The night passed with Malisha on watch, standing guard while everyone else slept.
It wasn't new. It happened all the time.
By the time morning arrived, she climbed back into the bus, boots heavy, shoulders tight. The windows were still coated with ash—grey fingerprints left behind by the scavenger camp's destruction. Outside the Red Zone, however, the morning was bright. Too bright. The kind of light that planted false hope in tired hearts.
The first thing Malisha did was walk straight to Raghav.
"Morning, sir," she said evenly. "If you don't mind, let's move toward the Yellow Zone now. It's morning."
"Yes—yes, Captain," Raghav replied quickly. "I was waiting for your command. We're ready to move."
Malisha nodded once, offering him a brief smile, before stepping out of the driver's cabin.
"You haven't slept, have you?" Aditya said, moving toward the kitchen counter.
"No, of course not," Malisha replied dryly. "That's why you're all still alive. I had work to do—unlike you."
Aditya scoffed softly. "You know, you'd get help if you actually asked for it. It's been a long day. I fell into deep sleep—you could've woken me."
He opened a drawer, pulling out the coffee supplies.
"Coffee?"
"Yes, please," Malisha said, stepping closer to help. "And relax, Adi. You earned that rest. All of you did."
"Yeah… and you're just running on caffeine again," Aditya muttered, handing her the cup. "Mal, I know you have insomnia—but not even trying to sleep will make it worse. It's a problem. Not a superpower."
Malisha took the coffee from him.
"You give me the coffee," she said flatly, "not the lecture."
The engine rumbled beneath their feet as the bus began to move forward.
As the bus rolled forward, the survivors slowly began to wake. Siya and Dweep stirred as well, moving quietly, careful not to disturb the fragile calm.
"Are we moving now… toward the, um… Safe Zones?" Ishan asked hesitantly.
"Yes," Aditya replied, sipping his coffee. "But it'll take time. And if you want refreshments, help yourselves. Ask Dweep."
Dweep froze mid-motion, halfway through making his own coffee, clearly hoping no one had noticed him.
"It's okay," Siya cut in smoothly. "I'll help you. Dweep, you continue."
She gestured toward the supplies. "Coffee's here. Sugar, milk powder—and the tea bags are over there."
Meanwhile, Malisha stepped out of the bathroom.
She looked… fine.
Too fine for someone who hadn't slept all night.
Her clothes were clean, freshly changed—but she wasn't wearing her uniform.
She moved calmly and took a seat beside Raghav.
"Mal," Raghav said carefully, lowering his voice. "It's going to be a long journey. We'll pass through the Orange Zone and then the Yellow Zone. After that, we'll have to interact with OG Security and multiple partner associates. Why don't you just put on the uniform now? I really don't want to keep explaining that you're the captain."
"Oh, you know I don't like it," Malisha replied casually.
"And if someone asks—tell them you're the captain. That'll cut all their pointless questions."
She left Raghav staring at her, speechless.
"Well… that's not allowed," he finally said after a moment. "I mean—it's—"
"Oh, I'll tell you what's not allowed," Malisha interrupted calmly.
"Not following your captain's orders."
She smiled—soft, dangerous, familiar.
"Relax. No one's going to do anything. And if something does happen, I'll still be the captain in the end. You don't become one by saying it."
She tilted her head. "But you saying it? That's believable."
The bus continued along the broken road.
Outside, zombies were still visible—far fewer than in the Red Zone, but enough to remind everyone that the world hadn't healed. It was still dead. And sometimes, the living were worse.
After nearly two hours, Raghav straightened suddenly.
"We're at the edge of the Orange Zone," he announced.
"Oh, thank God," Reha said, leaning into the driver's cabin. "How much longer till we reach the destination?"
"A day and a half more," Malisha answered evenly.
Reha nodded and left immediately.
"Are they allowed to enter the cabin like that?" Raghav asked quietly.
"Well," Malisha replied dryly, "when you have an unqualified helper and a first mate as dumb as Adi, rules get flexible."
Raghav laughed.
Malisha joined him.
But just as they reached the end of the Orange Zone—where the Yellow Zone began—several cars came into view, parked awkwardly across the road.
