei Qing]

February 14th.  Valentines day, or it would be if this were America.  She was sure that there were some about that were celebrating the holiday anyways being all coupley and... She ran a hand through her hair that hung in front of half of her face.  She didn't quite look like herself today at all by choice, appearing almost like some foreign backpacker just passing on through (and yes, her facial features are a match as well).  The powers of make-up were a revolutionary one, and her current appearance was a testament to that.  She was wearing green contacts and her hair was of a lighter brown than her natural hair color.  In the end?  Her whole appearance was flawless in its disguise.  Only any of her closest friends would know who she actually was.  She adjusted the black coat about her shoulder, hiding the pale pink and white tank tops that she wore beneath it.  The scarf held a darker red on top of the pink and white, still wrapped about her neck against the colder chill of the winter month.  Her boots were worthy of being compared to combat boots in how bulky they were, but while some questioned how comfortable they might be, they were extremely comfortable and well loved.  The backpack slung over her shoulder was a forest green and held lots of pockets and spaces.  In a way, she almost looked like a hipster.  Emphasis on the almost.  Wei Qing would disguise herself as numerous things, but somehow she never quite broached that particular fashion style.  That whole culture was.... ugh.  

"He is already in the cafe.  Beat up grey suit."  Duessa purred into her ear and her ear alone.  Her expression didn't change as she shifted through the people gathered within the establishment and the barista's called out the orders.  It was so early in the morning that business was still rather lax for the most part, people coming in to just get a hot cup of coffee and then go running out the door.  Anything more complicated would take more time, and they had to get to work.  Heh, it was sort of nice not having to do that, of just looking like some 25 year old floating about the world.  That was one of the nice things about Firefly, there was never a shortage of ability to travel anywhere.  Although.... It always brushed against memories that she would rather keep buried.  You going to be alright today?  Oh great, her demon was worried about her.  Though... that was the thing about Hornet.  He was not your normal demon at all.  Do I have to take over for you?  You know the Employer won't like it if you fuck this up.  .... Or maybe he was.  I'll be fine.  Its a simple pick up, why wouldn't I be able to handle it?  She shot back at him, moving off to the side as she checked her wallet as if to make sure that she had enough cash.  

Then there it was.  Click.  Click.  Click.  "There is just not enough cream."  She closed her wallet and hurried forward to the counter, clearing her throat as she appeared apologetic to the girl.  God it was always hard to fake fucking up your native language.  "Grande Blonde please."  She bowed her head for emphasis, appearing relieved at the barista understanding her.  She paid her money, got her coffee, swung by the condiment bar for two splenda and some whole milk, then strode over to the man in the ragtag suit and sat down at his table. "Good morning. I figure we can continue in Japanese since most won't question or notice it." She continued, slipping her backpack to the ground in front of her feet under the table. "You are correct. No one is paying you any attention." Excellent. She pulled the sugar packets out of her coat pocket and mixed it in before stirring up the milk, replacing the lid and then sipping at her coffee before placing it back down. "It's Mr. Black, correct? A pleasure." She knew it was safe for their fellow organization members to know their real names, but it still made her twitch. Maybe she should ask the Employer to just call her the Engineer and leave it at that.

Then she dug into her bag and pulled out a sketchbook filled with pre-drawn images that she and Duessa had fabricated for such meetings as these. A pencil followed, and hidden in her palm for the moment? A USB drive meant for him. Her hands flipped through the pages till she came across a particular page that was almost fully finished and looked eerily like him in another shot, or another time. "You are new to our group, I welcome you. Why did you want to join us?" She looked up and paused in her drawing, those green eyes scanning him from behind the rather unassuming front she had going on.

