Ch 8 - Orion and His Beliefs

The tension in the rebel base had become almost suffocating. After Cipher's warning, everyone knew that their time was running out. Zephyr issued commands with unwavering calm, ensuring that every member of the group was prepared for the attack that could come at any moment. However, amidst the rising anxiety, Orion stood apart from the chaos, staring into the distance with an expression of near serenity.

Raven watched him from afar, hesitating before deciding to approach. Since their first conversation, he had sensed that there was something deeper beneath Orion's calm demeanor—something vital that Raven couldn't quite grasp. In the midst of all the war preparations and strategies, Raven knew there was another battle being fought—a battle of ideologies that could either save or destroy them.

"Orion," Raven called softly as he came closer. "What are you thinking?"

Orion turned slowly, his expression still serene, as though he was untouched by the chaos happening around them. "I'm thinking about the world we live in, Raven. The world I once knew. A world destroyed by the very technology we created with our own hands."

Raven narrowed his eyes, trying to understand. "What do you mean?"

Orion sighed deeply, his gaze drifting back to the darkened horizon. "I was once part of a world obsessed with technology. Like Zephyr, we thought technology would save us. We believed in the miracles that NexusNet could bring. But it was all a lie. Technology, in the end, took more than we could ever give. I lost my family, my community... everything."

A flash of pain crossed Orion's face, though he tried to hide it. For Raven, this was the first time he saw a more human side to the spiritual leader. Orion's story of loss gave him new insight into why the man was so fiercely opposed to technology.

"When NexusNet first took over," Orion continued, "the technology we once trusted became the chains that bound us. They used the very tools we created to control our minds and bodies. And when we finally fought back, we didn't just lose our freedom—we lost our humanity."

Raven was silent for a moment, reflecting on Orion's words. He had always seen technology as a tool—something to be used or destroyed. But Orion saw it as something far more dangerous, not just because of its power, but because of how it affected the minds and souls of people.

"So you believe we can't fight NexusNet with their own technology?" Raven asked.

Orion met his gaze sharply, his expression serious. "If we use their technology, we become like them. Every time we rely on their machines and networks, we give up a piece of ourselves. This isn't just about winning or losing a battle. It's about preserving who we are."

Raven took a deep breath. As a soldier, he had always seen technology as an ally on the battlefield. But now, he was beginning to see another side of it—a darker side that may have played a role in destroying this world.

Before Raven could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps approached from behind. Zephyr strode toward them, his expression tense. He glanced at Orion briefly before turning to Raven.

"NexusNet forces are close," Zephyr said, his voice cold and urgent. "We need to prepare now."

Orion didn't move. "I've said what needs to be said. If we use their technology, we'll only speed up our own destruction."

Zephyr restrained the anger that was clearly boiling beneath the surface. "This isn't the time for debate, Orion. We need to act now, or we're all going to die."

Orion stood firm, unmoved by the approaching threat. "I won't let myself or my people rely on the very thing that destroyed us. If we fight with their technology, we'll be no better than slaves to NexusNet."

Zephyr stepped closer, his face just inches from Orion's. "If you refuse to help us fight, then you're a traitor to this entire group."

The tension in the room grew even thicker. Rebels, busy preparing weapons, slowed their movements, paying attention to the heated conversation between their two leaders.

Zephyr clenched his fists, his voice filled with frustration. "You might believe in some kind of pure freedom that can only be achieved without technology. But you know what will happen if we don't act now? NexusNet will come and wipe us out without mercy. This isn't about ideology—it's about survival!"

Orion stared back at him with an unnerving calmness. "And if we fight using their weapons, we've already lost before the battle begins."

The tension between them was so intense that Raven felt as though the air around them had tightened. He could sense the fear and confusion among the other rebels. If this division continued, they might tear themselves apart before NexusNet even had a chance to strike.

But before the conflict could escalate further, the sharp sound of an alarm echoed through the base, shattering the silence. The blaring warning filled the room, sending everyone into motion. Cipher appeared at the door, his face pale and full of dread.

"They're here," he whispered tensely. "NexusNet forces have breached the perimeter."

Zephyr immediately took command of the situation. "Everyone, get ready! We don't have much time!"

The rebels moved quickly, preparing for the battle that was rapidly approaching. But even as the situation became dire, Orion remained unmoving, his gaze still locked with Zephyr's.

"We won't survive if we keep arguing," Zephyr said firmly. "Raven, you're with me. We'll fight them with everything we have—technology or not. This is about survival."

Orion said nothing, but his eyes lingered on Raven, as though waiting for his response. Between these two leaders, Raven felt as though he was caught between two worlds—one that believed in the power of technology, and the other that trusted in pure human spirit.

But amidst the sound of sirens and the approaching footsteps of NexusNet's forces, Raven knew that he had to make a choice. There was no more time to hesitate.