Nothing for Anything - a Badge-Holder's Tale

Prologue

TW/CW - this chapter includes implications of kidnapping

20th July, 2092 - Rural Kronespeak, East Europe

A cloaked man stood waiting. He looked at his watch and tutted. 

"Where is he...?" he muttered. "It's not like him to be late..."

Another man, face hidden by his jacket hood, walked up to him. The first man smiled. 

"There you are!" he said. "Do you have her?"

The second man shifted his arm to reveal a girl behind him, around twelve or thirteen years old. The girl, more confused than afraid of them, raised her eyebrows. 

"Who are you?" she asked. "And where are you taking me to?"

The first man pulled his cloak off, to reveal he was a slender, middle aged man. The second man pulled his hood down to reveal curly dark hair. 

"You can call me..." he said, offering his hand out to her. "Atid."

The girl reluctantly took his hand. "I suppose you already know who I am?"

Atid laughed gently. "Well, of course."

The girl looked to the other man, who nodded to her. 

"This is my deputy, Wilson", Atid said, gesturing towards him. "He'll take care of you."

"What do you want with me?" the girl asked, getting a little more confident. 

Atid looked around, cautious. "We work for...a bioengineering company is probably the safest way to put it. We're always on the lookout for junior scientists, and hearing of your achievements...my my, I was impressed. So me and Wilson had a little talk, and we decided we want to offer you a job. This doesn't happen often, you know. I only employ the best of the best..." Atid smiled wider. That usually convinced people. 

"And when you say he'll 'take care of me'...?" the girl said. 

"Wilson and his wife are the caretakers for the juniors", Atid said. "It's their job to look after the smallest of our bunch." 

"You'd be my youngest so far", Wilson said, a little embarrassed. "Most of the juniors are around sixteen, seventeen. But I know from experience, and stories from retired carers, that there is sometimes exceptions."

"So, how does this work?" the girl asked. "Can I even legally work?"

"Consider it more experience", Atid said, folding his arms. "I mean, you will get paid, which I suppose is pretty unusual, but it's generally temporary. I only properly employ the smartest of the bunch when all is said and done. However", and he winked to Wilson, "I don't doubt your talents for a minute."

The girl smiled. She liked having her praise sung. Atid had her full attention. "Okay, I'm in." 

Atid laughed in delight. Wilson smiled, wide. 

"Well, welcome to Project A, Miss O'Connell", Atid shook her hand. "It'll be a pleasure."

*AN: Wow! The first official part! This probably won't make sense of now, but further into the story, more shall be revealed!*