Chapter 60: Into the Fire

14.08 Hours, June 10th, 2187

Grid location: Proxima System, Planet Tethlis, Super Earth Space.

The atmosphere within the command center crackled with tension as Jack stood before the holographic display, his eyes fixed on the advancing swarm of Terminid ships. The air hummed with urgency as commanders barked orders, scrambling to coordinate defenses and rally troops.

"We're facing a full-scale invasion," Jack declared, his voice steady despite the chaos around him. "Our priority is to hold the line until reinforcements arrive."

Elena, her expression grim, stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "We'll buy you the time you need, Jack. Just make sure those reinforcements get here fast."

As the Terminid ships descended, unleashing a barrage of plasma fire, Maria worked furiously at her console, analyzing data and relaying tactical information to the troops on the ground.

"Their formations are textbook," Maria muttered to herself, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "But there's something off about their trajectory..."

Suddenly, a blip appeared on the screen, small yet unmistakable—a lone ship breaking away from the main fleet.

"What's that?" Jack demanded, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in closer to the display.

Maria's brow furrowed as she processed the data. "It's... it's a stealth craft, sir. It's heading towards our rear defenses."

Jack's jaw tightened. "They're trying to flank us. Elena, divert a squad to intercept. We can't let them break through."

Elena nodded sharply, her mind already calculating the best course of action. "You heard the man. Second Platoon, move out! We've got a rogue to catch."

Meanwhile, on the front lines, Carlos surveyed the chaos unfolding before him, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and adrenaline. Around him, soldiers fought valiantly, their shouts mingling with the thunder of gunfire and the roar of explosions.

"Keep up the pressure!" Carlos bellowed, rallying his troops. "We're not giving an inch to these bastards!"

But as the battle raged on, a sense of unease gnawed at Carlos's gut. Despite their ferocity, the Terminids seemed to be holding back, as if they were toying with their prey.

"This doesn't make sense," Carlos muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of weakness.

Just then, a piercing alarm cut through the chaos—a breach in the perimeter, right where the stealth craft had been heading.

"Damn it!" Carlos cursed, his heart sinking. "They've broken through. We need reinforcements, now!"

As the situation grew increasingly dire, Jack's voice echoed over the comm, his words a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

"Stay strong, everyone. Reinforcements are on their way. We just need to hold out a little longer."

But as the Terminid onslaught intensified, the true extent of their cunning and ruthlessness began to reveal itself, leaving Jack and his comrades to face the grim reality of war against a relentless and merciless enemy.