Chapter 1: Introduction

“What exactly are we making ?”

Liz leaned against the counter, arms crossed over her chest, the scent of salt and gunpowder still clinging to her uniform from their last patrol. Her fingers drummed against the peeling paint of the cottage’s kitchen table, her dark eyes bright with curiosity as she watched Jager work. He moved with the quiet efficiency of someone who had spent years navigating the world with more precision than conversation.

“You’re about to find out,” he replied, his voice low but warm, the kind of warmth that didn’t need volume to fill a room.

Jager cut the bacon spam into several slices with his Ka-bar knife. Before putting the spam bacon slices into a bowl mixed with ouster and Teriyaki sauce