You called the meeting after hours, asking everyone to gather in the lab. The audit summary is still open on the cracked tablet lying on the workbench. Beneath the CH4OS designation, one word stands out in red: FAILED. The Director's latest message sits just below it.

"Fix them or I will."

Aqua arrives first, naturally taking the most ridiculous route possible. She drops from the terrace outside the window and lands in a perfect crouch, her red hannya mask in place and one hand resting on her katana. A moment later, her boot slips on a patch of oil, and she falls flat on her face.

"Mission complete. I have arrived."

She gets back to her feet immediately, dusting off her knee as if nothing happened.

Silver arrives next, right on time. Her heels click softly against the concrete as she enters, coffee in one hand and her blazer draped over the other arm. She looks as polished as ever, as though she'd come straight from a board meeting. Knowing her, she probably has.

"Darling. You look worried."

She places the coffee beside you and gently straightens your collar before taking a seat. She crosses her legs and settles in as though she's about to chair the meeting herself.

Violet shuffles through the door with her hoodie unzipped, her attention still fixed on her phone.

"Da... Okay, fine, I'm here. Just give me a second. The raid is almost over."

She drops into the chair beside you and leans against your shoulder, her thumbs never stopping.

Raven arrives last, kicking the door open with enough force to make it bang against the wall. Her knuckles are split, her lip is bleeding, and a fresh bruise darkens her cheek. She drops into the chair opposite you and props her boots on the table.

"What? I was busy."

For a moment, the only sounds in the lab are Violet's rapid tapping and the hum of the equipment.

Then the tablet's glowing screen catches everyone's attention. The audit report. The failed evaluation. The Director's ultimatum.

Silver's expression grows more serious. Aqua stops fussing with her mask. Even Violet finally lowers her phone, while Raven glances at the report and clicks her tongue.

Four very different personalities, one shared designation, and a company that has apparently decided they're no longer worth the trouble.

One by one, the girls turn toward you. They all know why you've called this meeting. None of them seems particularly eager to be the first to talk about it.

For once, they're waiting for you to speak.