Stryker flipped and shuffled through the various papers smothering his desk, all of them relating to his newest addition, Amber Maestas Coffey. Information about powers, early childhood, education, medical history, it all was at his fingertips. Unfortunately, this girl also seemed to be a very good actress, at least to his knowledge. The report back from Zero would confirm it. The reason that they were double checking with their sources was that the girl's report had told them that she had complete control over her powers, but when they'd activated the machine, she'd acted as if she'd never even seen lightning before. He sighed. He just hoped that nothing else would screw up this plan.

There was a sharp rap on the door, and the Colonel started a bit, but regained his composure as he said seriously,

"Come in, Zero."

Zero opened the door and entered the room with a few more papers in his hands.

"Sir, I have the report back from the telepaths."

"And you made sure these ones weren't liars like the last ones?"

"I'm absolutely certain, sir. And if they were... Well, let's just say they know what's coming to them if they were. They remember from last time."

Zero smiled slyly. That was a fun day.

The Colonel nodded, getting up from his chair.

"And?"

"Turns out she was lying. She knows exactly how to use her powers, but was faking confusion and the like to see if we would take pity on her."

He smirked. Like we ever would.

"I have the official report here, if you'd like to re-"

"Agent Zero, I trust you completely. I'd actually trust you with my life, unlike some of the other idiots I hire. I don't need to read the report."

Zero nodded, a little taken-aback by this sudden spring of emotions from the general. Well, they weren't exactly very emotional emotions, but at least they were there. He nodded again. Better to not say anything and make it worse. He just stood there in silence, waiting for his next order.

Stryker was in deep thought for a couple of minutes before there was another sharp rap at the door, startling him yet again. He frowned, annoyed by this sudden jumpiness, and said crossly,

"Yes, come in."

John entered the room, looking a little flustered. Something must have happened, since John rarely ever gets worked up over anything. Zero stepped aside, allowing him in full view of the Colonel. He breathed hard as he spoke, seeming to have run all the way here.

"Sir, we have a problem with the new recruit, Am-"

"Yes, I know who you're talking about. What's the problem?"

Stryker seemed to be a bit touchy about this, which confused both John and Zero.

"Uhh, well... You see..."

"JOHN! I don't have time for this! What is it?"

"Sir, she's woken up. But... not exactly where we wanted her to."

Stryker was obviously upset now.

"What do you mean, John? Spit it out already!"

John swallowed hard.

"Well Sir, she woke up in a cell with two other experiments. They've already begun talking to her. We have to hurry before they turn her against us, or else she'll never join our team."

By the time John had finished the last sentence, Stryker was already out the door, a plain look of rage upon his face. John and Zero glanced at each other for only a moment before following him out, falling in step behind him. Stryker wasn't done questioning John though.

"Did you already try to get her out?"

John seemed a bit taken-aback.

"Of course I did, Sir! But the two guards who put her in there refuse to let her out. They keep saying they have special orders from you that only you can let her out."

Stryker stopped for a moment, John nearly running into him before Zero catches him. A silent word of thanks is exchanged.

"John, have I ever given any such order like that?"

"Umm, no. No, Sir."

"Then why would those two keep saying such nonsense? They know the consequences of lying to me."

John swallowed again and Zero looked at his boots. They were spotless. He frowned. Stryker sighed, putting a hand to his head. His headache was returning again. Then a thought came to him. The two other kids in that cell had to be...

"Emma and Remy."

Zero's eyebrows furrowed.

"I'm sorry?"

"John, the two other kids in that cell are Emma and Remy, correct?"

John nods, but then remembers that he's behind the Colonel, and says,

"Yes."

"I knew it. Emma's been getting better at her control of her powers. She's controlling the two guards. What's sad is that they're stupid enough to give in."

He shook his head, sighing, all the rage nearly gone.

"C'mon boys, let's go see what damage has already been done. Call Wade and Victor down as well, but leave Bradley at the control room. I have a feeling this could get a bit tense."

He walked in a terrifyingly calm manor towards the prisoner cells. Zero and John both looked at each other, than forward back at Stryker. Whatever was about to happen, could not possibly be good in any way, shape, or form. And both of them knew it.