Keep the hammer out of my reach~

[Sparrow]

Taki Sato sat a table by himself and drummed his fingers on the plastic tabletop. His eyes were focused on the window beyond his seat and his mind was occupied with a variety of ambitious thoughts.

It was strange, how far he had come in one year. When they had first brought him to the Corporation, he had struggled and fought the bonds they had tied around his wrists and ankles. And around his freedom. But after a few weeks that felt like months, he had dropped his head and the slavedom had begun.

It wasn't so bad, Taki reasoned with himself mentally. After he had convinced them there really was no reason for him to leave, his freedom had come back bit by bit. Within the walls of the Corporation of course. The outside world he could see through the Plexiglas right now seemed so far away and pointless.

And since both the Dark Angel and Jace Hunter had taken pity on him, he had gained more privileges and was now the most responsible slave here. All the others were quote-un-quote below him. Not that he treated them as such. But it was his job to teach them the ways of the Corp.

A thump on the table before him woke Taki out of his nostalgic thoughts. One of the chefs had dropped off a plate a food and she shot him a small smile as she walked away. Taki forced himself to return an awkward grin and picked up his fork. The slop in front of him didn't look that pleasant.... but then again, he was still a slave.

[Phoenix]

~Read my message first and if you don't like the idea, I'll change the post~

Nick entered the cafeteria and looked around among the various lackeys and slaves currently eating until his gaze rested on the guy he was looking for. Taki Sato.

He stepped into the room and was aware of the number of people who glanced at him curiously, then focused their gaze back on their plate as if they had been looking there all along.

He reached the table where Taki was seated and stood before him. In his one hand he carried a thin folder which he held up to show Taki that he wasn't here on a social visit.

Several others had hurried to wolf down the rest of their food and leave the room, but there was a few who had dared to remain. Nick could feel their eyes burning on his back, curiousity practically screaming at him in the way they were breathing.

He looked over his shoulder, catching the eye of the remaining mutants in the room. Leave. Now. They all got up and hurried out the room, one or two daring themselves to walk out in a calm manner.

Once they had gone, Nick allowed the telekinesis he had picked up on from Lily to close the main door and slide the lock into place to assure nobody would come in during their conversation. He did the same with the kitchen door and once he was sure they were alone in the room and would not be disturbed, he sat down across from Taki, laying the folder out in front of him.

He didn't want anyone to know about this. Not even Dark Angel. That is why he picked this time to approach Taki. The Dark Angel had just informed him that he would be gone over night on a mission, and therefore, he wouldn't know that Nick had gone out of his way to look for Taki. Nobody else would think to tell Dark Angel that Nick had met with Taki, because they would assume it was under some sort of instruction.

All these thoughts ran through his brain for less then a second. His face was completely blank as he opened the folder. Hello Taki. He had reminded himself to be pleasant to Taki. How's the new status treating you?

[Sparrow]

Taki's, like many of the other mutants in the room's, eyes shot up at Nick's approach. He knew better than to keep eye contact though, so instantly looked down at his food again- which wasn't looking that appetizing.

He saw Nick's boots before he stood in front of him. Slowly, Taki raised his gaze and found the second-in-command staring right at him with a small smirk on his face. Oh crap, what have I done now? The thought screamed through his head.

As soon as Nick shooed away the other mutants and Taki heard the lock neatly click into place, he pushed away the slop. There was no way he could eat now. He folded his hands on the table and said nothing respectfully until Nick spoke first.

Fine so far, thank you sir. What, uh, how can I help you with today sir? His words were sincere if a little jagged with nervousness. He found himself staring at the folder curiously as he offered to serve.

[Phoenix]

Nick listened to Taki speak, forcing his face to remain although he really had no interest in what Taki had to say, he just wanted to get right down to business. He was rather pleased when Taki too seemed to keep his response short, obviously curious as to the main purpose of Nicks visit.

Nick had opened the folder, but he didn't move any papers. As you know, you have been promoted as Dark Angel's official tracker. I have your first mission for you. He paused and then added. A secret mission. Only you and me will know about it. Nobody, not Kaycee, or Jace, or Dark Angel or anybody can find out about this.

He waited to see Taki's reaction to this. He really needed Taki's back on this, though he was feeling confident that Taki would agree. After all, Nick was the one who had granted Taki his freedom, and even with his new status, all the other lackey's still treated him like scum, but at least the abuse had lightened. As far as Nick was concerned, Taki was in his debt, but he wouldn't play this card unless Taki refused. After all, the pair of them would be proceeding without Dark Angel's approval. There was a lot at stake and there was risk, especially if they got caught.

[Sparrow]

Taki nodded as Nick told him he had his first mission. He had been so busy working with the other prisoners that he hadn't had time to consider his new status as "official tracker". Its not like the Dark Angel had reflected on it yet either. He still brought him his breakfast, made sure the prisoner's kept in line, and allowed himself to be thrown against walls and down stairs- all which seemed to be his purpose here.

But to have a mission this top secret not even the Dark Angel knew? Taki had to feel flattered. So he waited for Nick to pause and spoke up. Yes sir, I will not tell a soul. For this mission, no one will know. You have my word, though I'm not sure how much that means? He hesitated at the end, realizing his promise might not mean anything to Nick.

[Phoenix]

Nick smirked, feeling pleased and very in control. It was the feeling he lived off of. It means enough. Though if you ever have... doubts.... just know that telling or being caught could very well mean the deaths of both of us, regardless of our importance to the Corporation. Though Taki had already agreed, he threw this on the table, should he ever change his mind.

