(Callie)
The maze of underground corridors extended seemingly without end.Callie walked near the back of the pack right next to her partner and boss Dustin.She couldn't help but feel anxious as she walked next to Dustin, having to slow her pace, so he didn't need to jog to keep up.
During their spiraling walk, she couldn't help but get excited, as she could be meeting with Peyton today..
It was rather frustrating being so tall sometimes.Her long legs covered ground much quicker than most people's shorter legs.She glanced at her boss.He was walking silently, seeming lost in thought with a troubled expression on his face.The mans deep brown eyes were a stark contrast to Taniyas, light hazel.
But his short dirty blond hair and slightly upturned nose bore a stark resemblance to Taniyas.Despite being younger, Taniya was already nearly as tall as her older brother and might pass him up in a few years.Her thoughts tumbled and she wonder which of the secari would offer a bargain? To hide her anxiety, she turned to Dustin in an attempt to change her mental track.
"Crown for your thoughts? You seem troubled."Callie said, anxious for several reasons. For one, Warren told her about their plan to go after Sergile tonight, and it was now past six in the morning. She glanced at Major Farlens' dark expression, for once his expression was matched by Dustins.
Dustin glanced at her, his dark brown eyes assessing, as though trying to see if she could be trusted. Callie scowled at the look, hating the fact that he was right to not trust her. "Politicians rarely move fast, but after the assassination of senator Sergile two hours ago, they revisited one of the Secari's offers for a bargain." Dustin said vaguely, his tone still far away in thought.
"I didn't see that on the news?" Callie said, feigning shock. Villus and Warren had really done it despite her objections? Dustin eyed her from under thick brows, his intense hazel eyes staring into hers."That's natural because we stepped in and confiscated the video for the time being until we can get ahead of this massive disaster."Dustin said with a scowl, his eyes flashing angrily.
"What can I do to help?" Callie asked, her tone sincere. Dustin took in a deep, calming breath, his pace halting as they fell a little behind Major Farlen. "We need to get the names and perhaps even the faces of the Secari that are loose in the city. If you can get that from our prisoner, it could stop their killings." Dustin said, some desperation leaking into the man's usually stoic tone.
Callie nodded her head, her long black hair falling over her eyes and partly hiding her concerned expression. "If I can convince this Secari to talk, I will, no matter what."Callie said, hoping Dustin couldn't see the lie in those words.
Dustin nodded, and his shoulders ever so slightly relaxed after her proclamation.Callie's eyes linger on his form fitting shirt where it clung to his back where she could see the toned muscle ripple as he walked.Her eyes wander down his back to his waist.
The mans hips only sway slightly as he walked, but that was more than enough to draw her eyes like magnets.Why was the man wearing such formfitting pants? Was he doing that on purpose?
Ahead, major Farlen led the way, leading both Callie and Dustin through the bustling navy base.Every time they passed a group of soldiers, they would stop and salute the major before continuing on. So far, the place was a dammed maze of identity checks and rechecks.
Callie bit her lip, concerned they would find something incriminating about her.She would need to do a thorough check on her personal identity and add more details for a more convincing cover identity later.Her cover was excellent, but she didn't want to risk getting found out by being lazy.After so many checks by enforcers, she was getting paranoid about her cover.
The worst part about this unexpected interrogation is Callie didn't have the time to hack into the navy building and steal a map of their flight hangers.She wasn't even sure she could find her way back to the surface through this labyrinth, and that made her anxious.The hallways were a blur of white-washed walls and cameras.Enforcers and soldiers alike patrolled the hallways, either on duty or going about their day.
Callie, Dustin and Major Farlen walked past giant air locks leading to launch bays for the military ships.More than once, forklifts carried large pallets of missiles or large tungsten slugs down the wide halls.
Despite having the major lead them, Callie had to allow herself to be searched three separate times. She almost punched a soldier after the man got a little too handsy for her liking.Now the major ass had her pistol and extra magazines as well as her knife.
