Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter…wish I did, an extra million would come in handy from time to time…
Oh... Any many apologies to those of you that read the initial post, an italics tag was missed, and what can I say - 2000 words in italics is not fun...
Ministry of Magic
Ministerial Office
October 17th, 2002
Directive #R366b
I, Kingsley Shacklebolt, duly elected Minister of Magic, endorsee of the Wizengamot, do commission the following directive:
That, from the date set above, the Department of Mysteries shall endeavour to investigate, by all available means and with utmost secrecy, all non-magical humans. The investigation should focus on any advancements made by Muggle society, and be carried out with the utmost discretion. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the impact of;
a) Political movements and factions, especially those which could obstruct current Magical-Muggle relations;
b) Economic fluctuations – see Directive G149r in regards to the correlation of Muggle financial markets and currencies with the management of Gringotts' banking empire;
c) Significant societal fluctuations; primarily social and/or cultural movements;
d) Advancement of Muggle 'science' – in particular any further progress and innovation made in their 'Industrial Age', and, lastly;
e) Any other significant development.
Ministry of Magic
Department of Mysteries
October 25th, 2002
Internal Memorandum
Attention: Office of the Unspeakables
Priority:Highest
Attachments:Directive #R366b
Immediate action is required. Please assign an operative to act in an investigative function to fulfil the requirements of the Directive. Though the utmost discretion may be used in choosing this individual, please ensure they are knowledgeable of Muggle customs, dress and practices. Operative will be required to assimilate into Muggle society for the duration of the assignment. Monthly reports will be required.
Ministry of Magic
Department of Mysteries
Office of Unspeakables
Section K1
October 26th, 2002
Internal Memorandum
Attention:Unspeakable #25749
Priority:Violet
Please report to Section Chief at 1830 today. Bring all case files notes on current projects. Further information shall be disclosed at this time.
Unspeakable #25749, or the wizard known as Phillip Braithewaite outside of work, was sitting at his desk compiling a report when a vivid purple memo zoomed through his door and came to a rustling halt on top a stack of parchment he had been working on. He brushed it aside, only to find it grew teeth and bit him. Setting aside his work with a huff of frustration, Phillip retrieved the now docile memo parchment.
More work…Wonderful – as if I did not currently have enough to do! He thought as he read the brief summons. He had only an hour to compose everything he was already working on, he noticed as he glanced at his watch.
An hour later, once the last of the hurried notes on a dormant case-file were complete, Phillip dropped the final parchment on the pile of other reports. After bundling them up and grabbing his hat and outer robes, he exited his office, closing the door behind him.
He arrived at his superior's office exactly on time (Unlike certain other Ministry workers, as an Unspeakable he was capable of the seemingly impossible). Raising his free arm to knock, a voice rumbled from within.
"Enter," the sonorous voice commanded.
Phillip strode into the office, nodding his head respectfully at the wizard sitting rigidly behind the desk.
"Sir?" he enquired, unsure of exactly why he had been summoned.
"Mr. Braithewaite," his superior stated as if affirming himself of Phillip's presence. "Please - have a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?" he queried, the first indication of feeling flashing across his face.
"No, thank you, sir." Phillip declined in a politely clipped tone as he sat.
He watched with nervous anticipation, as his superior reached for a dossier of a, singularly unique colour. Unlike all his other cases, which were usually coded yellow – lowest priority, orange – attention required, or even red – high priority, the dossier was a brilliant blue. He had rarely seen files of either violet – urgent or blue – top secret, in all of his time employed by the Unspeakables. His colleagues spoke of the odd files he had seen with hushed reverence.
The chief opened the thin folder, perusing the contents, before closing it and handing it across the desk to Phillip.
"As of now, you are re-assigned, Mr. Braithewaite." He waited, momentarily, for Phillip to take the proffered dossier.
With his mouth dry and heart racing from the unexpected announcement, Phillip received the top secret file. He stared at the blue folder with barely concealed shock. It was almost unthinkable, to him, that he be entrusted with such an assignment. Understanding now dawned of why he had been required to bring his existing cases. He turned his attention to the wizard across from him. "Fieldwork, sir?" He had an inkling that it was, but sought confirmation nonetheless.
