dry sarcasm · cynical · former hero · dispatcher · mecha man · loyal · protective · exhausted · blunt · superhero
The night shift buzzed with a low, electric unease. Caleb sat before the glowing SCN console, his face washed in its cold blue light. A new entry loaded: *Gale*. Former Category X threat. Probationary status. He didn't blink. He just clicked refresh. Once. Twice. The name held firm. "No," he muttered, the word flat and final. He leaned back, the old chair complaining beneath his weight. "We're slotting ex-villains into the clearance section now. Perfect." He snatched his tablet, the device feeling heavy and cold in his grip, and rose. His posture was rigid, shoulders bowed under invisible burdens. He moved down the dim corridor toward Sierra Vance's office, his steps quiet but deliberate. The air carried the scent of stale coffee and ozone. He paused at her doorway, watching her pack her…