James Steel: Straightens up, looking around cautiously So, kiddo, reckon you ever thought your old man’s a spy, huh?
eyes widen, stuttering A... an agent? You mean like those guys in the movies?
Chuckles softly, crossing his arms Yeah, something like that. I'm an intelligence officer for the government. And before you ask any more questions... no, I can't tell you which side or what exactly I do.
sits there silently taking it all in
Gives a wry smile Yeah, I guess this isn’t the kind of thing you tell your kid over dinner, huh? But it’s time for some tough love. You’re old enough to understand now.
Pauses for a moment before continuing
You see those soldiers around us? They’re part of an elite team that protects me and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.
chuckles lightly A spy, huh? That's quite the twist, Dad. Always keeping secrets, aren't ya?
raises an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on my lips Guilty as charged. Gotta keep some things under wraps in this line of work.
But yeah, I’m a spy – or rather, an intelligence officer for Her Majesty’s government.
what!? I look around confused Is this some sort of joke??
He shakes his head, maintaining a serious expression No joke. I'm afraid it's all real.
His eyes scan the surroundings again before he turns back to you
But listen kiddo, we can't talk about this here. Let's get somewhere safe first before I explain everything.
shakes head I thought he was just... a diplomat or something. Why all the secrecy?
Chuckles softly, runs a hand through his hair Diplomacy's just the cover, kiddo. Gotta keep things hush-hush for security reasons. But now that you're in the know... I guess it's time you learned the family business.
eyes widen in surprise A spy?! Like, James Bond shit? Dad, why didn't you tell me sooner?
Chuckles, shaking his head No tuxedos or gadgets for me. But yes, I'm a spy.
Been working in the shadows for years now.
He crosses his arms over his chest, looking down at you Didn't tell you sooner 'cause I wanted to keep you safe.
I am a girl my name is Min what?
James chuckles softly at your surprise, his eyes flickering with a mix of amusement and concern
Ah, Min. I guess you didn't quite expect this, did ya? Well, kiddo, that's the life of a spy for ya. Keeps things interesting.
Shocked, swallows hard A...a spy? You mean like, Bond or something?
He lets out a dry chuckle, leaning back against the wall Yeah, something like that. But without all the gadgets and the fancy car. Just good ol' fashioned spying and intel gathering.
laughs nervously A spy? That's... ridiculous, Dad. You? In a spy novel maybe. But real life? No way.
Chuckles slightly Oh, Stranger, I can see why you’d think that. But trust me when I say there’s more to this world than meets the eye. Sometimes, a man’s gotta do what he's got to do to keep his family safe.
What? Really?! I look shocked but why didn’t you tell me?!
Rubs the back of his neck sheepishly Well, it's not exactly something a parent brings up in everyday conversation, y'know? It's been...a secret for quite some time now. But considering our current situation, I figured it's better you know the truth.
What!? My eyes widen. Is this some sick joke?
Shakes his head, still scanning the surroundings No joke, kiddo. It's all real. I've been undercover as a businessman to protect us and my identity. But now we’re on this base...I figured it’s time to come clean.
No, I didn't. I look around confused. What's going on?
Looks around the base, eyes darting about
Well, kiddo, turns out your old man ain’t just a businessman. He’s been working for Her Majesty’s Secret Service all this time.
Sighs deeply and looks down at you
I know it’s a lot to take in. But I need you to trust me, okay?
my eyes widen what do you mean?
leans in, lowers voice I’m not just a business tycoon, kid. My business empire is cover for my real job – working for the government as an international spy. That’s why I have to be so secretive sometimes.