Yassen met Tamara outside headquarters. She was wrapped up in woollen winter clothing, her yawn creating mist in the cold winter air. He wore a simple woollen jacket, and seemed completely unperturbed by the cold. Though, he was hardly ever perturbed by anything. They were early. The sun had not risen yet, and the only light came from the yellow streetlights. Any spy knew that being early was better than being on time or late. It provided more time for everything, such as scanning the area, setting up traps, or whatever else you would need to do on a mission. 'You're early too?' asked Tamara, yawning again and raising a lazy hand to her mouth. Yassen simply nodded. He was already fully awake, as he always was - he did not find that he needed much time to sleep; 3 or 4 hours was usually enough for him. The night was too precious to spend sleeping.

There was an awkward silence for a minute or so, where Yassen simply looked around and Tamara tried to think of words to say to her new partner. His cold eyes and emotionless face daunted her and she didn't dare say anything more after his rather cold remark, or rather, lack of remark, given before.Thankfully, Joe came before the situation became really awkward. 'Come in,' he said, opening the door. 'You should get into the routine of coming early,' said Tamara, walking inside. Yassen followed her in.'Routine kills,' said Joe simply, patting her on the back. 'Oh, yeah,' remembered Tamara, climbing the stairs to Joe's office.Joe opened the plain door to his office, leading to an equally plain office, with grey walls, a grey desk, a grey chair and nothing but papers and filing cabinets - grey of course.'Sit down,' he said, motioning to the chairs. Tamara and Yassen took their seats next to each other while Joe sat at the other end of the table.'I have arranged job interviews for you two - try your hardest to look non-suspicious and to get the job,' said Joe, his eyes boring into those of Tamara's and Yassen's. 'I've created an impressive resumes for you; it should be enough to get you into the company by itself. Monitor all activities and look for anything unusual. If anything unusual happens, call us immediately,' he said, pounding his fist on the table.
'We have reason to believe that a crime will be happening soon. I've rented an apartment for you two. Here's the address - it's right by the harbour. If you find nothing unusual by February, call us and we will arrange a flight home for you,' said Joe. 'I wish you the best of luck.'

'Thanks,' said Tamara. 'I want you to call me at the end of every day,' he said. 'Update me on what's happening and tell me about any advances.''Alright,' said Tamara. Yassen was silent.'Go on,' said Joe, 'you don't want to miss your flight,' he said, with a wave of his hand. 'Bye,' said Tamara, not sure whether Joe would reply.He didn't, instead turning to one of the numerous files on his table.Tamara sighed, leaving the room.

'Guess we'll have to start acting like a couple now,' said Tamara, to Yassen.He nodded, and took her hand in his. Tamara was surprised that he actually responded to her, this time. She smiled at him, but he didn't return it. Not that she expected much in the first place anyway.They hailed a taxi on the street, and began their journey.Yassen looked out the window; his mind seemed miles away. Tamara opened her mouth to try and make conversation, and then thought the better of it, knowing that her partner was not a great conversationist. Instead she tried to remember all the information in the file. They passed through the deserted streets of Boston, blackness all around.

The taxi stopped and they were at the airport. Yassen paid the driver and proceeded to unload the bags. He took the two heavy ones, leaving Tamara with only a small backpack. 'I'll take one,' said Tamara, reaching for one of the bags.'It's alright,' said Yassen. He seemed completely untroubled by the large backpack and suitcase he was carrying. They made their way to the counter where they had to check in for their flight. They were early, and so there were only a few people there and they did not have to wait long to be served.'Good morning sir, ma'am,' said the woman at the counter.'Morning,' said Tamara, happily. Yassen didn't answer. He passed the boarding passes to the woman; she seemed rather disturbed by Yassen's lack of speech.

Maybe he's a mute, the woman thought to herself.Yassen stared at the woman as she checked the passes. She could feel his gaze boring through her. She worked a little faster. 'Is there a problem?' asked Yassen. The woman jerked in slight fear of the man at the counter.'No sir,' she said, lifting her head slowly. She passed the boarding passes back to Yassen.

Tamara realised that though her partner had a silent façade and didn't talk a lot, there was something about him that demanded attention. He radiated power and confidence, and people rushed to serve him, in awe, or even fear. There was something in his sentences that stopped people from arguing with him. He seemed like the kind of person someone could not stop looking at if they saw him even once, the kind of person that seemed to take up the space of the whole room. Even Tamara was thinking about him, oblivious to the other people at the airport.By the time Tamara snapped back to reality, they had checked in and were ready to proceed to customs and immigration. Now that Yassen had his hands free, he held one of Tamara's in his own once more. Tamara smiled at him again.

Yassen made an attempt to smile genuinely back.They soon passed customs and immigration and sat down at the gate. Yassen was silent once more; looking out the window in thought.'Something troubling you?' Tamara asked.Yassen snapped back to reality.'No,' he replied. Tamara looked sceptical, but didn't say any more.They sat in silence, each one enveloped in their own thoughts.Tamara watched the area around her for any disturbances. Children followed their parents around the airport, playing with McDonalds Happy Meal toys or fighting with each other. Half-dead teenagers trailed after their parents, iPod earphones in their ears and dead looks on their faces. Couples like those Yassen and Tamara were pretending to be walked hand in hand, kissing and hugging each other every few seconds. Watching this, Tamara moved closer to Yassen and hugged him.

You never know where or when people will be watching you. Any agent knew they should always be on their guard. He seemed slightly shocked at first, but then returned the hug, unemotionally, as he always was. 'Are you excited, honey?' she asked.

Yassen seemed not quite sure how to reply for a few moments.

'Very much so,' he said. Not exactly the most lovey-dovey of sentences, but good enough for anyone who would be watching.

There was an announcement from the speakers above.

'Passengers on flight 6707, please start boarding.'

Tamara and Yassen hopped up, taking their tickets out of their bags.'Just the two?' asked the girl at the desk.

'Yes,' said Yassen. He was standing with his arm around Tamara's waist, and her own on his shoulder.The girl nodded and let them pass through.