[Mr. Black]

Now that was a a masterful piece of work. Black couldn't help but admire the great work that Ms. Wong had done on her disguise. She dyed her hair, dotted her face with freckles and even changed her eye color. He didn't exactly know why she decided to go with European or American backpacker as her look but he wasn't going to point that out. Not when she could have easily played to her current strengths and came in as a Chinese business professional. All she would have had to do was toss on a professional dress and wear some high heels with a bun in her hair. Black cocked an eye brow as she walked by and began ordering. Yeah, she would look good with a bun in her hair. Maybe he should suggest that. Then what would she think? Maybe that he was gay? Maybe him giving her hair advice would be seen as rude. He did know quite a bit about women. Particularly what not to do. Then again, if you cover everything that's in the "do not do" category then all you have left is exactly what to do. Black was excellent at learning from his mistakes. hell, that's why he was here, because of a mistake.

Black looked up at the disguised Firefly that sat across from him with some sort of odd coffee drink. He set the paper down as he noticed her pull out her sketch pad. Black nodded as she mentioned that they could speak in Japanese. He was going to suggest that as well. Good, she was smart and professional. He liked that. He figured that he might enjoy working with this little demon host. She seemed to be sort of like him, well, if her file was to be believed. Then again they had their differences, but everyone did. the differences were what made a team effective. If all of your operatives are the same you will find a serious gap. Then that gap will be exploited and you lose, and nobody likes losing. "Yeah, Mr. Black will serve very well Ms. Wong. A pleasure to finally meet you as well." he took a small sip of his coffee, "Good thing your last name won't even cause a second glance around here." he raised his Styrofoam cup in salute as he spoke and then took another sip. His coffee did not have enough cream... Boy, that was ironic.

I'm new, eh? That's what she decided to lead with. An interesting position to start on. Was she trying to make him fall on the defensive? Make him do something to prove his loyalty or maybe become uncomfortable. He had been plenty new plenty of times. He never liked being the new guy, mainly because no one trusts you at first. honestly, they shouldn't trust him ever. He was a spy, hired to be a spy. there was nothing trustworthy in his life's description. So, instead of becoming defensive he decided to go another route. "I am one of the many recently acquired assets by our mutual benefactor." Black swirled the remains of his coffee in the bottom of his cup and cleared his throat, "It seems the organization was in need of someone with my particular skill set. Though, I hear you have quite the uncanny prowess from behind a keyboard. I dabble in information and computer software as well. I would love to increase my own skills under your instruction, if ever we have the time." he punctuated his statement with a light chuckle. he doubted they would ever have the time. Though what he said was not a lie. he knew of her abilities and would. in fact, love to copy them. After all, sometimes you don't need innovation, just imitation.

[Wei Qing]

"Yeah, Mr. Black will serve very well Ms. Wong. A pleasure to finally meet you as well.  Good thing your last name won't even cause a second glance around here."  Her finger twitched slightly at hearing her last name.  She didn't care that it wouldn't have mattered in her home country, it still.... Oh calm the fuck down.  Shut up.  She nodded once, raising her cup as well as she offered him a bit of a weak smile.  She was going to play this persona through, and for that she needed to seem somewhat timid talking to a person that could have asked her to come for her art skills.  Or well, forged art skills.  Her actual sketching ability was "sketchy" at best (Oh the puns).  Her coffee tapped against the table as she smoothed her hand against the page again, brows furrowing in concentration as she glanced up at him once more.  "I am one of the many recently acquired assets by our mutual benefactor."  In her mind she smirked, chuckling softly beneath her breath as she nodded once, "That is true.  Considering recent events it was a necessity."  She pointedly did NOT want to really dwell on what had occurred in Italy.  It was a brazen and unwise move that she was shocked had actually happened.  Idiots.  

