Chapter 17: The Infiltration

The next morning, under the cover of fog, the rebels advanced toward Solis Prime. The city was on high alert after the recent attacks, with patrols and drones sweeping the perimeter. But the rebels had prepared well, using the stolen blueprints to navigate through hidden passages and blind spots.

Elara's heart pounded as they approached the power grid's main station. The plan was for Kade to disable the security system while Elara and a small team infiltrated the control center. They'd plant explosives in the core areas and initiate a city-wide blackout. Without power, Solis Prime would be vulnerable to the next wave of rebel attacks.

Inside the station, they moved silently, their every step calculated. As they reached the control room, Elara signaled to her team, and they spread out, planting the explosives in critical locations. The entire station was filled with a low hum of energy, a reminder of the lifeblood they were about to sever.

As they finished planting the charges, Elara's communicator crackled with Kade's voice. "Security's down on the west wing. We're good to go."

But just as she turned to leave, an alarm blared, and guards flooded the room. Someone had tipped them off.

"Run!" Elara shouted, grabbing Kade's arm as they raced toward the exit. They sprinted through the maze-like hallways, dodging bullets and taking cover as guards pursued them. Just when it seemed like they were cornered, Raya and a group of rebels burst through a side door, providing cover fire.

"Get to the fallback point!" Raya shouted. "We'll hold them off!"

With a final, desperate glance back, Elara and Kade sprinted toward the rendezvous point, leaving the sounds of gunfire echoing behind them.