Unknown

Every section was accounted for and every minute was documented, I had made sure of it myself throughout the laborious task of updating my bases' security systems. I had sent agents out to every branch, each was required to personally see to the updates.

"Ma'am." I shifted my attention away from the glow of the security display. "Agent James has returned."

A smile curled my lips as I straightened my back. "Thank you. You're dismissed." I waited until the guard's footsteps had faded and ceased to turn and walk out of the security office. It was time to pay my errand boy a visit.

He stood in front of my desk, back turned when I arrived at my office. "James," I said, drawing his attention.

He turned and smiled. "Our little Elliot has a plan." He shook a folder, bringing it to my attention. I open and scan all the contents.

"How did you get it?" My eyes scanned the blueprints. Good, very good.

"He just had it lying on his desk. It was free for all. Thought you'd find it useful." James laughed.

I circle the desk. "Thank you. You're dismissed."

"That's it? Come on. I need another mission, another something I'm dying as an analyst, you know that." James hadn't taken a seat, he still knew where he stood, but his cockiness was showing.

"You'll take what you can get. I'll have something for you in the morning."

"Fine," he sighed. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, James. See you tomorrow." I didn't glance up as I heard the door close.

The blueprints he had brought back were interesting. They seemed to display a body switching device. Interesting.

〰

The sun's rays streamed through the curtained window. Peeling my eyes awake, I surveyed the room encasing me. It was different from my own, but that was to be obvious. Pain shot up my back caused by the stiff mattress. The discomfort was merely another aspect of this change that I would come to deal with. The analysts said I had a month and to report signs of dissociation, anxiety, all the what-not that scientists worry about. I had listened to the conversation, but I knew I would hardly have issues that I could not deal with the brunt of it silently in my mind. I had had thirty years of practice.

I meandered into the kitchenette provided to make my morning tea before scouring the closet for anything presentable.

That morning was a long one. It was nearly impossible to concentrate on the actions to complete before returning to HQ in approximately a month's time.

I spent the late morning and afternoon compiling all the information that I was provided by the apartment. Without distractions of technology or constant questions, it is rather impressive what one sound mind can complete. The cymbals in my head had dimmed to merely a low hum, a vast improvement that I could easily tame with Ibuprofen. It was how I had managed to survive medical school.

My phone pinged as I slid on my coat.

James: just got word p1 is complete ready for extraction ;)

When I was down on the street it was rather easy to navigate towards the laboratory I was inspecting. As I neared the building, I saw numerous tired, overworked scientists stumbling home. They did not seem to even notice me as they filtered out of the conglomeration. I may be evil but I'm not heartless, it was best for these people to leave before I started my inspection.

What comes next startles most. Why would I create this overwhelmingly complicated scheme for a laboratory that greatly helps the goals of my company? And most importantly why would I blow up said lab?

That's easy.

Taxes.

When it comes down to it, the amount of money spent on security, scientists, and material shipment costs my company more than if I blew up the building, routed the money towards my company, and used the money to fund one larger lab in the middle of nowhere, the company would gain a profit.

The laboratory was empty when I walked in.

I scanned all the work being done. They had finished phase one, proving James to his word.

If the prototype worked, the weapon would easily take out the empty building in one hour's time.

As I went around the chaotic lab, my eyes pulled towards the prototype immediately. It was a fast flip of a switch to activate the device.

I was sipping tea back in the apartment when a loud crack filled the air and the apartment shuddered slightly. I smiled.