Creation of Francesca.

Part 19: Final Mission: Padania A-Go-Go.

In the conference room on the main floor, near Chief Lorenzo's Office, a meeting is being held. In attendance were Ferro, Priscilla and the Logistics Support Personnel, Felix, and Jean. In discussion are the upcoming mission orders for both Francesca and Alpha. For the past 2 months preparations have been made for Francesca's mission- an intell gathering mission of Padania Big Wigs for identification and future termination. This mission entails that Felix is introduced as a Basque Separatist from Spain, seeking a union of resources. Francesca was to be his daughter who he has raised without a mother, one who has been killed by Spanish Authorities, though it has been claimed to be an accident. Alpha's mission was set to be an assassination / termination mission, with destruction of assets and resources, making it look like a Padania power struggle. If both missions are successful, it would mean nearly unlimited funding for the agency and more decision-making authority on missions than being under Section 1.

"So all are in order for these missions to be a go?" Felix asks.
"I believe everything is in order," Priscilla says.
"I do not want beliefs, I want affirmation of details," Felix tells her.
"Uhm..." Priscilla started to say.
"As far as our contacts are concerned, they are expecting you to show up with a trunk load of weapons and 1/2 a million Euros in a brief case," Ferro started to say. "The meeting has been set up in a private villa near the French border in the mountains. The estate belongs to the millionaire industrialist Polanco."
"And I will be meeting with him directly?" Felix asks.
"Yes," Ferro answers.
"What about back up and logistical support?" Felix asks.
"We will be in the village nearby, some 10 km away. You and Francesca will be on your own going in and coming back," Ferro explains.
"Good.", Felix says. "And what are the preparations for the Alpha/Jean team?"
"Awaiting confirmation of satellite intell," Jean stated, though not wanting to say anything.
"And who is confirming this intell?" Felix asks.
"SISDE," Jean stated.
"Why not one of our own?" Felix asks.
"This mission is a joint venture with them. This has been planned long before you arrived," Jean stated almost angrily.
"Then, I want a full report on its preparation and confirmation before I leave for my mission. Will you be taking Support and Logistics Personnel as well?" Felix returned with authority in his voice.
"That will not be necessary. SISDE will be Support and Logistics for this mission," Jean answers.
"I see..." Felix says.
"Perhaps not, but I will assume you do," Jean stated.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Felix asks, holding back the anger in his voice.
"You would not know, you are not Italian," Jean answers.
"I don't get it..." Felix stated.
"Uhm... I will deal with his mission preparation," Ferro jumps in.
"It is not too much to ask, to ask about what is burning his ass," Felix stated, holding back from getting loud.
"Permission to speak freely," Jean says.
"You can say whatever you want," Felix stated.
"I want to say what I have to say without repercussion or retribution; sir," Jean stated.
"Look- I'm only on your case because you and your cyborg have failed on more than 65% of your missions with the rest completed to an unsatisfactory level. I do not hold anything personally against you. So say what you have to say without fear of punishment, for now," Felix stated.
"Well then. I can't stand you. You come in here from another country months ago and is first placed as a fratello with the Francesca cyborg as if the position was there for only you. You come off as like some spoiled prince where everything is given to him hand and foot. Then you are made into my supervisor when I have been here longer than you have?!! How you done this- I do not know- you aren't even Italian! Frankly, I do not like you, never did, never will!!" Jean explains.
"Are you done?" Felix asks.
"No..." Jean says.
"Then you are now," Felix tells him. "I do not care whether you like me or not. What I do care about here is respect for the job and respect for the agency. Like I said before- the failures you have been having with the Alpha cyborg is something you need to address. In truth, I have been holding off in terminating your position and recycle Alpha to reprogramming and to a new handler, despite what Lorenzo have been telling me to do so. I think you have what it takes to do this job of handling a cyborg. But this is your last warning- fail in this mission; you can look for a job elsewhere. This order comes from Chief Lorenzo himself, but I am the one who is to execute it."

Jean only returns a scowl.

"Do I make myself clear?" Felix stated loudly.
"Clear enough," Jean answers.
"Then I expect a perfect outcome from this mission of yours," Felix says.
"It will be a perfect outcome even if I have to leave the Alpha cyborg behind," Jean says.
"Alpha is to go with you," Felix tells him, "and come back."

Jean remains silent for a moment before answering. "Is that all?"

"Meet up with Ferro later when you receive your intell confirmation," Felix tells him. "Everyone is dismissed except for Jean."

Everyone gets up, packing their folders before leaving. Felix remains seated, finishing up on his notes until the room is empty. Jean stands, leaning against the window sill with his arms crossed.

"What do you want this time?" Jean stated as the door closes behind the last person to exit.
"You complained about how things are given to me as if I were some prince? According to the records I have read, you were handed your position on grounds of the Croche Incident. I also understand that your brother Jose is on the waiting list to be hired as a fratello when we receive more funding and a cyborg for him to train for the same reasons. If things are being handed out like candy to princes around here- its being done here for you. And don't give me that crap about how hurt you are. We all are! We are all victims to the actions of terrorism here! The hotel Francesca's parents were killed in was attacked by terrorists makes her a victim just as much as you if not more so! So don't be giving me a bleeding heart to sympathize over, it should be reason to further your determination, like it does with her!" Felix tells him. "Instead, I get nothing but failures and excuses from you. You think you can advance with such a rate of failure or list of excuses? You could have been my supervisor if you have not had these failures and excuses trailing behind you like a bunch of tin cans tied to your tail!"

Jean breathes heavily but remains silent in his words.

"Like I said in front of the others, coming from the chief, this is your final chance. Mess up and fail on this mission, and I will be forced to terminate you from your position. I don't want to do that," Felix tells him.
"Then thank you for the second chance," Jean mocks back.
"This is not your second chance. This is not even your third chance. In meetings with the chief, we had lost count how many chances were given to you in order to get at least one successfully satisfactory mission from you and your cyborg," Felix tells him.
"Will that be all?" Jean asks, holding back on his anger.
"Just don't fail," Felix says calmly.

Felix slowly gets up and packs his paper work. Once everything was in his brief case, he starts to walk to the door. He looks at Jean for a moment, and then walks out the door.

Jean says to himself, "We will see who will fail in their mission," before retrieving his cell phone from his pocket. He makes a call on it.

Felix makes his way to his dorm room / office. He opens the door and quickly goes to the bathroom to get some headache pills from the medicine cabinet after dropping his brief case on the side of the bed. After taking the pills, he goes to his bed and lies down. His door opens despite it being locked, and Ferro enters the room as she removes her key from the door.

"Are you alright?" Ferro asks as she closes the door behind her.
"Just a headache," Felix answers her.
"You been getting a lot of those lately," Ferro says as she sits on the bed next to him. From the seated position, she leans over him to be face to face with him, supporting herself with one arm.

Felix just sighs.

"I supposed that you would not want to fool around?" Ferro asks.
"Not really," Felix tells her.

A moment of silence passes by as she brushes a bit of his hair from his forehead with her hand.

