Electrica stared at him, silent. Her nostrils sucked in the scent of this oh so untouched Parker-blood right before her. Katie didn't quite know what to make of this silence. Electrica didn't seem too happy to see Percy, in the slightest.

It was the woman herself who finally broke the eery silence around them.
"...fresh Parker-blood... And you've moved next to me, I've let myself been told? Lucky me."
Her voice was sickly sweet and Percy tried to hide how much his body screamed at him to just up and run into his room to shut the door on her. Of course, it was just Percy's luck she obviously hadn't fed in a while... Electrica's eyes were glued to his neck, and at this point Percy felt like an animal, like a piece of meat in her predatory eyes, something to hunt and butcher.

"I did. I hope we will get along well."
Percy forced a smile, trying to ease the situation. He couldn't make himself any more enemies now that he was inside this base... locked up with vampires, beasts and humans alike, all of them out for his head. Electrica quirked an eyebrow... visibly unimpressed.
"So... You've actually joined us... I've believed that was a sick joke up to this point. Well, I believe it's the right time for some payback. Don't you think so too?"

She bared her fangs, taking a step closer, not missing the slowly increasing heart rate of her prey.
"Let me have a taste... I'll make it nice and easy~ Just don't struggle."
Percy turned as pale as a sheet of paper, hand going instinctively to his belt where he used to keep his gun... now not in place anymore, handed in at his boss' with his resignation. There was no way he was able to defend himself like this, especially with Electrica wearing her trademark voltage gloves. He remembered the abilities of this godforsaken instrument like nothing else- one touch of her fingertips, and he was going to be toast.
Not much chance to defend himself.

His eyes darted towards his room and back towards her. 5 seconds to the nightstand for the room key and back to lock the door. Not enough.
"Y-you can have some of mine, if you wanna. I didn't donate last week and am full."
Both pairs of eyes darted over to the now nervous redheaded girl who played with one of her curls. Electrica paused, so did Percy, the latter even more horrified.
"There is absolutely no way-"„It's fine," she interrupted him with a sweet smile, „Electrica won't get a blood pack at this point, there are probably none left. She sometimes takes from me, I prefer her fangs so much more than this scary needle."

Percy opened his mouth to protest but it died out the same second. Yeah, what was his other option? The chance he was going to be faster than her to lock his room and her out, or god beware, make it to Hanson's right hand's office in time was close to zero. Percy couldn't afford to lose any of his blood, or else Electrica was going to be able to track him wherever he went. She could hunt him to the end of the world without breaking into sweat or losing track of him. This was a game he couldn't win...

"...didn't you get a blood package?"
Percy eyed Electrica from head to toe, evaluating his chances once more. If he could distract her?
„Not exactly," the vampire drawled, rolling her eyes, „I was busy with work. I didn't have the time. What does it matter? You're here, and you owe me some huge payback for everything you've fucked up for me in your past years working for that bastard government."
"I owe you nothing. You're a grown woman. Take care of yourself and stop inconveniencing others! Kathrine, you're not giving her blood."
Percy was nearly fuming at this point. With a high raised head, he marched into his room, yet found himself surprised to see Katie not following behind. Turning around, he saw her frowning softly at him.

"I said it's fine. She needs some blood, and she can have mine. I know you're worried, but unless you want to go to med bay with her you can let me help her as well. It's the least I could do for my friend."

Electrica was grinning behind the girl, quietly reaching out to ruffle her hair, earning a soft squeak. She seemed a little less threatening now... and what surprised Percy the most was the seemingly close relationship these two had.
"Fine fine, have it your way, Katie," Electrica hummed, quietly following behind the girl. Yet as Percy was about to close the door, he heard her call out once more from the hallway.

"You're safe this once, Parker, but don't expect to stay it! I'm coming for you, sooner or later, and believe me when I say no one, absolutely no one will lift a single finger to stop me from chasing you down until I can sink my teeth into your veins~"

She let out a horrifying laugh that sent shivers down Percy's spine; he slammed his door shut and locked it with trembling hands before sinking down at it onto the ground, holding his head in his hands.
"What are you doing, idiot... what are you getting yourself into..." he murmured, shaking his head, trying to shake off the fear that was eating away at his bones. Percy knew she was right, he knew none of the other residents of this base would help him if she decided to chase him down for his blood. They would probably try to hold him back even, hold him tight, laughing at him while Electrica was going to drill her fangs into his skin-„Stop, STOP!" Percy shouted into thin air, shaking his head rapidly. He needed defense. ANY kind of defense. The man stumbled to raise himself. He couldn't leave his room like this, full of adrenaline and with his heart hammering like this. Percy was bound to become vampire cattle if he set one foot out of this door, right now.

