.

There was silence as Lucas watched his teammates. One had taken a suspicious dive and was dramatically clutching his knee. Another ran over, pretending to pull an invisible card on the closest guy to the victim.

"I wasn't even near him!" came the protest.

"Give me some more time," Lucas said, not turning his eyes from the scene before him. "If I don't come up with anything soon then send in another operative."

He was aware of Zack getting to his feet. "Sounds like a plan." The older agent brushed himself off, Popsicle clutched between his teeth. "You have three weeks." He held up three fingers.

Lucas turned his eyes on him.

"Make the most of them," Zack said.

Lucas nodded.

"Well...your uncle is a busy man so he's going to head out." Zack's arm shot out and he patted Lucas on the shoulder. "Study well." He grinned.

Another nod. Turning, Lucas casually made his way back down the bleachers to the field, Popsicle in one hand.

"Lucas..."

The voice made him pause.

"Also...the personal job you requested to take...the one before coming to Ellison."

Lucas froze. He slowly turned to find Zack watching him, a troubled glint in his eyes.

"The higher ups don't seem too keen on you asking."

Lucas bit down on the blue ice he held. He chewed. "I know."

The other agent nodded in thought. "Sometimes the past doesn't need to be dug up."

Another bite, but Lucas didn't reply as he guarded his expression.

"Some things are better left buried," Zack added.

Lucas cocked his head to the side. "You're making me curious." His eyes narrowed. "You know something?"

Zack let out a sigh. "It's just one of those feelings." The troubled look was gone.

"Message received," Lucas told him. He took one more bite, finishing the Popsicle. "Until next time." He turned.

"Oh...and Lucas!"

Turning his head Lucas shot him a questioning look.

Zack grinned before pointing at his tongue. He chuckled. "It's blue."

Lucas pointed the empty stick in response. "Yours is red."

Zack's grin dropped.

Raising a hand in farewell, Lucas bounded off to join his teammates.

"Yo! Tell them I didn't foul anybody!" his accused teammate sought his help.

Lucas shot a glance at the bleachers only to see that the other ECHO agent was already gone. His attention turned to the game at hand, however, he couldn't get back fully into it. Zack's warning stayed in his mind along with everything else he had mentioned.

Echo's getting impatient... And Lucas knew why. This job was taking him longer than it should. He let out a frustrated sigh.

Might as well look around, he noted. There's so many people everywhere that I won't be as out of place looking around... The scrimmage ended and the guys decided to get showers before heading to the dorm and playing video games. Lucas used this as his que to leave. He bid the others farewell and headed for his room. Taking a quick shower he changed before heading towards a building he hadn't explored yet – the custom-built auditorium.

He walked through the entrance only to find a family of four. Two parents, a girl who was squealing at everything, and a guy from Ellison who looked very remorseful at having brought them there.

"I can't believe I'm walking in the same place as DM5 did!" the girl exclaimed. She ran over to the ticket booth and put her hand on the glass. "This is where they sold actual tickets to the DM5 concert," she breathed.

Her parents exchanged smiles while the boy, who Lucas could only assume was her brother, rolled his eyes.

The girl whirled. "You're so lucky!" She turned to her parents. "Can I go to their next concert in Paris?'

"But honey...we already got you VIP tickets to the one in Spain..."

Lucas slipped past them, trying his best to ignore the pleading eyes of the guy who seemed to almost be begging him to save him. The doors to the main hall were open. Lucas walked through. Once again he found himself in the massive performance hall. The stage at the front was empty, as were the rows and rows of seats facing it. Hearing a noise, Lucas' eyes drifted to the second floor. He saw a couple who were in the middle of making out.

Ignoring them, his eyes darted around. He walked to the stage, pretending to be in awe the whole way in case cameras were watching his move. A hand traced along the seats. Upon reaching the stage he hopped up on it.

Turning he found himself faced by a sea of empty chairs. For a moment he could imagine them filled and the spotlights on. He heard a cheering crowd as his mind replayed a concert he had once passed through while escaping pursuers.

