Chapter 15: RESCUE AND RECKONING

Axel's heart sank as he knelt beside Ryder, who clutched his armored vest – the bullet had barely penetrated.

"Damn it... grazed my ribcage," Ryder winced. "Keep moving, Axel – get Dr. Patel out!"

Axel helped Ryder to his feet, and they continued providing cover fire as Elliot escorted Dr. Patel down the stairwell.

Maya's voice updated their status through comms.

"Umbra reinforcements arriving – 20 agents, heavily armed. You must exit – NOW!"

Elliot appeared at the entrance with Dr. Patel, both rushing towards Axel and Ryder.

"We have to move – LaGraine's extraction vehicle is 2 blocks east!"

They sprinted through alleys and side streets,

Umbra agents closing in mere meters behind.

Dr. Patel clutched a small medical case to her chest, eyes fixed on Axel.

"We must get to safety – the countersequence data is stored on a device in this case."

Ryder fired his gun backwards, slowing Umbra's pursuit.

"Vehicle should be just ahead – LaGraine said it'd be a black armored van!"

Axel saw it – parked hastily around the next corner, Victor LaGraine leaning out the side door.

"In, quickly!" LaGraine yelled.

They piled into the van as Umbra agents opened fire – bullets ricocheting off armored plating.

LaGraine slammed the door shut and shouted to the driver.

"Go – Resistance HQ's safe house – NOW!"

The van sped away from the chaos as

Axel exhaled deeply, relieved they'd escaped Umbra's clutches – for now.

Dr. Patel opened her medical case, revealing various lab equipment and a small datapad.

"The countersequence data is here," she said. "We can begin working on destroying Project Elysium."

Elliot nodded grimly.

"We'll get you set up in our lab immediately. How long will it take to develop the countersequence?"

Dr. Patel's expression turned focused.

"With Axel's genetic material, I estimate 72 hours – assuming no complications or Umbra interruptions."

Ryder winced, still clutching his side.

"Complications are Umbra's specialty. We need to fortify this safe house – ASAP."

LaGraine nodded in agreement.

"Already on it. Our team is reinforcing doors, windows, and perimeter fences. We'll make this place a fortress.

Axel looked at Dr. Patel intensely.

"We have 72 hours to save humanity from Project Elysium. Let's get started – what do you need from me?"

Dr. Patel smiled slightly.

"A blood sample will suffice for now. Maya, can you assist me in preparing the lab?"

Maya nodded and followed Dr. Patel out of the van into the safe house.

Elliot turned to Axel and the others.

"LaGraine, brief our defenders on Umbra's tactics. Ryder, get your injury checked by our medic. Axel – you're with me."

Axel followed Elliot to a secure room deep within the safe house – a strategic command center with screens displaying Umbra's movements.

Elliot began outlining their plan.

"Dr. Patel works on the countersequence while we prepare counterattacks against Umbra. Archon Xandros will likely launch a massive assault on this safe house..."

Axel's eyes locked onto the screens.

"When do you think he'll strike?

Elliot's expression was grim.

"Within 48 hours – once he realizes Dr. Patel is working on the countersequence with you alive. 

His strategy will be brutal:

1. Air strikes to weaken our defenses.

2. Elite ground troops to breach the safe house.

3. Archon Xandros himself will come for you, Axel."

Axel steeled himself for the impending battle.

"We'll be ready. What's our counterstrategy?"

Elliot outlined their plan:

1. "Maya will hack into Umbra's command feeds to disrupt air strike coordinates.

2. Ryder will lead our ground defense teams against elite troops.

3. You and I will face Archon Xandros – protect Dr. Patel until the countersequence is ready."

Axel nodded firmly.

"Together, we'll destroy Project Elysium and bring down Umbra."

Suddenly, Maya's voice came through the comms system – urgent.

"Elliot, Axel – Dr. Patel needs Axel in the lab NOW. She's found something alarming in his blood sample...