Slip Through The Cracks

~VENIN~
*the heavy clink of metal can be heard repeatedly as the weights bang against eachother.*one- fifty *she pauses the bar held for a second just above her chest before she once more raises it, her muscle only just beginning to show the strain* one-fifty- one * the bar lifts again as her mind breifly wanders to the events which back here, but quickly slide back to the here and now as she focuses on each muscle* one-fifty-two * bar raises again,the tendons on her arms now chording under the strain, yet she continues *one-fifty-three

~SMOKE~
*A lone wisp of a woman walked into the room. The clanking of the weights attracted her attention...then the numbers being counted drifted to her ears. Her hazel eyes widend as she took a few more steps into the room. Then she brushed against a rack of free weights and the resulting clamor of heavy metal hitting each other and the floor made her jump back and cover her ears. When the torrent of sound is finished, she ducks her head slightly and looks around guiltily. She knew she should have been paying more attention, but still...and the cost of what could potentially have been ruined bothers her as well. After all, she was a waif from the streets. She wasn`t comfortable with all of this...luxury.*

*she had heard someone enter the weight room, but had ignored it...people came in and left all the time, some to work out, some came to simply gawk and the great traitor returned...even after being back on base for a few months some were surprised to see her here...the great daughter of Scratch, the Runner* one-fifty-four *...of those that did come to work out, many left when they saw her..the vetrans that thought she had betrayed them, and would again..*one-fifty-five *.it was about 50/50 here, some hated her, others were in awe...not that she cared...she was a GUARD Hunter, and would do what was required of her...what others thought didn't matter* one-fifty....* the weight clatter to the ground and the bar is instantly back on its rack as she sits up... gaze instantly locked on the rookie* Best be careful, some of ythe jumpier vets would have had your head already *she looks at the fallen weights then back to you and shakes her head uncertain if you would even be able to pick them back up*

*She looked at you and licked her lips, her voice very soft when she spoke.* I`m sorry... I was just watching you. I`ve never seen anyone...not that many... *She knelt down beside the weights and pondered them, wondering the same thing, actually. The reason she was here was because they told her she needed to get stronger. And in her way of thinking, if she did what she was asked to do, eventually, she might get something in return. At least she wasn`t locked up in that room anymore...that was something. But she didn`t ask for help as she picked up the smaller weights and put them back. She had trouble even lifting the thirty pounders... She looked at the two fifty pound weights lying there and winced, wondering what to do. Then she looked back up at you, still kneeling on the floor.* I really am sorry. I didn`t mean to interrupt you. *She doesn`t even try to pick up the heavier weights yet, just sitting there, her light brown hair falling around her face, coming out of her ponytail as it always did. She looked like she was about 14 or so.*

*She looks over the rookie, her emerald gaze seeming to harden as she assesses you....obviously a new rookie...she glances back at the bar she was just lifting them to you* you mean the weight or the reps? *with a sigh she stands moves over to pick up the two weights, easily hoisting them...after all it was half the weight she had just been pressing* Either way, I'm a weakling compared to some around here. *she once more looks you over* No standard issue yet? how new are you?

*Her eyes about burst out of her head as you so casually lift the two weights and she scrambles to her feet.* Ah....I meant...the number... Not the weight. I suppose you mean reps. *She tilts her head to the side slightly, blushing deeply. If you were a weakling, then what was she?* I...it was still impressive...to me. *The last two words were a whisper, and she ended up looking at the floor at your feet, rather than try to meet your gaze. She seemed to be doing that a lot lately, once the anger and frustration wore off.* Standard issue...you must mean the clothing. *She shook her head.* This is about all I have right now. *She bit down on her lower lip at your last question.* I don`t really know how long I`ve been here. I just got my own room, where I could go out and see what was around me. *Another blush followed the last. She felt so...insignificant. Like everyone knew what was going on but her, like an outsider, or a ghost among the living.*

*she simply shrugs..it wasn't impressive to her...it was standard, but then again she had grown up aroung unnaturals and learnt to accept anything..nothing was strange to her* you'll probably be getting it soon than...if you don't then talk to one of your instructors..*She walks back over to the weight bench and pulls off the weights, 100 on each side, and puts them away* Well your to a good start at least..most of the rookies head to the mall complex first *she nods at a large locker across the way* there's usally a supply of sweats in there if your interested*she once more looks you over, trying to place a file to you..but she can't recall one....which for her is highly unusual* whats your file name?