"Ferro?" Felix asks.
"Yes, Felix?" she returns.
"I was willing to wait to say this, but I want to ask you something really important about us," he asks.
"What is it?" she answers, holding back the nervousness that started to bubble up inside her.
"Would you want to marry me?" Felix asks.
"Huh?" Ferro asks in her dumbstruck state of mind.
"Would you- Ferro, want to be my lawfully wedded wife?" he asks again.
"But..." Ferro started say.
"But what?" Felix asks.
"No... Yes... I DO!" Ferro started. "But, the job; our work here, our Careers..."
"So? We can work together," Felix says.
"What about Francesca?" Ferro asks.
"We can raise her as our own daughter..." Felix almost joked.
"But..." Ferro started to say.
"No buts, Ferro. After this last mission is completed, I want to take you out and buy a 6 karat ring to put on your finger," Felix explains.
"6?" Ferro asks.
"That's all I can afford right now," Felix answered.
"No, never mind. Uhm, I did not mean it like that. I say yes... yes, I'll marry you..." she started to say.
"Good.", Felix said. "Look... I just need a bit of alone time here. You know- to deal with this headache."
"Need me to do anything for you?" Ferro asks.
"No... Just come back and see how I am in a couple of hours," Felix stated.
"Alright," Ferro answers.

She leans over and plants her lips on his. He gives a minimal response to her, though he would have wanted more. She sees how tired he is and separates from him, slowly sitting up on the side of the bed. Taking her time, she continues to slowly get off the bed and walk to the door.

"I'll be back to check up on you," Ferro says as she holds onto the door knob.

Felix just nods.

"Good night... love," she says quietly before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

Her footsteps can be heard down the hallway as she returns to her office. At the stairway in the center of the dorm complex, she meets up with Francesca.

"Francesca, where are you going?" Ferro asks.
"To Felix's room," Francesca answers.

Ferro sighs before giving Francesca a directive.

You can't go there.", Ferro stated.
"Why?" Francesca asks.
"Look, Felix is not feeling well. He needs some time to rest for a while and in a couple of hours we can check up on him," Ferro tells her.
"But..." Francesca started to say.
"He needs his rest. So leave him alone and later on you can come with me to check up on him," Ferro stated.
"OK..." Francesca replies.
"Now, is there anything I can help you with?" Ferro asks.
"Uhm..." Francesca started to say, "He was supposed to tell me about the meeting and the mission that we are going to have."
"I can do that for him," Ferro stated. "Let's go to your room and I'll explain everything."
"Uhm..." Francesca started to say before Ferro take her by the wrist and is almost dragged back into her room.

They sit by the round table in Francesca's room. Ferro explains everything to Francesca about the meeting's details and of their up and coming mission. It has taken a long time for Francesca to develop this level of trust with Ferro, but she has only to make Felix happy.

"Felix will give you your mission details for this mission and how you two are going to function together as a 'father � daughter' team.", Ferro began to explain. "But this will be an intell gathering mission, not a termination mission. With the information you two bring back, it will become a termination mission, but first we need to know the details of those involved."
"I think I understand," Francesca started to say.
"Good. It will be in Northern Italy, near the French border. You two will be alone as we- the Support and Logistic teams will be 10 or more kilometers away. We cannot expose you two into being connected with us. It is also important that you and Felix talk in Spanish. These Padania people you are going to meet think that you both are Basque Spanish Separatists, seeking resources to buy and share," Ferro further explains.
"Spanish only- got it," Francesca says to herself.
"Let Felix do all the talking. You as his daughter should be seen and not heard. And if anyone asks you anything, you say that you don't understand Italian," Ferro explains.

Francesca nods.

"Good. Any questions?" Ferro states and then asks.
"No, not really. Any questions I have I can ask Felix," Francesca answers.
"OK. Understand he is under a lot of stress and is not feeling well right now. We will meet up with him later, just leave him alone for now," Ferro explains.

Francesca bows her head and then nods.

Fingers race across a keyboard, with the computer beeping on every few strokes. 'Login Error' flashes across the screen. It continues for several minutes. Then the screen clear, and windows open up on the screen. One in particular, "Support and Logistics Intel", with multiple folders in it catches an eye. The mouse moves the cursor, opening folders upon double clicks: 'Upcoming Missions" -> 'Fratellos' -> 'Felix-Francesca' -> 'Mission Directives' -> 'File: Polanco Infiltration Summary'.

The file opens up.

Target: Billionaire Industrialist Christiano Polanco
Suspect: Funding and Supplying Padania Terror Suspects

History: The younger son of the Polanco Clan, Johan Polanco was arrested with large sums of cash and an arsenal of weapons and explosives in his car. Though the police, district attorney and judge presiding on his case were lenient to the point of releasing him, he still had to face weapons possession charges. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and 1/2 year probation. He 'donates' a large sum of case to the judge's political party and buys tickets to the police officer's ball to have the sentence commuted.

Johan Polanco is often seen with known or suspected Padania and Five Republics Faction suspects, but he is not alone. He is usually with any of his four brothers (Alfonse, Romeo, Julius, and Dante) in late night parties, boozing and drugging it up as much as possible. They hang out with party boys of other sons of multi-millionaires, many who are card carrying Padania members themselves.

Like his sons, Christiano Polanco has been seen with suspected members of Padania and Five Republics Faction, who are all multi-millionaires in their own rights. These meetings occur at the expensive restaurant Attorria, in Milan. There has been a very definite pattern of when the elder Polanco and his associates meet, a terrorist act is committed within 10 days of the meeting.

Mission: Intell Gathering and Evidence Planting.

Mission Details: Felix and Francesca are to pose as Spanish Basque Separatists, seeking man-power resources for terrorist acts in Spain. For this service, there will be an exchange of weapons and 1/2 million Euros in cash. Felix is to meet up with Johan Polanco for this exchange at the family villa at the French border. Once the exchange has been made, the cash will be traced and noted as to where it goes. Those along the way will be noted as to their handling of it and eventually arrested for possession of stolen property. The weapons will also be traced, and anyone in its possession will be slated for termination.

Felix and Francesca are only to deliver the weapons and cash, and negotiate further deals to meet up with other high level Padania members for further intell gathering missions. Once as many high level Padania members are found, they will be slated for arrest and termination if they decide to resist arrest.

-EOF (End Of File)

A hand scribbles down notes on a pad, noting names and places. Then the file window is closed, and the terminal shut down.

"Hey Jean! What's going on?" a voice yells from behind.

Jean cringes, flipping the pad as to what was written could not be seen. He then recomposes himself.

"What do you want, Amedeo?" Jean gives him a scowl and a growl.
"Oh nothing... Look, if you need any help with your mission and your cyborg, you can count on me. I did not like how that Spaniard came across on the meeting. How did he get the supervisor's position over you? You have been part of Social Work Agency since it opened a long time ago and you were part of Section 1 before they transferred you over to Section II," Amedeo says.
"Is that how you think?" Jean asks.
"Yes," Amedeo states.
"You listen to me good then. Respect the position he has over us," Jean stated.
"Ha! He has the position over you. I got that cold bitch of steel over me, and she has that former Police Slut Bitch and that Russian Embassy Beauty Queen under her before any of us men!" Amedeo stated.
"Yeah, I know. I don't like it myself. Trust my mission to a woman? Let me tell you something..." Jean stated.
"Yeah?" Amedeo asks.
"The reason why I am failing missions with that cyborg was because that robo-boy used to have a woman handler..." Jean started to explain.
"Oh... yeah... she must have been breast feeding the boy to keep him in line. Well, you know that to do about that-..." Amedeo started to say.
"Slap some sense into that boy and make him grow out of that panty-boy crap he is in," Jean stated.
"Yeah... Well... you tell me if you need help with anything," Amedeo tells him.
"Good. I will," Jean says.

