The First Age

Connor listened with mixed feelings as Ayden showed proof of the things she could do. This was really going to happen wasn't it? He was almost ready to just say that they should take their chances with the Atharim.

When Michael spoke, Connor noticed that Ayden was not happy. And despite his feelings about this whole thing, he felt some irritation at the kid's dissembling. They were not morons. A man with that kind of power- a power that was now known in the CCD- hell, he'd seen the videos and recognized him. It was only logical that guys in his own organization had as well- was not just some functionary. At least not now. He knew enough history- US and other's- to know that new kinds of soldiers were always being looked for. He looked at Ayden. Her smile was thin, her look flat.

Then again, they were in a cafe, and this was more of a meet and greet than anything else. It's not like they expected the kid to just open up about a new and exciting job opportunity for her. It was probably the best they could hope for, at least for now. And truth is, he felt a bit of relief. A lot of relief. Maybe it would be best to just take their chances with the Atharim. It all depended on what they knew. Was that a rogue guy or had he been ordered? So many uncertainties. The potential for loss or death was everywhere. His heart quailed at the thought, but he firmed it. This was what it meant to love Ayden. And it was worth it. She- their life together- was worth the risk.

He touched Ayden's shoulder and stood. She followed suit. It was good she didn't say anything. She had a temper, he knew. And she was irritated too. "Well, I appreciate your meeting with us. You have my contact info if you ever need to get in touch with us."


He shook the man's hand. It really was all they could hope for, that outcome. He had the information, the offer. That was it.

A fire ignited in the woman's eyes that flared like her red hair. She was not pleased at all.

Ayden...

She was a disconcerting woman. The gentle exterior belied a core of something furious revealed in her ire. He could well believe that she had been a soldier.

Fortunately for all parties, the older man appeared to grasp the situation well. Michael shook his hand and watched them both leave, still wrapped in his thoughts.

He was glad that they had gone without pressing the matter further. Regardless of intention, they had come dangerously close to drawing the gaze of an implacable force. Borodin's men would not have been gentle and he did not yet trust them enough to stake everything on their word despite his inclination to believe them.

Michael repressed a sigh. Another burden placed on his shoulders. However capable of looking after themselves they were, it would be his actions that decided how the Custody reacted to them. The Custody military was volatile at the best of times, and it was only the iron hand of the Ascendancy that had shielded him. He could not say if Nikolai would do the same again for a potential spy.

Usually he would not be concerned but Connor had given him something of great worth. It was the least he could do.

Michael ordered a plain sandwich, dark thoughts for company.

When he had finished, he made his way to the Kremlin.