𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 [ 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ]

12. 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘆...

"FIND ANYTHING INTERESTING IN YOUR LITTLE MYSTERY CASE?"

Monica appeared by Howard's side inside the S.W.O.R.D.'s headquarters, still a little upset that she wasn't going to be able to tag along to the case he was working on. It was just as he said--she was grounded.

Hayward spared Monica a glance over his shoulder, sending her a friendly smile. He was warm and welcoming, just like he had always been.

"Guess you can say that. I've got a couple of people coming in today to do some readings, but one is specialized in a specific field that I need," Hayward turns the corner with Monica following, itching for more information than he was giving. "We found some strange electrical fields coming from Westview, and considering your guy is stationed there, I figured it's fine to let you know."

Monica nods thoughtfully. "What kind of field are we talking about?"

"Astrophysics. She's apparently the best of the best."

"Are you saying I can tag along?" Monica's eyes sparkled with excitement for something bigger, but when Hayward cocked a brow, Monica turned back to a professional woman. "Count me in. What time will she be here? I'm meeting the FBI agent in a few hours."

"Soon. She's headed for the base in New Jersey. I'm sure you'll have the spare time. We'll meet up in New Jersey; I'll probably need you then."

"You got it, Director."

💜

"Ms. Lewis?"

Darcy turned to the angry, staring at her with a bored look, probably wishing he could be anywhere but reeling in all the new kids. She felt like a freshman starting their first day in high school--looking lost and dumb. Darcy isn't dumb-looking, but considering she stood here for a minute looking around for directions, she did in this moment.

"Dr. Lewis," she corrected.

However, Agent Monti dismissed her comment like it were irrelevant. "We have your gear set up inside," he led Darcy into one of the tents closest to them, not bothering to assist Darcy with her stuff.

What a gentleman, she wanted to say.

As soon as Darcy walked inside the temporary base, she was surprised at how techy the tent was--is this even considered a tent? It was souped up. Darcy might've been a little impressed by their setup.

Toward the front end of the facility, two wide windows faced Westview, Darcy caught sight of a drone flying up and into town right before it disappeared midair. Whoa.

"Those drones you're sending in--what kind of data are you getting?"

Agent Monti crossed his arms, looking unimpressed with his life. "I'm afraid that's highly classified."

"You can't see anything?" Agent Monti's silence was the confirmation Darcy needed. "FBI, Army; I saw the Air Force Office of Special Investigations out there." Darcy pulled a silver case out and hauled it onto the table, opening and removing her equipment. "Research Lab, Space Command, too. A bona fide, joint, multi-service response. Really looking forward to commemorative t-shirts."

Agent Monti was already annoyed with Darcy's rambling; he tried his best to zone her out.

Darcy has a way with words--she knew how to fill in the awkward silence because she hates how quiet it is. She's sarcastic and witty, what can she say?

"Is there somewhere a lady could get a cup of coffee? You guys look like you might get down with those little pod things," Darcy subtly insulted--not like Debby Downer cared. "Horrendous for the environment."