"So let me get this right, you want me to make my way across a nation gone nuts to the biggest nut house of them all, where there probably already eating each other, if things are as bad as you say they are. Once there somehow, in the ruins of the city, I'm too find one little Asian chick hacker, who knows how to hide and bring her back to you? I have to admit Chantry that there is a heck of a complement in there for whatever abilities you believe I might possess, but the fact of the matter is that I'm not God and there's still nothing in it for me. So no deal!"
Chantry was unfazed, "After you rescue her I want you to bring her here and I want you to keep her here safe, while she works on breaking the Code up to a year's time from now."
You could've heard a pin drop in the room.
"You really think I'm going to be able to keep my hands off of a hot chick like her for an entire year?" I asked disbelievingly.
Chantry's gaze didn't waver, "Given your track record with women I very much doubt you'll last longer than a few days without putting your hands on her. All that I ask is that you be as gentle with her as you can be and that you keep her safe, while she works on the Code, until I can come for her."
I had to admit that Chantry had surprised me with this one. "You're actually serious about all this aren't you." I said wonderingly.
"I'm afraid I am." Chantry stated resignedly.
I glanced off to the side at the Maria girl, as an old bitterness welled up inside of me that made me see red, which caused the headache I was suffering from to pound with earnest intensity. Maria's jaw had fallen open in complete incredibility, as she stared at Chantry, as if she'd never known the man.
"This!" I said speaking directly to her, "Is what being hung out to dry and burned looks like! Remember it well and if you take my advice you'll run from the Agency before some bean counter decides that you're expendable to!"
Maria regained control of her face only to respond questioningly, "Is that what happened to you?"
Everything came back to me in an instance from the past and I couldn't control the old hatreds that overwhelmed my sense of control. I looked at Chantry. I would kill him now! I started up, but was halted by my brother's strong arms surrounding me tightly. He hadn't had to do that. He could have just shot me, as my attention hadn't been on him.