Chapter 9 – The Decision to Stay

-Xyphora, Volaris System, Sector 7-42D-

-Scavenger Clan Headquarters – Command Center -

The command room was silent.

Rei's eyes were locked on the towering mechanized figure displayed on the screen—the Reaper-Class Enforcer. It was twice the size of the Killer Drones, heavily armored, with a plasma cannon the size of a transport vehicle mounted on its back.

It moved slowly, methodically, scanning the battlefield with burning red optics.

Rei felt his entire body tense.

How the hell are we supposed to fight something like that?

Keven was calm, analyzing the data streaming in from the surveillance feeds. His fingers tapped against the terminal, eyes flicking between camera angles.

"Alright," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Let's see what you've got."

-The Battlefield – 

Outside, the Scavenger fighters were holding their ground.

The traps and perimeter turrets had already taken out most of the Killer Drones, leaving only a few scattered stragglers.

But now, the real problem was standing in front of them.

The Reaper-Class Enforcer.

"Scanning hostile presence. Engaging extermination protocol."

The massive machine raised its arm-mounted plasma cannon—the energy core glowing ominously as it prepared to fire.

Garek, leading the frontlines, barked a command.

"MOVE!"

The scavengers scattered just as the cannon unleashed a devastating blast.

The ground shook violently as the plasma beam obliterated an entire section of the battlefield. A shockwave tore through the ruins, sending debris flying.

If that had hit the base directly…

Rei swallowed hard.

Keven leaned forward, eyes still fixed on the screens.

"Alright. Time to finish this."

Then Keven tapped a button on the console.

From the hidden tunnels beneath the battlefield, several large energy charges detonated in perfect synchronization.

BOOM.

The ground beneath the Reaper-Class Enforcer suddenly collapsed.

The reinforced structure gave way, and the machine staggered, struggling to stabilize.

Garek seized the opportunity.

"ALL UNITS—FOCUS FIRE!"

The scavengers unleashed everything they had.

High-powered plasma rounds, EMP blasts, and salvaged explosives rained down on the massive machine, striking its weak points.

The Reaper-Class Enforcer's armor withstood the first few hits—but then, the damage stacked.

Its left leg gave out.

The plasma cannon flickered, its energy core overloading.

It tried to regain balance, but the scavengers didn't stop.

Garek, leading the final attack, grabbed a shoulder-mounted rocket launcher and fired.

The missile struck the Reaper's exposed power core.

A massive explosion erupted—a shockwave of blue-white energy bursting outward.

The Reaper-Class Enforcer let out a distorted screech.

And then—

It collapsed.

Smoke and fire billowed from the wreckage.

The battlefield fell silent.

And just like that—

The battle was over.

- Scavenger Clan Headquarters – 

The tension in the command center eased as the security feeds showed scavengers securing the battlefield.

Keven leaned back in his chair, exhaling. "Well… that was fun."

Seyra smirked. "Fun? That was cutting it close."

Keven grinned. "Close is still a win."

Rei, standing beside Seyra, let out a slow breath.

It was over.

For now.

After things settled down, Keven decided that Rei and Seyra needed to see the full extent of the Scavenger Clan's base.

"Since you two are temporarily staying, you might as well know what's here," Keven said as he led them deeper into the underground headquarters.

The tunnels stretched far beneath the ruins, forming a network of rooms, storage areas, and defensive structures.

Rei walked beside Seyra, glancing around in curiosity.

"So, this is how you guys survive down here?" Rei asked.

Keven nodded. "It's not much, but it works. We built everything from salvaged tech, old war ruins, and a lot of creativity."

The first stop was the engineering sector.

Rows of scavengers worked on repairing weapons, modifying gear, and upgrading salvaged droids. Sparks flew from welding tools, and the air smelled of oil and metal.

"This is where we keep our tech running," Keven explained. "Garek's team is in charge of maintaining defenses and weapons."

Rei watched as a young scavenger carefully modified a plasma rifle, adding a cooling system made from repurposed machine parts.

They aren't just survivors. They're builders.

Next, Keven led them to the medical bay.

A few injured scavengers lay on medical cots, being treated by a stern-looking older woman with cybernetic hands.

"That's Doc Veyna," Keven said. "She keeps us patched up. Not the friendliest person, but she knows her stuff."

Doc Veyna barely spared them a glance. "If they're not dying, I don't care."

Rei took a step back. Noted.

After the tour, Keven brought them to a quieter chamber—one of the resting areas, lined with bunk beds and supply crates.

He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.

"So. You two planning on wandering off into the wasteland again, or are you going to be smart and stay here for a while?"

Seyra clicked her tongue. "Tch. I don't like clans."

Keven chuckled. "I know. But let's be honest—you don't have better options right now."

Seyra didn't respond.

Rei looked at her, then at Keven.

He exhaled.

"We'll stay," he said. "For now."

Seyra shot him a sharp look. "You're speaking for me now?"

Rei shrugged. "Do you really want to go back out there? Because I don't."

Seyra was silent.

Then she sighed. "Fine. Temporary."

Keven grinned. "Good choice."

He stood up straight and clapped his hands.

"Welcome to the Scavenger Clan."