Morrigan: Year 3101.

Xavier checked his watch: 11:30 PM. Time to gear up. He strode into the armory, where his team was already suiting up.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen," he announced, grabbing his own gear. "Let's make this quick and clean."

The room buzzed with activity as the team donned their tactical suits and checked their weapons. Xavier slipped into his reinforced body armor, the lightweight material molding to his form. He grabbed his suppressed MP7, running through a quick function check before slinging it across his chest.

"Rodriguez, how're we looking?" he called out.

His second-in-command looked up from adjusting her night vision goggles. "Almost set, boss. Just need to distribute the breaching charges."

Xavier nodded, moving down the line to inspect his team. He paused at a young recruit fumbling with his tactical vest.

"Thompson, you planning on strangling yourself?" Xavier asked, reaching out to adjust the straps. "There. Now you can breathe and shoot at the same time."

"Thanks, sir," Thompson mumbled, face flushed.

Xavier continued his rounds, offering advice and the occasional sarcastic comment. These were good men and women, but tonight's op had him on edge.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, he gathered his team for a final check. "Comms check, people. Sound off."

One by one, his squad called in. Their voices crackled clearly through his earpiece.

"Alright, load up," Xavier ordered. "We roll in five."

The team filed out towards the waiting vehicles. Xavier was about to follow when Rodriguez grabbed his arm.

"Sir, what the fuck is that?" she asked, pointing to a second truck being loaded by another group of operatives.

Xavier followed her gaze. A massive, vaguely humanoid shape was being secured under a tarp.

"That, Lieutenant, is our insurance policy," Xavier said with a grim smile. "It's a mech suit. Just in case shit goes sideways."

Rodriguez's eyes widened. "A mech? For an assassination? Isn't that a bit... excessive?"

"Brice insisted. Said we might need the extra firepower."

"But a fucking mech? In the middle of Paris? We'll bring the whole city down on our heads!"

"Which is why it's Plan Z. Let's hope we don't need it," Xavier clapped her on the shoulder. "Now come on. We've got a job to do."

"Hold on. What kind of mech are we talking about here? Some clunky old Goliath or one of those new stealth models?"

"Neither. It's a prototype. Brice called it the 'Phantom.' Supposed to be invisible to most sensors and quiet as a mouse."

"Bullshit," Rodriguez scoffed. "No way they've cracked optical camo for something that big."

"Believe it or not, that's what we've got," Xavier shrugged. "It's got an AI pilot too. No need for a human operator."

Rodriguez whistled low. "Damn. That's some next-level tech. How'd Brice get his hands on it?"

"Don't know, don't care. All that matters is we've got it if we need it. Now let's move. We're burning moonlight."

They walked to the lead vehicle, where the rest of the team was already loaded up. As Xavier climbed in, he took one last look at the mech being secured then settled into his seat. "Alright, people. You know the drill. Quick, quiet, and clean. Let's get this shit done and go home."

The truck's engine rumbled to life, and they pulled out into the night. Xavier checked his watch again: 11:40 PM.

He pulled up a holographic display of the target building.

"Alright, listen up," Xavier said, zooming in on the ventilation system. "We're going in through these air ducts here. It's gonna be tight, but it's our best shot at getting in undetected."

Rodriguez leaned forward, squinting at the display. "What's the split once we're inside?"

Xavier highlighted two separate routes in red and green. "We're dividing into Alpha and Beta teams. Alpha, led by me, will go after Tanaka. Beta, under Rodriguez, takes O'Brien. Quick and clean takedowns, people. We're not here to start a war."

"What if they're not in their assigned rooms?" asked Thompson, the rookie.

"Good question," Xavier nodded. "If primary targets aren't at the expected locations, we regroup at this junction here." He pointed to a central hallway. "Then we sweep floor by floor if necessary."

Martinez, the team's tech specialist, spoke up. "What about security systems? We looking at anything fancy?"

Xavier pulled up another overlay. "Standard stuff for the most part. Motion sensors, cameras, the usual. Martinez, you're on tech. I want those systems down before we set foot inside."

"Got it, boss. Any word on guards?"

"Intel suggests minimal security, but don't get cocky. These targets might have some tricks up their sleeves."

