Kira and her squad were in the gym for their usual strength training. It was nothing too crazy. They all knew that overtraining before deployment could spell disaster in the field. Kira herself was working shoulder presses, Milly beside her, spotting casually as if she could do it with one finger. The room was filled with chatter, jokes, the kind of high spirits that made training less of a grind.
That's when the door opened.
Commander Isak walked in.
Immediately, dumbbells clanged against the floor as every squad member stopped, attention snapping to him. He wasn't even looking at them; his eyes were glued to his phone, scrolling, lips pressed in a sharp frown. Finally, he lowered the device. His voice was flat but heavy.
"Something suspicious has been sighted. It bolted the moment our patrol got close. They're giving chase right now. I've said this before, but be on guard."
The squad stirred, whispering, their earlier smiles gone.
