2 The Interview

Issac and Barret had been called to Xiao's office, making they're way down the corridor. Many of the grunts and soldiers looked to them with curious eyes, as the two continued on. They weren't sure why they were being called in, aside from what they said before about Kaos. Either they were in accusation of a serious offense, or something possibly worse However, it wasn't known. The two boys halted to the door, as the guards allowed them access. Xiao was standing in the center, in front of her desk. The red haired man from before was also present, they seemed to be conversing.

"This is a serious accusation, but what if it's true?" The man crossed his arms.

"It could be, but we need to get more details before anything is said or done..." Xiao replied, but stopped upon seeing the boys enter.

Xiao and the man turn to them, with serious expressions poised on their faces.

"You summoned us, Director Xiao?" Barret asks, keeping his stare at her.

"Indeed." Xiao placed her hands behind her back, taking a step closer. "Cravic has informed me about a conversation the two of you were having. He handles security."

The man, Cravic crossed his arms, looking to them. "An accusation you made involving Karlos Authoritative Operative Security, Kaos. They may have been started by Elementar, but many people support them, while others do not. Suggesting something like that publicly, could cause serious problems, even if it was true. Such as civil war."

"Exactly. So, that leads to why I called the two of you here." Xiao added.

"Are we in trouble?" Issac gritted his teeth. "(Not more drama... come on!)"

"Hmm, so this is about what we talked about then?" Barret asked, looking seriously to Xiao and Cravic, "I suppose that means Issac should watch his words." Barret joked.

"Hey!" Issac crossed his arms.

"Ahem! I believe the question is irreverent, seeing it has already been explained why the two of you are here. Moving onto the matter at hand. We have had no solid evidence on who is involved in the kidnappings, aside from witnesses claiming the Elementar are involved. We've had other bad dealings with their kind and other alien life, which is why we even formed the Ministry of Deference in the first place. However, a speculation with only fingers pointed, could have two outcomes. It all depends whether the claim is correct, or if it is not." Xiao went on, keeping her attention to the duo.

"Are you suggesting we might be on to something? Granted it was just rambling. I did feel we hit some interesting bits." Barret went on, adjusting his stance.

"Good, you catch on quick." Cravic grunted.

"There is a road block however, we need to investigate if there's even a slight chance of their involvement. If we had a hacker, things would be far easier, but alas, we do not have one on hand. Which leads to my plan. Kaos is currently hiring for their organization, in the process, is giving potential workers a tour of their facility." Xiao explained.

"There is a problem in how we go about this, unfortunately. Our top agents have had many encounters with Elementar on the field. If Kaos is involved, they'd spot them out." Cravic added.

"Which is where you two come in." Xiao kept her expression serious.

Barret gasps to himself. "Now no disrespect mi'lady, but I don't think we're qualified for that kind of work yet."

"Dude, she's actually giving us something better than grunt work. Why are you complaining?" Issac interjected to the older boy. "(Anything beats scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets. I didn't get away from that life to become some 'maid'.)"

"Unlike you, I didn't just run off from home. You have to think now. This is a huge organization. If we do find something, and it turns out to be true. If they recognize us from another location. It could be disastrous. Besides, how am I to know you never ticked off any Kaos officers in the past?" Barret retorted at Issac. "I just think more precautions should be taken."

"You worry too much, dude." Issac pocketed his hands.

"If you two would stop your bantering. Yes, you are new to Alien Ministry, however, we don't have any other choice. We've already decided on this course of action, and you two WILL be doing this mission. Sometimes being thrown into things will get you experience. It will be a simple in and out job. Get information, get out. As long as they aren't tipped off by any suspicious actions or questions, it should go fine." Xiao spoke up, sternly.

Barret nods to her statements. "As you wish Director."

"You will be debriefed on the mission in the morning, before being sent out. Make sure to get enough sleep. Dismissed." Xiao turned from them.

