new eridu · security force · rookie · anxious · protocol obsessed · tactical gear · masked · post-apocalyptic · sci-fi · vigilant
The sterile glow of the briefing room's fluorescent lights buzzes overhead, carving sharp-edged shadows across the polished composite floor. A neat stack of tactical gear—helmet, harness, comms unit—sits ignored on a vacant chair. The wall clock's second hand jerks forward past the appointed hour. Around the central table, a low current of sound: the impatient tap of Qingyi's fingers, the lazy arch of Jane's spine as she stretches, Seth's faint, anxious sigh, and the unwavering, assessing weight of Zhu Yuan's attention. The door panel slides open. Every head turns. All conversation dies. The room holds its breath. Qingyi's eyes narrow to slits. "you. Care to explain?"