The Reptilian Corp Chapter 1

 ✨ The art of chase ✨

        - GREECE -

Lep's heart pounds in his chest. Blood rushes through his veins. He sprints through the streets of Athens, only yards away from his Target. He clutches a stolen hard drive in his hands.

Lep : Give us the hard drive !

Target : Never !

The target pivots, bolting into a historic amphitheatre.

He pushes past the packed crowd inside..

Target : Outta my way!

The crowd closes in behind him, obscuring Lep's path. Lep pushes aside the crowd, eyes locked on the target.

Lep : move bitch, I'm gay.

Audience member : okay fruity ass.

Lep ignores them, pressing forward towards his target. He glances back as Lep gains on him.

Target : no!

The target turns back onto the streets and Lep follows closing the distance.

Lep : almost...there...

Across the street, Lep's partner Jessy Hallquist rushes to cut him off from the front.

Lep's earpiece crackles to life as Jessy starts speaking over his comms.

(Jessy) : He has nowhere to run.

(Lep) : We may have time for dinner. We could go to our favorite hotel by the sea, the one where we had our first date?

(Jessy) : you are impossible. How about we actually catch him first? All RC agents are counting on us.

(Lep) : Darling, consider him already caught. This is me we're talking about.

(Jessy) : trust me, after 5 years as partners, i know all too well.

•••

Just ahead, Jessy cuts through a narrow alley, while Lep stays on the target's tail.

(Jessy) : I'm closing in, but... This guy's quick.

(Lep) : Maybe there's a way we can slow him down... Remember Shanghai?

(Jessy) : now there's an idea.

As the target runs towards Jessy, he knocks over a large food cart, blocking his way.

Target : no..no...NO

Lep : Doing some shopping? Here leme take that hard drive off your hands.

Lep makes a grab at him, but the target sidesteps and parkours up the walls. Lep glances at Jessy beside him and switches the comms off.

Lep : why do they always run -

Jessy : must be your charming demeanor.

They both climb up to follow the target's movement from rooftop to rooftop, dropping down just in front of the Parthenon.

Target : Leave me alone.

The target scrambles up the Parthenon's scaffolding and up to the top. Lep nods to Jessy, they split up and scurry after him.

They both flank either side of the target, he looks around desperate to flee.

Lep : missed me?

Jessy : you're trapped. You won't get through us.

Target : i beg to differ.

The man spins towards Lep, his fist coming towards Lep's face. The target swings at him but Lep ducks, easily avoiding him.

Lep : I'm over here.

Target : ugh...

Lep : oh my, am i flustering you?

Jessy : Lep heads up

Jessy crouches, extending his leg out towards the target. Jessy's leg knocks the target off balance. While the assailant is distracted, Lep jabs his eye.

Target ; ouch-

Lep : give up yet? 

Lep faces the target as he looks around for an escape...then he hurls himself off the roof, he grabs a rope at the last second, sliding to the ground with ease.

Jessy : Dammit. He's a slippery little guy, come on let's finish the job.

•••

On the streets below, the target runs toward a by standee on a motorcycle.

Target : gimme that

Bystander : HELLO? 

The target shoves the bystander off the motorcycle and hops on before zooming away.

Target : see ya suckers

Lep (glares): damn how are we going to catch up to him now?

Jessy (smiles): with those.

Jessy points to a couple of motorcycles nearby, waiting to be rented by tourists.

Jessy : you thinking what I'm thinking? (Winks)

Lep (grins) : when in Athens...

Jessy : hell yes.

The two of them hurries to the sleek, white motorcycles and make quick work of hotwiring them. Soon, they purr to life.

Jessy : music to my ears

Lep swings onto one of the bikes and looks at Jessy.

Lep : Ready to run that man into the ground 

Jessy : born ready.

Lep touches his earpiece.

Lep : RC, I'm requesting help tracking a target. Can I get someone from oversight to get an eye on traffic cams?

(Stella) : Request received, Agent Belov... Your target is headed north, coming up on a major intersection. 

Lep : you heard her, we go north

With a rev, they speed off after the target, weaving expertly through the traffic. 

