The evening had all the makings of a serene family gathering. The aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air as laughter echoed around the warm dining room. I had just finished a hearty meal, engaged in a friendly game of chess with my brother-in-law, John, and shared playful moments with my niece, Jeanne, indulging in children's games I rarely had time for.
But fate is a cruel and indifferent force. It can lift us to the heavens, only to cast us down into the abyss of despair and suffering.
As I savored the comforting dishes prepared by my sister, Rose, a sudden, jarring ringtone shattered the tranquility. The sound emanated from my coat pocket, resting on a nearby chair. It was urgent, insistent, tearing through the warm atmosphere.
"Excuse me, everyone. I need to take this call."
"Go ahead," Rose replied.
I stood up and stepped out of the dining room, retrieving my phone. The caller ID displayed a name that immediately set me on edge: Colonel Lee. He rarely contacted me directly, especially during dinner hours. Orders and summons typically came through his assistant. A direct call from him at this time was anything but ordinary.
I answered the call.
"Lieutenant Lionel, there's a situation in the city. Return to headquarters immediately!"
His voice, usually calm and composed, was now laced with urgency and tension. This was serious.
"Understood, sir."
He ended the call abruptly.
I sighed, stretched, and without delay, returned to the dining room.
"Sorry, everyone. I have to leave. The Colonel called me back to headquarters urgently."
The room fell silent. Rose looked at me with concern, grasping my hand.
"Is everything okay? Is it dangerous?"
I forced a reassuring smile.
"Probably just a minor issue. I'll find out when I get there."
"Then go quickly," John said.
Jeanne looked disappointed, wanting me to stay. She ran up to me, holding my hand as if to keep me from leaving.
"Uncle Lionel, be safe. Come back soon to play with me."
I was touched, but there was no time for sentiment. I knelt down, ruffling her hair.
"I'll try to be back soon."
"Take care, dear," Rose said, her voice filled with worry.
I nodded, gave a quick wave, and left the apartment. The hallway was bathed in cold, artificial light, the silence amplifying the weight in my chest.
Reaching the lobby, I pressed the elevator button. As the doors opened, I stepped in, my heart pounding.
Once on the ground floor, I rushed out of the building. A taxi happened to be passing by. I flagged it down.
"City Police Headquarters, Hadeus. Hurry!"
The driver, an older man with a bald head, looked surprised but nodded and accelerated.
I usually didn't take taxis, but tonight was an exception.
Within five minutes, we arrived at headquarters. The building was in chaos. Officers were running in all directions, their faces etched with seriousness and confusion. Something major had happened—a bombing? An assassination?
I spotted Minh at the entrance, assisting other officers. I didn't stop to talk, heading straight for Colonel Lee's office.
Walking through the corridors, I noticed many familiar faces, all displaying signs of fatigue and urgency. It seemed they had been summoned unexpectedly, just like me.
I knocked on the Colonel's door.
"Come in," Lee's voice called out.
I entered, standing at attention.
"Lieutenant Lionel reporting, sir."
The room was dimly lit, the glow from a large screen illuminating the tense faces of Colonel Lee and several high-ranking officers. The screen displayed a map of the city, red alerts blinking ominously.
"Lionel, a terrorist group planted by Earth's government has infiltrated our city. They're well-equipped and trained. They've attacked the City Hall and our central network hub."
The gravity of the situation hit me. This wasn't just a local issue; it had political ramifications that could destabilize all of Hadeus. If not addressed promptly, other separatist groups might rise from within.
My chest tightened. A chill ran down my spine.
"Is it that serious?" I thought. "If the central network is taken down, the city's entire infrastructure will collapse. It's the backbone of Hadeus."
Colonel Lee continued, his gaze piercing.
"I want you to return to CROW (Crisis Rapid Operations Wing) and handle this critical situation."
I was taken aback. This was a part of my past I had hoped to leave behind.
Years ago, I had been a distinguished officer, leading missions to dismantle separatist networks. During the war, I was tasked with training a crisis response team, specializing in locating and neutralizing threats from Earth.
I named it C.R.O.W—stealthy and intelligent like a crow, cloaked in the shadows of society. But then came a mission that changed everything. The mayor's family was taken hostage. I chose a swift assault, hoping to overpower the terrorists. But my haste led to disaster. The terrorists panicked and killed the hostages—his wife, son, even the infant.
I was responsible. Though I didn't pull the trigger, I gave the order.
Shame, guilt, and remorse consumed me. I fell into depression and resigned, taking a lower-ranking position.
"Sir, I'm not sure I can..." I hesitated.
"I know your past," he interrupted. "But in this emergency, every bit of help counts. This isn't about the past; it's about securing our future."
Colonel Lee was known for his straightforwardness and integrity, leading the police force for over a decade. His voice was firm, but his eyes showed a hint of empathy. He wasn't issuing an order; he was offering me a chance—a chance at redemption.
Facing his gaze, I felt a mix of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. But his words made sense. My dark past had always haunted me. But if I let it continue to torment me, how could I protect the future? How could I safeguard my family?
No, I had to set aside my guilt—not to forget, but to confront the present.
I remained silent, images of Jeanne's innocent face and Rose's laughter filling my mind. Their unwavering trust in me resonated deeply.
I had failed once. But if I ran away now, I'd be a failure forever.
Taking a deep breath, I spoke firmly.
"Understood, sir. I'll execute the mission successfully."
"You have 30 minutes to prepare. Report to the operations room and lead the deployment. Lionel, be the crow this city needs."
I nodded. A familiar feeling stirred within me—a sense of determination. A smoldering fire reignited in my chest.
Once again, the crow would spread its wings in the city's dark night.
Tonight, CROW begin its hunt