The Intelligence Division's First Mission

The morning sun had barely risen when Jiang Han assembled the key leaders of the Aegis Sentinel Corps in the command room. A faint tension hung in the air, underscoring the gravity of their next move. This was the day the Intelligence Division would undertake its first official mission—a pivotal operation that could either solidify its reputation or expose vulnerabilities.

Adrian Yong stood at the head of the table, his calm and commanding presence drawing everyone's focus. "Rezwan Holdings has been linked to multiple logistical hubs across Petraling Jaya, but one in particular stands out. The warehouse at Jalan Serindah is heavily guarded and has an unusually high level of encrypted communication traffic. It's likely a staging ground for their next move."

He clicked a remote, and a satellite image of the warehouse appeared on the central screen. "Our mission is twofold: infiltrate the facility to gather critical intelligence and identify any ties to their syndicate partners. Additionally, we must avoid detection—our advantage lies in their ignorance of our capabilities."

Colonel Yusof leaned forward, his expression steely. "What kind of resistance are we expecting?"

"Primarily mercenaries," Adrian replied. "Based on intercepted communications, they're well-trained but not cohesive as a unit. The challenge lies in their sheer numbers and advanced surveillance systems. That's where the Support Division comes in."

Elisa Tan, Adrian's assistant, stepped up next. "Dr Imran and Sophia Liew from the Cybersecurity Unit have already begun disrupting their camera feeds. This will create blind spots for our infiltration team. Simultaneously, Sergeant Marcus Tan and Corporal Nik Suraya from the Counter-Surveillance Unit will deploy jammers to neutralise their communications temporarily."

Colonel Yusof nodded approvingly. "Good. What about the field team?"

Adrian gestured towards Lieutenant Colonel Razif Syahmi of the Bodyguard Division. "Your team will handle the physical infiltration. Major Wan Harith will lead a squad of five operatives, with backup stationed nearby in case things escalate. The Security Guard Division, under Captain Nizam Salleh, will secure the perimeter and ensure no reinforcements arrive unnoticed."

Jiang Han, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Remember, this isn't just about gathering intelligence. This is a message. Rezwan Holdings and their allies must understand that we are watching and that we will act decisively when needed. Failure is not an option."

As night fell, the operation commenced. The infiltration team, dressed in all-black tactical gear, moved with precision through the shadows. Marcus Tan and Nik Suraya had already neutralised the perimeter sensors, allowing the Bodyguard Division operatives to approach undetected.

Inside the warehouse, crates were stacked high, their labels indicating shipments from across the globe. Major Wan Harith led his team, and each step was calculated to avoid detection. In the control room, Adrian and Elisa monitored the team's progress, their screens filled with live feeds and decoded data streams.

"Blind spots are holding," Elisa reported, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "But we've detected a secondary surveillance system. It's independent of the main grid and more advanced than anticipated."

Adrian frowned. "Activate the countermeasures. I'll notify Major Wan."

In the heart of the warehouse, Wan Harith's team located a secured office. Inside, a trove of documents and encrypted drives awaited. As one operative began photographing the documents, another carefully extracted the drives, ensuring no evidence of tampering remained.

"Major," one of the operatives whispered through his comms, "we've got movement on the west side. Possible patrol."

Wan Harith signalled for silence, his team melting into the shadows. Moments later, two guards passed by, their conversation casual but their weapons at the ready.

"Hold position," Adrian's voice came through the comms. "They're moving towards the east exit. You're clear to proceed once they're out of range."

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before the team resumed their work. As they completed their sweep, Wan Harith radioed back. "Objective secured. Exfiltrating now."

Just as the team reached the exit, an alarm blared. Adrian's heart sank. "What happened?" he demanded.

Elisa's voice was tight. "The secondary surveillance system triggered a failsafe. They know we're here."

"Get them out," Jiang Han ordered, his tone sharp.

Razif Syahmi's voice cut through the comms. "Bodyguard team, fall back to extraction points. Security Guard Division, prepare for incoming hostiles."

Outside, Captain Nizam Salleh's team moved swiftly to intercept approaching reinforcements. Martial artists trained by the Aegis Sentinel Corps engaged the mercenaries with calculated efficiency, their movements a blend of discipline and raw power.

As bullets ricocheted off metal containers, the Bodyguard Division operatives reached the extraction vehicles. Wan Harith was the last to board, his sharp eyes scanning for any lingering threats.

Back at the command centre, Adrian's team worked frantically to secure the retrieved data. Elisa's fingers danced across her keyboard as she bypassed layers of encryption. "This isn't just logistics," she murmured. "These files contain detailed plans for disrupting regional trade routes. If successful, it could destabilise half the industry."

Jiang Han's expression darkened. "Rezwan Holdings isn't just a corporate rival—they're orchestrating economic sabotage. This changes everything."

Hours later, the team gathered to debrief. Major Wan Harith reported the operation's successes and challenges, and his tone was measured but firm. "Despite the alarm, we retrieved valuable intel. The enemy's reaction confirmed their vulnerability. But their readiness suggests this was only the tip of the iceberg."

Adrian nodded. "We need to stay ahead of them. The next phase involves analysing their network and anticipating their moves. Colonel Yusof, I recommend mobilising the Intelligence Division for round-the-clock surveillance."

Jiang Han addressed the room, his voice steady but resolute. "Tonight, we proved our capability to act decisively. But this is just the beginning. The stakes are higher than ever, and failure is not an option. Prepare yourselves—our fight is far from over."

Adrian Yong leaned over the conference table, his steely gaze scanning the profiles of the team members he had personally vetted. The dimly lit room hummed with anticipation as each operative reviewed the task at hand. Maps, dossiers, and digital feeds cluttered the screen at the centre, presenting the web of connections tied to Mikhail Darmawan's legal plight.

"Phase one starts now," Adrian announced, his voice carrying a sharp authority that brooked no argument. "Our target is to unravel the enemy's funding network and find the weak links in their operations."

System Notification: Mission: Analyse and neutralise threats against Mikhail Darmawan. Objective: Identify and counter the key players orchestrating his legal demise. Reward: Intelligence Networking Skill (Advanced). Bonus Hidden Reward: ??? Failure Consequence: Damage to Jiang Han's influence and reputation.

Jiang Han's heart raced as the notification faded. The system's sudden reappearance was both a challenge and a reassurance. He locked eyes with Adrian. "Let's do this efficiently but quietly. We can't afford to tip them off yet."

Dr Imran Rahman, stationed at the Cybersecurity Unit's terminal, worked his magic alongside Sophia Liew. "I'm tracing financial transactions linked to the opposing counsel. There are significant sums moving offshore," Imran reported, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

"Good. Track the origin and endpoint. Sophia, cross-reference their movements with any known shell companies," Adrian directed, a faint smile of approval gracing his lips.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Marcus Tan, from the Counter-Surveillance Unit, leaned over to Corporal Nik Suraya. "I'll deploy a drone team to monitor these addresses. You handle on-ground sweeps for listening devices and trackers," Marcus whispered, his tone calm yet commanding.

As the operatives dispersed to execute their roles, Jiang Han couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. His team was functioning like a well-oiled machine. Despite the tension, every individual exuded an air of confidence and determination.

"Remember," Adrian's voice rang out again, "this is only the beginning. The more precise we are, the fewer chances they have to retaliate."