A rightfully dubious reunion

~VENIN~
*The sounds of ringing metal accompanied by the occasional grunt can be heard echoing faintly from the workout room......103....she liked the free weights, they gave her more control..something she had been missing lately...control over anything...it seemed the last several years had been nothing but a game..a game she had no control over....a game she had won... 104...for now the room is empty, it been that way since her return..any rooms he was in was either crowded with the curious, or empty as if she carried the plague..which was fine with her..105...she wasnt' very social, with damn good reason*

~BLACKDAGGER~
** He woke to darkness, unfamiliar ceilings, and unfamiliar noises. Though the rooms were 'soundproof' the mere sound of his lights buzzed and hummed, bored holes into his brain. The sheets smelled different, the paint felt different. It was the base all right, but nothing could replace 'home'. He didn't lament on that fact too long, waking minutes before his alarm as per usual. He rolled to his side flipping the air-raid sounding device off and stood. He ran through he usual drill of things, getting dressed, and acquainted with new rules and regulations. He soon stood before his door and wandered out in the base. He had the night shift. Something he didn't mind, per-say, except the halls were devoid of any sign of life. He gave several codes and scans which were changed regularly and headed towards his morning work out. And if it were to be fate, or if an odd set of coincidences, instead of going to the main workout room which was located near his room, he wandered to one a few halls down. He looked down towards the towel draped around his shoulders, as he flicked open the door to the room, As the lazer bullet proof re-enforced door slid open he stood staring for the longest of moments. He shut his eyes at first, and felt a myriad of emotion. Glee to utter fear. Not even having enough time to collect his thoughts from the grasp of sleep he was confronted with the most uncomfortable place he had ever been. Staring down at a figure he knew all to well. Eyes a face everything he rather was fond of by blood, but something he was supposed to loathe and fear. **

*she doesn't look over as she hears the door slide open instead continuing her workout, the bar holding a fantastic amount of weight by normal standards, even by unnatural standards she was strong.... when no other noise is forthcoming form the rooms new occupant she glances over, the weights held midway...her first sight is a a massive well muscled midsection, defiantely male....but that could be almost anyone here, her gaze slowly travels up until she recognizes him..she nods and continues lifting the weights* morning *her reps are slow and measured, she's going for endurance build up today, not strength...sweat glistens on her well muscled body, soaking the GUARD issued tank top..she had been working out for a while, hours in fact...working out had become almost an obsession for her since her incareraction*

** He stood unbelieving and a word flashed through his mind. Something that he had become all to aware of since the 'incident'; Cameras He then as if a actor upon a stage leapt backwards almost attempting a flip in doing so, and hands poised ready for any slew of attack she may have offered him. One gently resting on the ground as he crouched. He was supposed to hate her. He was supposed to fear her. Then act like it James. That instant floods of thoughts, fragments mostly swam about his mind. How, why? Why Yvette why? When, why wasn't I informed, Why was I to discover this just today? Has she come back, through all the new defenses to kill me? Scratch? His teeth were agrit at these points. He poised his head upwards, inclining his eyes to meet hers. Spitting out the words, ** What are you doing here? ** Her greeting was lost in fury, and befuddlement. Why wasn't she captured before here? Are the cameras working? Is everyone else dead? He tried to fathom the same spite he felt when Vince was slaughtered by her hand. The emotion was drowning in shock. There was so much he needed to tell her. But he dared not to even utter those thoughts. He then blinked slowly And why in the hell . . . is . . is she using our rec. room equipment.?! He never let his muscles calm, or his eyes waiver from her. Should I attack? Should I call for reinforcements? **

* a low chuckles leaves her lips as she slowly puts the weight back on their stand* Been out of things have you? *she slowly sits up, everythign she does is in slow motion, trying to allay your fears..any fast movements on he part are likely to set you off* I thought we taught you better than that...'pay attention to your enviroment'...'always be aware of everything around you'..*the last two scentences issued almost as a growled command* If you don't it endangers you and your team *her tone almost, but not quite matching Scratches form of a reprimand*

** Blond streaks now being moist with the stress of sweat fell in his eyes. His lips parted just so to call for anyone, his COM clicked on, awaiting to be used. His brain was racing. If I were to let her escape again, I'd be . . . As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was screwed. He blinked a few more times as before he narrows his eyes. ** Don't mock me. WHAT are you doing here. ** His demand was nothing short of her reprimand. If not more forceful. He clutched his hand to a slowly. He didn't want to attack. In fact he wished he could simply run away. Coward He stood very slowly, looking at her every motion. Her sweat beading and rolling over the taut muscles, the eyes as they blinked. He looked down right feral. His teeth were glistening deadly white beneath the artificial lights. His muscles, the bulk far above hers. Moving like stone beneath cloth. Though he honestly doubted he could have taken her. His power, they discovered was of no use, and only benefited the pair. He'd have to rely on skill. Skill enough not to kill her. And still he hesitated to move. **

