[STF HQ – Hallway Outside Interrogation Wing] Ian and Optimus walk side by side, voices low but urgent.
Optimus- "The press is coming down hard on us."
Ian- "Why?"
Optimus- "They're saying: 'STF saves billionaire for financial gain, ignores its own citizens.' Headlines are everywhere."
Ian- "Of course they twist it. They weren't there. They don't see the demons behind the scenes."
Optimus- "I sent Blade, Vex, and Ice King down to calm things at the city square, but it's not going well."
[City Square – Capital Planet, Tenrihines] The crowd buzzes with outrage. Protest signs wave. News drones hover overhead. Blade stands firm, speaking into a dozen microphones.
Blade, calm but assertive, "I can assure you—the capital is protected by the best of the best."
Angry Protester shouting, "Then why are you saving billionaires while we wait to be killed by demons?!"
Blade- "Look—the mission was more complex than the news lets on. We needed intel "
The crowd erupts in shouting, drowning him out. Vex keeps streaming silently, his face tense. Ice King crosses his arms, eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk.
[STF HQ – Interrogation Room] Ian stands across from Devus, who sits in a secured chair. Monitors flicker on the walls.
Ian- "You said the demons move through portals—connected to the Old World?"
Devus nodding, "Yes. They appear without warning. No energy surge, no signal—just open, unleash, vanish."
Ian- "And the next one?"
Devus- "There's a planet… forgotten by most. Overrun with corruption. That's where the cloud hit. That's where the real rot starts."
Ian silently stares at him for a moment, then turns and walks out.
[Intelligence Wing – Evening] Scarlet stands over a table littered with open files, maps, and flickering data-screens. The fluorescent lights hum overhead.
Scarlet- "Alright, team, debrief now, prep for incoming case scans. Keep an eye out for any portal shifts or coded transmissions."
Jayne slumps in a chair, eyes heavy, fingers still typing.
Jayne murmurs, "Do we ever stop?"
Scarlet, without looking, "Nope."
[Equipment Room – Night] Claus limps down the hallway, clothes soaked in oil and sweat, bruises on his arms. He wipes his face with a towel, dragging a heavy toolbox behind him.
Claus to himself, "They weren't kidding… this place is a forge."
[Dorms – Trainee Quarters] Billix is face-down in bed, still wearing half his armor. Roger is snoring with a snack bar in his hand. Both out cold.
[STF HQ – Common Area] The nightshift quietly rolls in. Hushed voices. Footsteps echo. Coffee machines hiss.
[Ian's Office – Late Evening] Ian leans against the doorframe of the Intelligence Wing.
Ian- "I'm sleeping tonight. You and the 12th are in charge."
Scarlet groaning, "I have to work with him? He doesn't even talk."
Ian, smirking, "He's efficient. He either agrees… or disagrees."
He turns and heads to his room. [Ian's Quarters – STF HQ] Ian steps inside, finally alone. A large window reveals the glowing mountain range under the night sky. He sits on the bed, removes his shoulder armor, and sighs heavily.