I woke with a start as the shrill ring of my phone pierced the early morning silence. Fumbling for the device, I managed to answer just in time to hear the commanding voice of Alpha Orion on the other end.
"Good morning," he greeted, his tone a blend of authority and expectation. "How is the assignment progressing, Veronica?"
I straightened in bed, the gravity of the moment settling over me like a heavy cloak. "Good morning, Alpha Orion," I replied, my voice steady despite the lingering traces of sleep. "The assignment is proceeding as planned. I have made significant headway, and I am confident that success is within reach."
There was a momentary pause on the other end, the silence pregnant with anticipation. "I expect nothing less," he responded, his words laden with a quiet intensity. "Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and the rewards for your efforts will be commensurate with the magnitude of your success."
