Searlait Lamton

[Dewey]

Searlait Beaumont Lamton

Birthdate: June 27, 1975
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 142 lbs
Eye color: green
Hair color: dark brown
Race: French
Occupation: faucon du soir Secret Agent
Friends: Reid, Charles, Logan
Enemies: Many

Searlait spent the majority of her childhood growing up in South Africa, where her parents (her father is a retired agent of faucon du soir) endlessly struggled to bring apartheid to an end. As such, she was witness to a long period of suppression: violent resistance, marches, strikes, and protests. Although apartheid was somewhat brought to an end in the 1990's, the Beaumont's never saw their work realized. Because of death threats from the government, they were forced to relocate back to their home in France.

Because of her upbringing, Searlait always has maintained a serious personality. She doesn't laugh much--this isn't because she feels no joy. She simply is more reserved in conveying that joy. She also is easily disgusted by the apathy of a consumer-driven, materialistic society (namely the United States, where she's spent the past five years studying at Berkeley University) in light of the poverty she's seen in South Africa. As such, she has a heart for social justice. It was for this reason that she was singled out by Charles Hainsworth as a prospect agent for faucon du soir. Her first assignment was to work undercover within the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (a success that gave FDS names of potential political threats)

Searlait is a very dedicated and hard worker (a workaholic, if you will). She has a Ph.D. in biological sciences (and a Master's in foreign languages; she's fluent in French, Spanish, Portugese, English, and Russian and has a reading comprehension in a number of other languages including Greek and German), and is specifically intrigued by the study of genetics. She's a perfectionist to the tee, and is easily upset if something strays from structured plans. Although she has made an exception to one facet of FDS protocol: she's currently in a relationship with Reid Lamton, a fellow agent

[Dewey]

I am regretting the fact that I never thought to study Arabic at Berkeley. I never thought it would be to my benefit. What a foolish decision. We are now dealing with terrorists from Saudi Arabia, and I could barely speak to them in their native language. I have been studying an Arabic day without end since, and hopefully I can impress Charles with my ability to communicate with the children.

Ah yes, children. It appears that one of the individuals on the U.N's Most Wanted list happens to be an eighteen-year old boy. His name is Aqil Ataullah. Despite the facade I wear around him, I can't help but be intrigued by his life decisions, and the childhood that sparked them. What has led him to perform such acts of hate? What is he trying to achieve, what is his agenda? Why did Malakai brainwash these children? What was in it for him; what was in it for them?

We haven't gotten much information from Aqil, unfortunately. But his brother and wife are now here, and that has proven to help. I don't know what Charles intends to do with these children once our business is finished. Will he send them back to Saudi Arabia, where they'll be fugitives for the rest of their lives? Or will he grant them citizenship here in France, under our patronage?

[Dewey]

((the seareid chronicles: past))

Yesterday marked my first assignment with a partner within facuon du soir. To say the least, it was a horrible experience. I was partnered with someone named Reid Lamton. I haven't heard much of his record, but then again, he hasn't heard much of mine. Deeds aren't neccessarily well publicized within the agency. Even if you saved the life of a national figure.

Reid attempted to entertain small conversation with me on the night of our assignment. I found this largely unprofessional. It wasn't an opportunity for get-to-know-you's. We were given an assignment, and put together simply to achieve it more readily. He got the impression quickly enough that I'm not much of a talker. I never have been, really. Mère has always commented on it, has always said that I'm much too serious. I beg to differ. Like Père, I simply am a hard worker. I enjoy doing my job, and finishing my tasks.

Last night proved unsuccesful, however. At least for me. I was taken hostage by the man we were tracking. He used my life as a guarantee that he would receive his requested money. With a gun to my head, he argued with Reid Lamton. I feared for my life. There have been, of course, many times I have feared for my life while working with the agency. But I have always been alone those times. On this occasion, I was with a partner, whcih made it all the more humiliating. Reid and I made an agreement to obmit the event from our final report, but I don't know how good he is on his word.

