(( Is it just me or are most of the First Order assassins either psychotically out of their minds, or not fanatical enough? >.>;; <.<;; ))

Earlier

A long silence fell over the room after Scrya was done speaking, and it became uncomfortable in a hurry. "So, Wolf..." she started, clearing her throat softly. "I read your after-action report."

"Yeah?" Wolf asked, nodding his head almost absently.

"I read about what you did for Kaitlin..." She rose from her sent then, and went over towards him, adding, "How you were able to save her."

She gestured for him to hold up his hand, and as he tried to say something she stopped him, putting a finger to her lips. He blinked at her and stayed silent, then raised his hand, palm towards her, as she'd asked. She placed her palm against his gently, and looked into his eyes as he suddenly felt a rush of something unexplainable... emotion... fear? Sadness? Hope... a tingling sensation... within the span of a second, he could hear her thoughts and feel everything she felt... the two of them were suddenly one entity as their nanites communicated emotions and thoughts between each other. Even as she spoke, his lips tried to move a bit as he heard her thoughts and tried to say them himself, but he was able to stop himself a couple words in before he looked foolish. "You've taken your first step," she whispered.

As quickly as the connection was made it vanished, leaving him to blink and stare at her blankly as she went back over and sat next to Wraith, taking his hand in hers again and leaning her weight on the bed next to him.

(( Errrr... >_>; ))

OOC: Wow...that was actually very thought provoking, Zeph.

BIC: Wolf recalled his...experience with Scrya as the jet headed back across the Atlantic.

She said I've taken my first step...but towards what? he wondered as he looked at his hand. Is there more to all of this? Is there more to the nano-augs than really meets the eye?

Kaitiln snapped Wolf out of his ruminations. "You've been staring at your hand for 30 minutes and it's obvious you don't use pot...what gives?"

"Nothing...it's just that connection between my own nanites and Scrya's has gotten me thinking."

"About what?"

"About whether there's more to them. If there really is a limit to how they can be used...and I keep feeling like I've barely scratched the surface of their capabilites. I mean...I was able to feel what she was feeling, and think what she was thinking...like some kind of mind-meld."

"Well, we've all seen what they can be used for, and how...maybe you were meant to find out how to best use them for good. Maybe she was trying to show you how to connect with them so that you become one with your augmentations...so that they become a part of yourself...an extension of yourself. And that there's endless possibilites as to how they can be used."

"...possibly..." Wolf simply said as the Phantom began to enter American airspace.

OOC: Also, Zeph, all of the assassins are fanatical and psychotic, it's just that some of them are deluded into being that way, as MC showed us.

OOC: Time skip a smidge...

BIC: Jade opened her eyes to a bright light. Great, the hospital. I'm here far too many times... She tried to get up, but winced in pain as she lay back down. Her shoulder and ribs were completely wrapped tight with tape, and her leg was in a cast. She took a deep breath and almost cried out from pain. I guess I'm not completely healed yet, but my nanos should have kicked in. Dr. Oedipe chose that moment to walk in, and upon seeing Jade's expression gave her a look. "You tried to get up didn't you? Why are you so eager to hurt yourself again?"

"Why aren't I healed yet? My nanos..."

"Your nanos were burnt out completely, especially from you running around with that shoulder wound. I locked them down to rest at least until your major injuries heal normally as to not strain them. I'm restricting you to bed rest and DON'T try to argue with me."

"I wouldn't dream of it. How are the others?"

"Wolf and Kailtin are fine as is Scrya. Wraith and Devin are recovering. Angel...is still in a coma, but he has an excellent chance of waking up."

"And Monk?"

"Well after I kicked him out of here because he wouldn't leave you, he apparently slept for three days strait. He's healed though and I'm pretty sure he wants to see you, think you're up to it?"

"Of course." A few minutes later Monk peeked his head into the room. "So, Monk or Myth, which one do I get this time?"

Dr. Oedupe walked out of the room, only to bump into Monk's body which had healed pretty well, save the few scars and brusies that still covered his torso. "She'll see you now."

"I know." Monk smiled and popped his head in. Jade asked who it was, but she knew full well it was Monk, there was a softness in the brown of his eyes that gave it away. "The doc said you were good for a visit." She nodded as he sat down on the bed next to her, taking one of her hands in both of his. "I'm... so sorry that I couldn't get to you in faster time..."

The comatose Angel had been forcefully healed enough to allow him to breath on his own.

However, the doctors had also determined that he stood a good chance of being paralyzed from the waist down.

That, and sneezing wasn't killing him anymore. There was also a nice scar running along the left side of his face as well.

OOC: Does anyone besides me think SS is not so subtly hinting us to authorize the use of nano-augmentations on Angel?

BIC: Kaitiln had spent the past few days recovering and giving her nanites time to reactivate. Wolf, on the other hand, was consistently busy. Since Jade had been rendered unconscious from her battle in France, Wolf was busy dealing with all the PR praise and backlash that came with the victory. The good news was that most of the news about their victory was good, praising the Cyber Force for their decisive action at the risk of their own lives. Unfortunately, President Hammond (USA) was torn between praising Devin and Angel, and wanting to immolate them for the damage incurred to the White House. Some of the smaller nations of the world were also calling the Cyber Force overrated, and were asking why the teams hadn't done anything to help their countries, which had been beseiged for so long.

