Feb 8th – 18h30

In the basement, a small group of people chatted as Breanna watched. Over the last three years, many had passed through, some staying becoming friends, others wanted to be part of something bigger. Some came homeless and destitute, finding a place to belong. Some acknowledged a need and assisted with the integration and homing of those wanting a life.

Then there was David. Breanna found him standing at the back of the group leaning against the dormitory doorframe. Not far from him, Clio stood to one side, her arms crossed, feet braced, watching Breanna. Valencia sat in the far left front row, observing. Fortunately for Valencia, everyone thought she was a normal human being, making it easy for her to move among them. The strain of keeping her ability covered twenty-four hours a day was beginning to show in the black rings under her eyes. Breanna knew time was against them where Valencia's health was concerned. She had to think of a way to expose her capabilities, so everyone accepted and trusted Valencia. Accepting her. However, this meeting was not the place.

"What is this about Breanna?" David's deep voice cut through the rumble of voices, "or doesn't it concern me."

"Stow it, David," Clio snapped, "what Breanna has to say is for everyone's ears and in her time."

The rumbling voices became silent as everyone turned to watch the pair glaring at each other. No privacy was one of the hazards of being a close-knit group.

"Thank you, Clio," Breanna interrupted the exchange, "this does concern everyone. We all know about the safe house. We need to look at other options now that Reilly's space is no longer available. For instance, do we go to another safe house, or would you all prefer to go your own way? Let's look at the safe house option. The place that we can use has a higher detection level than I like, plus it will put all of us in the crossfire of the military," Breanna sighed, "and Darcia."

A sudden low rumble rolled through the group as they began murmuring between each other.

"Before anyone gets upset or starts objecting," Breanna raised her voice over the rising din, "the decision is not final. That is why you are all here."

"I don't want to be near either Darcia or the Military," Hana said from her seat in the centre of the group, "no one came to extract me from her facility. They left me there to be tortured and experimented on."

"How you feel is understandable," Breanna said, acknowledging the woman, "we have new information regarding the reasons. Your command stations may not be aware of what Darcia has been doing. David is investigating a missing member of his team. He has found similar patterns in other files of military and government personnel. There is a belief this isn't the first time Darcia has orchestrated an M.I.A situation. A list of current military personnel either deployed or in the process of deployment to foreign places was discovered in the hands of a group of human traffickers."

"Who found that list?" Kyle asked.

"David was able to extract the information from their base of operations a few days ago while trying to stop another MIA situation happening. That's how he got shot." Breanna replied.

"The information has indications of missing personnel appearing months or even years later. They are found in or around the area of the original MIA," David said, looking at Hana. "The fact that your divisions did no extractions is probably because they didn't know where you were or that you needed extraction."

"How did you land up with Darcia?" Jarred said to David, "you're investigating missing people, and suddenly you're in there as an experiment. That sounds dodgy to me."

Muttered agreements sprinkled through the group. Breanna inhaled and waited to see if David would tell them the truth or dodge the subject.

David sighed, "Darcia gave me an option. Be an experiment or watch my younger sister, who is not a military, a government employee or a volunteer, become an experiment. She still holds my sister. The only reason I'm here at this moment is due to Breanna helping me with a bullet wound and disabling the device hidden in the necklace I was forced to wear. Oh yes, I have been here two days."

"How did you know the information was required?" Breanna asked into the sudden silence.

"I have always been good at anticipating requirements," David looked at the floor before meeting the waiting gazes, "it is one of the enhancements Darcia did."

"So you know everything people want to know before it's voiced?" Oran rose from his chair, "that's intrusive. I don't like it."

"Maybe, but what about your enhancements?" David met and held Oran's gaze while pushing off the doorframe.

The disgruntled rumble rose in volume. Valencia looked at Breanna, her eyes showing her concern. The already volatile situation could quickly get out of hand.

"Enough," Breanna bellowed over the rising din, "everyone sit."

She waited while the room subsided into absolute silence.

"We are all enhanced in one way or another. There is no manner of knowing what Darcia has or hasn't done to every one of us. She has not been forthcoming with information. Each of us learned about ourselves due to being in situations where we are required to use the skill. Turning on each other because we don't like what we hear is ridiculous."

"But what if someone decides to turn it on the others," Hana looked at David, "newcomers are always loose cannons until proving themselves."

"Valid point," Breanna said, "we'll not lose sight of that fact. David doesn't have to be here. He could have contacted Darcia and told her where he is, any time from his arrival to the completion of his healing."

"He has only been here two days," Clio frowned, "how can a bullet wound be healed in that time?"