[Dewey]

We have made progress with the Arab children currently in custody. It is fascinating how different cultures can be from one country to another. Recently, I spoke with Aqil's young wife, a seventeen year old girl named Farrah. She informed me that the marriage had been arranged by her father. I'm over thirty years old, and still remain unmarried. Why do the men in her country wish to marry off women so quickly? Is it an assertion of power? Is it to accumulate wealth? Honor? I still do not know, but it appears Farrah is among the lucky ones. According to her testimony, Aqil is kind and gentle with her. He has never even raised his voice, let alone abused her in any way.

I found this originally hard to believe, but when I watch Aqil interact with his brother and wife via the security surveillance, I see nothing but respect. He is not an overbearing, egocentric, power-hungry man. He does not bear a volatile temper, and he is in no way manipulative or violent with his family. In fact, he asked of their opinion. He wanted to ensure they found his plans agreeable. Aside from this, he has been quite cooperative with Reid and myself. In exchange for asylum, a stipend, a safe living condition, and education/career paths, he has agreed to lead us straight to the lion's den. Straight to Malakai.

Agent O'Connor was given the assignment of creating a transitional plan for the children (although Aqil is not a child at 19, I feel his rural life has stunted maturity in certain areas, particularly his worldview). True to his ignorant ways, O'Connor decided to place the children in the Alexandria Bay division of Arcadia. The city. A condo in the city. The moment I glimpsed this information from my copy of his report, I was livid. The Ataullah's have spent their entire lives growing up on farmland, raising the animals they slaughter for food, tending to livestock, walking great distances to get to the nearest market. How will they be able to deal with high-rises, city traffic, public transportation, and modern technology?

I took my complaints to Charles. He overrode Logan's work, and turned the assignment over to me. I decided to find a sort of ranch in the Highland Oaks division of Arcadia. It is more rural there, and more spcious. More similar to what the Ataullah's are used to. Ideally, I'd like to find the children something like this: www.flickr.com/photos/ckdoak/2577202896/ A simple, log-cabin ranch on a number of acres with an adjacent barn and adjacent pastures for livestock.

[Dewey]

I did not enjoy being hundreds of miles away from Reid as he embarked on our most recent assignment: capturing Malakai. I was to stay behind. Charles later informed me in private that this was for my protection as a woman, but also because he did not trust Logan on the transmitter. He knew how attentive I would be, considering Reid would be the main agent on this assignment. So I was left to merely listen, as my fiance was set into the lion's den of Saudi Arabia.

Fortunately, there is no bad news to report. I will admit, I felt absolutely dread when I heard gunfire over the transmitter. I feared for Reid's life, more than I have ever feared anything in my life. I know I must have showed some emotion over the airwaves when I called out his name in panic. I hope this went unnoticed by my fellow agents. Charles was audibly concerned as well. Reid is like a son to Charles. But again, everything was fine. A bullet had only skimmed Reid.

Soon, I will be able to see him. I will try to maintain a professional demeanor as long as possible in public, but as soon as we are in private, I only want to hold him close, and never let go.

[Dewey]

((seareid chronicles))


((indian lunch))

Reid and I are starting to get along better. It's been months since the...
'incident'. He hasn't held it over me like blackmail, either, as I suspected he might. I don't know what I thought that, to be honest with you. I supposed my bad experiences with others within this agency have helped shaped my negative perspective. In any regard, I'm beginning to open up more with him. He confirmed this, himself, and I'm glad. I'm not difficult to get along with, but I don't open up to everyone. In fact, I open up to no one, really. It's simply how I am. It's my personality. I'm quiet, reserved, a very private person. I'm not a sociable type. I'm with the agency because I love the work, and the work is what I want to do. Reid is the same way. Perhaps this is why we get along. Because we're both professional. Because we've had plenty of experience in our individual fields.

Earlier today, we grabbed lunch at a small Indian restaurant a short drive from the headquarters. The food was wonderful and wholesome. I don't know how I cold have ever missed the place, seeing as how I've lived here since I was fourteen. I'm glad I had the opportunity to spend time with Reid outside of an assignment, and outside of the workplace. He's a good person. He's very easy to get along with. I think we'll have a solid partnership.