"Well, let's go then Issac." Barret says, turning away heading to the door.

Issac followed, and the two were heading to their dorm room now.

"sheesh, Director Xiao is pretty intimidating, but we get a 'real' mission. No bathroom duty for me." Issac smirked.

Barret sighs, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, grand it is. I just hope it's as simple as she makes it out to be."

"Love the sarcasm. Dude, come on, it's not so bad. TRUST ME." Issac looked to Barret, seriously.

"We still have no clue how it works, but I'll stop trying to explain it. Perhaps if we're lucky, we won't run into anyone trying to kill us." Barret says sarcastically.

"Awe, where's the fun it that?" Issac replied, sarcastically.

"Are you a Sosaist?" Barret asked, to Issac jokingly.

"Sosa? Really? Come on, it was a joke." Issac replied, mischievously.

Barret laughs to himself, "Well, that's good, might have been worried there. I do recall some stories of people who followed Sosa, they show signs of being rather corrupted."

"Would make sense." Issac nodded, closing his eyes. "(Makes me wonder...)"

They reach the dorms, tucking in for bed. The following morning, they met in Xiao's office, still wearing their street attire.

"The two of you should blend in just fine. As for the mission. The facility is rather large with many floors, at first glance. If there is potential for their involvement, there might be hidden rooms and possibility a basement of sorts. The two of your are to take a cruiser to New Tech city. Once you get in, you will be lead around. Do not break from the group for any reason, do not take anything or touch anything. You are to talk, listen and watch. If something comes off as suspicious, make note of it in your head. Be casual, and friendly. Once the tour is done, return to the drop of point. Any questions?" Xiao gave them the run down.

"Nope." Issac replied.

"In case of emergency, what should we do?" Barret asked, crossing his arms.

"Do you really think Xiao would just send you in, all willy nilly?" Spoke a female voice behind the boys.

They turned around to see a girl with blond haired pony tails, wearing an outfit appearing like a school uniform. Issac stared to her a bit.

"..." Barret was taken off guard, and had turned away covering his face with one hand.

"What, are you a mute Mary?" She teased.

"W-What? Oh uhh...." Barret was struggling to get out his words, he was blushing slightly.

"Now I don't think we've met, I'm Issac." Issac greeted, taking her hand. However she took it away.

"A nervous Nellie, and a curious George. Interesting subjects." The girl observed, with intrigue.

"This is our lead scientist, Asuna Foundren. She will be equipping you for the mission." Xiao spoke up.

"So, are you ready Freddy?" Asuna smiled.

"Freddy? (Quite interesting terms.)" Barret thought to himself, rubbing his head.

"I'm down." Issac smirked.

"This way then, silly Billies. Lab's this a way." Asuna grabbed their hands dragging them off.

"Whoa! Slow down there!" Barret says, as he was still being tugged away.

"No way Jose. We got work to do!" Asuna giggled.

Soon they arrived to a door, that was labeled with a 'special personal only' sign. Asuna used a special card key, and the door opened. Stepping inside, the boys were led to sit down. Asuna walked over to her table of gadgets, grabbing something. She turned, approaching the boys with a glove in each hand.

"I do believe you inquired once about one of these, yes?" Asuna asked, looking to Barret.

"Ah yes,I remember seeing one of those during the tour. What are they exactly?" Barret asked, placing a hand to his chin.

"These here, are power gloves." Asuna explained, handing them each one. She walked over to her counter, where two matching gauntlets laid. She took one, placing it on. "Those two are designed to look like normal gloves. This one though, is not. They appear like just something to wear, when in fact, they are actually weapons."

Asuna walked back to them, holding her hand out to the show them. She tapped her wrist, with a blue glow hovered above the jewel. She made a fist with her hand, and a laser sword formed from the crystal on top of the gauntlet.

