Thirty -Nine

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Lisa’s team assembles in a secure, high-tech command center. Maps, satellite feeds, and intercepted communications cover the digital wall displays. A group of U.S. military personnel appears on a video conference screen. The tension is palpable as everyone focuses on Lisa, who stands at the center, calm and calculating.

Colonel Matthews (via video):
"Lisa, the situation has escalated. Hana’s leaks include critical details of classified black ops missions. This jeopardizes not just our personnel but also the integrity of our operations."

Lisa (calmly):
"I knew Hana would try something like this. She’s desperate to divert attention from her own crimes and buy time. What she didn’t calculate is how exposing this information puts her directly in our crosshairs."

Major Carter (U.S. Intelligence):
"Her arrogance is her downfall. By going public, she’s inadvertently revealed her networks. We’re already tracking her movements, financial transactions, and communications."

Lisa:
"Good. But we’re not rushing this. Hana is cunning—she thrives on chaos. She’ll anticipate direct attacks. We’ll take a more surgical approach. Expose her vulnerabilities piece by piece until she has nowhere left to hide."

Marcus (Lisa’s second-in-command):
"What’s the play, Liz? You’ve always got a plan."

Lisa (leaning forward, her tone decisive):
"We turn her weapon against her. The media frenzy she created? We’ll feed it, but with our narrative. Leak just enough to expose her dealings with illegal arms dealers and rogue operatives. Once her allies see her as a liability, they’ll abandon her. Without support, she’s finished."

Colonel Matthews (nodding):
"Strategic as ever. Your ability to think ahead is what made you a legend in the field."

Lisa (no reaction):
"I’m not here for compliments, Colonel. This isn’t about me—it’s about ensuring she pays for every life she’s endangered."

Hana’s attempts to control the narrative crumble as the media shifts focus. Reports highlight her connections to illegal operations, leaked by Lisa’s team in collaboration with military intelligence. Every revelation tightens the noose around Hana’s neck.

Reporter (on TV):
"New evidence suggests that Hana orchestrated a series of illegal transactions with arms dealers in Eastern Europe. Sources indicate ties to rogue operatives wanted by international authorities."

Lisa watches the broadcast, her face unreadable but her eyes sharp.

Marcus:
"The media’s eating it up. She’s officially public enemy number one."

Lisa:
"Good. Keep the pressure on. The more the world turns against her, the less room she has to maneuver."

In the command center, Lisa’s team and military personnel track Hana’s movements using satellite imagery and intercepted communications.

Operative 1:
"She’s moving through Eastern Europe, likely headed for a private compound. Her convoy is heavily guarded."

Marcus:
"She’s trying to dig in. She knows we’re closing in."

Lisa (studying the map):
"Let her. The more desperate she gets, the more mistakes she’ll make. But we won’t wait too long—coordinate with ground teams to intercept her before she reaches the border."

Later, in a quiet moment, Marcus approaches Lisa as the team continues their work.

Marcus:
"You know, I’ve seen you pull off some incredible things before, but this… this is next level."

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Lisa (glancing at him):
"I’m just doing what needs to be done."

Marcus (smirking):
"You’re more than that, Lisa. You’ve always downplayed your talents, but this—turning the tables on someone like Hana? It’s more than just elite-level strategy."

Lisa (shrugging slightly):
"People underestimate you when you don’t show all your cards. That’s how I’ve always operated. Hana was the only one who saw through it, but her mistake was thinking she could use me for her own gain."

Marcus:
"And now she’s learning the hard way that you’re smarter than she ever gave you credit for."

Lisa (coldly):
"Smart doesn’t win wars, Marcus. Precision and preparation do. And Hana’s about to learn what happens when she underestimates both."

Hana’s convoy halts as military vehicles block her escape route. Overhead, drones circle, cutting off communication signals. Hana exits her vehicle, furious, only to find herself surrounded.

Hana (yelling):
"You think this is over? You can’t stop me!"

A voice comes through a speaker in one of the vehicles—it’s Lisa.

Lisa (calm but deadly):
"It’s already over, Hana. You just don’t know it yet."

Hana’s face falls as she realizes the trap she’s walked into. Military operatives move in, securing her and her convoy.

Back in the command center, the team celebrates quietly as the news announces Hana’s arrest and the dismantling of her network. Marcus hands Lisa a tablet with a report from the military.

Marcus:
"She’s in custody, and her allies are turning on her faster than we expected. The military’s impressed—they’re calling this one of the cleanest takedowns they’ve seen."

Lisa (nodding):
"Good. But this isn’t about recognition. It’s about making sure she never threatens anyone again."

Marcus:
"You’ve earned a lot of respect for this, Lisa. Even from people who didn’t know the full extent of what you’re capable of."

Lisa (quietly):
"Respect doesn’t matter, Marcus. Results do. And this is just the beginning."

She looks at the screen, her mind already working on the next move. The war may be over, but for Lisa, the fight never truly ends.

Lisa sits alone in her darkened room, the faint glow of her laptop illuminating her face. The chaos of the past weeks—the media storm, Hana’s exposure, the weight of her trauma—presses heavily on her chest. She reaches for her phone, scrolling through unread messages from Jennie and the others. Jennie’s last message is a sharp contrast to the warmth she’s used to: "You owe me an explanation. I’m not mad... just hurt."

Lisa hesitates, fingers hovering over the screen. She knows she should explain but doesn’t have the words. Instead, she types out a simple message:

Lisa:
“Jennie… I’m sorry. I know you’re upset. I just… I needed time to handle things. I couldn’t risk dragging you into it.”

She stares at the screen, debating whether to send it. Before she can decide, her phone vibrates with an incoming call. The screen flashes Jennie’s name. Lisa’s breath catches. After weeks of silence, hearing Jennie’s voice feels like the lifeline she didn’t know she needed.

Lisa (whispering):
"Jennie…"

She answers the call, her voice low and tentative.

Lisa:
"Hello?"

Jennie (with sharp sarcasm):
"Lisa, you’re alive! What an honor to hear from you after two weeks of absolute silence."

Lisa winces but doesn’t respond immediately. Her silence stretches, and Jennie’s tone shifts, tinged with genuine worry.

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