Our speedboat sliced through the waves, surging toward its destination. I stood near the bow, gripping the metal railing as the salty wind whipped through my hair.
Even in a standard military uniform, the sea chill bit through the fabric.
I must complete this mission, I thought. Everything depends on it.
A small, triangular island emerged from the horizon.
"Slow down, Daniel. We're getting close," I shouted to the pilot.
My words drew the attention of the other two team members. One of them, a young soldier nicknamed Skull, wore a tactical jacket with an ammo bandolier slung across his chest. His face was hidden behind a grim skull mask.
"Captain, this is our last mission, right?" Skull asked, his voice muffled by the mask.
"Yes, Skull," I replied, scanning the deck. "Where is Raya? Call her over.
"I'm right here, Captain Rodwel!" Raya called back cheerfully. She was sitting at the very edge of the stern, casually holding a fishing rod. "Captain, do you want to eat this eel? I just caught it!"
A vein throbbed in my forehead."YOU... WE ARE HERE FOR A MISSION!" I roared.
She flinched backward, nearly dropping her catch. "Sorry, sir! Lieutenant Raya, at your service!" she squeaked, throwing up a dramatic, exaggerated salute.
Skull chuckled at the display. Daniel joined us from the cockpit, barely hiding a smirk of his own.
"Listen, Raya, you are the most junior officer here. Listen to your superiors," I sighed, rubbing my temples."Yes, sir!" she replied, stiffening up like a machine.
"Ahem... right. I think everyone is ready," I said, looking around.
"Daniel, prepare for the briefing."