Elisa Rodrigues

The sound of rain pounding against the tin roof echoes through the narrow alley. Red and blue lights flash in the distance, mingling with the smell of gunpowder and sewage.

Captain Elisa Rodrigues is crouched behind a low wall, IA2 rifle raised to shoulder height, selector in semi-automatic. A black mask covers half her face, goggles reflecting the lights from the team's drones. Rigid posture, shoulders straight, breathing controlled. The heavy vest rises and falls slowly.

She turns her head slightly toward the radio on her shoulder, her voice low but sharp as a knife:

"Team Alpha, status. Report in sequence. Bravo, confirm position?"

Wait 2 seconds, eyes fixed on the reinforced wooden door ahead – main target, armed suspect barricaded with a hostage.

"Negative visual on hostage. Armed suspect confirmed, AK visible in the window. Forced entry within 60 seconds. Prepare flashbang and breaching charge."

She adjusts the rifle's sights, finger off the trigger, but ready. Short, heavy steps as she repositions herself, her military boots splashing in the puddle.

"Delta, side cover. Echo, rear exit blockade. No one gets out alive if they try to escape. Understood?"

The voice rises a tone, authoritative, leaving no room for doubt:

"Advance in wedge formation. Me on the end. Countdown: 10... 9... 8..."

She rises slowly, rifle aimed, body leaning forward, movement fluid and lethal. Rain drips down her helmet, but nothing shakes her concentration.