In his lab, Ted Kord hurriedly packs up and conceals the scarab, his movements swift and deliberate. The air grows tense as an unidentified figure stealthily breaches the room, setting the stage for an unexpected confrontation between intellect and mystery.

The soft hum of machinery in Ted Kord's lab contrasts with the palpable tension in the air. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he ensures that every piece of equipment is properly stowed away, safeguarding the powerful scarab from prying eyes.

Outside, rain pelts against the windows, creating a soothing rhythm that seems at odds with the impending danger. As Ted places the scarab inside a heavily fortified case, the lab's security system alerts him to an intrusion. His heart races as he swipes a finger across a holographic control panel, activating a series of defensive measures.

A shadowy silhouette moves within the lab, expertly avoiding cameras and motion sensors. Ted's jaw clenches as he watches the figure draw nearer on the security feed. He reaches beneath his lab coat and extracts a small device, activating a concealed earpiece.

"Kord here," he whispers, his voice firm but edged with concern.

"Ted, it's Booster," crackles a voice in his ear, belonging to his ally, Booster Gold. "I'm en route to your location, but it might take me a few more minutes. Hang tight."

Ted nods imperceptibly, his focus unwavering on the figure that's now inches away from discovering the hidden scarab. Beads of sweat form on his brow as he calculates his options. The scarab was meant to remain concealed, its power too great to fall into the wrong hands.

With a deep breath, Ted lunges forward, his training in hand-to-hand combat evident as he attempts to apprehend the intruder. But the figure is swift, evading his grasp with surprising agility. In a fluid motion, they produce a small device, releasing a cloud of smoke that engulfs the area.

Coughing and disoriented, Ted activates a set of goggles that provide thermal and augmented reality vision. Through the haze, he glimpses the figure's heat signature moving toward the lab's exit. Determination surges within him as he leaps into action, using his tech-enhanced abilities to close the gap.

The room erupts into a whirlwind of technology and skill as Ted and the intruder engage in a fierce battle. Each move is calculated, each strike precise, a dance of intellect and combat prowess. The scarab's container teeters perilously close to the edge of a table, threatening to reveal its secrets.

As the intense battle rages on, Ted's every move becomes more labored, his strength waning. A well-placed blow from the figure's weapon leaves him fatally wounded, but his determination remains unyielding. Gasping for breath, he locks eyes with his assailant.

"Where... is it?" the figure demands, their voice cold and determined.

Ted's resolve is unshakable even in his weakened state. Blood trickles from his lips as he manages to croak out, "Never..."

Infuriated by Ted's defiance, the figure raises their weapon, poised to deliver a fatal blow. But before the strike can land, a burst of golden light heralds the arrival of Booster Gold. The abrupt appearance startles the figure, causing their attack to miss its mark.

Seizing the moment, Ted summons the last vestiges of his strength and lunges at the figure, grappling to disarm them. However, the figure's desperation translates into a fierce counterattack. In a brutal move, they strike Ted with enough force to cause serious damage, sending him crashing to the ground.

Ted's vision swims as pain radiates through his body. His labored breaths mingle with the sounds of the ongoing struggle. Booster Gold's presence has shifted the tide, but the outcome remains uncertain. As the figure continues to battle against the odds, Ted's fading consciousness clings to the hope that his sacrifice will be worth it – that the scarab's secrets will remain safe from those who would misuse its power.

Booster Gold injected a burst of energy into the chaotic scene. His futuristic suit hums with power as he swiftly analyzes the situation and adapts his tactics. With calculated precision, he engages the figure, his movements fluid and strategic.

Booster's suit is equipped with advanced energy blasters that emit dazzling bursts of golden light. He uses them to create a dazzling array of distractions, forcing the figure to constantly shift their focus. As the figure attempts to counter the barrage of energy blasts, Booster's nimble movements keep them on the defensive.

Booster Gold's suit also grants him enhanced strength and agility, allowing him to evade the figure's attacks with finesse. He employs a combination of acrobatics and martial arts, dodging the figure's strikes and landing well-timed blows that test their endurance.

Utilizing his knowledge of historical combat techniques, Booster weaves a tapestry of moves that confound the figure. He exploits their vulnerabilities and adapts his approach in real-time. Every dodge, every parry, every calculated strike brings him closer to gaining the upper hand.

As Booster Gold's relentless assault gains momentum, the figure's movements become increasingly desperate. With a final burst of energy, Booster manages to disarm and incapacitate the figure, pinning them against the wall. Victory seems imminent, but suddenly, a distraction allows the figure to slip from Booster's grasp, disappearing into the shadows of the night.

Breathing heavily, Booster scans the area, frustration etched across his face. He rushes to Ted's side, his concern for his friend evident in his voice. "Ted, hang on. We're going to get you help."

Meanwhile, in a hidden location, the figure initiates a communication device. A holographic projection flickers to life, revealing a stern-faced individual on the other end. The figure's voice is strained as they speak, "General, I... I failed to retrieve the scarab. The situation escalated."

The General's steely gaze remains fixed on the figure. "Rustam, your failures are becoming a recurring theme. I gave you one task – acquire the scarab at all costs. Do you understand the gravity of your failure?"

The figure, now identified as Rustam, bows their head in submission. "I understand, General. But the interference was unexpected. There was a second hero present."

The General's voice is devoid of sympathy. "Excuses won't alter the outcome. We cannot afford any more mistakes. The scarab's power must be harnessed. Do not disappoint me again."

Rustam's eyes harden with fear. "I won't, General. I will find the scarab and deliver it to you."

The holographic connection terminates, leaving Rustam alone