Chapter 23: Continuing the Rebellion

Under the stormy skies of Drakar IV, tension hung thick in the air. The wind howled, kicking up clouds of reddish dust across the rocky plains where Vykhor and his assault team had positioned themselves. Evelyn, meanwhile, stayed back in a makeshift command tent. Around her, the holographic screens of the Narak’Tharr projected real-time images of the various teams on the ground. Her fingers flew across the virtual keyboard, her mind racing as she analyzed streams of data with lightning speed.

Kharok, the cynical veteran, led the group, his weapon in hand. He still wasn’t sold on the idea that Evelyn’s analytical mind could be as crucial as he had been told. His skepticism was even more apparent as he eyed the massive enemy communication center’s defenses, bristling with automated turrets ready to fire.

“This is where it gets serious, kid,” he grumbled into his mic, addressing Evelyn in his usual gruff tone. “Those cannons aren’t gonna magically shut down on their own.”

Evelyn took a deep breath to steady her nerves, choosing to ignore his jibe. She opened a private channel to Vykhor, her voice carrying a hint of tension. “Vykhor, the turrets are powered by a generator at the back of the complex. I’ve spotted an armed patrol that passes every five minutes. You’ll have a thirty-second window to act without being spotted.”

Vykhor replied with a low, reassuring voice: “Understood. We’ll wait for your signal.”

He turned to Kharok, his yellow eyes piercing. “When Evelyn gives the go, we move. No questions, no delays.”

Kharok raised an eyebrow but kept his doubts to himself. Over time, he had learned that defying Vykhor was never wise. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if this “analyst” hiding behind her screens had the guts for a mission like this.

Evelyn, for her part, kept her eyes glued to the enemy movements on her screens, her concentration intense. The seconds ticked by, and her heart thudded like a countdown. Suddenly, the patrol veered away, leaving the generator exposed.

“It’s now,” she announced clearly. “Go.”

Vykhor and his team slipped from cover, stealthily moving toward the back of the building. The darkness and howling wind helped conceal them, but the threat of the guards was ever-present. Vykhor reached the generator and signaled for Rax Ulthor, the cyborg hacker, to get to work.

Rax knelt in front of the control panel, his metallic fingers gliding over the interface. His expression quickly darkened. “Damn… it’s tougher than I thought. There are countermeasures.”

Evelyn heard his comment and tensed up. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, but she couldn’t afford to panic. She analyzed the rapidly scrolling data, searching for a workaround. A risky idea sparked in her mind.

“Rax, disconnect from the system,” she ordered, her voice steadier than she felt. “I’m sending an energy surge through the secondary lines to disable the countermeasures. It’ll draw attention, but only for a few seconds.”

Rax hesitated, clearly unconvinced. “Drawing attention? Fantastic…”

“Do it,” Vykhor’s voice cut in, brooking no argument.

Rax complied, and Evelyn activated the surge from her command station. The generator crackled, sparks flying as the turret defenses abruptly powered down. Outside, shouts and the sound of rushing boots indicated that the guards had taken the bait. Evelyn held her breath. The plan had worked, but it bought them only a short window.

“Defenses down,” she confirmed, her voice shaking slightly.

Vykhor wasted no time, leading his team into the communication center. But Evelyn had no chance to savor the moment. An alarm blared, and Kryna, the ship’s AI, calmly warned her: “Enemy reinforcements detected. An approaching squad.”

Evelyn leaned forward, eyes wide as she scanned the information. “Vykhor, there’s a maintenance hatch to your right. It leads to an escape tunnel. It’s your only way out before you’re surrounded.”

Vykhor, ever quick to adapt, directed his team toward the hatch. The mercenaries scrambled inside, their earlier doubts about Evelyn beginning to fade. Kharok cursed as he squeezed through. “Damn it, she’s saved us again…”

Even Skye, the sniper, couldn’t help but crack a smirk. “Looks like this analyst is smarter than she looks.”

Evelyn, still focused on her screens, felt her face flush, but she had no time to dwell on it. “There are more troops inside,” she warned. “Get ready.”

Inside the center, chaos erupted. Evelyn wasn’t on the front lines, but she directed every movement, guiding Vykhor and the others through the mayhem. Her predictions avoided multiple ambushes, and her real-time analyses kept them one step ahead of the enemy. The team pressed forward, and even the most skeptical members started to trust her instincts.