Not even his first day done and he had already been threatened for his life. Nothing he hadn't expected, but from someone like Electrica herself that was a whole new level to him. The lad breathed out a deep sigh, slowly calming down. Percy walked towards his suitcases. Still so much to unpack. That was going to help him relax a bit...
A knock at the door about half an hour later startled the crap out of him. Hesitant, Percy snuck towards it, listening first before calling out.
„Who's there?"„It's me, I wanted to help you." Percy froze, immediately opening the door. He didn't like at all what he was seeing. Katie looked tired... drained, literally. She flashed an exhausted smile at him, quietly stepping into the room. Her former bubbliness was reduced a lot... but the most obvious thing to her appearance was the bandage wrapped around her neck. Percy swallowed the lump inside his throat, guilt overcame him.

"Are you alright? How do you feel?"
He made her sit down on the couch, eyeing her with concern. A little glad about the opportunity to sit, Katie leaned back and shook her head dismissively. Percy wondered how she could do that with those most likely two holes inside her neck.
"I'm good, just tired... I'm down from the adrenaline and could fall asleep any second, to be honest."
She let out a laugh, smiling at him. „Don't worry about me."„I do." Percy frowned, getting up to get her a glass of water at least since so far he had nothing inside his mini fridge. Thankful, Katie accepted the offer and took a sip right away.
"How come? I'm getting bitten maybe once every two months by her. Electrica keeps saying I've got the tastiest blood... probably because she took my first. ...what?"

Finally noticing the horrified expression her friend made, she could only stare back in utter confusion. Why was he looking at her like this? Percy made a downright outraged impression on her.
"You've got to be joking. You let her do... this... to you? So often?"„Yeah? I can help her like that, and if it makes her happy. I prefer her fangs a thousand times over the med bay needles."
Percy felt like he was missing something. Those teeth were far bigger than needles, why on earth would she prefer them? And on top of that, it made her look so awfully tired. Full-on big brother mode, he wrapped his arm around her. Even tho he hesitated, he felt like he should ask her.
„Katie..? How... How does it feel to be bitten?"
Much to his surprise, said girl began to grow a bit fidgety at that question. Now he seriously believed he was missing important information.

„So... y-you're unbitten? Wow, I didn't expect that... uhm... n-no biggie, I'll try to explain. But it's a bit... dirty? Inappropriate?"
Percy just remained silent, letting her go on, even tho her face was positively turning red. Was she blushing? How come?
"I-I can't quite describe it, honestly. It's an... incredible feeling. It's something very intimate... The only person I'd allow to bite me in a non-emergency is Electrica. You see... You need to kiss to prepare yourself. Vampire saliva contains a drug... the strength varies from person to person. As far as Electrica told me, it contains a hard painkiller, a form of natural aphrodisiac to encourage the soon to be bitten person to offer themselves and come back to be bitten again, adrenaline to keep your heart fully functioning, and a blood thinner so it doesn't dry out once it hits air. Electrica likes to bite into the neck, so she usually goes there as well. She has to spread some of her poison onto the spot as well to numb the skin, and... well... then she bites down."
Percy raised his eyebrows as Katie cut herself off, fumbling a little with words. If he wasn't so curious about it he would have let her off of the hook, it was obvious to him how uncomfortable she felt sharing her experiences and feelings with being bitten. Poor girl, she seemed too innocent and easily embarrassed for her own good.

"When she bites down... t-the tip of her fangs releases an even more concentrated poison into the wound. You only feel her teeth... it's like being gently nudged by a pen. Y-you feel kinda lightheaded... dizzy... but so, sooo good and relaxed... a-and I usually feel mortified but that's a different thing. Y-you get what I mean?"
Percy could only nod, at loss for words. So it wasn't painful as he had expected it to be. Vampires, being gentle? John was a gentle person but he only used blood bags, as far as Percy knew. At least he had never seen his friend and former colleague bite anybody... not that he wanted to.