I wonder where I could smack that guy and not get caught, Wolf thought as he shut off CNN in the middle of Hammond's bipolar speech. Maybe if I borrowed one of Knight's cloaking devices...no...I need to focus on something other than beating up elected officials

He turned back to Scrya's cryptic message, and was still baffled. Where is all this going? he wondered. Of course...I could just ask...and maybe I will...but later. Right now I want to try and figure this out for myself.

"No, it's my fault for running into there thinking I could be of use"

Monk sighed. "No... I welcome the help, I'm just ashamed that you had to go through all that pain." He bowed his head and took a deep breath. "You know... he was my best friend."

Jade winced again as she took a breath. "I had no idea...it must have been hard for you to kill him."

"Not... really. He had strayed from the path, even he knew that. That was the only chance of redemption for him." He decided to change the subject by asking a stupid question, "So uh... how are you?" He put on an akward smile.

"Well, I'm in pain for one thing, but I'll live, I always do. What about you?"

"Walking about. My body heals pretty quick, and I don't need any machines in me to do that." He patted his chest. "Yep... this body has served me well"

"It would seem so. Well, at least this phase of battles is over with, but you have to wonder how many more battles we have to fight."

"Too many... we have already fought too many battles." His gand gripped hers a little tighter. "I dont know how much longer we can keep pulling off victories."

"I know, it seems every time we get closer to death. Angel's in a coma."

His head dropped, clenching teeth, squeezing harder. "This is getting rediculous..."

"Uh..hand squeezing...I don't need anymore injuries."

"Huh?" He looked down at his hands, and quickly let go, "I'm so sorry!"

"It's ok. I can understnad your frustrations. If I wasn't in bed, I'd be breaking something."

"No... you stay in bed, you hear me?"

"Yea, yea I hear you not that you ever listen to me though."

Monk chuckled, "This is true... but I'll stop in and make SURE you stay in bed. I'll hold you down myself I f I have to..."

"I'll stay in bed I promise..." Jade was silent for a minute. "Can I ask you something?"

Monk just looked deep into her eyes, "Of course..."

"Well you kind of turned into Myth a couple of times..."

"Well... Uh..." He looked around. "What was the question?"

"Well, is he...safe?"

Monk grinned, "Yes... he is. In fact, he saved you."

"Are you two, the same person?"

Monk had to think for a minute before he could give an answer. "N... no. No we're not."

"Oh well, tell him thanks then."

"No need. He already knows."
"Oh, I see. And you...thanks for saving me as well."

Monk smiled and leaned in slowly, whispering softly, "Well... it wasn't like I could let you die... I mean... what would happen to this team?"

"I doubt you saved me because of the team, but good try"

"The team got along just fine when I was in jail."

The love-struck fighter dropped his head in defeat. "All right... then how about this?" He placed a hand on her cheek, "It wasn't like I could let you die... I mean..." He leaned in lower, "what would happen to me?"

"Hmmm...I wouldn't know, I'd be dead remember? You tell me."

"I wouldn't be able to go on... I would be so depressed that I couldn't... wouldn't go on. Jade... I love you."

"I love you too, that's why I'm not going anywhere." Jade wrapped her good arm around Monk's neck and pulled him in closer. "I promise that I won't leave you if youwon't leave me."

"It's be hard to push me away..." He leaned in ever so close. "I'm pretty strong." With that, he closed his eyes and matched lips with the fallen warrior.

Jade pressed into Monk's kiss and winced a little, but would not break it if her life depended on it.

Monk could sense her pain, pushed in for another moment, then peeled off of her. "No... none of that right now... Right to bed with you Missy..." He stood upright.

"But...aw..."

Jade lay back in bed, "fine I'll be good. Wouldn't want you and the doctor getting on my case."

"Now now..." The caring father leaned in and pulled the blanket up around her neck. "You need some sleep. I promise you, when you're up and about, I"ll kiss you all you want. Trust me, this hurts me just as much as you." He leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Not to mention... I shall be sitting in front of your door. You get up and push that door, you hit my bad and disturb my meditation. You will regret it."

"But what if I need to use the bathroom?"

Monk sighed and pointed to a bag, "Isn't that what that's for?"

"Ew, no! That's for my extra bandages. I don't pee in that."

"Hm..." The obvious non-doctor rubbed the back of his head. "What about that?" He pointed to something else.

"*sigh* Don't worry about it, I was just kidding. I'll be fine."

"That?"

"I was kidding, there's a bathroom behind that door."

"Oh..." The fighter dropped his head and blushed. "I... I knew that." He leaned in and kissed her again on the forehead. "I'll be waiting..."

"Well, I've got nowhere to go, I'll be waiting too."

