Discussion

Devon sat on the bank of the pool, eyes watching the ducks, mind fifteen floors down and on the other side of the building…

Stephan nuzzled his neck.
      "Well, mon cher, today your fate will be decided."
      It had the air of a triumphal announcement. Devon frowned and squirmed over, squinting at Stephan from under his fringe.
      "You what?"
      "Your fate. She will be decided today."
      Devon sighed and bit the Frenchman's lower lip.
      "What are you on about, mon coq?"
      Stephan tweaked his balls.
      "They will meet to discuss what to do with you, this morning. I 'ave to be there, also, to tell them 'ow well you 'ave been doing with your guns."
      It felt like being splashed with cold water. Devon had assumed that it would be his choice whether he joined the Agency or not: he quite simply hadn't thought about the other side of the equation, whether the Agency wanted him to join them… He chewed his lip.
      "Do many… trainees… get refused?"
      Stephan shook his head.
      "Non. Though it is not unknown."
      "Why? I mean, what sort of things make them not want you?"
      Stephan shrugged, then pulled Devon a little closer.
      "It varies. Uncertain loyalties, not being sure about one's life path, not being able to 'andle taking orders…"
      Devon swallowed - that sounded serious and far too close to home.
      He was silent for a few minutes, then gathered his courage. There was a question he had to ask. He was pretty certain he wasn't going to like the answer.
      "What… what happens to those who don't get accepted?"
      Stephan kissed him.
      "They leave. They are fitted with a cerebral in'ibitor implant, so they cannot use their talents - and so no-one else can use them either - and they leave. The Agency will 'elp them to find a job, if they want it."
      Devon went completely cold. If he didn't fit, they'd take away his TK? Turn him out? The thought was unbearable…
      "Devon? Petit? What is wrong?"
      He was shaking, Stephan's arms tightly wrapping him, the alarmed Frenchman pressing kisses to his face.
      "They…" it was soundless: he swallowed and tried again. "They take away…"
      Stephan frowned, then bit his lip, colouring faintly.
      "I should not 'ave told you…"
      "But…"
      Stephan laid a hand over his lips.
      "You should 'ave nothing to worry about, mon cher."
      Devon knew better. Knew that he was anything but a model trainee, that he had trouble accepting, let alone obeying, those in authority - that his past had been far from blameless. Stephan rocked him gently, murmuring soothing nonsense for a few minutes - then stiffened as the switchboard *contacted* him. He sighed and reluctantly pulled back.
      "I am sorry, mon ami. I am summoned." He gazed at Devon for a moment, elegant fingers gently stroking the anxious psi's face. "You should go relax somewhere. Swim, read… shall I 'ave Paul come 'ere? 'E will distract you. And you will be *contacted* when the meeting is over: Pamela will want to speak to you."
      Devon shook his head.
      "I'll be in the park."
      Stephan frowned.
      "You want some company?"
      "No. I'd prefer… No. I don't want company."
      The Frenchman shrugged.
      "Well, if you are sure…"
      The TK nodded. He'd prefer to face this as he'd faced every crisis in his life - alone.

Pamela smiled around the table, placed a bulky, overfilled binder before her, and opened the meeting.
      "As you all know, we're here to discuss young Devon, his current level of training, his fitness for our line of work, and to decide whether to formally invite him to join the Agency."
      There was a muted murmur and nodding of heads around the table. Pamela inclined her head to Peters.
      "If you would care to start, Doctor…?"