Jessy : wooooo! It's been ages since I've felt wind in my hair like this. 

Lep easily maneuvers around a pedestrian, who screams in surprise as he speeds past. 

Lep : probably not since that time in Sydney, right? 

Jessy : ah yes, the infamous car chase along the Pacific motorway.. if I recall correctly and I always do, i beat you to the target that time too. 

Lep : by a split second! 

Jessy : a win is a win babe, which means... 

He revs the motorcycle and speeds ahead of Lep, he yells back at him

Jessy : ... I can do it again! 

Lep : Jessy, enjoy eating my dust, pure hubris. The bigger the talk, the harder the fall... 

Jessy : then show me what you got. 

Lep pulls up alongside Jessy as the two of them begin to close the distance to the target. 

Target : Damn RC agents

Seeing them in hot pursuit, he drives down a steep hill gaining even more speed. 

Jessy : oh no you don't.

Jessy pulls ahead again, head down low as he weaves between startled pedestrians.

Lep : we'll never catch up to him with all these people, we need to cut him off somehow.

Lep scans the area, noticing the low, flat roofs on the nearby buildings. 

Just ahead, a truck with a long ramp attached to the back beckons..

Lep : bingo (grins)

Lep speeds up to the platform, flying high into the air before landing on a nearby roof with ease. 

(Jessy) : showoff. 

(Lep) : one of us had to add a lil flair y'know.

From above, he bounces off platforms and rails, jumping from roof to roof. The target looks up as he gains on him.

Target : no..no..NO.

(Jessy) : oh he's getting desperate now.

(Lep) : just how I like 'em

With another rev, Lep leaps off the roof just ahead of the target.

Target: how the-

Lep : so we meet again.

The target flinches at his sudden appearance. He looks behind him only to see Jessy closing in.

Jessy : You didn't think you were getting away that easily, did you?

Lep : are we going to do the easy way or the hard way?

Target : rahh.

The target looks at an adjacent alleyway.

Jessy : quick! Stop him.

Lep reaches for his gun with one hand while keeping his motorcycle steady with the other.

Lep : hard way it is.

With no hesitation, he unholsters his gun.

Lep : time for something, I'd like to call...Athens Drift

With a sharp squeal of his tires, Lep spins the motorcycle around so that he's driving it backwards, facing the approaching target.

Target : the hell-

Lep : baby let the games end.

Lep shoots, his aim as always, is impeccable and the bullet pierces the front tire 

Target : woah-

The motorcycle flips over and crashes into the sidewalk as the target goes flying.

Jessy (grins) : there he goes.

Lep skid his ride to a stop as the target lands. He rolls across the concrete with a pained groan.

Target : unngh..

Lep : should've picked the easier way. RC, Belov reporting in. The target is down.

(Stella) : Acknowledged, Agent. I'll notify the Athens branch to expect you soon.

Pulling out a set of handcuffs, Lep kneels and cuffs the target as Jessy pulls up beside him on his motorcycle.

Jessy : now that was a takedown. I'd give it ten points.

Lep : only ten? (Smirks)

Jessy : nine after that remark.

Lep: maybe I can earn back that point back tonight. 

Jessy : now you're talking, but you gotta work for it.

Lep : trust me, I'm up for the challenge.

Jessy : You're back at 9.5, you can beg me for the rest (smirks)

Lep : (pull his hair down from the bun) (sultry smile)

Oh, i won't be the one begging.

With a laugh, Jessy abandons his motorcycle and saunters over to him. He playfully tugs at Lep's waistband. Pulling lep closer to him.

Jessy : i look forward to it.

Lep closes the distance and captures his lip in a fleeting kiss.

Lep : so do i.

Target : ugh...pda....

Lep : our guest is right, Jessy. We should leave it for the bedroom. 

Lep looked through the Target's pockets until he found what he was looking for.

Lep : I'll be taking that back. So you're gonna tell us who wants Intel on every RC agent? Or will I have to force it out of you?

The Target spots at your feet. Jessy chuckles next to Lep

Jessy : i love whenn they get spicy, he'll be a fun one back at HQ.

