Ivy leaned back slightly, her gaze sweeping across all three of them.
Then she spoke.
"Tell me," she said calmly, "is any one of you the leader of your group?"
Phoebe and Polly immediately shook their heads. "No."
Poppy's expression stiffened for a brief moment.
'Damn it…' he thought, irritation flashing in his eyes. 'I could've claimed it…'
Ivy noticed. And she smiled faintly.
"I have a task for you," she continued.
The room grew quieter. "A very important one."
All three of them straightened slightly, interest piqued.
"But before that," Ivy added, "you'll need to prove your usefulness."
The three exchanged quick glances. Then...they nodded.
"We're listening," Phoebe said.
Ivy folded her hands loosely.
"The task is simple," she said. "You will act as spies."
A pause. "You will infiltrate another base."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
