The scrapyard pulsed with quiet determination as the team worked through the day. With the Syndicate drones temporarily diverted and the perimeter reinforced, the group seized every moment to strengthen their position. The upgraded plasma turrets stood like sentinels along the barriers, their faint hum a steady reminder of their growing defenses. Yet, in the air hung an unspoken truth: this was temporary. The Syndicate would come, and when they did, it wouldn't be a skirmish—it would be a war.
Ethan paced the workshop, his Interface projecting a three-dimensional schematic of the Syndicate research lab. The data Shade had uncovered was detailed but incomplete. The facility's main areas were mapped out—research labs, storage wings, and the heavily secured data vault—but there were gaps, blind spots where critical details were missing. It was these gaps that concerned Ethan the most.
Rhea entered, her hands stained with grease and her console tucked under her arm. She set it on the workbench and leaned against the edge, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Second turret's online. The southwest is as fortified as it's going to get."
Ethan nodded, not looking up. "Good. We'll need every advantage we can get."
Rhea studied him for a moment, her expression softening. "You've been staring at that schematic for hours. What's the play?"
Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "That lab isn't just a research facility. It's the Syndicate's backbone for Project Dominion. If we don't find out what they're building there, we're going to be blindsided."
Rhea folded her arms. "And if we go after it? You know they'll have it locked down tight. We'd be walking straight into their strongest defenses."
"That's why we don't go in yet," Ethan said. "We need more intel, more resources. If we're going to hit that place, it has to be surgical."
Rhea tilted her head, her tone growing cautious. "And what if we wait too long? If Project Dominion's as big as it sounds, the Syndicate might finish whatever they're working on before we're ready."
Ethan turned to her, his eyes sharp. "Then we make sure we're ready faster."
Team Development
The team gathered later that evening in the scrapyard's makeshift command center, a cleared-out section of the workshop lit by holographic displays and scattered equipment. Shade stood by a tactical map of Neo Arcadia-2, highlighting Syndicate-controlled zones and potential supply lines. Briggs leaned against a crate, his rifle within arm's reach, while Garret sprawled on a chair, tapping the edge of his plasma cannon with idle curiosity. Rhea adjusted a display, her eyes darting between the holograms and her console.
Ethan stood at the center, his presence commanding. "We've made progress, but it's not enough. The Syndicate's resources dwarf ours, and every day we wait, they tighten their grip on this city."
"So what's the next move?" Garret asked, spinning his cannon lazily. "Hit another convoy? Maybe grab some more toys?"
"Not yet," Ethan said. "We need to consolidate what we've taken and build leverage."
"Leverage how?" Briggs asked, his tone skeptical. "We're good at hitting hard and fast, but that only takes us so far."
Ethan gestured to the map, highlighting a series of smaller outposts on the city's outskirts. "These outposts are independent—neutral in the Syndicate's eyes because they don't have the resources to be a threat. But they're also desperate for power and protection."
Rhea's eyes lit up. "You're talking about expanding the trade network."
"Exactly," Ethan said. "We supply them with energy cores, defensive upgrades, whatever they need to stay independent. In return, they give us credits, intel, and safe havens."
Shade stepped forward, his gaze analytical. "It's a risky play. If the Syndicate catches wind of us propping up these outposts, they'll retaliate."
"They'll retaliate no matter what we do," Ethan said. "This way, we build allies. The more people who rely on us, the harder it becomes for the Syndicate to stamp us out."
Briggs grunted. "Fair point. But how do we protect these outposts if the Syndicate decides to make an example out of one?"
Ethan's jaw tightened. "That's why we're not just selling them supplies. We're selling them the ability to defend themselves."
The plan came together over the next few days. Rhea worked tirelessly to refine the energy core production line, optimizing the process to produce more units with fewer materials. Garret and Briggs conducted patrols, scouting the terrain around the scrapyard for any signs of Syndicate activity. Shade reached out to contacts in Neo Arcadia-2's underworld, identifying outposts that were likely to accept their offer.
Ethan divided his time between overseeing the preparations and studying the Syndicate's movements. The drones hadn't returned, but their absence only deepened his unease. The Syndicate wasn't the kind to forget a slight, and he knew their silence was just a prelude to something bigger.
Outpost Negotiations
The first delivery was set for a small outpost near the industrial ruins, a cluster of makeshift buildings cobbled together from scrap and concrete. Shade had secured a meeting with the outpost's leader, a woman named Lira who had a reputation for being pragmatic but fiercely protective of her people.
Ethan, Shade, and Rhea approached the outpost at dusk, their transport vehicle loaded with energy cores and modular defensive kits. The outpost's perimeter was marked by rudimentary barricades and a few sentry guns that looked more decorative than functional.
As they stepped out of the vehicle, a group of armed guards approached, their weapons trained but not hostile. Lira emerged moments later, a tall, wiry woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor.
"You're the ones Shade mentioned," she said, her voice clipped. "What do you want?"
Ethan stepped forward, meeting her gaze. "A partnership. We provide you with the means to defend this outpost, and in return, you give us a share of your resources and access to your network."
Lira crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "And what makes you think I need your help?"
"You wouldn't have agreed to this meeting if you didn't," Ethan said. "Your sentry guns are outdated, your power grid is unstable, and the Syndicate won't ignore you forever. We can fix all of that."
Lira studied him for a long moment before glancing at the transport vehicle. "Show me."
Rhea stepped forward, opening the back of the vehicle to reveal the neatly stacked crates of energy cores and defensive kits. She explained their functions in detail, her tone confident and precise. By the time she finished, Lira's skepticism had softened, replaced by cautious interest.
"How much?" Lira asked.
Ethan smiled faintly. "We don't just want your credits. We want your trust. Agree to this partnership, and we'll make sure this outpost becomes more than just a target. It becomes a fortress."
Lira hesitated, her sharp gaze flicking between Ethan and the equipment. Finally, she extended a hand. "You've got a deal. But if this goes south, I'll make sure you regret it."
"Fair enough," Ethan said, shaking her hand.
The ride back to the scrapyard was quiet, the glow of Neo Arcadia-2's skyline lighting their path. Rhea leaned back in her seat, a faint smile on her face. "First deal done. Think it'll stick?"
"It will," Ethan said. "Lira's smart enough to know we're her best option."
Shade's voice was calm but pointed. "This was the easy part. The Syndicate won't stay quiet for long."
"They won't," Ethan agreed. "But when they come, we'll be ready."
The first thread of their network had been woven, but it was only the beginning. As the scrapyard came into view, Ethan felt a quiet resolve settle over him. The Syndicate had power, wealth, and influence—but they didn't have him.
Not yet.
And that was their mistake.