Ahres looked around the conference room, currently occupied by all of the facility personnel that recently had their lives changed, when they gained, or were made aware of, the abilities they now possessed, and he had spent the last couple of months training in the use of those abilities. The setting, and expectant looks of those present, reminded him of the number of times he had done this before during his very long life. He took one last look around the table, meeting the eyes of everyone assembled that could be seen, and then began speaking.
“During the last two months, I have worked with each of you, helping you discover and understand the abilities each of you posses, learning your current limits, and what you may eventually be capable of. You have evolved from being unsure and frightened individuals, into a team with confidence in themselves and the ability to work together, reducing the chances of “friendly fire” incidences.”
Serena Elders shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She was responsible for one of the “friendly fire” incidences that Ahres referenced. Due to a lack of communication, one of her teammates was rendered unconscious by her sonic power, when she jumped in front of Serena during a training exercise. No permanent harm was done, but Serena still berated herself for it having happened.
“I feel that you are ready for some real world experience,” Ahres continued, “but you have some decisions to make before you do.”
“Like what?” asked Lucy “Lucky” Lovelace, one of the team’s best front line combatants.
“Like how you wish to use your abilities,” responded Ahres, “and how far ranging you wish to go.”
“What exactly do you mean by ‘far ranging’?” the disembodied voice of Dr Milo Tarquin asked.
A reply came from the facility’s owner, and Dr Tarquin’s employer. “I believe our ancient friend is asking where we wish to operate, how much territory we will cover, as well as in what capacity we will operate.”
Ahres nodded in agreement. “Correct Mr McCullond. Those are all important and necessary decisions that need to be made before you go on your first mission. But before you make those decisions; there are a few things I wish to mention, which I think will influence those decisions.”
“Firstly,” he began, “I want to point out something I have noticed about your collective skill set. From what I have seen, you, as a team, seem best suited for two areas of expertise. The first is espionage. Between your abilities to control the intensity of light and shadows, move unseen, and manipulate sound, you would excel in that area. The technical expertise some of you have supports that, in more ways than one. Doctor Tarquin’s non-corporeal state and ability to possess people, also helps in that field.”
“The other possible area of expertise,” continued Ahres, “is that of assassination.”
Upon the finishing of that sentence, the feel of the room changed. Shock, surprise and horror were the dominant emotions flashing across the gathered faces, with more than a little uncomfortable shifting in place.
“Fuck that shit!” came an outburst from Lucky, “I don’t do wet work!”
Ahres turned to look at her and replied, “I never said you had to, Lucky, I was merely pointing out what the team’s collective skill set was suited for. The choice in how you, as a group, operate is ultimately up to you as a team.”
Lucky shifted in her seat, nodded her head, looking mollified.
Ahres took a breath, and continued.
“There is something else I feel is important for me to point out, and that is how you can expect the reaction to your existence to be.”
“Judging by the tone of your voice, I gather you are not going to say something positive here,” interrupted Doctor Timothy Talon.
“No, Doctor, I am not. On average, humanity tends to fear what it finds different, or does not understand, and that fear generally turns to jealousy, hate and a need to control.”
“With most of us having powers that are, when used, obvious in nature, we are most definitely ‘different’. For those of us that are ‘otherworldly’ in origin, the reactions will be even stronger. With that in mind, I suggest operating as quietly and ‘under the radar’ as you can. We exist in a world of social media, and everyone and their dog has some type of digital audio-visual recording device, and connection to the Internet is almost guaranteed for the average citizen. It will be only a matter of time before we, as individuals or a team, become noticed.”
Looking hopefully at Ahres, Erica Borg, the team’s magic wielder, finally spoke up.
“You just said ‘we’. So you will be joining us then?”
Nodding his head, Ahres replied, “Yes. I can fulfill a number of roles on missions, including air support, as well as provide tactical advice. I am not planning on taking a leadership role, unless absolutely necessary, as you already have a command structure. Otherwise, I will continue to be your instructor, sparring partner and advisor.”
“Well now, that gives us all quite a bit to think about,” began the facility’s owner, Storm McCullond. “Perhaps we should take some time to let that sink in, and think about what our ultimate decision will be, at least for how we start. Meanwhile, we should get back to work, and pretend things are normal around here, and it is just another day that ends in ‘y’.”
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