The car hummed as it sped down the dirt road, the suspension bouncing slightly with every pothole it hit. Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was both lively and chaotic. Tanner, a 25-year-old man with a perpetual grin and a mop of untamed brown hair, sat slouched in his seat. Two swords were strapped across his back in an X formation, and two guns were securely holstered on his thighs. He was intensely focused on the glowing screen of his phone.
"Take that, you alien scum!" Tanner shouted, jabbing at the screen with his thumb. "Oh, you think you can flank me? Not today!" His voice was filled with a mixture of triumph and excitement, completely oblivious to the groans of his teammates.
"Tanner, do you ever stop playing that game?" said Jess, a sharp-eyed woman with a sniper rifle slung over her shoulder. She was sitting directly across from him, smirking as she polished the lens of her scope.
"Not when I'm this close to hitting Galactic Warlord rank!" Tanner retorted, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Jess, you don't understand. I've been grinding for weeks. Weeks!"
"And yet, you still manage to suck," quipped Vic, a burly man with a tattoo peeking out from his shirt collar. He leaned back against the window, arms crossed. "What was it last time? Level 20 boss wiped you in two hits?"
"That was a bug!" Tanner protested, throwing a mock glare in Vic's direction. "And besides, you're just jealous because your idea of fun is arm wrestling yourself."
The team burst into laughter, and even Vic cracked a smile. In the driver's seat, Marla, the team's mechanic, shook her head while keeping her eyes on the road.Â
"Where's this mission taking us, anyway?" asked Jess, sliding her sniper scope back into its holster.Â
"Some old factory," Vic replied, tapping the tablet in his lap. "Intel says it's been overrun by hostiles. Our job is to clear it out and secure the tech inside."
"Sounds easy enough," Jess said, leaning back and stretching her arms. "Unless Tanner's too busy fighting his imaginary aliens to actually help."
"I'm multitasking!" Tanner said with a grin, still tapping furiously at his screen.
"You'll be one-tasking in about two seconds if you don't put that thing down," barked the team leader, a tall, stern woman named Captain Arden. Her voice cut through the chatter like a knife, silencing the group. Sitting in the passenger seat, she turned her piercing gaze on Tanner. "Eyes here, now."
Tanner flinched, his grin faltering as he reluctantly lowered his phone. "Yes, ma'am."
"Good," Arden said, her tone firm. "Listen up, team. This mission isn't a game. The factory's defenses are likely still operational, and if the hostiles have taken over, they've had plenty of time to fortify. We're walking into a trap unless we're sharp."
"Do we know who's running the show there?" Jess asked, her earlier teasing demeanor replaced by a professional tone.
"No solid ID yet," Arden replied, glancing at Vic's tablet. "But based on activity in the area, it's probably a rogue merc outfit. They're well-armed, but undisciplined. If we stick to the plan, we'll outmaneuver them."
"And what's the plan?" Tanner asked, leaning forward now, finally paying attention.
"Glad you're with us," Arden said, her sarcasm evident. "We're splitting into two teams. Marla and I will secure the perimeter and disable any external defenses. Vic, Jess, and Tanner, you'll breach the main building. Find the tech, neutralize any threats, and get out. Clear?"
"Crystal," Vic said, cracking his knuckles.
"Easy," Jess added, her sniper rifle now resting across her lap.
Tanner gave a thumbs-up, his earlier playfulness tempered by the weight of the mission. "Got it. No more distractions."
"Good," Arden said, settling back in her seat. "We're five minutes out. Gear up."
The car fell into a tense silence as the team began checking their weapons and equipment. Tanner slipped his phone into his pocket, his usual grin replaced by a look of quiet determination. For all his antics, he knew when it was time to focus. The team would need every ounce of skill and discipline they had to make it through the mission.
As the factory loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette against the evening sky, Tanner couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Next time, I'm making it to Galactic Warlord."
Jess smirked. "First, let's make it out of this mission alive, Warlord."
The car hummed as it sped down the dirt road, the suspension bouncing slightly with every pothole it hit. Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was both lively and chaotic. Tanner, a 25-year-old man with a perpetual grin and a mop of untamed brown hair, sat slouched in his seat. Two swords were strapped across his back in an X formation, and two guns were securely holstered on his thighs. He was intensely focused on the glowing screen of his phone.
