The other side

Three exo suits rushed thru the forests eventually entering a cave to take cover from the

Rain that poured outside the entrance of the cave

“DAMMIT!”

The sharp clang of metal striking rock echoed through the cavern as a woman stormed deeper inside.

A man stepped out from the shadows, frowning. “What’s she so upset about?”

the man turned to face Alis, his expression confused. “Where are my other Exo-suits?”

Alis’ face fell, sorrow evident in his voice. “I’m sorry James… We lost them. Along with Jack and Cole.”

James lowered his head, staring at the ground in shame. “I see… Was the UAF resistance that strong?”

Alis sighed, looking down as well.

“James, don’t bombard us with questions already,” An older man that had just exited a exo suit interjected, his voice sharp. “You saw the mood Cara was in, and I’m in no better state myself.”

James looked up, taken aback by the sudden hostility. “I… I’m sorry, Claus.”

Without another word, he turned away and walked toward the machines, tools in hand.

Alis followed Claus deeper into the cave, where wooden structures formed makeshift living quarters. Beds lined the walls, and a simple cooking area stood in the corner.

She hesitated. “Claus… was that really necessary?”

Claus sighed, running a hand over his face. “I guess not.” He slumped down onto a rock. “It’s just… the losses are piling up.”

He gestured toward a tattered board pinned with papers and hand-drawn portraits.

“In the last few weeks alone, we lost thirteen foot soldiers and Hank at the warehouse… and now ten more, along with Jack and Cole.” His teeth clenched as his gaze fixed on the board. “And all because of those freaks.”

Names were scrawled beneath the crude drawings of their enemies:

Alis spoke, trying to sound convincing. “I’m sorry, but pulling back was the best thing we could do.”

“Best thing my ass.”

She turned, her face twisting in frustration as Cara spoke up. “Something you want to say, Cara?”

A tense silence filled the air. Then—

“All I’m saying is, we could have killed Number 1. But you called for a retreat.”

Alis’ fists tightened. “You don’t know that guy. I do—better than anyone here.”

Cara scoffed, stepping closer. “Oh? You know him? What, you got a crush or something? Don’t want us to hurt your little fantasy friend?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Alis walked up to her, pressing her forehead against hers meeting her gaze. “Oh, sure. The guy who’s nearly killed me multiple times? Of course, I wouldn’t want him to get hurt.”

“QUIET DOWN, BOTH OF YOU!”

Claus’ voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Both Alis and Cara turned, their anger giving way to embarrassment. Claus was sitting with his head in his hands, rubbing his temples as if fighting off a headache.

His tone was softer now but firm. “Cara, you saw what he did to Jack and Cole. He would’ve done the same to you and Alis.”

Cara clenched her jaw, ready to protest, but after a long pause, she exhaled.

“…Sorry, sir. I know.” She turned and walked off.

Alis turned back to Claus, her voice firm. “We need to reorganize before we can do anything towards the UAF or those freaks. We can’t keep losing people like this.”

Claus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “I know. But we need more than just a new plan—we need numbers.”

James, who had walked awhile ago, had been quietly working on a disassembled rifle, finally spoke. “That’s not happening. We’re stretched thin, and after today, no one’s looking to join a fight we keep losing.” James held a wrench in hand as he waved it around “What we need is a win”

A scoff came from the shadows.

“I would call today a win.”

Alis and Claus turned to see another member called Marco leaning against the cave wall. He was lean and sharp-eyed, idly flipping a knife between his fingers.

Claus’ expression brightened slightly. “Marco… nice to see at least one of the foot soldiers made it back.”

Marco pushed off the wall, rolling his shoulders. “Yeah, me and a few others made it. They decided to go home instead of coming back here.”

James looked up from the Exo-suit weapon he was working on. “So, what did you mean by counting this as a win?”

Marco smirked. “We just abandoned a mission to take out the UAF forces in this region, right?”

A brief silence settled over the group. Then, he turned to Alis. “Why do you think those guys we fought were there?”

Alis placed a hand on her chin, thinking. “Most likely, they were either sent to kill us or to take out the UAF. Since they were aiming their rifles at the UAF, we can assume they weren’t there to defend them.”

Marco nodded. “Exactly. Which means they were there to fight them.”

Alis turned toward a small girl sitting at a computer. “Coco, has there been any news about an attack on the UAF in that area?”

Coco simply shook her head. “great that means the UAF lost, otherwise they would have spread that information all over the place to boost their power”

Marco’s grin widened as he walked toward her. “Then the solution is obvious—we take credit for it.”

Claus frowned. “You want to claim responsibility for something we didn’t even do?”

“Why not?” Marco shrugged. “It makes us look like we pulled off a huge win. People will think we’re stronger, and that’ll get us the support we need.”

Claus crossed his arms, deep in thought. “It… could work.”

“It could work—until the ones who actually attacked take credit before we do.” Cara’s voice was sharp as ever as she stepped back into the room.

The room went silent, only the sound of Coco typing filling the space.

“We’ll do it,” Claus finally said, placing his hands on his knees.

Everyone turned to look at him as he approved the plan. Marco gave a small smirk, clearly pleased.

“However, we need more information on what actually happened to the UAF before we make a move,” Claus continued. He then turned his gaze toward Alis. “Can you go back to the Varkadia and get us that information?”

All eyes shifted to Alis.

She sighed. “Fine. I’ll do my best.”

Then she glanced at Coco. “Will you come with me?”

Coco nodded slowly, and with that, the decision was made.