Lisa's body ached like never in her life. Soldier had tried to show her a signature battle maneuver called Rocket Jump. He had shoved the rocket launcher in her hand, and she had proceeded to blow up and respawn…thirteen times. She had to admit, exploding was a horrible way to go…although she wasn't feeling as sick from respawn anymore. It was becoming easier and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing. She would respawn and jog back to where Soldier was impatiently waiting for her tapping his foot. After being forced to do ten push-ups and ten pull-ups for every time she was sent to respawn, Soldier finally took pity on her shaking, panting form.
"Alright, rookie. I can't stand to watch your pathetic attempts at patriotism and athleticism any longer. It is making me sad to watch. You remind me of those kittens at the kitten orphanage." He muttered disappointed.
Lisa collapsed into the hot, desert sand beneath her with a groan. Her curly hair was frizzy and stuck every which way despite how tightly she had tried to braid it behind her head. It did not help that she had spent most of the night removing boxes of moldy bread from her room and had eventually collapsed on the mattress out of sheer exhaustion. She had woken up to Soldier breaking down her door and dragging her out of bed, still dressed in the clothes she had worn the previous day. So, she was tired, hungry, thirsty as well as smelly and sticky from sweat. Part of her just wanted to die…but knew it would be futile because of that infernal respawn machine. Her lungs were wheezing, and her heart thumped hard in her chest. Her limbs quaked and she could barely hear Soldier over the blood roaring in her ears.
"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME, ROOKIE?!" Soldier bellowed from somewhere above her.
"Huh…what…" Lisa managed to get out between heavy panting.
"Spy does not tolerate tardiness. EVEN MORE SO THAN ME! A TRUE PATRIOT! GET A MOVE ON, ROOKIE! HUP HUP HUP!" Soldier yelled clapping his hands.
Lisa lifted a finger up wearily and whimpered,
"Soldier…I think I may be having a heat stroke. I'll see Spy…when I see him."
Her finger fell back down as she lay face first in the dirt.
"Heat stroke? UNACCEPTABLE! I HAVE LIVED IN THIS GOD FORSAKEN DESERT FOR YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THIS AILMENT!" Soldier cried back defensively, though it was laced in confusion with a touch of concern.
"Soldier. I'm from somewhere that is very cold for most of the year and I am-"
"RUSSIAN?! I KNEW IT! YOU COMMIE! WHAT DO YOU-"
"There are other cold places in the world other than Russia, Soldier. Some are in the United States." Lisa muttered from her place on the ground.
"Hmmm, good point. But I still don't buy it. I'll figure out where you're from-"
"Great. Until then…could I have some water? Please? Else I think I'm going to pass out." Lisa said wearily.
"Does that cure heat attacks?"
"Heat strokes? It helps." Lisa answered with a bit of a sarcastic bite.
She heard Soldier run off and just lay there baking in the heat of the desert. When the heat became unbearable, she rose to her knees, every joint and limb trembling. With a sigh, she dusted herself off and looked up just in time for her to receive an entire barrel of water to the face.
She just sat there in shock as her orifices filled with liquid as she choked. She began to cough up water from her lungs and nose into the now soaked ground beneath her. Once she got her bearings, she looked up to see Soldier watching her curiously.
"Did the water help save you from the warmth stroke?"
She just hung her head defeatedly before standing to her feet and managing to say,
"Yeah, Soldier. I feel a bit better. Where is Spy?"
After receiving directions to the training center and getting lost a few times and to her embarrassment having to ask Scout for directions, she eventually arrived. She was still sopping wet and every step she took made a solid SPLAT, SPLAT, SPLAT sound that echoed around the room. She brushed a stray, damp curl from her face away in annoyance as she glanced around. She turned her gaze to a clock ticking loudly on the wall. She was late. Not horribly so, but she was still late. The handles on her backpack were causing her skin to ache and she groaned recognizing what it was before she removed it and set the soaked bag on the ground. She grimaced looking at the angry red the skin on her hands and the exposed skin on her neck had turned. Judging by her neck, it wasn't much better. Despite the multiple times she had been sent to respawn she had still managed to burn.
"You're late." A voice commented smarmily from the shadows.