Asuna glanced to them, "The power glove is designed to improve your chances against an elementar. Not only is there a sword, but there is also a whip, and wings for a quick escape, or a leap. How they work, is what I bet you nosy Nancys are wondering now. Well, You tap your wrist to turn them on and off. Fist makes a sword, index and middle extended for the whip, and gun finger gesture for wings. Make sense?"

Barret nods, "Extraordinary! I can't wait to try this out! I also want to meet the one in charge of these deigns!"

"Oh, now your a chatty Cathy. Well, You're looking at her. I created these lovely little toys." Asuna proudly stated.

"(Cute and smart? Whoa.)" Issac was staring at her, with doe eyes.

"Oh wow! I am not worthy!" Barret says, bowing to Asuna quickly. "(I can't believe a girl has this much wit! The very mountains are crumbling because of how graceful these inventions are! IT'S SUCH A WONDERFUL THING! I'M JUST!!!)" Barret could not hold his joy inside for much longer. "When this is done we should talk more about how you came up with the idea! I will even take you to dinner or something, if you'd like! It's far too grand to keep down. People like us need to -" Barret turns away quickly blushing crazily covering his face. "(W-What was I saying!?)"

"I'm happy you like them, but we have more important matters besides whatever you meant there. There's a job to do, for Pete sake." Asuna giggles, tonally not noticing what he said.

Issac looked slyly over, "(Barret totally flirted, even though he got all weird and awkward. Thoooough. Asuna didn't take the bait. He must not be her type. Hehe.)" Issac smirked, mischievously.

Barret sighs in relief. "(She didn't even catch I accidentally blurted all that stuff. Barret, you have to be more on it.)"

"More than likely, you wont need to use them, and we don't have time for a training session. Even with the glove, you both seem like average Joes, so just do what Xiao said, and you should be golden. Also, for the record. These are top secret weapons, you are not to disclose their functionality to anyone. Got it?" Asuna spoke up, with more explanations.

"Right." Barret says, nodding to her statement.

"Got it, toots." Issac smirked.

"Alright, head over to deployment. Good luck chuck." Asuna shoved them to the door.

The two headed over to the garage boarding a cruiser, being taken to their destination. As they arrived in New Tech, many people in the town were bustling about.

"So. You said you lived here bud, where do we go?" Issac inquired.

"Oh, right. (Hmm things seem about the same, I hope it's worth coming all this way.) Follow me." He waves Issac his direction, as he walks ahead of him.

"Gotcha. So, about that Asuna chick." Issac looked to Barret.

"What about her?" Barret says, keeping his focus ahead of them.

"Do you think she'd go for me?" Issac smirked, jokingly.

"Heh, no offense Issac, but I don't think you quite measure in smarts." Barret says, laughing under his breath.

"Hurtful. Dude, you totally got the hots for that babe, don't you?" Issac looked slyly to Barret, "Just admit it."

Barret laughs to himself rubbing his head. "Well, it started with the technology, but after seeing her and that-" Barret paused for a moment. "Wait, why am I telling you this?"

"I don't know. Guess you think we're bros or something?" Issac shrugged, sticking out his tongue.

Barret laughs and sighs to himself. "Fair enough, I suppose we are 'bros' due to our current situation."

Issac chuckled, "Dude, slang is so unbecoming of you."

"Which is why I stick to proper given grammar. You should try working on it yourself. I'm sure you'll score with the ladies quite much." Barret says happily.

"Eh, (Only when I quote Shakespeare.) I talk how I feel like. So, are we there yet?" Issac looked head.

"Just one more block." Barret says, as they continue to walk.

A girl runs around the corner, she carried long red hair,blue eyes and had fair skin. "Sorry excuse me!" She seemed to be in a hurry.

Barret was taken by surprise."Oh! Pardon us."

"Oh wow, she's cute too." Issac stared to her, as she had passed.

Some fireworks let off near the Kaos organization steps, around the corner. Some officers had come out to investigate the commotion.

