THE REAL PROTEGE

Pharsa stood in her brightly lit study, the air heavy with tension as she regarded the ultrasound printout still warm in Chatty's hands, which trembled with a mix of joy and disbelief. He had been left grinning like a child on Christmas morning, his face lit by a proud, goofy smile that seemed out of place in the gravity of the moment. But now, the ambiance shifted; her expression hardened into one of fierce determination and sharp focus as the weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders like a cloak.

With a swift motion, she tapped her tablet, and the screen buzzed to life, activating a secure, encrypted channel. One by one, her teammates flickered into view on the screen — familiar faces etched with the experiences of countless operations, their features illuminated by the soft glow of their devices. Each operative sat upright, the atmosphere crackling with anticipation, sensing the impending storm in her steely gaze.

"Good morning," Pharsa's voice rang out, calm yet commanding, each word resonating with authority. "We have a new directive. In three days, we move to Beijing."

A ripple of surprise washed over the faces on the screen, eyes widened in apprehension. Beijing was no ordinary city; it was a nexus of power, a place where every move was scrutinized, every whisper meticulously recorded.

Pharsa's voice cut through the silence, steady and unwavering. "Our mission is intelligence gathering. We are to profile and monitor pivotal members of the Politburo and the Central Committee. Their movements, secret meetings, ever-shifting alliances, families, business interests — we need a comprehensive picture. We must ascertain who is loyal, who is plotting, and who's prepared for possible retaliation."

Her eyes narrowed into sharp slits. "This mission is also a direct response to Camp Phoenix's transfer to Myanmar. The Chinese President perceives this as a declaration of war. We must confirm his reaction. Most importantly, this is a major part of the preparation for Shun's ascension as President."

Juno, one of her trusted lieutenants, leaned closer to the screen, concern etched on his features. "Are we engaging with Fen Zhang?"

Pharsa nodded, her expression resolute. "Yes. Discreetly. He remains under surveillance but stays loyal to Madame Ling Li. He will provide critical insights into the President's mindset and any covert mobilizations."

"The risk of exposure is very high, don't you think?" Sora, another operative, frowned, her brows knitting together in worry.

"There's always risk," Pharsa replied, her tone unwavering. "But we've kept up the ruse that Fen Zhang's family perished. That cover remains intact. He'll meet us through the old channel."

Pharsa paused, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "I will be leading the mission personally."

A flicker of concern crossed her team's faces, their expressions a mix of respect and worry.

"Chief," Juno ventured carefully, "with all due respect… you're pregnant."

A faint smile played on Pharsa's lips. "Yes. With triplets."

Shock rippled through the pixelated faces on the screen like a wave breaking upon rocks.

"But I'm not stepping down," she continued, her gaze fierce and unyielding. "I'll avoid combat and exposure in the field. My role will be strategic and diplomatic. Murphy will stay behind, and the Supreme Commander, Ling Li, has entrusted me with full authority over this operation."

Sora nodded slowly, understanding dawning. "Understood."

Pharsa tapped her screen with renewed purpose, pulling up a detailed logistics map awash with routes and potential obstacles. "We'll take the northern route — quiet entry through the diplomatic corridor. Mushu's team will assist with encryption and communications until departure. Juno, you'll oversee external surveillance. Sora, you'll liaise with Fen Zhang's contact."

Her gaze swept across each member of her team, a fierce pride swelling within her. "We move in three days. Prepare your gear. Update your protocols. And remember — this mission isn't merely about intel; remember, it's about preventing war."

The screen fell silent, the gravity of her words sinking in. One by one, her team nodded in unison, their expressions resolute. "Understood, Chief."

Pharsa ended the call, her heart racing as she leaned back in her chair, her hand gently resting on her belly.

Three lives nestled within her, fragile yet strong.

And a nation teetering on the edge of chaos outside.

In that moment, she vowed to protect both.

Peonies Castle

Ling Li returned from the training field, her flowing hair still imbued with the fresh scent of wind and the lingering traces of sweat, when two exuberant voices burst through the quiet corridor like sunbeams piercing morning fog.

"Mom!" Chin Chin squealed, hurtling toward her like a tiny comet, radiant with joy.

Ling Li caught her deftly mid-air, spinning her in a graceful arc before settling her snugly on her hip, a smile blooming on her face.

"Mom, we were looking for you," Kim Kim said, her small frame exuding the poise of someone twice her age, her eyes alight with an ambitious spark.

"What's the matter?" Ling Li asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied their eager faces. "Are you finished with your lessons?"

"We're done and have completed all our homework!" Kim Kim declared proudly, her chest swelling with achievement. "And we want to join Dad for training. We were hoping you could take us there."

"Yes, Mom, we want to train too!" Chin Chin piped up, her tiny fists clenched with fierce determination, a warrior in the making.

Ling Li chuckled, the sound warm and melodious. "I just came from there. But now I need to help your brother with an acupuncture session. How about you observe instead? You might learn something extremely valuable."

Kim Kim's eyes widened with excitement. "Yes! I remember you saying that needle techniques can heal and can also be used as formidable weapons!"

Ling Li nodded wisely. "That's right. But remember, it requires patience, precision, and, above all, a deep sense of responsibility. You must never use it to cause harm unless it is to protect someone else."

"I understand, Mom," Kim Kim replied, her tone serious, the weight of her mother's words settling in her heart.

"I'll follow my sister's lead," Chin Chin echoed, nodding with exaggerated gravity, her youthful seriousness a delightful sight.

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Note from the Author: This is a work of fiction. Names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.