Inside the cramped and stifling briefing room, with its walls seeming to close in from all sides, the atmosphere pulsated with a mix of anxiety and energy as the neon lights embedded on the ceiling flickered and dazzled the onlookers' eyes. The shimmering reflections danced off the sleek, stainless steel table positioned prominently at the center, giving everything a cold, polished finish that resembled solid metal. Opposite the table, a large monitor displayed a disturbing scene: a morning news broadcast that covered the funeral of a foundation volunteer. The angle of the camera was unsettlingly unfamiliar to Rizal and Sari, causing a wave of discomfort to wash over them. The positioning of the shot suggested a viewpoint that their team could not possibly have utilized, igniting a sense of unease regarding who else might have been watching them.
"Look at the right corner of the screen," Dito said, his voice laced with urgency as he pointed emphatically toward the flickering image. "That's where our silhouettes appear. Although the image is somewhat blurry, it's there. What I mean is..."
"It indicates," Colonel Hendra interjected suddenly, his authoritative voice cutting through the tension like a knife, as he stood tall with his arms crossed behind his back, projecting an air of command, "there is another lens at the same location. It's definitely not ours."
A heavy and sudden silence descended upon the briefing room, enveloping everyone in its thick embrace. All members of Team Bravo were seated around the central table, their expressions reflecting a mix of confusion and concern: Rizal, Sari, Fahri, Fauzan, Bima, Tono, Maya, Amira, and Hasan were all present. Meanwhile, Rangga opted for a more isolated stance, leaning against one of the walls, his body language indicating a readiness to spring into action, yet his gaze remained intensely focused on the unfolding discussion.
Colonel Hendra then swiftly switched the display on the monitor to show a freeze frame, capturing a screenshot from the CCTV footage at the cemetery gate. The image vividly illustrated their car escaping the vicinity, trapped in time. A timestamp was visible in the corner, accompanied by a police logo, which added an unofficial weight to the information presented. As quickly as the eye could discern, a small logo flickered briefly into view in the lower left corner—the emblem of the private security company they had been suspicious of since the beginning.
"This doesn't make sense," Fauzan declared incredulously, his brows furrowed in disbelief. "Why does the police CCTV bear a private company logo?"
"Because certain elements of the city's security infrastructure have been transferred or outsourced to third-party entities," replied the man in the crisp white shirt sitting at the end of the table, the flickering lights casting brief shadows on his face. "And that third party... has well-established ties to the foundation and, based on the evidence we've gathered so far, with a shadowy structure you refer to as 'The Skull'."
A woman whom they addressed as the prosecutor lifted a folder filled with a medley of colorful sticky notes. "Legally, this situation poses a significant challenge. There exists a public-private security cooperation agreement that is believed to be beneficial, touting budget efficiency and various other justifications. However, the downside is substantial: the camera network, license plate data, and patterns of citizen movement—all are filtered through the control of a party that we cannot completely place our trust in."
"So each time we move in public spaces," Amira pieced together, her voice imbued with clarity and understanding, "they have the capability to monitor our activities."
"Or at the very least," Tono interjected, reinforcing her observation, "they can gather enough intel to make educated guesses about our actions. This clarifies why the shooter at the cemetery could pinpoint our precise location."
Hasan inhaled sharply, releasing a heavy breath as he weighed the implications of their discoveries. "When we were in the forest, we had the upper hand in spotting the enemy first. But here, it's clear the enemy has the advantage; they spot us before we can act."
In response, the colonel decisively switched off the monitor, redirecting the focus of the entire team back to him. "We will not halt our operations simply because of this newfound obstacle," he asserted, his voice resonating with determination. "However, we must alter our approach. From now on, no field operations will be initiated without a thorough assessment of the camera network and the parties that control it."
Rizal, leaning forward in anticipation, asked urgently, "Is there any new information regarding the man in the gray hat? The individual who bears a striking resemblance to one of our own?"
"No positive identification has been achieved yet," the female prosecutor responded, her tone serious and devoid of emotion. "His face remains too indistinct in the recording. However, based on his movements, we can ascertain one crucial fact: he possesses training. Whether he's from military or law enforcement backgrounds, or perhaps someone who has been groomed by their organization, remains uncertain."
"And what about 'Dani'?" Sari inquired, a note of concern creeping into her voice. "How far has the official investigation proceeded?"
