aww, I learned something new today, and it's this phrase "walking back the cat," I had no idea it was a term used in intelligence to trace a failed mission back to identify spies or traitors.

I do know that if I was Irun, and I received a mysterious message from my director to be a part of a big and important project, I would be delighted to join. Talk more about being a spy, that is something I wish I could be, maybe, I will be one in my next life...hehehe

Your story also had a clear conflict and resolution which made it even more beautiful. Well done, sir.