008. Toxic Entity

As the clicking and crackling finally subsided, the elongated box transformed in a sudden, mechanical motion. It split into two segments and then divided once more, unfolding like a complex origami to reveal a small, flat monitor screen slightly larger than a smartphone. The screen flickered to life, displaying a series of detailed text and intricate diagrams.
Olivier's expression remained focused and serious as he studied the data, his eyes darting between the screen and the body on the floor. Nora, meanwhile, was struck by the sheer sophistication of FN's technology, her mind racing to understand the implications of what the device might reveal. The room's tension grew thicker, each second stretching with the promise of critical, and potentially shocking, information.
"The entire spinal marrow of this girl is gone without a trace," Olivier announced, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "And, yes, that tiny spot is a wound that penetrated the victim's spine. It seems Miss X has a tool capable of directly absorbing the spinal marrow through a wound as minuscule as that."
Pierre's brow furrowed in thought. "She was only wearing a thin summer dress, Olivier. It would be incredibly difficult to carry a device of that nature while dressed so lightly. Especially considering her agility and speed. Could Miss X possibly have a body part adapted for this function?"
Olivier's expression turned contemplative. "That's a strong possibility. Furthermore, despite the loss of her spinal marrow, this girl died from poisoning. The scanner revealed dangerously high contamination levels in her blood. We’re dealing with a toxic entity, Pierre. If Miss X indeed possesses a suction mechanism, what we saw in the OCK recording might not be her true form."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of Olivier's findings settling like a weight on everyone present. Nora's heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in short, uneven bursts. She felt a chill creeping down her spine, her mind racing to grasp the full extent of the danger they faced. The realization that Miss X's true nature and capabilities were far more intricate and menacing than they had ever anticipated struck her like a cold wave.
As someone newly introduced to the perilous world of FN, the stark, chilling reality of their mission threatened to overwhelm her. The room’s oppressive silence seemed to amplify her rising anxiety, each second stretching painfully as she grappled with the chilling possibility of what they were truly up against.
"A poisonous creature that can camouflage," Pierre concluded, his tone tinged with weary resignation.
As Nora absorbed the gravity of the situation, her mind buzzed with a whirlwind of questions. The girl with the black ponytail stared at Pierre, who appeared lost in thought, his gaze distant and contemplative.
"Who found the victim first?" The big man asked, his voice breaking the oppressive silence.
"Her friend," Olivier replied. "I've taken her statement. She didn’t see anyone else in this room."
Pierre nodded, absently rubbing the stubble beginning to sprout on his jawline. "The only task force with extensive experience in hunting shape-shifting creatures is our brothers in Indonesia," he said, almost to himself.
Nora’s curiosity spiked. "Didn't you mention that the Indonesian task force was eradicated?"
Pierre's eyes flickered with a hint of grim resolve. "There are still remnants of Division 96 scattered across various countries. Last time I checked, one of their high-ranking officers, Bayu Adiwira, is currently in the UK."
Olivier chimed in, "He's under the protection of the ISB."
"Then I'll reach out to Oswald," Pierre decided, turning to Olivier. "For now, join the others. Our focus is now on the university area."
"*D'accord*," Olivier responded quickly before hurrying out of the apartment.
Pierre and Nora briskly walked out of the apartment, the clamor of the forensic staff's departure fading behind them. Nora, still processing the unsettling revelations, offered a polite nod to the forensic team as they exited, her gratitude sincere despite the turmoil within.
As they reached the parking lot, Pierre moved with purposeful strides, his tall frame cutting through the dimly lit space. The early evening chill contrasted with the tension between them. Nora followed closely, her mind swirling with the implications of their findings.
"Where are we going?" she asked as they settled into the car.
"Finding a quiet place to contact Bayu Adiwira," Pierre replied, steering the car toward a secluded stretch of the pier.
Nora's voice was laced with reluctance. "Do we need to involve other countries? We have DGSI, FN, and GIGN. If these three powers unite, I'm sure we can capture Miss X!"
Pierre's gaze remained fixed on the road, his tone calm yet firm. "If those three powers unite, there will be mass panic. FN's existence is meant to prevent that. Did you know that I was recruited by FN while I was still active in GIGN? Trust me, I know what I'm doing."
He let Nora consider his words in silence before continuing. "Besides, no matter how powerful task forces are, they are still human."
Nora furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"Division 96 is the most daring, perhaps even reckless, EPCU task force. Their equipment and weapons might not rival those of nations with extensive research and development budgets, but they have extraordinary human resources. They’re willing to undergo genetic engineering experiments to face threats from other dimensions. Despite their small numbers, they are incredibly effective."
Pierre rolled down the car window and lit a cigarette, the glow of the ember briefly illuminating his face. "You have to understand that time and confidentiality are crucial in our line of work. I’m not trying to boast about another country's task force, Nora. But for situations like this, Division 96’s members are unmatched in speed and stealth."
Nora sat back, processing Pierre’s insights. The weight of their situation seemed to press down on her more heavily than ever. The implication of dealing with such a dangerous, elusive creature made her pulse quicken. The stakes were high, and she was now entangled in a web of peril far beyond her initial understanding. The hunt had begun, and the reality of their situation hit her with chilling clarity.