Summary: A blast from Emma's past causes trouble with the team. Takes place sometime after the episode with Emma's friend Michelle.
Disclaimer: I don't own the show or the characters; I just like to play with them.
Disclaimer and AN: As with any other fanfic, I don't own the characters, I'm just borrowing them for a while. Thanks to all who reviewed.
Chapter Three: Old Friends…
Emma took a step forward. "Derrick Johansen? Is that really you?"
"Unless I've been cloned without my knowledge, yep, it's me. It's been a long time Emmy," the man replied flashing a wide grin in her direction. Shalimar rolled her expressive brown eyes at Brennan and Jesse, 'Emmy' she mouthed.
"Hey Emma, how about introducing us to your friend," Brennan suggested. Only someone who knew him well would hear the suspicion coloring his voice. Brennan Mulwray was never one to trust a stranger.
Emma laughed, practically giggled in fact. "I suppose that would be nice. Shalimar, Brennan, Jesse," she named them as she pointed them out her friend, "say hello to one of my old high school friends, Derrick Johansen, or DJ to those who know him well."
"Pleased to meet you," Derrick smiled at the group.
"Likewise," Shalimar drawled, eyeing the man up and down. He wasn't at all unattractive, and unless she missed her guess, he and Emma were a little more than just friends. "If you'll excuse us, I think we'll go make sure those jerks found their way out. Meet us outside in ten Emma?" Emma nodded. Brennan and Jesse looked at Shalimar in surprise as she looped an arm around each of them and tugged them back inside the door.
"Are we sure this is a good idea?" Brennan asked as they reentered the bar. "I mean it's not as if we know that guy, and what if those GSA idiots come back?"
"Those GSA goons are probably halfway back to Eckhart by now with their tails between their legs. As for Emma, I think she can take care of herself with this one. She'll be careful."
"Shalimar, I have to agree with Brennan. How do we know we can trust Emma with that guy? It's not as if her classmates have a wonderful track record. Remember Michelle?"
"You guys worry to much. Emma has her com link, she'll be careful. Besides, Adam has the Double Helix practically overhead, and it's only a few minutes. Speaking of Adam, which one of you guys wants to let him know what's going on?"
* * * *
Somewhere across time, in the perpetually chilly, antiseptic labs of GenomeX, four GSA agents stood at attention facing a sterile black desk. A man with strangely white hair stood facing a wall of windows, his back to them as he surveyed his little empire.
He let them stand at attention for a few moments before turning to address the men. "Mr. Colter, as I have not been notified of any new…guests, may I assume that your mission was a failure?" he asked with deceptive calm.
"The anomaly we were expecting didn't show, sir. She must have been tipped off."
A cold smile played across Mason Eckhart's lips. "Then you'll just have to find the leak won't you?
"Your preliminary report mentioned a run in with Adam's people. Why don't I see any of them in my lab?"
The leader of the GSA group spoke up again. "We had one, the Psionic, blocked off in the alley behind the club, but a civilian stepped in and spouted off about her rights. Before we could apprehend them, the other members of Mutant X surrounded us. Being aware of the confidential nature of our assignment, we felt that it was better to withdraw at that time."
"I can see my confidence in your group was unjustified, if you gave in that easily. I will have to rethink your future assignment. For now find out what you can about the civilian. We may need to clean up that loose end. I want the report in 2 hours. Then report to medical until further notice." Eckhart turned back to his window, effectively ending the meeting. Behind him, his agents turned in unison and left the room.
AN: Sorry it took me so long to update. I know I said I'd try for more action, but it didn't fit yet. I'm almost finished with the next section so I will post again soon, in the meantime…please read and review!