((germany assignment: night one))

Reid and I currently have an assignment in Germany, tracking down one of the agency's most wanted. We've been staking out the past few nights, and tonight we were finally able to catch the man closing a deal with an associate. It has been a long week, needless to say. And I've spend the entirety of the time alone with Reid. It has allowed us to...get to know each other more. I know this is rather unprofessional of me, but...I find myself icreasingly enjoying Reid's company. I feel so...easy-going with him. I feel I can talk with him about anything. I feel...free to relax. I'm not a very relaxed person. In fact, I tend to be straitlaced. Agent O'Connor would say I'm a shrew. But with Reid, I have no large worries. It's as if, in those moments, all that matters is he and I...

That sounds silly, doesn't it? There are policies the agency has in place to avoid this. The agency doesn't want its agents to feel "relaxed" in each other's company. But I simply cannot help it. I... I look at Reid in a way I shouldn't. I enjoy watching him work, how he furrows his brow when he concentrates, the way his mouth creates a smile, how his eyes just shine when he's in a good mood. Oh, Searlait, stop...


((germany assignment: night two))

Our assignment is as good as complete here. We went in, undercover, and have all the information the agency will need. It was one of the most simplistic assignments I've ever faced. Reid and I make a wonderful team. ....Hm. Last night, we were more than a team. Our cover was to pose as a couple with whom our suspect had been working. I..enjoyed this cover. More than I probably should have. Is this juvenile of me? To say my heart skipped a beat when Reid placed a hand on my back. The idea of even being involved with him was enjoyable. I can't believe I'm writing this. I feel absolutely ridicolous. But I've never been in a serious relationship. I've never held any interest. And now, the one man I feel is competent enough to have something with...well, he's... I can't. It's againt the agency's policies. It's frustrating. Reid is intelligent, sophisticated, considerate, reliable, well-traveled.

Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. Reid may not even feel the same way that I do. There was a moment, though, when we danced at the social...I felt as if there possibly existed a connection between us. My hand in his, my head against his chest, his head softly against mine. It was... it was a dream. And then our visit to the cathedral, Cologne. It was breathtaking. I.. I don't even know what else to say.


((reassignment to berkeley))

There is simply no point in leading ourselves along. There clearly will never be anything between us because of the agency's policies. Why continue to frustrate ourselves? To be so close to something yet unable to attain it? I have strong feelings for Reid. Very strong feelings. And it's very unprofessional of me to have them. I can no longer be his partner because of this. I have requested a research sabbatical. At Berkeley in California. It's been in the database for three years (the agency keeps a growing list of sabbatical options in its network). I've always toyed with the idea, but have set it aside periodically. Once I was partnered with Reid, I completely forgot about it. Until recently. The only way these feelings will leave is if I go. If I'm away from him. If I focus on other things. It is a painful thing to do...


((conversation with reid before depature))

Just a few hours before I was set to depart from France, Reid came to my office to speak with me. I was in the middle of packing. I attempted to avoid him as much as possible, even taking different hallways to do so. Apparently Charles told him about the reassignment, however. I thought he would've at least waited until after I had already left. Charles has always been a curious character like that. Sometimes doing exactly the opposite of what you expect. This is a time when I'm glad he did.

At first, I was alarmed to see Reid. I wanted to avoid the conversation I knew would happen. The conversation about Germany. I dreaded what he might possibly say. That it was simply an assignment. That any actions performed were simply to uphold the cover. I feared that he would call me out on my unprofessionalism. But that is not what happened at all. Reid apologized for the possibility of overstepping any boundaries, and though hesitant, I tried to explain to him why I was leaving. I wanted to change the subject out of embarassment, but he assured me that notshing I'd said contradicted his feelings.

He'd felt the same all along! I can't explain the feelings that overcame me. Excitement, fear, happiness. It's all very overwhelming, and I can hardly sort it out even now. However, Reid and I have decided to pursue a relationship. It will be long distance, yes, but we both agreed this would be for the best in any case. We'll communicate often, and perhaps he may even visit California when the opportunity presents itself.

