AGENT (REDACTED) HAS A BAD DAY
It started out so well. I had a good breakfast, managed to start work on time despite Dr. Bright hogging the coffee maker in the break room (again), and had just gotten my first assignments of the day. Then I saw it. My first test would likely be my last... try and talk to 076-2. Yikes.
"Who on O5 did I offend this badly?" I wondered as I headed to the cell. As I passed my fellow staffers, many gave me pitying looks. "There goes a doomed idiot girl, poor thing has no idea what's coming." Great. And now I heard voices. It seemed all but official, I am done for.
I bypass the guards, the security, and step into the killing corridor. I hate this place, it reeks of blood, death, and futility no matter how deep the clean. Plus, it's always cold. I wish I wore thermal leggings under my sensible knit dress.
I reach the cube at the end, and as politely as possible, I knock on the door. "Excuse me, Mr. 076-2? I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but the higher ups would like me to talk to you. As I'm just a dumb as hell agent, I'll understand if you're not inclined. That being said, I do have to make the attempt." I pause, and realize just how dumb I sound. "I'm stepping away from the door now, sir." I take a few steps back, and wait.
I was just about to apologize again, and walk away in defeat when the door opened. And my impending doom stepped out. I assumed a defensive position, and awaited death.
"Mr. 076-2? They are sending me a new pigeon, and one not likely to get much older. Such a shame, as manners are lacking in modern generations." I could feel the anomaly sizing me up. "Just what is your age, young one?"
"26, hoping to see 27 in three months, sir."
"Those arrogant fools send children now. Tragic."
"I agree, sir... but I'm a mere cog in the machine. Nothing I can really do."
A few seconds of awkward silence. Then, the anomaly yanked me out of my cowering pose. "You are young, but with my help, you will survive longer than without. Your training begins now."
"Okay... going to warn you... I'm not great with fighting."
"Which is why I am training you." 076-2 handed me a sword. "You know what this is?"
"A sword, sir. And razor sharp."
"Good. You're already smarter than my last student. Now, try and stab me with it."
I grip the sword in both hands. "It's a bit heavy, Mr. 076-2. Got anything lighter?"
"Just try and attack me."
A few back and forth skirmishes, several small lacerations and bruises, some impromptu tips from my teacher, a LOT of profanity on my end, and one majorly embarrassing crying jag later, the anomaly helps me to my feet one more time.
"You learn quickly, little rabbit." I nod, too caught off guard and winded to say much. "You will come here two times a week, until your training is complete."
"Yes, Mr. 076-2."
"Until then, practice your footwork. You're doing well, for someone who claims they are no warrior. Little Rabbit, you are more a warrior than you think. You have earned the privilege of calling me Abel."
I gulp. "Th-thank you, Master Abel."
"Master?" 076-2 looks at me and sort of laughs. "I should warn you, I am a harsh master, if I am your master."
"Sorry, sir. Old habit from karate lessons long ago."
"Nevertheless, I appreciate your respect. You are dismissed. We will meet the day after tomorrow."
"Yes, Master." I bow, and am just about to leave when Abel spoke again.
"Oh, Agent? You're very sweet, and I do hope these swine do not manage to grind that out of you. I so rarely meet such a lovely young woman." I could feel myself growing red. "Be careful, and tell Dr. Bright if he gives you any trouble, as my student he'll have to deal with both of us."
"Thank you Master. But as a lowly field agent, I'm usually beneath Bright's notice. I will inform him, though, as instructed."
"Excellent. Until we meet again, Little Rabbit."
Task 1 complete, I set off for a hot shower, and possibly a new dress. If this keeps up, I may have to start buying all my clothes in bulk. At least my underwear isn't showing. Once in the privacy of my shower, I check my injuries. And wish I could just shut off my pain receptors.
Yeah... if I survive the training, I may be nigh unstoppable.












