Morning light had just begun to slip through the window when a sharp knock echoed on Sofia's bedroom door.
Knock knock knock!
The sound was urgent—almost anxious. Frowning, Sofia quickly tidied her messy hair and threw on a light jacket before opening the door.
Outside stood Viktor, slightly out of breath, with Altair behind him wearing a serious expression.
"What's going on this early?" Sofia asked, puzzled.
"We need to talk. Now," Viktor said quickly. Without waiting, the three of them made their way to a small briefing room in the base. A long wooden table and several metal chairs greeted them, cluttered with scattered documents.
Once seated, Altair opened the discussion.
"Sofia… another military outpost has fallen."
Sofia narrowed her eyes. "Huh? But we've cut ties with them, haven't we?"
Viktor nodded slowly, but his expression remained tense. "True. But last night… their central headquarters sent a distress call. Directly to our main radio."
