Zaire..
Orea buckled the strap of her backpack tight. She glanced around, watching the rest of her friends get ready—strapping boots, straightening collars, tightening the sleeves of their uniformed army clothes. No one spoke. The looming weight of the mission ahead filled the room.
Internalizing the reality of the moment, Orea shut her eyes, brushing her curly hair back as she exhaled.
A gentle squeeze in her palm pulled her from her thoughts. Her eyes flew open.
Valtor stood beside her, a small smile set on his face.
"We'll never be more ready," he whispered.
"I know," she whispered back. "But this is the biggest thing we've ever done. We can't make any mistakes." She shook her head firmly.
Valtor pulled her into an embrace. "We won't," he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
When he drew back, he turned to the rest of them.
"Anything we want to get off our chests before the president's aides arrive?" he asked.
Zara let out a breath, crossing her arms. "Not really… no."
"I've got something to say," Lynx spoke up from where he stood.
Everyone turned to him.
"I just want you guys to know—what happened at our last mission, it'll never happen again." He glanced around the room. "You guys are literally all I have now." He paused, the silence heavy.
"And I'd do anything for this family. Anything."
Zara sniffed, her face crumpling with emotion. "I love you guys," she blurted.
Orea rushed forward, pulling her into a hug, and the rest of them followed, collapsing into a tight group embrace.
"This'll be just like old times, right?" Kymani asked.
"Exactly like old times," Valtor replied
................
The crew loaded into a private airplane carrying no insignia of Zaire, fastening themselves into their seats as the craft lifted off.
Once airborne, the president's aide rose from his seat and turned to face them, his intimidating demeanor fully present.
"I want you all to know that although the president cannot be here with us, he sends his greetings—and his prayers," he began.
"The council has concluded their search for you in Kyrena and is now headed to Cyrus, their last known location. This gives us an advantage to strike while their guard is down."
He paused, letting his words settle.
"As approved by the president, the mission plan remains unchanged. We'll go over it one last time."
"Our first destination is the Vatican region."
"Orea and I will take off first," Valtor spoke up. "We'll break my father out and destroy the Vatican laboratory facility."
"The next duo will alight at Kyrena," he continued.
Lynx chimed in. "Rowynn and I will breach the alien infestation—eradicate every monster on sight", he glanced at the younger girl who nodded instinctively.
"And Zara and Kymani will head to Nexis," Valtor continued. "Where they'll break into the Scientific Institute and gather every piece of tech they can find."
"Then we'll regroup at Vatica, and await further orders from the president and the Godfather," he concluded.
"Alright," the soldier nodded. "You have your instructions. Don't forget the wristbands in your possession—they're your primary means of communication with one another."
"Good luck, team," he added.
Vatica…
The road was calm—too calm. A light breeze drifted between the modern glass structures as a handful of people strolled the streets, unaware. The morning sun shone brightly, its reflection blinding against the tall buildings, stretching long, distorted shadows across the pavement.
Two figures in hooded overalls hovered near the corners, careful not to draw attention. Valtor tugged his hood lower before briefly lifting it again, his gaze shifting towards directions, signals and symbols till he found one that gave him answers.
He turned to Orea, his voice low.
"Let's go find my dad."