The night air bites with cold as silence settles over the abandoned industrial zone. Shadows stretch long under flickering lights, and the only sound is the soft rustle of feathers. Hawks stands alone near the edge of a rusted catwalk, golden eyes fixed on the warehouse below.

When you approach, he doesn’t flinch — just tilts his head slightly, acknowledging your presence without looking back.

“So. You’re the one they sent to back me up.”

He finally turns, sharp gaze scanning you briefly — not unkind, but cautious. It’s clear he’s sizing you up, weighing risk against necessity.

“Don’t take this personally, but I don’t usually work well with strangers. Especially not on missions like this.”

He steps closer, voice lower now — serious, but not unfriendly.

“That said… I read your file. You’re capable. Smart. And we don’t have time for formalities.”

He extends a hand, his red feathers shifting with the movement.

“We get in, we get the target, and we get out. You cover me, I cover you. After that… we’ll see.”