“Everybody in position?” Feint asked from a few blocks away. She was hidden in the shadows but still had to avoid the glare of the car lights. She was staring at a hospital, the newest target for the now six of them.
“Yes already on top of the hospital.” Phase said as he glanced around with night vision on. Checking the streets and nearby rooftops he nodded. “So far so good.”
“Me and the fire starter are behind the hospital..” Rogue said glancing at Yumi.
“Yes, and I’m not a fire starter. I haven’t burned anything down.”
“Yet. Its always the important word in this situations Yu.” Shade said and then checked his position. “I’m in front of the building ready to cause some trouble. Just give me the go ahead and I’ll get their attention.”
“First you take my job and then you side with the new guy. Hurts Shadeow.”
“I want to help out.” Echo said and they could hear her pouting through their communications.
“You will once we get the tech we need to make your mask.” Darren said from beside her at the house. “You’re a special case after all. Speaking of which how’re you liking your mask Rogue?”
His mask was white with a red line down the middle. He had managed to affix his bandana so that it was around the mouthpiece. “It feels better than I expected. What all can this thing do?”
“More than you can imagine.” Phase said with a grin. “You see the guards Feint?”
“Tracking them now. You’d be surprised by how many iPhones there are in there.”
“Maybe I can lift a few of them.”
“Please Yu. You can buy any number of those when you want them.” Feint smiled.“I’m updating their positions to your maps.”
Each of them checked their masks as the images appeared in front of them. For everyone this was old hat but for Rogue he took a few moments to get his bearings again.
“Two guards on the third floor.” Phase said.
“Five guards on the second floor.” Darren told them.
“Only three on the first floor.”Shade commented.
Yumi cracked her knuckles. “Two of them are close to the back.”
Phase nodded. “Alright guys let’s hit it.”
Phase placed a hand to the roof and then sank into the third floor. Touching down on the linoleum floor he glanced around. The place smelled sanitized and he could vaguely hear medical equipment beeping. It was uncomfortably cold up here as well. Checking his mask, he saw the guard was around the corner on his rounds. The other guard was in the lounge, which meant that this was his floor to play with.
Crouch walking his way forward he went toward a supply closet. Finding the door, he stepped through it slowly. As he glanced around he went to a closet and sifted through the spare lab coats. Pushing his hand into each pocked he manually check and came up dry.
Annoyed he then switched focus to cabinets and drawers. Dragging them out and sifting through them quickly he was making sounds of annoyance.
“Someone’s in the bathroom near you Phase. Check there. Pretty sure it’s a nurse.” Feint said quickly.
Turning and checking his mask he slid his way through the wall and rushed down the hallway. Stepping another wall he entered the bathroom and saw only one closed stall. Dialing his mask to x-ray he saw the person sitting on the toilet. Stepping into the stall beside theirs, he looked through the wall. Their jacket’s pocket was hanging low against the floor. By the sounds of things they were vocally struggling.
Reaching his arm forward he slowly slid it into the dangling pocket. He touched a plastic card and slowly slid it out. Taking it out of the pocket he looked at it and nodded. Nurse with clearance. All he needed for this situation. “Thanks Feint.”
He slid out of the bathroom quickly and then checked his masks. The guard had recently passed which meant he was good to go. “I’m ready to get to the second floor. All you Shade.”
“Already working on it.”
Sliding his mask off and walking into the hospital front door he went straight to the desk. “Excuse me miss I need to know the rates of the people who are admitted here?”
“Excuse me?”
“You know if I were to get shot how much would it charge me? How much out of pocket. If I use my insurance card. What insurance you take. All of that.”
“Um, that’s not information that I have readily available.”
“Or if I got my girlfriend pregnant and we wanted an abortion is that covered? Can you check that?”
The receptionist paled slightly at the questions, “I’m sorry I’m not the proper person to ask about these things.”
“Right. My bad. Who is? Maybe I can chat with them. No no don’t get up.” Quickly jumping over the counter, he landed behind the receptionist.
Pushing the him away in his sliding chair, Shade put a USB into the computer and started typing away at the keyboard. “Sir you cannot be back here!”