Use your common sense, if god granted you any *her words a harsh mock* You really thinkI could break in here with no one noticing *she tosses out her hands indicating her surroundings* and if so..'why' would I be here? *she sighs and shakes her head* I'm back in case you hadn't heard *she chuckles* lower rank...barely above rookie now, but reinstated

** More sweat beaded over his large form. Rolling down and over, slipping across his whitened knuckles. Over his narrowed brow. He didn't move to wipe it as it fell like tears to the ground. They fell, for the moments the only sound between them. Finally her words broke the tension. ** I do not have faith in machines, no matter how advanced. And I am NOT about to believe you. . . ** As much as he wanted to, as much as he would have like to give her a giant hug, he stood his ground. He Slowly, painfully it seemed walked backward, never letting his guard down. Never letting his eyes part. He then said quickly into his com to whatever techie would be awake at this insane hour, // Status Report on VENIN Yvette Christopher, Exact location. // The technician must have thought he was nuts. As he answered something to the effect 'She is 12.43 feet directly in front of you. . . Longitude. .' // Forget Longitude and latitude, Give me her STATUS // He heard the techie exclaim and then confirm //Active sir, she's active! What is the situation sir? . . Sir? Shall I call back up for you? // . . .James stared still not letting anything change, his poise. He still "loathed" her. // Never mind. // He clicked off his COM and watched like a predator. ** It seems you are telling the truth then.. .. ** He stood fully erect then, looking down on her. Simply asking why? ** I was not informed. I thought perhaps you came to finish the job. . . ** His hands gripping again. Knuckles still bleached white. Words spit through his teeth. He stomach tightened as he watched her. Then with as much spite as he could muster he said, seeming regretfully. ** G.U.A.R.D. lost a great member when you went AWOL, it is a benifit to have you reinstated. ** With that he gave her one last glance, as if to say. . . We can't talk now, But knowing she seemed incredibly different. His voice mocking then perfectly to match her tone. ** And since you are reinstated such low rank, remember to salute a superior when he enters the room. ** He said as he turned and stalked down the hall. **

*she watches him waiting, kowing that he is getting confirmation over his com, seh waits until his experession tells her hte answer* told ya....*a wry grin crosses her face* they havent' given me a new comm yet, guess they don't quite trust me *she shrugs* with reason I suppose.......na, not worth it, I have worthier prey out there now..sides...its partially thanks to you that I'm back.. *she slowly stands up. she grabs her towel, wiping some of the weat form her form...following you part way out into the hallway* I'll salute when one shows up

** He turned instantly glaring down at her. ** How could I influence the 'great' daughter of Scratch to join G.U.A.R.D. again? ** He almost felt comfortable in the role and he neared her. ** And I /am/ your superior officer, and I will expect to be saluted in your presence, until you outrank me. ** He then found how incredibly laughable the situation was, and looked towards her. He shook his head and then looked back at her. His demeanor slightly changed. More concerned or so it seemed. ** Seeing as we are on the same team, I am glad for your welfare, Yvette. ** He looked towards her thoughts then too rushing towards his mind, -everything to protocol, - -you did all you could to prevent the escape- he relaxed incredibly. The emotions ebbed the suggestions remained. One implanted deeply, by J.X.** And I must apologize for my behavior back there. I was incredibly startled. ** He watched her for a moment. If she allowed he would have patted her shoulder, as if to say -sorry- before turning around and directly seeking out Scratch himself. Wondering now what his superior did to her while she was caged. He knew she never would have turned back willingly. This was her prision. **

You helped me retain enough sanity that I started searching my thoughts and memories, because of that I broke whatever block it was that the 'RUNners' set up *she snarls the last, RUNners in general were the enemy, Aerik in particular.* Well its a shame I'm off duty *her words dripping with sarcasm as she drapes the towel around her neck* Understandable, last you saw me I 'was' the enemy....*she almost smirks* and you weren't doing so good

