#28: Silences and Decisions

The lights flashed on the improvised panel that Shira had connected to the temporary hideout, a succession of codes and holographic maps unfolding before the group. The silence was almost absolute, interrupted only by the rhythmic sound of her fingers on the keyboard. Lara, Dante, Caio and Alma watched the scene with varying levels of tension, each lost in their own thoughts about the next steps.

Lara broke the silence, her voice low but full of determination:

“So, what’s the next point?”

Shira didn’t even look at her, his eyes fixed on the data.

“We need to hack into the central communication core. That’s where they’re tracking our every move. If we erase it, at least we’ll buy time to go after Project Aurora.”

“That’s it?” Dante crossed his arms, clearly irritated. “This is sounding more suicidal than usual, even for you.”

Shira finally turned around, a slight cynical smile on his face.

— It's not like you have many options.

Caio, still processing the group's dynamics, joined the conversation:

— And how do you plan to get there? The place must be more fortified than their main headquarters.

Alma, until then silent, stood up from where she was sitting.

— Don't underestimate Shira's skills. She's done this before and managed to get out alive.

Dante raised an eyebrow, surprised.

— Have you tried that?

Shira shrugged, downplaying the importance.

— It was a test. It didn't work, but it didn't go completely wrong either. Now, with you guys, the chances increase.

Lara snorted, exasperated.

— It seems that our chances of survival only depend on 'almost' and 'maybe'.

— That's life, dear. — Shira replied with a sarcastic tone, but there was a serious glint in her eyes.

The First Move

While the group discussed the plan, Shira called Lara to review a specific part of the hologram. They were both focused, but there was something else in the air. Lara knew that Shita wasn't just an ally; there was something personal about the way she dedicated herself to the mission.

“Is everything okay?” Lara asked, observing Shita's focused expression.

“It never is,” Shita replied without looking away from the map. “But that's why we keep going.”

The answer hung between them for a moment, a reminder of the weight they all carried.

Meanwhile, Dante and Caio exchanged information about enemy forces and possible infiltration routes. Caio was impressed by the amount of detail Dante remembered, but he also noticed the way he glanced at Lara from time to time.

“You really trust her, don't you?” Caio asked, nodding toward Lara.

Dante hesitated before answering.

— More than in myself.

Alma, who had been listening from the corner of her eye, interrupted:

— Trust here is relative. But in your case, I think it's genuine.

Caio let out a low laugh.

— You always talk as if you were a spectator of the world, Alma. Why don't you get more involved?

Alma shrugged.

— I've gotten too involved in the past. Now I prefer to stay where I can help without becoming a target.

An Unexpected Encounter

When the group finally decided on their roles for the mission, Shita made a point of separating Lara and Dante.

— You two are good together, but distracted. And we can't play Bonnie & Clyde here.

Lara rolled her eyes, but didn't argue. Dante, on the other hand, took a step forward.

— We're more efficient together, Shita.

— And that's what worries me. — She answered firmly.

Before they could continue the discussion, a noise coming from the entrance to the hideout alerted everyone. Alma moved nimbly to a dark corner, while Shita activated the automatic defenses. Dante and Caio drew their weapons, ready to react.

The figure that entered, however, was not an enemy. It was a tall woman with long hair and a uniform that mixed advanced technology and military style.

“Who are you?” Caio asked, keeping his gun pointed.

The woman raised her hands, showing that she was not an immediate threat.

“My name is Isa. And if you are going after Project Aurora, you might want to hear what I have to say.”

The tension in the air increased, but Lara took the first step.

“Why should we trust you?”

Isa smiled slightly, but there was something dark in her gaze.

“Because I want to destroy this project as much as you do.”