CMS

Chapter 6

Elijah, Sarina, and Gabriel converge in the medical section of the outpost to find the doctor, her expertise is on full display as she single-handedly neutralizes the remaining enforcers with her scalpel. Her movements are efficient and precise.

Elijah, urgency etched in his features, implores the doctor to attend to Sarina's wounds."Quickly, she needs you," Elijah pleads, his voice a mix of concern and command.

The doctor nods, her Lennon glasses reflecting the chaos around them as she kneels beside Sarina. Her hands move with a deft certainty, guided by years of expertise. The air around them seems to pulse with silent energy as Sarina's injuries begin to mend under the doctor's care.As Sarina's breaths steady and color returns to her cheeks, Diana and Boss emerge from the shadows. Boss's blue hair contrasts against the dark backdrop, his muscular form imposing even in the quiet.

"We need to move—now," Boss states, his voice carrying the weight of urgency.

The group nods in agreement, and with a swift motion from him, a portal ripples into existence.

 They step through the shimmering gateway, leaving the battlefield behind.

They emerge into the relative safety of their emergency outpost, an abandoned office building.

The walls, stripped of their former corporate sterility, are adorned with the rebellion's insignia, marking this place as a haven for those who dare to defy the system.

As they gather in the office's cafeteria, the air is thick with the residue of adrenaline.

Boss's gaze swept across the room, taking in the faces of his trusted allies. "The presence of so many non-neuros in our facility was a calculated risk," he acknowledged, his voice steady despite the weight of recent events. "It exposed us to danger, but it was a necessary sacrifice to achieve our mission. I'm glad you ended up being alright.

Diana's voice, usually a calm whisper, carried a note of concern that was uncharacteristic but fitting for the gravity of the situation. "We've faced enforcers before, but this was different," she said, her gaze fixed on the middle distance as if visualizing the threat. "These adversaries weren't just skilled; they were able to control the lines, just like us. That's unprecedented—and it's worrying." Her words hung in the air, a reminder that the battlefield had changed and new strategies would be required.

Boss leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the encounter. "There was something off about those two," he mused, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution. "They were stronger than any enforcer we've faced, yet they didn't have the full strength I'd expect from someone who can manipulate the lines. It's like they were holding back, or... were incomplete somehow." His statement left a trail of unease in the room, suggesting that they may have only seen a glimpse of what their adversaries were truly capable of.

Gabriel, his sunglasses reflecting the dim light, adds, "We must look deeper. There's certainly a dissonance at play here."

The doctor, with a hint of regret in her voice, spoke up. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more here," she said, glancing at the group. "Gabriel and I were focused on saving the non-neuros, helping them fend off attackers and evacuate safely. It was chaotic, but we managed to get most of them out." Her eyes met each of theirs, conveying a silent promise to be more prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Elijah's voice carried a firm reassurance. "You've done more than enough," he said, looking at the doctor with gratitude. "You helped save innocent lives and healed Sarina. That's invaluable." His words reflected the sentiment of the entire group, a shared acknowledgment of the doctor's crucial role in their survival and resistance.

Sarina, with a grateful glance at her companions, simply says, "Thanks for having my back."They nod in acknowledgement, with Boss replying, "You held your own out there, Sarina. We're all in this together."

Boss stands before the group commanding attention. Boss gives Elijah a nod of respect, the kind that speaks volumes without needing a speech. "Elijah, you've stepped up," he says, a hint of a smile breaking through his stern demeanor. "What you've done here, it's not just for you—it's for all of us. It shows we've got what it takes to beat this thing together."

Elijah can't help but let out an excited chuckle, his eyes wide with admiration. "Boss, the way you handled the Colossus guy... man, that was awesome! You're just... wow, seriously badass!" His enthusiasm is infectious, and it's clear he's thoroughly impressed by Boss's display of power. Boss smiles faintly, acknowledging the compliment, then turns serious as he holds up a USB drive materialized from thin air. "This device," he begins, his voice resonating with the weight of importance, "holds encrypted data of immense value. It contains information crucial for our cause." Everyone's eyes are fixed on the USB as Boss continues. "I'm pretty sure that it contains the key to unlocking the parts of the facility I have never been able to explore."

Boss's faint smile gives way to a look of determination "Folks, this little piece of tech right here is a goldmine,"

He turns to Elijah, his eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and respect. With a playful punch to Elijah's shoulder, he adds, "And while we're decrypting this bad boy, we've got another mission—getting our newest warrior up to speed." He grins at Elijah. "You've got potential, kid. We're going to train you to be the kind of agent that nightmares have nightmares about." The room fills with a buzz of anticipation, everyone ready for the challenges ahead.

Elijah stands taller, feeling the weight of Boss's trust on his shoulders. "I'm ready," he says, the fire of anticipation lighting his eyes. "Let's decipher the drive and take the fight to them."

Boss surveys the room, his gaze lingering on each member of the team. "Alright, team, we've had a day that'll go down in the history books," he says, his voice steady and reassuring. "Now, let's make sure we live to tell the tale. I want eyes on every corner—double-check, no, triple-check the perimeter. We can't afford any surprises."

He looks at each of them, a silent nod of approval for their dedication. "Once that's locked down, get some shut-eye. We need to be sharp because this fight isn't over—not by a long shot. We're going to crack that drive, find our base, and end this nightmare. We'll do whatever it takes, and we'll do it together."

With a final glance at Elijah, Boss adds, "And you, get ready to train hard. Tomorrow, we level up." The determination in his voice is unmistakable, a clear signal that the real rebellion is just getting started.