Chief's message

The silhouette of the agency head came up on the screen. He/she never revealed their identity to avoid security risks. Like many others, she had found it strange to accept orders from a faceless entity at the start of a career, but she was used to it by now.

Valerie ducked down right before the video feed went live. Iris had her webcam set up so only her face and neck were visible, and Valerie grabbed a stool so she could sit beside her. That way, Chief wouldn't be able to tell that she didn't have any clothes on.

"Good morning, Chief." Iris greeted the face.

"A good day to you too, Iris", Chief replied, their voice scrambled. "Good to see you too, agent Valerie. Time is precious, so let's get right down to business, shall we?"

Valerie nodded eagerly. She had lost everything - her apartment, bank accounts, all her possessions - after her cover had been blown during her last mission. She wanted to get back to action after her success in recovering the chip.

"Valerie, I'm happy to share that you're fully cleared to return as a field agent. We've established a new cover identity for you, and I'm happy to report that Kaiser won't be an issue moving forward due to the data we recovered from our chip. Your identity is secure."

Valerie smiled in relief upon hearing the news. She was anxious that she would never be able return to doing what she loved.

"That being said, there are some...issues we're still working through. Due to budget cuts, at this time, we can't provide you with a new apartment, and your bank accounts haven't been recovered yet."

Valerie's mood was a little deflated at this news. "But - does this mean I don't have a place to stay? And I have no way buy essential items?" she asked cautiously. Like something - anything - to wear, she added internally.

"She can stay with me until the details are sorted out.", offered Iris, next to her.

"Excellent suggestion!", replied Chief. He seemed relieved to have received the suggestion. "Valerie, I trust you don't have a problem with it?"

"Well, no. As long as it's only temporary." said Valerie after a moment of pause. "Thanks, Iris." she replied, and the two women hugged. She would have to figure out a way to get some money and buy some clothes for herself, but at least she had somewhere to live.

"Now, about the mission. You are to infiltrate a research lab and retrieve the plans for a weapons prototype. I've shared the dossier with Iris, who will be your handler for this mission. In a couple of hours, you are to meet Hawk at helipad G where you two will be leaving for the facility."

"Understood, Chief.", replied Valerie. She cautiously added, "Um, will I get any equipment for this mission?"