Jared Pond was finishing another gruelling fitness session at the HMAS Kuttabul navy base in Sydney. Since his return to Australia, a few weeks earlier, he had pushed himself to the limit every day. The results were starting to show. Yet again Jared looked more like an agent from the movies, rather than an alcoholic with a gambling addiction. Speaking of gambling, the commander for the base had forbidden Jared from playing poker, as his many wins caused a lot of tension in the group.
Jared felt surprised when his commander at RAKI, Greg Steel, approached him at the gym.
Greg:
- Hi Jared, I got a new mission for you.
Jared:
- Why are you telling me like this? Wouldn't a meeting at your office be more appropriate?
Greg:
- I am going to New York tomorrow morning, and you're coming with me.
Jared:
- What is this about?
Greg:
- There are rumours about the Chinese dictatorship conducting medical tests on their Uighur prisoners.
Jared:
- I am sorry, but I wouldn't be suitable for a mission in China. I am not Chinese, and I don't speak the language.
Greg:
- I know. That's why you are coming with me to New York. We tracked the persons who posted the accusations against the Chinese government.
Jared:
- Was the source believable or was it another tin foil conspiracist?
Greg:
- That is your mission to find out. The woman who posted the article was Eileen Lu. She is a Chinese civil rights lawyer who is currently attending a UN civil rights conference in New York.
Jared:
- I see. And what would my mission entail?
Greg:
- You do what you do best. Seduce her and get her to share her secrets with you. Only then can we know whether she is trustworthy or not.
Jared sighed:
- Hey Greg. Stop treating me like a man whore.
Greg smirked and replied:
- Isn't that the way you have treated yourself for the last decade?
Jared:
- Fair call. At least tell me if she is a good sort.
Greg:
- I leave that for you to decide.
Having said this, Greg handed Jared a photo of Eileen. Jared studied the photo for a while. Eileen looked cute and quirky, but would she be the kind of woman that would fall for his charms? Jared pushed the thought aside. He had an obligation to use his talents to serve his country and save his fellow citizens. Whatever the Chinese dictatorship was planning, the world needed to know and prepare for the worst.
Jared:
- Very well, I'll come with you to New York. Hopefully, I can work my magic on this Eileen woman.
Greg:
- Excellent. See you tomorrow for the 9 AM flight to New York.
After saying this, Greg left the building and Jared prepared himself mentally for the upcoming mission. He stared at Eileen's picture although he knew that he shouldn't. He needed to stay calm and collected for the mission ahead of him, otherwise, things could end up badly. Jared went home, showered, packed his bag, and went to sleep early to be ready for the next mission.