Michael Prentiss is an agent with The Detachment.
When we first meet him he is 16 years old and likely just has completed his 5th Form but rather than continue, he has decided to take a different path. As is explained early in that recorded adventure, "Following weeks of interviews, written tests and a medical, he was at last about to embark on the army's three day assessment and selection course. A naturally gifted student, he had received pressure from both his parents and teachers alike to continue with his education and go to university. Prentiss however was adamant. He'd had enough of studying; all he wanted now was some adventure and excitement. He had known for a year that he wanted an army career following an inspiring careers talk from a Parachute Regiment Sergeant Major. This had fired his imagination. Night after night he could be seen running for miles through the streets of Grantham building up his stamina and fitness. His broad back and muscular shoulders were the result of the three hour training sessions, four times a week using cast iron free weights at the local gym."
He had his "heart set on the Royal Military Police" but as he quickly learns, those doing the interviewing have come up with an alternate path for the young man. In the final interview where he was told the Intelligence branch was interested in him instead of the RMP, a civilian sitting but not speaking commented afterwards that Prentiss was "perfect" for what he had in mind. That man was Colonel Mabbitt of The Det.
The Detachment was the "more colloquially known" name for the Fourteenth Intelligence Company. It was usually shortened to just The Det. As a recruiter for it tells applicants, "the primary role of this unit is to gather intelligence on terrorist activities both in Northern Ireland and, more recently, here on the mainland. The work we do is dangerous. You may have to endure long periods undercover, often with only yourself to rely on. Officially we don't exist. You can put away those smart uniforms of yours because you won't be needing them any more. This is a covert unit. Grow your hair, cultivate some facial hair if you wish, ladies excepted unless you want to of course; because I don't want you to look like soldiers any more. That way you might live a little longer. We are fighting an enemy with no honour that plays a very dirty game. But let me tell you, we play dirty too. There are no Marquis of Queensbury rules here, no niceties observed merely because we are part of Her Majesty's armed forces. Our job is to stop these people at all and any cost and I can assure you that, regrettably, occasionally that cost is great."
While Prentiss is, in my opinion, the main focus of this series, his actions would not be the same without several key people in it.
First and foremost is Colonel Mabbitt, the leader of The Det and a man who will send Prentiss into several very iffy situations and just hope for the best. They will come to have a special bond, almost that of father-and-son.
Then there is Richard Jordan, a senior agent with The Det but not so senior he is not still out in the field and still able to teach the young Prentiss a thing or three. Their close friendship will be very important and useful for keeping each other alive more than once.
And there is, or will be as the series progresses, Angela Lane, a young police inspector with Special Branch who will come to have a romantic relationship with Prentiss but who will not lose the independence and the drive that made her noticeable to Prentiss. Just as with Jordan, she will help keep Prentiss alive just as he will her, all while each is making living more enjoyable for the other.
Oh, one final note. As Prentiss ages and comes and goes with The Det, he will find a secondary profession to earn his keep when he is not asked to track down and sometimes eliminate enemies of the state. He studies to be a licensed Funeral Director.