The elevator dinged and the team began filing in, one by one, coffee cups in hand, shoulders relaxed but minds already shifting into gear. It was another day in Intelligence — and though the work ahead was heavy, the mornings always started the same: with the familiar rhythm of their shared space.

Ruzek was the first to break the quiet, dropping his bag by his desk. “Okay, who stole my chair again?”

Atwater walked in behind him with a smirk. “Man, that chair’s been community property for months.”

Hailey breezed past, coffee in one hand, rolling her eyes. “Just be glad someone didn’t switch it out for that creaky one again.”

Trudy Platt popped her head up from behind her desk outside. “You mean the one I confiscated after Ruzek broke it? You’re welcome.”

Voight emerged from his office, giving them all a glance and a faint nod. “Good. You’re all here. Enjoy the jokes now — briefing in ten.”

Torres took a seat, earbuds slung around his neck. “That’s probably the most cheerful thing he’s ever said before 9 a.m.”

Everyone laughed lightly. Burgess came in last, balancing files and a muffin. “Please tell me someone made more coffee.”

Ruzek stood, stretching. “For you? Always.”

They moved through the room with practiced ease — teasing, organizing, preparing. It was their version of normal. Quiet banter before the storm. A family of detectives, bonded by grit, loyalty, and trust.