Developing an Arsenal: Overwatch (The Unit)

Chapter 38: Out of the pan and back in action

-Present Time-

For nearly a weeks, the Unit and Calado's security forces were trapped beneath the rubble of the headquarters building. The staff were restless as they wait for rescue crew to remove the massive rubble from the area. By that time, Chloe has begun wrapping up her story as Malik sat silent and listened. He wasn't bored at one moment as it took Chloe a couple of weeks of free time to explain the mission that created the unit.

Aaron was sitting nearby with one earbud near his ear and glances around the dusty parking garage. He watched the other members of the staff occupying their time eating the food and water dropped from the rescue crew. His eyes move again and stop upon one particular security guard. For some reason, he kept a close watch between Malik and Chloe. He turned away as the mystery security guard creeped him out.

As he turned his head back to the two, Chloe finally got to the end of her long storytelling session with some final words.

"We were ordered to be separated for awhile after we got home. It didn't last long as soon Talon commenced a brutal string of terrorist attacks against Overwatch, civilians, and the military of many countries." Chloe replied. "To protect our allies, J-SOC reassembled us as they declared war on Talon."

"And it must have given Talon a great impression to dub your group as the unit." Malik says. "And overwatch didn't know about this mission?"

Barnes paused, thinking about what to say. "No one, not even Overwatch, knows what really happened in King's Row. All they know is a group of carefully hand picked specialized operators with a mysterious and feared reputation."

Malik's smile grew wider. His hands rub together and let out a sigh of joy. Then quickly asked Chloe one more question.

"Wow, you guys are so awesome. You got a spot on the team for one more?"

Chloe froze and grew silent. She scratched the back of her head and looked around. Then, she laughed a little in a nervous tone.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Malik leaned close and replied, this time slower and a bit louder to make himself clear.

"I think I can be a fine addition to your team. I would like to be part of this famous team."

Barnes shook her head and sighed. "We're fine on what we have. We don't need another one on our squad."

"Like hell you don't need more. There's four of you." Malik snapped. "I'm highly trained asset of the CIA. You could definitely need someone of my talents in such a famous and legendary team."

"It likely won't happen." Chloe snapped. What the hell was getting to him? She had no idea if this was Malik talking to her or a different person.

"Just thought you guys needed some help." Malik raised his hands up to defuse the situation. "Thought it was something you guys want and I am likely out of the job soon."

Chloe breathed to calm herself down. She didn't want to start a fight, especially when she's trapped beneath a ruined building. She spoke much softer than before.  "If you watch your tone, I could ask the CIA to recruit you as an agent. You wouldn't need to worry about work."

"Right. Sorry about it."

She got up without saying a word and turned one way, moving away from Malik. Barnes spots Atticus moving around in crutches, getting his dose of exercise to heal his leg. She got his attention, making him turn to face her with a smile.

"Hey, Chloe." Frank greeted. "How are you?"

Chloe gently puts an arm across Frank's shoulders and sighed. "I didn't get a chance to thank you for pushing me out of the way from getting in the head by the slab of concrete."