Chapter 139: Into the Lion's Den
The deal was struck, but the real challenge had only just begun. Raizen and his team departed the broker's chamber, their minds already turning toward the task at hand.
The warlord in question, Malakar the Crimson, was no ordinary criminal. He ruled over a fortified outpost on the outskirts of the Rim Worlds, a place where lawlessness thrived, and where even Syndicate operatives tread carefully. His forces were well-armed, his network extensive. Infiltrating his compound wouldn't be easy.
As they walked through the station's bustling corridors, Kain muttered, "This guy Malakar… he's got an army, doesn't he?"
Nyx nodded. "More than that. He's paranoid. His compound is a fortress, filled with mercenaries who are just as ruthless as he is."
Selara crossed her arms. "And we're just supposed to walk in and take the artifact?"
Raizen smirked. "No. We're going to make him give it to us."
Planning the Infiltration
Back aboard the Revenant, the team gathered around the holo-table. A detailed blueprint of Malakar's stronghold flickered to life, displaying layers of defenses, surveillance networks, and high-security vaults.
Liana tapped a section of the map. "This is the main entrance—heavily guarded, impossible to breach without setting off alarms."
Nyx pointed to a separate corridor. "But there's a secondary entrance here, used by his suppliers. It's not as well-defended."
Raizen leaned forward. "Then that's our way in. We pose as smugglers making a weapons delivery."
Seraphina arched a brow. "And when we're inside?"
Raizen's golden eyes gleamed. "We take what we came for. By force, if necessary."
Joran cracked his knuckles. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."
Arrival at Malakar's Outpost
The Revenant descended upon a barren, dust-covered moon, its atmosphere choked by industrial smoke. Malakar's stronghold was carved into the mountainside, a fusion of metal and stone, its walls lined with automated turrets and watchful guards.
Their stolen supply vessel touched down at the designated landing bay. The airlock hissed open, and Raizen stepped out, clad in a worn mercenary disguise. His team followed, each playing their part.
A guard approached, scanning them suspiciously. "You the new suppliers?"
Raizen nodded, tossing him a data pad. "Shipment of high-yield plasma charges, direct from the black market."
The guard inspected the pad, grunted, then signaled for the doors to open. "Follow me. Malakar doesn't like to be kept waiting."
As they entered the fortress, the scent of metal, oil, and blood filled the air. They were inside enemy territory now, and there was no turning back.
Time to execute the plan.