The morning came faster than Zara would have liked. The air inside the safe house was tense, each team member lost in their thoughts. Vera worked silently, her fingers flying across the tablet as she finalized the infiltration plans. Callum sat sharpening his blade, the metallic sound grating against the silence. Zara stood by the window, staring out at the desolate cityscape, her mind already in the compound they were about to invade.
"We go in at dusk," Vera announced, breaking the silence. "The compound's weakest point is here." She pointed to a spot on the blueprint, marked with red circles. "An old drainage tunnel. It's partially collapsed, but it's not under heavy surveillance. From there, it's a straight shot to the control hub where Rourke is likely stationed."
Callum leaned over the table, frowning. "And what about the drones? The thermal sensors? If we trip one alarm, we're toast."
"I've got that covered," Vera said, her confidence unwavering. "I'll disable the drones remotely for a five-minute window. After that, you're on your own. The thermal sensors, however, will require a bit of improvisation. You'll need to stay in the shadows and avoid direct contact with patrols."
Zara nodded. "Five minutes is all we'll need."
The team suited up in silence. Zara adjusted the straps on her tactical vest, checking her weapons one last time. The weight of the mission settled on her shoulders, but she welcomed it. This was her purpose.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the team moved out. The drainage tunnel was a tight fit, the air damp and suffocating. Zara led the way, her flashlight cutting through the darkness.
"We're approaching the breach point," Vera's voice crackled in their earpieces. "Drones are offline. You've got five minutes starting… now."
Zara crawled through the last stretch of the tunnel, emerging into the compound's outer perimeter. Callum followed, his movements swift and silent. The control hub loomed ahead, its structure bathed in the cold glow of floodlights.
"Stay low," Zara whispered, her eyes scanning the area for guards. They moved like shadows, sticking to the blind spots Vera had mapped out.
Reaching the hub's entrance, Zara gestured for Callum to cover her. She pulled out a small device Vera had provided, attaching it to the electronic lock. The device beeped softly as it bypassed the security measures.
"Three minutes left," Vera reminded them.
The door slid open, and Zara stepped inside, her pistol at the ready. The control room was eerily quiet, the hum of machines filling the space. At the far end of the room stood Selena Rourke, her back to them as she monitored a series of screens.
"Selena Rourke," Zara called out, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
Rourke turned slowly, her expression calm but calculating. "Zara Kincaid," she said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I've been expecting you."
Before Zara could respond, alarms blared throughout the compound.
"Looks like your five minutes are up," Rourke said, reaching for a hidden weapon.
Zara tightened her grip on her pistol, her heart pounding. "Callum, it's showtime."