Zero Hour

Chapter 15: Unlikely Allies

New Eden, 2159

With Paxton and Payton by their side, the team infiltrated Erebus's HQ.

Paxton's team burst into the main entrance, unleashing a hail of gunfire. Erebus's agents scrambled to respond.

"Diversion's underway," Paxton shouted.

Payton's voice crackled through the comms. "Security systems down. East wing's clear."

Nexus nodded. "Let's move, team."

Zero led the way, pistol sweeping the corridors. Dr. Taylor's medical drone hovered closely.

Nexus took point, disabling remaining security cameras.

They approached Lena's cell. Nexus's heart pounded.

"Lena," Zero whispered, unlocking the door.

Lena's eyes widened. "Zero?"

Nexus smiled. "We're here. We're getting you out."

Dr. Taylor rushed in, medical kit at the ready. "Lena, are you injured?"

Lena shook her head. "No... just weakened."

Zero helped Lena stand. "We have to move."

Suddenly, Axel appeared, flanked by Erebus's elite.

"Welcome, Nexus," Axel sneered. "You'll never leave."

Nexus's eyes narrowed. "Axel, you're finished."

The team readied for battle.

Axel's elite opened fire, pinning the team down. Zeros's team returned fire, but Axel's superior numbers gained ground.

Zero fell, wounded. Lena screamed.

Dr. Taylor's medical drone rushed to Zero's side.

Nexus fought on, determined. "We can't lose!"

Paxton's team arrived, reinforcing Nexus's position. "Take cover!" Paxton yelled.

Payton hacked into Erebus's systems. "I'm disabling their defenses!"

The tide turned. Axel's elite faltered.

Axel snarled. "You'll never win!"

Nexus charged. "We already have."

Axel fired, striking Paxton and Nexus.

Paxton groaned, wounded. "Keep... going."

Zero, struggling to speak through gritted teeth and clutching her wound, managed to say, "Hold on, Paxton... Nexus...".

Dr. Taylor's medical drone rushed to the fallen teammates.

Payton assisted Dr. Taylor, tending to Zero, Paxton, and Nexus's wounds.

"Help me, Payton," Dr. Taylor said. "We need to stop the bleeding."

Payton nodded, her eyes locked on Zero's wound.

Together, they worked tirelessly, tending to Zero, Paxton, and Nexus's wounds.

Axel stumbled back, wounded.

"Time to leave," Nexus said, wincing in pain.

The team retreated, Lena safe.

As they escaped Erebus's stronghold, the Underground's familiar tunnels enveloped them.

Lena hugged Nexus. "Thank you."

Zero's eyes burned. "Phoenix's sacrifice won't be forgotten."

Nexus's voice hardened, despite her pain. "We pledge to take down Axel and Erebus."

Paxton nodded. "For Phoenix. For freedom."

Zero's determination hardened. "Axel falls. Erebus burns."

Dr. Taylor's eyes locked onto the team. "We'll regroup, recharge, then strike."

Payton's voice filled with conviction. "Erebus's reign ends now."

The team's resolve strengthened.

Avenge Phoenix.

Defeat Erebus.

Their mission clear.