The day after Adrian Yong officially took on his role as leader of the Intelligence Division, Aegis Sentinel Corps headquarters was abuzz with a renewed sense of purpose. With Adrian now fully integrated into the command structure, the groundwork for the Intelligence Division was accelerating at a pace even Jiang Han hadn't anticipated.
Seated in his office, Jiang Han pored over financial reports from the family business while keeping a keen eye on updates from the divisions of Aegis Sentinel Corps. The notifications chiming on his phone reflected the swift, efficient collaboration now evident across the organisation.
Adrian entered the room with his usual composed demeanour, carrying a folder brimming with strategic proposals. Jiang motioned for him to take a seat.
"Jiang," Adrian began, sliding the folder across the desk. "I've streamlined the process for recruiting intelligence specialists. We've identified the top candidates based on our immediate needs—surveillance, data analysis, and covert operations."
Jiang flipped through the folder, his sharp eyes scanning the profiles. Each one was meticulously detailed, outlining skills, experience, and potential liabilities. "These are excellent candidates. Five days, right?"
Adrian nodded. "That's the plan. By then, we'll have the core intelligence specialists in place and ready for preliminary operations. But there's one particular candidate I believe will be pivotal to our success."
Jiang raised a brow. "And that is?"
Adrian tapped a name on the page. "Ravi Arumugam. Former operative from Malayuna's National Security Bureau. He left under… unusual circumstances, but his expertise in counter-intelligence is unparalleled."
Jiang's expression darkened slightly. "Unusual circumstances?"
"He uncovered internal corruption in his unit. Instead of receiving commendations, he was ostracised. That makes him ideal for our team—someone who values integrity over blind loyalty to broken systems."
Jiang leaned back, considering. "I trust your judgment, Adrian. Bring him on board."
Adrian smiled faintly. "You won't regret it."
Meanwhile, at the newly renovated training facility, Major Azlan led a rigorous session for a batch of new recruits. The seasoned officer, with his sharp tactical mind, had implemented advanced techniques to ensure every trainee reached their maximum potential. Captain Faizal Malik, his trusted assistant, observed closely, offering insights and minor corrections.
"Push harder!" Major Azlan's commanding voice echoed through the room. "The enemy doesn't care if you're tired. Strength and strategy go hand in hand. Weakness is a luxury we can't afford."
Captain Faizal approached one of the recruits who was struggling with a simulation drill. "Don't overthink it," he advised calmly. "React instinctively. That's what training is for."
The recruit nodded, steeling himself for another attempt.
Back at headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Razif Syahmi convened a briefing for the Bodyguard Division. "Our primary goal remains unchanged—protection of all high-priority personnel. We have several upcoming assignments, including one for Jiang Han himself. Any slip-up is unacceptable."
Major Wan Harith added, "Remember, every operation requires precision. Even the smallest oversight can have catastrophic consequences."
The leaders' words resonated with their team, instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility.
As the divisions continued their preparations, an emergency alert disrupted the relative calm. Jiang Han's phone buzzed incessantly as Colonel Yusof's name appeared on the screen.
"Colonel," Jiang answered.
"We've got a problem," Yusof replied, his tone grim. "There's been a security breach at one of our logistics warehouses. Early reports suggest it's an orchestrated effort—potentially by our enemies."
Jiang clenched his jaw. "Details?"
"A shipment containing sensitive equipment was tampered with. This wasn't random—someone wanted to send a message."
"I'll head to the site immediately," Jiang declared.
"No need," Yusof interjected. "Razif and Wan Harith are already en route with their teams. Adrian is coordinating from headquarters to assess the breach. I suggest you stay put for now—we can't risk you walking into an ambush."
Jiang exhaled sharply, his frustration evident. "Fine. Keep me updated."
Hanging up, he turned to Adrian, who had overheard the exchange.
"I need a detailed report on this breach," Jiang said. "Every angle, every potential vulnerability. I want to know who's behind this and why."
Adrian nodded, his expression serious. "Consider it done."
At the warehouse, Lieutenant Colonel Razif Syahmi directed his team with military precision. "Secure the perimeter. No one enters or leaves without clearance."
Major Wan Harith inspected the tampered shipment, his eyes narrowing as he examined the evidence. "This isn't amateur work," he muttered. "Whoever did this knew exactly what to target."
Nearby, a member of the Cybersecurity Unit relayed findings from their initial analysis. "Sir, we've traced a suspicious signal originating from an unregistered device within the vicinity. It's likely the breach was initiated remotely."
Razif's eyes darkened. "Adrian needs to see this immediately."
Back at headquarters, Adrian worked tirelessly with his team to piece together the puzzle. "This isn't just a breach," he explained to Jiang over a secure call. "It's a probe. They're testing our defences."
Jiang's voice was cold. "Then we need to send a message of our own—one they won't forget."
As the meeting drew to a close, Jiang Han leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Adrian Yong had provided an update on the preliminary groundwork for the Intelligence Division. His concise, calculated tone had left everyone in no doubt about the importance of the tasks ahead.
Colonel Yusof, sitting at the head of the table, tapped his pen lightly against the polished wood. "Adrian, you mentioned we'll have the core team in place within the week. Do you anticipate any complications in the recruitment process?"
Adrian adjusted his glasses, his expression calm yet focused. "Not complications per se, but securing the right talent at the right time requires precision. Our vetting process is extensive to ensure no weak links. However, I've shortlisted individuals from diverse specialisations—signal intelligence, human intelligence, and counter-intelligence."
Jiang Han interjected, "Adrian, ensure you factor in long-term loyalty. We need operatives who not only excel technically but align with the principles of the Aegis Sentinel Corps." His voice was firm but tinged with thoughtfulness. "The stakes are higher than ever, and every decision we make now will ripple into the future."
Adrian nodded. "Understood. I'm leveraging my past connections to identify operatives who've worked under high-pressure situations and demonstrated unwavering commitment. Loyalty is non-negotiable."
Colonel Yusof leaned forward, his deep voice filling the room. "Good. While Adrian focuses on intelligence, the other divisions must be prepared to complement these efforts. Training Division, I want your curriculum to include basic counter-surveillance skills for operatives across all units. Integration will be key in upcoming operations."
Major Azlan gave a curt nod, jotting down notes. "Consider it done, Colonel. The Training Division is already adapting new modules to accommodate such needs. By the next training cycle, foundational intelligence skills will be part of the program."
The discussion shifted to logistical preparations. Captain Faizal raised concerns about overlapping schedules between the Bodyguard and Security Guard Divisions during emergency drills. "We'll need better resource allocation for these joint exercises," he said. "I'll collaborate with Razif and Nizam to streamline responsibilities."
Jiang Han let the conversation unfold, silently observing the leaders take charge. His confidence in the Aegis Sentinel Corps was growing, but he remained aware of the challenges that lay ahead.
As the meeting adjourned, Jiang Han lingered behind, catching Adrian before he left the room. "Adrian," he said quietly, "in addition to assembling the team, keep an eye out for patterns in our adversaries' movements. We can't afford to be caught off-guard again."
Adrian met his gaze with quiet resolve. "You have my word, Jiang Han."
With that, the room emptied, and Jiang Han was left to contemplate the delicate balance he had to maintain—building a formidable organisation while protecting the people he held dear. The clock was ticking, and every decision now held the weight of the future.