Gwen stuck with her cover all through the airport. She was fluent in all three of the world’s languages. English and Spanish were the most common two. Most of the other old languages had meshed together to form a third language that was simply known as Other, which Gwen was quite fluent in as well. Gwen located an airport official who spoke Spanish and purchased a rental ticket for a jet to California HQ. Gwen knew she’d be able to get Murphy to give her more money once she got there, so she bought a ticket for the fastest jet possible. She’d be to California before it was time for tea. Gwen was lost in these thoughts when the jet pilot approached and informed Gwen that she was ready to fly. Gwen boarded the jet, deciding to take a quick nap before California.
When Gwen opened her eyes, she looked out to glaring sun and a large white skyscraper surrounded by cacti. She walked quickly through the fingerprint scan doors and in to the meeting room, anxious to begin her mission.
Inside the room was Mr. Murphy. Talking with him was a young man Gwen had never seen before. He had longish black hair, medium skin, and green eyes. He was fairly tall and broad shouldered. His accent was thick; Spain was certainly his home country. His face had a look on it as though he was attempting to hide amusement, and when his eyes met Gwen’s she could see laughter there.
Mr. Murphy noticed Gwen’s presence. “Ah,” he said grandly, “Miss Darcy. Or, shall we call you Senorita Sanchez?” Mr. Murphy laughed, finding himself funnier than he truly was. “Allow me to introduce you to your partner, Tomás Garcia. Tomás is from Barcelona, and so will not need a disguise for this Assignment. Tomás, this is Gwendolyn Darcy. She – “
“Excuse me, Mr. Murphy,” Gwen interrupted sharply, “But did you say partners?” “Yes, Miss Darcy,” Mr. Murphy enunciated, “Partners. This Assignment requires both a male and a female.” He looked pointedly at Tomás, and then continued. “Tomás, you will know Miss Darcy as Emilia Sanchez for this Assignment. I expect,” Mr. Murphy paused for a moment, and with a glance at Gwen hurried on, “that you two become well acquainted, as your covers are a young couple living together.”
Without giving Gwen a chance to speak, Mr. Murphy went on. “Now, first you will drive to Sacramento. Miss Darcy’s truck has been conveniently Ported here. My hope is that the drive there will give you both some time to accustom yourselves to the other. Once in Sacramento, follow what your legends would have you do. Tomás has the address of your home. There will be plenty of opportunity for your legends to be known. Also, you must make it obvious that you are attempting to breed. Emilia Sanchez is nothing but a Breeder, and she must make her quota. If” Mr. Murphy nodded to Tomás, “you could convince Gwendolyn to actually breed with you, you would be quite helpful. There is no birth control or lust management medication, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Gwen glared angrily at Mr. Murphy. She fought to keep her voice from shaking with rage, “What exactly is this Assignment, Mr. Murphy?” “Your Assignment is simple. We need you to blend in. I will not give further instruction until that happens.” And with those words, Murphy left the room.
Gwen sat in the passenger seat of the truck, staring silently out the window. She was more surprised about Murphy’s plan than she should have been. After all, her legend did mention a boyfriend. But Murphy was crazy to expect that she would actually breed. She couldn’t possibly complete an Assignment like this. On the other hand, she didn't have a choice. If she didn’t do this Assignment, she could lose her Tracker status.