Amedeo leaves the area of cubicles to be off on his own direction. Jean finishes off cleaning up his area, stuffing the note pad into a brief case. He gathers his coat and gloves, before leaving the compound.

In a cafe by the Plaza di Spagna, a lone figure sits to a cup of coffee and a bit of pastry along with a scattered news paper. A cell phone is taken from the pocket and a number dialed on its key pad. After a couple of rings, someone answers.

"Hello... who is this?" the answering voice says.
"It's Croche, Johan. I have some information for you and your bros," the caller says.
"Jean? Long time, how are things?" Johan asks.
"You know. Ever since Sophia's murder, things have not been the same. Anyways I have some information for you," Jean stated.
"Yeah, go ahead," Johan answers.
"Normally I would not be doing this, but since you and your brothers are giving me inside help on getting those responsible, consider this as just returning the favor," Jean says.
"Anything for an old school buddy..." Johan stated. "So, what's up?"
"You guys are being set up by a Spanish Agent who is going to pose as an international terrorist. He will be with a young teenage girl with red hair, offering gifts for exchange of services," Jean explains.
"Good to know. We have here a military operative here who was involved in getting the high explosives used in your family's extermination. He tried to implicate us, and even you in his crimes before we caught him," Johan explains.
"Good. I'll be there tonight to ask him a few questions," Jean says. The sounds of Jean's knuckles cracking can be heard by Johan.
"We'll be expecting you..." Johan says.

Jean hangs up the phone, gathers his things and leaves a 10 Euro note under the cup of coffee. He walks out of the cafe, heading to the train station. Arriving at the train station; Jean sees a young, well-dressed man talking to a young boy. Moments later, the two walk into the nearby men's room together. Dismissing it as the boy as a typical child prostitute, Jean pays it no further mind. Looking back once more, he sees a flashing pair of light green eyes. Unsure, Jean hesitates getting on the train as he wonders if that boy might be Alpha. Suddenly, the whistle blows signaling the train's last boarding call. Jean wavers for a moment longer before getting on the train, keeping his eyes on the men's room entrance until the train began to pull out of the station.

---

Creation of Francesca.

Part 20: One Small Step For Man...

As late November approaches, it takes Francesca great steps to start trusting Ferro as she does Felix. But she must, for it is something that he wants her to do, and in doing so, learn things from Ferro that she would not be able too through him. Though their current mission is taking weeks to prepare, at least they take an occasional time out from their work. One such trip was a weekend to south side of Sicily which was still warm, though it was for a short 2 day vacation, it was still work related as they were to meet with an agent known as 'The Machine'. For protection Priscilla and Olga came along, posing as former college friends from abroad.

In an outdoor cafe overlooking the Mediterranean Sea; Olga, Priscilla and Ferro look out to the waters as they share coffee, tea and pastries.

"The Machine is coming with information?" Priscilla asks. "What a name..."
"They call her that because she is the best infiltrator Public Safety: Section 1 has," Ferro tries to explain.
"We used to have those in the old Soviet Union days in America," Olga says. "They are too into their work, almost like robots..."
"Watch who you call a robot, Ruskie," a soft feminine voice said behind them.

They all turn around to face the tall green eyed red head that stood behind them.

"Shit, she can pass off for Francesca's mother!" Priscilla lets out without warning.
"Most red heads rarely have redheads as parents," she started to say. "Besides, who's Francesca?"
"She is one of our younger operatives involved in this case," Ferro answers.
"Oh, the daughter to the agent," she answers.
"How did you..." Ferro started to say.
"Never mind how. My name's Roseanna, by the way," she says.
"Ferro," Ferro stated "And that's Priscilla and Olga."
"College friends, right?" Roseanna said as she took a seat to join them.
"University of Mother Theresa..." Ferro stated as she took her cup of coffee.
"Of course," Roseanna nodded back.
"Now about the case..." Ferro almost demanded.

For the next couple of hours, Roseanna explained about how the Polancos were just the tip of the iceberg, of how several of Italy's billionaire families are supporting Padania. How the older generations act as the brain of the organization and the younger set as the muscles. She explains of a mountain villa that the younger Polancos use for social gathering and Padania business. They have been fed with the idea of supporting an outside group for exchange of resources, but do not want to mess with the likes of Al Qaida. The idea of Basque Separatists intrigued them because it's like a lost twin sister organization in Spain to their Padania.

"Johan Polanco and his brothers use this place as a porn palace with their Mafioso and terrorists friends, but since we can't arrest them for having sex with minors, they will continue on this path of debauchery. Furthermore, illegal drug and alcohol busts against them does not but gets them released quickly as their father has the local police in his pockets," Roseanna explains. "They are capable of anything, including murder. Anything to get them money, they will do and not care out the outcome of others. Therefore the agent you sent better be aware of this."

"Our agent is aware of these things," Ferro states.
"Then where is he? I would like to meet him," Roseanna says.
"He's nearby," Ferro says.
"I can only give him certain information privy to an infiltrators needs," Roseanna states.
"Give it to me and I will make sure he gets it," Ferro continues to add.

"Not good enough..." Roseanna started, noticing a male with dark glasses with a young girl at the shore from where they sat. She gets up put of the chair and starts walking away.

"Where are you going?" Ferro almost yells as she gets up.
"I don't deal with middle-men. I will contact you later," Roseanna says before leaving the cafe.

Roseanna makes her way through the maze of streets to the shore where she finds a man wearing dark glasses, and a red head girl with him.

"Tu tienes un cigarrio? (Do you have a cigarette?)" Roseanna asks.

Felix subconsciously takes out his cigarette pack out and partially removes one from the pack for her to take, turning to face her. He has to do a double take as he looks at the woman features, predominately her red hair and green eyes. She takes the cigarette, waiting for him to light it. He snaps out of his trance, taking his Zippo lighter from his pocket, flicking it to light its flame. Roseanna draws close to the lit lighter, putting the cigarette to the flame and taking a couple of pulls to get it going. She pulls away, slowly letting the smoke out between them.

"Gracias... (Thanks...)" she says to him.

Felix puts away the lighter in his pocket but he continues to stare at her.

"Algo esta malos? (Is there something wrong?)", Roseanna asks.

Felix finally snaps out of his trance, for a second time.

"No... Peldonames... Es... (No... Forgive me... Its...)", Felix started to say.

Francesca tugs on his shirt sleeve, pointing at Roseanna, but not saying a word.

"My, you have a lovely daughter there..." Roseanna started to say, finally switching back to Italian from Spanish.

Felix has to turn to face Francesca, bringing her closer to him as he turns back to Roseanna.

"You really need to talk to your friends..." Roseanna started to say.
"What do you mean?" Felix asks, interrupting her.
"Well, if I were to be a Padania double agent, you would be dead by now," Roseanna explains.
"I still do not understand?" Felix says.
"Let me explain," Roseanna stated. "Your friends leaked out that you would be with your little girl here, who in seeing me, made the comment that I could be her mother. Therefore, finding you through her was easy... Felix."

