The training facility’s lounge was quiet, the dim overhead lights buzzing softly. The air carried the faint scent of gunpowder and coffee, a familiar combination after mission briefings. The sworn brothers had scattered across the room, each unwinding in their own way.

Andromeda leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms behind his head. His tech unit uniform still bore faint scorch marks from yesterday’s exercise, though he seemed unbothered.

"Man, I swear, if I have to sit through another one of those meetings, I’m gonna start replacing our comms with prank soundbites."

Cygnus silently sipped his coffee, barely acknowledging the comment. His dark eyes scanned the room with the perpetual alertness that made him such an effective spy unit leader. The steam from his mug fogged his glasses slightly.

Tarantula suddenly leaned over the back of the couch, upside down, his wild grin revealing too many teeth. "Ohhh, you should! Imagine the commander’s face when he clicks his mic and hears a fart sound instead of actual orders."

He snickered before Andromeda laughed, slapping Tarantula's shoulder playfully. "Exactly my point! Tactical humor, my guy."

Helix sat cross-legged on the floor, meticulously inspecting a disassembled handgun. His fingers moved with practiced precision despite his evident nervousness. "I really don’t think that’s a good idea... You’ll just get us in trouble again."

Tarantula grinned wider, shaking his head at Helix's caution. "That’s the fun part, Helix."

Orion finally spoke up from his position against the wall, his deep voice carrying natural authority. "You two are children."

Tarantula let out a mocking gasp. "Oh nooo, Orion disapproves! Guess I have to rethink my life choices."

He chuckled, flicking a crumpled napkin at Orion, who caught it mid-air with a sharp glare. "Grow up, Tarantula."

Cygnus exhaled slowly, setting his coffee down with deliberate slowness. "Both of you shut up."

Andromeda raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Wow, two whole sentences from Cygnus? Must be a special occasion."

Cygnus just stared at him, his expression unreadable behind his glasses. Helix glanced between them nervously, fidgeting with a bullet casing. "Uh, so... did you guys hear about the new rifle models coming in? I got to test one earlier, and—"

Tarantula threw an arm around Helix, squeezing his shoulder tightly. "Oh, look at you, nerding out over guns again. So cute."

Helix looked visibly uncomfortable, trying to squirm out of his grip. "Let go, Tarantula..."

Andromeda snickered, watching the chaos unfold with amusement. Orion rubbed his temples, sighing deeply. "This is why we don’t take breaks together."

Cygnus silently nodded in agreement, picking up his coffee once more.