Chapter Seven: Shadows Within (Shadows of Orion)

A New Hideout

Two days later, the team found themselves in a safehouse deep in the woods, far from any traceable tech. The cabin looked rustic on the outside, but inside, it was a fortress of encrypted networks, solar-powered generators, and concealed weaponry.

“Welcome to my summer home,” Blink announced as he opened the door.

Maya raised an eyebrow. “You live here? This feels like a serial killer’s dream.”

“Hey,” Blink protested, pointing to a beanbag chair in the corner. “That’s vintage comfort. Plus, the Wi-Fi is impenetrable.”

Rachel carefully set the Nexus Core on the table, her expression serious. “We need to get back on the offensive. Orion won’t stop coming for this.”

“True,” Sam said, pacing the room. “But before we attack, we need to make sure there’s no one selling us out.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication.

The Clue That Didn’t Add Up

Blink’s fingers danced over his laptop as he ran diagnostics on the safehouse systems. “I’ve been reviewing the breach,” he said, frowning at the screen. “Orion tracked us way too fast. Even with a tagged vehicle, it doesn’t explain their precision.”

“You’re saying someone tipped them off,” Maya said, her tone sharp.

Blink hesitated. “I’m saying... it’s possible.”

“Great,” Maya said, crossing her arms. “Because what we really need right now is a traitor.”

Rachel shook her head. “We’ve been through too much together for anyone here to turn on us.”

Sam held up a hand. “Let’s not start pointing fingers. Blink, dig deeper. Maya, keep watch outside. Rachel, secure the core.”

A Whisper from the Past

As the team went about their tasks, Sam stepped outside for fresh air. The forest was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

He thought back to their last mission. There was a moment—brief but nagging—when he had seen Rachel linger near an Orion terminal. It had seemed innocent at the time. But now...

“Sam,” Maya’s voice broke his thoughts. She stood at the edge of the clearing, her rifle slung over her shoulder. “You’ve got that look again.”

“What look?”

“The one where you’re plotting five steps ahead. Spill it.”

Sam hesitated. “I’m not sure yet. Just... keep an eye on everyone.”

“Even you?” Maya asked, smirking.

“Especially me,” Sam replied with a wry grin.

The Unexpected Discovery

Back inside, Blink suddenly shouted, “Guys, I’ve got something!”

Everyone rushed to the console as Blink pointed at the screen. “I traced the anomaly. Someone accessed our comms during the last raid. Not Orion... someone on our team.”

All eyes turned to Rachel, who froze mid-step.

“Rachel?” Maya said, her tone a mixture of disbelief and anger.

“I didn’t—” Rachel began, her voice trembling.

Sam stepped between them. “Let’s hear her out.”

Rachel’s hands shook as she placed them on the table. “I had no choice. Orion has my sister. They threatened to kill her if I didn’t give them access.”

The room went silent.

“You could have told us,” Maya said, her voice softer now.

Rachel shook her head. “They said if I told anyone, they’d know. And I couldn’t risk her life.”

The Bigger Picture

Sam took a deep breath, his mind racing. “If they have Rachel’s sister, they’re using her as leverage. But that means they’re vulnerable too. They can’t risk killing her without losing their hold over Rachel.”

Blink nodded. “We can use this. Set a trap.”

Rachel’s eyes widened. “A trap? What if they hurt her?”

“We’ll get her out first,” Maya said firmly. “Then we’ll make Orion regret ever playing games with us.”

Sam clapped a hand on Rachel’s shoulder. “You’re still part of this team. And we’re not leaving anyone behind.”

The Plan Takes Shape

The team spent the night planning their counterattack. Blink hacked into Orion’s systems, searching for any trace of Rachel’s sister. Meanwhile, Sam and Maya prepared for the inevitable confrontation.

By dawn, they had a location: an Orion holding facility in the city.

“This is it,” Sam said, gathering the team around the table. “We go in, get Rachel’s sister, and destroy their leverage. After that, it’s war.”

Rachel nodded, determination replacing the guilt in her eyes. “Let’s end this.”