Chapter 1: Before First Big Mission
Nora's heart pounded with anticipation as she entered the training room of the KSI Secret Detective Force, her gaze fixed on Agent Thompson, who awaited her arrival. Today marked the final test before her inaugural high-profile mission, and the weight of expectation bore down heavily upon her shoulders. The mission ahead was daunting—a covert operation aimed at infiltrating a high-profile crime organization notorious for capturing and abducting government security and spy officials. Failure was not an option, and the gravity of the task intensified her nerves.
Approaching Nora with calm composure, Agent Thompson carried a roll of duct tape, a tangible symbol of the challenges that awaited her. "Nora, before we proceed, I must ensure you're fully equipped to face the trials ahead," he explained. "This simulation will gauge your ability to withstand and escape precarious situations. Our target, the Crimson Serpent Syndicate, is known for their brutal interrogation methods and the use of restraints to neutralize captured agents. You need to be ready for any eventuality."
Nora hesitated, uncertainty furrowing her brow. "Is all of this truly necessary?" she questioned. "Wouldn't practicing infiltration techniques be sufficient?"
Agent Thompson's gaze remained steady, his expression serious. "Nora, I understand your reservations, but this simulation is indispensable. In a mission as high-stakes as the one before you, you must be prepared for every eventuality, including the possibility of capture and restraint. Your ability to think swiftly and remain composed under duress is paramount. This exercise will cultivate the mental and physical fortitude essential for success."
Acknowledging the necessity, Nora braced herself for the impending challenge. With practiced precision, Agent Thompson secured her wrists tightly behind the chair, the duct tape biting into her skin. Next, her legs were immobilized, firmly bound to the chair, followed by her torso, leaving her completely constrained.
"Is the restraint too tight, Nora?" Agent Thompson inquired, his tone unwavering.
Wincing against the discomfort, Nora replied, determination lacing her voice, "Yes, it's tight. Movement is restricted, but I'll manage. It's bearable."
"Now, for the crucial component," Agent Thompson declared, holding up a bundle of cloth and another roll of tape. "The gag."
Nora's heart skipped a beat, reluctance washing over her. "Must we go through with this?" she questioned, apprehension evident in her voice.
Though his expression softened, Agent Thompson's resolve remained resolute. "Yes, Nora, it's imperative. In the event of capture, your captors may silence you to prevent outcry. We must ensure you can communicate effectively, even when rendered voiceless. This exercise will simulate such circumstances, honing your ability to convey messages through subtler means."
Nora responded, "I think a strip of tape on my mouth should do, right?"
Thompson smiled and said, "That only works in movies and TV shows; a strip of tape doesn't stop you from yelling at all. We will need to stuff your mouth to the full and then use the entire roll of this tape to wrap around your head tightly as we won't be taking any risks of you spitting it out. The strip of tape will fall off in minutes anyway as you sweat, and we will also be turning off the air conditioning once the test starts to make it more real. Who would keep a captured agent in such comfort, right?"
Nora nodded in agreement. "Yes, Agent Thompson; makes perfect sense, you are absolutely on point. I want you to make it as real and effective as possible. Don't go gentle. I want to be prepared as thoroughly as possible for the future."
Thompson said, "Okay then, Nora, open your mouth as wide as possible."
With a deep breath, Nora acquiesced, allowing Agent Thompson to insert the cloth into her mouth. She fought the urge to gag as her jaws stretched uncomfortably against the fabric. The cloth filled her mouth completely, pressing her tongue down and making it difficult to swallow. It seemed to expand, pushing against her cheeks and the roof of her mouth, creating a sense of suffocation. The edges of the cloth tickled the back of her throat, making her eyes water slightly.
Agent Thompson didn't stop there. The tape was then wound tightly around her head, layer after layer sealing her lips from under her nose to her chin, engendering a sense of confinement and helplessness. The pressure from the tape constricted her jaw and cheeks, making it impossible for her to open her mouth or make any coherent sounds. Each turn of the tape squeezed tighter, pressing the cloth further into her mouth and adding to the overwhelming sense of restriction.
"Comfortable, Nora?" Agent Thompson inquired, his tone gentle.
Nora's muffled response was barely audible as she nodded, her eyes fixed on her mentor.
"Scream as loudly as you can," Agent Thompson instructed, his tone firm.
Nora took a deep breath and attempted to scream into the gag, but the sound that emerged was barely more than a faint, muffled cry. The cloth and layers of tape effectively silenced her, absorbing and dampening her voice. She tried again, pushing harder, but the result was the same—a weak, almost inaudible noise.