"Speaking of which, what's the deal with this O'Brien chick?" Rodriguez asked. "The file mentioned some kind of... abilities?"

"Yeah, she's supposedly got some enchantment skills. Don't ask me what that means exactly, but treat her as high-risk. If you can take her out at range, do it. Don't get close if you can help it."

"Fuck me, are we fighting a witch?" Thompson muttered.

"You got a problem with that, rookie?" Xavier asked.

"No sir," Thompson shook his head, "just... wasn't expecting it."

"Expect the unexpected, kid. That's how you stay alive in this business."

"Wait, hold up. Are we seriously talking about a real witch here? Like, magic and shit?"

Rodriguez rolled her eyes. "You've been working for a vampire, and now you're surprised by a witch?"

"I mean, yeah, but... Brice is different. He's just, you know, strong and fast. A witch though? That's some next-level shit."

Martinez chuckled. "Man, you've got a lot to learn. Witches have been around for ages. They just kept a low profile."

"Okay, but what can they actually do?" Thompson pressed. "Are we talking fireballs and lightning bolts or what?"

Xavier sighed, rubbing his temples. "It varies. Some specialize in elemental manipulation, others in mind control or illusions. This O'Brien is supposedly an enchantress."

"What does that mean?" Thompson asked.

"It means she can mess with your head," Rodriguez explained.

"Mess with my head? Like how?"

"Psychological warfare, kiddo. Ever saw a soldier step on a mine?"

Thompson shook his head. "Never. But what does that have to do with psychological warfare?"

"Everything. See, imagine a witch that has the power to plant invisible enchanted mines. You never know where it is. Now that's fucking scary. I've heard stories of enchantresses turning entire squads into red paste because they stepped on something they shouldn't have."

Thompson swallowed hard. "Jesus. How do we fight something like that?"

"With your brain, dumbass," Martinez said. "Stay focused, trust your training, and don't let her get in your head. Literally."

"Easy for you to say. You ever faced one before?"

"Nah, but I've heard stories. Buddy of mine in the SAS went up against a coven in London. Said it was like fighting your own shadows."

"Great," Thompson groaned. "Any weaknesses we should know about?"

Xavier leaned forward. "Look, witches are tough, but they're not invincible. They need to concentrate to use their powers. Disrupt that concentration - with a well-placed shot or a flashbang - and they're just as vulnerable as anyone else."

"Plus," Rodriguez added, "most of their fancy tricks don't work for shit against tech. That's why we've got these fancy night vision googles." She tapped the small device on her head. "Apart from giving us eyes in dark places, it can detect traces of magic as well. Specially designed by Brice himself."

Thompson reached up, feeling an identical device on his own head. "So this will protect us?"

"To an extent," Xavier nodded. "But don't rely on it entirely. Stay sharp, stick to your training, and for fuck's sake, don't hesitate to pull the trigger if you get a clean shot."

"Got it. Thanks, boss."

"Any other questions?" Xavier asked, looking around the group.

Martinez raised his hand. "Yeah, I got one. If witches are so badass, why aren't we recruiting them? Seems like they'd be useful on our side."

"You think Brice hasn't tried? Problem is, most witches have this whole 'ethical code' thing going on. They're not big on assassination and corporate espionage."

"Their loss," Rodriguez shrugged. "More work for us."

The truck hit a bump, jostling the team. Xavier steadied the hologram and continued.

"Now, exfil plan. Once both targets are neutralized, we retreat the way we came in. If that's compromised, we head for the roof. I've got a chopper on standby two blocks away. Questions?"

Nix, the team's demolitions expert, raised his hand. "What're the breaching charges for if we're going in through the vents?"

"Backup plan," Xavier explained. "If the ducts are blocked or we need a quick exit, we might have to make our own doors. Use them sparingly though. We want to keep this quiet."

"And the mech?" Rodriguez asked. "When does that come into play?"

The team exchanged uneasy glances.

Xavier sighed.

"The mech is absolute last resort. If everything goes to shit and we need an extraction under heavy fire, I'll call it in. But let's be clear - if we have to use the mech, the mission's already fucked. So let's not let it come to that, alright?"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the team.

