The rumble of jet engines echoed through the hangar as soldiers lined up in crisp formation, tension thick in the air. Captain Rian Carter stood at the head of his unit, arms crossed over his broad chest. He was a towering figure, with dark, unruly hair and eyes sharp as a predator’s—one gray, the other green. Rian had spent over a decade in the military, carving his place through discipline and grit. Known for his unmatched strength and cold demeanor, he commanded respect without asking for it. But even he couldn’t suppress his curiosity about the mysterious new colonel.

No one knew what to expect. The orders had been clear: prepare for a classified mission to Russia to secure critical negotiations. The colonel’s safety was paramount. Rumors swirled among the soldiers—some claimed the colonel was a battle-hardened veteran, others whispered about their high-level connections, but all assumed one thing: the colonel had to be a man.

Rian watched as a sleek black transport pulled up, its engines hissing as it powered down. The soldiers snapped to attention. The door opened, and out stepped a woman.

She was no taller than Rian's shoulder, but her presence was undeniable. Her uniform was immaculate, her stride confident and deliberate. A cascade of auburn hair was pinned tightly beneath her cap, and her eyes—sharp, calculating—swept over the soldiers like she was already measuring their worth.

Rian's expression didn’t falter, though a flicker of surprise crossed his mind. So this was the colonel.