*She looked up as you started talking to her in a matter of fact manner, instead of just assuming that she knew what you were talking about, or talking down to her.* I`ll remember that...thank you. *Perhaps that would help establish her place here. She watched as you picked up the heavy (to her at least) weights and put them up.* I am? *Those words had really surprised her.* You seem to be the only one who thinks so... *Or perhaps that was just the depression that had crept up on her while she had been alone.* The mall complex? Where is that? *She followed your direction and looked at the locker.* I didn`t know that. I`ve only been here once or twice. It was about the only place that my...mentor? Instructor?... brought me to. *She blinked as you asked that last question, then thought about it.* They called me Smoke...my name is Katherine. *She hadn`t known why they called her Smoke, just that the person that had taken her to her new quarters and brought her here had called her that.*

*she had grown up on the bases, the daughter of Old Scratch...the oldest known unnatural, and the bases leader....since she had mastered her powers she had been assigned to teaching the rookies..and as long as someone was going with GUARD regulations she was polite..she wasn't friendly, she didn't like anyone, her goal was to capture RUNners that was it....go against GUARD and you'll see a side of her you wish you hadn't...she sighs heavily and rolls her eyes* there's a computer in your room, log on with your file name and enter a map request...that will give you a map of the complex *she shakes her head at the incompetance of your instructor* who's your primary instructor? *...smoke?..that was a file name she definatly didn't know, she'd have to do some reseach, normally an update was sent out for each new file*

*She listened to your instructions and nodded her head slightly.* I knew there was a computer, I just didn`t know how to log on, or what I should do. *Actually, she`s never been around a computer before. All she knew about them was what she had overheard on the streets...snatches at best, and not really anything that would help her in this situation.* My primary instructor? I`m supposed to have more than one? *She blinked, then shook her head.* I don`t know... Someone called them something on the way to my room...Mimic or something... But that`s the only time I`ve ever seen that person. I...I`ve stayed in my room, other than coming here like they said I should. No one else has even looked twice at me. *She was slightly embarrassed by that. And in truth, it showed one of the reasons she was so insecure. Being alone for long periods of time tended to do that to a person.*

*She sighs once more and mutters to herself* that incompetant idiot * hand brushes across her forehead as she looks at you, almost as one would a specimen* within the first week all rookies are supposed to have orientation, received issue and be assigned classes and instructors..you've gotten none of it? *she looks up at the ceiling* guess that explains why I haven't seen a file on you yet....*her emerald gaze focuses on you again* well you definatley weren't from one of the farms..where'd they find ya and who brought you in?

*She shrinks back slightly under the intense gaze, but doesn`t try to escape. Her voice is soft as she answers you, but not distorted in any way.* I didn`t know that...no, I`ve not had anything like that happen. I`ve been...in my room...for at least 4 days now. I`ve come here, because he said I needed to get stronger or I would never be able to leave the complex for any reason. *She took a deep breath, trying to muster what courage she had. Normally, when she had been on her own, she would have run by now, but...well, she wasn`t on her own anymore.* Ummm... *She had never been told the man`s name. In fact, the clearest memory she had of him was when she had bumped into him on the beach road.* I don`t really know. He...was very tall, and he had blonde hair about this long... *She indicates it with one hand.* and blue eyes... He was very handsome, in a withdrawn sort of way... *She purses her lips, wondering if that is enough.* I...I was in San Francisco. *Running...as she always did.*