Performing... he snorted. The idea of having thousands of eyes on him didn't appeal.

The couple on the second floor had ceased their activity. Their eyes were on Lucas as they watched the intruder. Lucas continued to ignore them. His gaze roamed over the rows and rows of chairs.

This wouldn't be a location I would choose...backstage? He turned as the thought hit him.

A shriek made him jump.

"It's the same stage DM5 stood on!" The girl from before was sprinting towards the raised platform, parents and brother in tow. The boy was looking left and right, as though trying to find an escape route. The couple on the second floor slid lower in their chairs, seeming to want to hide from sight.

Not sticking around, Lucas headed for the back. He exited the stage and found himself in the back. There was a hallway with doors. It took a quick sweep for him to catch the security camera at the end of the hall. However, the lack of a light showed that is wasn't currently on.

They wouldn't switch it off if there was something important, Lucas thought instantly. Doesn't look like it'd be here...but I might as well do a quick check.

He opened a door to find a waiting room. A mirror and a table stood at one end, racks with costumes lined the walls. His eyes swept the area before he closed the door. He opened another to find a make-up room. The next revealed one with hair products, curling irons, hair driers, and anything needed to style and take care of one's head.

Really? Lucas couldn't help but wonder. What do they do, get their hair cut here?

He went through each room, most of which seemed to be comfortable waiting ones, no doubt furnished for the stars that performed on the stage from time to time. Each time he pretended to explore everything within, as though a curious teenager who had never been backstage before...not that he had been.

In the end he found absolutely nothing. Where to next? He wondered as he left the building just as the squealing girl and her family made it backstage.

Back outside, Lucas blinked and let his eyes re-adjust to the natural sunlight. Families were lounging all around and a group was headed towards the theater, most likely wanting to tour it. In the distance school horses galloped by, carrying a family of three.

Making up his mind, Lucas headed off for the next location. He passed by the dojo, glancing in to see that the members of the martial arts team were putting on a performance for their parents. There was a serious attitude as they would perform a trick which was followed by polite clapping. A girl sat, les draw up to her chest and eyes squeezed shut. Next to her, her little sister leaned forward, eyes sparkling as she watched a guy smash a wooden board with a well-aimed kick.

He's wide open, Lucas couldn't help but criticize as he ducked past. That works for show...not in an actual battle. He didn't bother to linger and watch the performance. When the infirmary came in sight, he paused.

He didn't even feel the presence behind him until the hand landed on his shoulder. Lucas whirled to find the school doctor, Jim, standing there. Wearing his white coat he had one hand lazily stuck in its pocket.

"Haven't seen you in a while," he commented as he took his hand from Lucas' shoulder.

Zack's warning echoed in Lucas' mind, I would avoid contact if possible. Since the blood sample incident he had done just that.

"Dropping by for a visit?" Jim probed, a friendly smile on his face.

"Nah..." Lucas rubbed that back of his head. "Kind of exploring campus...haven't seen it all and thought today was a good day." He offered a sheepish grin.

"Oh? No one visiting?" Jim's warm expression remained, yet Lucas could see a glint of something in his eyes.

He's suspicious of me... He had guessed it would be so since the last incident.

Lucas shrugged. "My uncle dropped by. He literally stayed as long as it took him to eat the Popsicle he decided to bring." A scowl made it to his face. "Treating me like a kid," he muttered.

"Sometimes the old need to do so in order to feel young themselves," Jim told him. He nodded to the building. "Since you have nothing to do, care for some tea?"

Avoid contact, Lucas' mind told him. "I'm not much of a tea drinker..."

"A coke then?"

He's persistent... Lucas saw the glint in his eyes intensify. Better not push it...if he's suspicious I may as well try to dispel some of it... A smile spread across his face. "Sure."

The two turned and headed for the infirmary.

"It must be hard..." Jim talked as they walked.

Lucas was aware of the sidelong glance he was being shot.

