Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me. Many thanks to Moviemaniac12 for letting me co-write this fic.

I rubbed myself with my towel as I stepped out of the shower. Nerves were beginning to course through me.

I moved over to the bed, and started to get dressed. My suit was laid out, and I put my shirt on, trying not to fumble with the buttons. I knew that the pressure would be on as soon as I walked in the room.

I adjusted my shirt, and then pulled on my jacket. Picking up my briefcase, I walked out of the room and downstairs to the waiting car.

As I travelled, my mind started to drift. I'd been working longer hours than usual, trying to research the patterns.

First level...robbery. I shivered. The robbery itself had been violent, one of the worst I'd ever researched. Two near deaths. Nash had claimed he wasn't responsible for either, but I had my doubts. The re-creation might help bring out the truth.

I pulled my jacket around myself more tightly. It was going to be a long day.

"OK," Cobb looked at me. "When Nash comes in, we all need to remain calm." I didn't say anything. I knew that was aimed at me.

Ariadne spoke. "What if he – tries to protest or run?"

"He won't." Cobb's voice was confident, more confident that he probably felt. "He knows he's cornered, and that if he tries to run, he could get shot."

I blinked. Cobb condoning shooting the mark outside the dream? This was a new one.

"Right." I tried to sound confident. "Nash will be arriving in about ten minutes. Lets get ready."

The PASIV was brought out, and Yusuf approached with the sedative. Several glasses of water were also offered, and I knew that that would immiediately raise Nash's suspicions.

"Isn't there a better-" I broke off. Cobb looked at me. "What is it?"

"A better way of making Nash-" I shook my head. "Forget it, I'm sorry."

Cobb's eyes narrowed. "If you've got a problem, Arthur, just say it."

"I don't." I began to busy myself with my files. "Lets just get on with it."

Cobb walked over, and took me by the shoulder.

"Arthur." His voice was low, but intense. "If you have any issues at all with whats going to commence, you need to tell me. Now. I cannot go into this if you're not with me."

"I am with you." I felt defensive.

"Good." Cobb smiled, a genuine one. "I was hoping that would be the answer."

I turned away. I didn't trust myself to say what I thought.

Eames then spoke. "When is Nash arriving?"

Cobb checked his watch. "In about half an hour."

I nodded. "I have the PASIV."

"Excellent."

I sat. Ariadne came over, holding a blueprint. "Arthur, would you mind-"

"Not a good idea," I said quickly. "Its never a good idea to know too much about the mazes."

She looked slightly hurt, but I tried to ignore it. I couldn't afford to let myself get dragged into an argument.

The robbery. Nash had been part of a three men team, using violence. I grimaced as I remembered the finer details. I began to wonder if Cobb really wanted to know what had happened there. I turned and looked at him. He was watching the door.

"So," Eames spoke. "You want me to forge-"

"Yes," Cobb spoke abruptly. "I need you to forge – just be careful, ok?"

Eames nodded. "I will be."

"I know I can rely on you."

I stiffened. Cobb seemed to be saying those types of phrases more and more recently. Except to me.

Suddenly, Reid appeared. "Are you all ready?"

"Almost." Cobb continued to check the paperwork.

"Because he's here." Reid looked at us.

I swallowed. "OK."

"Sedated?" Cobb asked, urgently.

"Yes." Reid looked at him. "Shall we bring him in?"