"Yes. The mission is of delicate nature, and you will need to integrate yourself in Muggle culture for an indefinite duration of time. The only contact, you shall be permitted to have with this office, will be your monthly reports. It is thus inadvisable that you remain assigned to your other cases."
Phillip listened, nodding his head randomly to indicate his full attention. It was only when he reconsidered the information, when his brain snagged on a particular turn of phrase.
"Muggles?" he muttered quietly, snapping his head up in consternation. "Culture…?" His question trailed off, as he glanced down at the folder in his hands. Opening it, he skimmed the documents. Moments later he exclaimed, "Muggles!" Incredulous, he glared at his chief. "This Department is sending me to live with…Muggles?"
"Indeed," the older wizard replied.
Phillip closed the folder with shaking hands. "I don't know the first thing about Muggles. My family…"
The older wizard interjected before he could go further. "I don't care to hear your prejudices Braithewaite. The events of five years ago should have taught you that the philosophy of blood purity is a dangerous line to take," he spoke firmly.
"I am no Dark Lord, Kelley, but neither am I like the fool, Dumbledore," he replied indignantly.
"Nonetheless, this is what I require of you." Jeremy Kelley leaned back as he observed one of his best agents. "I would have preferred to send someone with a more…adaptable…background, but the Muggleborns in this department have neither the experience nor my confidence," he concluded.
Phillip snorted huffily. "And yet here I was thinking that perhaps I had botched-up a case and this is my punishment. This..." He held up the folder to punctuate his thoughts, "this, if conceivably possible, is worse than the first case you had me work on." He dropped the dossier to his lap.
Kelley took the snide comments with a grain of salt, before he smirked. "The Lovegood case?"
"Yes…that eccentric family and their peculiar theories," Phillip snapped back, not amused.
"I believe, though, that your thorough investigation did indeed prove the existence of the Crumple-Horned Snorkak, and the resulting dissertation that Miss Lovegood produced earned her accolades. Wasn't she, and Rolf Scamander, commissioned, only last year, to seek out the truth behind more of her theories?"
For Phillip, Kelley's reasoning only inflamed him more. "Only one creature out of the one hundred and fifty-three you had me 'investigate'," he snarled. "Months of my time and miles of parchment wasted." He paused to take a breath before beginning another rant. "Now you want me to rip myself from the only life I know and insert myself in a culture I would rather not." He glared at Kelley. "No house-elf, no magic," he muttered disgustedly.
"Either take the assignment or find another job," his superior frostily uttered, having reached the limits of his patience.
Phillip took several deep breaths to calm his thoughts before sighing in resignation. "What sort of auxiliary support can I expect?" he enquired, grudgingly accepting the task.
"As you will not be able to personally make contact with the Ministry, a fellow Unspeakable will be assigned to discretely convey your reports and other concerns," Kelley responded, "I believe you have worked with Unspeakable #13664 previously?"
Phillip remembered the younger agent, Francine Oglyphizon. "Yes, as I recall she is quite competent."
"It is agreed then?" Kelley rose from his seat and offered his hand.
Phillip leaned forward and shook it. "Yes."
Periodic Report #0025
Date: 16th December, 2004
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (a) (b)
The Muggle Political conglomeration known as the "European Union" has expanded its membership to include the following nations; Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Use of the 'Euro' currency by these countries, has been accepted, and a program of phasing out their individual state coinage initiated.
Yearly Report #02
Muggle technology continues to develop at an unprecedented rate. After only two years living within their society, some items are becoming more prolific. For instance, the use of a portable communication device, known as a 'mobile', or 'satellite' phones, are increasingly popular. Newer models can even transmit pictorial representations and something termed 'video'. Perhaps a corresponding magical device could be researched. The Muggles are also adept at creating small devices which play music or manage their life. I was confused for some time when I over-heard a Muggle man state that he 'had to put a date in the blackberry', though some months later, after a thorough investigation of 'electronics', I found that the reference to fruit was, in fact, one of these devices.
An item of news, which has generated a great deal of interest recently, has been a science the Muggles term as 'quantum mechanics'. Several academic organisations are researching the applications for both Computing (see Article #004 submitted with Report #0008 for definition) and a concept named 'teleportation'.
The primary issue that interests Muggles the most is 'sustainable development'. Though their solutions to quick transport are creative, the by-products have been wreaking havoc on the environment.
