Code 001

The battle was over for now.

They had a moment of peace, a second to breathe. But that doesn't mean they will stop, as does the world.

In the meeting room of TEC's headquarters, Shade sat at the head of a long wooden table and his expression was concealed from even those who had seen his face.

Around him, in their seats, sat the key members of TEC: Nia, his trusted lieutenant, aka the Alpha; Veen, the Keeper of Information, aka the Beta; Stanley, the Controller of the battlefield, aka the Gamma; and Aiden, the Connector, aka the Delta.

"We have successfully defended our territory against THE's recent incursion," Shade began, "but I have to say our defense wasn't as I had hoped. It's time we consider a more proactive approach." 

Nia moved forward in her seat and said, "What are you suggesting exactly?"

"He's suggesting," Stanley said, eying her, "that since we took down those trailer slums, we have the right to do whatever we want in their territory."

Nia agreed before commenting, "Well, we should act quickly before others catch wind of things then."

Venn tapped a few keys on his tablet, bringing up holographic projections of the city in front of the group. "THE's former territories are unstable as it is; now that they're gone, things are gonna be rough over there."

"Exactly," Shade said, making a mental note to check AU's record of the areas. "Forget about their territory for a second, and focus on the people residing there."

"I think they're controllable," Aiden added.

Nia couldn't help but note down a digital plan. "We should try and restore some services and security in those areas. Like, if we give the people resources that THE never did, they'll show far less force against us."

"Vigilance, vigilance," Stanley repeated. "You're not all forgetting that no one likes a suck up."

"Whatever that means," Venn interjected, "I'll try to look for any signs of interference from other rebels."

Without Shade needing to even say a word, they all understood what their ultimate goal would be in the end: to dismantle AU once and for all.

Later in the evening, Shade stood in front of a mirror and slowly removed his helmet. It always felt a tad strange looking at himself since he had a dual lifestyle. On one side, the impeccable AU agent; on the other, the masked revolutionary leader.

No one in this world could understand the weight of his responsibilities. Every decision he made as Shade had repercussions for Cassian and vice versa.

Such was the duties of a leader; his job was to ensure everything was going smoothly. And what he couldn't do was let his burdening emotions get in the way of righteous judgments.

Little did he know how hectic the next few weeks would be for him.

It wasn't long until TEC took action. Teams of different units were sent into THE's territory to stabilize it.

The resources that were essential for restoration were given in grants, and communication was established with quick succession. The divided units took their respective posts, leading to much more security and ease in monitoring processes.

The population, initially wary of the new leader, began to see TEC as a beacon of hope. But on the other hand, Shade fed AU selective information, making sure that TEC's true intentions remain concealed.

During a regular set-up meeting with Nia and Venn, he outlined the next phase of their plan.

"Make sure to maintain a strong level of caution in these parts," he ordered.

He cut the part about Libra's potential involvement so as to not alarm them too much, but they probably already have a hint of what's going on, so it would be a waste of breath to state the obvious.

"Are you suggesting we prepare for a full-scale rebellion?" Nia's eyes widen with excitement at the next step.

Venn nodded. "We can start by exposing their corruption, showing the populace the truth behind their facade."

"Exactly," Shade agreed. "This is a long war, but every move we make brings us closer to our objective."

Shade shifted the focus of the meeting towards AU, and Venn changed the hologram's projections towards AU's members and information.

"It won't be difficult to adapt to them," Shade said, pulling up some of the basic AU protocol.

"Then…" Nia's voice trailed off. "Won't they try and use spies or something?"

"Which is why we need to be smarter," Shade's eyes narrowed. "I know how they work, so there's no need to think about it too hard."

"I got something that might help," Venn smiled as he got a bit excited to show his work. "New encryption that will help us with a secure network. They're ready to go."

Shade gave a praiseworthy pat on Venn's shoulder. As a leader, it was imperative that he understood that their resilience depended on their ability to adapt and stay ahead.

The strategizing took much longer than they had planned, but since it helped build the TEC's security, they all gladly sat there with no regrets.

The path to liberation was always risky but filled with rewards when done with heart. For that reason, they had hope and confidence.

Some time later, Cassian stood before the grand AU Headquarters.

As he approached the entrance, he adjusted his posture and adopted the demeanor of the diligent agent he was expected to be and his papa's good boy.

The grand lobby was filled with activity, operatives and officials working roundabout.

Cassian's footsteps sounded against the polished marble flooring as he made his way towards the elevator.

Today he was called by his father for a job and his daily report.

After a soft chime and elevator doors opened, he swiped his identification card and entered with a few others. Inside the elevator, he stared at his reflection and remembered to think like an agent of AU and recited his plan to lead the investigation on TEC and THE.

The ascent to upper levels of AU's command felt as intense as the first time he was here as a kid.