Out emerged Spy, looking as pristine and put together as ever. Lisa couldn't stand it. Here she was…looking like she'd been run over by a bus. Actually, that may be preferable at this point.
Spy looked her up and down looking disapprovingly.
"That is hardly appropriate attire for sparring."
"Blame, Soldier. He's the one who threw a barrel of water at me." Lisa grumbled.
"Well, in any case, next time come prepared more appropriately for sparring." He said casually putting out his cigarette.
"Sparring?" Lisa croaked.
"Yes." Spy replied. "Despite what that brute may have told you, there is more to the battlefield than rockets and missiles. Some of us are more…finessed."
He walked into the middle of the arena flipping his knife with ease and she took that are her cue to follow.
She ducked into the ring and he was facing her. His back was straight with his arms crossed behind him, and his crafty blue eyes seemed to see right through her. She rubbed her wet arms self-consciously and averted her gaze from his as she continued forward.
"If you are to adequately fill in the role of Spy when and if I should be incapacitated. You will need to take my place…as well as you can." He said with a derisive sneer.
She was too tired to give a decent rebuttal and just nodded.
"Now…have you had any training in self-defense? That swing you took at Soldier the other day would indicate at least a little."
"I mean…my grandfather taught me a little bit."
"Your grandfather?" Spy probed.
Lisa cursed herself for giving out personal information.
"Yeah-he…he uh-really wanted me to learn. He's very protective." She stammered backtracking but Spy was relentless.
"And you're here? Your grandfather isn't worried?" He questioned examining his blade and running a finger along the blade. "Seems…uncharacteristic of a protective grandparent…unless he doesn't know you're-"
"Are we here to spar or not?" Lisa interrupted rubbing her eyes irritably. "If not, I'd like to take a shower and then forget today ever happened."
He turned his gaze from the knife to her, his eyes giving away nothing.
"Oui. Prepare yourself."
"Prepare myself?" Lisa wondered aloud before jumping back with a gasp as Spy swung the knife at her throat.
Spy lifted the knife and began to circle her. Lisa brought her fists up, her mind trying to recall everything her grandfather had taught her.
"Your form isn't abhorrent." Spy commented spinning the knife in his hands. "Tell me, how much do you know of your job? Or mine?"
Lisa watched as he changed direction and she quickly did the same. Trying to keep space between them.
"You…are obviously not a front-line fighter." Lisa started her eyes flitting nervously to the knife in his hands, all the while keeping her fists up to try to defend should he attack.
"I'm assuming you focus more on…infiltration?"
He smirked.
"Yes."
Then he swung at her.
She did her best to block but he nicked her arm. She jumped back to try to gain distance, but he pursued. She went to swing at him, but he caught her arm and wrapped his under it. It was a painful arm lock and she hissed at the pressure as Spy held the knife to her throat. She whimpered feeling it press into her skin. Her free hand came up to try to pry his hand away, to no avail.
"Obviously, your grandfather did not train you enough." He tutted releasing her, causing her to fall back with a gasp. Her hand touched her throat and rubbed it soothingly. Her body broke into a sweat.
"Had that been the other teams Spy, you would have been dead." He reprimanded turning back to her.
She observed him unable to keep the fear from flickering in her eyes as he rounded on her again. She brought her arms up and moved from him faster. It was useless because she soon found herself on the ground with multiple cuts and Spy standing over her with a foot on her chest pinning her down.
"Pathetic." He snorted letting her get up.
He walked away from her and she slowly got to her feet.
"Again." He stated raising his hand with the knife.
"This is pointless." She complained. "I don't know how to defend myself against you."
"That is a shame considered my BLU counterpart will more than likely not even be attacking you directly." Spy sneered.
"What?" Lisa asked tilting her head.
Spy stopped to point at the watch on his wrist.
"I believe you will remember my…what was it…ah yes, "terrifying" introduction yesterday?" Spy jabbed with a self-assured smile thrown in Lisa's direction as she gritted her teeth growing tired of his endless taunting. "We both possess this watch that gives us the ability to be invisible in short bursts. Makes it easier to back-stab our enemies."
Then he pulled out a cigarette case and suddenly he looked just like her.
"That's incredible." She murmured eyes widening at the watch.
