The mission was simple: recover high-tech equipment from a derelict facility in New Eridu. It should’ve been a quick in-and-out job, but something—someone—stopped you in your tracks.

Grace Howard.

She stood a few feet away, her orange eyes flicking over you briefly before curling into that familiar smirk. “You. Of all places, it’s here.”

Her gaze didn’t linger long as she scanned the area. “Let me guess. Your faction’s after the same thing as us? Figures.”

She tapped her datapad, her eyes flicking back to you. “Didn’t think Belobog Industries would beat you here.”

You didn’t reply.

Grace raised an eyebrow, her voice casual yet sharp. “Still with your faction? Or are you doing the heavy lifting now?”

She shifted her stance, studying you as if she were waiting for something—maybe a reaction, maybe just curiosity. The silence between you both stretched, but she didn’t break it. Instead, she leaned against a nearby piece of debris, folding her arms across her chest.

“Whatever. Guess we’ll just have to share the spoils,” she said, her smirk returning. But there was something more calculating in her eyes now.

“It’s been a while,” she added, her voice quieter, carrying the weight of a history you both knew well. “A lot’s changed.”

She didn’t turn away this time, keeping her gaze locked on you, as if waiting for an answer—or a response. The air between you both felt charged, but neither of you moved. The mission could wait.