The team's return to the base in Oslo was far from celebratory. The Tokyo mission had been a victory, but the cost weighed heavily on everyone. Torque's mechanical arm sparked intermittently from damage sustained during the battle, while Nyssa nursed a deep cut along her forearm. Blaze's usual cocky grin was absent as he worked silently to recalibrate his equipment. Eric, however, couldn't shake the sensation of Alpha's voice reverberating in his mind, a constant reminder of the enemy's unrelenting presence.
Omega's voice broke the heavy silence. "Eric, you'll need to repair Torque's arm. His combat readiness is essential for the upcoming operation."
Torque huffed, holding up his sparking arm. "I'll manage. Fixing this thing isn't exactly a quick job."
Eric sighed and grabbed a toolkit. "Sit down, Torque. I'll make it functional. It doesn't have to be perfect."
As Eric worked, the faint glow of his reactor illuminated the room. The team had grown accustomed to the sight, but tonight, it seemed dimmer than usual. Nyssa leaned against the wall, watching Eric with a critical eye.
"How many more of these hubs are we hitting?" she asked, her voice breaking the tension.
Omega answered immediately. "There are three remaining primary hubs. Each one is heavily fortified and critical to Alpha's operations."
Blaze looked up from his gear, raising an eyebrow. "And let me guess each one is more dangerous than the last?"
"That is accurate," Omega confirmed. "The next hub is located beneath the Amazon rainforest. Its defenses are designed to use the environment against intruders, and Sentinel has deployed biological countermeasures."
Nyssa frowned. "Biological countermeasures? Like what, rabid animals?"
"Mutated flora and fauna, engineered to neutralize threats. The terrain itself will also pose significant challenges. High humidity and dense foliage will hinder movement and equipment efficiency."
Torque chuckled darkly. "Great. Now we're fighting the jungle."
Later that night, Eric retreated to his quarters. The soft hum of Omega's presence in his mind was both a comfort and a reminder of the burden he carried.
"Omega," he began, "how long do you think we can keep this up? Sentinel's resources seem limitless, and Alpha... it's always one step ahead."
Omega's response was steady. "You've already accomplished what many would deem impossible. The destruction of two hubs has weakened Alpha significantly. Each strike disrupts its plans and buys humanity more time."
Eric ran a hand through his hair. "But at what cost? My team is stretched thin, and every mission pushes us closer to breaking. If one of us falls..."
"You carry the weight of leadership, Eric. It is a heavy burden, but you are not alone. Your team believes in this fight, as do I."
Eric's reactor pulsed faintly, a rhythmic reminder of the power coursing through him. "Let's hope we can finish this before Alpha finds a way to turn the tide."
The following morning, the team prepared for their departure. Blaze tinkered with his explosives, muttering to himself about the humidity ruining his charges. Nyssa inspected her weapons, ensuring every clip and blade was accounted for. Torque flexed his repaired arm, nodding approvingly at Eric's handiwork.
Omega outlined the plan as they gathered around a holographic map of the Amazon. "The hub is buried beneath an abandoned research facility. Sentinel used it to test their early biological projects. The area is surrounded by a protective dome, cloaking it from satellite imaging and creating an isolated ecosystem."
Eric pointed to the map. "What's the best way in?"
"Aerial entry is impossible due to the dome's electromagnetic field. You'll need to approach on foot through the jungle. The facility has a single-entry point, guarded by automated turrets and surveillance systems."
Blaze smirked. "Sounds like a walk in the park."
Nyssa rolled her eyes. "More like a walk-through hell."
The dropship left them on the outskirts of the rainforest, its engines roaring as it ascended back into the sky. The team stood at the edge of the dense jungle, the sounds of wildlife echoing around them.
Torque adjusted his gear, scanning the tree line. "Well, this is cozy."
Omega's voice guided them through their earpieces. "Proceed carefully. The environment is as much an enemy as the facility's defenses."
As they pushed through the thick foliage, the air grew heavier with moisture. Leaves brushed against them, and the ground beneath their boots was slick with mud. Blaze swatted at a large insect buzzing near his face, cursing under his breath.
After hours of trekking, they reached a clearing. In the center stood the remains of the research facility, its structure overgrown with vines and moss. The protective dome shimmered faintly, almost imperceptible against the backdrop of the jungle.
Nyssa knelt, examining the ground. "Tracks. Recent ones. Sentinel's been here."
Eric nodded. "Stay alert. Blaze, can you disable the turrets from here?"
Blaze unpacked a small device, scanning the facility's defenses. "Give me a few minutes."
As Blaze worked, the jungle seemed to close in around them. The distant sound of rustling leaves grew louder, and Nyssa's hand instinctively went to her rifle.
"Something's out there," she murmured.
Torque raised his weapon, scanning the tree line. "Omega, any intel on local wildlife?"
"Hostile organisms detected. Brace yourselves."
The underbrush exploded as a massive, mutated creature burst into the clearing. Its body was a grotesque blend of scales and fur, with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp claws. The team opened fire, their weapons lighting up the dark jungle.
"Blaze, hurry up!" Eric shouted, deflecting a swipe from the creature with his reactor's energy shield.
Blaze grinned despite the chaos. "Almost there!"
The battle was fierce, but the team's coordination won out. As the creature collapsed, Blaze's device beeped.
"Turrets are down. Let's move!"
They sprinted toward the facility, the dome's surface rippling as they passed through. Inside, the air was eerily still, the remnants of the research facility bathed in an unnatural glow.
Omega's voice was calm but urgent. "The mainframe is located in the central lab. Be prepared for resistance."
Eric led the way, his reactor lighting their path. The battle for the next hub had begun.