Arc of Destiny

The bunker's dim lighting flickered as Eric stirred awake. Every muscle in his body protested as he sat up, the memories of the warehouse battle crashing down on him. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the reactor, its glow faint but steady.

A soft knock sounded at the metal door. Eric tensed, instinctively gripping the wrench he had laid beside him. The door creaked open, revealing Nyssa, her face drawn and weary.

"You look like hell," she said, stepping inside and setting a small tray of food on the table.

"Thanks," Eric muttered, managing a weak smile. "You don't look so great yourself."

Nyssa rolled her eyes and leaned against the wall. "The team made it back safely. We've got the weapons stashed in one of our safe houses, but Sentinel's ramping up their patrols. They're looking for us, Eric."

"I figured," Eric said, taking a bite of the stale bread on the tray. "That drone wasn't exactly subtle."

"No, it wasn't," Nyssa agreed. "And now they know what you can do. That reactor isn't just a weapon, Eric. It's a beacon. Every time you use it, you're leaving a trail."

Eric frowned, the weight of her words sinking in. "So what are you saying? I should stop using it?"

Nyssa shook her head. "I'm saying we need to be smarter about how we fight. The commander wants to see you. She's got a plan, but it's risky."

"Riskier than taking on a combat drone by myself?" Eric asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nyssa smirked. "You'd be surprised. Get cleaned up. We're leaving in ten."

The command center buzzed with activity as Eric and Nyssa entered. Holographic maps and screens filled the room, displaying Sentinel's patrol routes and deployment zones. The commander stood at the center, her sharp eyes scanning the data. She looked up as they approached.

"Stanton," she said. "Good to see you in one piece."

"Barely," Eric replied. "Nyssa said you've got a plan."

The commander nodded and gestured to the largest hologram, which displayed a towering structure in the heart of the city. "This is Sentinel's primary communication hub. It's how they coordinate their forces and monitor the entire district. If we can take it offline, even temporarily, it'll give us a window to strike their supply lines."

Eric studied the hologram, noting the heavy fortifications and patrols. "That's a lot of firepower. How do we even get close?"

"That's where you come in," the commander said. "The reactor's energy signature can disrupt their sensors. It won't last long, but it'll create enough of a blind spot for our infiltration team to slip through."

"And me?" Eric asked.

"You'll be with the distraction team," the commander replied. "Your job is to draw their attention and keep it. Nyssa will lead the infiltration team to plant the EMP charges."

Eric glanced at Nyssa, who gave him a reassuring nod. "Sounds like a suicide mission," he said.

"Not if you play it smart," the commander said. "You've already proven you can handle yourself. Now you just need to do it again."

Eric took a deep breath, his mind racing. The odds were against them, but if they pulled it off, it could change everything. He looked at the commander and nodded.

"When do we start?"

The commander's lips curved into a faint smile. "Tomorrow night. Rest up, Stanton. You're going to need it."