Felix looked around, spotting and pointing out at least one other red-headed girl not far way. "She is not the only red head girl here," he stated.
"And your name is not Felix?" Roseanna asks.
"I did not say what my name was, and I do not know what you are talking about," Felix says.
"Oh, you're good," Roseanna says
"What do you mean?" Felix asks.
"You play your role well," Roseanna says.
"What role are you talking about?" Felix asks.
"Enough with the games. I do need to talk to you in private," Roseanna says.
"Whatever you need to say, you can say in front of my little girl," Felix almost demanded.

Roseanna nods. The sounds of guns being drawn can be heard behind them.

"Whatever she needs to say can be said in front of all of us," Ferro says as she cautiously approaches them with Priscilla and Olga behind with guns drawn. "Alright you, assume the position..."

Roseanna puts her hands on the railing, taking a step back with her legs apart, allowing herself to be frisked by Ferro. On her, Ferro finds a small wallet with agency identification and a small SiG handgun, both are handed over to Felix to hold. In a pocket, a Sony SMC memory stick was found. A small can of mace was part of her keychain set. When done, Ferro turns her around to face her as Ferro gathers her things from Felix. Ferro looks over the items.

"You're lucky you are on our side, or else I would throw you in the darkest dankest jail cell in all of Italy," Ferro says as she hands back the wallet. Then she holds up the memory stick, "Explain this?"

"That is what I needed to give and explain to Felix," Roseanna stated.
"What is it?" Ferro asks.
"It's a digital camera memory stick. It has digital photos of the people he is going to deal with," Roseanna explained.

Ferro gives the memory stick to him. Then she gives Roseanna her mace keychain and then her gun. Olga and Priscilla put away their guns.

"You are lucky that I was not here after him. You left him in a very vulnerable position," Roseanna stared.

"Felix? Vulnerable?" Priscilla says before she begins to laugh. A quick elbow from Olga quickly calms her down.

"What is so funny?" Roseanna asks.
"Francesca- they need to talk mission details. Come with us for a bit and we will return when they are done," Ferro tells her, reaching to get her hand.

Francesca stands her ground for the moment, but then leaves with them.

"So, I am at a disadvantage, you know my name, but what is yours?" Felix asks.
"Its Roseanna," Roseanna says.
"And you're with?" Felix continues to ask.
"Public Safety, Section 1," Roseanna answers.
"And..." Felix started to say.
"I am their mission infiltrator, and you will be working with me on the Polanco case before the transaction," Roseanna stated. "Tell me, your little girl- is that her real hair?"
"It is, as it much of the rest of her," Felix answers.
"Then explain, why would Social Welfare Agency Section 2 would send a child into a dangerous mission like this?" Roseanna asks.
"She's not exactly a child..." Felix stated.
"Is she some sort of midget? She suffering from that developmental disease that stops her from aging at a certain point?" Roseanna asks.
"You could say that," Felix says.
"Poor little thing," Roseanna says almost to herself.
"Don't underestimate that poor little thing," Felix stated. "She is more than capable of defending herself and is my partner for a reason."
"Don't kid me," Roseanna says. "She looks like a barely developed young teenage girl."
"That's part of the package. Though grown up she is, in being child-like in appearance, she can throw off those who dare commit crimes against us. Furthermore, the Mafias use child-killers, as does Padania. Though I do not condone it, at least Francesca is not a child. She is a highly trained individual for the work she does and she does it well. Her looks is only something we can take advantage of," Felix explains.

"I'm sure if you talk to your lady friends, you will find out that you can get more flies with honey than you can with vinegar...", Roseanna says as points out her body starting from the shoulders and going down to her hips.

"Francesca has proven herself more than worthy to me on missions. I have had very few partners that were as good as her," Felix added. "Besides, if I have to doll her up to make her as sweet as honey, believe me, she is more than woman enough to attract any man. Besides the people we deal with are sickos, and women to them, regardless of age, are just objects of conquest and a means to fulfilling their ill desires. Unlike you, Roseanna, who might use what you have as bait to try to catch them, they would be more interested in taking what you have to offer than in you offering it. Taking what you have by force, whether you offered it or not is what they want. In short for them it's 2 tits, a hole and a heart beat is all they care about, and the heartbeat is optional."

Roseanna gives him a 1/2 smile as she stares at him.

"Then you are aware of who we are dealing with," Roseanna says.
"Whether it is Basque Separatists in my old home of Spain or Padania and Five Republics Separatists here in my new home of Italy, I am aware of who the enemy is," Felix answers her.
"So, why did you move to Italy?" Roseanna tries to make conversation.
"Personal reasons," Felix answers.
"Details?" Roseanna asks.
"None to be given," Felix answers. "Look, pardon my harshness. I'm not usually like this in person. But on the job..."
"I understand. You were found out, and you are not happy about it," Roseanna says, "But understand that infiltration is my job, and I do it very well. In fact, I infiltrated your friends quite easily. In fact too easily."
"We're supposed to be on vacation on these next couple of days," Felix started. "I think they, as well as I, let our guards down."
"In this Spy Game, you are never on vacation, you must always be on your guard," Roseanna started to say.
"Don't give me crap that I don't already know," Felix interrupted her. "Regardless of the facts of what happened here, it is something one needs to relax. One cannot be tied to a job 24 � 7 and have some semblance of a sane mind."
"So you are saying that you are not a machine..." Roseanna starts to ask.
"Who is?" Felix answers with a question.
"Well, present company excluded, I think you may have something there," Roseanna answers. "It would explain human behavior on certain days."
"It does not apply to everyone, but it is there to those who apply it to themselves." Felix started.
"You are making this conversation into a dance," Roseanna commented, interrupting him from finishing his thought.
"You are the one who came to me. I am just following my guarded instincts as to what you throw at me. Didn't you say something about being on one's guard in this Spy Game?" Felix replied.

Roseanna slightly nods, quickly thinking for her next statement to throw at him.

"So tell me, you allow yourself to have sex, alcohol or drugs on the job, even if the mission calls for it?" Roseanna asks, as if without warning.
"You think of me as some kind of perverted creep?" Felix throws back at her.
"Oh no. I just want to know, how far are you willing to take a mission, as in if the agency tells you to woo some woman because she is related to a target to get information out of her, how far would you go?" Roseanna clarifies her question.
"First off, I don't do that. Second of all, in doing that I would be exposing myself to dangers of getting infected with whatever they may be carrying. Third, I don't target innocents to get at an intended target. I focus myself to my job in getting it done as needed with as little and hopefully no collateral damage done as possible. Does that answer your question?" Felix answers her.
"Interesting. Mind you, I know many undercover agents who involve themselves in the target's crime sprees to allow themselves access to them. This includes getting drunk, taking drugs and getting high, having sex, getting involved in crimes..." Roseanna explains.
"I do not do that," Felix explains.
"What about your partner... what her name- Francesca?" Roseanna asks.
"Never," Felix answers, with a bit on an annoyed tone.
"Who knows, while you're at one end of the location, she's probably dropping her panties to get access to the target, information and even for a bit of mission fun. You never can tell..." Roseanna started to say before getting slapped.
"You better understand that Francesca is devoted to me and to the work she does. She will not, she does not, get involved personally physical with certain aspects of the mission. She does not give up her ass for a bit of information, even if she was ordered to do so by the agency, she still has to follow my orders and then her morality in the mission. Now, as far as I am concerned- if you want to see me, I'll be in my office on Tuesday. You can drop by and discuss mission intell with me then," Felix tells her off before walking away from her.