Raghav slowed the bus.
"They might be OG Security," he said, pulling over.
A man stepped out and approached the window.
"Why is there an OG bus outside the Red Zone," he asked sharply,
"on the same night a massive scavenger camp was destroyed?"
That was all it took.
Malisha knew immediately.
This man was not OG Security.
Not an associate either.
No official would already have such precise details.
"Can this trip get any worse?" she muttered under her breath.
"I don't want to deal with the ranked yet , it's the bloody beginning of the day "
She turned to leave the cabin, preparing to warn everyone inside—
And then she realized.
It was already too late.
Loud knocks slammed against the bus door.
Malisha was only halfway out of the cabin when she saw it—a gun pressed firmly against Raghav's head.
"Sir," Raghav said calmly, though Malisha noticed his legs trembling, "this is an official OG vehicle. You'll face serious consequences—along with whoever you're working with—for taking such an action. However, if you retreat now, the inquiry will be minimal. For you and your handler."
"Oh, so you—" the man holding the gun began.
"Yes, we'd love to have an inquiry from the OGs," another voice interrupted. "Now open the door. And let the girls out—quickly."
The man stepped out of his car. Five others followed close behind him.
He looked like he hadn't bathed in years—long, greasy hair falling into his eyes as he struggled to push it aside. Yet he wore a three-piece suit, stained but deliberate, as if he still believed himself important.
"Come on, man," he said impatiently. "Do it fast. I'm out of female slaves. You know a man has his needs… me?"
"Captain—OG Captain Raghav, for your information," Raghav replied professionally. "And I'm sorry, sir. We can't do that."
Malisha realized then—he wasn't just following protocol.
He was shielding her. Shielding all of them.
"Oh," the man said softly, leaning closer to the window. "And I'm Rank Fifty. The master, you know. And I don't really like no, Captain."
Around them, at least three hundred armed men stood waiting—modern weapons, easily matching OG firepower. The ground lit up faintly as landmine indicators activated. Behind them stood dozens of people—thin, frightened, knives clutched in shaking hands. Tags hung from their ankles. Fresh scars marked their skin.
Slaves.
No women among them.
Before Raghav could speak again, Malisha stepped forward to the window, her signature smile calm and deliberate.
"What is rank," she asked lightly,
"again?"
That single sentence was enough.
The gun shifted instantly—from Raghav's head to Malisha's.
Raghav grabbed her wrist, trying to pull her back—but he knew it was already too late.
Aditya burst into the cabin, an AK-47 in his hands. He froze.
What stood outside was far worse than scavengers.
Malisha already had a gun pointed at her head.
Aditya raised his weapon anyway, aiming directly at the man in the suit.
"Oh, don't do that," the man chuckled. "I like talking to girls. Young ones especially."
His eyes lingered on Malisha.
"The arrogant ones are the most fun to break."
Then he glanced at Aditya.
"You're a brave boy," he said approvingly. "I'll make you a good soldier. Keep it up. But don't be reckless enough to get yourself killed here. That would be such a shame—especially for lesser creatures like females."
Aditya's grip tightened. Fury burned in his eyes.
Malisha spoke before anyone else could.
"How about I come out," she said evenly, "and we talk out there?"
"Oh yes, darling," the man replied, stepping back. "Not just you. I want all of you out. Now."
His smile widened.
"Or you all die. You're standing on at least three landmines. So come out—don't be shy."
He tilted his head.
"Though I do like it when you are."
Malisha maintained her smile.
"Sure. Just give me a moment, sir," she said calmly. "I have three dogs. I'll leave them inside the bus, if that's alright."
Rank 50 let out a dry laugh.
"As you wish," he said. "Leave them. Take them. Either way, they won't live long."
Malisha nodded once and gestured for Aditya and Raghav to move inside, toward the survivors.
The bus was thick with fear.
Everyone looked confused. Frozen.
"What is happening?" Saurabh asked, his voice shaking.
"What are we supposed to do now?"
"We've been stopped by the Ranks," Malisha said evenly.
"And we're going to have to step out."
"Are we—are we on landmines?" Ishan asked. "And they're armed?"
