Chapter 16 - Invasion - 2

**POV - ■■■■■**

I look at Graiger and approach him. "What do you think? Should we agree to go?" I ask him.

"I think so. They seem desperate to end the war, and we've made the devices. If something goes wrong, we can regenerate," Graiger whispers.

"Why are you treating regeneration as if it's easy?" I whisper back.

"It's not easy, but you said we should be brave," he whispers.

"But not like this. Losing a regeneration at 45 years old is a shame, and we'll have to change our faces," I say indignantly.

"What are you talking about? Answer me! Do you agree or not?" Lastra interrupts impatiently.

"Nothing. We'll go with you," I reply, changing the subject.

"But you must be aware that the risk is high. Entering the Cybermen's central base is not an easy task, even with a device that can deactivate them," Graiger warns about the risks.

Lastra seems determined. "We are aware of the risks. But if this is the only way to ensure the survival of our people, we are willing to take the risk."

"Then let's start planning. Do you have any maps of the Cybermen territory?" I ask Lastra.

"Yes, here it is," Lastra says, showing a hologram with a map of the entire Cyberman territory.

I approach with Graiger, who begins to speak.

"We need to identify the weakest point in their defense, where we can infiltrate without being detected immediately and connect the device to the Cybermen central system," Graiger says, rotating the hologram and looking for a weak spot to invade.

"And we'll need a group of soldiers who know the terrain well. The invasion will have to be quick and precise," I say, looking at Lastra.

Gristrax, who had been silent until now, steps forward. "We have an elite group that can guide us. They've faced the Cybermen before and know their tactics well."

"Perfect," I reply. "We'll divide the group into two teams. One team will create a distraction while the other, led by us, infiltrates the base and protects us until Ross and I activate the device."

Graiger adds, "We need to synchronize our actions perfectly. Any mistake, and we could lose the opportunity to destroy them all at once."

Lastra nods. "I'll prepare our soldiers and inform them of the plan. We depart at dawn."

Grainger and I exchanged glances once more. The challenge ahead is exciting. 'Maybe we're being reckless, helping other people and races, but it should be fun to invade a Cyberman base. They aren't even that powerful compared to the legions that roam the universe.' I look at Graiger and nod. "Let's do this," I say confidently.

**-------CHANGE OF POV--------**

**POV - LASTRA**

While the two Time Lords begin to organize the final details of the plan, I feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. They are different from anyone I've ever met, and even though their actions are difficult to fully comprehend, there is a sense that we can trust them.

I turn my attention to Gristrax. "Prepare the elite group. They need to be ready to leave at dawn. And send a message to the council. If something happens to me, they need to know we did our best to protect our people."

Gristrax nods, quickly leaving the room.

"So, are you sure this device, if connected to the Cybermen's central system, will destroy all those with this metal in them?" I ask, trying to make sure we will destroy the Cybermen.

"Yes, we can program it at the Cybermen's central system and activate the electromagnetic pulse, destroying all those with the metal. And everyone with the metal will go kaboom!" Braz says, making a gesture of an explosion and smiling.

'Braz is very sarcastic. It's irritating and, at the same time, intriguing. How does he have no fear of the danger that is showing?' I think, intrigued by Braz's calmness.

"This could be a good option for an invasion," Ross says, showing a route on the hologram.

"Yes, there are fewer bases around, and we can funnel the formation to their central area," Braz says.

'They are quick thinkers. It should have been expected since they created a technology to destroy a specific metal.' I think, admiringly. "Yes, it could work with the first squad creating a distraction in the area with the most protection," I say to them.

------------**CHANGE OF POV**-----------

**POV - ■■■■■**

As we discuss the final details of the plan, I realize we need to consider all possible scenarios. "Lastra, there's a chance the Cybermen will detect our entry, even with the distraction. We need an escape route in case something goes wrong."

Lastra agrees, thoughtful. "We'll prepare an alternative path. Gristrax, make sure the elite group knows the evacuation route. And place explosives in the escape areas. If we need to retreat, we can use them to buy some time."

I look at Graiger. "Are you excited?"

Graiger gives a confident smile. "I'm always excited and ready for a challenge, especially when it involves blowing things up."

"We need to set a delay on the device, so if a Cyberman shows up, we can escape before it explodes," I say.

------------**CHANGE OF POV**----------

**POV - LASTRA**

I see the determination in the Time Lords' eyes. They seem unconcerned, but I know they are aware of the risks. I decide to approach Gristrax. "Make sure everyone is ready for the possibility of an ambush. The Cybermen are cunning; we can't underestimate them."

Gristrax nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll inform the elite group. They're ready for anything."

"Good," I reply, turning my gaze back to Braz and Ross. "Let's meet here again in two days since you need to complete the device. I hope your devices are as effective as you promise."

"Don't worry, Lastra. We don't fail," Braz says with a smile.

-------------**CHANGE OF POV**-----------

**POV - ■■■■■**

We spend the rest of the night reviewing the plan, ensuring every detail is aligned. In the back of my mind, I feel uneasy. It's not just the risk of the mission, but also what will happen if we fail. I don't want to lose a regeneration so soon.

Graiger seems to read my thoughts. "If we're in danger, we need to be ready to act quickly," he whispers.

I agree. "We'll do our best. And who knows, maybe we'll learn something new about these Silurians in the process."

**TWO DAYS LATER**

We are all ready. The elite Silurian group is armed to the teeth, ready for battle. Lastra gives a signal, and the first squad starts moving toward the distraction site.

"It's now or never," I say to Graiger as we position ourselves for the infiltration. "Remember, focus on the mission. We can't get distracted."

Graiger nods, and together, we advance toward the Cybermen base.

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