„Thanks for sharing your experience. You don't have to say more, it's fine."
He flashed an honest smile at her, immediately seeing her reciprocate it. A loud bell from the hall startled the two of them and Katie gasped, sitting up straight, swaying a little.
"That's lunch! Oh, right, I never told you! Breakfast is at 8am, lunch at 2pm and dinner at 7pm. Ah..." Katie let out a yawn and Percy immediately held her back from getting up.
"You wait here. I'll bring you something. Maybe take a nap? You can sleep on my couch."
There was no way he was letting that girl out under vampires.
"That'd be great... If it's not too much, could you fetch me a leftover plate from lunch when you're going? I'm just going to sleep a bit and Jonathan already knows, you'd just have to ask for it."
"Sure thing. Any wishes?"
"Uhm... I'm vegetarian."
"Good, I'll make sure you get no meat then." Percy made his way towards the door, the flashed a smile back at her. „You just stay here, and don't worry so much."

He closed it behind himself, deep in thought walking towards the large dining hall he had been shown to prior. An interesting girl. He'd have to be careful or he'd feel guilty before he knew it.
Entering the dining hall, Percy flashed an observant glance around. It was flooded with criminals, everyone seemed to be here. Even Electrica. He shivered, trying not to look at her, yet an idea came to his mind at this entire setup. A mealtime was going to be a good time to attack this base and get it under control because everyone was cramped into the same room. He had to take a mental note on that one. But for now... he felt his stomach rebelling.

Hopefully, this food was worth it.

A cold and big hand fell from behind onto Percy's shoulder, and the lad had a hard time not screaming. Time seemed to freeze for him as he heard the deep voice of his supervisor Leon brush against his ears. It sent shivers of horror down his spine.

"You seem lost about the procedure, young sir. Please, take a seat next to me and allow me to assist you."
It lasted an eternity until Percy caught himself AND remembered that Leon wasn't going to hurt him. He was unable to do anything than let himself be maneuvered towards one of the tables and forced to sit down into a seat right to Leon's left. Percy was moving on autopilot right now, he felt as if dreaming. A second time Leon spoke, he felt himself dragged back into reality.
"I presume you have already decided not to join us today, but to follow protocol, you must sit down until you are allowed to take food. There is a simple procedure we have established to guarantee everyone receives food, and nobody breaks out into a fight. There is enough for everyone."

Percy sat stiffly on his seat, taking quiet notice of his surroundings. On the first glance, he was glad he was seen as one of them at this point... there was no chance he would have survived in this nest as the enemy. Peaceful as ever, criminals he would have never expected to meet even in his deepest nightmares poured into the hall, quietly taking their seats. Unassigned seating? Percy wondered how nobody had started fighting yet. And still, he could hear surprisingly cheerful chatter around him. Green eyes moved over to Leon who was patiently watching his surroundings, just like Percy.

Suddenly, the large doors that presumably led into the kitchen opened up, and a group of cooks brought in two large carriages with each a large array of food. Percy counted five cooks, and recognized the head chef Jonathan in between them. It was almost laughable, Jonathan seemed like such a small man that couldn't possible hurt a fly, and yet he was as respected as any other criminal inside this establishment.

"Every single day, the table who is allowed to take first gets picked randomly, thus there are no fights over a seating area. But first of all..." Leon's quiet voice brushed his ear and Percy perked up, listening intently, "...the cooks take their food. They have made it, after all, they always carry the right of the first. And as soon as they start eating, only then the first table may get up in a line and fetch themselves some food."

Percy gave a silent nod in response, observing the cooks take their place after each getting a plate. Jonathan's surprisingly loud voice echoed through the room a second later, announcing the first table. Not them. Percy swallowed, keeping his poker face.
"Being first is not an advantage. We wait for everybody to receive a meal before starting dinner. There are no fights, nothing is 'unfair', because we all get to eat at the same time."

Criminals speed-walked to the carriages, quickly filling their plates and sitting down again at their designated places. No ruckus. Percy was almost impressed. He had seen a few of them rob stores and threaten civilians without batting an eyelash. To see them this civilized nearly made him laugh but he favored hiding his amusement for now.

