In Our Family Portrait

Part Two

"You're kidding," Randy blinked.

Hunter slowly shook his head, "'Fraid not, kid."

"Vince McMahon, as in our *boss* Vince. . . The very same man that signs our checks?" the young man continued, still in doubt.

And Hunter nodded his head up and down. He hadn't even bothered to turn and face his troops. He instead focused on the photograph of the youngest McMahon. After a moment, he moved his attention to Faith's photograph and opened his mouth to verbally answer Randy, "Yes, as in our boss, Vince. In fact, one of our assignments this time around is to make certain that Cordelia is not harmed in any way. Vince does not want his baby girl hurt."

Randy crossed his arms, "Which means, what, exactly? We play babysitter?"

"Maybe," Hunter answered with a wry smile, the blond man finally turning around. He first looked at Randy, because the younger man was standing beside him rather than behind him, and then looked at the rest under his charge, all eleven in turn - with Randy was a dozen - his blue eyes settling on Lita. The redhead stared back at him, her expression was unsure. And Hunter studied her carefully. She had worked for him many times before and she was, in fact, one of his favorites. He had to wonder just what was going on inside her head. He looked away from her after he made a mental note of speaking with her in private later. He moved, stepping forward and grabbing a stack of folders next to the one that had previously held the photographs that were taped onto the white board.

He walked around the room and passed the folders out to each Initiative soldier, "This folder contains our next two assignments. . . As I had just said, our first assignment being Cordelia's safety. We eliminate all potential threats against the girl. And our second being the capture and rehabilitation of Faith. If all goes according to plan, she will become an asset to the Initiative, rather than an enemy. . . The folder also contains information on both girls as well as everyone that had come in contact with them that hold relevance to our assignments. . . which means that there is also a detailed description of both the vampire and the ex-Watcher. While our number one priority is Cordelia's well being, in light of Lita's connection to the rogue Slayer, Faith will not be taken in by brute force. She will not be harmed unless absolutely necessary. Which means that unless your life is at stake, do not attack."

Lita sent him an appreciative smile and Hunter only gave a barely noticeable nod of his head.

"In fact, no one outside of this room will even be made aware of Lita's relationship with the Slayer. We'll keep that little bit of information between us, is that clear?" His request was answered by various nods and murmured agreements. "The assignments will consist of three teams. Team A and Team B will be in charge of the infiltration of Angel Investigations. One team will pose as clients and the other team will pose as potential allies. Team C will be working with Ms. Steele of the East Hills Teen Center, I want you out on the streets of LA gathering information about our targets, as much as you can and as quick as possible. Leading Teams A and B will be Cena and Jericho, Copeland will be in charge of Team C," Hunter ordered, "Pick your teams, gentlemen."

John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Edge gave a nod and as one they stood and joined Hunter at the head of the room. The four spoke quietly amongst themselves and after several minutes of conversation, Edge addressed the room in general and picked his team first. "Trish, Lilian, and Christian," Edge announced.

Trish Stratus, Lilian Garcia, and Christian Reso stood as their names were called and Edge led them to one side of the room.

"Randy, Tomko, Victoria, and Melina."

Randy, Tyson Tomko, Victoria Varon, and Melina Perez followed John to another part of the room which left Lita and Jeff Hardy with Chris. Chris nodded at the pair before he moved to joined them at their table, Jeff having been seated on the other side of Lita. Chris occupied Edge's previous seat.

"All right, while there are three teams, everyone will take part with Faith's capture. Team Cena will pose as the potential allies, Team Jericho as clients," Hunter waited for a sign that they understood. At their nods, he continued, "Now, because we have no idea on what Faith's next move would be. . . I want all teams at their respective places as soon as possible, preferably some time later today. But, before you leave the barracks, I want you at the armory. Take whatever you may need. Team Copeland, I've already contacted Anne, so she'll be expecting you. Team Cena, Gunn and his team are expecting you as well. You're free to leave."

Hunter watched as two of the teams stood and left the room. And he waited a couple of minutes after the door had closed to acknowledge the final team, "Finlay will have a package ready for you at the armory. Inside the package will be the keys to the apartment that you'll share, as well as keys to your temporary vehicle, cash, etcetera. You'll also be given another folder with more information regarding Angel Investigations, prior cases and whatnot. Once everyone has agreed with some sort of background story, I want you to contact Storm. Once. He'll have the information up on every possible database out there, just in case someone would want to do background checks."

He turned and regarded Lita in particular, "Now, Li, for obvious reasons, I want you to stay as close to the truth in regards to your background as you can. If Faith were to notice you and become curious enough to do a background check herself, I don't want her fishing around, OK?"

Lita gave a nod, "What are the chances that Faith would contact the Angel Investigations team in the next twenty-four hours?"

Hunter paused in thought and shrugged his shoulders, "Pretty high, from what I've read about her. She doesn't seem like the type that waits to make her presence known. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if she already has. . . Which means that our time is precious. We want Faith captured as soon as possible. For her safety and for Cordelia's. From what I've gathered, they weren't exactly friends back in Sunnydale."

"And you're worried about Faith going after Cordelia," she paused as she thought of the last few moments she had with her sister. They hadn't exactly parted on good terms. . . "I won't be the least bit surprised if she were to come after me, as well. I'm pretty sure that she hates me."

Hunter smirked, "Well, it's damned good thing that you're trained not only to attack, but to defend yourself, too."