Maria listened attentively as the Omega told the group the new partner assignments. She furrowed her brow slightly upon hearing that she was to be paired with Ruvik. What? Maria was almost certain that the Omega did not think very highly of her and her gossipy tendencies, so why would he be assigning her to work with such a dangerous individual? The whole thing made no sense to Maria. As she contemplated the dilemma of sorts, Maria glanced at the other people assembled there, her curiosity with the Omega's decision piquing a renewed sense of interest for the others. Surely the Omega was more keen on at least one of them, so why had he chosen Maria of all people to partner with such a dangerous creature?

However, Maria didn't get a chance to deduce the Omega's intentions before Agent Wingate approached her. Maria could feel the older woman's gaze raking across her face, her piercing eyes grave. [i]"It is a pleasure to meet you Agent Martinez." [/i], the senior agent said to Maria in a stiff tone. Maria gave her a polite smile in response, a huge contrast to her usually unrestrained grin. "That goes to you too, Agent Wingate," Maria responded just as formally.

 [i]"As you have heard you have been chosen to be paired with Ruvik, but before I give his reins to you I need to assure you understand the true gravity of this burden." She said before her expression grew slightly darker. "Though he may appear to be one Ruvik is no man. He is not a companion to be trusted, he is not a servant to be relied on, and he is not a slave to be pitied. He is a tool the BSA uses, with great caution, to fight the forces that would threaten the masses." She said, her tone deadly serious. "And you will now be the one to use this tool, do you believe in all honesty that you are ready for this task?"[/i]

Maria nodded carefully, all traces of mirth erased from her countenance. "Thank you for informing me on the...true nature of Ruvik. I assure you, I do not underestimate the potential capabilities of the creature."