Nothing for Anything - a Badge-Holder's Tale

Chapter Six - A Change of Scenery

TW: This chapter contains mentions of kidnapping

2nd July, 2100 - Central Kronespeak, East Europe 

Jaz straightened Treasure's tie. "Remember, you must look presentable."

Treasure frowned. "This shirt is itchy."

"Well, you'll just have to deal with it", Jaz sighed. "There's a dress code."

"There's not a dress code for the private army..." Treasure sulked. 

Jaz ignored her, more focused on their mission. "Do you remember what to do when you go in?" 

Treasure nodded. "Go along with everything they say?"

Jaz smiled. "Good girl." She patted Treasure's head. "You ready to go?"

"Yes", Treasure said. "I'm ready." She wasn't too sure, but she knew what she had to do. 

Jaz had managed to secure her a place in Project A, surprisingly as an apprentice scientist. Though she didn't like to admit it, Treasure had been particularly good at science in school, even if she'd now forgotten most of her knowledge. She'd been studying textbooks to prepare, and she was fairly confident that she'd be able to pull this mission off. 

She and Jaz had stayed the night at a hotel in central Kronespeak. Rumour had it that there was a meeting location for Project A around that area, and Treasure needed to be on time to her first day, or else she could face severe punishment. She was a little worried about that, to say the least.

She didn't sleep well the night before. She'd been thinking a lot about Bernard and Jacob, and wether or not they were doing okay. It'd been on her mind for hours, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were at risk from her taking this mission. Today was July the second; Bernard's birthday. Defection wasn't exactly the kindest birthday gift, but she had to do what she had to do.

Jaz walked her only so far, before telling her she had to take the rest of her journey alone. 

"I'm sorry", she said, although smiling. "Project A is supposed to be a secret, and with my government status..."

"It's okay", Treasure replied. "I understand."

Jaz nodded. "Good luck hon." She turned and walked back, leaving Treasure to herself. Treasure, unsure of what to do next, continued walking. Next thing she knew, she was grabbed by a tall man in a duffle coat. 

"State your business", he said, sternly. 

Treasure flinched, surprised. "I...I'm looking for...uhh..." Jaz had told her what to say, but now she couldn't remember. Things were not off to a good start. 

She thought a little more. Then she remembered. "I'm looking for Wilson."

The man let her go and smiled. "Treasure, I presume?"

Treasure nodded. Wilson laughed. 

"You're quite the genius, aren't you?" he said. Treasure didn't know wether or not he was bering sarcastic; partly because she wasn't good at picking up sarcasm and partly because Jaz made her a fake CV and didn't tell her what she'd put on it.

"Yes sir...?" Treasure said, nervously.

"Well, you'll know by now we only take on the best of the best", Wilson said, fixing his coat. "You know, we haven't had any apprentice biologists in a while."

"Really...?" Treasure wasn't sure if this was particularly a good thing. 

"Boss A has been a lot more focused on the physics department as of late." Wilson began to walk, and Treasure followed him. "Biology is my department, and I'm getting sick of this underfunding. But maybe having someone with your expertise on board will change Boss A's mind about the future of my staff."