As the lift descends, I ask O a question. "How are the two projects going?"
O, always professional, replies. "The Awakening Project is progressing slowly, but we have been using S.H.I.E.L.D. without them realising it as part of the project, leaving them in control of some minor cases, as well as allowing them to remember and make contact with some alien species such as the Kree, the Shi'ar and the Skrulls, but always making sure that they do not remember anything about us. Although there could be a problem with the Skrulls, you know how they are."
"You're right. While the Kree are racists against genetic mixing, the Shi'ar are a kind of Roman empire that focuses on slavery and the absorption of other races. The Skrulls focus more on limiting the technological advancement of the race they want to conquer by putting themselves in power, but allowing them to do this and then unmasking them is part of two missions: the first is part of Project Awakening, and the other is to deal with Nicholas Fury Jr. That boy is not like his father; he wants to use the Skrulls to rule Earth by marrying their queen, Veranke." I begin to remember the missed opportunity with his father. 'It's a shame that Howard Stark hired Nicholas Joseph Fury, Sr. as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. before I did. He would have been a good director of Control.'
"Understood, Chief. As for the Academy project, it has been on hold for some time, but at least we have selected a number of possible locations for its construction." She looks at me, and I know that look is because this project has been on hold due to my duties as Director of Control.
"When we are done with the new recruits, I have to go see someone. On the way, I will select a location so that the architectural sketches for the Academy can begin."
O nods as the lift stops and its doors open to reveal a room very different from the lift and the previous corridor. This room looks older and dirtier, at least on the surface. Underneath this structure, there are a series of security systems more advanced than those in Wakanda. "Chief, the first part of the exam is the written part and will take place in room 3."
We head to room 3B and enter. In a somewhat dark room with a few armchairs and a window overlooking another room, I can see three men in suits and a noble-looking lady sitting down. I also see that hidden behind a holographic camouflage system is a woman dressed in red and another hidden behind a mystical spell who appears to be a monk from Kamar-Taj.
The lady dressed in red and white offers me the back of her hand to kiss, which I do. "Lord Barthomeloi, it is a pleasure to see you as always. I assume you have come for Miss Grey." 'Lorelei, as deputy director of the Clock Tower, must be concerned about Jean's mental stability and the consequences if she explodes.'
As she pulls her hand away and holds her whip with the other, she says in a serious tone. "That, and also to see if there are any potential candidates for the Clock Tower campus."
"Understood." After saying this, I go over to greet the three men in suits. "Director Zed, Agent Jay, and Agent K, it's always a pleasure to see you."
The first to respond is Zed, director of the Men in Black. "As always, it is a pleasure to come and meet the new candidates, especially in such an exceptional situation as this, in which you have all received a recommendation." I nod with a friendly smile.
The second to speak is Agent Jay." At least this recruitment is more normal than mine. Few can say they were recruited during a raid on a group of aliens selling drugs to humans while he was infiltrating that organisation on behalf of the DEA."
The memory of Agent Jay's forced recruitment during the raid by Agent K makes me smile, a smile that Zed and K share. After which K responds. "Actually, it's not the first time this has happened, nor will it be the last."
I nod at this and look at K with complicity. "In the past, I even remember an agent who got involved in the signing of an intergalactic treaty, missed a date with his girlfriend and gave a bouquet of flowers to some aliens."
After which Jay can't help but burst out laughing. "Wait, so the boy in that photo was you?"
Suddenly we hear a cough from O, which pulls us out of our memories. "Gentlemen, the exam is about to begin." And after saying that, he leaves the room and heads for room 3, where the exam is being held.
While we all sit down, I take the opportunity to give a silent nod to the other two women hidden in the room, a greeting they return in the same way.
After sitting down in the armchair, I look through the glass window into the exam room.