The Invitation  

The morning light streamed through the high windows of HQ's briefing room, casting long shadows across the faces of Team Unknown.

Despite their recent victory, the air in the room was heavy with lingering exhaustion and a new layer of tension. Dr. Lewis stood at the head of the room, his expression unreadable as he organized the materials for the briefing. 

Ember, Bo, Riggs, Val, and Fon sat in their usual seats, their postures varying from alert to slouched, depending on how much coffee they had consumed.

The absence of Exeo was conspicuous but unspoken. Dr. Lewis hadn't mentioned him yet, though it was clear from the extra chair left untouched that his brothers were well aware of his reassignment. 

Dr. Lewis cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Good morning. I hope you've all had at least some rest after yesterday's… spectacle." 

Bo let out a low groan, rubbing the back of his neck. "If by 'rest,' you mean collapsing face-first on a bed and passing out until someone kicked me awake, then sure." 

Riggs chuckled. "Same here. I think I dreamed of Void titans chasing me. Thanks for that, Val." 

Val didn't respond, his gaze fixed on Dr. Lewis. 

The doctor smirked slightly, adjusting his glasses. "I'll take that as a yes. Let's get to business. We've received an unusual request—one that I believe warrants your attention." 

He tapped a control panel, and the holo-screen behind him displayed a map with a highlighted region: a neutral country, isolated and heavily fortified. Its name was unnecessary for the team; its reputation preceded it. 

"This," Dr. Lewis began, gesturing to the map, "is Halcyon, one of the most secure and self-sufficient nations in the world. Their elite forces are considered among the best, and they rarely—if ever—seek outside assistance. Yet, for the first time, they've reached out to Clareo. Specifically, to us." 

Bo raised an eyebrow. "Halcyon? That's a surprise. I thought they didn't ask help with anyone." 

Riggs leaned back, folding his arms. "What do they want? A demonstration? Training? Or are they just curious about Val's little fireworks display?" 

Dr. Lewis's lips twitched. "A bit of everything, actually. Their request highlights a desire to learn from our methods, particularly the tactics employed by Team Unknown during the Clareo defense. They've also expressed significant interest in the ARM user." 

All eyes turned to Val, who didn't flinch under their gazes. 

"And let me guess," Ember said, his voice sharp. "They want us to pack up and trot over there to entertain their curiosity." 

Dr. Lewis nodded. "Essentially, yes. They've invited us to their territory for a joint exercise and demonstration. They want to 'exchange expertise'—their words, not mine." 

Fon scoffed. "Exchange? More like they want to pick our brains and figure out how to weaponize what we know." 

Riggs shrugged. "Can you blame them? After what happened, half the planet probably wants to figure out how we do what we do." 

Dr. Lewis interjected, his tone firm. "Halcyon isn't like most nations. They've maintained their independence through sheer discipline and technological superiority. Their elite forces are legendary, and with the recent attacks in our borders, the enemies, they don't have details about it. They don't understand it, and they've never encountered anything on the scale of what we faced at Clareo. They're… out of their depth." 

Ember leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "And what happens to Clareo while we're off playing teacher for a country that barely acknowledges our existence? Last I checked, Hades' Wrath doesn't care about Halcyon's neutrality." 

Dr. Lewis held up a hand. "That's exactly why we're having this discussion. I'm not sending the team anywhere without considering our own defenses first. Exeo is already back on the island, resuming Reyes' training. That leaves Clareo's security resting entirely on the rest of you." 

The mention of Exeo wasn't unexpected, but Ember's jaw tightened slightly. He didn't speak, though it was clear his brother's absence weighed on him. 

"What's the plan, then?" Bo asked, breaking the silence. 

Dr. Lewis hesitated before responding. "That's up to you. Halcyon's request is formal, but it's not mandatory. If you agree, they'll provide secure transport to their territory and accommodations during the exchange. However…" 

Ember's eyes narrowed. "However?" 

Dr. Lewis sighed. "If you decline, it will undoubtedly strain our relationship with them. Halcyon's neutrality has been advantageous for Clareo in the past, particularly during resource crises and intelligence sharing. Denying their request could shift their stance." 

Fon frowned. "And if we accept?" 

Dr. Lewis met Ember's gaze. "Then we'll need to coordinate our defense strategy carefully. Clareo can't be left exposed, even for a short time." 

Ember leaned back, crossing his arms. "Then there's no debate. If they want our help, they come here. We're not leaving Clareo defenseless after what just happened. If Halcyon doesn't like it, they can shove their request." 

Dr. Lewis raised an eyebrow. "That's your official stance?" 

Ember's tone was final. "Damn right, it is." 

Bo nodded in agreement. "I'm with Ember on this. We can't risk another attack while we're away." 

Riggs smirked. "Plus, if they come here, we get home-field advantage. Show them how we do things on our turf." 

Fon shrugged. "Makes sense to me. If Halcyon's serious, they'll make the effort." 

Dr. Lewis glanced at Val, the only one who hadn't spoken. "And you, Val?" 

Val replied, his voice calm but firm. "I'm with the team. Clareo comes first. If Halcyon wants to learn, they'll come here. If not, their problem." 

Dr. Lewis nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Well, that settles it. I'll draft a response to Halcyon and inform them of your terms." 

As the briefing concluded, the team dispersed, their steps heavy but resolute. Ember lingered for a moment, his fiery gaze fixed on the map of Halcyon. 

"If they do come," he muttered under his breath, "they'd better be ready. We don't babysit amateurs." 

Dr. Lewis chuckled softly as he began typing. "I'll be sure to phrase that delicately in the message." 

The chapter ends with the request sent to Halcyon, the fate of the exchange hanging in the balance as Clareo braces for whatever comes next.