So what would be his reasoning then?  He didn't have a demonic companion to whisper in his ear.  He was just a mortal man whose profession was that of a spy.  Why aid them at all?  "It seems the organization was in need of someone with my particular skill set. Though, I hear you have quite the uncanny prowess from behind a keyboard. I dabble in information and computer software as well. I would love to increase my own skills under your instruction, if ever we have the time."  She had looked up again at the mention of keyboards and her skill.  A single eyebrow raised as his apparent interest in her field, trying to imagine herself teaching ANYONE about what she knew.  It was.... hm.  ".... Maybe."  For some reason it put her on edge, and she only had scraps of reasoning that didn't mesh together in the least bit.  There was no reason for her to feel threatened or worried about it, except there was just something.... not ok.  He's not ever going to be as good as you are.  Why not show him a few things?  Hornet's words were oddly comforting to her for once, a phenomenon that was rare and always unexpected.  But still, she could not shake that discomfort.  

"But it is true that we do need more people with an affinity for being unseen."  With a final flourish of her pencil, she ripped out the page and handed it to him, slipping the USB to him in the same motion before closing the sketchbook and sliding it back into her bag.  "As for the other matter, I do not take on protege's."  It was a short sentence and to the point, her persona maintained as she sipped at her coffee except for the hard glint in her eye.  Perhaps it was a harsh statement to make, but it was something she had to put her foot down on.  He already knew her real name.  He could not know anything more about her or her abilities except for what was absolutely necessary.  "Already constructing a message to the Employer on the matter."

[Mr. Black]

Set'em up and knock'em down. Black made no physical sign but he was clicking his heels on the inside. Oh, he had struck a nerve and it showed. He got a twitch, a tell, and maybe even a drop of sweat. He could feel the air tighten with tension as his companion pulled her tells back into herself and continued on with the meeting. He didn't need to know anything else for the moment and there was no reason to press forward on the topic. he had won the 'I know something you don't' game. Not only had he won, but it actually mattered to her. She might be hell-o-wheels behind a computer screen but she was a rookie when compared to Mr. Spycraft. This was exactly why he was hired. Yes, magic powers and demons were a great way to win a war. however, a real war was won by being able to do what the other side won't. By knowing more than they do and applying that knowledge. Not only that, but knowing when, where, and how to get and use an asset. He had the most practice at those exact skill in this world, well, equal to his old partner. Besides that he was ruthless, with a practiced apathy. he could do whatever was asked of him and not even lose sleep over it. It really was a gift.

Black glanced down at the paper sitting on the table at the mention of recent events. Front page, even in China, Vatican City attacked! terrorists destroy priceless works of art. sad really. He had no idea why or what they thought they were going to accomplish. It wasn't planned, it was barely commanded and no one was communicating. It was a total loss of assets and a reveal of their hand, well, one of many hands. The first rule of spy-poker, never play with only one deck of cards. Now the enemy had some sort of knowledge about their operation and a target. Good thing they fought behind proxies like any good intelligence organization. "Really a shame." he said pointing at the head line," This was an absolute mess. Nothing but thugs with bombs doing whatever they wanted." Black listened to the silence that came just before the 'Maybe' he knew what that meant. That was as solid of a no as an agent ever gets. It allows the other party to hedge and keep control but also never think about the matter again. Luckily for Black, he wasn't about to hold his breath waiting for hacking lessons. he was good enough for what his mission required.

"Unseen," he thought on that word for a second. "I don't know if I would say that was my specialty. I'm not of a always there but never noticed type. " As the finished drawing was slapped down in front of him he took it up and looked it over. He knew she hadn't just now drawn it. That would have taken longer, but, it was still a good image. he turned it so that she could see it too. "Not bad. And too bad. I'll not dwell on it though." interesting, she actually told him no. That gained her some respect. it took courage to tell a known murderer no. Then again, it wasn't like he was going to kill someone he planned on working with, well, at least not yet. After he commented on the image he put the paper on the table and palmed the USB into he sleeve with a practiced ease and subtlety. He brought his coffee to his lips again as his eyes looked across the table at was to be his new comrade. "So," he continued after setting his coffee down, "Why is it that a young girl like yourself is backpacking across the world alone?" he turned the conversation back towards the cover. That was likely a safe ground to tread on. Not only that but he could see just what kind of imagination she had.

