Cyber Chronicles 2: Prime Voyage

Chapter 1: Past

Adelar pointed to a spot on the holographic map and declared, "That's the location. The kids are probably there. Our goal is the son, so we'll deal with the daughter."

Bernie raised a question, "Shouldn't we go after his friends too? They might be involved, right?"

Adelar shook his head, "Infection needs two things: exposure to the beacon for enough time and a blood relation. Not even a half-sibling would catch it." He closed the map with a mental command and sighed as he looked at his team. "Cort and Jaeger, focus on beacon retrieval. Bernie and I will keep watch. Move fast. Police might show up at the target's house within an hour. Get the beacon, deal with the sister before they arrive." Pausing, he waited for nods from his team before continuing.

"This is a risky mission," Adelar emphasized. "Our target is uncharted territory, despite all the tests we've run on this subject. Move carefully, especially when grabbing the beacon."

"Yes sir!" His squadmates responded, saluting in acknowledgment.

Adelar scrutinized his squad once more, detecting determination beneath the serious expressions, yet sensing the underlying nerves. Memories of his own anxieties resurfaced, a stark reminder of the emotions he had once grappled with.

"Bernie, start the van. Streets should be clear at this hour, so we can speed to the target's house. There's no time to waste," Adelar instructed, his voice cutting through the tension.

Adelar's figure dissolved into the holographic room's walls as he walked out. The technology swallowed his image, leaving the room void of its previous intensity. Subsequently, Bernie picked up the projector, signaling a shift in their surroundings. The holographic illusions dissipated, unveiling the reality of an almost empty parking lot.

The ambient glow of dim overhead lights cast a muted glow, revealing Bernie now positioned at the wheel, ready to propel the vehicle into action. In the back seat, the rest of the group huddled together, anticipation etched across their faces.

The engine roared to life, and the van raced out of the parking lot.

Approaching their destination, the back-seat passengers began gearing up. Adelar let out a sigh of relief as they navigated the dimly lit neighborhood without encountering any police presence. His thoughts echoed within, discontent surfacing. "Such a law enforcement service is why this country will be overthrown," he mused to himself, the undercurrent of dissatisfaction palpable.

Jaeger and Cort gracefully exited the van, donning meticulously crafted police disguises. Bernie, a vigilant observer, followed their approach to the front door. "I hope the uniforms are convincing enough," Bernie remarked, tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel.

"Just fooling two kids," Adelar responded calmly, his unwavering gaze focused on the unfolding scenario.

"You're right," Bernie said, a tense smile playing on his lips.

Cort confidently rang the doorbell, while Jaeger maintained a vigilant stance. A palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air as they waited, but the house appeared deserted. Frustrated, Jaeger, in a burst of annoyance, stomped on the porch, signaling for them to return to the van.

Back inside the vehicle, Cort and Jaeger delivered their report – no one was home. Adelar's frustration echoed as he slammed the van door. "Shit!"

A somber atmosphere enveloped them, the rest silently watching Adelar. Bernie cautiously asked, "Now what?"

Adelar took a deep, shaky breath, closing his eyes. A holographic screen materialized before him, revealing that thirty critical minutes had passed since the killing. A pivotal decision loomed – leave or formulate a new plan.