Roseanna watches him walk away, until Ferro, Francesca and the others catch up with him before turning the corner. She notices that Francesca gave him a hug which he lightly returns to her before they continue on their way. In noticing this, she nods to herself slightly.

The days of their vacation goes by quickly. They return to work wishing it would have lasted a bit longer. At least they returned more refreshed and eager to take on the tasks of their upcoming mission. But what bothers Felix is the amount of time it is taking to set up this mission and its attention to the details. Roseanna walks into the SWA main building in the early working hours of the morning, showing off her identification and asks for Felix and Ferro by name. One of the guards escorts her to the administration and dorm building, where she waits at the reception area. As she waits, she takes notice of the area and its operations from her point of view. Ferro enters the reception area from the outside.

"I don't remember having a morning appointment with you," Ferro says.
"Felix told me to come in if I needed to see him. So where is he?" Roseanna states and asks.
"He's here..." Ferro answers. "Come with me and I'll see about getting him for you."

Ferro walks out the door with Roseanna following. They walk down the hall of the administrative section, into the cubical room and down to the end to her personal office. Roseanna notices the door marker saying, "Mission Support and Logistics Supervising Manager: Ferro Milani"

As they walk in, Ferro tells her to take a seat in the room. Roseanna take the seat in front of Ferro's desk as Ferro sits behind her desk. She puts away a few folders. And then grabs the phone, dialing a number on the keypad. After a few seconds, someone answers.

"Good morning Felix... Time to get up. You have a visitor here. No- she said that you told her to drop by today. Yes, it's her... No I can't make her go away... You better get down here else I will send her to your room," Ferro can be heard. "10 minutes? You got 5."

Ferro hangs up the phone and looks back at Roseanna.

"So, you're Felix's Supervisor?" Roseanna asks.
"Uhm. No. Felix is a field agent, and managing supervisor of those in that department. I supervise the support personnel the field agents may need. In that we are equals," Ferro explains.
"Uhm, so, for this mission, you are sending in your top man?" Roseanna asks.
"Afraid so," Ferro states.
"Aren't you worried of losing him in a mission?" Roseanna asks.
"You see any danger in this mission? Let me know now so I can make support personnel changes," Ferro tells her sternly.
"No, I was just saying... You do not send in your top players into missions head first," Roseanna tries to explain.
"Like I said- if you know something that may endanger the safety of the agents and operatives of this mission, let me know now," Ferro tells her sternly.
"I know nothing that would endanger this mission. But seriously, sending in a department head into a life threatening mission is unheard of," Roseanna states.
"This arm of the SWA was just recently created. We have few personnel and staff here, so we make do with what little we have. Furthermore, for this mission, we need our best. I don't think there is anyone better than Felix and his partner," Ferro explains.
"I have been meaning to ask about her.", Roseanna started to say. "Isn't she a bit young to be working at an agency like this? I mean, she looks like she should be in high school."
"Every agency has its secrets, and we have ours. Francesca is a lot older than she looks, and because of that she can go into places you or I could not without a bit of effort and persuasion," Ferro started to say.
"Yes, Felix told me that she suffers from that disease that stops her aging process at an early age. It must be horrible being in your twenties while looking like a 12 year old," Roseanna says.
"She doesn't seem to mind it. And her work ethics are better than most I know," Ferro stated. "But, we have a couple of others like her in the Agents Division, so that we can send in a 'child operative' into places where a target may hide- like a school or church or even a tiny area where entrance and space is limited," Ferro explains.
"What about dating and her personal life?" Roseanna asks. "A person like her, looking like a little girl, would be hit upon every child molester, creep and guys with jungle-gym fever."

Ferro had to hold back her laughter for a moment before answering.

"Her love life is what she makes it. I do not go into the personal lives of my fellow co-workers and colleagues, so I would not know nor care," Ferro answers.
"You said there were others like her?" Roseanna asks.
"And?" Ferro asks in return.
"I was just wondering, that's all," Roseanna answers.
"We have at least 1 'boy' and 1 other 'girl' operative. That is all I can say on the subject," Ferro says to her.
"1 more boy and 1 more girl..." Roseanna said almost to herself. "And they are field operatives?"
"Organized crime has been using children since the beginning of time. Our only difference is that our operatives look like children... and play their part perfectly," Ferro explained.
"I see..." Roseanna says quietly.

Felix walks into the room, taking a seat and positioning it at an angle to Ferro's desk to have the both of them in view and still have some considerable distance away from Roseanna. He sits down putting his brief case on his lap and crossing his arms on it.

"Don't you think Olga and Priscilla should be here too?" Felix asks Ferro.
"That won't be necessary for now," Ferro answers him. "I can always send her after them after this meeting."
"What I need to say, I have to say to him only," Roseanna started to say.
"Tough cookies, chew harder," Felix tells her. "We work as a team here, and what you need to say to me you can say in front of her as well."
"I see..." Roseanna says as she momentarily looks at Ferro. "Alright then, as far as the Polancos are concerned, you may have to get involved with them."
"Involved?" Ferro asks.
"How?" Felix follows in return.
"Partying, getting drunk and high, having sex with their partners. So on and so forth," Roseanna explains. "That includes you may be needing to share your partner in some sexual favors with them because that is what kind of sick bastards that they are."
"Then I won't allow it," Felix says.
"They won't do business with you otherwise," Roseanna says.
"Then I drop the case. Let Jean deal with it," Felix says.
"That is not possible," Ferro says. "He and Alpha are on another mission while you are on this one," Ferro says.

"Then you tell these bastards that I am a man of business..." Felix says as he turns to Roseanna. "I make deals and nothing more. If I am successful, then we party. Not before, not during and not after unless successful," Roseanna tries to make a statement, but Felix interrupts her, "If you need to explain to them as to why- I don't know who they are, I'm not going to stick my penis into their diseased and wretched bodies nor am I going to allow them to do the same to my 'daughter...' I am a man of some convictions and morals- who does have to set an example for his little girl, even though I am teaching her the art of revenge. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," Roseanna replies.
"Good," Felix tells her.

For a moment, Felix goes into his brief case and pulls out a folder, handing it to Roseanna.

"Here. Those are some intell on me and my 'daughter's' mission character, including some false documentation you can show them if they ask," Felix explains as Roseanna goes through its contents.
"Looks like they got your bad side," Roseanna says as she holds up a fake Spanish wanted poster with Felix's picture on it.
"It's always your bad side when you are in jail," Felix tells her.

Roseanna goes through her brief case and hands him a CD ROM disc in a paper envelope. "Here are those picture and data files on a more readable format. I'm going to be needing that memory stick again and I realized that unless you have a Sony Digital Camera, you would not be able to read it," she explains.

"I'll get it before you leave," Felix tells her.

For a while, there is a brief uncomfortable quiet before Roseanna spoke up.

