London, United Kingdom2147 hours.5th February 2001Thelma MacDonaugh gently lowered on an iron straight-backed chair at the outdoor bar of the Mews observing the crowded streets enveloped by the apparent zest of excitement which characterized the London metropolis.A stewardess carrying a tray walked slowly through a group of occupied tables in a cramped area. The space used to be Chloe's apartment, one of the cozy living spaces within the Mews which she transformed into a bar.The plain-looking stewardess halted at her table, after cautiously placing the bulbous glass of dry martini and a small chinaware bearing a cheese pattie, she gingerly made her way to the internal recess of the bar reserved exclusively for smokers.Thelma had known Chloe for almost a decade now, since their encounter at Cambridge University. Her managerial astuteness was not in doubt as she had grown the business to an enviable status despite the fluctuating British economy. However cordial their relationshi

Kabul, Afghanistan 1712 hours.12th April.The Humvee at the rear was in the line of fire. The salvo of lethal slugs from the two drones flying parallel to each other was too heavy for the vehicle to contain. Its tough steel exterior was critically damaged till it lost its resistance to the horrendous blitz of hot lead. The Humvee exploded, exuding a ball of fire that engulfed the vehicle.Crowne whimpered at the sight. Smith paused for a second, lowering the M134 by the sheer impact of the ballistic.Shards of burning metal and flesh splayed in the air.Crowne recognized the game plan was simple for these birds - pick each one of them out like flies floating in a cup of tea.Crowne yelled at Smith menacingly:'Fire!'The petrified officer swiveled the weapon in the direction of the drones that drifted through the ensuing inferno and were charging relentlessly at them. He pulled the trigger, slugs pillorying the arid air and heading for the drones. The UAVs exhibited an evasive act

Kabul, Afghanistan.1505 hours.April 17th.The eight Humvees, rugged and imposing, navigated their way along the sandy road within the confines of the secure military base. The vehicle'srobust tires gripped the loose sand, leaving several deep tracks in their wake.A cloud of fine sand billowed behind the powerful Humvees, swirling and dancing in their slipstream.The interior was filled with the distinct hum of the engine and the occasional creak of the suspension, Bullard took quick glimpses of the surrounding landscape, dotted with other military vehicles and structures which amplified the sense of purpose and controlled chaos. Amidst the vastness of the military base, the Humvees moved with an unwavering resolve despite the challenging Afghan terrain.After ten minutes, the eight Humvees shrouded by a visible envelope of dust came to a slouching halt before a modestly constructed bungalow.The men disembarked from the vehicles, led by the General as they all trooped into the buil

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland.1000 hours.18th April.As the cable car gently ascended, carrying Agent Thelma McDonagh and the dozen passengers higher and higher above the quaint Swiss village, her thoughts drifted away. She could not help but constrain her train of thought to the information passed on to her by Director Bullard through her mobile two days ago.It read:'Reliable intel informs HQ that Doc Strauss, Project Lotus' robotics technician is currently at the Swiss Alps. We require an important 411 from him..."And that was it. Short and precise.As the cable car continued its ascent, the landscape beneath her began to transform. The lush green meadows and charming alpine chalets gradually gave way to a magnificent panorama of towering snow-capped peaks. The air grew crisper and cooler, carrying with it the invigorating scent of fresh mountain air.With each passing moment, the view from the cable car became more awe-inspiring.The Swiss Alps stretched out before them in all t

Everett, Washington D.C. 1909 hours 24th April As a cab came to a slouching halt within this bustling part of the town, he could not help the feeling that was associated with the sun sinking below the horizon and causing the urban landscape to naturally transform into a colorful canvas of flickering lights and pulsating energy. This busy part of the city was a buzz with activity further creating a vibrant nocturnal symphony. The air crackled with excitement and anticipation as crowds of people throng the bustling streets, creating a kaleidoscope of diversity and activity. Neon signs illuminated the darkened skies, casting a surreal glow upon the labyrinthine alleyways and towering skyscrapers that flank the thoroughfares. The relentless flow of vehicles engulfed the asphalt, their honks and engines adding to the cacophony of urban sounds. Sidewalks teem with a tapestry of humanity, each person wrapped in their narratives, rushing to their destinations or indulging in the pulsat