The Agent' s return

Charles Sears smiled, while he was walking through the corridors into small room, dresses in his most expensive suit. He wore it only on special occasions. And special occasion was now.
He heard about Elisheva Wong, aka Red Scorpion. And her deeds in one of South African counties, when bringing down a tyranical government in Africa. And in order to do it, she had to fight a meta-human bodyguards of said dictator. Well, that earned her his respect. Sears always respected people who dared to do something for his county. He was one of few men who knew about her mission. So, that is why he was present at the ceremony.
The Congressman smiled again. This "Red Scorpion" can be a helpful ally, especially because Sears had enough connections to make her - at least a bit - rise through the ranks of CIA in exchange for support.
"Having allies in CIA is always a good thing " thought Charles " without CIA, our county would perish. So we need to support them for common good. "
So, he entered the small room. It was actually filled with military officials, and some other politicians. Each of them was from elite group which knew about her mission. Well, she had to be rewarded. That was a thing that united even greatest political enemies.
So, our congressman took place among first row of people, waiting for Red Scorpion to enter.
Smiling again, he looked on small podium where a high - ranked CIA officer was standing, ready to give her a medal for what she had done.
He slowly asked one of men standing near him:
" Do you know when she would enter" his voice was calm, but filled with emotions. Sears was bored of waiting.
"I do not know, mister Sears" came anwser " she is probably on her way here. "
Charles was always an impatient man. So he did not enjoyed waiting.
" Better she was " joked Charles " after all, she did a great thing for her county. Why would she like to ruin everything by being late?"
Even if she was not late, Charles already was searching with his eyes for her. After all, he had a speech to deliver after she would be given the medal....

It had been two weeks since Ellie had returned from her nearly disastrous mission from Africa, and one week since she got out of the hospital to be treated. Every night the nightmares that haunted her made it feel like it was the day before...  

Elisheva Wong awoke to the sunlight in her eyes, as she rubbed her temple. Her supercomputer-in-glasses was right there on the bedside nightstand. She hears the soft chanting of... prayer, though she lay back down in her dizziness. This weakness was a symptom of malnourishment- she deduced she was out cold for at least two weeks, and her glasses confirmed this, her last activity being
signalling for the Divas to save her- fifteen days ago.

Ellie peered around, catching a glimpse of a woman in the next room standing up then moving into her own room. Her own room... This was her Washington residence.

“Good morning, Miss Wong.” The woman entered, wearing very modern and modest attire, covered tip to toe in a pastel blue dress. As it was inside a house, her face and head were uncovered, revealing her long, wavy hair resting on her shoulders.

“Atiyah...?” Ellie said, slightly surprised. Atiyah Hasnah, a former Libyan Commando who served as one of Gadaffi’s female bodyguards- one of the youngest in her time- who became a Danger Diva, a member of the core team of six, as the team’s best scout and sniper.

“I hope you are feeling well.” She said, coming in with a tray with a water bottle and a bowl of soup.

“I’m surprised you haven’t called in a replacement.” Ellie commented, knowing the Divas usually took shifts whenever taking care of someone. She took a whiff of the soup... a Middle Eastern recipe from the smell.

“It is nothing, compared to serving Kaddafi back in the day. You are a much more benevolent employer, even if you do have... the eccentricity to assume a masked persona as nefarious as Red Scorpion. Let me help you up then, it’s time you had something to eat while awake.”

“Alright let me...” Ellie didn’t absorb Atiyah’s comment until she quickly noticed something wrong. She pulled back her sheets to see her legs in braces, her lower body entirely unresponsive. Jaded and unemotional as Ellie was, this disability elicited a deep, closed eyed sigh. She could barely recall the battle- the chaos, the darkness, the anguish... Worse, she knew it was recorded on her glasses. Something she didn’t want to review anytime soon.

