Chapter 2: Attempt 1

Stella's POV

"Stella, I need to talk to you too" Frank said.

"Okay. I just wanted to let you know that Team Alpha have captured more SKAPULA agents. I want your team to check out the warehouse where they caught them and see what there up to. Now…what do you want to tell me?" She asked, picking up Flopsy and stroking his head.

"Um…I was just wondering if…"

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!

"Ouch. The alarm must have scared Flopsy. Frank, is he um, alright?" I asked.

I hated animals. They were disgusting, annoying and downright irritating. Frank, on the other hand, loved them so I tried to make an effort for him.

"No. I think his head got damaged. We need to get him to MI9 animal services. He might be in a lot of pain."

"Oh. Er, sorry Flopsy?" I said and patted his head awkwardly.

God, I was talking to animals now. I didn't know what to do with an injured animal. Thank Christ, Frank did.

"He'll be fine. We'll just take him to animal services and they'll check him over." Frank said.

Phew. That didn't seem too hard.

"Hello, Doctor James. This is Agent London calling that we are on our way to MI9 animal service because I think Flopsy has a slight headache from falling hard…Yes…Okay…Thank you, Doc, I'll see you soon…Bye" said Frank.

"Come on, Stell. We need to go now. We'll drive in my car" he said.

Frank picked up Flopsy's cage and placed it on the table as I carefully placed him in there. I picked up the cage and we walked into the elevator.

As we hopped into Frank's car, he placed Flopsy's cage on the floor next to him and drove off towards the MI9 AS.

As we went inside, you could a screech from what sounded like a cat. I shuddered. Hospitals were the devil's incarnate. Doctors and Nurses were evil. There was a reason I always dodged my yearly medical. Nothing good ever came of it.

"Hey, it's okay. It's just for animals, Stella. No one is going to harm you. I know Doctor James personally" he said.

A KORPS operative went undercover as an MI9 Doctor once and injected poison into veins. I nearly died. I didn't go near hospitals even if I was severely injured. The next month when I fell ill, I was injected with a virus and nearly died again with my suppressed immune system. I was afraid of needles to begin with which didn't help. Now, I didn't go to hospitals and didn't trust their personnel as far as I could throw them.

"Fine as long you're sure" I replied.

I was still distrustful but if Frank knew this person that I was probably fine. I trusted his opinion.

"Excuse me. I'm here to see Doctor James. I'm Agent London, the one who reported an incident about General Flopsy" he said.

"Yes, right away sir" The receptionist replied quickly but with a soft tone. She picked up the phone and dialled a number.

"Doctor James, Agent London is here to see you now. Okay…Thanks…Bye." She turned around to see Frank.

"Please walk in to Room 14 as Doctor James will see you now. Please stay outside for the operation" she said.

"Okay. Thank you very much" Frank replied.

"Ah, Frank! How good to see you again. Please come in. And Miss Stella I must say you look absolutely wonderful today" Doctor James exclaimed.

Hmm. KORPS agents usually weren't flamboyant but then there was Janus. For once, the Doctor might have the benefit of doubt. Frank did know him.

"It's good to see you again too, Doc. Please, can you help Flopsy? He has a mild concussion because he fell to the floor" Frank asked.

"Yes, yes. Please pop him on the table and exit the room. I'm afraid we can't have any visitors while we are operating" the Doctor said.

"Sure thing, Doc. Thank you for your help." Frank replied politely.

I gave him a small smile and walked out of the room with Frank. I decided he wasn't part of KORPS. If he was he would've tried to kill me by now.

"Stell, don't worry. I've known Doctor James for years. He is not a KORPS operative and that is definitely him" he said, reassuringly.

"I know Frank, it's just…I can't help myself" I replied, quietly.

I don't trust people. It comes with being a spy. All the MI9 traitors and undercover spies just reinforced that ideal.

"You're tired. How many hours do you sleep last night?" He asked.

Uh oh. He'd found me out. He was always too observant for his own good.

"Maybe 5 hours?" I replied.

"Stella, you work crazy hours. You need rest. Come have a catnap over here" he said.

I did but I have nightmares and never felt safe in my own home. All the attempts of my life made me realise just how safe I was even in MI9.

"But Frank... The nightmares" I said.

"Will be fine. I'm here. Come sit" he insisted.

I snuggled into the chair, making myself comfortable. Sleep did sound like an attractive prospect. I shut my eyes as I yawned. Boy, I was tired. I could feel Frank's fingers nestled into my hair. They were certainly benefits to being back on good terms with him. I always felt safe with Frank. He helped ease the torment of slumber. He was so attentive. I didn't deserve him. I hoped I dreamed of the good old days. Me, Frank and Hyperia fighting the good fight and saving the country.

A/N: Sorry for it being months before I've updated this. Since this is originally not my story I'll be quite sporadic in updating because I have to edit a lot of it and add in my own twists.