"Indeed." Spy stated with a pleased grin. It was strange watching herself talk to her. In her voice he explained, "This is my disguise kit. I can turn into anyone I see and trust me when I say, that it is very difficult to tell the difference between me and who I disguise myself as."
"Will I get one of those?" She asked innocently.
Spy broke out into a full laugh. His shoulders shook and a few snorts escaped his mouth. Lisa's face burned with embarrassment.
"It was just a question. It's not that funny." She backtracked.
"Honhonhon!" He laughed wiping a tear away before straightening.
"No. You will never receive one of these. They are for spy's only." He said closing the kit and his form returning to his original.
Her lips puckered into a disgruntled pout.
"Well…what about the Invisi-watch thing? If I'm pretending to be you, that could be handy."
He rolled his eyes.
"It is not a toy. It is highly advanced technology that you have not been trained to use."
"Is that a no?" She questioned noticing he had not answered her.
"Non. It is a maybe. Later when you work with the Engineer, he will clarify more for you. I am not sure what all will be available to you." He admitted.
"So, it's a possibility then." She stated feeling elated at the thought of being able to turn invisible or turn into another person.
"If I had to wager, it will probably be the invisiwatch. Not my disguise kit." He replied sounding annoyed with the conversation.
"That's…so amazing." She grinned widely.
"Mmm. Oui. It is." He said sounding bored before coming at her again.
She brought her arm up and successfully blocked one swing and he swiftly grabbed her braid and yanked her head back.
"AH!" She yelped, tears coming to her eyes as he quickly won the match.
"I would consider cutting that mop of hair you have. Or at least putting it up in a position so your enemies cannot take advantage of it." Spy advised adjusting his suit.
Lisa touched her braid conscientiously. She'd always hated her hair. It was thick, curly and unruly. She hated when other people touched it or commented on it. She nodded quietly and quickly undid the braid before gathering the damp knot of curls and tying into a bun on top of her head.
"Better?" She asked gesturing to her head.
"What do you think?" He shot back.
"Ummm…better? I guess." She mumbled.
He nodded and they resumed training.
She could not seem to last more than two rounds against him. She would block successfully and then just as the elation of lasting more than two moves against him would rise, she'd find herself incapacitated. He swept her legs from under her. Got her in arm locks. He even just pushed her, and she fell. Her hopes of surviving this place and seeing her grandparents was dwindling more and more with each passing failure.
Finally, she collapsed to the ground one last time after being kicked in the chest. She lay there heaving as her breath came in soft wheezes. It wouldn't shock her if he had caused internal bruising or possibly cracked a rib. She fought back tears as the pain washed over her in waves.
Spy looked unbothered. She blinked through tears to see him standing, regarding her apathetically.
He pulled out a cigarette and lit it casually before saying, "This is enough for today."
Lisa winced and rose to her knees with a soft gasp of pain before saying, "No...I'm fine. We can keep going."
"You misunderstand me." Spy said his gaze cold and steely. "I have seen enough."
She gritted her teeth before taking a deep breath and demanding,
"What do you mean by that?"
Spy inhaled from his cigarette and blew out a soft plume of smoke.
"Exactly what I said. I bid you adieu...and hope for your sake, that your skills improve quickly."
Once Spy was out of sight, Lisa let out the groan she'd been holding in. She shakily rose to her feet, one arm protectively holding the injured side of her abdomen. She walked with a slight limp and held in her tears. The trudge to Medic was excruciating. She just hoped he could heal her in time for her next meeting with Engie. She arrived at the intimidating swinging doors to the Med bay and winced as the pain shot through her torso again.
"M-Medic?!" She called.
There was some shuffling from inside the room before she heard Medic's voice answered, "Ja?"
"I'm sorry to be a bother...I got roughed up training with Spy and think-" She stopped at another shooting pain before taking a deep breath to finish. "I think he may have bruised a rib? Or something?"
The doors swung open and there stood Medic. He was covered in blood and shot her a crazed smile that she guessed was supposed to be comforting.
"Yes. Come in, come in. I will take a look." He ushered her in.
"I have to meet with Engie soon...so I was hoping to get looked at quickly before heading over there." She winced again and Medic noticed.
"Zhese things cannot be rushed. I am sure zhe Engineer will understand. Sit on the examination table, would you?" He stated with a wave of his hand as he walked to the other side of the room.
