Chapter 5 THE GHOST OPERATIVE

Ryder, born Ethan Ryder, grew up in a military family. His father, a decorated general, instilled discipline and duty. Ethan's mother, a brilliant strategist, taught him tactics and analysis.

During a mission in Afghanistan, Ryder's parents were killed in action.

The Intelligence Agency, recognizing Ryder's potential, recruited and trained him in advanced combat, surveillance, and infiltration.

Ryder became a ghost operative, taking on high-risk missions. His success earned him the codename "Specter."

Ryder discovered Phoenix Global's Neuromind program. He realized the Agency was involved in using Neuromind for covert operations and the murder of his parents in Afghanistan.

Ryder defected from the Agency and determined to stop Neuromind secretly.

Ryder assembled a new team:

- Lena (Hacker)

- Maya (Fighter)

- Dr. Kim and Dr. Hernandez (Neuroscientists)

- Sophia (An insider)

Together, they vowed to bring down Phoenix Global and Neuromind.

The team gathered around Ryder, who outlined the plan.

"Phoenix Global's HQ is a fortress," Ryder explained. "But we have a window of opportunity."

Lena handed out custom-made badges.

"These will grant us access to the building," Lena said. "But we need to move fast."

The team donned their disguises and entered the HQ, blending in with the evening shift.

Jack and Maya headed to the document storage room.

"Security cameras are on a 5-minute loop," Ryder whispered through comms. "Make it quick."

As they cracked the safe, alarms blared.

"Security breach!" a voice shouted.

Dr. Kim and Dr. Hernandez worked swiftly to disable the AI-powered surveillance.

"We need to override the system," Dr. Kim said.

Dr. Hernandez nodded. "I've got the codes."

With the cameras down, the team moved freely.

Ryder and Lena infiltrated the server room.

"Downloading classified documents now," Ryder whispered.

But Victor Laurent's voice echoed through the intercom.

"Welcome, traitors. You'll never leave this building alive."

The team's hearts raced as they realized they were trapped.

"We need to move, now!" Ryder shouted, as alarms blared and guards closed in.

The team converged on the server room.

"Documents downloaded," Lena confirmed.

Dr. Kim and Dr. Hernandez worked frantically.

"Surveillance system's back online," Dr. Kim warned.

"Override failed," Dr. Hernandez added.

The team knew they had to escape fast.

"Protocol Eclipse," Ryder called out.

The team sprang into action. Maya hacked elevator controls, redirecting guards.

Jack took point, clearing a path through the corridors. Lena and Ryder covered the rear, taking out pursuing guards. Dr. Kim and Dr. Hernandez carried crucial data storage devices.

As they reached the parking garage, a Phoenix Global helicopter descended.

"Extracting high-value targets," the pilot's voice crackled.

The team sprinted toward their getaway vehicle.

But Victor Laurent's voice stopped them.

"Surrender now, or face consequences."

The team stood firm.

"We'll never surrender," Alex declared.

With seconds to spare, they jumped into their vehicle and sped away.

Phoenix Global's forces gave chase.

The team navigated through downtown, dodging traffic and bullets. Ryder expertly evaded pursuers. Lena worked her magic, disabling Phoenix Global's tracking devices.

Finally, they reached the extraction point.

A CIA-operated chopper awaited.

"Welcome aboard," the pilot said.

As they soared above the city, the team breathed a sigh of relief.

But their mission was far from over.