[ O.R.B. ] New Assignment

 Jeff stood outside the office door.  He nervously fidgeted with his tie.  The Director had ever summoned him before.  Knocking on the door, he began sweating bullets.  He thought he heard something, and summoning all his courage; he opened the door, peaking in.  "Sir?"

"COME IN!  Didn't you hear me?"  Stepping in and looking about; he thought the director's office would be larger.  It was sparsely furnished with a desk, a couple of chairs, a side table with what looked to be a crystal ball.

"Just barely sir... I uh..."

"Sit down.  We have things to discuss.  A very important case has been plaguing the bureau for a very long time, and I think you may be able to help out.  It would require a great sacrifice on your part...."  Jeff jumped out of the chair.  "A SACRIFICE?"

Chuckling the Director, shook his head.  "No.  Not THAT kind of sacrifice.  This case I want you to work on, may last a very long time, and in a well, very far away place.  In fact it may be a permanent relocation.  We know you no longer have any family, and not many friends.  You are perfect for this assignment."

"But sir, I am not a field agent.  I'm a researcher.  I'm better in a dusty library, not out fighting monsters...."

"Well.... we have  been having trouble recruiting field agents of late.  A competitor is paying well, and we can't currently match what they are paying, and all our other agents are on assignment.  And to be honest you might not be fighting that many monsters, if any at all.  Consider this... field research.  We will be giving you some training as well, so you won't be completely unprepared.  Oh and you will be getting a substantial raise."

"Director, where would I be relocating to?  Fidgeting nervously in his seat, Jeff had an uneasy feeling.

"Oh it's a quaint little town called Kinship...."  The Director braced himself for the next question.

"Oh sounds nice.  What state is it in?"  Smiling Jeff thought this might not be so bad.

"Uuumm..... well, that's not important just now.  You need to report to the training facilities.  There's no rush, but we have put this off for far too long now.  So get going, and pack up your desk.  Well transfer you projects to other researchers."

Jeff stood and moved to the door.  "So when do I leave?"

"IMMEDIATLY!"

Jeff half ran out the door, thinking he should perhaps resign.  This assignment seemed a little sketchy, but he did feel a little excited. It would beat flipping burgers.