The Company
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After a lengthy journey to Argentina, Mathis finally emerged from the chaos of the airport. The vibrant energy of Buenos Aires pulsed around him, but he couldn't shake the heaviness in his chest—a constant reminder of the mission's stakes. Bree, ever efficient, had already secured a car and was navigating them toward the sprawling metropolis. As they drove, the wind howled outside, prompting Mathis to roll down the window. He closed his eyes, savoring the warm breeze that caressed his face—a fleeting moment of peace amid the storm brewing within him. The hum of cars passing on the streets was the only noise, wrapping him in a bubble of false serenity.
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How did I end up here? he thought, letting the moment wash over him. For just a second, he wanted to forget about the Shadow Front, the betrayals, and the bloodshed. But the calm never lasted long, and the weight of what was to come pressed down on him again.
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Opening his eyes, he turned to Bree. "So, have you made arrangements for a hotel?"
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She looked at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I made a reservation at the luxurious Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel."
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Mathis studied her, trying to read beyond her casual tone. Bree always seemed so unruffled, so in control, but there was something in her eyes—something that mirrored his own unease. "That sounds like it might be quite costly," he murmured, half-expecting her to reveal a hidden reason for choosing such a place.
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She just smiled wider, her gaze steady. "I figured we could use a good bed."
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As Bree cruised through the city, the warm glow of the streetlights illuminated their path, casting long shadows on the walls. The hotel was a grand, modern structure, its upscale aesthetic exuding an air of sophistication that felt almost out of place in their line of work. Once inside their room, Mathis gazed out the window at the sprawling cityscape, feeling a strange mix of isolation and purpose. He reached for his phone, the weight of the upcoming mission settling on his shoulders.
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"I've just checked in at the hotel. Any updates?" he inquired, his voice betraying a hint of impatience.
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"Hey, Mathis, we stumbled upon a company called Nexta-net. They plan to release new software next Monday, so it seems like the right company. Their office is out of town, but I'll provide you with the coordinates," his old friend informed him, the words crackling through the line.
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Mathis paused, his mind racing. Nexta-net? It was just a name, but the implications could be enormous. He couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of this so-called software company.
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"I'm curious: do you have any information about the company's owner?"
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"Unfortunately, we haven't seen any substantial leads yet; it's just a front company. However, we're actively pursuing the investigation, and I'll keep you updated on any developments," his friend assured him.
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Mathis ended the conversation, his thoughts swirling with possibilities. He turned his gaze toward Bree, who was now reclining provocatively on the bed, her eyes locking onto his with a sultry intensity. For a moment, he hesitated. What are we doing? he wondered, the line between his professional duty and personal desires blurring. But then, he pushed those thoughts aside and approached her, sitting on the edge of the bed.
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As their eyes met in a wordless exchange, he felt a surge of conflicting emotions—desire, guilt, and something deeper, more dangerous. His fingertips gently traced the contours of her hair, caressing each strand before gliding down to her cheek. The warmth of her skin under his touch sent a jolt of electricity through him, awakening a primal need he hadn't felt in a long time.
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But as their lips met, that familiar gnawing sense of dread lingered at the edges of his mind. Is this a mistake? he questioned silently. Yet, as he kissed her, the question faded into the background, replaced by the overwhelming need to lose himself in the moment.
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Their intimate connection was abruptly interrupted by the sharp beep of his phone. Mathis reluctantly pulled away, glancing at the screen. "We've got the coordinates for the company."
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Bree's expression shifted from disappointment to resolve as she rose from the bed. Without a word, they swiftly left the hotel, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. As they drove, the silence was heavy, the recent intimacy now a distant memory. Mathis kept his eyes on the road, but his mind kept drifting back to Bree. Is this all we are now—two people on a mission, using each other to forget the darkness that surrounds us?
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The surrounding area grew increasingly desolate with each passing mile, a stark contrast to the bustling city they had just left behind. The loneliness of the road seeped into Mathis's bones, heightening the sense of isolation that had been gnawing at him since they arrived.
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As they finally reached a quiet, isolated road on the city's outskirts, Mathis's eyes fell upon a sprawling structure by the waterfront. Bringing the vehicle to a stop, he retrieved a pair of binoculars and began calmly surveying the surroundings. The tower appeared imposing, enclosed by a perimeter fence, while guards maintained a regular patrol on foot and in vehicles. The air smelled of salt and distant rain, the tension thickening as he realized how fortified the building was.
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This won't be easy, he thought, a familiar metallic taste of fear settling on his tongue. "The building is heavily fortified. I recommend we attempt this at night. Take a look for yourself."
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Passing the binoculars to Bree, he watched as she surveyed the scene. Her brow furrowed in concentration, her breathing steady. She was always calm under pressure.