She hopped onto the table with a wince as her torso flared with pain. She let out a soft, pathetic whine as her vision went white with pain. She remembered this pain. A rib was definitely broken.
'Must've been when elbowed her in the side earlier.' She thought to herself.
Her attention was brought away from the pain when Medic placed a pair of cold hands on her shoulders.
"Fraulein...are you having a hard time breathing?" He inquired.
She opened her eyes and took a breath before wincing and saying, "I think he cracked a rib...on my left side."
Medic removed her vest, moving her as minimally as possible before feeling along her sides. He pushed experimentally on her left where the pain was most intense and she let out a pained gasp and cried out.
"Hmmm...yes, it does seem like it is fractured. It is good you came to me. The Medigun should heal any bruising or fracturing that may have occurred. Should it have been completely broken or punctured a lung...well, that would be trickier. Probably requiring surgery." He surmised motioning for her to lay on the table.
He adjusted the Medigun to hover over her and she was quickly encompassed by a beam of light. The pain in her torso subsided to a soft thrum before fading completely. She took a deep breath and sighed in relief when the pain was no longer there. She sat up, and felt the left side to find it perfectly fine.
"Everything should be in order. If there is nothing else, you should be fine to go to the Engineer." Medic informed her as he filled out a piece of paper. "Just sign this form for records, please."
She signed her name at the bottom of the form and stood up. As she pulled on her vest, Medic asked her,
"I must admit I am curious...how did you know you had fractured a rib?"
She paused at his question, before finishing the clasps on her vest and turning to him with her award winning smile.
"It was the relative area I was feeling pain. Spy and I were sparring and he elbowed me pretty hard there. I just assumed he had either bruised or cracked my ribs." She lied.
Medic appraised her silently. His blue eyes were stern...almost cold in their scrutiny. They brightened, their mood changing swiftly before exclaiming cheerfully,
"Zhat explanantion will suffice...for now. Off you go! If you need anything else, or just have a surgery performed on you for fun, please let me know!"
Unsure of what he meant by that and not wanting to stay to be a guinea pig, Lisa rushed off to find Engie.
She entered Engie's workshop just on time.
"Ah, hey there Back-Up! Ya ready to work with me for a bit?" Engineer asked jovially carrying a red toolbox on his shoulder passing by her and shooting her a bright smile.
"Yeah. I think so." She responded watching him set the box down across the room.
"Today, I'll be teaching you about how you will fill your roles when that teammate is in re-spawn and all the goodies that come with it. I'll be able to teach you all the ins and outs to this tech. Just be open minded and I'm sure you'll catch on quick."
Lisa appreciated his optimism before frowning as a thought occurred to her.
"So, I had a queston…" Lisa started, testing the waters to see if Engie was more patient than Spy.
"What's your question, Backup?" He asked cheerfully with a smile.
His southern charm put her at ease, and she continued.
"It's about the respawn machine. Whenever we die…no matter what we die of…we can be revived, right?" Lisa asked for clarification.
"Yup. Medic can cure most wounds, but some injuries are so severe that even he struggles to help. That's where re-spawn comes in." Engie nodded.
"Right…that technology is incredible, and I appreciate it. Trust me, I do. I've died…a lot today. Which is a weird thing in and of itself to say. But…" She trailed off unsure if she should say what was bothering her.
"But?" Engie prompted.
"Are we too…blasé about it?" She questioned quietly feeling like she should not have spoken. "What if one day it doesn't work, and we decide to train together and one of us takes it too far and we accidentally kill our team-mate? I just-It's great tech. Amazing. A feat of human ingenuity, but maybe we should be trying to stay alive more? I don't know. I'm new to this, maybe I just don't understand."
She fiddled with her fingers nervously as Engie was quietly listening next to her as they walked.
"I can understand your hesitance regarding it. Very few people are ever excited at the prospect of dyin' durin' simple tasks…or in general I'd reckon. But I check on that machine myself…and often. It's workin' fine. There's no need to be worried 'bout it. Plus, we have Medic. He can get just about any one right as rain in no time." Engie replied patting her arm comfortingly.
