The Division: Shattered Command

Chapter 2: Into the Lions Den

The cold wind whipped through the narrow streets of lower Manhattan as we moved with purpose, the sun dipping below the skyline, casting long shadows across the ruined city. Our intel was clear: Aaron Keener's next stronghold was a fortified location deep within the Financial District. It was once the beating heart of the city's economy, now a desolate labyrinth of glass and steel, haunted by the remnants of its former glory.As we approached the perimeter, the tension was thick in the air. We knew this wouldn't be an easy infiltration. Keener's forces were no ordinary foes-they were well-equipped, well-trained, and fiercely loyal to their rogue leader. But we were prepared for whatever awaited us inside."Eyes open. We don't know what kind of surprises Keener's left for us," I murmured, scanning the area through my scope. The streets were eerily quiet, but we knew better than to trust the silence."David, I'm picking up multiple heat signatures inside the building ahead," Hardcase reported, his voice steady despite the tension. His drone hovered near the entrance, its infrared sensors lighting up with movement."Looks like he's got a welcoming committee for us," Hound muttered, adjusting her sniper rifle. "Let's make sure we give them a proper introduction.""Foxbound, you stay close. If anyone gets hit, we need you ready," I ordered, my voice calm but commanding. She nodded, already mentally preparing for the worst.With a silent signal, we moved forward, slipping through the shadows until we reached the entrance. The door was ajar, the lock shattered-Keener's way of taunting us, no doubt. We stacked up, weapons at the ready, and then I gave the order."Breach."The door swung open with a crash, and we stormed inside, sweeping through the darkened hallways with precision. The building was a maze of cubicles and shattered glass, the once-bustling office now a tomb of memories. As we advanced, the first shots rang out, echoing through the corridors."Contact!" Hound shouted, dropping to one knee and returning fire. The enemy was waiting for us, just as we expected. They were dug in, using the office furniture as makeshift barricades, but we were relentless, pushing forward with methodical precision.Hardcase lobbed a grenade over a desk, the explosion sending debris flying and forcing the enemy into the open. Foxbound was right behind us, providing cover as we advanced. Every corner we turned, every room we cleared, we were met with resistance, but we pressed on, determined to reach Keener's inner sanctum."This place is a fortress," Foxbound grunted, her breath coming in short gasps as she patched up a minor wound on her arm. "Keener's not making this easy.""He's scared," I replied, firing off a burst that took down another hostile. "He knows we're coming for him."Finally, after what felt like hours of relentless fighting, we reached a large set of double doors at the end of the hallway. Beyond them lay Keener's command center-where he orchestrated his twisted version of justice, where he had planned his assaults on the city. This was the heart of his operation, and we were about to tear it out."Hardcase, get that door open," I ordered, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins.He nodded, moving quickly to bypass the security system. "This won't take long," he muttered, his fingers dancing over the keypad.As we waited, I glanced back at my team. Their faces were set with determination, their bodies tense, ready for the fight of their lives. We had come too far to back down now. Keener was inside, and this time, there would be no escape for him."Door's open," Hardcase whispered, stepping back as the double doors slowly creaked open, revealing the dimly lit room beyond.We moved in, weapons raised, scanning the room for any sign of Keener. The command center was a chaotic mess of computer screens, maps, and hastily discarded gear. But it was empty. No sign of Keener. My heart sank as I realized we had been outmaneuvered once again."He's not here," Foxbound said, her voice laced with frustration. "Damn it!""Wait," Hound said, her eyes narrowing as she spotted something on one of the monitors. "Look at this."We gathered around the screen, where a live feed from a surveillance camera showed Keener, standing on a rooftop a few blocks away. He was watching us, a twisted smile on his face, and then, as if he knew we were watching, he turned and disappeared out of frame."He's playing with us," I growled, slamming my fist into the desk. "He knew we'd come here, and he's been watching us the whole time.""He's leading us into a trap," Hardcase said, his voice grim. "But why?""Doesn't matter why," I said, my voice cold with resolve. "We follow him, we end this."Without another word, we turned and sprinted back the way we came, retracing our steps through the building and out into the streets. The sky was darkening, the wind picking up as we raced towards the rooftop where Keener had been. But as we approached, the street lights flickered out, plunging the city into darkness."Stay sharp," I whispered, switching to night vision. "He's close. I can feel it."The rooftop was deserted when we arrived, but the sense of unease was palpable. Something was wrong. Very wrong."David, over here," Hound called out, her voice tight with tension. I moved to her side and saw what she had found-a small device, blinking with a red light. A trap."Get down!" I shouted, just as the device detonated, sending a shockwave of energy rippling through the air. We were thrown back, the force of the blast disorienting us.As I struggled to my feet, my ears ringing, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye-Keener, slipping through the shadows, his gun aimed right at me.But before he could pull the trigger, a shot rang out, and Keener staggered back, clutching his shoulder. Hound stood on the far side of the rooftop, her sniper rifle smoking."Go, now!" I shouted, scrambling to my feet and sprinting towards Keener, who was already retreating, disappearing into the night.We gave chase, but by the time we reached the edge of the rooftop, he was gone, leaving nothing but the echo of his laughter behind."Damn it!" I cursed, slamming my fist into the wall. He had slipped through our fingers again, but this wasn't over. Not by a long shot."We'll get him," Foxbound said, her voice steady despite the frustration. "He can't keep running forever.""No," I agreed, my voice low and determined. "He can't. And when we catch him, he's going to pay for everything he's done."As we regrouped, the adrenaline still pumping through our veins, we knew that this was just the beginning. Keener was toying with us, testing our resolve, but he had underestimated our determination. We would hunt him down, no matter how long it took, and when we did, we would make sure that justice was served