[Briefing Room – 10 Minutes Later] Recruits and STF members gather in the tiered meeting room. Among them: Voltron, standing silent with glowing eyes, Scarlet, reviewing data on her wristpad, and Shadow, seated quietly with his arms crossed. Roger and Billix slip into their seats just as Ian and Optimus enter.
Ian addressed the room, "This next mission is intel-focused. We're going to interrogate a man named Devus, a weapons magnate with ties to multiple shady trade networks. We believe he might have knowledge about a demon portal."
Optimus adding on, "This is a high-stakes visit, not a combat op, but we're not going in soft. Trainees, this is your chance to see how we operate on intel missions. Learn something."
Buzz Blade, arms crossed, "I'll be joining too. Let's keep this clean and sharp."
Ian- "Good. We leave from the hangar in 15. Dismissed."
[Hangar – Moments Later] Engines roar and personnel rush across the deck as STF gear up. The interrogation squad gathers near the transport shuttle. Roger adjusts his vest and looks up at the size of the operation.
Roger to Billix, "Think we're actually gonna get to talk to this Devus guy?"
Billix- "With our luck? We'll probably be guarding the door."
Voltron overhearing, in his cold mechanical tone, "Observation is the first step to understanding. Even the door has ears."
Roger and Billix exchange a nervous look. They arrive at this city in the office district at night.
[Exterior – Devus Corporation HQ – Night] The team moves like shadows along the walls of the massive skyscraper. The streets below are quiet. Ian slashes a panel, and the building's lights flicker, then die—power cut.
Ian quietly, to the team, "It's go time."
Shadow, Buzz Blade, Voltron, and the two trainees crouch behind cover as Ian and Shadow lead the way up the stairs. They reach a sleek glass door labeled "Devus - Executive Operations."
Ian whispering, "Me and Shadow are going in. Trainees—observe and learn."
[Devus' Office – Top Floor] Devus, a well-dressed, silver-haired man, turns in his chair, completely unshaken by the intrusion.
Devus, coldly, "What could the Galactic Empire possibly want with me?"
Ian, striding forward, "Answers."
He vaults over the desk, grabbing Devus by the collar and slamming him to the ground.
Ian, voice tight, "We know you're working with demons. Smuggling weapons. Where are they getting their gear from?"
Devus strained, panicked, "You idiots don't get it… the demons have eyes everywhere. If you're gonna interrogate me, don't do it here!"
Ian, confused but firm, "What do you mean?"
Devus, desperate, "You think I want to smuggle for them? I'm being forced. The second I stop… they go after my family."
Shadow arms crossed, "Why didn't you reach out? Our entire job is killing demons."
Devus, bitter laugh, "Because it's not that simple. If I'm caught fleeing or talking, it's game over. They don't just kill people… they erase them."
Ian exchanges a look with Shadow.
Ian- "Then first, we get your family safe. After that, we talk."
Devus, nodding, "Alright… I'll go with you."