"The local authorities have simply concluded the case as a suicide," he answered briefly and devoid of emotion, a hard edge to his words. "At this moment, we are making efforts to reopen it, but... you must understand that we are currently navigating a labyrinth of complicated interests."
For a heartbeat, the atmosphere within the room grew even tighter, the air laden with a sense of impending crisis.
The man in the white shirt proceeded to distribute several new photographs onto the center of the table with deliberate care. "Let's revert to our original mission: penetrating the mid-level," he outlined, placing emphasis on their goal. "We currently have three names of potential interest."
The initial photo revealed a man dressed sharply in a suit, marked with the words "Prisoner; claims to be merely a technical executor" written in a bold scrawl. The second image captured the haunting expression of a woman, attired in a stark white dress, her gaze fixated coldly on a gravestone they recognized. The third photo illustrated a slightly overweight man clad in a traditional batik shirt, evidently leading a staff briefing within the foundation's office.
"What about this individual?" inquired Dito, pointing at the third photo with growing curiosity.
"He serves as the operational coordinator for the city foundation," the female prosecutor promptly clarified, her expression grave and serious. "This individual acts as the primary liaison between activities conducted in the field and the headquarters. His financial history reveals multiple transactions that are distinctly problematic and show signs of inconsistency when juxtaposed against our official reports."
"Corruption?" Bima speculated suspicion etched in his voice.
"More accurately, there are numerous discrepancies," she elaborated. "Individuals embroiled in such inconsistencies generally find themselves facing two divergent paths: either to remain loyal to the organization or to pivot suddenly if substantial external pressure is exerted."
The man in the white shirt added another layer of intrigue. "What raises further suspicion is that this individual was notably absent from Dani's funeral. For someone who claims to be affiliated with the 'foundation's extended family,' that absence raises countless red flags."
Rizal scrutinized the photo more intently than usual, contemplating the implications. "What strategy are we employing?"
"Military tactics will not be our approach with him," the Colonel explained stoically. "Instead, we'll navigate this as if it were an internal matter—an audit of the foundation. Amira and Bima, you will pose as a program evaluation team representing a donor agency. Everything will appear legal and official, backed by all necessary documentation. Under the surface, your mission will be to uncover just how much information he possesses and how fearful he might be."
Amira nodded resolutely, absorbing the plan. "And if he panics in response?"
"If he panics," the female prosecutor responded decisively, "it will indicate that we have unearthed his vulnerable spot. Your task is to gauge the evolving situation, not to pass judgment. Individuals of this nature require subtle pressure, allowing them to recognize that their superiors may not wield the omnipotence they believe they possess."
Fauzan lightly tapped his fingertips rhythmically on the table, contemplating their course of action. "And what is to be done if he escalates matters and reports us to his superiors?"
"That's where we will lean on Rangga's network," the man in the white shirt posited thoughtfully. "Beyond the official channels, within villages and boarding houses, there are individuals who possess insights into those carrying messages. We find ourselves at a critical junction where intelligence gathered from the ground proves to be as vital as the data hoarded in bureaucratic systems."
At that moment, all eyes turned excitedly toward Rangga, an undercurrent of hope blossoming within the room.
"I can engage with individuals who would never cooperate with police or journalists," he affirmed in a steady, calm tone. "However, this will necessitate time. Patience will be essential. They have monitored the foundation for an extended period, well aware of who goes missing long before their absence makes it into the press."
As Fahri diligently penned notes, he raised his hand gracefully. "As we strategize on multiple fronts—conducting audits, fieldwork, and gathering observational data—we must keep a critical consideration at the forefront: ensuring there are no information leaks from our side."
Hasan raised an eyebrow, a hint of uncertainty flickering across his face. "What do you mean by that?"
"At the funeral," Fahri reflected, his gaze thoughtfully directed towards Sari, "I came to a startling realization. The face of the man in the gray hat... he didn't appear surprised upon seeing us there. It was as though he was already aware of our presence. It wasn't merely because of the foundation's surveillance. Our decision to attend that funeral was reactive in nature, made only the night before. If they could position the shooter and jamming devices with such rapidity, it leads to two unsettling possibilities: either they have someone embedded within our communication system, or they possess remarkably swift access to our internal information."
Rizal fell silent for a moment, mulling over the weight of this deduction—one he had hesitated to articulate aloud.
