Love Beyond Farewell

Commander Rudy nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed, we need to discuss this carefully. Dr. Abigail, what are the implications of our vaccine distribution if we ally with Nova Haven?"

Dr. Abigail considered, "If Nova Haven's survivors are genuine, we could establish a third vaccine administration site, expanding our reach against the zombie threat."

"I concur. But we must ensure Scorch doesn't infiltrate this potential alliance – Lieutenant Patel's team must exercise extreme caution."

Just as Commander Taylor was about to respond, Charlotte slipped out of the command center to grab medical supply updates from the logistics team.

In the crowded hallway, she collided with a stranger – Franklin, who had just arrived from Sector 3 for a meeting with Commander Taylor.

"Whoa, careful!" Franklin smiled, steadying Charlotte.

Charlotte laughed, brushing off her sleeve shyly. "Am Charlotte. You are…?"

Franklin smiled warmly, "Franklin – from sector 3. Just arrived for a meeting with your father, Commander Taylor, about a potential alliance with another survivor group – Nova Haven and ambush threats."

Their conversation continued until Franklin mentioned Scorch's potential ambush threat.

…

Franklin's words hung in the air as charlotte's expression turned urgent.

"We have to warn Lieutenant Patel, he's leaving for Nova Haven in 20 minutes!"

Franklin nodded, "Let's go to your father, He will listen to my warning about Scorch's ambush tactics."

They rushed back to the command center with Charlotte bursting in on the meeting. Commander Taylor looked up, surprised.

"Charlotte – Franklin what's wrong?"

Franklin began, "Commander Taylor, Scorch will ambush Lieutenant Patel's team at Nova haven. I have seen his tactics – we must alert them immediately!"

Commander Taylor's expression darkened. "Get Lieutenant Patel on comms – Now. We will recall the team or warn them to proceed with extreme caution."

Meanwhile, back with Scorch.

Scorch sneered at Victor. "Time is running out for North Sector's little alliance. Confirm Lieutenant Patel's team is still en route…"

Victor checked the surveillance feed.

"Yes, Scorch. They are 10 miles out from Nova Haven – Oblivious to our ambush."

Scorch's laughter sent chills down victor's spine.

"This will be the end of North Sector's and Sector 3's hope…"

Scorch's laughter echoed through the Raider's hideout as he continued, "…and the beginning of my reign over all surviving sectors. Victor, inform Sergeant Ryder to prepare the ambush team – Lieutenant Patel's squad will be annihilated within the hour."

Victor relayed the order, his voice firm but eyes betraying a hint of doubt.

"Yes, Scorch. Sergeant Ryder confirms ambush team ready – weapons locked, position held."

Scorch turned to the surveillance feed displaying Lieutenant Patel's convoy.

"They are 5 miles out… still unaware of the slaughter awaiting them. Alert our infiltrators inside Nova Haven – prepare to strike simultaneously with the ambush."

Back at North Sector Command Center, Commander Taylor's voice was urgent on the comms line. "Lieutenant Patel, This is Commander Taylor. Franklin warns of a Scorch ambush near Nova Haven. Do you copy?"

Lieutenant Patel's response came promptly. "Commander, we copy. Proceeding with extreme caution – 3 miles out from Nova Haven. Requesting additional Intel on ambush location and enemy numbers."

Franklin leaned in, speaking directly to Lieutenant Patel. "Lieutenant, ambush is likely near old warehouse ruins, 2 miles east of Nova Haven. Expect 20-30 Raiders – heavily armed and well-trained."

Lieutenant Patel's voice was calm, but laced with tension on the comms line. "Commander Taylor, we are approaching the suspected ambush zone – old warehouse ruins, 2 miles east of Nova Haven. Team Bravo takes point, Team Alpha covers our six."

Commander Taylor responded promptly. "Lieutenant, be advised – scorch's ambushers might have heavy weapons. Franklin suggests looking for Raider snipers on rooftops."

