First Crisis

The school's security cameras picked up the approaching vehicles at 0247. Marcus was already moving before Bobby's alert came through the radio, his enhanced tactical awareness having registered the subtle change in nighttime ambient noise.

"Three vehicles," Bobby reported from his rooftop position. "Military grade. No markings."

"Cross?" Maya's voice, alert despite the hour.

"Negative." Marcus's tactical memory processed the approach pattern. "Different configuration. These guys are trying too hard to look civilian."

He reached the gymnasium's observation window in time to see the vehicles deploy their personnel. Twelve operators, moving with professional precision but not military discipline. Their gear was high-end private sector – the kind preferred by corporate security teams who wanted deniability.

"They're bracketing our exits," Maya observed, materializing beside him like a shadow. "Someone talked about Morgan's research."

The precognition hit: glass breaking, flashbangs through windows, coordinated breach from multiple points. Marcus pushed the vision through his mental enhancement, breaking down every detail.

"All teams, this is not a drill," he subvocalized into their comm system. "Hostile breach in thirty seconds. They're here for the research. Activate Protocol Echo."

The team responded instantly, hours of drills translating into smooth action. Sarah and Morgan began destroying their backup data while transferring essential files to their secure servers. Doc moved to secure their medical supplies, prioritizing the samples they'd contained at the CDC.

"Bobby, give them something to think about."

"With pleasure, boss."

A series of small explosions rippled across the parking lot – harmless distractions Bobby had rigged during his parkour practice sessions. The assault team hesitated, their neat formation breaking as they sought cover.

"Maya, you're on overwatch. Non-lethal only. We need prisoners for intel."

"Copy that. Bobby, I need elevation."

Marcus tracked Maya's movement through his tactical awareness as Bobby helped her reach a better firing position. His second-in-command had adapted quickly to working with their parkour expert, turning the school's architecture into a combat advantage.

The precognition flashed again: different entry points now, adapting to Bobby's distractions. They were professionals, adjusting their plan instead of abandoning it.

"They're splitting into four teams," Marcus reported. "Sarah, Morgan – is the data secure?"

"Another thirty seconds," Sarah replied, tension clear in her voice.

"Time to make some noise." Marcus keyed his radio. "Execute Echo Two."

The school's fire alarm system erupted, emergency lights strobing as the sprinklers activated. Marcus had initially questioned Bobby's insistence on maintaining the old systems. Now, as confusion rippled through the assault teams, he made a mental note to trust his scout's instincts more often.

"North team breaching," Maya reported. "Taking the shot."

Her suppressed carbine coughed twice. Two attackers dropped, tangled in Bobby's modified net traps. The remaining teams accelerated their timeline, abandoning stealth for speed.

The precognition came rapid-fire now, each flash burning more energy but providing crucial seconds of warning. Marcus channeled the information through his tactical enhancement, coordinating his team's response.

"Doc, they're approaching your position. Bobby, collapse to medical and assist."

"Package secured," Doc confirmed. "Moving to secondary location."

Glass shattered as flashbangs announced the main breach. Marcus was already moving, his enhanced processing turning the chaos into a tactical advantage. The strobing lights and sprinkler system disrupted the attackers' night vision equipment, forcing them to rely on basic skills.

"Data purged," Sarah reported. "Emergency protocols active."

"Fall back to Position Charlie," Marcus ordered. "Maya, cover their retreat."

He engaged the first attacker to reach his position, letting his precognition and tactical enhancement work in concert. The man's strikes were professional but predictable, each move telegraphed three seconds before execution. Marcus flowed through the attacks, his SEAL training amplified by future sight.

"Marcus!" Maya's warning overlapped with a precognitive flash.

He dropped as she fired over his head, her shot taking down an attacker who'd flanked his position. The coordination felt natural now, his team learning to trust both his abilities and their own training.

"Charlie secure," Bobby reported. "Doc's got the package. Ready for extract."

Marcus disabled two more attackers with practiced efficiency, noting their equipment details for future analysis. "Maya, start your withdrawal. I'll hold here."

"Like hell you will." Her position shifted to better cover his movements. "Bobby, hit the lights."

The entire building plunged into darkness as Bobby triggered their emergency shutoffs. Marcus felt the familiar pressure of repeated precognition use, but his tactical awareness remained sharp. The attackers' confusion was palpable as they lost both normal and enhanced vision.

"Moving," he confirmed, trusting Maya to cover his retreat.

They withdrew in practiced stages, leaving behind a maze of traps and false trails Bobby had spent days preparing. By the time they reached the rally point, the sound of approaching sirens suggested their automated police alerts had worked.

"Everyone check in," Marcus ordered, scanning his team through tactical eyes.

"Clear," Maya reported.

"Package secure," from Doc.

"Data protected," Sarah confirmed.

"All my toys worked," Bobby added with professional satisfaction.

"Morgan?" Marcus prompted.

"I'm here." The scientist's voice shook slightly. "They... they knew about the samples. About the research."

"Good thing we were ready for them." Maya appeared at Marcus's side, her expression grim. "Question is, who told them?"

Marcus surveyed his team in the pre-dawn darkness, his enhanced awareness catching every detail of their first real combat success. They'd defended their position, protected their assets, and maintained operational security. But Maya was right – this attack meant they had a leak.

"We'll find out," he promised. "But first, we need to move. This location's burned."

"Already got a backup site picked out," Bobby offered. "Old warehouse complex. Better sight lines, more escape routes."

Marcus nodded, feeling the familiar weight of command balanced by growing pride in his team. "Move out. Standard scatter pattern. Maya, you're on rear security."

As they disappeared into the night, Marcus allowed himself a moment of grim satisfaction. Their first crisis had proven the team's capabilities, but it had also confirmed his worst fears. Knowledge of the coming outbreak was spreading. The race to prevent it – or control it – was accelerating.

Time to show their opponents why you don't hunt SEALs.