"Take that, you alien scum!" Tanner shouted, jabbing at the screen with his thumb. "Oh, you think you can flank me? Not today!" His voice was filled with a mixture of triumph and excitement, completely oblivious to the groans of his teammates.
"Tanner, do you ever stop playing that game?" said Jess, a sharp-eyed woman with a sniper rifle slung over her shoulder. She was sitting directly across from him, smirking as she polished the lens of her scope.
"Not when I'm this close to hitting Galactic Warlord rank!" Tanner retorted, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Jess, you don't understand. I've been grinding for weeks. Weeks!"
"And yet, you still manage to suck," quipped Vic, a burly man with a tattoo peeking out from his shirt collar. He leaned back against the window, arms crossed. "What was it last time? Level 20 boss wiped you in two hits?"
"That was a bug!" Tanner protested, throwing a mock glare in Vic's direction. "And besides, you're just jealous because your idea of fun is arm wrestling yourself."
The team burst into laughter, and even Vic cracked a smile. In the driver's seat, Marla, the team's mechanic, shook her head while keeping her eyes on the road.Â
"Where's this mission taking us, anyway?" asked Jess, sliding her sniper scope back into its holster.Â
"Some old factory," Vic replied, tapping the tablet in his lap. "Intel says it's been overrun by hostiles. Our job is to clear it out and secure the tech inside."
"Sounds easy enough," Jess said, leaning back and stretching her arms. "Unless Tanner's too busy fighting his imaginary aliens to actually help."
"I'm multitasking!" Tanner said with a grin, still tapping furiously at his screen.
"You'll be one-tasking in about two seconds if you don't put that thing down," barked the team leader, a tall, stern woman named Captain Arden. Her voice cut through the chatter like a knife, silencing the group. Sitting in the passenger seat, she turned her piercing gaze on Tanner. "Eyes here, now."
Tanner flinched, his grin faltering as he reluctantly lowered his phone. "Yes, ma'am."
"Good," Arden said, her tone firm. "Listen up, team. This mission isn't a game. The factory's defenses are likely still operational, and if the hostiles have taken over, they've had plenty of time to fortify. We're walking into a trap unless we're sharp."
"Do we know who's running the show there?" Jess asked, her earlier teasing demeanor replaced by a professional tone.
"No solid ID yet," Arden replied, glancing at Vic's tablet. "But based on activity in the area, it's probably a rogue merc outfit. They're well-armed, but undisciplined. If we stick to the plan, we'll outmaneuver them."
"And what's the plan?" Tanner asked, leaning forward now, finally paying attention.
"Glad you're with us," Arden said, her sarcasm evident. "We're splitting into two teams. Marla and I will secure the perimeter and disable any external defenses. Vic, Jess, and Tanner, you'll breach the main building. Find the tech, neutralize any threats, and get out. Clear?"
"Crystal," Vic said, cracking his knuckles.
"Easy," Jess added, her sniper rifle now resting across her lap.
Tanner gave a thumbs-up, his earlier playfulness tempered by the weight of the mission. "Got it. No more distractions."
"Good," Arden said, settling back in her seat. "We're five minutes out. Gear up."
The car fell into a tense silence as the team began checking their weapons and equipment. Tanner slipped his phone into his pocket, his usual grin replaced by a look of quiet determination. For all his antics, he knew when it was time to focus. The team would need every ounce of skill and discipline they had to make it through the mission.
As the factory loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette against the evening sky, Tanner couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Next time, I'm making it to Galactic Warlord."
Jess smirked. "First, let's make it out of this mission alive, Warlord."
Jess rolled her eyes. "You're unbelievable."
"No, really," Tanner insisted, his tone mock-serious. "I'm out here saving the day, but my Galactic Warlord rank is slipping away."
Vic smirked. "Maybe if you're lucky, we'll clear this mission fast, and you can get back to your imaginary alien fights."
"Imaginary alien fights?" Tanner pretended to be offended. "Vic, that's a lifestyle."
Jess chuckled softly. "Focus, Warlord. We've got a job to do."
