[b][u]Before the Blackout[/u][/b] “You’re right… let’s get out of here. Where do we go, what do we do?” Nicole breathed easier as she took a step back into the alley they had just come from. Where would they go indeed? Several CIA safe houses were scattered throughout the city, but getting to them didn't seem possible at the moment. One of them resided in the thick of the civilian and law enforcement brawl that was currently underway. Her eyes locked onto a man getting trampled by a mob. She wondered if this was how the people in the middle east felt about her presence over there. Was this thing worldwide? Her thoughts went to the soldiers and personnel overseas. The thought of being caught off from home was terrifying. Outside the city limits, there was a cabin that served as another safe house. It was meant to be a mobile interrogation room if an operative found a person of interest. Nicole wasn't really sure how to tell Amanda of the instruments that were housed there, but there didn't seem to be any better alternative. The only thing was how to get there. The highways would be blocked and the risk of someone following was great. Taking a peek at Amanda's shoes, the woman knew the other couldn't possibly make the walk. Maybe it was better if they holed up in an apartment instead? What if Nicole was overreacting? Over analyzing? Looking around the street, Nicole sighed as she was about to regret her next words. "We need to get out of the city," she said. "But first, we're going to have to get you some new shoes, Manda. I have a place - a good distance out - that we can take shelter in." Taking a step out into the streets, Nicole made sure she stayed as far from the crowd as possible. Her eyes scanned the fire-ridden landscape for a shoe store of some kind. A fair amount of stores had already been broken into. Technically, she hadn't vandalized anything. A darkened 'sports authority' sign caught her eye. She had her destination. Grabbing Amanda's hand firmly yet gently, she led the pair where she felt the path was the safest. When they reached the front of the store, Nicole looked inside. It was nearly vacant. "Go inside and change into a pair of sneakers. Legit running shoes Amanda." Her eyes glared at a few people walking towards them as they hurried away. "Change your clothes as well. Something you can run in. I highly doubt you'll be comfortable in that get up. Please, don't argue with me. They're pretty, I know. I'll happily pull from my savings to replace them later. Now, hurry." --- [b][u]Present Day[/b][/u] Nicole flinched as she felt Amanda's hand clasp over hers. The sensation of being touched had never sat well with her after the immediate blackout. Someone had tried to do something indecent to her when she was knocked out. It was an instance she had never forgotten and felt ashamed of. She was a trained agent. How could some average civilian get a jump on her. Human error she thought silently to herself. “It’s okay, love. This is why I’m here, for you to have someone to do this with. I’m always here for you, I hope you know that. Just like you were there for me that night when all of this first began.” Nicole smiled as she banished her immediate thoughts. "Thanks Manda. Glad I stumbled upon you when shit hit the fan," she said. The tension from her body left her as the rush from the day had slowly yet steadily exited her system. "I'll try to keep these 'counseling' sessions behind doors. Can't start giving people the wrong impression. It'd makes things hairy with central. I'm going to hit the bunk. I'll drop you off at your place on my way back?" --- [b][u]Present day: Intelligence Command[/u][/b] "The orders have been issued." Director Zimmer of the Intelligence wasn't pleased at all. The order to start invading Arcadia - the Republic's southern neighbor - wouldn't be a small feat. Particularly when it involved sending an operative to infiltrate. Arcadia - a democratic nation trying to survive between the New California Directorate and the Republic housed a formidable internal and border security. Zimmer would go as far as to say they were as tenacious as the old government the Republic was pushing back. "I heard you the first time Commissar," he said as the balding, middle aged man looked at several dossiers. "Many of our operatives are already in the field." "None are free?" Zimmer arched his brows together. If he wasn't careful, he'd be replaced for not being resourceful. Ashford, the damned fascist. "Several have just ended their sentinel shift." "Problem solved. Send one of them. I don't have to remind you how important the takeover of Arcadia is to the Republic." The intelligence director snorted. He hated the man in the cap sitting before him. "I wrote the report. I know how god damn important it is. However, sending a fatigued personnel is the same as sending a child. They'll need to be briefed an-" "No excuses director," the commissar said getting to his feet. "The Republic - or the Chairman - doesn't broker incompetence or the useless. Your position doesn't spare you from being ... substituted for a more apt person. You will find someone! You will send them! I shall be back tomorrow to receive the necessary documentation from you. In the meantime, I suggest you look hard, Director Zimmer. Now, it's awfully late. I will be back at noon tomorrow." The commissar grabbed his coat as he stormed out of the room. Zimmer sighed as he breathed easily. He looked at the dossiers again. There wasn't any need to ponder the query any further. He already knew who he'd send. Getting to his feet, he grabbed his personal belongings as the bed at home called for him. Before leaving, he walked over to a working analyst. "Send a message to Operative Laurence. She is to be present in my office for a briefing. Understand?" "Yes sir." Zimmer sighed as he made his way to the door. A new America my ass Chairman he thought to himself as he stepped out into the quiet night.