Beyond the Fade

Chapter:- 1 Beyond the challenge

"As guards arrive at Mora and her teammates' living quarters, "Who is the Mora?" one guard asks.

"Yes, sir, I'm Mora," Mora replies firmly.

Carel steps forward, concerned. "Is everything okay? Why are you looking for her?"

"The Commander wants to speak with her; we're following protocol," the guard replies.

Mora nods. "Let's go. I don't think this is a good idea to keep the Commander waiting."

Carel's expression turns thoughtful. "What's going on, Mora? You're being summoned by the Commander."

Mora shrugs. "No idea, Carel. Only the Commander knows."

Carel places a reassuring hand on Mora's shoulder. "I am with you, Mora. Let's face it together."

Upon arriving at the Commander's cabin, Mora sees Vicky.

"Hello, big brother. Is everything okay?" Mora asks.

Vicky looks tense.

Mora's heart quickens, and her palms grow sweaty.

Commander Orion arrives. "So, Mora, you're not concerned about this summons?"

Mora replies, "No, sir. I haven't done anything wrong. I'm eager to learn what this is about."

Carel watches, thinking, "Mora's either incredibly brave or naive. I hope she's prepared."

Commander Orion continues, "Very well, but there's a complaint. You were selected without a test."

Mora nods nervously. "Yes, sir, I didn't take the test."

Vicky intervenes, "Sir, I saw Mora's skills. I took responsibility for her selection."

Commander Orion replies, "I know Vicky, 'you're not gonna lie, but rules are rules, we can't bend them.'"

However, Commander Orion says to Mora, "taking the test will eliminate objections."

Vicky notes, "Sir, this year's selection is closed."

Commander Orion smiles. "For you, Vicky, I'll make an exception. What do you think?" Vicky agrees, "Yes, sir."

Mora thinks, then says, "That's my pleasure, sir. I welcome the chance to show my skills."

Commander Orion asks, "So what're you looking for?"

Mora replies, looking puzzled.

Commander Orion signals his guard to challenge Mora. Mora struggles to respond, but the guards are relentless. Commander Orion watches from the sidelines, his expression unreadable.

In Carel's expression, we can see worry for Mora.

Vicky worries for Mora, thinking, 'He tried to help, but the Commander stopped him.'

Mora refuses to back down, her determination and focus driving her forward.

Just when it seems like the guards are about to overpower Mora, Commander Orion intervenes. "Enough," he says, his voice firm but controlled.

The guards step back, their chests heaving with exertion.

Mora stands tall, her eyes blazing with a fierce inner light.

Commander Orion approaches Mora, a hint of a smile on his face. "Well done, Mora," he says. "Better than my expectation. Interesting to see you in the selection match. Be prepared."