The dusty wind swirled around the desolate landscape, carrying with it the stench of death. The truck rumbled to a stop near a makeshift collection point where the bodies of fallen soldiers lay, silent witnesses to the brutality of the Headhunters. Victor and the others, faces grim and determined, began the somber task of loading the lifeless forms into the back of the truck.

Victor wiped sweat from his brow as he approached another soldier, Looking for the conditions of the wounded and providing them with aid, he asked, glancing at the wounded soldier they had found on their way.

Victor (with concern in his eyes, Asks) - How are they doing?

Soldier (With exhaustion) - Too bad. I don't think they will make it back to the base.

Rebecca, scanning the surroundings with a handheld device approaches Victor.

Rebecca - I'm not getting any other life signs. It's worthless to move any forward.

Lana (With anger) - If you want to go back, fine. But I'm getting Emma back home.

Rebecca argues with Lana. Victor listened to the exchange, a mix of emotions crossing his face. Rebecca sighed, giving Lana a sidelong glance.

Rebecca - It's not like I want Emma to die, but it's highly impractical to move any forward.

a wounded soldier coughed, drawing their attention.  

Wounded soldier - I saw two of us running toward the barrier,

The wounded soldier starts coughing again.

Fellow soldier - Don't push yourself.

The wounded soldier stopped coughing, locking eyes with them. 

Wounded soldier - A horde of headhunters moved in the same direction, chasing them. It's highly possible that they  are dead.

Rebecca (studying her scanner, announced grimly) - There's another one left. It’s him.

Victor (emotionlessly as shock is evident on his face) - I am going to take him.

Lana (turneds to Rebecca) - We should move in the direction of the barrier.

Rebecca (frustration bubbling to the surface, snapped) - Were you not listening to what he just told? It's dangerous.

Lana (Declares) - Even If it is dangerous, even if I have to go alone, I’ll go. Besides, these machines can’t change my belief.

Meanwhile, Victor's eyes fall upon a gruesome sight as he sees the body of Dylan, once vibrant and full of life, lay devoured on the ground. His expression turned unresponsive, cold, and filled with shock at the harsh reality of their predicament. 

The tension hung thick in the air as Victor returned to the scene, finding Lana and Rebecca locked in a heated feud. Victor, his patience wearing thin, swiftly put the wounded down 

Victor (In anger) - STOP IT! 

His voice echoed through the desolate landscape, cutting through the clash of emotions. Victor, taking charge, gestured to a fellow soldier.

Victor - Wait here. Give aid to the wounded. If we don't come back in an hour, or if any headhunters attack, move them to the base. (Turning to Lana) We're going to find Emma, using EXOZ.

Lana Nods in agreement

Near the barrier 

wounded Liam sees Mark approaching. Mark throws his guns to the ground and lays down beside Liam.

Mark - Let's get the fuck out of here.

Liam (to a nearby soldier) - Are the wounded ones loaded up on the truck.

Soldier - Yes, almost. We'll be ready to move in 10 minutes.

Liam breathed a sigh of relief at the imminent departure.

On the base

On the base, Hugo and the others anxiously waited for their fellow soldiers to return, uncertainty visible on their faces.

In the Fields, Near the barrier 

In the field, Lana and Victor sprint towards the barrier. Lana's eyes caught sight of scattered pickup truck parts, and she accelerated. Victor, struggling to keep up, urged her to slow down. Lana leaped towards the crash site, 

Lana (shouts) - EMMA. 

Emma, from within the cave, heard Lana's voice and called out in response.

Emma - I am here.

Victor approaches the scene and sees Carlie’s Body in the burning vehicle just as Lana reaches the cave. Lana helps Emma to get out of the cave. She sees Emma’s busted leg. Victor approaches them.

Victor (question) - Is there any other survivor?

Emma (replies) - I don't know.

Victor - what about Dylan?

Emma - I don’t know.

Victor (Mutters under his breath) - yeah why would you.

Lana (Interrupting) - We should head back.

Lana shoots a flare into the sky.

Near the barrier

Liam, spotting the flare, turns to Mark.

Liam - looks like your battle is over, soldier.

Liam Notices Mark looking at a mining post.

Liam - What are you looking at?

Mark - Someone I once knew worked there.

A soldier with the wounded ones on truck, seeing the flare, declared,

Soldier - They found her. Let's get them and move back.

On the base

The base buzzed with anticipation as the other soldiers rushed to welcome the returning Soldiers. The trucks rolled into the airport, and amidst the cheers and shouts, Hugo's eyes scanned the crowd. He spotted Mark, Liam, and Victor stepping out of the vehicle.

Maria, standing on the sidelines, anxiously watches for Lana helping Emma to move. As the doors swung open, relief flooded the faces of soldiers on base. 

Samuel (overwhelmed with happiness) - We made it!

Sophia (smiling through tears) - we all survived.

However, Hugo's initial joy began to fade as he caught sight of the expressions on many faces, including Victor's. There was an unspoken weight on the faces, and as the wounded soldiers were swiftly ushered away for urgent medical attention.

Victor approaches Hugo and without showing his face, silently says.

Victor (In a cold voice) - You have my respect, Hugo.

Without waiting for a response, Victor turned heads toward the barracks.