Chapter 23: Interrogation and Insight

The underground chamber was filled with an uneasy silence as the rebels gathered to witness the interrogation of Jarek. Elara stood at the front, her gaze steely and unwavering. The betrayal had cut deep, but now they needed answers. Machin's plans had to be uncovered if they were to stand any chance of survival.

Jarek sat bound to a chair in the center of the room, his face bruised from the battle and his eyes darting nervously around. Ren and Mira stood on either side of him, their expressions hard and unyielding.

Elara stepped forward, her voice cold and measured. "Jarek, you've betrayed us and endangered everything we've fought for. Now you're going to tell us everything you know about Machin's plans."

Jarek's gaze flickered with defiance and fear. "You think I'll just tell you everything? You'll have to kill me first."

Ren's jaw tightened. "We can make this easy or hard, Jarek. It's your choice."

Mira crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "We don't have time for games. Talk, or we'll make you talk."

Jarek's shoulders slumped, and he sighed, realizing the futility of resistance. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

Elara leaned in, her voice low and dangerous. "Start with the spy network. How many of Machin's agents are embedded in our ranks?"

Jarek swallowed hard. "I don't know the exact number. Machin only told me about my own role. But I know there are at least three others. They're spread out, feeding him information and sabotaging your efforts."

Elara's fists clenched. "Names. Give me their names."

Jarek hesitated, then began to speak. "I don't know all of them, but I know one. Her name is Liora. She's been feeding Machin information about your movements and plans."

Elara's heart sank. Liora had recently joined them, seeking refuge from Machin's patrols. It had seemed too good to be true. She exchanged a grim look with Ren and Mira.

"What about Machin's plans?" Ren demanded. "What is he planning next?"

Jarek's eyes darted around the room before he continued. "Machin is preparing for a major offensive. He's consolidating his forces and planning to launch a multi-front assault on your strongholds. He wants to crush the rebellion in one decisive blow."

Elara felt a chill run down her spine. They had to act quickly. "When is this attack supposed to happen?"

Jarek's voice wavered. "In two days. He's moving his forces into position as we speak."

Elara turned to her core team, her mind racing. "We need to prepare. Ren, mobilize our defenses and reinforce our positions. Mira, we need more intelligence on Machin's movements. Hargrove, see what you can do about fortifying our strongholds. Gideon, make sure the civilians are safe and have supplies."

Ren nodded, his expression determined. "We'll be ready, Elara."

As the team dispersed to carry out their tasks, Elara remained behind, her thoughts a whirlwind of worry and determination. The revelation of Liora's betrayal stung, but they couldn't afford to dwell on it. They had to stay focused and prepare for the battle ahead.

She approached Jarek, her voice low and intense. "If you're lying to us, if any of this information is false, you'll regret it."

Jarek met her gaze, his fear evident. "I'm not lying. I swear."

Elara turned away, her mind already planning their next moves. They had two days to prepare for Machin's attack. Two days to fortify their defenses and uncover any remaining spies. It wasn't much time, but it would have to be enough.

As night fell, Elara stood on the rooftop of their hideout, looking out over the city. The lights of Cogsborough flickered in the darkness, a reminder of what they were fighting for. She felt a presence beside her and turned to see Ren.

"We'll get through this, Elara," he said, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "We've faced worse odds before."

Elara nodded, her resolve firm. "We have, and we'll face this too. Together."

They stood in silence, the weight of their mission heavy in the air. The storm was coming, but they were ready to face it. For the sake of their city and the promise of a brighter future, they would fight with everything they had.

As the first light of dawn began to break, Elara felt a renewed sense of determination. They had two days to prepare, and they would use every moment to ensure their survival.