The Fated Man

Alina took a detour from her plans and ensured that Cory arrived upon a resting room. Considering just how unexpectedly long some working days were for agents of the NSRA, each floor possessed a few rooms designed for catching respite. The bed found inside did not appear comfortable in the least, yet Alina suffered from a brief temptation to lay down near the unconscious Cory. Just the sight of a bed made her body overflow with drowsiness. 

In the end, she pushed back the temptation with a reproachful sigh. She exited the room and walked into the main area where she spotted a few seasoned officers situated upon their desks. 

"You three, I have a supervising task for you. Oh and also, someone get me a V1 cartridge." 

Five minutes later, Alina's concern over Cory Hudson had significantly reduced. On her right hand was a steel cartridge. It was of a black color, its shape cylindrical, and on it's surface were blue words which read:

'Velocity' 

'Dosage Level: 1'

This was a drug developed to help one quickly rejuvenate lost energy. Considering how strenuous the long term usage of an esper's spirituality field was, all NSRA espers had the right to request an approved dosage level at any given time. 

However, Velocity was a drug which brought strenuous side effects if used too often. Alina had already used two dosages of the second level just this month. The thought of doing so again for a simple lack of night's rest made her feel like she just lost some unseen battle. 

It can't be helped… 

She thought, then twisted the cartridge's bottom to trigger its pop-out needle. She injected it into her neck shortly after. Her eyes bulged for a moment as her heart began to race rapidly. Alina found that her mind was now clear, the previous lag entirely gone. 

Her lips curled into a satisfied grin, feeling as though she could survive a marathon ten times over. 

With that issue resolved, Alina made her way to the briefing room. The rookies were surprised to see her, clearly expecting to catch a glimpse of the bubbly Cory instead. Alina paid no special notice of their shock as her gaze found who she sought.

"Archie Morris, come with me." 

She said. 

Without confirming if he heard her, she turned and began making her way back to her office. Not long into that journey, her ears picked up on hurried steps following behind. 

They arrived at her office within less than a minute. She directed Archie to sit while she took a moment to search for his specific contract and related files. Throughout that process Archie sat quietly, a calm smile etched to his lips. 

"The Fated Man." 

Alina broke the silence, her sudden words visibly confusing Archie. 

"Pardon?" 

He asked, his head tilting slightly. Alina briefly compared his bewildered face to that of a puppy before she clarified. 

"That is the codename you were given; The Fated Man." 

A flash of understanding appeared on Archie's face as his smile turned awkward. 

"Is that so? It's a fitting one…" 

Alina gently pressed the contract his way. 

"That's what the reports says. I for one am interested in actually seeing these 'fated' moments unfold." 

Leaning back on her seat, she waited for Archie to grasp the contract before she continued.

"Archie Morris. You are a highly risky investment we have made. That is why the responsibility is ultimately still on us." 

Archie paused his reading. 

"But I chose this of my own free will." 

"You have already lost most of it. Choosing the only path available to you is no choice. And even if it is, it's not one made of free volition." 

Archie's expression shifted into that of silent acquiescence. He shook his head. 

"No Inspector Krutova, what I chose was to live as I am. If this is a byproduct of that decision then I will accept it as well."

Alina silently met his gaze. She sighed. 

"Fine, then I'll continue… The contract is for five years of service. In accordance with the risk you will be taking, your salary has been set to three times the average at 720,000 Credits per year, 60,000 Credits per month."

Archie's gaze seemed to ignite with a thirsty vigor as he heard her words, causing Alina to stifle a chuckle. 

"Your working hours are left as 'undetermined' due to how some cases can shift schedules. However, on an average week it should remain between 40 to 60 hours, a day shift lasting from 8AM to 5PM. You will receive a week with a single day off and a week with two. Your pay will be wired to your bank of choice each end of month and upon your full year you will be eligible for a two week vacation period." 

Alina's somewhat neutral tone experienced a shift into a more serious one as she continued. 

"In consideration to your 'special' classification. You will be placed under certain restrictions. An inspector will be made to accompany you to and from work. If an inspector is unavailable, then your overseer officer will do so instead. You are forbidden from leaving your house without first requesting our permission. You will be required to make an extensive report on your regularly visited locations for either business or pleasure so that those areas may be visited without prior permission but still with supervision." 

Alina stood. Retrieved a device within a steel drawer not far from her desk, then slid it towards Archie's direction. 

"This is a communicator. Every officer has one, however yours is special. It has a program that shows you where all active cases are currently taking place within district 4. Avoid those areas at all times unless we deploy you there." 

Alina paused, thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered what she missed and added. 

"Also, you are already a candidate for The Esper Program. The faster you grow in strength the less resources we will exert looking after you. That said, you still need to take a few cases as an officer before you are truly eligible to be an esper." 

With that, she had mentioned all the crucial details. Alina then waited for Archie to finish his reading of the contract. When he did, Archie merely gave his usual gentle smile. 

"This is similar to what the academy had done so it won't change my current lifestyle much…" 

He paused, hesitated for a moment, then added awkwardly. 

"I must admit though, I don't really understand the whole esper thing. I was only ever informed that what affects me is a dormant aberration… That said, if you entrust me with that role then I will do my best." 

Alina smiled. 

"Don't worry, after the contract signings are over I will be settling that issue. Today is about briefings after all."

With that, Archie soon signed his contract and left her office. Before long the next rookie arrived.