February 25th, 2012

Stamford, Connecticut

WWE Headquarters

"...and then we left Ambrose and Kidd to the doctors."

Hunter finished reading over Roman's report as Roman, Becky, Apollo and Cody, who's arm was still in a sling, listened. Becky leaned against the wall while everyone else sat. Hunter's eyes darted back and forth across the multiple summaries. He seemed more confused than he should of been.

"Any news on thier conditions?"

"Dean has the third degree burns on his leg. A concussion and a few fractures going from his ribs to hips. Tyson also has a concussion. Had to get emergency surgery to remove shrapnel from his back. They're projected to be sidelined for at least three to four months. That's all we currently know."

"Mind if I see that?" Asked Cody.

Hunter passes the report, then turning his attention to Black Cerberus.

"This is more serious than I thought. Our data was collected by scouts and informants within that area. I'm talking CONCRETE INFORMATION!" He yelled, banging on the desk. "There was supposed to be an entire network working all three buildings, and the most we got was a couple lackeys. Someone must of tipped them off, or Del Rio is axing all business in the states."

"Maybe these informants had a change of heart." Said Becky.

"Not possible." Hunter replied. "They were all low level thugs. None of them could get close enough to smell Del Rio, and we know who they are, so it would be dumb to cross us."

"Either way, they knew we were coming."

"That still doesn't explain why there was a DAMN BOMB!"

Regal cracks open the door.

"Hunter, we can hear you from down the hall."

Hunter took a few deep breaths. Leaning back to undo his tie. Regal slowly closes the door. Cody gets up and pats his boss' shoulder.

"I'll take it from here. So this is what I think. If Del Rio is cutting any links to his name, then I understand that. What gets me, is why there was bomb. Why not burn the place down? Why not leave everything and run?"

"What are you getting at?" Roman asked.

"Earlier this month I was attacked by an assassin in Italy. I was tracking Del Rio's sister, Carmen. Del Rio took extra precaution. Hired this hooded guy who got the jump on me. Chased me down and killed one of my guys. He had skills like a super soldier, and the gear to match. My teammate CJ only caught a glimpse of him. Saw a red helmet. This could be the same guy, girl, or an elite hit squad."

"Under any other situation, I'd say that sounds ridiculous, but I'm ready to believe anything at this point." Crews admitted.

"Yeah, why not." Said Becky. "We can't rule out any scenarios. Especially after what happened to you Cody."

"Appreciate it. Got anything to say Roman?"

Roman just shrugged and nodded. Cody grabs a marker and draws "RED" on a white board.

"Since we only know this about him or her, we call it RED. Now, a few more questions. How and when did he plant that bomb? Did our informants know about RED? Was he targeting any of you individually or was he going for broke? Why only one bomb?"

"Slow down. A little at a time." Said Roman, rubbing his eyes.

"You feeling okay Reigns? You've looked beat since you got back." Said Hunter.

"I'm fine. Just between this and my issues at home, its just a lot to process."

"Go take a breather. We don't need you crashing and burning too."

Roman thanks Hunter and walks into the hall. Hands on his hips as he watched everyone else working. Desk jockeys. Not a glorious job, but it has to be done. Roman often thought about what a desk job would be like. Computers were never his strong suit however, so most of his jobs involved physical labor. Becky exits the office, walking towards Roman.

"Can I get you anything?"

"No thank you. You didn't have to come and check on me."

"Of course I did. I know this job can be tough. You've done better than most I've seen give this a shot."

"Really?"

"You keep it cool. A team player. A wonderful talker. Had no problem cheering me up yesterday Those are the small things that keep your team strong. No need to carry all the weight by yourself. We need everyone at 100% for this, so if you need anything, let me know."

"Thanks Becky. You're a lot nicer than I thought you'd be."

"I get that a lot. My two friends, not so much. Good people with funky attitudes. I keep em in check tho. I'm going to go. Hunter said he wanted you back in there. Later big guy."

Becky playfully punches Roman before walking off. Roman goes back to the office. Cody had drawn a complete chart of names and locations on his white board.

