The captain's office was a study in understated elegance.
The walls were adorned with rich mahogany paneling, and an impressive array of bookshelves displayed volumes on subjects ranging from ancient texts to modern security protocols.
The captain, a man in his late forties with an authoritative demeanor, sat behind a grand oak desk. His attire was impeccable—a crisp white shirt, dark navy blazer, and a tie that spoke of understated sophistication.
Riley, feeling a mix of anticipation and unease, stood in front of the desk. Eleanor, his sister and guide through this process, had stepped aside, leaving him to face the captain alone. The captain's sharp eyes, a blend of warmth and scrutiny, locked onto Riley.
"Hello, Mister Mugg. It's a pleasure to meet you," the captain said, his smile genuine yet guarded. "May I ask why you're here?"
"I'm here to join your security company," Riley replied, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. He had rehearsed this line, aware that Eleanor's recommendation would carry significant weight. His reasons were both personal and pressing.
The captain's eyebrows arched slightly, though his expression remained composed. "I see. And what has prompted you to seek employment with us?"
Riley shifted his stance, gripping the edges of his jacket. "I need a detective badge to investigate a matter connected to a trial.
I also suspect that someone might still be after me due to a recent escape from kidnapping. I need both the authority to investigate and protection from potential threats."
The captain nodded slowly, absorbing Riley's explanation. His gaze flicked to Eleanor, who stood by the door, a supportive yet detached presence. "Ah, I understand. It's unusual for someone to approach us with such specific needs. An escape from kidnapping, you say? That certainly raises the stakes."
Before Riley could elaborate, the captain leaned back in his chair and gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Oh, where are my manners? Would you care for some tea while we discuss this further?"
The captain's gesture was courteous, and Eleanor quickly moved to fulfill the request. She returned with a cup of coffee for Riley and a steaming pot of tea for the captain.
The aroma of freshly brewed beverages filled the room, offering a brief, comforting distraction from the gravity of the conversation.
The captain poured himself a cup of tea, savoring the moment before setting it down and focusing on Riley with renewed intensity.
"Normally, I wouldn't even grant an interview without a recommendation, but Eleanor's endorsement is significant.
Our company is known for its discretion and rigor, and we don't take just anyone. Now, tell me more about why you wish to join us."
Riley took a sip of his coffee, the rich flavor grounding him momentarily. "I need to investigate a trial and suspect that the people pursuing me are still out there.
The threat is substantial enough that I need an organization capable of providing protection and expertise."
Riley didn't specify what he meant by "trial", he just had to say it because he felt like the man might be able to detect if he was lying, after all in the waking world there are people with ability to figure out if they are being lied to.
The captain listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. "I see. You're right to seek our assistance. We deal with situations that require a delicate touch and considerable expertise."
He paused, his fingers steepling in front of him. "You might be aware that our organization operates under the radar.
We're known as the Blackouts. We combat malevolent forces in secrecy and work to maintain peace across various regions.
It's not just about catching criminals; it's about preventing threats from reaching the general populace."
Riley nodded, absorbing the gravity of the captain's words. The term "Blackouts" was unfamiliar, but the seriousness of the captain's tone indicated the organization's significant role.
The captain leaned forward slightly, his tone growing more serious. "Given your background and the nature of the threats you're facing, I believe you might be a series-one Ascender.
This implies considerable potential—and a considerable target on your back. For both our safety and yours, you are not permitted to leave Belfast without my express permission. I will oversee your activities."
Riley's expression remained steady, though he felt the weight of responsibility press heavily upon him. "Understood."
The captain reached into a drawer and retrieved a document, sliding it across the desk with a decisive motion.
"This is a non-disclosure agreement. It's crucial that you understand the gravity of confidentiality regarding our organization. By signing this, you commit to not revealing any details about the Blackouts to anyone outside our circle."
Riley examined the document, noting the stringent clauses. With a deep breath, he signed it, sealing his commitment.
The captain nodded approvingly and retrieved another document—a formal contract. "This is a standard contract for new recruits. It's a five-year term, outlining your obligations and scope of duties. Are you prepared for this commitment?"
Riley reviewed the contract with a focused mind, his goal clear: solving his Trial and ensuring his safety. The five-year term felt like a necessary step in his journey. "Yes," he said firmly.
"You and Eleanor will be relocated to a new apartment. We cannot ignore the possibility that those pursuing you might be monitoring your current residence. This move is for your protection," the captain added.
