Is this destiny?

Sarah and Aiden listened to Mia and Hunter talking, they asked questions and requested additional documentation. It looked more like a job interview.

In truth, Sarah and Aiden could use their Sigma and Omega skills (and Eve) to find out whatever they wanted on their own, but this was a way to gauge Mia's and Hunter's personalities. If the duo from Seattle was bending the truth or concealing crucial things, it would be proof that they are not sincere.

After that stage was completed, it was Mia's and Hunter's turn to ask questions, and Sarah and Aiden responded how much they could, without disclosing sensitive information. 

Sarah, Aiden, Mia, and Hunter understood that if they agree to collaborate, this will be only the first step in the long process where they will be scrutinizing each other in a sensitive game of give-and-take that will cause their bonds to grow or shrink based on the outcomes achieved.

Neither of the two sides was interested in just a business deal. They were hoping to form an alliance that was based on trust and possibly friendship.

"Thank you for answering our questions.", Mia said. "I suggest that we break for the day and analyze what we heard before proceeding with the next step."

When Sarah and Aiden agreed, Mia continued, "To be honest, we didn't hear anything we wouldn't agree with. We want to ensure that we are not rushing the process. And we want to give you time to verify the information we provided. Let us know when we can meet next time. We will be in Los Angeles until Sunday."

"Before we end this meeting, I would like to hear your opinion…", Sarah said, and Mia and Hunter perked up to hear what she will say next.

"You heard this morning that we are facing a crisis. The person behind it belongs to a secret organization and we are not sure how deep it reaches. In the public's eye, he is a politician with clean hands and a wide network in Europe. We got a tip that he will act against us soon, and besides that, we don't know any other details. How would you handle this situation?"

Mia thought for some time before responding. "It depends on his identity and how much damage he can actually do. The clean solution would be to damage him to the point of his network refusing to collaborate with him, but it doesn't sound like you have the luxury of time. We can take him out silently, make it look like an accident. Or if you don't want him dead, we can injure him. A permanent disability is usually a good reminder not to poke the tiger. We can always deal with people who are close to him. Confidants, assistants, secretaries, when people who are working with him daily and are enabling his behavior start disappearing, he will get the message…"

When Mia finished her analysis, she concluded with, "It all depends on how much time you have to deal with the situation. Everyone has a weakness and as long as we find it, we can strike effectively. A mistress, an illegitimate child, a sick relative, evidence of a crime. We can threaten to expose it, or to help deal with the problem. The most effective defense is to attack first. I would suggest timeboxing the search and if you can't find anything that works… make it up. A politician will care about his public image and if you take away his voters, he will become powerless. You can attack him on media. Pick something that resembles the truth and make it look convincing. No matter what it is, if people hear it enough times, they will start believing it…"

Sarah was impressed by the possibilities that Mia listed.

The speed at which Mia analyzed the situation and provided solutions, told Sarah that Mia is an expert in this area that can be compared to Sophia, with the difference that Sophia did her best to keep her hands clean, while Mia didn't mind exploring the options the dark side offers. This proved that having Mia as an enemy could be a frightening thing.

"Thank you. We will be in touch.", Sarah said as she stood up. "Allow us to escort you out and we will arrange transportation for you. Do you want to return to the hotel?"

Mia glanced at Hunter. "I was hoping to visit the beach, but now that I confirmed I'm pregnant, jet skis and paragliding are probably not a good idea. I guess I should contact my gynecologist first."

"You have an active lifestyle?", Aiden asked while eyeing Hunter.

Hunter lifted his chin smugly. "The bodyguard role is not just for show. I can hold my own."

Aiden smirked. "I wonder if I can interest you in a spar."

Hunter's eyes flashed in excitement, but a second later his brows furrowed as he looked at Mia. "We should probably get in touch with the doctor first…"

Aiden understood that calling a doctor is important. That is what he was thinking when Sarah told him she was pregnant. "How about you come to our place for dinner? We can combine that with a spar. Exercise before meal aids digestion."

Hunter and Mia nodded in unison. They wanted to get close to Nyx and Erebus.

Mia remembered one thing. "Do you really have a black panther?"

"We have three.", Sarah responded with a smile.

Mia's mouth formed an 'O' shape. "What about the red glowing eyes?"

Sarah stifled a laugh. "Some things are not awesome if we expose them."

Mia understood that Sarah will not say how they do it, but the rumor is true. "I assume there is no way you will confirm if you have supernatural strength."

Sarah shook her head. "You should know that some things are exaggerations."

"But you didn't deny it.", Mia said cheekily.

Sarah didn't want to say more but she liked Mia's personality.

Mia was friendly and bubbly and no one would guess she is behind a deadly organization that works in the shadows. Sarah is an introvert and unless she is surrounded by a few people she trusts, or is handling official business, Sarah prefers to stay quiet. Part of her envied Mia's outgoing personality.

Sarah decided to focus on dinner. They will have guests! This can be a good occasion for a bonfire and barbecue. It's Aiden's favorite and the atmosphere is casual.

"Since you are coming for dinner, please extend the invitation to Max and Liz. Jeff and JoAnna will probably join as well.", Sarah said.

Mia and Hunter were happy with the reception they received and were hoping for a successful collaboration. Dinner with everyone was a signal that things were progressing well.

"What do you think?", Sarah asked Aiden when Mia and Hunter left for their hotel.

Aiden put his arm around Sarah's shoulders, and they walked down the street in the Boyle Heights neighborhood.

"What they said sounds good. But I will need to see them in action. Making promises is one thing, and acting on it is different.", Aiden said after some time.

Sarah agreed. "We can ask them to help us with Albert."

"You will let them handle this sensitive thing? Assuming that they are not deceiving us, if they make a mistake, we will pay for it."

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