Ray had left at dawn. No backup, no heavy weapons, just a long-range comm and a single sidearm. The plan was simple: establish contact with General Carter's group, convince them we weren't just another faction looking for power, and get out before the UNO caught wind of our movements.
Simple in theory. Dangerous in execution.
Now, I sat at the central command station, staring at the flickering screen as the drone feed followed his route. The closer he got to Carter's location, the thicker the tension became.
Vivian paced behind me, arms crossed. "This is reckless."
I exhaled. "It's necessary."
Mason adjusted his headset. "We've got movement near Carter's camp. Could be his people… or could be someone else."
My grip tightened on the edge of the table. "Stay on it. If it's the UNO, we pull Ray out immediately."
The radio crackled. "Almost there," Ray's voice came through, calm and steady. "I see the perimeter. No signs of trouble yet."
Yet.
---
A Dangerous Welcome
Ray stopped just outside the entrance—a fortified outpost made of salvaged steel and reinforced barricades. Snipers watched from above. It was clear Carter wasn't taking any chances.
Ray raised his hands slowly. Non-threatening. Controlled.
One of the guards shouted, "State your business."
Ray didn't hesitate. "I'm here to talk to General Carter."
Silence. Then a second voice, gruff and full of suspicion. "And why the hell would he want to talk to you?"
Ray remained still. "Because we have information the UNO doesn't want you to know. And because we have resources that could keep your people alive."
That got their attention. The gates creaked open just enough for Ray to step inside.
We lost sight of him.
Mason cursed. "Damn it, no visual."
Vivian clenched her jaw. "This was a bad idea."
I kept my eyes on the radio. "We wait."
---
Inside the Lion's Den
Carter was exactly how I remembered him—broad-shouldered, sharp-eyed, and radiating authority. He sat behind a makeshift desk, studying Ray with cold calculation.
"You're either brave or stupid," Carter said. "Maybe both."
Ray smirked. "Depends on how this meeting goes."
Carter didn't laugh. "Get to the point."
Ray leaned forward. "The UNO is moving fast. They're bringing survivor groups under their control, using food and security as leverage. But once they have you, they own you. We both know what that means."
Carter's expression darkened. "Slavery under a different name."
Ray nodded. "We have an alternative. We have food. A working greenhouse. Supplies. A growing alliance of survivor groups that refuse to bow to the UNO."
Carter exhaled slowly. "And what do you want from me?"
Ray didn't flinch. "Your people. Your experience. Your strength."
Silence.
Then Carter let out a dry chuckle. "You've got nerve, kid. But tell me… why should I trust you?"
Ray reached into his jacket—slowly—and pulled out a small container. He placed it on the desk. Carter opened it and froze.
Inside was fresh fruit. Apples, oranges, and a few tomatoes from our greenhouse.
Carter's jaw tightened. "Where the hell did you get these?"
Ray met his gaze. "We grow them. And we can grow more. Enough to feed your people. Enough to keep them strong."
Carter stared at the fruit, then at Ray. "This is real."
"It is."
Another long pause. Then Carter let out a breath. "You said the UNO doesn't know about this yet?"
Ray nodded. "Not yet. But they will soon. We need to move before they tighten their grip."
Carter's fingers tapped against the desk. "I'll consider it. But if you're lying—"
"I'm not."
Carter studied him one last time. Then he nodded. "Go. I'll give you my answer soon."
Ray didn't argue. He stood, turned, and left.
As soon as he was clear of the camp, his voice came through the radio. "I'm out. He's thinking about it."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
Now we waited.
---
The UNO's Next Move
Less than twenty-four hours later, the next blow came.
Vivian ran into the room, tablet in hand. "We have a problem."
I turned to her. "What now?"
She slammed the tablet on the table. A live transmission from the UNO's central command flickered onto the screen.
A woman's voice echoed through the speakers. "To all survivor groups: The UNO offers safety, order, and stability. In these dangerous times, we cannot afford division. Any group refusing to cooperate will be considered a threat to humanity's survival."
The screen switched to a map, marking patrol routes, supply centers, and designated 'recruitment zones.'
Mason cursed. "They're tightening their grip."
Vivian shook her head. "No. This is a declaration of war."
I clenched my fists. "Then we need to move faster."
The battle lines were being drawn.
And we had to be ready.
---
Tensions are rising! Will Carter join James's resistance, or will he play it safe? And with the UNO cracking down, how long before James's secret is exposed? Let me know your thoughts!