Summary : A new mission brings Brennan and Shalimar to a old warehouse, where they'll find a new group, similar to the Strand, formed newly... Pairing : Bren/Shal.

Gender : Action/Drama

Disclaimer : Not mine!

Rating: PG

This story is translated from a French fanfiction. Without the help of Loveconquers and Viviana, I would never have succeeded in translating it. Thank you again.

When the destiny persists

1 - Another Fight

Lexa gathered the team into the main area of Sanctuary to fill them in on new information she had just received from the Dominion. She walked towards her rambunctious teammates with raised eyebrows, knowing that her news will destroy the good mood they were in. She watched them, patiently waiting for them to settle down, well aware they did not get much time for relaxation.

Brennan and Jesse were chasing Shalimar, but as she was faster, she easily dodged all of their attempts. She knew they couldn't get her, and she took secret pleasure in letting them think they had, before slipping through their outstretched hands at the last moment. With a huge smile, she leapt onto the table, escaping their grasp yet again. Unbeknownst to her, a large pot of coffee was sitting on the table, and as luck would have it, Lexa was standing right behind it. The pot flew through the air, dumping coffee all over her as she stood watching.

Shalimar froze, torn between the desire to laugh or to be horrified. She bit her lip, watching Lexa to see what her reaction would be. Lexa burst into a long lecture, complaining about all she had to endure living with them until Shalimar couldn't hold it in anymore; she burst out laughing. She covered her mouth, trying to regain control. Brennan and Jesse in turn also started to laugh as they all made their way over to the couch, awaiting the latest news. Shalimar leaned into Brennan, still giggling, as the guys tried desperately to keep straight faces. Lexa cleared her throat several times before finally getting their complete attention.

When all three were finally looking at her, she spoke disapprovingly. "I see that you're all in a good mood this morning, playing your childish games."

Shalimar narrowed her eyes, "If I had planned that moment, I would have done it exactly the same way."

Lexa smiled sarcastically, "Oh yeah? Are you always this way with other women or is it just your wild instincts that make you behave like this?"

Shalimar growled, "Say that again, and you will see how wild my instincts can be!"

Brennan saw Shalimar's eyes change color and tried half-heartedly to intervene, but he was also angry at the young brunette for her last comment.

He frowned at her. "What Lexa? What is it this time? What does the Dominion want from us now? Do they want us to stop a military plane with our bare hand or fight some new virus? What's it going to be this time?"

Lexa glared back, "I see that Shalimar's not the only one with a bad sense of humor. I hope I'm not stuck here for too long, I wouldn't want it to rub off on me as well."

Jesse cleared his throat, "Ah, I think it would be good if stopped this conversation now. Why don't you instead tell us why they contacted you, since we're not privileged enough to be told ourselves directly?

Lexa shook her head, "Well, they've been noticing strange movements in an old building. All indications lead us to believe that there is a strong concentration of new mutants. They're afraid another group, similar to the Strand, may be forming. They don't know who is leading all of them or what their motivation would be, or even what type of mutants they are. All we do know is that they are very powerful. They have already succeeded in breaking into some top-secret research labs. Whatever they stole, it is not something the Dominion wants to fall into the wrong hands." She handed them a folder. "Here is the file; it will tell you everything you need to know about this new group."

Shalimar shook her head, "Who's going after this new group?"

Brennan raised his eyebrows, "Let me guess. What are the odds that you and I are going to be assigned to this mission?"

"Exactly," Shalimar crowed sarcastically, "Just think, even with my wild instincts and your childish behaviour we're still the best ones for the job."

"Hey!" Brennan protested, "I am not childish!" Shalimar grinned, "Yeah you are!" She smacked the back of his head.

"Hey!" He protested again, "Why do I always get this abuse from you?"

Shalimar smirked, "Because you deserve it, that's why."

While Brennan and Shalimar left the main area to get ready for the new mission, their teasing voices floating behind them, Jesse watched Lexa, turning towards her with a wide smile on his mouth.

"You don't seem too reassured by their confidence in this mission. Could it be that you are beginning to care for them?"

Lexa fixed him with a cold glare before turning on her heels and walking towards her office. Jesse wryly shook his head. "No, definitely not someone who could begin to care about others."

.............TBC