Love Beyond Farewell

Mayor Santos soon join their security squad to search for Ryder. He led his squad towards the old windmill outpost, flashlights casting eerie beams in the darkness.

As they approached, she signal for silence.

The team fanned out around the outpost, surrounding it.

Mayor Santos cautiously entered the creaking windmill door…

Inside, the room was empty except for a faint scent of fuel and a discarded comms on the floor.

Mayor Santos picked up the comms device, examining it carefully.

"It is a high-end encryption model… Scorch's operatives use this device," she said to her team.

One of the officer connected the device to their scanner.

"After running a diagnostics… we found a partial message log," he reported.

Mayor Santos leaned in to read the screen.

"… Extraction successful. Ryder is safe. Eclipse protocol on schedule, 13 days remaining…"

Her eyes locked onto the message, grim and determination etched on his face.

"We need to inform Commander Taylor and Commander Rudy. Scorch's plan is moving forward. We are running out of time."

Suddenly, his comms device crackled to life…

Commander Taylor's voice came through. "Mayor Santos, after investigating Ryder's whereabouts, I accidently came across an Intel that suggest Ryder is framing Commander Rudy for his betray…"

Mayor Santos's face turned pale with alarm. "Commander Taylor, this changes everything. If Ryder succeeds, Sector 3 will turn against us, and Scorch will exploit the division.

What evidence does Ryder claim to have against Commander Rudy?

Commander Taylor's voice was grim. "Ryder allegedly has a recording of Commander Rudy discussing secret meeting with Scorch's emissaries.

Commander Taylor continued, "But I suspect this recording is fabricated. Ryder's betrayal runs deep. We need Commander Rudy to come to North Sector for questioning and clearance."

Mayor Santos nodded vigorously. "I will contact him now. This is our chance to uncover Ryder's lies and unite our sectors against Scorch before Eclipse protocol strikes."

Commander Taylor added. "Time is critical – 13 days remain. After I speak with Commander Rudy, we will convene an emergency council with all sector leaders to discuss our counterattack."

Mayor Santos closed the comms channel, then opened another opened another to Commander Rudy…

"Commander Rudy, this is Mayor Santos. We have discovered escape route and a disturbing message about Eclipse protocol. But more alarming, Commander Taylor just informed me Ryder claims to have evidence of your treason against our sector."

Commander Rudy's voice came back stunned and defensive, "What evidence could he possibly have?!

I have been loyal to our alliance and hostile to Scorch's regime. This is absurd!"

Mayor Santos believed his tone, sensing no deception. He always have keen senses and amazing detective skill even before and after this apocalypse, who could possibly deceive him?

"Commander Taylor wants you to come to North Sector immediately for questioning and clearance.

Will you come voluntarily, Commander?"

Commander Rudy replied firmly, "Yes, immediately. I will prove Ryder and Scorch's lies and help us destroy Scorch's Eclipse protocol once and for all."

…

Commander Rudy arrived at North Sector North Sector's command center, escorted by Mayor Santos's guard – a precautionary measure.

He was immediately ushered into the private briefing room where Commander Taylor waited.

Commander Rudy's eyes locked into Commander Taylor's.

"I have come to clear my name." he stated firmly.

Commander Taylor nodded gravely. "Thank you, Commander. We will get to the bottom of Ryder's betrayal. Before we begin, let me assure, if you are innocent, you will leave this room and be free with your honour intact and our alliance stronger."

Just then, Colonel Lee entered the room with a data pad.

"Commander Taylor, preliminary analysis of Ryder's evidence… suggests deception."

Commander Rudy's face reflected relief, but Commander Taylor's expression remained cautious.

"The truth still need to be verified.

Let's proceed. Commander Rudy, tell us about your interactions with Ryder before his betrayal."

Commander Rudy recounted their meetings, "Only routine strategy sessions for Sector 3's defence. Ryder ever hinted at Scorch allegiance…"

Colonel Lee interrupted, "Commander Taylor, final analysis confirms. Ryder fabricated evidence against Commander Rudy."

Commander Taylor's extended his hand to Commander Rudy. "Your name is cleared, Commander. Together, we will destroy Scorch's Eclipse protocol and bring Ryder to justice."

…

The sector's leaders converged North Sector's command centre, united against Scorch's threat.

Commander Taylor briefed them on the looming catastrophe. "Eclipse protocol deploys in 13 days, targeting our last strongholds. Scorch seeks to crush our resistance while zombies devour what is left of humanity."

The room fell silent, gravity of their situation sinking in.

Mayor Santos spoke up, "We must act swiftly. What is our strategy to defeat Scorch and save our sectors and the survivors?"

Commander Taylor outlined their objectives. First, we gather Intel or investigate everything on Eclipse protocol. Secondly, we unite sector forces against Scorch. Lastly and most importantly, we must destroy Eclipse protocol before deployment.

…

Sector leaders and officers murmured and discussed Intel gathering strategies.

Commander Zhang suggested, "We need eyes inside Scorch's citadel. A stealth team could infiltrate and extract Eclipse Protocol schematics."

Commander Taylor nodded thoughtfully and then turned to Commander Rudy, "Your hacker, Axel who almost breached Scorch's comms before. Can he guide a team remotely?"

Commander Rudy nodded and replied, "Axel could guide them, but we'd need someone experience in stealth…

I think Franklin, our sector's top member, has experience infiltrating Scorch's patrols."