[Wei Qing]

Shit. She was doing a shitty job right now. No, a really fucking shitty job right now. This was completely unlike her previous scouting meeting with Etreven. Even then... he had still figured out who she was. You're being so obvious right now. She sipped at her coffee again as she stared at the other customers, observing their various motions and facial expressions. She almost seemed rather distant as she rested her chin in her palm, hairs drifting slightly in front of her face. ... I must be slipping. Hornet grew quiet within her mind and she let her eyes slide back towards Black, now gazing upon him as an artist gazes upon their model. Piercing, but soft. Analytical, yet without real focus. She had spent time looking over his file, but even then she had come before she had finished examining all of her data. Rookie mistake. And now.... he did know more than her. Le sigh.... She was doing no good at establishing her reputation and maintaining it. The sketchbook slipped out again as her pencil hovered over the blank page, staring at it a moment while her brows furrowed. She began to sketch something again, but it wasn't really clear what it was at first.

"Really a shame." Her eyes slid up towards the paper that he held in his hand, "This was an absolute mess. Nothing but thugs with bombs doing whatever they wanted." That was putting it lightly. In the end, the group had done somewhat well. They had managed to reduce the Templar forces down to a mere handful that held up in the Basilica, but that was where their luck had run out. One of the seven Paladin had even been wounded, the one in charge of Russia. In the end though? They had been complete idiots. "Unseen," Her eyes moved back down to the page as the page began to take on more shape, yet the angle, lighting, and shadows cast made it difficult for him to be able to see anything from where he was. "I don't know if I would say that was my specialty. I'm not of a always there but never noticed type. " Pfft. She exhaled sharply through her nose in a quiet snort of sorts, her expression not changing from its quiet and contemplativeness over her drawing. That was an understatement. You could always catch him at the corner and edges of every scene, find the hints of him within the words on the page or code left behind. "Not bad. And too bad. I'll not dwell on it though."

The job was technically finished at this point, she had given him his data and she was, at best, distracted. Not ideal to get to know a co-worker that already had an upper hand over her despite her rank being higher. Sigh... Valentine's Day was stupid. "So," her head raised slightly, Why is it that a young girl like yourself is backpacking across the world alone?" Interesting that he would jump there next. Its true she wasn't helping conversation much at this point in time. Maybe you should- "...I needed to find myself." She began as she sat up a little taller, tilting her head slightly as she stared at the page. The scene was of two men, one shaded lighter than the other as they stood back to back. Each side of the page had a different background that complimented and mocked the shading of the men. "I never sat well at home, and my mother never stopped me from running away for brief periods of time. Sometimes... I think she encouraged it." Her hand began to add a few more details, shading the man in white's hair a bit more as he faced a square piled with ruble. The architecture hinted at Rome with its ionic columns and open forums.

Her pencil began to shade in the shadows on the other side of the page a bit more, yet the scenery somehow seemed lighter. Like an opal, ever changing and shifting in the light. "So... I wandered. I decided to go to different countries, spend some time there and try to find whatever it is I'm looking for. Or lacking. You get jobs along the way to keep up with money, but it isn't necessarily easy." Her pencil lifted from the page, brushing the last few erasure bits off of it. The picture itself was somewhat sparse, but clear enough in its different shapes and lighting to depict precisely what it needed to. Heh... maybe she should have tried art instead. The book came to rest on top of the table as she stared at him again, brushing those locks of hair from in front of her eyes. "It's stifling to stay in one place. And if you make mistakes... you can always leave. I know I'll make it home eventually, just not yet." And finally, she cracked an actual smile as she stared at him, taking one last sip of her cooling coffee. "How was that? Convincing enough? Or was it too cliche? It felt a little cliche." She asked, curious to see his responses, or lack thereof. Those were just as telling as any words that could be uttered.

