Chapter 7 --- Things Are Getting Better, Or Not

"Lou, they are a team. No matter what we've done, tried, arranged or hoped; they are stronger as a team." Director Warner stated.

"Yes Ma'am. But she is no agent. Her skills are minimal…"

"She is an asset, and he is stronger with her. Fran will become project leader, Diane is now Jake's partner. The decision has been made."

"Yes Ma'am. I understand. She will be up to speed ASAP."

XxxxxxxxxxxxX

"How did your meeting with Director Warner go?" Kyle asked.

"The decision has been made; Diane is Jake's partner now."

"She doesn't have the instincts."

"No she doesn't. But the Director is right in her belief that they are stronger together than apart. I believe that part of the decision is to compartmentalize the project, or destroy it all together."

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"I'm sorry Diane, the decision has been made."

"Jake, I do not want a pepperoni, artichoke and anchovy pizza. I want chicken and pineapple with white sauce."

"Ok, ok, I'll call the pizza place and change the order. Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm just hungry."

"And angry."

"I'm sorry Jake."

"It's ok Diane. I'm just worried about you."

"I'll have Fran run a diagnostic tomorrow. Now, please call the pizza place."

XxxxxxxxxxxxX

"I'm sorry Diane, the decision has been made. You are now an agent of the NSA." Lou said sternly.

"But all my training is in self-defense. I'm a lab rat!"

"It'll be alright Diane. You've rushed to Jake's side before, think of this as an opportunity."

"Isn't there some rule against married agents working together?"

"There is. However, nanites throw you two into a whole new category."

"Jake…"

"Jake is probably still cussing I imagine. Kyle is telling him now." Lou said just before Jake burst through her door.

"I won't allow it!" He yelled angrily.

"Sit down Jake, Diane. We'll talk…"

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"The decision has been made Diane; I'm running your tests again."

"Fran… ugh… This is so frustrating."

"And about to get more so. The results are back." Fran said looking at her computer screen.

"What's wrong with me?"

"You are two months pregnant."

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"Diane is scared."

"She has good reason. Director Warner is talking like the child will be the property of the NSA."

"Kyle, there is a chance the baby will have nanites, especially if there is any trauma during the pregnancy."

"I'll talk to Jake in the morning about protecting her from risky assignments. He can alert Diane. I guess that wraps up today's events."

"Fine with me, more wine?"

"No, I'm driving."

"No you're not."

"I'm not?"

"We're staying in tonight."

"Why Miss Yoshida…"

"You start 'Missing' me and…"

"Not a chance Fran, not a chance."

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A/N: This gentle readers concludes what I originally envisioned to be chapter 1 and I've got five more just like it.

Next: What has Jake happy. What has Jake mad.

Announcement: I'm looking for the name of a chocolate candy bar that Jake would have in his refrigerator. The reader that emails me the best recommendation gets to name a minor character (and a short background) I haven't named yet. I need this by October 20, 2006. It should be a real candy bar that I can verify. The reader will of course get full recognition for both contributions.

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