Second table. Finally them.Leon raised himself, quietly heading over to the carriages. Percy took note of the immediate distance the others at their table kept towards him, no one dared to move in front of this man. They let him go first without causing a ruckus? Percy seriously wondered if that was a rule. Second in line behind Leon, he watched the others queue behind them. Finally, he couldn't hide that amusement any longer, and a chuckle left his lips.

"Being the boss seems to have advantages."Leon paused, ladle in hand to fill his plate, piercing eyes going down towards Percy."Which advantages?"Now hesitant, Percy took a step closer to him so the others wouldn't hear... as much as he hated to admit it, near Leon it was the safest for him. At least he made the impression of not tolerating any ruckus.
"Everyone keeps a distance to you. They let you get something first. They respect you."
He quietly filled his own plate next to Leon while said one looked back at the others, a little taken aback. Percy had a hard time not grinning. Leon hadn't ever noticed, had he? For a man usually this observant, not noticing something like this was quite out of the ordinary.

"...are you implying there is no rule for you to take first."„None I would know of. In fact, I couldn't care less. There is enough food for everybody."
Percy snickered to himself. Well that was entertaining. Quietly, he filled another plate for Kathrine waiting for him. The smell was mouthwatering...
Percy couldn't help but think back to the cantine food he had been used to, especially with him living alone and unable to receive a good warm meal made by his mother since he had moved out a while ago.
"... Sir, I'll eat in my room with Katie. Can I just leave after I fetched the plates or should I wait here as well until everyone started..?"„Of course you may leave, but I do ask you to wait until everybody received something. Some people as well prefer to eat in their rooms, thus will leave as soon as everybody has food. Important is to stay until the end. We already had the case of a group fight breaking out because someone kept leaving before everyone had something and thus, was the first one to eat as well."

Percy followed Leon back towards the table, letting himself down. The death glares sent his direction didn't go past him- yet it was the voice of a man behind him that let his blood run cold.
"Seconds only after everybody had something! Who do you think you are?!"
Percy could feel someone grab his shirt from behind, pulling him up to his feet. Calm down. He was tense. Was that already his cue to defend himself?
Start a fight?

Percy swallowed down the nervousity, opening his mouth to explain himself, yet his supervisor was faster.Leon next to him flashed a glare at the rioter, breathing out a soft sigh. He sounded stern, yet Percy never imagined he would welcome Leon stepping into his troubles for him.
"The young sir is taking along a plate for Kathrine, if you please. Another word, and I will have to resort to consequences."Pausing, the rioter glanced at Leon, then at Percy. Silence. Finally, he moved. Pushed Percy down onto his seat again, huffing. The ex policeman couldn't help but feel a certain amount of relief about this.
"...Fine."
And just like that, he strolled away, back to a different table. Percy faced away, not wanting to stare. Only a few more minutes, then he was able to leave. He glanced at Electrica, eagerly chatting with another woman. She was quite far away from him and honestly, he was glad about that. The further he could keep this woman away from him, the better.

The moment everyone got something, Percy looked at Leon for approval, only to receive a nod. He couldn't have been gone any faster- Percy was nearly jogging down the hallway, both plates in hand. Oh god, he was finally out of there. But if it wasn't for Leon protecting him, he would have probably ended up in med bay. He was going to make sure to sit next to Leon more often... or next to Stefan. That guy, although a vampire, did seem nice enough to help him out in a case of violence.

Katie was deep asleep when Percy opened his door, only for him to chuckle upon discovering her. Without hesitation he woke her up, obviously not wanting the food to become cold. A little excited, Percy tried it. Eyes wide, he looked down at his plate.
„This... is surprisingly good."
„Did I promise too much?"

Katie let out a laugh, happily shoveling her food into her mouth. She seemed content just wolfing it down, yet Percy took a bit longer, enjoying it. That was the food he was going to eat every day from now on? A satisfied grin hushed over his lips. He could get used to this, at least.
„Not at all."
The red haired girl eyed him, amused. It was almost adorable what a face he made. So surprising? But Katie couldn't judge him for this, she had been the same on her first day.

