The hum of the base was a low, constant murmur, like the ocean itself was breathing against the walls.
Lisa sat on the edge of her bed, braids resting over one shoulder, eyes fixed on the black bag before her. Outside the wide glass window, a shadow drifted past—a fish with silver scales that caught the faint glow from the lights.
She wasn't in uniform tonight. Just a gray t-shirt, shorts, and bare feet against the cold floor. Her posture was relaxed, but her eyes never left the package.
The bag was unmarked except for a single, glaring symbol on the wooden box inside. A bright yellow triangle warning of radiation.
She already knew who had sent it.
Lisa reached for her phone on the desk and tapped the latest unopened email. An audio file played instantly, the voice smooth but slightly unhinged.
"Hello, Liz," the man began. "Sorry for the delay. But trust me, it will be worth it."
Her gaze stayed on the box as the voice continued.
