Interlude V - Flashback I

(Monday, 13th November 2017; undisclosed location)

I thought I was done with studies after having to leave school, yet here I am in a lecture theatre on a Monday morning... Still, it beats the only alternative I had available, I guess…

‘To start today’s training lecture, the first device that we’ll be going over is the emergency beacon; the small devices that sit on the desks in front of you.

‘Each Section Zero field operative is issued one of these microscopic satellite communication devices when they formally commence active field service, for emergency cases.

‘The units are NFC-enabled tags, and that single button that you see, prompts the device to project location coordinates, operator identification number and a number; either one, two, or three, depending on the service required. Simply press the button repeatedly until the desired number is displayed on the screen. After a short delay, the number will flash, to indicate active signal transmission.

‘Service option one simply requests a “clean-up” team at a particular location.

‘Service option two requests a “care package”; the delivery of an organisation-supplied car, along with the operative’s default equipment and the “clean-up” team work.

‘Service option three requests the device to reset itself, along with any other company-issued electronics, so that the identity of the organisation and associated operative doesn’t become public information if/ when they are captured, killed or are otherwise prematurely terminated.

‘Failure on the operative’s part to correctly take steps to protect both the section’s identity and all those associated directly or indirectly, would unconditionally strip their families or designated loved-ones of the compensation that they are entitled to from the organisation, following an operative’s disappearance or death during active service.’

Well, I sure as shit hope I won’t be needing option three, then.

‘Zero simply indicates no selected option and the device should switch itself off after a few seconds of remaining on said option. Device operation is simple enough, I’m sure. I presume there are no questions? Good. Onto the next piece of equipment…’