Chapter 55 – The Tipping Point

The greenhouse stood in the center of the facility, a fragile but powerful symbol of something beyond mere survival. It wasn't just food—it was a future.

But as I stood there, staring at its reinforced glass panels reflecting the harsh floodlights, I felt the weight of something else pressing down.

Doubt.

Not in the plan, not in the greenhouse, but in my decision.

Carter was still alive.

And Ray wasn't going to let that go.

The Storm Within

I barely had time to step away from the greenhouse before Ray cornered me near the command center. His stance was rigid, fists clenched, and his eyes burned with something between anger and frustration.

"We need to talk," he said.

I already knew where this was going.

I gestured for him to follow, leading him into the command room. The second the door shut behind us, he didn't hold back.

"You should've killed him," Ray snapped. "Carter. Back when you had the chance."

I exhaled slowly, keeping my tone level. "And if I had? What then?"

Ray stepped closer, eyes hard. "Then we wouldn't be in this situation. He wouldn't be out there feeding the Syndicate intel about our weaknesses."

I met his gaze. "You think killing him would've stopped the Syndicate?"

"I think it would've bought us time," Ray shot back. "And now, because of your choice, we're sitting here waiting for them to come and finish what they started."

His words hit like a hammer.

Because part of me wondered if he was right.

Attack or Defend?

I folded my arms. "You want to go after them?"

Ray didn't hesitate. "Damn right, I do. Instead of waiting for them to hit us again, we should be the ones hitting them first."

"They're stronger than us," I pointed out. "More numbers. Better weapons."

Ray's jaw clenched. "Then we even the odds. We take out their supply routes. We sabotage their camps. We hunt them down before they can regroup."

I leaned against the table, processing. It wasn't a bad strategy. But it was risky.

"This isn't just about revenge, is it?" I asked.

Ray's eyes flickered. "No. It's about survival."

I studied him for a long moment. Ray was a soldier—one who had spent his life in structured warfare. He wasn't used to fighting from the shadows, wasn't used to the long game.

To him, waiting was weakness.

I understood that.

But I had spent too many years in the field to underestimate an enemy like the Syndicate.

"You think we should strike first," I said carefully.

"I know we should," Ray corrected. "Because if we don't, the next time they come, they'll make damn sure we don't get another chance."

The System's Answer

The system flickered in my vision.

> [System Analysis: Tactical Debate]

Passive Defense: 72% survival rate (resource depletion risk)

Active Offense: 54% survival rate (higher immediate risk, potential long-term advantage)

Recommendation: Hybrid Approach – Disrupt Enemy Resources Before Next Assault

I exhaled. The system wasn't picking sides—it was telling me what I already knew.

We couldn't just wait.

But neither could we just charge in blind.

"I hear you," I said finally. "And you're not wrong. We can't sit back and let them build up again."

Ray didn't look satisfied yet. "Then what's the plan?"

Striking First

I turned to the command console and pulled up the satellite feed. The Syndicate's last known location flickered onto the screen—a temporary outpost deep in the ice-covered ruins to the south.

"If we hit them, we do it smart," I said. "No full-scale attack. No suicide missions."

Ray nodded slowly. "Sabotage?"

I nodded back. "We cut them off. Supplies, fuel, ammo—whatever keeps them going, we take it or destroy it."

Ray was listening now. The frustration in his posture eased slightly. "You want a small team?"

"A fast team," I clarified. "We go in, plant explosives, sabotage their communications, and get the hell out before they know what hit them."

Ray considered it. "We'll need the best for this."

I nodded. "You. Daniel. A few of the trained fighters."

He smirked. "And you?"

I gave him a look. "Of course I'm going."

The tension between us faded just a little.

Ray exhaled. "Alright. I still think Carter should be dead, but at least we're doing something."

I didn't respond to that. Because deep down, I wasn't sure if I had made the right call either.

But I did know this—

We weren't just going to sit back and wait to be slaughtered.

It was time to take the fight to them.

Do you agree with Ray that James should've killed Carter when he had the chance?

Is attacking the Syndicate first the right move, or is James underestimating the risks?

Let me know in the comments!