Dweep and Siya stood silently, terror clear in their eyes. Aditya and Raghav looked no different, though they tried to hide it.
Malisha's expression remained unreadable.
"Three landmines," she said plainly. "That's why we're stepping out."
"And the dogs?" Dweep asked quickly. "Mal—they'll help. They can—"
"Oh, don't be absurd," Malisha snapped, irritation flashing for the first time.
"What are three dogs going to do against three hundred men with modern weapons? They're staying here."
The pounding on the bus door grew louder. More impatient.
"Listen to me," Malisha said, her voice dropping.
"Out there, you do exactly what they say. Do not try to be smart. Do not provoke them. Tolerate their bullshit."
Her eyes flicked to the girls.
"And stay away from them as much as you can. Understood?"
She reached beneath one of the seats, pulled out a concealed compartment, and took out a satellite phone.
Everyone watched in stunned silence as she dialed.
"You took your time picking up," Malisha said flatly.
"Yes. Shared coordinates. Rank Fifty."
"Landmines confirmed. Heavy weapons."
"No—don't . Just update it."
There was a pause.
"We have to go out. What? Really? How—"
She exhaled sharply.
"Yes. I know we're screwed."
A beat.
"Still better than slavery."
"I have to go."
She cut the call.
"Who was that?" Siya asked.
"Did you just update the crew submission?" someone whispered.
Malisha didn't answer.
She opened the bus door and stepped out, gesturing for everyone to follow.
They did.
"Line up," Rank 50 said lazily, scanning them.
"Four girls. Good. Very good."
He stepped closer to Siya.
Raghav moved forward. "I'm the captain. We'll be discussing—"
"Oh, no," Rank 50 interrupted calmly.
"You're not in a position to discuss anything."
He gestured casually.
One of his men struck Raghav across the face with the butt of a gun. Raghav staggered but stayed standing.
"What a coward," Malisha said coldly.
"Can't even handle a conversation."
Rank 50 ignored her.
"Take the boys to the chambers," he ordered.
"Break them. Shape them."
His eyes slid back to the girls.
"And the girls—Pink Chamber."
Then he stepped closer to Malisha, close enough that she could smell him.
"Leave this one," he said.
"I'll take her. And the captain."
"How about I put a bullet in your head?" Aditya shouted, raising his gun.
Instantly, dozens of weapons snapped toward him.
A man grabbed Aditya from behind and slammed him to his knees.
"Yes," Rank 50 said approvingly.
"This one's good. Don't kill him. He'll make a fine asset."
Guns pointed toward the rest of the survivors, forcing them to move.
Raghav was dragged toward the car Rank 50 had arrived in and shoved inside.
Malisha was pushed forward at gunpoint.
She didn't resist.
She walked.
As Malisha and Raghav were shoved back into the car of rank 50 more like a limbo , Rank 50 climbed in after them, one of his guards close behind.
The door slammed shut.
The lock clicked.
Rank 50 stepped closer to Malisha, his voice low and amused.
"So," he said, "what were you saying earlier? I don't think you understand what a Rank means—especially a Rank Fifty. I'll show you."
He glanced at Raghav.
"In front of your beloved captain."
"Oh no," Malisha replied calmly. "Raghav isn't the captain."
She tilted her head slightly, smiling.
"I am."
Rank 50 paused.
"We just let him wear the title," she continued. "It helps pass security without unnecessary questions. People don't accept me easily as a captain."
Her smile sharpened.
"Much like I'm finding it difficult to accept that you're actually a Rank."
She leaned back against the seat, unbothered.
"And for someone claiming authority," she added softly, "you seem oddly unaware that OG forces operate under Queen Conqueras' guarantee."
She watched his expression carefully.
"I know you've heard of her. After all—you know quite a lot about the scavenger camp. The campfire, as you called it."
Rank 50 scoffed.
"Rumors, girl. OG propaganda to maintain control."
He grinned. "And you being a captain? Please. Don't flatter yourself—it only makes this more entertaining."
He lifted his gun slightly.
"I'll admit one thing. You wear your mask well. Not afraid, are you? Look at my gun. Think about what happens next."