[Mr. Black]

And just like that she was off. Likely she had practiced this whole story numerous times. All good operatives made sure they knew enough about their cover to tell a story but didn't make up too much about them. it was always worth it to leave some details vague so that you could adapt to every situation differently. You might be the lonesome and lost college back packer, but, if you needed to you could also be a former dishonorably discharged soldier, or a drifting drug addict. it didn't matter what exactly you were, only that you had a base to stand on and throw from. After all, it's when you begin to improvise that you surprise yourself. Also best to weave in a little about your real self. maybe to feel more connected or so that the stories seem more honest than just an actor on script. Make everything person and you can't lose. Make a cover someone you care about and soon enough you will be that person. Not just pretending to be them but actually become them. Black had only a few personas like that, though he thought perhaps his companion was far more involved in her personas than need be. After all, he shook her somewhat just by saying her last name. Perhaps she was replacing what she was with these other people she invented. then again, maybe he was just over thinking that whole thing and she was just rattled because she didn't expect him to say it. Oh well, no point in fixating while he was being told about this young starry eyed backpacker.

As she spoke he noticed she was drawing. He didn't know what though. He didn't think she was just pretending this time. he could actually see her pencil pressing on the paper and a tiny reflection in her green eyes. Not clear enough to make out what she was drawing but he could tell that it was taking form. He listened to her story, finishing his coffee, without interruption. He didn't need to. he could tell that her mind was on both her tale and other things. that was a good sign. It mean't that she could multitask while in cover. Not a skill all people had, nor one all spies had. then again that's what separated the good spies from the dead ones. She was still young though, had plenty of time to screw up and get incinerated in some embassy's basement. Then again, so did he.

His eyes flicked down to the drawing as she finished. It wasn't bad, didn't look bad upside down anyway. It had an interesting theme. Looked like two men that were together yet apart. each had contrasting colors and backgrounds. Perhaps she was trying to make a statement? The nature of man as a being of duality? No, well, maybe. This was exactly why he stayed away from art. He was terrible at finding the meaning behind symbolic paintings and drawings. Poems on the other hand, he loved those. Loved the imagery. After all, what was a lie aside from saying something that isn't in order to say something that is? His eyes widened a little, that picture looked oddly familiar. he couldn't quite place it though, something just clicked in him when he looked at it. He'd have to think on that.

"Not too cliche at all. in fact, people love cliche." he set down his empty coffee cup with a hollow Styrofoam thump. He set the cup right on top of the drawing that had been tossed down. make sure he didn't have to see it. it was just so damned distracting. "I mean, the cop that is an alcoholic and divorced, the janitor that in uneducated and bitter, the self important college professor. People won't admit it but they expect people to be stereotypical. So, I say, be a stereotype. If they ever need to describe you you are going to blend into memories of other people with the same archetype. you're not going for shocking and memorable. You want to just be a silhouette on foggy glass." he rapt his fingers on the table with a quick rhythm, "Being in the spotlight makes you a target. You want to be the one aiming the spotlight." he paused, she likely didn't want his blather advice but fuck it. She asked, he'd tell her. She could benefit from this information. Hell, he was sneaking into places and learning his trade when she was in diapers after all.

[Wei Qing]

"Not too cliche at all. in fact, people love cliche."  They certainly did.  She wanted to smirk at that very moment, but she kept it contained, only Hornet being the one to know its appearance.  Yes.... everyone loves cliche.  She just sort of gave a half-smile at his response, her eyes staring at the picture on that page.  She hadn't given the men clear features.  Should she add them?  Do it.  You sure?  You deaf?  I said do it.  Heh.  Now that was the Hornet she knew.  She leaned over more on the table as she added some more details to it.  "I mean, the cop that is an alcoholic and divorced, the janitor that in uneducated and bitter, the self important college professor. People won't admit it but they expect people to be stereotypical. So, I say, be a stereotype. If they ever need to describe you you are going to blend into memories of other people with the same archetype. you're not going for shocking and memorable. You want to just be a silhouette on foggy glass."  This persona was memorable only for the fact that her appearance made her somehow unexpected in most areas.  At the same time?  She was just another damn backpacker, and few gave them two looks.  Certainly not in the states.  Hong Kong was no different with its bustling streets and ever changing scene.  

