Chapter 8: The First Battle
The transport vehicle rattled as it sped across the rugged terrain, leaving the safety of the base behind. Inside, the silence was heavy. Only the hum of the engines and the faint clinking of gear broke the monotony. Ray observed his team: Mia was double-checking her weapon, Greg sat quietly, calm as ever, and Ethan clutched his rifle with the grip of someone clinging to their last shred of hope.
"Listen," Ray said, breaking the silence. "They picked us for this mission because they saw something in us. Don't forget: we stick together, communicate, and don't panic. If we do that, we have a chance."
Mia shot him a brief smile. "I like your optimism, but let's see how long it lasts once they start coming at us."
"If I can keep my bullets in my magazine, I think it'll last," Greg replied with a calm grin.
Ethan nodded, trying to look brave. "We'll be fine, right?"
Ray looked him in the eye. "We'll be fine if we stay focused. Remember what you've learned."
Sector 14
The vehicle came to a halt with a dull thud at the edge of a dense forest. Ahead, a ruined city loomed, its crumbling buildings and empty streets slowly being reclaimed by nature. The area seemed quiet, but Ray knew the silence was deceptive.
"Alpha Team, report," came General Brad's voice over the comms.
Ray pressed the button. "We've reached the location. Moving toward the target."
"Stay sharp. The enemy could be anywhere."
Weapons at the ready, the team crept into the city. Every sound—a snapped branch, a stronger gust of wind—seemed amplified. Among the empty streets, the ruins provided both cover and danger.
"Ray, got anything?" Mia whispered.
Ray raised his hand, stopping the team. A few meters ahead, among the rubble, a metallic silhouette moved slowly.
"A humanoid scout," he murmured. "Mia, left flank. Greg, right. Ethan, with me. No unnecessary noise."
The team moved swiftly, taking positions. Ray waited until the humanoid paused, scanning its surroundings with glowing red eyes.
"Now," Ray whispered.
Mia fired first, hitting it straight in the head. Greg followed up, taking out its legs. As the humanoid collapsed with a metallic thud, Ray and Ethan approached, securing the area.
"Good work," Ray said. "But that was just one. There will be more, guaranteed."
The Ambush
As the team advanced, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed behind them. "Positions!" Ray shouted.
Three humanoids appeared suddenly from a dilapidated building, moving rapidly toward the team. The first was met with a burst of fire from Greg, but the other two split up, trying to flank them.
Mia rolled behind a wall, firing precise shots that slowed one of them down. Ray pushed Ethan behind an abandoned vehicle. "Cover me!" he ordered.
Ethan fired a few bursts, managing to distract one humanoid long enough for Ray to land a clean shot to its central processor.
The last humanoid came dangerously close to Mia, but she stayed calm. At the last moment, she lobbed a grenade that exploded nearby, destroying it completely.
"Clear?" Greg asked.
Ray scanned the area, his breathing heavy. "For now."
The Discovery
The team arrived at a large building, seemingly a former factory. Ray checked the map. "This is the target. We need to find whatever information they've left behind."
Inside, the atmosphere was even more oppressive. Old machinery was coated in rust, and the dim light cast shadows that seemed to move.
"I don't like this place," Ethan murmured.
"Neither do I, but we don't have a choice," Mia replied.
On the second floor, in a control room, they found a functioning terminal. Greg began downloading the data while the others secured the area.
"Hurry up, Greg," Ray urged.
"Just need another minute," Greg replied, focused.
Suddenly, the familiar sound of motors filled the air. The humanoids were closing in.
"We've got company!" Mia yelled.
The Retreat
Ray made a quick decision. "Ethan, take the data from Greg and head to the vehicle. Mia and I will hold them off. Greg, you secure the left flank."
Ethan hesitated but grabbed the storage device and ran. Mia and Ray positioned themselves strategically, firing precise bursts to slow the humanoids' advance.
"There's too many of them!" Greg shouted as a nearby explosion knocked him to the ground.
Ray helped him up. "We need to move now!"
With humanoids on their heels, the team managed to escape the building and reach the vehicle. Greg climbed in first, followed by Mia and Ray, who kept firing until the doors slammed shut.
The Return
Back at the base, General Brad was waiting for them. "Did you succeed?"
Ray handed him the device. "We have the data. But the humanoids are more numerous and faster than we expected."
Brad surveyed the team with a serious expression. "You did well. Rest up. But don't forget: the real fight is only just beginning."
As the team retreated to their quarters, Ray turned to the others. "We survived. And that's what matters. For now."
Mia offered a faint smile. "Today, yes. But tomorrow… who knows?"
Silence fell over the team again, each of them reflecting on the battle that had just ended.