"Oh ok. Well, as long as your certain. You are the expert after all." She said with a small grin trying to feel as assured as he looked. She still felt guilty about using such an amazing piece of technology so freely. The many thousands of people that could benefit from this machine…and here she was. Dying trying to rocket jump...then people were dying of incurable illnesses. Or fighting wars. She quickly dug her nails into her hand to halt the negative thought process and focus on something else.
"Course! I promise, if anythin' seemed strange with it, I'd let ya'll know." He reassured her.
She tore her attention away from where her hand had left crescent shapes in the other and to him and shot him a smile.
"That makes me feel a little better."
"Good." He nodded before opening the doors to the staircase to his workshop. He held it open for her.
"After you, Miss."
She thanked him and walked through. It was nice that at least one of these men treated her like a lady.
Engie's work area was clean. Blueprints were laid out neatly, or posted on a wall in the corner. The smell of diesel filled the air and Lisa noticed some black scorch marks on the ground in a few places. Failed inventions no doubt. Engie had walked ahead of her and was waiting for her at the table in the middle of the room. She felt sheepish for being caught gawking and shuffled over quickly.
"Set your bag on the table, please." Engie said gesturing to the table in front of him.
She did as she was told and set it down.
Engie opened it up and then walked to a different side of the workshop and picked up a large metal box.
"I will be showin' you your weapons and getting them synced with the machine. As Miss Pauling said, out of matches these weapons will be in a special area of the training room for you. First things first, when you fill my role. You'll have this."
He placed a welding gun in her hands.
"A welding gun…fantastic…" She said with a forced smile of confusion.
"I know you were expectin' a weapon. But you already have one of the weapons I have. A pistol. I also get a shotgun but you can't carry more on the battlefield, it'll slow you down especially trying to fill the role of Spy or Scout." Engie explained grinning at her perplexed face.
"Oh…gotcha." She said looking at the welding gun in her hand and turning it around to inspect it.
"Spies tend to be the worst thing for my poor sentries." Engie said patting a red metal case next to him. "They're one of the few things that can actually take my machines down once they're up. You shouldn't have to worry much. Pyro usually takes out the Spy before he can get to us. But on the slim chance he makes it past pyro…take 'im out. Then defend the machines that are still up. There are three. The dispenser, the teleporter and the sentry. Teleporter is self explaining. You jump on one and pop out on the other. The dispenser gives out health kits and ammo boxes. Just in case Medic's not near by or you're runnin' low on ammunition."
Lisa nodded as he sent the welding gun through the mini teleporter in her bag.
He then pulled out a handheld flame thrower.
He handed it to her, and she flipped it around and aimed it experimentally, unsure of what it really was before it was snatched from her hand.
"Whoa now! Glad to see you're excited but don't try that thing in here!" Engie said quickly sending it through the teleporter. "That's your flame thrower. Pull the trigger and aim. Anyone in front of you will end up charred more than a Texas barbeque."
Lisa's face scrunched in disgust at the imagery Engie had presented as he reached for a few more items.
"Here are some medi-kits." Engie informed before setting a disconcerting item on the table.
"What in God's name is that?" Lisa questioned horrified by the object in front of her.
"Syringe gun." Engie stated casually while patting it.
"It shoots…needles at people." Lisa asked for clarification eyeing the weapon with apprehension.
"Yup…syringes. They're big so they hurt like a mother heifer, but they get the job done. If they don't go down because of somethin' vital bein' hit, they're filled with poison…so either way they're toast."
Lisa gulped and nodded.
Engie put that one in the backpack and sent it away as well.
A small shot gun was placed on the table.
"Thought you said a shot gun would slow me down." She mentioned picking it up and observing the strange weapon.
"Mine would for sure. This is one of Scout's older weapons. It's like a mini shot gun. Good for clearin' a path to run through in a hurry." Engie explained before Lisa handed it back for him to add to the growing collection of the bag's teleporter.
He then hoisted a weapon up on to the table and Lisa's eyes widened further.
"This is a MINI mini machine gun. Sorta like Heavy's Sasha but smaller and doesn't fire as many rounds per minute." Engie educated.
"If this is the mini mini gun then how big is Sasha?" Lisa gaped.
"One hundred fifty kilograms." Engie answered without flinching.
Lisa's mouth opened and shut. She couldn't seem to find words.