“This all looks really important. Oh now I’m in customer files.”
“Security! I need security here!” He shouted hitting a button under the desk while trying to push Shade away.
“Well Phas,e, guards are leaving the second floor. I’d say start moving. Also Yumi, Rogue. I’d suggest clearing out the first floor.”
“You heard the lady. Let’s get moving.” Yumi stood up straight and walked up the steps to the back door, the door to the delivery entrance. She went to the knob and then kicked the door in. She dashed forward checking her mask for trouble. “Rogue, there’s one about ten feet from the door. I’m going to the other one.”
She ran forward hopping over a set of crates. Landing neatly she slid across the ground slowing behind the guard. Jumping up she grabbed his shoulders, flipped forward and tossed him into the ground. He didn’t even let out a sound as he hit the ground.
Rogue appeared in the dark room. His mask on thermal vision he zeroed in on the guard. Reaching forward and grabbed the man by the throat. Vanishing with him he shoved him into a wall hard with a crack.
“That sounded deadly.”
“He’s alive. Exit secured.”
Yumi nodded, “Why so much security for a hospital again?”
“The Royals frequent this place when their people get hurt. From guards to employees to family.”
“Of course they do.”
Phase dropped into the second floor and checked his phone. Only two guards had stayed while the other three were making their way downstairs. Things were going according to plan which was always good. Taking the ID out he slid it through the card reader and heard a happy beep. Opening the door and sliding in he glanced around at the shelves of equipment.
“Mask pull up neural implants. Images.” The right eye of his mask pulled up a headpiece of wires and suction spots. The left eye quickly started scanning anything and everything that it could while he continued to look with his real eyes.
His eyes and mask both locked onto the box at the same time. “Hey Darren is this what we’re looking for?” Opening the box he pulled out the tangle of wires attached to microchips.
“Yeah. Yeah. Damn they’re a model version back but you know what we can deal with it. Grab it.”
“How does this do what we want it to do?” He asked putting the implant back into the box and then taking the box.
“I’m going to use it as the frame work for Echo’s mask.”
“Gonna go out on a limb an say this is more complicated than I want to know.”
“You know it.”
He put the top on the box and kept it under his arm as he started toward the door. Feint joined the conversation, “Guards coming back to your location Phase.”
“Shade what happened to that distraction?”
“Did it for as long as I could. But if I went any longer I might have gotten into a fight. I doubt they called the police but you might wanna check it out.”
Pulling up police airwaves, he noted the guards coming up the stairs. Letting out a frustrated sound he rotated the map and changed the signals to find his team. He pinpointed Rogue and Yumi then nodded. “On my way to you guys. Get ready.”
“They did call the police by the way.” Feint shrugged.“Well it’s not too big of a problem.”
Crouch walking his way down the hall, Phase glanced at his mask keeping track of the guards. “Whys it not a problem Fei?”
“Messing around with traffic. Redirecting them a bit.”
“Don’t they normally have the power to ignore traffic?”
“Usually Yu. But change some lights in advance and they gotta pick a new ‘efficient’ path. Gives us some time.”
“Smart.” Sliding down across the hallway Phase fizzled through the ground and landed somewhat roughly against the floor below. He kept going dropping through the next floor and landed on all fours. Raising his head, he glanced around focusing on Yumi and Rogue.
“Nice entrance leader.”
“Thanks. Let’s get out of here.” Running out of the back door and pulling it closed behind them they got onto the rooftops. Circling around from their vantage point they slowed as they waited for Feint and Shade. The pair of them joined them from above as they watched the police show up.
“Well I think that worked out pretty well.” Yumi folded her arms and smiled.
“I agree. Everything worked smoothly.”
“That’s only our first time together.” Phase said and looked at Rogue. “Good work. And as per tradition. Last one home has to go buy dinner.”
Spinning on his heel he leaped forward and then started sprinting balancing his cargo with his step.
“Phase!”
“Not cool man!”
“I’ll make you get me double. No triple of everything!” Yumi shouted in the chase.
