Rina stepped into the conference room, coffee cup held tight in her hand, professional facade slipped back into place. Captain Hunter cool, intent, unapproachable.
They were all in there her team, some brass, the Major pacing at the front. The holo-screen flickered on, and a face Rina had never seen appeared yet the twisted dread building in her chest informed her of everything she needed to know.
The Major's voice cut through the room:
"We have a report on a lethal smuggler operating at the city perimeter code name 'Viper.' Guns, electronics, black-market upgrades you name it, They smuggles it."
"Last reported Sector 12, near the old docks. Multiple confirmed killings in their last operation. They won't shoot to kill.".
The holo-screen shifted gunfire clips, bodies strewn on the ground, a wiry figure vanishing into the shadows.
Efficient. Effective. Brutal.
"Orders are simple," the Major continued.
"Intercept. Neutralize Them. Alive, if possible. Dead, if necessary."
Rina's eyes tightened, fingers closing around her coffee cup.
Just another day, another stalk.
But something in her gut whispered…
This was different.