"Fine, fine," Tanner said, but he couldn't suppress the grin on his face. The banter lightened the mood, even as they prepared for the next phase of their mission.
The tech worker hesitated, his hands still raised. "Alright, alright," he stammered. "I'll tell you. It's a prototype weapon… an EMP disruptor. It's designed to knock out enemy systems without causing physical damage."
Jess raised an eyebrow. "An EMP disruptor? That's some serious tech."
Vic frowned. "And you were working on this in a place like this? Who's paying you?"
The tech shrugged nervously. "I don't ask questions. They pay well, and I build. That's the deal."
Tanner, leaning casually against the wall, whistled. "You're telling me this thing can shut down an entire enemy base without firing a shot? That's… terrifying and awesome."
Before they could continue, a crackle came through their earpieces. "Team, report. Did you find the tech?" Captain Arden's voice was sharp and direct.
Jess tapped her earpiece. "Yes, Captain. We've got it… and its creator. You're not gonna believe this. It's an EMP disruptor."
There was a brief silence before Arden responded. "An EMP disruptor? That explains the heavy security. Alright, bring him and the tech to the car. We're getting out of here."
"Roger that," Jess said. She turned to the tech. "You're coming with us. Don't try anything stupid."
The tech nodded, gathering a small case containing the disruptor. Tanner gave him a reassuring smile. "Relax, buddy. Stick with us, and you'll be fine."
As they started back toward the extraction point, Tanner glanced at Jess and Vic. "So, how much do you think something like this would go for on the black market?"
Jess rolled her eyes. "Focus, Tanner."
"Just saying," Tanner replied, grinning. "We're carrying a goldmine."
The banter was cut short when a shout rang out from the far end of the corridor. A group of heavily armed guards emerged, weapons drawn. Jess immediately raised her rifle, and Vic stepped in front of the tech to shield him.
Tanner's eyes lit up with excitement. "Finally, some action!"
"Tanner!" Jess hissed. "Focus!"
But Tanner was already moving. He darted forward, drawing his swords in a blur of motion. The first guard barely had time to react before Tanner's blade knocked the weapon from his hands. He spun, disarming another with a precise strike before delivering a swift kick that sent the man sprawling.
Jess and Vic opened fire, taking out guards from a distance. Tanner, meanwhile, danced through the chaos, his movements fluid and efficient. A guard lunged at him, but Tanner sidestepped and struck with the hilt of his sword, rendering the attacker unconscious.
"Anyone else?" Tanner called, his grin wide.
"Just get back here!" Jess shouted.Â
The team sprinted toward the car, the tech stumbling as Vic practically dragged him along. They could see Captain Arden waving them on, shouting orders as the sound of approaching reinforcements grew louder behind them.Â
"Almost there! Move it!" Arden yelled.
As they closed the distance, Tanner slowed slightly to glance over his shoulder, making sure no one was following too closely. That's when it happened. The guard Tanner had taken down earlier stirred, groaning as he regained consciousness. His hand fumbled for the weapon at his side, and in one swift motion, he raised it, aiming directly at Tanner and the tech.
"Tanner, behind you!" Arden screamed.
Tanner's instincts kicked in. He spun around, drawing his gun in one fluid motion. The guard fired at the same moment, the deafening sound of gunfire echoing across the lot. Both shots rang out in quick succession, and the guard crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
Tanner stood there, motionless, his gun still raised. For a moment, there was silence. Then Arden's voice broke through, sharp and panicked. "Tanner! Get in the car! Now!"
Jess and Vic turned to yell too, but they froze mid-shout. Tanner turned slowly, and their blood ran cold. There was a dark red stain spreading across his chest, just below his collarbone. His knees wavered as he stumbled forward, dropping his gun.
"Tanner!" Jess screamed, running toward him. Vic was right behind her, his face a mask of horror.
Tanner collapsed to one knee, his face pale, but somehow, he managed a weak grin. "Well… that's gonna leave a mark."
"Shut up! Don't you dare joke right now!" Jess yelled, tears welling in her eyes as she grabbed his arm to steady him.
Vic knelt beside him, panic in his voice. "You're bleeding bad. We need to get you out of here."