The sun arose and slowly the house came to life. Very slowly. Yumi rolled out of bed, her hair tangled. Her room was warm but the moment she stepped outside she was greeted with the cold. Grunting in discomfort and wrapping her arms around herself she shuffled down the hall.
“Fuckin Chicago. Fuckin winter. Fuckin cold.”
She walked into Shade who grunted at the impact. Turning to face her with some annoyance he didn’t say anything. He just waved and stifled a yawn. She looked in front of him and she could hear the shower.
“Someone using the shower with the door closed?”
“I think someone’s using the bathroom too.”
“Mother fuckers.”
The toilet flushed and the door opened as Darren walked out. Looking at the two of them they tried to drum up some emotion onto their face but failed. Mustering a wave they went toward their office.
They both entered the bathroom, which was a bit large. The shower was occupied still and but both the sinks were open. Shade started brushing his teeth while Yumi filled the sink with water slowly. Once it was filled she dunked her head inside then dragged it out. Shade raised his eyebrow as she looked at him.
“What’s up Shadeow?”
“Just questioning you methods Yu.”
“Don’t worry about it.” She said dragging wet strands of hair from her face. “Who’s in there?!”
“Me!”
“Who’s me!”
“You know who I am Yumi!”
“That you Feint?!”
“Yes!”
“Hurry up! I wanna shower!”
Shade left her opting to shower later and went into the kitchen. Walking in he smelled cinnamon and probably eggs. He watched Echo dancing around the room, because that was the only way to describe it, keeping the stove and microwave under control as she cooked.
“Wow, the blind and deaf woman is cooking.” Shade said. “That safe?”
Phase was leaning against the wall, arms folded. “She’s doing better than most of us.”
Echo looked at them, “It’s a challenge but I’ve always wanted to try. Darren helped a lot?”
“Well don’t let me stop you.” Phase paused for a moment. “Echo did you move the dog’s bowl into the kitchen. And also give it a name?”
Glancing down at the bowl she nodded. There was now a string of scotch tape across it with the name Roxie written in sharpie marker. “Well she looked like a Roxie to me. And she hasn’t complained yet.”
Speaking of the dog in question she brushed past them, nearly knocking Shade over as she went to her bowl. Eating slowly and somewhat nosily they looked at Echo. “Let me guess, you ‘read’ Roxie.”
“Something like that. Dog minds are weird. Now get out. I’m not done yet.”
She raised her spatula, which had recently touched hot bacon grease so they both retreated from the kitchen. They were joined in the living room by Rogue and Yumi. Yumi sat on the arm of the couch fighting her yawn though she was a bit more awake. Rogue on the other hand was fully dressed, a contrast to the pajamas of the others.
“You go somewhere?”
“Roof. Wanted some morning excercise.”
“Right. Where’s Wiz Kid?”
“Right here.” Raising their hand as they walked into the living room he slumped into one of the few armchairs they had. “Hate neural tech.”
“Why?”
“Cause it’s overly complicated. I’ve got some mild teory with it but theory is not not practice.”
“So it’s gonna be awhile then?”
“Probably. Feint can you help me after we eat?”
“Of course.”
”Good, hopefully we can get it done soon. It’s going to be one of my hardest and best projects.”
“I can imagine.” Echo pranced into the living room and looked behind her. Roxie was trailing her steps, small tail wagging. When she entered immediately she looked for Phase and bounded toward him. He leaned down and rubbed her head, which she enjoyed greatly.
Echo beamed and then announced, “Breakfast is ready. Get in there.”
Almost as one they rushed forward into the kitchen. The bacon disappeared first and quickly followed by the cinnamon toas and eggst that she had made. Taking plates and the like they went back to the living room and ate in a relax way, content way.
“Holy shit.” Yumi said through a mouthful. “This is great. How’d you get this good?”
She shrugged as she messed around with her fork. “Reading. A lot of people know how to cook here and there. I’ve just had to put into practice for real.”
“I’m not sure if I like being a test audience.” Yumi mumbled.
Shade agreed. “Same here.”
“You test for me all the time,” Darren commented.