Stephan gazed around the assembly, nodding to himself. They were all here - John, Lenore, Greg, Vanessa (the skilled TK who'd been training Devon), Doctor Schwartz - who had tended to the TK's physical health - and Jacobsen, Peters, Nicola Horn, and Smith, one of the three psi's who actually ran the Agency.
      And James.
      Stephan frowned, unable to work out why James was here. He'd had no direct involvement with Devon, and while his speciality - security - was often involved in the assessment of new recruits, that usually came at a much later stage.
      Ah well - no doubt they'd all find out, shortly.
      Pamela had the doctors speak first, their reports no more than Stephan had expected. Devon was healthy, and sound, certainly in body, with no predisposition towards any of the few remaining incurable conditions. His immune system was strong, too: he'd be resistant to most common infections and have a fast recovery time. Stamina - well, he was still skinny and underweight, and not as strong as he should be, but a little time and attention would solve that. His reaction time was fast, and he was intelligent, a quick-minded lateral-thinker rather than a deeply-thinking problem-solver. At least, that's what Stephan understood from the jargon that had issued from the specialists' mouths…
      Nicola and Greg reported together. The 'path's face was sombre as he handed out thick folders to everyone around the table.
      "You'll find the full details of Devon's past experiences in here - but I'll summarise my findings for you…"
      Stephan listened with horrified fascination as Greg briefly outlined what he had discovered during Devon's full scan. That such things should happen to a child! His heart aching for his friend, and filled with admiration for his strength, he vowed silently to do all in his power to ensure Devon never had to suffer again.
      As Greg finished speaking, he glanced at Nicola, who nodded and picked up the thread.
      "So, the outcome of all this. Well, Devon came to terms with his childhood mistreatment early, understood that it was not his fault, that he should not feel any guilt because of it - which in itself is astonishing and shows amazing self-knowledge and strength of character. The life he has led has made him extraordinarily independent and self-reliant, and an ideal candidate for field work." She eyed Greg, who sighed and nodded. "The downside of this is a deep reluctance to trust, and an at best questionable ability to work with others, or as part of a team."
      "Which is not necessarily a bad thing." Greg hastened to add. "I don't need to remind you that a number of our Agents work solo. Very successfully."
      Pamela nodded and smiled.
      "And his… *self* …?"
      There was a pause as Nicola and Greg looked at each other, then the psychologist gestured to the 'path. Greg cleared his throat.
      "For much of his life he has had to do whatever it has taken to survive. He has stolen, mugged, prostituted himself… to his credit he has never caused permanent injury except in self defence, never robbed or assaulted anyone except those who apparently could afford it - and he has never killed. His conceptions of right and wrong -" Greg grimaced, hating to use such simplistic terms "- are hazy, and slanted towards self-preservation. He believes in justice, but in very primitive, black and white terms. 'Eye for an eye' type stuff. His loyalty…" Greg frowned. "He has the capacity for loyalty - a deep allegiance to a cause he believes in - but he has to be convinced of its worthiness, according to his own standards, first."
      "And is he convinced of our worthiness?"
      Greg hesitated.
      "At this stage I can't tell. Oh, he wants to stay with us, he's happy here, comfortable amongst his fellow talents, and believes in our aims and objectives. But he's not convinced of our effectiveness yet, not deep down. Seeing how we've treated Angel has helped, but he needs more time."
      Pamela nodded, and moved on to John and Vanessa, and Stephan 'switched off' temporarily - he knew how well Devon's training had proceeded, and had no doubt John would speak in the young TK's defence. John was very fond of Devon, and absolutely certain he would be an asset to the organisation…
      There were times Stephan wished he were a psi; he'd love to surface-scan the people around the table. He wanted Devon in the Agency - and only marginally for selfish reasons. The Agency was the best place for the TK. He had so much to offer, both on a professional and on a personal level. And he'd be safe here, protected…
      "Stephan?"
      He blinked: Pamela was gazing at him, obviously waiting for his report.
      Which didn't take long. Devon was efficient with a handgun, better with a rifle, easily reaching the Agency's minimum requirements for its field agents, but he didn't particularly like the weapons - and it was very unlikely he'd ever develop a killer instinct, though the marksman was pretty sure he would kill in self-defence if there was no other option. Pamela thanked him - then turned to James.
      "He isn't suitable. I recommend we fit the inhibitor and find him work elsewhere."
      The blunt, flat statement raised a disconcerted *ripple* around the table that even Stephan could sense. Pamela inclined her head.
      "And on what do you base your conclusion?"
      James frowned.
      "It is my considered opinion that he cannot be trusted. He has been a rogue talent for too long; his criminal activities make him suspect…"
      "But he had no choice!" Greg was obviously annoyed, but then it was no secret that the two disliked each other. James stared at his fellow 'path.
      "He is using us, Mahican. Surely even you can see that."
      "Do you blame him?"
      "I am suspicious of him."
      "So suspicious that you 'ad one of your people take Nuage away from 'im?" Stephan's voice was cold, and Greg stared at the flatscan.
      "What?"
      "'E had one of 'is people get Cloud so drunk she did not know what she was doing - to stop 'er spending time with Devon."
      Pamela frowned.
      "Is this true?"
      James shrugged.
      "He's a security risk. It was for her own good."
      Stephan was seething: Lenore's hand on his arm stopped him from launching into what would have been a useless verbal attack on the 'path. The field Agent turned to Pamela.
      "While I'm sure we all applaud James' putting the Agency's security first, I am concerned that there is an element of personality clash here." She eyed the 'path distastefully. "You don't like Devon, do you? You don't like it that Cloudie is fond of him, and he of her. Do you feel threatened by him or something?"
      James' face hardened.
      "And what would a flatscan know about that?"
      Lenore's eyes glittered dangerously.
      "Razor's my partner - remember?"
      Pamela raised her hands, halting what could have become a full scale argument, and smiled at James.
      "Under these circumstances, I believe we will have to disregard your advice, James. I'm sorry, but we need something more tangible than your dislike to sway the overall favourable reports." She turned to Smith. "Your opinion, Ma'am?"
      Smith - slight, brown-haired, unexceptional in appearance but probably the most powerful broad-based telepath in Europe, if not the western world - smiled.
      "Is there any reason - other than James' objections - why we should not invite him to join us?"
      It gave Stephan a moment's savage joy when everyone, except James, shook their heads. Smith nodded.
      "Good - that is our assessment also. John, please take some time, tomorrow, to explain the full requirements and implications of Agency membership. Give him time to think it over. If he agrees - and stress that full agreement is necessary - have him report to Pamela for official induction. Then we will proceed to the second stage of his training. Are we all in agreement?"
      And everyone - except for James - nodded.
      "Good." Smith inclined her head to Pamela, who beamed broadly and declared the meeting closed. She winked at Stephan.
      "If you would like to set his mind at ease, no-one will be angry…"

