AN: I'm terribly sorry for the long wait between updates for this story, but a lot has been happening for me that I do not want to get into. Hope ya'll enjoy this chapter.


-Three Days Later: Blitz League Broadcast Booth-

"Well it's official: former New York Nightmare wide-receiver Carter Langford has signed a three year contract with the San Diego Cyclones." Chris said as a picture of the seven year veteran flashed across the screen, showing him holding a blue and green San Diego Jersey. "This is a gamble that I'm certain the Cyclones are hoping pays off in the long haul..."

-Meanwhile: Cyclones Meeting Room-

"I'm still not sure that signing Carter was the best move." Marco argued as he and the other senior Cyclones' staff members could be found having a meeting to discuss other players to target. "He's been injured almost every year he's been in the league. And while it's true he can put up big numbers, we've never seen that sustained–"

"Due to injury?" Clint interrupted.

"Precisely." Marco answered Clint's question. "I've put a poll out on the teams official website, and the fans response is all over the place in response to this signing. Some fans think it's an ill-advised move, others are just happy we got a veteran who can bring some form of leadership." Marco said in a serious tone.

"What do you think, Jamal?" Clint questioned.

"I'll be honest, it was Marty's decision to sign Carter. We might not always agree with the moves he wants to make, but I realize he's the big man. We make suggestions, and he makes decisions... sometimes with our help." Jamal joked, which earned a small chuckle from Marco, and a smile from Clint. "Clint, is our Cap-Space still looking good?" Jamal asked after deciding to change the subject.

"Put bluntly: we've got money to spend." Clint answered with a proud tone, and a big smile on his face. "We've got to remember though, we can't spend all our money on free-agents, otherwise we'll have none left to sign our rookies, and we've got two top ten first round picks once again... that could be expensive depending on which positions Marty wants to target." Clint said as he paused to let that sink in. "Speaking of the Draft, who you like Jamal?" Clint asked in a curious tone.

"I agree with Marty in the fact that we need to improve our running game. Since we couldn't land Tyler Neal, due to his resigning with Denver, him and I are looking at the Draft prospects." Jamal informed Clint and Marco. "That reminds me, Marco, who do the fans want us to draft?" Jamal asked the head of the P.R. Department.

"It's an almost even split currently. Some fans want us to draft John Norris from Texas, others want us to take a chance on Kelly James from Miami." Marco informed both his superiors. Marco was about to speak again when Marty entered into the meeting room, and proceeded to take his seat at the head of the table.

"Everything good?" Jamal asked his friend.

"Teams are inquiring about our second first round pick. I've had calls from Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Houston about trading that pick for players, and future draft picks–"

"Sorry to interrupt, but please tell me you didn't trade our number 12 pick?" Jamal quickly interrupted.

"While I did listen to all offers, I did not trade the pick." Marty reassured Jamal, who let out a sigh of relief. "We landed a star last season with Robert as our number one pick, but the question is, who do we want to take this year at number one, and at number 12?" Marry asked all hiss senior staff members. "Marco, who do you like?" Marry quickly asked.

"Personally... I like John Norris, the running back from Texas." Marco answered the question, which earned head nods from everyone.

"Agreed. Jamal what do we know about Mr. Norris?" Marty asked his head scout.

"He's a combination of everything that makes a good back. He's got the power to break tackles, the speed to burst through any open holes, and the durability to carry the rock as many times as needed." Jamal informed his boss.

"He's definitely someone we'll consider using our pick on. Clint, who do you like?" Marty now asked his General Manager."

"I do like John. But there is a lesser known running back who fits our system, and that's Avery Ferguson from Virginia–"

"Who?" Jamal interrupted.

"Avery is a two year starter for Virginia, he's more of a balanced back, but he's got something John does not have mastered, and that's catching the ball out of the backfield." Clint informed everyone present.

"Marty, you want me to do some research?" Jamal asked after a moment of contemplation.

"Let's learn everything we can about John and Avery before we make up our mind." Marty said wisely, which earned head nods from everyone. "On a different note, we might have a big name player interested in coming here to San Diego, that is if the price is right." Marty informed everyone, which earned everyone's attention.

"Who would that be?" Clint asked quickly...

To Be Continued...

AN: Who do you think this Ace in the hole is?