Prompt: She told him, with the kind of smile that only comes from surviving too many betrayals, “they are allergic to life,” as though mortality itself were an espionage plot. He realized then, that her diagnosis was not medical, but a coded warning that loving her would be as fatal as crossing enemy lines.
The file did not show names, but held information about the candidate’s qualifications and the required FBI background check, as well as family background checks, schools, friends and importantly, financial information. No candidate with significant debts would be accepted, because the asset would be too high a risk for blackmail/betrayal. This candidate was clean. He reviewed the information, and studied her photo, possibly taken in college when she was modeling, and red hair that seemed to be playing joyfully with the air, while her green eyes looked straight at the camera, and then, through the camera it seems, to the viewer, as if analyzing his intensions. But that profile seemed vaguely familiar but he couldn’t quite place it and yet, he felt a beckoning to look at the photo again while a warm wave of calm enveloped his soul.
“Candidate 42 may enter the room.”
She entered the room and immediately, the room became her queendom, without hesitation. She didn’t walk, but instead displayed a naturally feminine rhythm that moved the hips to a heavenly beat that no man could resist, and heel clicks on the marble floor forced a man’s eyes to gaze at her athletic calves that pointed joyfully to her ballet-dancer thighs, tightly caressed by an elegant black skirt. But he noticed she was blonde. Barbie blonde and bouncy curls.
He offered her a chair, opposite his, at the large, icy metal desk, with two packets: one for him, the interviewer, and the other apparently for her, with two silver zebra pens.
“Nice to meet you, 42. When you are comfortable, we can begin.”
She smiled and said “Thank you”, then, briefly glanced at the locations of the four cameras supposedly carefully hidden in each corner of the room, then glanced at the zebra pens, knowing how useful they are as weapons. She seemed comfortable with the stifling silence, but he noticed not only that she was blonde, but her eyes were azure blue, not green. Was this the same woman in the candidate’s portfolio? And then it hit him, and his heart skipped several beats because he remembered now, and it was long ago. back when he was young and dumb. But she was the one.
She looked at him emotionless, but pleasant. and he showed her the same display, as he was trained, never to betray emotion, remaining inscrutable.
“So, tell me, why do you want to join our organization as an ops officer? You graduated from MIT with a PhD in mathematics and Physics, have a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and most recently, you have been traveling the world modeling on famous beaches. This is not going to be a beach party, you know, if you are accepted.”
“I need to contribute to my country. I’m and orphan, but I heard some stories that my grandfather I never met was a hero, years ago, and I want to give back also. I readily accept the risks that go with that higher calling. I want to work with the best and take advantage of those resources to find the truth, and maximize good, if possible, in this broken world.”
He didn’t smile, but touched his chin briefly in thought, then said, “Interesting response. Selfless, for sure. But tell me, what truth are you referring to?”
“The all-pervading truth all souls seek, but can’t find. I read an author who described it: Knowledge will not supersede truth and truth will not supersede love. With all three, you will never fear death. I have some knowledge, but I seek truth, and I will find it, if you let me. If you don’t, I will find it another way. And as far as love for a man no, that I do not have.”
Dumbfounded, he had no words and just stared at her. She knew she had him that moment. It seemed her mind was moving freely — like undulating waves coursing throughout his helplessly captured soul.
He finally responded. “Ok, then, well, I take it you are single. Do you have a boyfriend, or any attachments or family? You will be very busy and family will not be a priority in our organization.”
“No. I’ve had some relationships. I showed them life and then, when it came to truth, they backed away and showed that they were in fact, allergic to life, so, they are therefore not qualified to be a part of my circle. I have no family and am happy alone.”
He wrote a few notes in his file folder as she watched him carefully. She knew. He felt it, but neither would say anything.
“Our interview is over now. This is Part one, and after you complete some tests, we will make our decision, Candidate 42, and if accepted, you will be sent to the The Farm for training at Camp Peary. Best of luck to you.”
She picked up a zebra pen when he wasn’t looking and deftly put it in her pocket. “And best of luck to you too, Peter.”
His face flushed crimson, something he couldn’t control, but still, he didn’t dare smile.
“Thanks Veronica.”
© 2025 SRCarson Publications.
I absolutely loved this masterful piece. I want to read more about these well crafted characters with their mysterious romantic past. Super intriguing storyline with a captivating window into their thoughts. Thinking everything, but saying nothing. And who is this Candidate 42 actually, with her drop dead figure? She seems quite wise and skilled, but also haunted by many things. Dr. Carson you can certainly weave a story that keeps us wanting more. Can’t wait for the next chapter. I will be waiting right here on the edge of my seat. Bravo Maestro!
Love it how you describe Veronica!
So inntriguing, I wish I was Candidate 42. Love it!
He definitely liked her more than just a little. Love this story.
She is definitely the best candidate.
I would not be surprised if they had an affair. I could feel the “electricity” between them, and they have so much in common.
She is not only beautiful but also charming, talented, elegant, graceful and stunning.
She is ideal womanI, I love her character.
I felt so many emotions while reading this. So captivating and insightful. I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know.
I think this candidate 42, Veronica, is not to be trifled with. But may be worth the risk of trifling.
I greatly appreciate the way you’ve crafted the narrative to obscure the true subject of the interview. At first glance, it seems as though Candidate 42 is the one being evaluated, but the closing line, “best of luck to you too, Peter”, suggests a deeper subtext. Her qualifications, impeccably delivered responses, and unnervingly calm demeanor all imply that she is, without a doubt, in control of the situation. In contrast, Peter’s “dumbfounded” silence subtly conveys that he is not as well-prepared for this encounter as Candidate 42. The brilliance lies in the subtlety, making this a masterful example of elusive precision.
Thanks to my readers for all the thoughtful comments. I had no idea this prompt would generate such interest and I must admit, I had to think about it for a while before tackling it. I’ll have to remember that scotch I drank.
I honestly liked this reader’s response the most!!! Even before finishing reading it, I felt like it was Veronica… hehehe, bravo… I think I need to write to you more about Veronica.