She gritted her teeth at the thought, scowling.At least she still had her ceramic knife tucked up against her inner thigh, a faint smile crossed her face at the minor victory.Dustin glanced at her, catching her look of concern.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you will do fine with the prisoner." Said Dustin, smiling reassuringly. Dustin reached out and the tips of his warm fingers touched her hand for just a moment. Callie's heart beat faster, she looked away. It must be because they were walking faster, she thought.
"That's not was I was thinking about.I'm worried one of those enforcers will run off with my custom p223. That pistol is exclusive to Salia or Etria. You can't even but that brand of pistol here unless you are rich." Said Callie, scowling at the major's back.
" It will be fine.If they don't give it back when we leave, we can find ways to make the major's life difficult." Said Dustin, his voice loud enough for major Farlen to hear.
Major Farlen scowled at her, judging by the heavy bags under the man's eyes and drooping eyelids, the man was on his wits end.
" You're not worried about your pistol?" Asked Callie, ignoring the major and looking away from another of the roof mounted cameras.
" Not really, it's just a standard issue nine millimeter.I can find a new one pretty much anywhere." Said Dustin, shrugging unconcernedly.
" That's a good idea to carrie it then. Not only will no one find the weapon strange no matter where you are, but finding ammo will be easy." Said Callie, liking the man's practicality.
"Yeah, having a unique weapon is not good for an undercover operation." Said Dustin, glancing suggestively to Callie's distinct leather shoulder holster.
" I know Right, I have trouble finding ammo for my p223." Said Callie, scowling as she patted her empty holster."You will need to get a new, less unique pistol when we go undercover." Said Dustin.
"I dont know if I want to get rid of my p223, it's a reliable weapon."Callie said, patting her empty holster.
" Cut the chatter, we are here!" said Major Farlen grumpily, glaring back at them.The man reached out, scanning his palm on a hand scanner.The steel door hissed and opened, allowing all three of them to enter.A man and a woman were in the room staring through a glass window on the right wall.
They both wore black enforcer uniforms, and each bore several green stars on their chest indicating they were artists.Both of the enforcers stood, saluting crisply upon seeing the major enter.
"Has the prisoner spoken since I left?" Major Farlen asked, approaching the two enforcers.
"No sir, he is still disturbingly silent aside from a lullaby in Etrian."Reply the woman of the two instantly.The major furrowed his brow and let out a sigh. The major wiped his forehead and gesture at both of the people in the room.
"These two are a part of the integration core.They are Taylor and Jack."Major Farlen said, gesturing to each in turn.Taylor was perhaps sixty years old dressed in a crisp black uniform that starkly contrasted with her greying hair and mousy brown eyes.While Jack was perhaps thirty, with long curly brown hair and a hooked bulbous nose that made him seem like a toad.
"Is she the Etrian translator?" Taylor asked, her mousy brown eyes boring into Callie.She gave the woman a kind smile, receiving an untrusting glare.
"I pulled a few favours from our friends at the Devali and now she is here."Major Farlen said distastefully, clearly not liking the decision.Callie strode forwards, unable to contain her curiosity anymore.She had to know who was inside that prison cell.The cell came into view, its padded white-washed walls, plain metal desk and chairs a hallmark of interrogation rooms everywhere.
Her heart skipped a beat when the man came into focus.His face was still a shade of purplish blue from where he was bruised, but he was sitting tall and had a look of consternation on his face.Callie couldn't help but smile. Peyton's stance screamed defiance. Despite being dressed in a blue jumpsuit and chained to a chair that was bolted to the floor, Peyton looked relaxed, as though he was in a fine diner.
"So this is him?" Callie asked, her tone sounding mildly hostile. She took in Peytons tangled shoulder-length brown hair.Her friends emerald green eyes stare back at the glass window with an intensity that, to most, would be deeply concerning.
"Yeah that's him, his name is Peyton."Dustin said, walking over and standing next to the window."You have met him before?" Callie asked, raising an eyebrow.Dustin scratched his clean-shaven chin, cracking a smile.
"Well, it was my job to transport Peyton to Berdant, so I met him alright."Dustin said, eying Peyton with a certain level of weariness.
"Can I go in alone?" Callie asked, her respect for Dustin growing. It wouldn't be easy to get Peyton to talk.