She did not voice her thoughts aloud as she just kept drawing with a muted expression, "Being in the spotlight makes you a target. You want to be the one aiming the spotlight."  Hornet let out a loud scoff in her head, laughing while Wei Qing quietly continued to draw.  A bit more shading on the beard for the man in white, a subtle adjustment to the man in black's positioning.  Both men were holding something inside their suit, but she didn't show what it was that it could be.  White was reaching into his jacket, Black held something in his pocket.  Better.  The drawing was getting better.  "Just the spotlight or something else?" She asked with a raising of her head, giggling a little as she sat up again, her bangs falling in front of one eye again. "I'm just kidding. It's a good analogy." She glanced back down to her notebook and spun it on the table, pushing it towards him as she tilted her head slightly. "Hey, do you think I should add anymore to this? It feels like it could be done, but I'm not sure." It was an innocent enough question, and also a true one because she was debating adding to it more or not. After all, he had to know by now what it was before him. If not?

He'd do well with a Child of Pride inside him. Do you think he would-- No Hornet. We are not going there. But look at the assumptions he's making! They'd get along swimmingly! I could-- I said no Hornet. Her demon instantly shut up as she bit her lower lip thoughtfully, chewing on it a little bit as she sat back again. Maybe she should get more coffee too.... You know, so would you. She made no reaction to the personal jab within her mind because there was no point to it. Yes, she prided herself on certain skills that she possessed, so what? It was because they were skills that she was good at, simple facts that she could not change. But that was no matter, what she was curious about as she looked at Mr. Black for his opinion, was his reaction.

[Mr. Black]

It was like a flash of lightning in his mind. It was a brief explosion that quickly faded into a rumble of thunder. He counted the seconds... one... two.... then there was the racket of thunder. the lightning struck close in his mind. Too close. The flash was a blast of actions. Quick and solid. His hand slid back as she slid the notebook forward and his rough fingers silently grasped the perfectly sized grip of the Samurai Edge that hung against the small of his back. With a swift motion he swung it forward and squeezed the ten pound pull and sent a .44 caliber hollow point straight through that pretty face. The shot split her face into three pieces and her legs kicked under the table. Just like that though, the image was gone. His hand hadn't moved. His narrowed eyes looked down at the picture in front of him. Yes, he did recognize it. It was a metaphorical drawing of himself and the only man in the world that he trusted. Mr. White. Black swallowed his violent thoughts and composed himself in two seconds. He reached out and scooped up the drawing. He held it in front of him an examined it closely. He'd always been one with an eye for detail, though not exactly great at art or telling whether or not art meant something. This did mean something though. Not in a traditional artistic sense. This was a creative way of telling him that she knew who he used to be. That was impressive enough. The fact that she had any records about him before the last few years was an admirable fact, though, if that were the case maybe she knew what happened in Rio. If she did, then she was either foolish to show him this or wanted to get a rise out of him. Either way, he would play it cool. They were to be comrades now after all. Not agents competing with each other. No, now she was his White and he would be her Black.

