Kindred Solitude

Indomitable Agent

David Sarif sat in his soft leather chair awaiting the new arrival, an agent of the British Secret Service. He opened up her file again and was impressed at the recommendations she had amassed in her short career. They were from top people:

Name: Blair Dane (formally Amber Steadman, changed by Witness Protection four years ago)

Age: 24

Height: 5 ft 2

Hair colour: Brown

Eye colour Hazel

Nationality: White British

Occupation: Secret Service Top Agent

Recommendations: Tom Hasult CEO, Emeline Cavier Head Of Weapons Division, Kaine Tsubaya, Head Of Self Defense.

Has Anxiety Disorder, Mild, does not affect her very often. Borderline Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, that does not affect her much either. Is adept at hacking, martial arts, weaponry and espionage.

Sarif stopped reading, changed by Witness Protection? He hadn't read anymore, preferring not to know, to be placed into Witness Protection meant that something serious must have happened to her. Athene buzzed and told him the agent was outside.

Blair shuffled her feet, slightly intimidated by the new environment. It didn't help that as she was driven to the building, the state of the Detroit streets and people wielding knives unnerved her. She was used to seeing people carrying weapons, but not waving them about where people walk. Sarif called her in and she took a deep breath and opened the office door. She walked up to Sarif and smiled. "Goodmorning Sir". "Goodmorning Blair, please take a seat". She did and Sarif asked the one thing she thought he would ask first, presuming the file on his desk had not been read fully. "I would say welcome to lovely Detroit but, well, no matter what we do, nothing seems to help with it's appearance and people". Blair held back a nervous laugh. "So, I read your name was changed by Witness Protection. I will not ask you to tell me why". Blair nodded. "No Sir, it's fine. I am fine with telling you. It's a little gritty though". He went to reply but Adam walked in, wanting to meet his new co-worker. "Ah, Mr Jensen right? Pleased to meet you". Blair stood and shook Adam's hand. "It's Adam. Blair right?" Blair instantly felt repressed anger from from but she knew better than to bring it up.

"Adam, here". Sarif passed her file to Adam and he read it. "Witness Protection?" Blair nodded. "Long version, or short version of the story?" To answer her question, Adam pulled up a chair. "Long version it is. When I was 17, I met a man who seemed pretty nice. We got on well and soon got together, he then changed. He started to beat me, threaten me, not let me go out. I wasn't 'allowed' to see my friends, family, wasn't allowed to go to work. Every time the phone rang and it was work, he'd tell them I was sick, when in reality I was unconscious. At 19, I had had enough, I stopped him from doing anything by stabbing him. He bled out but somehow still managed to attack me. He raped me. I got an abortion, but after that, he almost beat me to death. After my hospital stay, I was taken to the L.I.M.B Clinic, and some augments were put on my arm and leg muscles, as they were badly damaged in the attack. I am fine now though. I have no more tears, or anger for him. He is on Death Row, padded cell, straight jacket too. Turned out he was a criminal, murderer, rapist, arsonist, drug dealer, illegal arms dealer, you name it, he did it. I have spent the last four years working hard to be where I am today". Sarif looked worried, but Blair's expression was not of sadness, it was one of reflection, so it alleviated his fears on her mental state. Adam seemed affected, but it was by her mental state. "Sorry to hear that, no one deserves that. Are you sure you are recovered enough, physically and mentally to work?" Blair nodded. "I am. I would not be here if I wasn't". Adam saw truth and determination in her eyes.

"Adam, Blair's new apartment is down the hall from yours. Blair, it's good to have you on the team. You will meet Faridah Malik later, our chief helicopter pilot. You will be in the same office as Adam and out tech expert Frank Pritchard. Starting tomorrow at 9am sharp". Blair stood and nodded to him and Adam. "Yes Sir. Right, I shall go and unpack my things, and sort things here too". She left the office and Sarif spoke to Adam alone. "Show her to the office, and to the apartments. Things have been tense on the streets, and I don't want the British Government on my back. Besides she seems like a good kid". Adam was still unsure. "Sarif, I don't think she is up to scratch, but let's see tomorrow. She had better be damn good, I am throwing her in the deep end. And if she lasts the first day, I'll be impressed". Sarif sighed and Adam left his office. He sat back down and threw a silver ball up into the air, catching it, and throwing it again.

Blair knew that Adam clearly did not think she was any good. She hoped to prove him wrong. After all, she had not worked hard for four years and got three black belts as proof of her dedication. She and Adam entered the lift, and as soon as it stopped at their office floor Adam said something that made her nerves come back. But it also made her that little bit more determined to prove herself:

"Try not to get killed on the first day".