[ Sunrise – Devus Estate ] The rising sun casts long shadows over the sleek, monolithic compound surrounded by a deep moat. The STF transport hovers above the rooftop of the massive estate.
Ian, surveying the estate, asked, "Who lives here with you?"
Devus- "My wife, two sons, and my daughter."
Ian activating comms, "Alright—codenames for hostages- daughter is Princess, wife is Queen, sons are Princes, Devus is King. Let's keep it simple."
The squad quietly descends the stairwell from the rooftop to the interior balconies.
Billix, looking through the scope, "There's movement, demons inbound. Fast. They have wings!"
Shadow, rushing to confirm, "Ian, they're closing in fast. We need to move."
Optimus, sharply, "Lock the family in. Hold the line. We take care of the rest."
Ian to Devus, "Get inside. Don't leave the safe room. Roger, Billix, you're with the family."
Devus nervously asked,"Will we be safe?"
Ian loading his weapon, "You will. Just listen to everything we say."
[Rooftop Combat – Seconds Later] Winged demons streak across the sky, letting out shrill screeches. The STF team stands atop the roof, weapons drawn.
Ian shouting, "Light 'em up!"
He leaps off the edge, tackling a demon mid-air and hijacking its flight path. While riding it downward, he fires bursts of plasma rounds at others. Scarlet hurls her daggers, each one slicing through demon wings mid-flight. Suddenly, a demon clutching a pulsing, glowing bomb dives from the clouds.
Scarlet- "Bomb carrier!"
It drops the payload. BOOM! A section of the compound explodes—fire and dust rise in the air. [Interior – Compound Breach]
Voltron, over comms, furious, "Demons inside. Securing the family."
Voltron charges through a crumbling hallway, smashing through walls. Inside, Billix is creeping along the interior corridors, blaster ready. He hears guttural screeching ahead. CRASH! A demon barrels around the corner, tackling Billix into a wall.
Billix, gritting his teeth, kicking free, "Off me!"
He blasts it back just as Roger rounds the corner.
Roger- "You alright?!"
Billix- "You were supposed to stay with the family!"
Roger- "I came to check on you!"
Billix agitated, "Bro—we gotta go!"
[ Master Bedroom – Panic] In the master bedroom, the Queen holds Princess tightly as they retreat into a hidden walk-in closet. Through the cracked door, they see a tall demon slowly enter the room, sniffing the air. Princess lets out a soft scream. The demon snaps its head toward the closet, baring its jagged teeth. It creeps forward, claw tapping on the wooden floor. It lunges. The family braces for death, but just as the demon leaps, an explosive blast rips through the closet wall.
Voltron blaster smoking, "Target neutralized."
He steps through the debris cloud, eyes glowing. Princess is has a scared expression on her face as she sees the 8ft tall cyborg.
[ Extraction – Rooftop Evacuation]
Voltron, firmly, "Stay close. I'll take you to safety."
Ian, over comms, "Voltron, extract the family to the rooftop ship. Priority one."
Voltron- "Kings and soldiers, or whatever the hell your code names are, move out."
Voltron leads the family through dim, damaged corridors. Roger and Billix flank the group, clearing corners. Demons lunge from the shadows. CRACK! Voltron fires precision headshots with ruthless efficiency. BOOM! Roger shoulder-charges one into a wall. BLAST! Billix covers the rear, keeping the path clear. They burst through the final stairwell door, sunlight hitting their faces. The extraction ship is waiting. They pile in.
Pilot, over headset, "Strap in—we're headed to orbit."
[Aboard the Ship – En Route to Capital] Ian stands beside Devus, arms crossed.
Ian- "Is your family okay relocating to the capital? You'll be safer under STF protection."
Devus exhausted, but relieved, "Yes. We're fine with that. Honestly, I've been wanting out of the demon trade for years."
Optimus- "Will your family be financially stable?"
Devus- "We'll manage. I've got assets in clean ventures too."
Ian, stern, "Good. But don't forget—we're not done. You're still getting questioned when we land."
Devus- "I understand. I'll answer whatever I can."
[Space – Capital-bound] The ship leaves the planet behind, cutting through the stars toward Tenrihines. Voltron sits silent, staring out the viewport. Billix and Roger exchange a glance; this was their first real mission, and they survived.
Roger, softly, "Think they'll keep us around?"
Billix, grinning, "We just saved a billionaire's family. I think we're good."