FRIEND OR FOE

The aircraft's engines hummed as Ashley brooded in her seat. The combination of Josh's overbearing protectiveness and the unwanted company of Dylan weighed heavily on her mood. A sense of foreboding accompanied her as they headed to meet Team Nightmare, a group she knew little about.

"Hello, Team Alpha," the mission director's voice crackled through their earpieces, cutting into Ashley's contemplation.

She seized the opportunity to gather information. "Anything you can tell us about Team Nightmare?" she inquired.

The response was delivered with a touch of sarcasm. "Great thought went into picking the perfect name for them," the mission director retorted.

"So, they're nightmares. That's nice," Dylan chimed in with his trademark sarcasm.