Episode6: Linebreaker

Carlina and her team moved cautiously along the road leading to the airport. The rain had stopped, and the sound of crickets filled the air. There was a strange calmness in the atmosphere, but the only thing that reminded her they were still in a warzone was the weapon she held tightly in her hands.

She pressed her lips together and gripped her gun firmly. It was odd that they had not encountered any resistance yet. She pulled out her radio and pressed the button.

"Mike, are you there? Something feels off here. What are your orders?"

But no response came from the other end. She turned to her team.

"Are your radios working?"

One of her men stepped forward.

**"Looks like they've jammed communications. We can't contact anyone. What now?"**

Carlina didn't want to risk her team's lives, but at the same time, she couldn't afford to let Mike down. She pointed toward an unfinished building nearby.

**"Head inside for now. I'll try to reach Mike."**

She quickly reached the small structure, kicked the door open, and stepped inside, scanning her surroundings. It seemed safe. She motioned for her team to follow.

**"Two of you, check the upper floor. The rest, stay with me."**

Carlina and another soldier began searching the rooms. The building was still under construction, with cement bags and construction materials scattered everywhere.

Just as they moved forward, a sudden explosion rocked the upper floor, sending debris and cement dust raining down on them.

One of her teammates shouted, **"What was that?!"** and moved toward the next room.

Carlina yelled, **"Wait—"**

But before she could finish, a second explosion sent her flying, slamming her against the wall.

The sharp scent of blood filled the air. Her mouth tasted bitter, and a ringing sound overwhelmed her ears. Slowly, she pushed herself up, using the wall for support. But as her vision cleared, she froze—horrified.

The teammate who had stood beside her just moments ago was now in pieces.

Her body locked up. She struggled to breathe. A wave of nausea hit her, and she thought she might vomit. Shaking, she reached out and placed a trembling hand on the fallen soldier's helmet, shutting her eyes for a brief moment.

Then, the radio crackled to life.

**"Carlina, do you read me? It's Jake. What's going on? Where are you?"**

Carlina, still catching her breath, pressed the radio to her lips.

**"It was a trap."**

She listened to the distant sounds of approaching enemies.

**"I'm surrounded. My entire team is gone."**

Jake's voice came through, alarmed.

**"What?! Hold on, I'm coming!"**

Carlina ducked behind the second-floor window, aimed her weapon, and fired at the incoming soldiers.

**"No! Stick to the plan. Take the helicopter to the airport, pick up Mike. Don't wait for me—I'll figure something out."**

Jake hesitated, then responded, **"Fine. Just stay alive."**

The radio cut off. Carlina exhaled, securing it to her belt.

**"Now, it's just me against all of them."**

The enemy forces surrounded the building. They weren't just from the facility—these were government troops.

*"Maybe this is the end."*

But she refused to accept that. She had to make it back to Mike.

Swiftly, she reloaded her weapon. Cold sweat dripped down her forehead. Taking a deep breath, she aimed at the nearest enemy and fired. She took down one, then another, but they just kept coming. She knew that if she stopped shooting, they would storm the building—and that would be the end.

Suddenly, everything changed.

The enemy gunfire slowed. Then, screams echoed from outside—but this time, it was **them** who were dying.

Carlina held her breath. *What the hell is going on?*

Peeking out from the window, she saw them—enemy troops firing desperately into the jungle.

*"Could it be Mike and the others?"*

But the sheer volume of firepower coming from the trees suggested at least **thirty armed fighters**. There was no way Mike and Reznov's team, which barely had twelve people, could generate that much firepower.

It didn't matter. The only thing that **did** matter was breaking free and reaching Mike.

She leaped from the window and started shooting at the distracted enemies.

The trapped soldiers, now under heavy fire from both directions, panicked. They abandoned their positions and rushed toward their vehicles, retreating.

Then, two armored trucks emerged from the jungle, their mounted machine guns roaring as they pursued the fleeing enemies.

Carlina stood still, gripping her rifle.

Footsteps echoed through the muddy ground outside. Heavy, deliberate steps.

She turned toward the entrance, aiming her gun at the door.

It creaked open.

A tall man with sharp, cold eyes stepped inside. His uniform was unlike any known military group.

He spoke calmly.

**"Carlina. That's your name, right?"**

Without hesitation, she aimed straight at his head.

**"Who the hell are you?"**

The man gave a faint smile.

**"Kras. I'm here to help."**

Carlina scoffed.

**"Help? You're a little late for that."**

Kras took a step closer. Carlina's gaze stayed locked on his hands, ready to fire at the slightest suspicious move.

**"Not too late. You're still alive. But if you don't come with me now, your friend Mike might not be so lucky."**

Her eyes narrowed.

**"What do you know about Mike?"**

Kras crossed his arms.

**"Mike is with Reznov. And Rezonov isn't who you think he is."**

Carlina clenched her jaw.

**"What are you saying? He saved us. He might be mysterious, but I haven't seen anything suspicious."**

Kras sighed.

**"That's because you've only seen half of the story."**

Carlina growled, **"If you're lying, I'll blow your damn head off."**

But Kras just looked at her, his voice steady.

**"Mike is walking into a trap. And you're the only one who can save him."**

Carlina hesitated.

What if he was telling the truth? If Mike was really in danger? In war, you couldn't trust anyone easily.

Her eyes flickered to the fallen bodies of her squad. This mission had been a mistake from the start. Maybe… Maybe she **never** should have trusted Reznov. And worst of all—she was the one who convinced Mike to follow him.

Finally, she lowered her gun.

**"Let's say I believe you. What's your game? Why are you helping me?"**

Kras remained composed.

**"I've been tracking Reznov for a long time. We have unfinished business. I help you, you help me."**

Carlina smirked.

**"That's a great line, but it doesn't convince me."**

Kras slid his hands into his pockets.

**"You don't have to believe me. But the truth doesn't change. Mike needs you."**

Carlina took a deep breath.

**"Fine. But if you're lying, you'll be the next one to die."**

Kras nodded.

**"Fair enough."**

He gestured to his men.

**"These soldiers are under your command. Use them to get Mike away from Reznov."**

Carlina frowned.

**"And you? Where are you going?"**

Kras smirked.

**"That old base you once controlled… I think it'll be useful, don't you?"**

Carlina's eyes widened.

**"How the hell do you know about that?"**

Kras adjusted his glasses.

**"I've been watching you all for longer than you think."**

Carlina hesitated, then finally sighed.

**"Fine. Go there. I'll bring Mike."**

One of Kras's soldiers stepped into the doorway.

**"Sir, the path is clear."**

Kras nodded and turned to his men.

"Good. Let's move. We don't have much time."

Carlina checked her weapon one last time. She looked at her fallen comrades one final time and whispered:

"Stay alive, Mike. I'm coming."