News of the raid spread like wildfire through Arid, a potent mix of fear and exhilaration. The Corporation, the seemingly invincible entity, had been defied. Maya's escape, orchestrated by rebels, fueled a growing sense of defiance within the city walls.
Overnight, the badges bearing the hidden oasis image became more than just a symbol. They transformed into a silent oath, a declaration of solidarity with the rebellion. People wore them openly, a silent challenge to the Corporation's authority. The whispers in the alleyways grew louder, bolder, and more frequent. The seeds of rebellion, painstakingly sown by Maya and her allies, were beginning to sprout.
The Corporation didn't take this defiance lightly. They responded with an iron fist, increasing patrols and tightening their grip on the city. Rex, humiliated by Maya's escape, became even more ruthless. He vowed to crush the rebellion and make an example of anyone who dared defy the Corporation.
Yet, the rebels persevered. Fatima, emboldened by their success, started organizing small protests. At first, these were mere gatherings of a few dozen people, a quiet murmur of discontent. But with each passing day, the numbers grew. The Corporation's propaganda, once accepted without question, began to ring hollow. People were starting to see the truth: the Corporation wasn't there to save them; it was draining them dry.