Chapter 99: The Calm Before the Storm

The early morning light filtered through the command center's windows as Ava stood before the tactical display, her mind focused on the next steps. Meridian had taken major hits, but they were still out there, regrouping and adapting, just as they always did. The team had gathered crucial intel from their last mission, and Callum had been working through the night to piece together the data they’d pulled from the supply hub in Jordan. But despite their progress, the weight of the fight still pressed down on Ava. Meridian had repeatedly proven that they were always a step ahead, and while Ava had faith in their plan, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger was coming—something that would push them all to their limits. Jess and Callum were sitting at the central table, their faces drawn with exhaustion as they sifted through the data. The room was filled with the low hum of machines and the soft tapping of keys, but it felt tense like the air was too thick to breathe. Luc