Chapter 1:

The propellors of the helicopter spun above them deafeningly. Eames and Arthur stared at each other uneasily as it landed.

"Three guesses about who our next guest is?" Eames offered, a smirk playing on his lips. Arthur produced no reply, he knew who it would be, he just couldn't understand why, or how. Arthur had been first on board, presumed it was just a solo job, but an hour or so later, when Eames had also been collected, he'd begun to suspect it could be more serious. Sure enough, a few moments later, the door opened and Ariadne stepped on board, clutching the strap of her bag tightly. She sank into the seat next to Arthur, lines of concern rapidly etching themselves into her face.

"What the hell's going on?" She was confused, and neither of her companions could blame her. It was unnerving that they had all been brought together; no one knew that they had worked on the inception job together, except - "Cobb?" she asked, her thoughts carrying her to a conclusion Arthur and Eames had arrived at a while before.

"Already checked," Arthur told her, showing her the phone that he was clutching tightly in his hand. "We have no idea what's going on."

They fell into silence, their thoughts captivating them despite the deafening noise. Arthur plunged his hand into his pocket, exhaling deeply as he found the loaded die. He had double checked numerous times that this wasn't a dream, but he still didn't like the fact that someone else seemed to be calling the shots. His next move was to the gun that was tucked into his waistline beneath his blazer. It made him feel reassured, like at least he was able to retain one modicum of control. He didn't like the fact that someone knew they had worked together, especially as they had only had fleeting contact with each other since the Fischer job.

Time seemed to drift by in bursts as they continued on their journey, by the time the helicopter landed Ariadne's knuckles were white she was clutching the seat so hard. The door opened and they were ushered into a building, being led through various corridors until they arrived at a door. "Dmitri Martov" was stamped into the gold plaque on the door and a silent wave of recognition swept through the group.

"New job?" Eames murmured to Arthur as they were showed into the room.

"It would seem that way."


The room was square, with wood-panelled walls that seemed to fade into shadow at each corner. It felt claustrophobic, an extraordinarily uncomfortable feeling for three people who spent most of their time within dream labyrinthes.

A middle aged man sat behind the mahogany desk in front of them, his dark eyebrows furrowed and his hands clasped together, resting calmly on the front of his charcoal grey suit.

"How did you hear about us?" Eames interjected into the silence, asking the question all three of them had in their minds, his British voice far too light for the seriousness of the situation. Arthur looked at the ceiling, trying to assess every aspect of the room without attracting attention; he was a man of detail, and felt much more comfortable once he knew where he was and what was within his capabilities.

"I have my contacts," Martov's voice was inscrutable, and they waited for his instruction, realising they would get no more explanation than that. They watched as he leaned forward, opening a folder that was on his desk and flicking through it briefly. "My corporation has only one major international rival. Smith Security is the only company that is preventing my own from becoming the undisputed world leader in cyber security. I want to know how I can destroy it. I want to know what Timothy Smith's going to do before he does it. This is why I've brought you here. His daughter," he paused, sliding a photograph of a blonde woman towards them. "I want you to extract any information you can from her."

Eames rolled his eyes surreptitiously, it was all so hopelessly mundane. Corporate sabotage. It was always the same.

"Sir, why not go straight through Smith himself? Why the daughter?" Arthur asked, his voice betraying his confusion at their contract.

"Because he is one of the most heavily guarded men on this earth and the daughter may know something we could use. They haven't exactly been known for having a perfect father-daughter relationship."

"May know? We normally go on more than the strength of speculation." Eames was beginning to sound annoyed.

"Well considering I'll be paying you each one million dollars I'm not expecting you to question me too much."

"And if we get nothing from the girl?" Ariadne chimed in.

"Then it'll be up to you to work out how best to get the information I need. But I will not be happy if you come back to me with nothing."


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