"Less," David supplied, "twelve hours."

Chatter came from every corner at the same time. A cross-section of questions, demands and concerns clashed in the air around the group.

"Breanna, going down this path is only going to be destructive," Valencia whispered as she hurried to her, "the focus should be on staying together or splitting up."

Putting a hand up, Breanna waited.

"Valencia has a point here. Getting upset with each other over what we cannot control is counterproductive. Are we going to relocate everyone, noted under dangerous conditions or do you all want to go your separate ways?"

The silence that met her words lasted for two heartbeats then everyone started talking simultaneously. Breanna shook her head. This was exhausting. She waited until each of the room's occupants said what they needed to while shoving her hands in the back pockets of her cargo pants and hanging her head to her chest. She waited a few more moments as the words ran together and emotions ran high.

"Tula," Beanna looked at a quiet Hispanic young woman sitting near the back of the group, watching everyone else. At the sound of her name, she turned her gaze on Breanna, "you haven't said much. You can sense many things, right? What have you picked up?"

Silence fell, and every eye turned to Tula, who stood.

"Emotions are running very high," her mellow voice spoke quietly, "fear and anxiety are the main sensations. While anger is hovering. I sense one consistency... separation anxiety. Separation is not an option. We have learnt to function as a team, strengths covering weaknesses, we depend on each other. Although none of us is related by blood, we are a family. We need to work as a family and trust each other to keep the strength we already have."

"Thank you," Breanna nodded as the young woman finished, "does everyone agree with Tula?"

Breanna looked across the room. Heads nodded.

"Fine, I will make arrangements to transfer to the secondary location. I need a list of all the enhancements in the group. Old, new or budding. Better we know everything than get surprised by something along the way."

"You never wanted that before," Clio said, bristling.

Meeting the defiant gaze across the crowd, Breanna held her ground, amazed that her backbone was still present and usable.

"We have never needed to fight for survival before Clio. I'll expect the list by sundown."

Turning away, Breanna took the stairs two at a time. Entering and passing through the chilly kitchen, she continued toward the adjacent patio overlooking the beach and rolling waves. Opening the double doors, stepping out and breathing in deeply. The taste of the salty ocean and the smell of brewed coffee from the main street mingled in the air. Holding them inside before releasing her breath. Everything about this place calmed her, focused her, revived her.

"Are you okay?" Valencia asked.

"I am now," Breanna said, "I just needed to get away from all that tension." Breanna said, breathing in deeply once more, "it was giving me a headache."

"Just like when you were growing up," Valencia sighed.

"Yes," Breanna kneaded the back of her neck, "Darcia got all the accolades. All I got was the constant question of when I would be more like her. Accomplish more. Even back then, she was controlling and manipulative. I'm just wondering if she is saying the same about me now."

"Sounds like your twin was a brilliant sibling and daughter," sarcasm dripping off Valencia's words. "Seriously, Bre, the information you need for the relocation is at your office," Valencia said, moving in front of Breanna, gaining her full attention. "How are you going to get it?"

"The ideal solution would be by a remote connection," Breanna said, "if that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to go into the office and get it physically."

"Doing the retrieval physically at this point is not a safe solution," Valencia said. "Darcia found the safe house. You know she has probably found your office."

"That is a possibility," Breanna nodded, "it's not as though I have been hiding. We need to be logical. Doing a physical retrieval may be the only option. I may not have a choice."

"I know you're right," Valencia sighed, both women turning their gazes to the calming crash of the waves, the frothy white gleaming through the darkness. "If Darcia has laid a trap for you, you'll need to take back up."

"Maybe, maybe not," Breanna said quietly, "it all depends on the moment."

In the basement, the group clustered together. Some talked between themselves, others merely sitting or going off to find something else to eat or drink in the basement's tiny kitchen. Clio watched David tag along with a group of men heading upstairs, apparently to try the pool table. He had fitted in quickly even though he still held newbie status. The idea irritated Clio. She was unused to playing second fiddle or being ordered to do anything. Moving to her backpack in the dormitory, she found the sheets of paper that would be handed over. Opening the folded pages, Clio checked that everything was there. She frowned, taking in the strange handwriting at the bottom of the page advising David's abilities. When? How? Confusion stumbled through her emotional pool. Shaking her head, she folded the sheet and pushed them into her back pocket. Sighing, she took the stairs to the upper level of the house, now to find Breanna.

At the dormitory door, Clio encountered Valencia, who stopped in front of her.

"A moment, please," the tenacious redhead said, gripping Clio's elbow and moving them to one side of the doorway, "I have something I need to chat to you about."

