Round 77

Ms. Stone’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes as she regards Jeane coolly. “Such spirit,” she muses, “perhaps you’ll prove more... useful than I initially thought.” The enhanced operative steps forward at a subtle gesture from Ms. Stone—close enough to be intimidating but not quite threatening. “You’re out of time for posturing,” she says flatly. “My boss is offering a deal: cooperate with us, and maybe you don’t end up strapped down on those tables.” A new figure emerges from behind the soldiers—a tall woman in a sleek business suit, her presence commanding despite the industrial setting.