Meanwhile, inside the temporary command centre established by the People Security Bureau, the atmosphere was completely different, charged with intense adrenaline and solemn shock.
Several high-ranking officers stood crowded around a massive digital display wall, where dozens of evidence photographs were continuously scrolling. There were high-resolution images of terrified rescued victims, impounded shipping containers, seized ledgers, warehouse schematics, and yellow evidence tags.
A middle-aged officer wearing the elite insignia of a Deputy Director finished reading the latest field report before raising his eyes to survey the room.
"Here is the verified victim tally." The Deputy Director read aloud, his voice heavy. "Forty-three children, seventeen young women, and nine men. Total victims rescued from the crates stand at sixty-nine."
