"We must protected the world's peace!", the American correspondent shouted across the hall in which the members of the European Union had gathered, Brits and Russians included.

Some French politician rolled his eyes.

"Oh please!", he groaned. "You Americans always say that but it is us who have to do the diplomacy. All you do is war."

A few countries agreed, Spain and Italy even tapped the tables in agreement.

Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland were still keeping their neutrality but Austria seemed to be on the side of the Americans.

The entire parliament was split in three groups, pro American opinion, con American opinion and neutral.

Funny was that the strongest courtiers with the most power and money were all trying to stay away from getting too close to the Americans but close enough as to not anger them.

It was their tail wagging that kept the discussion going.
With an amused smirk on your lips, you watched from the top balcony, arms crossed and had the time of your life.

Laswell was sitting left to you while the right seat was occupied by a Dutch agent.

He wasn't part of your team, that much Laswell had told you.

You didn't make a fool of him, the discussion at the bottom of the room was amusement enough.

One of the politicians, French as well, jumped from his seat.

"We need to do something!", he demanded. "The terrorist attacks are getting out of hand! Two in Paris alone over the past month."

"The Spanish agree.", another man said. "Our country did suffer as well. They stole from us. We do not know how more dangerous it can get. But all of Europe is in danger."

"So is the rest of the world.", one of the Americans added. "And it is our duty to protect them."

You rolled your eyes.

All of a sudden a hand full of English gentlemen rose from their seats.

"The United Kingdom is willing to support the decision that will be made today.", one of them announced. "But we wish to see actions instead of words."

A dim argument filled the room. People started talking louder but it didn't escalate yet.

Smirking, you leaned to the side.

"How many of your sweet American bucks do you bet that they won't make a decision today?", you asked.

With a soft sigh she shook her head.

"They are arguing about it, don't you see?", she asked back.

"Yeah. They argue. That means they won't agree on anything."

"Why do you think that?"

"Pride, Katie. The ones who think the right way don't have to back down. But the ones who aren't on the winner side and know it won't. They'll try to die on their hill. Even if it's the wrong one to die on."

She tilted her head.

"And who's on the winning side?"

You gifted her a smug smile and shrugged.

"I don't know, Katie. I'm not allowed to have an opinion about right or wrong. I just follow orders."

Understanding and a bit annoyed, she raised her chin and nodded, but didn't comment on it any further.

Meanwhile, things started to escalate a little.

Some of the Americans had started to throw a bitch fit about the countries that still tried to remain neutral. And their nagging did indeed manage to convince at least the Austrians to consider supporting their cause.

The whole thing seemed to go nowhere as all of a sudden the British took the side of the anti Americans.

Surprised, you raised an eyebrow and leaned further in to be able to listen better.

"The United Kingdom prefers a non war solution.", one of the Brits said. "But we do not appreciate nothing either. These times need a solution. Actions."

The room agreed, even though there wasn't a lot nor was it loud.

Your eyes wandered through the rows of politicians, men and women dressed in suits and dresses as if they were watching a bad soap opera.

You looked up.

Right across from you, at the other side of the audience balcony, sat a man.

He was dressed in a tight, grey shirt that fit his slim torso and the broad shoulders quite well. His hair was short and brown, just the matching shade to his thick beard.

He was looking down to check the drama, but in the glimpse of a second looked up.

Your eyes met.

His gaze was sparking in a bright, pale blue.

His lips moved, nose curled and a lipless, polite smile appeared.

"Oh, he's definitely a Queen's boy.", you mumbled to yourself with an amused smirk.

"What?", Laswell frowned.

You glanced at her and smirked.

"I'm talking to myself."

"I can tell. About who?"

"Him.", you turned back to point at the handsome stranger but frowned a second later. "Oh, he's fast."

"He's gone?"

"Yeah. Must be a good agent."

"Maybe he was one of the team members I picked."

You frowned.

"Maybe?", you asked sarcastically. "Katie, are you getting memory loss already?"

She rolled her eyes.

"No. But the team is quite large. He could be anyone."

"Hm. How many?"

"Nine. Four women, five men."

"That's quite a lot to handle. I don't know if I'll be able to behave."

"You're not included in those nine. And your partner isn't either."

Surprised, your eyebrows rose.

"How so?", you asked and turned your attention fully towards her.

Now she was the one who smirked.

"You'll fill in the position of captain.", she said. "And you will share the position with him."

"Will he like that?"

"Probably not. But he's just like you. Orders are orders."

"Huh. Interesting, Katie."

Your eyes turned back to the ghastly discussion.

Just in time to witness the first decision that everyone of the parliament, including the guests, could agree on.

With proudly swollen chest the president of the parliament rose from his high seat and read the decision.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the people came to a decision.", he announced. "Europe proposes in unison to go diplomatic ways. They vote against war."

The Americans let their displeasure be heard.

"However...", the man continued. "They do agree on a secret military mission. All countries that do wish to support this cause shall offer one secret unit of their military to build a team. Further standards shall be discussed by the leaders in private."

Laswell got up from her seat.

"Excuse me.", she said with a nod of her head. "I will be part of that meeting."