I have never felt this way before. I feel almost childish. As if I passed a note during class to the boy who caught my fancy, eagerly anticipating his response to my question...as if he handed back that note with a smile, and when I unfolded it, I saw that he had circled yes.

[Dewey]

So many changes have recently occured in my life. Sometimes, it can be quite overwhelming. Reid and I, after many long years, have finally married. I cannot begni to describe the sense of warmth and security and happiness I have felt as of late. I have never been a very extroverted person, the type of person who openly conveys their emotions. But as a woman married to Reid Lamton, I cannot help but smile more than I'm accustomed to, to even laugh. It's...a nice change, I have to admit. I never realized just how happy I am with Reid, now that I have the opprtounity to spend more time with him.

Our house is immaculate. Breathtaking beautiful. We had it built from the ground up ourselves. Of course, deciding on colors and flooring and cabinetry is neither of our specialties. I felt largely out of place at their neighborhood Home Depot. It's...strange, trying to fit in with the typical suburbia lifestyle. I don't even know what to do with all of our wedding pictures. They're still in the package within which they were mailed. We have a spacious kitchen, brimming with supplies any married woman would covet. But I'm so accustomed to stake-out take-out's, or late night studying TV dinners. And there isn't exactly time to figure out the normal life with Reid, either...

He's been promoted with faucon du soir. Jim Donahue recently retired from his position after 35 stellar years of service, and the Senior Counsel apparently had only one choice in mind when it came to his replacement: Reid. (My father informed me it was a unaninomous vote as well, which doesn't surprise me). Reid is now the Chief Executive of Homeland Security, which largely deals with terrorism defense. His experience in this even before the agency recommends him well for the position. I am happy for him, and proud.

But it does mean longer hours. I remember Mere's many lonely nights and tears when Pere was also offered a promotion as a Chief Executive. I don't know what tolls this will take on my own relationship with Reid. I can only hope it's not straining. Not only do we have a promotion to deal with, but I have also been re-assigned a new partner. His name is Kostya. His expertise is in cryptology. Though I'm grateful that Charles sees me as one of the agency's top agents, I don't know that cryptology and genetics ever intersect. Perhaps one of our other agents in a similar department would make a better match for Kostya.

I will try to accomodate this new agent as best I can, however, despite my misgivings.

[Dewey]

Well.

I feel extremely foolish right now. I haven't faxed the report to Charles because I am embarassed and I am hardly in the mood to hear his version of "I told you so". I simply can't believe this. All of my suspicions were disproved last night. Agent Denisov cracked the code I had given him last night. It was a special Russian encryption that contained secrets about the Russian military: weapons of warfare, its hierarchy, foreign relations, etc. The idea was to watch him provide the wrong answers to every question, attesting to my belief that he is not to be trusted. However, not only did he break the code in record timing, his answers were... correct. Well, 65% of them were, but the Cryptology Department is similar: one single agent couldn't possibly break 100% of a code, and never has. I could not believe it when I looked over the file that had been given him. I must admit, I was largely disappointed as well.

I suppose there are a number of outlandish claims that can explain this. What if Kostya is familiar with the encryption methods because of a clandestine involvement with Russia's government? What if he only provided a few correct answers to gain our trust?

But I only feel foolish now. Because now I'm simply looking for a reason to distrust him, and that is unfair to him and unfair to the professionalism I daily strive to maintain. He clearly is gifted in his field of expertise, and I'm beginning to understand why the agency felt he would be an asset. I believe he could assist us in breaking the rest of the files we have on Russia.

I suppose he can be somewhat trusted after all..



((haha while I was writing this, the term "Frenemies" came to mind in regards to searlait and kostya haha.. because they're so pleasant to each other in person but borderline antagonistic haha))

[Dewey]

Mar. 9, 07

I didn't know how much I've missed him until he arrived in California today. How long has it been? There was a time when I kept record of every last day. But when they became months, I thought perhaps I had only dreamt up our relationship. It's unfortunate, really. The protocols of faucon du soir. It's unfortunate I can't smile at him with as much love as I feel in my heart without suspicion rising. It's amazing we've even stayed sane this long. We're both very dedicated workers, though, and I suppose that has everything to do with it. He's been busy receiving assignments directly from Charles, and I've been busy preoccupying myself at the labs here in Berkeley.

