"So, Michael, let me just get this straight, before anything else… You work with the Squid Sisters?"
Angela, Randy, and Shelly hadn't been informed of Agents 1 or 2 before, they assumed they'd be other guys like Michael, not the most popular idol duo in the city.
"Uh, yeah. I guess I didn't mention it because I didn't see much of a point to it."
Callie cut in, throwing her arm over Michael's shoulder. "Yep! We've been working with Mikey since last year's war. Let me tell you guys, he was amazing back then, he took down the Octarian's leader almost entirely by himself!"
Ignoring the praise Michael turned his attention to Marie. "So, Marie, Cuttlefish said you two found out some stuff about a couple of Octolings?"
"Yeah. We looked into the restaurant that the Octolings had been seen leaving and found that it had been stolen from twice. Apparently the police found that all the security cameras had been blocked out, too. We think they're most likely getting food since their rations might be low."
"Where do you think they might be hiding?" Shelly asked.
"That, we don't know. We're still trying to figure that out."
"Hmm…" Shelly stayed in silence for a moment before continuing. "Do you think we could keep a vigil going over-night? The Octolings are likely to only operate in the dark, a few of us could keep watch to see if they come out tonight."
"I was thinking the same thing. I like the way you think, Shelly. But we're going to need enough people to go in a rotation, nobody wants to stay up all night. Which is why Callie and I are going with you. We'll change in groups of two."
"I call working with Mikey!" Callie put in.
"Alright then. Angela, Randy, do you two wanna work together?"
Both just nodded in response.
"Well, guess you're with me, Shelly."
"Right."
"You kids stay safe now, vigils aren't as easy as they sound." The group had gone into Octo Valley to get Callie and Marie's weapons from Cuttlefish, the Krak-on Roller and the Kelp Splatterscope, respectively.
"Don't worry, gramps, we will." Callie responded.
"I know you will."
"Hey, uh, Cuttlefish, there's something I wanna ask." Randy said.
"What's your question, son?"
"Well, if Callie and Marie are Agents 1 and 2, and Mike's Agent 3, are there any more agents?"
Randy could have almost felt the tension that rose up after the question. Callie shifted her eyes uneasily, Marie bit her lip, and Cuttlefish's eyes had widened for a moment. Looking over to Michael, who had been pacing around, Randy saw he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Well… there was an Agent 4 but…"
Michael had launched himself out of the valley.
"Look, son, I can't tell you about them. It's a very touchy subject. Especially for Michael. If you want him to be on his game you'd best not bring it up around him."
"Did… did something happen to them?"
"Didn't I just say that I can't tell you about them!?" Cuttlefish's surprisingly harsh tone surprised everyone. He sighed before continuing. "Sorry, but, it'd be better if you don't bring it up again."
"…Alright."
A silence hung for a tense moment.
"Just, get going, you'll want to be out before it gets dark, don't want the Octolings to get out before you do."
"Yeah, sure. Let's go, guys." The team left the valley one-by-one.
Michael was found sitting on a bench in the plaza.
"Hey, you alright, Mike?"
"Oh, hey Randy. Yeah, I'm fine."
"You sure? You don't sound like it."
"Yeah, I'm sure. It's just that, well… No, I don't think I should tell you."
"Why not?"
"It's… it's not important. I'll tell you some other time, yeah?"
"C'mon Michael, you should know that keeping these kinda things secret ain't healthy."
"I know, Randy. I know. But, please, can I just keep this one secret? Even just for a little while more? I promise I'll tell you when I'm ready."
"…Yeah, sure, man. I understand."
"Thanks." Michael looked to the sky. "We should get going, it's almost night."
"Yeah, let's go."