CHAPTER 6
"THE GRAND TOUR"
Zella followed Connor into a large, square shaped building bigger than her entire apartment building at home. You should probably stop calling that place 'home' now, she thought.
"Welcome to the dojo!" he exclaimed.
She looked around. It was absolutely massive. There were about 8 sectioned areas for fights or training. Heck, she had no clue about fighting, but this looked so cool, and she said as much.
"This is fucking awesome," she said.
He glanced at her and grinned.
"Isn't it? This is where you'll become an expert fighter."
"That's something I wanna see…" she said.
"Me too," he said, and they both started laughing. "No offence," he added.
"None taken!"
They walked all the way around the site. There was a pool, anti-gravity chambers, a shooting range, a massive normal-looking gym, a 'gymnasium' for gymnastics, a gym for ball games, and even some classrooms… There were also simulator rooms that she wasn't allowed to see. These, according to Connor, contained different scenarios depending on which branch you were a part of. Some of them were live simulations with real people, and others (often the space ones) were interactive videos.
"Pretty cool," she said, as they walked back to the main building. He held the door open for her and they went into the entrance hall, where there was actually a receptionist.
"Cool? Is that all you have?" he said.
"Only word I can think of right now, to be honest," she replied, shaking her head. "Information overload!"
"Yeah, I felt like that when I first saw this place too," he said. "So, any thoughts on which branch you want to be part of?"
She screwed up her face in thought.
"It's difficult. I think I'm too pretty to be a bodyguard."
He snorted.
"I agree."
She laughed. "Nah, but seriously, it's between Special Agent and Space. I wanna be a spy… but I also wanna be an astronaut."
"Astronauts are cooler," he said. "Plus, we're basically training to be space spies, so it's the best of both worlds."
"That's true," she said. "I'll think about it."
"Good idea."
They went over to Mrs Bowen's door. She now noticed, there was a plaque on it that read "DIRECTOR OF STUDIES". Frank was still standing there like a statue.
"You look like you're having fun!" she said.
"I'm not," he said.
Both Zella and Connor smiled. He knocked on the door.
"Come in," said Mrs Bowen.
"Enjoy," said Connor, giving her a wave, and he walked away towards the double doors.
Zella took a deep breath, got a strange look from Frank, and then went into the office.
"Zella," her father smiled.
"How was the tour?"
"Really good. Connor was a good guide."
"That's excellent to hear," said Mrs Bowen.
"So, honey? Any thoughts?" her father asked.
She came further into the office and sat down in the seat next to her dad.
"Um, it looks really cool. So, I guess, I'm in?"
Mrs Bowen and her father exchanged a glance.
"Uh, what does that look mean?" Zella asked.
"Your father and I have discussed some things. Usually, when we have a new operative, they will have to pass several tests before they can join the Academy."
"Tests? But I can't do anything!"
"That's why I have agreed to allow you into our Training Group without any tests. I trust your father, and he's vouching that you're a smart girl, and a hard worker."
"Oh, I totally am," she said.
"So, you have a week to get your fitness levels up a bit, before you start training," said her dad.
"A week. Okay," she said.
"And then you'll begin training in a group of five, and there will be no more special treatment," said Mrs Bowen sharply. "You can drop out at any time."
"But try not to," her dad added.
"Okay," said Zella.
"You'll be staying in the room where you were last night. Here's your lanyard," said Mrs Bowen, handing her a black lanyard over the desk. "It grants you access to all the buildings. You can eat in the cafeteria alongside the other operatives, and you can make use of any of the facilities: except, of course, the simulators and the anti-gravity chambers."
"Wow," Zella said. "Right. So I can do whatever I want this week? Lots of weightlifting and stuff? Where will you be, dad?"
"I'm going to sort out some more practical things," he said. "Sell the apartment, get all our furniture, find a new place in the area."
"But I'll be living here."
"All operatives live on-site," said Mrs Bowen.
"Right, cool," she said. "No problem. Okay! Should I go back to my room?"
"Just a moment," said Mrs Bowen. "Which branch do you want to join?"
"Do I have to decide right at this present moment?"
Mrs Bowen glanced at her father, and then back at Zella.
"I can give you one extra day. Come and find me tomorrow, and let me know what your decision is. Oh – and you'll find SHIELD clothes in your wardrobe. We've provided you with all the basics."
"Do I get hair straighteners?"
"No," said Mrs Bowen.
"Ah, well," Zella said. "Okay. See you soon, dad?"
"See you soon."
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and waved at Mrs Bowen, before leaving. Frank was still outside.
"Look, Frank, I got a lanyard!" she said.
His eyes slid sideways to look at her.
"Great," he said.
"I'm glad you're so excited about having me around, Frank! I know we'll be great friends. I can feel it," she said, and skipped towards the elevator.
This whole SHIELD deal didn't seem like such a bad thing after all: new clothes (even if they were all monochrome), cute guys, free gym membership…
What more did she need?
She used the lanyard to open the door to her room, and collapsed on the bed. Now just for some motivation to work out…
A/N: I'm so happy people have favourited this story! :D Thanks guys! xx