The morning light filtered through the blinds of Mrs Ashton's office at MI6 Headquarters. Mackenzie and Aurelia, their faces etched with the strain of the previous night's events, sat across from Mrs Ashton and Mr John. The air was heavy with the weight of their revelations.
Mackenzie recounted the chilling events at The Alternates Institute, He spoke of Dr Waweski's death, the Kill Order that led to the Alternate's demise, and Dr Duvall's shocking betrayal. The room was silent as he relayed Dr Waweski's final words, "This isn't the end, it's just the beginning." The cryptic message casting a shadow of unease over the room.
Mrs Ashton broke the silence, informing them that a few security guards and personnel had managed to escape the building and were now being held by MI6 for questioning. Mr John confirmed that while Dr Waweski's body had been identified, there was no sign of Dr Duvall. The thought that he could still be out there was unsettling.
Aurelia's account of Dr Duvall's message, claiming he was now in control, added another layer of concern. Mrs Ashton's face was grave as she acknowledged the potential threat this posed.
Mrs. Ashton turned and looked at Aurelia with a mixture of concern and reassurance.
"Aurelia, we've come up with a cover story for your sudden reappearance. We're going to say you've been in witness protection for the last three months."
"Your life might be a little different," Mrs Ashton continued, "You'll have to try to conceal your true identity. But remember, you're not alone in this. We're here to help you and Mackenzie if you need it."
Aurelia nodded, her mind racing. She was an Alternate, a clone of the original Aurelia O'Connor. It was a secret that could never see the light of day. Her life was about to become a delicate balancing act of maintaining this secret.
Aurelia felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She wasn't alone. Mackenzie, squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We just want to live our lives," he said. "We have a second chance, and we know not many get that."
As the meeting drew to a close, Mrs Ashton turned to Mackenzie. "That job offer still stands if you want it," she said, her tone sincere. Mackenzie hesitated, then shook his head. "Thanks, but I think I just want to lay low for a while, try and have a normal life." Mrs Ashton nodded, though her disappointment was evident. "That's a shame, you're one of the finest agents we've ever had."
As they left the office, Mackenzie couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with exhaustion. The life of a spy was certainly a tough one.

•••

The day was drawing to a close, the sun setting over the London skyline, casting long shadows across the room. Mackenzie found Aurelia sitting on the bed, her gaze lost in the cityscape outside the window. The room was filled with a silence that was both comforting and poignant.
"Mac," she began, "I was just thinking about Dr Duvall, what if he comes back for me, he is probably still out there." Mackenzie reassured her, "It's going to be okay, MI6 are looking for him, let's not worry." He reached out to gently push a loose strand of her strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. "Having you back means everything to me, I'm not going to let anything happen to you," "I love you, Rel."
"I love you too," Aurelia replied, her voice filled with warmth.
They sat there in silence, their hands intertwined,
Everything that had happened at The Alternates Institute, every challenge they had faced, had only made them stronger.

•••

The flames roared, consuming The Alternate Institute in its embrace. Amidst the chaos, a figure emerged, clutching his wounded arm seemingly untouched by the inferno. It was Dr Duvall.
The Alternate Institute had been where he had learnt everything about the clones, where he learnt to be a Doctor from his mentor Dr Waweski, a place where the impossible became possible. But now, it was being reduced to ashes.
As the fire raged on, Dr Duvall made his way through the corridors of the institute. He knew every nook and cranny, every secret passage and hidden door. His mind was a map, guiding him through the smoke and flames.
He could feel the heat on his skin, the smoke stinging his eyes. But he didn't falter. He couldn't afford to. There was too much at stake. The Alternate Programme now now all his to control, that's what he always wanted, and he would not let it be destroyed.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Duvall reached the exit. He emerged into the cool night air, the flames reflecting in his eyes. He was safe, but his heart was heavy with the loss of the institute.
He took a moment to catch his breath, to let the reality of the situation sink in. Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He dialled a number. The phone rang once, then someone picked up. "Commence Phase 2 of The Alternate Programme," Dr Duvall said, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.
There was a pause, then a voice on the other end responded. "Understood, Phase 2 will commence immediately."
With that, Dr Duvall ended the call. He looked back at the burning institute one last time, then turned and walked away. The Alternate Programme was far from over.