Vanessa begins a new relationship with an assistant district attorney. Like herself, Malcolm Devane is ambitious and committed to the cause, and the pair have several passionate discussions. It helps that he is also quite attractive. The pair become close very quickly, and he seems really interested in Vanessa. Unlike many of her old flames she also knows he understands her job. But that's her official job, not the one she does for Delta Green. She thinks about the things she's seen, the things she may very well see in the future, and she pulls back. Malcolm notices, but seems willing to give her the space she needs for now, and things continue on as they were before. But she wonders how long this is possible.
Nik in turn throws himself into his relationship, perhaps masking the horrors he's experienced by committing to Debbie. She seems grateful for the extra attention, and things are good between them. Though she does chide him for not sticking to his diet.
Rue largely keeps to himself, but he seems to be trying to lay low as well.
And so their routine continues for nearly three months, until August. It is then that one day an email arrives for the three of them. As usual it is from a throwaway account, and labeled a Night at the Opera.
An operation has come up that requires S-Cell's skills.
Effective tomorrow you will be assigned to the FBI office in New York City. You'll be conducting an operation under one of our agents, whose name will be given to you by your superiors within the FBI. Ensure you are ready for the trip.
Due to recent events and in an effort to avoid telegraphing operations, agent SCOTT will remain within the Phoenix field office so as to give deniability. Additional agents will be assigned to S-Cell to assist STANLEY and SALLY if it is deemed necessarily.
Be Seeing you,
ALPHONSE
Rue seems half relieved, half disappointed that he won't be joining the others, but promoises to keep his head down. He does tell the team to contact him if things become dicey, however.
Sure enough, halfway through the day Vanassa and Nik are called into the SAC's office. Their boss gets straight to the point.
“I won't mince words, agents. There's apparently a big operation being conducted in NYC. It's very hush hush, all I could get was that it's some sort of counter terrorism operation, whatever that means.
"You two have been specifically requested. Guess someone on the team appreciates your work. You'll be leaving early tomorrow, the 18th. Once you arrive at New York headquarters, you'll meet with special agent Curtis McRay, who will fill you in on what exactly this mission will entail.”
Though the SAC does not say it, both agents know that NYC is one of if not the most prestigious postings in the FBI. Depending on how things go on this mission, their careers may very well see a boost, and maybe even a permanent reassignment should either want it.