Greg, John and several of the others stayed behind to discuss the situation a little further, but Stephan, mortified that his gaffe had been noted, hastened from the conference room - to find Cloud and Ox, trying entirely unconvincingly to be inconspicuous, hovering near a notice board. Cloud glanced anxiously at the marksman. Stephan grinned.
      "Yes. And 'e is in the park, if you want to tell 'im the good news."
      She squealed, flung her arms around his neck, then hared off towards the roof. Ox watched her go, a puzzled frown on his big face, then smiled tentatively at Stephan.
      "Devon's OK?"
      Stephan slapped the big man's shoulder.
      "Oui, mon ami. 'E is to be asked to join."
      Ox grabbed Stephan, picking him up and hugging him hard.
      "My l'il guy can stay! Yay!!"
      Stephan chuckled as he struggled out of Ox's grip, then patted the blocker's arm.
      "Come with me. I will buy us a drink to celebrate!"

Devon had grown more and more apprehensive as time went by. The ducks, finding he had no food with him, paddled off to the other side of the pond to do whatever it is that ducks do when they aren't begging, leaving the barefoot human sitting cross-legged and silent, chewing at his thumb, eyes glazed as he tried to think of the future...
      Cloudie paused for a moment, watching, her heart melting. He was staying, she wasn't going to lose him, the Agency wasn't going to let him go…
      Well, unless he wanted to… She frowned. But he wouldn't want that, would he? Everything he'd said or talked about recently had been geared towards his life in the organisation.
      Still, no harm in checking. She approached him soundlessly, dropping to her knees behind him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Incidentally nearly scaring him out of his skin. He jumped and bit back a cry, then calmed a little as she nuzzled his ear with a soft - "sorry. S'only me…"
      He swivelled to her, face drawn and eyes shadowed with worry, and she sighed and hugged him. It was only a few days since Greg had deep-scanned him, and he was still feeling the effects: it had left him jumpy and a little irritable. It didn't help that his hand, although the bones had now knit, was aching as it finished healing. She brushed a kiss over his lips.
      "They say yes."
      He pulled back and stared at her.
      "What…?"
      "They've agreed. They want you - we all want you - to join the Agency."
      He was immobile for a moment, then paled and slumped against her, sighing with relief.
      "Oh thank fuck…"
      Cloud giggled.
      "We could do that to celebrate, if you like?"
      He grinned tiredly at her - then his stomach growled and he chuckled.
      "Heh - better have something to eat first."
      She kissed his nose.
      "You skipped breakfast again, didn't you?"
      "Too fuckin' worried to eat…"
      "Then how about we go get some lunch, somewhere quiet, then go back to yours for the afternoon?"
      He nodded.
      "'d like that. Stephan will probably be there though."
      She shrugged.
      "That's OK." She kissed him a little more seriously. "Come on, let's get some food in you before you collapse from malnutrition."
      He snorted.
      "Like anyone would let that happen!"
      She laughed.
      "OK then, let's get you fed so you have enough energy to screw me senseless this afternoon…"
      He blinked, then smirked at her.
      "That sounds more like it…"