"Sorry about that. I miss anything?"

"No. Cody just mapped out our leads so far. We'll be here studying this. Check your watch Reigns. Got a file coming in."

Roman checks out the screen, seeing a woman pop up with her information.

"Shayna Baszler? Who's this?"

"Your new teammate."

"Damn already?"

"Bradshaw was nice enough to send us a recruit. She's downstairs in the lounge."

"Bradshaw? Of the APA? Gave you a recruit out the kindness of his heart?"

"I told you he wasn't gonna buy that shit." Said Apollo.

Roman gives a glance at Apollo, then back at his boss.

"What's going on?"

"Baszler is a little, what's that saying? Rough around the edges."

"What?"

"She's a BITCH! Bradshaw doesn't want her there. She's experienced, but hard to work with."

"So what makes you think she'll listen to me?"

"You're a swell guy. Put the ol Roman Reigns charm on her. If that don't work, then beg. Now go on."

"Hold up."

"I said NOW, Reigns."

Apollo leaves first. Roman starts to follow, but stops and turns around.

"I know this isn't the best time to ask this, but shouldn't we bring Seth back?"

"He'll be back when I say so. He broke the rules, so he has to pay. Last time I'm speaking on it. Close my door."

Roman abides so he can join Apollo, who held the elevator open for him. Everything just seemed to be falling apart. No Seth. No Dean. No time at home. All responsibility of Black Cerberus on Roman at this point.

"Hey Roman."

"Yes?"

"I'm fully behind you man. If we can come together and combine our strengths, this team can reach new heights."

"Appreciate you enthusiasm Apollo. Its just a lot to ask for three strangers to become a fully functioning team in a day."

They reach the lounge floor, coming in to find an displeased looking Paige talking to Shayna. Shayna sat back relaxed, feet on the table. Aggressively chewing gum, with the pack sticking out her denim jacket pocket.

"Tell the lab geeks, no polyester in my riot gear. That shit irritates my skin. I also need a holster for my 1887 Model Shotgun. With a pouch for my shells. You getting all this Peggy?"

"My name's Paige, and yes I got it. Is there anything else. Can I rub your shoulders?" She sarcastically asked.

"Now that you mention, I am pretty stiff." She replied lowering her jacket. "Right around my left trap. Not too hard."

Paige rolled her eyes and turned away. Mouthing something foul to Roman as she got in the elevator. Roman and Apollo approached her. She folded her arms and gave a cold stare to the two.

"Tell Peggy she owes me a massage."

"Will do. So, I'm Roman. This is Apollo. We're your new partners. Nice to meet you."

Roman extended a hand, which Shayna accepts with a sly smile. She didn't seem that bad.

"Well Roman, it's nice to meet you too. I gotta say, you don't seem like a giant pussy."

"Excuse me?"

"I remember last year, Sasha told me how Black Cerberus got their ass kicked. You didn't even throw a punch."

"That was different. I wasn't gonna-"

"Save me the explanation. Just be ready on the battlefield and I won't give you too much shit, kay?"

Roman's took a large breath, ready to say something, but decided to let it go. Giving Shayna a pleasant smile instead.

"Hey, Apollo right? Why you so quiet?"

"Minding my own business. I let my actions speak for me."

"I like that. Me and you should get along fine. Pretty boy over here, might take some time."

Roman started laughing. Half ironically. Half on purpose. His watch goes off, signaling a new mission. Another one already. Shayna and Apollo waited patiently as Roman checked the briefing. He concentrated even harder as more info popped up.

"You wanna fill us in?" Said Shayna.

Roman ignored her, completely zoned in. Only he carried a Netwatch at the moment, so they had to wait on his word. Roman's arm drops as he stared blankly into space. Even Shayna started to get worried. Apollo pushed Roman a little, who doesn't budge. Shayna stood, getting in Roman's face.

"What did you read?!" She shouted.

"We're going to Mexico. We're going after Del Rio's right hand man. Jose Savero."