Ep.20: S-T-P

[The next morning, the team gathers in the briefing room, the remnants of the previous night’s celebration still lingering in the air. The mood shifts as Declan’s holographic image appears, his stern expression signaling the gravity of the mission ahead. The team listens intently as he delivers their new orders.]

Declan: (authoritative) Listen up, team. If we’re going to infiltrate ShadowCorp HQ, we’re going to need one of my guys. He’s a veteran mercenary, goes by the name of Tyler Blackhand. He’s one of the best operatives I’ve ever worked with, but he’s not exactly easy to find—or to convince. You’ll need to make contact with him. He’s currently operating in the Grim Peaks, a frozen wasteland that’s as unforgiving as it sounds. Make sure you have the right gear for the harsh, freezing environment. Declan out.

[The hologram fades, leaving the team to process the new mission. The mention of the Grim Peaks sends a chill through the room, and the team exchanges determined glances.]

Chiyo: (strapping on her twin blades) Tyler Blackhand, huh? Sounds like our kind of guy. If he’s as good as Declan says, he’ll be a valuable asset. But the Grim Peaks... that’s not going to be a walk in the park.

Agent Null: (checking his gear) We’ll need thermal suits, ice axes, and enough supplies to last us at least a week. The Grim Peaks are notorious for their sudden blizzards and sub-zero temperatures. One wrong move, and we could freeze to death before we even find Blackhand.

Hayley: (pulling up a map of the Grim Peaks on her tablet) According to intel, Tyler was last seen near an abandoned research outpost deep in the mountains. It’s a high-risk area, but if anyone can survive out there, it’s him. We’ll need to move fast and stay alert. ShadowCorp might have eyes on the region too.

Chiyo: (nodding) Let’s gear up and head out. The sooner we find Tyler, the sooner we can take the fight to ShadowCorp. But remember, the Grim Peaks are as dangerous as any enemy we’ve faced. We’ll need to watch each other’s backs.

[The team quickly assembles their gear, donning heavy thermal suits and packing essential supplies. As they prepare to leave, Harry, the eccentric soldier from the previous night, approaches with a grin.]

Harry: (holding out a small device) Hey, before you go, take this. It’s a portable heater. It’s not much, but it might save your toes from freezing off. And, uh... try not to lose it. It’s the last one we’ve got.

Hayley: (smiling) Thanks, Harry. We’ll make sure to bring it back in one piece.

Harry: (winking) And remember, no snorting, injecting, or boofing the Dash Dust out there. Stay safe, you crazy kids.

Agent Null: (rolling his eyes) We’ll keep that in mind. Let’s move out, team.

[The team boards their transport, the cold wind already biting at their faces as they set course for the Grim Peaks. The journey is long and arduous, the landscape growing increasingly barren and frozen as they approach their destination. Finally, they reach the base of the mountains, where they disembark and begin their trek on foot.]

Chiyo: (shivering, her breath visible in the freezing air) This place is even worse than I imagined. Stay close, everyone. We can’t afford to get separated out here.

Hayley: (scanning the horizon with binoculars) I think I see the research outpost up ahead. It’s partially buried in snow, but it’s there. Let’s hope Tyler is too.

Agent Null: (gripping his rifle) Keep your eyes peeled. If ShadowCorp is monitoring this area, they’ll know we’re here. We can’t let them get the drop on us.

[As they approach the outpost, the team notices signs of recent activity—footprints in the snow, discarded equipment, and the faint glow of a fire inside the building. Cautiously, they move in, weapons at the ready. Suddenly, a voice echoes from the shadows.]

Tyler Blackhand: (gruffly) You’re a long way from home, aren’t you? Declan sent you, didn’t he?

[The team turns to see a tall, rugged figure emerge from the darkness. Tyler Blackhand is every bit the veteran mercenary Declan described, his face scarred, his eyes sharp, and his demeanor as cold as the environment around him. He’s heavily armed, with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder and a combat knife strapped to his thigh.]

Chiyo: (lowering her blades slightly) Tyler Blackhand, I presume. We’re here to bring you in. ShadowCorp is getting bolder, and we need your expertise to take them down.

Tyler: (smirking) Declan always did have a knack for sending people on suicide missions. But if you made it this far, maybe you’re not as hopeless as you look. What’s in it for me?

Agent Null: (stepping forward) How about the chance to strike a blow against the people who’ve been terrorizing this region for years? That, and whatever payment Declan promised you.

Tyler: (chuckling) Fair enough. But just so you know, I don’t play well with others. You follow my lead, and we might just make it out of this alive. Deal?

