Chapter 30: Race to the Finish
The merged CommNet channel was a battlefield of digital anxiety and cautious hope. The score was tied, one Data Vault for the Blue Falcons [Outpost #7] and one for the Crimson Banner [Outpost #12].
The fate of two Outposts hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of who could grab that crucial third and final Vault.
Scarlett "Red" Viper’s team; herself, Emma "Sage" Thorne, and Jennifer "Quake" Lee, along with a few brave support players from Outpost #7 was reporting heavy engagement.
Scarlett_Red_Viper [Private #7]: We’ve located what we believe is Data Vault Gamma. But Kane’s main force is here too. They’re dug in, and they’re good. This is going to be a tough fight.
Emma_Sage_Thorne [Private #7]: Confirmed. Multiple Crimson Banner signatures. They seem to be anticipating our moves. Kane’s ’Strategic Mimicry’ is no joke. We’re taking casualties.
The messages from the Blue Falcon side of the merged CommNet grew more worried. They could hear the sounds of distant fighting through their comms, the crackle of energy weapons, the roars of angered beasts, and the occasional, chilling cry of a fallen comrade.
Outpost #7 feared they were outmatched, that Kane’s S-Tier talent and higher-level forces were just too much.
Ace Striker, who had been surprisingly quiet for a while [probably because he was too scared to leave the Outpost #7 starting zone in the Forgotten Overgrowth], decided now was the perfect time to share his insightful brand of doom and gloom.
Ace_Striker_001: This is it! We’re done for! Kane’s too strong! Scarlett’s team is going to get wiped out, and then we’ll all lose our shinies! I told you we should have made a deal with him! Maybe offered him tribute!
Emma "Sage" Thorne, even in the middle of a firefight, had no patience for Ace’s whining.
Emma_Sage_Thorne: Ace, with all due respect, either find a way to contribute something useful to this fight, or kindly remain silent and let those of us who are actually doing something concentrate! Your negativity is not helping anyone!