Where the Sun meets the Star

15. The Rebel Treat

Chapter 15: The Rebel Threat

Captain Kalix Santiago’s POV

The early morning briefing was tense. It had only been a month since I’d officially stepped back from field missions, focusing on training and strategy instead. But this…this was different.

Reports of rebel activity were surfacing all over the region, and this wasn’t just an isolated attack. They’d grown bolder, targeting not only military checkpoints but civilian areas. Every alert, every casualty report felt like a personal blow, even though I wasn’t directly in command anymore.

The military was spread thin. And though I wanted nothing more than to stay in my new role, it was becoming increasingly clear that we needed every capable soldier in the field.

As I absorbed the information, Argus leaned over, his voice low. “Kalix, you’re needed back out there. These aren’t routine ops they’re coming straight for us.”

I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar surge of duty battling against every promise I’d made to Amara. My heart wanted to stay, but my head knew that wasn’t an option. I nodded. “I know, Argus. Let’s gather the team. If we’re doing this, we’re going all in.”

Dr. Amara Velasco’s POV

The clinic buzzed with activity as news of the attacks trickled in. Even here, far from the frontlines, the anxiety was palpable. Injured soldiers and civilians were being rushed in, and every time the doors swung open, I felt my chest tighten. I hadn’t seen Kalix all day, but I knew what this meant he’d be going back. And I had to brace myself for it.

When I finally got a break, I found a quiet corner outside and took a deep breath, dialing Kalix’s number. After a few rings, he picked up, his voice immediately softening. “Amara.”

“Kalix, are you okay?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“I’m okay,” he replied, though there was a heavy pause. “But listen…things are getting serious. The rebels have escalated, and I need to go back into the field. They’re targeting civilians, and we can’t just sit back.”

I bit my lip, trying to keep my voice steady. “I understand. You have to go. I knew this would happen eventually, but…”

“But it’s harder than we expected,” he finished for me. “I know, Amara. Trust me, I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t have to. But people need us. You’re saving lives every day, and I…” His voice trailed off, but I could hear the emotion in it.

“Kalix, promise me you’ll be careful,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’ll be here, waiting.”

“I promise, Amara. I love you. I’ll come back, no matter what.”

Captain Kalix Santiago’s POV

Days later, I was back on the battlefield, the familiar scent of gunpowder and sweat filling the air as our team moved in silence through dense jungle terrain. The intel we’d received pointed to a nearby village where the rebels had set up camp, using the locals as cover. My gut twisted as I thought of the innocent people caught in the crossfire.

As we neared the target location, Argus motioned to me, his expression tense. “Sir, they’ve set up roadblocks all over. We’ll need to go in quietly and extract anyone we can without engaging directly.”

“Understood,” I replied, signaling to the rest of the team. I could feel the weight of each life depending on us, and though I was torn between my duty and my commitment to Amara, my mind was sharp, focused on the mission.

The operation was brutal. Explosions rocked the ground as we dodged enemy fire, moving from cover to cover, our team spread thin. It was a relentless fight, but slowly, we managed to push them back, creating a path for the civilians to escape.