"Seeing so many people with their families..."

Lucas made sure his face twitched, portraying discomfort at the topic.

"Are you sleeping better?" Jim added.

"Much."

"At least you don't look as pale as last time." Another sidelong glance as they reached the door.

"I feel resting helped me feel better," Lucas replied calmly.

"I'm sure." The doctor opened the door and they walked into the cool interior of the infirmary. They headed for his office in silence. Upon entering it, Lucas took in everything in a quick sweep.

Security camera...mini fridge...desk, chairs...smells of disinfectant. He took a seat in the chair Jim motioned too. Large window... His eyes turned to the door, two sources of escape.

"Here." Jim tossed him a coke which he easily caught.

The doctor himself walked to a kettle and turned it on. He turned, crossing his arms over his chest as he regarded Lucas. "How's school going?"

Lucas opened the can with a pop. "Same old." He took a gulp.

"I heard you haven't gotten to start out in a football match yet," Jim prompted.

Lucas nodded, eyes portraying disappointment he didn't feel. Wearing a mask and showing emotions that were not his own came to him easily. It had always been a way of survival. Yet, he was bracing himself, for he knew something else was coming. The best way to catch a liar isn't through his facial expressions...it's by catching him out in his story...asking him questions that wrap him up in his own web of deceit. He took another gulp. He had read the atmosphere, he knew Jim's intention.

"It's a shame. I hear you used to be pretty good..."

"Am," Lucas corrected him. "It's just taking some time to get back."

"Of course, sorry," Jim corrected himself. There was a moment of silence. "I'll admit I was a bit curious and so looked up some of your past games...from before you came..."

Here it comes...

"Seems you played quite a lot..."

ECHO is flawless when it comes to planting a record of something that didn't exist...

"With such talent I'm surprised you never got scouted by a high profile team..."

"I did," Lucas didn't miss a beat. He knew his cover story flawlessly, he knew it so well it had become his own. If Jim was trying to catch him out by feeding false information and hoping he wouldn't remember, he wasn't going to get far. Lucas turned the can in his fingers. "I turned them down. My parents wanted me to complete my education first."

"Ah...yes...I remember..." Jim nodded. "There was an article...it was FC Lanco, right?"

Lucas shot him a patient smile. "FC Ranco," he corrected the detail with ease.

There was a moment of silence as the two stared at each other. It was as though they were communicating mentally.

You're not going to get what you want, Lucas thought before taking another gulp.

The water kettle started to boil. Jim I'm turned and busied himself with preparing his drink.

Lucas' eyes swept the room again for any important details he may have missed. "Have you always been a doctor?" he asked.

Jim turned, a surprised look on his face. "Yes...by always I guess you could say since I graduated."

"You're pretty young to be one..." Lucas turned his eyes on the doctor. Two can play this game...my turn.

"I graduated early." Jim tapped his brain. "I'm a genius." He winked before turning his attention to pouring the water into his mug with the teabag.

"Did you always want to be a doctor?" Lucas asked innocently.

"Yes."

"You don't strike me as the typical one..."

Jim turned around, mug in hand. "What makes you say that?"

Lucas shrugged. "Dunno...the atmosphere you give off. It's more..." he stared right at Jim. Suspicious, he thought, "Unique," he said.

A smile spread over Jim's face. "Something tells me that's a compiment."

Lucas nodded before he got up. "Sorry, but I think I'm going to head out." He nodded to the door. "Banster and Auden have been bugging me to visit their hockey arena. I actually have time, so I want to swing by before dinner and see it so that next time I can say I went."

Jim nodded.

"Thanks for the coke."

Jim lifted his mug in response.

Turning, Lucas left the room, well aware of Jim's eyes following him.

He finished the coke and dropped it in a trashcan on the way out. Only when he was outside did he realize that the air out here felt lighter.

Guess there was some tension... He shot a glance back. He's suspicious of me...Zack's right. I think he's hiding something.