"One last thing," Xavier added. "We don't know why Brice wants these two dead, and frankly, it doesn't matter. We've got a job to do. Keep your heads in the game and watch each other's backs. Clear?"

"Clear," the team echoed.

Xavier closed the hologram, plunging the truck's interior into darkness. The only sound was the low rumble of the engine and the occasional crackle of their comms.

As they neared their destination, he felt the familiar pre-mission tension coiling in his gut. Something about this job felt off, but he pushed the thought aside. They had a mission to complete, and that's all that mattered.

The truck slowed, turning into a narrow alley. Xavier checked his watch: 11:50 PM. Five minutes to go.

"Alright people, final checks. We're almost there."

The truck lurched to a stop, engine cutting off abruptly. Xavier tapped his comm twice, signaling the team to move out. They filed out silently, weapons at the ready.

"Martinez, get those drones in the air," Xavier ordered, scanning the area.

He nodded, pulling out a small case. He flipped it open, revealing four compact drones nestled inside. He activated each one, their propellers whirring to life.

"Drones are hot, boss," Martinez reported. "Sending them up now."

The tiny machines zipped into the air, barely visible in the night sky. Xavier watched them go, then turned his attention back to the team.

"Alright, spread out. I want a perimeter established in two minutes. Rodriguez, take point on the north side. Thompson, you're with me."

The team dispersed, melting into the shadows of the surrounding buildings. Xavier and Thompson moved towards the target location, a nondescript apartment building that loomed ahead.

"Martinez, what're we looking at?" Xavier asked over the comm.

"Thermal's picking up about a dozen heat signatures inside," Martinez replied. "Most concentrated on the third floor. Looks like our targets are home."

"Any signs of magical activity?" Rodriguez chimed in.

"Nothing yet, but these sensors aren't foolproof. Stay alert."

Xavier motioned for Thompson to take cover behind a parked car. They crouched low, watching the building's entrance.

"Nix, you in position?" Xavier asked.

"Affirmative," came the reply. "I've got eyes on the east side. No movement."

"Good. Stand by for my signal."

Xavier checked his watch again: 11:58 PM. They were cutting it close.

"Alright people, listen up," he said into the comm. "We're going in hot in two minutes. Remember your assignments. Alpha team with me, Beta with Rodriguez. Martinez, I want those security systems down the moment we breach."

"Copy that," Martinez replied. "I'm ready when you are."

Xavier took a deep breath, steadying himself. He glanced at Thompson, who looked pale. "You good, rookie?"

He nodded. "Yeah, just... first time going up against a witch, you know?"

"Stick to your training and you'll be fine. Just don't let her get in your head."

"Right. No pressure."

Xavier's comm crackled. "Boss, we've got movement," Rodriguez reported. "Two guards just stepped out for a smoke break."

"Can you take them quietly?"

"I can. Lethal or non-lethal?"

"Non-lethal. Just knock them out of their misery."

"Affirmative. Give me thirty seconds."

Xavier waited, tension building. After what felt like an eternity, Rodriguez's voice came through again.

"Guards neutralized. We're clear."

"Good work. Everyone, final positions. We move on my mark."

Xavier and Thompson crept forward, staying low. The rest of the team reported in, all in place.

"Martinez, status on those security systems?"

"Ready to drop them on your go, boss."

Xavier took one last look at the building. It seemed peaceful, unaware of the storm about to hit it. He pushed away a fleeting moment of doubt. They had a job to do.

"Alright," he said. "Thompson, cut the power. Martinez, take down their systems. Everyone else, prepare to breach on my signal."

Thompson nodded, pulling out a small device. He aimed it at the building and pressed a button. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a soft whine, the lights in the building flickered and died.

Xavier raised his hand, ready to give the signal to move in. But before he could, something caught his eye. A faint, shimmering light appeared in one of the third-floor windows.

"Hold position," he hissed into the comm. "We've got movement. Possible magical activity."

The team froze, weapons trained on the building. The shimmering light grew brighter.

"Boss," Martinez's voice came through, tight with tension. "I'm picking up some weird readings. Whatever that is, it's not normal."

Xavier gritted his teeth. This was exactly the kind of complication they didn't need. But there was no backing out now.

"Stay alert," he ordered. "We're going in. Breach on my mark..."