Kurt walked into the room, and immediately walked towards his brother. Jin stood up and left.

"Hey Kurt," Markie said, smiling weakly.

"Hey buddy. How ya feeling?"

"Tired. And sore. My head hurts. My cuts burn. But I'm glad to be home. Even if I am in a hospital bed."

"Missed home that much?"

"Yeah. Especially when they asked me questions about you."

"Why? Did you say something?"

"I let it slip that I knew what the Blind Realm was going to be like. Sorry." When he said this, his eyes lowered.

"Don't worry bro. Anyone could've mad that mistake."

"I know, but they were hounding me. Everywhere I went, I felt like they were right behind me, ready to pounce if I did something. Taro thinks you were spying again. That's his reason for you leaving anyway."

"Let him think that than. Maybe it'll keep them from finding out what I was really doing." Kurt said it in a light hearted way, but there was a glint of guilt and shame in his eyes.

"You really hated that mission didn't you?" Markie was given some of the details, before Kurt left.

Kurt let out a heavy sigh, "Every bit of it. Hardest mission I've ever been assigned. Especially with that stupid deal. I should've said no in the first place."

"But, didn't they say that you were the only one qualified, without having to do extra training?" to be quite honest, Markie hated seeing Kurt beat himself up about it. Kurt hadn't told him all about that part. Something had gone on behind that. Kurt never would've made that decision by himself.

Kurt looked at his brother, he looked really tired. "Get some sleep. You need it."

Markie knew this was a sign that the conversation was over. He nodded, he really did need it. He was dropping off when Kurt left.

Kurt walked out of the room, and headed for his office. He wasn't paying much attention to his surroundings, so it surprised him when he opened the door and saw Major Wheeler standing there. It also struck him how his son looked so much like him.

"Major Wheeler. What brings you here?"

"I've noticed that you've been going into the realms."

Yes sir, I have. Is there a problem with that?"

"No, just wanted to make sure you weren't giving your identity away. I know you brought your brother here, and I understand that. But that may have raised suspicion in your former teammate's minds."

"I know that sir. I've been extremely careful."

"Good. Continue to do that. Also, Pentagon isn't sure they want the Silencerz involved in this for a while. They're also not sure what to do with my son." This last sentence was said slightly quieter. "Because he escaped, and is still racing in the realms, he's not only put himself, but the other drivers, and possibly the whole country at risk."

"What do you mean by that?" Kurt asked, sitting down in a chair, and beckoning the Major to do the same.

"Doc told me that your brother had been shot."

Kurt nodded.

"As I'm sure you've also figured out, there is now a fourth group in the realms."

Again, Kurt nodded.

"This could mean, that either it's another group that wants the Wheel, or, someone's joined the Drones. So far, we're convinced that it's the latter. And if they've somehow found out about Josef's absence from Tezla's group, and than somehow learned about his stay with us, and than his escape, they might think that he knows something." The Major's voice became husky. "They need to get the group in a safe house, or something! But we're not yet sure of the way we're going to do it."

"So, what you need me to do is, while ya'll come up with a plan, I make sure nothing happens in the realms." Kurt said, than added, "I can do that."

Major Wheeler leaned forward, and whispered fiercely, a look of fear in his eyes, "Protect him please! If the Drones, or that new group get to him," he paused, trying to get a hold of his emotions, "I couldn't stand losing him. Guard him with your life."

"Sir, I'm a Drifter. No matter who the person is, if they're put under my charge, I would die for them if I had to. Every time the realms open, I'll be there. You have my word."

His superior stared at him for a moment before saying, "You better be. If anything happens to him, I'll hold you responsible. I'll be there as often as I can, if we're not completely withdrawn."

"With the Drones there, I doubt you will." They shook hands, and the Major left.

Kurt called home.

"Wylde residence." Andrea answered.

"Andrea, it's me. I need you to tell me the second a realm opens by itself. Understood?"

"No problem. How's Markie?"

"He'll be fine thank goodness. I've never been so relieved in my entire life."

"Except for when the Drones had him?"

"This comes pretty close."

"As long as he's okay."

"See ya."

"Bye."

When they hung up, Kurt sat down and began studying the Drones. He'd gathered a lot of information on them for the past eight years. If he was going to do his job well, he needed, now more than ever, to know all about his enemies. And he would do his job well. Vert's life depended on it.