"You can't be serious, TL," I venture with a tone that seeks reassurance in the face of uncertainty, as Alliana's grin tells tales of an adventure yet to unfold. Her eyes flicker with a mischievous spark that I know all too well. She doesn't respond to my protest, instead, she gives a discreet nod to Olivia, who seems to have anticipated this turn of events.

"Understood, Team Leader," Olivia affirms with a formality that contrasts the tension. "When you initiate this operation, we'll establish a communications bridge. You'll have direct lines to workforce, the operations manager, assistant operations manager and the client."

Alliana's next instructions are crisp and clear, "Make sure all other lines are clear when we're on the bridge. We can't afford any interference." Her words hang in the air, as if carving out a private space in the spectrum of radio frequencies.

Olivia dips her head in a gesture of both respect and acknowledgment. "Understood, Team Leader. We wish you success in your operation."

A chuckle escapes Alliana as we turn to leave, the mood in the Workforce Bay tangibly lighter. "Thanks, Olivia. And remind the social media team, no unflattering angles on those glamour shots."

Back in our own bay, the plasma screens, which had been flashing blue, have reverted to their default display. It's as though the bay itself exhales, the immediate crisis now temporarily out of sight.

"TL, are you really serious about this?" I ask, my voice barely containing the rush of adrenaline at the thought. "You're taking me into a code blue situation?"

"Of course, Vaughn," Alliana replies with a certainty that steadies my nerves. "You've been behind the scenes long enough. It's time you got a taste of field work."

"But a code blue... I'm not sure I'm ready for that," I confess, the weight of the task settling on my shoulders.

She halts and faces me, her hand reassuring on my shoulder. "Don't start doubting now. You'll be fine. You've been trained by the best, remember? Managing calls is one thing, but this is where you prove yourself. Besides," she says with a nod towards the cubicles, "if you can handle that chaos, you can handle this."

Recollections of my early days under Alliana's tutelage flood my thoughts. She was often labeled an underperformer, yet she consistently chose the path of support over the more glamorous offensive roles. Her dedication to being a support, a foundation for others, had always struck me as a choice of quiet strength.

"We leave in two hours," she says, snapping me back to the present. "Get your gear ready for fieldwork."

"Yes, TL," I reply, still processing the rapid turn of events. "From the reports Olivia handed over, I assume we're going to need..."

"Anti-magic, anti-flame ammunition for your guns that is," she completes my thought with a wry smile. "We need to neutralize the threat swiftly and prevent any more corruption."

"Understood, TL. Do you need me to prepare anything for you?" I offer, ready to assist in any way I can.

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She waves off the offer with an easy smile. "No need, Vaughn. I've got my stuff ready. But thanks. I'll meet you in two hours, geared up and ready to go." Her confidence is infectious, and despite my apprehensions, I find myself nodding with a newfound resolve.

"Yes, TL. I'll be ready."

As my team leader strides away with purpose, I feel the pointed gaze of someone boring into my shoulder. Turning, I come face to face with Chelsea, clad in the same uniform as mine, her hair flowing down in a disciplined cascade, a stark contrast to the critical pallor of her scrutinizing black eyes. She steps closer, her stance projecting a challenging air.

"3578," she starts with an acerbic tone, "it appears your TL is weaving her usual brand of chaos. A code blue, really? Her lack of judgment could tarnish our site’s resolution statistics."

"My name is Vaughn," I remind her, masking my irritation with a veneer of calm. "I appreciate the recall of my ID, but a personal touch wouldn't hurt. Besides, a single case hardly impacts our overall performance metrics."

"All I need to remember is your ID," she retorts with a clipped harshness. "I can't fathom why management favored your promotion over Ace’s. Perhaps your TL has some inexplicable sway with the higher-ups—"

"Chelsea, I get it," I interject, softening my voice to temper the brewing hostility. "You're entitled to your views, but remember, you've seen the scores from my promotion test. You know I earned my place here, just as you've earned yours."

She huffs, an expression of begrudging acknowledgment crossing her features. "Just ensure that you and Alliana don't botch this code blue operation. I refuse to have my team mop up after you."

As her gaze drifts off, she's summoned by a voice from the team leader’s desk. "Chelsea, enough dallying. Our team’s abandon rate won’t lower itself!"

She scuttles off with a "Right away, TL Ava!" yet throws one last dagger-like look my way.

"You really shouldn't fraternize with that one," comes a quiet voice from behind. I turn to find Dorothy, or Dory as she prefers, her round face framed by square spectacles, her gaze lingering on Chelsea’s retreating form.

"Dorothy, you have a knack for sneaking up on people," I say, as she steps closer with a slight pout.

She rolls her eyes, "It’s just Dory, Vaughn. I'm not sure how you can be like that when there's a code blue happening though, I have to hand it to your TL. For all the pressure she’s under, she’s remarkably consistent with her QA scores." She flourishes a tablet from her bag, her finger dancing across screens filled with data.

"Thank you, Dory," I reply, a genuine smile gracing my lips. "I try my best. And I appreciate your patience, especially since I imagine our TL might dispute a QA call now and then."

She waves off the concern. "I don't mind. It's others who are harder to deal with, like Chelsea and her TL. Both of them ar-"

"Let's not go there," I say in a subdued tone, stifling a laugh. "Though from what I heard, Chelsea’s TL, Ava, is quite the performer."

"Performer?" Dory echoes. "She's among the elite. Ava's fieldwork is legendary at MagicPerformax, unmatched in skill compared to your TL, no offense."

"None taken. Alliana does tend to take a more relaxed approach," I concede with a light chuckle. "But this code blue might just be the catalyst she needs."

"I should get ready," I add, glancing at the time. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

"Sure, just make sure to come back in one piece, will you?" Dory's concern is evident, despite her casual demeanor.

"Of course," I answer as I head to the elevators.

Descending in the elevator towards the quartermaster's facility, I watch the cityscape through the glass, recognizing the outlines of MagicPerformax's competitors: Concentratus Inc. with its cutting-edge tech, and Innovative Solutions with its laid-back approach to modern magic. I recall the job offers I once received from them, tempted by their lucrative promises. But it was MagicPerformax's balance of technology and magic that won me over.

The elevator dings and I step out into the quartermaster's hall, a contrast to the bustling operations bay. It's quieter here, save for the low hum of machinery. The room is lined with a variety of gear: weapons, computers, and magical artifacts. I present my ID to the camera, waiting for the system to grant me access.

“SME 3578, welcome to the quartermaster’s facility. How can we assist you today?” the system inquires in its neutral tone.