A/N Somewhere while trying to upload chapter one I lost some text in the here's-what-this-story's-about section. This story begins just before Ruth arrives on the Grid in series 2. We'll have to wait and see how long I can keep this up. I forgot to say this before…all characters belong to Kudos. I am so very disappointed they aren't mine.
Many thanks to all of you who have read the beginning of this story and reviewed. Your comments have been very kind and encouraging.
(Ruth) My first day on the Grid and even though I planned to arrive 15 minutes early, I arrived 15 minutes late. Then I made a somewhat "grand entrance" into the meeting room by dropping the all files I had in my arms. I was SO embarrassed. They didn't even know I was coming (except Harry; who, by the way, looked so devastatingly handsome in his suit vest, braces and cufflinks). And then he had to add to my embarrassment about being late with that inane joke that I "was the intelligence analyst so I should know." Cheeky. I just hope that my face wasn't too red.
So…by the end of my first day I: (1) was late to work, (2) dropped my files as I entered the meeting room, (3) spoke too soon by suggesting to "close the place down", (4) shared my thoughts on the Home Office with "Bugger the Home Office" and (5) did a wild and crazy dance with my desk lamp. My co-workers must think I'm either an idiot or a clumsy fool. I certainly hope the rest of my week improves as I can already see that I will really like working here. I like the work, my colleagues and my boss and I believe that I can make meaningful contributions to the work of the team.
(Harry) Ruth arrived for her first day on the Grid, late I must say, within a flurry of files and with great enthusiasm.
The rest of the team didn't know she was coming (I forgot to tell them) and I saw a few raised eyebrows when she entered the meeting room. There were questioning faces pointed towards me when the meeting was over and she left the room seemingly asking "Is she for real?" I told the rest of the team to give her a chance as she was quite intelligent and talented. They looked back at me like I'd lost the plot but said nothing. By the end of the day, Danny approached me to ask if she really was supposed to be here as she had attempted to karate chop her desk lamp, cursing the poor thing. Only Ruth could use the word "thing" as a curse.
Yes, Ruth is somewhat of a breath of fresh air and so, so eager to please. I want to tell her to try to relax but I'd best keep my distance for now; after all, she's so new to everyone here. I can already see that she really is a beautiful woman in so many ways. But I can't think about that as it will only lead to trouble. And…I know she has been sent here as a plant to spy for GCHQ.
(Ruth) I was so excited that I was able to hack into the French Security Service to find out more about the Algerian agent who showed up at Scotland Yard. I think Harry was impressed as well as Tom, Danny and Zoe. In fact, I think all of them were shocked that I could do that. A lot of people make that mistake about me and don't really see who I am. But then I don't share much of myself either.
I hope GCHQ doesn't ask me for information because I like it here and don't want to betray the team.