Arden was already out of the car, barking orders. "Get him in the car! Now! We'll find help on the way."
Tanner let out a weak chuckle as they helped him up. "You guys… always so serious. It's just… a scratch."
"A scratch?" Jess snapped, tears streaming down her face. "You've got a bullet hole in your chest, you idiot!"
"Hey…" Tanner coughed, wincing as they guided him to the car. "At least… I still beat that guard. Two for one deal… right?"
They shoved him into the back seat, Vic climbing in beside him to press his hands against the wound. "Stay with us, Tanner. Don't you dare check out on us."
Arden floored the gas, the car tearing out of the lot. "We'll get you help," she said, her voice tight. "You're not dying on my watch."
Tanner's head lolled to the side, but he was still conscious. Barely. "You know…" he murmured, his voice faint. "If I'd… stayed home… I'd be playing my game right now."
Jess sobbed, holding his hand. "Shut up, Tanner. Just shut up."
"Don't cry…" Tanner whispered, a weak smile playing on his lips. "I'll… respawn… or something."
Vic's hands were slick with blood as he pressed harder. "You better respawn, man. We're not letting you go."
The car sped down the dark road, the team frantically calling out to Tanner to keep him awake. Arden's knuckles were white on the steering wheel, her jaw clenched as she pushed the vehicle to its limits. Tanner's weak chuckles faded, his eyelids fluttering, but he kept mumbling jokes about his mobile game and promising he'd "get back to Galactic Warlord soon." The team's hearts sank, but they fought to keep him talking, desperate to keep the light in his eyes from going out.
The team was in chaos. Tanner lay slumped in the back seat, blood staining his shirt as Jess clutched his hand tightly. The car sped through the night, but the silence between the sobs and panicked voices was deafening.
Tanner, still smiling weakly, opened his eyes just enough to look at Jess. "Hey, Jess…" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"I'm here," she choked out, tears streaming down her face. "I'm right here."
"I… I've always… liked you," Tanner said, his smile soft. "Like, really liked you… probably more than I should've said sooner."
Jess let out a shaky laugh, holding his hand tighter. "You idiot… you should've told me sooner."
Tanner's gaze shifted to Vic, who was pressing his hands against the wound. "Vic…" Tanner said, his tone faltering. "You're… my bro. Always… have been."
Vic swallowed hard, his face contorted with pain. "Damn right I am. And you're gonna get through this, you hear me? Bros don't quit on each other."
Tanner's smile flickered as he turned his eyes to Arden in the front seat. "Boss… you're… the most beautiful… leader…"
Arden's knuckles tightened on the wheel, her voice breaking as she yelled back, "Save your strength, Tanner! Don't do this!"
"And Marla," Tanner whispered, his gaze flickering to her. "You're… a keeper. Find… someone amazing."
Marla's tears spilled over as she bit her lip, nodding fiercely. "I will… I promise… but you have to stay with us, Tanner."
Tanner's eyes fluttered shut for a moment, and then they opened again, glassy and unfocused. "You know… I really wish… I beat… that video game…"
His voice trailed off, his smile fading. The car was filled with a terrible silence as his head slumped to the side, his chest no longer rising.
"Tanner!" Jess screamed, shaking him. "No! Tanner, stay with me!"
Vic pounded his fist against the seat, shouting his name. Marla covered her mouth, tears streaming as Arden swerved the car to a halt.
"Don't do this, Tanner!" Jess cried, her voice cracking as she held his lifeless body. "You can't just leave us!"
Vic's voice broke. "You're my brother, man… you're not supposed to go out like this!"
Arden slammed her fists on the wheel, her voice trembling. "Dammit, Tanner… you idiot…"
The team's desperate cries filled the night as Jess clung to him, refusing to let go. Each of them broke in their own way, professing love, regret, and anger at the cruel hand fate had dealt them.
Then, suddenly, everything was still.
Tanner opened his eyes, but he was no longer in the car. He stood alone in a dark void, an endless expanse of shadow stretching out in every direction. The silence was absolute, and his body felt strangely weightless.
"Where… am I?" Tanner muttered, his voice echoing into the emptiness.
And then, the darkness shifted.
To be continued.