"So, how long have you two been screwing?" Roseanna asks
"I beg your pardon," Felix says. Ferro was about to yell at her but doesn't.
"The sexual tension between you two is quite high from what I can see here. You two are quite involved with each other," Roseanna continues explaining.
"What makes you say that?" Felix does the talking.
"Observation for one. Human Nature for another," Roseanna answers.
"Excuse me to burst your bubble, but I am engaged to somebody back home... in Madrid... you know- Spain. And as far as I know, Ferro has somebody in her life as well," Felix answers.
"Then why can't she speak for herself...?" Roseanna asks.
"Because no matter what answer I will give, you would twist it to justify in asking that vile question of yours. I too know how to twist answers about to get what I want out of them," Ferro tells her. "You have already in your mind decided what we are and how we function without due cause or verification of the facts, and that, Miss... makes it a dangerous thing."
"How long have you been screwing the Polanco boys on this mission?" Felix throws back at her.
"I do what needs to be done to get the job done..." Roseanna answers as she is placed in the hot seat.
"I did not ask that. I asked how long you have been having sex with the targets of your investigation," Felix throws back at her.

For a while there was silence.

"You can say it, perhaps with details... who's on top, you took them on 1 at a time or was it a multi-penetration orgy- you taking on two to three of them at a time all at once?" Felix tells her. "Considering the drugs and alcohol you may have taken with them, does it really matter? So come on, what color panties do you wear on mission and was it to be dropped for them?"

Ferro just smiles as the questions are being thrown at Roseanna.

"What I do for Public Safety to get the job done is no concern of yours," Roseanna says.
"It does if it involves my mission, and the possible safety of my partner who might be raped because they were lead on by the things you did for them," Felix says.
"Like I told you before, the Polancos are a bunch of rich party boys. They don't care where they get their action as long as they get it," Roseanna explains.
"In that villa? According to you it's part of their porn production studios," Felix says.
"It is," Roseanna answered.
"You took part in on any creation of pornography with them?" Felix threw back at her.
"No," Roseanna answered.
"Shared a bed with any of them?" Felix threw back once again.

Roseanna does not answer immediately.

"No answer is still an answer," Ferro says.
"I did not... share a bed with any of them," Roseanna stated.
"I would like to believe that, but your tone, it is tense," Felix says.
"I am not the one on to be interrogated here," Roseanna says.
"Then tell me, if you had not done those things with them, why are you telling me that I should?" Felix throws back at her.
"I'm not their type," Roseanna stated.
"Type?" Felix asks.
"They are into... bisexual activities with multiple partners at once. The younger the better," Roseanna stated. For a second there was silence before Roseanna spoke up again, "You and your partner would be perfect for them for obvious reasons. Especially if you two can show them that you two are players in the game."

Ferro shakes her head as Felix speaks, "We're not players. We're not sickoes. We are not going to allow ourselves to play in their little hedonistic games."
"I would like to throw a couple of HIV Infected hoes at them," Ferro says to herself.
"What for? So they can infect some unsuspecting girl later on? No, these bastards need to be killed on sight," Felix says. "The sooner the better."

Felix takes a moment to recompose himself.

"And as for you miss. I don't care how good you are. You are too involved with them. Uninvolve yourself before I have a talk with your supervisor about your actions," Felix almost yells at her.

"You can say what you like. He already knows about it and allows it as long as it gets the mission done," Roseanna replies.
"People are going to die because of your personal involvement with them!" Felix holds back from yelling.
"People are going to die regardless!" Roseanna almost yells back.

"Cut it you two!" Ferro says loudly to get their attention. "Felix- I am your Support and Logistics Manager, I'll take care of things as of now while you prepare Francesca for the case. As for you, Miss... I don't approve of your standards and procedures, but whatever further intell you may have- give it to my assistants Olga and Priscilla. Tell them to take Conference Room 3 or 4 if it's empty so they can meet with you in private."

Felix starts to get up, putting the chair where it was when he found it. He then walks to the door, and stops before opening it.

"I can assume that meeting is over?" Felix asks.
"It is for now. I'll be knocking at your door when I am done here," Ferro answers.
"Good.", Felix says. "See you later... maybe lunch?"
"We'll see. Later, Felix," Ferro says.

Felix walks out the door, closing the door behind him. He takes the short walk to the rear doorway of the cubical exit, only to run into Chief Lorenzo with Security Director Petris with him.

"Good morning Felix," Chief Lorenzo started to say, "Hope things are well with you."
"Not really, but it's nothing I can't manage," Felix stated in a heated tone he was trying to cool down from.
"Tell me, what is going on?" Chief Lorenzo asks.
"I just finished a meeting with Ferro and an agent from Public Safety about the Polanco case. It is the things that the agent said that has me riled up," Felix explained.
"Who is this agent? And what did he say?" Chief Lorenzo asks.
"It's a female operative, sir. Her name is Roseanna," Felix started to answer.
"You met with 'The Machine'?" Security Direct Petris asks.
"The Machine?" Felix asks.
"Her reputation on getting intell on anyone is..." Chief Lorenzo started to say.
"She is the best there is," Security Director Petris interrupts. "Whatever she tell you to do, you do it."
"She told me to get involved with their crimes and acts of debauchery," Felix stated.

"Listen, boy..." Security Director Petris started to say, "What crimes and deeds you may do for the sake of the mission will be over looked and cleared if you get caught. I personally do not want collateral damage littering the missions, but if you need to 'do' someone for the sake of the mission, you 'do' that person or persons well. All we need when all is said and done is pictures of their dead bodies with the evidence for the news media to vilify those bastards. The blood of one or two innocents you might spill in this mission is better than the carnage of several hundred they will leave behind if they are allowed to continue."

"Who knows, you might get another medal for this as well," Chief Lorenzo says.
"I don't see the moral ethics about this..." Felix started to say.

"Now is not the time to have morals or ethics get in the way," Security Director stated. "It is obvious that they do not care. You should care even less. Unfortunately, innocents are going to get hurt or killed in the process, but it is because they allowed themselves to be in that situation with people like that, and are caught in the process. For them it would be better to be dead than to continue to be allowed to follow in their footsteps."

"Perhaps you are right..." Felix says to himself.

"If you have to kill an innocent in order to save 10 or even 100 lives- it is your job to take that life to save the others," Security Director Petris adds. "We are not here to judge, but to condemn those who would condemn society and its laws. May God have mercy on those who were caught in the line of fire along the way."

"Thank you," Felix stated.
"When you return from this mission, have an extended Christmas vacation with Francesca," Chief Lorenzo stated.
"Thanks, again," Felix says. "I have to meet up with her to discuss the added intell Roseanna gave."
"Then go..." Chief Lorenzo says.

Felix walks around them and towards the stairs which leads to the dorm rooms. In a minute he was in his room, laying on his bed staring at the ceiling, wondering what has happened. He loses track of time as he lays there thinking.

Ferro walks into his room, allowing herself in with her copy of his room key. He does not pay attention to her as she enters; closing and locking the door behind her before walking to sit on the bed next to him. She leans over to face him.

"Everything OK dear?" Ferro asks, as she starts to take her suit jacket off. She neatly folds it and places it on the night stand next to the bed.

He just sighs. She kicks off her shoes and lies down with him, holding him while lying on her side.

