Officer Mahsa occupied her chair at the surveillance command center, her eyes locked onto the relentless, pulsating red beacon on one of the screens. Beside her, Officer Kian was engaged in the ritual of pouring a steaming cup of coffee, his demeanor weighed down by fatigue and frustration.
"Care for one?" Kian offered, extending the coffee mug towards Mahsa.
"No, thanks. I've had my fill," Mahsa replied with a hint of exasperation.
Kian returned to his desk, endeavoring to conceal his exhaustion. Yet, as he observed Mahsa's anxious state, he couldn't help but speak up, his voice tinged with a note of concern. "Staring at the screen won't alter our situation."
In a sudden sigh, Mahsa exclaimed, "Ah! I can't fathom how she hasn't stepped out of her apartment for the past 48 hours. How is that even possible?"
"Surveillance demands patience," Kian advised.
"I know," Mahsa conceded, "but don't you think we're wasting our time? She hasn't exhibited any suspicious behavior."
"So, what's your suggestion?" Kian inquired.
"Perhaps we've made a mistake, maybe we should stop," Mahsa contemplated, her voice trailing off.
"Stop what?"
A voice like thunder erupted, causing Mahsa and Kian to whirl around. It was Agent Eli standing at the threshold, her weary countenance burning with righteous fury, yet still flushed with a spark of curiosity.
Mahsa and Kian exchanged quick glances, then Mahsa managed to speak, her voice laden with concern. "Agent Eli, What happened on your mission?"
Eli took a few cautious steps forward, resisting Kian's attempt to offer support. She stumbled to a chair, her body battered, her clothes torn, and her face marred by scratches and grime.
Mahsa leaped from her chair in shock. "My goodness! What transpired out there?"
Eli, still breathing heavily, recounted the harrowing mission. "We were ambushed—well, if you can even call it an ambush when the assailants are no longer human, incapable of reason. But there were far more of them than anticipated."
"Bad intel?" Mahsa asked, struggling to maintain her composure.
Eli turned to Kian. "I need coffee."
Kian rushed to the coffee maker, his hands trembling as he poured a cup for the wounded agent.
Eli continued, her voice wavering with ache. "They were everywhere, like something out of a horror movie—no, worse than that. Twisted, worm-infested monstrosities attacked us without warning. All we could do was shoot and blast their vile brains. Can you believe it? We lost five good people. Sergeant Sarin had to go first to break the news to their families."
Mahsa's face darkened in disbelief, her words barely above a whisper. "Five casualties?"
Eli seized the coffee mug from Kian's hand and drank greedily. Mahsa's thoughts raced, considering the dire situation.
If this continued...
She knew that the government's strength was waning, defeat looming ominously on the horizon. The horde of worm-infested creatures swelled with each passing day, while those in power, despite their pretense of normalcy, understood they lacked the military and financial resources to continue the fight.
It was only a matter of time...
Kian tugged at Eli's hand, urging her to seek medical attention. But Eli remained resolute, defiantly planted in her chair. She slammed the empty cup onto the table and demanded, "Now, tell me—what's this clandestine operation you're working on?"
Mahsa's eyes gleamed, locking onto the blinking red light on the monitor, her thoughts racing. "Could it be possible? She might be our only salvation from this relentless nightmare."
P.S:
Hello everyone, I’m a writer and a manga artist, and this is a piece that I’m working on. Later on, I’m going to put my art as well, piece by piece, for everyone to enjoy. I’ll welcome critiques, but plz don’t be too harsh.
Here is the link to the picture comic (manga) I'm currently creating, feel free to visit and leave a comment, subscribe, etc.
