The Suspicious Beginning
A group of people all over the UK each share the same dream without realising it; this dream is what brings this group of people together. This group of people may seem incredibly naive at first, but of course, they did not perceive that such a feat would be neither possible nor effective.
That being said, though, this unlikely group that now finds themselves in a room together after receiving an anonymous cryptic yet suspicious letter, to meet here at this location, none of them could have either anticipated or imagined what would have followed after these events.
The location itself, though, was as small and dodgy and out of the way as you could get. The group had found themselves in an abandoned, run-down building with one office in use, although of course, perhaps a run-down building is the perfect setting for a small, intimate, clandestine Meeting.
As the group all pile in, they see someone sitting in the dark at a desk in the office. He suddenly turns on the light, making the group all jump as he speaks, “Ah, so you loveable rouges decided to show up, eh?”
He leans forward on his desk. “Which means you’re actually intrigued by what this is about.”
Dane, who’s a muscular guy with a scar on his face and covered in tattoos, folds his arms. “Just get to the point, why are we here. We all have busy lives, so go on, explain. Who are you and what do you want, because I'll tell you something now. I’ve never met you before in my life, and I definitely do not under any circumstances owe you any money. So quit being shifty and spill.”
The shifty guy, as Dane described him, chuckles, and as he puts his hands together, all business-like as he leans forward on his desk. “Fine. You want to get straight to the point. I’ll oblige you. You’re all here because I have an offer for you, and mainly because I think each of you offers a specific set of skills that I believe will get the job done.”
Dane snorts in response, considering he is often the impatient type. “And that offer is?”
Celeste elbows him roughly. “Just give the guy a chance, okay? I know you’re sceptical, we all are. And we all want to know why we are here.”
One of the Twins, Julian, a guy in glasses, agrees with Celeste. “Dude, she’s got a point. Whatever this guy wants. It’s clear that it's pretty important that he would not be wasting our time.”
The Shifty guy smiles at that. “Julian, does has a point. I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t think you were worthy of such a lucrative job offer. So introductions are clearly in order, I am Alexander Kane who I am exactly doesn’t matter. The point is, as a rich businessman and government employee with a history in the spy game, I’m offering you to work with me on a secret government project that I am setting up. A project that I have said complements each of your skills.”
He pauses for a moment and points at the Twin boy and Girl. “For example, Julian Wright and Sage Wright. Two Self-taught hacking prodigies with a strong moral compass. experts in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and data retrieval with Exceptional hacking skills capable of bypassing the most advanced security systems and can use powerful custom-built computers and software tools to collect digital evidence. and are also skilled in cryptography, network infiltration, and data analysis.”
He continues as he points to Dane. “As for you, Dane Cross, a former bouncer who is a decisive operator, known for handling tough situations with speed and strength. You have developed lightning-fast reflexes and sharp instincts from years of managing conflict and protecting others, whilst your past experience in security gives you a no-nonsense approach to problems. And as I understand it, you also have a secret short stint with a military background.”
Dane frowns, “How do you even know about that? Those records are sealed!”
Alexander smiles, “Mr Cross, it’s my job to know these things about anyone and anything. Nothing, and I state nothing is hidden from me, so that being said, if you are going to hear me out about my offer, it's best we all go into this with honesty, because I will find out. And when I do, I promise you it won’t be pretty.”
Dane starts to protest, but Alexander holds his hand up to silencing him. “So my offer is this: each of you use your skills to help bring people to justice. I’m not just talking about petty crimes or grievances, but of course, bullying too. We all know the internet is notoriously hard to police, but there are people, including myself, who have my doubts about the government’s new online safety bill, which is where you come in. This project will be secretly handled, and off the books, and more importantly, you answer to me and only me. And of course you’ll be handsomely paid for your efforts. ”He lets that little nugget of information settle before continuing, “Not only is aspects of this highly illegal, but there will be no trace connecting you to any of this. In an essence, any trace of you tracing you to this project will be redacted, and if any of it, and I mean any of it comes back on me, or if anybody asks about you, I will deny it.