"Yeah. Around three hundred and thirty pounds if you're using imperial units. Quite a bit more than what you weigh which is why you have the much smaller model." Engie chuckled.
"Goodness." Lisa muttered watching him shoved part of it into the bag before it teleported away.
"Yup. Heavy really loves Sasha. So, don't go callin' her fat or nothin'." Engie teased as he walked to another area of the shop.
"Yeah. No problem. I'd rather not poke the bear." Lisa nodded nervously.
"Alright. Here is another smaller version of another teammate's weapon. This is a smaller version of Soldier's rocket launcher." Engie said laying it out for her to observe.
"The rockets are smaller and there's far less kickback. Ya won't be able to rocketjump but I figure that's something only Soldier will be able to accomplish anyways." He told her adding that one to the bag.
"Yeah…he tried to teach me earlier. It didn't go well." Lisa shuddered.
"I reckon." Engie nodded grinning. "Saw 'im in the mess hall earlier. Seemed disappointed he couldn't teach you how to do that, but he was impressed by the number of push-ups you managed to pump out."
"Before almost dying of heat stroke?" Lisa chuckled.
"Yeah, before that." Engie replied in good humor. "He went on and on about how he saved your life by dumping water on ya."
"Yeah…his heart was in the right place at least." Lisa nodded in bewildered amusement.
"He means well." Engie agreed before walking off to gather a few more items.
"Alright. Here's a stash of grenades." He said dumping a generous portion into the bag, nearly dropping one.
"Whoops. That wouldn't have been good." He chuckled unbothered as he caught it and threw it in. "Demo wants to teach you the art of being a demolition expert…when he's a little more sober that is."
"Is he ever sober?" Lisa questioned.
"Not in the time I've known 'im." Engie replied. "There are moments he's less drunk than others. When you met him, he was on the more sober side. I think it's because he was too distracted by the card game to drink."
"Oh alright." She replied fighting feelings of unease regarding drunkenness.
"He's nothin' to worry about unless you're his enemy. Not an aggressive drunk. More emotional actually." Engie told her as searched through a drawer.
"You're kidding." Lisa muttered a grin spreading over her face.
"Nah. He was cryin' one day about bein' a giant, black, Scottish cyclops." Engie said throwing her a grin as he continued to rifle through drawers searching for something. "He quickly recovered by tellin' us all off and talkin' 'bout how he could take every one of us out if he wanted to even without two eyes."
"Ah. Found it." He stated holding up a watch.
"Is that the Invisi-watch?" Lisa gasped excitedly.
Engie smirked at her excited expression.
"I figure Spy told ya about this, huh?"
"Yeah!" Lisa nodded leaning closer to get a better look.
"Alright, so you just turn the side right here. You'll be invisible for up to ten seconds, then it will drop and you can reuse it again in a bit." Engie said letting her hold it.
She held it gingerly as if it might break in her hands.
"Ten seconds?"
He nodded.
"It needs to recharge. If it allowed you to be invisible longer, it may die half way through a match and that would be no good."
Lisa nodded in understanding before reluctantly handing it back to him to place in the teleporter.
"I'm forgettin' somethin'." Engie muttered to himself tapping his fingers on the metal table in front of him.
"Sniper?" Lisa guessed.
He snapped his fingers and shook one in her direction before looking around. He hurried to a corner and lifted a sniper rifle and proceeded to blow the dust off of it.
"It's old but it'll do. Ya don't get a scope which will make sniping difficult, but it does have an iron sight which can help a bit. With practice I think you'll do just fine. Besides, Sniper doesn't get taken out often unless the Spy finds where he's hiding." He stated settling the old gun in the bag.
Lisa nodded and bit her lip before asking,
"What's he like? The Sniper?"
Engie clipped her bag closed while saying,
"Real mysterious fella who likes to be alone. He lives outside in his camper van. He doesn't talk much but when he does, it's usually something surprisingly astute. Very sarcastic too. Your first impression of him was pretty much who he is. Don't let 'im intimidate ya too badly. We were all new to this at some point. We'll help ya get to where ya need to be."
He then handed her the backpack.
"One last thing, your items will respawn with you. So don't worry 'bout lookin' for 'em. I think you're all set. We'll start tomorrow on seein' how savvy ya are with mechanics."
