Chapter 16:The Cure and the War to Come

James and his folk forged through the dense forest at a quick pace, riding toward Haven in the night. Every sound made them leap—every crunching leaf, every distant snarl. The Black Sun had been dealt a heavy blow, but they were not finished. They would be back.

Dr. Voss cradled the vial in his hand, as if it would vanish. "We have to move fast. The sooner we start replicating this, the better."

James nodded. "So let's not tarry."

⸻

A Triumphant Return

The gates of Haven loomed as the first light of morning started creeping over the horizon. Guards on the walls trained their weapons, but recognizing who it was, the gates swung open.

They came in, exhausted but victorious. A crowd had gathered, drawn by the sight of their return.

Diana, one of Haven's top scientists, sprinted towards them. "Did you find it?"

James pulled out the vial from his pocket and held it up.

The crowd cheered and cried with relief. For the first time in a long time, there was hope.

But James wasn't smiling. He stood before the gathered leaders of Haven. "We don't have a lot of time to celebrate. The Black Sun knows that we possess this. They're coming."

The applause ceased. Reality set in. This wasn't over.

⸻

Preparing for the Final War

Haven was transformed in the days that passed.

• Scientists labored around the clock to generate duplicates of the cure.

• Engineers reinforced the walls and defenses.

• Fighters trained with new weapons and tactics.

•\\tScouts maintained vigil for the least indication of Black Sun forces.

James stood over the map in the command center. They had days—maybe a week—before the Black Sun came in force.

Maria leaned in over the table. "We don't sit back and wait for them, do we?"

"No," James replied. "We take the war to them."

⸻

The Plan: Strike First

They had found where The Black Sun was regrouping—a deserted military base fifty miles away. If they could take them out before they made their attack, they had a chance.

James, Carter, Maria, and a contingent of Haven's best fighters would lead the charge. While Haven's remaining soldiers would guard the city, preparing for the worst.

Dr. Voss, looking up from his task, said, "If we give them time enough, we can finish the cure. But we need time."

James nodded. "Then we'll grant you that time."

⸻

A Deadly Mission

At night, James's strike force left.

They traveled lightly, carrying with them only the absolute bare minimum in weapons and not bringing any extraneous gear. The plan was simple: infiltrate the base, destroy their supplies, and eliminate as many Black Sun troops as they could.

Hours later, they reached their target. From a ridge overlooking the base, they saw hundreds of Black Sun soldiers—more than expected. This wouldn't be easy.

Carter adjusted his scope. "That's a damn army."

Maria checked her ammo. "We've fought worse."

James exhaled slowly. "Let's finish this."

⸻

The First Shot

The signal was simple: fire the first shot, then all hell breaks loose.

James scoped his rifle, aiming at a fuel truck in the middle of the base, and fired.

BOOM.

Flames erupted into the air as the truck exploded, setting the camp ablaze and raining shrapnel. Then the gunfire started.

James and his team rained bullets down from their position on the ridge. The Black Sun soldiers dove for cover, but they had been surprised.

Carter took out a sniper with a single shot. Maria tossed a grenade at a group of soldiers. Logan, hurt or not, cut through foes like a maniac.

For a moment, they had the upper hand.

Then Kane's voice on the Black Sun speakers.

"You think this is all we have? You're dead men walking."

The ground shook as Black Sun reinforcements poured in—gunned to the teeth and hungry.

James gritted his teeth. The real fight had just begun.