Chapter 23: Self-sacrifice: Maggie and OA
It was because of their ASAC's insistence that they have team bonding activities. True to their team's competitive spirit, the team decided on paintball. Because of that, each session was intense. Plus, they're trained to do this for a living.
Jubal usually just supervises the agents but since Isobel was able to come, they would join as well. "You know the rules of Capture The Flag - the team must get the flag of the other team to win the game and to do that, you must avoid getting shot by your opponent," explained Jubal.
Maggie and OA got Jubal on the Red Team while Tiff and Stuart have Isobel on the Blue Team. The game started with everyone running for cover behind trees and empty barrels. They were able to dodge one another's shots, knowing each other's tendencies.
Maggie wasted no time and took a shot on Stuart. She then turned her aim on his partner but Isobel told Tiff to duck. Tiff retaliated by aiming on Maggie's partner but Jubal pulled back OA just in time but got hit instead. With both teams left with just two active members each, the competition intensified. Jubal and Stuart still followed their respective teammates, despite not being able to directly participate. They just offered their insights and moral support.
Now nearing the endgame, shots were exchanged by both teams. As Maggie was focused on getting to the flags, OA noticed Tiff taking an aim on Maggie. Acting on pure instinct, OA flung himself in the line of fire. "Maggie, look out!" The shot hit him instead and fell to the ground.
"OA!" Maggie was about to return to her partner when Jubal shouted, "No, Maggie, go! Go!" The ASAC rushed to the fallen agent.
When Isobel and Tiff turned to look for the Red Team's only active member, she disappeared. Turning their attention to the flags, they rushed to the flag's location. But Maggie's voice rang in the entire area. "It's over," she said as she stepped out with the blue flag in her hand. Jubal helped OA up as they rushed to their teammate.
Although some lost, everyone agreed that it was a great game. While going out of the game area, Maggie talked to OA. "You didn't have to do that."
OA shrugged, "It was pure instinct. And it was worth it."
Notes:
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