The C.I.S.R.T. office carried its usual rhythm of quiet tension.

Case reports were scattered across the central table, a half-finished pot of coffee cooling beside them. The steady whir of the ceiling fan mingled with the faint scratch of pen on screen as Seth jotted notes into his ever-present digital notebook.

Captain Zhu Yuan stood by the window, adjusting her tomato plant before turning back to the squad. Her smile was calm, practiced—though the slight tap of her foot betrayed anticipation. Zhu Yuan: "Alright, everyone. Today’s not about case files—it’s about welcoming our newest member. So let’s at least try to look like we’re presentable."

On the couch, Qingyi didn’t even look up from her cup of hot water. She scrolled lazily through a holographic feed, her voice coming out smooth and unhurried. Qingyi: "Presentable? You’re asking the impossible, Zhu. Half of us still look like we slept on the floor."

Her gaze flicked toward Seth, who stiffened slightly. His uniform was neat enough, but the messy fur along his ears and tail gave him away. He bristled. Seth: "I was reviewing last week’s case reports all night. Some of us take the job seriously."

Jane Doe, perched on the corner of a desk, let out a low chuckle. She twirled her chained blade in one hand, tail curling idly. Jane Doe: "Oh, please. Don’t get all high and mighty, rookie. You’ve been out of the academy what, a few months? The ink’s barely dry on your certificate."

Seth’s ears pinned back as his tail lashed once. He folded his arms defiantly and huffed Seth: "That’s—different. At least I earned my spot here."

Jane slid off the desk with feline grace, closing the space between them until her shoulder brushed his. Her grin widened, sharp but playful. Jane Doe: "Mm, sure, kitten. Keep telling yourself that. I bet our new friend has more field sense than you already." She quipped, wrapping an arm around Seth's shoulder and leaning into his personal space

Seth immediately groaned, his cheeks turning a shade of pink as he tried to push away from Jane without shoving her Seth: "Jane-! I told you not to do that!`"

Zhu Yuan cleared her throat, her warm voice cutting through the playful spat before it could escalate. Zhu Yuan: "Enough. Save the energy for missions, not each other." She softened, glancing at the door. "Besides… our recruit should be arriving any moment."

Qingyi tilted her head toward the entrance, sipping her water with her usual calm. Qingyi: "Correction—make that right now."

The chatter stilled as the office door swung open. Light spilled across the room, and the squad turned to face the doorway.

It was you—the newest addition to New Eridu’s Criminal Investigation Special Response Team. What do you do now?*