“When we found you, you were in a much worse condition... broken, bleeding, supposed to be dead- we didn’t know what made Baptiste not finish you off. We had to rush you here- Williams fought tooth and nail to save you while on the plane. We also could not find Baptiste, though Hassad did assume power, as planned.” Atiyah explained, preparing some flat bread to go with the soup.

“I see... Thank you then. I owe you girls for your loyalty.” Ellie put on her glasses and began downing the soup and flat bread quickly. She realized none of her other articles were around. Not that she could check, given her condition.

“Atiyah. Where is the hard drive... What’s that?” Before Ellie could make any movements, Atiyah produced an envelope with the CIA’s seal on it.

“Oh, it appears members of your government wishes to give you a small acknowledgement for Bongolesia. And our loyalty was earned many times over the career by the Red Scorpion. We just didn't know yet if the person behind the mask was worth while yet.” She said, rather plainly. The seal on the envelope was broken.

“That was a covert mission. I did not even tell the...” Ellie said, but the commando cut her off.

“... A conflict ridden region that exports raw materials to the U.S. stops its exports? A coup that would put a more compliant figurehead into office? Please, I am Libyan, Miss Wong.” She said.

“What do the Divas think?” Ellie asked, finishing her food and getting out of bed and into a wheelchair.

“Only the Six know. Now come and get changed, Miss Wong. You’re expected later today.” Atiyah said, going into Ellie's impressive walk-in closet, laden with formal attire.

Ellie looked at the data in front of her screen... she decided it could wait.

Location: CIA Headquarters, Langley, Fairfax County, Virginia
Time: 7:50 AM

Ellie paused a few moments before starting to disembark from her car. She looked at Atiyah in quiet frustration as she prepared the electric wheelchair. She eventually relents, and hops into it- refusing any assistance to do so. They slowly make their way to the entrance, a security guard looking at them from behind darkened shades.

“You might also want to cover the red eye.” Atiyah said as she retrieved something out of her purse, holding out a black eye patch for her.

“An eye patch? I can make my glasses’ lens just go opaque.” Ellie said, mildly protesting.

“An eye patch is often perceived as more heroic. You’ll get more sympathy.” Atiyah said, smirking underneath her black Hijab.

Ellie snatches the eye patch from Atiyah without saying another word and putting it on, covering her bloodshot right eye. The guards at the door open for Ellie, as she took the ramp in.



It was 2 minutes past the time of the ceremony and Ellie entered the room with as much dignity and strength she could muster while wheelchair bound and having an eye patch. Atiyah remained outside at the lounge of the HQ, not wanting to give away she was one of the mercenaries involved in the fighting.

There were no video cameras at the ceremony, no means to record any of this going on, save for a single designated photographer. Much like any other CIA personnel, the public would never know the contributions of its covert agents- the deeds done in the shadows, save for the inner circle of those who protected American interests. The President himself could not be present, as it would acknowledge the operation, but left a general signed commendation as well.

The people present fell into a respectful silence as Ellie made her way to her place, a military officer gentlemanly enough to move the chair out of the way. They looked in quiet understanding at her injuries, the sacrifices she’d had to make to accomplish her mission.

Ellie let out a subdued sigh, not letting anyone else know just how vulnerable she felt. She looked around waiting for things to get started.

The congressman smiled when his object of interest had entered the room. He took a quick look on the woman. Well, he would never suspect that something so beautiful can be such deadly beast.
He also understood the fact that she had suffered an enormous injuries during the mission. This fact earned her his respect, as it was nothing more noble than to sacrafice own blood for the county.
Sears was patriotic. More patriotic that many could imagine. For him good of his county was above everything else. This woman had done plebty oof things for United States. And she had to be rewarded.
So, when she entered the room, and everybody was on his place, the military officer announced:
" I am now giving voice to Congressman of Washington, Charles Sears."
"Thank you " voice of Sears was calm but strong. Elisheva could wonder who this man is. He looked like top bodybuilder, and his eyes glowed in red from behind his glasses.
" Thank you. We have gathered here to give what is rightfully her to our agent, Elisheva Wong. As you all may know, she had suffered plenty of damage during her mission. Why did she suffered plenty of damage? Because she wanted to serve her county, that is. She could be our example now. An example that for security reasons can never go past these walls.
But each one of us knows in his heart that she deserves a medal. More than anything. She had paid terrible, terrible price in her own blood for it. Let us all use her as example when it comes to serving USA. "
Then Sears smiled again. It was warm smile, full of joy and good-wishing for returning agent.
" Let the ceremony begin!" he said, looking on them.

