Shadows of Secrecy

Clash in the Cold: Schmidt vs. Hastings

As Schmidt strolled through the snow-covered streets of Kiel, Eva's voice chimed through the earpiece, "Hey, Schmidt, don't forget to grab some fresh tomatoes for dinner."

Schmidt, his breath visible in the cold air, replied with a grin, "Tomatoes, got it. Anything else, Chef Eva?"

Eva chuckled, "Oh, and we're out of chocolate. You know, for emergencies."

Schmidt teased, "Emergency chocolate? You got it. Anything to keep the squad happy."

The supermarket loomed ahead, its neon lights casting an eerie glow on the icy pavement. Schmidt entered, pushing a cart through the aisles. Suddenly, a familiar voice whispered behind him, "You should wear a disguise next time, Agent Schmidt."

Startled, Schmidt turned to face James Hastings, a Phoenix Directive agent he had crossed paths with before. In a playful tone, Schmidt quipped, "A disguise? How about a milk carton on your head?"

He swiftly grabbed a nearby milk carton, tossing it towards Hastings. The supermarket erupted into chaos as the two engaged in a fast-paced, acrobatic brawl amid flying groceries and shattered glass.

In the midst of the fight, Schmidt attempted to call for reinforcements. Eva answered, "Hey, you done with your groceries?"

Schmidt's tone shifted urgently, "No time for jokes now, Eva. I'm in hot water." He ended the call, focusing on the relentless clash with Hastings. The ambient sounds of the supermarket, from crashing shelves to distant music, heightened the intensity of their struggle.

As Schmidt struggled to catch his breath, Hastings, standing over him, uttered venomous words, "You're nothing, Schmidt. You contribute nothing to your organization. The only reason you became an agent was because of your good old friend, Doctor Müller." A sinister laughter echoed through the now desolate supermarket as Schmidt lay unconscious, the bitter truth hanging in the cold, silent air.

Schmidt, enduring the pain, denied the harsh truth. "No, that's not true," he gasped, each word punctuated by the difficulty of breathing. A prolonged pause followed as he fought to speak. "I've proven myself worthy..." Another agonizing pause, interrupted by the searing pain in his right leg from another bullet shot. Despite the agony, he defiantly added, "You just suck, And remember... You're nothing more than a clown trying to be funny..."

As the fight reached a climax, Schmidt's playful banter turned into desperate gasps for breath. He managed to squeeze out one last plea, "Help... Kiel. Supermarket... Phoenix Directive..." before Hastings ruthlessly silenced him with another gunshot.

The supermarket, once filled with shoppers and cheerful music, now stood eerily silent. Schmidt's body lay unconscious amidst the wreckage, a stark contrast to the chaotic battleground just moments before.

As Eva wakes Lukas up at noon, he groggily mutters, "I'll catch up on some TV." Flipping through channels, he stumbles upon a news article, "Man Found Dead in Local Supermarket." Eva, shocked, drops her mug, exclaiming, "That's Schmidt." Lukas, reacting in German, adds a frustrated, "Was zum Teufel!" They rush to the supermarket, seeking answers.

Upon arrival, they inquire about Schmidt, witnessing nurses carrying him to the ambulance. "Schmidt, what the heck happened?" they question. His slow-eyed response carries assurance that he'll be fine.

Meanwhile, at Heilig Hospital, Müller, amidst his routine, catches wind of the news. Concerned, he tries reaching Schmidt without success. Fearing the worst, he contacts Eva, seeking reassurance. Learning the grim truth, Müller breaks down during his shift, seeking information on Schmidt's location. They're headed to Heilig Hospital - his workplace.