Cloud sighed happily, kissing Devon's hair as he nuzzled her shoulder in his sleep, hand squeezing her breast gently.
      It had been a wonderful afternoon. Devon - with Cloud stopping them every now and then for a quick hug or brief kiss - led them back to his favourite restaurant, where they'd ordered the works. Devon had been in the mood to try new things, ordering cream of watercress soup, pork stroganoff, and taramisu, while Cloud opted for deep fried breadcrumbed mushrooms with a mayonnaise dip, steak au poivre with chips, more mushrooms and a token (grilled) tomato, followed by Black Forest gateau…
      And to her delight Devon had managed to eat almost all of his! She grinned.
      "Can you walk?"
      He smirked and flopped back in his seat, rubbing his stomach.
      "I'll manage…"

They'd sauntered back slowly, hand in hand, smiling at the cheery greetings - and congratulations - they were offered on the way. It seemed that news of Devon's acceptance had ripped through the whole organisation… Which was rather nice, as Devon said to Cloud as he shut his door. She wrapped herself around him, kissing him amorously.
      "Mmm… Loving friendly family we have here…"
      He chuckled against her mouth and backed her over to the bed, smirking as she squeaked and fell flat, pulling him with her. Trailing kisses down her throat, unbuttoning the bodice of the sky blue cotton dress then fondling stiffening nipples, he gasped as her eager fingers grabbed for his fly, easing the zip down carefully and stroking his erection. He snaked a hand under the hem of the loose flowing skirt, sliding slowly up her leg to her knee as she wriggled and gasped below him, then pulled back for just a moment to slip out of the soft black denims he wore. Kneeling between her thighs, watching her flushed face, he slowly stroked both hands up her thighs, fingers teasing the skin around the edge of the skimpy flesh-toned briefs that barely covered her groin.
      She was already wet, pushing up against his hands, and he sighed and swiftly pulled the little garment from her, lowering his face to kiss her clit, tongue licking along her labia before tugging at her ring with his teeth.
      She bucked up against him, hands gripping his hair, pushing him harder against her groin: grinning, he licked, and sucked, and teased, tongue dipping into her then flicking her clit, until she whimpered and came, trembling beneath him.
      "Oh, gods…"
      Grinning, he carefully eased the dress - and her ankle-tie sandals - from her then kissed his way up her body, hand cupping her groin, tweaking first one tit ring then the other - finally sliding into her as he nipped gently at her neck.
      She wrapped her legs around his waist, neck arching backwards, hands gripping his buttocks as though to pull him, balls and all, into her body. Eyes closing, sighing blissfully, he set a hard fast rhythm, pounding into her, rolling onto his back so he could fondle her nipples and tit rings, pulling her to him as he came, suckling on her neck…

It set the pace for the afternoon as they pleasured each other, and when Stephan arrived he'd happily joined them, stroking and teasing, brushing feather light kisses over heated skin, finally entering Devon from behind as he fucked Cloud, the three of them finding the right rhythm and finally climaxing together, gasping, heated, sated flesh cuddled together on the bed.
      Cloud raised her head slightly and grinned at Stephan cuddled into Devon's back. The Frenchman smirked back and pressed a kiss to the TK's shoulder. His voice was the quietest murmur.
      "Is good, n'est'ce pas? Now we can look after our Devon…"
      She brushed her fingers over his cheek and nodded.
      "Keep our Devon safe… It's very good…"

© 2003 March 31^st Joules

---

Darkside