Commander Rourke settled back in his chair, the metal creaking under his weight. His scarred face was lit by the gentle glow of the monitors that covered the walls of the control room, each showing a different section of the training facility. The sparring rings were busy—recruits trading blows, struggling, fighting to test themselves.
Rourke's sharp eyes swept the screens with practiced ease, his eyes homing in on one unit in particular. Team Alpha.
"They're lasting longer than I expected," he growled, his rough voice slicing into the silence.
At his side was Major Lyn, his dependable second-in-command. A stickler for details with keen eyes and an uncompromising attitude, Lyn clutched a clipboard to his chest, jotting down notes as Rourke addressed him.
"Team Alpha has been making slow but steady gains," Lyn informed him, his voice matter-of-fact. "Kaid's win earlier has impressed a number of recruits. Ava's was just as impressive—her speed and fighting ability are second to none."
Rourke growled in recognition, his eyes moving to a second screen. Axel sat calmly on the edge of the practice mat, his eyes fixed steadily even as chaos swirled around him.
"And Sage?" Rourke's voice was soft.
"Cohesive. Stoic. He's the one who inspires the team," Lyn replied easily. "The others are drawn to him. His leadership isn't pushy, but it's effective."
Rourke shifted in his chair, crossing his arms on the desk as he glared at the screen. "There is something about him. Something different."
Lyn paused, his pen hovering over the clipboard. "What do you mean, sir?"
Rourke didn't answer. He stood before the screen, observing every gesture Axel made—the way he sat and observed the battles, the way his muscles contracted but stayed tight. Axel had flames in his eyes, flames Rourke knew.
"He's motivated," Rourke replied finally. "More than the rest. He's not here to survive—he's here for better.".
Lyn nodded slowly, taking a note on his clipboard. "Do you think he's ready for… the next step?"
"That's what we have to determine," Rourke replied, his tone icier. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "But he won't be alone. The team will be pushed together. If they crack, we know they're not worth the investment."
"And what if they succeed?" Lyn asked, his voice held in check.
Rourke's smile was twisted, his cheek scar curling. "Then we proceed. We've had our eye on recruits like these. Perhaps they're the key to something. exceptional."
Lyn stopped him before he could continue. "What about Kane? His interest in Sage is. suspicious. It might be a threat.".
Rourke's sneer faded, replaced by a cold stare. "Kane's obsession is none of our business. If he proves to be useful, we'll utilize him. If he doesn't."
He let the sentence trail off, but the threat lingered in the air.
Lyn tapped on his clipboard, looking over the screens once more. "The recruits are completing their games for today. May I move on to the next order?
Rourke rose to his feet, his towering height creating a long shadow across the floor. He strode over to the closest monitor, his gaze focused on Team Alpha.
"Yes," he replied curtly. "Ready to initiate. The actual trials begin tomorrow."