The net moment he was off to the hockey arena. He knew that Jim was most likely watching in some way to see if he was really going there.

The ice-rink had its very own building. It was tucked to some distance from the gym containing the basketball and volleyball courts. Though he had been invited often, this was Lucas' first time actually going.

As soon as he entered he heard the shouts of an ongoing game.

Looks like not everyone's out hanging out with family. He looked around only to note an unusual amount of cameras mounted all around. Huh... Suspicion coursed through him.

Acting as any curious teenager would, Lucas headed toward the noise. He followed signs indicating the seating area. Coming into the open, he found himself standing amongst rows and rows of seats.

A large scoreboard hung on one end, with banners sprouting dates of won championships hanging high over the ice.

Below, a group of guys were gliding over the slippery surface, sticks in hand as they charged after a loose puck. As there were only six boys, they were playing a game of three on three. In the lower rows a few people sat and watched, cheering them on.

Lucas recognized Banster through the name on the back of his jersey. A split second later the team captain ran right into another player, sandwiching him against the glass wall as another teammate snatched up the puck.

For a moment Lucas watched, eyes following the puck as it flew back and forth. He found himself getting drawn in. Only when Banster and his team scored and began to perform a victory lap did he remember his reason for being there.

He slipped out and headed back down the hallway. Again, he played the curious teenager, glancing into every opening and door he found. It took a while before he came upon the locker room.

Lucas' eyes swept over the interior. The area was surprisingly neat. Gear was stacked up and lockers tightly shut. However, there were six that were currently thrown open, clothes thrown on the bench before them where the wearer had tossed them. A shirt hung from one of the half open lockers. Lucas could guess who they belonged too. He chuckled at the thought.

Eyes darted over the room and his fingers touched a locker. He was aware of the video camera tucked in a corner. A camera in changing rooms? He resisted the urge to narrow his eyes, not giving any indication that he had seen it. The angle it was at told him one thing. It's capturing the door only...to keep track of who goes in and out. The feeling that he was on to something flowed through his veins. A shiver of excitement ran up his spine. There's got to be something in this place...

He walked forward, purposely heading for the equipment. His hand ran along a stick as he played the part of someone curious as to how the equipment worked.

Thump.

Though he heard the soft sound, Lucas didn't make a move to show it. Even though he couldn't see a second camera, he didn't doubt that there could be one watching him.

Thump.

This time he paused. He face remained blank, yet his heart rate increased as the realization hit him. There's someone or something in the vents.

He left the stick alone and picked up a skate. Why would there... This time he couldn't help but freeze as an idea hit him. No way... He put the skate down. I should double check...

He turned just as a figure appeared in the door.

Banster stared at him. He was dressed in full hockey gear, helmet dangling from one hand. Sweat dripped down the side of his face. For a moment the two stood frozen. Then, a smile spread across the hockey captain's face.

"Dude! You finally came!" He walked, or more waddled, forward.

Lucas rubbed the back of his neck. "I decided I should since you asked so often..." he caught the helmet Banster tossed him.

"But you didn't come to the ice?" He reached to a bag by the messy lockers.

"Briefly." Lucas shrugged. "Kind of wanted to see the whole place first since you're always making such a deal about me coming to visit."

Banster pulled out two water bottles. "Forgot these." He grinned as he held them in the air. He paused. "We have another played wanting in. If you joined we could do four on four."

Lucas' eyes wanted to dart to the ceiling from where the thump had come. He resisted. "I don't skate."

"The only way to change that is by starting today." Banster nodded to a locker. "Auden's out today. He leaves his locker open. You guys are around the same size. Take his stuff and I won't breathe a word." He winked.

Lucas hesitated. He shot a glance towards the locker. Will he be suspicious if I refuse?

Options:

a) Take Banster's offer and join the game to avoid suspicion of why he's there

b) Make an excuse and decline. Go check out the vents.

c) Accept the offer. Say he'll be out after he's changed. Take a few minutes to see what's up with the vent and then join the guys on the ice.