The traffic light blinked yellow in the middle of the dark night, accompanied by a light drizzle. A black car emerged from the shadows beneath a bridge, its headlights off. Slowly but surely, the car crept out of the darkness like a living shadow.
As its wheels touched the asphalt, the headlights flicked on, casting a dim glow on the surrounding street. Inside sat Kaelino. He had been waiting at the pickup point for some time, but the person he was supposed to meet hadn't arrived. He stepped out of the car, scanning the area. His right hand remained poised at his waist, ready to draw his weapon if danger approached.
He walked a few steps, tracing the deserted sidewalk. Finally, he spotted someone standing across the street. The figure wore a thick jacket, a mask covering half their face, and carried a large backpack. Without hesitation, Kaelino flashed his phone light three times in quick succession, a code used among intelligence operatives. The stranger returned the signal and hurried toward him.
The man pulled down his mask, revealing his face. "Thomas Galuhau," he introduced himself.
"Kaelino. We met before at the PIK port," Kaelino replied, gesturing for him to get into the car. There were still five more pickups to make that night.
The hours ticked by, the fuel gauge slowly dropping. Everyone was now in the car: Omar, Kevin, and Adam had joined them. Only one pickup remained.
Upon reaching the location, Kaelino and Thomas surveyed the area. It was quiet, unsurprising for the outskirts of town. From an alley, a figure emerged from the shadows. Kaelino flashed the code with his phone light, and the stranger responded immediately. The final member had been found.
The figure approached, carrying a large backpack. "I've been waiting for five hours!" he complained, his face weary.
"Easy, we've all been through the same," Thomas said reassuringly. "What's your name?"
"Regi Bandalyha, junior intelligence officer." He shook hands with his two seniors confidently. "Pleasure to meet you."
Regi climbed into the car. Now, they just needed to return to B'Bread, where Captain Lubis was waiting.
***
The clock struck three in the morning. The city was at its quietest. The six of them stood before a shop, their first expressions ones of confusion.
"B'Bread?" Thomas narrowed his eyes, certain he wasn't mistaken. Beside him, Adam did the same, even removing his glasses for a moment.
"I thought our base would be more hidden than this," Kevin remarked.
Kaelino knocked on the door. Moments later, Captain Lubis opened it. The six ascended to the upper floor, stheir headquarters. Computers stood ready for use, alongside tables, lockers, and... weapons Captain Lubis had secured.
"Good morning, my children," Captain Lubis said firmly, gazing at each recruit in turn. "Do you know why I brought you all here?"
Regi raised his hand. "An extreme mission," he quipped.
"Indeed, but not as simple as you might think." Captain Lubis produced the latest file from his investigation. "Satrio has been in that building for three or four days. I've been surveilling him for some time."
The team turned to look out the window at the imposing building across the street.
"So what do we need to do?" Omar asked, arms crossed.
"I want you all to work here, as bakers and baristas. Build a good reputation until Satrio's employees across the street take notice," Captain Lubis explained.
Everyone stared in shock. Work as bakers and baristas? Most of them had never touched flour or coffee beans in their lives.
Captain Lubis understood their reaction. He pulled a piece of paper from his shirt pocket. "I know you're surprised. That's why I brought this." He showed it to them. "This is a recipe for making bread that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was my wife's recipe."
Several of them smiled, but Regi was still confused. "How will you divide the tasks?"
"I've already thought about it." Captain Lubis began pointing at each person. "Kaelino, you'll be the barista. Omar and Adam, you're on the bakery. Thomas and Kevin, you'll be servers and assist Kaelino."
He turned to Regi, who tensed slightly. "You'll be the delivery person."
"Delivery? Why me?" Regi demanded.
"Because you're innocent-looking and young, the typical Gen Z type that Satrio employs over there," Captain Lubis explained. He continued, outlining Regi's crucial role. "When you deliver orders inside, make sure you enter and take a good look around."
Adam interrupted from the back. "But aren't most employee orders just left at the reception desk?"
"That's true," Omar agreed.
Captain Lubis wasn't out of ideas. "I have several other plans. We'll use them one by one." He looked back at Regi. "In short, I need you to infiltrate and observe the situation. Understood?"
Regi nodded. "Understood, sir!"
They now had their assignments. All that remained was execution. By day, they would sell bread and coffee. By night... they would surveil the building across the street. It would undoubtedly take time.
*
*
*
Soft jazz music filled the hotel ballroom, accompanying the annual corporate fundraising event. Representatives from major companies were in attendance, including Husky Group, which had sent several of its own. Eva, Roy, Peter, and Sophia, who had yet to arrive.
The host stood among the businesspeople, raising a microphone. "Good evening, business associates," he began. Everyone turned toward him, raising their wine glasses to shoulder height. "Thank you for attending this year's fundraising event."
"Let's begin."
Someone raised their hand. "Two billion from PT. Terigu Pati."
"Five billion from CV. Rekayasa Bara," another responded.
The donation amounts continued to climb, but there was still no sign of Husky Group making their pledge.
Finally, Sophia arrived. Peter looked relieved, but Roy and Eva's expressions shifted uncomfortably.
"What's the highest so far?" Sophia asked.
Peter responded promptly. "Twenty billion from Tobacco Djaya Corp."
"That questionable company again," Sophia said with a small, knowing smile. She stepped forward, raising her hand. "One hundred billion."
The host turned toward the voice. His smile widened when he saw who had spoken. "One hundred billion from Husky Group, a company that consistently donates the same amount every year!"
Applause erupted from the attendees, directed not only at Sophia but also at Husky Group's enduring success over the years. A company that thrived on minimal partnerships yet stood firmly on its own, inspiring envy among other businesses.
After the fundraising concluded, Sophia, Eva, Roy, and Peter decided to have dinner at the hotel. Their table wasn't particularly harmonious, but outside the house, they needed to present a united front.
"Peter, I haven't had a chance to review last week's report," Sophia said, glancing up from the menu.
Peter set down his own menu. "Everything's running smoothly. Some partners are very satisfied with our port's performance. I'll send you the data once we're home."
Sophia smiled. "No need, Peter. I trust you. So does my father."
Across from them, Roy and Eva grew visibly uncomfortable. Roy lit a cigarette and left the table. "Call me when the food arrives," he said without excessive expression.
Eva, meanwhile, occasionally glanced at Sophia from behind her menu. The young woman wore minimal jewelry, nothing like Eva's display of opulence. Even her attire was simple: her office uniform with its navy blazer. Nothing compared to Eva's expensive gown.
Eva closed her eyes briefly, then looked at Sophia again. Suddenly, she saw the small, vulnerable figure across from her, the girl she had once cared for with such tenderness, now grown into someone who stood in the way of her ambitions. The injustice she felt wounded her deeply, planting seeds of resentment.
"You were just lucky to be born as Graham's daughter, Sophia Husky!" she muttered under her breath.