Hayley: (nodding) Deal. But we’re a team, Tyler. If you’re with us, you’re part of that team. No lone wolf antics.

Tyler: (grinning) We’ll see about that. Now, let’s get out of this frozen hellhole before we all turn into icicles.

[With Tyler Blackhand now part of the team, they begin their journey back to the outpost, the mission to infiltrate ShadowCorp HQ now one step closer to reality. The Grim Peaks may have tested their limits, but with Tyler’s skills and the team’s determination, they’re ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.]

[The team arrives back at the base, exhausted but determined. The journey from the Grim Peaks was grueling, but the addition of Tyler Blackhand to their ranks has injected a new sense of confidence into the group. As they gather in the war room to finalize their plans for infiltrating ShadowCorp HQ, Tyler takes charge, his no-nonsense demeanor cutting through the tension.]

Tyler: (leaning over the holographic map of ShadowCorp HQ) Alright, listen up, grunts. I know every corner of ShadowCorp like the back of my hand. Their security is tight, but it’s not impenetrable. First things first—we’ll need a sharp shooter to take out their snipers and turrets. Those things are automated and will shred us to pieces if we don’t disable them early.

[Both Chiyo and Agent Null immediately turn their gazes toward Hayley, who is standing nearby, her sniper rifle slung over her shoulder. Hayley raises an eyebrow, clearly aware of why they’re looking at her.]

Hayley: (smirking) What, you two think I’m the only one here who can hit a target from a thousand meters out? Flattering, but I’m not exactly surprised.

Chiyo: (grinning) You’re the best shot we’ve got, Hayley. If anyone can take out those snipers and turrets, it’s you.

Agent Null: (nodding) And you’ve got the patience for it. Sniping isn’t just about pulling the trigger—it’s about waiting for the perfect moment. You’ve got that discipline.

Tyler: (crossing his arms, studying Hayley) You’ve got the look of someone who knows their way around a rifle. But this isn’t just about hitting targets. It’s about staying calm under pressure and making every shot count. Can you handle that?

Hayley: (meeting Tyler’s gaze without flinching) I’ve been handling it since before you showed up, Blackhand. Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll make sure those turrets and snipers are nothing but scrap metal.

Tyler: (grinning) I like your attitude. Alright, you’re on sniper duty. But don’t get cocky. One missed shot, and we’re all dead.

Chiyo: (stepping forward) Hayley won’t miss. But we’ll need to cover her while she sets up. Null, you and I will handle the ground assault. Tyler, you’ll be our guide—get us inside and keep us on track.

Tyler: (nodding) Sounds like a plan. But remember, ShadowCorp’s HQ is a maze. One wrong turn, and we’ll be walking into a death trap. Stick close, and follow my lead.

Agent Null: (checking his gear) We’ll be ready. But what about extraction? Once we’re inside, how do we get out?

Tyler: (pointing to a section of the map) There’s a service tunnel here. It’s old and rarely used, but it’ll get us out without alerting the entire facility. We’ll need to move fast, though. Once the alarms go off, we’ll have every ShadowCorp soldier in the building on our tails.

Hayley: (adjusting her rifle) Then we’ll just have to make sure the alarms don’t go off. Quiet and precise—that’s how we’ll do this.

Chiyo: (smiling) That’s the spirit. Let’s get to work. We’ve got a mission to plan and a HQ to infiltrate. ShadowCorp won’t know what hit them.

[The team spends the next several hours finalizing their strategy, going over every detail of the plan. Hayley practices her shots on the range, her focus unwavering as she prepares for the critical role she’ll play. Chiyo and Agent Null run through combat drills, honing their skills for the close-quarters fighting they’ll face inside the HQ. Tyler, meanwhile, briefs them on ShadowCorp’s security protocols, his knowledge proving invaluable.]

[As the sun sets and the team prepares to move out, there’s a sense of quiet determination in the air. They know the risks, but they also know what’s at stake. With Hayley’s sharpshooting, Tyler’s expertise, and the team’s unbreakable bond, they’re ready to take on ShadowCorp and strike a decisive blow in their fight for justice.]

Chiyo: (to the team) This is it. We’ve trained, we’ve planned, and we’re ready. Let’s show ShadowCorp what happens when they mess with us.

Hayley: (smirking) And let’s make sure they never see it coming.

Agent Null: (nodding) For the team, and for the future. Let’s move out.

[With their gear in hand and their resolve unshakable, the team sets out for ShadowCorp HQ, ready to face whatever challenges await them. The mission is dangerous, but with Hayley’s precision, Tyler’s experience, and the team’s unity, they’re prepared to take on the impossible.]

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***