Page 61 of Crocodile Tears
“Hostile extraction of primary assets by professional contractors using specialized equipment designed for shifter containment.Their demands focused on research applications rather than financial compensation.”
Cheung just stares at me.“Mr.Morrison, could you explain this in terms that don’t require military translation?”
Before I can rephrase my response, Becci jumps in with her own version of events that demonstrates her scientific approach to information organization.
“The criminal organization led by Dr.Vega deployed a six-person extraction team equipped with restraint systems specifically calibrated for reptilian shifter physiology,” she begins with the systematic precision she applies to everything.“Their operational objective involved coercing my participation in genetic modification research that would adapt naturally occurring accelerated healing capabilities for human military applications.”
She continues for several minutes, providing detailed analysis of the kidnapping methodology, facility construction, research objectives, and escape protocols.Her explanation includes chemical formulas, biological terminology, and systematic breakdowns that would be impressive in a peer-reviewed journal but clearly overwhelm agents who deal with more conventional criminal activities.
“The genetic sequencing data they sought involves identifying specific protein expressions that regulate cellular regeneration rates in reptilian shifter populations,” she explains while drawing diagrams on a piece of paper she liberates from the stack in front of the agents.“The applications for trauma medicine are significant, but weaponizing the research would create tactical advantages that fundamentally alter combat recovery capabilities.”
Scalaazi and Cheung exchange glances that suggest they’re witnessing a tennis match between a dictionary and a telegram.My tactical briefing covered essential facts in minimal time while Becci’s scientific explanation provides comprehensive detail that requires advanced degrees to fully appreciate.
“So, to clarify,” Cheung says carefully, “Dr.Santos was kidnapped because her research could create super-healing soldiers, and Mr.Morrison conducted a rescue operation to prevent military applications of medical research?”
“That’s an accurate summary of the primary operational objectives,” I confirm.
“That’s a gross oversimplification of complex genetic research with multiple humanitarian applications,” Becci corrects with obvious frustration at the reduced complexity.
Agent Scalaazi makes notes while clearly struggling to reconcile our different communication styles.“What is the nature of your relationship with each other?”
The question catches us both unprepared.I realize we haven’t actually discussed how to categorize what exists between us for official purposes or civilian explanations.
“Dr.Santos was my extraction target who became my romantic interest,” I say while trying to find terminology that covers the complexity of our situation.
“Mr.Morrison is my tactical boyfriend with rescue capabilities,” Becci adds with scientific precision that somehow makes the relationship sound like a research classification.
Both agents stare at us with expressions that suggest our explanations created more confusion than clarity.
“So you’re dating?”Scalaazi asks with careful neutrality.
“We’re building a relationship that accommodates both my security consulting work and her scientific research while acknowledging that external threats may require ongoing tactical collaboration,” I say with the kind of precision that probably makes civilian dating sound like military alliance negotiations.
“We’re applying systematic methodology to romantic partnership development while integrating enhanced reptilian biology and shared experiences involving international criminal organizations,” Becci adds with enthusiasm that suggests she’s enjoying the opportunity to explain our relationship in scientific terms.
Agent Cheung stops taking notes entirely and looks between us with obvious bewilderment.“Are you two always like this?”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re conducting a briefing for extraterrestrials who’ve never encountered human relationships before.”
Becci grins with obvious delight.“That’s actually an excellent analogy for how we communicate about emotional topics.”
The debriefing continues for another hour, during which we learn Nikolai’s intelligence network provided enough information for coordinated raids on Vega’s operations.The Colombian government discovered sufficient illegal activities to shut down the research facility and ensure Dr.Vega receives lengthy prison sentences for kidnapping, human trafficking, and weapons development.
“The immediate threat to Dr.Santos has been neutralized,” Scalaazi says while reviewing the operational summary.“However, we recommend maintaining security protocols until all associated networks are confirmed dismantled.”
“How long do you estimate that process will require?”I ask while calculating the logistics of extended protection arrangements.
“Sixty to ninety days for complete network analysis and asset seizure.”Cheung closes his file with obvious satisfaction.“Your extraction operation provided intelligence that made the larger investigation possible.”
The administrative aspects of our return take most of the morning.Everything requires a mountain of paperwork since the government makes military bureaucracy look efficient.By the time we reach Becci’s apartment building, I feel like we’ve been processed through multiple government agencies for the past ten years.The familiar sights of civilian life create cognitive dissonance after several days of tactical operations, jungle survival, and NSA debriefing.
“This feels surreal,” says Becci while staring at her apartment building with obvious uncertainty.“Like we’re returning to someone else’s life rather than our own.”
I understand exactly what she means.The relationship that developed during our escape exists in circumstances that don’t translate directly to normal civilian routines.I wonder if what we found together can survive environments that don’t involve life-threatening situations and shared tactical objectives.
“Are we going to be okay?”she asks with the directness she applies to important questions.“I mean, does this work when we’re not running from international criminals?”