The ceremony was hardly anything similar to public awardings, as it was a quick event over within a matter of minutes. A large screen turned on and reported the events in Bongolesia, as the world would see it.

The CNN reporter embedded with U.N. aid group reported directly from the Palace as it was being rebuilt, wearing combat gear as she spoke into the camera.

“Today marks two weeks since the end of perhaps, months of civil war in the African nation of Bongolesia. Rebel fighters took the fight to the President’s mansion itself, laying waste to government forces under the long ruling military dictator, Salvatore Baptiste. Baptiste is believed to have been killed, but sources say the body was never found. Colonel Hassad, one of the army’s most influential figures, has now ended the boycott of western trade and is opening up his country for economic development, assuring the United Nations, and the World, that Bongolesia would once again join the global community.”

The feed changes to the Oval office, The President of the United States ((No I won’t say who because we don’t know.)) addresses Ellie.

“The United States is thankful for your contributions and the sacrifices you made for the greater good of the region, Ellie. Everyone here understands the hardships of your operation, and its sad that we have to keep this a secret... I’m sure your father would be proud, wherever he may be.”

Ellie simply nodded at that last statement.

“Congressman, if you would do the honors of giving her the medal and the commendation?” The President addressed Sears.

“Again, agent Wong, America is grateful.” The screen goes out, and once again Ellie’s eyes fall on mister Sears... something was definitely strange about him, and Ellie was far too perceptive to let anything pass her. Still, she couldn’t do anything... at the moment.

" With pleasure, mr. President " Sear' s voice was calm and duty - like. He simply smilled and turned to Ellie:
" For your deeds for United States of America I award you these medal " he said while attaching medal to her chest " you did a great job, agent Wong. May all of our agents be like you and our nation would not have to even worry about every kind of danger ".
Sears smiled warmly. He seemed to already like this agent. Well, he also had hidden goal: to create an support network for him. But that was not official.
He gazed into the eyes of Elisheva, and miss Wong could see something strange: eyes of congressman were glowing in red, like two red lamps. This was totally unnaturall, but Charles did not cared.
Then Charles Sears to show his respect for the agent did thing he thought had to be done:
The Brick Congressman saluted her.
And then he retreated into the back of the stage.


The ceremony was over. There also was a speech of one of high ranked CIA officers and then everything ended. It was chance for Sears to forge new alliance. Which politician would resist? Charles Sears smiled again, and moved his top shaped body - which made Schwarzeneger look like a dwarf - towards the Ellie. He approached her slowly, but with pride. From his glasses another look of red eyes fell down on miss Wong.
" Mister Wong " Sears smiled again towards her. He spoke in calm and polite voice " Allow me to congratulate you again. As you already heard, I am congressman Charles Sears of Washington state."
There Charles extended his arm towards her
" You did an amazing job for our glorious land. I will ensure that your sacrafice is not forgotten. Such operatives as you deserve much respect. "
And congressman again looked with his red eyes on her.

Ellie didn't want to stay any longer than necessary, but it seemed she caught the interest of this Congressman- and he didn't seem very interested in concealing his true nature either. He came off as intimidating to the crippled agent, though she kept her cool and conversed with him backstage.

