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Back at the base after their mission, the team gathered around the table, their exhaustion mingling with anticipation. Dr. Hayes tried to lift the mood. “You know, the last time we wrapped up this smoothly, I almost thought we were in the wrong profession.”

Maclovin smirked, but the humor vanished when Greg’s phone buzzed. The room fell silent as a video message from Alex appeared.

“Maclovin,” Alex’s voice was cold and menacing. “You made this personal. I was going to offer a quick end, but now... I’ll ensure you feel every ounce of pain.”

Dr. Hayes’s face tightened. “He’s bluffing,” he said, though his voice quivered. “Whatever he’s planning won’t be painless.”

Alex sneered. “And Greg... still holding a grudge? Jacob got what he deserved. I even thought about making you commander, but greed... Start running. Goodbye.”

The distant thrum of helicopters grew louder, sending a chill through the room. Dr. Hayes snapped them back to reality. “We need to move. Now.”

Maclovin’s mind raced. **How did he find us?**

Greg suddenly pointed his gun at Maclovin, his hand shaking but his gaze steely. “Greed controls us all, Maclovin. I have to do this. It’s my chance to fulfill my dream.”

Natasha stepped forward, desperation in her voice. “Dad, please... you don’t have to do this. We can find another way.”

Greg’s resolve faltered. “I do, Natasha. I’ve lived in Jacob’s shadow for too long. This is my chance to be more than just a follower. This is for us.”

Dr. Hayes intervened urgently. “And what happens when Alex decides you’re expendable too? He’s using you, Greg. Don’t throw everything away.”

Explosions rumbled closer, shaking the floor. Maclovin stepped toward Greg, his voice low and commanding. “What about the promise you made to my father? We can take down the Syndicate together. I only want Alex.”

Greg hesitated, sweat beading on his forehead. Before he could decide, Maclovin acted swiftly, disarming Greg and delivering a punch that left him reeling. Maclovin’s knife was at his throat in an instant.

“Not in front of Natasha!” Dr. Hayes shouted. He turned to Natasha, his gaze softening. “Natasha, I like you... But you need to choose between your father and us.”

Tears welled in Natasha’s eyes. She looked between her father and Dr. Hayes, then rushed to Hayes, embracing him tightly. “I like you too, Hayes,” she whispered through her tears.

Maclovin’s grip on Greg loosened. “Go,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t want to kill him, but you need to choose: your father or us.”

Natasha’s voice trembled. “Please... just let him go.”

Maclovin stepped back, eyes locked on Greg. “Fine. Get out of here.”

Greg, a mix of fear and regret on his face, fled. The room felt emptier. Maclovin, Dr. Hayes, and Natasha quickly armed themselves, tension mounting.

As they approached the main entrance, their team lay lifeless, smoke and blood filling the air. Gunfire erupted. Maclovin dove for cover as walls exploded into dust. Dr. Hayes and Natasha followed, their movements sharp and coordinated.

“Cover me!” Maclovin barked.

Dr. Hayes provided suppressive fire while Natasha flanked the attackers. The room became a blur of motion, gunpowder and smoke filling the air. Maclovin took down enemies with precise shots and brutal takedowns. Natasha picked off foes with deadly accuracy. Dr. Hayes covered their rear with calculated shots.

Maclovin faced the final attacker, a hulking figure. They collided with bone-crushing force. Maclovin swiftly recovered, dodging the man’s swing and delivering the final blow.

The gunfire slowed, then stopped. The room fell silent except for the survivors’ labored breathing. Maclovin stood amid the carnage, bloodied but resolute.

“We’re not done yet,” he said, cold as steel. “Let’s finish this.”

A beep from a nearby monitor drew their attention. The screen flickered to life, showing Natasha bound and gagged in a dimly lit warehouse. A masked figure stepped into view.

“Hello, Maclovin,” the figure’s voice dripped with malice. “If you want Natasha back, come to the old docks in one hour. Come alone and unarmed, or she’ll pay the price.”

The feed cut out abruptly. The gravity of the threat hung heavy.

Dr. Hayes’s face tightened. “We need to act fast.”

Maclovin’s jaw set in determination. “Let’s move. We don’t have much time.”

The team prepared for the perilous mission, the clock ticking down as they braced for the confrontation ahead.

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