Chapter 12: MATERNAL HOSTAGE

Axel's vision blurred with rage and fear as he stared at the comms device screen.

His mother, Maya Vaughn, looked defiant despite the shackles and surrounding Omicron guards. Commander Vex sneered at the camera.

"The Resistance's beloved leader's family is... fragile. Axel Vaughn, if you want your mother returned alive, surrender yourself to Omicron Citadel within 48 hours."

Axel's mind exploded with desperation. He felt Maya Blackwood's gentle hand on his arm.

"We'll get her back, Axel. We have 48 hours to plan a rescue."

But Axel hardly heard her – his focus fixed on Commander Vex's continuing taunt:

"Come alone, Axel Vaughn. Any Resistance forces accompanying you will seal Maya Vaughn's execution..."

Elliot's voice cracked through the comms device, anguish evident.

"Axel... son... we'll find another way. You can't surrender to them."

Axel's grip on the device tightened, his jaw clenched in determination.

"I have to, Father. I'm the only one who can save her.

Axel's words hung in the air like a death sentence to his own freedom.

Maya Blackwood's eyes locked onto his, filled with a deep understanding of his resolve. 

"We'll make it a rescue mission disguised as your surrender," she whispered urgently. "I know Citadel's layouts, guard patrols... everything."

Elliot's voice cracked again through the comms device, still trying to reason with Axel.

"Son, no – Omicron will exploit you for the Chrono Code! We'll find another way to save your mother..."

Axel took a deep breath, steeling himself for the perilous plan ahead.

"Father, listen – Maya Blackwood was Vice Commander of Omicron. She has intel and knowledge to get me in and Mother out. Trust me on this."

Ryder's voice chimed in, firm with resolve.

"Specter, we're with you. We'll plan the op tonight. Citadel will never know what hit them."

Axel nodded to himself, though they couldn't see him – the team was united behind his daring rescue mission.

Now, he had to sell his fake surrender to Commander Vex...

Axel opened the comms channel to Omicron's frequency.

"Commander Vex – this is Axel Vaughn. I accept your terms. I'll surrender alone in 48 hours.

Commander Vex's triumphant laughter echoed through the comms device.

"Wisdom beyond your years, Axel Vaughn. Omicron Citadel's east entrance will be open for your surrender at midnight, two days from now. 

Come alone. Any detection of Resistance forces will result in your mother's immediate execution."

Axel gritted his teeth, feigning defeat.

"I understand. You have my word – I'll come alone."

The comms channel closed, and Axel turned to Maya Blackwood.

"It's set. We have 48 hours to plan the perfect deception."

Maya nodded, already strategizing.

"Citadel's east entrance is lightly guarded during midnight...shifts. We can exploit that. Here's a preliminary plan:

1. You'll enter through the east entrance, acting defeated.

2. I'll hack into Citadel's internal systems, disabling cameras and alarms near your mother's cell block.

3. Ryder and Elliot will infiltrate through Citadel's sewer tunnels, meeting us at cell block D-7.

4. We extract your mother, then make our way back to the sewer exit or create a diversion at the east entrance."

Axel nodded intensely, committing the plan to memory.

"What about guards patrolling cell block D-7 and the surrounding areas?"

Maya smiled grimly.

"I have rosters and patrol schedules. We'll take out key guards silently before you even enter Citadel. Our window for extraction will be 10 minutes – enough time if everything synchronizes."

Just then, Ryder's voice came..through the comms device, excitement in his tone.

"Specter, we've got Citadel's sewer tunnel maps and guard patrol routes synced with Maya's intel. 

Elliot's team is already prepping explosives and stealth gear. 

We're ready to move out when you give the signal to initiate 'Operation: Motherbird' – our code name for this op."

Axel smiled grimly, feeling a sense of unity with his team.

"Operation: Motherbird is a go. 

48 hours from now, we bring my mother home and deal Omicron a devastating blow.

Let's rehearse every detail, anticipate every variable – we only get one shot at this."

Maya Blackwood nodded in approval.

"With our combined skills and inside knowledge, Commander Vex is about to fall into her own trap."

The team began intense mission rehearsals, leaving no room for error – the fate of Axel's mother and their rebellion hung in the balance.