In the middle of the fight, Vykhor heard Evelyn’s voice guiding him to a crucial detour that helped them outmaneuver enemy forces. A fierce smile crossed his face, feeling the strength of their partnership despite the physical distance. They were connected, even across miles of wires and screens.

When the team finally reached the heart of the communication center, Vykhor planted an explosive on the main terminal. “Evelyn, we’re set. Start the extraction.”

Evelyn activated the command, and the team began their retreat as the building trembled with the imminent explosion. Kharok, breathless but alive, muttered into his mic, “Alright, boss… your kid’s a genius.”

Vykhor glanced at the building. “She’s done a lot more than that.”

Evelyn felt a wave of relief wash over her. She hadn’t fought on the ground, but she had proven she was indispensable. It was a first step, and she knew this was only the beginning of her journey alongside Vykhor.

When the mission was over and the center was secured, Vykhor came to see Evelyn in the improvised command center. He watched her work, admiring her focus and efficiency. He knew he had made the right decision in fully integrating her into the mission.

“Ra'kash jor, Evelyn,” he said softly in Kael'Tarien, complimenting her performance. (Translation: “Excellent work, Evelyn.”)

Evelyn looked up at him, surprised but delighted that he was speaking to her in his native language. “Shal’koru Vykhor,” she replied with a smile, accepting the compliment graciously. (Translation: “Thank you, Vykhor.”)

Vykhor nodded, satisfied. He now knew, beyond any doubt, that he could rely on her. Not only had she proven her worth, but she had also earned the respect—and maybe even the admiration—of those who had initially underestimated her. For Vykhor, Evelyn was no longer just a work partner. She had become a valuable ally, someone he trusted completely.

Together, they had completed their first mission as a team, and Vykhor knew this was only the start of their collaboration. Drakar IV had been shaken, and with the support of the mercenaries and Evelyn’s brilliant strategy, the revolution was gaining momentum.

Dusk fell over the rebel camp. After the success of their joint mission, Vykhor and his team took a moment to rest, but their respite was short-lived. Colonel Janis Voren, the leader of the rebel forces, insisted that Vykhor’s team continue to support the rebellion. The situation remained dire, and having mercenaries of their caliber had revitalized the insurgents’ hope.

The Colonel, a man with a face etched by war and hardship, approached Vykhor when he had the chance. “You did an exceptional job today, Kael’seth,” he began, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “But that was just the beginning. We still need you. With your help, we could really turn the tide of this war.”

Vykhor listened in silence, his expression unreadable. Even though he led his group, he never made decisions like this without consulting his team. It was a matter of respect and strategy. After all, every member had to be fully committed for a mission to succeed.

“I understand your situation, Colonel,” Vykhor replied, his voice calm and measured. “But I won’t make this decision alone. I need to discuss it with my team.”

Voren nodded, understanding the need for consultation. “Of course. But know that your support could be crucial to our cause. We can’t afford to lose the momentum we gained today.”

Vykhor nodded and then stepped away to gather his team. He immediately called a meeting in an improvised tent where they could speak freely. Once everyone was assembled, he laid out the situation, explaining that Colonel Voren wanted their continued assistance in the rebellion.

“The question is simple,” he said, looking at each of them. “Are you ready to keep supporting the rebels, or do you want to leave now with the reward you earned today?”

The mercenaries exchanged glances. They all knew that staying meant more danger, but also an opportunity to make a real difference—and continue earning their pay. One by one, they gave their answers. Kharok, despite his usual cynicism, nodded in agreement. “I’m in. That bastard deserves to fall, and it’ll pay well.”

Skye, the sniper, was next. “I’m staying. A job like this? You don’t pass that up.”

Rax Ulthor, even with his often dismissive attitude, agreed too. “It’s not every day you get to topple a regime and get paid for it. I’m with you.”

Evelyn watched the scene carefully, noting each mercenary’s reaction with her analytical mind. Even though these men and women still had doubts about her, she saw a courage and determination she respected, even in those who had treated her with contempt. But she knew the real challenge lay not just in the mission itself—it was also a personal test to prove she was more than a mere rookie.

Once the group discussion wrapped up, Vykhor approached her, his gaze serious but tinged with the kind of concern he reserved for her alone. He gently pulled her aside, away from the curious ears of the other mercenaries, for a more private conversation.

“Evelyn,” he said in a low, grave tone. “This mission is going to be a lot tougher. If we continue, it means several days of constant pressure. Are you up for it? Is the biomedical bracelet really helping you keep up?” He searched her face, looking for any sign of exhaustion or doubt.