Chapter 29: Reunion

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Ukraine's war-torn town remained silent. Its streets echoed with the haunting stillness of a shattered community. The buildings that once stood tall were mere skeletons. The rubble whispered the sad story of lives lost and dreams crushed.

Within the dreary city, a bunker stood untouched by destruction. Its faded concrete walls, pocked with bullet holes, stood. The entrance, concealed behind a broken wooden door, was almost invisible amidst the debris and fallen bricks.

Two Disavowed agents, armed with assault rifles, stood sentinel at the entryway. Their gazes scanned the surroundings for signs of movement.

Inside, Orchid was in the comm room. In the soft light of computer screens, it buzzed with activity.

Since the Stalker attack, the Disavowed sought another base of operations. They weighed several criteria when choosing. They needed a well-hidden, difficult-to-detect location with multiple entry/exit points. In addition, it had to provide a path to resources while reducing the risk of enemy discovery.

When they discovered the bunker, it checked all the boxes. However, it came with challenges. It lacked proper ventilation and natural light, making it cramped.

The limited space also posed a challenge, forcing them to adjust their equipment and supplies. Despite these flaws, the bunker's secrecy and fortified structure made it their only chance at survival.

While facing the monitors, Orchid remembered a week had passed. She winced when reaching for her ear transmitter. She glanced at the bandages around her right arm, concealing the gashes left by a Stalker unit from the attack. To lessen the injury, Orchid tapped the transmitter with her left hand.

"Black Flower to Oriental Tiger, come in," Orchid said. No response came. "Oriental Tiger, come in." Silence again. She sighed. Please, Jago, respond. I get it. Transmitters might not be your thing-

"This is... Oriental Tiger, right? Over? These code names are so weird," the monk said.

At least he's learning. "How far are you and Carrie at?"

"We're fifteen minutes from the apartment."

"Listen, that area's no longer secure."

"What? Why?"

"I'll explain everything when you arrive. Do you still have the GPS device?"

"I do."

"Okay. Give me five minutes to update it." Orchid typed on the keyboard. "You haven't told me how you and Carrie can arrive."

"Pemba is helping us with that."

"Pemba? The supposed shapeshifter?"

"Yes. It sounds like you don't believe that."

"Let's say I'm a woman who wants proof rather than trust someone's claims," Orchid said.

"You'll meet Pemba once we arrive," Jago said. "Just don't have your agents shoot at us."

"Don't fret, brother. You're in safe hands. One question: What should we expect pending your arrival?"

"There will be a giant bird with multicolored feathers. You won't miss it."

"A massive bird, huh? Alright. I'll inform my agents to monitor for unusual sightings. Black Flower, out."

"Oriental Tiger, out."

Orchid leaned back in her chair, musing. Although it sounded absurd, she had seen stranger things in her career.

"Petite Fleur?"

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