*She half snarls* thats it, I don't care if I am technically classed as a rookie now...Callisto is on report ...... *she relaxes her scrutiny, pleased that you didn't back down or fight...you simply accepted it* four days eh? well I guess technically he's still got time...but thats an unacceptable delay *she shakes her head* I could understand if you were a transfer, but your not....*she shakes her head, a vague look of amusement on her face* you just described a good quarter of the male population here and probably a few of the females too

*She blinked at your fierce words, taken aback, though most of the further wilting was internal and dissipated as soon as your apparent rage did. She wondered why you had gotten so angry. Surely it wasn`t that bad of a thing... She sighs softly with relief when you relax your scrutiny. Having someone look at her like that was...not something she enjoyed.* A transfer? You mean there are more places like this one? *An indescribable look flashes across her face as she takes this in. Blinking a few times, as if to try to come to terms with this information, she crosses her arms over her stomach and hugs herself. If this place made her so unsettled, what must the other ones be like? She returns her attention to you with an effort.* Oh... Um... He... *She closes her eyes trying to remember.* said that I ruined his Christmas shopping. Everyone else seemed to defer to him when we appeared...here. *She looked up at you anew.* Does that help?

*she chuckles* they really slacked on your orientation didn't they? we have bases all over the world, this is one of the bigger ones, the main head quarters *she shrugs* that doesn't help me at all, though I'm sure once I report this to Warpole, he'll find out immediately

*She blushed faintly.* Well, mostly I was told... Follow me, this is your room, this is the gym, you need to get stronger so you can go out on your own every now and then...then, I`ll see you some time later. Good luck. *She looked down for a moment.* I`m sorry I couldn`t be of anymore help. *And that was true, it was in her nature to help people. She was a sweet person at heart, just a survivalist by experience.* Who is Warpole? *She looked back up at you curiously.*

*she shakes her head* yes fitness and strength training are a key part, but there are other things besides that which need to be worked on..thats why we have training...I'll fill out the paperwork and get you what you need, obviously noone else did...*she shakes her head* don't worry about it, not your fault...Warpole? he's our superior, he's in charge of the Hunters

*She listens to your words and nods, relaxing. You weren`t overly nice, but you were going to help her, and you treated her like a human being. That was enough for her...after all, she was from the streets, not some pampered boarding school.* Thank you. I suppose I somehow slipped through the cracks... *She restrained herself from saying that she was good at that. It wouldn`t be polite.* In charge of the Hunters? *She mulled that over. Well, at least they called them what they were, rather than something like Personnel Recruiters, or something of that nature.* What does he look like? *The question was innocent. In truth, she was simply enjoying talking to someone like this. And she was very lonely.*

No prob *she leans on the side of the weight rack, not moving it an iota* yeah Hunters...we got different divisions Medical, Psis, Trackers, Techs, Hunters and a few others that are basic support crew....the Hunters are the grunts that physically go out and bring the rogues in.*she shrugs* A Cyhunter about 6'8", 550 lbs, blond hair, blue eyes...why?

*She digests this knowledge, filing it away. It made some of the things easier to understand.* Rogues...why do you call them that and what exactly are they? The name sounds...harsh. *Her head tilts to the side as she tries to understand all of this.* A Cyhunter... Why do you call him that? Is he psychic? *The "cy" in the word didn`t differentiate itself as to the letters that made it up. It could easily have been "psi" to her. * Oh, I was just wondering. I thought maybe it might help me recognize him if I ever saw him. I...am trying to understand this place, but it seems so alien to me. *Again her arms wrapped around her thin midsection.* I`m...I`m not used to being in a building like this. I`m used to being outside most of the time.

Rogues, because that what they are....strays..some of them are renegades, others just don't know what they are *her arms cross over her chest as she considers your questions....normally she would just walk away, but this ones training was definatley lacking, and she was asking good questions...though the one about the mall almost made her walk* Cyhunters, are cyborgs, part machine part human..they are enhanced naturals, that could pretty much match most of us easily *she shrugs* you'll see him soon enough I'm sure, plus part of your lessons will be to memorize every GUARD and RUNner file, so you'll know most on sight.

