Back at Work PT.2

We see the team as they were preparing to embark.

We see the team and the soldiers inside the bridge.

Kryzius up the stairs look at them with seriousness. In front of him were Aeti and the new recruit.

"Alright team, before we head off, let's all welcome our new recruit, Connie Edwards...the newest member of our family!"

The team said their hellos to Connie.

Connie blushed a little at the attention. "Hehe..." She felt nervous yet excited.

"So, Aeti, what's our mission?" Kryzius asked with determination.

Aeti nodded. "Our mission is a call for help from Usha Town..."

The soldiers and team members gasped in surprise.

"Usha Town...?"

"Isn't that a huge town?"

Kryzius: "Okay everyone, keep quiet!"

Aeti continued, "Apparently, a surge of Oxtywraiths has managed to enter the city."

Kryzius raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

Aeti nodded, looking puzzled. "Strangely, however...they just told us to come there without providing much detail."

Kryzius frowned. "That is strange. Oxtywraiths alone wouldn't usually warrant a call for us specifically."

Darius chimed in, "Maybe there's more to it that they didn't want to say over communication channels?"

Yamaha nodded in agreement. "Could be. Either way, we need to be prepared for anything."

Connie, adjusting her glasses, added, "I'll keep our communication lines secure and see if I can gather more intel on the way."

Kryzius turned to his team. "Alright, everyone, stay sharp. We're heading into unknown territory. Let's move out!"

The team gathered their gear and boarded their transport, ready for whatever awaited them in Usha Town. The air was thick with anticipation and a hint of unease as they departed, each member silently preparing for the unknown challenges ahead.

--

Aeti and Connie stood inside a spacious room lined with sleek, futuristic computers and monitors. The walls were adorned with built-in holographic displays, and the floor was covered in a soft, dark carpet that absorbed sound, giving the room a quiet, focused atmosphere. Several desks with ergonomic chairs were scattered throughout, each equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

"The room is new," Aeti said, gesturing around. "You can decorate it if you want."

Connie's eyes lit up with excitement. "Lessgo, my very own room!!"

Aeti smiled warmly. "You never changed..."

Connie chuckled, a playful glint in her eye. "And neither have you."

Connie walked up to Aeti and gave her a tight hug. "I missed you so much!"

Aeti giggled, returning the hug. "Me too... Where's David?"

Connie grunted, rolling her eyes. "That idiot is working on another station, unfortunately. However, he said he would call me later."

They shared a laugh, reminiscing about old times.

"And... Juno?" Aeti asked, her tone softening.

The atmosphere shifted, becoming somber. Connie's expression turned to one of surprise and sadness as she looked at Aeti.

"...She... is here, I guess," Connie replied quietly, her voice tinged with sorrow.

Aeti placed a comforting hand on Connie's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Connie. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories."

Connie nodded, her smile fading. "It's okay, Aeti. It's just... she hurt a lot of people, you know? And even though she's here, it's like she's not really part of our team."

Aeti sighed, feeling the weight of Connie's words. "I understand. It's difficult."

They stood in silence for a moment, the heaviness of the past lingering between them.

"I should get back to setting up," Connie said, breaking the silence. "Thanks for checking in on me, Aeti."

"Anytime," Aeti replied, giving her a reassuring pat on the back before leaving the room.

Connie watched Aeti go, then looked around the room, her eyes lingering on the empty walls and the rows of computers. The room felt cold and impersonal, a stark contrast to the warmth she once felt working alongside her friends.

Once alone, Connie's expression hardened. She stared at the floor, her hands clenching into fists. A death glare formed on her face as she muttered to herself, "I hate her..."