Four hours. It's been four hours since we entered this room for what should have been an "interview" but ended up being more like an interrogation.
Michael is still talking when a man enters, crossing the floor to stand just behind him.
Alexander Pierce.
I'm beginning to think I'm way out of my depth here. I mean, just yesterday I was a student, a researcher with published work under her belt, yes, but none that was so extraordinary that it demanded this much attention.
I should accept it. I should be happy, even. I got promoted, after all. But one of the heads of Shield itself is standing right there. I feel more like a little kid being called to the principal's office for doing something bad, than someone being rewarded for good work.
"Are you listening to me, Elise?"
I've never seen a look of such severity on Michael's face. I nod silently.
"She's probably tired, Michael. Why don't you give her a break? Get her some refreshments from downstairs." Pierce smiles at him as he seats himself across from me.
"Yes, sir." Michael stands and leaves without another word.
It's eerie. Everything about this has been eerie. Including…
I direct my attention to the man before me.
"How are you finding your reassignment so far?" His smile is gentle, and I carefully control my response.
"It's been a little overwhelming, but I'm dealing with it." I smile back, attempting to look confident.
"Good, good. You know, it's always hard leaving things behind. But sometimes we have to do just that." He watches me pensively, and I wonder what he meant by that.
"Are you prepared to join an exclusive team, Elise?"
Well, I don't really feel like I can say no here. I mean, I didn't go through all of this interrogation for nothing.
"I'm prepared, sir."
"You'd have to cut off all ties with your former colleagues. The kind of work we do here… is work that will change the world for the better. And we must make sure that it stays a secret until our goals are realized." His blue eyes bore into me, but I don't budge in my resolve… despite the growing niggling worry in the back of my mind.
When I don't reply, he smiles again.
"I was impressed by your thesis defense. What was it, motor control? Promising work." He stands up.
"Indeed. I'm excited to learn more about the plasticity of neurons in the cerebellum." I lose control of myself for a second and let a little too much enthusiasm out. I correct myself as his smile widens.
"I think you'll be excited to see the work we've done on a particular subject. But before that, I need your guarantee that you're in on all of this. I'll be frank with you, once you're in, there is no way out of it but death."
I examine his face for any hint of a lie. Sensing none, the gravity of the situation sets on me.
Well, could be worse, right?
"And as long as I'm on this team, I'll be protected?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
He pauses for a moment, and I'm beginning to anticipate a response I don't want to hear.
"Of course. As long as you remain loyal to the cause." He gives me another of those mysterious smiles before he turns and leaves the room.
All right then?