"Y-your expression was hilarious... It's cute."
Before Percy could complain about this absolutely untrue fact, Katie was already talking again. She sure talked a lot, but Percy found it sympathetic.
"Percy? Stop me if you don't want to talk about this but... your father had a lot of encounters with the boss, right? Did he... did he confirm what she is? A human? A vampire...?"

She hesitated, cutting herself off. Percy didn't exactly favor talking about his father now but he knew he could at least listen.

"Nobody seems to know. Nobody has ever seen her drink blood, take any from the blood bank, or seen her fangs, and she can go out in the sunlight without tons of sun milk and umbrella unlike Electrica and Stefan. And at the same time... she looks exhausted as soon as she was in the sun, it's a miracle she hasn't died yet from how less she eats... she seems to live on coffee... she only leaves the house for any important things in the evening, where she is always energetic and refreshed. I-it wouldn't be that suspicious... but... Sir Leon refuses to answer this question, and she always brushes it off as well. T-that's a whole lot suspicious..."

Now that caught Percy off guard. Already about to eat another bite, he slowly lowered his cutlery again. Not even her own people knew? He had suspected at least they would be entrusted with this information... but he couldn't imagine what was possibly so important about hiding their own race.
"...I actually had hoped you could tell me. But if no one knows it, I suspect her to be one. Why else would she make such a secret around it..."
"But she could also keep brushing it off because she's afraid of being preyed on as a human. Vampires are in general powerful and strong... I'm not saying humans aren't... but as one of two last Hansons, wouldn't you do anything to make others believe you're one of the most powerful species? Especially since she donates as well, even if very rarely, some blood for the vampires here..."
"...well, as far as I'm concerned, Vampires can't donate. Does she have it done here or will she bring the already filled package when she donates?"Katie shrugged, falling into deeper thoughts, quietly munching on her rice. That she definitely wasn't sure about.

"Dunno. Stefan claims he got a blood bag from her once but I don't remember if it was already filled or not. Maybe ask him?"„I will. I can try squeezing out Leon as well... not on my first week, tho." He let out a sheepish laugh and finished his plate, putting it down onto the coffee table before them.

„To be honest, I'm not quite sure I'll survive that far. You should have seen it, one of them was short before throwing a punch just because I took your plate along, Katie... and especially I, as an ex policeman, will have a hard time fitting in here."
"Y-you'll absolutely survive. Nobody judges you here, no matter where you came from. All they care about is trust... They've decided to trust boss' judgement about you, and thus they won't stab you into your back either. Let's say... give them a week to get used to you and be as polite and nice as you can."

Katie gave him an encouraging pat onto his back, and Percy found he needed this more than he should have. He wrapped his arm around her, sighing. Sure they trusted Hanson, but trusting him? They would need a long time to even consider him as one of their own, and that didn't make the mission much easier... but Percy knew what he had gotten himself in since the very beginning.

"I pissed off many, many people here. Electrica does seem to want a payback."„Payback, not your life. Go apologize, that'll already be a huge deal for her."
„Apologize for what? Doing my job?" Katie let out a laugh and boxed gently his shoulder, yet she knew Percy was as serious about this as he looked.
"See it from this side. Sometimes you need to get off your high ground to be able to make peace. Of course you're right, I mean, you just did your job and she did hers. But... would you rather be right or be able to sleep at night without being jumped by her?"Percy frowned. Well, that did make sense. How could he forget, Electrica was a master in picking locks of any kind. She would have made a good locksmith wouldn't she be on the US' most wanted list.

„You're right. Maybe I should... but I'll need the right moment, else it'll feel off for both of us.
Pause.„Now... let's go back to Hanson being either a vampire or human. We should make a list and keep noting down what we find out, and if we find out anything that eliminates the other completely, we'll settle on that."
„I'm down with that. But, Percy... promise me you'll tell me if you find out what she is."
„Pinky promise."He shot a smile at her, intertwining his pinky with hers, This was going to be a challenge, but welcome information... for himself, and his police station. Mr Granger was going to be pleased once he knew if he could use holy water to cause damage to her.In the evening, Percy quietly drew a small list. He knew Hanson was not going to trust him any time soon, and he knew what he had to do. Percy knew exactly what he could give out and what not about his former job... secrets the station withheld from the mafia.