"Of course not. He is a trained assassin, he will tear a little girl like you apart."Taylor reply her voice like a whip.
"Callie can handle herself, but I will go in with her."Reply Dustin sharply, immediately saving Callie from answering.The Older woman took a step back, glancing from Dustin to Major Farlen, a question in her eyes.Major Farlen clearly done with people's shit for the day gesture Callie to the door leading into the cell.
"We will lock you in from the outside.If he escapes, it may take time for us to intervene.You will probably die like the last guy."Taylor said seriously.Callie nodded, her face a calm, confident mask, that too the two interrogators and major Farlen might appear as overconfidence.
"Please, open the door.I'm not worried about that.I will hold him at bay long enough for you to intervene."Callie said coldly.Dustin moved to follow her as Taylor open the door to the cell with a scowl.
Callie really hoped Peyton could hold a straight face as he was about to get the surprise of a lifetime.With three people behind the glass watching and Dustin next to her, she enter his cell.Peyton straitened himself, his eyes focused on the door as Callie and Dustin enter.
She had to give him credit, he saw her and only faintly showed his shock.It was so brief that Callie and hopefully everyone else would dismiss it as him being shocked to see Dustin."Well now, what have we here? Do you think eye candy will force me to talk?" Peyton Asked, speaking in Etrian, his tone light and cheery.
"Arre you talkin bout me? Or mi partnerr?" Dustin asked his Etrian, laced with a heavy Zrixian accent.Callie smirked, glancing at Dustin.The mans Zrixian accent was distinct, instantly giving him away.Not to mention Dustin just used the word Partner in the wrong context, indicating he was proclaiming Callie as his wife, not his work partner.
"Oh, why would you bring your wife here, captain?" Asked Peyton, a small smile on the man's lips at the blunder.Dustin glanced at Callie, who was smirking."Maybe I should let you lead the conversation, I'm just making a fool with my poor Etrian."Dustin said, reverting to his native Zrixian, his cheeks flushing a light shade of red.
"I am not his wife, and no, we are not dating. We work together as professionals."Callie said, her face a mask.It was hard to hide her excitement at finally seeing Peyton again.
"Oh, your Etrian is quite good.Where did you learn it?" Peyton asked calmly, feigning ignorance."That is none of your concern, now get to the point."Callie snapped, putting venom into her tone.She had to come across as hostile towards Peyton, otherwise Dustin might get suspicious.After all, in her fake ID it was the Secari that killed her mentor.
Peyton's eyes bore into her, and he leaned back in his chair, feigning boredom.Despite that, she could see the bags under his eyes and the tightness in his posture.Peyton was definitely worried, he was just hiding it well.
"What brings you to my luxurious suite?" Peyton asked, glancing around his bare cell.
"Well, my employer said that you want to strike a deal? And I am here to translate."Callie replied, standing across the table from Peyton.He straightened up smiling a split lipped smile."What kind of deal are you talking about?" Peyton asked, excited but trying to hide it.
"Well, the deal they are willing to offer depends on the information you are willing to give them?" Callie asked.Sure she was exited for this meeting but now Callie was worried what Peyton might reveal.
"I can offer up the appearance and names of the two secari still out there."Peyton said dryly, watching Dustin' while he said that.
Callie turned to Dustin, smiling."He is offering up two of the secari."Callie said, making sure to show her excitement. But those words struck her hard. Would Peyton really give up the appearance of Villus and Warren? Well, she didn't care if he gave up Villus, but Warren was different.
"What does he want in return?" Dustin asked, furrowing his brow.Callie turned to Peyton, who was pretending like he didn't understand Zrixian.
"Well? What do you want in exchange for that information."Callie Asked, raising an eyebrow at Peyton."I want to be allowed a pardon, and a chance at starting a new life."Peyton said, his tone calm.Excitement filled her. If this actually worked, then Callie was going to be ecstatic, Peyton could be free without her help.
Callie told Dustin what Peyton wanted.Dustin grimaced and shaking his head, glanced towards the one-way window."That is too much. We can't just let him go, he is a trained assassin!" Dustin exclaimed, clearly not even considering it.
