Nova led Master Clockmaker and Alex to a nondescript building in the heart of the city. It looked like any other office building, but as they stepped inside, Alex felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Welcome to our headquarters," Nova said with a smile. "From here on out, you two will be working undercover."
Master Clockmaker's expression turned thoughtful as he looked around at the rows of computers and high-tech equipment. "And what exactly do we need to do?" he asked finally.
Nova led them to a small room filled with computer screens and surveillance monitors. "First things first, we'll give you new identities," she said slowly. "New names... new faces."
A woman with short, spiky hair and a bright smile walked into the room. "I'm Rachel," she said. "And I'll be your handler from now on."
Master Clockmaker nodded thoughtfully as he watched Rachel expertly hack into a computer system.
"Rachel will be working with you two to get your new identities set up," Nova explained. "She's one of our best experts in the field."
As Rachel worked, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building inside him. He had always known that he was meant for something more...
"And what exactly do I need to do?" Master Clockmaker asked finally.
Rachel looked up from her computer screen and smiled. "Just relax," she said. "I'll take care of everything."
As Rachel worked, Nova handed Master Clockmaker and Alex each a small folder containing their new identities. "Your names are now Ethan Thompson and Liam Reed," she explained slowly. "And your faces... well, that's for you to figure out."
Master Clockmaker looked at the folder in his hand, his expression thoughtful. "I see," he said finally.
Alex felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked at his own new identity. He had always known that this was what he wanted...
"But what about our skills?" Master Clockmaker asked finally.
Rachel looked up from her computer screen and smiled. "Don't worry, I've got you covered," she said slowly. "You'll be getting training in no time."
As Rachel finished working on their new identities, Nova handed them each a small device that looked like a smartwatch. "These are your comms devices," she explained slowly. "You'll be able to contact me and Rachel at any time using these."
Master Clockmaker nodded thoughtfully as he put the device on his wrist.
"And what about our skills?" Alex asked finally.
Rachel smiled. "Don't worry, you two will be trained in no time," she said slowly.
As they left the headquarters, Master Clockmaker turned to Alex and smiled. "I think we're going to make a good team," he said finally.
Alex nodded thoughtfully as he looked at his new identity. He had always known that this was what he wanted...
And so they walked, through the streets of the city... towards a future that was full of promise... and danger.