Chapter 10: We're What!?

The tension in Croacari reached a critical point as the government crackdown on rebels intensified. In a news report broadcasted nationwide, the government announced a series of stringent measures to quell the uprising, increasing the stakes for both Edith and Zain.

**News Report: Government Crackdown**

"In response to the escalating rebel activity, the Croacarian government has announced a crackdown on dissent, implementing strict measures to maintain control. Curfews have been imposed in rebel-held territories, and military checkpoints have been established to monitor movement. The government has authorized the use of force to suppress any acts of rebellion, including targeted airstrikes and ground offensives. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities as part of the government's efforts to maintain order."

—

With the pressure mounting, Edith and Zain moved forward with their plans to take down each other. Edith was moments away from releasing incriminating evidence against Zain when her phone rang, interrupting her. She groaned in frustration her mouse was quite literally right on the post button. What could be so important that he had to interrupt her?

"Edith, it's Markus," her friend's voice came through her earpiece. "Change of plans. We're on a joint mission now. Get to the rendezvous point immediately."

Frustration coursed through Edith as she reluctantly abandoned her plan. She couldn't believe her luck; she was so close to taking down Zain. “Joint mission? With whom?”

“Hemingway Industries, apparently CJA and them came to a settlement now that they’re after the same thing. Hemingway is offering us access to the prototype as long as CJA gives them access to our servers and well… um our agents.”

“They’re pawning me off in a deal?” she laughed, exasperated. After everything she had done for the CJA, they were just going to give her away to Hemingway. 

Before Edith could let her frustration come out in a quite rude sentence, Markus said, “Not exactly Edith, you’re still a CJA agent you just have to work side by side with Hemingway’s best.” 

“Please don’t tell me you mean Agent C.” She rolled her eyes while getting into a cab. How could she work with him? It's impossible.

“I cannot further confirm or deny,” Markus said with a hint of teasing in his tone.

“Right. Heading over to the rendezvous point.”

Meanwhile, Zain was executing his plan to expose Edith. He had successfully infiltrated their file room and was about to open Wood’s file when his phone buzzed with an incoming call.

"Zain, it's Kasey," his friend's voice crackled over the line. "We've been reassigned. A joint mission with CJA. Head to the rendezvous point ASAP."

“Yeah, okay, I’m heading over.” He said frustrated.

Disappointment washed over Zain as he realized his plan would have to wait. He had been so close to bringing Edith to justice. He was so sure that she had betrayed the CJA somehow.

Edith clenched her jaw in frustration as she made her way to the rendezvous point. She couldn't believe that she was being pulled away from her chance to take down Zain once and for all. But as angry as she was, she knew that she had to follow orders. For now.

Zain's mind raced with conflicting emotions as he headed to the rendezvous point. He was disappointed that he couldn't expose Edith's treachery, but a small part of him was relieved. Maybe this joint mission would finally put an end to their rivalry. Or maybe it would only make things more complicated.

As they both arrived at the rendezvous point, their thoughts were consumed by uncertainty. They didn't know what the mission entailed or how they would work together as part of the same team. But one thing was certain: their rivalry was far from over. 

K.M Strunk