He got a grip on the doorknob and twisted it, "You sleep... get me."

"I will..."

"I love you Jade... Dream of me?"

"Always."

Monk smiled and left her to her sleeping habits.

Angel's eyes flittered open. He would've sat up, but he was a giant block of pain. Granted, there weren't any tubes stuck into his face. Groaning, he willed his muscles to obey and sat up.

There was a Secret Service sitting in a chair in his room. Asleep. Angel grabbed his PDAP to check the date, but noticed a blinking light that said "New message"

He opened it. And saw a picture of the man he'd supposedly killed before engaging the First Order assasin. The man was dangling Andrea's necklace between his fingers. There was a squirming figure in the background. As Angel watched the man went over and licked the captive before putting up a sign that said "You know what to do"

"SONUVABITCH!" was all Angel could yell before whipping his PDAP as hard as he could at the nearest wall. Before the echos of his yell echoed through the medical wing, his PDAP exploded against the wall.

The echoes shot through the medical wing, and the agent at Angel's bed snapped up, gun levelled at nothing. Angel but his head in his hand, and tried to pull his legs into cross-legged position.

Nothing happened. This time, he merely yelled as he punched the nearest wall hard enough to put a good size hole in it and split a knuckle open.

Wolf still hadn't figured out what Scrya was trying to hint to him...and his attempts to dwell on the subject were constantly interrupted by his other thoughts, mostly about his wounded teammates.

This was way too close for comfort, he thought. Half of the team is rendered out of action for no less than a few days...and Angel...well he keeps falling between stable and critical conditions. On top of that, there's the way I went beserk on that assassin. Sure, it was probably warranted...but did I overdo it? Did I enjoy the visceral thrill of killing way too much?

His thoughts were cut short by a knock at his door. "Come in," he said, and Kaitiln entered. He looked up at her. "I thought you were resting to give your nanites time to come back online?"

"Well, they've been back online for a couple hours now, because my shoulder injury finally sealed up. I thought I might check up on you, see how you're handling things."

"Fine...I guess. Physically I'm ok, but all the press has made my head ache, and I'm still concerned for Jade, Wraith, Devin, and especially Angel. I know they'll be fine, but it still stands as a painful reminder that we were all extremely lucky this time."

"Well, it's better to be lucky than good...and a lot of the Cyber Force is both." Kaitiln said.

"Well, that's true..." Wolf replied. "But there's another thing too, and I'm not talking about that whole 'first step' thing that I haven't figured out yet. My mind has drifted back to the battle...when I completely unloaded on that bitch of an assassin."

"Why exactly?"

"I don't know...for some reason...I think I enjoyed it way too much." Wolf said. "The Magnum round I put in her chest would have killed her...apparently the bullet was a black talon style round, and at the muzzle velocity it went it would have killed even a grizzly bear....and yet I then shot her in the head."

"Well, she was First Order...you were just making sure...besides, you were pissed."

"Well, yeah...but I look back on it...and I took pleasure in the kill...and not from saving you, at least not at that moment. It felt...inhuman."

Kaitlin leaned in and put a reasurring hand on Wolf's shoulder

"Look, it may have felt inhuman then, and even now, but the fact that you realize that isn't so bad. At least you know that it wasn't right to take pride from the kill instead of basking in it. Regret eventually comes to us all."

Wolf smiled and gave Kaitlin a quick peck on the cheek. "I guess you're right...but I still need to make sure I don't ever try to wander down the path of inhumanity again. To do that...we'll need to find an end to this war. Not just for my own sake...but for us all. After all, who knows what the next mission may bring, and who knows how many of us won't make it back?"

"Well, I know you know what I've already promised. And I'm seeing this war out until the end. Mastermind took away too much from me to allow me to just walk out now."

"I know...and I don't plan to leave either. Mastermind drove us apart...but now he's unwittingly made sure we never leave each other." He hugged Kaitlin "I promise I'll keep us both safe."

She let out a small chuckle. "I can take care of myself Jason,"

He smiled. "I know...but you always need to have backup."

OOC: Yes, I know...this makes zip sense.

(( Does this make much more sense? :p ))

They'd moved Wraith over to L.A., but still he was confined to a bed, lungs healing from the injury. Scrya, however, is still at his side, faithfully holding his hand in hers and refusing to move, like a dog attached to its master. Sitting there, staring off into the distance and drifting into her own thoughts as he watches the TV overhead, she finally remembers to ask him something. "Wraith..."

"Mm?"

"...I never knew you had an accent."

He chuckles and turns away a bit, then looks back at her. "Ah us'lly trah to cover it. But raht now ah'm tired an' rilly don' give a fuck."

She giggles softly, grinning toothily at him, but doesn't move much from her place. He looks back to the TV then, and adds, "'Sides, people don' us'lly understan' an accent this thick."

She moves their hands a bit, just looking at him, but then releases and stands suddenly. "I'm gonna go get us something to eat. Okay?"

"Ah'll be right here," he answers, shifting his leg a bit.

Nodding, she then leaves and goes to do what she said.