Secure Facility
Present Day

I look around the courtyard and see a data panel. I walk up to it, curious of what information it stored. It activates causing me to react and point my Sniper at it. You can say I'm paranoid, but life's taught me to be prepared for anything.

The screen shows data and a symbol I recognize from the Project. The screen starts speaking and instantly I knew who it was.

"Hello, this is the Freelancer Integrated Logistics and Security System. But you call call me-"

"FILSS? Is that you?" I asked.

"Well hello Agent Alaska. It's so good to hear from you again."

***

Mother of Invention
Many years ago

"Run it again FILSS." I bounce up and down once and shake my hands.

"Starting new round."

Two rows of green dots appeared around me and started spinning in opposite directions as I get into my fighting position.

"Beginning round."

I throw two punches, hitting two dots making them red. I turn and do a hook kick round kick combination on the next two dots. I kept training, throwing punches and kicks until all the dots were red.

"Round complete. A 5.3% increase. Would you like me to set up another round?"

"No FILSS, but thank you." I take my helmet off and grabbed a nearby towel to wipe off the sweat on my head. "But I will come back after lunch to work on my aim."

"I'm sorry Agent Alaska, but the training room will be occupied by then."

I sling the towel over my shoulder and started to walk towards the door. "Occupied? By who?"

"Agent Carolina and Agent New York."

I stop. It's been at least a month since I join and there's hasn't been any news of anyone wanting to join. Usually, the Director or Counselor keeps me notified about the things that happened but I guess they either forgot or wanted to keep it as a surprise.

"Since when did the Director get new recruits?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Two days ago." FILSS replied. "Actually, they are on their way to this training room right now with the Counselor. I suggest that you do some more rounds to.. show off."

I smiled at the thought. FILSS is like my virtual best friend and always keeping an eye out for opportunities to impress the Director and the Counselor.. and now the new recruits.

I slip my helmet back on and headed to the middle of the room. I loosen up before I get into a fighting stance again. "Alright FILSS. Ready when you are."

"Beginning new round."

I was in the middle of my 3 round when I heard the training room doors open. I quickly finished up the round, ending it with a 360 round kick instead of the normal hook punch I do.

"Round complete. A 9.6% increase. Your best so far Agent Alaska." FILSS congratulated.

"Thank you FILSS."

"Agent Alaska."

"Yes sir." I turn to the Counselor and stood at attention. The Counselor walks up to me with the two new recruits trailing behind him. I studied the new agents carefully. A male wearing tan and white Mark VI armor and a female wearing cyan/aqua Recon armor. Both had their helemts off so I can see their faces.

"You have improved a lot since you first started training. Well done." He praised.

"Thank you sir."

He signals to the cyan armor colored soldier. "This is Agent Carolina."

I nod to the new Agent, who just stares at me. Her hair was red. Like really red. Her eyes were green like emeralds.

Like the Director.

Is she his daughter or something?

"And this is Agent New York. They are the new recruits for our Project." The Counselor signals to the tan armor colored soldier. His hair was a light brown and his eyes were hazel.. and familiar...

"Pleasure to meet you Alaska." He says holding out his hand.

I know this Agent New York some how.. I just can't seem to know where..

"Hey 'laska, are you dead?" He smirks, his hand retracts a bit but is still extended.

I freeze in shock. The only person I know who would say like that is-

"James?" I ask hesitantly.

Agent New York fully retracts his hand and a surprise expression comes across his face. "How do you know my name?" He asks in a cold voice.

Yep it's James already..

Agent Carolina puts a hand on his shoulder. "York.."

He just looks at Agent Carolina and shrugs her hand off his shoulders. He looks at me again. "I'm going to ask you again: How. Do. You. Know. My. Name?"

I take off my helmet and look him square in the eyes. His face showed confusion, then realization, then shock.

"It can't be.." He starts and takes two steps back.

Agent Carolina looks just as puzzled as the Counselor about the situation, making me want to laugh. But I don't want to get in trouble so I just smiled and say,

"Welcome to the Project, Brother."

[Edited]