Awfully familiar

Upon seeing his seeming victory Claus tapped into the comm radio “Marco, is the evacuation ready?” Claus’s voice crackled through the comm radio, strained but controlled.

“Yes, sir. We’re only waiting for you.”

Claus didn’t look back. He ran, the ground quaking beneath each Exo-suit-powered stride.

Behind him, Sear’s voice erupted in a scream—raw, furious, unrelenting.

The rebels’ transport truck roared to life, tires kicking up dirt. As Claus reached it, he saw Alis and Cara’s Exo-suits already locked in their docking stations. His own station awaited him at the back.

With practiced efficiency, he climbed in, metal clamps securing his suit into place.

“You good, sir?” James’s voice broke through the static.

Claus exhaled, head resting against the seat. “Still alive, at least.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Laughter echoed through the comms as the rebels sped away, leaving the battlefield in ruins.

But as the dust settled, only six remained: Cara, Alis, Coco, James, Marco, and Claus.

Sear hadn’t moved from where he landed.

His chest rose and fell rapidly, his body trembling with rage. His fingers clenched around the shattered dagger, knuckles white.

With a feral growl, he slammed it into the ground, his entire body shaking.

“Hey, Sear… you good?”

Blackout’s voice was hesitant. He had finally joined them, now that the battle had ended.

No response.

Blackout took a cautious step forward. “Sear—hey, dude—”

A firm hand gripped his shoulder.

Fallow.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Blackout frowned. “What do you—”

Then he saw Sear’s eyes.

They were dark. Unfocused. Dangerous.

Sear pushed himself to his feet, his breathing ragged. His fingers dug into the broken blade, fresh blood dripping onto the ground.

“I… will… kill,” he muttered, his voice barely human.

His steps were slow. Unrelenting.

“Fallow, Blackout—back away from Sear.”

Raven’s voice cut through the comms like a knife.

Blackout hesitated as he spoke. “Why?”

“I1-UU has been sent to deal with him. Orders from the lab.”

Fallow stiffened. “Wait… Unit 1?”

Raven’s voice was quieter now. “Not just anyone from Unit 1.”

A shadow moved from the back lines where Raven was positioned.

Boots echoed against the ground.

A figure emerged.

“Everyone, back away from Carol’s little dog, would ya?”

The voice was old. Raspy. And cold.

A man stepped forward, built like a living weapon. His presence alone was suffocating.

Sear didn’t hesitate.

He lunged.

“I WILL KILL YOU!”

The man barely reacted.

Sear’s dagger slashed toward his throat—but the man’s hand shot out, catching Sear’s wrist midair.

Then—CRACK!

A brutal knee drove into Sear’s stomach. He choked, his body doubling over in pain.

“Such a wild beast,” the man muttered, unimpressed.

Sear gritted his teeth, forcing himself up. “I’LL SHOW YOU WILD!”

He leapt—only to be caught midair.

One massive hand wrapped around his face.

“Goodnight.”

Electricity surged through Sear’s body. His scream was animalistic—pure agony.

Then—silence.

His body went limp.

The man slung Sear’s unconscious form over his shoulder, turning to the others.

“The lab wants everyone back. Now.”

His gaze settled on Fallow.

“I’ll take Sear. You take care of the rest.”

“Has anyone seen Pulse?” Blackout asked, scanning the area now that Ignition was gone. His eyes narrowed as he did a quick headcount, realizing she was missing.

“I think I saw her go into the cave earlier,” Raven answered as she approached, just in time to catch his question.

Blackout nodded. “Got it. I’ll check on her.”

With his sniper strapped across his back, he turned and disappeared into the cave’s dark entrance.

A few moments later, he reemerged—now with Pulse sitting on his back.

She didn’t look thrilled.

“All good over here, guys. Pulse just got… stiff legs.” Blackout smirked at his own joke.

Pulse groaned, crossing her arms. “Very funny, Blackout.”

Fallow, who had briefly smiled at the sight of their remaining squad, turned somber as her gaze fell upon the bodies of the fallen.

Less and Corp.

two of their own, left behind.

She bowed her head slightly in respect. “Let’s go, guys.”

Slick and Wo worked together to keep Havoc steady on his feet, each supporting part of his weight.

Blackout carried Pulse without complaint, despite her grumbling.

Meanwhile, Sharpshot, Fallow, and Raven took positions on the outskirts of the group, keeping watch for any sign of enemies as they made their way back toward the lab.

They had survived. But not all of them.

SF’s eyes fluttered open, the harsh glare of a bright lamp burning into his retinas. The cold metal table beneath him sent a shiver through his spine. “This feels awfully familiar”.

As his vision adjusted, he turned his head slightly, spotting Salvator standing to his right.

“It does, doesn’t it?” Salvator said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

With a practiced motion, he loosened the restraints securing SF, allowing him to sit up.

“Let’s see… fractured arm, three broken ribs, internal bleeding, two gunshot wounds to your lower body…” Salvator trailed off as he flipped through the medical report.

“Oh, and let’s not forget the piece of your own tungsten knife embedded in your right shoulder”. As Salvator mentioned his knife a faint memory of Fallow throwing him his knife appeared “Fallow” he said quietly “Fallow? who is that?” Salvator asked confused as SF looked up at him

“its a fallo unit, Commander do you know if she made it back?” Salvator was taken by surprise by the question

“no sorry i usually don’t handle Fallo units, speaking of which lets get back to you Mister” there was a short pause as Salvator looked at his papers again

“your back? Looks like it went a few rounds in a paintball tournament—on the losing team.”

Closing the file, he leaned against the desk, arms crossed.

Despite the damage he had taken, SF was, against all odds, still breathing—mainly thanks to Salvator’s efforts.

“Am I cleared to leave?” SF asked, rubbing his wrist where the restraints had been.

Salvator sighed at the inevitable question. “Yeah, you are. You’ve been treated by the best, after all. You’re patched up and good to go, but do not push it.”

Salvator moved toward the door, pulling it open as SF stood. “Before you head back to Unit Two’s dorms, you’ll need to report to Carol’s office first.”

SF had already started walking. “Right. I’ll handle it.”