Alyn's disdain was palpable as she dismissed the idea of collaborating with some "upper crust British lad" with a theatrical display of disgust, complete with a cringe-worthy attempt at a British accent.
"What's he gonna do, spill a spot of burning hot tea on the soldiers?" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Her cousin and superior, Jackie, attempted to assuage her resistance. "Come on, Lyn. He won't be that bad. I hear he's got about four hundred kills to his name in this war alone. I know you don't like working with others, but you have to give this a chance, cuz. That Russian president has nothing on y'all together! You have the brains, and from what I hear, he has the brute force. It'll be perfect!"
Meanwhile, in London.
Rolling his eyes, Ryan grumbled, "Me?! Work with some French girl? What's she gonna do, choke them with baguettes?" His aversion to collaboration was evident, especially when he preferred a solitary approach to missions.
"What?!"
Ryan, on the other hand, echoed a similar sentiment when he questioned, "Boss, with all due respect... I work solo."
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"Insubordination!" his boss barked before sighing and attempting a more persuasive approach. "But... maybe this will change your mind. Would you want to know more about her though? She has about four hundred kills in this war..."
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Ryan reluctantly acquiesced, prompting his boss to reveal details about Alyn, codenamed the Crimson Queen. The description painted a picture of a strategic thinker with an inclination for complexity, adorned in attire matching her moniker.
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The information exchange set the stage for an unexpected partnership between the seemingly incompatible duo. As Jackie briefed Alyn about her new partner, she emphasized the importance of secrecy.
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"Keep your mask on. You cannot risk anyone knowing who you are. Not even your new partner. The two of you will meet tomorrow, right here. I wish you the best of luck, Dark Knight. Now, go train."
Ryan acknowledged his orders with a respectful "Yes, sir," while Alyn received her instructions with a nod of determination. However, Jackie had one more directive for Alyn.
"And one last thing, Lyn, make sure you keep that mask on. Even with him. He can't know. No one can. Anyway, go up and pack. We're going to London tomorrow. Be prepared."
"Yes, ma'am," Alyn responded with a crisp salute, prompting a more familiar interaction from Jackie.
"Aw, we're cousins. No need for the formalities when it's just us."
The stage was set for an intriguing collaboration between the Crimson Queen and the Dark Knight, a partnership born out of necessity, veiled in secrecy, and bound by the unpredictability of war.
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