Riley nodded. "Alright, Captain."
The captain's expression softened slightly. "You can leave for now. You'll start work tomorrow morning. Your initial task will be a simple mission to assess your capabilities and suitability for our team."
Riley signed the contract with determination and rose to leave. He gave a respectful bow to the captain. "Thank you for the opportunity."
The captain watched as Riley exited the room, his expression contemplative. He murmured to himself, "I hope I made the right choice."
---
Meanwhile, across town, the playground buzzed with the joyful shouts of children.
Mr. Markham, a beloved teacher, had climbed onto the roof to retrieve a ball that had become stuck there. The children's excitement was palpable as they called out encouragements.
"Teacher, be careful!" one child yelled, concern lacing their voice.
Mr. Markham, initially smiling with warmth, seemed increasingly weary. As he approached the ball, a shadow of exhaustion crossed his face. He retrieved the ball and tossed it back down.
The children cheered, their joy briefly masking the underlying tension. Mr. Markham's smile was fleeting, replaced by a sigh. "I'm tired of this job," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the children's cheers.
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept across the rooftop. Mr. Markham struggled to maintain his balance on the smooth surface.
His feet slipped, and he flailed his arms, trying to grasp something to steady himself.
The wind howled, a forceful presence against him. The children below gasped as Mr. Markham lost his footing.
His fall seemed to unfold in slow motion. The children's excited cries turned to horror as they watched him plummet.
With a sickening thud, Mr. Markham landed on a stick that had been blown onto the field. The impact was jarring, a bone-chilling crack echoing across the playground.
The children's screams of panic grew louder as they rushed toward their fallen teacher.
Mr. Markham lay on the ground, his eyes vacant. The playground, once alive with laughter, fell into somber silence. The only sounds were the children's sobs and distant murmurs of concerned adults rushing to the scene.
In his final moments, Mr. Markham's expression was a mix of sorrow and resignation. His last words, whispered with an acknowledgment of his fate, were, "This is the end of Mr. Markham."
---
The following day, Eleanor and Riley settled into their new house. Turner had been informed of their relocation, ensuring no family members would visit their old home.
Eleanor's parents, residing in Madrid, afforded them some margin of safety. The Blackout Company had alerted members in Spain, providing an extra layer of protection.
Riley brooded in their new home, his thoughts tangled with the looming Trial. Each passing day frayed his resolve. He had at most a year to solve the Trial—or face unknown consequences.
"Damnation!" Riley cursed under his breath, pacing the room. The action seemed to offer no relief from his mounting frustration.
He grabbed his double-breasted frock coat, donned his half top hat, and snatched his silver-lined cane. After ensuring his appearance was immaculate, he left the house, heading downstairs.
"Off early?" Eleanor asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"I can't afford to be late on my first day, and I need to be ready for the detective badge test," Riley replied, his voice cool but tense.
As Riley left, Eleanor's smile faded, replaced by a darker expression. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, gleamed with a hint of madness. "This person is not my brother," she muttered under her breath.
'Or perhaps an evil entity has possessed Robert. I must do something about this. If I see anything remotely strange or evil in him, I'll have to act... or maybe he's like me... no that can't be I'm a special type.'
Eleanor's thoughts churned with suspicion and grim resolve. Observing Riley would be her first step. If her suspicions proved true, she would take the necessary actions to rid her brother's body of this foreign influence.
---
Riley arrived at the Blackout Security Company, exchanging polite but strained greetings with his new colleagues.
Their cold, indifferent glares did not escape him. An unsettling feeling settled in his chest, a growing discomfort he couldn't ignore.
The Blackout Company, despite being a security organization, felt off-kilter. The eerie silence and sparse personnel added to his unease. Riley knocked on the captain's office door and received permission to enter.
Inside, the captain barely glanced up as he retrieved a folder from a drawer and slid it across the desk.
"Your first mission," the captain said, his voice devoid of warmth.
Riley picked up the document, skimming its contents. Disappointment flickered across his face, but he masked it with a neutral expression.
"It concerns recent disappearances of children," the captain continued. "Several of them attended a charity school in the eastern district of Belfast.
Your task is to investigate their whereabouts and apprehend whoever is behind this. Bring the kids back if you can."
The captain paused, his eyes flickering with a trace of amusement. "But be cautious. According to your profile, you have a knack for attracting more trouble than necessary."