He lowered the paper to the table and set it down carefully. He brought his hand up to his mouth and cleared his throat. His sharp blue eyes looked across the table at his companion. She was very pretty. Had the genetics to pull off not wearing make up, though likely wore it anyway, though maybe because she didn't want to seem odd or because she wanted to extenuate her natural features. Either way, she was young and beautiful. Which was exactly why she put a demon in her head. Because she didn't look at the whole wager. The immortal being always won in the end. it was just a waiting game for them and they could wait forever. Oh well, her choice. He raised his finger and pointed at her drawing of White, right down his beard. "I take it you know who this man is. Otherwise you wouldn't have drawn him." he removed his hand from the drawing and folded his hands in his lap, his voice contained a coldness that wasn't present before. While his tone was still friendly enough there was just enough of a chill to his personality now. Maybe she wouldn't notice, though he thought she would. She wasn't dumb after all. "Then I could really only ask you two questions. if you know who he is and you know who I am. Do you know what we were? Do you know what he meant to me?" he raised his left eye brow as he asked. "Answer those two questions and I'll tell you what I think of the drawing. That simple." it really was simple. He didn't need any games this time. That didn't mean that his question wouldn't seem like a trap or a trick though. he wondered what she would say. he wondered what she really did know about him before he was just a he and a we.

[Wei Qing]

Hehehe.... There it was. That was the reaction she wanted to see. The reaction that she knew he would have upon seeing exactly what it was that she had drawn. There was some concern that she held about what he might do in reaction, but at the same time... they were coworkers. And the Employer would be most upset if his Lieutenant were killed by one of their members, a newbie at that. "I take it you know who this man is. Otherwise you wouldn't have drawn him." Wei Qing just blinked once, tilting her head slightly as she watched him. He was staring at her rather intently, and there was a fresh coldness in his eyes. Oh yes, she had struck quite the nerve in him. It was only fair now. "Then I could really only ask you two questions. if you know who he is and you know who I am. Do you know what we were? Do you know what he meant to me?" Oh it was so hard to not smirk right now! She could hear Hornet chuckling himself. She continued that calm demeanor, the bangs falling a little more in front of her one eye. "Answer those two questions and I'll tell you what I think of the drawing. That simple."

She shifted slightly in her chair, sitting a little more forward as she appeared to shrink a little more into herself, biting her lower lip. She clearly was unperturbed by the shift in his tone towards her. "The we is just an I now. And yet you are an I amidst a we." She commented, brushing her hair behind her ear as she gave him a weak smile. "Its an interesting choice for you, especially after events that happened. Did you decide to attempt working with others again?" She asked him, the smile fading as she looked down at the table. "But you'll still keep your walls up. It's necessary, isn't it." Emerald bore into him, because the simple fact was she had now gotten even. He knew her name, but she knew more than expected about him. "Did I answer your questions?"

[Mr. Black]

Now here was a real woman. He'd spent his entire life meeting and greeting with people. Doing file drops and shooting people in the face but for the first time, he was face to face with a REAL woman. Most were just like most men, shells. Just emptiness pretending they were more than meets the eye when in truth they were just like a bullet casing, spent. This one was different though. She a full metal jacket 7.62X30 round that was ready to blow any mother fucker out of the park. In truth, the prospect excited him. he could feel his heart rate increase as she talked about him. Oh, yeah, she KNEW things. About HIM! While most people would be dead as fried chicken about now she was exactly what he kept thinking. Different. So he would have to be different too. She wasn't just shooting in the dark and happening to hit targets either, no, she wasn't some fortune teller. He could see that. So the coldness in his eyes melted. Replaced with something else, something different, just like her. He had an energy behind his faded blue eyes. Some sort of fire that had been lit. Now to respond. No need for secrets with her. This would be, yet again, different.

"I am." he spoke two words. Not even long ones at that, for his opening statement. "You've got me nailed down more than I'd like to admit." he leaned back in chair and nodded. "Then again, I suppose you had better know things I don't expect you to know. We both do work for Mister Fucking Invisible don't we?" he smiled. He couldn't help himself. he felt like it was the first person he'd spoken to in years that he hadn't felt smarter than. "White and I were something incredible. Something beyond just what we could be by ourselves. Yes, I am trying to work with people. Yes, I am keeping my walls up." yet call out to Jerico because they are coming down. "I'd be a fool to not miss what we were." he shrugged, "But I accept that it's gone. Best to move on to greener pastures." he set his on the table, "So, here we are. My new We." maybe that statement didn't make any real sense but he figured if she was smart enough to know about White, she'd keep up with his poor word choices.

