“Alright, let’s look at the possible courses of action for Miss Lind.” I say, momentarily glancing at Neil before focusing on the computer screen again. “While we could keep sending her nullification scrolls to dampen the excessive spell amplification, it's likely to dent our FCR. You're familiar with FCR, aren't you, Neil?”

He nods. “First Call Resolution. It’s the KPI that…”

“Exactly, that measures our efficiency in resolving a customer's issue on the first try. It's good to see you've been paying attention during our training sessions.” I give him an approving smile. “Given her history, I'm skeptical that scrolls alone will do the trick. Another approach we could consider is…”

“To dispatch someone for field support.” Neil interjects, completing my thought.

“I must admit, I'm curious to witness her situation firsthand. However, with limited SMEs present, I wouldn’t want the team to feel unsupported, especially by having to turn to our TL for assistance.” I chuckle, motioning towards Alliana, who was momentarily startled awake by her ringing phone.

Neil leans in, “If you're keen, perhaps you could ask Alli-”

“I'd rather not bother her over something minor. Instead, draft an incident report and forward it to me after our call. I'll liaise with Workforce to alert any available agents to this field task.”

Neil raises an eyebrow, “You seem a tad let down.”

I simply nod as I release the hold on the call, “Miss Lind, thank you for patiently waiting.”

“It's no trouble, Vaughn. MagicPerformax has always been a great help,” she whispers back.

“I'm glad to hear that, Miss Lind. After reviewing our options, I believe sending an agent to assess the situation firsthand would be the most effective. If you’re agreeable, a member of our team will visit you to provide on-site assistance. While we can continue with the nullification scrolls, my experience suggests a direct approach might be best in this scenario.”

“Understood. Do you need my payment details?”

“No need,” I reassure her, “Your current subscription ensures full support from MagicPerformax. However, I will need you to confirm your location so we can proceed.”

“Thank you, Vaughn. I truly appreciate the assistance.”

After verifying Lind’s details, I turn to Neil, who has just completed the fieldwork request on my laptop.

“Go ahead and forward that. I’ll touch base with Workforce soon after.”

“Will do, Vaughn.” Neil replies, and I return my attention to the call.

“Miss Lind, are you still with us? Thank you for your patience.”

“It's no problem, Vaughn.” Her soft voice carries a note of gratitude.

“Great. I just need to double-check a couple of things before we proceed with the fieldwork request. Your address—is it current as per our records?”

“Yes, that should be correct. I haven’t moved or anything.”

“Perfect, that makes things smoother. I’m going to pass this along to our field team, and they’ll be in touch to assist you directly. Before I let you go, is there anything else you might need my help with today, Miss Lind?”

“No, Vaughn, that’ll be all. I really appreciate it.”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“It’s been my pleasure, Miss Lind. Thank you for choosing MagicPerformax. Wishing you a great day ahead.”

Standing up, I turn towards Neil, who hands me his laptop with a nod.

“That was excellent work, Vaughn.” He compliments, his gaze reflecting genuine admiration. “The Subject Matter Expert position really suits you.”

“Thanks, Neil. I’m sure you’ll get your shot too. Just keep at it.” I reply, giving him an encouraging smile. As I glance across the room, I catch Alliana’s gaze. She's upright now, her attention locked on the giant plasma screen that usually showcases the attrition rates but now blazes with a stark, flashing blue with her name on it. My attempt to voice my curiosity is drowned out by an urgent, blaring announcement.

“Code blue, code blue. Team Leader Willingford. Team Leader Willingford. Please proceed to the Workforce Bay immediately. We repeat, please proceed to the Workforce Bay immediately.”

“What’s happening, Vaughn?” Neil asks, his voice a mix of confusion and concern.

“We’re about to find out,” I murmur, watching as Alliana strides towards me with a look that spells urgency.

Alliana grabs my arm, her grip firm, and pulls me along. “Come on, Vaughn.”

“TL, what’s this about?” I ask, signaling Neil with a nod to ensure he submits the fieldwork request.

“Code blue, Vaughn,” Alliana says, not slowing her pace. “You remember what that means, right?”

I rack my brain, the term ‘code blue’ triggering a cascade of emergency protocols I’ve learned but never had to invoke. “A security breach within the premises, typically related to an entity or an incident involving...”

“A Team Leader,” she completes my sentence, just as we enter the Workforce Bay, the hub of our operational world.

The Workforce Bay greets us with its usual grandeur, transformed in this moment of crisis. This is where the undercurrent of our daily operations turns into a powerful torrent, driving the company's mission forward. The room, expansive and lined with the latest technology, feels even more imposing under the weight of the code blue. Monitors that should be alive with the colorful dance of data are now a monochrome blue, casting a spectral light over huddled groups of analysts. Their faces are etched with concern, a rare break from the usual focus and efficiency we're accustomed to.

The bay, usually buzzing with a symphony of clicks and muted conversations, is eerily silent, save for the soft hum of machines and the occasional shuffle of feet. Spotlights overhead puncture the dimness, centering on a large circular table that serves as the command station. It's here that Olivia stands, the embodiment of workforce management, her expression solemn as she prepares to debrief us.

We approach the central table, the rest of the room blurring into the background. It’s a stark contrast to the typically organized chaos of the bay, where the air is thick with the promise of resolution and the tension of the unknown.

“Team Leader Willingford, Subject Matter Expert Vaughn,” Olivia greets us with a formal bow, her youthful face belying the gravity in her eyes. “Thank you for coming immediately.”

Alliana, with a practiced grin that doesn't quite reach her eyes, replies, “The pleasure is ours, Olivia. What’s the situation?”

Olivia’s movements are deliberate as she extends a sleek tablet toward Alliana, its surface reflecting the somber light of the room. The silence hangs heavy as I stand by, the weight of anticipation a tangible force between us. Alliana, with a practiced stillness that belies the sigh escaping her lips, takes the tablet with a steadiness that commands respect.

I lean in, an involuntary response driven by curiosity, but TL's firm hand and the quiet sigh she releases direct the tablet towards me instead. Her fingers brush against the cool, smooth edges, passing on the burden of knowledge.

“Is he causing trouble, again?” Alliana’s voice, usually firm and decisive, now carries a hint of weariness.

Olivia’s nod is subtle, her eyes never leaving Alliana’s. “The demonic entity you subdued last month has re-emerged,” she confirms, her voice a blend of respect and concern. “It’s disrupting the west re-exploration line, hindering vital supplies for our heroes.”

The gravity of the situation sets in as I absorb the contents of the tablet. On the screen, Alliana's official photo stands out, her composure impeccable amidst the chaos of the crisis. Below her image, the operation details scroll slowly. The text, crisp and clear against the backlight, details a scenario of urgency and danger.

“That… thing converts humans to his own,” Alliana states flatly, her voice now stripped of its usual warmth as she addresses the menace they face.

Olivia, in response, nods solemnly, her features etched with the gravitas of their roles. “Management has sanctioned lethal force to neutralize the threat,” she declares, her gaze shifting to meet Alliana's squarely. “Would you prefer to assemble a team for this mission, Team Leader?”

Alliana considers the offer, her gaze wandering momentarily to the network of agents listed as available before settling back on Olivia. “I usually work alone,” she begins, a flicker of contemplation crossing her features before decisiveness takes hold. “But this time, I’ll bring him.” A sudden point of her finger singles me out from the sea of operatives.

My heart hammers a frantic rhythm against my ribs. “T-TL?!” I stammer, the title a question, a protest, an honor—all at once.