"Look, I have to get this information updated for Breanna," Clio sighed, "can't this wait?"

"No," Valencia said, "what the heck is going on with you and Mr Bullet Wound?"

"It's a long story," Clio said, "one that involves family tragedies and the like."

Valencia raised her eyebrows, "You're going to pass that line around me?"

"We've known each other a long time," Clio glanced around before meeting Valencia's gaze, "please trust me."

"With so many lives at stake," Valencia glared at Clio, "I am taking a break from "knowing" anyone and will engage with doing what I was enhanced to do."

"What exactly was that?" Clio sneered, "pretend to be something you're not?"

"Hmm, no, that is just one of them," Valencia narrowed her eyes, "remember I'm watching you, Clio, if you step out of line … so help me. I will put you back in."

"Fine," Clio rolled her eyes, "let me get these checked and updated," Clio pulled the lists from her back pocket, "where do I find our fearless leader?"

"Knowing her state of mind," Valencia looked pointedly at Clio, "either in the kitchen or on the patio trying not to combust into something she doesn't want."

Stalking past, Clio moved toward some of the women; she had gone a few steps before glancing over her shoulder and seeing Valencia take the stairs two at a time to the house.

Clio sighed, feeling like a toddler having a temper tantrum. Breanna's sudden authority play jarred and stung at having to take order after so long. It wasn't as if anyone was in charge, and this was just Breanna trying to throw her weight around. Finally, the list was compiled concisely, holding the latest information. She couldn't seem to shake the emotion or the thought that if Breanna didn't like it, she could do it herself. Clio took the stairs entering a silent kitchen. Valencia had indicated Breanna was either here or on the patio. Looking toward the sound of the ocean, she found the patio doors open. Stepping through, she saw the silent forms of Breanna and Valencia staring toward the sea. Moving toward the breathtaking view, Clio cleared her throat, announcing her presence.

Everyone said Breanna was an enigma. In fact, no one knew the actual level of her abilities or her enhancements. Not even those who had been with her from the time she had escaped The Madhouse. Was there a way of honestly evaluating Breanna? In the few hours the refugee group had been here, Clio had seen some of the best leadership skills ever seen.

"Val, please can you check on the food and beverage levels," Breanna said quietly, "make sure everyone is comfortable."

"Sure," Valencia nodded, "shout if you need anything."

Breanna watched Valencia move away before turning to the ocean once again. Clio remained where she was, waiting. It was never wise to push Breanna into anything, not even a conversation.

"Do you have the list of everyone's enhancements and abilities? No one left off?" Breanna spoke softly, keeping her eyes on the crashing waves of the ocean.

"Everyone is on the list, except me," Clio said, stopping next to Breanna "even David added to the list."

"Interesting," Breanna said, turning toward Clio, "may I see the list, please."

The dismissive manner in which Breanna spoke made Clio bristle, but she pulled the sheets from her back pocket.

"What makes you think you can walk in and take charge? Clio asked, handing the list to Breanna, "I have looked after everyone for years. Normalised their situations. Worked with each of them and their abilities, sat with them night and day, working through the nightmare of their experiences and helping them try to make sense of it all. Extracting them from precarious day to day situations which could result in them going back to Darcia," Clio ground out. "I've dealt with all of that while you sit here and have your safe, quiet seaside life, doing the odd extraction when needed, stepping in to take charge when you feel like it."

"You're angry with me," Breanna continued looking at the papers in her hands.

"Damn straight," Clio growled. "Getting the food in, making sure everyone is home and safe, getting them medical attention without the hospital staff realising something is different about any of us."

"Sounds like you have led a complicated existence all this time," Breanna nodded. "Maybe we have experienced the same things since getting away from my perverted sister."

"What? Sitting sipping wine at the seaside," Clio retorted, "sorry I've been too busy."

Breanna met and held Clio's gaze. Clio felt that she was being sized up, considered, and then disregarded.

"Clio, have you had to take different routes home because people were waiting to follow you? Potentially if you don't, you could compromise everyone you have assisted," Breanna glanced her way. "No?" Breanna glanced back at the list, "have you ever had to work from home because your car has been wired to blow the minute the door is unlocked? No? Let's see. Have you ever had to live in the basement of your house because the feedback from your bugged house was bad? By your expression, I would say no," Breanna folded the list before turning toward the ocean. "There are times when looking at another's lot seems they have it all, everything is easy, and everything is good. I know you're finding it hard to let go of the reigns, but for everyone to survive, you need to submit to authority. There is a purpose for everyone in this group. If you cannot be part of what we started, you'll have to look for what gives you purpose."

