~ 𝟭 ~

Past (Prologue)

(Third person)

"Wait, you're all leaving? But I thought... so I'm..."

"Come sit down, let it sink in first."

Ava sat down, her mind swirling with questions.

Why were they all leaving her?

Would she be able to continue doing her job without a team?

What would her commander say?

"I'm sure we can answer all your questions, just breathe for a second."

"Why are you all leaving me? If you leave, I won't have a team anymore... wait, will I still be able to work even without a team?"

"I'm sure the commander will find you another team. And as for us leaving, well... we aren't as young as you anymore. We want to start families of our own, and if we stay, we'll always be afraid of not coming home after a mission. It's just what needs to happen."

...

A week later, Ava's teammates were all packed up and ready to leave her.

"Just promise me I can come visit you guys."

"Of course, you can. Come here."

Her teammates hugged her like they would never see her again, and deep down, she knew there was a very slight chance of ever seeing them again.

"Don't miss us too much," they said out of the car window as they left. Then reality started sinking in. Ava was without a team, in a business where working alone got you killed. Her commander had assured her he would find a solution. She just hoped her demons would leave her alone long enough to get used to the change.

Time skip 1 month

Present

(First person, Ava's perspective)

I had just settled down from my nightmares when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. When I picked it up, my commander's caller ID popped up on the screen.

"Good morning, Agent Noyes."

"Good morning, Commander," I said with a yawn, trying to shake the grogginess out of my head.

"Sorry to call you so early, but I need you to come to the office. I have some things to discuss with you."

"Might I ask what this is about, Sir?"

"Well, let's just say, you would be happy to know I have a solution."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll be there in thirty minutes."

I hung up the call and jumped out of bed. I took a quick shower, got dressed and headed out the door. Luckily the office was only ten minutes away. With hair still a little damp, I walked through the doors. I tied my hair on the way up to my commander's office. When I got to his door, I heard voices coming through the glass. I knocked and waited for permission to enter.

"Come in, Agent Noyes," my commander said. I slowly turned the knob and peeked inside. Alongside my commander were two other men. One looked slightly older and had many medals adorning his jacket. The other looked about my age. He had on a vest and all-black clothing, like he had just come from a mission. As I entered, I could feel him observing my movements. It's a nervous habit for most agents. I would've known, I did it too. I took my place next to my commander, my hands folded behind my back.

"At ease, Noyes. This is Commander Della Valle and his best agent, Agent Christopher Bang. They are here about the matter of your new team."

"Nice to meet you both," I said as I shook both their hands. Agent Bang gave me a smile, which I gladly returned.

"Now that that's out of the way, how would you feel about working with eight men, Agent Noyes?"

My eyes grew wide as I looked up at my commander. Eight guys? The only teammates I ever had were girls, but I guessed I could adapt. It might be the only chance I was going to get.

"It would take some adjusting to, but I am sure I am more than capable of adapting to it, Sir."

"Okay, great then. Commander Della Valle, could you tell her what these arrangements entail?"

"Of course. As you probably know, Agent Noyes, you will have to move into dorms with the team. We plan on getting you there and settled by the end of the day. Then you will have a six-week probationary period. It is for you to get adjusted and for myself and Agent Bang to ascertain whether the team is a good fit for you. Once that is all sorted out, you will have an integration ceremony and will then be a member of the team. While in the probationary period, you will join the members on missions that may arise, but we will not expect you to take charge or save anyone's life if not necessary. Do you have any questions for me or Agent Bang?"

"Just one. For how long should I pack, Sir? I mean I probably won't be able to go back and forth the whole time, right Sir?"

"Pack as much as you think you'll need. We can always just wash your clothes," Agent Bang said with a smile. I smiled back and blushed slightly.

"Okay, then. Agent Noyes, you are dismissed to go home and pack. I will send a car to pick you up and take you to their dorms. It should arrive at around 15:00"

"Thank you, Sir."

"You may go now."

"Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Commander Della Valle and Agent Bang, for the opportunity."

I quickly made my way out the door, feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. It finally sank in that I would be living with eight men and my heart started racing. Agent Bang didn't look too unpredictable, but I had no idea what the other seven would be like. My anxiety was not having it. I started nervously wringing my hands as I walked back to my car.

"Okay, pull yourself together, Ava. They are all agents. They got screened for signs of psychological problems, just like you did. It'll all be fine. They probably won't even pay you much attention. Just breathe."

My chest was rising and falling slightly slower. I just had to keep my memories buried and everything would be fine. I drove home trying to distract myself. As I walked in the door, I grabbed my headphones off the couch and plugged them into my phone. I let the music flow through them and into my body, relaxing my racing pulse. It kept me surprisingly calm as I packed. When I was done, I made myself some lunch and waited for the car. If I stayed distracted, everything would run smoothly. A car horn pulled me from my thoughts. I checked my watch and as if sent by fate, the car had arrived at exactly 15:00. I put my things in the back seat and got in.

"Afternoon, Agent Noyes. I'm guessing you don't know where we are heading off to?"

"Yeah, I don't," I said quietly, my voice trembling more than I would have wanted it to.

"Well, you don't have to worry. It's only about a half an hour drive from here and isn't too far out of town. You'll be fine."

The driver's words gave me a slight sense of relief, but it was quickly washed away when we started driving. All the doubts and fears came rushing back in and it took everything in me not to jump out of the moving car.

Come on, Ava! You're a special agent for Pete's sake! Pull yourself together! I mentally scolded myself. It worked surprisingly well. In no time we were in the driveway of my new home for the next six weeks. I said goodbye to the driver, grabbed my things and made my way to the door.

It was really a beautiful house. It had two stories and gave off a very warm and cosy feel, even though it looked quite big. I could see the pool glistening near the back corner of the house and if I squinted, I could faintly make out what looked to be a helicopter landing pad through the forest surrounding the house. The cobblestones crunched under my feet, and I could hear birds chirping in the trees. If I weren't so on edge, I might be able to get used to this. But all too soon I was standing at the door, the doorbell taunting me.

"Come on. You can do this."

I debated with myself for what seemed like forever before I finally snapped and just pressed the button. If my feet weren't glued to the floor from nerves, I would have made a run for it. Just as I was debating that idea, the door opened to reveal a slightly familiar face.

"Agent Noyes, come on in."