#29: Enemies and Allies

The silence in the room was so heavy that it seemed to carry the weight of the choices that lay ahead. Isa remained still, with her hands raised, while the group processed her words. Dante took a step forward, still suspicious, but with his eyes fixed on the woman.

“How do we know you're not here to screw us over?” he asked directly.

Isa slowly lowered her hands and pointed to one of the holographic panels.

“You have a way to verify someone's identity in this system, don't you? I'm a deserter from the security core. I have information that could turn the tables on you, but I don't have time to convince everyone.”

Lara crossed her arms, watching her cautiously.

“Okay, let's say you're telling the truth. Why now? What made you change sides?”

Isa sighed, seeming to weigh her words before answering.

“I lost someone who was trying to expose Project Aurora.” Now, it's personal.

— Sounds convenient. — Shira commented, without hiding her distrust.

— It's convenient. For you. — Isa replied, looking directly at Shira. — Because, without me, you'll walk straight into a trap.

Reluctant Trust

After a few minutes of debate, Shira checked Isa's data. The information checked, but that didn't seem to lessen the tension. Dante finally spoke:

— Okay, you stay. But at the first sign of betrayal, I won't hesitate.

Isa shrugged, as if she had already expected that reaction.

— Fair enough.

Alma, who had remained on the sidelines until then, approached.

— Before anything else, we need a plan that works. There's no point in improvising like before.

Isa walked over to the holographic map and zoomed in on a specific region.

— Here. This is the most vulnerable entry point. With the chaos you've created in the last 48 hours, security is concentrated elsewhere.

“And you expect us to trust that this isn't a trap?” Caio asked, still suspicious.

Isa looked directly at him, her tone firm.

“I'm giving you what no one else could. If you don't trust, you can stay in the dark.”

Shira's Past

As the group analyzed the plan, Lara noticed that Shira seemed more restless than usual. She moved away from the rest and found her in a corner, fiddling with a portable device.

“What's going on?” Lara asked.

Shira sighed, putting the device away.

“Isa isn't the only one with ghosts from her past.”

Lara raised an eyebrow.

“What does that mean?”

“That I may have worked with her before,” Shira admitted, her voice thick with frustration. — But back then, she was exactly the kind of person we’re trying to take down now.

Lara didn’t answer right away, but her expression hardened.

— And do you think she’s changed?

— I don’t know. — Shira replied, looking at the group. — But we’re not exactly in a position to refuse help.

First Assault

With Isa on the team, the group split into two fronts. Dante, Lara, and Shira would lead the infiltration of the communication core, while Caio and Alma would be responsible for diverting the enemy forces’ attention with a strategic attack.

The muffled sound of footsteps echoed through the metal corridors as Dante led the main team. Lara was right behind, her heart racing but her mind focused. Shira adjusted the hacking devices in real time, while Isa walked alongside them, like a shadow.

— I can’t believe this is working. — Lara muttered.

— Don’t celebrate yet. — Shira replied, without taking her eyes off the hologram on her wrist.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching voices made them stop. Dante signaled for everyone to hide. They stood still as a group of guards passed by, their weapons glowing with technological lights.

Isa whispered:

— If we follow this corridor, we'll reach the core.

Lara looked at Dante, who nodded. They moved forward, each step more calculated.

A New Threat

Meanwhile, Caio and Alma faced resistance at the distraction point. They had caused a controlled explosion that attracted most of the enemy forces, but they were cornered in a warehouse.

— This isn't going as planned. — Caio said, reloading his weapon.

— Welcome to my world. — Alma replied, with a slight nervous laugh, as she analyzed the exit options.

The entry of a combat drone made them retreat, but before the device could attack, a well-aimed shot took it down. Alma turned and saw Shira on the holographic display, monitoring the situation.

“You should be more discreet,” she said, with an ironic smile.

“It's good to see you too,” Caio replied, relieved.

In the Core

When Lara, Dante, Shira, and Isa finally reached the communications hub, they found it to be more heavily guarded than they had anticipated. Isa activated a device that disabled some defenses, but alarms began to sound.

“Was that you?” Shira asked, pointing at Isa.

“No,” she replied, genuinely surprised.

Dante pulled Lara behind a barricade as soldiers began to appear.

“Looks like the fun has begun.”

Shira began working frantically on the panel, while Lara and Dante provided cover. Isa picked up a dropped weapon and joined the fight.

“I hope you know what you’re doing!” Lara shouted at Shira.

“I always do!” Shira replied, smirking.

But deep down, they all knew the odds were against them.