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+--- Thread: An unexpected assignment (/showthread.php?tid=139001)
An unexpected assignment - Susan Ward - 05-06-2016
The office was cozy, as it was to be expected for someone of this quality. Old fashioned pictures were filling the walls, leaving only some space on the wall behind the desk for a rack full of decorations.
Behind that desk, a man sat on a comfortable armchair was seemingly absorbed in the study of a document while puffing on a certainly expensive cigar. He nodded after having finished reading and returned his focus to the woman standing to attention in the middle of the room.
- "That's an interesting report, Ward."
- "Yes sir."
The man dropped the file and tapped on it with his palm while taking another puff from his cigar.
- "You mentioned having escorted transports to and from the Freeport. What motivated those acts?"
- "It seemed like the correct thing to do, sir. The Core had been targeting civilians, including transports belonging to civilians or corporations of House Liberty."
The man dropped his cigar and joined his hands, staring at the woman.
- "And you did not find it reasonable to assist the Core during that assignment?"
- "I did not, sir. That organization's actions have caused a lot of entities to display a significant amount of distrust, if not plain hatred. I came to the conclusion openly siding with them could cause unnecessary diplomatic repercussions for House Liberty."
- "But reassure me... You did not open fire on any Core assets, did you?"
- "Negative, sir. I have kept a low profile while performing my duty in the area."
- "Of course."
The man lied back on his armchair, studying the woman.
- "So, what is your opinion about this whole affair?" He tapped on the file again "Opinion that was not put in this report?"
The woman took some time to respond, seemingly reflecting carefully on how to express her thoughts.
- "Sir, I believe the members of the organization known as Core have displayed a significant lack of humanity. Ruthlessness and overpower appear to be their leitmotiv. Incidentally, a lack of diplomatic skills can be noted. Lastly, the organization appears to be on a power-trip. They overestimate their strength. As a conclusion, I'd say the trust one can put in them is limited, and that openly aiding them could cause unnecessary troubles for Liberty."
He nodded and made a gesture to signify this matter was not exactly subject to discussion, while saying :
- "Very well, Ward. We will let our experts study this case more thoroughly."
- "Yes sir."
- "I see in your report you could retrieve material of Alien origin?"
- "Yes sir, as well as a prisoner, probably infected."
- "I want you to keep those assets for now. They may serve you for your next assignment."
- "Yes sir."
He took a break, letting silence fill the office. The woman was staring at an imaginary point on the wall behind him.
- "I have an order of transfer for you."
- "Yes sir." Replied the woman while arching an eyebrow.
- "Do not worry, this is not a sanction of any kind. As I said it's an assignment. We believe you are in the best position to fullfil it."
The woman didn't reply, waiting for the details.
- "What do you know about the agency labeled '404'?"
- "Very little, sir. One of them assisted me during an assignment in the Taus."
- "Yes. You must have noticed their goals might be quite peculiar."
The man sighed before picking back his cigar. He passed some time lighting it up again before adding :
- "We really need to know more about them, Ward. We had our share of hostile takeovers and infiltrations in the past, as you know."
- "Yes sir."
- "So you will be transferred to their division. Everything is arranged."
He took a file from a rack on his desk.
- "This file contains all the details you need to know. Contact my secretary in twenty four hours to get it. I believe a day off will be more than welcome after what you've been through lately."
- "Yes sir. Thank you."
- "Dismissed."
RE: An unexpected assignment - Reeves - 10-05-2016
Things had been as they normally were, the office as it had been, nothing had moved from where she previously left it. Save for a single painting that had been swapped with another. Something someone of her observational skills would no doubt notice.
Upon removing the misplaced painting, she'd find a note stuck to the wall behind it. The note read:
Upon removing the misplaced painting, she'd find a note stuck to the wall behind it. The note read:
| Hello Ms Ward. I am disappointed that you have not contacted me so far. Are you no longer interested in unlocking your true potential, the underlying truth? Perhaps; after all common people prefer the safety of the artificial chains that the system has placed upon their minds. -- Remember the 7th of September. |
There were no signs or evidence as to who had planted the note, no name signed at the bottom, just the message. Perhaps a punctual old contact not appreciating the unwarranted silence.
RE: An unexpected assignment - Susan Ward - 10-11-2016
Ward walked towards the office area of the facility, where she was given a room after her transfer, a few months ago already. Barely spent time inside, new issues arising and requiring attention. There were more unresolved issues than resolved ones, which resulted in a consequent pile of holo-files on this rather large desk inside that room. She needed one of those today to proceed with the urgency of the day.
Marching softly and politely greeting the persons she was encountering along the way, Ward eventually made it to her destination, where she found Sonja Kerensky, leaned on the desk and her arms crossed.
- "Hello Susan." waved Kerensky as she noticed her.
Ward quietly walked inside and proceeded to close the door before turning towards Kerensky. Her lips subtly arching into what could pass for a reserved smile, she replied :
- "Good afternoon, Ms. Kerensky. I am pleased to see you. Were you looking for me, by any chance?"
Kerensky tilted her head slightly, studying the woman in front of her. It was obvious Ward was still carefully controlling herself in front of her... In front of everyone actually, for all she knew. What was this riddle hiding? Kerensky never liked riddles. But then again, that was her business. Raising her head softly as to take up the gauntlet, she said :
- "You can call me Sonja you know, Susan."
- "That is true, I believe you allowed me to do so a few times already. Please accept my sincere apologies."
Kerensky smiled softly before replying in a mildly teasing way :
- "Your formality is making me uneasy, you know. Is today a particularly important day for you, or... ?"
- "I do not believe, Ms. Kerensky..?" quietly replied Ward.
- "Now I think about it, you never told me much about yourself, Susan." thoughtfully said Kerensky while keeping on studying the woman.
Ward politely smiled before responding :
- "Well... There isn't so much to tell I'm afraid, Ms. Kerensky. I am but an humble operative, with a rather dull past. For what it's worth, I believe your own, rich of adventures of all sorts, is way more appealing."
Deflecting. Typical. Was Ward unaware of how much she was giving out by resorting to this very tactic in a regular way? Kerensky scrutinized carefully that face displaying a perpetually serene expression. What were the tempests that raged behind that mask? The woman was studying her back, calmly. Her attention suddenly shifted to the wall behind Kerensky, before returning to her. Ward smiled softly.
- "Please excuse me, Ms. Kerensky."
- "Hmm?" emitted Kerensky, observing Ward move behind the desk to stop in front of a painting, as to study it. Kerensky eventually followed her, asking :
- "What is it, Susan? Yes... That painting is quite awful."
Ward didn't reply. She suddenly took the painting off the wall.
What was happening on Ward's face now? Kerensky reported her attention to the wall, where a message was put.
- "Oh. What do we have here, Susan? An admirer? A date perhaps?" teasingly pondered Kerensky as she was shifting her attention back to Ward.
Was it uneasiness or amusement she was now reading on Ward's face?
- "No. Lane Hackers, Ms. Kerensky."
- "As I said..." Sonja's face turned slightly more serious.
- "An admirer?"