Chapter 3 peoples. I've been busy moving, and my mom has been in and out of the hospital so I haven't had much time or inspiration for any of my stories. Sorry it took so long for this one. Let me know what you think. read favorite review. hell read my other stuff if you want. If you've got an idea or something you would like to read let me know and I can see what I can do. don't like my writing? that's ok tell me why and it will be a learning experience for me.

Sitting before her were two pieces of flesh. Alex could feel the blood sticking to her back and neck as she stared ahead unblinking hiding in her own mind to escape the pain. Apart from the scream she released when Michael set to work on her second tattoo Alex had remained silent, determined not to allow him the satisfaction of making her beg. Placing the scapel back amongst his other tools Michael grabbed a towel wiping the bood from his hands as he considered his options. He had the answers he needed to satisfy Percy, but he couldn't bring himself to leave just yet. She's keeping something from me.

Most of the trainers didn't believe that torture was necessary to induct new recruits into division lifestyle, and as usual Michael disagreed. Showing a recruit first hand just what you are willing and able to do to get what you want develops a level of fear that is needed to keep them in line. Not to mention it allowed the trainer to test the recruits limits, push their boundaries until their weakness shows itself. It would serve Michael's purpose to exploit whatever fear she has hidden away. Not only to enforce the harsh reality that she had no control in this new life he was giving her, but also to strengthen her resistance to torture methods should she be captured by enemy factions.

For Birkhoff it had been guns, all they had to do when he had first arrived from prison was press a 9 mil to his temple and ask if he would rather work for Division or get a bullet to the brain. Amanda had cracked under psychological warfare, once she had finished her training it was only a week before she was promoted to head of their psychoanalysis department. Not even Percy was sure how she managed to persuade her predecessor to hang himself. Of course nothing could be proven, but Michael knew that the man she replaced had been in charge of her induction into Division.

Just as he was picking up the bamboo shoots the door opened and in walked Amanda. Speak of the devil. "Bamboo shoots? Really Michael, surely that poor girl just needs to be shown that all we want is to prepare her for the world that lies outside these walls, and give her the tools to remake herself into someone better." Alex had yet to acknowledge the new arrival proving just how far into her own subconcious she had hidden away, which was noted by both Michael and Amanda. "I'm not done with her yet Amanda you're just going to have to wait your turn." Despite the agressive tone, Amanda was unfazed as she moved forward to better assess the damage Michael had done during his short time alone with the girl. "She is a pretty one, Percy was right about that. He thinks he may have a use for her in a few upcoming missions, and he wants her cooperation with the least amount of physical persuasion possible."

Eyeing the two sections of skin sitting on the table Amanda gently lifted Alex's hair to better see the gaping holes Michael had left in their place. "Tsk tsk. Percy thinks it would be best for me to take over while you are briefed on her first mission. Don't worry Michael, I'll have her ready to start training by the time you get back." There was nothing he could do, he had to report to the briefing, those were his orders. No matter how much he hated having to do anything Amanda told him. Growling his protest Michael slammed the bamboo shoots back down before storming out of the room towards Percy's office. Fucking psycho bitch.

Amanda took the vacant seat across from Alex ignoring Michael's little tantrum, focusing instead on the girl before her. Long ago Alex had learned to disappear behind walls she built in her own mind. She was vaguely aware of a new presence, but she was acutely aware of the exact moment Michael had left the room. Her defenses dropped slightly in relief in his absence. "I know you're in there Alex. It's safe to come out, I give you my word I only want to talk." Despite not wanting to trust whoever this woman was Alex couldn't help but do as she said in hopes that maybe just maybe she was telling the truth.

A slow blink was the only sign Amanda had that Alex had heard her. The pain made it difficult to focus, but Alex kept her face blank as she took in the strangely serene woman who was now sitting across from her. "My name is Amanda. I am here to help you adjust to your new life." There was something very unsettling about Amanda that Alex couldn't quite put her finger on. They sat in silence for a moment before a small smile appeared on Amanda's face. "I can understand your hesitation, especially considering your treatment thus far. What you need to understand is everyone here is just doing their job. The medical staff that ensured your easy detox. The gaurds that secured you to that chair. Even Michael, they were all just doing their job." Snorting in a very unlady like fashion Alex glared at Amanda before asking in disbelief, "It's his job to torture people for no good reason? What kind of fucked up place does that?"

The frown that quickly replaced the smile on Amanda's face showed her dislike of Alex's language. "This is a place for new beginings Alex, but you have to earn it. You will have to make sacrifices but I can assure you it is worth it in the end. Given the alternative I would think you would have no objections to being subject to some training if it meant you would get to live comfortably outside of your jail cell." Sighing Alex let her shoulders slump forward in defeat. "I'm already dead so I don't got much of a choice huh?"