Haven't We Already Been Through This?

Author's Note: Unedited Chapter

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After their separate forays into the shadowy corners of the Nereus Sector, Aildris, Falco, and Ria reconvened with Gustav in a nondescript room they had rented in the eastern docks—the heart of the sector's clandestine activities.

The room was a small, stark space, minimally furnished with a durable metal table, four chairs, and a couple of dim overhead lights that gave the room a gritty, unwelcoming ambiance.

The windows were shielded with heavy drapes, ensuring their discussions remained private from the prying eyes common in that part of the sector.

Aildris spread out a digital map on the table, highlighting key areas with a laser pointer.

"Based on what we've learned, Vlaid Zenith frequents a complex here," he pointed to a heavily guarded compound on the map.

"He oversees his operations from this point, but getting to him directly has proven difficult."