Free Pathline by Kaede Lazares

over to Malik's team first. "Rook, this is the D efend er Malik, head of Tactical Team- I . " 
    Malik stepped forward and shook Rooks hand, both eyeing each other carefully but putting on a friendly face .
    " A n honor" Roo k said , as their hands met .
    Malik nodded. 
    "Behind him stand the D efender Catha, W anderer Blythe, R unners Suri and Delph, and S ky W alker Felix" Donovan continued, as the supers each nodded as their names where mentioned.  She then walked over to where Serk stood. " T his is the D efen der Serk, head of Tactical Team- II, the team you and Rune have been assigned to . " 
    Serk reluctantly stepped forward to shake Rooks hand, neither said anything. 
    "Behind him stand the D efender Ash, R unner Helo, and S ky W alker Nave" Donovan stated , as the supers nodded in response.  "Well, that takes care of the introductions.  You're all free for the night, report first thing tomorrow for the start of formal strategic and tactical planning." She glanced at those gathered, turning on her heels and heading out the door with her assistant close behind her. 
    The rest stood hesitantly for a moment, quietly looking at each other. 
    T he Director stepped forward. "Rune, I'd like a moment if you would . " 
    Rune turned towards the D irector and nodded . " O f course . " T hen followed him out of the room, glancing back once to look towards where Rook and Malik stood near each other. 
    They headed into a nearby open office; the D irector took a seat behind the desk and motioned for Rune to sit.  "The Head of Government spoke to me about your intent to resign, and needless to say we're very concerned about it.  I was hoping that this break would help you clear your head and reconsider; you're a very valuable asset to this agency Rune.  I know that W anderers don't always get the recognition they deserve, but the work you do here is very important to our overall functioning and is greatly appreciated by the agency senior staff ." 
    Rune gave him a sad smile. "Director, I want to assure you that this decision has no bearing on my feelings towards the agency senior staff.  I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the work that 's accomplished here, and I appreciate ev e rything that the agency has done for me and the opportunities that it's provided me with.  Unfortunately my mind is made up.  I just don't feel as if I'm the right fit for this agency anymore, or that it's the right fit for me.  I'm proud of the work I've done here, but I think my time has come to move on.  My formal letter of resignation was turned into your office as soon as we arrived, effective at the close of my current assignment." 
    The D irector leaned back into his chair, heaving a sigh . " I s there no way to dissuade you?  If this has anything to do with the recent media coverage know that you r relationship with Malik bears no weight on our esteem of you, agency policy simply states that you cannot serve on the same team, something that can be easily taken care of.  Tell me, is there nothing we can do or offer?" 
    Rune sighed . "I'm afraid not.  This decision wasn't based solely on recent events, but I do regret the negative attention the agency has received in response.  As for the work, Blythe is more than capable of taking over as lead W anderer, and I've spent some time with some of the new recruits, a couple of them show real potential that pr oper training can bring out.  I do apologize for the abruptness of my resignation; I hope it doesn't cause too many undue delays within the agency assignments." 
    The D irector sighed again, shaking his head. " I f your mind is made up then I guess there's nothing for us to do but deal with it.  You'll be missed Rune, and know that the door is open should you reconsider." 
    Rune shook hands with him and stood to leave . "Thank you D irector . " 

7. Precarious
    Rune made he r way back to the training room but only Helo remained, working out on some of the