The Dawn of Knight

Chapter Thirty Six

Santiago could feel their heart pounding in their chest as they made a desperate escape. The enemy forces advanced, their boots thudding against the ground, while Rodriguez and his dwindling troops stood ready with weapons raised. The screams of dying soldiers and the chaos of battle filled the air.

With determination in his eyes, Rodriguez shouted above the cacophony. "To hell with the Krell!" His words reverberated across the complex, drowned out by the deafening sound of gunfire and explosions.

As they neared a junction, Santiago's heart raced with anticipation. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he followed the determined officers. Suddenly, several of them broke off from the group.

"Where are you going? We need to stick together!" Santiago shouted, trying to catch up to the others.

One of the officers, a wiry man with a wild fire burning in his eyes, turned back and flashed a mischievous grin. "You may have come here for our guns and weapons, my friend," he said, "but could your resistance use the crushing power of a tank or two?"

Santiago's jaw dropped in disbelief. Tanks? The thought had never even crossed their mind. This was a risky move, but it could also be their chance to turn the tide of the war.

Without a moment's hesitation, Santiago nodded and joined the group as they made their way towards the loading bay. As they neared the towering machines, a sense of determination washed over them. They could feel adrenaline coursing through their bodies at the prospect of acquiring these armored vehicles. It was a risky move, but it had the potential to change the course of their fight against the oppressive regime. Santiago couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of finally having a chance to fight back.

Their boots crunched on gravel as they approached the heavily fortified garage, its walls bristling with barbed wire and armed guards. The sound of blaring alarms and clanging metal echoed in their ears, but the officers remained focused and stoic, their intense training guiding them through each security checkpoint with precision. As they entered the expansive garage, rows of intimidating tanks greeted them like silent sentinels. With swift movements born from years of practice, the officers operated the controls and initiated the startup sequences, urgency driving them forward as they prepared for their escape.

The garage was bustling with the sound of roaring engines as resistance fighters rushed to fill tanks and humvees with supplies and gear. They moved with a sense of urgency and determination, operating like a well-oiled machine. Time was of the essence, and they knew it. The air was charged with energy, drawing others in to join the cause. Urgent messages blared from the radio, sending people into fast-paced motions to gather what they needed before jumping into waiting vehicles. Every action and conversation displayed the fierce determination of those finally facing the truth of what had been happening, and the dark reality behind those they once blindly served.

As time passed, more troops arrived at the loading dock. Some were burdened with heavy duffle bags filled to the brim with supplies and food. Others clung onto essential medical items, their expressions displaying unwavering resolve. A few also brought tales of intense gun battles that had broken out throughout the compound as soldiers took opposing sides. Tensions ran high and everyone prepared for what was to come. Despite the turmoil and anxiety, there was a sense of solidarity among the group.

Amidst the jumbled group of people gathering, a small handful stood out as the original team members who had infiltrated the compound with Santiago and Lusia. Their now tattered and stained with blood, evidence of the brutal battle they had just endured. Bruises and cuts decorated their faces, testifying to their resilience in the face of danger.

As Lusia approached, one of the team members informed her, "We did our best...hopefully enough charges were planted."

"Good," she replied with a determined nod. "We'll detonate them when we leave." The tension in her voice was palpable.