Getting TO know One Another

Rico leaned back on the couch, hands behind his head. "Alright, since we're apparently stuck together, how about we actually get to know each other?"

Jade shrugged. "Fine."

Ari glanced at everyone nervously but nodded in agreement.

Skye smirked. "Well, since you're so eager, why don't you start, Rico?"

Rico sat up, grinning. "You know what? I will. Name's Rico Mercer. Eighteen. I'm the fastest shot here, and my teleportation makes me pretty damn hard to hit. I like messing with people.

Jade sighs.

"—but I take my job seriously when it counts," Rico finished, smirking. "That's all you're getting for now."

Skye rolled her eyes. "Yeah, we got that part already." She crossed her arms. "Skye Voss. Seventeen. Tech genius, hacker, and builder. If it's high-tech, I can control it. I'm not much for combat, but I can make sure we always have the best gear. Oh, and I don't do morning conversations."

Ari gave a small smile. "I'm Ari Quinn. Sixteen. I specialize in long-range sniping. I'm not as talkative as you guys, but… I'll pull my weight." She looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "That's it."

Jade gave her an approving nod.

Gage, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke. "Gage Hunter. Nineteen." His deep voice carried weight. "Heavy artillery. If something needs to be destroyed, I handle it." That was all he said before leaning back again.

Jade sighed. "Guess that leaves me. Jade Graves. Seventeen. Sniper, strategist. I get the job done, simple as that."

Silence.

The moment her last name left her mouth, everyone turned to her.

Graves.

A name that carried weight. A name that once belonged to a legend.

Rico raised an eyebrow. "Graves, huh?" He let out a low whistle. "Didn't expect that."

Ari looked at her in quiet surprise. Skye narrowed her eyes slightly, processing the information. Gage didn't react much, but there was a flicker of something in his expression. Recognition.

Jade's face remained unreadable. She didn't elaborate.

Rico smirked. "Alright then. Now that the dramatic reveal's out of the way… who's cooking?"

Jade sighed, shaking her head.

Everyone slowly turned to Gage.

He raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Jade grins. "You're in charge of the kitchen."

Rico burst out laughing. "Oh, I love this plan."

Gage sighed but didn't argue.

Jade continued. "Ari, you can help with supplies. Rico and I will handle cleanup. Skye can manage inventory."

Skye smirked. "So I still get the easiest job? Works for me."

Ari smiled slightly, happy to be included. Rico groaned but didn't fight it.

Jade looked around at them. "We're a team now. We handle things together."

Rico grinned. "Like a family?"

Jade rolled her eyes. "Let's not get carried away."

But deep down, none of them disagreed.