** He watched her carefully. Very carefully. Something was wrong, red flags shot everywhere. He watched and heard the words she spoke, but they maintained no meaning. He said then near absently, as if programmed. ** No thanks to you. ** He watches her again for a long time. Saying then ** Perhaps we should talk sometime. Actually talk. Seeing as I am supposed to trust you now. ** He added a scoff, and turned slightly. Hearing her voice chime dripping with spite. He nearly winced at this fact, but instead kept his demeanor. A facade, a masquerade. Clever, it all was, and that is what it had to be, unless Scratch was twisted enough to mess her, make her come back. Unless, it was all a test for him, neither option would have surprised him. He lowered his voice, as just so she could hear. Knowing her ears would pick up the below a whisper. ** Though I never will. I can't. Not now. Not when you are like. . .this.** He looked at her. If it was so easy for her to betray G.U.A.R.D., her father, now her comrades, a place he couldn't place her without, then what is to say she wouldn't slit his throat if it suited her? And this, this alone bothered him more than anything. He nodded again, before saying then. ** I do have to go, I am on duty. Come by my room soon. ** He turned slowly and nearly went directly to Scratch's door to bang upon it and wake the man. How dare he? How dare She? The thoughts swam more and more, and it was the only logical step of events. As much as he disliked R.U.N.ners, somehow he only associated her among them. **

You should have fought back *she shrugs* if you want * ..no doubt he wanted to know what happened, test her in his own way...somehow she thinks she will be undergoing a lot tests in the future, not many are goign to trust her...but what does she care...she preferred to hunt solo anyhow...* Like what? back in the fold? *she chuckles* you prefer me as a RUNner? your...what was it you called me?..*she searches her memory, goign back to that night* your rival? I believe that was the word you used ** His gaze snapped back towards her. He didn't correct her version of the story, except to say ** I did everything according to protocol. ** He watched her. He didn't want to test her, He wanted to talk to her. He laughed nervously. ** And I called you a lot of things in your life time. Some I am too gentlemanly to repeat in the presence of a lady. ** He bowed nearly mocking. He desperately wanted to find Scratch now. Watching this woman before him, the free spirit once again in a cage. A different cage, one he was not accustomed to dealing with. He tried with all his might to recollect some words she used in the cell. Some anything. But nothing came to mind, so instead he turned to look again, still unbelieving. ** If you want to be back in the fold, it's not my place to say if you are, or not. That is solely up to you. ** He watched her expression. Perhaps the whole time she was Co-ops for G.U.A.R.D.? So well that even the highest didn't know. Perhaps, Scratch had enough confidence in her abilities to trust her with the task. He needed answers, and doubted she'd be an accurate source to provide them **

*she merely shrugs* If you say so *she chuckles* There isn't much I havne't been called before...except for Lady, that just doesn't suit me *seh shakes her head* I never left of my own accord...I was a plaything....nothing more *a feral grin crosses her face* only now I am a weapon...a weapon that will destroy them

** He blinked, seriously blinked at this. He offered a large grin to show her enthusiasm. ** You are right, they do need to be disposed of. I am glad you are not on the other team. ** He watched her, egged whatever she was on, on, and approached her closer again. Looking towards her body and raising a brow ** And here I thought it would be something more like you wanted to use our Gym. If you aren't a member the fees can be a drag. ** He winked before nodding. Asking then, arms folding over his chest. ** When are you going back to the field? You should be promoted nearly immediately. . . ** You are supposed to loathe her. Hate her. She killed your best friend. She beat the snot out of you and left you for dead, she held you hostage. Killed a lot of good men and women. I can't hate her anymore. He added, torn, ** Because when that day comes I'll retire. I'd rather serve a rat than a deserter. A murderer, ** He looked at her, wondering if perhaps she thought he went insane at this point. He shot her a brief look, no cameras could see, that would explain it all. A look that spoke // There is a reason for all of this trust me please. // **

*predatory gleam enters her eyes* I can use them all so well now *she merely raises an eyebrow at his joke, no other reaction crossing her face..somehow it just doesn't seem amusing to her...seh pulls the towel form around her shoulder and tosses at a laundry chute, then she shrugs* Its part of the job...thats why we get the benefits *she had caught the look, but she didn't fully understand it...to her, it seemed an almost reasonable comment for him to make...why woudl he want to work with her?* ** He offered an ever so brief smile before turning towards Scratch's again. Saying then politely. ** It was good seeing you, even if you scared me senseless. They should have an all call on these things. If it had been different circumstances you could have been shot, or worse. He waved without turning back his eyes dead set on the hall before him. He walked with heavy determined footfalls. He could not talk to Scratch here. No. They would have to go out. Perhaps for a walk. He neared Scratch's door and paused. Perhaps this could be addressed tomorrow. He looked towards the hall , so close, all he needed was a few scans and tests, and he could see what this man actually did to her. He felt extremely protective, of a woman perfectly capable of taking acre of herself. He watched the hall for a long moment debating, before he took the step forward. Echoing in his ears, his thoughts. don't be a coward. **

Ya, you too *she shrugs and turns towards the showers* Maybe its a test, to see how many pay attention to what is goign on around them *..one you seem to have failed..the words left unspoken, but thought....she was actually sort of dissapointed, she figured he was better than that, she thought he would have learnt to pay better attention, expecially after the base destruction*