Raghav tried to move, but pain kept him silent.
Malisha laughed softly.
"Why would I be afraid?" she asked.
"You're locked in a vehicle with me. One guard. One very gorgeous gun."
She glanced down deliberately.
"And my hands aren't even tied."
She leaned forward, close enough for him to feel her breath.
"Think about the possibilities," she whispered.
"And yes—you're right. I'm very good at maintaining a mask."
In one smooth motion, she bent down.
Steel flashed.
The knife slid out from her right boot and plunged straight into the guard's heart.
He didn't even scream.
At the same moment, Malisha seized the barrel of the gaurd AK 47 ,twisting it pointed it to the Master in just 3-4 second. As the guard collapsed, she ripped his weapon free.
Now both guns were raised.
Pointed at each other.
The air went dead still.
"Yes," Malisha said calmly, dark eyes locked onto his.
"As I was saying—you're a coward."
She cocked the gun.
"And I should add—you're a fool."
Her smile was cold now. No warmth left in it.
"How did you even earn this rank, hmm?"
She tilted her head.
"By benefiting from the rank purge three or four days ago? Sloppy. Not impressive. Not worthy."
Rank 50 stared at her.
Raghav watched in stunned silence, eyes wide, blood drying on his face.
Rank 50 laughed softly, nudging the dead guard's body aside with his foot.
"I think you're forgetting something," he said lazily.
"Your people. Your bus. My land mines. And your dogs."
His smile widened.
"How many do you think you can save, girl? Kill me if you want—but I won't order my men to stop. And even if you do kill me, you won't walk out. This car is surrounded."
He leaned back, completely confident.
"I'm Rank Fifty. Not some scavenger you can outplay with childish tricks."
Malisha didn't blink.
"How many will I save?" she asked calmly.
"All of them."
She stepped closer, her voice colder than steel.
"And how?" she continued. "Because, as I already told you—you're a fool."
Rank 50's smile twitched.
"Using digital land mines that weren't even yours three days ago is stupidity of the highest order. It leads to situations like this."
A violent explosion thundered outside.
The ground shook.
Through the car window, flames erupted near the vehicle carrying the girls—but it remained untouched.
Rank 50's expression changed.
Malisha watched him carefully.
"Those mines?" she said. "Cracked. Overridden."
Another explosion detonated—this time near the vehicle carrying the boys.
"They were taken over by my operative," she continued calmly, checking the time on her watch, "less than twenty seconds ago."
She looked back at him.
"So when you talk about being surrounded…"
Her lips curved into something sharp.
"You might want to reconsider."
She stepped forward and wrenched the gun from his hand, tossing it aside.
"And by the way," she added casually, "I'm Rank Two."
Raghav stood frozen, blood drying on his face, unable to process what he was witnessing.
"So whatever you think you're doing?" Malisha continued.
"It's childish. You underestimated me."
Her eyes darkened.
"What was it you said earlier?"
"Lesser creatures?"
Rank 50 swallowed.
"There are slaves out there," he snapped. "You're OG too. You saved your survivors—but you killed at least sixteen slaves."
"At most twenty," Malisha corrected flatly.
"Do you really think that bothers me?"
She tilted her head.
"I've killed between five and seven hundred in the last four days—Ranks, scavengers, casualties. Anyone who knew my identity."
She leaned in.
"Like you."
"And I won't need you to order anyone," she continued. "Your men aren't as stupid as you. They'll comply. Especially with land mines under their feet."
Raghav's vision blurred.
Whether it was blood loss, shock, or fear—he collapsed unconscious.
Malisha didn't even look at him.
She turned back to Rank 50.
"Now," she said quietly, "call your men."
Her voice dropped.
"Tell them to bring back the boy and the girl. Untouched. In one piece."
She raised the gun.
"Do that—and I'll give you a clean death."
Her eyes hardened completely.
"Don't—and I swear I'll make you beg for death for at least a week."
Rank 50 obeyed.
The call ended.
Malisha didn't hesitate.
She shot him dead.
Then, without pause, she turned and fired through the glass partition—killing the driver instantly.
The car fell silent.