Rafael doesn’t let the memory linger.
That part of his life is over.
He turns back to his parents, who are sharing a rare laugh, and offers them another practiced smile.
33
Chapter 33 - Kane
“Everyone in position?” Kane says into the commlink, guiding his bike between two abandoned warehouses. He kills the engine under the sagging roof of one and leans forward.
Below, six Natural Order enforcers trace slow circles around the old textile mill. They wear white robes and basic vests, clutching “pure” kinetic weapons that look like toys against his crew’s artillery.
A week ago, he might’ve called a meeting with Echo, talked to the civilian contacts, and discussed why the enemy was suddenly welcome on their streets.
That version of him is dead. The one who gave second chances.
“South team in place,” Viper reports, voice clipped.
Wren follows up quick. “Patrol’s ready, sir.”
“All civilians cleared from the borders,” Echo confirms. No quip or commentary.
Even Dr. Hayashi sounds distant when she checks in. “Standing by to deploy.”
Coda answers last. “Drones locked and—”
Kane cuts her off. “Move in.”
No more waiting. No more plans. If Athena wants to push into their territory, she can choke on the consequences.
“Now.”
Drones burst from between the buildings, driving for the front line. Their flight paths veer and cross erratically. Nothing like Coda’s usual patterns. But he ordered brute force. Leave no escape routes.
The Natural Order fighters glance up, bows and arrows drawn.
They’re too late.
The first strike lands with a crackle, stun-field jumping across their weapons. Their bows clatter to the ground. More drones join the swarm, paths crossing dangerously close. Several fighters drop before the rest realize the fight has started.
More reinforcements pour out of the mill. Right on schedule.
“Coda, third wave,” Kane commands. “Wren, back her up.”
HOV bikes flood in from the alleyways. The enforcers scatter in a flash of white, weapons forgotten as they scramble to avoid collision.
As instructed, Wren’s riders don’t give them room to breathe. They force the group into a circle while late arrivals slam into isolated stragglers without hesitation.
Bodies hit concrete as robes tear. Arrows and bows crack into pieces.
His HUD tags the casualties. Some from their crew, but far more of the enemy.
This blood isn’t on him. Destroying Athena’s cache was a warning. She pushed anyway.
Their surrender will come fast. He’s sure of it.
Before he can swoop in and offer terms, a scream echoes off the concrete.