"I can't do this; how do they expect a human to function like a robot?"

"It's the same as when you shoot, you do the job...to survive."

"This is different; not only do I have to seduce the mark but probably sleep with him."

"In this case it's your body that's the weapon, different means, same outcome."

"When you explain it, it seems so rational."

"Just remember, it's not really you; it's your body, not your conscience."

"Wish me luck, I'm going to need all I can get."

"Come back safe."

"I don't think that's possible."

"Mrrowwww"

"No, that bow doesn't make your tail look fat."

"Mrrraawww???"

"Yes, I'm sure. You look adorable. Every inch the seductress."

"Moooaaannn.."

"Yes, I know you don't like it. Just do the job"

"Mwwaaah.."

"Stop whining and go get him.."

"Mrrrrrr....:("

"Yes, I'm aware you'll make me pay for this."

"Mrrrrrr!!!"

"Yes, I know my kitty treats bill will triple this month."

"Mrrrrrrr!!!!!..*stomp!*"

"Well! There's no need to use that kind of language!"

"Mrrrrooowwwwwww.....*sigh*"

"Come on...he's handsome..he's charming..it's not like he's some low bred alley cat. We could have sent you off after Pepe Le Pew, you know?"

#1

The Training

"I'm here for the…..uh….look, I think there's been a mistake—"

"Madeline sent you, and she was right—you certainly have the looks for it."

"Uh…….I don't think I can……."

"You can—and you will."

"But, I don't think this kind of mission is for me."

"That's already been decided, so get over it."

"Get over it?"

"Look at it this way—it's just another weapon in the fight against terrorism."

"What if I can't do it, what if I'm no good at Valentine missions?"

"A man with your looks, who can kill in cold blood—don't be absurd, Michael."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

#2

In the Field

Come on, come on, you stupid fat pig. Get it up, so we can get it on, and I can get the hell out of here. Why couldn't I get someone like that Fanning—*thanks* Madeline. Instead, I get this fat-belted, limp dick who couldn't penetrate ice cream if he was a popsicle stick. What's it gonna take? I'll be your slave and I'll suck you forever, or at least 'til they suck out your hard drive. Agghhhhhh!!!! Wait—the team's leaving—wait for me……

I feel his body jerk as a single silent shot penetrates. He goes without coming.

#1

First Valentine – Before

The target was not a partner of his choosing, but then nothing in section was. He was only six months out of probation, and glad for any mission that didn’t involve violence, and blood shed. And, though he hated to admit it, he was lonely for some human contact. To touch, and be touched, outside of the dojo, or combat. It would be a seduction, to be sure, but not really so different from his University days, when he’d bedded more than one woman only for the sport of it all.

Confidently, he entered the bar, to find the target.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

#2

First Valentine – After

He sat in his apartment, smoking an unfiltered cigarette, his hair wet from a very long, very hot shower, thinking. The target had been much as he’d expected. Sophisticated. A beautiful, if demanding, lover. He’d achieved closure, and he could admit he’d enjoyed it.

Until his debrief, as Madeline dissected his every move, analyzed every sound recorded over his com unit, and he began to feel sick. “You can enjoy yourself, Michael,” she criticized “but you must never forget that a Valentine operative is a weapon, not a lover.”

He stubbed out the cigarette, and went to take another shower.

“I can’t believe you’re home! You said you’d be back next Monday. What happened? I thought this was an important meeting you couldn’t miss.”

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too. It’s lonely when you’re not here. Sometimes I’m afraid you won’t come back... that your job is more important to you than I am.”

“I’ll always come back. You’re more important.”

“I’m so lucky to have you. So tell me, why did you come back early.”

“I spoke to your doctor this morning. ”

“So you know about…”’

“The baby…”

“Is it okay. Are you happy?”

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

"Mykohl!"

*Blank Stare*

"My-kohlllll....why do I have to give you a hummer???...Why can't you just do it and me lie back???"

*Blank Stare*

"Why do you have to be on top every time.???? Get off meeee....you're too heavy....stop panting in my ear!!!"

*Blank Stare*

"You're doing it wrong! Move that way. Now this way...You're still doing it wrong.....Why are you so selfish?"

*Blank Stare*

"Why do you take so long to come???? I'm getting sore...."

*Blank Stare*

"Don't you care about meeeeeee????"

*Blank Stare* *Blank Stare* *Blank Stare* *Blank Stare*....*Groan*....

“Maybe we should go somewhere a bit more, um, private.”

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea; I should really be going now.”

“We don’t have to stop with a kiss.”

“Mmmm, that was nice, but I really need to go.”

“We could go to my place, but my roommate is there.”

“I really think we should stop.”

“We could go to a motel, or better yet, how about your place?”

“I’m just not sure we should be doing this. I don’t sleep with men on the first date.”

“I want to taste you.”

“I live around the corner.”

“Target in sight.”

“Well, I’m sure he’ll have no trouble bagging her.”

“Sugar!”

“What? The job is coarse, so why can’t I be?”

“You know he would’ve a found another way if he could.”

“Do I really know that? Or is it just better to think so for my own peace of mind?”

“Target acquired.”

“I know the company line. Do what you have to do. Usually, I can accept it. But some days and missions are just harder than others, you know?”

“One mission at a time, one day at a time. That’s all any of us can do.”

"That was… wonderful. Thank you."

"Happy Valentine's Day."

"Mmm."

"Did you get the files?"

"Files. Oh, yes. There, on the table. "

"Everything is in there?"

"Of course… ahh, that feels great."

"And did anyone see you?"

"See? No… mmm… don't stop. No. No one saw me. I had to sneak in of course, but there was no one around."

"Hmm."

"So, what do I get for getting you what you wanted? It was a big risk, you know. I think I'll need something special… Hey, why are you looking like that? What's wrong? Look at me. What's that? NO…"

"I'm sorry."