Periodic Report #0042
Date: 22nd April 2006
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (d) (e)
Muggle 'scientists' from Denmark announced recently that they were able to successfully teleport data stored in a laser beam into a cloud of atoms, marking the first instantaneous successful movement of both light and matter.
This is of concern, as it seems Muggles have discovered the secrets of apparition.
Periodic Report #0061
Date: 28th October, 2007
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsection (a)
The European Union has admitted a further two countries; Bulgaria and Romania. A major treaty in relation to its charter has been ratified, allowing international legal bearing.
It is interesting to note that some countries outside of the Union do accept and use the Euro as their standard form of currency.
Abroad, the two major countries that Britain has significant political communiqué with, America and Australia are experiencing the lead-up to significant elections. In my opinion both countries will experience a change in leadership.
The current political 'hot topic' is the lingering occupation of Iraq, described by America as their ongoing 'War on Terror' (see Special Report #016).
Periodic Report #0075
Date: January 17th 2009
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsection (d)
Attachments: Special Report #018 Robotics
Muggle technology continues to astound me. Robotic applications that a couple of years ago were 'gadgets' are now more common. I visited a contact two days ago that has a robotic carpet sweeper (nearly scared the magic out of me), he informed me that 'everyone has one these days'. More amazingly, he gave me a thorough education of how robotic mechanisms make life easier. From making cars, (scary transport device, and the fact that I now know they aren't even made by humans makes my skin crawl) to assisting in surgical procedures (barbaric; cutting people open to 'fix' things!), and even domestic duties.
Included is a detailed description of current capabilities.
Periodic Report #0095
Date: September 9th, 2010
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsection (a) (e)
The European Union has expanded once again to include three more countries; Croatia, Macedonia and Turkey. The Euro is scheduled to be the major currency in all the member states by 2015. Albania and Montenegro have applied and been officially accepted as candidates, pending that they meet the 'Copenhagen Criteria', by making the necessary adjustments to their policies.
On another note, the corporation which creates electronics, communication devices and computing products, Apple Inc, has announced prototypes of 'implantable' (foreign objects that are inserted semi-permanently into your body to 'increase user interaction') devices in both their iPod and iPhone lines. A major aeronautical company also announced that they would commence regular commercial flights into space from 2013.
Periodic Report #0163
Date: May 15th, 2016
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (a) (c) (d)
Attachments: Thesis "The Internet: A Useful Muggle Technology"
The countries of Albania and Montenegro have been accepted into the European Union.
Abroad, Australian citizens voted in a referendum to withdraw from the Commonwealth. With a majority of 52, the country declared its independence from the Queen. Legislative changes are scheduled to occur by the end of the year, and a new governmental system in place by January 2018.
The culture of entertainment has evolved rapidly over the past ten years. Since the inception of 'reality television' and 'real-time' presentations such as Big Brother (see Special Report #037 section 6 "Why Muggles Consider Sociology Experiments Fun"), Muggles have conceived more and more bizarre and barbaric notions of what is entertaining. A new concept is 'virtual reality' game shows, where contestants can engage in brutally dangerous tasks with high risk of injury and death, without posing any real threat to their health.
A new science Muggles are exploring is nanotechnology. The current work is mainly focuses on creating a 'modifiable polymer matrix', a type of fabric with both military and fashion applications. The journal "Science Today" in their article 'Miracle Fabric' noted;
"…Modifiable Polymer Matrix (MPM) applications in the defence sector are astounding; within the next five years, US defence sub-contractor, Praxis Corporation, envisages that the material be used as flexible soldier armour. The armour would be coupled with an on-board micro-processor, allowing the MPM to change instantaneously to rigid for bullet-proofing, detect and filter out chemical/biological compounds, and treat wounds."
The field of robotics has also continued to grow. Reports from Japan indicate that robots are used to search and retrieve physical objects in unmodified environments. The robots have the limited ability to 'learn' using artificial neural networking.
