The forward base hummed under low power, tension coiled in every flickering light. Kael stood over the holo-display, his crimson eyes fixed on the flickering projection of the insurgents’ base. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t have to. 

“This is the final phase,” Kael said, gesturing toward the hologram. The base loomed like a fortress, its defenses bristling with heavy weaponry. “The insurgents are dug in, armed with stolen Yawr equipment. They’ve fortified their position with artillery that could rip the Revenant out of the sky if we’re not careful. This is the heart of their operation. If we succeed, we’ll cripple them for good.”

The projection shifted, highlighting a network of tunnels snaking beneath the base. “Ravik, Veyra, you’ll infiltrate through this network,” Kael continued, his tone sharpening. “Plant charges on the main structural supports and target the command center. Expect close quarters and heavy resistance. Those tunnels are unstable—one wrong move, and you’ll bring the whole thing down on yourselves before we’re ready.”

Ravik nodded as he studied the schematic. Kael’s gaze lingered, just long enough to register.

“The rest of us,” Kael said, his voice hardening, “will lead a frontal assault to box them in. It’ll be loud, messy, and dangerous, but it’s the only way to give Ravik and Veyra a clear window.”

The holo-display shifted again, highlighting the insurgents’ leader: Tyrex, the former Yawr officer turned traitor. The image was grainy but unmistakable, the man’s hard features etched with scars.

“Corporal Tyrex,” Kael said, his voice dropping into something colder, more personal. “Formerly of the Yawr Empire, now a self-serving opportunist who’s betrayed everything we stand for. He’s a tactical genius, and he knows our playbook. Or, at least, he knew.”

“Finally going to use my tactics?” Sarin interjected. “He’ll never see us coming.”

“Precisely.”

The tension in Kael’s jaw gave him away. It wasn’t fear—it was fury, tightly controlled but unmistakable.

“Tyrex isn’t just a threat,” Kael continued, his crimson eyes narrowing. “He’s an insult. And I intend to dust him.”

The room went silent, the weight of Kael’s words settling over the team. Ravik sensed there was something dangerous in Kael tonight—something raw, personal.

Ravik’s chest tightened as he looked away, feigning focus on the display. His mind churned with questions, but he pushed them aside, unwilling to confront the other thought creeping into his mind: Why does that make him more desirable?

Kael’s voice broke through his thoughts. “This is the most dangerous part of the mission. Mistakes aren’t an option. Get your gear prepped and get some rest. We move at first light.”

The team dispersed, their footsteps echoing faintly against the rock walls. Ravik lingered for a moment, his gaze following Kael as he moved to review a set of tactical notes. The commander’s presence filled the room, a combination of authority and something more primal that left Ravik unsettled.

He turned away, heading for his corner of the camp, where his gear was neatly stowed. As he began checking his equipment, Sarin appeared beside him, leaning casually against a crate.

“Ready for the big day?” Sarin asked, his silver eyes gleaming with their usual mischief.

“Of course,” Ravik replied curtly, not looking up.

Sarin grinned, undeterred. “You know, if this is our last stand, we should make it count. Ever think about what you’d do if tomorrow was your last day alive?”

Ravik glanced up, his violet eyes narrowing. “Don’t start, Sarin.”

“Very inspiring,” Sarin quipped, stepping closer. “But come on. No regrets you’d want to cross off the list?”

“Not now,” Ravik muttered, turning back to his rifle.

Across the room, Elara approached, her sharp gaze flicking between Sarin and Ravik. She stopped beside them, crossing her arms. “You’re pushing your luck,” she said to Sarin, her tone dry.

Sarin smirked. “Just making conversation. What about you, Elara? You ever wonder what Ravik’s like off-duty? Or is that classified, too?”

Elara arched an eyebrow, her expression calm but amused. “You’re not as subtle as you think, Sarin.”

“Subtlety’s overrated,” Sarin replied, though there was a faint edge to his grin as he stepped back.

Elara turned to Ravik, her tone softening slightly. “Get some rest, Captain. You’ll need it.”

Ravik nodded, watching as Elara and Sarin exchanged a brief glance before heading to their own corners of the camp. He shook his head, exhaling sharply as he sat down, leaning back against the rock wall.

He closed his eyes, trying to block out the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind—the mission, the danger, the unshakable presence of Kael. But sleep wouldn’t come easily. Not tonight. Not with so much riding on tomorrow.