She began to struggle against her restraints, her body writhing in a futile attempt to break free. Her wrists twisted against the tape binding them to the chair, the adhesive biting into her skin. Her legs kicked out, but the bindings held firm, allowing only minimal movement. Sweat began to form on her forehead and trickle down her face, soaking into the layers of tape around her mouth.
Nora's breathing became more labored as she fought against the restraints, her chest heaving with the effort. The cloth in her mouth became increasingly uncomfortable, making it difficult to draw in breath through her nose. She could feel the sweat trickling down her back and soaking into her clothes, adding to her discomfort.
With renewed determination, she screamed again, louder this time, but the gag remained effective. The sound was no more than a stifled whimper, the cloth and tape muting her voice completely. The pressure from the gag was relentless, and each attempt to vocalize was met with the same stifling silence.
Her struggles became more desperate as she tested the limits of her confinement. She twisted her wrists and ankles, trying to find any slack in the bindings, but there was none. She rocked the chair back and forth, hoping to loosen the restraints, but it barely moved. The sweat continued to pour down her face, making the tape itch and adding to her frustration.
Agent Thompson observed closely, his expression a blend of concern and determination. "Remarkable, Nora," he feigned surprise. "You can barely make a sound. This gag is more effective than anticipated."
Though gagged, Nora grinned inwardly, her determination unyielding. She knew she had to demonstrate her resilience, no matter the obstacle. She continued to struggle, her body shaking with the effort. Each movement was met with resistance, and each attempt to make a sound was stifled by the cloth and tape.
As the minutes turned into hours, Nora's resolve was tested to its limits. Her throat ached from her muffled cries, and her mouth was dry and parched despite the gag. The tape began to loosen slightly with the sweat, but it still held firm enough to keep her silent. Her muscles screamed from the constant strain, and her head throbbed from the pressure of the tape.
After the first two hours, Thompson stood up and addressed her. "I'll be leaving you alone for a while, Nora. This is part of the test. Remember, stay strong."
Nora nodded, her eyes following him as he exited the room, leaving her to struggle in the stifling silence. The isolation amplified her discomfort. The absence of any distraction made every minute feel like an hour. She continued to twist and turn, her body slick with sweat, each movement causing the tape to pull painfully against her skin.
Time dragged on, and just after the third hour, Agent Thompson returned. His eyes scanned her form, taking in the signs of her struggle. "Nora, are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now. "Do you need to stop? Or do you want to continue?"
Nora's eyes locked onto his, fierce with determination. Through the packed cloth and layers of tape, she managed a muffled, "Mm-mm!" She shook her head vigorously and then nodded to signal her resolve. "I will continue," she tried to say, the words barely discernible through the gag.
Thompson seemed impressed. "Good," he said, admiration in his tone. "You're doing incredibly well, Nora. Just remember, this is for your own preparation."
Nora's silent determination did not waver. She knew she had to endure this to prove her readiness for the mission. The next few hours were grueling. Her muscles were on fire, and the pressure in her jaw became nearly unbearable. Her screams, though persistent, were nothing more than muffled echoes in the room.
Despite the intense discomfort, Nora's resolve remained unbroken. Each time she felt her strength waning, she reminded herself of the mission's importance and the necessity of this training. Her thoughts drifted to the captured agents she was preparing to save, fueling her determination to push through the pain and helplessness.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the restraints were removed, and relief washed over her. Nora gasped for air as the tape was peeled away and the cloth was pulled from her mouth. Her jaws ached from being forced open for so long, and her throat was sore from her attempts to scream.
"It was... intense," Nora rasped, her voice hoarse from hours of silence. "But I comprehend its necessity. I feel better prepared now, knowing I can endure even the most arduous situations."
Agent Thompson nodded, pride evident in his expression. "You performed admirably, Nora. You've proven yourself capable of confronting the challenges ahead. I have every confidence in your ability to succeed."
With determination gleaming in her eyes, Nora rose from the chair, her gaze fixed on Agent Thompson. "I won't disappoint you, sir. I'll complete my mission and bring honor to the KSI Secret Detective Force."
Agent Thompson smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you will, Nora. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow onwards, your real challenge begins."
As Nora exited the training room, her mind raced with thoughts of the mission ahead. She knew the dangers that awaited her, but she also knew she was prepared. The Crimson Serpent Syndicate would not catch her off guard. With the lessons learned today, she was ready to face whatever came her way.
End of Chapter 1
And the beauty of it? She brought it up on herself 
