Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine Read Free Book Online Page A

Books—plagues.” Even in the glow of gaslight, Wellington could see the growing tint of red in the Director’s cheeks. “I thought giving you a bit of latitude down here, what with Research and Design rejecting your applications to work with them, would keep you passionate about your placement. It seems that it has. All too well.”
    Wellington swallowed. “Sir?”
    â€œYes, it is true that your Archives provide perhaps the most valuable of assets to the Ministry, and the work you have done in your Archives has been nothing short of spectacular.” From behind the spectacles on his nose, Doctor Sound’s eyes went chillingly dark. “But make no mistake—these are not your Archives.”
    Wellington’s knees buckled slightly, but his dizziness soon cleared on hearing what Sound said next.
    â€œAnd as I said in my office, Agent Braun, your mission history of ‘snap decisions’ begs for disciplinary action, so I am assigning you a new partner.” Sound, apparently as pleased as punch with himself, glanced at Wellington. “Or would you be more of a mentor?”
    No. The Director could not be—
    â€œAre you serious?” Her voice echoed around them. “The Archives?!”
    Sound motioned around him. “Lovely orientation for your reassignment, don’t you think?” He leaned close into her. Wellington thought the only reason Braun didn’t punch him in the nose was due to the fact she was in shock. “I think a little time down here, out of the limelight, will teach you a valuable lesson.”
    â€œAnd exactly what lesson is that?” Braun asked, her face still reflecting her horror at the Director’s decision.
    â€œHumility, Agent Braun,” Sound added in a light chortle. “I feel you need to find out that there is more to being a Ministry agent than ordnance and action. More than chaos and destruction.” And then his expression changed. Abruptly. The faint mirth that was there faded as his eyes took in, seemingly for the first time, the decades of casework surrounding them. The Director was still speaking to Braun but not looking at her. His voice was distant. “For they are the domain of those we stand against.”
    With a slight jerk he came back to himself, and Doctor Sound returned to peering over the top of his glasses at her. “And there it is. I have arranged for your desk contents to be moved down here.”
    Braun looked at Wellington, shook her head, and then returned her attention to the Director. “May I ask how long this ‘reassignment’ will last?”
    â€œIndefinitely,” he returned without hesitation. “Time in the Archives will give you a different point of view and teach a valuable lesson. And there is no need to be so glum. Books is down here. He’s one of ours, remember?”
    Now it was Wellington’s turn to furrow his brow. Whatever did Sound mean by that?
    â€œAnd as for you”—Sound turned his undivided attention to him—“you need to learn that there are not two agencies within the Ministry. We are a single unit, a collection of gears and cogs that work together in order to preserve the peace in extraordinary circumstances. You need to rise above your petty differences and perceived rifts, and remember that we are united under the same creed.”
    Petty differences? Perceived rifts?! By Jove, what did he mean?
    â€œYou need interaction with your fellow agents; and particularly in light of your recent dilemma, we will need someone ready to pick up the mantle in case something unfortunate were to befall upon you.”
    He took a step back and beamed. “I don’t believe I could have written such a delightful pairing.” Sticking his thumbs into the shallow pockets of his vest, the Director rapped his fingers lightly against his belly. “Good luck, Agents Books and Braun. I do believe this is the start of something