If only a call was possible. Even a letter, or simple email. But the agency knows everything. Something like this could get us dismissed from faucon du soir. No, for now, we'll continue our charade. The days ahead will be busy. Filled with lab work, and errands, assignments, files... As for tonight, though, I'm putting all that aside and enjoying it for what it is.

[Dewey]

Mar. 19, 07

Things have gone horribly awry. For whatever reasons or suspicions, Logan saw it imperative to outfit my apartment with surveillance devices. Needless to say, within 24 hours, my relationship with Reid was discovered. Furthermore, Logan found it within his jurisdiction to confront us about it and threaten to contact Charles. I should've known someone would discover the truth after all this time. I suppose I was hoping it would simply come later; perhaps even after retirement. I'm still uncertain where we stand with Logan. He stressed the importance that we take this job seriously, to which Reid replied that such was only natural, since this job is his first priority.

I suppose that's what's trouble me the most about the whole dilemma. Was he just trying to be persuasive, or did he really mean those words? Reid is a genuine workaholic, so I wouldn't neccessarily doubt any claims about faucon du soir being first and foremost in his life. It's only natural our values be different after all. My mother insists I'm wasting away my life and that following in my father's foot steps with this agent business won't profit me anything if I'm already in my thirties and haven't a husband or family of my own (as if that is all that I'm capable of at this age). What if Reid doesn't even value those things? What if he has no intention to marry --it's not as if he's retiring any time soon. Charles would allow the marriage of an agent to a non-agent.. but not anything within the agency. And if that's the case, why do we persist with this?

So many unanswered questions and confusions. I'm glad I had the day off today from Berkeley. I don't know what to say to Reid about all of this. I need some time to think.

[Dewey]

Mar. 20, 07

Last night... a bittersweet evening. Apparently, Logan O'Connor saw it fit to alert Charles to my relationships with Reid. We were summoned to headquarters immediately where we met with Charles. He wasn't pleased in the least. It was almost as if the very notion of an agent having feelings for another was an abomination to him. He dismissed Reid from the agency, and gave me a thirty-day suspension. I would have rather I be the one to be dismissed! I believe Charles was cruelly unfair. Reid is a dedicated and hard worker. His successful assignments have helped the agency to progress forward in many ways! Père ((father)) has always made remarks about Reid's diligence and work ethic. He's always said agents like him are hard to come around. And so the dismissal was, in my eyes, absurd, and though Reid seems content with his new lot in life, I thoroughly intend on seeing what I can do about it. Perhaps a word with the Committee. Or.. I don't know.

Now bittersweet, though, because as much as Charles' decision filled me with indignation, it does make my relationship with Reid quite legitimate now that he's a non-agent. I'm not going to rejoice in his misfortune, of course, and as I said, I would have rather been the one to be dismissed. But always the optimist, he assured me all would work out, and that his experience would bring him far within the UN. At least Mère ((mother)) will be happy. She and Père have always known about Reid, of course. Or suspected it at least, as I'm not much one to discuss such things.

However, we will be visiting my parents today, and I'm sure Mère will talk on and on about the need for us to marry and start a family. Oh, how she embarrasses me! Hopefully Père will steal Reid away into the study to discuss politics as he's apt to do. Oh, and in other news, I received a phone call on my cell this morning. A neighbor had glimpsed my flier for Sophie, and informed me they mistook her for a stray and had taken her in, but that she's safe and sound in their apartment. For the time being, she may stay there, but I assured them I would reimburse their kindness in the near future.

[Dewey]

Apr. 27, 07

Reid and I have been reassigned to China. As I write this, in fact, we're on board the plane. I spoke with Charles just days ago about my thirty-day probation, but I can't help but feel it was a meeting wherein I was supposed to see the errs of my ways. Unfortunately, I wasn't about to assume the role of the repentant agent. I'm not sorry for having a relationship with Reid, and I don't regret it in the least. My only hope is that Reid feels the same way. I know how important his work with faucon du soir was, and I feel a great amount of guilt knowing he's working with the United nations now instead of the agency.

