Pose as twin siblings

"Have you ever heard of the Saladon family?" asked Richards.

"Wealthy family? Owners of the Orion Ring?" asked Shannon, reviving her dusty knowledge of important people in the galaxy.

"The same." nodded Richards. "Recently, Archon Saladon has had a run in with Neo Earth."

Shannon knew Neo Earth well enough. They were an intergalactic terrorist organization claiming to be serving the Federation's, and humanity's, best interest. But their methods had always been... crude. They believed in the 'by any means necessary' philoshophy. Obviously, that had led to the Federation officially severing all ties with them about a decade ago. Hadn't stopped them from 'serving' its cause, as they said. Ever since she had joined the agency, she knew any case involving them was bound to become big. The kind of big she needed at the moment.

Noticing Shannon's increasing interest, Richards continued. "Apparently, the two had worked out a beneficial alliance."

"I assume it is quite detrimental to us."

"To put it mildly."nodded Richards with a wry smile. "Whatever had transpired between them, we need to know."

"Would I be infiltrating the Neo Earth?" asked Shannon,hoping for the best.

"No. The Saladon family." corrected her Richards. "The Neo Earth may try to fool us into believing what they want us to. They could easily forge evidence of such a business alliance in their own cells." He paused for a moment as the holo display showed a ship. "But even the Neo Earth wouldn't be able to infiltrate the Ark to forge evidence."

The Ark. The luxurious family property of the Saladons orbitting Orion 2. It was the size of a bigger moon. And about as defended as the Capitol.

"So would I be going to the Ark? I thought it was considered an impenetrable fortress."

"Exactly. They monitor the staff with outmost paranoia. Out of the few carefully selected who are allowed to enter and leave the Ark, the family members are the least suspicious. So for the duration of the operation, you would be an honorary member of the Saladon family." said Richards as he manipulated his holo equipment.

Shannon could see images of the Saladon family on the display. The Archon, his three Mistresses, the eldest son, the second eldest son, the eldest daughter, the twins, and the youngest daughter. One of the richest family in the Federation, if not in the entire galaxy. Then the display zoomed in on the twins, Solas (male) and Redda (female) Saladon (age 20).

"Solas and Redda Saladon. Your cover." said Richards.

"Excuse me?" asked Shannon, not entirely sure what Richards had meant.

"The twins had been sent to a special private school for the last 7 years. None of the family members have seen them since then. They are our only option."

Shannon did see Redda resembling her. Slightly. Enough to make it believable without surgery. "But... but who would play the other?"

"Twins have to look alike. We are short on twin agents and there is no time for a lengthy medical procedure to alter anyone. One agent needs to play both."

"How is that even possible?"

"Solas has always been very reclusive. Redda is the more family-friendly. It is possible to play only one at a time. As long as they see the other at some point, the family won't suspect a thing. I know it sounds crazy, but it is our only option. And you are our only hope, Agent Callaghan."

"Am I?"

"We are only waiting for your answer. If the operation is a go, we'll neutralise the twins for a few days. But don't feel obligated to accept the mission just because of our need. We do not **** our operatives into anything." smiled Richards. "However, we do need an anwer right away." he added.

Shannon didn't know what to say. On one hand, this operation could skyrocket her career. Her boss depended on her. He was all but begging for her. And she did want more excitement. On the other hand, she had never heard a more crazy mission briefing in her many years at the agency. How could one person play two? Had she been given a few days to think it over, she might have chosen differently, but Richards and the other woman were looking at her expectantly. "I'll do it." she said meekly, wondering how she would regret it in the near future.