Kel hesitated before knocking onto Commander Wyldon's office. The butterflies in her stomach were now kicking in at full force. She was getting a new assignment! But, on the other hand, she was frightened to death. She knew she wouldn't be partnered with Neal for the old Stump had asked to speak with them separately and they weren't to talk about their missions afterwards.
Sweaty hands met wood as she knocked quietly on the door. She heard a grunt from the other side and took that as a cue to come in.
'Breathe; I'm a cool calm lake.' Kel thought while entering Commander Wyldon's office. The old stump of a man gestured for her to sit down and she sat in the chair facing opposite of Wyldon.
"Welcome Officer Keladry, do you know why you're here?"
"Only that I'm to receive my next mission sir," she stated with her hands clasped in her lap.
"Very good, now tell me Mindelan, which of our neighbors is planning attacks on the country at this very moment?" he said while leaning forward in his seat.
"Scanra, sir," she answered, feeling excitement boil up inside her.
"And who is now in control of those barbarians?" he asked while a vein became to bulge on his temple just thinking about the man.
"President Maggur, sir, even though their country is no long a democracy. He uses the title of President to fool us, sir. He is really a dictator, a greedy one at that."
"All dictators are greedy Mindelan. Now, as you know, Maggur is planning various attacks on the capital to weaken our forces. We've also had strange reports on new devices they've been creating on the border. I need you to head over in enemy territory as a spy. You will send us all the information you can on these devices, this is serious business and if you mess up, I will be forced to demote you."
"Sir," Kel interrupted," what will be my new identity and the like?"
"You Officer will now be known as Kelly Young. You will be a nuclear scientist fresh out of college. You will be posing as one of the scientists working for the government's military equipment. You won't need to disguise yourself since you've never been in enemy territory before. But I would like for you to wear glasses and more businesswoman attire. One of our top agents will be assisting you along the way. And no, you don't know him because he's been in the Copper Isles as a spy while you've been in training. You will have to break off all communication with your family and friends. I will be the only one you can speak to and report to. And I will have no complaints on this or I'll find someone else to do the job. You, of course, can send letters through me, but it will take weeks longer than it usually does. You will be meeting your partner at the border. Now pack your bags Mindelan, you're leaving tomorrow. I'll be sending you with files of information for you to read on and the story of Kelly Young, which you are to memorize. Now get a move on your dismissed."
Kel left the room as fast as she could, not wanting to displease the easily enraged Commander. She couldn't believe it, she was being sent off to Scanra. Her heart soared at the thought of benefiting the nation, but it sunk at the thought of leaving her family and friends behind. She'd just have to forget about them and focus mainly on the mission.
She walked briskly down the hall, lost in her thoughts till she ran into Neal who'd been waiting for her in the lobby. He smiled widely at her, "So... what is it Wonder Woman, are you off to save the world again?"
She tried her best to smile, but ended up grimacing instead. Neal led her to the parking lot with a bounce in his step, he was obviously happy about his mission. He waited for Kel to unlock the door and saw a lost look in her eyes. "Kel, old girl, what's wrong?"
She kept her mask on while unlocking the car. "Nothing, Neal, why would you say that?"
"Don't lie Kel, it doesn't suit you. I know the wheels are turning in your head. Tell me or I'll continue to bother you till you do."
She sighed while turning on the ignition. "Neal, I'm off to leave for my mission tomorrow."
"So? It's not like we've never been separated before."
"Well, I have to break off all contact."
He laughed while drumming his fingers on the window," Wouldn't you be happy about that, Kel? You'll finally be able to get rid of me."
She looked over at her jolly friend. "Neal, I'm being serious. I can't talk to you unless it's through Wyldon. I can't talk to anyone until the mission is over, and it won't be over most likely till it's ruined."
He frowned," Why would you get a mission like that, Kel? I mean you're good and all it's just you're so green you stick out like a sore thumb. Of course, I can't say anything; I'm just as green as well."
She shook her head, "I don't know. But once we get back home, I have to pack. I'm leaving tomorrow."
He nodded," Then we'll make it one hell of a day Kel. We'll send you off with a bang. While you pack, I'll call the boys and we can arrange something."
There was no use in stopping him now; Kel could see the look in his eyes. He was planning something, and nothing or no one could get in his way. She shook her head and paid attention to the road, her mind drifting to the task ahead.