[COLD OPEN — VAN HQ: CRIMSA'S PRIVATE QUARTERS]
The room is dimly lit. Crimson symbols flicker across a projection wall, pulsing like a heartbeat. Crimsa stands in front of them, one hand pressed against the shimmering surface.
Crimsa (whispering):
"You saw what they did. You know how it ends. Guide my hands."
A voice hums through the room—digital, distant, Mother Null's voice.
Mother Null (faintly):
"Let the fracture begin. They must fall to see the truth."
Crimsa's eyes flicker with a red glow.
[SCENE — VAN HQ BRIEFING ROOM]
The Vanguards gather around a new city map. Kael highlights abnormal Rift pulses near the east power grid. Jax leans on the table, chewing gum. Irion stands in the back, arms folded.
Kael:
"This spot lit up last night. Five minutes of interference, then nothing. Could be Riftling activity, or someone covering their tracks."
Veya:
"Or both."
Yuna (nodding):
"There was a feedback spike in our main grid. Like something hijacked our signal. Echo's been trying to trace it."
Echo-7:
"And every trace ends at… nowhere. As if someone erased the trail from the inside."
Crimsa silently watches. Her fingers twitch. In her pocket—a microchip glows.
[SCENE — UNDERGROUND SECTOR LINEAR PATHWAY]
The team investigates an abandoned rail line. Crimsa lags behind, leaving small signal disruptors cloaked in shadow.
Irion (glancing back):
"Crimsa, you're dragging."
Crimsa:
"Just cautious. Wouldn't want a Riftling jumping us from the dark."
She plants another device behind a pillar as they move on.
[SCENE — VAN HQ ARMORY, LATER THAT NIGHT]
Crimsa slips inside. She hacks into the weapons grid, disabling tracking protocols. She leaves no trace—only a slight delay in the turret rotation data.
A soft mechanical noise echoes behind her. It's Irion.
Irion:
"Funny time to be doing diagnostics."
Crimsa (calmly):
"Couldn't sleep. Just doing my part."
Irion (studying her):
"Hope you're not doing someone else's."
He leaves. Crimsa's calm face breaks slightly. A flicker of guilt—or resolve.
[SCENE — TRAINING ARENA: SIMULATION]
Crimsa spars with Veya. It's intense. Veya blocks a flurry of attacks and laughs.
Veya:
"You're on edge lately. Trying to kill me?"
Crimsa:
"If I was, you'd be dead."
Veya's smile fades slightly. The tension between them lingers.
[SCENE — NIGHT: SKYVAULT'S HORIZON]
Crimsa stands on a rooftop overlooking the city. She opens her communicator. A hologram of Mother Null appears beside her, flickering with soft, pale light.
Mother Null:
"One more step. They trust you. Soon, you'll break them from within."
Crimsa (softly):
"What if I'm not ready?"
Mother Null:
"Then I will make you ready."
Lightning flashes behind her. The city sleeps—unaware.
[TO BE CONTINUED…]