Chapter 1: Introduction

The beginning of the end – perhaps it was in 2021 when the pandemic of the new decade, the coronavirus, was finally behind us, and we once again ventured into the streets, attempting to resume the life we had before. The world seemed to be returning to its course, and, naturally, it set the rest of the gears in this massive machine moving forward.

And there you are, standing on a bridge over the River Thames, with reflections shimmering in rose-tinted glasses, thanks to Derek.

Yes, he was the one you had long dreamed about and hoped for—the man who turned your world into a place of happiness. It was as real as an intelligence agent could ever dream: living in a quiet place where the connection with nature became an inseparable part of you, while your work brought you satisfaction and income, justifying its inherent risks. Far from the modest plot of land with a cozy wooden cabin built for two, this life seemed idyllic.

Jack sat on the bridge under which the Thames flowed, diving deep into memories of the summer he spent visiting Derek at their suburban retreat in Rochford, forgetting entirely that by morning, he would need to embark on a journey. The evening breeze gently caressed his face, mending his broken soul.

Derek and Jack spent countless evenings together at Derek’s cabin, where they loved settling on the veranda in the warm twilight air. They often found themselves there after their first meeting, engaging in long conversations, resting, and indulging in various pastimes.

Rochford was a place where time seemed to slow, and magic could be found in every corner. The surrounding nature spoke its silent language, enveloping everyone in its green embrace. The Thames flowed peacefully beneath the bridge, as though it had been guarding the secrets of ancient lands and the unspoken wishes of travelers for centuries.

Derek was an agent of the British royal family, but in the summer of 2021, he was on leave after completing another successful mission. Following a serious injury, Queen Elizabeth II herself had granted him a recovery and rest period in Rochford. At the same time, Jack was also in Rochford, fulfilling his duties at MI6, working in a specialized department focused on cybersecurity and quantum physics.

The meeting of these two British agents was accidental and almost impossible, as neither suspected the other’s existence. The internal protocols of their respective agencies made it unlikely for their paths to cross. Yet fate, like a masterful chess player, brought them together.

A year later, Jack faced a challenging assignment from MI6. The road ahead was unpredictable, and many pieces on this chessboard remained hidden in the shadows. The operation could stretch over several years, with no guarantee of success.

As the sunset over the Thames painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, Jack continued to reflect on what awaited him in this mission and how he would keep his promise to Derek.