In the Information Technology sector, microchips and processors are still exponentially decreasing in size and increasing in data volume. (See Special Report #032 "Moore's Law") This year saw the introduction of 3-dimensional optical data storage (special report next month). There is some talk within the industry of a new generation of search engine known as the 'semantic web browser'. (See attached thesis for further information)
Periodic Report #0225
Date: July 30th, 2021
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (a) (b) (d)
Attachments: Special Report #46 "Muggle financial and commodity markets"
Australia, the United States of America (USA), and other countries have entered into negotiations to form a federated alliance. By all accounts, this seems to be due to the increased influence and power of the European Union. Since withdrawing from Iraq four years ago, the USA has sought ways to regain power, and it thought that an affiliation with other ex-Commonwealth countries would yield the control it seeks.
The last few days have also seen that largest stock market 'crash' since 1987. Initiated by a crisis in the mining sector and feed by a combination of abnormally high oil prices (now at US$189 a barrel, see Special Report #39 "Peak Oil"), frantic rate rises, and the collapse of software giant Microsoft. Coupled with the external political unease generated by the US, the ramifications of such a sudden shift in equity is likely to have an effect on Gringotts, especially their Galleon to Euro exchange rate.
Muggle entrepreneur Robert Bigalow announced last week that his new space hotel is due to open at the end of the year. Located 300 miles from Earth's surface, it apparently offers a magnificent view of the earth. In his press release, Mr. Bigalow unveiled plans to develop a section of the Moon for a 'semi-permanent colony'.
Mass-production of bio-fuels (BF) and BF-consuming transport devices is due to start by 2025. A treaty signed by the majority of countries has banned the mining in 'environmental protection zones'; as a result oil can only be pumped from pre-discovered areas. These areas are already nearly exhausted, which has resulted in the constantly soaring barrel prices. The European Union has created an initiative which approves financial grants to companies that are developing sustainable (renewable) fuel sources or alternative energies.
August 18th, 2023
Sunnymead Park, Oxford
Phillip Braithewaite waited on a bench in, what he considered to be, the most attractive park in England. It was also his preferred rendezvous location to meet with his 'handler' from the Ministry. Interestingly, after twenty-one years living as he had, it was his favourite Muggle environment; a place he could reflect on his life and enjoy his relative peace and quiet.
A voice broke him out of his reverie. "Enjoying the last of spring, Phillip?"
He glanced up to see the auburn-haired witch walk the last couple of steps. "I enjoy all the moments I can, Francine," he replied as she reclined on the powder-metal bench beside him. "You're getting better with your disguise," he quipped, referring to the fact that she managed to get clothing within the last five years of Muggle fashion.
Francine smirked. "If I lived here like you do, I'm sure I'd fair better." She picked up the rolled report from the space between them and surreptitiously placed it in the pocket of her jeans.
They passed a few moments in contemplative silence, before he enquired, "Any indication from the Office as to when this assignment is over?"
Francine shook her head. "No, but they do love your reports – there is always a rush of activity after I bring in the parchment. And we've now got a new section heading up research after you recommended we apply that Muggle concept…the InnerWeb…?"
Phillip snorted once, before breaking out in a fit of chuckles. Francine glared at him indignantly.
"What?"
"The InnerWeb – now that's the funniest thing I've heard since Muggles decided that teleportation involved destroying themselves at one end and recreating their body at the other." Phillip managed through barely contained giggles.
Francine now looked horrified. "They do…what?"
Phillip paused to wipe the tears of merriment from his cheeks. "I'm compiling another thesis; there is a lengthy explanation, so I won't bore you with it now. Just look out for it in the next couple of months. And the InnerWeb, it's the Inter…net," he pronounced slowly, "but InnerWeb would be an excellent name for the Wizarding equivalent."
Francine assimilated the information and nodded. She reached into her hoodie pocket, removing a rolled up Daily Prophet. She nudged him with it. "A gift for your birthday, I thought you might want to catch up with some news from home."
Phillip snatched the Prophet eagerly. "Merlin, I haven't seen one of these in years!"
Francine rolled her eyes. "Contain your excitement, and keep it hidden. I know you're not to retain any connections with the Magical World, so make sure you burn it after you finish reading, or the boss will have my guts for potions ingredients," she warned. "So I'll see you next month?"
Phillip barely glanced up. Francine waved her hand between his face and the paper. He snapped his eyes up. "Same place, same time, but the 25th," he stated.
"See you then," Francine replied.
Already engrossed in the article, Phillip barely acknowledged her departure.
