#### **Chapter 4: The Vector**
"Zurich Hauptbahnhof. Noon tomorrow," Kuro's voice was a flat, digitized monotone in Renji's earpiece. "Target is a W.A.O. data courier named Klaus Richter. Mid-level, but the package he's carrying is flagged with Alpha-level encryption. That means it's for the command's eyes only."
Renji stood before a matte-black case laid open on his bed. Inside, nestled in custom-cut foam, was his operational gear: a lightweight, bullet-resistant tunic, reinforced pants, and the sleek black mask with its silver "V" logo. The 'V' stood for Vengeance.
"Security?" Renji asked, his voice a low rasp.
"Standard. Four-man escort, plainclothes. W.A.O. protocol is to blend, not intimidate. They'll stick to the most crowded concourses. I've mapped their probable route from Platform 8 to the station's west exit. You have a four-minute window during the transfer." Kuro paused. "There's a ninety-four percent probability they won't expect you. W.A.O. still classifies your status as 'decommissioned.' They're arrogant."
"They were always weak," Renji stated, not as an insult, but as a fact. He remembered their logic, their bureaucracy, the way they had failed to find his and Kage's parents despite all their resources. That failure was the seed from which the Kyro Syndicate grew.
"The objective is the data drive," Kuro continued. "Richter carries it in a briefcase chained to his wrist. I need the drive intact. Richter and his escort are disposable."
Renji's hands moved with practiced efficiency, strapping on the lightweight armor beneath a simple black shirt and hood. He was a shadow preparing to merge with other shadows.
"Vector received," Renji said. He placed the V-mask over his face, the cool metal a familiar weight. The brown eyes, now visible above the mask, held no warmth. They were the eyes of Kyro.
"And Renji?" Kuro's voice lost a fraction of its robotic detachment. "Don't get shot."
"I won't."
The line went dead.