Night — Garage 17
A cold wind swept through the air outside. The sky was overcast, as if it knew something big was about to happen.
Paul stood at the workbench, reviewing documents, while Marcus sat on the hood of a car, absentmindedly flipping a pocketknife in his hand.
Suddenly, Paul's phone rang.
The ringtone was distinctive—secure line. He immediately recognized the call.
Caller ID: "Langston – FBI HQ."
Paul picked up.
> Langston (firm, deep voice):
"Paul. We've confirmed it. Zero Divide is making a move tonight."
Paul stood up straighter.
"Where?"
> Langston:
"They're conducting a major transaction. Location: a covert dock near Washington. This isn't routine—they're sending something to Tokyo. Could be weapons… or data."
Paul closed his eyes briefly, then nodded.
"Got it. Send the coordinates."
> Langston:
"One more thing. The Field Division is calling you in. They need you on the ground tonight."
Paul replied calmly but firmly:
"I'm on my way."
He ended the call.
Marcus turned to him, reading Paul's expression.
"So we're scrapping the infiltration mission?"
Paul shook his head.
"No. Robinson and the others still go to the garage. But we… we're heading to Washington."
Marcus hopped down and started getting ready.
"Finally—real action."
Their black car roared to life and pulled out of the garage, tires screeching softly over the damp pavement.
Inside the cabin, Paul slid on a comm headset. Langston's voice returned:
> Langston:
"Surveillance units are already in place. But be careful, Paul. These guys aren't playing around this time."
Paul stared into the dark road ahead, his expression sharp and cold.
"Neither am I."
Interstate Highway — 9:43 PM
The night sky was pitch black, lit only by the pale moon and scattered streetlights.
Paul's black car sped smoothly down the interstate. Inside the cabin, the mood was tense but controlled.
Marcus broke the silence.
"So… we're taking down Zero Divide. The group we've been infiltrating for years. And now they're shipping something off to Japan?"
Paul kept his eyes on the road, answering calmly,
"This isn't just a shipment. This could be access codes to international systems. If it gets out…"
Marcus cut in, "The whole world could get screwed."
Paul nodded.
> "That's why we can't be late. They only open the window once. After that, the port goes dark."
The GPS voice chimed in:
> "Estimated arrival: 1 hour, 32 minutes."
Marcus tapped through a satellite map on a compact tactical tablet mounted on the dash.
"Main route might get crowded. But if we cut through the industrial back roads, we can save about ten minutes."
Paul replied,
"We don't know if those roads are clean. But we don't have a choice."
He pressed a button on the steering wheel. The nav screen switched to tactical mode, displaying alternate routes, surveillance points, and thermal signals near the port.
> Paul:
"Zero Divide will have patrols. We're not going in through the front. We'll stop before the perimeter and go in on foot."
Marcus grinned, tightening his gloves.
"Been a while since we did an op like this. Last time, I still had a girlfriend who wasn't crazy."
Paul gave a faint smirk, but his eyes stayed sharp.
A distant traffic light turned green just as they crossed a quiet industrial intersection.
Suddenly—GPS signal interference.
The screen flickered. Marcus's tablet displayed a warning:
> "Signal interference detected. Source unknown."
Paul tensed immediately.
"They know we're coming."
Marcus reached into the dashboard and pulled out a compact sidearm.
"You think that's enough to make us turn around?"
Paul answered coldly,
"Not tonight."
The car surged forward, now speeding through the back roads—toward the Washington docks, and the heart of Zero Divide's territory.
The cold night wind swept across the Washington port. The lights above the shipping yard flickered dimly, casting long shadows between towering cargo containers.
Paul and Marcus crouched behind a freight truck, eyes locked on the massive cargo ship in the distance — the Night Serpent — the heart of Zero Divide's midnight transaction.
Suddenly—
A black Toyota Supra roared into the dockside, tires screeching as it came to a sudden halt. The door flung open.
Two figures stepped out:
1. Robinson — in a leather jacket and cargo pants, gaze sharp and full of fire.
2. Marcus's girlfriend — hair tied back, dressed in a black tactical jacket… and pointing a pistol directly at them.
Paul stood instantly, eyes narrowing in shock.
"What are you doing here?! This isn't your fight. Especially not you, Rob. It's dangerous."
Marcus stepped forward slowly, confused.
"Babe… the gun? Are you here to help, or is there something you're not telling me?"
She didn't answer immediately. Her expression was tense — not hostile, but resolute.
Finally, she spoke.
"I know you're undercover agents. FBI. I know this is a mission. But this is personal for me too."
Silence.
Robinson stepped forward.
"Zero Divide... they're the reason my mom suffered. I can't just sit back anymore. I know you're FBI, Paul. I know you're my father. But this fight is mine now too."
Paul stared at his son, conflicted — proud, but deeply worried.
"You don't understand, Rob. Tonight they're transferring data — shipping routes, dark money accounts, real names. If we fail, they disappear."
Marcus looked at his girlfriend.
"You said it's personal. What do you mean?"
She lowered the pistol slightly. Her voice was low but clear.
"My brother… used to work for Zero Divide. They killed him when he got too close to the truth. I didn't join the racing world for the thrill. I joined to find them."
Paul scanned the shadows — security lights were moving. Time was running out.
"Alright," Paul said. "We work together. But one mistake, and there won't be a second chance."
Marcus smirked.
"Just like old times. Two agents. One stubborn kid. And one ice-cold woman on a mission."
Robinson popped open the Supra's trunk.
Inside: two helmets, a tactical laptop, and a pair of compact firearms.
"So… where do we start?"
Paul pointed toward the looming shadow of the Night Serpent ship.
> "That vessel is their hub. The data's being uploaded from there. One of us goes in quiet. The others cause a distraction."
A searchlight swept past. Footsteps echoed. Security was closing in.
The mission had begun.