You Arrive at DSD Headquarters

You walk through the main entrance of the DSD Headquarters and swipe your ID at the security checkpoint. You make your way up the stairs and settling into your desk. As a junior agent, all you have is a small work space in the middle of a vast cube farm. Just enough room for your computer, the files your working on and a few personal items. Looking at the pair of photographs of you parents makes you smile. You continue your work on a report that's due soon. It's a rather mundane story about suspected demon activity that didn't pan out. There was no demonic magic in dust up between between two rival street gangs. The information will be referred to the local authorities to press any criminal charges, but the DSD's work is done. The work is pretty mundane, hardly how DSD agents are portrayed in the movies these days, but you know you're doing an important job. Making sure there aren't small outbreaks, particularly in the poorer neighborhoods where many can't afford the vaccination against the Lilith Strain, works to prevent a major outbreak.

As you save the file, an email pops up on your computer. You have a meeting with the Director in 10 minutes. This is surprising, as far you were concerned, the Director didn't even know you were working for him. You collect your note pad and make your way to the executive offices on the tenth floor. You're met by your Section Chief, Harry Bailey. "What's up, Chief?" you ask.

"Not sure," he replies. "I was told to pull you off all your assignments and meet the brass up here."

You follow Bailey into the conference room. There are half a dozen analysts and technical support agents seated around the table. You sit next the Bailey at the end nearest the main door. As soon as you're settled, Director Marlowe comes in, everyone stands.

"Sit down, everyone," he orders.

This is the first time you've been in the same room with Director Marlowe. He's still a fit man even though he must be in his mid sixties. Marlowe had been a detective with the Narville Police Department when the outbreak began. He had been known as a cop who was willing to cut corners if necessary to get things done. He had been one of the few humans to get past the holy grid and escape Lilith City before it was nuked. He had taken on some of the most powerful demons on Earth and lived to tell about. With his unique knowledge of the demons, he was put in charge of the DSD from day one. He grew the agency and made it everything it was today.

"Adams," Marlowe began. "We have an urgent assignment for you. Agent Kai has been working undercover in the Mediterranean. Her communications have been spotty, and we've grown concerned that she may be in danger.

"It's an upscale spa, so we can't just barge in guns blazing. We need a more subtle approach. You're going to go in as young entrepreneur to check out the situation. Hopefully, we're just being overly cautious, but I don't have to tell you that Jody's one of our best, and we can't afford to lose her.

"There's a limo for you downstairs and a private jet waiting at the airport. All of the information on the operation and your cover is in this file."

He slides a file across the table.

"Good luck."

Moments later, you're in the car speeding to the airport.

Twelve hours later, you step off a hydrofoil at the Aeterna Hotel in the identity of Paul Scott, a pharmatech millionaire looking for some relaxation.