Quietly, he began to note a few things down. He felt his gut wrench at the thought of giving out classified data, but he knew none of his higher ups would believe his little game anytime soon without some proof coming their way.
Percy knew he couldn't sleep tonight, wouldn't be able to. He had to look out for Electrica.

He knew she was coming.

And he was ready for her.

In the middle of the night, soft noises of a metal object in Percy's front door disturbed the silence. Percy tensed, readying himself. He had been waiting long, so long, and he was pleased to see his suspicions weren't uncalled for.Just like the other vampires at these ungodly hours, Electrica was wide awake and scheming.

A Parker, changing sides? That arrogant brat.

He wasn't even serious about this, about the boss, about the life she had to offer. Electrica could feel her blood boil at the mere thought of it.
The audacity!
To believe they would fall for this so easily, to become prey to the government with this little rat sneaking into their own base and making itself a nest. The door pried itself open nearly soundlessly, and Electrica's outlines filled its frame. The dim light coming from the hallway did an awful job illuminating the room and yet, she didn't need it. Her night vision as a vampire was perfect- she didn't need light to see.

Soundlessly, she slipped into the room, quietly beginning her search. He had to have something there, anything that could reveal his plans. It didn't take long until she came across the list, frowning as she skimmed over the page.
That rat. He was trying to figure out the boss' race? She was going to prevent that at all cost. And... wait. What was that?

Surprised, Electrica read through the page. Huh, he wanted to expose secrets of his own station? By now, she was downright disgusted. If he was ready to give out private information just like this, what was he going to do with the knowledge Hanson Technologies had collected throughout the years? She flashed a glance at the bed, frowning. She wanted to choke that Parker boy.
He was way too inexperienced in her opinion- absolutely unfit to the criminal life, or even a life at her boss' side.

"I've awaited you."

Electrica felt the cold metal of a knife against her neck, and the woman tensed. She took a deep breath, taking in Percy's scent that came from right behind her. He smelled quite pissed and in all honesty, the criminal couldn't fault him for it. Slowly, she turned around. Percy wouldn't be able to kill her, not without feeling the wrath of the entire base in the next hour. Not without having his cover blown.

Her expression didn't twitch, she leaned into the sharp blade. Daring him, daring him to cut and end her life right here, right now, and face the consequences. Electrica eyed him from head to toe, silent for a second, yet her lips parted soon enough to disturb the tensed silence.
"...I'm not even surprised."
The woman didn't feel at fault. Justified, that was the exact word for this scene.

"You're... thinking about what to tell her... from your station."
Percy's heartbeat was ringing in her ears. She could smell his nervousity, the tension, and she was living for it. Her hand reached up, grabbing Percy's, slowly lowering it- he pulled away, out of fear she presumed, leaving nothing but a paper cut on her hand. She took a step back, letting out a hiss. The cut was burning.Percy stared at her hand, then back at her, backing a step away. Oh my, he was feeling guilty? Probably an accident, a reflex. She had to play it cool... at least this time. There was no need for violence... not yet.
"Don't do it. Don't say anything."

Percy could feel his own heart hammering within his chest, he triedhard to stay calm. Was she ruthless enough to jump him and bite down?She was at the advantage, as a vampire she was faster than him. Whatkind of Vampire was Electrica? He didn't know, couldn't know, andit drove him insane to the point of pure adrenaline rushing throughhis veins. He inhaled a deep breath. The tension in the air wascrippling to say the least.

"Without her trust, I'm dead inten seconds. Enough people here hate me as much as you and wouldn'thesitate if it wasn't for her. And for Leon. I don't have much of achoice. I will need to prove my loyalty."
Percy backed away,slowly towards the bathroom. Knife aimed at her, he opened a drawerwithout parting his gaze, pulling out a small journal, tossing it ather.
"This is what you searched for, I guess. The informationin there is what I gathered until now. The rules. Lunch hours,procedures. I will keep record of my work. What coffee Leon likes.How he wants the job done. Everything that I find interesting or thathelps me live here."
He paused, watching as the vampirecaught it in one hand.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing inthere is worth telling anyone outside."
Electrica didn'tlook at the journal, she lowered it immediately. She knew he wasn'tstupid enough to hand her anything that could blow his cover.
"Oh,you misunderstand." She bared her teeth into a cold smile. "Bosswon't want to know."
Electrica took a step forward. Thenanother. And another. Much to Percy's horror, right into hisdirection. Percy tried to swallow down the lump inside his throat,backing away. Play it cool, Parker, don't let her smell your fear.

