Silence blanketed the room.
The men exchanged heavy glances.
There was only one opportunity.
Project Zero-Transit wouldn't wait.
The Semi-Finished Assets locked inside The Sanctum Vault could very well be the linchpin to The Black Sun's sinister ambitions.
They couldn't afford to walk away.
And they knew their Serena would never back down.
Nobody spoke.
Each of them was frantically organizing their internal scripts, preparing to execute the next phase of their performance.
As long as they acted convincing enough, they could fool Serena and each other, ensuring they would be the ones facing the danger while keeping her safe at home.
Just as they were all preparing to voice their 'reluctant' alternative plans, Serena broke the silence with a calm, even tone.
"I actually do have an idea."
The words died in the men's throats. They all stared at her.
Serena's expression was indifferent. "Since infiltrating together is off the table, we pivot to perimeter support."
Everyone froze.
Wasn't that exactly what they were about to suggest?
They hadn't even begun their final act, and Serena was already handing them the perfect setup?
A sudden wave of guilt washed over them. Had she seen through their ruse?
But looking at her face, there was nothing but cool logic. The beautiful, aloof young woman seemed entirely focused on solving the tactical problem at hand.
"I am boarding that ship. There's clearly no time to forge new passes for the rest of you," she stated matter-of-factly.
"If you can't stomach the thought of me going in without backup, there's only one viable option left."
"I go in. You coordinate the external extraction."
The men's hearts skipped a beat.

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