Trace, tonight you'll be training with Alexis. Isaac wiped each mug with a white cloth as he spoke. He then slid them into a DISPOSAL slot in the kitchen wall.

Yes, sir. It had been a while since Trace had seen Alexis. Would things have changed now that Isaac had a much tighter control over the team? Training with Alexis also meant sleeping during the night, when he'd practically just woken up. He wasn't tired yet, nor wanted to sleep.

The rest of you have individual commissions I've brought on paper slips. They're scheduled to appear in your assigned FOOD receptacles soon. Go check them and immediately complete them. Isaac's words were dry and final. The members obediently and robotically left the kitchen for their rooms, leaving Trace and Isaac alone.

Isaac turned to Trace, eyes serious. I'll be watching your training. Don't disappoint me.

Yes, sir.

As if on cue, a heavy thud came from the door. Not like a regular knock, but like someone had run into the door with their entire body. It startled Trace, but he didn't jump—his heartbeat only spiked a little.

Enter, Isaac ordered.

The door swung open and a small, white-cloaked redhead woman entered with heavy, powerful footsteps. Here bright blue eyes over her black mask were even more vivid outside of Trace's subconscious. She was beautiful. And she was here, in the same room with them.

Alexis, 20, hc: red, ec: blue. WP-0981, w#0048, m#0704, mc#0312, mf#001

I expected you to look more shocked, Alexis laughed. I bet you wouldn't have ever imagined to meet me so soon. . . Or even at all.

Trace couldn't find the words. Which was good, for had he found them, they wouldn't have made sense. And he didn't want to seem suspicious.

Alexis, you have full reign over Trace for the night. Return him in one piece, Isaac said, spinning on his heel. He grabbed Trace's shoulder and shot a look at him, then Alexis. Or don't.

#

They walked outside in silence, heading for the train station. Trace felt the odd sensation of familiarity, and he remembered the walk he did first with Shallomar, and then with Peter. Time dragged on with everything happening, but it still felt like the relationships built in the last ten days could've been formed more than a century ago.

Isaac's a piece of work, isn't he? Alexis spoke first.

Should Trace continue to put on an act? Or could he be himself around Alexis? Could he behave as he did in the dream, when he suspected there would be no consequences for his actions?

He's a talented assassin, Trace responded quietly. He decided he didn't want to get into trouble. For the sake of himself, and also for the sake of his Mentor.

Alexis laughed aloud. You can't really think that. He's only been on individual missions his entire life. Being an Escort is really tiring. And hardly rewarding.

I'm sorry, Trace said. He's exhibited great leadership so far. I can feel WP-0770 coming together under his command.

Alexis slowed her pace as well as her words. What was WP-0770 like before Isaac took over?

Expressive. Weak. Vulnerable to emotional attachment.

Alexis nodded at this, then continued walking. Relationships are the most natural phenomenon for humanity to form. However, it's the emotional attachment that is dangerous for assassins.

Of course, Trace agreed. His Mentor had told him this. He had known not to succumb to emotional pressure or develop unnecessary attachments to James or any of the recruits. He wouldn't do it now, either.

Alexis pointed to the train station. You've been on the train on your way here. Have there been any other instances?

Trace nodded. I went with our. . . previous leader to HeadQuarters to decide which missions we'd take for the week.

Alexis sighed. That must be the reason why he was replaced.

Why would Peter get into trouble for taking Trace to HeadQuarters? It had been under Hailey's order after all. . . Unless it hadn't been.

Trace remained quiet at her assumption as they continued walking along the dark street to the shiny metal train station. Just because she said it didn't mean she was right. Had Trace believed her, he would've betrayed Peter. And though Peter was a member of WP-0770, Trace felt that he was different. Someone to be respected. He had knowledge that none of the other members did. He wouldn't do something to jeopardize his team.

They approached the station and walked up the metal steps. The clanging of their boots against them echoed in the enclosed space. Alexis moved to a small bench and sat, crossing her arms and legs. She left just barely enough space for Trace to squeeze in next to her. But would he dare?

He stood next to her, not sure if she wanted him to sit there or not. She may have been impolite, but she was still an Escort. Her status demanded respect, no matter how she behaved.

Isaac's question rang in Trace's head. Which member has expressed unprofessional behavior? Had he simply been curious? Or were Escorts held to a different standard?

Sit next to me. I don't discriminate. Alexis's voice was strict while also maintaining its naturally playful timbre. Had she read his mind?

Trace slid next to her. There was maybe an inch separating their legs from one another. Had they touched, Trace wouldn't have been able to keep him composure.

Why are you here, in person? I was expecting our meetings to remain while we're both sleeping, Trace said.

Alexis sighed and plopped her head in her hand, resting her elbow on her crossed leg. I was hoping you'd ask. I could tell from the second I walked into your bunker that you were immune to that imbecile's control.

For a moment, Trace forgot how to breathe. His heart filled with panic—not just at her realization, but also at the fact that he knew Isaac was watching this. At least, he'd said he would be.

How did you know? Trace asked, his voice low.

Alexis turned lazily, her head still resting in her hand. Her bright blue eyes were so unlike Isaac's. Seemingly untainted by the evil that resonated in Isaac's. She was pure, free. He realized she would've been a better fit to lead WP-0770.

Well, I didn't for sure until you confirmed it just now. Her eyebrows quirked up on her forehead. But it's ok. This entire conversation has been on our private channel. That, and we are out of range of Isaac's Modifier, Alexis reassured him.

Well now that you know, I suppose I can speak however I want, Trace said, testing her.

She accepted the challenge. I suppose you can. She suddenly lifted her head from her hand and turned toward the tracks. In the distance, a very subtle rush of wind made the metal rails sing a high-pitched melody. A train was approaching.

Both of them stood simultaneously as a white train pulled into the station. Once it came to a stop, the doors opened and several different squadron members stepped off. They looked tired and weary from travel. Where had they come from? Not from a mission, because those were accessed via teleportation. Not from HeadQuarters, because Trace had deduced that those trains were black.

Where are we going? Trace let his curiosity get the best of him.

Alexis reached behind her, flipping her palm so it was facing up. Take my hand.

Trace obeyed, though this action felt very foreign to him. He didn't worry that others would misunderstand their relationship. After all, Alexis had basically just told him that relationships were something to be wary of. No, he was worried that others would think he was being punished. Somehow, that was far worse than others misunderstanding their relationship.

They stepped onto the train. There were no seats, only poles that zig-zagged throughout the car. There were still a few assassins still clinging to them, eyes heavy and shoulders stiff from their work. Alexis took Trace's hand in hers and moved his forcefully, clamping it around a pole.

Hold on tight, Alexis ordered. She didn't look at him, instead steadying herself with another pole.

The curiosity ate at Trace.

Where could they possibly be going?