"May I know who you are?" he asked.


    "My codename is Hope. I''m here to assist you. Here are my credentials."


    Felix had not expected Xena to send such a young and beautiful woman. He wondered about her reasoning. "Hello, Hope. Shall we? Where''s the car?"


    "Everything''s arranged. To better gather information, I''ll call you Felix from now on, if you don''t mind."


    Felix agreed. Calling him "sir" in a small vige would raise suspicions. They drove the SUV mostly in silence. Though on the same mission, they were still strangers. After four hours, Hope suddenly asked, "Felix, could we pull over? We''re almost at Pine Valley. I need to change clothes to make sure we canplete the mission."


    Though puzzled, Felix agreed. Being new to the headquarters'' field operatives, he figured it best to go along. He got out to give her privacy and nced afar. The air around the mountains certainly felt fresh. "I''m ready, Felix.


    When Hope''s voice came, he turned around. He immediately sprayed out his mouthful of water with just a nce at her. "You... you''re going to investigate the vige dressed like that?