"Hm?" Barret was now pondering about the situation. "Did she leave those there?"

"Looks like it?" Issac peered ahead.

The officers walk around the corner spotting the two of them. "You there, did you see anyone set those fireworks? Anyone running?"

Barret thought to say something about the girl, who just ran by, but he kept his silence, instead he replied saying, "Sorry, there were some people who ran from the sound. Nothing much else, they did startle me and my friend here, however."

The officers look to Issac. He looked to them, "Yeah, I got really spooked there. I thought someone was firing a gun or something." Issac lied.

A low voice is heard on the officer's radios. "Men, report back to the front immediately." The officers look back to Issac and Barret. "You two mind yourselves." They walk back to the headquarters.

"That was pretty close, nice cover there." Issac looked to Barret.

Barret nods, "You played along well yourself, I didn't take you as someone who was able to act."

"Took drama in high school." Issac admitted.

"I'm sure you'll score many jobs with that on your diploma." Barret laughs, sarcastically.

"How do you think I got passed security of the ministry in the first place?" Issac smirked.

"Touche." Barret stated, walking ahead of Issac. "We should continue onward. We're right at the doorsteps."

"Got it." Issac chuckled.

When they reach the entrance they spot the two officers from a moment ago. They look to Issac and Barret, then proceed their direction. "State your business."

"We're actually here for an interview." Barret stated to them.

The officer looks to the second officer, "Go grab the papers. You two wait here."

The second officer later returns to them. "Okay, Ricken Himura?" The officer looked to Issac.

"Yep." Issac smirked, with the thumbs up.

"Alright and Zobel Rheys?" The officer says, looking to Barret.

"Yes, that would be me, fine sir." Barret says, proudly.

The officers look to each other nodding. "Okay, right this way."

They lead Issac and Barret into the headquarters. "We at Kaos pride ourselves in our works." A monitor spoke that they all walked passed. It held an image of a elderly man with a monocle and a mustache. On his head was a top hat.

"Hm?" Barret looks to the monitor. "That's Kaos, the man over this organization?" Barret asked to an officer.

The officer turns back to Barret, "Yes, he leads beside Princess Sion who is currently on her way to meet us."

"Oh? She sounds stunning." Issac commented.

An officer shivers a little under his armor. "She's quite a character." the officer says uneasy.

"I can't wait to meet her then." Issac smiled.

A teleporter activates and a girl wearing sophisticated looking clothing walks out. She held a very stern, but lazy, expression on her face. The officers bow to her. "YOU TWO BOW NOW!" The officers yelled, to Issac and Barret.

Issac bows, in a classy manner, taking her hand to kiss it. Barret was a little off taken by Issac's manners, but then quickly bows.

"Princess Sion!" One of the officers yelled. "We apologize for Mr. Ricken's behavior!"

Sion chuckles. "Do not worry, I don't wish to smite him,but rather, I enjoy that he took time to treat me how I deserve." She pats Issac's head. "You may rise dear."

Issac did so, smiling, "(Work's every time... well, most of the time... err... some of the time?)"

Barret stands up looking to Sion. "I'm glad your okay with his actions..Umm."

Sion holds up her hand to Barret. "Do not talk unless spoken to."

Barret nods. "(Wow, she's quite scary..)" He says to himself nervously.

"So you both are here for the tour correct? Good thing Ricken is good looking, you get the VIP tour." Sion extends her hand to Issac. "Please take my hand."

"(Oh yeaah! Okay, this is more worth it.)" Issac smirked, taking it. "With pleasure."

Sion turns from Barret and the officers. "We're heading this way, do NOT fall behind. I'd hate to have you thrown out using the garbage chute."

Barret agrees to Sion's terms, not being able to comply in tongue to her. "(I guess I'll have to just use my eyes. It's good Issac is on her good side. If he can squeeze out facts, and not let his heart over take his vision, we might come out with a lot of good insight.)"