"It's been over a month. Where is he?"
"We're keeping surveillance on him, sir."
"For what purpose?"
"In case he should come into contact with any of the twelve, sir."
"You think he may have relations with Marcus? Or that Christian or Emily would contact him when their tactics are often to spread out?"
"We've noted the closeness of the twelve, sir. If they understand their comrade is truly alive and they didn't know, we're sure they may attempt contact. Especially if they believe he is safe ground, sir."
"Affirmative. Yet if there is no sighting within a week I wish you to bring Master Scully into custody."
"Yes sir. Understood, sir."
"Over and out."
The operative, too, replaced the radio to his belt, continuing his surveillance of Sheldon's home.
"Ah... excuse me?" he suddenly heard a voice from behind him as someone tapped him on the shoulder.
He turned.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Ah..."
Before another word could be said, the operative was knocked unconscious by a blow to the jaw. Christian immediately stepped over him and began to pat his body down, removing his radio, wallet, and other such accessories.
Meanwhile, Sheldon was just returning to his room from the bathroom. He instantly recognised the difference in the pheremones in the room, but before he could quickly closed the door a hand shot out, grabbed his wrist, and pulled him into the room - the door closing behind him.
He soon found a hand slapped over his mouth as he was cornered against the door. Quickly using his atom manipulation to give the intruder an atomic shock, he reached for the door handle only to find it locked. He cursed.
"You're quick, I'll give you that," the intruder remarked.
Sheldon grunted as he slammed the heel of his hands against the door and turned to him.
"What do you want?" he demanded.
"Just a chat..."
"And who are you?"
"Name's Steel," Kirk quickly extended his hand.
When Sheldon simply frowned, he hesitated and withdrew it.
"I didn't want you to be alarmed Mr. Thomas."
"Well you handled that pretty well. Now what do you want?"
Kirk hesitated, then sighed.
"I'm here on behalf of a friend of yours, simply to warn you and offer a temporary safe residence."
Sheldon shook his head.
"I don't follow," he shrugged.
"We know who you are," Kirk's voice lowered, "and we are not the only ones to discover it."
"Who's we, and what are you talking about?" Sheldon couldn't stop his face going slightly white, though he made a slight attempt to hide it.
They were interrupted at that point by a call from outside.
"STEEL?"
"That'll be your friend now," Kirk nodded to the window.
Sheldon hesitated, before Kirk indicated for him to pass. Sensing his sincerity, Sheldon did so, before looking out the window.
"Taylor?" he frowned.
"Not quite..." Kirk insisted from behind him.
Sheldon's eyes widened.
Kirk himself leant over the window ledge and attempted to get Christian's attention.
"Did you take him out?" Kirk called when he had it.
"Yeah. Coast is clear."
"Wait... take who out?" Sheldon demanded, still very unsure of what was happening.
"The operative employed to keep surveillance on your home," Kirk replied simply, before stepping over the window ledge and making his way down the wall before jumping to the ground.
"What?!"
"We will explain more if you would follow us..."
Sheldon hesitated, looking back at his closed bedroom door.
"I'll... I'll come through the front."
He shook his head incredulously as he made his way to the front door and outside.
"Chris man!"
"Jacob," Christian nodded as they shook hands, exchanging a smile, "or do you prefer Sheldon?"
"Sheldon, actually..."
Kirk cleared his throat and they both looked at him.
"Sorry to interrupt, but we have a situation."
"Oh, of course," Christian frowned, returning his gaze to Sheldon.
"Guffery knows and he's had surveillance on you for weeks. A month actually. We came as soon as we heard, but we really think you should go underground..."
"I can't hide for the rest of my life," Sheldon insisted instantly.
"We wouldn't expect you to," Kirk insisted, raising his hands, "I suggest until this thing blows over for now."
"This is Guffery. It will never blow over," Sheldon shook his head.
"For now then until we can sort out what to do."
"I don't want you to get caught," Christian said sincerely, looking directly into Sheldon's eyes, "and... you could see Emily if you wanted?"
A look of incredulous washed over Sheldon's face.
"Emily?" he barely breathed.
"She's with us, safe and sound," Kirk nodded.
"Well... wow. How did... I heard you got taken in man..."
"Yeah I did. And Taylor and Isaac did the rescuing thing."
"I can't believe you're his f***ing clone, man."
"Don't change the subject. Are you coming with us or not?"
Christian chuckled a little as Sheldon hesitated. He soon shrugged.
"I have nothing here," he said softly.
"You don't want to let your Mom know or anything?" Christian made sure.
"She's not even here," he shrugged, "my Aunt took her somewhere for some kind of spiritual cleansing thing and basically left me in the lurch. My sibs will be fine."
Christian shrugged at that.
"Cool," Kirk nodded with a grin, "then let's go."