The blazing anger evaporated. Comparing the few sentences thrown out by Breanna with the life the refugees had lived, it had been reasonably safe, secluded and open.

"You want me to leave?" Clio cleared her throat.

"No, Clio, but no one is forcing you to stay either," Breanna whispered.

"I wasn't aware you were constantly monitored," Clio felt heat running up her cheeks, "how did Darcia know where you were at all?"

"Monitored," Breanna shook her head. "It would seem Darcia has done so since I escaped," Breanna said quietly, "as for finding me … I wasn't hiding. Darcia has known my location from the start, but I didn't make it easy for her to haul my butt back into her lab for more experiments. Those damn things only gave me headaches and made me feel less human than I had my whole life."

"Why does she want you back for more experiments?" Clio stepped closer, her respect for this tenacious, unpredictable woman notching up a degree or ten, "you've been out … how long?"

"A few years," Breanna said, looking at the list again, "why didn't you put your skills down?"

"I... ah..." Clio cleared her throat, "I didn't put them on the list," Clio said, looking away, "because they aren't exactly something people want to read."

"You kill people," Breanna said, "it's the only reason I wouldn't put them down. Besides, you forget I've seen your abilities in action, so to speak."

"Yeah, that was still early days; nowadays, taking another's life has become something additional to my growing skillset," Clio cleared her throat. She would have to trust someone, "I ...um … don't need to touch the person to kill them. A thought, and it happens."

"Since when has it become that destructive?" Breanna asked, "has it happened to others around you?"

"I discovered how fatal it could be when I was helping Fiona get home one day," Clio shook her head, "I thought I had knocked the guy out until we saw the news that evening."

"Clio, I'm so sorry," Breanna gently squeezed her shoulder, "that is never what we need to hear, even when the person would have harmed ourselves or someone else. But sometimes, it cannot be prevented."

"I guess," Clio sighed, "I don't want to scare everyone with what I know I am capable of, never mind what new abilities are popping up as time goes on."

"I can understand that, but since this list is for me," Breanna's eyebrows rose, "please put all your abilities on."

Clio nodded her head, "Sure," she reached for the sheet, pulled a pen out of her back pocket and sat at the patio table.

"Have you tried your ability on me?" Breanna asked.

Clio stilled. Breanna's question was valid, but how did she answer it? Truthfully? Hedge? Only some of the truth?

Closing her eyes, Clio nodded, "When we first met. I was terrified, and I … wasn't wishing you loads of health. You should have died within minutes."

"Hmm, that was three years ago," Breanna said, frowning, "why didn't it work?"

"One of your abilities is survival," Clio observed Breanna; she had long suspected Breanna knew nothing of this natural ability. A slow frown creased Breanna's brow, confirming the suspicion, "I noticed it by the purple and blue aura you emitted when I sent you my thought wave."

"Are you saying … I cannot die?" Breanna sank into an adjacent chair.

"Oh, you can die if someone shoots you or strangles you or physically hurts you," Clio nodded vigorously. "Just not when someone tries it with telepathy."

Breanna huffed out a sigh, "That is certainly news to me. Did you try it on, Darcia?"

"I did," Clio shifted uncomfortably, "it didn't go well. For me."

"How so?" Breanna asked, "did it not work on Darcia?"

"Oh, yeah," Clio sighed, "it worked. I would have finished her off if I wasn't hit by taser guns first."

Breanna grimaced at the words, "I take it you hurt badly for a while."

"Yeah," Clio glanced away, "it's not something you forget. I got the necklace soon after that, and I never got the chance to try it on Darcia again."

"Understandably," Breanna whispered, "but you know it can work now. Next time maybe there'll be no one to defend her."

"Maybe," Clio said, looking at the view she had mocked moments before, "I understand why you come out here. If I had some dark thoughts to work out, this is where I'd be all the time."

"It is beautiful," Breanna smiled, "thank you for looking after everyone, Clio. It has made my job a lot easier knowing you are there."

Nodding, Clio smiled tightly, "Thank you," she cleared her throat, "I'll leave you to the list," standing, Clio pushed the list toward Breanna before walking toward the house.

At the door, Clio turned. Breanna sat, the list under her hand on the table as she once again watched the ocean. No one would think that this woman could outsmart enhanced agents for years, help escapees adjust to life and use their enhanced abilities for the good of others. No one would assume that this petite woman was capable of half of what the rumours said. Today Clio had seen a side of Breanna not many people had.

"Breanna," Clio waited until Breanna met her gaze, "there are not many people I would be honoured to fight beside. You are definitely on my list."

Turning, she walked into the house, looking for a shower, food and rest.