Chapter 16: Depot Destruction

Elara and her team moved swiftly through the shadowed alleys of Cogsborough, the echoes of their footsteps swallowed by the oppressive silence of the ruined city. The successful disruption of Machin's central command had given them a critical advantage, but there was no time to rest. They needed to keep the pressure on and strike at the loyalist supply depot next.

Mira's voice crackled softly over the comms. "Team Alpha is in position. We're ready when you are."

Ren's voice followed. "Team Bravo is set. We'll hold the southern perimeter and cover your exit."

Elara took a deep breath, her resolve firm. "All teams, move in on my signal. Let's make this count."

The rebels advanced, their movements synchronized and precise. Elara led the main assault team, her electro-blade humming with energy as they approached the heavily guarded depot. The building loomed ahead, its fortified walls a stark reminder of Machin's grip on the city.

Elara signaled for her team to halt as she scanned the defenses. The guards were vigilant, but they had no idea what was coming. She gave the signal, and the rebels sprang into action.

Mira's team struck first, taking out the perimeter guards with silent efficiency. The rebels moved like shadows, their presence undetected until it was too late. Elara and her team followed, slipping through the breach and into the heart of the depot.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of oil and machinery. The loyalists, caught off guard by the sudden attack, scrambled to mount a defense. Elara's blade sliced through the air, each strike precise and deadly. Her team followed suit, their training and determination evident in every movement.

The battle was fierce but swift. The rebels pressed their advantage, overwhelming the loyalist forces with their coordinated assault. Elara moved with a fierce determination, her focus unwavering as she led the charge. They reached the central storage area, where crates of supplies and weapons were stacked high.

"Plant the charges!" Elara shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "We need to destroy everything they have."

The rebels worked quickly, setting explosive charges throughout the depot. The loyalists, realizing the severity of the situation, fought desperately to stop them. But Elara's team was relentless, their determination unshakable.

As the last charge was set, Elara signaled for her team to retreat. "Everyone, fall back! Now!"

They moved swiftly, exiting the depot just as the first explosions rocked the building. The night was lit up by the brilliant flashes of the detonations, the sound of the blasts echoing through the city. The depot collapsed in a fiery inferno, the supplies and weapons reduced to rubble and ash.

Ren's voice crackled over the comms. "Team Bravo here. The southern perimeter is secure. We're clear for exfil."

Elara acknowledged the message, leading her team back to the rendezvous point. The mission had been a success, but she knew they couldn't let their guard down. Machin's forces would retaliate, and they needed to be ready.

Back at the underground chamber, the mood was one of cautious optimism. The rebels had struck a significant blow against Machin's supply lines, but the fight was far from over. Elara gathered her core team, her mind already racing with plans for their next move.

"We've dealt a major blow tonight," Elara said, her voice steady. "But we can't stop now. We need to keep hitting them, keep them off balance."

Mira nodded, her expression determined. "What's our next target?"

Elara looked at the map, considering their options. "We need to secure more allies. There are resistance groups in the northern district that haven't joined us yet. If we can rally them to our cause, we'll have the numbers we need for a final push against Machin."

Ren agreed. "I'll coordinate with our scouts. We need to move quickly and make contact before Machin can regroup."

Leah added, "We also need to fortify our positions here. Machin will come after us with everything he has."

Elara nodded, her resolve firm. "We'll be ready. This is our city, and we're not giving it up without a fight."

As the rebels dispersed to carry out their tasks, Elara took a moment to reflect. The journey ahead was still fraught with danger, but with each victory, they moved closer to reclaiming Cogsborough.