Was it by chance that Chuck was seated next to an attractive brunette in first class.
Agent Daniel Shaw was a thorough planner and left little to chance.
Scene 1
Shaw's office in DC,
Newly graduated agent Hannah Gateaux has been summoned to Langley, She has been assigned to meet with the controlling agent for western Europe. Dressing smartly in a business jacket and skirt, she was on time to her appointed time to met with her superior. After having placed her hand on the palm reader she was allowed in. Behind the secure door was an open planned workspace, several rows of vacant workstations on either side. There was an office was at the other end of the area. As she approached the door to the office opened and a tall dark haired man with a fine physique smiled at her and beckoned her into his office. Moving inside she looked in front of her to see a desk with a few manilla folders on it and a guest chair for her to sit in. The owner of the office moved around to the other side of the desk and then formally introduced himself.
" Agent Gateaux, I'm Daniel Shaw. Take a seat." Hannah sat down and crossed her legs. She waited patiencely for Agent Shaw to speak.
"I've been reading the reports on your activities in Paris, I must congratulate you on a job well done."
"Thank you Sir."
"As you know we are leaving no stone unturned in eradicating the Ring elements out of our organization. The Ring is probably the biggest threat to our way of life since the fall of the Iron Curtain. Your report has revealed two key ring operatives that are transporting vital Intel out of this country to their laboratories in Paris."
Shaw then leans forward and pushes two files over to Hannah to peruse. She opens the first file and it has a picture of a large intimidating man.
"Hugo Panzer!" said Shaw warily " Close quarter combat specialist. Panzer is a known psychopath and one of Ring's more ruthless operatives. If you cross his path it will end badly for you. He is in possession of and is moving a C.I.A. crypto-key to Paris. While he often travels alone we are aware that he flies only on certain airlines and it often co-ensides with this woman." Shaw turns the file cover over to reveal a series of photographs of an airline hostess.
"Serena Austin is not what she appears to be. This woman has been linked to a long list of criminal activity yet somehow managed to stay clear of prosecution. She has been trained as flight attendant. We are aware of her past that implicated her in several poisonings of high-ranking officials. We know Panzer likes to fly first class and she has been rostered on duty more often than not when Panzer's flying. We have every reason to believe that she is an ring operative."
"I have reason to believe that Panzer is transporting the key to the Ring Intelligence Safe on a flight from Los Angeles to Paris and Austin will be his back-up."
"Sir, do you want me to Arrest Austin and Panzer and recovery the cryto-key?"
"No. I'm sending another agent out to make the arrests, you role will be to provide back-up and support but only when necessary. The agent I sending will be on his first solo mission. It's important he doesn't identify you as a fellow agent. I want you to be ready in case this mission goes south and provide back-up as required."
"Sir, how do you know he won't recognize me? I was very active socially while I was in training at the Farm? I sure I could identify anyone from my intake year and the previous one."
Shaw moved his hands to form an arch then he lent back into his chair, he gave a quick smirk then replied.
"That's a very good question, Agent, this is why I've chosen you for this mission. You intuitive nature has shown me that you think more than the other graduates. The short answer is no. The Agent you will be backing up has never been outside California, he has never been to the "Farm." This man was seconded by the Government because of his technical skills, and has been part of our successful L.A. based team for over two years. The Agency feels it's time for him to step up to be a fully fledged agent. And so do I, he has all the skills but his current team are too over protective of him and thus not allowing him to reach his full potential."
"Oh, Okay" Hannah replied.
Shaw continued "I'm flying you to L.A. a couple of days before your mission. There you will have your accommodation booked for you, It will give you will time to have a look around and get the feel of LA and to work on your cover story."
"I've decided to give a file on this rookie agent, you will need to know him because you will have the seat next to him on the plane. Try to engage him in conversation, I believe you will find he's quite a chatty soul."