CHAPTER ONE: MISSION

In retrospect, Cinder probably should have stomped her foot and told Captain "No!" when she had the chance.

But that would have gotten her fired, and since her surgery, she was so ready to go back out on the field. Hunt down bad guys, flash her FBI badge, bust down some doors. She guessed beggars couldn't be choosers.

Levana Blackburn, head of The Lunar Corporation, had a murder case that trailed back to her, a man by the name Evret Hayle. They couldn't find any leads on her, and eventually the chase ran cold. The FBI decided to close the case and labeled the death a suicide.

But then Cinder had joined the agency. She didn't like to brag, but in the two years she had been there, she liked to think she was the best at her job. Of course, her job was to go in and wave around a gun.

She was sure she could never do what Crescent Moon Darnel did. She was their top hacker. Give her 10 minutes and wifi, and be assured that the rest of your life is forever ruined.

And of course, she was no actor. Winter and Jacin Clay were the ones to go to if you needed someone to go undercover. If they had to, they could pretend to be homeless; and by the end of day one, could have accumulated hundreds of dollars. It also didn't help that both of them were just naturally beautiful people.

And Carswell Thorne kept them all in check. Although his official title was 'Director,' he insisted they call him Captain. He was a nice guy to hang around with, but he could be downright terrifying.

And then there was just Cinder. The girl who walked in quietly, checked every door, stopped whatever was happening that wasn't right. She wasn't a people person, but there was something in her voice that made people put the knife down, or lower the gun and put your hands behind your head.

Cinder loved her job. Sure, it got depressing at times when she couldn't save someone, but for the most part, she liked the adrenaline rush, the pounding of her heart, the sound of a gun clattering to the floor.

So of course she accepted the mission to take down Levana Blackburn (even if she didn't really have a choice).

She was shuffling through some of her cases when a knock came on the door. Cress poked her heart shaped face inside. "Captain wants to see you," she said softly.

Cinder nodded and got up. She stretched her muscles, stiff from sitting at her desk all day. She followed Cress to Thorne's office. Her prosthetic hand shined under the poor lighting.

As she walked in, she saw Winter and Jacin in there also. She brushed it off.

"Hello, Agent Linh. Please sit down."

She almost rolled her eyes at the formalities, but sat down anyway.

"Agent Darnel, you too."

Cinder turned around. Cress was still there? What for? She started to get a tingly feeling in her gut.

Cress took a hesitant seat next to Cinder.

Thorne laced his fingers together and leaned forward on the desk. He suddenly looked older, as if the simple gesture made him age years.

"Well," he started, "I'm not one to beat around the bush. So I'll just say it."

He paused for a breath, but continued.

"You all are going to go undercover to the Lunar Corporations Masquerade. It is held yearly at the Blackburn Mansion. This year is special, however, because they are celebrating the alliance they have made with Eastern Commonwealth Incorporated.

"We have just reopened the case thanks to Agent Darnel-,"he smiled faintly, "-who has provided us just enough information. We believe there is hidden information we have not yet uncovered on a specific computer in the mansion. We need you all to go find this computer. There will be two other agents who are also assigned this mission. They are from a covert operations in France. You will meet them at the party. Once you have completed the mission, there will be a specific black van waiting for you with the keys in the ignition. Only call for backup if absolutely necessary.

"Questions?"

Cinder's brain exploded. Clumps of gooey mush in Winter's beautiful hair, blood on the walls, her headless body slumped in the chair.

Well, that wasn't what exactly happened. But it may as well have been.

Cress actually whimpered. "B-But Captain," she stuttered, "I-I can't go to this party! I think I'd do much better behind a computer screen-"

"This mission is not up for discussion," he said sharply. Cress flinched, sinking in her seat. Her crystal blue eyes misted over.

"I wouldn't give you this mission if I didn't believe in you," he said, his voice softer.

"Uh, excuse me, Captain," Cinder sharply cut in. "I have a wonderful idea. How about all of them go in while I wait it out and lead them around the house. If things get rough, I can obviously run in, you know-"

"If things get rough," he glared at her, "you'll already be in the field so you can immediately jump in."

She glared right back, but said nothing more.

Thorne turned his head sharply to Winter and Jacin. "Anything you need to add?"

Winter nodded solemnly. "Yes, Captain." She paused.

"Well go on, spit it out."

"What are we wearing?"

Thorne smirked, and Cinder felt irrational fear. "We already have your outfits picked for you."

-DAS-

A/N: Hey guys! I was looking at some prompts on tumblr and I saw this super prompt: "hijacking a car with someone in the back." Not sure when I can update again, but be ready for the next chapter.

Knowing Cinder's terrible luck, this would probably happen to her. Short chapter, but I intentionally didn't make this a long story.

Peace~

DivineAuthorOfSassiness~