*She nods slowly, absorbing the description. Ah, that made some sense. Now that her anger was past, now that someone was talking to her like this, some of the things she had been told before made sense.* Oh. I didn`t know that was possible. *Her only thought about the matter was that it must be painful, but it was probably something that they had wanted, or they had been hurt pretty badly and needed it.* It must be a heavy burden. *That was a very soft whisper, one she didn`t even know she had uttered aloud. She blinked at what you told her about her lessons.* There must be a lot of files... How can you remember all of it? Or is there a trick to it? *She was trying to think about everything she said before she said it, trying to reason out things for herself before she asks, so that her questions are informative, rather than just being fillers for a lonely soul.*

*she shrugs....she has no idea and doesn't really care if it is a heavy burden or not....once she woud have, once she had actually cared for people, thought of stuff like that, but no longer, she considered such thoughts weak...* we have a lot of technology that surpasses anything that even the governments have *she nods* yeah theres a few....every one has some tricks...also if you have trouble memorizing it the Psionics will help

*She didn`t know that you were shrugging at the statement she had whispered...she still thought that she hadn`t uttered it aloud.* I think I knew that, but I have no idea what is possible and what isn`t. Most of what I thought was impossible has turned out to be possible, so... *She shrugged slightly, her eyes fixed on your face as she spoke to you.* They will? *She blinked at that, she only knew that they could read your mind, nothing else...* I didn`t know that they did that sort of thing... *Really, she doesn`t know what anyone does, other than the Hunters. Some of the other divisions were self explanatory, but only some.*

You'll learn soon enough...your first few weeks of lessons will teach ya the basics and you'll advance from there, based upon your skill levels. They will also teach you to use your powers ...what are they anyhow?

*She nodded, taking your word for it.* That makes sense. *She blushes slightly.* Nothing much... I turn into smoke, but it makes me sick. *She nodded, shrugging slightly.* Damien...the psionic that...interviewed me said that wasn`t my only power, but he didn`t tell me what any of the others were. Just that the Hunter had been following me before that. *She shook her head slightly.* So I don`t know. But I`m afraid that I will forget how to speak other languages besides English, if I don`t find some way to...keep in practice. But that`s probably not important. *She bit her lower lip again.* I`ve taken up a lot of your time. And I don`t even know your name.

*she nods* thats not too bad, would be good for espionage...or sneak attacks you might get over the illness as you use it more, or maybe one of the docs can help ya * a shrug raises her shoulders* a lot of us have multiple powers...Psiphon probably didn't tell you because we want you to figure them out *she puses off the rack and stretches slightly, one eyebrow raises at your mention of languages* how many do you speak?

*She looks thoughtful at that.* Perhaps you are right. *It opened up a line of thought that she had never considered. She had never thought of it as being useful, except in emergencies.* Ah, so most people call him Psiphon. *It was an interesting name. The thought that perhaps the file names had something to do with the person`s powers entered her mind and was tucked away. It might make things easier on her later. At your obvious interest, she smiles shyly. This was the one thing she was proud of. * I speak six languages other than English... But I can usually pick up a new language pretty easily...within a week or two, usually, sometimes quicker. It`s how I made a living on the streets.

*an eyebrow raises...she's getting the idea of what one of those other powers might be* thats good, its a requirement that you be fluent in at least two languages, most have more..its a handy skill to have. *she turns towards the door and starts heading out* names Venin, Yvette Christopher......my name will be on your paperwork *and with that she steps out the door, no farewell, not even a passing glance....just gone*

*She watched you leave, feeling better about that at least, and having a better idea of what was going on. She watched you leave and smiled to herself. At least she didn`t feel so alone right now...and at least she knew how to get some more clothing and all of those things. Perhaps this might not be so bad after all. Then she sighed. If only she could go outside for a bit, feel the sun on her skin, the wind in her hair...all of those wonderful things. Though she readily admitted that she didn`t like being cold all the time. But she didn`t like being cooped up either. She turned to one of the treadmills and started walking at a slow pace as she pondered the meeting and its implications.*