As the emerald floor of the bay darkened with rippling indigo to match the evening skies, Aurora rolled over with a contented sigh amidst the tropical warmth.
"I suppose vigilance still holds wisdom at the fore. But just for today..."
As her companions murmured agreement, a familiar ping echoed unexpectedly in their minds.
The system's chiming notification heralded a message simultaneously anticipated and unlooked for...
...
The last tangerine rays of sunset were fading when that now too familiar chime sounded in their minds, instantly killing the vibe.
Aurora shot upright where she'd been chilling in the sand, skin crawling with sudden suspicion.
"Ugh, here we go.." she muttered, exchanging an uneasy look with her companions.
When the SYSTEM next spoke, its smooth genderless voice oozed sly satisfaction.
