As it had many times before, the powerful entity manifested in the center of the operative’s consciousness. 

Mentally demanded in its usual perfunctory manner, “Report...”

The agent was a skilled operator who made no outward show of the intrusion. Showing only a very brief sideways glance to ensure nothing unusual had been detected by the target, then moving to a secluded area for the unscheduled update.

“...Report...”

The entity repeated as the agent reached seclusion.

Narrowed eyes were the only outward sign the operative showed at the deep irritation of the mental invasion. The spy had already learned that replying with anything but perfect obedience was not advised. The discomfort of past noncompliance was well remembered. 

The agent kept a neutral tone, biting out a response through mentally clenched teeth... 

Stolen story; please report.

As previously reported. All is proceeding as planned. The target is unaware and in place. The agent’s jawline tightened and then went off-topic. The target is not as stupid or foolish as you implied, certainly naive– 

The spy got no further before bending over in agony as unrestrained energy erupted mentally like a sudden lightning storm over open water. The stinging crackling filled every conscious corner and continued without stopping. 

Despite the unexpected use of the ongoing torture, the entity continued communication without passion as if it was merely disciplining an uncooperative child, a distasteful but expected duty. 

“... I am disappointed I need to remind you that the completion of this mission is imperative. You have no idea of the threat we face and what I am willing to do to stop it... Circling back to the matter at hand ... Our target must assume control of this operation for it to have any meaning. Are you prepared for this?”

Eyes rolling with pain, all the agent could muster was a head nod and doubled-up fists while trying to avoid a stumble that would alert the nearby target something was wrong.

The mind-splitting static detonation continued for several more moments before stopping. The operative was left huddled in a ball, dragging in ragged but stifled breaths.

“... Very well. Proceed.” The entity commanded, and its presence departed as quickly as it had come.