Jessy noticed that the hard drive is still intact. No damages from the chase.

Lep : looks like we managed not to rough him up too much.

Jessy : RC will be thrilled to get this back in one piece.

Lep flaunts the hard drive in front of the target.

Lep : you hear that? You failed.

Target : yeah thanks, captain obvious.

The target weakly struggles as they lead him back to their car.

Target : this... isn't..the end....

Lep : shutcho goofy ass up.

Lep forced his head down and pushed him into the backseat of the car. He turned to Jessy as he fiddles with his glasses and gives him a smile.

Jessy : looks like you saved the day.

He wrapped his arms around Lep's waist and pressed his mouth to his.

Lep holds him close, deepening the kiss for just a moment, leaving Jessy hungry for more and adrenaline courses through both of them.

Lep : it's all because of you.

Jessy : such a flatterer

Lep : i mean it though, when we're together, we're unstoppable.

Jessy : we do make an amazing team, huh?

After one more kiss, the both of them turn back to the car, but the air is too still... The target is silent.

Lep : wait, something doesn't feel right.

Jessy : what do you mean? We won Lep.

As a cold chill passes through Lep, he locks eyes with the target.

Target : good bye~

... Only to see that he's flipped open his watch, revealing a hidden switch.

Lep : no!

With a menacing grin, the target presses the switch.

Jessy : Lep!

Jessy pushes Lep hard, shoving him out of the way as the car erupts in flames.

-kaboom-

Lep : ungh!

The force of the explosion throws him back, and his head slams hard against the ground.

His heartbeat pounds in his ears, there's smoke everywhere, filling his lungs. He coughs as his head throbs in pain.

Lep : nngh..

He finally pulled himself up and squinted through the haze of smoke, looking for.. 

Lep : J.. Jessy..? JESSY!!?

The smoke blows past and he notices Jessy on his back, not moving. He fights through the pain in his body and crawls towards him.

Lep : no.. please no... Jessy, speak to me!

But Jess doesn't answer. Choking back a sob, he cradles his body in his arms. Lep checked his breathing, his pulse..but nothing.

Lep : this can't be happening...

With all the strength he had left, he placed Jessy on his back and attempted CPR.

Lep : cmon Jessy, i know you're in there.

With every push of his hands against Jessy's chest, Lep felt his energy waning more and more.

Lep : don't you leave me now.. come back to me!!

It's no use... Jessy is gone....

Lep : no...

Lep's vision begins to darken. He lays himself over Jessy, holding him tight and the darkness swallows him...

•••

One year later..... 

   - SWITZERLAND -

After another mission, Lep returns to his apartment near RC Headquarters.

Lep glares at himself in the mirror, adjusting his shirt.

Lep : hm.. i guess it's fine.

As he continues to fuss over his hair, his phone rings. With a heavy sigh, he begrudgingly answers.

Lep : Hello Stella, let me guess, the new boss wants to make sure I'll be in the office today?

Stella : Director Hawks specifically asked me to confirm your appointment for 2 pm.

Lep (irritated) : yes, yes. I'm coming in. Although i don't think it's necess--

Stella ; excellent, I'll make a note that it's confirmed.

A lil friendly advice, Agent Belov? A good first impression goes a long way. Like dressing sharp and being on time..

Lep : You act as if i haven't been a Viper for years already, Stella.

Stella : More like you haven't been around to see me for a while... I had someone drop off a special something for you. Check your closet.

With that she ends the call. Inside Lep's closet, he finds a garment bag with a note labelled, 'Good luck today. -Stella'

Lep : Dress sharp huh, This certainly would be a way to return in style. Remind them who Lep Belov really is.

He finishes buttoning up his vest and adjusting his crimson pocket square, he pulled his hair down and brushed it. Then he glanced in the mirror, nodding in approval.

Lep : i don't clean up half bad, if I do say so myself.... Which I do. (Grins) Hopefully this impresses the new boss. But if not...

He shrugged nonchalantly. He looks hot and he doesn't care about anyone's opinion.

He grabbed his things, holstered his trusty pistol then hesitated. On the nightstand, half broken glasses glint in the low light.

