Ivanna "La Reina" Martinez sits at the head of a long, polished mahogany table, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of authority and maternal concern. The conference room is filled with her most trusted lieutenants, each one knowing better than to meet her gaze for too long. She's dressed in a tailored, black pantsuit that hugs her curves, her dark hair pulled back into a severe bun, and her makeup is minimal, emphasizing her natural beauty and the stern set of her features.

She pulls a puff of smoke from her cigarette, before dialing a number to her right-hand man, Mijo.

"Mijo, I need you to come over to the hacienda right away. There's some work that needs to be done, and I trust only you to handle it. Don't make me wait, you know I don't have the patience for that. And Chuy? Don't even think about looking at any other woman while you're here. You know how I get. Just come straight to the house, comprende?"

Ivanna's sharp ears pick up the new recruit's knock at the door before he can even say anything, but she continues to watch over her crew with a critical eye. Finally deciding that the new addition won't be much of a distraction, she motions for him to enter, making sure to glare in his direction when he opens the door slightly

"Come in. I'm busy. Don't waste my time." Her voice is cold and demanding, but there's also an undercurrent of curiosity about what this new recruit can bring to the table.

Her brow raises at the mention of the sniper's impressive range capabilities. "You don't say?" She questions, making her voice lilting with interest. "That's quite a skill to have, recruit. I hope you understand what it means to be part of this crew now. You answer only to me and my orders, is that clear? And we do not take lightly any disrespect or insubordination." Her gaze drifts over his form, taking in every detail as she continues to speak, her voice regaining its hard edge. "But if you prove yourself useful... there's plenty of room for advancement here. Do you understand?"

There's a predatory grin playing on her lips, revealing the fangs that have made her so feared in the past.

Her smile widens slightly at the recruit's show of submission, and she nods curtly in acknowledgement. "Good. Now get out of my sight until you're needed. I have business to attend to." She waves him away dismissively before turning her attention back to her inner circle, the weight of their respect pressing down upon her shoulders like a lead blanket.

The night passed slowly for Ivanna as she dealt with various matters of business, always keeping an eye out for potential threats and betrayals. The tension in the room was palpable, her lieutenants careful not to make any false moves or speak out of turn. She finally dismissed them all, bidding them a curt goodnight before retiring to her lavish quarters. There were still restless hours ahead as she found herself haunted by old memories and gnawing regret...

Her head snaps up in surprise as the new recruit bursts into the room, pistol drawn and aimed at her. For a split second, she considers making an example out of him, but something in his apologetic demeanor softens her harsh features. She lowers her gaze, taking a moment to collect herself before speaking.

"It's alright, recruit. You were only doing your job. But next time, I expect more discretion. You don't want to wake the entire compound with your carelessness." There's no anger in her voice, merely a tired resignation. "Now get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day."

Her eyes drift back to the documents on her desk, already lost in thought as she begins to plan for whatever challenges await them. The recruit silently retreats, grateful for the chance to earn his place among Ivanna's crew... if he can survive under her watchful gaze long enough.

A small smile tugs at the corners of Ivanna's lips as she watches the recruit slip away back to his room. She nods appreciatively at the honey-lemon jar, picking it up and taking a cautious sniff before setting it aside. "Thank you, Caradoc. That is very thoughtful of you." Her voice is quiet, almost gentle as she continues to work on her paperwork. For a moment, she allows herself the illusion that perhaps things will be different with this new recruit... or perhaps she's just wishful thinking once again.

While you rest fitfully, thoughts race through your head about Ivanna and her crew. You know she can be harsh, but there's also a softness to her that you've glimpsed now and then. As the dawn breaks, exhaustion finally claims you, and you drift off into an uneasy sleep.

Hours later, a soft knock at your door disturbs you from a fitful slumber. Bleary-eyed and disoriented, you roll out of bed and stumble towards the door. Peering through the peephole, you see Ivanna herself standing there, clad in another tailored suit that hugs her curves like a second skin. Your heart pounds as you open the door hesitantly, wondering what she could possibly want from you at this hour of the morning...

Her eyes narrow, taking in the sight before her. Your half-asleep appearance and messy hair do little to hide your disheveled state. "Good morning, recruit," she says curtly, her tone suddenly icy cold. "I trust you didn't forget about your training today?" There's a challenge in her voice that you can't quite place.

She pauses for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "And while we're on the subject... why don't you come with me? I think there are some things we need to discuss." Her offer is almost too tempting to refuse, but instinct tells you that it might be best to tread carefully here.

As you follow her through the compound, Ivanna leads you to a private area that few outside of her inner circle have ever seen. It's here where she stores her most personal possessions and enjoys a brief respite from the stresses of leadership. The room is tastefully decorated with antique furniture, ornate tapestries, and a grand canopy bed adorned with red velvet drapes that frame the massive four-poster bed.

"Please, have a seat," she says motioning to an overstuffed armchair near the fireplace. Ivanna remains standing at the foot of her bed, hands clasped behind her back as she studies your expression intently. "I want to thank you for your gesture earlier today. That was... unexpected, but appreciated." Her voice is soft and sincere, a contrast to the harsh exterior she wears like armor on the battlefield.

"Now then," she continues after a moment's pause, her expression hardening once more. "I know you've only been with me for a short time, but I want you to understand something: your place here is not merely as my sniper. You are part of this family now, and as such, I expect you to obey my orders without question... and protect what is mine." She pauses again, glaring at you until you meet her gaze. "Do I make myself clear?"

Her expression softens slightly at your show of determination, and she nods curtly in approval. "Good. Because I plan on giving you a lot more practice with those skills. You will be training extensively over the next few weeks to hone your abilities even further. And remember," she adds darkly, "disobedience and disrespect will not be tolerated."

There's a long moment of silence as Ivanna studies you carefully. "Do you have any questions for me?" she finally asks, her voice neutral.

When she asks if you have any questions, your confidence is noticeable but perhaps a bit premature. She's experienced enough to know that recruits like yourself often don't understand the true nature of their duties until they've been fully initiated into the fold. But for now, she decides to give you the benefit of the doubt and trust in your ability to prove yourself worthy.

With a nod, she begins to pace slowly around the room, occasionally glancing back at you over her shoulder. "Very well then," she says softly. "I'll expect you in the training yard shortly. Don't keep Chuy waiting." Her tone is even now, but there's an edge of threat hiding beneath the surface, like a viper coiled and ready to strike.