Okay, this is a new format I'm going to try here, the short story format. The first will explain the days of agent Amélie Boucher before she became part of Operation Stargazer. The Boiler Room Ordeal is set in 1977, Amélie was only 20 years old, was a true precocious genius daughter of wealthy and influential parents allowed Boucher to enter the prestigious French Military Academy Saint-Cyr at the age of 16, the first woman to achieve this feat at such a young age and one of the few to enter at such an early age. This tale tells of her first day at the agency. And below is the first part! 

I hope you enjoy it!  

The Boiler Room Ordeal - Prologue: The Last Reflex of Broken Dreams

(Aide Music: Serge Gainsbourg - La Javanaise (1968))

It was still dark outside when Amélie Boucher awoke, the early hour cloaking her room in a soft, pre-dawn silence. She stretched, a ripple of anticipation running through her as she remembered what day it was. Today was the beginning of her new journey, one she had worked tirelessly to embark upon.

Amélie had graduated from the prestigious Saint-Cyr military academy, a remarkable achievement for anyone, but especially for a young woman in the 1970s. Her time there had been rigorous and rewarding, shaping her into the disciplined and determined person she was now. After graduation, she spent three months as a Sous-lieutenant officer clerk in the French army. However, she soon realized that her role was nothing more than that of a glorified secretary, a prospect that didn't sit well with her ambitions.

Her father, a respected admiral in the French navy who had served during the Second World War, understood her drive and aspirations. Recognizing her potential, he used his influence to secure an interview for her with Marc Marchand, the head of a division within the SDECE. The interview had been somewhat disappointing; Marchand seemed more eager to accept her on the spot than to test her capabilities. Despite this, Amélie resolved not to let this affect her. She was determined to excel and to overcome any challenge in the name of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Rising from her bed, Amélie decided to eat first, wanting to avoid smudging her makeup later. She opted for a light breakfast, mindful of the time and the desire to avoid unnecessary trips to the office bathroom. After eating, she headed for the shower, the warm water helping to clear her mind and focus her thoughts.

She meticulously applied her makeup, allowing herself a bit of indulgence to accentuate her features. Her hair, a cascade of golden locks, fell to her shoulders, a deliberate choice to make a striking impression. Choosing her clothes, she aimed for a balance of class, professionalism, and casual elegance: a social buttoned blouse with shoulder padding, social jeans, and tasteful shoes.

As she dressed, she considered bringing her personal pistol, a modified SIG Sauer P220, which she had obtained two years ago. However, she decided against it, not wanting to appear overly haughty or aggressive on her first day.

Her thoughts drifted to what she knew about the SDECE. The secretive nature of the agency meant she had limited information, but she had managed to unearth some details. She would be working alongside three ex-veterans of the Algerian war, men hardened by the horrors they had witnessed and committed. There was also a mysterious French-Algerian woman and another newcomer like herself, who had made an impression at the Police Aux Frontières and had been invited to join the division.

Amélie felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as she finished getting ready. She was eager to prove herself, to step into a role where she could truly make a difference. Taking a deep breath, she gave herself one last look in the mirror, her heart pounding with anticipation.

Today was the beginning of her new life at the SDECE. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with her determination and guided by her principles. With one final glance around her room, she stepped out into the rainy morning, ready to embrace her future. She left her apartment unbeknownst that her trials would happen so soon and so dire.

Lint to the First part: The Boiler Room Ordeal I - Sacrificial Lamb