The First Shot

1 month later.

Black site.

Kassim could be seen pacing anxiously in his room, displaying visible signs of panic as he awaited someone's arrival.

KNOCK KNOCK

Upon hearing a knock at the door, Kassim swiftly moved to his chair, straightened his attire, cleared his throat, and then called out, "Come in."

After obtaining permission to enter, Patric, the project manager, nervously entered the room and said, "You called for me, sir?'"

"Yes, I summoned you because there is only one month left from the four-month extension you requested to complete the program development. Is it going well? Are you on schedule?" Kassim fired two questions in quick succession, causing Patrick to tense up with each query directed at him.

"Sir, you know..." Patrick began, attempting to respond, but before he could finish his sentence, Kassim interrupted him, asking, "It's not ready yet, is it?"