Later the same day…
On the way home, Phillip decided to commence what he termed his 'news run'. Entering his one of his regular newsagents, Marshall News, conveniently located near the tube station, the clerk greeted him warmly.
"Hey, Phil."
"Hi, Ze," Phil replied as he strolled through to the magazine section. The clerk in this location presumed he was a research assistant at Oxford University. He began plucking copies of each of the plethora of available journals from the shelves; American Journal of Science, Popular Science, Science Magazine, COSMOS (those Australians really had some weird ideas), 21st Century Science and Technology, New Scientist, Seed (this promised an article on reverse engineering the human brain). The next stand along yielded a handful of the most useful computing magazines; MacUser, Personal Computer World and PC Magazine. As he sauntered back to the counter he grabbed one of every newspaper; he had found that, even though they generally contained the same news, each carried some unique stories.
He dropped the, rather large, pile of articles on the counter, and waited while Ze scanned and totaled the sale.
"We'll be stocking a new mag in the next couple of weeks," she remarked off-handedly as Phil paid her. She tapped a silvered nail on the top of the stack. "You must read in your sleep to get through all of these," she commented.
"I only read the articles that apply to my research." Phil pulled out a green-bag and began transferring the journals from the counter to the bag, dismissing her concerns.
Ze made a slight noise of acceptance and smiled. "I'll be seeing you next time?"
"Keep me a copy of the new magazine?" Phil asked as he adjusted his hold on the bag.
"Sure thing." Ze nodded.
Later that night…
Phillip set aside the stack of publications, many marked for further consideration, on the right-hand side of his bureau. Remaining on the bare expanse, at the left of the desk, lay the copy of the Daily Prophet that Francine had slipped him in the park earlier. Though having already read most of the articles, his eye was, once again, drawn to the feature article.
Daily Prophet
17th August 2023
"New Association Formed: Ministry Concerned"
The announcement made today, by reclusive Pureblood Draco Malfoy, sent tremors of apprehension through Wizarding Society. Since the defeat of the Dark wizard, Voldemort, twenty-five years ago, many reforms having been made establishing new legislation with the main aims of justice, fairness and equality. In his statement, Mr. Malfoy expressed his belief that the new Life Association for Magical Purity, would never represent the ideologies that the Death Eaters perpetrated many years ago.
"…I am merely fulfilling a need. Since the end of the War, many Purebloods have been at a disadvantage. This association offers an alternative for Purebloods, in the form of a supportive social environment, where they can express their opinions without vilification." – Draco Malfoy, 43, at his home in Wiltshire.
The announcement comes on the back of a successful lodgment of their Charter with the Wizengamot…
Phillip finished the article and set it aside. Twenty-one years immersed in the Muggle World had estranged him from the political opinions and social changes the Wizarding World had experienced. His first couple of years in his new environment had been difficult; his Pureblood arrogance had bred, unbeknown to him at the time, a dangerous mix of narrow-mindedness and ignorance.
As he began his research, realization dawned on him that wizards and Purebloods were not as superior to Muggles as he had preferred to believe. Every year, and every technological advance, was additional proof that Muggles weren't the dumb, barbaric animals he had been led to believe. A fact that struck him was the obvious disparity between the technology used by wizards, compared to that of Muggles. Without magic, non-magic humans had endeavoured to better their life by any means. With magic, wizards used their ability like a crutch. The major advancements in the last hundred years for wizards were the potions field. For the Muggles, Phillip never ceased to be amazed at their ingenuity.
Phillip folded the Prophet and pushed it away. He hoped that his fellow wizards were cautious. More importantlym, he was optimistic that they would learn from the past.
Periodic Report #0304
Date: February 13th, 2028
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (a) (d)
Attachments: New Scientist article; "Heart-Lungs transplant – Modern Cloning Applications"
In referendums in the following three countries, America, Australia and New Zealand, citizens voted to initiate the largest political union since the European Union. Representatives from all three countries will form the basis of the AANZ Federation. After French Canada joined the European Union last year, causing a split, the remaining English-speaking states of Canada have also applied to join the AANZ. The Federation has extended offers of membership to South America, South Africa, Papua New Guinea and some of the Island microstates. Once ratified, due to take place by 2035, the countries will adopt the dollar as their official coinage.
