Markus's wrist tablet rang, and as he checked the Caller ID, he let out a sigh. "This is Vaughn. What can I do for you, Looker?" There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the line before Looker simply smiled and asked, "How's retirement?" Markus turned off his camera and rolled his eyes. As he turned his camera back on, he looked at his former captain's face. "You sent me here because of the Plowman System, didn't you?" His hackles were raised as he fully realized the notion that Looker had manipulated this whole situation. "You put me here because badge or no badge I wasn't going to let them get hurt."
"I've never accused you of being daft, Markus. Yes, I sent you there because you were uniquely qualified to aid the Plowman family. I did think you would enjoy teaching as well. I hope it hasn't disappointed you." Markus shook his head and assured Looker that this job was wonderful, and he was having a great time. "You could have just told me, Looker. You know I would have come either way."
"I'm aware, Markus, but that would require giving you classified intelligence, and we'd just gotten you retired, and your clearance revoked before I could brief you. As it stands now, you're not an agent of the international police; you're just a good man and a good mentor."
"Thanks, but now that everything has gone sideways, what do you want me to do?" Markus asked. Looker thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Keep doing what you're doing. I know you won't hamper the investigation." Markus shook his head as he looked back to his screen. "I'll keep them safe as best I can. And I know you won't tell me your next move." He said as Looker clicked a few buttons on his computer.
"Just, be careful, Markus." Looker said as he hung up the phone. Markus stretched in his chair and stood. He and Miriam were supposed to be grabbing lunch in Mesagoza, so without wasting another minute, he made his way to her office and stepped inside. Miriam was swabbing a student's eye and dropped the sample into a bag as Markus stepped into her office.
"So, you're a plant?" Mirri asked as she washed her hands. Markus let out a sigh. "Yeah, it was news to me too. Suffice it to say my former captain is a giant asshole." Markus took a seat next to Miriam and sighed. "I hate being manipulated, Mirri." Miriam put a hand on Markus's shoulder and let out a sigh of her own.
"I feel you." She said. Then there was a knock at the door and director Clavell entered.
"Perfect, I found you both." He said as he made his way across the room to Markus. "My hiring decision was in no way based on your former supervisor's machinations. You were given this position because of your qualifications." Then he turned to Miriam. "And Markus was here of his own volition, rather than any undercover assignment. There will be a faculty email going out this afternoon, but I figured you would want to know first."
"Thank you, Director." Miriam responded, and the director left the room. Miriam turned to Markus next. "That was my big concern, honestly. The idea that you were here undercover, and our relationship was to help you blend in." She stepped toward Markus then hugged him. "I'm glad that isn't the case. I kinda really like you.
"I love you, Miriam." Markus responded as he kissed her.