Chapter Text
The situation wasn’t favorable in the slightest, in fact all of it was a complete accident. The consequence of your technological skills, alcohol, ex military resources, and boredom. Finding yourself accidentally breaching the databases of the PMC occupying your country after it was invaded and threatened by terrorists. You were stressed for days afterward. Immediately closing and clearing your history and turning off your computer once you realize what you’ve done. But it didn’t stop the 6’10 giant knocking at your door one evening.
“Can I…uh..help you sir..?” You asked, taking in not only his height but his military uniform as well. Matching those of the soldiers who patrolled around at night.
“Are you the one that goes by this username online?” His German accent was thick as his large hands handed you a document. The files dwarfed in his hand. You took it hesitantly. Your stomach dropping as it was, in bold letters ... .your username online
“Yes sir. It is.” You responded finally. Your voice shakes as you fear the consequences. Your brain goes a mile a minute, thinking up every possibility. Within a millisecond, you’re seized. His large hands grabbing yours and twisting them into an agonizingly painful position behind your back. The sound of handcuffs clicking and snapping into place around your wrists.
“You’re coming with me.” Was all he said. Your vision went black as he had knocked you out. Cold.
_
When you awoke, you were in a dimly lit room. Hands still restrained behind your back. Although tied with rope now. The ropes themselves dug and burnt your skin as you struggled against the restraints. Your attention snapping to the sound of the lock on the door clicking. The door creaking on its hinges as the same man as before entered. A shorter soldier at his side. You bit your lip as the mountain of a man sat in front of you.
“Oh good, you’re awake.” He started, his accent thick as the words fell from his mouth. His tone is serious and low. “I have a series of questions for you. The more you cooperate, the easier we’ll be on you..” He continued to speak. His hand reached to cup your chin. Forcing you to look at him. You winced as he tugged you forward with his free hand. Causing the ropes to dig into you further. The fibers digging and burning your flesh.
“Now. What is your name?” The soldier started. “Simple question, no? One I already know the answer too.” You couldn’t see his face due to his sniper mask. But you could hear the smirk in his voice as he stared down at you. His gaze scrutinized you. Daring you to speak.
“Y/N, and…U/N..sir.” You responded. Your voice is just as shaky as it was before. He nodded at your response. The corners of his eyes turning up, a tell tale sign that he was smiling beneath the mask.
“What is your occupation?” He questioned further. Going down his list to confirm your identity.
“A programmer..” You answered. The soldier beside him cleared his throat. You had forgotten he was there. The mans’ grip on your chin tightened.
“Just a programmer..? Or are you still a reconnaissance specialist?” He spat at you. They really did their research. It left you questioning how long you were out. You took a breath. Preparing the long winded story that came with your own military career.
“Ex specialist sir.” You corrected him. He stared into your eyes with his cold icy blue ones. “I was let go, relocated. For my own safety.” You explained further.
That much was true. You had been a recon specialist. Your rank was a lieutenant. But it came crashing down as your information was leaked. Fearing for your safety, you were let go and relocated far. Given a new life. Although you refused a name change. The man seemed pleased with your answer. His grip loosened on you.
“How did you manage to get through our firewall?” His next question broke the deafening silence. You stared at him, your mind going blank. How were you supposed to tell him that it was a complete accident? That your system still operated to break through weak firewalls to get information without sounding like a spy. He didn’t like your silence. His grip tightened on you again, pulling you even closer, almost inches from his face. His gaze bore into you. You winced and groaned in discomfort as the ropes dug further into you. “Well?” He said to you, demanding an answer now.
“It was a complete accident, sir!” you yelped out. Breaking under the pressure of the room. He stared at you quizzically. His eyes showed he didn’t believe you.
“An accident?” He repeated. Within a second there was a knife in his hand. The cold blade pressed against your throat as he was done with your broad answers. You took a breath. Keeping your cool as you collect your thoughts.
“Yes sir, an accident.” You repeat yourself. “My computer…its operating system..” you began, “I coded it so it can break through any weak firewall and safety systems. I guess I never turned it off…” You finished explaining yourself. Sighing with relief as he retracted his knife. He turned to look at the shorter soldier. Almost as if fact checking your statement
“It adds up to me colonel.” The soldier stated. You swallowed hard at the announcement of the man's title. ‘Colonel’ . The colonel nodded, and looked back at you. Releasing his strangling grip on you. The intercom system was next to insert itself into the situation.
“Release Her.” It said, the voice a thick British accent. Within the next second the knife previously held to your throat was cutting through the ropes. Freeing you of your restraints. You sighed with relief again as you rubbed at your sore flesh, frowning at the sight of rope burn and cuts. You stayed seated, unsure of what to do next. The voice on the intercom cleared up that thought. “You’re free to go” , the voice started. “But, we request two things.” It continued. “Aid in coding a stronger firewall for our data, and show our recon team your coding system.” The voice finished. The soldier and the colonel both looked at you expectantly.
You weighed your options. In reality you were getting out scot-free. No consequence, except sharing your knowledge and ways with the team working to save your country. But at the same time, it meant dedicating likely months or almost a year's worth of work. You bit your lip as you continued to think.
“Deal, as long as I can request compensation for my work. I’m not doing this for free when this could take months to a year.” You said, standing your ground. The colonel nodded. Seeming to understand where you were coming from.
“I can arrange that,” He responded. “Leave that to me, it’s better off in my hands.” He continued. Placing a hand on your shoulder to guide you out of the interrogation room.
_
The Colonel walked you home after the whole ordeal. He was silent, his expression stoic and his gaze cold as he walked beside you. You shuddered every time his hand
grazed against yours. The night breeze cool as the sun had set while you were interrogated. As you approached your front door he turned to you, “Our apologies Lieutenant.” He said finally. You shook your head.
“It’s not a big deal. You guys were just doing your job sir.” You responded, “I don’t think I qualify as a Lieutenant anymore either,” you continued on.
“Ah, if you’re going to be working with us, call me König.” He said, putting his hand out for a proper introduction. For the first time since the whole ordeal started, you smiled. Taking his hand and shaking it firmly. “You’re still a Lieutenant. We made sure your rank carried over.” He explained to you. You nodded, smiling wider.
“Well, thank you Colonel König.” You said. Turning to open the door, happy to see it all the same as you had left it. “Goodnight sir.”
“Goodnight Lieutenant. I’ll be back in the morning.” König said, then turned to leave as you closed the door.