The elevator ride to GoreCorp's top floor was silent, with the equipment buzz offering the only sound between Lucas and Jed. As they rose, the weight of their shared past and the approaching confrontation with Rae hung between them like a physical force.

The black wood door in their center was imposing, dividing them from the world of shadows they had long become familiar with. Lucas took a deep breath, but the proximity of the situation did little to help relieve the tension in his chest. Jed glanced at him, his normal smirk gone, replaced by a seriousness that mirrored Lucas' feelings.

Lucas marked their entrance with a forceful knock. The door creaked open slightly, just enough for the two of them to push it open and step inside.

The office emerged as imposing as ever, featuring a minimalist design that conveyed authority and control. The walls were adorned with abstract art in black and grey, with the independent pop of color coming from the red leather chair facing away from them at the big desk. As the chair slowly shifted to face them, Rae Abed revealed.

Rae's presence engulfed the entire room. Her sharp, calculating stare pierced Lucas and Jed, as if she could read their dialogue. She was older than both of them by five years, but her dominating presence made her appear much more imposing and threatening."Lucas. Jed.", Her voice was soothing but had a fierce edge that compelled respect. "I trust you both had a productive morning?"

Lucas nodded, maintaining his look composed. "We did. What is the job?"

Rae leaned back in her chair and folded her hands together. "There is a situation that requires immediate attention. A loose end that needs to be tied up."

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Jed shifted slightly, and his interest piqued. "Details?", Rae slid a single file over the desk, at them. Lucas went for it, opening it to find a collection of documents and snapshots. The target was a former GoreCorp member who had gone renegade and had been deemed a threat to the organization.

"This isn't just about elimination," Rae stated, her voice chilly. "It is about sending a message. "No one successfully crosses GoreCorp and comes out alive."

Lucas studied the target's shots, which showed a man in his early forties with an aged face and engulfing eyes. Markus Novak's name is displayed beneath the picture. He was once an outstanding agent, known for his cruelty and efficiency. But something had changed within him, and he had turned against the very individuals who had trained him.

"He's hiding in a safe house on the outer edge of town," Rae clarified, her gaze tightening. "He grasps how we operate which makes him dangerous. But he's also vulnerable—alone and terrified. Use this to your advantage."

Jed grinned, the delight of the hunt visible in his eyes. "Consider it done."

Lucas, on the other hand, retained his demeanor. "And the message?"

"Make it brutal," Rae replied without hesitation. "Make it known that betrayal is not an option."

With their assignment complete, Lucas and Jed exited the office, the door closing behind them with finality, confirming their fate for the day. They walked back to the elevator, the weight of the task ahead weighing down on them. This was the life! As they drove to the edge of town, the reality of their mission was clear. They were not only bounty hunters; they were imposing a code that required commitment and punished betrayal with merciless precision. As they reached their destination, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that the world they lived in seemed to grow darker within the day. But this was their reality—a world where every move could mean life or death, and the shadows were always lurking.