Groundwork

The sun was beginning to set over the bustling streets of Kathmandu as Priya walked in a nondescript tea house.

The chatter of traders and monks mingled with the distant sound of temple bells.

She adjusted her scarf to shield her face partially from the cool Himalayan breeze, her eyes scanning the street discreetly as she entered.

Inside, the air was warm and thick with the scent of spiced tea.

The tea house was quiet, save for a few patrons speaking in hushed tones.

Priya spotted her contact a middle-aged man in a worn gray coat seated at a corner table, his posture relaxed but his eyes constantly moving.

He went by the alias "Tenzing," though Priya knew his real name was Lobsang, a former Tibetan monk turned underground operative.

"Tenzing," she greeted softly as she slid into the seat opposite him, her voice barely above a whisper.