Agent Darren

Character reference art generated with AI.

Aliases: none Status: Supporting

A sharp-eyed federal agent, “Ethan Hawke-esque,” who interrogates Uncle Rob at Vandenberg after security pulls Rob out of Mission Control. He knows Rob’s real name is Robert Powell, and that the name goes back about five years.

Description

Sharp-eyed, cool, professional menace in a plain metal interrogation room. He places Rob’s phone and a manila envelope on the table like exhibits and leans in when the jokes start.

Role in Volume 01

In Night School, Darren opens with “Robert Powell. If that’s your real name.” His people found nothing: “it’s as if you were born five years ago.” He informs Rob the phone “did that to itself. Just self-destructed like some Mission Impossible device.” Rob stonewalls with selfies and deadpan (“What are you? A fucking comedian?” “Only on TV”), then goes quiet and serious: “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” A knock interrupts; Darren steps out, returns irritated but composed, and frees him. Blocking the door, Darren growls, “I’m going to find out who you are, and I’m going to bring you down.” Rob’s answer: “No, you’re not. Before I walk out of this building, you’re going to be ordered to forget I ever existed.” He winks and walks out, leaving Darren staring after him.

Relationships

• Uncle Rob: his suspect; the interrogation goes nowhere.
• Vandenberg: his jurisdiction; someone above him countermands him.

Notes

• He is the only figure in the volume to get a crack at Rob’s past on the record, and the record closes itself.