It was Jessy's glasses. 

Lep (frowns) : even a year later, it's not easier.

With a heavy sigh, he slides the glasses in his pocket and heads out.

•••

A short drive later, he pulls up outside Reptilian Corp HQs and heads straight to the director's office on the top floor.

He leans on the assistant's desk just outside the doors, turning on the charm for Stella.

Lep : Viper Agent Belov, i have that appointment with Director Hawks.

Stella : Belov! You're here. I'm afraid you're.. half an hour early. The director isn't ready to see you yet.

Lep checked his watch which read 2'o'clock on the dot. 

Lep : but I'm on time, like you asked.

She gave Lep a once-over smile as she took in his suit.

Stella : And you dressed the part too. Glad you took my advice on the outfit, Belov. You're looking smart. Very smart.

Lep : (smiles) ...smart enough to be on time.

Stella glances at her notes, then nervously tucks a stray hair behind her ear .

Stella : Here's the thing. Director Hawks was made aware of your.. reputation for being late. 

Lep (in shock) : my what?

Stella : in short, he purposefully set the meeting time earlier, expecting you to be late.

Lep (agitated) : it's not my fault I haven't been to the office as much since... Since...

The weight of Jessy's glasses in his pocket is suddenly unbearable. It takes all his strength not to reach for it.

Lep : well I'm here now, 'reputation' aside.

Stella : The situation still stands. Director Hawks will see you in half an hour.

Lep : for the love of... Stella.. I'm never late, everyone is hella early.

Stella (smiles) : Despite how much you believe it, the World does not revolve around you, I'm afraid.

Lep : nonsense. Perhaps I should take this up with the director--

He begins to walk towards the office door but Stella tugs his arm, stopping him.

Stella : nice try, but Director Hawks was clear. No disturbances. Meanwhile let me point you to the shooting range. It's been upgraded since you were here last. I think you'll like what they've done to it.

Lep : i suppose there's nothing better to do..

With a hair flip, he follows Stella's directions to the shooting range. When he enters, he lets out an impressed whistle.

Lep : Stella wasn't kidding, i don't even recognise this place anymore.

The range is empty... Except for an agent at the last stall. The unfamiliar sharpshooter nails headshot after headshot as he approached.

Lep : damn..

He watched as he hit his Target with stunning accuracy. Finally, when he's out of bullets, he glances over his shoulder at Lep.

Lep studies him, from the confident way he stands to the steel determination in his eyes as he studies Lep back.

??? : Speechless?

Lep (smiles) : Not at all. Just impressed by your skill and your looks.

??? : i don't see how physical appearance can be impressive, but thanks i guess.

Lep : I'm happy to shower you with compliments anytime. 

??? : that's what I'm afraid of.

Lep extended a friendly hand towards the man, slipping into his familiar charm. However, instead of taking it, he watches Lep with careful calculation.

Lep : i think we got off on the wrong foot. I'm--

??? : Viper Agent Lep Belov. You've been working on lone wolf missions ever since the unexpected death of your partner of five years...

Lep suppresses a wince at the mention of Jessy but it doesn't deter him.

??? : and you've refused to take a new one. You think rules are meant to be bent not broken. You flirt with anything to everything that moves, but that's mostly due to your overinflated ego. 

Lep : so you've done some homework. Impressed?

His eyes scan Lep's suit and study him carefully.

He lingers perhaps a beat too long on his new outfit...

??? : you're not what I expected.

Lep : so you expected to meet me... Surprised to find me so sexy and attractive. (Smirks and hair flips)

??? (Smiles ) : the suit is stylish. That's all.

Lep : I'm at a disadvantage here. I don't even know your name.

??? : it's Nikolai Adalhard. Viper Agent Nikolai Adalhard.

The name sounds familiar, but Lep couldn't place it.

Lep takes in his appearance, carefully observing his stance, his outfit, his expression... 

Lep : i can't say I know you, but I'm a quick study.

Nik : oh? And what have you learned?

Lep : you love your rules too much.

Nik : Rules are in place for a reason. Without them, the World falls into chaos.

