Mission: Impossible, Double Beauty Trick (2/5)

New World, at sea.

Under the vast, open sky, the gleaming waters reflected the brilliance of the sun. A super battleship silently sliced through the waves, its massive frame imposing against the horizon.

Onboard, Stracey received a call.

"Sir," she answered, her tone respectful.

It was Finn on the other end.

Over the past few weeks, Stracey had been feeding her superior with intelligence updates, enjoying the role of the diligent agent. Finn, playing the part of her authoritative chief, spoke in his usual poised manner.

"Stracey, I just received a report from CP9. Is there a woman named Kalifa aboard Finn's warship?"

"Yes, Kalifa is Finn's secretary," Stracey replied without hesitation.

"Ah, just as I thought," Finn mused. "It seems CP9 has beaten our CPO to the punch."

Stracey felt a flicker of tension, catching the undertone of Finn's words. "What do you mean, sir?" she asked, her instincts as a senior CPO agent immediately alert.

"Kalifa's a CP9 agent," Finn revealed, drawing out his words for effect. "She's been embedded with Finn to gather intelligence. And it seems she's doing a better job than you."

Stracey stiffened. The rivalry between CP0 and CP9 was no secret; both organizations operated under the World Government but in entirely different capacities. Competition was fierce—especially when it came to sensitive operations like this.

For weeks, Kalifa had been by Finn's side, gaining his trust. Stracey had been trailing behind, unable to match the CP9 agent's progress. Many classified documents passed through Kalifa's hands, including critical information about the super battleship—an engineering marvel far beyond the current capabilities of the Marines.

Stracey's mission had been clear: gather intelligence on the battleship. But now, Kalifa had the upper hand.

"Sir," Stracey said after a moment of silence, determination hardening her voice. "I won't let Kalifa outperform me. I'll gain Finn's trust, and I'll do it fast."

Finn chuckled. "Oh, Stracey, it would be quite shameful if our CPO's finest lost to CP9 in an intelligence game. Perhaps you could… approach Kalifa and reveal yourself? She might give up some valuable information, and you could close the gap."

"Sir, please don't insult me." Stracey's tone sharpened. As a senior agent, pride ran deep, and the thought of bowing to a CP9 agent was unthinkable.

"Rest assured, sir," she continued with fervor. "I'll win Finn's confidence and surpass Kalifa."

"Is that so? Kalifa isn't someone to take lightly, you know," Finn teased. "From what I've heard, she's one of CP9's best."

Stracey's lips curled in a smirk. "Hmph, Kalifa only has an edge because she's playing to Finn's weakness."

"Weakness?" Finn's interest piqued. "And what might that be?"

"Finn is taken in by her looks," Stracey replied, her words laced with disdain. "Kalifa dresses provocatively, all black fishnets and tight corsets. That's how she's wormed her way into his trust."

Finn's curiosity deepened. "And what's your plan?"

Stracey didn't hesitate. "I'll make Finn notice me."

"Really? You've never been one to use a beauty trick," Finn commented, genuinely surprised. He had already reviewed all her field records—Stracey had never once relied on her appearance to extract intelligence.

"This mission is different," Stracey insisted, her voice resolute. "Getting close to Finn is the key to success, and if it means using every tool at my disposal, so be it. But, mark my words, sir—this is the only time I'll resort to such tactics."

Finn chuckled softly, amused. "I'll be waiting to see how it plays out. Good luck."

He hung up the phone, but his attention remained on Stracey, monitoring her through the battleship's surveillance system. She stood for a moment, staring out over the ocean, frustration playing across her features.

"Damn Finn!" Stracey muttered to herself. "If you hadn't backed me into a corner, I wouldn't have to resort to this!"

Her clenched fists slowly relaxed, and she sighed, gazing thoughtfully at the distant horizon. "Why did I end up with such a target? I'm a spy—I shouldn't be troubled by him."

Meanwhile, Finn watched her from afar, a grin spreading across his face. "She says she won't forget, but her actions are adorable. Have I stolen her heart already?"

Amused, he dialed Kalifa's number.

"Sir," Kalifa answered promptly, moving to a secluded spot on the ship.

"Kalifa," Finn began. "I've received some intelligence. A woman named Stracey has recently boarded Finn's warship. Do you know her?"

"Yes, sir. Should I be concerned?" Kalifa responded, her tone calm and collected.

"Stracey is a senior agent of the CPO," Finn warned. "She's been sent to investigate Finn, just like you."

Kalifa's brow furrowed slightly. "What's your command, sir?"

"Kalifa," Finn's voice dropped. "Our CP9 has been under CPO's shadow for too long. Now, we have a chance to prove ourselves. Stracey's arrival means competition. If she overtakes you, CP9 will lose face. I'm ordering you to keep your position by Finn's side, no matter what it takes."

"Yes, sir," Kalifa responded, her resolve hardening.

As Finn ended the call, he leaned back in his chair, chuckling to himself. The stakes had just been raised. Watching Kalifa and Stracey battle for dominance in Finn's inner circle would make life aboard this super battleship all the more entertaining.

Two agents, two rival agencies, and one mission—he could only imagine the chaos that awaited them.