"Hey," one of the elevator riders said. "Aren't you Cassian, our head's son?"

"I am…"

"I just wanted to say that I think you've been doing a good job lately. No matter the rumors about you, you're a great contribution to the cause."

"Thank you…"

The elevator halted, and the doors opened for all the people to get out. He waited as it closed and finally was on the way towards the top floor.

The last floor arrived, and with another ding, the door opened, and he lazily walked out. His insides were anything but calm.

When he knocked on the door, a command to come in was heard. Inside, the room was the same as always. The maps have changed, and the board was updated, but other than that, everything remained since he last visited.

He looked at the mahogany desk where his father sat behind it with a million files piled and holograms floating on it.

"Cassian," Magnus greeted him like always, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "Have a seat; we have a lot to discuss."

Cassian took his place while unbuttoning his jacket.

"I hope you have been briefed about the recent development concerning THE; it is quite an interesting issue."

"Yes," Cassian replied. "I've been up to date about it. THE forces have been neutralized, and their territories are in a state of unrest."

"Exactly, and in the vacuum, that idiotic rebel group known as TEC has been expanding their influence."

'I knew it,' Cassian thought. 'No matter how hard we tried, information somehow managed to reach AU in the end. But at least it slowed down a little.'

His expression remained unchanged even though he was thinking about information he could deflect into the wrong direction.

Then his father continued, "Some of our agents brought in information suggesting that TEC isn't merely a small group seeking to restore order. Their rapid working and order, with their rise of powers, raises the question of how soon we should destroy them."

Cassian met his father's gaze and felt the weight of his doubts and concerns mixed with a hint of care. He also knew it would be long before his father fully trusted him again.

"Given your track record and analytical skills," Magnus paused for a second. "You'll be investigating TEC. Infiltrate and gather information. Report directly to me, got it?"

This was precisely what he had been waiting for.

"Understood…"

Magnus narrowed his eyes, trying to see any hesitation, uncertainty, or betrayal. When he found none, he nodded and said, "Make sure you comprehend the gravity of this assignment. TEC's actions could destabilize the region, and I won't allow any group—no matter how big or small—to threaten my country."

Cassian chose not to point out Magnus's use of the word "my country" instead of "our country."

"Of course, father. I'll commence my investigation immediately."

For the first time in what felt like a while, Magnus gave the faintest of smiles—almost like an unnatural smirk. "I have the utmost confidence in your abilities, Cassian. Do not disappoint me…"

With a sharp nod, Cassian rose from his seat and exited the office. He hadn't at all felt pressured; he was almost feeling refreshed that things had finally been going in his direction.

At least for now.

The corridors of AU headquarters seemed brighter today, but even he was seeing that it was just the same. Every road felt the same, and his heart started calming down now that he walked the similar path again.

He sighed and made his way to the garage.

After taking a short ride home, he entered the peace and quiet of his safe space. He made a beeline towards the room and opened his board of red and white, preparing his laptop to open AU's server.

Logging in with his ID and password, he checked the data, and sure enough, there it was—a new mission: "Code 001: Underground mission: infiltrate and monitor TEC. Extreme caution is recommended. Agent assigned: Cassian Black."

After closing the laptop, he opened a drawer and pushed the underside of it. It clicked, and a compartment fell, hanging a communication device. This was the new program that Venn had created: a device with a secure network just for TEC.

After taking it out and turning it, he connected Nia. The screen flickered on, and Nia's face came into view.

"Nia, we have a situation."

"What happened now?" she questioned with a look of concern.

'Always the worrier…' he thought before answering. "AU's assigned an agent to infiltrate TEC since they suspect our intentions and want to undermine us from within."

"That complicates matters, don't you think? Haha. What are we gonna do now?"

For as long as she knew him, it was obvious what he needed them to do.

The operational security needed to be tightened. Sensitive information was to be limited to essential personnel, and activities had to be hidden. Any anomalies, regardless of size, were to be reported immediately.

Protocols would also be initiated to safeguard assets, and Venn was to be informed to start all necessary actions. Additionally, fake information was to be disseminated to mislead the AU, feeding them what they expected and believed, thereby diverting their goals.

Everything was to be double-checked to ensure they were not being played.

"Ah," Cassian said, "I forgot to mention who the agent is that'll be infiltrating into our ranks."

"Who?" she asked.

"Me," Cassian said with a smirk.

Nia, understanding him like always, just shook her head and ended the call.

As the communication ended, he relaxed into the seat as the weight of his dual life pressed upon him. No matter how much he liked it, he used a lot of his energy every single day and night.

Cassian sighed, but the smirk of his chaos did not erase from his lips.

Now the actual war could begin between the most witted: Association Utopia, The Ethereal Covenant, and Libra.

"How interesting. Let the game begin."