Lep saunters closer to him, a smirk playing at his lips.

Lep : but sometimes it pays to be flexible.

Nikolai scoffs, unimpressed. He turns his back to Lep and reloads his pistol.

Nik : did you come here to shoot, or to annoy me? Because my time is better spent in other ways.

Lep : y'know, there's more to being an agent than making the cleanest shots.. some times it's about Charming others and getting close to your target...

Lep took a step towards him, standing just behind him... Close enough to catch a whiff of cinnamon.

Nik : you talk big game for someone who's run off every fellow Viper assigned to him. You think your skills are still sharp, after all this time in the shadows.

Lep : i achieve great things from the shadows. I don't need to visit a fancy shooting range to know how good I am... Or any other Viper's approval.

Nik : fine if you're so talented then prove it.

Nikolai turns back to Lep. He sees the challenge in nik's gaze and he puts his face close to Lep's.

Nik : a shooting competition right here, right now. 

(Smirks) Unless ...you're scared you'll lose?

Lep : baby let the games begin. You'll regret this.

Nik : somehow I really don't think that.

Nikolai hits the button on the wall. The target riddled with holes are taken away on a ceiling conveyor.

New targets drop down, now lining the wall, ready for decimation.

Nik : we each get a target and one clip. Whoever ranks more points wins.

Lep : seems fair, i accept.

Scanning the gun rack, Lep chooses the same pistol Nikolai has and loads it.

Nik : let's see what you got agent Belov.

Lep : please, if I'm going to beat you, you should atleast call me Lep.

Nik : are you going to shoot or keep stalling.

Lep : may the best agent win.

Lep holds out his hand. Nikolai takes it and gives a firm lingering shake.

Nik ( smiles) : oh i plan on it.

Lep : keep planning.

Nik : shoot already.

Lep steps up before his target, Falling into the same stance that's now a muscle memory. He lifts the gun and lines up his shot.. and fires.

The bullet pierces through the collarbone.

Nik : not bad, but not great.

Lep : everyone's a critic. How about you put your money where your mouth is.

Without hesitation he lifts his own gun and fires off a shot. It tears into the target's heart.

Lep : mmmm. That's a 10.

Nik (smiles) : you can show your awe. I know you want to.

Lep : alas, maybe if it was a headshot...

Nik purses his lips and glares at Lep, though for a moment, Lep wonders if he's about to crack a smile.

Nik : your turn. 'put your money where your mouth is'

Lep takes a deep breath and lines up his next shot.

He pulls the trigger and the bullet fires right into the target's head. 

Nik (shocked) : wow-

Lep : if you shower me with flattery like that, i might faint. Now, I believe that puts me ahead of you.

Nik lifts his gun.

Nik : not for long. 

Nikolai rolls is neck before getting back into position. As he aims at his target, Lep notices that nik's concentration is a little skewed.

Lep : you're sexy when you get all flustered.

As soon as Lep spoke, he noticed Nikolai twitch ever so slightly.

Nik : what-.... quiet..

Hardly missing a beat, he forces himself to focus and fires a bullet right into the target's head.

Nik : your lil tactics won't work on me.

Lep : I'm just being sincere.

Nik quickly turns his head, not daring to look Lep in the eyes.

Nik (irritated) : just... Take your next shot.

Lep : hm? What's that? I can't hear you over the sound of your hotness.

Nik : jeez, shoot already 

The competition heats up. Nikolai meets Lep shot after shot, pushing him to do better.

Lep : 50 bucks if I can get the left shoulder.

Nik : i don't gamble.

Lep : ever? Or just with colleagues?

Nik : does it make a difference?

Lep watches him, eyes raking from his shoulders to the subtle flex of his arms.

And when Lep makes his next shot, he felt his eyes on him too. Lep's pulse races, he couldn't figure out if it's nikolai or adrenaline rushing through him.

Lep : one shot left. Looks like we're almost tied.

Nik : i have a lead of ten points.

He looks at his gun and nods, he aims...

Nik : breathe in, breathe out.

He pulls the trigger but his shot hits the ear.

