[Center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/28hFcDbZ/Rain-Header-2.png[/img][/center]

[Color=silver][b]Location:[/b][/color] Kobra Facility Sub-level, New Mexico
[Color=silver][b]Interactions:[/b][/color] Mirage, Metamorph, and the Mission[hr]


A slight look over his shoulder at Kassy was Viktor's way of acknowledging her presence as his company into the sublevel. He refrained from verbally answering her question on what the two should do about the Kobra scientists and instead pulled a throwing knife from his belt and quickly threw it through a table with a collection of laboratory glassware. 

The sound of shattering glass caused most of the scurrying scientists to draw their attention toward Viktor who pulled out another throwing knife.

[color=silver]“If you don't leave this lab, the next one is going through one of you.”[/color] His flat tone lacked the wittiness of someone who might be bluffing…. Even if he was doing just that. 

One of the lab workers looked at how the knife still managed to pierce the metallic outer panel of a piece of equipment. The sight caused many of them to drop whatever they were doing and head toward Viktor and Kassy, not to fight, but to flee from the main level.

[color=silver]“Danger's presence isn't always on the surface.”[/color] Viktor walked forward to allow the Kobra scientists to pass without having to get too close to him. He noted that Riley was not amongst them. [color=silver]“You should know that better than anyone.”[/color] With his head on a swivel, he continued deeper into the facility. 

The echo of a pained groan and banging I'm the distance hastened Viktor's steps until he and Kassy found Ja collapsed in the middle of a room. The groaning continued elsewhere, but the status of his team member had his attention. 

[color=silver][I]How did he get here?[/I][/color] Viktor looked around the room as he approached Ja. The subtle but slow breathing caused him to grip the handle of his sword. Viktor was aware Ja was the last person to face off against the woman equipped with tranquilizer darts so he could only hypothesize that he fell victim to her powerful sedative. His thoughts didnt stop there as he found Ja's placement suspicious.

[color=silver]“Another trap is-”[/color] A sudden roar from the entryway behind Viktor and Kassy as an even bulkier Riley ducked through it. It was difficult to even recognize him with his eyes bloodshot red, his skin holding a pinkish hue, and his gills slowly releasing foam from them. [color=silver]“...is likely.”[/color]

[color=82ca9d]“I'M…HERE! NO ONE CAN HAVE HER… BUT ME! NO ONE!”[/color] He cried out with his focus on Viktor who let go of the hilt of his sword, keeping it sheathed. 

Doubling up on Riley and sacrificing Ja's well-being would have been optimal… The completion of the mission did not require him to be in good health… He had already failed to prove himself useful to the others…

[center][color=silver][i]As long as it ensures the team's well-being and success, it matters.[/i][/color][/center]

[color=silver]“Mirage. Secure Metamorph.”[/color] Viktor took a deep breath as he prepared. [color=silver]“Riley. Stand down. I will only say it once.”[/color] Truth be told, Viktor wasn't entirely sure what Riley was capable of now. The only thing he could count on was the hulking teen's lack of combat experience.