Chapter 6: Enemies Meet Again

Edith sat at her desk, studying the blueprints she had managed to obtain. The location was a high-security facility on the outskirts of the city, guarded by armed personnel and state-of-the-art surveillance systems. But Edith was no stranger to challenges. She meticulously analyzed the layout of the facility, noting the security checkpoints, the ventilation systems, and the possible entry points. Her mind raced with possibilities as she calculated the best route to her target.

Joshua's stern voice brought her back to reality. "Remember, Edith, stealth is your best weapon. We need those blueprints without alerting the guards," he reminded her. Edith nodded, her determination steeling her resolve. "I won't disappoint," she assured him, though she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that this mission was more than it seemed.

Before leaving, Edith made a quick call to her parents, knowing they would worry. "Hey, Mom, Dad," she began, her voice steady. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll be going on a business trip for some time. I'm not sure when I'll be back."

As Edith disconnected the call with her parents, a wave of guilt washed over her. She hated lying to them, especially about something as dangerous as her covert missions. They had always been supportive of her, believing she was pursuing a career in law while serving the public at Cameron Jones Associates.

But the truth was far more complicated. Edith couldn't bring herself to tell them about her involvement in espionage, about the risks she faced daily. She didn't want to worry them any more than they already did.

Yet, the weight of her secret settled heavily on her shoulders. She knew her parents would be concerned if they knew the truth, but she couldn't help feeling like she was betraying their trust. The thought of them worrying about her safety gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Deep down, Edith hoped that one day she could reveal the truth to her parents, that she could make them understand why she had chosen this path. But for now, she had to keep up the facade, even if it meant lying to the people she loved most.

—

Meanwhile, in Zain's apartment, Kasey hovered over the table, spreading out maps and documents related to the mission. Zain sat across from him, his expression focused as he absorbed every detail.

"Alright, Zain, let's go over this one more time," Kasey said, his tone serious. "The prototype device is located in the R&D wing of Eden Specter's headquarters. Security is tight, but we've identified a potential entry point through the west side loading dock." Zain nodded, his eyes scanning the blueprints laid out before him. "Got it. Once inside, what's the plan?"

"We'll need to disable the security cameras and bypass the alarm system," Kasey explained, pointing to various points on the map. "I've marked the locations of the security terminals. You'll need to move quickly and quietly."

Zain nodded again, his mind already formulating a plan of action. "Understood. What about extraction?"

Kasey hesitated for a moment before replying. "We'll have a team waiting nearby to pick you up once you've retrieved the device. But remember, Zain, time is of the essence. You need to be in and out before they even know you were there."

Right then his father’s contact flashed on his phone screen, and a wave of contempt rolled through him. The weight of his father's expectations hung heavy on his shoulders as they spoke. "Zain, this mission is crucial," Austin's voice echoed through the phone. "You need to retrieve that device at all costs. Failure is not an option."

Zain clenched his jaw, the pressure from his father almost suffocating. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes," he replied, though his whole body resented being treated like a pawn in his father's game.

After the call ended, Zain took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling of being trapped. He couldn't afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment, not now.

---

As Edith and Zain left their respective briefings, a sense of unease settled over them. Something didn't feel right. They had both been assigned to steal crucial information, and the timing was too coincidental to ignore.

In separate locations, they studied the documents they had been given, their minds working in tandem to decipher the plans laid out before them. Edith's eyes narrowed as she realized the significance of the blueprints. Project Cerberus was a top-secret government initiative, and the implications of its existence were staggering.

Meanwhile, Zain examined the details of the prototype device, his mind whirring with the possibilities. If Eden Specter had developed something as groundbreaking as they claimed, it could tip the scales of power in favor of whoever controlled it. As they analyzed the documents, Edith and Zain couldn't shake the feeling that they were being pitted against each other. And they knew each other's weaknesses all too well.

Edith was quick and agile, with a knack for slipping past security undetected. But she tended to let her emotions cloud her judgment, especially when it came to winning. Zain, on the other hand, was disciplined and focused, with a keen eye for detail. But his loyalty to his father often clouded his judgment, making him predictable.

K.M Strunk