Nik : damn it

Lep lines his shot and fires. Lep grins as the bullet drives right into the head.

Lep : that's what I call a win

Nikolai sighs and sets his gun down. He holds his hand out for Lep.

Nik : whatever you won fair and square, congratulations.

Lep takes his hands and gives it a squeeze. It's warm and comforting.

Lep : i told ya, i had the skills.

Nik : boasting isn't becoming.

Lep : who said I was aiming for class? You're just salty you lost.

Nik : don't think this over, agent Belov 

He steps upto Lep, determination in the furrow of his brow.

Nik : I'm not about to be shown up by a fool like you.

Lep : you're so on for a rematch.

Nik : deal.

But neither of them moved. They're barely a foot apart. Lep can feel the heat of Nikolai's body and he can catch the scent of...

Lep : cinnamon 

Nik : what?...

Lep : you smell like cinnamon 

Nik : i-.. my cologne 

Lep (smiles ) ; it's nice..

Nik seems uncertain how to respond... But he makes no move to step away.

Instead the two of them sway even closer. As if drawn together like magnets.

Stella : agent Belov?

Lep is startled as the door opens and Stella pops her head in.

Stella : oh- i hope I am not interrupting anything, but the director is ready to see you, Agent Belov

Lep turns back to Nikolai, but he quickly turns away and returns to t

he gun rack.

Lep : rematch is still on

Nik : brush up on your technique, because I'll be honing mine.

With this Lep follows Stella to Director Hawks office.

•••

The director's office is spacious and cold, with a modern sensibility. The man rises from his desk to shake Lep's hand. 

Lucifer : Agent Belov. I'm glad we can finally meet in person, I've read a lot about you. 

Luce takes a moment to note the outfit and nods in approval. 

Lucifer : i love when my agents dress the part for our meetings. 

Lep : let's just say I love dressing up. 

Lucifer : i see, i was told you're one of our more stylish agents and you live up to the expectations. 

Lep : mhm (hair flip)

Lep takes a seat across the desk from Director Hawks as he glances at his computer. 

Lucifer : first off, my sympathies for the loss of your partner. Agent Hallquist. It can't be easy given the... state of your relationship. 

Lep swallows hard, feeling the outlines of Jessy's glasses. 

Lep : that's correct, sir we were very close. I do miss him everyday but I'm trying my best to move on. 

Lucifer : your hardwork won't go unnoticed. If it weren't the two of you, all of RC's agents would've been compromised. 

Lep : he knew the risks and so do i. 

The director's gaze is solemn. 

Luce : I've called you in today because I believe you're the best Viper for this job. There's a sharp increase of global ransomware attacks. 

Lep : what ransomware requires a Viper's attention, much less RC's? 

Luce : at first our analysts concluded the same but when Brisco oil refused to pay the ransom, the hacker retaliated and detonated the company's largest oil rig in the gulf of Mexico. 

Lep : casualties? 

Luce : 7, but the oil spill will affect countless more

And this is how it caught our attention. 

I want you to look into these attacks and bring the hacker to justice before this escalates. 

Lep : I'm on it sir.... But you could've sent me the dossier. The old director didn't make me come for my mission briefings. 

Luce : i could've but i noticed a trend in how you handle your assignments. You tend to bend to rules. 

Lep : what can I say, i live in the gray area. 

Luce : ordinarily, I'd take no issue, but this hacker can cause monumental collateral damage. 

This mission has to be done by the book which means I'll be assigning you a new partner. 

Lep : a new partner? Absolutely not!? Director Hawks, i work alone. I'm fine on my own i don't see why that has to change. 

Lucifer : i know you think highly of yourself Belov but this mission requires more than a single Viper. 

Before Lep could protest any further, the director hits a button on his desk

Lucifer : Stella, send him in. 

Lep turns in his chair, ready to dismiss whoever Viper the director has chosen for him.

Lep's jaw drops when he lays eyes on a familiar figure... 

Lep : you?! 

Lucifer : Agent, I'd like you to meet Nikolai Adalhard as your new partner. 

Nik : hello agent Belov. Let's get to work, shall we? 

•••