CH.40
The base was tense, a sharp contrast to the celebratory relief that had lingered just hours ago. The team had believed they'd gained the upper hand against Orion Systems, successfully infiltrating the data hub and acquiring critical information about Dominion. But victory, it seemed, was fleeting.
Kaelin stood frozen in front of one of the monitors, her tablet clutched tightly in her hands. The broadcast played across every screen in the base—a press conference held by Orion Systems, their CEO Victor Kline standing at a podium with an air of grim authority. The backdrop behind him bore the company's sleek logo, a symbol that now felt more oppressive than ever.
Victor's voice rang out, calm and measured, though his words carried a sinister undertone. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with a heavy heart that we must address a grave threat to our society. Over the past weeks, a rogue group of individuals has waged war against progress, targeting our company and endangering countless lives."
Rafe slammed his fist against the table, his usually calm demeanor cracking under the weight of the accusation. "That lying bastard," he growled. "He's turning this around on us."
Victor continued, his expression hardening as he gestured toward the screen behind him. It flickered to life, revealing the faces of Lex, Mina, Aron, and Rafe, their photos accompanied by bold text declaring them *Wanted Criminals*.
"These individuals," Victor said, "are directly responsible for multiple cyberattacks, breaches of national security, and acts of terrorism. They have stolen sensitive data, jeopardized lives, and committed heinous crimes—including the loss of innocent lives."
Celeste's breath caught, her eyes widening as she read the fabricated charges. "Murder?" she whispered. "He's accusing them of murder?"
Kaelin's jaw tightened, her voice low and laced with fury. "He's doing more than that. He's painting us as enemies of the public—dangerous outlaws who need to be eliminated."
---
The broadcast shifted, displaying footage of the aftermath of explosions and destruction—images that had clearly been staged or manipulated to implicate the team. Victor's voice carried on, weaving a narrative that turned the truth inside out.
"Their actions have left devastation in their wake," he said. "As such, Orion Systems, in cooperation with national authorities, is issuing an immediate bounty on these criminals. They are to be captured—dead or alive."
The words landed like a blow, and the room fell silent save for the faint hum of the servers. Celeste glanced around at the team, seeing the shock and anger etched across their faces. Aron looked pale, his hands trembling as he whispered, "This... this isn't just about framing us. They're trying to turn the entire world against us."
Mina clenched her fists, her usual optimism replaced by a simmering rage. "They're scared," she said, her voice shaking. "We have something they don't want anyone to see. That's why they're doing this."
Ethan's voice came through LYRA, calm but weighted with urgency. "This is Orion's way of maintaining control. By discrediting you, they shift the focus away from their crimes. It's calculated—and effective."
---
Kaelin slammed her tablet onto the table, the sharp sound jolting everyone back to the moment. "We need to move," she said, her tone brooking no argument. "If they've put bounties on our heads, it's only a matter of time before bounty hunters, mercenaries, or worse come looking for us."
Rafe nodded, his voice grim. "We're compromised. This base won't stay secure for long. We need to pack up and relocate."
Lex scoffed, though there was no humor in her expression. "Great. Just great. Not only are we fighting a megacorporation, but now half the city's going to be gunning for us."
---
As the team moved into action, gathering their equipment and preparing to evacuate, Celeste turned to LYRA, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ethan, what do we do?"
Ethan's response was steady, a beacon of reassurance amid the chaos. "We don't stop. We adapt. Orion wants you to crumble under the weight of these lies, but you're stronger than that. The evidence we have—Dominion's vulnerabilities, their role in the glitch—it's enough to expose them. We just need to find the right way to use it."
Celeste nodded, her resolve hardening. She looked at the team, her voice firm. "We're not giving up. Not now, not ever. Orion wants to silence us because they're afraid of what we know. That means we have the advantage—and we're going to use it."