Lauren Alexander went to work as an administrative assistant for the OSS in 1945. Being extremely intelligent and tenacious, she was a field agent by time Harry Truman signed the National Security Act in 1947, creating the CIA. Lauren began as an investigator but technician was later added due to her knack for technology. At some point in the early 1950s, she was moved over to Covert Ops, where she was designated a special agent. By the early 1960s, she was an operative. She retired in 1977, though she was recalled briefly in 1979 to consult on a major upgrade of the agency’s computer system.
Lauren always had cordial relationships with the administrator, National Security Advisor and others in related positions. After her retirement, she still met them occasionally for dinner, lunch or drinks. This slowly developed into her becoming an unofficial confidante to those holding these key positions. After all, she understands the job pressures better than a spouse, will give her honest opinion unlike many assistants, and has nothing to gain other than a vested interest in the country’s stability. Because of these and other close connections, she’s been in an unofficial position to get to know the successors in each job and most quickly saw the value of having an honest, intelligent person with the proper security clearances to whom they could rant or consult for a second opinion.
Lauren avoids the limelight but will be occasionally seen in the background of an official dinner, particularly if it involves countries in which she worked. However, Lauren is far from being a frail 74 year old. She is still in good shape, even if she has slowed down somewhat, and belongs to a gun club where she keeps in practice with various handguns. Her butler, cook, housekeeper, driver and gardener are all from, shall we say, "security" backgrounds, and therefor double as security personnel.
Lauren never married but in the 1950s was quite seriously involved with another government agent named Steve Morgan who was 15 years her senior. Due to their jobs, they kept postponing marriage. Unfortunately, Steve was diagnosed with cancer only in the last stages. He specifically volunteered for a high-risk assignment next, arguing that it was better he go than risk a younger agent. He never returned though his body was later recovered. Lauren still visits his grave regularly.
Lauren is a patriot who isn’t blind to the country’s faults. While opinionated, she is so middle-of-the-road non-partisan in conversation that many close friends don’t even know whether she’s a Democrat or a Republican. As an operative, she did what was necessary for the greater good, but never neglected the human angle enough to be a true "ends justify the means" sort. While often blunt, she is usually diplomatic enough to avoid hurt feelings. She has a temper, but it takes a great deal to provoke it. However, she does not suffer fools at all.
Lauren is a smart, witty, genteel woman who is very down to earth. A good listener, it usually takes little prodding for her to find out anything she wants. When she really wants a piece of information, get out of her way.