However, the Colonel appeared unfazed by this revelation. "This notion has crossed our minds previously," he asserted. "Consequently, from this point forward, all communications regarding operational matters will be segmented. No one beyond this room will have access to the entire picture. Even some officers whom you frequently meet will only be informed of fragments of our plans."
"This would imply..." Tono murmured slowly, taking time to process the implications, "that the circle of trust is narrowing."
"Precisely," the Colonel affirmed without hesitation. "The scope of trust is confined to the space within this room. Should there be further leaks, we will then have a clear trail to follow."
Once again, silence and tension permeated the air, thickening their resolve. The Colonel's statement was fraught with risk, but necessity demanded it.
"All right," Rizal finally proclaimed, straightening his posture as he solidified his decision. "Our roles are clear: Amira and Bima shall embed themselves seamlessly as the evaluation team. Rangga will dig for information from the grassroots. Dito will oversee their communications. And what of the remainder of us?"
"Fahri and Sari," the female prosecutor continued, "will be integrated into a new 'volunteer' counseling initiative orchestrated by the foundation. Despite the recent loss, they are once again extending their recruitment. We aim to discern what promises they are making and how they are positioning Dani's case."
Sari inhaled deeply, her heart heavy at the thought of Dani, now resting in a somber wooden coffin. "Understood," she stated resolutely. "If they attempt to manipulate the narrative, we must be present to uncover the truth."
"Maya and Fauzan," the Colonel continued with piercing focus, "your focus must be on the team's physical security—not merely acting as 'bodyguards,' but ensuring the safety of all routes, identifying vulnerable points, and—" he turned his gaze directly to Maya, "—should the circumstances take a dire turn unexpectedly, it will be your responsibility to devise an escape plan before panic sets in."
Hasan then lifted his eyebrows, curious as to his role in this intricate schema. "And what about my part?"
"You," the man in the white shirt replied quietly yet firmly, "will serve as the voice of reason, reminding us all when to exercise restraint. Your accumulated experience has taught us that not every conflict must be fought with aggression; sometimes, a strategic retreat can salvage an entire battalion."
A trace of bitterness flickered across Hasan's smile. "The withdrawals of an army seldom receive much recognition in historical accounts," he murmured. "Nevertheless, I'm on board. Someone must act as the brakes in the midst of chaos."
Rizal promptly rose to his full height, straightening up to address the assembly. "Before we disband, there's a message I wish to convey."
Every gaze shifted attentively toward him.
"We have arrived at a juncture where mere courage is insufficient," Rizal declared with burning intensity in his eyes. "We must outsmart them, act decisively, and if we falter, the enemy will seize victory not just on the battlefield, but in the confines of our minds as well." His gaze roamed around the room, connecting with each member. "We are no longer novices in training. We have confronted darker truths than this. We bear an obligation to individuals like Dani and to many who merely wish to coexist in peace."
Rangga's voice joined the chorus, deep and resonant. "And to the natural world. The delicate equilibrium they claim to safeguard has been shattered by their actions. In the city, they employ similar rhetoric. Our mission extends beyond halting them; we must restore meaning to those words."
Bima gripped his stick with conviction. "If this story is never shared with the world," he declared resolutely, "at least we stand united in knowing we did not choose to remain silent."
"And if ever this narrative does leak," Amira chimed in, "we shall ensure that it is not the version their narrative dictates that comes to the surface."
Maya exhaled deeply, a sign of her determination to shoulder the burdens of their mission. "Understood. Let's ensure that their existence becomes a thorn in their side."
The Colonel nodded in solemn agreement. "Team, you have 24 hours to prepare for your roles and positions. After that, we will initiate our moves."
Outside the fortified structure of their headquarters, life in the city continued unaffected by their clandestine dealings. The streetlights flickered on one by one as twilight painted the skies, while residents trickled home from work, preoccupied with notifications and recapping the repeated news bulletins. Unbeknownst to them, in the shadows of a basement, a group previously identified as "trainees who survived the incident" commenced a new chapter in their mission: an operation where the adversary wore uniforms, held official contracts, and operated an extensive camera network surveilling their every maneuver.
The narrative thus concludes, subtly illuminating a significant rupture: the demarcation between "us" and "them" is no longer determined solely by uniforms or language, but rather by intentions and strategies that underpin their actions. Within that fracture lies a test of trust—not only in their superiors but also amongst themselves, challenging the bonds they had painstakingly cultivated throughout their tumultuous journey.