"I had a meeting with the chief and Security Director Petris," Ferro stated quietly.
"You too?" Felix asks.
"When did you?" Ferro asks.
"When I left your office; I ran into them in the hall and they had a few things to say," Felix stated.
"What did they say?" Ferro asked.
"Do as Roseanna tells me to do," Felix stated.
"Do you want to do that?" Ferro asks.
"Have sex with Francesca?" Felix asks. "I can't. I like her like a parent not as a lover."
"Some parents do that," Ferro says.
"Just because they do does not condone the act itself," Felix says. "I like it to be as nice and wholesome as possible."
"I'm sure Francesca would not mind," Ferro says.
"What are you trying to say?" Felix asks.
"Nothing," Ferro says.
"Alright, let's twist it. What if I did... have sex with Francesca? Would you still love me? Would you even still want to marry me?"
"Let's say that if you do, I do not want to know about it," Ferro says.
"But you will know... eventually; and what then?" Felix asks.
"I will deal with it when it comes to that," Ferro tells him. After a brief moment of silence, Ferro continues, "If you do have sex with Francesca, it better be as an expression of love and desire and not some wonton act of lust or because drugs and alcohol were involved."
"What about us?" Felix asks.
"I'll forgive you if you do," Ferro says.
"What if it becomes an ongoing thing between me and her?" Felix asks.
"Like I said, I would not want to know about it. But if I find out, I want you to be truthful to me and to her, and I would forgive you if you do," Ferro says.

Felix just sighs.

"As long as it is an expression of love from your end, it's OK with me. I know that she is conditioned into a loyal mindset to you, and that those drugs do things to her. If it were done to me, I would be dropping my panties for you upon command and accepting having sex with you as a reward. But I know you are not like that, Felix. So I understand, and I understand if you end up in a sexual relationship you see as your little girl. It's OK... because of all this that was said," Ferro explained. "You're not like most men, Felix. You don't take advantage of an opportunity that is there for you to take. You have a high set of morals and ethics, tempered by emotions. That's why I love you, and if I were Francesca, I would consider myself very lucky to have you as my handler because somebody else would have ordered her into having sex with her by now and she would be thinking it was a reward. In fact, after this, I'm going to have a talk to her about that."

"You don't need too," Felix said.
"I must," Ferro follows.

Felix does not give a response.
In the silence of time, things start off slowly and carefully. First; with a simple kiss, a touch, a hold, a form of physical communications that expresses an emotion of intimacy, trust, and care with each layer slowly taken off. It would last for a couple of hours, ending in the early afternoon with them naked under the blankets of the bed, consummating their love for each other.

[Following Week]

The weapons and brief case of money has arrived at SWA headquarters. Only a privy few were allowed to see them before they get stored before their long ride to Northern Italy. They still have about a week's time to get there, but they prepare themselves diligently for the task.

Intell from Roseanna and Public Safety gets more involved and personal, now that she has invited Felix to a few private meetings with Johan Polanco and his brothers in Rome. Two of those meetings meant brining Francesca with him as they were during the day or early evening. Those meetings late at night Felix went alone with Roseanna. He carries his Spanish ID with him, and his story never changes. He is a man who wants revenge for those injustices done to him and his little girl. They want civil war with the government that is unfair and unjust as Italy under its current Prime Minister is.

Soon a date is set- December 2nd, as a date to exchange goods for information and services. They leave by car on November 24th to get there and enjoy the scene along the way. It is to further the bond and trust Francesca has with Felix. Though the Pizza Van, with the support and logistics staff remain a few kilometers behind them. Only cellphone contact is allowed before Felix and Francesca is to make the trade and none afterwards.

---

Creation of Francesca.

Part 21: 'This Is The End...'

[Entry in Francesca's diary: 11/27]

Dear Diary,
Today Felix and I will go to the Italian Alps in search of those political separatists who have formed various connections to mafia and other organized crime syndicates. We will infiltrate the group, offer them arms and cash, and once accepted into their inner circle- kill them all. It would be a 4 day drive to get there from Rome, but I would be ready for them...

-EOF (End Of File)

The drive was short, in actuality; the group packed up their things into a bullet train and headed off to Milan. Once in Milan, the group would gather for one last time, going over mission details and execution. After a night's rest, they drive cross country to a small village North of Aosta, near the Italian - French border. There the group would wait for Felix to return.

Felix and Francesca arrive at the Polanco's Villa on 12/2, expecting a small group of them to be there. They did not expect an army guarding the place with armed guards at every conceivable place the villa could hold. Felix parks the Alfa several feet to the main doorway of the villa, rear first. Both he and Francesca step out of the vehicle, standing to either side of its trunk. Several guards surround them, with a couple of them frisking them for weapons.

"Tell Johan that Felix has arrived with the goods", Felix tells the guards.
"Johan is not here," one guard says. "Best you go home."

Felix takes his car keys from his pocket and walks to open the trunk. He pulls out an AK-47 from the trunk and throws it at the guard who responded. "I have 30 more in there like that, plus ammo for them all, some C4, detonators and other goodies this little car could hold. Now if Johan is not here, I'll take my business elsewhere," Felix tells him as he looks over the machine gun handed to him.

Felix then takes the machine gun from the guard and puts it back in the trunk, going slowly as to allow the other guards look inside at its contents. Some nod to one another. For the moment, no one dared to speak.

"Come on Francesca, let's go home," Felix tells his little girl.

Francesca starts to walk to the passenger door, opening it.

"No, wait," the guard says. "I'll see if any of brothers are here, maybe they can talk business with you."
"I was expecting Johan. He told me to be here himself. Its Johan or nobody," Felix says.

The guard nods before going into the villa himself. Within seconds, Johan steps out with the guard, as he was waiting inside by the door hidden from view.

"Let's see what you got," Johan stated.

Felix opens the trunk of his Alfa once more, allowing Johan to look inside.

"Everything in there, except for the jack, spare tire and car tools are yours," Felix tells him. "In exchange I need several large anti-personnel bombs. I heard your people can build them into cell phones? I want something bigger- something that can fit inside a laptop."
"Pretty large order you're placing there," Johan stated.
"We got a pretty large area to take down- perhaps you heard of it- the Madrid Library in Spain?" Felix explained.

Johan nods. Then he signals to the guard to approach the car as he starts handing out weapons.

"If you need more C4s and laptops, I can supply the parts too," Felix stated.
"If you can supply the materials, why can't your people make it themselves?" Johan asks a bit annoyed.

"The last Anti-Basque raid on my people killed or arrested the last of our bomb builders. Those who have tried to take their place have either created duds or blown themselves up in accident. So, I need someone with experience," Felix says as he hands over a Spanish newspaper clipping stating of such a raid being successful. Johan looks over the newspaper clipping and hands it back.

"Bah. I can't read Spanish," Johan complains.
"It took me 3 months to learn Italian, just to get to meet you in hopes you would help us and make deals."
"Any more incentives?" Johan asks as he hands out the last of the weapons.

Felix snaps his fingers. Francesca reaches into the back of her seat, pulling out an aluminum suit case and brings it to the trunk of the car. She hands it over to Felix. Felix puts it in the trunk, and opens it. He gives a couple of 100-Euro bricks to Johan.

"1/2 million Euros, in assorted denominations," Felix says to Johan.
"Now, if you have this kind of money to throw around..." Johan started to say.
"Deal or no deal. I can always go to the Brotherhood of Islam if you don't. But I prefer not to go that route since they seem to be untrusting and disworthy to all but their own cause," Felix almost yells out.

"Alright, you made your point," Johan says to him. "Come inside so we can negotiate terms."