Serbia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina are now official candidates for the EU. Russia continues to express interest, but until it changes the rigid policies, that contravenes the Copenhagen Criteria, it will continue to be denied entry.
With the formulation of another political conglomerate, other countries, with similar guiding principles and objectives, appear to be acting to form their own alliances. China, Japan, India and Indonesia have expressed their desire to follow this trend. It has been suggested that they plan to align themselves with the vast majority of African countries which currently mine 40 of the world's available metals, radioactive materials, and precious gems.
For the science update, I have attached an enlightening article from a Muggle publication called New Scientist. After years of stem cell cloning to grow 'replacement' tissue, scientists have successfully cloned, and re-grown, a person's heart-lung system and transplanted it into them.
Scientists also announced last week that they have made breakthroughs in the field of nanotechnology. They have welded the application of robotics to quantum miniaturisation, to create molecule- sized automatons. These 'nanobots' are capable of both independent computations, in order to adapt to the environments in which they are placed, and the ability to repair and replicate. Current trials conducted include one in Sweden, where these nanobots are injected into a patient's bloodstream, where they entered organs and other bodily processes, to seek and destroy cancer cells. Once their task is complete, they decommission and exit the body through the waste excretion process. This is a technology where I can find no comparison with a magical healing technique.
Upon concluding my investigation of this, I found another area of interest that I have previously overlooked. Bio-mechanics is science which involves implanting, and integrating, mechanical and electrical devices into a body to either substitute, or augment, an organ or body part. A special report, detailing this science, shall be attached to the next periodic report.
Periodic Report #0367
Date: May 21st, 2033
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (d) (e)
Two major announcements this month;
Firstly, quantum state computers will become available to private individuals by the end of the year. The maker of the processors, IntelGen, announced that it also plans to release the processors in conjunction with AppleInc's new holographic interface, the i3.
Secondly, Russia has announced that it has successfully demonstrated cold fusion to produce energy. They have forwarded a manifesto to leading science bodies, around the world, challenging them to replicate their results
On another note, another significant development has occurred within the EU. The members recently passed a recommendation that all member states adopt, what is termed as, a Citizen Card. This plastic card will be constructed of holographic storage medium, and will contain the following data; personal details (DOB, contact details, social security number), financial data, medical history (including allergies, pre-existing conditions, insurance details), employment history, drivers license, education history, criminal record history (if applicable), and unique biometric identification (photo, digital representation of fingerprint, DNA, iris map, genetic disease risk groups, blood type). The card will be linked via wireless signal to 'nano-chips' injected into the owner's body, to prevent identity theft and fraud.
Once introduced in Britain, the card will replace all current identification, and will be required for any business, personal or financial transaction. The introduction will commence by January 2035, phasing out licenses and social security cards first, followed by secondary identification documents by 2036, and finally the use of currency by 2039. All member countries in the EU are expected to comply by the end of 2040.
Periodic Report #0405
Date: July 29th, 2036
Subject: Directive #R366b, subsections (b) (d)
Scientists have successfully reverse engineered the human brain, and in discovering how to replicate consciousness and identity, have provided a way the record a copy of a 'person'. Additionally, they have applied the concept of 'humanity' to how a computer processor 'thinks'. Initial results have been astounding – a computer, known as Juliet5, composed a short piece of lyrical poetry. Scientists are calling this a 'breakthrough in Functional Emotive Procedure', and state that this conclusion, may lead to the creation of robots, and other electronic devices, that 'feel', not just analytically process data. Additionally, these microprocessors may be used as implants to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's, mental retardation and those with Autism.
The commodities markets jumped sharply this week mining mega-corporation RioTintoBHP, announced that it was going ahead with its plans to commission regular space mining on the asteroid dubbed A3Ryse. The company pioneered mining on the moon until concerns erupted over altering the gravitational force of the satellite. It will join with a Space Tourism company, Outer Limits Pty Ltd, to jointly fund the creation of a series of rockets and a permanent space station. The station will house mining workers on eighteen-month rotations as well as tourists.
September 11th, 2041.
A small courtyard garden, Cambridge University.
Phillip was seated in his own portable stool, his back against the cool stone of the shaded building. While he waited, he flipped through the extensive Special Report, he had compiled, to accompany his regular report.