Lieutenant Patel acknowledged. "Roger that, commander. Team Bravo, scan rooftops for sniper locations. Team Alpha, prepare to lay down suppressive fire if ambushed,"

Suddenly, gunfire erupted from the warehouse ruins – Lieutenant Patel's team was under attack.

Lieutenant Patel yelled into the comms device. "COMMANDER TAYLOR, WE ARE AMBUSHED! RETURNING FIRE – REQUESTING AIR SUPPORT OR REINFORCEMENTS!"

Commander Taylor's face turned grim. "Charlotte, alert our air unit – Lieutenant Patel needs immediate backup. Franklin, what is Scorch's likely next move?"

Franklin's eyes narrowed intensely. "Commander Taylor, Scorch will try to encircle Lieutenant Patel's team and cut off escape routes. He will trigger his infiltrators inside Nova Haven to attack within – catching them in a crossfire."

Commander Taylor's expression turned grim. "Alert Lieutenant Patel – warn him about the potential inner threat at Nova Haven. Charlotte, tell our air unit to prioritize reconnaissance over Nova Havens before providing backup."

Charlotte rushed to relay the message as Commander Taylor continued. "Franklin, can you hack into Nova Haven's internal comms – confirm if Scorch's infiltrators are moving?"

Franklin nodded rapidly. "Already on it, Commander. Accessing Nova Haven's frequency… Yes! Infiltrators are mobilizing – Mayor Santos is unaware of the threat within his own Sector."

Suddenly, gunfire and screams erupted from Nova Haven's internal comms feed. Mayor Santos's panicked voice came through the line.

"BETRAYAL! WE HAVE RAIDERS AMONG US – PROTECT OUR SURVIVORS!"

Lieutenant Patel's voice was firm amidst the gunfire. "Team Bravo, fall back to convoy – we need to regroup! Team Alpha, lay down suppressive fire – give them cover!"

Bullet whizzed past as teams exchanged positions. Lieutenant Patel assessed their situation.

"Commander Taylor, we are pinned down – Scorch's team is heavily armed. Requesting urgent air support or reinforcement – we won't last long."

Commander Taylor's response came promptly. "Lieutenant, air unit is 5 minutes out. Hold position – reinforcement en route from North Sector too. Franklin, can you disable Scorch's comms?"

Franklin typed rapidly. "Almost in, Commander… Yes! Scorch's comms network hacked – Raider coordination disrupted. But Scorch himself is still online – directing battle via private channel."

Suddenly, Scorch's menacing voice crackled through Lieutenant Patel's comm. "Lieutenant Patel… surrender now – spare your team's lives. Refuse… and Nova Haven burns with you."

Lieutenant Patel spat back, "Scorch, you will never take us alive. Prepare for reinforcement – your ambush just failed.

Commander Taylor's voice came through the Lieutenant Patel's comms just in time. "Lieutenant, reinforcement have arrived – Captain Lewis leads the team. They are engaging Scorch's forces from the east flank."

Lieutenant Patel's eyes lit up with hope. "Thank you, Commander – we will push forward with renewed strength! Team Bravo, Team Alpha – advance with Captain Lewis's team!"

Lieutenant Patel and Captain Lewis reinforcements overwhelmed Scorch's Raiders at Nova Haven. But Scorch himself vanished into the chaos.

Franklin hacked into Nova Haven's security feeds, tracing Scorch's last location. "Commander Taylor, Scorch was seen fleeing towards an abandoned bunker 2 miles east of Nova Haven. Signals indicate he had a secure comms device with him."

Commander Taylor's eyes narrowed. "Assemble a team – Captain Lewis, Lieutenant Patel, take point. We must capture Scorch and dismantle his Raider network."

However, when the team arrived at the bunker, they found only a mocking message scrawled on the wall.

"Too slow, North Sector. –Scorch"

It became clear that Scorch anticipated their move and escaped through a hidden tunnel.

Lieutenant Patel gritted his teeth. "He is still out there, planning his next strike. We must increase sector security and gather Intel on his plans."

*TO BE CONTINUED*