[Wei Qing]

Good. He wasn't going to blow her brains out. She had half expected that that would be his response, even after she answered his questions, but he hadn't done that. She rather liked her face intact. In fact, she liked ALL of her intact and healthy as well. It was sort of a downer otherwise. But in fact, it was the next readjustment to his face that she truly liked the most. There was a relaxation in his eyes and... something else. It wasn't quite clear what it was, but the iciness had faded away. Instead of just a man hiding in a cover before her, she could see the real him in his eyes right now. And that was something only she could see. She rather liked what she saw, but that didn't mean she trusted him farther than she could throw him. But it was probably alright to let herself trust him... a little bit. Just a little bit. They were coworkers after all, and he was certainly the only coworker that she had that knew her real name (ignoring the fact that that was because of the Employer. Why had he told this man? It wasn't as if the Employer made mistakes usually). Either way, the smallest hint of a smile flashed across her features as she sat up straight now.

"I am. You've got me nailed down more than I'd like to admit." See, she didn't get any extra, added satisfaction from hearing the words that she already knew to be true. She had already achieved her goal at this point, and there was no sense in gloating in it. It weakened your state and made you overconfident. Both were dangerous traits to have in a field such as theirs. "Then again, I suppose you had better know things I don't expect you to know. We both do work for Mister Fucking Invisible don't we?" Wei Qing chuckled and shrugged her shoulders lightly, "Tis his intention." Even she knew far less about her boss than she would like to. The man was very good about hiding any true facts about himself. The two smiled at each other, though hers faded faster than it might have normally since, well, it didn't quite fit her current cover. And it was rather important that she kept this cover up and intact. She may already need to discard one due to safety concerns. Bloody Czech. And she still wasn't the most sure about what demon was possessing that man. Bugger. Anyways. Back to the pleasant conversation they were now having after making each other significantly uncomfortable moments before.

"White and I were something incredible. Something beyond just what we could be by ourselves. Yes, I am trying to work with people. Yes, I am keeping my walls up." It was paramount in their line of work. If you didn't keep your walls up, the likelihood of ending up dead in a ditch raised dramatically. Considering her reaction to him knowing her name, he had to be aware that she was the same as him. "I'd be a fool to not miss what we were." Her eyes lowered as her hair slid in front of her eyes. Oh yes, she knew quite well what it was like to have an amazing partnership that.... Hornet surprised her yet again as she had the distinct sensation of his arm wrapping around her shoulders within her mind. He was comforting her. That was two unheard actions from her demon in one sitting. Thank you. No problem. He never ceased to randomly amaze her at times. "But I accept that it's gone. Best to move on to greener pastures." Her eyes raised once more as she gave a small nod, for he was absolutely right. She had taken her time to mourn. Now she continued onward as she knew he would have wanted her to do.

"So, here we are. My new We." Wei Qing allowed another smile as she brushed her hair aside again, a hand reaching out to draw her notebook back towards herself. The picture on the page had done its duty, and considering what he said, he didn't need it as a reminder. Unless he surprised her and asked for it, though she doubted that would be the case. "And we, or I, welcome you to us." She spoke quietly, a surprising gentleness in the statement at least until she heard Duessa in her ear. "Risk of detection increased by 10%. He is running another scan." Well shit. It was time for her to go. She paused while sliding the notebook into her bag, glancing again at the page before she ripped out the page and left it on the table. "You don't have to take it if you don't want to." She packed up her backpack and looked at him again while glancing at a watch on her wrist, hoping that the damned Czech wouldn't recognize her. "I'm afraid I must depart. I'm sure we'll speak again soon Mr. Black. Until then, good day." And with that she shouldered her backpack and headed for the door, slipping out into the streets as she wandered towards the train station. Yes, it was time to throw off a tail.

[EXIT THREAD]

[Sponsored content]