Disclaimer: No, I don't own Kingsman (shock!).

I'm always up for constructive criticism and a beta reader. Just don't be an asshole about it. :)

1994

It had taken a decade of service for Harry Hart to develop enough caution, though one might call it paranoia, to begin forming his own alliances within the Kingsman service. At first he had simply persuaded one of the lovelier female doctors to ensure his care would always be top notch. Somehow that had expanded into a trio of doctors that would always oversee his admission to their medical facilities. From there he had gone on to befriend one of the gentlemen in their gadgetry division to see to it that everything from his guns to his cars to his signet ring were always in excellent working order.

And now that everything was beginning to be recorded and stored digitally, he realized he would need someone in their computer sciences division to see that his files were always uncrackable. Of course, he could not ask Merlin as any untoward behaviour would have to be immediately reported. That meant finding someone trustworthy among those who worked under Merlin. It was no easy search, as that person would also have to be competent enough to keep Merlin from finding them out.

After weeks of searching covertly through employee files, he had narrowed it down to three candidates and had devised ways of testing loyalty, amongst other desired qualities. Nothing had been too overt, mind, lest he risk getting caught. Everything he put them through was relatively minor, but tended to show their character. For example, he would steal or misplace little things in their lab to test their reactions.

One candidate showed great determination to catch the culprit in the act by setting up cameras and traps Of course, given that Harry was an active field agent, the cameras failed and the traps, though they became more elaborate, also were doomed to failure. Harry crossed her off the list quickly.

The second candidate quickly fell into a pattern of blaming whomever was the most convenient target. He was also removed from the list.

The third candidate, rather than sinking to the depths of gossip or increasing paranoia, simply watched. When blame was laid on colleagues that could not possibly be the culprit, they were defended. Alice Archer demonstrated clear thinking and a willingness to stand up for her colleagues. And when the blame was inevitably placed on her she took it in stride, asking for proof and not once losing her temper.

And that was how he found himself waiting near her flat in the wee hours of the morning like a crazed stalker. He watched her leave the tube station and when he was certain that neither of them was being followed or observed, he approached her and made his pitch. Although he applied the same charm he used on the doctor that had been his first recruit, she appeared less receptive to it.

That was how he found himself sat at the dining table in her flat, arguing the merits of his proposal.

"You realize I could lose my job?" Her green eyes were the size of saucers, her irritation radiating from every fibre of her being.

"Yes."

"And then what? I don't know how much research you've done on women in computer sciences, but it's not exactly rainbows and unicorns for us outside of Kingsman!"

"I understand it's a big risk for you, but-."

"But what?" she interrupted. "How could there possibly be a 'but'? Is this where you tell me that you're some sort of tragic hero?"

The thought had crossed his mind earlier in the evening, but now? "No, you're too clever for that, Alice."

"Lovely," she sighed as she sat opposite him finally. "We're resorting to flattery now."

Perhaps it was time to try a new tack. "I understand this is all a bit sudden and overwhelming, and I wouldn't blame you for needing time to think it through. I do need your assurances, however, that-."

"That I won't go talking to everyone about your shady spy within a spy within a spy dealings?" she bit out. "You needn't worry."

And with that he knew without a doubt that he had her. "Take all the time you need," he assured her as he stood from the table. As he crossed to the door he could feel her eyes on his back. By the time he had his coat on and turned to bid her farewell, she appeared more relaxed. Now was the time to strike. "You do realize that by concealing my offer, your job is still at risk?"

In rapid succession her demeanour went from relaxed, to alert, to resigned. "You had me from the moment I let you into my flat, didn't you?" The menacing effect of her narrowed eyes was nullified by the trust he saw in them. It baffled him that she could pull such an expression off.

"I'd like to think sooner," he admitted.

With a sigh, she invited him back to the table and they spent the remainder of the night discussing his plans.