"Nope, try again.That is too much."Callie said, turning back to Peyton.
"That is my deal.If you want the identities of both of the remaining secari, then you will need to allow me my freedom."Peyton said, his tone unbending.
Dustin scowled at the request, gesturing to the door.The door opened with a click, and Callie followed him out of the interrogation room.Major Farlen, Taylor and Jack were talking quietly as Callie and Dustin exited the cell.With a click, the door shut, locking Peyton inside all by himself once more.
"We can't just let him go! He is still a wanted criminal!" Taylor said angrily, her tone concerned..
"Even so, we should at least consider this course of action."Jack said, his bulbous nose jiggling.
"What are your thoughts, Callie?" Dustin asked, speaking softly.Callie furrowed her brow.This was a tough call. She wanted Peytons' freedom so badly it hurt, but saying that would damage her cover.She spoke, hating the words as they came out.
"I think he should be tried and executed for his crimes against the empire.The secari are ruthless and cunning, they will betray us at the first opportunity.Peyton will simply stab us in the back when it's convenient."Callie said, swallowing down the bile in her throat.
Dustin nodded slowly but cocked his head."That is something we will need to think on.Freedom is off the table but there is the possibility of a type of freedom if he is willing to work with us."Dustin said, deep in thought.
"You mean like he comes and works for the Devali?" Callie asked with a scowl, trying really hard to show her displeasure.
"What do you think, major? He is your prisoner? Would you be open to offering him conditional freedom?" Dustin asked, with a sour expression on his face.
"Perhaps indentured servitude could work if he is under supervision. But there would need to be some serious consequences if he breaks the deal."Major Farlen said, biting his lip and shaking his head.
"I don't know if that will work for my organization. Would you be willing to hold responsibility for the man, major? The enforcers are much better equipped for babysitting." Dustin asked, seriously.
"But I am a part of the enforcers. We don't do assassins and spies, that is why we have the Devali!" Major Farlen said angrily, his face a red mask of perspiration. The man paced back and forth growling, his face unhappy as he considered the desperate idea. His two interrogators stood aside, unable or unwilling to interrupt his tantrum.
Callie whisper," He doesn't have a choice, does he?" Dustin frowned, deep in thought.
"No, this isn't something we thought we might even consider. But after the shooting of senator Sergile, the major is being pressured by every politician in the city and many in the capital who are now terrified they might end up in a puddle of their own blood." Dustin said, his tone low.
"Do you think he will take the deal?" Callie asked, disgust in her voice."Perhaps, but this is an enormous risk. Peyton could betray them and someone will die, but he could also stop the senseless killing if he is genuine in his desire to start over."Dustin said, his eyes focused on the prisoner.
"Do you think he is genuine in his desire to start over?" Callie asked, uncertain of herself. Her friend could just want out, and this was his chance to avoid execution. What would she do if that was her only option? Her chest tightened, perhaps she would do the same to avoid death.
"Could you forgive the empire if we attacked your home and killed all of your comrades for what they believed?" Dustin asked, his question striking close to her heart. She open her mouth, and then closed it, biting her lip in an effort not to answer truthfully. Could she ever forgive the empire for what they did?
She took in a deep breath of the purified air of the interrogation room and glanced at Dustin's assessing dark hazel eyes. "Perhaps I could forgive the empire as a whole, but I don't think i could forgive the ones responsible."Callie said, her reply surprisingly honest. After living in the empire, she no longer desired its complete eradication, but instead she was more looking to kill only the ones responsible.
Dustin nodded at that, taking in her words with a stern seriousness that she didn't expect. Maybe he caught onto her sincerity and so was taking those words to heart. Callie glanced at the major, who was pacing like a caged lion, wanting to thrash out but knowing he had to obey his masters.
Callie allowed herself a small smile of genuine excitement. If she was reading the room right, then Peyton would be off death row and possibly working with the enforcers. But that would come at a cost, and Callie was concerned that might cost Warren identity, and even his life.After all the only reason Warren and Villus could move so freely was the fact no one knew what they looked like.