Geneva, Switzerland
United Nations Headquarters
30 days after Mai's service files go public
2:50 PM
"I, Noah Benett, do solemnly swear to uphold my duty not only to a nation, but to the world and the continuation of life, against all enemies of this realm and beyond who would seek to destroy this planet and its inhabitants." He stands at the center of a large room meant for hundreds, but only has fifteen seated. Everyone is dressed in suits and ties as they look at the British male take his oath. At each table that seats a person is the flag of the country they represent. United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, France, Vietnam, Belgium, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Estonia, Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent, and Tunisia. All gathered to see the first members of their new security force sworn in.
All members of the Security Council exchange looks for confirmation for a moment before the UK chairman addresses Noah. "Very good, Mr. Benett. From this point on you are retired from combat until called upon. Welcome to the I.S.T. Any questions for us?"
"Yes, Mr. President."
"Go ahead."
"It was unclear on who I could recruit for the other seven members. What are my limitations?"
"There are only two." Russia's chairwoman responds. "They must be of this realm. Any beings not of this realm are likely not to care for the outcome of this world. This is non-negotiable. We'd also recommend that any members recruited into your team come from countries that are part of the United Nations. This is negotiable."
"Any combat requirements?"
"нет" She responds again. "We trust a warrior of your status to properly assess your teammates before recommending them for the position."
"And the pay? Is this only when I'm activated?"
"No." The U.S. chairman answers. "The United Nations has agreed to hold each member's country accountable for two monthly payments. In your case, Mr. Benett, you'd receive- let's see here... A monthly income of sixty-thousand pounds. Then an additional ten-thousand for your administrative work, and another ten-thousand for your command status. That's a monthly payment of eighty-thousand pounds."
"Administrative work?"
"Yes, we'll give you the packet before you leave today. We expect updates on your team members, as well as monthly physical exams, unit cohesion tests, so on and so on. Again, all of this will be explained in the packet." The U.S. chairman finishes.
"Also, Mr. Benett, keep in mind you are a retired combatant. Any applications submitted by you for police work or military jobs will be denied on our order. We need you ready and available at any given moment. The fate of the world could rely on how fast you respond when called on. Any defiance on this matter and we will remove you from I.S.T."
"Understood, Mr. President."
"Any more questions?"
"No, Mr. President."
"Very well, this meeting is adjourned. Have a happy retirement, Mr. Benett."
3 weeks later...
Noah had some time to consider what he'd be doing for his so-called retirement. First, with money saved from his time in the SAS and MI6, he purchased a home in Cambridge, England. It's an area he's most familiar with, and hopefully, somewhere he can relax until he's activated. If he gets activated. The requirements for that to happen in this day and age seem most unlikely. He's also planning on opening his own gym in the city. Something he can occupy his time with, and also exert energy. Which is what he's doing right now.
His gym hasn't officially opened yet, so he's just out on a run through the city. Not that he needs to work out to keep his shape, but instead he needs to find a way to release energy. Any intense workout will work for him.
At this moment he's approaching his twentieth mile when his phone begins to ring through his Bluetooth headphones. He stops at an intersection and answers the call.
"Hello?"
"Hi, can I speak to Noah Benett?" A woman's voice comes through his headphones. If he has to guess, he'd say she has a German accent.
"This is him."
"Hello, Mr. Benett, I'm with the K.S.K. I'm calling to inform you that we've found the person you've requested. He's here in Germany. City of Frankfurt. I'll send you the exact coordinates."
"Thank you- Hello?" His music resumes on his headphones after she hangs up. He looks around for a second as he ponders what his next move is going to be. Suppose it should be buying a plane ticket to Germany. After a few moments, he resumes his run. Just another ten miles.
To be continued...
Comments
Thank you! Don't worry you'll still have a chance once the new characters are up. I'm here for just a few more months.