salute [h.s]

all these things that i've done

The story of One Direction, from its inception through its formation and growth, right until its very end.

zero:

2009

Meeting of the Joint Intelligence Committee

Undisclosed Location, London, England

"You know, John, I'm starting to think this isn't such a good idea."

Eleanor stood facing the doors to the boardroom where the members of the JIC had been collecting and were continuing to arrive as they spoke, brushing past the two of them to walk through the large wooden doors. At her side stood a man who was arguably one of the most powerful men in the UK and possibly the world, a man who she'd gotten to know after working with him for nearly a year as the liaison to the SIS. She could feel his eyes on her as he stood at her shoulder but she refused to look his way.

"We've talked about this Eleanor," John said, his voice quiet and smooth and inarguably authoritative. Being the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service made him particularly well-versed in coaching people through situations like these, moments of doubt and weakness. When he had been the director of O branch before his promotion to the position of C, the people he'd been coaching were fighting for their country in deadly situations. She was just a woman who was overreacting and losing her cool at the idea of speaking in front of a room full of people. "It's a brilliant idea," he added after a moment. "You know it. I know it. You just need to convince them."

"Maybe you should present the idea," she suggested. "It will be better received from you. After all, this is your business, your organization. I think they'll be more open to the idea if it came from you."

"While that may be true, it's not my idea. It's yours."

Eleanor took a deep breath and let it out on a heavy sigh. She felt John's hand circle her shoulder and give it a supportive squeeze. She wished it helped but it really didn't. Nothing would remove the sinking pit of dread sitting in the base of her stomach and weighing her down until the thought of taking a single step forward into the boardroom seemed impossible.