"Another assignment? Already?" I sighed, rolling my eyes as I flicked open the manilla envelope that had "TOP SECRET" stamped in bright red across the front. Turning on my heels so I could lean against the wall of my office, I scanned the instructions I had pulled out.
Even though I had only been working for S.H.U.S.H. for about three years, I was already growing tired of all the rules and regulations that they used to keep all operatives on a tight leash. I had often thought of doing something on my own; I thought that I would probably be able to do more good as a vigilantly.
But I wasn't ready to quit quite yet. I didn't want to be vain, but I was one of S.H.U.S.H.'s best agents. They needed me. And I was willing to do good, even if it wasn't the way I would protect the world, for a little while longer.
I jumped when there was a knock on my door. "Uhhh, j-just a second!" I called, hurrying over to my desk. I opened a drawer, shoved my papers inside, and slammed it shut again. I smoothed my red suit out (more of a nervous habit than a necessity) and fixed my hair. I cleared my throat, resting my hands on the smooth oak surface of my desk. "Come in."
And it was back to business as usual.
"Whoa whoa, J., come on. You know me better than anyone else, and you should totally know that-"
"Yes. And that's why I've decided to send you out on the job."
I closed my eyes, my fingers pressing the bridge of my nose. Obviously J. Gander Hooter, my boss, didn't quite understand the meaning behind the words, 'I work alone'. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to talk again. "No, no. See, I mean that you know me, so you should know that I don't like working with other people."
J. laughed, walking past me so he could hop up into his seat at the large desk that took up a great portion of the room. "My my Ollie, I always thought you were one who loved a challenge."
I clenched my teeth, holding back the anger that was rising in my chest. 'Damn my parents for naming me Ophelia.' "Okay, okay. Fine. I'll take the case Hooter."
"Good!" J. exclaimed, folding his hands in front of him. "In that case, I'd like you to meet-"
"I am the terror, that flaps in the night! I am the red wine stain, on your perfect white blouse! I, am Darkwing Duck!"
'Great. A lunatic. I know that times are tough, but seriously, we can't be that desperate...' I sighed, folding my arms over my chest and shifting my weight onto one leg. Cocking an eyebrow, I waited for the purple smoke to clear, and reveal this so called 'Darkwing Duck'.
He was, of course, a cocky little bugger. Brushing his nails on his shirt, he took on a typical 'hero' pose. I took note of the somewhat goofy looking one next to him. 'Must be the sidekick,' I thought, looking them both over.
"Ah, Darkwing! How pleasant to see you!" Hooter leaned forward in his char to shake the guy's hand. Obviously they had worked together before, though I hadn't ever see the fellow before..
As I looked down on Darkwing longer, I had to stiffen the laugh. I mean, he was so short! I was fairly certain that even as I child I would have towered over him.
He must have noticed, because he cleared his throat, glaring up at me, his hands balling into fists. "Something funny?" He asked.
I lifted my hand to my mouth, covering it in a weak attempt to stiffen my laughter. "N-nothing. I was just expecting someone... T-Taller!" I finally laughed out loud, my hand cris-crossing over my stomach.
The sidekick held Darkwing back, though I didn't need the help. I glanced over at The Boss, and cleared my throat. His harsh glare had effectively stopped my laughter.
"Who does she think she is anyway?" Darkwing grumbled, crossing his arms as he sent one final glare my way. He turned back to The Boss, fixing the brim of his enormous hat. "So. Where's this partner of mine?"
"Actually Darkwing, I think you two have already met." Sweeping his hand in my direction, the boss continued. "Meet Ollie- I mean, Ophelia Macawber."
Darkwing was silent for a long, drawn-out moment. Then he slowly rotated his body so that he was facing me.
"Wait, whoa, so that means..."
"Yes, Ophelia, this is the one I told you about, your partner for this next mission."
Staring at eachother in total shock, I placed my hands on my hips just as he did.
"You've got to be kidding me," we said in unison. Things were about to get a lot more interesting.