Lisa sagged with relief knowing she wasn't going to be tested anymore today.
"Alright. Sounds good."
"Yeah. Was gonna maybe try to show ya some things tonight but ya look ready to drop dead." He sympathized.
"Yeah…sorry. Spy's session was…rough." She grimaced shouldering her backpack on.
"Why don't ya go get a bite to eat and rest up for tomorrow? Meet me after breakfast and we can go over some basic machine maintenance." Engie suggested kindly.
"That sounds like a great idea." She murmured tiredly. "I have to sweep out my room and dust it. Then I'll shower and hit the hay. Been a long day."
"I can imagine." Engie said kindly. "Just get some rest, Backup."
"Attention RED, mission begins in twenty-four hours." The voice of an older woman Lisa didn't recognize boomed over the speakers.
Lisa blanched.
"Does that mean-"
Engineer looked grim as he gazed at her.
"If I were you, I'd meet me before breakfast tomorrow so you can practice as much as ya can with me and your new weapons with whoever else is willing."
Lisa nodded swallowing her fear before saying,
"Right. See you at dawn."
She then turned on her heel so he wouldn't see the panic in her eyes.
(At the Administrator's Base)
Miss Pauling nervously stood in the background as the Administrator haggled with the man on the phone. This had gone on for all of last night up to now. Haggling back and forth. Threats and promises. All of her research on Lisa Fournier's grandparents had showed that they were just you're typical everyday Canadians. She should've looked closer. She could lose her job for this…or worse…
"I understand, Mr. Rossi. Your concern for your grandchild is admirable. However, consider the benefits. She gains invaluable experience. As I have told you before…she is compensated handsomely for her services. If you are willing to continue with this arrangement, I will pay you to keep this our secret. When her contract runs out, she can come back to you. She will have invaluable leadership and team skills that she can bring to your…family business."
The older woman released a puff of smoke before casually throwing a large number at the man on the other side of the line and Miss Pauling's eyes widened at the amount.
"I am certain, Mr. Rossi. This will stay between us. You may send your granddaughter gifts and letters through my contact. No weapons. I don't need Mann Co. finding out about her connection with you. That would end poorly for the both of us. No visitation is allowed to the base she is stationed in, but she does receive most major holidays observed in America off to do as she pleases. During this time, she may travel home. There is a payphone that she is allowed to use to make phone calls. She is not allowed to discuss anything she sees or hears at her job so do not ask her. Company policy, you understand. Does this sound reasonable, Mr. Rossi?"
There was some speaking on the other end of the line that Miss Pauling could not make out but based on the Administrator's reaction, he had agreed to the deal.
"Wonderful. I'm glad we could come to an agreement. Good evening, Mr. Rossi." The old woman stated ending the call with a click.
Miss Pauling's heart leapt into her throat. Fear clawing it's way into her mind.
The Administrator handed the phone out to her lazily before taking another deep breath of her cigarette.
Miss Pauling quickly took it and rambled,
"Administrator. I am so sorry! I didn't know. I promise, this won't happen aga-"
"Quit your rambling, Miss Pauling. It doesn't suit a woman of your position." The old woman replied in a bored tone as she released a small puff of smoke.
Miss Pauling quickly shut her mouth as the boney old woman in front of her continued,
"I had the suspicion that Miss Fournier's family was involved in the mafia. It may come as a surprise to you, but I have known of Lisa and her family for quite a long time. Very prolific family in the underground world…or so I was told."
Miss Pauling was shocked. She never would have suspected.
"It seems they have sheltered their granddaughter from this aspect of their business…heavens knows why. Counter-intuitive to keep your heir in the dark about the family business for so long in my opinion. But no matter…she's ours now." The Administrator sighed tapping her cigarette on the nearby coffee cup. "Let us hope…she has as much potential as I think she does."
A disconcerting red smile stretched across the woman's face as she tapped a red button and leaned into a microphone.
"Attention RED. Mission begins in twenty-four hours."
She released the red button before tapping a blue button and saying,
"Attention BLU. Mission begins in twenty-four hours."
Author's note: Hey everyone. Sorry it took so long. Was having trouble getting Spy's character down but here it is! Please leave a comment. It helps me write and it really encourages me. Hope you all enjoyed it and have a great day!