Mission Prelude

"It's an interesting idea…but I don't see it being popular with any of my teams." The VSSE Director replied to the reputable psychologist sitting across from him. The neat, mousy woman seated across him normally dealt with the psychological review of field agents. Her job was to ensure no one was horribly, horribly traumatized from dealing with that week's villainous psychopath before sending them out into the field again.

Dr Grace Fine straightened her glasses, her confidence unshaken. "I know this experiment might just seem like data collection for some 'frivolous research paper'- but I'm hoping that by understanding the dynamics of the successful teams, I could write a manual to improve team synergy in newer cadets and reduce field casualties. Perhaps you could offer the participating teams a reward of sorts? It works with my cats."

The bearded man gave a light hearted chuckle at the statement. But the doctor did argue a good point, after all, the VSSE was all about saving lives wasn't it? Why not their own? He ran a hand through his well trimmed beard thoughtfully. "Alright then, I'll have my three best teams competing in this social experiment of yours."

After being summoned into the head's office, the three seasoned agents gave each other curious looks, noting the lack of their younger partners at the meeting.

"Dr Fine, may I introduce: Agent Robert Baxter from the top senior team, Agent Wesley Lambert from the top special operations in the American division, and lastly Agent Giorgio Bruno from the top special operations team in the European division." Beamed the director with obvious pride.

The doctor shared a smile in knowing the bearded man had genuinely offered her his cream of the crop for the social experiment. "Now gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet you all for my research. The winning team of the experiment wins what the Director mentioned as the 'Rio mission'. She noted a shift in expressions as soon as the word 'Rio' left her lips. Sounds like the cats like their treat. "The experiment is to give your respective partners unexplained silent treatment, the last person to converse with their partner wins the prize".

"…..That's it? Silent treatment?" asked Robert, skeptical at the simple parameters.

Dr Fine smiled. "If you wish to compete, you'll also have to wear a shoulder mounted camera and microphone of course. And no telling your partners, or someone else's partner about the experiment in any way."

"For those who would like to participate, you'll find your equipment in the armoury." Boomed the leader as he motioned to its general direction. "Good luck gentlemen, you are dismissed."

After a chorus of 'yes sir's and salutes the agents exited the office and made their way to the armoury.

"Walking a bit fast there, you nervous little guy?" teased Robert.

Giorgio snorted, not bothering to look at the taller agent to his right. "Nothing better to calm my nerves than a stay in Rio. At the beach. In a five star resort."

"Heh. Alan's been my best friend since before the VSSE, we're going to win this." Smiled Wesley, at Giorgio's left. "It's not yours just yet Mr Bruno."

"Yet. It will be when you two ass-clowns crack before I do". Replied Giorgio coolly.

Robert let out an indignant noise. "Please, Keith and I have been partnered for longer than either of you kids. Go play in your sandpits while I get the pasty bastard tanned."

Wesley laughed,"He only looks 'pale' when he's standing next to your sun-burnt ass." Giorgio snorted quietly in agreement.

The trio finally reached the armoury and equipped their inconspicuous surveillance equipment. Amidst all their trash talking and bragging, the psychologist began jotting notes in another room, and looked up to smile at three separate monitors which were linked to the agents' surveillance gear. As her screens sprung to life, so did her experiment.

Authors note: So I've re-read my drafts and thus, the rating has been bumped down from an 'M' down to a 'T' for the mid- level violence and language. Hope you guys like it, and feel free to give any thoughts or constructive criticism!