He has been taking it fairly well, however. He seems eager to pursue this new work with the embassy. The United Nations is concerned the Chinese government isn't holding up certain ends of certain deals, so it is on Reid to examine this. Meanwhile, my assignment from faucon du soir is to check into China's genetic research. I have a position at Tsinghua University as a research fellow, where I will be working with geneticists and eugenicists from around the world. My specific field is cloning, which has been banned in East Germany --hence our move. What Reid does not know, though, is that I will specifically be investigating China's "Liberation Army". Faucon du soir suspects that this militant brigade has close ties with a eugenics lab in Beijing that has, in essence, been abducting individuals testing positive for the triple helix phenomenon. Once abducted, these individuals are having their genes altered even further, and even spliced with other species. The result? A genetically enhanced super human prototype (of which faucon du soir estimates there are hundreds --soon to be thousands) being trained as assassins, spies, and soldiers.

This we have only been able to gleam from confessions of former eugenicists, and faucon du soir wishes to know if it is still a threat. I can only hope they have changed their ways.


((reading the synopsis for Dark Angel was helpful lol: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Angel_%28TV_series%29 ))

[Dewey]

May 17, 07

Research at Tsinghua University has been going fairly well. I have made several contacts within the department among my colleagues, and I feel such connections will help in getting closer to the eugenics behind the Liberation Army. There has been no mention of the Army's new project as of yet, but I know it's only a matter of time and proximity. If I can get closer to certain individuals--the chief executives and superios--I know I can progress in my assignment. The prejudice I've been shown by fellow researchers has been disheartening, to say the least. They believe me to be anti-semetic merely because I am from Germany. I wish I could shrug off my cover for their sakes, and my own, but that simply cannot be done. I will have to bear their unkind words for now.

Reid seems to be achieving a lot more when it comes to social ties. His superios, Mr. Yaozu, even invited us both to dinner. The restaurant was beautiful, and Mr. Yaozu is quite friendly, really. He had only the best compliments to pay Reid. I'm glad things are going so well. However, I'm a bit concerned about the man's loyalties. Did he say it was a shame the communism in Germany had taken a fall? Born and raised in China, he must himself uphold the ideals of communism. I hope Reid approaches his relationships with colleagues here with caution. We don't want to convey the wrong impression about what forms of government we support. We definitely are not patriotic over the communist regime.

[Dewey]

June 9, 07

Patrick has uncovered unsettling news. Photographs of Reid meeting with well known communists, and paperwork that identifies Reid as a member of the Communisty Party. I'm not sure what I think. I would be lying to say I'm not.. well, shocked. I remember before leaving to China, my father told me these exact words "In anything that happens, trust Reid". Is this simply all apart of the plan? To assist him with whatever assignment he's been given with the UN? I've decided I will call Patrick and perhaps pay a visit to the embassy here to speak with United Nations representatives, and hopefully gleam some of what Reid's purposes may be. That would certainly clarify a multitude of things. And of course, Charles was notified by Patrick. I refuse to believe that Reid would betray faucon du soir like this. But more so, that he would betray me...

[Dewey]

July 1, 07

For years, I've waited for Reid's marriage proposal. There were times I thought he would surely ask me, but I would only be disappointed because such were not his intentions. There were times when I believed he would never ask me the question, and I would be discouraged with assumptions marriage would never be his intention. But on my birthday, Reid surprised me, as it were. He finally asked me, and gave me the most gorgeous ring.. The only problem was, of course, that I haven't been certain of my trust for Reid the past few weeks. And all the secrets came pouring out that evening. My concerns about Yaozu, about the Communist party.. everything. Needless to say, it was an emotional evening. Reid finally confessed that it was merely a coverup, and that he couldn't take the risk of telling anyone. How foolish I felt! I called faucon du soir the very next morning to take back my complaints. I hope I haven't ruined Reid's work for him. All this to say that I most certainly ruined his proposal.. but I gave him my answer once everything was resolved. And now we are very happily engaged..