"W-why wouldn't she. There's validinformation Mr Granger never wrote down anywhere."
Dammit, hewas stuttering. It hadn't gone past Electrica, visible at theamused glim her eyes held within the barely lit room.

"It is past. It is no longerimportant. Nobody wants this information from you. Nobody wants yourdishonorable betrayal."
She was right in front of him now, andPercy could feel his back hitting the wall behind him. Green eyedflashed towards the still open door, a welcome source of light andthe only current way for him to see in this hell trap of a flat. No.Too far away. What now? He wasn't going to go down like this, he-
"I wasn't looking for this."
Electrica interrupted his thoughts,holding out the journal to him. Wordlessly, Percy took it and tossedit onto his bed, not taking his eyes off of her. Another pause. Hedeeply wished she would back off of him. His hands were trembling, hehad a hard time holding the knife straight.

"You're right," she began, her voice unnaturally calm at this point, "I don't like you. Lots of people don't like you. Because of things you've done, things you've ruined, friends we've seen butchered by rivals because of you and your work. But this.... is past. As painful as it is, it is past."
"...why? What reason do you have to forgive me? I never even apologized properly yet..." Percy bit down onto his lip to shut himself up. He couldn't believe that woman- she was toying with him, wasn't she? How could she possibly forgive him? He knew himself shadowing the forensic team had gotten him far, and his input as well. Percy had pointed out things that had eventually led towards the culprit- and yet, in this very moment, he felt so unsatisfied. Percy was sure he saw the tiniest bit of hurt inside her eyes.

"So you've been meaning to apologize... thank you. I forgive you, because you belong here now. To us. This is past... no longer important. You're an ally now... and we rely on you, the moment the boss took you in."
She took another step closer, cutting off any possible escape the boy had had left. Percy was internally panicking; the knife in his hand went straight back up towards her neck again.
"Do not come any closer...!"

"...continue like this. Pretend as much as you want to. We both know you may have quit with official terms... so sir Leon can't find anything suspicious... but you're not serious. You're simply undercover... trying to learn as much as you can about the boss, and her weak spots, and us. And for what? To rat her out some point. Betray her, betray us all. Have the more vicious ones of us who defend the base until their very last breath killed, because they won't let themselves be arrested. Sir Leon will most likely either be the only one to escape, or die of blood loss with severe wounds. But this... this is far ahead in the future. You've just settled in, after all."
Percy's eyes grew wide, his brain went blank. How? How did she find out?! What blew his cover?! He was stumbling over his words, trying to counter, yet Electrica continued her speech, unimpressed.
"Important is the here and now... and for now, you have to remain unsuspicious and ambitious for your work, you're an ally. Please, continue your role. I'll wait for the day you backstab us. But until that... I'll rely on you. As ally. I trust you to fight if necessary, just to keep your own cover, to protect us. Make sure to find out every little secret we harbor before you rat us out. You might never know what knowledge might escape you. Visit the laboratory once as well~ I'd love to take your measurements for a project we've all been working on. Maybe train with sir Leon. He's merciless but could even train you in how to block bullets off. Just make sure, at the end, when it's time... Keep Katie safe. She wouldn't deserve to witness it. Sleep well... you'll need it. Sir Leon is strict."

Electrica flashed a halfhearted smile at him, then pushed her hands into her pockets and casually turned on her heel- strolling out of the room like nothing had happened, closing the door behind herself.

Percy slid down at the wall he had been pressed against, pale as a ghost. His thoughts ran a million miles per second, he could feel his heart hammering away inside his chest. How?! How?! And yet, she trusted him nonetheless?! What a woman. What a maniac. Percy swallowed hard, hands raking through his hair in attempt to calm down.

She knew.

She knew.

Was she going to tell Leon?!

