The old political cliche of government officials having secret meetings in dimmly lit, smoke filled back rooms was absolutely true in Orthella. At least it was when it came to the military. It was a tradition started by General Lucas Saren, who was known for his habit of smoking very large, very expensive cigars. He was retired, but his successor, Ruth Orwell, who was fond of slightly smaller, but also slightly more expensive cigars, had continued the tradition. This day, she sat in a particularly dimmly lit room that wasn't quite yet filled with smoke, although they were getting there, and spoke with one of her top spies. The spy was named Miranda Mort. Aside from speaking fluent English, French, Russian, Vakolic and Italian, knowing just about everything there was to know about every culture and government structure in Europe and being a better liar than the Prime Minister, her particular quality was that she didn't look Orthellan at all. She had a fairly round face, red hair, green eyes and freckles. She was also rather short, which didn't quite fit the description of an Orthellan either. The plan was to infiltrate the highest levels of the British government and gather as much information on Lord Protector William Cullen as possible.
"This is your new identity." said Ruth.
"Jessica Stone?" Miranda read out loud with an ambiguous accent. She didn't even sound Orthellan.
"You were raised in the English countryside, not far from Liverpool. You're a devout follower of the Goddess, although you're not zealous. After your mandatory military training, you became a novelist, but so far, you've been unable to support yourself financially, so you've also worked as a receptionist."
"A novelist?" said Miranda and raised a brow.
"We have to add some flavor to your character, don't we? We've already written two books in English for you, as well as a start to a third one. They're not well written, but you're not supposed to be a successful novelist. You should read them to get a sense of your writing style."
Miranda rolled her eyes, she didn't care much for art.
"As for your political views. You consider yourself a Unity Nationalist. This means..."
Miranda cut her short. "...While I wholly support the military's right to rule and view unlimited democracy as mob rule, I hold freedom of religion and expression very dearly. I very much oppose all forms of socialism and believe a capitalist economy, coupled with a strong sense of civic virtue is what will make the Stratocracy stronger."
Orwell smiled. "Good. For now, this is strictly an espionage mission. It will be upgraded to an assassination mission when and if you manage to secure a safe escape from Britain without revealing your true nationality. You will not engage in any form of sabotage, unless I authorize it first, and that will not happen unless I have a guarantee that the sabotage will not be traced back to you or Orthella. Are we clear?"
"Yes General."
"All right, we will smuggle you into Londonium whenever you're ready."
"I'm as ready now as I'll ever be, General." said Miranda in English with a flawless Scouse accent.