Commander Taylor's expression turned guarded, "Not Franklin alone… We need someone who can watch his back."

Commander Rudy suggested, "Axel mentioned Franklin trains with your daughter, Commander Taylor. She's skilled in hand-to-hand combat and stealth."

Commander Taylor's eyes widened in alarm, "Absolutely not. Charlotte is not going on this mission."

But a voice spoke up at the end of the door, "Dad, I have already spoken with Franklin. We have planned this op. I am definitely going."

Commander Taylor's face turned red with concern and authority. "Charlotte, this is a direct order from your commander and your father. YOU WILL NOT GO ON THIS MISSION."

He stepped closer to her, his voice low and urgent. "Scorch's base is a death trap. His selfishness have eaten deep inside him. I do not wanna lose you."

Charlotte stood firm, her eyes locked on her his eyes. "With respect Commander… Father… Franklin and I are the best chance to get those schematics.

Axel's breach attempt proved their comms network is vulnerable only for a short window – we must act now."

Commander Taylor's expression twisted in anguish. "I had rather fail this mission – than risk your life, Charlotte…"

Mayor Santos intervened gently, "Commander Taylor, may I speak with you privately for a moment?"

Commander Taylor stepped aside with Mayor Santos, his voice low and desperate. "Santos, tell me you see a way out of this, a way to protect my daughter."

Mayor Santos placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Commander, Charlotte has grown and toughen up due to this unfavourable circumstances – the apocalypse.

Her insistence on going suggests she believes deeply in this mission's success – and her ability to survive it."

Commander Taylor's eyes pleaded for an alternative. "But what if she doesn't survive? I will never forgive myself."

Mayor Santos's expression turned solemn. "Commander Taylor, Charlotte is waiting – she wants to speak with you again."

Commander Taylor nodded heavily and walked back to Charlotte.

She fell into step beside him, her voice barely audible. "Dad please… I am begging you… let me do this.

For all the sector, for the people… for the survivors and the remaining humanity.

Commander Taylor pulled Charlotte into a tight embrace, his voice crackling. "Okay… you can go. But promise me you will return from this first mission alive."

"Okay… I promise you"

The emotional moment between Commander Taylor and his daughter faded as reality set back in.

Commander Taylor cleared his throat, composing himself.

"Mission briefing – now.

Everyone involved report to the conference room."

The room began to empty as sector leaders and operatives headed towards the briefing room.

Charlotte lingered behind, her father's eyes still locked on hers.

She nodded softly, as if reassuring him once more, before turning to follow Franklin.

Commander Taylor watched them leave, his heart heavy and foreboding.

He trailed behind the group, entering the conference Room last.

The room fell into silence as he began. "Mission objective is infiltrate Scorch's base and extract schematics. Axel, brief us on the base's digital landscape."

Axel nodded, projecting a holographic display of Scorch's citadel networks.

"Scorch's comms are still vulnerable for 48 hours from my previous breach attempt…

Three main servers to hack, first one is the *Citadel gate controls* it disables alarms and cameras, the second one is the most important part of the mission, the *Eclipse protocol Repository* it stores the schematics we need and finally the *Central Command network* it monitors Scorch's personal guards.

Franklin, you will take point on physical infiltration. Charlotte, you will watch his six and handle close quarters combat."

Franklin nodded eyes on the citadel's layout.

Charlotte asked, "Axel, what about Scorch's elite squad – 'The Reavers' – are they patrolling inside?"

Axel nodded seriously at Charlotte's question.

"The Reavers patrol inside Scorch's citadel in 3 squads of 4.

Squad 1, the *Central Command* they patrol near Scorch's residence. Their Patrol route is fixed position with heavy firepower.

Squad 2, the *Perimeter Sweep* they patrol the entire citadel grounds.

Their Patrol route is circular pattern, 10 minutes intervals.

Squad 3, the *Server Room Corridor* they patrol near Eclipse Protocol depository.

Their patrol route is back-and-forth with 7 minutes intervals.

We must avoid Squad 3 entirely for this mission to succeed."

Commander Taylor interrupted, his voice tight with concern, "Charlotte, Franklin – this is a highly risky operation for the first trial.

Are you both confident in its success?"

Franklin and Charlotte nodded in unison. "We are confident, Dad," Charlotte said.

Franklin added, "Axel's intel and our skills will get those schematics."

Commander Taylor nodded slowly, then addressed the room.

"Mission approved. Begin preparation for infiltration tonight."

Before the briefing, Franklin stepped aside to make a private call.

He dialed Maya's number. She answered on the first ring, voice laced with concern. "Franklin, Commander Taylor just briefed me on your mission… is it true – you are infiltrating Scorch's citadel tonight?"

Franklin assured her calmly, "Yes, sis. But Charlotte and I have the best chance to succeed. We will be back before dawn I promise, with those schematics – I promise."

Charlotte watched Franklin finish his call, then approached him.

Her expression soft, rare concern peeking through her tough exterior.

"Everything is okay? You look relieved."

Franklin pocketed his phone, nodding. "Yeah, just reassured my sister. She was worried about this mission – about losing me."

Charlotte smiled slightly. "You are not easy to get rid of, Franklin. We will return with those schematics – together."

Commander Taylor interrupted. "Time to move out. Axel is already hacking into Scorch's systems.

*TO BE CONTINUED*