A group of us crouched just outside Dara’s main palace entrance. As I looked up at the enormous walls, I could only wonder how we could achieve a feat of such complexity.
“Wipe that fearful look off your face, Alex.” I felt Sierra, a cybernetic being, poke a metallic elbow into my stomach. The metal would have alerted the guards ahead if she had nudged a little higher. Even though I was the only other cyborg on the team, Sierra and I hadn’t gotten along from the day we were assigned this mission.
“I’m not scared.” I rolled my eyes and looked ahead. My left robotic eye zoomed in on the guards ahead, and I signaled to the group, letting them know there wasn’t an opening.
“You leading the group is the worst mistake the colonel could make.” Sierra said in an undertone.
“Haha, like as if you could have lead the group.” I looked ahead, waiting for the right moment to infiltrate.
“You two should date.” Lexa, the Lyndarie said from behind.
“WHAT?!” We both said at once.
I looked ahead, disgusted with the idea, and signaled to move forward by a few meters. Just then, I saw an opening, and we all moved in one body, in the height of darkness, cautious to stay out of the guard’s field of vision.
The woosh of cold air greeted the group and me as we kept to the walls advancing on my instructions. When we reached the junction, I realized the group would have to split.
“You and Sierra should take the left corridor; I’ll take the right with Vanguard,” Lexa said with a look of intelligent indifference.
“But-” I started, realizing the two had already left us to take the left corridor.
The lights were dim, and the occasional sound of fans and lights flickering distracted me. The guards on rotation at this time were lower- that was what the file that briefed us on the mission stated, but I couldn’t help but twitch at every slight noise.
“So much for being appointed as the leader. You’re more like a chicken.” Sierra laughed out loud.
“Quiet.” I shushed her. Her loud voice could attract attention, which was the last thing I wanted.
I heard the slight tremor of footsteps approaching. I raised the gun in my hand; someone would cross paths soon. My eyes widened, and beads of sweat lined my human forehead.
A blinding white light followed by screams and cries. Gunshots. I dropped to the floor, holding onto my ears in pain. What was that loud sound? I squinted and saw Sierra ahead– her arms flailed as she tried to escape.
We were spotted.
Alex