Part I
One year ago
Call trans opt: received 1-27-98 13:42:22 REC:Log>
The cellphone rang just as the roar erupted from the crowd.
"Hello? He. . ."
Hats flew into the air in the cliché manor that was seen at every graduation. Chris Archer, however, who so desperately wanted to emulate his father's demeanor, remained dignified and orderly as he exited the ceremony into the entrance hall. He considered ignoring the call, thinking that he deserved at least one day off. But there was the case of that missing little girl, and a possible link to a known techno-terrorist. . .
He bypassed several of his fellow academy graduates who were looking for congratulatory backslapping and promises of shenanigans immediately following the ceremony. As far as he was concerned, they had done what they came here to do in performing this necessary, yet useless function, and now it was time to move on to the next phase in life.
Walking into the pedestrian tunnel that circled the outside of the auditorium, he stared at the phone number on the caller ID screen, trying to recall if he had seen it before. He was just slipping the phone back in his pocket, when he heard a voice from behind calling to him.
"Mr. Archer, congratulations on your graduation from the Mega City Police Academy."
"Thanks," Chris murmured, as he whirled about to face the brown haired, black suited man that stood now stood before him.
"I feel it appropriate to congratulate you on your recent promotion, as well Mr. Archer. The force has never had a newly appointed Lieutenant straight out of the academy."
"A Lieutenant sir? But I-"
"We believe you are more then prepared for this tasks you now face, Mr. Archer. Perhaps one day, you will even join us in the ranks of the Agency and find out what it means to truly be on the front lines."
"Wow. Thank you sir, I am not sure how to respond except to say that I appreciate the confidence you have in me. I'll do my best to not let anyone down."
"I am sure you will Mr. Archer. We'll be in touch."
The suited man turned and walked back into the celebrating auditorium, while Chris regained his composure. "One more thing, Mr. Archer," the tall Agent turned back from being half-hidden in the shadows, "The case you're currently working on is of particular interest to us. It may bring you into contact with some . . . unsavory characters. Just keep in mind that we have our eye on you, and that you are not alone." He continued into the auditorium without looking back.
Lieutenant Archer took a deep breath and proceeded to walk out of the building to hail a cab. Although he was flattered to get such attention from an agency such as the FBI or CIA, that Agent gave him the creeps a little. And it only partially had to do with the reminder that they would be watching him like a hawk for the next couple of weeks.
However, by the time he got out of the cab in front of the decrepit brownstone he had inherited from his parents, he had regained his jovial mood and was feeling proud of his accomplishments up to that day.
"Following in your foot steps, Dad" was the only thing he could think about the rest of the day.
He had forgotten all about the mysterious call he had gotten just before meeting the Agent.
