As the dust settled, Rina and Mikaela stepped cautiously from the shadows. The Citadel Special Forces—armored in cutting-edge servo suits and bristling with advanced weaponry—had already swept the area, leaving no trace of resistance. One of the officers, helmet off to reveal sharp, disciplined features, approached them.
Special Forces Officer (stern but calm): "Rina Kael? InsurLink's contractor for the VIP extraction?"
Rina nodded, her posture relaxed but professional.
Rina: "That's me. VIP secured and unharmed."
The officer's gaze shifted to Mikaela, his eyes scanning her briefly before nodding to his team.
Special Forces Officer: "We've confirmed your intel upload. Bioweapon development verified. This site's been flagged for immediate decommission. Extraction protocol for the VIP is underway. Follow us to the transport."
Mikaela, wide-eyed, stayed close to Rina as they were guided to a sleek evac aircraft. Its turbines hummed ominously as drones and armored personnel ensured the perimeter remained secure. Mikaela glanced back at the now-decimated facility, the enormity of the situation finally sinking in.
Mikaela (whispering): "Are they always this… intense?"
Rina (smirking): "Welcome to the Citadel's way of doing things. They don't leave much to chance."
Inside the aircraft, the hum of engines surrounded them as it ascended. Mikaela slumped into a seat, visibly shaken but relieved. Rina sat across from her, unstrapping her gear and leaning back with a sigh.
Mikaela (tentatively): "So... is it always like this? I mean, the Citadel's response?"
Rina: "When you're flagged as a high-value asset and tied to a governance-level threat? Yeah. This is what happens. Like us, they have their own stakes at risk just to deliver, your rights are our obligations. We stake a deposit or pay insurance fees for the city residence, they also stake their own assets on delivering on the terms of their contract."
Mikaela (thoughtfully): "It's crazy. Where I grew up, stuff like this? Forget it. You'd be lucky if the police showed up at all. Half the time, they're worse than the criminals."
Rina tilted her head, a wry smile forming.
Rina: "That's the difference. Outside there are no incentives to fix anything because it's nobody's bottom line. Here? It's all about results. Insurance stakes mean accountability. You pay for peace, and you get it—no excuses, no bureaucracy."
Mikaela let that sink in, her gaze drifting to the armored figures sitting silently at the back of the aircraft, their presence a reminder of the system's efficiency.
Mikaela (softly): "I guess... all those fees and staked deposits really are worth it."
Rina (snorting): "Told you. Now you've got a story to tell—if you survive the paperwork. Part of the CEO assets within the citadels should have already been seized and liquidated to indemnify you."
Mikaela laughed lightly, the tension easing from her shoulders.
Mikaela (grinning): "As long as I don't end up back in another 'meat-processing' warehouse, I'll take it."
The aircraft sliced through the night sky, the Citadel's towering skyline coming into view. Mikaela stared at the gleaming city, her expression a mix of awe and gratitude.
Mikaela: "You know, for all the chaos… it's kind of amazing how this system works. Makes the rest of the world seem... broken."
Rina shrugged, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Rina: "It's not perfect. But when the stakes are this high, it gets the problem solved. And that's what matters."
As the aircraft descended toward the Citadel, its lights reflecting on their faces, Mikaela leaned back in her seat, finally allowing herself to breathe.
Mikaela (murmuring): "Guess I've got some serious stories to tell now."
Rina chuckled, closing her eyes as the aircraft landed.
The Citadel's vibrant lights shone brighter as the ramp opened. Mikaela stretched, a newfound determination visible in her demeanor. Before stepping out, inserting her hand in her hanging jacket pocket.
Mikaela: "One last thing. Humor me."
Rina narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What now?"
Mikaela grinned mischievously, searching her pockets, pulling something and placing a cat ear headband on Rina's head.
Mikaela: "Perfect! Smile for the camera."
Rina groaned, her cheeks flushing as Mikaela snapped a selfie, her own face lit with genuine laughter. The contrast between Mikaela's joy and Rina's embarrassment made the moment priceless.
Rina sighed, tugging off the headband but unable to hide a faint smile. "Just get moving before I change my mind."
Together, they stepped into the Citadel, a new chapter unfolding in the heart of its glowing, towering expanse.