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Under the cloak of night, Mathis and Bree cautiously made their way toward a towering office building adorned with dazzling lights that pierced through the darkness. The city felt eerily deserted, as if the very air had taken on the weight of their mission. Most of the staff had departed, leaving the streets silent, save for the faint hum of distant traffic. The duo approached a formidable fence marked with bold trespassing warnings. Mathis, ever the professional, skillfully handled a laser cutter, igniting a shower of sparks as it sliced through the metal barrier. The only sound in the stillness was the gentle whir of the tool, yet his mind was a storm of thoughts.
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This should have been a straightforward job, Mathis mused, his jaw tightening. In and out, no complications. So why do I feel like we're walking into a trap?
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Bree, standing beside him, was equally on edge. Her eyes darted to the shadows, scanning for any sign of movement. She couldn't shake the unease gnawing at her gut. We've done jobs like this before, so why does this one feel different? Bree wondered. She glanced at Mathis, catching the tension in his posture. For a moment, she considered voicing her concerns but decided against it. He's got enough on his mind without me adding to it.
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With the fence breached, they slipped through the opening and ventured into the enclosed area. A hush fell over the surroundings, the once faint city noise now completely drowned out by the pounding of their own hearts. The sound of their footsteps echoed across the expansive green expanse, a stark contrast to the isolation they felt. They suddenly stopped beside a motionless truck, a solitary figure of tranquility in the vast open area. It seemed like the perfect moment to advance, but a glance at the increased number of guards made them both uneasy.
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Mathis clenched his fists. Damn it, I hate it when Intel is wrong. He glanced at Bree, who was already eyeing the guards with calculated precision. She's always so calm, even when things go south. How does she do it?
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Bree noticed his gaze and offered a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Stay focused, Mathis. We've handled worse. She tried to project confidence, but the sight of so many guards was unnerving. We can't afford any mistakes tonight.
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When the opportunity presented itself, they dashed across the road and hurried toward the side entrance door. The urgency in Mathis's voice was barely concealed. "Pick up the pace, Bree," he whispered urgently, glancing over his shoulder as two guards appeared to be heading in their direction.
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"I'm on it," Bree responded, her voice steady despite the rising tension. She carefully extracted a small, sleek box from her pocket. Placing the device against the electronic lock, she watched as it emitted a soft beep. The lock's indicator changed from red to green, and she felt a brief flicker of relief. At least something's going right tonight. As the door swung open, they hurried inside, narrowly avoiding the guards as they rounded the corner.
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"That was a close call," Bree muttered, wiping beads of sweat from her forehead. "We'll need to move even quicker next time."
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"Agreed," Mathis replied, his tone clipped. We can't afford any more close calls. Not with what's at stake.
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As they glanced around the emergency stairwell, Bree managed a small smile in response. The walls were illuminated with a soft, comforting green light, and discreet cameras were strategically positioned at various points. This place is too secure for comfort, Bree thought, her mind racing as she assessed their situation. Whoever set this up knew exactly what they were doing.
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Mathis carefully extracted the watch from his arm, anticipation building in the air. Brillo better be right about this, he thought, pressing the two buttons as instructed, his fingers trembling with a mix of excitement and dread. He hoped the cameras were now deactivated. Slowly, they descended the stairs, hyper-aware of the surveillance cameras at every turn. Mathis silently prayed the system would function as promised, knowing the success of their mission hinged on it. If this fails, we're as good as dead.
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When they reached the basement, the main entrance to the data storage loomed ahead. Mathis bent down and opened the door slowly, peering into a long gray corridor with a guard seated at a central desk. Large glass windows lined the corridor, offering a clear view of the massive black computer systems up and running inside.
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This is it, Mathis thought, feeling the weight of the moment. No turning back now.
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He quietly turned the doorknob and slipped into the dimly lit hallway. Moving cautiously, almost as if gliding, he kept his body low and close to the wall as he approached the guard. As the guard reached for his coffee mug, Mathis acted swiftly, sliding his arm around the guard's neck and applying pressure until the man slumped unconscious in his chair.
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Bree watched from the shadows, her heart pounding. Every time he does that, I hold my breath, she thought, feeling a mix of admiration and anxiety. He makes it look easy, but I know it's anything but.
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As they approached the main door to the data center, Bree kept a sharp lookout for any patrolling guards. One wrong move, and we're done for. With a swift, stealthy movement, Mathis slipped the access card he'd taken from the guard into the lock, and the door slid open, granting them entry.
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The room was engulfed in darkness, illuminated only by a haunting blue light that cast eerie shadows. The towering black machines loomed before them, their presence imposing and otherworldly. Bree's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of 12 imposing electronic data blocks within the colossal chamber.
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How the hell are we supposed to take all of this down? Bree thought, a surge of doubt washing over her. She turned to Mathis, her astonishment clear on her face. "Is it possible for us to shut down all of these systems?"
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Mathis's mind raced. I'm no computer geek. I prefer things that go boom, not... whatever this is. He fumbled for his phone, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Hi, Brillo. I need your help."
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"Hello, Kristensen," came Brillo's calm voice on the other end. "You'll need to locate the main computer. Use the mini USB stick hidden in the watch I provided. Once you insert it into the main computer, the contents of the USB stick will install automatically."
