The operations room smelled faintly of coffee and metal. Screens lined the walls, rows of data and live feeds scrolling in cold blue. A man sat at the center desk, fingers tapping the armrest in a measured rhythm. He did not look up when the junior officer at his side cleared his throat.
"Sir, it's been thirty minutes," the officer reported. "Our agent should've reported back by now. There's been no contact."
The man's tapping slowed. A thin smile brushed his mouth but it did not reach his eyes. "Compromised," he said without surprise. His voice was quiet, professional—terrifying in its calm. "If the asset is compromised, there's no time to waste. Destroy the test subjects. Gather everything. Pack up and move—now."