"Thank you, Congressman. It was just my job... though I don't know how much longer I can keep it up, considering now I'm in a wheelchair." She looked at him intently, never showing any emotion or feeling- the years of fighting a never ending battle for her country had exhausted Ellie physically and emotionally, and she wasn't even 40 yet.

Upon closer inspection, an observant eye would see how Ellie's beauty and passion was slowly being tarnished- one could see the lines, the scars, the unspoken injuries beneath her body... the toll of a vengeful life that Ellie had put herself through. Her half-weary eyes saw right through whatever she looked at, gazing far towards yet another battlefield.

It was clear that she had paid the price, and one could only guess until she would have to pay with her very life.

"Well... unless you have something of interest to share, Congressman, I'll take my leave. I'd like to... rest." She paused and awaited a response from him. Otherwise, she would turn her wheelchair around and move along.

Sears saw all of this and in his heard something cracked. A top agent sitting on a wheelchair, almost broken, and sad. He would be heartless if he would not repay her for everything she had done for the USA.
He slowly gazed on her with his red eyes and spoke:
" I wanted to offer you a chance of going out of this wheelchair " smiled Congressman " I have an 7.62 mm bullet inside my body, just above the heart. It pierced me through. How did I survived? Nanomachines, daughter. They keep me alive and give me power beyond imagination of most humans."
The congressman was warm. Little did he told her that he offered her Mark IV nanomachines, which would only repeair her but would not grant her super protection as Sears had. He wanted to help people, but he had to be carefull. Mark I nanomachines was the model he had injected.
Slowly, the congressman continued:
" This operation has great costs, but I will pay from my pocket. You have already repaid me with your deeds on battlefield."
Sears was idealist: he did not wanted power, rather to crush those who were against his county. Well, to accomplish it he would use everything: from his fists - to power he had as congressman.
That is why he offered her help of Sears Electronics. For the united states of America!
He slowly straightened his hand in front of her, waiting for her to shake it.
" Do you agree? " he said calmly, thinking they have a deal between them, and gazing on her with red, glowing eyes.

Ellie listened intently to the obviously transhuman congressman. She tapped her fingers on her control, and her suspicions were confirmed when he mentioned nanotechnology. However, she remained collected and slightly defensive.

"Well... when you put it that way, I appreciate your generosity, mister Sears..." She started, maintaining eye contact.

"But I'll have to decline the charity offer on principle. However, I am very interested in investing into your company's stocks, and technology, and I'll develop my own corrective solution to my temporary disability."

Ellie spoke politely to the politician, but it was clear she didn't trust anyone just like that. It was expected from someone in the CIA- betrayal and manipulation were bread and butter to the profession of espionage. She most especially didn't want to entertain the possibility of having machines in her body, giving her a possible weakness.

"I'm sure we can have our people iron out the details. What do you say to that, Congressman?"

Congressman sears smiled warmly. In his heart, he was full of joy. Answer of Elisheva did not surprised him, as not only her did not wanted to have machines in her body. Sears did not cared about nanomachines he had. They were helping him, and he enjoyed it.

He slowly took another look on Wong and spoke:

"I see no problem" he said, calmly " well then. I think we may go to my residence to speak about it, before a big table filled with various dishes and other good things. Shouldn' t we, miss Wong? Or do you prefer to go straight to labs, to see the technology we have?"

Sears smiled again. He tried to be polite as possible, as he knew that person with who he was speaking at the moment was a spy - and he could expect a knife in his back. Bad for her, his back could withstand a tank shell, so she would have serious trouble in killing him.

He slowly looked at exit, waiting for her reply.

Ellie eased her stance slightly, seeing as Sears didn't seem to have a hidden agenda. She wheeled past and was already leaving the meeting room and heading for the lobby. There, her acting personal assistant Atiyah stood up to greet her. The middle-eastern woman stood beside Ellie.

"I wouldn't mind visiting your labs, but I have other appointments today. Shall we schedule a meeting then?" She said to Sears.