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Mathis listened, tension mounting. This better work, or we're screwed. He glanced at Bree, who was pacing slightly, her eyes darting around the room. She's worried too. We can't afford to lose our nerve now.
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"So, Brillo, you're suggesting we simply insert the USB stick, and the computer will handle everything else?" Mathis asked, skepticism creeping into his voice.
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"Yes, Mathis," Brillo replied, his confidence unwavering.
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Mathis nodded, though he wasn't entirely convinced. This is too simple. Things are never this simple. He carefully inserted the mini USB stick into the main computer. The system responded immediately, initiating the software download, the progress displayed on a small adjacent screen. As they anxiously awaited the completion, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention.
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Bree's heart skipped a beat. Damn it, we're out of time. She shot Mathis a warning look before slipping into the hall to intercept the approaching guard. "I'll handle this," she whispered, her voice steely.
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Amid the tension, Mathis was startled by the sudden sound of gunshots, followed by Bree's piercing cry.
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"Mathis! We need to leave this place immediately!" Bree exclaimed, panic lacing her voice.
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Mathis's blood ran cold. No, no, this can't be happening now. He dashed out of the computer room, his mind reeling. The system hadn't finished downloading, and he knew leaving now could jeopardize everything. But Bree...
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He stumbled into the hallway, where Bree stood over a security guard's body, her face pale but determined. "We must get out now, or we'll be caught!" she shouted, her desperation mirroring his own.
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Mathis's mind raced. "What about the download?" he asked, torn between completing the mission and getting Bree to safety.
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"I hope it's finished," Bree replied, her voice strained. "But we can't stay to find out."
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Mathis cursed under his breath. We're in too deep. He hastily grabbed the USB stick, hoping it had done its job, and sprinted towards the exit. As they reached the door, Mathis glanced outside. The facility was eerily quiet. Too quiet. This is bad.
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"Stop! Stand still!" a guard shouted, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.
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A shrill alarm suddenly pierced the air, and Mathis's heart sank as a swarm of guards appeared, sprinting towards them. He and Bree swiftly sought refuge behind the weathered truck they had sheltered behind earlier.
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"This is about to get ugly," Mathis muttered, his mind racing with escape plans. We're trapped. How the hell are we going to get out of this?
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Bree, already reaching for her weapon, shot him a mischievous grin despite the danger. "Well, this was supposed to be a piece of cake, wasn't it, Mathis?"
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Mathis tensed as the unmistakable staccato of automatic gunfire echoed towards them. He focused intently on the truck as a guard unleashed a barrage of bullets from his assault rifle, the shots landing perilously close to Mathis's head. Reacting quickly, Mathis dropped into a crouch and returned fire, sending several rounds towards the guard.
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The guard let out a pained cry as he crumpled to the ground. More guards came running from various directions, their shouts blending with the reverberating gunfire in the expansive building. Mathis and Bree unleashed a volley of shots at the oncoming guards, the thundering sounds creating a symphony of chaos. The air was thick with the sharp crack of bullets and the anguished screams of the falling guards.
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As Mathis scanned the area, he spotted two ominous black SUVs pulling up at the entrance. Two civilian guards emerged from the building, followed by Eva. Shock and dread swept through him as he locked eyes with her.
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How did it come to this? Mathis thought, his breath catching in his throat. Eva—the woman he'd once trusted—stood there with a cruel smile, her eyes devoid of the warmth he remembered. Their past flooded back to him in an instant: the late-night conversations, the shared laughter, the missions where they had each other's backs. And now, she was on the other side, her allegiance with the Shadow Front a dagger to his heart.
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A chilling smile spread across Eva's face as her eyes turned dark with malice before she disappeared into one of the SUVs. Mathis felt as though he'd been sucker-punched in the gut by the sense of betrayal. With narrowed eyes, he swiftly aimed at the nearest guards. Bree dashed toward a small shed by the fence, prompting Mathis to follow, but he paused as he reached a towering advertising sign for the building.
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He set up the gun and breathed calmly. Turning toward the guards running towards them, he squeezed the trigger. Bullets flew out of the barrel, and the screams of wounded guards filled the air as they fell to the ground.
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Mathis blinked before pulling the trigger again, sending bullets toward the large truck they had been hiding behind earlier. A massive explosion followed as the truck erupted in flames, throwing several guards aside from the force of the blast. Mathis scanned the area to ensure no more guards were nearby before noticing the two black SUVs pulling away.
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As the SUVs disappeared into the distance, a part of him wanted to chase after them—to demand answers from Eva, to know why she had chosen this path. But he knew better. There were no answers that could heal the wound she had just inflicted.
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He quietly holstered his gun and rushed toward the fence, where he met Bree. Together, they leaped into the waiting car and sped away from the chaotic scene. A deep sadness lingered in their eyes as they shared wordless emotions—the distant echoes of explosions adding to the tense atmosphere between them.
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