Francesca tugs on Felix's arm. He bends over to her where she whispers in her ear. Then he turns to Johan before looking at the house. Johan puts the bricks of Euros back into the suit case and takes it with him as he walked into the house.

"How about a bathroom for my little girl? You know it's been a long ride to get here... Unless you want her to pee onto your begonias," Felix stated.
"Follow me, there is one at the end of the hall," Johan says.

They walk inside, from a small hall to a large living room with fancy furniture. There was also some filming equipment at certain areas. The direction of the bathroom was pointed out to Francesca before they walked into the room. Inside, a pornographic movie was being made with a couple of young looking girls and boys with men. If they were not older than Francesca was, they would have seemed to have been younger. Felix looks at this in disgust but keeps his thoughts to himself. Thoughts of pulling the trigger on them himself.

"Brothers, this is Felix. I have told you about him..." Johan started to say.

The orgy scene slowly ends and the older males gather themselves, put on their clothes back on, and step up to Johan. The camera crews and other younger players leave the room through another door. Felix was wondering how Francesca would take to have watching a scene that has transpired in front of him.

Johan gives the suit case to the men, who put it on one of the chairs to open and inspect its contents. Another stands by him and watches.

"These are my brothers. That is Alfonse, and Dante counting the money. This is Romeo, and Julius," Johan started.

Felix nods, not wanting to extend a hand to shake to any of them. Francesca finds her way back to Felix and stands by his side.

"Who's the girl?" Romeo asks.
"That's my daughter, Francesca. She does not speak Italian," Felix answers.
"She does not have to speak Italian to get into business with us," Romeo says as a snide remark.
"Never get in between a father and his daughter; else you want to have a double barrel 12 gauge shoved up your ass and the trigger pulled."
"Is that a threat?" Romeo asks, walking up to Felix trying to stare him down.
"With me, it's a promise. Now you want in on my business, you listen to me or I walk out. And to show you how disgusted I am with the lot of you, I will walk out without taking back the money or the weapons. But consider this- this is the last of money and weapons you will ever get from anyone, because I will smear your names and reputations like I would dog shit off the bottom of my shoe," Felix tells him with a scowl.

A hand goes on Romeo's shoulder from behind.

"Hey 'Meo! I don't like him either, but that's enough. We're conducting business here, remember that," Julius says.
"My associate told me that I would be dealing with fellow terrorists, not child pornographers," Felix tells them.
"Terrorism comes on all levels. Not just blowing up things and killing people," Julius says as Romeo starts to walk away. "And if we are to have fun with what we are doing- that only makes pleasure as part of the business."
"How is child pornography terrorism...?" Felix asks.
"Those boys and girls are not children for one- we picked them up at the local raves and discos. If they claim that they are over 16, then they are fair game for what happens here. But to answer your question, you flood the market with child porn, parents are going to get scared and would want to be more protective of their little ones. Then rumors float about such and such girl or boy is missing in their area; that adds to the terror. People become scared," Julius explains. "Now, if you did not want your daughter to see this- why bring her here?"

"She is a killer like I am," Felix says. "She plants the bombs I get, and pulls the trigger on police officers when she has to make an escape. She knows what she is doing. And she does it for revenge of her government murdered mother- my wife," Felix tells him. "Over the years I have trained her well."

"Girls have their place in terrorism..." Romeo says as he sits down in one of the room's chairs. "Their legs spread open and my fucking their brains out."
"That's it. I'm out of here," Felix says. He spins Francesca about to leave the room.
"Hey- don't you want the money back...?" Romeo mocks.

Felix turns to face him. "I'll declare it as a loss. But 1/2 a million Euros is nothing compared to the billions of Euros you are going to lose out on," Felix says.
"Ha!" Romeo yells for Felix to hear as he leaves. "We are Polancos! We Already Are Billionaires! We Can Do The Fuck Anything We Want!"

Felix ignores the statement, but continues onward. Having planted the evidence was enough for him for now. They walk out, knowing that they are being followed as they leave. They get into the Alfa, the guards surround the front of the car with weapons drawn and aimed at them. Johan and Julius walk to Felix.

"You can't be a terrorist and still have morals," Julius says.
"I only target government installations and its workers. The general population is to be left alone for they are the innocent ones," Felix says without turning to face him.
"One day that line will blur and you will be killing innocents as well as government officials," Julius says. "If you don't get caught or killed along the way."
"I'll pray to god to have mercy on the innocents. Those are not my intended targets. Government is," Felix answers.
"How about we go back inside and continue to have a talk?" Johan says.
"I saw enough, I had enough. My associate will contact you if I want to resume negotiations. Until then- you people owe me one," Felix says as he revs the engine.

Julius gives a nod. The guards clear out the way from the front of the Alfa and put down their arms. Felix puts the Alfa in gear and slowly pulls out. They watch the Alfa disappear into the distance.

Romeo walks out with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder, dressed in protective gear, pushing a motorcycle dirt bike. The brothers' nod at each other as Romeo puts on his helmet, and then gets on the motorcycle. He turns on the engine with the kick starter, and rides away up a dirt path, an obvious shortcut.

It's been over 90 minutes of silence in the Alfa. Francesca was getting a bit concerned about her handler as they traveled along the mountain highway. Ahead of them a long stretch of seeming straight road that hugs the mountain's side and a thin guard rail protecting the ledge that leads to a several hundred meter drop.

"Felix?" Francesca asks.

For a moment Felix does not answer.

"Felix..." Francesca calls to him again.
"Yes?" he finally answers, glancing at her for a moment.
"Is everything OK?" Francesca asks.

Felix sighs, and then answers her.

"Yeah... everything is fine," Felix says, keeping his eyes on the road.

A loud 'POW!' sound was barely audible over the revs of the Alfa's engine, the tire noise as they gripped pavement and rustling of the wind in the convertible's cockpit. Felix lurches back before falling onto the steering wheel. He foot goes heavy against the gas pedal and the Alfa starts to pick up speed.

Francesca turns to Felix, yelling "Felix?!! FELIX!!"

She undoes her seat belt to turn to him and check on his. She reaches to bring him towards her, needing to rip out his seatbelts with her cyborg strength. Putting her hand to the back of his head, she finds it wet and warm and he not responsive.

"NO! Felix, Wake Up!" she says as she tries to shake him to wake up.

The Alfa hits the guard rail, and bounces off back to the road. Francesca looks at her hand where she held Felix's head, finding it covered in red from his blood.

"NO!!! FELIX!! Wake Up! Please!", Francesca continues. "NOOoo... Don't Be Dead!! PLEASE!!!"

The Alfa hits the guard rail a couple of more time as a turn approaches. Then it hits it head on, going through it at its weakest point. The Alfa goes airborne for a moment before landing on the mountain side, continuing on its high speed, side swiping tree trunks and low hanging brush. Francesca holds on to the dash board and onto Felix at the same time, mustering every ounce of strength her cybernetics had to offer. The Alfa goes over a fallen tree and goes airborne again, Felix's body shifts from under Francesca. The Alfa lands a short distance, and then hits a stump of a dead tree stopping it dead in its tracks and crumpling up the front end. Felix and Francesca fly out of the cockpit of the Alfa, her arm being torn off as she flew over the windshield. The dashboard was partially ripped where she held on.

Felix would go down the mountain side for a few dozen yards until his body stops under a tree. Francesca would continue falling down the rest of the ravine.