They continued to eat for the next few minutes. Feint finished up first and put her plate on the table. Pulling out a piece of paper she unfolded it slowly and then looked at everyone. “Alright guys its time for the chores list.”
“Chores list?”
“Yes Yumi. There’s seven us now and that means we can start dividing work. Much easier than when it was just the few of us.”
“It’s not even that much.” Phase plucked it from her hands and looked it over. “Echo and Fei are on grocery shopping. Easy. Rogue’s on cleaning duty. Me and Shade are on job hunting. That leaves Yumi with supply shopping.”
“What is supply shopping?”
Darren glanced at her. “You think the stuff I make for you guys grows on trees? It doesn’t. It cost money and a lot of hard to find supplies. Well not hard to find. You just need to know where to look. And it’s easier to buy than to steal sometimes. Which I have for you.”
With a sigh she nodded. “Alright fine. What’ll Wiz Kid be doing?”
“Crafting.” He told her with a roll of his eyes. “With what little I got.”
“Shall we head out? It’s not noon yet but we’re all clean at least.” Feint asked as she stood and stretched. “Mostly.”
“Yeah. Let’s go be domestic.”
Feint and Echo in particular took the mundane route of elevator to bus to grocery store. Feint grabbed a basket and got her phone out to pull up the list. However, Echo was just wide eyed and standing a little wobbly. Feint quickly grabbed her and put her hands on the cart.
“You okay?”
“Just. Just information overload,” She shook herself and looked paler than normal.
Feint took her hands and then looked at her, rubbing her arm lightly. “Can you, I don’t know, narrow it down and slowly expand?”
“Y-y-yes. Just give me a moment.”
“Take your time.”
She squeezed down on the handlebars of the basket and her knuckles turned white. Her face scrunched up and she seemed to be in pain at the same time. But as she took a deeper breath she steadied visibly. Feint watched her closely and the strain on her scrunched face also relaxed. Letting out another breath she turned her head toward Feint and smiled.
“Okay. All better.”
Feint shivered at that and blinked. “I’m glad but words. I’d prefer words.”
“Oh. Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine.”
“Can I see the list?”
“Yeah. Oh. Wait. How does that work?”
“Just give it a once over. New information.”
“Is it that simple?”
“Mmhm.”
Echo pushed the basket forward as they continued into the grocery store. They were in frozen foods section first and Echo felt around. Wenever she needed details Feint looked closer but Echo was getting specific very fast.
“Pick whatever you like. You have a better eye for quality than us.”
“I might gone a little over board.” She blushed slightly and then smiled. As she cycled through food filling out a corner of the cart quickly. Once she gave the thumbs up Feint steered the cart away from the frozen food and down the nonperishables.
She directed Echo toward each thing that they needed which she ran around and got with merriment. As they rounded a corner and Echo grooved to the music in her head, humming a song.
“So you and Phase.”
“Echo. Words please,” She blushed. “And what about me and Phase.”
“I thought you’d prefer a private talk.”
Feint sighed as she pushed the cart and then looked over at her. “What about me and Phase.”
“You guys are really close.”
“So are me and Yumi. And Yumi and Phase. We’re all close.”
“No, I think you two are closer than that.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Echo looked at her and almost pouted. She walked beside Feint as she reached for a bag of flour and followed her movement. However. as Feint reached for another bag she took them from her hand.
“You should tell Phase how you feel.”
Feint would have dropped the bag as she looked at her. “What?”
“You like each other. But you guys don’t act on it. I know that none of us really know how to express it but we should try. We’re more human than the way we were created to be. We’re people.”
Feint was silent for a long time as she looked past them. It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about it before. Since he and Yumi had been hurt. The thought of losing them had driven home how much she cared for them. Especially Phase. She looked up as Echo took her hand and squeezed it. Echo was smiling gently as she always was.
Feint hugged her, which Echo hadn’t seen coming but she didn’t refuse it. She rather liked hugs. Slowly as Feint pulled away she wiped she sighed. “Let’s finish up here. I’m sure getting this all home is going to take way work.”
“Not if we make Rogue do it.”
She laughed softly. “Good thinking.”
The Harlequin Library 