Starfall ⨯ 77

Mission 3: Operation Strix

My infiltration of Operation Strix was top secret, so of course everyone in headquarters knew about it by the next day. As I made my way to the conference room to meet Phoenix, I heard whispers and conversations about my assignment.

"Wow, Starfall's really doing it. I can't imagine trying to fool someone as skilled as Twilight." "Yeah, well, she's got her size and the element of surprise going for her. They'd never expect a child agent." "I'm sure she'll be fine. She ain't a top agent for nothin'." "Starfall vs. Twilight. Can't wait to hear what happens!" "You know they're on the same side, right?" "Meh." "Isn't there a betting pool about how long she'll last undercover? I think Trixx is running it..."

I sighed, allowing a small smile. Besides, there's no harm in a little betting (especially when I totally know the results. I mean really, how could I fail undercover?) (Actually, I might just ask Trixx to throw in a few Dalc for me...).

I walked into the room and nodded at Phoenix, who handed me a folder. "Your target, everything we know about him, all the details we've attained about Operation Strix, and where you're to go." Phoenix said. I flipped through the contents and nodded again. I'll probably check it out more thoroughly once I've gotten through the first stage of my assignment, which is getting adopted.

"I trust you'll be okay from here?" "Probably. But hey, the spy biz is unpredictable." Phoenix nodded, smiled, and gave me a quick hug before leaving.

I sighed, bracing myself for what was to come, and left for the orphanage.

~•✩°※°✩•~

It wasn't...the prettiest place ever. Then again, I'd seen worse. Much worse. I shook my head, before approaching the door and knocking. A minute later, a drunken-looking man opened the door. I just uttered the word "veil", and he ushered me in. There were kids scattered around the hallway, some playing with toys and all staring at us as we walked past.

The man led me into a room with a small table, some chairs, and a magazine. I sat down at the table, smiling at the other kids. "Don't worry, I won't be here long." True to my word, approximately half an hour later, the doorbell rang. I heard the man shuffling down the hall and opening the door. A few minutes later, he entered the room, followed by the one and only Twilight. At least, I assumed it was Twilight, because what're the chances of another person coming at the arranged time looking for a child?

"...ideally, I'd like a child who can already write." Twilight said. "Right, in that case..." the man led Twilight over to me, and I stood up, clutching Chimera and staring up at them, looking the picture of innocence (at least, I hoped so).

"This is the smartest one we've got." the man said, gesturing to me. "Ahh, perhaps not..." Twilight said. 'You have to be at least six to enroll at Eden Academy. This girl looks four, five at the oldest...' Twilight thought. I rolled my eyes internally. Would he rather have a smart four/five year old or a dumb six year old? Besides, he's going to rewrite my entire history anyway, faking age should be the least of his problems.

Regardless... "Six! I'm six." I said, craning my neck and looking up at him. 'She seems much too short to be-' I cut off Twilight's thoughts by standing on my tip-toes. Seriously, what would I have to do to convince him?

That's right, the newspaper! I rushed over to the table and grabbed the newspaper and a pencil, flipping it to the crossword I'd noticed earlier. "Hm? The newspaper? The crossword? That might be a little tough for you..." I ignored him and began filling out the words, half-listening to his thoughts about the answers. I didn't really need to cheat for something so easy anyway. A minute later, I brandished the completed crossword.

"You finished it!? Seriously?!" Twilight stared, quickly going through the answers. 'This is a stunning level of intellect! This girl should be able to ace the entrance exams!' "I'll take this one!" The man nodded, and I caught his eye and smiled gratefully, to which he nodded back. "Now, about the paperwork..." "Don't worry about it. Just take her and get outta here." the man said, cutting Twilight off. "Is this okay with you?" Twilight asked, bending down to my level. I nodded quickly. It was nice that he was considerate of my feelings as well.

We exited the orphanage, many curious and surprised eyes following us. After all, I'd gotten adopted in half and hour, probably a record. Not that any of this was actually going on record, of course.

'Child acquired. Mission accomplished... Suddenly I'm worried that everything is going so smoothly.' I smiled at Twilight's thoughts. Mine were along the same line, but on the contrary, I wasn't worried. Things were going to be smooth sailing from here on out if I had anything to say about it.

Phase One of Infiltrate Operation Stix: Get Adopted - Accomplished!

~•✩°※°✩•~

V.E.I.L Case Files:

Subject: Division - Zero Ops
Overview: The Zero Ops is an exclusive Division of V.E.I.L, whose members were all personally trained by a Chair of the Collective. It is customary that the Trainee take on an Agent Number that contains that of their Mentor. (Ex. Chair 07 trained Agent 17, 37, and 77) These Agents are also in direct contact with the Collective.
Normally, all members have an additional Division other than Zero Ops, due to it being more for show than actual work (think of it like a Rank. Zero Ops are all Top Agents). However, there are of course some that alternate between Divisions and assignments, and thus have not been assigned to a Division.
Members: 12 (Current), 5 (Deceased/MIA)
Agent 11 - MINT
Agent 15 - BASS
Agent 17 - WILDER (MIA)
Agent 20 - MAGENTA
Agent 22 - DUSK
Agent 26 - WHISP
Agent 33 - SOLSTICE (Deceased)
Agent 37 - TRIXX
Agent 44 - ECLIPSE (Deceased)
Agent 46 - RIVER
Agent 52 - KRIS (MIA)
Agent 56 - CHAMELEON
Agent 64 - FIRA
Agent 65 - SHARP
Agent 77 - STARFALL
Agent 83 - CELESTE
Agent 96 - AKAI
(Deceased)

Submitted By
Head Secretary