The moment Chief of Intelligence Nicholas exits the Director's office of the Security Service, on the far side of Earth — deep within a classified underground facility — preparations are already underway.
Tense. Methodical. Precise.
Here, in a space known to no outsider, the meeting between a hired mercenary and Martian agents is set to unfold — the very exchange Nicholas just reported to Camilla.
Every intelligence agency in the Central Belt dreams of finding this place.
But it remains elusive — like a virus embedded in infrastructure, alive in the system, yet leaving no trace.
**
In the center of a wide, sterile hall under a cold, surgical glow stands a long metallic table — a kind of altar of precision.
Resting on it is a compact flying drone, shaped like a mechanical falcon.
Its sleek, sharpened wings seem barely restraining their hunger to strike. Its polished frame gleams — as if lightning itself lives inside.
Beside the table — two people.
A young man in a crisp white lab coat — Alex.
His fingers tremble slightly, not from fear, but from pure, unbroken concentration.
He works with nervous swiftness, hands dancing over his instruments.
His eyes — clear and sharp as a laser — never leave the task.
Next to him, a woman in a dark athletic suit — Julia.
There's a predator's readiness in her stance.
She doesn't simply observe — she is part of the machine.
Maybe even its most vital part.
Between them, an unspoken understanding.
Their thoughts diverge, but their actions are in perfect sync.
Everything in this lab leads to a single moment — one that might decide their future.
"I say we send it," Alex nods toward the drone.
His voice is steady. Measured.
"It's got all the right scanners, and more importantly — it can carry the container.
What do you think, Julia?"
She doesn't reply right away.
Her eyes move across the drone's body — not judging a machine, but a soldier.
A soldier who might save the mission… or bury it.
Then she looks at him.
A faint half-smile touches her lips, but behind it — calculation, cold and clear.
"I'm with you," she says firmly.
"This time, the tech won't fail us."
Mew.
Julia startles slightly.
At her feet, a tiny kitten appears — soft, silver, blinking up at her.
She crouches instinctively, running a hand along its back.
"What the hell is this little surprise?"
There's laughter in her voice. And caution.
Alex looks at her — something unexpectedly tender in his gaze.
"It's… a kitten," he says with a warm grin.
"Didn't know? I put it together last week.
Here."
He lifts the kitten gently and places it next to the drone.
The little thing blinks again. Tilts its head.
Julia watches it like a child seeing snow for the first time.
"Is it… real?" she whispers.
"Almost," he replies, brushing the kitten's ear.
"Built with nanoparticle shells.
It has a neural mesh — simulates basic consciousness.
To scanners, it's a living organism.
In reality… it's reconnaissance hardware.
And it comes with a container."
"Container?"
Now her voice rings with fascination.
Alex pulls out a tiny device and sets it beside them.
"You'll see."
He gently places the kitten inside, presses a button.
The lid seals with a whisper.
Silence.
"Gone," Julia murmurs, wide-eyed.
He taps again. The hatch slides open — and the kitten hops out, perfectly calm.
As if nothing had happened.
"Total masking," Alex says.
"No scanner will detect anything inside."
Julia stares at him, almost unblinking.
"This… this is insane. Genius-level insane," she whispers.
"The container's priceless. And the kitten… he's adorable."
Alex lifts an eyebrow with dry amusement.
"Adorable, huh? Perfect. That's the name, then. Officially."
Julia laughs, stepping closer.
Then — suddenly, without warning — she hugs him.
Warm. Spontaneous. Genuine.
"That's for Adorable," she murmurs.
"And for still managing to surprise me."
Alex freezes for just a breath — then returns the embrace.
His voice is quiet. Honest.
"I like when my work gets noticed… especially like this."
Julia pulls back. A playful glint dances in her eyes.
"Well, then keep impressing me. That's… motivating."
She spins toward the interface.
Her face sharpens. Her voice is all business again.
"Alright. Clock's ticking. Launch the drone."
Alex focuses. The interface comes alive under his hands.
The drone lifts — smooth, precise, predatory.
He glances at Julia.
She nods once. Her expression — full readiness.
The drone vanishes into the air.
The room tightens — as if the atmosphere itself braces.
The operation has begun.
And nothing will stop the mechanism now.