Having settled the first matter, he flipped through the few pages in the folder until he came across a picture. He lifted it, staring at it for a moment before sliding it across the table to Taki. Her name is Allison Collins. She's 16. He waited to let this sink in. If Taki was listening, surely the last name would pique his interest. If he had been too focused on the picture to listen, then he would surely see the resemblance between the girl in the photograph and Nick.

He waited for Taki to digest this, but before he could speak, Nick continued. She is my sister. I haven't seen her in 6 years. When I joined Dark Angel, I vowed to never speak to my family again. He had never told anyone this before, safe Dark Angel, but the next bit he was unaware of. Right now, he was putting a lot of trust into Taki. It has recently come to my attention that she is situated here in Bayville with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Collins. It has also come to my attention that they are growing into mutant haters.

[Sparrow]

What Nick threatened only confirmed Taki's suspicions. But he did know it had to be important for Nick himself to be in danger. And so meaningful, he was willing to put himself IN that danger. It only heightened Taki's curiousity.

Taki awkwardly caught the photo and looked at it. The girl was pretty and was smiling brightly in the photo; but her eyes betrayed a hidden secret that Taki recognized when he looked in the mirror. He lifted his head slowly when Nick said her name and instantly made the connection. He wasn't sure whether to say anything though, and sure enough, Nick explained.

His mind was stuck on mutant haters. He had never actually met one, being so sheltered at the Corporation but there were horrible stories out there of people burning, drowning, and torturing mutants like himself.

Taki pushed the photo back softly and looked at Nick carefully. So, you want me to find her?

[Phoenix]

Nick took the photograph back and stuck under the pile of papers in the folder, burying it, like he did with so many of his secrets. Sort of. He said in response to Taki's question.

I don't know if she's a human or like us. When he said 'us', it was clear he meant a mutant. I'm curious. I also want to know about her, but I can't approach her. If she ever learned about me, it would hurt the Corporation. We can't have that.

He pulled out several sheets of paper out of the folder. Being 16, she will still be in school. Since there's only one high school in Bayville, it's fairly obvious where she would be attending. He smirked and handed the papers he was holding out to Taki. Here was the thing that might rub Taki the wrong way. I took the liberty of enrolling you into that school. Technically, you're still of age. If Taki looked at the paper, he would see his transcripts, a letter saying that Bayville High would take him on as a student, and his timetable of classes.

[Sparrow]

Taki tipped his head to the side, listening carefully. He understood what Nick meant by the Corporation harming from this search but he wasn't prepared for Nick's next comment.

Taki's eyes widened immediatly and he couldn't help but exclaim as he shifted through the papers before him. Nick, sir, I mean, I don't know... I can track people well enough but I... I haven't been out of this building in so long. I couldn't, I know I have to, but I just, I mean, I don't think you have the right guy... He trailed off as he ran out of breath and wished, not for the first time, that he could push back his chair and run from the situation.

[Phoenix]

Nick smirked. Nonsense. You're the best tracker in this building. And the only. He added silently to himself. You'll be the new kid, and if I recall, it's quite normal for new kids to be timid and shy... at least at first. Until you get used to your new surroundings.

He was about to take the papers back, but decided Taki might as well keep them. You start next week. Now I've ordered for the abuse on you to stop so you don't show up looking like a damaged or broken teenager. And you better work on your social skills. You can't get to know someone from simply observing from a far. That will only work to a certain extent.

[Sparrow]

Taki shook his head from side to side quickly and ran his fingers through his hair over and over. Nick, I don't think you understand. The, the, the, Dark Angel, my master, he hasn't let me out of the building in more than a year! And he doesn't even know about this... I... Nick, do whatever you want but I... I mean, this is crazy...

Taki could barely comprehend what else Nick was saying, except for the part about the abuse stopping. That was what halted his blabbering and he dropped his face into his hands, completely overwhelmed by this task.

[Phoenix]

Nick leanded forward, clenching his teeth together so his voice came out as nor more then a hiss. Taki! We have an agreement. You know you're the only one who can pull this mission off. Look, Dark Angel knows he can't keep you locked up here forever. It's a matter of time before you start adventuring out there, and he won't care. Look, the world hasn't changed much in a year.

He leaned back. He had absolute control over Taki, so even if he didn't agree to the work, Nick would still be able to force him into the work. You're going to have to socialize. I don't care if you're a complete loner at the school, just get to know Ally. I don't care what it takes. Seduce her, befriend her, become her worst enemy. Do whatever you have to. Get to know her. Don't tell her about me. Report back to me every day with everything you find out.

[Sparrow]

Taki could feel Nick trying to push back from exploding. He had tested a nerve by even threatening to take away Nick's only hope in this case. Nick had said it himself, Taki was the only one who could do this. So he would. He would have to break through his fears sometime. Although Nick was wrong about one thing- the DA could and would keep him locked up in the Corporation forever. He had mentioned it before.

And then Nick leaned back relaxed, as if his whole anger flare had died out with the realization Taki was his property. Taki had wondered when he would finally come to this solution. He bowed his head shamefully. Yes sir. He said in a quiet voice.

[Phoenix]

Nick let his shoulders relax, his anger dying away. He smirked.Good boy. Nick hadn't said it, but had Taki refused him again, he would have had to break his self-inflicted vow of never using Dark Angel's power of persuasion.

I haven't been able to do research on Allison, I've been too busy, and everything that I know she used to be like has probably changed over the years, so I won't waste or time on the matter. You'll be going in and everything you learn, however insignificant, will be news to me. Nick closed his folder. Do you have any questions?

[Sparrow]

Taki listened dumbly to all of what Nick was saying, but he barely registered it. It felt like his head was about to explode. All Taki could think about was leaving the Corporation without the Dark Angel knowing and entering high school. It was too much pressure.

Taki suddenly realized Nick had asked him a question. May I be excused now sir? Was all he could muster in a monotone response.