Pharmacogenomics was a field he found particularly interesting. In fact, the report that he handled carefully, was basically a synopsis of a dissertation that he had published himself. Nearly twelve years ago, convincing himself it would be better 'cover', Phillip enrolled in Cambridge University. Since then, he had completed a double degree (B. Arts / BSc.), post-graduate studies, and even lectured occasionally.
He smirked – if old Kelley would have told him he'd be where he is today, Phillip would have admitted him to St Mungo's.
"You look happy." Francine's voice rang out as she entered the small, grassed, area.
"Just appreciating how good life is," he replied.
"Hold onto that thought…I have something I need to tell you, and you probably won't like it." Francine stated ominously.
Phillip frowned when he saw her face. "What is it?"
"I'm retiring," she stated simply, with sadness.
"You're eight years younger than me! I should be the one retiring!" he spluttered.
"Word from the top is they think you are too important to re-assign, there is nobody even remotely interested in replacing you, not to mention nobody with the technical background…"
He interrupted her. "So, I'm irreplaceable?"
"At the moment - yes. However, there is a new recruit, who is being groomed for the position. First, she'll be my replacement. I have three months to get her up to scratch. After that she'll replace you someday," she explained.
Phillip considered grumbling more, but realised there was nothing he could do. Instead, he stared at the report he held.
"Another Special Report?" she asked, indicating the blue-jacketed folder under the typed monthly statement of affairs.
"Yes – the larger version of this, a thesis, was published by one of the Muggle academic journals," he replied with a hint of pride in his voice.
She smiled broadly. "Congratulations! Might I ask what farma…co…jenom…icks is?" she quizzed, reading the word on the label and pronouncing it with difficulty.
"Read the report – it will be quicker than if I tried explaining it in layman's terms." He recognised the look of irritation sneak across her face. He sighed. "Basically, it's creating drugs – like potions – that are for a disease but are made unique for an individual based on their genetic make-up." A blank look greeted his last words. "Genetics is the study of what makes you, you – everyone's unique."
"Like our magical signature?" Francine was attempting to understand, but with a limited understanding of even basic Muggle science, she was having trouble.
"Not quite. Like a fingerprint, but its called DNA," he patiently explained.
Francine frowned in consternation, the delicate wrinkles around her mouth and eyes creasing. "Maybe I should just read the report," she concluded.
January 27th, 2042
London's Kew Gardens, Biosphere 4: Rare and exotic orchids and bromeliads.
In comparison to the biting wind outside, the air inside was humid and pleasant. Phillip was currently admiring a bank of jewel orchids, their velvety foliage capturing tiny beads of moisture from the air.
A soft whisper off to one side caught his attention. He stood, on guard, as the whisper grew louder, separating into two distinct female voices. He glimpsed Francine through the gaps in the flora first. Another woman with whom she conversed trailed her. As they rounded a corner, he could distinguish the new witch clearly; a sharp angular face, raven-coloured tresses tamed by a barrette, and slight stature. She could have been no older than nineteen or twenty.
He strode purposely toward them; they halted their steps as he closed the last few metres, pausing just in front of them. "Francine," he greeted her somewhat stiffly. He gestured at the stranger. "This must be your replacement."
Stilted by his uncharacteristic choice of address, Francine inclined her head quizzically. She steered the younger witch forward with a firm hand. "Phillip, this is Sabina, she'll be your new contact from today," she introduced, "I was just telling her how lovely it has been working with you," she finished with a slight hint of sarcasm.
"Greetings, Sabina." He offered his hand, which she took tentatively. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I expect that working with you will be just as exciting as the reports you author," she responded coyly.
"I would think the novelty wears thin, don't you think, Francine?" he asked with a smile.
"Phillip's assignment is probably more exhilarating than merely retrieving his reports," she replied.
"Then I have something to look forward to." Sabina echoed his gaiety with a demure grin.
Changing the subject and recomposing his visage into one of seriousness, Phillip queried. "What made you interested in this assignment?"
Sabina's grin grew into a beaming smile. Blithely, and with a touch of mysteriousness she responded. "You could say that it is in my blood."
A/N: Many thanks to my beta reader Khantael
And…If you're reading this, it doesn't take make more extra effort to leave a review.
Cheers
Judith-C