Of course she would, she had no reason not to. What made her so sure he wasn't going to kill her tomorrow? Storm this place with a swat team at his side?! Why, why could she possibly trust him despite the fact she knew, she knew- Percy stumbled to raise himself, sprinting towards his door, locking it. He was leaning against it, pressing his ear against the wood to try and listen.

No sound. She was gone? She was gone. Percy turned on the lights and began circling in his room like a madman. Fuck. Fuck! Did he have to break off the mission and make a run for it?! Pack a bag with necessities and just RUN?! Percy wasn't even so confident about surviving tomorrow.

Taking his knife, phone, charger and wallet along, Percy unlocked his room and quickly ran out of it. He slowed down to a fast walk the hallway over. Play it cool, Percy. He glanced at the map. Made his way towards the elevator, went up. Only a few more seconds and he was out of there, out of this hellhole. Elevator doors opened without a noise, and he watched the wall slide past to give his way free- only to lock eyes with the lookout. Percy tensed. Joe was his name, if he remembered well.

Intelligent yet seemingly bored eyes stuck on him for an eternity before the man opened his mouth."What, out so late boy? Need a drink?"

Percy froze, a bit stunned, then stepped out of the elevator, shaking his head. Joe rounded the counter and grinned at him, giving him a friendly pat onto his shoulder. Percy flinched away. "Oe oe, what's goin on with ya? AH, I know what this is about. Get over here, mate, let's have a beer. I'll treat you."
"I-I'm sorry, I-"
Percy watched the exit with longing eyes, forced behind the reception instead and onto a second chair. It creaked under his weight, and Joe let himself fall onto his own one with a laugh.

"So, boy, getting cold feet eh?"Pausing, the boy looked up at him, studying his face. He was slowly but surely calming down. At least that one was a human..."
Ya don't have to say anythin, I know peeps like you. Full of ambition but turning tail the moment they feel uncomfortable."
Percy opened his mouth to protest but Joe cut him off, pressing a cold beer into his hand.
"Nah ah, let me finish. Look outside. It's good, isn't it? So many possibilities, freedom, and yet your way brought you underground, into the boss lady's services. Boy, what you don't realize is, that this world belongs to you and you alone. Make of it whatever you want, shape it, it's all yours to build."

Joe gesticulated with his beer while Percy just stared into his own. Finally, he took a sip. It was good. Cold. Exactly what he needed, even though he hated to admit it.
"Working for a Hanson is no joke, boy. Danger lurks everywhere. Cops, other masters, the underground. We're just tryin' to stay afloat. If ya take it closely, we're nothin but a bunch of outsiders and castaways somehow making it work."
Joe paused, the took a huge swig of his beer, then shot a toothy grin over to his company.
"But... we're the living proof that castaways aren't worthless. We're seen as the bad guys, and we are, no doubt. Hanson deals in slavery, trafficking and god knows what else. But that's the surface. She's no cruel person... none of em are once you know em closer. You gotta give it a chance, boy. Live life on the fast lane."There was a long pause in which Percy mulled over his words. Finally, he spoke up for the first time... his voice was quiet, almost hopeless."Joe... How do I know this is the right thing? I'm on the side of law and justice. Still, even though I quit."

"Lemme tell ya this."
Another sip. Joe was almost done with hisbeer while Percy's was near full.
"Hanson's got her own law. Her own justice. Ya may not see it on the first glance... but shedoesn't operate without her own laws, her own rules. But to findout about her weird ways and secret scheming, ya need to watch withyour own eyes, boy. She pulls more strings than ya would ever know without being on her side."

Joe grinned at him once again and Percyfound himself relaxing. He was right, in a way. That was his mission,and he had to go through with it. He had to watch Hanson and her waysto find out the best one to eliminate her once and for all. But... hehad to make sure Kathrine stayed unharmed, she wouldn't deservethis. Nodding, Percy finally took his first large swig, earning alaugh from the lookout.

"Fine. I'll... give it a chance."
"That's what I wanted to hear. Hanson never harmed the innocent... at least that much ya should know, boy. She won't expect to do so from you either. And if the others scare ya... I'll give ya a hint. They all will test ya on their own. Don't back down, and victory is gonna be yours."
Percy found himself smiling back at this odd man. Maybe this mission hadn't been such a bad idea at all... all he needed was a way to deal with that maniac Electrica.