(Ailith): Who is Alex?

It had been almost 2 weeks since Ailith's discussion with Clarice. Ailith couldn't sleep some nights for fear of what Clarice might do. It seemed she had caught on to something. According to Evan and Alex she had been lacking energy during training. Alex suggested she get more rest while Evan forced her to schedule more workout sessions. How 2 people living under the same roof could be so different was beyond her.

Ailith was eating her usual meal in the cafeteria when Alex sat across from her. Sparing him only a glance, she continued picking at her food.

"Something wrong?" he asked, concern washing over his face.

"No."

"Hmm. Alright."

"Actually, Alex."

"Yeah?" He looked up from his treker.

"What did you talk about with Clarice 2 weeks ago when she called you to her office?"

He shrugged. "Nothing much. She just asked how training was going and stuff like that."

"Oh."

"Why? I heard you met with her too. Did she say anything?"

"No, same here."

They were both lost in their own thoughts for a moment before Ailith said. "I'm going to go to the restroom. I'll be right back."

"Alright."

When she came back, they both continued minding their own business until Alex said, "So, we're going to be assigned our first mission soon."

Shocked, Ailith abruptly turned her gaze to Alex. "What?"

Alex tilted his head, confused. "You didn't know?"

"No. Who told you?"

"Evan. And Clarice mentioned it too. I thought you knew."

"No, I had no idea. Fill me in?"

"Sure. I heard we tracked down the main base of a rebel group. Evan and Amber are going to lead since it's our first time. We'll just follow and help them out. I don't really know all the details. Just that they're going to set up bombs inside and wait outside to capture anyone who tries to escape." Alex carefully observed her as he said this.

Panicked, Ailith stood from her chair. "Do they tell you where the base was?"

"No. Clarice said it was confidential until the day of the mission but I'm really excited. She said it was the real thing this time. Why do you want to know?"

Ailith froze. At this rate, Alex would discover there was something wrong. She had to remain calm. She could go warn them later. Ailith sat back down. "Sorry. Just the thought of it makes me nervous. I was going to go train some more."

Alex outright laughed. "And here I was thinking you were a rebel too. Excuse my wild claims. I've been watching too many shows lately."

Ailith nervously giggled along. "Yeah. So when is the mission?" she asked in a more calmly manner this time.

Alex seemed to think for a moment. "Well, I think I remember it being sometime next week."

"I see. Thanks."

He grinned. "No problem. Hey, if you ever want to talk, I'm free."

"I'll take you up on that offer someday. You better not reject me."

He laughed. "Alright."

Ailith genuinely felt herself smile. ���Alright."

It was late at night. Alex was in deep sleep and it didn't seem like he would wake up any time soon. Ailith felt around underneath her bed, in search of the bag she had stowed there. 'Found it.' After checking that everything was in it's right place, she carefully slid open the window and jumped.

It was much cooler at night than it was in the morning. Ailith raced through the now familiar roads to Dorrance. After her first visit to Dorrance, Ailith had decided to avoid the subway. It was too risky.

Making sure to keep a steady pace to prevent running out of breath too early, Ailith checked her map one more time. 'Yep, on the right path.'

2 hours later, Ailith was crossing the tape separating Dorrance from the rest of the city, another 15 minutes and she was entering the building, 7 minutes and she was standing outside Michael's office. Ailith raised her hand to knock but stopped short when she heard voices inside. One she recognized was Michael's, the other belonged to a woman. However, she had no idea as to who this woman might be. The woman was speaking.

"..launch an attack…"

Ailith leaned in to hear more clearly.

"...The city's annual ceremony is coming up soon. I have people on the inside who have been scouting the area for possible attack positions and hideouts. If you can find a person to get us inside on the day of the ceremony, we can give you access to some of our troops and weaponry…"

"I do have someone in mind but I'm not sure whether she's prepared yet or if she even is trustworthy enough yet."

"That's for you to figure out. Give me a call when you do and we'll discuss this matter again. So far, it's an ideal time and place."

"I will. It was a pleasure to see you again Lynda."

"Same to you."

Silence followed. Ailith tried to lean in further but the door abruptly opened. Surprised, she staggered back half a step.

A slender woman walked out, her face covered with a mask and hood. The woman glowered at Ailith and turned to Michael as he walked out. "Who's this? I thought I told you the contents of the meeting were to be confidential until a decision was made? Or perhaps... a spy?"

"Who-" Michael turned his gaze to Ailith and immediately frowned when his eyes set on her. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "I don't recall asking you to come." he said, with a questioning tone.

"You said there were things we needed to do to make it official. I also came because there's something urgent that you need to hear."

"I see. Please step in my office and I'll be with you shortly."

"Okay."

It took Michael several minutes to return and she studied his office while waiting. When he did return, the first thing he did was question her on what she had heard.

"You mean between you and that woman?"

"Yes."

"Um. I heard something about an attack...during the upcoming ceremony?"

"Is that all?"

"Yeah."

She kept the part about troops and hideouts to herself.

Michael sighed. "It was extremely rude of you to eavesdrop on our conversation and while I will let it pass this one time, if it does happen again, I'm afraid there will be dire consequences affecting not only you but also the rest of the team."

"I'm sorry."

"Yes. You came to officialize your role in the group?"

"I did but there's also something urgent I have to tell you first."

"What is it?"

"I heard from a team member that we're going on our first mission soon. He said they found this base and that we were going to attack it sometime next week."

Evan cocked his head. "That can't be. They must have found another one of our fakes. We have a team to steer them off our track."

"Oh. But Alex sounded so confident that it was the real one this time...guess he'll be disappointed."

Michael froze when he heard her and tension built up in the room.

Noticing the change in the air, Ailith raised a questioning eyebrow and said to Michael, "Is something wrong?"

Michael looked panicked. He said in almost a whisper. "Who did you just say was confident it was the real one?"

Even more confused, Ailith answered, "Alex. Why?"

For the first time, Michael cursed.