A Strange Offer

[TetNak]

The trio step through the door, and Melina says, "Of course /I/ am." The room is rather plain, at least in comparison to the rest of the manor. "We are all funded by the government." The doctor turns and smiles, waving toward a love seat which Melina first sits upon. The doctor sits in a rocking chair about five feet away.

"I suppose a way to describe us is, like the CIA, only if you did not know the CIA existed."

[Toptomcat]

"That would explain it, then. Blacker budget", says Brandon mildly. "What exactly are you looking for in me, then? A combatives instructor?"
This is a quirk of his; Brandon can get stressed out and unbalanced fairly easily, but when something really strange or dangerous happens, he goes right out the other side into dead calm. This is that kind of situation.

[TetNak]

The old man answers, "No, not really. We'd like you to be, how can I say this, more practical with your application of your skills." Melina's smile never really fades.

"Terrorists, cultists, murders, and the list goes on. Some are never tried by a court of law. Just happens that way, but their guilt is so obvious. We make sure they get punished."

[Toptomcat]

Brandon slowly becomes concious of a sick, sinking feeling in his stomach.
"A government hit squad, then."
He leans slowly back into his chair.
"...are you giving me a choice, or the illusion of one?"

[TetNak]

"There are always choices," the man says, suddenly taking on a more serious tone. Brandon notices Melina no longer smiles.

[Toptomcat]

"There always are, aren't they?"
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
"...Where do I sign?"
This is worse than anything I've even heard of in the PRC!

[TetNak]

"No need to sign," the old man says, smiling. "I am glad you have agreed. I do not think you will feel it as bad as you might, once you understand everything as we do."

Melina begins smiling again, reaching over and hugging Brandon. "I'm so happy ..."

[Toptomcat]

Brandon is startled for a moment before awkwardly returning the hug.
"What happens now?"

[TetNak]

Melina answers, "We're looking over a couple case files right now. Want to take a look with me?" The doctor smiles and stands, "Always working, my sweet Melina." He walks over, leans down, and kisses the woman in a 'not-so-fatherly' way. He rises, glass still in hand, "I will leave you to it." The man stops just at the door, turns, and says to Brandon, "Oh, Mr. Bell, remember, our group is quite secretive." He lifts a finger to his lips and whispers, "Shhhh ..." before exiting.

[Toptomcat]

Brandon blinks, then an odd smile steals across his face.
"You're not a career intelligence officer either, are you? Any Brit who lives in Hong Kong and China for decades gets to know the type pretty well, and you don't strike me as one.
When did this happen to you?"