AGENT FOX

Disclaimer: I do not own the Mutant X series or it's characters, just borrowed them for this story.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 11, 2002 - 1100 HOURS CENTRAL - LOCATION: SANCTUARY

Adam sat back in his chair, tapping his finger on his desk, deep in thought.

Shalimar and Brennan appeared in the doorway. "Hey, Adam. Brennan and I are gonna go check on one of the safehouses. Someone thought they saw a guy lurking around the other night."

Adam looked at Shalimar and then at Brennan. "Brennan, can you take Jesse with you instead. I have to have a talk with Shalimar."

Brennan looked at Adam with confusion. "Yeah, sure. I'll catch you later, Shal."

Shalimar entered Adam's office, closing the door behind her. "What'd I do now?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest as she sat down.

"No, no, it's nothing that you've done. It's actually something I need you to do."

Shalimar studied his face for a moment. "Judging by the look on your face I can only imagine what it is."

"Let's just say that I'm not too happy about it but you're the best I've got." Adam paused as he ran his hands through his hair. "I just got a call from Agent McKenna from the F.B.I. He wants to 'borrow' a new mutant for his investigation and he insisted on a female. There's no doubt in my mind that you have the ability to handle the job, but that doesn't make me feel any better about it."

Shalimar's brow creased in confusion, "Why does he need a new mutant? And a female? This guy some kinda perv or something?"

"He said he couldn't get into the specifics of the investigation but he said he needed a female because people are less likely to think females are cops. And he wants a new mutant because the investigation involves either mutants or new mutants." Adam stood up and came around to the front of his desk. "I've known Doug McKenna for years, he's very good at his job and wouldn't contact me with such a request if he deem it completely necessary. He knows how I feel about all of you."

Shalimar took in all of the information and began thinking it over.

"Another part of this mission is that you would be completely out of contact with all of us during this time, in order to preserve the secrecy of Sanctuary."

Shalimar quickly looked up at him.

"You don't have to do it if you don't want to. But I need to give him an answer today. I..."

"I'll do it," Shalimar said as she cut him off.

Adam knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in his. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I can do this."

Adam smiled but inside he wanted to scream in protest. "I'll give him a call then and let him know." Adam stood up and went to the phone.

Shalimar sat quietly, thinking to herself.

THURSDAY - AUGUST 12, 2002 - 1400 HOURS CENTRAL - LOCATION: SANCTUARY


Adam brought Doug into Sanctuary after removing the special blinders from his eyes. The Mutant X team was assembled in the hallway, waiting to say good bye to Shalimar.

"Doug, this is Shalimar."

Doug extended his hand and she shook it. "It's nice to meet you," she said with a smile.

"We'll take good care of her, Adam, I promise. Well, I'll give you a few minutes to say your good byes and we'll be on our way." Doug walked away from the group as he checked out his surroundings.

Emma and Jesse gave Shalimar a hug and wished her well. Then it was Brennan's turn.

He gave her a nervous smile. "I'm gonna miss you. Please be careful and come back in one piece."

She smiled back and then leaned close to him, placing her lips over his. As she kissed him she placed her Comlink ring in his hand. "Hold this for me until I get back."

He squeezed it tightly. "You bet."

Adam put his arm around her shoulders, comforting her. He took Doug and Shalimar to the Double Helix and they flew off to where Adam had met up with Doug.

When they landed, Adam gave Shalimar a hug good bye, "Please be careful."

"Always," she said with a creak in her voice.

Adam watched as Doug and Shalimar exited the plane and sighed deeply as the door closed behind them.

Doug helped Shalimar put her bags in his car and then opened the car door for her. "When we get to our field station you'll be briefed and given standard equipment. By tonight we'll be able to devise a plan and get this mission underway."

Shalimar watched as the Double Helix disappeared into the air, a single tear rolled down her cheek.